In the single digits!

31 weeks

As of yesterday I am 32 weeks along and now we are counting backwards: 8 weeks to go!  This past weekend was my first baby shower of several, thrown for me in my home area (Lancaster, PA) by one of my close friends, my mom, and my sister.  It was such a wonderful time to catch up with important ladies in my life, some of whom who have been in my life since we moved to PA 18 years ago.

There were the church ladies (and my mum!)...

Unfortunately I didn't get all of them in the picture!

Two dear high school friends...

2 great college friends (and two of my many friends named Amy/Aimee)...

And 2 special girls from grad school who made the long trip to spend some time with me...

This might just be the official 32 week belly picture

And my sister!  She was the giver of the crown I was wearing that said, "Future-mom-to-be!"

If you've not read the book, "The Five Love Languages," it essentially addresses the different ways in which people love and feel most loved.  Those of you who have read it may remember that one of them is quality time.  One of the ways I feel most loved and show love is by spending or trying to spend quality time with my husband, family, and friends.  This weekend spoke to that desire and need in me in a great way as I had friends traveling distances large and small to spend this special time with me and celebrate the new life that is very actively growing and preparing to join us out in the world!  Thanks to those of you who were able to come and a very special thanks to my mom, sister, and great friend Angie for putting on such a great event!

In other news, Sunday morning we received a phone call at 7 AM to tell us that our new niece had been born to Tara & Jason at 5 AM on Saturday.  So after church we hopped in the car and made our way down to Baltimore to meet Madeline Eleanor Diel!

Practice makes perfect!

And on the home front, the nursery is mostly finished.  We will continue to add some final finishing touches, but for now, here are some pics of the progress.  Aden did a wonderful job with the walls, covering over the unusable windows, painting, and applying the decal.

He also put up new blinds.  I re-covered the chair with my amateur sewing skills and with the addition of some furniture from generous friends and family, we are just about ready for this little baby boy!