Christmas Parties

Christmas Brunch

I hosted my girls brunch on December 1st. Actually - truthfully - Tom and I hosted b/c I couldn't do it without him. He helped me set up and prepare food (actually completely made the fab egg bake himself) and then did almost all of the clean up while I got to sit and talk about silly and hilarious girl things and open presents. AND he watched Gwendolyn and Brooke. Wow. He's just amazing.

Ready for guests!

I typically always have a small little gift for everybody. This year was candy dishes.

The spread...

Poached pears with cranberries (tradition...got the recipe years ago from one of the B&B's we stayed at on our honeymoon) and almond croissants from Trader Joe's (which are to die for)...

Along with Italian egg bake...

Fresh berries with yogurt cream sauce (also a favorite)...

I think everyone was full.

Time for gifts!!

Best buds.

Of course they participated in our girl time...

They did not, however, participate in our mini waxing spa. Nikki brought her supplies and it was a huge hit!

Daycare Party

Shortly after our Christmas brunch we celebrated with the other families from Miss Kathy's daycare. I get such a hit out of seeing Gwendolyn with her "friends" who just love on her like crazy. Kathy did a wonderful job planning (pizza, juice boxes, and cupcakes - yum!) and it's nice to be able to catch up with the other parents since our children spend so much time together!

The women I so admire and we love to pieces!

Her new baby doll from Kathy!

You may not believe this....but SANTA even came. He really did. 

Gwendolyn pointing...."Santa!"

He read a story and answered all sorts of funny and interesting questions...

Listening intently. From a distance.

And then everybody got to share with him what he or she wanted for Christmas. 

Well, everyone except our daughter. Gwendolyn sat silently and just stared at him. 

This girl cracks me up. She has the best faces and a ton of energy. She meets me at the door whenever I drop Gwendolyn off, gets a huge smile on her face, points and says, "Beeeeeeee!" (They call her "Gwenabees" at daycare.) She's a total ham and almost always up for a hug. You may have seen her on my photography blog as her mommy and daddy have become super awesome clients.

Yes, those are all of the kiddos. Two are Kathy's own children, Emma's a helper and a few are older siblings of kids who go (used to go to Kathy's themselves.) Like I said, she's amazing!

 Hugs!

We love holiday parties!

December in Pictures

December was busy but also very relaxing in this weird way. I think it was because I was coming off three months of craziness and had two weekends off. Plus there's just something about sipping egg nog and enjoying our Christmas tree every day that just fills my heart and soul with joy and appreciation for the season. So aside from the holiday parties and decorating and shopping and wrapping and preparing for the big reveal and packing and traveling, we managed to sit and breath, which was wonderful. 

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Brooke came over to play while I hosted a little Christmas brunch. The girls were adorable...Gwendolyn just basically followed her around and did everything she did. Think she looks up to her at all? Um, yes.

Patient little girl at our 20 week ultrasound...this is her "cheese" face. Looks more annoyed.

We did have to break out the Elmo videos towards the end.

She doesn't wear jeans often (or really ever) so I just had to get a picture of her little tush. Squish!

This was the morning of our 20 week u/s (back when we were having major issues with her sleeping - so glad that's past us...) She certainly didn't make it easy to sleep comfortably.

Testing our lighting before a shoot. Just love these pictures of her.

I'm hoping all this posing practice will serve us well once it's her and baby brother's turn to take pictures! I admit I have very specific ideas in mind for his newborn shoot involving a certain little girl who will at that point be TWO and one month old. I refuse to lower my expectations on this one *smile.

Sometimes it's tough to get work done around here, although I wouldn't give up her snuggles for anything. She even sees me walk towards the computer to try and accomplish a few things, and she's on her way over saying "uppie" almost immediately.

She's hard to resist.

Lovin' on daddy. 

Same pj's...different day. She is a tickle monster....watch out!

In her usual spot watching Elmo probably.

We went to visit Ceci and baby Louie!

Future photographer? 

Glad daddy wasn't home to witness this...that thing is heavy too. Good thing I was right there. I find it hilarious that she knew exactly how to hold it.

(Notice the bells I use to get little ones attention on her wrist.)

Saying hello to the strolling Santa at our outdoor shopping mall in town.

Those sunglasses were a huge hit while they lasted. (She broke them later this afternoon.)

"I see you!"

Coloring with Ceci while Margie, Amanda and I catch up. We were able to fit in a couple play dates while the girls are on maternity leave. So fun! 

Somebody is ready for nigh nights...

Separate Christmas posts are coming! Stay tuned....

26 Weeks with Baby #2

We're 26 weeks! I look at these and think "I have 14 weeks left?!" 

Um...

OMG.

I don't feel huge, but I think I look huge in these pics!

But it's all good. We've got a ton to do before little mister arrives and I feel like we're running out of time. (You should see my calendar the next three months...)

How Far Along: 26 weeks on 1/18/13

Size of baby: Weighing about a pound and two-thirds and 14" long. That's BIG! 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 5 lbs at my 24 week appointment on 1/8.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, for church otherwise living in comfy-I-am-a-stay-at-home-mom clothes! I love it when tanks are long enough to cover the bump and I can just throw on a cardigan.

Gender:  Boy. (That still seems so weird to say!) 

Movement: I wish you all could feel him move right when I get into bed at night. It's hilarious and adorable. Sometimes he's subtle while other times he must be doing flips, b/c it's like waves of movement over and over again. I don't think I'll ever get sick of that feeling. 

Sleep: Still fabulous. I am soaking up this sleeping through the night and waking up feeling rested business while I can. 

What I miss: Being able to take Advil for back pain and headaches. Tylenol is so weak. And I've officially started waddling so I guess I miss being able to move quickly and with ease. Tom this weekend...."you've really slowed down." Ha. I love his quotes. I had three shoots on Saturday and while that was doable a few weeks ago, I could barely move and was in bed by 9:00 Saturday night. (Which explains why I was slow moving, thankyouverymuch.)

Cravings: Still keeping it pretty plain and simple. I love coffee, cereal, toast, yogurt and fruit. Not exactly balanced.

Symptoms: Oh, there's symptoms alright. Being pregnant is not for the birds! One thing I forgot to mention that started pretty early on (like back in September) is eczema! On my face! I've always had pretty nice skin so I've been busy, busy, busy trying different products to prevent the dry, red patches from flaring up. Several trial sized bottles, different brands, and some $$ later - I think we've found a good solution. I'll be happy when my skin hopefully goes back to normal after he's born though (fingers are crossed.) I also have developed it on my ring finger, of all places.

And I've got an outtie this time! I have always thought that was so cute on pregnant girls.

Best moment this past week: Gwendolyn talking about "baby brother" and giving my tummy kisses. I can't wait to see them together. I'm just amazed that I'll love another little human as much as I love and adore her. How is it possible?! I just can't wait...