More Sofia Pics

Hey all, I thought I would provide some more Sofia pics since she is just so cute...

It's a Girl (as if you didn't already know)

Hey everyone, the baby arrived yesterday. I think Laurie's sister beat me to the blog (I've been busy for some reason). Here are the stats:

Name: Sofia Caroline F*
Weight: 7 lbs 11.5 oz
Length: 21 inches
Born on December 28. 2007 at 11:26 AM


Mom and baby are fine. Sofia has been in the NICU for the past 24 hours because her sugars are having a tough time. But she is doing well and should be back in Mom's room by tomorrow morning.

We heard that Sofia or Shophia is the number one girl name right now. We tried other names out by calling her those names, but Sofia fit the best.

At Last the End

taken Christmas Day, Dec 25

taken on Dec 23

Well, I know everyone, including me has been dying to know if and when I will be having this sweet baby girl. On Wed, I went to my last doctor's appt and NST before she is born. I had Kersten come with me, for I was really nervous for everything. I was a little chatter bug in the waiting room. I talk when I get nervous. Kersten could not get his National Geographic read. The office was busier than I have since it since Thanksgiving. With the holiday I am sure they had to squeeze a lot of people in. I did not feel rushed with my doctor though and that made me more calm. The NST ladies kept trying to get me in but I had to wait for that until after I had seen the doc. I have waited a LOT before so I appreciated that they were trying to get me through in less than 4 1/2 hours.

I had about 5 vials of blood drawn. I had a darling nurse that did an ultrasound. This was fun for Kerst since he has not seen Shaak-Ti in action since we found out she was a girl. The nurse was hilarious and talked me through the amnio before it began. And as she said, unlike Doctors I have actually had one and it just feels like a bad menstrual cramp. Which has been regular for me since I came into being a woman. Dr. Esplin performed the amnio. Kersten came to hold my hand and they asked him to sit down on a chair for they have had to many husbands faint or something during this. I feel really blessed to have a husband that can handle these type of situations, during my first C-section with Noah he was really excited for he had always wanted to see one of these. I love his fasination with medicene etc. Okay, ladies from my frame of reference the amnio was NOT bad at all. I honestly have had IV's that hurt more than this did. And the shot I had to have under my eye was 10 times worse than this. When it was over I was like, Oh, is that all. Kerst reminded me that I have been through a lot worse so that is probably why it was no big deal. If you haven't been through anything like this it might be worse. The baby was not distressed or anything afterwards in her NST. I was able to say goodbye to my ladies there. It seems so sad in some ways, for months I have seen these people more than weekly and to be cut off so cruelly so instantly. I thought it might seem more cruel because with the cold and a new baby I probably won't have a ton of adult interaction.

They called with the results and her lungs are mature so we will be having this baby tomorrow. The c-section is scheduled for 9:30 AM at the new Hospital on State St and 53rd south. I can't believe it is really here. I can't wait to hold this sweet child in my arms and see her finally. It totally creeped up on me this time around. This will be my last baby, it makes me a bit sad. But, I will cherish every moment as best that I can. How blessed I am to have my beautiful children. I will have Kersten post something when he finally can so that you know all the stats etc. Hooray! Shaak-Ti is almost here.

T* Fam Christmas Party

Christmas Day with My Mom and Al was absolutely fabulous. They always give us a homemade gift and also a piece of beautiful original pottery. This year Al made archival boxes for each of us and we became members of the Photo of the month club. Each month they will give us a new picture from our heritage to put in the box. WE LOvED ThiS! Each box was individual to the person. For instance, mine was forest green with the inside in yellow daisy paper, My sister Amy's was red with Music notes inside, Nik's was blue with Painting from Monet inside, Em's was red with Lighthouses inside and Audrey's was blue with Blue square pattern inside. He also made one for Lena that was Green and had Circle paper inside. He had her mom send over pictures from her childhood to stick inside. Lena was a really cute red head little girl. The pitchers we got this year were incredibly beautiful. I love that mine is a bit squatty and more yellow, Each of us really felt that the pitcher we received was really ours. For the husbands Al made a picture fold out of their wives. Mine had one of the pics Al took when I was on the cover of those books. Kerst loved it.

