A last hurrah

As if he hadn't already spoiled me enough throughout this pregnancy, Matt treated me to an amazing Saturday in LA a couple weekends ago. We figured it'd be our last trip down South before the baby so it was a last hurrah of sorts. The day was perfect! It started off with a leisurely morning and a delicious pancake breakfast made by Matt. Then we hit the road and ended up at a day spa, where Matt gifted me a prenatal massage and facial. (I told you I am spoiled.) Oh my goodness, it was heavenly. And that is a major understatement.

Nothing quite like a big baby bump sticking out of a luxurious robe!

We did a little pre-birthday shopping afterward (Matt and I are both September babies) and then headed West to the beach. It was a bit chilly on the coast so we just held hands and walked barefoot along the shoreline for awhile, enjoying the serenity of the ocean and each other's company.

Then it was time to grab a treat for our impending picnic. Sprinkles fit the bill quite nicely.

We capped off the night with a symphony and fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl. Matt and I loved last summer's Tchaikovsky Spectacular so much that we decided to make summer symphonies at the Hollywood Bowl a yearly tradition. This time, the LA Philharomonic delivered an incredible performance of Fantasia -- providing the score while select scenes played on the big screens. The music was beautiful and it turns out Fantasia is highly entertaining (my 7-year-old self didn't think so). And really, you can't go wrong when fireworks are involved. It was a lovely date!

In case you missed it last year, this is what the Hollywood Bowl looks like. Check out the Hollywood sign underneath the lights on the hills in the background. It's such a pretty setting right in the middle of all the LA craziness.

Josh Groban

I'm not a big concert-goer, but I do have a small list of artists that I think are worth seeing in person. Josh Groban was one of those and since the man hardly ever goes on tour, it took a few years to cross him off. I finally did a week or so ago when he came to LA and it was definitely worth it. It goes without saying that Josh Groban is insanely talented! His voice is so effortlessly beautiful and his band was terribly impressive as well. Matt and I both enjoyed the concert very much (despite Matt's poking fun at a couple of his "cheesier" songs).

Guess what?

A baby belly grows A LOT over a five-week period at the end of a pregnancy.
38+ weeks:

Aside from that revelation, there's actually not too much to update from the last five weeks (the time between our maternity pictures and now). We had previously filled our calendar with all sorts of fun things upon our return to SoCal but then had to lay low per doctor's orders. Luckily, laying low around here isn't so bad thanks to beautiful sunny weather and swimming pools!

The golf course on base has also provided quality entertainment. Matt has taken full advantage of twilight hour rates after work and I've tagged along, applauding his skills and doing super-exciting things like taking pictures of my toes and baby bump. Good times, eh?

Hooray for cheesy pictures! And for being able to see my toes... if I lean over just so :)

Thankfully, things are going well with the pregnancy these days. And since I'm full term now, we were even cleared to head out for a few dates this weekend and last. Other than that, we're just enjoying our time together as we wait for our little guy to arrive. He seems rather comfortable in there, though, so we don't really expect him to come very soon. But we're ready just in case!

Matt came home from attending a daddy class on base, hunted down our old teddy bears, and promptly showed off his new swaddling skills. See? Totally ready.

Maternity Pictures

Now that I'm full term (!), I figured I should probably share a few more baby bump pictures. We had an impromptu mini-maternity photo shoot with my sister Heidi after church when I was just over 33 weeks along.
Here are a few of our favorites:

Let's all just acknowledge the fact that Matt is ridiculously good looking, shall we?

Thanks again, Sis! Didn't she do a great job?

Our baby boy's shower

The highlight of our trip to Utah was definitely our baby shower. All of our family and friends in attendance made it feel so special. Matt and I are still amazed by -- and so grateful for -- everyone's kindness, generosity, and support.
We felt so loved.

And seriously, it was such an amazing shower. My family went above and beyond! The decorations were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the whole party was just plain fun.

There was a classic "shower" theme -- an umbrella on the invitation, clouds and raindrops above the food table, etc.

The food:

More decor:

Before the shower:

During the party:

After the festivities:

My mom and sisters; Liz and Isaac; Alicia and Brody.

My sweet grandma.

The Northern Graf ladies!

To help transition while people were finishing eating, Heidi and Christian made a little questionnaire movie of me and Matt. If you have a few minutes to kill, feel free to check out what we had to say about our little guy and this pregnancy. A few disclaimers: 1) They interviewed us on separate days so no, we don't actually wear matching outfits. 2) My siblings make me laugh, so just keep that in mind, yeah? 3) Yes, I do talk louder and longer than Matt. Or so I'm told. 4) If you'd like a little peak at how random the workings of my brain can be, skip to 2:50. (Be sure to remember point #2, though! You should have seen Christian's face behind the camera. Oh man.) A historic icon, a rapper, an old movie and scriptures, all in one answer? Yep. Got that covered.

Thank you, again, to all who came! We feel so lucky to have you as a part of our lives and can't wait to make you a part of our baby boy's life, too.