Maternity Photos {Brooks William Kell}

We're down to the home stretch before we meet our newest little guy!  Words just can't describe the excitement of this phase! Thankfully, this part goes fast because of the long to-do list :) Even if you're two weeks late (ahem, Tucker...) there are usually things you can keep adding to "get done before" that help the time pass! 

One of the big things always on my list for the last month are maternity photos.  I'm not always feeling my most beautiful that last month but I do look back at the photos with sweet memories of this unique and special time with each of my babies and our growing family.  I wish I could say I just love being pregnant.  I know some women really, truly do!  I don't have difficult pregnancies and I love being a mommy more than anything in the world-- but pregnancy is not for the weak!  It's a tough job and it's one of the most rewarding I can think of-- but if I'm being completely honest, I do look forward to having my babies on the outside of me! That being said, I still treasure this time and the memories of the transition between family of 2...3...4...5. 

So, without further ado... our maternity photos with Brooks!  Brooks has a nautical-themed nursey (I plan on posting about that one of these days...) so I wanted to get near some water.  Living in Colorado Springs, it's not overly easy to find water with sailboats on it (ha!) but I think the lake and the sand was perfect, especially with the mountains in the background because he IS a Colorado baby. Thanks so much to my sissies for doing these for us  :) I love them!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  

Psalm 139:13-14

To My Son: Westin

Dear Sweet Westin:

It's your birthday!  This is a big one-- you are FIVE today.  I'm so excited about this birthday because I know how excited you are.  I can't wait to watch the joy and excitement on your face as we celebrate you.  

I've learned so much about you this year!  One of my greatest joys in this life is getting to know you.  It's such a pleasure to watch your personality develop and be around you day in and day out as all the little changes take place.  

You have such a sweet, gentle spirit and it's equaled by your confident, outgoing outlook on life.  You care deeply about other people and are careful not to make mistakes-- but this doesn't keep you from standing up, answering questions, asking questions, and putting yourself out there.  I hope you can maintain this balance because I don't know many other people who are so strong in both areas-- with the exception being your Daddy! 

I love how much you love to help.  Helping others is a joy to you and you do it without being asked on many occasions.  I also hear your compassion for other people come out in your prayers as you pray for people that you know don't have all the luxuries that you have.  I pray that you always have a strong compassion for people and a desire to help in any way you can.

You are brilliant.  You are always challenging me with your questions and follow-up questions.  You soak up everything around you and have such an easy way of analyzing and making sense of things.  You amaze me and I look forward to watching you as you continue to learn and I pray you will always have a love of learning.

Thank you for your patience with me as learning to be your mommy is an ongoing process! I'm praying daily that I will be the mommy you need me to be and that our awesome God will make up for my weaknesses so that you will have every opportunity to be the man we desire you to be!  I'm so grateful for our relationship and I pray that it will remain strong throughout our lives.  You are such a blessing to me! 

Happy birthday, love!  I'm so glad we get to celebrate you today and I hope you feel as special as you are.  Never, ever forget how much your mommy loves you!       

Celebrating Brooks

Brooks & I were surprised with such a sweet shower this past weekend! I was not expecting a shower AT ALL, this being the third Kell boy ;).  But I was overwhelmed by the love & generosity we were shown by our wonderful friends & family.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  For making us feel so loved! And thank you, Kortney, for the pictures and for all your hard work!

Brooks' nursery is a nautical theme... and so was his shower :)

  The lovely ladies who were there when I showed up to yell surprise ;) plus my mom and sisters... Such a sweet group of people!

 This cracks me up... Taylor watching us through the peephole!

 Everybody knew Kreg was texting & driving... oops! He told me he was taking me on a date and we were dropping the boys off while we went out.  I sure am glad he said that so I was dressed for the occasion.  I could have VERY easily shown up in yoga pants & a baseball hat!

 I've really been missing my grandma! I was so glad she made the drive down for the day :)

 Some tear jerkers for this mama with everything that was "hoped" for him from this sweet group of friends.

 I'm definitely not the skinny sister right now! I love them anyway :) Me & my sissies

 All of my family that was there.  Love each of these ladies!

A few of my friends who made it-- and all of their daughters!

I really just can't say how thankful I was to be loved on & how great it felt to celebrate baby #3.  Down to the last month-ish before we meet him & kiss his precious baby head.  Thank you, God, for keeping us safe & healthy so far!  Please continue to watch over us & protect us as only You can.  I'm so grateful for the sweet blessings You have entrusted to my care! My cup runneth over.