Christmas 2008

This past Christmas season proved another busy one for Darren and I. We were lucky enough to spend a lot of time with family and friends at several parties and gatherings. It was also our last Christmas of "freedom" as we called it, or our last one as just a couple. We logged a lot of miles driving back and forth from Fullerton/YL to HB, but luckily the drive doesn't bother us too much. It may be a bit harder to travel as much next year, but we'll see.

On the pregnancy front, I have been feeling pretty good for the most part. It's hard to slow down during the holidays when you're pregnant. There is always something to do what with the shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking and parties to go to and I have a hard time not doing everything I would normally do. Besides some lower back pain here and there and of course getting tired sometimes, I've had a relatively easy pregnancy, knock on wood. : )

I'll be 27 weeks on New Year's Day so I am closing in on the third trimester. I still feel like I have so much to do before our little girl arrives. Our office is still an office and needs to be cleaned out and organized so we can get started on the nursery. My nana is making the crib bedding so I've started seeking out the perfect fabric for that and need to get everything mailed up to Oregon so she can put it together. I want to do the room in black, white and raspberry pink. I have so many ideas in my mind and I can't wait to get started putting it all together. Guess that's it for now!

Happy Thanksgiving!

With the state of the economy this may not be the best Thanksgiving for some. But I recently received an email from a co-worker that reminded me how lucky we all are, just to leave in this great country. Even with the financial crisis, people losing their homes and jobs, the U.S. is still the best country in the world.

With that said I can look into my small part of the world and be thankful for so many blessings this year.

1. An amazing marriage! I can honestly say that I have married my soul mate. Darren is such a special person and together we share love and laughter every day.
2. An awesome family! I couldn't have a better family to have grown up with. My mom and dad are always going out of their way to do something for me or others and they are both amazing parents. I am also lucky enough to get a long so well with my both my sisters. Having a great extended family is also a blessing.
3. Our little girl in the making. I can only imagine how much we'll love our little girl when she arrives.
4. Our jobs! I know we sometimes complain about having to go to work, but aren't we lucky to have a good job right now.
5. Friends. Having a great core group of friends makes life so much better.
6. The little things in life - hot showers, blankets, a fire place, the beach, a good night kiss, slippers, dessert, hugs, flowers, music, etc, etc....

It's a GIRL!!!

It's a .......

We'll find out tomorrow afternoon whether our little bundle is a he or she! We are both very eager to find out!!! Of course we both just want a healthy baby, but I am kinda hoping for a girl and of course Darren is hoping for a boy. We'll be happy either way!

PREGNANT!

Ok, so I have been lagging with this announcement, but I am finally posting it! Yes, we are pregnant (most of you already know) and we are very excited!!! I am due April 2, 2009 so I am about 13 1/2 weeks along so far. On Oct. 28 we'll find out if we're having a boy or a girl. So far I have considered myself fairly lucky with the morning sickness period. I have definitely had my days and moments, but am not throwing up and been using the sea bands to help me through the days. I am now moving into the second trimester and I expect to be rid of the morning sickness for good. Hopefully I will get around to posting a "belly" picture soon.

Last visit to the Fire Station 49 - Dad retires

On July 26 we all went to the fire station for my Dad's last Saturday as a firemen. We had lunch, including dessert, the Claim Jumper mother lode that was of course cored. After running around with the kids and feeding the birds and fish, we all boarded the fire boat for our last ride with the Dadster. It was a really long boat ride which included all the kids and the adults a chance to shoot the fire house off the back of the boat. It was a really fun and unique experience! After the boat ride we had to say bye the firemen Dad for the last time. It was a little sad, but overall a great day!

Darren flexing his muscles as he practices using the water hose on the fire boat.

Baby Finley with her moustache on!

Mom bought plastic fire hats and fake moustaches for all of us. It was sooo funny! Even the baby wore one. : )

Family photo in front of the firetruck at Station 49.

Last Firestation Visit - July 26

Avery turned 4 on July 22! We all met at the RainForest Cafe at Downtown Disney. Avery had a blast at dinner and walking around after dinner with her fairy wings on.

Avery turns 4!

Big Ben, Parliament in London