Forgive me...

I've been a bad, bad blogger.  It is definitely time for an update.  Let it be known that I have started, stopped, re-started and edited this post at least 3 or 4 times since the last post...so I've been thinking about you and about how much I want to be better at keeping track of life's events for my own sake!  Oh, and I'll go ahead and make a note to the readers who are looking for a picture-filled post: THIS ONE IS LACKING.  Ok, I guess the least I could do is upload the most recent belly shots I've got :D

Can't remember exactly how many weeks I was in the first two shots, but this last one was taken at 37 weeks...full term baby!

The rest of July and the beginning of August were filled with ordinary everyday tasks and, of course, more preparations for baby Cameron, due in about TWO WEEKS!  We will be 38 weeks along on Thursday and he is looking and sounding good.  He's still very active and I love imagining what he looks like rolling and kicking and hiccuping around in there :)  Cam is definitely running out of room though, being now about the length of a leek (19+ inches) and almost 7 lbs!  My OB hasn't estimated the weight yet based on any measurements and I am quite alright with that.  I don't want to know if they think I might be pushing out something crazy like a 9-pounder!  This week, however, will be the first time they check to see if I am at all dilated which I'm curious to know.  

I started feeling noticeably more tired about a month ago and Dave can attest to the fact that I officially have the pregnancy waddle.  (He did an exaggerated version of what I look like walking with his belly stuck way far out and his posture awkwardly straight and feet all bow-legged, which is SO not what I look like!) Until the past few days, I really didn't have any complaints which I am thankful for.  Now I feel a constant nagging tiredness and achy-ness all over.  Sleeping is what you would imagine it to be if you had a 30 pound bowling ball attached to your midsection all night...  Turning from side to side sometimes feels like an olympic feat (slight exaggeration) and I've learned how to maneuverer my way to the bathroom in the pitch dark so as to try and get back to sleep as easily as possible.  Some people say this is God's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights ahead, though that doesn't bring me any real encouragement so I will continue to just nod and smile to such comments :)  I'll end this semi-debbie-downer paragraph with a positive though:  I bought a body pillow on sale at Target which has become my new best friend/cuddle buddy at night.  I'm thankful that it's that time of year for college kids to be buying that kind of stuff.  (College kids...ha, do you like how I just used that term as if I've been out of college for twenty years?)

In other notable news, we spent some quality time with my dad's side of the family at the first ever Ritter family reunion around Lake Cumberland for a few days in August.  It was a special event just being together at a time other than Christmas.  I realized how gracious God has been to each and every member of the family and I am excited to see how He works as we all continue to grow and change.  I am sorry to say that I only took like three pictures while we were there, one of which is of the perfect cinnamon rolls that my dad made for breakfast one morning.  I mean, who takes pictures of food when there was a gorgeous cabin, breathtaking mountains, and a sparkly lake all around?  Well, I did.  I'll be sure to share if I am able to snatch any from other family members.  

Surprise!  I did get ONE shot of the cabin, though this hardly does it justice.  It was a spacious, yet cozy, four level house with a beautiful balcony out back overlooking the mountains.  

In addition to having a fabulous time with the Ritter fam that week, I was honored to spend some time with great friends at a shower in Louisville hosted by lifelong friends/neighbors Mrs. Tami and Tara.  I can't fully express how loved and spoiled I felt that day!  Cameron got a TON of terrific gifts which we squeezed in our car for the ride back home.  (More pics of this on FB, hence, the reason I won't spend any time pretending I have shots that you have maybe already seen :))  

The week we came back went by quickly and then the following weekend we were showered with love and gifts AGAIN by the wonderful hostess Jennifer and many of our Raleigh area friends!  I am very grateful and relieved to have some more of the essentials for when Cam makes his big appearance.  Since I don't have any pictures from that shower yet, I'll just show you the lovely gal who worked so hard to throw this par-tay for me.  (Sorry for creeping through your pics, Jennifer!)  

