Like most couples who are expecting, when I was pregnant with Jude, Jeff and I would have these "I wonder..." conversations about our baby:

"I wonder if he'll have really blonde hair like I did when I was little?

"I wonder if he'll have hazel eyes like we both have?"

"I wonder if he'll inherit my gluten allergy?" Hopefully not!

"I wonder if he'll cling to us when he's around people he doesn't know?"

The unknown is somewhat magical in the moment. There's so much to "wonder" about. Those little character traits were fun to talk about during those (long) months. But, those days are gone, and now every day we have the privilege of discovering Jude and all the details that make up who he is. His perfectly soft hair that is light brown....just like his dad's was he was a boy, his sweet blue eyes, the hilarious faces he makes when he tries new foods and the way he buries his head into our chests when he is being shy. I know he will grow out of this eventually, but for now, I will relish in the fact that he finds comfort and rest in our arms. 

Every month I find my myself saying "this is my favorite age!" "No, this is my favorite age!" At six months, he is so vibrant and full of personality. I just cannot get enough of him. The dinosaur squeals, his toothy smile, the constantly kicking feet, his delightful laugh....My heart is forever changed and my love for him is overwhelming. My little Jude Bug.

When I was pregnant with Jude, each month I would document my growing belly with photos and these cute little backgrounds I created in Adobe Illustrator. Now, they are yours! Feel free to use these patterns for photo backgrounds, scrap-booking, etc. Please just source my blog when posting & pinning. Thank you and enjoy!

Download PDF files here (may take a few minutes)

Better late than never I suppose.....Jude is three months old and we are finally settling into a routine. So, on to the nursery! When I first started envisioning his room, I knew I didn't want a theme. I get tired of stuff too easy to have a room full of monkeys, trains or cars. Instead, Jeff and I went for a soft, comfortable, artistic feeling room that he could grow into. With the help of my parents, fun little shopping trips, old and new lovely things and Jeff's painting/drawing/putting furniture together skills, it came together so sweetly.

It's been much too long since my last post....tiny fingers, baby smiles and the precious smell of a newborn right out of the bath have consumed every minute of my waking hours. It's only been three months since Jude made his way into the world, but it feels as though he's been in our hearts forever. This beautiful boy captures us with his every little grin, hiccup, subtle giggle and gripping of our fingers. We. Are. Smitten.

1. Heating Pad   I practically lived with this thing on at work. I LOVED having a heating pad in my office chair. I got mine at Wal-Mart but you could get one at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond or on Amazon.

2. Yoga Ball   Besides receiving regular adjustments at the chiropractor, this baby was a life saver. I would lay on it while I watched tv and it gave my back so much relief. It's also nice for relieving hip pain.

3. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Products   The Lavender Chamomile scent is so wonderful! I used the body wash, massage oil, lotion and pillow mist. It's safe to say I'm obsessed. There is something about this product that is so relaxing. I could soak in a bubble bath for hours....if I had the time.

4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter   I tried a few different lotions on my growing belly, and this was the best. It keeps your skin moisturized all day and I never got stretch marks. Now, I will say that my mom never got stretch marks either and they say it's hereditary so I may have just been really lucky. Either way, I loved the way this made my skin feel. You can buy it at Target, Wal-Mart or Amazon.

5. A&W Root Beer   Ahhh my guilty pleasure. I didn't realize it at first, but one of my (pregnant) girlfriends reminded me that root beer is caffeine free! So, for those days that you've maxed out your caffeine limit but need a sugary pick-me-up, root beer is liquid gold.

6. Maternity Support Belt   This was a lifesaver while I was at work. You can buy them a maternity clothing stores, but I found the best price at Babies 'R Us. You can purchase one here.

7. Gap Maternity Jeans   I'm a little ashamed (but not really) to admit that I wear these about three times before I wash them. I love the way they hug your curves and don't look like mama jeans. An extra plus, they don't stretch out (hence me getting multiple wears before washing)! The Gap has so many styles to choose from, but the 1969 full panel long & lean in particular were my favorite. Buy them here!

I love St. Patrick's Day. It's the anniversary of the day I met Jeff and it brings back some really great memories. I never imagined I would meet my future husband in a smoky, underground bar filled with green beer and shuffleboard tables....but, that's our story. I wish I had a photo from that night, but an oldie from one of our first dates will have to do:

Dear Jude,

We are so close to your arrival and I am over the moon! Your room is all set up and we are now just patiently waiting. I have washed all your tiny little clothes and can't wait to dress you in them! Lately you have been hiccuping all the time and pushing your little feet into my ribs. It's not always comfortable, but there is nothing in the world like feeling your little feet inside my belly. We have taken all the classes, toured the hospital, had your baby shower, set up your nursery and now, all we need is you. We cannot wait to see you sweet boy!