Here are the people of the hour, My mom Jeanne and Al. Again, forgive the pics I had to take them from my perch on the couch. Which sometimes does not make the best shots. Their home is always so much fun, the food was excellent as always. It was nice just to be together. Also for the Girls we got an assortment of Stampin Up stuff from my mom and Alicia her step daughter in law and a really cool blue bag to put it all in. That in itself was present enough.

This year we opened presents from each other with my mom. This by far since I was a little kid was my favorite part of Christmas. This year we picked Emilee's family, we gave them the 3rd season of the Cosby Show, (Spencer and Kristin have become obsessed with this show) and Scrabble Jr. Amy and Jason had our family and gave us the movies Ratatouie and Meet the Robinsons. We have already watched one of them. Noah keeps eating cheese like the Rat. The little kids were the funniest to watch. Allie got her first baby Cabbage Patch Kid from Aub's fam and Kara got a Barbie, it was just some wild and crazy times. Thanks Mom and Al for the fun Christmas. We were so totally spoiled this year, I think we stink a little bit.

Christmas Morning 2007

Santa Claus came to our house last night. Noah was a very good boy this year. One of the first things Noah looked at was the cookies we left for Santa. He had to leave Santa a Root Beer Coke. Silly Santa must have been in a hurry, for he left one of his cookies with just a bite. Noah talked about it all morning. He knew right away which presents were from Santa for they were in red Santa paper. Christmas is so much more fun when you have kids. What a fun morning.

This definitely was a Star Wars Christmas. He got tons of Galactic Heroes and the Clone Troopers Transport ship Transformers. play food that he could cut by himself and the Feed the Dog a bone game. Dad and Mom got him his favorite book "I Really Want to Eat a Child" and his Camera. It was a really good day. He played and played all morning. Going around in circles and having the best time.

Kersten got me this really sweet paper cutter. It is really a two in one, with different kinds of blades etc. I am itching to use it. Really fun. I also got a new soft yellow robe and Noah got me the movie Hairspray, I am so excited to see it.

When Noah and I picked out a present for Kersten from him, he was very insistent that this is what he wanted to get him. I showed him a couple of options and he chose Ocean Thirteen. Kersten got new hiking boots and a robe also. And we got our joint gift of a new computer monitor. Hooray! Since right now this is my best place to document things.

At school, Noah made us a bell painted glittery blue with his picture on it for the Christmas tree. And he made a card with his hand print also in blue and wrote us a card all in blue. By far this was my favorite present. He was so proud. And it was all blue as he kept pointing out to us.

It was a really nice chill day. We hung out in our pajamas until it was time to go to my mom's. We have never had such a chill Christmas where we did not have to run around like chickens. It was so fun watching Noah's joy and him just playing and exclaiming over and over again how happy he was. What a nice holiday

F* Family Christmas Eve Bash

Tonight we had our annual Christmas Eve bash at the F* family. They open all of their gifts Christmas Eve and as the family keeps getting bigger, it keeps getting crazier. As a Christmas Surprise/blessing we got a new monitor yesterday. Thank you NIk for the sweet delivery. I thought I would go nuts without a computer. So last night, I parked it on the couch and did not move the entire night, but it made it difficult to get good pictures. So this year they are a bit lacking. We always eat German Weinies, potato salad, cheese ball, assorted yummy treats homemade by Mom F* and lots of other food. Before we went to the party we gave Noah one of his presents from Mom and Dad. A new Blue camera so he could take pictures at the party. Each time he would take a picture he would laugh with delight. We got spoiled beyond our wildest dreams. His family always goes overboard. The most fun was watching everyones reaction to their surprises. A highlight was when Christel opened a shower radio/CD player so that not everyone would have to listen to her music while she showers. She laughed for a good 10 minutes. Also, when Grandma Christel gave us all yogurt containers exclaiming that she lucked out this year for Smith's had a sale on yogurt, inside she hid some $ and other surprises. Every year she finds some new way to conceil her gift. It was as always so very much fun.

Josh was so hyper and excited about the presents, he could barely breathe. At one point while we were eating he came into the kitchen and said "You guys, I am going to DIE, if you don't come right now". He took Grandpa Heinz shopping for presents from him. He picked out lotions for his aunts (he smelled every one), and something healthy for his uncles, they got a heat wrap for he could not find any apples. It was really sweet to see his excitement for giving us his gifts. He received an N64 and then kept asking to go home so he could play all night with his mom. He is such a ball of energy.

