What's that? 32 days to go??

Graham's expected birthday is only 32 days away!  I can hardly believe it!  At 35 1/2 weeks, I can truly say that this experience has been all that I could have ever asked for, and I am SO looking forward to tying up the loose ends in preparation of his arrival!

Since the last post, a lot has happened:  a super fun maternity photo session, Summer Camp ended (it was a GREAT season) and we made our way back home to Michigan!  We got to see so many friends and my mom finally got to feel her grandson move about in my belly.  I'm so glad we were able to make it up there!

While researching newborn photographers, it struck me that I hadn't thought much about maternity photos.  The more I researched, the more it seemed like an expense that maybe we shouldn't indulge in at the time.  That's when I reached out a dear friend and old co-worker of mine who does some freelance photography as a hobby.  Let me just say that this hobby, in my opinion, could become a full time job if she wanted it to be!  I heard back from her almost immediately after asking if she might be interested in taking some photos for us, and we set up a date -- July 20th.  At that point, I was 32 1/2 weeks pregnant and feeling really great.  So, off we went!  We took photos at home and at White Rock Lake.  I LOVE what she captured.

 I seriously get teary-eyed each and every time I look at this photo of Charlie with my belly.  My boys.  :)

This one just cracks me up!

I simply cannot say enough about how grateful I am for these photos and the fun we had on the shoot with Courtney.  Looking forward to placing some prints in frames!

Summer Camp went out with a bang!  The staff this summer was AMAZING, especially my assistants.

We had a blast on the last day, even though it was a little heartbreaking to know that we wouldn't see one another each day, at least until next summer.  We managed to escape normal Texas heat this season, since we only experienced a total of three 100 degree days!  One of the parents said that it must be God giving me some extra love.  I'm so thankful we made it through the season, smiling -- and even did so without any swelling or major discomfort (I mean, the heat can take anyone out...but we managed!).

After leaving work that day, I rushed home to prepare for our trip to Michigan!  We left the following day and were picked up in Grand Rapids by Lindsay.  The extra time with her before getting to the farm was wonderful!  Once we got to the farm, we were greeted by lots of excited family and friends.  SO. MANY. HUGS.  It was awesome!  We enjoyed the Barn Party, as always, and stayed up waaaaaay too late (worth it!).  The following day, Sarah and Becca threw us a baby shower and it was beautiful and fun!  Everyone decorated bibs for Graham -- some are hilarious, some are artistic, but they are all awesome!

 We spent several days on the farm, getting time in with family.  We made a trip to Houghton Lake to meet up with my family for dinner at a favorite pizza place of ours, managed an extra night at Lindsay and Jake's (sans Jake, due to band camp), swung an evening at Brian and Becca's house in KZoo, and spent our last night in Grand Rapids with the McLaughlins after a hearty meal at Founder's with the Rockwell crew.  We had an absolute blast.

 The Alchin gals after filling up on some mighty tasty G's Pizza.  Love them so much!

 Ran up a hill on the farm to get a good look at the storm clouds.  We had a lot of fun snagging some group shots, courtesy of my dear Lindsay.  :)

Yes, those are maternity overalls.  Mom Rockwell (grandma name: Sue-Sue) purchased them some time ago for painting/yard work/gardening, etc., and offered them up for me to try on -- and they fit like a glove!  Ha! It was fun wearing them around while on the farm picking raspberries.  :)  The time I had with my best friend, Lindsay, was absolutely wonderful.

We always leave Michigan wanting more time and wanting to move back.  Truth is, Dallas has been REALLY good to us.  Graham will be born in Texas, but our roots will be dug up and transplanted back in the mitten, one day.  We both want our son and any other future children to grow up in that beautiful place.

Alrighty, G-Man.  We're getting closer and closer to your estimated uterine departure, and mommy and daddy can hardly wait.  Your car seat has been installed, your bassinet has been purchased, and all of your cloth diapers have been washed and tucked away (and yes, we also bought some honest company disposables, just in case!)  Your Nana Dee's plane tickets will be purchased this weekend, with the hope that in the window of time she's here, you'll make your anticipated arrival.  If you come a bit early, I'm sure she won't mind, as long as you give her plenty of cuddles. :)  We love you so very much and look forward to meeting you in a few weeks!!