Last week my employers took a vacation which gave me ample time to cross off many of the things that were on my mounding to-do list at a pregnant-lady pace (aka slowly but surely).  I feel relieved that I can now count down the days until baby Cameron is due knowing that I've done all the essential things I had hoped to (his laundry, many trips back and forth to Babies R Us, Target, and so on).  Despite my feeling so wiped out the past few days, I still find myself wanting the house to be in the condition that I would want it to be when he comes home for the first time.  I don't want my son thinking he's living in a pig sty!  One thing that hasn't taken top priority is bathroom cleaning...can I please hire someone to do that for me, permanently?  Ugh.  I feel somewhat justified in not cleaning the bathtub since that would require bending over and using energy that could be saved for a million other little nesting chores.  (When was the last time you cleaned your trash can?!)  

In closing, I'll share the exciting happenings of our Labor Day weekend.

My cousin/Pilgrim/MOH came for a visit from Winston Salem.  She was kind enough to join me in running a few of my baby errands and help me fold C's laundry.  We took the afternoon on Saturday to relax at the pool before it closes for the year (sad day) and we ended the night watching AntiTRUST, a surprisingly good flick if you ask me.  Thanks again for the visit, Ash!  We're looking forward to having you back in a few weeks to meet the little guy :)

Why, yes we did consume all of these :)

On Monday, Dave and I were able to have some maternity pictures taken by Dave's longtime friend, Carl.  We had a good time memorializing this special time in our lives, anticipating Cameron's coming more and more every day.  Looking forward to checking out the rest of his pics, but for now here's a preview:

Thanks for sticking with me again if you made it to the end.  Hope to report to you again SOONER rather than later!  

Just pictures

Forgot I had some pictures I could have added to the last post + wanted to share the latest belly shots.  

25 weeks

26

27 and growing...

In L-ville, Dave & Hannah playing

 

At the conference

The AWESOME surprise that we came home to.  Flowers planted by my hardworking and thoughtful mother-in-law and her hubby.

Forgot to mention we celebrated a nice Father's Day with Joe 

by going to Carolina Ale House, a semi-regular of ours. 

Siiiiiissssteeeeerrrrsss 

We purposefully took this pic sitting on the terrific new ottoman with a 

great amount of storage that was an unexpected find.  Thank you Marshalls!  

P.S. 28 weeks

 Brothers-in-law :)  

Dave worked hard yesterday to put together the changing table and crib.  Chewy was supervising to make sure he didn't leave any important parts out.  The table to the very left was the coffee table downstairs, replaced by the fabulous ottoman with soft edges and more function.  For sale if you're interested.

All done and enjoying a break in the comfy chair that is also for sale.  

I'm a little sad to part with it because of all the great memories 

from the Roadhouse, but I still have the matching couch :)  

I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO GET THAT SWEET BOY 

IN MY ARMS AND EVENTUALLY IN THIS CRIB!

Is it just me...

or is this summer FLYING by??!


I've been behind on blog updates because the past month or two have seemed to be moving in fast forward. Many fun things have filled our weekends and I'm sad to say I don't have a ton of proof in pictures--another thing I've been slacking in doing!  Outside of work keeping Dave and me busy, here are some of the highlights of the last several weeks:

• A quick trip back to Louisville for a women's conference (Deeper Still with Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer) It was encouraging, thought-provoking, challenging, and cheesy at times (only when the three of them sat on stage and had a very funny but clearly somewhat scripted conversation)... but altogether it was just wonderful getting to be there with my awesome mom, sister-in-law, and the always fun Logsdon women! 

• Another part of that visit was spending time with precious friends at a surprise birthday cookout for yours truly at my parent's house.  It was a night full of delish food (thanks daddio, mamasita, and friends!) and we shared many laughs :)  I was seriously giddy the entire time and wish times like those could happen much more often.  

Tara, Ben & Hannah, you're the only ones missing!

• We were excited and thankful to bring back some very nice gifts for baby Cameron (never thought I'd be so happy about a car seat and stroller).  Other gifts included a baby book, Bible, and some adorable clothes that I can't wait to see on our little boy.

• We also got to see my wonderful cousin Ashley and her boyfriend Ryan on our way to L-ville.  I am always spoiled by her and this quick overnight trip was no exception.  She and Ryan had a little b-day par-tay and gave me a super cute Ann Taylor Loft maternity dress.  So, all in all, a terrific weekend!

