march 11, 2010

it's thursday, march 11th. we are one day past our due date...and now we're playing the 'waiting game'. nate & I took a picture in the nursery together this morning before work...hoping she comes soon! I'm feeling great still - I have good energy, feel healthy, and I'm trying to stay positive and calm throughout these final days...I am really excited to begin this new adventure in our lives.

I'm hoping she comes sometime in the next couple of days. It'd be fun if she came on Sunday (grandpa miller's birthday)...or anytime before then! I went to the mall last night and walked and walked and walked - and then bounced on my exercise ball when I got home (I love that thing!)...hoping to try to get things loosened up & moving a little...who knows when she'll arrive, but I've never been so excited. I've also never felt such gratitude - I'm so grateful for this pregnancy, and I have such gratitude for this new blessing in our lives. I can't even imagine the love we are about to experience as a family, but I am so ready for it!!

3 days

my dad took a couple shots of my baby-belly this weekend...it's huge!!! 3 days till she's due...I'm hoping she'll come sometime next weekend (or sooner, obviously!). can't wait!!

nursery!!!

Here's a little sneak peek into the baby-girl's nursery. We love it. It's such a happy, bright, cheerful room. We'll take more pictures once she arrives - but here are a few shots.

I spent all weekend on her mobile (seriously all weekend!!). It turned out really great. I love it. It's pretty adorable. I'm so happy I made it for her. These pictures aren't the greatest (neither is the video)...but the video gives you a better idea what it looks like. It's really the prettiest in the daytime - in the sunlight. The little crystals twinkle & rotate sparkling light all around the room. I sewed all the petals by hand - each has a piece of the fabric pattern sewn on...super cute! It took a long time to sew all the petals, but they turned out just as I envisioned them. Then I wrapped the rings in raw-edged material...and strung it all together & hung the petals & crystals...and finished it off with some little green fabric bows. The crystals added a lot of charm to the mobile. Hopefully she'll enjoy looking up at it. I have some fabric left...so I'm trying to think of something else I can make her...and suggestions? I might make a stuffed animal...maybe a cute little bird or something. It's been good to occupy my time with these fun, creative projects. I'm getting so excited for her birth. I get more & more excited each day, as it gets closer & closer. I can't wait to meet her & to be a mom!

baby dandelion.

the nursery is done!!!!!!
the bedding is freshly washed & in her crib.
all her clothes are neatly hung & ready for her arrival.
all the baby necessities are set up. (I love the smell of baby shampoo/baby wash! I even think the diapers are cute - they're so little!! I'm sure they won't be quite as 'cute' in a couple weeks - but for now, they're pretty precious...oh! and nate practiced putting the diaper on a stuffed monkey - pretty hilarious!!)
the children's books are waiting on the nightstand to be read to our little girl.
the carseat is in the car...nice & snug!
our hospital suitcases are packed...

and...we finally came up with her name (actually, nate came up with her name - it's adorable).
I nicknamed her our 'little dandelion' last night. I think it's pretty cute!! and, I love her real name.

...soon-to-be mom & dad are so, so excited to meet our little baby girl...hopefully she'll come soon!

I decided I'm going to make her mobile - it should be quite the craft...but I'm really excited for it...I told nate last night that I 'have a good vision for it' - so, hopefully it turns out as I imagine it in my head. I'm hoping to start it tonight. once it's complete, we'll take some pictures of the finished nursery. It makes me smile, just standing in there, knowing that in a couple weeks we'll bring our little baby home! it's still very amazing to me. nate's going to be a wonderful dad. I can't wait to start this adventure together!

28...chain of love

People smile and tell me I'm the lucky one...and we've just begun.

And in the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes...
And tell me everything is gonna be alright...

Now I see a family where there once was none, now we've just begun...
Yeah, we're gonna fly to the sun...

Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup, drink it up, Love her and she'll bring you luck.
And if you find she helps your mind, buddy, take her home...
Don't you live alone, try to earn what lovers own...

And everything will bring a chain of love...

I am so completely in love with my husband...and I love the lyrics from 'danny's song'. It's been one of my favorite songs since I was a little girl, but I have really loved listening to it recently, because it reminds me of how exciting this time of life is for us. I love the lyrics - I love that they remind me of the true delights of life and simplicity of happiness.

I really enjoy birthdays because they allow me to reflect on the past year's experiences & memories and I get so excited looking forward to the next year. I know this next year is going to be incredible for Nate & I. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for all the joy I've experienced in this past year. It's been a year full of cheer & bliss that I never would have expected. I had no idea how much happiness I would experience being married to Nate. I truly feel so lucky to be married to such a thoughtful, loving man. The memories we've shared in the past year have been amazing...and last weekend added to the year's cheer.

