Since we are just a few weeks away from holding Evolet, we figured that we would go ahead and update all of you on the past few amazing, crazy months because we both know that all we will be able to talk about is our little one once she is here.
To start our adventure off I got celebrated on Mother's day! It was amazing to finally be able to participate in this awesome day. Ricky did a great job grilling all my favorite veggies and meats and making me feel super pampered. I also received a hand carved cross for my collection from my super sweet mother-in-law, as well as, lots of cards from my family and friends. Boy did I feel loved!No more celebrating female teacher appreciation day for me! As apart of Ricky's mothers day plans, he also planned a getaway weekend. So we went on our babymoon the next weekend. For all of you who are not familiar with this term, a babymoon is a getaway that an expecting couple make usually a few months before the baby is born. It is a time to just be a couple before baby gets here. It was wonderful! We went down to Bismarck where we had a spa day including a massage, facial (a steam bath for Ricky), a delicious lunch, a pedicure and manicure. It was so relaxing just to spend time with each other getting pampered. The next day we spent doing some shopping, seeing Iron Man 3 and Star Trek 2. It was awesome! We also went out for a fancy dinner where I enjoyed a delicious asparagus soup and baked ravioli. The weekend was a four day weekend so coming home on Sunday was like having our getaway extended home. We both loved getting to just be us without a schedule or demands. It was great to spend so much time together before the next week.
So the next week was TGE, aka The Great Escape! This is a week that my mother in law, Nana, and sisters all get together for a little mini vacation from kids and husbands. I had longed to get invited to this awesome event and this year I got the invite! So I got on a plane and flew out to California for a wonderful week of visiting family including a very special high school graduation of Rick's cousins Weslie and Chelsea. Then it was off to a beautiful cabin near Nevada City. We laughed, cried (sometimes at the same time) and just a a wonderful time just being women together. I was the only one who could not leave my child at home but I don't think anyone minded that at all lol. The belly got lots of love from all the aunts, Abi and great grandma. It was a great time but just like Vegas, what happens at TGE stays at TGE ;P. The trip home was long but uneventful and I was very happy to see my boys again!
The Thursday after I got home from TGE, Ryan (Ricky's big little brother) came to stay with us for a week. It was busy and fun getting to see him! Then the boys went camping at Mt. Rushmore. What a great adventure they had on their own little mini TGE! They went hiking, fishing and lots of s'more eating! Next year hopefully I'll get to go to Rushmore as well :D
After sending Ryan off on his way home and hitting some garage sales, we documented our amazing journey through this pregnancy with a wonderful woman and photographer, Amy Smith (Allender). It was such a fun experience! Sam even got in on the fun! We captured some precious and hilarious moments which made out photo shoot perfect.
So now it was Ricky's turn to be celebrated as a father! After having a wonderful lunch with our friends we spent the afternoon piddling around the house. Then for dinner we had Ricky's favorite tritip, parsley potatoes and salad. Pretty sure though his favorite part of the evening was receiving his gift. I had worked for many days to make coordinating superhero capes for my superman and his supergirl. It was great to see his eyes light up as he opened them up. I can hardly wait for them to play dress up together!
Now we are at 36 weeks with only four weeks left! We are just waiting now with a few things to get done, like our birthing class :P. Our excitement is hard to stifle at this point but we will just have to be patient while we make last minute preparations to welcome our daughter home! The next post probably won't be until after Evolet makes her debut. Keep us in your prayers!
Patiently waiting,
Ricky and Lauren
Ephesians 4:1-2
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,
