Maternity Leave

Thank you for your love and support as I take time off to focus on our growing family. I will be out of the office, starting November 18, 2017, as we prepare for the arrival of our son at the end of November. I will be checking email and hope to be taking on new projects in the spring of 2018. I am so thankful for the wonderful clients I've had the privilege of working with this year!

All my best, Sarah

Gender-Neutral Farm Animal Baby Shower Invitation

 

I love having the opportunity to design invitations for friends that I have known most of my life. My friend, Alonna and her husband, Pat, recently welcomed their precious baby girl into their family and I could not be happier for them! I've known Alonna and her family since she was in second grade (or longer!). Alonna and Pat are such an adorable couple, and if you know Alonna, you know how much she loves animals. This gender-neutral farm animal theme invitation was so much fun to create, based on their idea. I applaud them for being able to wait 9 months to find out if they were having a girl or a boy. Welcome to the world sweet baby! You are so very loved.

So Much to Say

 
I'm not very good at verbally communicating (just ask my husband). I've always preferred writing my thoughts and feelings. I often get tongue tied, forget what I was going to say or what I really wanted to say, doesn't come out quite right. And speaking in front of large crowds? Forget it. It's taken me years to be able to stand at the front of a room and present coherent material at a meeting.

Becoming a mom has caused me to feel more deeply and experience emotions on a whole new level. I find myself lacking the words to articulate my feelings, even more now. After waiting years to have our son, I wake up every day with the realization that we are so very lucky, blessed, to have him here with us. I get to see his smile every morning. I get to rock him to sleep every night. I get to play with him and watch him discover the world. He is bursting with life. Our God-sent gift of love.

Sadly, so many people aren't able to experience the same.

Very early this morning, a friend of mine gave birth to her second child. A precious baby boy, who lived for just 18 minutes. Minutes. She and her husband knew early on that their baby was not expected to live long after birth, yet they saw no other choice than to carry him to term. They welcomed him into their hearts, long before they met him. And today, they finally met him and also said goodbye to him, this side of heaven. Their daughter welcomed him into heaven and they are both with Jesus. Two babies they held in their arms are now in the arms of Jesus.

My heart is so broken for them. Knowing they were at the hospital yesterday, waiting for his arrival, I couldn't keep back tears. I still can't. I've been praying continually. Praying prayers that I don't even have words for. Praying that God would wrap His arms around them and comfort them like only He can. I think the glaring question in everyone's mind is, "Why, God?" We may never know the answer. But our God is still good. He is still faithful. Still in control. And to Him be the glory.

I look around me and there are children with cancer. Babies who need transplants. Kids who don't make it to their 5th birthday. It's beyond heart wrenching. My mom-heart aches for these families and wishes it would all just go away. Children don't deserve this. There is nothing right or fair about it. 

It makes me hug my baby boy a little tighter. Stare at him while he's sleeping a little longer. Kiss his sweet face a few more times. And one more kiss before I go to bed. It makes me thank God with all my heart that he is here, that he's healthy, that he's happy. It makes me pray harder for his health and well-being, but most of all, that he will love God with all his heart and live for his purpose. It makes me feel so undeserving. So blessed. Clinging tightly to every moment. Desiring to take it all in and not forget a single thing. Even on a frustrating day, there is so much to be thankful for.

Today, Marshall fell asleep on my shoulder. Lately he's been napping and sleeping in his crib the majority of the time. But today, he wanted to sleep in my arms. So I held him for almost and hour, even though my arm muscles started to burn and my back started to ache. I wanted to cradle him forever. Not everyone gets to do that. God has given me an amazing gift and I want to cherish that gift, every single day.

Sometimes no words are needed. You only need to hold tightly to the ones God has placed in your life. Those are the moments that say it all.

So, if things have been, and continue to be a little quiet around here, know that I am doing "mom things", taking care of my family, loving my husband and my son, and trying to be the woman God wants me to be. He has blessed me far abundantly beyond what I could ever hope for.

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5

Very Soon

You guys. This baby could arrive any day now! 

I know I've been MIA lately with posts and updates. I'm sorry! We have been excitedly preparing for baby's arrival, enjoying these last few weeks hibernating inside during this cold winter and dreaming of what's to come.

It truly is hard to believe that I'll be holding our baby boy in my arms, in what could be a matter of days! My due date is February 2 (which also happens to be groundhog day). I have no idea when our little guy's birthday will be. I do like surprises though, so it's kind of fun not knowing when it will happen. Then again, it would be nice to know so I could be "prepared." Even though I know "prepared" may be wishful thinking.

