Less than 2 weeks...

It's hard to believe that my due date is less than 2 weeks away at this point. I'm just over 38 weeks. I promised several friends I would post one more belly pic...so here it is. (You'll notice I cut my face out -wasn't exactly the most flattering angle. Yikes!)

I really feel like I'm gonna make it to my due date (if not after) - don't know why I think that,  just my gut feeling. But this baby could prove me wrong. I just need this little guy or gal to hold out until next Wednesday (the 21st) - that's when we officially move into the house we are renting. How great will it be to actually somewhat "nest" a little before the baby arrives? Nothing like getting down to the wire. It's all worked out to this point - I'm not worried!

I still feel really good, especially considering how far along I am. I just haven't reached that point where you want it all over with. I consider that a blessing. More than anything, we're just excited to finally meet this little one. 

But anyways, here's the pic. Hopefully the next post on here about Baby Dough will be an introduction! We'll do our best to post something pretty quickly when he/she arrives and keep you faithful followers updated. 

Almost Fall...

So, I've had this idea to blog about why I'm so ready for fall for several weeks now, and I figured I better get on it, since fall is practically here. PTL!

I wouldn't say that I have a favorite season, but if I had to choose, fall and summer would tie for first. I love that I live in a place where I get to experience all the seasons. (Well, if I'm being really honest, I could do without winter. Maybe just some cold weather from Thanksgiving to Christmas, with a little snow on Christmas, and I'd be good.)

Anyways, here are 10 reasons I'm so excited for fall (pics included so you don't get bored)...

10. Fall = deer season = deer meat coming our way!
I know, could I make myself sound any more redneck to start off this post? I actually don't hunt (I have sat in a buddy stand several times, but never actually been the one "hunting"), but it's a lifeblood for my dad and brother. And as a result, I reap the rewards. When we ran out of ground venison (aka, deer meat for those of you who don't know) back in May, I think Josh and I bought our first pound of ground beef since we've been married. It just seemed wrong. So, no pressure Dad and Ry...but let's go on that, k?!?

9. Fall clothes. I love a good scarf with some boots. Thanks Pinterest for all the ideas, even though I can't afford to actually make them happen. I'm still inspired. I'm also equally excited about not wearing maternity clothes anymore.

8. The scents of fall. I know, I go from talking about deer hunting to Yankee candles. I consider myself well-rounded. CANNOT wait to bust out my fall candles when we finally are in our own place. One of my favs...

7. The leaves. Cannot wait for them to change. Definitely one of the perks of the Ozarks. And I'm pumped to be back in NWA - love Old Main lawn in the fall!

6. Cooler weather. I actually appreciate warm weather more than most people because I'm so cold-natured, but I always love the transition to cooler temps. Which we will be getting again tomorrow - yay!

5. Josh's family will be making the long trek from South Carolina to visit us (and the newest addition) in early November. We're both really excited to have them here. Definitely doesn't happen as often as we wish it could.

4. Fall means we're that much closer to the holidays. Don't worry - I don't wish away fall and Thanksgiving just to get to Christmas. But I do always get excited as I anticipate the holidays coming. Maybe that's because my family did such a great job of creating fun traditions and making it such a special time. I just love everything about the holidays, and I especially love that it means time with my family. (Lana and I may have watched this movie year round in college...classic.)

3. COLLEGE FOOTBALL. Thank you for returning to my life! The suppressed tomboy in me (if you only knew how bad I was) comes out when I talk about college football. The past 2 Saturday's have been glorious. Josh and I anticipate the start of college football much like I just said I anticipate the holiday season. There's nothing better than waking up on Saturday morning and watching College Gameday. It really is something we've done together since we've been married. I'll make us a big breakfast and we'll sit for 2 hours watching Gameday. We just discussed last Saturday how we want to make it a family tradition. Not sure toddlers and little ones will really get into that? Good thought, though.

2. Our own place. If you've kept up with my previous posts, you know we've been staying with some friends for the past 4 months in their guest house. Yep, 4 months. I know, they are very gracious and giving people. But finally, next Wednesday, we will be moving into our own place. No not technically our own home, but one that we are renting from a great couple in our church. At least it will be our own space and we won't have to be invading someone else's anymore. Thanks Flint, Rebekah, and Cilla! You only have to endure us for another week.

1. BABY DOUGH, of course! I think this one makes the first 9 even more special. Can't believe nine months of prayer, anticipation, and planning have already passed. 2 weeks and counting. Cannot wait to meet and hold this little one. We'll keep you posted on he/she's arrival!  (the original announcement we sent out to friends...)

My Best Friend's Wedding...

that I missed.

Yep, that's right. I wasn't there. There are probably 2 people in the whole world (outside of my fam) that I would never miss their wedding - my childhood best friend Lindsey and my college best friend and roomie, Lana. (Well, I got to be in Lindsey's wedding back in June...she was gracious enough to still let me stand up for her even though I was 6 1/2 months pregnant. Thanks Lin!) However, as of yesterday, Lana Hass is now Lana Hawk and I wasn't there for it.

We realized this was going to be the case back in the spring. Josh and I had just started telling people we were expecting (since we were out of our first trimester) around the same time Lana got engaged. Long story short, she had a very small window of opportunity to get married and well, I can't exactly change my due date. Seeing as I'm about 3 weeks from having a baby and Lana's big shindig was about 10 hours away in Indiana, I guess it wasn't meant to happen. But after some awkward silence on the phone and shedding a few good tears, we accepted the situation for what it was.

Bottom line is Lana was going to walk away married to her best friend at the end of the day, whether I was there or not and here in a few weeks, I'll have a little baby in my arms and I'm sure I won't regret the reason I missed. I can still be a source of encouragement and accountability in her marriage whether I got to stand beside her or not.

So to Lana - I love you tons and sent up prayers for you and Adam all day yesterday. I can only imagine how beautiful you looked. (I can't wait to see pictures.) I miss you and I'm beyond blessed to still call you my best friend. Congratulations Mrs. Hawk. :)

Our only picture together on her wedding weekend. We got to skype for a few minutes Saturday morning so I could at least feel a small part of it.