yes, these are shoes I wore as a baby.  *crying emoji* 

Some people choose to try to start a family immediately after marriage – more power to them! Jas and I decided to wait a bit (5 years!) as my career as a mortgage banker was thriving and we were getting a little traveling and other life experiences “out of the way” before trying to start a family.  The timing is perfect and we couldn’t be happier.

Below is a map I made of places Jason and I have visited since getting married.  Well, places in the United States I guess.  We have also done Aruba several times, and Belize earlier this year.   I am not sure how we went 5 years without backpacking through Europe, but that’s life with demanding jobs I guess. These last few years have flown by!

Please don’t laugh at my cutting skills, as I am well aware that it looks like a 6 year old made it..ok fine, you can.   I whipped it up in about 20 minutes and gave it to him for his 30th birthday last year.  He loves the authenticity, honestly if it would’ve looked any better he probably would’ve been suspicious that someone else made it. 😉

Of course we’ll travel with baby (would LOVE tips on traveling with a <1 yo if you have them, comment below!), but maybe not Belizean jungle safaris and Aruban off-roading until they get a little older 😉  We’re actually planning on going to Aruba with some of Jason’s family later this month, barring any issues.  I am excited for a little babymoon and to be a complete beach bum for a week.

We’re due November 4th, based on my calculation/cycle it’s more like November 6th but since first time moms typically deliver a little late, I am just calling him/her a November baby. My grandmother was born on November 24th and it would be so nice to share a birthday with her but that’s a little too long in the oven! I am 18 weeks now.

My bump isn’t out of control yet, but I do have some maternity picks that I’m loving!  I will do a post of my faves soon.  I’m trying to get through most of the summer with non-maternity items as it’s more economical, but good god, elastic waistbands feel like HEAVEN on earth.  For non-maternity, I like cheap Target tanks (the fitted ones and the new swing ones, which are amazing I might add) and just size up one if I need to.  I am not wearing too much of my old stuff as I know I am probably stretching it out, lol.  I also love loose fitting dresses and maxi skirts.  Excited to dress the bump this summer!!  I am fully embracing my big belly and love watching my body grow. Pregnancy is a damn miracle.

After some thought we’ve decided not to find out the sex of the baby.  I love the idea of driving to the hospital not knowing anything about the baby’s identity, we’ll narrow down to a list of boy and girl names and figure it out once we meet them!  We have our 20 week ultrasound this month and I know there’s a chance we accidentally find out, in which case we’ll laugh it off and get to decorating the nursery.  I know this is cliche but mamas I know you hear me, I’m just hoping for a healthy baby.

A special thanks to our friends Collin (@cshfoto) and Amanda for snapping these pics (at THEIR beautiful new home no less!) Being pregnant is awesome, and experiencing all the happiness with close friends and family who share your excitement makes it even better.  The look of surprise and joy on our loved ones faces when we tell them I’m pregnant is priceless.  No embellishment or exaggeration, I really do feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Ever since we got married (10.20.12) each year feels like our new “best year ever” (honestly I believe that’s how it should be!) but I can say with certainty, again, cheers (with my mocktail) to our best year yet.