Catching Up - The "Pre-Molly" Days

I have a lot of catching up to do, but I'll try to keep it quick!  Mike and I decided we wanted to start trying to have a family around August 2012.  I took a pregnancy test a few times in Mid October but unfortunately they were all negative.  So when it came time for our friends Lizzy and Sean to get hitched, Mike and I both partied it up and fully enjoyed the open bar!  I felt a little under the weather the next day (understandable considering how much I drank the night before).  I'm not sure what compelled me to take another test but I figured "why not?".  To my disbelief, I saw a positive sign.  As I was shaking, I went out to the kitchen to show Mike.  I think we were both in complete shock.  I took another test; still positive.

And so our adventure as soon to be parents began=).

One of my first "pregnant" photos (I think I am about 9 weeks here).

Here is another one at about 20 weeks:

Finally, here is one from my third trimester.  I honestly thought Molly was going to be HUGE, which I later found out I was completely wrong=).

Of course one of the main highlights leading up to Molly's birth were finding out she was a girl!

My friend Lauren and I went shopping as soon as I found out and here are the first (of many) GIRL things I bought.

My dad and Robynne came to visit the weekend after we found out and of course we could not wait to go shopping for her nursery furniture.  We had so much fun shopping and found the perfect grey set.  We were so lucky to have some of Molly's grandparents with us for the big decision and are very grateful for their help with the beautiful furniture.  We often joke that Molly's furniture is the nicest in our house.  Here is the finished product of her nursery (which is now her "old" nursery since we have moved).  I love the way it turned out and can't wait to get her new nursery in the same shape!

The other "main event" of my pregnancy was of course the baby shower!  My friends (Liz & Emily)/mom did a BEAUTIFUL job on my shower and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.  I was so humbled by all of the people who came to show love for Molly and I.  Molly also scored some adorable new outfits (Let's just say Molly has some "aunts" with a shopping problem..ahem Angela and Lauren).  The biggest surprise from my shower was my best friend Austin and her daughter Amelia surprising me with their appearance for the weekend!  I thought I was hallucinating when I saw this adorable little girl run up to me the Thursday before my shower.  No one can ever pull off a surprise on me....but Austin did!  Here is a pic of us from the weekend (My bff Lydia made the trek too but that wasn't a surprise):

Here are a few pics from the fabulous weekend:

Four Generations!

Nancy came all the way from NJ for the day!

My fabulous SIL's and Step mom...and ADORABLE niece!

Most of the crew...I love you all!

The gracious hosts!

Friends for a LONG time

Fittingly, we celebrated Mother's Day the day after my shower.  SO lucky that Mimi and Grandpa could make the trip.  Even my big bro came to celebrate Molly!

Okay, that was a LONG post.  I think Molly's birth story will have to be a new post.  It's hard to cram 9 months into one post but I hope you enjoyed the highlights.