A Little Bit of Random

I am so behind in posting (obviously) that I'm not sure where to start. And sadly, I've lost motivation to do a very good job at all we've done the last week and couple days. I missed posting about a major holiday, some after holiday shopping and fun times with family. Oh well, I'll give it a shot.

The morning of Thanksgiving I decided to try a family picture for Christmas cards. I was going to opt out of them this year, being so large and pregnant but I decided there is no better excuse for extra weight and went with it (I'm glad I did). The first time we tried at a park with a tripod and maybe one (with editing) turned out so when we got to Marion's Shaila obliged us and went to a park to take a few more. A couple of them should work, it wasn't the best of days to try and 'work' that in.

Note to self (and others feeling as crazy as me).... DO NOT try family pictures when it's only 31^ degrees outside. The kids tend to not be very cooperative! There are no do overs, at least not in the plans right now so I'm glad we have a couple to work with! Thanks Lou!

We spent Thanksgiving at Marion's this year and after last year it being quiet with just us, it was nice to have a crowd. Two of three sisters were there and Milo's brother ate dessert with us. That means 7 of 8 grandkids were there; the oldest being Kat at 7 and we can't ever forget the three 4 yr olds. I always want pictures of the three of them together for later down the road but I'm not kidding when I say it's difficult. They are busy creatures and right now I want their energy. I was in charge of Coconut Cream Pie and a jello side for Thanksgiving Dinner. I love making the 'side' or dessert part of dinner. If I'm given a choice, I'll always choose something along those lines. And Marion always gives me a choice, she's so nice.

Milo kindly obliged and played UNO with the kids until all of dinner was ready. Thanks heavens it kept them somewhat quiet during the most hurried part of the day when you're getting the food on the table.

At first we weren't egging Nathan on but once we started, he wouldn't stop the human pretzel act. He is SO flexible and does this all the time. Usually he does it when he's tired. The only guess I have is that he knows if he sits still he'll crash so he twists around and bends in half. He does it almost every day after school. Crazy kid.

I really wanted to start Christmas shopping on Black Friday. As of Thurs night I hadn't found any willing participants and by morning was still going back and forth. Anna called around 8 saying she would brave it if I was still willing to go. I was about to throw in the towel as I didn't want to go alone but she saved the day. We live an hour from stores like Target, the mall and Costco so we didn't even get to 'town' (yeah, I know how hick-ish that sounds) until almost 11 am. I found it to be perfect in my 8 month pregnant state. We still found good deals, the crowds really weren't that bad and we were home by 5 pm. As far as the kids go, I'm pretty sure we're close to being done. I need to make the piles and separate for each kid so I know exactly what I have. Not that it has to be exactly even (I'm not that OCD) but I try to somewhat be close. It feels good to have that started because I'm sure the tiredness is just going to get worse.

Friday night, Kyle and Heidi came for dinner and a visit. Preston is so smiley, I love it!Sure he tries his parents (what 6 week olds do when they don't sleep, right?) but don't you love that little face? Having him around makes me excited and nervous all at the same time to have our own new baby around here. Time is definitely closing in. No pictures of Kate, she hates the camera and well, she spent the time busy, busy with the cousins. They loved it.

I went to the doctor today, I'm 34 weeks now (I need to post a photo but Dane doesn't quite have the skills for getting my 'best angle', ha! Maybe when Milo comes home). There is so much to do! Getting a dresser ready is on the list for this week. Only one more visit to the Dr in two weeks and then I see her every week! I am happy to note that there was only a 1 pound weight gain this past two weeks, even with the holiday. I'm at the point where not much makes me feel so full because I'm getting so full of baby (he feels huge). I hated those 2 months of high weight gain so today felt good. Now onto getting him named and we should be in good shape!