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.

Decorating, Baby and a Weekend Getaway.....

Well, it is our first Christmas in our new home, and we decided to get a real tree for the very first time. Dusten also got fresh pine and cedar boughs for me, and with some pinecones and candles, I have to say our place looks and smells really nice. It is very cozy and warm. I like using fresh "nature-oriented" decorations rather than all of the usual tacky Christmas glam and glitz that is out there.

I am also officially 21 weeks pregnant. My regular clothes are getting very snug, and there are not too many things I can wear right now. Hopefully I can get some more maternity clothes at Old Navy when sale time hits after Xmas:)

This weekend we are heading to Whistler for a weekend getaway. The last month or so has been very stressful for both of us for a variety of reasons, so we are both very much looking forward to some rest, relaxation and amazing food. We are staying at Edgewater Lodge, which looks like it will be beautiful.

And yes, we will be bringing Mattu:)

1/2 Way Point.....

Well we have officially reached the 1/2 way point in my pregnancy. I am doing well, and am finally starting to show. The cute maternity pants that I have bought from old navy are still a bit big, but there is no squeezing my tummy into my old clothes.

My appetite is constant, and I find I am snacking all day long. I am trying to get healthy foods in as much as I can..I am missing the fresh fruit and veggie selection we had in the summer. I am eating way too many carbs and sugary treats for sure.

Dusten has been taking good care of me. He has been cooking me yummy dinners and keeping me in good spirits when I get cranky and tired. He is even learning the art of a good foot massage:)

We went for our ultrasound a couple weeks ago, and it was so cool! Our little one was grabbing his/her feet and opening and closing his/her mouth. We were able to see all 4 chambers of the heart beating. I wished I could have watched him/her all day long. You will notice I am saying him/her, as we were not able to find out the sex of our little one. We are hoping to go to UC baby in the new year to have a 4D ultrasound done. You get to watch your baby for 30 minutes, find out the sex, and get great pictures. If anyone is looking for a birthday idea for me in the New Year, yes I am dropping a HUGE HINT!!!!!!!!

Here is the ultrasound of our baby at 18 weeks.....Dusten insists he/she looks like a Mexican wrestler, and has nicknamed him/her "El Diablo"......