Christmas Events Starting with Nena's

Every year we do Christmas at Nena's the weekend before Christmas. I love how every year we can expect the same traditions but yet things are always changing. This year a big change, a sad one, was that we did not have the Halls there since they are all in London. We missed them and especially their little ones running around with smiles on their faces. But we did have a new little addition, Trenton (Forrest's cousin) and Whitney's little baby girl who was just 10 days old. Zoey Elise. She was precious and everyone couldn't keep their hands off her. Trenton was not there as he is in the Marines and did not make it home until a few days later. We missed those not there but enjoyed adding to the family and seeing a couple new faces.

One thing that stays the same is that we eat good food. Everyone brings their usual, their signature dishes. Dede's is usually my favorite side dish - sweet potato casserole. And this year, my favorite dessert was actually a new item on the menu - Nenas peanut butter cheesecake. It was absolutely delicious. As we enjoyed Christmas dinner, we joked about how the kiddie and adult tables change. Usually Forrest is the one to bring it up since he always gets stuck at the kiddie table. Although we are joking, I can see how over the years, kids get older and move their way up in the kitchen/dining area. And I have only been around the last 7, so I cannot imagine how it seems to them. Forrest says he somehow always gets stuck at the kiddie table. I told him maybe after we have a baby, we will get promoted. Or maybe that means since we have a baby, we are back to the kiddie. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens next year. If I remember correctly, the high chair stays put next to the adult table. :)

After the kids open gifts, the adults always play white elephant as our gift exchange. However this year we had two new members join the adults' game, Ricky and Lane, since they are out of high school. The game was fun as always and it is especially entertaining to watch the boys steal and try to manipulate the game. They get a little more aggressive than the girls. Half the time the girls end up with what they brought which is what happened to me this year. No complaints though on that... I always would like to have what I brought and I think everyone else kind of feels the same. Hot items this year included Cheri's leopard lounge chair for the girls' team and the safe for the boys team.

Then the night ends with a few games of pool in the garage, or one too many, and some game playing inside. We played a new card game this year - Canasta, which was a first for me. It was fun especially considering me and my partner, Kim, were the champions. It was not even a close call. :)

The next morning we had breakfast -Nenas yummy breakfast casserole and bisquits. Then we stuck around until lunch to enjoy some left overs before going home. It was yet another fun and memorable weekend for us, like it is every year. Thank you Nena and Gramps for opening up your warm home for us to celebrate the holidays in.

Wish I had pictures of everyone. I have been bad about not getting my camera out lately. Next year, I am going to make it a point to get one big family picture.

Merry Christmas!

25 Weeks

24 Weeks

In the hospital, 24 weeks is a milestone because it is the age at which we consider the baby to be viable. So I was so happy to reach this point. I do not have much of an update really. Things have been going smoothly. I had an appointment with my doctor this week and after measuring me she said I am right on track. I have gained a total of 10lbs which she said was good. Forrest felt her kick for the first time. I feel her move all the time and love it so much. Sometimes I wish she just moved all day, although I know she needs her sleep. I like to look down and talk to her... just baby talk really. I even feel myself gritting my teeth as I talk to her, thinking about how cute she must look in there. I haven't bought anything else for the nursery yet but we are on the look out for an armoire. I found a cute monogram to hang in her room that I cannot wait to order once we finalize her name. I am actually having visions of how this nursery is going to come together and am so excited, I just want to rush out and get it all now. We have decided on a date for a baby shower. Forrest's Aunt Dede, sister Amberly, and Mom will be hosting it for me at Forrest's parents house. It will be at the end of January while Amberly is in town from London.

Anyways, that is the scoop with us. December is full of fun events. We had our L&D Christmas party last weekend which was a blast. Here is a picture of us before we left for the party.

Thanksgiving

Forrest's parents hosted Thanksgiving again this year and they always do a wonderful job of putting together the spread. We had tons of food and as always, every bit of it was so good. We celebrated Forrest's dad's birthday as well that day. What a great holiday to have your birthday fall on! And a great holiday to be pregnant if I may add.

Forrest, his dad, and I went to the Aggie game the evening of Thanksgiving which was cold but fun... up until the very end when we had a shot at winning and didn't. To say it was disappointing is an understatement. It might have been most devastating loss we have ever had! We were glad we went though, just to experience the ending of a long tradition between A&M and Texas.

Black Friday, Cheri and I went shopping in College Station. We thought that would be the least crowded city to go and we were right. I think the longest line we saw was at Starbucks! As for the rest of the weekend, we ate Thanksgiving leftovers and were lazy and merry like you are supposed to be over the holidays. It was fun and relaxing.

I am so thankful to have such great family and people in my life. For so many happy memories made and in the making. I could not imagine my life being any better than it is. God has blessed Forrest and me so much.
 

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