Cheers to 2015!

We had a blast with Matt, Danielle, Lyd, Mac & Jon at Joyce & Gigi's for dinner then Three Sheets for the countdown.  We toasted Lyd & Mac's engagement at dinner. We danced for 2 hours at Three Sheets. I never knew I could boogie that much with the bump!  I also MUCH enjoyed the couch & library chairs next to the awesome fireplace they had going at Three Sheets.  We're so BLESSED to be surrounded by the great friends & family that we have.

I have no resolutions this year... just a deep feeling of contentment.  My January 1st journal entry was about "Gratitude & Hope."  I'm so grateful for all of the joys in my life and so very hopeful for all to come in 2015.

Baby Sprinkle for Baby C #2

Christmas 2014

 

Holiday Family Photo Shoot

The rain couldn't stop us!  The cold couldn't stop us!  The photographer must have thought I was insane for keeping our early Sunday morning appointment scheduled.  The reality, because of this wonderful/chaotic/busy/holiday-filled schedule, I didn't have much choice!  As we drove up north to the barn, the rain was progressively getting worse, as was my doubt in my decision.  Thankfully, we stayed (fairly) dry & whipped out a pretty great photo shoot in 15 minutes.   Afterwards, we took a family grocery shopping & breakfast trip to Central Market. My favorite dates are sometimes the most ordinary of things.  Walking around the market with a hot latte, hot husband & happy, healthy child was just my little piece of Heaven.

29..30...31...32 Weeks

Feeling pretty great overall.  It's true what they say about being pregnant with a toddler... you are just so busy & don't have that much time to concentrate on all the little nuances of pregnancy!  

• Cravings: Candy Canes.  Chocolate.  Cutie Oranges. Decaf Soy Lattes. You know... all the healthy stuff...
• Exercise: When I'm at work, I try to get in some exercise with the gals over lunchtime. M&W weight lifting & sometimes elliptical on the other days. At home, I love my pregnancy yoga. I just need to commit to doing it more! I always feel better once I'm doing it but playing with dom/chores/etc sometimes gets in the way more than it should.
• Health: I'm doing great! Docs are really pleased with progress of both baby & I.  Baby usual weighs a few days ahead of where I'm at (cue: holiday food.)  My leg has been holding up quite well which makes me VERY happy. I went into this pregnancy more fit than Dom's pregnancy & stayed very active this time. I think (hope) that's helping.
• Weight:  Pretty spot on with Dom's pregnancy. I'll say that I'm over the 25 lb mark & heading swiftly to the name big 0.  eek!  Thank you, holiday food & lack of willpower.  
• Boy/Girl: no idea!  I have had dreams of both.  I love the idea of a little brother for Dom & the buddies they will be.  A girl would be so much fun as well & I know the fam would love it :)
• Movement:  The baby is moving A LOT. It's so fun!  I feel some movement in the middle of the day but I can always count on gymnastics at 8pm & in the middle of the night.  

Holiday Festivities

Tis the Season to be Jolly!  We brought out the cocoa, eggnog, Christmas Carols, trees & manger scenes.  We enjoyed much merriment with friends & family. 

My little holiday helper. Dom enjoyed all of our decorating and (most) of our trips to Michaels, Home Goods, Target, etc.  He loves balls & so going into all of the holiday-decorated stores would greatly amuse him. Balls (ornaments) hanging everywhere! 

Uncle Matt & Aunt Danielle hosted a post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas Spanish-tapas styled festivus. Of course, no party with this group is complete without someone taking off their pants... thankfully this time it was the toddler ;)

Nick & I hosted our 2nd annual game night. I love the "Reindeer Games" theme for the year.  Matt, Danielle, Kara, Michael & Andrea joined us for many spirits, Scattegories & the song game. My fave part: I had presents for the winners!  It's always more fun to play competitive games when there are bags & bags of little presents sitting on top of the piano just waiting to be opened!

The Reindeer Games Invite from Etsy. So cute! 

Bryan & Terra hosted the uber favorite Botterman German Sausage Party with gift exchange. Terra's house was decorated so pretty (as always) - I always get inspiration!  The kiddos played & played until 10pm!  Dom & Ryan were such buddies. They pushed each other on the stroller for seriously an hour, switching riders. it was funny.  I came away from the party with a soft grey blanket that I was eyeing for newborn baby photographs! Nick landed a mugs/cocoa gift set.