Real Community

dress: target   necklace: groopdealz   boots: dsw  

I read a lot about the blogging community and have loved others I've met and do feel like it has been and will continue to be a blessing.  BUT it cannot compare to real life community. 
I've been thinking a lot about the blessings that come from being in a community with others, as I have been feeling very blessed and encouraged lately by those who have prayed for us the last two years and are already in love with our daughter. It made me so grateful that I was in a relationship with so many others, whether my small group, my girls' night group or friends at school, throughout our whole struggle. 
There were a lot of times during those two years that I had a hard time being around others.  Each of my different social groups (church, school, friends) were all in the young kids, pregnant, baby phase and there were many times when it was a struggle to be around them, as it was a constant reminder of what I didn't have but so badly wanted.  
I remember a few times telling Chris I just wanted to move away and it just be the two of us, as that seemed easier.  For you it may not be a baby, but maybe others around you have a house you want, a job you're wishing for or a season free of life's trials.  Whatever it is, I think it's easy to want to be by yourself and distance yourself from others, as you feel like they have no idea what you are going through. Which is probably true.  But there is no way others can pray for you, encourage you and help if you don't let them in to what you are going through.  

This is not to say that I don't think it is wise and necessary to say no to things and take some breaks from things sometimes, as I did.  But I'm thankful that I had friends and family that were invested in praying for me and encouraging me, as I can't imagine going through life's struggles without real community.  And it makes going through life's joys even better!
I'm so thankful to be surrounded by real community during our struggles and to be continued to be surrounded by community during our celebrations.  

Never Have I Ever

blazer: c/o sammy dress     bag:  c/o sammydress    pants:  H&M maternity   wedges: target

owned a chiffon blazer until now.  I am in love with this one and you can own it for only $7.00. 

bought Chris clothes online, but I recently came across these men's jeans that I wouldn't mind him owning. 
had an easy time passing up a dessert, like this peanut butter cup banana bread I made this week for small group.  Chocolate, peanut butter and bananas are always a win for me.
expected to find this on our amazon wish list: cross bow and arrows.  They fit nicely next to our baby dressers.  Are you really wanting to buy these Chris? 

  loved a sewing project as much I love the blanket I made this week for our baby girl.  

Thank you Whitney for this post idea!  Hope you're having a good week!

I May Be Crazy

dress: old navy   necklace: groopdealz   leggings: jcpenney   wedges: target
I can't help but feel that pregnancy hormones have made me a little crazy.   For example last night I had a minor freak out over ridiculous things.  
I sat outside for about an hour yesterday and when I walked into the bathroom to get ready for bed, noticed an awkward square of sun burn on my chest.  Follow that by being convinced I found a gigantic stretch mark on my side.  Followed by seeing every blue vein on my stomach and chest shinning 100 times brighter than normal, making me convinced something was not okay. 
Thanks to my bright red square on my chest, possible early stretch marks and alien like veins I tried very hard not to cry.  
If I was southerner I'd use that over used phrase "bless his heart" in reference to Chris dealing me and my irrational emotions.  He quickly convinced me my stretch mark was a scratch (which I think it was), and read online that the bright veins are because my heart is working harder.  
All things that a night of sleep and a new day couldn't fix.    
Speaking of irrational things . . . Last week I spent many hours working on a pink bumper for the crib and when I was done, couldn't get over a fear that our baby was really a boy.  I blame part of it on a blog I read that morning where the girl was told she was having a girl at her 20 week appointment, then found at at her 26 week appointment it was a boy.  

Not that having a boy would be bad at all, but a boy coming home to a pink crib, summer dresses and a girl name is not quite what I want.  
Thankfully this silly fear was easily resolved as we went to one of those ultrasound places to get another look at our baby and she is still a she.  They gave us a glimpse in 3D and she was covering her sweet face most of the time.  

And even though I am fully aware I am pregnant, seeing my baby makes it so much more real and reminds me how all these hormones, changes and overwhelming feelings are SO worth it!