{Personal} 30 Week Bump Update

I can't believe it's been 30 weeks already that I've cradled our little lady inside of my womb. Where has the time gone? I woke up yesterday morning realizing that I've been in my third trimester for a couple weeks now and I haven't taken very many photos during my pregnancy with our love, Lyla Rose. Time is going so quickly and although I can't wait to kiss her little face, I want to enjoy these present moments with her because I'm going to miss this.

I want to savor as many little kicks and nudges, sporadic hiccup episodes, waves across my belly and even the still moments as she rests within me. Truth is, tomorrow isn't promised to anybody and I am thankful each day that I have this sweet baby to carry as well as my 3 year old son to cuddle and my husband to hold. Life is entirely too short to let the present pass you by as you anticipate and wish for the future.

I love you so much already little lady. So much that it makes my heart hurt. I pray for a purposeful and completely spirit lead life for you. I pray you love unconditionally just as the Lord loves you and you know that you are worthy of so much more than what the world may have you believe. You are intentionally created and I will forever be grateful for your precious little being.

Daddy, Brother and I are so excited to meet you and kiss you for the first time when you decide you are ready. <3

I'll love you forever...

"...The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, "this kid is driving me CRAZY!"

But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be..."

by Robert Munsch

I love you little bug. I love you more than I could ever articulate into words. Sometimes my heart aches from the unconditional feelings I have for you.

No matter what, I want you to live a life of joy. A life that was given to you not because of mommy and daddy but because of our sweet Lord and his purpose for you.

Hold tight to your courage and remember that you are braver than you know, more compassionate than you may feel and worth more than anyone may say.

I love you. Daddy loves you. Your grandmas love you. Your grandpas love you. Your aunts and uncles love you. Your cousins love you. Your baby friends love you. But most of all, God love you.

I pray you never doubt this or underestimate the power of unconditional love. 

Happy Earth Day! Bringing the outdoors inside today...

Happy Earth Day!

I went outside this morning with my son and picked some pretty garden roses that just bloomed right by our front door. He helped me put this little arrangement together so we could bring a bit of outdoors inside today.

I think we will do some relaxing on this windy and chilly day. Hot tea, vanilla candles, fun songs and yummy Annie's Mac n' Cheese...

Have a beautiful Tuesday my friends! 

How will you spend today?

Reflecting on Motherhood

"Children do not accidentally become mature adults of strong character, great faith, gracious relational skills, effective leadership qualities and sharp intellects. God's design includes the presence of a hands-on gardener, a mother, to tend and cultivate their hearts, souls, minds and relationships. As a garden cannot flourish without a gardener, neither can a child reach his or her potential without someone committed to careful cultivation." 

-The Mission of Motherhood

Recently {Sunshine, Sunsets and Fresh Air}

It's been a warm winter here in So Cal which means lots of sunshine, new blossoms, ice-cream eating, beach going and duck feeding. Spoiled much?

Picking weeds flowers.

Outside has been my favorite place to be. 

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt. Handmade Bracelets by Unbound Jewelry.

We spontaniously decided to bring Small Group to the beach after church. 

Sand between my toes? Yes, please!

The most beautiful beach sunset. He's my best friend, the most amazing husband and wonderful father.<3

Little Bug. I love you baby, to the moon and back. <3

We took a trip to Arrowhead for some breakfast, fresh air and to feed the little quackers.

Peaceful mornings with homemade fruit parfaits.

We took a trip to IKEA and this little man fell in love with the circus tent there sooo it came home with us. Needless to say, he's a happy "camper".

Side story from IKEA- When I got up to the checkout to pay, my purse was missing from the bottom of the stroller. I freaked! After talking to employees, one of them had found it in the store somewhere. I was SO thankful! I really don't know how it left the spot I put it but nothing was missing! Reminder, there really are decent people out there but next time, I will keep my purse on my shoulder.

Celebrating my momma's birthday. This is what happens when you take a 2 year old out to a nice dinner...at least he doesn't waste his food right?

A peaceful trip with 4 generations to one of my favorite places, The Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. I could stay here forever.

What have you been up to recently?