Fall updates

We've both been so excited to feel fall in the air lately. When I was growing up, everyone in my family had pools and summer was undoubtedly the best time of the year... but now that I work year-round and don't have those days to laze away on a raft, nothing makes me as happy as a crisp fall day. Even though Justin gets to enjoy the summer a bit more with all his youth ministry activities, he has the same appreciation for cooler temps, cider mills, and bonfires. It's certainly the most enjoyable time of year for us together, taking walks at night and reveling in the great state of Michigan as we drive through Rochester Hills and up to Higgins Lake watching the colors change almost before our eyes. Not to be outdone, our house looks the best in the fall, inside and out, and last weekend I was happy to finally pull out the fall decor and make some new pillows.

I hung the silk curtains up, but for a little change added drapery rings... 

And after my good luck with the spring pillows (side note, I can hardly believe it's been six months since then), I decided to make some more for fall/winter. It was MUCH easier this time around and I love the result! The solid fabric is so cozy and soft... it was in the return bin at JoAnn's (half off, bonus!), and even though I thought it would contrast a bit more with the couch color, I'm still so happy with them.

A couple years ago I bought this leaf garland for the table and then decided I didn't like it. After having luck hanging berry garland from the cornice last Christmas, I found a perfect use for it:

And finally, the fall table... haystack candle holders from Cracker Barrel and crackle tea light jars. They are SO pretty when lit.

I know a lot of people mourn the end of summer, but as I sit in my cozy living room with the front door still open, I don't feel anything but excitement thinking about making homemade chicken pot pie and applesauce and carving pumpkins and wearing jackets. This year comes with a bit of added bonus because I know when the fall ends and winter comes, instead of inevitable bleakness after the holidays... our baby boy will be here!

Here's hoping you are all well and enjoying the change of season as much as the Remsings!

Pretty cute, if I do say so myself...

I'm not normally the biggest fan of posting ultrasound images, because they all pretty much look the same and somehow seem kind of personal (I mean, that is MY body, right?)... but Justin and I both couldn't resist sharing what we got today when we went in to complete the screening from last week:

Thumb sucking! How cute is that? It was truly amazing to see not only his little hand up by his face, but the actual sucking motion as his mouth and cheeks moved around it. At one point he took it out and gave us a little wave, then popped it right back in. I think we were almost more excited than last week finding out he was a boy, because this provided actual moving evidence that baby-like action is going on in there! We also did get the clear view of his heart (which was the reason for going back), and saw all four chambers and the valves opening and closing. I'm sure any of you who've had kids in recent years have seen this, but even knowing what to expect, it really was remarkable... it made me very thankful for modern technology. :)

In other news, today we finally had our very first red cherry tomatoes. There are literally hundreds out on the vine, and they just will not turn red.  But today, sweet Monday, there were four. Truthfully they were a little orange and probably could have used a couple more days, but I just couldn't wait. I also meant to take a picture before I picked them... or ate them... but again, just couldn't wait. Now... hopefully the rest will cooperate before it gets too cold!

IT'S A BOY!

Our appointment today went well and there's no doubt he's a boy. :)  It's so exciting to have more of a concrete identity for this baby! The only hitch was that he was apparently pretty sleepy today, laying facedown straight across my midsection, and despite a walk and lots of poking and proding he wouldn't budge... so the sonographer couldn't access all the areas of his heart that need to be checked and measured. Not a big deal, I just have to go back later this week for part 2. Thankfully, everything she was able to see (spine, hands, feet, kidneys, etc) looked perfect. He is measuring about 9 oz, in the 50th percentile.

It's been a very long day--I'm exhausted--so that's it for now. Thank you for thinking of us and for all the sweet comments!