Pre-Christmas Festivities

In pictures...

We went to Mike's squadron's Christmas party where AK watched Santa come riding (taxi-ing) in a Harrier. He climbed out and then gave presents to all the children.

Abby Kate was NOT going up there when her name was called unless I dragged her, so that's what I did! Once she saw he was going to be giving her a present, well then she was all smiles of course.

Her favorite gift was the candy necklace. I've never seen her more focused than when she worked so hard getting those little pieces of candy off the string!

We let the girls exchange gifts and then went out to an adults only dinner one night to celebrate Christmas with the Newbolds.

On Sunday, we had our own family Christmas here at home since we'll be in TX on Christmas Day. Mike awoke early to assemble one of Abby Kate's gifts, while I distracted her with cartoons. It had a bazillion little parts... so THREE hours later...

She finds her little kitchen! She has been cooking us spaghetti, turkey, chicken nuggets and "betchables" (vegetables) all day, every day. (Thanks for the great gift, Grandma and Grandpa Wallace.)

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas along with success and happiness in 2009!

Oh, the Nausea

I was hoping I would somehow be spared of it this time around. No such luck. I'm only approaching the 7th week and it's already started (a bit earlier than with AK). It's not as bad as I know it can get yet. Still holding out hope to feel well again by the time the 2nd trimester rolls around. Last time, it simply never went away.

We attended a Happy Birthday, Jesus, party last night as guests at our friends' church. It was great... we ate pizza and cupcakes in a birthday celebration, and then the kids followed the three wisemen into the sanctuary to present gifts to baby Jesus in the manger (which will later be given to the needy). AK took her present up to the manger and then just stood there. Mike and I think she was contemplating picking up baby Jesus and rocking Him. Afterward, we all sang Silent Night and Happy Birthday. Very sweet and meaningful for the children and parents alike. Thanks for inviting us, Sarah.

I have many photos to post surrounding pre-Christmas events that I've procrastinated downloading and posting. But they will come. I know I'm guilty of saying that and never posting, but I WILL this time! :)

Good News!

Just wanted to let everyone know that Baby #2 is on his/her way! Mike and I found out we're expecting! It's early still, but we just can't hold in the news.

We are very excited, and Abby Kate wants to hold the baby NOW! I'm going to have to quit talking about it to her because she can't comprehend the time it takes for baby to get here. Speaking of the time it takes... I'm due early August.

I am feeling good so far besides being extremely tired some days. But I'd take tired for 40 weeks over nausea any day!

We ask for your prayers for the baby's healthy development. We'll keep you posted!

Thanks

This post is way overdue! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Kentucky. Thanks to my family for a wonderful time spent with you, as always. This year I am most thankful to have my dad and grandmother here with us and doing so well after such a hard year in and out of the hospital. We are truly blessed. I can't thank you enough for all your prayers for both of them.

Now that we're back home, we are enjoying watching Abby Kate get all excited about Christmas. I am currently trying to locate our Christmas tree which is probably under a heaping pile of boxes in our storage unit down the road.

We went to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Thursday night which was fun. Pictures to come later.

And I'll leave you with another funny AK story...

Abby Kate and I are in the [sorry excuse for a] mall here in New Bern, and standing in the middle of the intimate apparel section of the department store. My back is to AK as I'm browsing and all of sudden I hear her loudly exclaim:

"Oh, I like these boobies, Mommy! Look at these BOOBIES!" I turn around to find her grabbing the cups of size DD bras, going from one to the next... "And 'nother boobies! And 'nother boobies! I like these boobies, Mommy!"

I am fully embarrassed, but I cannot control my laughing enough to explain why we don't shout those words in public (or at home for that matter). And of course she sees me laughing and continues professing her love for the bras, thinking she's being cute. We headed straight out the door!