I don’t know how to say this without sounding cheesy, but it’s been a very sweet week. Sweet emotionally, yes, but also packed with sugar.

Despite what I may portray on my Instagram feed, I’ve actually kept up my healthy eating for the most part during this pregnancy. This seems like a pretty important and appropriate time to keep my body as healthy as possible, but some weeks the sweets are too abundant to pass up.

It started with pumpkin bread French toast during my Saturday brunch date with Dan.

Then it was a piece of pumpkin cream cheese roll to celebrate a coworker’s return from maternity leave. The next day was my work baby shower, so clearly I couldn’t pass up the little nest cupcakes we had for dessert. (How thoughtful are my coworkers for choosing a theme that aligns to my blog?) And finally on Thursday, fresh donuts from a mom-and-pop shop. I do not pass up donuts. Ever.

This week was also a sweet time of celebrating Baby Bergman with so many dear friends at work, some unexpected grace from a friend when I desperately needed it, and renewed connection with Dan. I’m looking forward to more sweet time with Dan’s family this weekend as we celebrate with another shower for Baby B, and with our church family as we celebrate Willow Creek’s 40th anniversary.

Despite the sweetness, this was a tough week on my soul as I find myself much busier than I’m comfortable with, but I’m continuing to practice saying the hard nos so I can prioritize what matters most. I’m looking forward to seeing the fruit of my nos in the coming weeks.

Also, today marks exactly one month until my due date: sweet, strange, and terrifying!

Cultivating Gratitude

My loving teammates, who threw me an incredibly thoughtful and personal baby shower this week, and so many generous coworkers who celebrated me and gave generous gifts to Baby B.

Riley. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been gone—3 minutes or 3 hours—she always freaks out and nuzzles me for a solid 10 minutes when I get home.

My mom. God has gifted her with a real talent for photography, and while I know she can’t make a career out of it right now, I love seeing her use this gift to serve people she loves. Her heart is for capturing and preserving special moments, and that comes out in every photo she takes and in the tireless hours she spends editing.

The wisdom of many trusted moms who have gone before me. I’m so glad I don’t have to figure this out alone.

Sharing Love

“When we tell women that they should feel happy because they have something worth longing for, we don’t give them the space to be human.” // Why It’s Dangerous to Shame Another Woman’s Feelings

Something about this windy, gorgeous season begs for food with warmth, rich tones and flavors, and hearty textures. // Peach Blackberry Vanilla Crisp

“I’m about to denounce problem solving. But not the kind of the problem solving that empowers the disempowered or heals the wounded—that I’m genuinely behind. I’m more concerned with the culture of problem solving that sees life as nothing but a string of issues waiting to be resolved.” // 7 Confessions of a Chronic Problem Solver

“Sometimes just asking your vendor for a lower price is all it takes. We got a lower price on the venue, photographer, and DJ just by asking about a Sunday discount!” // 20 Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding