Our Outdoor Areas

We have been trying to do as much outside as possible lately.  We have had amazing weather for about 3 weeks now.  After checking the weather for next week we know its about to change.  The highs next week are in the 50's!  One of our favorite things to do is walk and eat outside!  When we bought our house it had a cute back patio with a veranda, but wasn't being used.  We decided to turn it into an outdoor dining area.

I knew from the beginning I really wanted an outdoor chandelier.  After searching for one I found they were all really expensive...so naturally I decided to make one myself!  I found an old cheap brass chandelier from an antique store, took the wiring out and spray painted it.  Then Ryan bought some rope and tied it up for me!

We also have two Adirondack chairs and a fire pit.  Ryan loves having his morning coffee out here and I love making a fire when its a little cool at night.

We really tried to maximize out outdoor areas.  We have a small covered porch at our back door.  There was already a ceiling fan there, but nothing else.   We hung a double swing that matches our chairs and dining area.  I love this swing!

And of course our front porch is ready for Halloween.  We bought 4 pumpkins this year...one to represent each member of our family.  I love how Ryan arranged them on our front porch...Daddy on the right and me and the twins on the left:)

2 + 2 = 4

Can NOT believe I am actually writing this post.   I have had so many dreams about this exact moment.      Ryan and I have been trying for a few years to have a baby.  This journey has by no means been easy...I wouldn't wish what we have been through on anyone.
In the end it was all worth it!!!  We are pregnant!!!  And not with one baby...but TWO.  Thats right our family will be doubling in size this spring.  TWINS!!!!

2 + 2 = 4

Even though we found out we were pregnant via a phone call from our Doctor, I still couldn't resist taking a pregnancy test.  I had taken soooo many of these that were never positive that I just needed to see it to truly believe!

I was sick weeks 5-7.  Luckily I have the best husband in the world...came home one day to this.  He is also known to cook me amazing dinners, make me breakfast the second when I wake up...and occasionally fix me a 2AM snack:)

7 Weeks:  Here are the babies the day we found out they were twins!  Baby A-heartbeat 136.  Baby B- heartbeat 131.

Week 9:  The twins are growing and a little easier to see on this ultra sound. Baby A- heartbeat 178.  Baby B- heartbeat 182.

Week 11:  The twins are growing fast!  Baby A- heartbeat 161.

Baby B- heartbeat 156.

I think the best part (after us finding out we were pregnant) was telling friends and family!  Here are some of the ways we told.
Ryan's dad is a pilot and when we saw this little red airplane rocker we bought it and saved it until we got pregnant.  Needless to say it sat in a closet for over a year.  We were thrilled to dust it off and bring it to surprise them.  We sat it down and told them come May a grandchild would enjoy using it...it took them a few seconds to process what we were saying, but soon hugs and tears were shared!

We sent my Dad and Bonus Mom flowers with a note that read "First came love. Then came marriage. In May we will be pushing a baby carriage! P.S. Top Secret".  The funny part was Jake, my 12 year old brother, answered the door to the flowers being delivered...wish I could have seen the look on his face!  The flowers were supposed to be gender neutral, but clearly the florist thinks we are having girls!

I told my friend Rachel I was shopping for boots...and being my fashion consultant that has to approve all purchases...she asked for a picture and I sent her a picture of our pregnancy test:)  She had to pull over since she was driving...so fun!!

We sent Ryan's brother a cigar with a note from his future niece or nephew...or both!

I told some of my Charlotte friends and captured the moment on camera.  I had a friends husband take a picture and right after he counted to three I yelled out "I'm pregnant with TWINS!"  To see the different reactions was hilarious.  Simpson, far left, is posing for the picture like nothing happened...Emily and Beth are yelling with excitment ...then Ashley and Traci are looking at me asking if I am serious and starting to cry:) Love this picture!

We were thrilled to tell some of our college friends in person at recent football games.  A lot of my friends are currently pregnant.  It is such a blessing to have so many wonderful mommy friends to share this journey with.  I feel like I am finally part of some insiders club:)
We have already been showered with gifts.  Baskets full of goodies, books, flowers, cards and even the twins first matching outfit!!!

It is really fun to hear everyones guesses on the genders.  I even received a gender predictor test from Rachel as one of my 30 gifts.  The test predicted boy...guess we will just have to wait and see!

We are now busy writing thank you cards, staring at ultra sound pictures, and having to switch a few rooms around in the house....our designated nursery is the smallest room in the house.  Looks like the guest room (which has more room and two closets) is now going to be the nursery!
We also want to say a huge thank you for all our friends and family who have been on this journey with us.  We could not have gotten through this without all your love, support and prayers.  We prayed so hard we got two!!!

30 days...until I'm 30...on the 30th!

Just typing the title makes me super excited and feel really old at the same time!  I have always loved birthdays.  I grew up in a large family where your birthday (usually more like a birthweek) was the one time a year when you could demand individual attention.  Well this year it's a big one!  I also love the time of year that my birthday falls on...Fall.  We have been getting ready for Fall around here!

Comfort food....Mac and Cheese and Sweet Potato Pancakes:)

Mums...I can't keep these alive, but I still continue to buy them!

Boot shopping...

We got plenty of firewood...just need it to cool down a little more before we actually use it!

I even received the most amazing first birthday gift...30 gifts...one to open everyday during my birthday month from my best friend Rachel.  Could not be more blessed to have a friend like her!

Happy Fall and let the countdown to my 30th begin!!!