I didn't think we would have the chance to do any maternity photos but I was wrong. I am so thankful for my sweet, talented friend and photographer, Bethany, for once again taking such beautiful photos that I will cherish forever! If you haven't seen her work yet, you simply must visit her website. We will be doing a newborn session with her when little Mr. arrives and I absolutely cannot wait. I don't know how many times I have swooned over her newborn image gallery. Bethany, you truly have a gift! 

I'll be starting my maternity leave soon which will most likely include a break from blogging. I'm sure you understand! I don't know how long I'll be offline, but I'll check in once things settle and share the news of our precious arrival.

Thank you, kind readers, for your love, support and prayers as we journey into this new world of parenting. 

Love and Hugs,
Sarah

Baby Boy's Room

I had so much fun dreaming up and decorating our baby boy's room. I couldn't have done it without my DIY partner, that's for sure. It was put together with lots of love by both Andrew and I. He is my expert painter, shelf hanger, furniture assembler, window blind installer and more. I am truly thankful for that! 

My vision was to create a tranquil room with a gray and white base, and incorporate pale yellow and light blue accent colors. I am still a fan of gray and white chevron and found pieces I could use to tie it all together (but not go overboard). 

The fabric I used to make tab-top window curtains started the ball rolling with the overall theme. It has the colors I wanted in a chevron and small polka-dot pattern (Jo-Ann Fabrics). Not too babyish, yet still boyish. I knew I didn't want a character themed room or one of those bedroom-in-a-bag sets. Just color and pattern with a simple, cozy customized feel. The colors and curtains can easily be swapped out.

I used the same color palette to sew a paper mobile, inspired by this one. The strings were definitely a challenge, but I love how it turned out! Very inexpensive, too. 

One of the dressers I grew up with will act as the changing table. Above the dresser, we hung a mirror we already had and added metal baskets for extra storage (from Hobby Lobby). We are so blessed to have many hand-me-downs and baby items to use and borrow from friends and family, such as the changing pad and diaper genie. 

Isn't this rocking elephant just the cutest thing (Pottery Barn)? He was a surprise gift from my Aunt and cousins. I can't wait for our little guy to use it! 

We added a pair of simple white shelves from IKEA. Baby Ohl will most definitely be an Eagles fan like his Dad, so of course he needed an Eagles piggy bank!

Beneath the shelves is a small bookcase that my husband made in high school shop class. He cleaned it up and painted it white. Now it houses all the wonderful books we received that I can't wait to read at bedtime. I love how special this piece is. 

Some buddies and blankies, waiting to be friends.

We decided to keep the daybed in the room, which I'm sure will be frequently used for naps and nighttime feedings. When he's ready to graduate from his crib, he'll already have a bed. And it can still double as a guest room when needed.

I put together some wall art (most of which was found or inspired by Pinterest). The magnetic alphabet letters will be fun to play with. I'm sure Nana will like the deer head. The snail and mushroom print was a gift to remember my coworker, Karen. She was such a talented artist, who passed away from cancer last year. I think she would be happy to know that it hangs on our nursery wall.

Another hand-me-down that I'm especially grateful for is this glider rocker and ottoman. I know I'll be spending many hours here, rocking our sweet baby. 

I can hardly believe that he'll be wearing tiny little adorable things like this! I have to admit, I'm looking forward to dressing him up in all the cute clothes we received. 

This is a look back at our former guest room which was lavender and periwinkle.

The walls are now gray and white, we have more than enough to care for him and the room is ready to welcome our baby boy. I hope he likes it as much as we do.

Our hearts and our home are ready for you, sweet boy. We can't wait to meet you!

New Year, New Hope

Happy New Year! 

As I look back at 2014, and look ahead to 2015, I am filled with tremendous hope and anticipation of what's certain to be a life changing year for us. Based on my due date, the possibility of meeting our baby boy is just 31 days away! One month to go! Maybe sooner, maybe later. 

Next to the year I got engaged and married, I've never looked forward to something so much in my life. The thought of being a mom, entrusted with a precious new life, both excites and scares me. God has chosen Andrew and I to be this little boy's parents. The wonder and uncertainty of it all overwhelms my heart. I'm so thankful for what God is doing, and is about to do in our lives.

Last year at this time, we didn't know when or if we'd be pregnant. The first portion of the year was characterized by disappointment, frustration, sadness, prayers for patience and increased reliance on God's strength and timing. After "giving up" our will, our way and surrendering to the fact that it was out of our control, God surprised us when I found out I was pregnant in early June. It was an answer to our prayers and the most wonderful gift! 

