Happy New Year friends! I hope you all had a wonderful time ringing in 2014! We certainly did!
Our New Years Eve started with a 9 pm dinner with 18 of our friends at Emeril's Eatery in Uptown Charlotte. Our menu was preset and the food was fabulous.
We had so much fun with the other 8 couples at dinner.
I sat between two of my faves - Laura and Katrina! And our hubbys sat across from us goofing off all night long. They ordered James Bond cocktails and had a great time.
After we wrapped up all 3 courses and finished cocktails we headed to Kristen's house to watch the ball drop!
Is she not the cutest hostess ever?! In typical fashion, Kristen went all out on decor for the final moments of 2013. Everyone took a million pictures in her adorable photobooth, toasted with bubbly, nibbled on sweets and had a wonderful time.
Some of the girls!
And the boys!
Can't imagine ringing in the new year with anyone else but this guy!
Happy 2014!!
How far along: 22 weeks!
Baby Size: I'm not really sure how accurate this is, but according to my app the baby is supposed to be the size of a spaghetti squash (8 in, 1 lb). However, at my check up yesterday we were told that Caroline is measuring "smaller than average" and that we will need to come back in for an ultrasound to measure again in a week. Although that's never awesome news to hear and I of course panicked, the doctor said she may just be a really small baby, which wouldn't surprise anyone since both Matt and I are petite sized too...
Weight gain:16 pounds. Yikes - too many Christmas cookies!
Maternity clothes: Oh yes, and I got hooked up with gift cards to Destination Maternity and GAP so I've been online shopping like crazy for some new outfits.
Stretch marks: Still slathering on the cream at night.
Sleep: Awesome. Back sleeping is no longer comfortable but I love my Bump Nest so much that I don't mind side sleeping. I also have to turn very slowly in the middle of the night otherwise I get all sorts of (round ligament) pains from moving too quickly.
Gender: Girl, girl, girl!! And my goodness did we get lots of pink stuff for Christmas!!!
Movement: YES - lots and lots of flutters now and loving it. At my appointment yesterday the doc said Caroline is definitely one happy baby because she was moving like crazy!
Best moment this week: Being with both families for Christmas!
Looking forward to: 2014!! And our ultrasound next week!
Food cravings: Sherbert and chocolate milk.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing!
Labor Signs: No
What I miss: Champagne for NYE but the mocktails get the job done too.
Symptoms: Weight gain, increased appetite, round ligament pains when moving too quickly and growing belly!
Nursery: Our crib arrived earlier than expected and I am so anxious to get it all set up. We finally got rid of the bed in the guest room and are planning to start painting within the next 2 weekends. Big projects to come...
Belly Button in or out? In. Definitely in and with no sign of coming out.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Mood: So happy and thankful!!
Workouts: Only two workouts this week. But I did get some new running shoes for Christmas that I am excited to break in!
Prayer for Caroline:
Dear Lord, thank you for this week. You said to ask for what we need, in your name, and You would do it. You said it and I believe it. So I ask You to bless Caroline's growth and make her strong and healthy. Watch over her and cause the development to go just the way it should. Thank you for Caroline. In Jesus name, amen.
With God all things are possible. - Matthew 19:26
To say this has been our "best year yet" would be a huge understatement. Although there will always be a few tough times sprinkled in every year, I have to say that 2013 was the year we had more happy moments than ever before. I feel incredibly and undeservingly blessed as I reflect on our highlights from the past 365 days...
We made our house our home...
We settled in to our new home and although we still have lots to projects left to accomplish, it is awesome to look back at the progress we've made! You can find all home updates {here}.
We celebrated birthdays...
Charlie celebrated 7 {post} // Matt celebrated 33 {post} // I celebrated 27 {post}
We vacationed, took trips with friends and spent time with family...
May & Justin's Charlotte visit {post} // Linville Cabin Weekend {post} // Florida Beachfest {post} & Folly Beach Vacation {post} // 2nd Annual Green River Tubing Trip {post} // Panthertown Valley Camping Trip {post} // MEXICO {post} // Two Year Anniversary Cabin Weekend {post} // We Hosted Thanksgiving {post}
We partied...
Kristen's Bachelorette Party in Kiawah {post}, Bridal Shower {post} & Wedding {post} // A Backyard Dinner Party {post} // Our Summer Soiree {post} // Fiesta Engagement Party for Mel & Travis {post} // Jill & Robbie's Wedding in Massachusetts {post} // Christmas Cookie Exchange Party {post}
Matt highlights
Matt's team took 3rd place in a BBQ competition {post} // Matt took a leap of faith with his business and merged with a larger firm in town // Matt traded in the Buick for a GMC Sierra
And the biggest blessing of 2013...
we got pregnant!
Our Pregnancy Announcement {post} // Gender & Name Reveal {post}
And since Instagram pretty much nailed our 2013 highlights, I thought I'd share our top 5 insta photo video too! Happy New Year's Eve! I wish you a happy and blessed 2014!
