Baby Shower #1

Excitement, games, laughs, and fun...

I feel a bit strange when the focus is all on me which is why I felt embarrassed at today's baby shower, however I am very grateful to my sisters and mother for putting it together for me, and even more grateful for my family and friends who came to celebrate this joyous occasion. But deep down I felt just a little bit embarrassed. I don't take well to having all eyes on me, but it was still fun.

My sisters Elaina and Katy (actually sister-in-law but feels more like sister) planned out some fun games, and Mom took care of the food mostly. I could tell they put a lot of time into planning today, and they made it fun and special that I will always remember.



The fun decorations Elaina made

Fun outfits for Kohl

Adorable frame

Super soft, cuddly, and cute blanket

I am so grateful for all the wonderful clothes, diapers, wipes, towels, wash clothes, books, pacifiers and car seat. Everyone was very generous, and that will be cherished in my heart forever.

Wrap-up to 2012

I feel as though I have some catching up to do, so let's get started.
I had a wonderful Christmas. As per tradition Tim and I switch off every year with families, and this year it was my side. We drove down to my parents for dinner which I volunteered to do the main course. We enjoyed chicken roll-ups, and Dad made his famous Swedish meatballs. Also we enjoyed Mom's 5 layered jello, along with fruit and vegetables. We ate until we couldn't eat no more...
Once dinner and dishes were cleaned up, we bundled up and drove up to Temple Square to see the lights. It's been a family tradition since I can remember in my early childhood. It was a bit cold, but nothing we couldn't handle. It had snowed earlier in the day which left a beautiful covering on the grassy parts and on the  trees. I think it just makes the lights shine brighter.


The family in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building gearing up before heading out into the cold.

Silly Tim hid his smile, but ain't this cute??? I got the Kermit the frog hat from my brother Karl.
 

At just the moment I took the picture snow fell on top of Karl's head. Great photo.

David and Elaina keeping each others lips warm.

As we were walking around the grounds I couldn't help but thinking about Mary and Joseph having to travel hundreds of miles especially in Mary's condition. I struggled a little myself walking around with my pregnant belly. I felt more appreciation for Mary with her faith and strength.
Afterwards we went back to the parents homestead for some dessert and hot cocoa, and we did our gift exchange. All-in-all the night was fantastic.

Christmas Morning we went over to Tim's parents for a yummy home cooked breakfast with waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs and hash browns. I LOVE breakfast foods, and anytime some one offers to cook it for me I'm there! We cleaned up, and then sat down to open some gifts. We gave them our gift first, and I put them into tears. I had created a calendar with photos from all the kids, and grand kids and great grand kids. Also we gave them a scrapbook of some of their mission photos from 2 years ago. Watching them look through the photos, and crying made me cry but was truly a memorable moment.
Next Grandma couldn't resist and gave us a cute outfit for Kohl, and then they surprised us with a hand carved nativity set from Jerusalem. They took a trip there earlier in the year, and brought home sets for each family. It's a rare treat. Each character was hand carved from olive wood which they have to let dry for 3 years, but in the end the result is BEAUTIFUL.
The rest of the day was spent leisurely visiting with family. I love nothing more then spending time with family for the holidays.

New Year's Eve was just the two of us at home with the four legged kids. It was very low key and quite. At midnight we tipped our glasses of sparkling cider and started to reminisce about what the new year will bring. A baby boy, my 30th birthday, our 10 year anniversary, and Tim's completing his Master's degree. Shortly afterwards we went to bed, as we were both very tired.

On New Year's we had breakfast again at his parents house with all my favorites, and then Tim took me to InstaCare to get my throat checked out. I was in pain, and with my voice sounding scratchy and with the pregnancy I wanted to be safe.
We spent almost an hour waiting before seeing the doctor, and once we saw the doctor the only thing he had to say was that it was a virus that lasts 14 days, and to just let it runs it's course. He did say I could take Tylenol to help with the pain, but it'd be best to contact my OB. Unfortunately due to the holiday she was out of the office until Thursday, but luckily I was able to contact high risk doctor I've been working with about medicines I can safely take.
After we left InstaCare we went home and I took a nap. It was a nice long nap. The rest of the day was spent curled up with fun movies, and lots of fluids.

So I'm ready for what the new year will bring. Lots of new lives experiences and challenges. I'm just so grateful to have Tim by my side to experience the future together. Welcome 2013!