Christmas Day

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Ours was nice, quiet and wet. It was rainy and cold all Christmas Day, which was odd since I'm used to sun and warm here in San Diego but it was a nice change, if only it hadn't rained every single time we had to take presents to or from the truck. We spent the day at Randy and Tracey's house. We got there around 9am and made breakfast, then the orgy of presents began. I tried to keep some semblance of order to the present opening but there was paper flying everywhere and after a while it was just chaos. Ian, as always, was entertaining to watch. He got REALLY excited about his new DS games and his Clone Trooper helmet (see pics below) but had the typical disappointed reaction to getting some clothes. Bryan captured the moment on our new video camera (our gift to one another this year) and as soon as I figure out how to load videos to the blog you can all see how hilarious it was. Nicole, on the other hand, squealed when she got new clothes and insisted on putting them on immediately. She is such a girl! Clothes, jewelry and make up were her favorite presents, along with a Barbie and some "paper" dolls. It's so funny to see my tomboy sister with such a girly girl. I got spoiled as well. We got a ton of great baby stuff and Bryan got me a gift certificate for La Costa Resort and Spa which I plan to use as soon as I've recovered from giving birth. I can't wait!! My back is killing me and a massage sounds like heaven. Later that day Dave, Marilyn, little Dave and Mara joined us for a yummy turkey dinner and more present opening. It was a nice, small family gathering and we all had a great time.

One tradition that we continued this year was Jesus' birthday cake. A few years ago when we tried to explain to Ian that Christmas wasn't just about Santa and presents, it was also Jesus' birthday, he insisted that you can't celebrate a birthday without a cake, so every year we have a separate cake with a candle and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Here is picture of this year's celebration. I hope this tradition lasts even as the kids get older. It's so cute.

Unfortuantely mom and dad couldn't join us on Christmas Day. Dad is still recovering from his latest round of chemo and the radiation is really starting to bug his throat. Bryan and I went and dropped off presents Christmas Eve. Besides being tired, having no voice and the "sunburn" on his neck he actually looks pretty good, though I know he feels horrible. He's gaining weight, which is positive, and radiation should be done on January 6, just in time for him to be on the mend when the baby is due. Marian was also sick on Christmas Day so we stopped by that night to exchange gifts. Next year should be more fun all the way around.

Rainy and wet Caremel Mountain Ranch. You can't see it but it was really pouring.

Nicole and her "paper" dolls. They actually have magnets these days but its the same concept.

At least someone was happy about getting new clothes.

Ian, the Clone Trooper.

Distracted by his new Batman DS game.

Beer and the Clash in the garage.

Even my face is starting to look pregnant!

Just because she's so cute!

And now for the latest baby news...

I'm 36 weeks and really starting to feel it. My belly seems to have popped in the last week or so. I'm definitely moving slower and my feet, hands and face look and feel swollen all the time. I've got a double chin for the first time ever! Yikes! Since Christmas Day I've been getting stonger and more painful Braxton-Hicks contractions (the "just practice" kind). They usually start a few weeks before going into labor but I'm still planning to ask about them at my doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon. I start weekly appoinments now and my due date is getting closer. I'm still working until Janaury 9 but I'm really trying to get everything wrapped up as soon as possible just in case I have to leave early.

We got a lot done on the nursery this weekend. I was really in a nesting mood. The office is no longer. Its all baby in there now. The crib is completely done and outfitted with sheets and bumpers. We have all the furniture (glider, bookcase and dresser) and we plan to finish painting on New Year's Day. I washed all the clothing, bedding and towels, packed the diaper bag and put books and toys away on the bookcase. It's really starting to come together and I feel soooooo relieved. If we had to bring her home today we should be ready. Hopefully we'll finish decorating next weekend and I can post some pictures.

Happy New Year everyone!!