Evolution of the Bump...

The Amazing Truxton

I beg of you to please pay no attention to the pregnant woman bathing in the background. If it weren't for wanting to share evidence our goofy dog will indeed dive to the bottom of the pool for his beloved toys, I would never post this video.

Here it is...the amazing Truxton diving.

Scrumptious!

There were two things I needed to accomplish Saturday (well, many more than 2 things but these things were of paticular importance.) 1. Make a tasty breakfast treat to take to our small group at church Sunday morning. 2. Use the fresh fruit in my fridge before it went bad.

The result: Blueberry Streusel Muffins and Blackberry Walnut Bread

Success! I was skeptical at first, but both turned out quite tasty...especially the Blackberry Walnut Bread. These recipes are keepers -- both are very easy, fairly quick, and can be eaten right away or savored over time.

Blackberry Walnut Bread (makes 2 loaves)
2 C all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground nutmeg
2 C sugar
1/4 t ground allspice
4 eggs, well beaten
1 1/4 C vegetable oil
2 C fresh blackberries (frozen if not in season)
1 C halved walnuts (or chopped if you prefer)

Mix dry ingredients together. Add eggs and oil. Fold in blackberries and walnuts just until mixed. Pour into 2 well-greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch bread pans at 350' for 60 minutes. Cool in pans on cooling rack at least 5 minutes before eating.

Blueberry Streusel Muffins (makes 12)
1/4 C butter, softened
1/3 C sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 t vanilla extract
2 1/3 C all-purpose flour
4 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 C milk
1 1/2 C fresh blueberries (frozen if not in season)

Streusel: (this would also be yummy as the topping for a pie!)
1/2 C sugar
1/3 C all-purpose flour
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 C cold butter

Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in egg and vanilla; mix well.
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternating with milk.
Fold in blueberries.
Fill 12 greased or paper-lined* muffin cups 2/3rds full.
In a small bowl combine streusel ingredients, cutting in butter with a pastry fork until cumbly.
Sprinkle over muffins generously. (don't worry about the streusel mix getting all over the muffin pan; after baking and while you wait for the muffins to cool, you can peel the extra struesel off the pan and snack on it...guilty pleasure)

Bake at 375' for 25 - 30 minutes or until browned. Cool for 5 minutes in pan, then remove to wire rack (or eat immediately)

*Hint: I prefer greasing muffin tins over using paper cups. Get the baking spray that combines oil with flour and your cupcakes, muffins, and breads will slide right out of the pan.

Maggie's Nursery Complete

The nursery is officially ready and awaiting the arrival of Magdalyn Elizabeth. Jared and I have had such a great time putting her room together. It was wonderful having this project to focus on these past 8 months. It gave us a chance to spend time together, reflecting on what parenthood may be like. We'll forever have memories and stories of our evenings painting, hanging, and arranging and I'm so grateful for each moment spent together in this room. I can't hardly imagine what the next moments will be like.

Thanks to everyone who provided hand-me-downs and gifts. I do not take any of it forgranted and am overwhelmed with the blessings God has offered us. We are not deserving but we are grateful.

To Maggie ~ we look forward to meeting you and hope you like the space we've prepared for you. Love, Mommy & Daddy

Wonderful Weekend...

The weather in Kansas City this past weekend ranged between mid-70s to low-80s and mostly sunny. It couldn't be more perfect! Jared and I enjoyed hosting our moms, my older sister, Sondra, and our 3 1/2 year old niece, Sadie. Sadie believes Jared 'hung the moon' and was attached to him most of the weekend. I imagine this may be how our little girl will feel about her daddy too one day.

My very dear friends, Ellie and Jessica, hosted a beautiful Petunia-themed shower for Maggie & I; and we added some final touches to the nursery. With a busy work-week already started I don't have much time to write but have posted many photos below.

3 weeks, 5 days, and counting until our due date...

