I thought today would be a good day to share some of the pictures from our thanksgiving. Most of these are candid shots and I sadly didn't even get a family photo of us. This pregnancy is making me so absent minded when it comes to photos.... I guess I'm just super uncomfortable most of the time so I forget. I'm definitely bummed about it, but it was still a great day. Watching all he kidos together (and knowing we will have one more crawling or almost walking around next year) makes me so happy!! 

One of my favorite Turkey Day traditions has to be the parade and looking at sale papers with my mom. Once Peter and I got married we continued the tradition, she comes over to our house and we make some breakfast, while we watch the parade together. This was the first year that Solomon was excited to watch it, which was pretty cute. He just kept saying WOW over and over. Peter made his famous breakfast bagels with some bacon, and we all piled up on the couch with the sales papers, that my mom picked up on the way over. 

YAY! Huge balloons!

Lunch always takes place at Peter's Mom's house and I'm always excited for the delicious Arabic meals that we have to choose from. I normally skip the turkey at her house so I'll have room for my mom's turkey at dinner. It's funny how I had to be even more strategic this year, since I didn't have a lot of room for food, thanks to Asher. 

Arabic desserts are also a big treat!!! YUM!

& Celebrating Joy's birthday!

I found these little turkey masks at Hobby Lobby and knew that the boys would love to color them.

It was a big hit, Solomon even sat alone and colored for almost 20 minutes. 

After spending the day with Peter's side, we head to my mom's house for a southern style Thanksgiving. I always look forward to the broccoli casserole, YUUUUUM, it's my favorite. Solomon loves broccoli also, and when he asked for some and I put a piece on his plate, he was so confused. He looked at me like, this is not green! Haha, he wasn't a fan of the casserole but he sure did love Gigi's mashed potatoes! 

Joni's amazing carrot cake and my chocolate pecan pie!!

Solomon is kind of obsessed with musical instruments, and the violin is one of his favorites, so we asked Joanna to bring hers and play some songs for us. Solomon's face was priceless!!

The picture below was when he requested Frosty the Snowman, ha! 

More coloring, we are definitely thankful for coloring this year! 

weekly three.

It was a wonderful and busy week that flew by thanks to the holiday! I can't believe Thanksgiving was yesterday. So crazy!! It was a great day though, surrounded by family, a bunch of crazy kids, and a lot of yummy food. I'm ready to get our house decorated for Christmas and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with my family! Hope you all had a great holiday week!!

listening to Solomon play solo in the playroom while I was cleaning and sneaking this photo.

He's so precious!! 

Not gonna lie, marrying Peter has a lot of perks, like stuffed grape leaves for Thanksgiving!

I love that I get a middle eastern feast for lunch and then the amazing southern staples for dinner... YUM!

Turkey day crafts for the kids, they loved it, and were so cute with their masks!

loving two.

Sometimes, I forget to truly take the time to sit and think about the second little miracle growing in my belly, because of this busy life as a mom. I think most moms feel this way with their second child, and I expected it, but it's still heart breaking in a way. I think about all the time and moments that I had with my first pregnancy to sit and wonder and write and dream about what life would be like as a mom. This time around, I'm already in it. 

I'm listening to a sweet little voice all day.... Mommy, hold you.... Mommy, eat.... Mommy, play.... but I'm so looking forward to watching my second little love learn who their mommy is. Watching him lock eyes with me for the first time. Spending the many hours of nursing and rocking during the night. Eventually hearing my important name of Momma leave his lips as he's looking up at me with love. Being a mom to two is a dream come true for sure. 

At night I lay in bed, able to be a mom of one for a little while, a mom to the little guy that is wiggling and kicking around inside of me. I'm ready to sleep and rest but he's ready to say hello. He wakes up with his a long round of hiccups, that I feel may never end, but eventually we both settle for the night and sleep. I never want to forget those little moments with our second boy before he is in our arms. These moments are so important to me, even if I don't get to constantly think about them, like I did the first time around. 

Loving two is such a blessing and I can't wait to feel my heart grow to make room for Asher. I know it will double in size, and I'll love him and Solomon even more because of it. The days are flying by and the end of December will be here so soon. Then I'll be able to hold our new little guy. I can't wait for that day to arrive.

our first baby girl.

I can't believe it finally happened!!! The first Eliya in our family to produce a girl. It only took eight tries. As most of you know, we have a lot of boys in the family. Asher will be number seven, all five and younger. So when Joy found out she was pregnant with a girl, we were all SHOCKED. I mean, I called it, but I was shocked that I was actually right! My mom and I loved showing our love language with a little party to celebrate the first baby girl and Joy! We can't wait to meet her!!! 

All the floral touches were so pretty and fun to put together. My favorite part was the floral hoop wreath that I made for baby girl's bedroom door. They aren't sure about her name yet, so I told Joy I could add an initial to it once she's here and has a name. The cake was also beautiful and so delicious. My cousin with Sweet By & By Cakery did an amazing job like always. I sent her a picture of the invite and the hoop wreath for inspiration, she's so talented! 

sweet babies!!! I can't wait to spend 2018 loving on these three!

A sunday afternoon shower is the perfect time for some coffee and desserts! My mom and I made sure to have all of Joy's favorite things, including homemade chocolate pecan pie!

The felt flower garland that we made with my Cricut was so fun. 

Bows and girly colors, oh my!!

We love you, Joy, and we can't wait to love on your baby girl!!!