My 28th birthday was incredible!!! I kept telling Nate it was one of my 'top 5' favorite weekends of all-time...really! It was amazing. He planned a perfect birthday celebration, and I felt so loved.

We stayed at my favorite place up north, on the Lake Superior shore- an adorable lodge that was so cozy & romantic! I love it up there! I feel so alive and refreshed up north. Minnesota's northern shore/Lake Superior area offers the perfect balance for relaxation for me: peaceful tranquility and rejuvinating and invigorating surroundings. It's truly beautiful.

I was beyond-happy all weekend!!! Nate planned a perfect weekend: a friday afternoon at the spa (my poor swollen ankles loved having an 1 1/2 hour pedicure/leg massage!!!), a charming birthday 'party' in our cabin, a frosty, refreshing saturday afternoon hike by some frozen-over waterfalls (I loved getting outside & being active!! it was so exhilerating...even though we didn't get to break out the snow shoes), a saturday evening walk through the adorable town of grand marais, followed with dinner at darling spot called 'the crooked spoon' (DELISH!!!!!)....and THEN...we started driving even further north (which, if you know where grand marais is, it's pretty funny...cause you're headed to the canadian border by going any further north....). We spent the next hour driving in this amazing, enchanted forest - SERIOUSLY!! I felt like we were in a completely different, fascinating world...driving through this forest of HUGE beautiful snow-covered trees....absolutely beautiful!!! I just kept thinking, 'we're really in a winter wonderland right now!!!!'. Nate wouldn't tell me where we were going...and I had no idea, until we were about to get on a horse-drawn red sleigh!!!! We snuggled up for an incredible sleigh ride on a red-velvet seated, old-fashioned-looking sleigh!!!! It was amazing. I just kept thinking, 'I am SO in love with Nate!!!!!' - we loved the romantic, chilly ride, looking at the stars above us, with 2 huge (2,000-pound) Belgian Draft horses pulling our adorable sleigh through the lantern-lit trails and huge trees. I loved kissing under the 'kissing tree' and cuddling up with my sweet husband. It was a memory I will never forget. I was thrilled. It was completely romantic, and adorable, and amazing.

My birthday was wonderful. Last year was amazing. I cannot wait for this next year! I know this cheerful life of ours is just beginning...and I am so grateful to be married to my very best friend. Thanks for a perfect birthday!

playoff game

Yes...it's another football post from the Cartwrights...

The Vikings game this past Sunday was one of THE most thrilling & exciting experiences!!!! Nate & I lucked out going to the 2 best Vikings games in Minneapolis this season!!! Our seats were great, and we were loving it the entire time!! The dome was out of control - it was SO loud in there & completely exhilarating!!!!!! We got to the game nice & early so we could watch a little pregame & so we wouldn't miss a moment of the action. It was so intense & thrilling seeing all the players run onto the field...the crowd went crazy! The fans were lively & LOUD the entire game!!! Everyone was into it! Even little baby-girl Cartwright was enjoying the game. She spent most of the game kicking & moving around (cheering?!!). I'm sure she didn't love feeling her mom jumping around & screaming for 3 hours - but hey, we're a football family! She needs to learn someday...what better time than a huge playoff victory against Dallas?!!! I got enough 'prego' comments at the game too..."Yeah!! a future Vikings fan!!!...Vikings fan for life...." or, my personal fave for the day: "Name your baby Ragnar!!"...oh dear, crazy Vikings fans, have you taken a good look at Ragnar recently? I will NOT be naming our darling little 'chickadee' (as Nate called her this morning) after this man!

Also...we sat 10 rows below Jerry Jones - so funny to watch how miserable he was - he was NOT a happy Cowboys owner/GM on Sunday!! Anyway, it was super entertaining & I had a really really really great time. The Vikings looked Super Bowl-bound to me!

Anyway, we're getting really excited for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints! Let's hope for a Viking's victory...I guess New Orleans and the Vikings have played 25 times...and the Vikings have come out on top (they're 18-7)...let's hope for one more 'W' for the Vikes!!!!!

it's the most wonderful time of they year!!

Christmas went by too quickly this year! It was wonderful to have everyone together though!! We had a nice weekend together as a family. I love Christmas so much because it's full of cheer & love. I love the charming little things that make Christmas so wonderful.

