Still Here! Still Pregnant! :)

The buzz has definitely started about when this baby will make his appearance. He's been quite content in his mommy's tummy thus far. Honestly, I am happy he's still there. I remember I was quite "over it" about this time with Sydney. I had just had enough of the uncomfortable ick. This time, not so much. This pregnancy has been so different. I've got the typical complaints, but other than that, it has been a pretty easy road. I understand now why women say they enjoy their pregnancies. After Sydney, I thought they were lying. So, I will relish the last few days I have my boy close to me, where his daddy cannot get him. :) Ha! Ha!

I hope everyone had a nice holiday and that you spent time with those you love. I got to spend time with many of those I love and, although it was odd, I had a wonderful holiday just the same. For the first time in years, I woke up on Christmas morning in my OWN bed, in my OWN house and was snuggled by my husband and baby girl. I have to admit that I loved it. I couldn't help but think that morning how fortunate I was to wake up with those blessings. The feeling of gratitude was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. There is nothing sweeter than a heart full of love for your family. In that moment, it was Christmas to me.

After about an hour of showering, dressing and just plain stalling Sydney upstairs in the house, my side of the family arrived. When Sydney entered the room, she was completely overwhelmed with all of the packages that were stacked all around the room. Sydney started opening and there were so many we had to break to eat. Sydney wasn't the only one spoiled this year. Marc and I were bombarded by wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Our friends and families went nuts. I couldn't even begin to list all of the wonderful gifts we received, but some of the biggies were: a handycam, an amazing painting of our puppies, a gps, new clothes, gifts cards and the like. We are so thankful for all we received and know we don't deserve any of it. My husband went equally insane on me this year. I received a new camera, which you heard about earlier, a photo printer and a beautiful topaz/diamond necklace that matches the jewelry he purchased for me while on the cruise in August.

I certainly bit off more than I could handle this year as far as the holiday dinner was concerned. :) I had really no idea just how tired I would be at this stage and it was much more difficult than I expected it to be. I'm so thankful that my mother-in-law was there to help me by washing up my colossal messes. :) I wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise.

The menu for Christmas this year was:

Sausage Balls
Shrimp Cocktail
Stuffed Picatta Mushrooms
Cheese and Crackers

Ham
Beef Wellington
Green Bean Casserole
Spinach, Corn and Carrot Casserole
Macaroni and Cheese
Butternut Squash Casserole
Rolls
*I feel like I'm forgetting something.

Pecan Pie
Cookies
Butter Bars

First, I didn't cook any of the desserts. They were made by others or purchased. I also didn't make the macaroni, my MIL made it and it was so yummy. :)

Second, I purchased the wrong pastry dough for the Wellingtons and they were a complete disaster! :) Lesson learned. I didn't even serve them. I will know better next time.

Other than that, I received recipe requests for the casseroles. That is a positive right? Or, they are being overly kind. :)

What an experience! I'm so glad I did it. I learned so much and I was so excited to get some use out of my beautiful china. That is why I have it, right?

Well, I'm off to a bump visit (that's what they call my dr apts here). We'll see how it goes.

I cannot wait to catch up with you all.

Take care!
Jess