50 Days and some New Wheels!

Well, it is just 50 days until we meet our baby. I can't believe how fast the time has gone! We still have a few things to but to get ready, and I am looking forward to Spring Break in March to get better organized.

Dusten starts back working with the city in 2 weeks, which is great news. He is very excited, and it will give us some structure and routine with the baby coming. I am also glad it will keep him nice and close to home for when I go into labour.

We had our hospital tour, which I found was very informative. It made me feel very prepared and aware of all the options that are open to me during labour. I think the shower, aromatherapy and massage are going to help me the most. I would really like to stay away from the epideral if I can, as the idea of being bed-ridden is not too appealing to me.

We also got some new wheels this week! It has been great to drive around in, and it will be nice not to worry about car repairs etc for the next 5 years with all the warranties it came with. I feel very fortunate to have amazing parents who helped us be able to make this happen. They have helped a lot of stress completely disappear from our lives by having safe, reliable transportation. Thanks to our families!!!!!!

Here is what our new wheels look like!!!!

Pretty sweet huh?

HAPPY LOVE DAY!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Things I LOVE in my life right now:

Friends who go out of their way to make my life a little easier

Family who are there for you during the hard times

People who make you feel loved and cared for each and every day

My bathtub (a pregnant girl's best friend!)

Starburst candy (my only consistent pregnancy craving)

That I get to meet my baby in 9 weeks!!!!

In 3D...and you don't even need the glasses!

26 1/2 weeks.....

I feel huge. I know realistically I have only gained 11 lbs, but I feel huge. I have officially said goodbye to all of my old clothes and can only wear my maternity clothes now. Luckily Old Navy had some great boxing day sales......

I find that I am having a lot of leg cramps lately. They wake me up at night, and it is like the worst charlie horse you can imagine. The pain is usually in my calf muscle or the arch of my foot. The muscle completely tightens up, and I am completely paralyzed from the pain. I am not sure what it is from, but will definitely ask my doctor on tuesday at my next appointment.

We recently sold our monster falling apart 4x4 Dakota that needed about $2500 worth of work done to it. We bought a little Firefly, which costs us 1/4 of the gas we used to use, and is 1/2 the insurance. We are hoping to get something a little bigger when the baby comes, but that will be down to finances, which will be drastically less when I am on maternity leave.

Christmas 2006...pre-baby:)

Christmas this year was calm and happy for me. I am glad it was that way. With our new little bundle coming in the spring, it is likely that this will be our last quiet Christmas....

On Christmas eve we drove out to Abbotsford for a visit with my father in-law, Julianne, and our two nieces. It was really great to see them, and I can't wait to get some proper "girl" time with Julianne. We decided this year instead of exchanging gifts, we would donate to worthy causes. They sponsored a needy family this year for Christmas, and we donated to Make a Wish Foundation in their names. I really loved this idea, as it builds on what my brother and I have been doing for years now. Instead of gifts, we donate to each other's charities.

After Abbotsford, it was on to Chilliwack to see my mother-in-law and Jeff. She made a really nice dinner with my favourite, spanakopita. After dinner we played Texas Hold'em for awhile (in true Christmas spirit!) and then we exchanged gifts. They completely spoiled me and got me one of my "dream" gifts, a Kitchenaid! I was so excited! Those of you who know me know I love to bake and experiment with recipes...... I am so looking forward to trying it out:)

The next morning we were treated to yummy homemade waffles and fruit. They were so good!

Christmas day we were off home for a quick rest and to freshen up, then it was off for the drive to Squamish. Mattu was so well behaved the whole time!

Christmas day with my family was nice. My mom and dad always make an amazing dinner, with lots of veggie options for me. I had some sparkling apple juice instead of wine (thanks for not bragging how good the wine was mom....geez! LOL)

After dinner we exchanged gifts, and we were spoiled once again. We now have a badly needed new vacuum and some new clothes, as well as getting some spending money to take advantage of the great boxing day sales. We did go shopping, and were able to get some great deals on new clothes. With the money left over we are buying new wall shelving so I can move all our books from the soon-to-be baby's room.

For my mom, I replaced the missing pieces of her discontinued silver pattern. The pieces were missing from long ago when we used to dig in the garden with them as children. She was very surprised and loved that she now has a complete set!

Dusten gave me one of the most thoughtful gifts this Christmas. A whole day at a spa! I just need to decied whether to use it before or after the baby comes. I can't wait to go!

Love, Peace and Happiness...

Wishing everyone peace, love and laughter this holiday season. I hope that you spend time with loved ones, value those who truly make a difference in your life, and take time to appreciate all the beauty on our earth. Blessed Be.