It was our first married Christmas together. I am so in love with Nate. I'm lucky to be married to such a great man. I can't wait for this next year - I'm so excited to be a mom (especially after spending the weekend with our adorable nephew, Finn). I hope the next 11 weeks pass by quickly. I'm excited for our little girl to arrive!

Merry Christmas to all our friends & family.

adorable mr. finn

It was so great to see friends & family last week! I was lucky to be able to fly out to UT for a couple days & visit! I loved seeing everyone!!!! It was a really quick visit - but it was wonderful to see everyone again...and I loooooved meeting Finn (finally!!). He is adorable!!!! Honestly THE cutest little newborn. I instantly fell in love with him!! I can't wait till Christmas when we get to see the little guy again - and spend more time together - with the whole family!!!! So great!

15 days till Christmas (Eve)!!! And....13 1/2 weeks until we meet our little baby girl!!!!

new stroller

Our little girl will be riding in style!

We decided to return the stroller we originally bought...because Nate found this stroller at the baby store & we love it!!!! I'm so excited to get it!!! Who knew baby-shopping could be so much fun?!!! So so so excited for our stroller & car seat!!!! Merry Christmas to us...and to her :)

arkansas

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Cartwrights. Arkansas was great! I loved spending time with Nate's parents. We had a great time together! I fell in love with Fayetteville! It's an adorable town!!! So charming & cute!!

We loved relaxing with Jim & Alice - and wish we could have stayed longer. It was such a nice time for us. I also wish we would have taken some more pictures - I'm not sure why I forgot to take out the camera - but sadly, we only took pictures right before we left...Thanks, Jim & Alice for the great holiday together!!

"baby cartwright"

here's the short video clip from the fourth of july...in the bathroom, up at the cottage...sneaking in a pregnancy text...and...we're pregnant!!!!!!!!! I love it. it was such an exciting moment.

...and a photo from the last ultrasound (awhile ago)...for those of you who haven't seen the little girl's picture yet :)

26 weeks down....14 to go....I can't wait to be a mom!!!!! she's going to be so loved.

happy thanksgiving!

We're off to Arkansas for Thanksgiving this year - to visit Nate's parents!

I'm excited to spend the weekend relaxing with them. It's going to be a long road trip - but well worth it!! It'll be my first time visiting the state of Arkansas - and I'm excited to experience it! :) Full report to come when we return...

And then...in one week, I'll be off to the mountains...to spend a couple days with my family & friends...and meet my new nephew (yay! yay! yay!). I can't wait! It's going to be a great couple of weeks for me.

Happy Thanksgiving to all - I'm so grateful for the beautiful life Nate & I have been blessed with. I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the joy we experience daily, and for the beautiful people who surround us and make us so much happier! It's been an incredible year for Nate & I - a year ago we weren't (quite yet) engaged...and now, a year later, I have an adorable husband and a baby girl on the way!! I am so grateful for the incredible amount of happiness I've experienced this past year - and for each of you who have added to that joy.

bucky love...and love for my grandparents....

we had a wonderful weekend together! it was one of my favorite weekends of this fall. we had so much fun with dad and uncle mike - and had a blast at the football game!

on saturday morning, we met up with my uncles at the avenue bar in madison - it's a really cool place - lots of character! nate was immediately harassed when one of the old men (drinking at 9 am belly up at the bar) found out he was an OHIO STATE fan! (yes - nate snuck his Ohio State t-shirt into the Badger weekend...he layered it under his clothes though...so it wasn't too bad...but still, he had to sneak it in to a Badger football weekend!). anyway, this old guy started shouting to EVERYONE, "LOOK at this! we have an OHIO STATE FAN in here!!!!!!!!....AHHHAHHAHAHAHA!!!!" he continued to repeat himself over & over to anyone who would listen (he told all the bartenders, and EVERYONE around). it was pretty funny!!!!!!! anyway, while at the avenue bar, we got to see a photo of my grandpa up on the wall - I never knew it was there. it's a pretty sweet photo. we took a picture of it on our iphones - not the greatest photo (of a photo) but you can see its a pretty sweet picture of grandpa miller! i was a proud granddaughter!

the game was so much fun - we had a great time cheering on the badgers with my dad. i was in heaven!!!! i absolutely love badger football games!!! it was so much fun watching them beat michigan - and listening to the crowd cheer - and hearing the band play - and watching 'jump around' (nate was a little freaked out because the stadium actually MOVES when everyone jumps...).

