The Kate Box

I don't want to post pictures until a tree is in the room, so I'll get on that soon. Maybe I'll start this afternoon...is this what nesting is called?

Not only is the nursery ready, but I have all of baby girl's gear out and put together. While writing thank you notes, I would get a little tired of sitting on the couch, so I would grab a box (whether it was the swing, infant seat, pack n play, car seat, strollers, etc.) and go to town. I had no idea I was so handy. Maybe this is part of the nesting process, too.

Regardless, I am getting more and more excited to meet this little girl who just flips and turns and pokes and sways pretty much all day and night. I am still feeling great, doing Body Pump a couple of times a week, walking several days, and spinning when I feel like it. The swelling hasn't really hit me yet, but I know with the Arkansas August that is just around the corner, I expect the uncomfortable stage to come knocking on my door pretty soon.

Mom and Dad are traveling around Italy this week and will meet up with Allen in Montpelier, France this weekend. I'm trying not to get too jealous that I'm not with them. If I wasn't due in 7 weeks, I'd be there. And then the Walker family leaves for North Carolina right when my family comes home...I doubt I'll be there either. With all of this traveling happening around me, I've planned our three vacations for next year already. Let's just pray this baby loves it as much as her mommy and daddy do. :)

Okay, enough of the prego rambling...I'm going to get myself some lunch. Too bad I can't get the image and aroma of a real Italian pizza out of my head. And maybe a little gelato for dessert...

It definitely has been the summer of weddings. Last night, I was a bridesmaid for the fourth time this year, and it was an evening of great celebration and joy. Brittany and I have been friends since middle school. According to her, once I told her my dad's name was Jack Frost, she thought I was really cool and wanted to be my friend. She was like the most popular girl in school, so I was pretty excited. We spent middle school getting to know each other and realizing that we had the same values and desires for our lives. High school was the best because of Brittany. Being on the dance team together for three years, we had some pretty great memories. One thing I always remember about Brittany is that during middle school, she would always encourage me by telling me I would end up with the best guy. (I always complained to her that she got all the guys, and I was just the "best friend.") Yes, I believe I found the best guy in 10th grade...my husband. However, she got a pretty great guy herself that same year. Ten years later, they married. The slideshow last night was pretty fabulous...TONS of high school pictures of us and some great Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls music. Here are just a few highlights of the weekend:

We put charms in the petit fours, and as each bridesmaid pulled their charm out, mom read the meaning of that specific charm.

The Bride's seat.

Front door decor.

Main table at the luncheon.

CUTE invitation behind the flowers.

Who knows.

The bride and her bridesmaids.

The two expecting bridesmaids.

What a beautiful bride-to-be at the rehearsal dinner. Thanks, Liz, for having such a great bridesmaid dress! I've already worn it again! :)

Brittany's BIG day!

The happy couple during their first dance...with the slideshow in the background. I believe this was a 10th grade K-Life small group shot.

And who says you can't dance when you are 8 months pregnant?!

Needless to say, I'm still exhausted 24 hours after this party ended.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Schraml!!

So, here are the four weddings from this summer...It was such an honor to get to be a part of each wedding. Four of my best friends married in the same summer. What a crazy fun few months!

Wedding #1: April 23, 2010

Wedding #2: June 5, 2010

Wedding #3: June 12, 2010

Wedding #4: July 24, 2010

Instead of any stories, here are some pictures from the past few weeks. The lack of stories is really just due to the lack of time I have to write at this moment.

I stole this picture from Susie's camera, but this is my mom visiting Gran camp a couple of weeks ago. I pray that I am half as beautiful as my mom in 34 years. And check out the cool cookies on a stick she brought the kiddos.

Constantly showered with wonderful gifts!

Can you tell we are related?! I LOVE my mom and am pretty much in love with this diaper bag full of wonderful things.
Walker sisters. I'm so glad to have these pictures together!

Woah. And that's just half the table.

The incredible hostesses for my Northwest Arkansas shower. Thank you.

The typical prego shot...Wes and I couldn't believe we hadn't done this earlier.

The three Walker sisters again...at my Conway shower.
The aftermath of the Conway shower. Geez.

And the happy couple celebrating my great-aunt's 97th birthday.

Now I'm off to my last wedding of the summer!! Heat index is around 110-112 for the next couple of days...and the Weather Channel says it's dangerous and to stay indoors/keep outdoor exposure limited. Maybe the dreaded swelling will start this weekend. :)

This post is dedicated entirely to Emmett...our pretty cool dog who has impressed me with his ability to "leave it" when he gets anywhere close to Baby Girl Walker's things. I think he knows something is coming that will force him to completely take the back seat in our world, so here's to Emmett!

Sleeping next to the couch (his current location).

When needing a cool break, you can find him lounging in the laundry room.

Yes, that's his day. On my days when I don't go to the gym, I usually take him on a walk in the mornings which is his favorite activity. But, that's about it. We have also gotten him out to Orchards Park lately for our 4th of July celebration and last night's Concert in the Park. He's definitely the talk of the park.

Hanging out listening to the Travis Kidd Band.

Walking around the park before heading home.

Checking out the fountain and pond.

And if you aren't in love yet, here are two picture sure to melt your heart. He sure is trying hard to impress us right now.

And for those of you who aren't familiar with the most routine part of his day, check this out. It's still an every morning ritual, and it makes me smile every day.

Thank you, Emmett, for being a good boy. I'm still nervous about what you are going to do once B-Dubette comes in just two months, but you sure are loved. Just remember that when you are forced to your crate or outside a little more often than usual.

The 4th of July in pictures...

The city of Bentonville really has added a great park and 4th of July Celebration! I wish you could see the pond, fountain, and amphitheater in this picture.

Listening to the Arkansas Winds play. Emmett loved their rendition of Hey Jude.

Molly and Ben playing with their much heavier cousin-dog.

The three Walker sisters. What blessings they are.

Patriotic Morgan.

Ben and his sparklers.

AG complete with silly bandz and star crown.

The three oldest girls relaxing after hot dogs and cake.

Happy 4th!

Mom got these neat pinwheels at the Conway Farmers Market.

And she also made these neat straws, too!

Happy Fourth of July! (well, it's actually the 5th...oh well)