Due Date

Dear Baby in Mama's Belly,

A standardized wheel calculator told us that today was going to be your birthday. And well, it has come & gone--but we still wanted to let you know what your family was doing on this delightful day anyway. Just to let you know what you missed out on! Everyone is really excited to meet you & a little bummed when you decided to stay in my belly for a little while longer. Perhaps, it's the crazy cold we've experienced or the fact that Papa has some really important tests to take tomorrow or that a wheel calculator just gives an average. Either way, this is what we did...

First off, Mama woke up to find that it snowed today! And, lovely child, the last time it snowed here, Mama was in elementary school. It was really exciting to see snow-covered hills & Gma even has pictures of snow from her YARD! So, as you can tell, it's been unusually cold around here. Grandma Judy & Mama went for a long walk this morning with the doggies to try to help you come out. Then went over to Grandma Diane's for some card-making craft time with the ladies--they are a hoot! Mama got the rest of her envelopes ready to send out announcements of your impending birth. All the while, Papa was hard at work! Mama also did some other stuff like cook dinner & do some laundry.

And since it is also Gma's birthday today, Mama & some girlfriends celebrated by going to a dinner & concert!! It was really fun and Mama loved the Christmas music! This was actually your 4th concert since being in Mama's belly. Papa & Mama already think that you'll like music a lot because you move around so much in Mama's belly! Now, Papa is working hard on studying for those important tests he'll take tomorrow. So, although we really can't wait to meet you, it was very considerate of you to wait until Papa finishes. But, please hurry on out! We're all awaiting your arrival!

From the Depths of Our Hearts,

Papa & Mama

Anticipation

I'm so thankful to have carried this little one full-term without complications or major symptoms. I'm still in awe of the whole miracle that God created! What a beautiful process and design! We are both so thankful that we got to experience this! I mean, really?! How is it that we can create new family members?! Children are truly a blessing & reward from the best Father!! We're already experiencing that blessing. With our due date approaching *tomorrow*, here are some things that I'm really looking forward to...

-riding my bike

-sleeping on my back again

-having W call out the gender

-getting to experience labor & delivery with my best friend

-seeing my hubby be a Papa, not just an Uncle

-discovering if s/he will look/act more like W or me

-getting to know our newest family member

-not bumping into people/things because I don't know my new circumference

-shaving my legs

-running

-eating feta, brie, sushi

-drinking wine, cosmos & margaritas

-watching our friends & family interact with our little one

W is looking forward to...

-finally naming our little one

-family meal time

-catching our little one & cutting the cord

-finally being a Papa

-teaching him/her how to survive the wilderness and handle

sharp objects & fire safely (scout's honor!)

-going camping as a family

-going on "Papa Dates"

-learning the ropes of parenthood with his wife

-teaching chivalry

-getting his wife pregnant...again

2/3

The only thing missing from this picture is our Baby Swenson
to complete the legacy of friendship that W, K, & T started in grade school!
Really hoping to get a 3/3 shot before the Jenkins go back to Spain & the Mascianas to Austin!

And could NOT pass up this a.dor.able picture of the Mascianas (with Sarah!!)

A Delightful Sunday

Yesterday started with a spontaneous breakfast in bed made by my fabulous hubby. I think more days should start this way! ;) Then we headed off to church for a great message...it totally fit into recent conversations W & I have been having. Great timing!

For a late lunch, we ate at this pizza joint for their infamous preggo pizza. Regardless of its actual labor-inducing power, we both loved all the extra yummy goodness on top!

Now, for quite some time we've been on the fence about getting a Christmas tree & doing the whole decorating thing. We actually didn't do it last year. (Gasp! I know!) It's kind of a strange back story for me. Really, just ask my mom...she retells it much better than I. Anyway, W thought it would still be a good idea & I'm so glad we decided to do it this year (Dad, you'll be so proud of us!).

We got a small Charlie Brown-sque tree per W's request which I think is so cute. And W supplied much of the ornaments & lights we used from his bachelor days...not the typical single guy! We also inherited (for lack of a better word, Mom) some additional decorations from my parents. So we walked away with only purchasing a tree stand & stocking weights!! Sweeet! And with such a tight-budget this year, our place looks so cozy with hodge-podge character! :D Tim Gunn, we made it work!

Post-Baby Inspiration...

I am going to try to give myself lots of grace when it comes to getting back into my clothes...6 months sound fair?? Really looking forward to getting that old wardrobe out of the garage!! :) And gotta love those heels!!! Sigh.

Visitors!

Oh, how I *love* this word!! :) Which is kind off odd since while growing up, we didn't really have a lot of them. Anyway, our most recent visitors came all the way from Austin. The Mascianas came home (OC) for the holidays and made a special trip up here to see us!! The most exciting addition being their 6 week son, Isaac! Our other friend, Mel, came over as well to visit with them! I love having a full house!! And um, Sarah..how is it that you completely avoided getting your picture taken?! I'll get you next time! :)

Mel & Isaac

I was so excited to try out my Moby Wrap with Isaac! His parents were kind enough to let me wrap him while we took a stroll downtown for coffee. He was totally out for 2 and 1/2 hours! I think I sold them on it while I made lunch and was able to use both hands while "holding" him. Oh, I can't tell you how much I love wraps!!

The boys hanging out!

It was really great having them here & getting a small glimpse of how life changes! Our poor friends were so sleep deprived and we were so happy to be able to help them out as much as possible. Even if we just held Isaac so they could eat or sleep. We are so thankful to have close friends and family to help us!!

Oakhurst

W & I have created this travel pattern that we really enjoy. We seem to be switching between urban & country getaways...starting with our 1 year anniversary trip to the city last year (urban, duh!), then Napa, then Chicago. I really enjoy the city while W really loves the country-- so we try to do both!

When deciding where to go on a tight budget & big bellied-wife for our early 2nd year anniversary this month, we decided on Yosemite. And many know, I'm a sucker for B&Bs. So we found a fabulous deal here with a great location in Oakhurst; close to both Bass Lake & Yosemite. We spent a day at each & just enjoyed the quiet nature without many people. We felt like we had each place to ourselves! We even got a room upgrade just because they had empty rooms!

This probably was our most chill vacation since neither of us was up for an itinerary... we were just thankful to get away without much hassle. It was so beautiful everywhere we looked! All the leaves were changing colors, lots of fresh air and it was chilly enough not to be uncomfortable. We also did a bit of hiking...well, just walking on dirt paths, really.
Yosemite Valley...with one waterfall still flowing!!
Oh, and Oakhurst has fabulous thift stores!! W found an awesome three-piece suit, lots of fun ties, and I got a great cook book for $2 that 1/3 is dedicated to slow cooking! Love!