Ginny received this framed picture from South Africa where she served her mission. She totally loved it. For added fun, My mom Jeanne framed this for them. She was really excited.

Here are Jason and Verity. They gave each other some comical presents. Jason even gave Ver some Feetie pajamas. They got a Wii from her fam so we gave them the Tombraider game.

Noah and Dad spent most of the evening figuring out these awesome Star Wars Transformers. Darth Vader turns into a Tie Fighter and Obiwan into his ship. The Grandparents gave it to him and it was a huge hit. At bedtime I had to comfort him for about 5 minutes for we would not let him sleep with them last night. I was so proud of Noah after each gift he opened he would have to play with it for awhile before opening another. He showed genuine appreciation to everyone for his gifts, even giving them hugs, which is no small feat. It made it easier to have everyone else open gifts since he was not begging for more.

Overall it was a very fun night, as it always is. We were spoiled beyond our wildess imagination. The food was fabulous and the chaos was magical. Kersten and I watched The Bourne Ultimantium before we went to bed. Awesome Show, Kerst is is heaven . I am very tired

Farewell for a bit

Our Computer monitor went out a couple of weekends ago. I thought I would go crazy and it was only 2 days without a computer. Sadly, the monitor we borrowed has got to be given back tommrow as it is part of a Christmas gift for someone. So I don't know when I will return. I have asked Kersten to try and post something the day the baby is born so that people out there will know etc. We will see what we can do. Hopefully, we will not be monitorless for long. Farewell, Farewell. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

E* Fam Christmas Party 2007

Tonight we had Christmas with My Dad Charlie and his Wife Kayleen or "Nonna". They graciously suggested that everyone come to my house so I could sit in our lovely recliner and not move. Everyone arrived and the chaos and fun started. Aren't we a silly bunch trying to all get into one picture. We were not going to have food just snacks.. But Emilee's friend Gerald would not have that and he brought BBQ Beef for Sandwiches, macaroni salad and yummy Santa Cookies and eclairs from a fun bakery down south. So he basically spoiled us. After we ate, the presents began. We went youngest to oldest. The kids were hyper with excitement. Noah received a doctor kit and Star Wars guys, He had to immediately open them of course. He wanted me to play Clone troopers with him and was annoyed when I had to open my gifts and Shaak-Ti's. I received the Shepard and Stable animals for my Willow people nativity. I have to say I am totally in love with the Camel. They always give fun ornaments and this year it came with a story and they read another really sweet Christmas story about a box full of love. It was really very nice. Wow were we spoiled. We are a wild bunch and it was really very fun to be together.

Nonna has a tradition of giving pajamas. The adults always get pajama pants. So comfy and warm. Here are the grandkids in their matching Ratatouie Pajamas. They were so excited that they had to all change into them right away. They kept inspecting each other to see if they really matched. They were quite darling. In this pic, Christopher has stolen Allie's binky. Funny boy, it was a power struggle.

Here are my Dad and Nonna. Doesn't my Dad look so handsome with his Beard? I just love it. I am really grateful that they were willing to come out to my house for Christmas. They also changed it from Christmas day to tonight so I would not be doing too much on one day. It was a fantastic party. I am so sad that my Dad had asthma so bad he could barely talk. So here is a shout out to you Dad, I hope you feel better soon. Thanks for the fun night and all the gifts. We love you guys

The Holy Night

The Holy Night
By Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

We sate among the stalls at Bethlehem;
The dumb kine from their fodder turning them,
Softened their horned faces
To almost human gazes
Toward the newly Born:
The simple shepherds from the star-lit brooks
Brought their visionary looks,
As yet in their astonied hearing rung
The strange sweet angel-tonge:
The magi of the East, in sandals worn,
Knelt reverent, sweeping round,
With long pale beards, their gifts upon the ground,
The incense, myrrh, and gold
These baby hands were impotent to hold:
So let all earthlies and celestials wait
Upon thy royal state.
Sleep, sleep, my kingly One!

