Christmas memories

Christmas was wonderful again this year. The whole holiday season seemed a little less like the typical commercialized idea of Christmas with "Snowmen and Santa" and more about just enjoying time together as a family.... and about the birthday of God's son of course. 

We went to look at Christmas lights and "carol" from the back of Grampa's truck a few days before Christmas as we have for the passed 4 years or so. Doodlebug LOVED the lights! He kept pointing and screaming "IGHTS (silent L of course)" every time he saw a house with lights, which happened quite often considering the neighborhood we drive through is known for them!

The 23rd I took a quick trip to the ER just to keep everyone I know on their toes, but all checked out a.o.k and we are none worse for the wear.

Christmas Eve the boys all went over to see hubby's side of the family early in the morning while I rested. We spent the rest of the day with my side of the family and even stayed over at Grampa's and Gramma's that night. We have always followed the Swedish tradition and exchanged gifts that night. Many wonderful memories were made as always. My favorite was the admiration and COMPLETE and total appreciation from my brother for his gift from our family. Because the gift wasn't really even for him. Well, it was... but it was a gift that he could GIVE to someone else. We got him "hope dollars" to spend through Global Hope Network International (GHNI) to help others in need. He gets to choose where the money is used and how he disperses it. He was sincerely thankful that we knew he would appreciate that kind of gift and that we assisted his ability to give unto others. I am so glad we thought of it for him and that he liked it. What an awesome man he is... but I already knew that!

Christmas morning the little guy slipped (thanks to his cute reindeer slippers I guess) and busted both lips- but a few Mommy hugs, and a little ice and he was good as new. I can't say the same for my previously white shirt. Slight miscommunication with Big B's daddy ended up with him traveling to my aunt's house with us, but still getting back in time to spend time with dad and his siblings. Double the fun.

We ended our Christmas celebrations with the hubby's sisters and kids. Lots of kids, lots of noise, and lots of fun! We hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season as well.

Merry Christmas!

From our family to you and your family!

21 weeks, 21 months, and 21 times better

Howdy friends!
Its all about the number TWENTY-ONE!
Today I am 21 weeks pregnant, Doodlebug is 21 months old, and I'd venture to say that life is at least 21 times better with Big Brother around!

The little lady-
She's been growing for exactly 21 weeks now. She measures in at 13oz as of a few days ago. She moves all the time- especially at night. Her favorite position is with her little hand above her head- we've seen her this way the last three times we've gotten to peak at her. We had a special ultrasound done last week because the last one didn't show adequate views of her heart and facial features. This was a "level 2" ultrasound and they managed to see everything they needed to this time. The tech said her heart and face are BEAUTIFUL. I'd have to agree, having seen them myself, and I can't wait to see her little face in person instead of on the monitor! We bought her a few onsies last week, mainly purple and a couple brown ones with flowers. I'm sure the pink will filter in soon! Her future nursery is getting cleaned and organized and eventually we'll get to painting. 19 weeks (give or take) and we'll meet our little princess. She's been given a name, but for blogging purposes we will call her "Lucky." It doesn't sound too girly now that I write it, so if I come up with something else I'll be sure to let you know!

Our little toddler-
Baby G is a 21 month bundle of energy!!! Right now he is totally stuck on Momma and doesn't want much to do with anyone else. I LOVE the extra cuddle time, but I wouldn't mind if someone else could share it every once in awhile, too. He is beginning to enjoy school, but has yet to really open up. They're in for a real awakening when he finally shows his true self! For 3 nights in a row he has been sleeping in his own room in his own big boy bed. The transition has gone relatively smoothly and I hope it continues. We are very proud of him! Little man wants to do EVERYTHING himself. Even things he can't. He feeds himself very well, but also thinks he can get into his own highchair, dress himself, buckle his own car seat, tie his own shoes, and many other things he isn't quite ready for. We should have named him Mr. Independent. We went to visit Santa the other day and while he didn't cry, he wasn't really comfortable with the jolly 'ol man by any means. He likes hot chocolate, though- which according to him is called "spice." Its about the cutest thing I've ever heard come out of his mouth. He loves to sing Christmas and church songs and likes to dance to them even more. He is also starting to like Elmo, so brother is getting him one that laughs for Christmas. I can't wait to watch him experience Christmas this year!

Our big guy-
I made his title "21 times better" because he makes our lives better- that's for sure. I probably could have also said "thinks he's 21 years old" though, too. Big B is growing up way too fast. While he needs his own space and own time, luckily he is still a huge help with his little brother and just in general. He has had many projects at school lately and while they take a ton of time, he enjoys them and I enjoy helping him. He has signed up for a soccer camp just before Christmas and is so glad to finally be getting back to his favorite sport! He is mighty fond of many holiday foods/drinks right now including the Chick-fil-A peppermint chocolate milkshake, the holiday spice hot chocolate from Sonic, and his very favorite-- Egg Nog! He recently told me I "went overboard" with the things I bought for his little sister which made me laugh for quite awhile. He has no idea what he's in store for.... the monogramming has yet to begin! He loves to be in front of the video camera, but always acts extremely silly when the red light is on- so I don't have much video of him just being him. Maybe I'll get it when he's actually 21!

Holiday preparations and such

So much going on and so little time to blog about it!

Thanksgiving was typical- an amazing time spent with tons of family. I love family time! The hubby was able to be with us this year so that made it even better than last. He often has to work. More kids are being added to the mix each year which is really nice. Fire pits, buggy rides (like a golf cart), horses, tree climbing, and turkey of course = lots and lots of fun!

We've decorated for Christmas and have even done most of our shopping. Lights on the outside of the house didn't quite work as we had planned, but we plan to try again next year. 2 story homes prove to be a little difficult to hang lights on without a VERY tall ladder. Roofs are more steep than they appear. Hiring someone seems to be the wise alternative for next year! Christmas cards will be in the mail soon. A trip to Santa's Wonderland and Holiday Acres tree farm has been worked in and a visit with Santa is scheduled for Monday with our little cousin. Daddy is taking the boys ice-skating next weekend. B has a choir performance coming up that we can't wait to see and the little guy has a Christmas cookie play date planned! I'd say we are keeping busy, but enjoying the holiday season immensely.

Doodlebug is being mighty good with Mommy's special nativity scene that is well within his reach and has been playing with his own "Little People" one instead. He knows exactly where Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph go inside the stable. Only problem is: the sheep doesn't fit inside with them. Each time he places them in their rightful spots  he tries to squeeze the sheep in only to find out he still doesn't fit. Needless to say, all 3 quickly get shoved to the side so the sheep can take center stage. Silly kid!

I hope your holiday preparations are going well.

Pictures to come asap!