What an absolutely phenomenal weekend. I'm absolutely dead tired, but it was so worth it to pack in so many amazing events over just a couple of days!
We did kick things off with a lazy day on Friday since Colby had the day off, but Saturday life got a little more exciting. We went in search of a second grey paint option for the nursery since our original grey magically turned blue as soon as we put it on the walls. The paint selection here is pretty laughable--there were about 8 different greys, but that was ranging from pale, almost white, to dark charcoal, so there were really only 2 or 3 that could possibly work in our color scheme. Oh, how I miss the infinite number of paint colors available back home--or the ability to see a color you like in the magazine and just go pick it up at the store!
That evening we had our maternity photo session with the insanely talented Jess Fountain of Jess Renee Photography. It was a bit touch and go as some pretty massive storm clouds were hovering just before our session time, but we holed up in our car for about 15 minutes waiting for the rain to pass, and it ended up being a perfect evening. I had a lot of anxiety about how the photos would turn out. I am ridiculously self-critical and almost always hate pictures of myself, but this pregnancy is so special to me, I knew that I wanted to document it and have tangible reminders of it. Then the weather seemed to be against us and I was a little nervous about how much wind there was while we were shooting. Then I got home and realized I NEVER PUT ON MASCARA when I was doing my makeup. For me, this is like... forgetting to put on pants. I never, ever leave the house without mascara, even if I'm wearing yoga pants and have my hair in a ponytail. And I'll freely admit that my eyes are my one vanity, so I was pretty distraught upon this realization. However, the pictures are PERFECT. I've only seen the sneak peek so far, but I already can't pick a favorite, and I am so amazed at how Jess captured such a special time in our lives.
Sunday, the weather was still blustery and rainy, but we pulled out our fall sweaters and rain gear, and headed out to the Pferderennen (horse racing) in Miesau with some friends. It was a pretty charming event with the track consisting of a mowed field and race horses mostly between 10 and 15 years old, but despite the wind and spurts of rain, we had a great time. Plus, they had delicious flammkuchen, so my tummy was happy.
Finally, we wrapped up our day with a wonderful international baby shower held in a Google Hangout! My sister, Brittany, and sweet friend, Jessica, co-hosted and did an incredible job of making it feel like a party, even across thousands of miles. I received a box last week filled with baby shower decor, treats, and gifts, and we had eleven people who were able to either phone in or participate in the video hangout, and so many more who couldn't "attend" sent gifts and their love across the pond.
I realize how lucky I am to have this experience living abroad, but it's bittersweet to do it during my first, and possibly only, pregnancy when I would give anything to be surrounded by my closest friends and family. But the way we are all scattered around the globe, this was the perfect way to celebrate our little girls and spend time together in a crazy, chaotic video chat!
Silly me, I am sitting here crying -- so happy:)
Posted by: The Incubator | August 27, 2012 at 05:41 PM
So I just went to view the photos from your session---so gorgeous! Not only do you have a baby in there you have TWO you are looking amazing! :) I can only hope to look half as nice even if I'm carrying just one when the time comes. And what a great idea for the baby shower. I had never heard of such a thing until recently and the idea has really taken over, but such a good idea!
Posted by: Sara | August 27, 2012 at 05:58 PM
What a wonderful baby shower. Your little girls are so blessed to have so many people around the world care about them. :)
Posted by: Karen | August 27, 2012 at 06:26 PM
I love the Skype Shower concept, so glad it all worked out. Also, your maternity photos are darling!!!
Posted by: A Super Girl | August 27, 2012 at 06:56 PM
Omg, have been looking for the perfect shade of grey (snicker) to paint the exterior of our cabin and CANNOT find it! They're all green or blue or brown when I paint a sample splotch. Sigh. Anyway. The pics look awesome on FB and man your weekends look fun :)
Posted by: Katie | August 27, 2012 at 07:14 PM
The skype baby shower is so cool! How awesome that you got to experience a shower even though everyone is all over the place. :) great sneak peeks!!!!
Posted by: Solange | August 27, 2012 at 09:08 PM
I LOVE the maternity photos! They look beautiful! And cute idea w/ their names on your belly! ;)
So sweet how they did the shower from across the miles! LOVE IT!
Posted by: Melissa | August 27, 2012 at 11:01 PM
Your maternity pictures are ADORABLE! You look 3637282882287227262626 times better without mascara than I EVER would.
Posted by: Chels | August 28, 2012 at 04:47 AM
I love that your sister and sweet friend gave you a baby shower and am so impressed they were able to do it from so many miles away! I know it must be hard to live away from your loved ones, but they sure do seem like they love and miss you!
Posted by: Melissa | August 29, 2012 at 12:47 AM
Skype shower? Brilliant! Yay for technology. Just another reason to be thankful we're living now and not 100 years ago, right?
Posted by: Molly | September 01, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Those sneak peek photos are insanely stunning! Your girls will cherish those pictures, I'm sure. How sweet of your sister to host a shower that way--I'm glad that everyone was able to get into the spirit of things across all the miles!
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 21, 2012 at 09:11 PM