And baby makes three...: 4 Weeks and Counting!

My family came to visit for an entire week for Thanksgiving. It was definitely what we needed--we were starting to feel lonely since we last saw family and friends in August. Speaking of family, Paul's brother Spencer came home from his mission the day before Thanksgiving! Wish we could have been there to greet you home, Spencer! It was an awesome time with my family, though! We were able to have a great Thanksgiving feast, which my parents made. Marie and I made pies, apple and chocolate chip and the turkey was I think the best I've ever had!! :)
It was so nice to be with family! My work also threw me a baby shower, which was great. I work with a lot of women, many who are moms and grandmas and they all LOVE babies--so they got some really cool stuff for Ryder! He is set!! Below are pictures from that shower, and also pictures of the stuff from my shower thrown by Janelle from my ward.
WARNING: I DO LOOK HUGE!!!! (Don't say I didn't warn you...)
Also, we traveled to Nauvoo the day before Thanksgiving to check out all the houses and historical places run by the missionaries, we did a little day after Thanksgiving shopping, and went to the Mall of America. I am very proud to report that I walked ALL day, resting every so often, but at the end of the day I had no complaints; no backaches or problems or anything! I have been very, very, very blessed throughout this pregnancy to have no more than the occasional discomfort from a backache or my belly going through a growth spurt, or from Ryder's CONSTANT movments! Needless to say I feel very blessed and thankful! Paul had been getting over a cold when my family got here though, and I had just caught it, hence my red nose in most of the pictures...
I am most thankful in my life for my husband Paul, without whom I would be so unhappy, and with whom I love, adore, and admire! And I'm so thankful for all my family and friends who give us so much love and support, even from afar. It's hard to be so far from loved ones, but we're grateful for all the friends and support we have here.
As an update on the pregnancy--the Dr. said that he'd be surprised if I have an 8 lb. baby, he's estimating Ryder will be between the 6 and 7 lb. range-which I'm very happy about. I can't imagine delivering a huge baby! But we just want him to be a healthy boy, so whenever he comes, early or on time or late, we just want him to be ready and as developed as needed. (I'm still hoping he'll be born in December--even if it's the 31st)....
We love and miss all our family and friends, especially at this time of year!!

All the stuff Ryder got at the shower thrown by Janelle and her daughters...