More Random Pregnancy Facts

Here are the remainder of my random Pregnancy facts as of today I am 36 weeks and 3 days and she is measuring right on as of Wednesday Dec 19th

-I have gained 30 lbs so far

Appts-I don't know if I really want to figure this out, for it might be a bit depressing realizing that I do actually live at the doctor. Okay, so far 53 times at the doc. I counted the ones I already have scheduled next week.

Food-The most consistent foods I want to eat are dairy products, mostly ice cream, milk and yogurt. I crave fried foods, which is so not good. I have stopped watching shows like "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" on food network because I always want fried zucchini sticks afterwards. So I just avoid the temptation now.
I still have my weird thing about not wanting to eat anything very often. Today I found out and realized I am dehydrated which cannot be a good thing. So I need to step up the fluids big time before she comes and continue after for breastfeeding.

-On Wed, they did another 3D ultrasound and she looks a lot like her Daddy, at least what we can tell from the distorted images it creates. She has a cute little nose and still that chin just gets to me. It will be such a pleasure to see what she really looks like with all the speculation.

Names-Still not totally set on any name or even names. We do know what we like as a middle name but it could change to the first name, who knows. We have a list and will just have to see what she looks like when she arrives. So it will be a fun surprise for us as well as everyone.

My feet started swelling at 22 weeks and are now in a state of perpetual swelling. I used to be able to get them to go down by elevating them for awhile or sleeping. Well no more. It will be nice to have ankles again. I am just at that large, awkward phase, You know you look uncomfortable when an older lady at the grocery store looks at you like she is in pain and uncomfortable just thinking about what you are doing.

They wanted to take her today. Luckily, they took pity on me and decided to have me do more intensive testing tommrow and Mon and keep it the same unless these tests say otherwise. The fun thing was the doc I had with Noah, Dr. Draper was on call today. He just barely started working at this hospital. It was such a fun surprise. He came and sat and chatted with me while I had my NST. It was such a cool thing to see him here at the end of my second pregnancy. If she for some reason comes on the 26th he is the doc that night and would make sure he is in the OR. He is also going to come peek at my baby after she comes. Noah was a bit shy with him. He read over my chart and set up all the stuff for the next couple days of tests. So I know I was taken care of and watched out for today.

I am actually really trying to treasure each moment of this pregnancy. It is my last, for sure. I really have loved helping in creating these beautiful children and feel awed by the responsibility that Heavenly Father has given me. With our crazy life the past 4 1/2 months, I told Kersten I felt bad that I really tried to cherish the beautiful parts of pregnancy but I really don't think I was able to relish it. He made a good comment, that if we did try for a 3rd it would be even more difficult to cherish it with the added responsibility of 2 kids not just one. There is nothing like feeling your baby move inside you. You do learn so much about their personality just by being so close with their spirit. I really never thought I would have this oppurtunity and KNOW that it is a true miracle that I have carried and conceived these children.

Noah Facts

Here for your reading pleasure and so I capture it somewhere to remember by are some Random Facts about Noah:

Favorite Songs: He has two of them, he always says. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" sung by James Taylor and Natalie Cole and "Pop, Goes My Heart" from the movie Music and Lyrics. He likes to sing "Once there was a Snowman", "Put your Finger in the Air", "The Wise Man built his house upon the rock" and "5 little monkeys swinging in a tree".

Favorite Books: "Are You My Mother?", Go Dog Go, "I Really Want to Eat a Child". "The Polar Express". and any dinosaur books.

Favorite Toys: Blue Lightsaber "Mo Haw", Star Wars Galactic Heroes, Big Gun and Blue Gun, Any Star Wars spaceship, Transformers. Cash Register at School,

He loves to play Star Wars still. He practices with his blue lightsaber all day long. He is very skilled at it. You don't play it with him you have to work hard if you are going to fight him with your lightsaber. He is quite strong and skilled now. He also plays with his Spaceships and Star wars characters. They all start out by saying Hi to each other and then either shooting or clashing lightsabers. But they are all friends. He loves Jango Fett right now for he has 2 guns and Clone Troopers for they have guns also.

