God bless us every one.

It's here and gone already!  I can't even believe it.  December has been a total whirlwind for us (I feel like I say this every month- thus why blogging is good for me to remember what the hell is going on in our lives).  Between basketball picking up, starting tutoring, & tons of running around, I feel like I went to bed on December 2nd and woke up on the night of 25th.  Working right up through the 23rd made it difficult to switch from school brain to christmas vacation brain.  There was also a lot of intense stuff going on at school that made it a little tricky to feel merry & bright.  John & my little fur baby family helped out with that though :)  Add in a get together with my family/the Ellison's on Friday night with lots of laughs & doggie snuggles with Tess & Nutmeg and I was feeling more like myself again.  Roxy had no issues at all in getting into the holiday spirit:

My little elf

Christmas Weekend

John was feeling generous & gave his girls Christmas eve morning off from practice so we had him two full days without having to worry about him having to be at school- it was awesome!!  We started Christmas eve morning at my parents' house.  Roxy & Riley came along and had their own gifts to open under the tree.  Breakfast was delicious & bloody mary's were flowing.  We opened gifts and enjoyed everyone's company.  In the afternoon we headed to Narrowsburg with the pup- Riley stayed with my family.  We went to mass with John's mom & then enjoyed a meal and a visit with Aunt Pat & the Kelly's.  After everyone left we sat down to relax on the couch, I had a cold drink & put John's hand on my belly- he was finally able to feel our baby move for the first time.  Although, he was dancing all around in there, baby boy only gave Daddy two good strong kicks that he was able to feel.  It was such a special moment and the best Christmas gift we could have asked for.  Christmas morning we enjoyed opening gifts with John's parents & helping his mom learn how to use her new Ipad.  We "facetimed" the Eick's & Emma was able to show us all 3 Hello Kitty dolls Santa had brought her :)  After a nice brunch, we headed home for a sore needed nap & down time.  We finished up the weekend back at my parents for some relaxing & NBA bball.  It was a great weekend but it came & went so quickly.  Many times during the weekend I found myself thinking of how special next year will be when we can celebrate with our little guy!!  I loved being pregnant for Christmas- hopefully I'll have at least one more pregnant Christmas in my future :)

Dad & Mom Xmas Eve Morning

Riley E. Bear

Roxy gets her Xmas treats

Waiting for someone to throw him more wrapping paper balls

Terry & Margy playing with the new Ipad

Xmas Tree at Narrowsburg

Baby Boy's Holiday Loot

Speaking of the little guy....this kid is cleaning up & we haven't even had a shower yet.  Many of our students' gifts to us this year included something for baby & both our families had quite a few goodies for him under the tree.  We are going to have to start getting the nursery ready soon just so we can store this stuff.  Thank you so much to everyone!!

From Grandma & Grandpa Krom

From Aunt Gracie- Obvs

The Stash

She did it!!

I've been asking, begging, pleading with Amanda Sue to start a blog.  She's an amazing writer and I know that I regret not starting mine earlier on in our marriage, especially during the first year.  Also, I find that reading blogs of far-away friends makes me feel closer & more a part of their lives.  I can't wait to follow the Knoxes :)  Check out her corner of the blog-o-sphere.

Now, the rest of the week will include much relaxing, enjoying having the Knoxes home, celebrating my Dad & Amanda's birthdays, Christmas-ing with the Eick's, & ringing in the new year (in a very lame and early way, I'm sure).

PS- Remember when my belly button was a dark crater of an "innie"- no more!!  It is well on its way to becoming an "outie!!"

23 weeks down, 17 weeks to go!!