A bit blurry/dark, but still felt the need to share since 

I was exactly 25 years old and Cameron was right at 25 weeks =)

  

She's so cute.  Hosty with the mosty.  

Sorry I failed to get a picture of that cake you made for me Ryan!

• The week we got home from KY, Dave and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary (speaking of time flying...where did those two years go?)  I am thankful for the man that Dave is.  I see how God has grown us both as individuals and as a couple and it amazes me how He uses two imperfect people to strengthen one another.  Love you hubs.  Praying that in the next 60+ years we'll continue to learn and grow and bring God the glory He is worthy of. 

• The following weekend was low key and allowed us to go out for a nice anniversary dinner at place we'd never been before, Tribeca, and also just time to catch up on things around the house.  Speaking of which, we ordered the furniture for Cam's room and are eager to get that delivered and set up in the coming weeks.  Nesting instincts are gearing up fo sho. 

The long wait for dinner was definitely worth it.  Check out their burger menu above, seriously.  It will make your mouth water.  

• The last weekend in June we had planned to have my brother, Jeff, and sister-in-law Katy (...can i just drop the 'in-law' please or is that just entirely too confusing?  I'll just refer to her as siiissssteeer...she'll understand ;))  BUT their flight plans were changed at the last minute and they had to postpone their visit until the next weekend.  More on that to come.  Anyway, the weekend ended up being fun-filled as we were able to have a belated b-day dinner with Dave's mom and stepdad AND take our first trip to Buy Buy Baby where I had a little too much fun registering.  For those who don't know, this place is just like Bed, Bath, & Beyond, only all baby stuff (glorious!)  All the people there were so friendly and helpful and the place is organized, clean, and there's just something I like about it more than Target or Babies R Us.  That weekend we also spent a bit of time at our lovely little neighborhood pool and squeezed in a quick visit with the Lakins family who were celebrating AB's 3rd birthday :)  Always a treat to see those kids!

This picture is from back in May, but it definitely captures 

some of the fun/silliness/energy these kids always bring with them!  

• Finally, the first weekend of July we were able to see Jeff, Katy, & Wrigley!  I was so thankful they could make the drive after their flight plans changed so suddenly.  We went to the yummy Farmer's Market restaurant on Saturday morning and then picked up some fresh veggies for our cookout later that night (best kabobs ever, Katy).  The afternoon was spent idly lounging by the pool.  Don't worry, I had plenty of sunscreen on and did not bare my round belly.  

• The rest of the weekend was spent going to church on Sunday, followed by lunch at Jack Astor's, dinner at Mellow Mushroom (where I exclusively order the Red Skin Potato Pie), and us girls found a little bit of time to squeeze in some shopping while the boys "ran the dogs" and played old school video games.  Hello Mario Kart, Wave Race,  Golden Eye, and NBA Hangtime.  My husband dominated my brother, I might add.  Gooood times.  

I promise this blog post is ALMOST over.  

• We had to say adios to J & K on the morning of the 4th, but fortunately I was able to keep my mind off of being sad about the fact that they live 11 hours away by preparing for our cookout later that afternoon/evening.  I'm a lame-o and seriously have NO pictures from that night.  I wish I could show you the homemade red velvet cake that I made, trying to be like The Pioneer Woman, which took way longer than expected to make but was nevertheless still very tasty.  Her cake looks much prettier than mine anyway so I'll just pretend that mine turned out that perfect.  Also wish I could show you some of the faces of our sweet friends who were able to celebrate with us: the Shipmans, Maleys, A. Feltons, G. Feltons, Hodges, Myers, and Burns.  Anyway, really was nice to have everyone over and we did end the night lighting sparklers and letting the boys throw Pop-its (or "Pop Rocks" as I mistakenly called them) at one another.  No kids were in harm's way except for baby boy Cameron and poor sweet Chewy.  