we also saw the CUTEST CUTEST CUTEST proposal at the game - the marching band tuba players marched around the entire stadium with each tuba player's instrument displaying a letter - (together, they all spelled out 'marry me?' in big red & white letters displayed on their tubas) - then they finally made it to the student section, stopped in front of the rest of the band (the girl being proposed to was in the band....) & then the guy proposed! it was adorable!!!!!!!!!! the student section started chanting 'she said yes! she said yes!' - it was super super creative & cute. so fun to watch!

it was a fantastic day for football! oh! and we bought our little baby cartwright her first Bucky gift - I'll have to post a picture of it, because it's AWESOME!!!! we got her this really round-tubby-looking Bucky stuffed animal - it's so so so funny & cute! she's going to love being a Badger-girl like her mom - always cheering against those goofy buckeyes!!!!!!!

nate and I spent the night with my grandparents on saturday night - it was so enjoyable to spend time with them. sadly I haven't been able to make it over to their house since my grandma started her chemo (she's almost done now!!!) - so I was really, really looking forward to spending time with them. I'm really lucky to have amazing grandparents - I really admire them. They are such neat people!! I really really admire my grandma - she's the mother of 6 children (within 6 years of each other!) and she's an amazing wife to my grandpa. She always has such a delightful attitude - and a positive outlook on life. I have always had such an admiration of their marriage & their commitment to their family. they truly are incredible people- so humble and generous and happy together- all qualities that I hope to strengthen in my own life. we had such a great time catching up with them - just the 4 of us!! it was a really special time for me to spend with my husband who I adore & 2 people who I absolutely admire. grandpa shared some really great stories from when he played football for the badgers - and grandma was her sweet, fun self, making us dinner - and pie - and showing us all her sewing projects (she knits a TON of mittens & booties for the whole family every year...and makes doll clothes to donate to children...and makes even more mittens to donate to children!!!!).

if you can't tell - it was one of my absolute favorite weekends I've had in a very, very long time! great memories!!

if you want to be a badger...just come along with me...

I'm so so so so so so excited for this weekend! We're headed to Wisconsin tonight with my dad & uncle Mike...going to the WISCONSIN vs MICHIGAN football game tomorrow!!!!!!!!! YAY! YAY! YAY! I can't wait!

Badger football games are one of my all-time favorite, favorite, favorite things!!! There are few things that come before my love for Wisconsin football....in fact, I really can't think of many.

I'm excited to see the Badgers STOMP on the Wolverines (and their arrogant QB, Tate Forcier!!...I'm not a fan!). Should be a good game for Wisconsin.

And, I'm excited for this: WISCONSIN JUMP AROUND

It's Nate's first BUCKY game - so we will make sure to show him a good time!

I'm also very excited to spend time with my grandparents tomorrow night - all this Bucky love started with them. It'll be great to stay with them for the night! I've been looking forward to this weekend all of fall - and it's finally here! I'm a happy happy girl!

oh...and this is for my husband...in case he tries to duck out on the jumpin-around...OHIO STATE PLAYERS JUMP

happy football weekend!!!!!!!!!

it's a girl! it's a girl!

Nate and I are thrilled to be having a little baby girl! We found out a couple weeks ago, and we couldn’t be more delighted!

Here are a couple photos from when we found out – we didn’t get many – but I’m happy we have a couple. It was such a great day! Such a great memory & so exciting to know we’re having a baby girl!

I’ve never been more nervous in my life – I was so anxious to know!! Nate was so calm and composed– I was a bit of a wreck. I asked him in the waiting room if he was nervous at all, and he replied confidently, ‘No. I know we’re having a girl!’ – sure enough, he was right!

I will forever remember how completely excited I was when we found out! It was such an amazing moment!! We can’t wait for the little girl to arrive in March.

Funny story: I thought it’d be cute to buy some pink & blue balloons the night before – (and an “it’s a boy” sign and an “it’s a girl” sign) – so we could get some cute pictures celebrating after the appointment.

So…we were leaving the party store – Nate had the pink balloons in his hand and I had the blue bunch in my hand – he put his in the backseat of the car (no problem!), and somehow I let go of mine!!!!!!! There they went….floating away into the dark sky!!!

Me: ‘Oh NO!!! Nate!!!! I let go of the balloons’
Nate (laughing): ‘Maybe it’s a sign…’

So funny! We went back in & got new blue balloons…but didn’t need them after all! I like the photo of our blue balloons floating away into the sky after we knew we were expecting a girl. So funny! Guess we didn’t need those silly things after all.