Pregnancy

It's a lot harder growing a baby than I ever imagined. Some have it pretty easy. Some have it way hard. I definitely fall in the middle ground and probably towards the easy side, but I'm still surprised some days (weeks). Aside from the physical changes and limitations, there are the occasional emotional flare ups, which generally just add to the physical wear and tear of a day. It looks far more glamorous in blogs and on Instagram than it feels in real life. 

That said, I had a moment today where I could feel where baby was leaning in me. I of course touched around to see if she would kick or move in response to me. She didn't, but at that moment it seemed as though I could see her inside me, a very real little girl who is part of our family. I cried. Mostly from fear that I won't be the mother she deserves. But also for the wonder of this new person coming to earth. It was a hint of motherly love. I guess I'm really growing up now. 

That guy I married that one time...

I love him. 

Thankful Tuesday

Today I am thankful for 7Up, soft bath mats, and modern technology. My hubby has been thankful that I know how to cook, but I managed to backfire that for myself last night. Maybe it was a bad tomato? He doesn't eat those, so it could have been that. Who knows! I guess I'm also thankful that I am at my fighting weight now, with no extra gym effort! ;)

Giving thanks #1

I think I will blog my thankfuls this November. I'm doing a bit less on social media like Facebook these days, as some groups in the world would target not just defenders of freedom, but their families too. I do love sharing, though, so I will probably make this my main space to share pictures and stories. Anyways...

Today I am thankful for my husband!! I know, I should save that for a day when I can't think what I'm thankful for, but we just had such a wonderful day together and I've been thinking how thankful I am for him basically all day. He is a 100% support in our marriage, always by my side - and usually literally by my side!! From the spouse information session this morning, to grocery shopping on his turf, to driving and eating and driving, to stake conference and all the meetings, he is there. 

We laugh. We smile. We eat mac and cheese in our flannel pants while watching movies. And we kiss a lot. I love my number one blessing - my Rollo!!

Happy Two Months!

Has it only been two months? It seems both longer and shorter. The great news this month is that I have wedding pictures!!! I've had so much fun looking at them... I'll let them speak for themselves. 

At least one of us was ready to get married....

Our beautiful venue, Le Jardin

Cute nieces as flower girls

Button, button, who's got the button?

Mom always knows best

The cuteness!

Handsome boys! Someone coached Carson really well, it looks like :)

We're married!! Cue the Hallelujah chorus!

Our dear family and friends

Tyler: It's tough being almost 2 

My cute nieces and nephews!!

Grandparents with their grandkids

My beautiful mother

My handsome father

My four brothers - a rose between the thorns? That, or some seriously awesome bodyguards. I'm the luckiest girl to have these brothers watching out for me!

Sweet Tyler

The Burgin Family

The Smith Family and friends 

The Smith Family

Kids are the best!

Possibly the best bouquet shot I've ever seen captured on film! 

True love 

Pennsylvania Apples

Last weekend, Dave and I drove up to Baltimore to spend some time with Jenelle and Jeff before General Conference. I love having a few friends out here that are close enough to visit on the weekends or the occasional day off. Jenelle and I had time to take a short(ish) walk together and it was so soul-soothing to have that connection and just be who I always have been. Navigating marriage and a new city and looking for a new job and fitting into a new ward.... there's so many new things going on that it is truly precious to spend some time with a friend who has known me for ten years, through all sorts of other "new" phases. Those twenty minutes were probably some of the most precious for me. However, Jenelle and Jeff are awesome at finding cool local events to attend! So early on Saturday morning, we hopped in the car and drove off for Gettysburg - and the local apple festival in the next town over.

Making cider with an antique engine. You could smell how sweet the apples were! It only took about 5-10 mins for them to get apples through the cutter/chopper thing, then pressed into the white bucket and strained twice before being poured into half-gallons. 

Apple pancakes for breakfast!

The shyest little apple-worm you ever did see.

Aww, look at all of us having a blast

Miniature horses in the petting barn

A nifty steam engine hooked up to an old-fashioned shingle-making machine

The apple orchards

Being silly in the orchard - I'm pretty sure Dave was smiling 

The Smith Family

Dave sometimes talks during picture time

Jenelle made a joke about us being newlyweds and all over each other, hence we had to ham it up and create some lovely photographic proof of such! You can't see it, but he started the funny kissing and trying to eat my face. Sadly, I'm the only one that looks truly strange. 

We eventually got a kiss in, despite our silliness

Obligatory jumping picture!!

David Rollo Smith and Erica Burgin (Smith)

Wow!! Let's just pause for a moment and recognize that this is my last full week at work before my wedding!!! I can't believe this day is almost here. Even now, it is a little surreal. But I am so confident and excited and ready to take this next step with Dave. 

I get to look at this announcement every day - at my work cubicle and at home on my fridge! What an excellent man.... I love him. In 8 days I will give him the biggest hug ever! Let's get married, Dave. I love you.