"Petunia's" Baby Shower

The Petunia-themed shower was hosted by Jessica Charlsen and Ellie Robison (w/ her daughter Lilli)

My niece, Sadie (3 1/2 years old)

The progression of pregnancy: Jess (5 + mths), Jenn(7+ mths), and Me (8+ mths)
Get ready for the growth spurt Jess! It's coming.

Baby Pictures

Gorgeous Grandmas: Linda Flinn and Marsha Bishop

The Game: Guess that Flavor Look close...these M&Ms say "Maggie" and "Petunia"

Lisa and Carly

Kerrie and Julie

The KC Girls: Meagan, Carly, Jess, Me, Lisa, Julie, Kerrie, Ellie, Lilli, Jen

After Baby Gift - Mmmmm

Petunia Seeds as the Party Favor
Family: Jared's Mom, Me, My Mom, Sadie, and Sondra Hostess and Future Hostess: Ellie w/ Lilli (nearly 2yo)
Bloomers! I love these.


Other Random Photos

Both nights we made smores on our back patio. Turns out Jared is an expert Marshmallow Roaster and us girls are expert Smores eaters.
Sondra emailed us this picture of Simon (7yo nephew) after she returned home to Dallas on Sunday. We haven't been able to go to one of his swim meets yet, but I love this picture! He won the "Splash Spirit" award this year, for the second time...this picture kind of says it all.

Adding molding to the nursery...one of the final touches we did this weekend and the nursery is now ready for baby.
And we've already started on the playroom! This wall is now painted completely with chalkboard paint to create a fun "draw on the wall" space for our friends' kids, nephews & nieces, and eventually Maggie.

34 Weeks, 6 Days, and Counting...

We had a final sonogram with Dr. Matile today to take a "quick peek" at our little Petunia. I've posted a sonogram photo of her face below but I'm not sure how well you'll be able to see it.

Maggie has a high heartrate of 160 and is active, active, active. She never seems to quit moving, which has allowed Jared to feel her more and more. Jared says "she's a Voss" because she's so busy all the time. I can even sit and watch my tummy dance sometimes. Her head is down, butt is up, and she's looking to be an average size baby -- we're expecting around 7lbs at full term.

Now it's just check-ups and waiting for the next month or so..

4th of July Weekend

We enjoyed a fun-filled, laid-back, 4th of July weekend at home in Prairie Village. It was a real treat to have Jared's younger brother, Nick, and his family - Jesie and Beau (5mths) - visit for the weekend. We loved having them here! Nick and Jesie make having an infant look easy, which is encouraging given we'll have our own in 6 weeks or less.

On Saturday Jared and I volunteered most of the day at the Prairie Village VillageFest, a 4th of July celebration for families of our little town. I'm on the VillageFest planning committee, so naturally Jared got ropped into helping as well. We love living here so much it's nice to be able to give back a bit. Jared visited with the Mayor and committed me to run for City Council...hmmm, hopefully the Mayor doesn't hold me to that any time soon.

Now that we've started our 35th week of pregnancy (today!) we're finalizing preparations for Maggie's arrival. The nursery is nearly complete -- all roses have been painted and we've got a drawer full of freshly washed newborn clothes to get us through the first couple weeks.

Jared's Reward for Volunteering at VillageFest All Day -- a Tour of the Chanook Helicopter (soooo cool!)

Uncle Jared with Our Nephew, Beau

Beau Loved "Puppy" Trux

One Advantage to Being Home -- I Get to Cook! Our 4th of July dinner included BBQ Ribs, Fried Green Tomatoes, Grilled Peaches, Homemade Mac N' Cheese, and a Black & Blueberry Pie -- Yummy!

Jared and Nick

Mommy-to-Be Putting Away Just-Washed Onesies

The Crib

I Hope She Likes Flowers

Jared's Masterpiece Complete - A Wall of Roses

Jared's 2nd Masterpiece in Progress -- "The Berm"