Preparing for Penny

Well the count down is on, 

We've been preparing for her arrival and our get ready list is getting shorter and shorter.

Since in my mind this is my last pregnancy I don't feel too rushed for her to be here, I'm having the usual issues I have this stage  -some pain in my hips and weird sleeping patterns but I want to soak up and enjoy this time for what it holds. I really do like the anticipation and excitement of not knowing yet when she might arrive and how her birth story will unfold. If she follows the same timeline as brother and sister she will be here later this week but she may carve her own path at her own pace and that's okay too. 

These sweet friends hosted a beautiful shower us last month.
Amy and I have known each other pretty much our whole lives and Katie and Annaleise have been friends of mine since our OC college days, which I'm realizing was 16 years ago this fall that I started my Freshman year!!

These salted caramel cupcakes are AMAZING and it was so sweet for them to thoughtfully prepare so many of  my favorite foods and beverages (They even had a Dr. Pepper drink station!) There were so many little touches that made this day special like the beautiful handmade bunting banner that one of my dear friends that is out of town sent for the shower and is now hanging over her crib.

Even some of our out of town family were able to join us to celebrate, Jen and I are pregnant at that same this round - fun to get a picture together, Cousin Ian is due in February.  

Ava was pretty excited to have cousin Allie in town. (I keep a little journal on my night stand of funny things the kids say and the other day I was flipping through and saw where I asked about a 3 year old Ava what she wanted to be when she grew up and her answer was first a mommy and second an Allie) I still remember the day Allie and Chloe were born and being there for their births, now they are both getting old enough to baby sit my babies, surreal in so many ways!

With taking this extended time off work, I've even had time to get most of her room prepared. After a great debate I decided Rhett needed to stay in his crib so Penny got some new furniture for her room, Ryan of course being Ryan found a steal of deal on when the kids and I were out of town one weekend and it's been fun to get her room prepared, Pink, White and Gold themed. 

Our moms' were in town for Grandparents Day at Ava's school the other day and since I didn't have much baby stuff left on the to do list, they helped me deep clean my entire house! which was so kind of them to lend that kind of practical help before we start this next busy season with adding a newborn to our mix. 

I've had time to squeeze in some one on one time with each of the kids in the past few weeks, Ava and I spent a day together the other week at the mall and Rhett and I to the zoo last week for a just me and him date. 

So the main thing left it seems on the get ready list is to settle on a middle name, other than that I'd say we are ready when you are baby girl!