Will have to end there because I've spent entirely way too much time on this one post and because it's way past bedtime which means I can't be responsible for the things that come out of my mouth (I accidentally just wrote 'house' which tells you how well my brain is working right now.  I was thinking "mouth" and "head" at the same time though if that makes it any more excusable.)  Ok, congratulations if you made it to the end.  I have a feeling this may be the trend with my posts.  Except tomorrow I might post a quick update of belly pics from the past few weeks because little guy is grOOOWWWING.  

CA Vacation/Babymoon

Last week Dave and I left for our last vacation before Baby Lewis arrives.  I clearly remember sitting on the tranquil beach of the Dominican Republic last summer and us talking about how great it was to be carefree and how much vacations would change once we have kids.  Don't get me wrong...I couldn't be more happy about our baby boy and I know we'll make new and exciting memories taking him on trips...but I think any parent can agree that traveling with a baby just isn't as easy!  I hope that Dave and I may be fortunate enough to take a trip or two in the future while leaving our little one(s) with any of the terrific grandparents (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) BUT I still think I'll never have that "completely-relaxed-without-a-care-in-the-world" type of feeling for a while!

The first part of our trip was in Newport Beach, CA, where Dave and I met (6 years ago!)  We both enjoyed seeing our old stomping grounds around there, and since we didn't have a car we walked A LOT.  Me and baby were WORN OUT after we walked about 10 miles the first day (without sunscreen on...oops...hence, the reason why I'm covered up the rest of the trip and in the beach pictures!)  Enough talking, I know all you want to see is the pictures :)  PS These are just the highlights...the rest might have to be in a Facebook album.

At the beloved Seastar, where we lived during summer '05...and yes, I know my eyes are closed

"The wedge"...waves can pretty gnarly out there

Boardwalk we rode our bikes on everyday to work back in the day

I can't even begin to explain how much I love this place.  I have literally been craving their tacos for SIX YEARS.  Talk about a satisfying meal.  

red velvet pizookie.  nuff said.

Won't he look so great in it?

Dave used the sand as sunscreen.  Real cool. 

...Not that I look much cooler.

Love this man.  

Our nice little hotel

Last stop...Subway, of course.  Where Dave and I quickly became sandwich artists and great friends :)

From there, we went on to San Francisco to visit our good friends, Lindsey and Trey...they roped one of their friends into giving us a car tour of the city and we enjoyed seeing some of the top spots including Twin Peaks, the Mrs. Doubtfire house, Lombard street, Chinatown, Little Italy, and the very exciting Castro Street where we witnessed two men walking buck naked together with nothing but their long dainty purses on their shoulders. WOW.  I think my jaw dropped open for a full two minutes before I really believed I was seeing what I was seeing.  It was especially shocking because they walked right behind a group of police officers without any trouble.  There was an event called Carnival (like Mardi Gras) going on that day so apparently things like that are totally ok...

Winds of "15-20 mph" according to Trey...but 55 according to Dave, so somewhere in-between that small range..haha..kept us very chilly up there so we didn't stay atop the peaks for long, pretty as it was!

Dave and I took a tour of Alcatraz which I realized I knew very little about...I'd recommend doing it if you ever have the chance to!

We also got to meet Lindsey and Trey's super cool friends, Megan and Paul, who joined us for lunch one day, a cookout one night and gave us a tour of Stanford...didn't get any pictures with them, but we very much enjoyed our time getting to know them a bit!  Raleigh is waiting for y'all...  ;)

Another day, L & T treated us to some fun in Burlingame, and our last day was spent going to see the Golden Gate bridge and Muir Woods (aka Meow Woods...nevermind, you had to be there).  Right before hopping on our redeye flight home, we squeezed in a mostly friendly but slightly competitive game of mini-golf.  Whew!  It was a whirlwind trying to remember all that and I'm sure some things were left out.   Needless to say, it was a blast and I am so thankful we were able to do this trip.  

And finally, if you made it all the way to the end of this mile long post, you'll get to celebrate with us as I am happy to share that Dave and I sort of officially decided that we will be naming our son CAMERON DAVID.  We have liked this name since we found out we were pregnant and have liked using it in reference to him since we've known the gender...so that's that!  Ok, now enjoy the last pictures of our trip...