For the rest of 2014 I felt a new sense of joy, hope, and so much thankfulness, completely humbled that God would bless us so abundantly. God is good. He's always been good. In so many countless ways throughout my entire life. I can look back at each of my 32 years and see God's hand carrying me, protecting me, loving me, leading me, helping me, saving me. Even when I turned away from Him or couldn't understand what He was doing. Through the good and the bad. When the road was beautiful and easy and when it was dark and difficult. Sure, I still have moments of uncertainty and doubt. I am human and flawed. But in the depths of my soul I know He is there, through it all. All of it is because of Him. Because of His great grace and merciful love, of which I am completely undeserving, yet so incredibly grateful. 

I hope that in 2015, you too, come to know the depths of God's love for you. That you experience His unspeakable joy and know what it's like to live life with Him. You were made by Him and for Him. He is so in love with you. It's hard to comprehend, I know, but it's true! 

The photo above was taken in early November, at the same spot where we had our wedding photos taken, nine and a half years ago. 

We've grown so much and come so far in almost 10 years since our wedding day. God has carried us through many seasons. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us in 2015 and all the years head. 

Baby Shower Blessings

November has been a month of tremendous blessings! Andrew and I can't even begin to thank our family and friends for their generous outpouring of love, support and gifts for our baby boy on the way. We have been so very blessed by three (wow!) beautiful baby showers thrown for us by sweet friends, my sister Lisa, and Andrew's Mom Marilyn. Each one so thoughtful, special and memorable. 

I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to be surrounded by so many loved ones, hearing their words of encouragement, prayers, and heartfelt wishes for our family. God has truly blessed us so abundantly! This baby is already loved so much, by so many. Thank you, Lord! 

Looking at these photos of each group of women, family and friends makes my heart smile. Here's a glimpse into each special day. 

Christy, Kimi, Susan and their Mom Lucy, have become dear sisters to me. I am so thankful for their family. These ladies put together a beautiful baby shower at the home they grew up in. A warm, cozy fall theme with fresh flowers, delicious desserts, my favorite brunch foods, pretty decorations - it was absolutely lovely. So many sweet friends, some that I've known for years and years, all gathered together. Some even made food and helped put on the celebration as well. I love these girls so much! They sure know how to make me feel special. I'll be looking to many of these experienced moms for plenty of advice.

My sister, Lisa, her sweet Mother in Law, Mary, and my niece, Emma, put together a beautiful baby shower at a local restaurant for our family and dear friends (who basically are family to us). It was a perfect setting with breakfast and the most delicious cut-out cookies (yum)! I was so touched that so many drove from out of town to celebrate with us. It's been an exciting year for our family with engagements, graduations, weddings, bridal and baby showers. It's been so nice catching up with aunts and cousins. I'm so thankful for family! I only wish my Mom could have been there (she lives in Arizona). I know how much she wanted to be here and would have enjoyed it. I was truly blessed by the thoughtfulness, love and generosity in every detail. Lisa, Emma and Mary made it such a special day and showered us with so much love. 

We traveled to Pennsylvania to celebrate our annual early Thanksgiving with the Ohl's on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Marilyn threw us a baby shower Sunday afternoon at a darling tea room. It was so charming and the lunch menu was delicious - including a strawberry cream cake! I especially enjoyed my own pot of freshly brewed tea and drinking from an antique cup and saucer. It's the little things. We were so blessed to share this special day with our extended family and celebrate a new soon-to-be member of the Ohl family. I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of Marilyn's sweet friends, many of whom I was meeting for the first time. Everyone was so kind. We truly are blessed, abundantly. 

I still can't get over the outpouring of love for us. I loved opening every gift and reading every card. I wish I could have spent more time talking with each guest. I like hearing everyone's words of advice and wisdom and memories. I know there is so much ahead of us on this journey into parenthood. It helps to know that there are so many women I can talk to and so many people that are excited for us and looking forward to meeting our baby boy, our gift from God.

I have been organizing all of the adorable clothes and tiny onesies and imaging dressing him in them. I love sitting in his room and daydreaming about holding him in my arms. It still seems surreal and I'm so excited to meet him! A little over 2 months to go! 

Andrew and I want to thank everyone, from the bottom of our hearts, for showering us with so much joy. We love you and thank God for placing each of you in our lives. Your love and support means so much to us. 

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34 

We truly have so much to be thankful for.