He is really into pretend play. He loves to be something else and we have to call him that, for example "Noah Jedi", "Noah Batman", "Noah Doctor", "Noah Fireman", "Noah Blue Ranger" or "Noah Pal" when he is being a dog. It always has to have his name before it if he is something else for awhile. He loves to play kitchen and cooking, Nemo fish in the bathtub, Cars, and with his train table

Favorite TV shows: Curious George, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Super Why, Batman, Power Rangers (he has to go potty that day to watch Power Rangers, awesome incentive)

Favorite Movies: Star Wars: Clone Wars, Star Wars I, II,IV,V and VI,

Whenever he is watching a show, he acts out what is going on. So if you watch it with him, you get to see it in live action and on the screen. Everyone in the family has to be in the show too, sometimes we switch around. Right now in Star Wars, Noah is Anakin, Dad is Obiwan, Mom is either Padme or Shaak-Ti and Shaak-Ti is always Shaak-Ti so we have 2 sometimes. Uncle Nik is Mace Windu. When he is allowed to watch Power Rangers all of us are a Power Ranger according to color and he yells them out as the credits roll. TV is not a solitary event at our house. Even Mickey Mouse has all these activities you must do while watching. It is one of my favorite things about Noah.

Favorite Foods: Chocolate Milk, Cheese, Grapes, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets, Juice, Fish Crackers, Graham Crackers and Milk, Cookies, Broccoli, Carrots and Cucumbers

He is definitely a toddler about food right now. He used to eat anything that Dad or Mom would eat first. Now he is picky and silly about anything, even if he has eaten it before. Such a silly little boy.

Favorite Color: Everything has to be Blue, he always has to say all of our favorite colors, Daddy's is red, Mom is yellow, Apparently Shaak Ti's is pink, Noah and Pal are Blue

Words: He is really trying hard with his Big Words. He is so animated and energetic. I think he is so much cuter and entertaining because he has to communicate differently than other 3 year olds. He is not progressing really fast but at least you can tell he is trying hard. He gets really frustrated at times when you don't understand what he needs. He knows a bit of sign language and that has helped empower him a lot, I think. We try to learn a new sign every day. He loves it and asks to find out a word. He has been frustrated with aunts and relatives when he has told them he needed water or needed to pee with his hands and they look at him funny. I guess we need to educate them in some of the most used ones. He just gets the sounds totally mixed up when he has to put them all together.

Numbers: He Loves the number 3. He points it out whenever he sees one. I know he can count to at least 10 and I think above that, but you can't understand half the numbers.

He loves Preschool. His teacher gave him the best compliment that a mom always wants to hear, she said of all the kids in his class he is the one that makes sure to include everyone. He will go and get the other kids to make sure they don't miss out. He has a good friend Blake in his class that told his Dad that Noah is his new best friend. I had Lilly's mom come and tell me that Lilly talks about Noah all day after school. The teachers says she follows him around at school. She has a crush on him. I don't blame her. He always comes home happy and full of news. I am so glad he is going.

Those are some random things about Noah, thank you for indulging a mom. I want to remember a bit about him now.

Update: warning might be a little long

Sorry, I have not posted in days. A lot has been happening around here so I will be updating you all here for now. Warning: very long winded and long post. So, First here is an updated pic of my sweetest boy, Noah in his Sunday finest today. He had 2 penguins on his vest and had to take penguin books to look at in church. He is being so fantastic and snuggly. I feel he knows I need him to make good choices and help me. I really am a very lucky mom.

So now for our week, Tuesday Night my ward threw us a baby shower for Shaak-Ti. It was so fun and everyone was so generous. It was at this house that was decorated so darling and different. It was just fun to be there. All these cute old ladies knitted and crochet some beautiful blankets. I have missed talking and being around women since being on bedrest and not seeing women at church. I really appreciated the thought and the party. It was fun.

Wednesday was my crazy day. I had the eye doctor in the morning. Noah LOVES the eye doctor. Granted, my eye doctor lets him use his light and touch all the cool tools that he uses. This time he looked at Noah's eyes and told him that his eyes are perfect. And then said he had the most beautiful eyes. Noah kept saying "Boo Boo ful eyes", the rest of the day. He even had to call and tell Dad about his eyes. On my note, my right eye is getting really bad. It is accelerating at an alarming rate, he suggested that it would be good if the baby came early. No matter when the babe is born, I have to go two weeks afterwards for some out patient surgery. I have had it before, it is painful but only puts me out for the rest of the afternoon. I will have my mom take me and hold the baby while I have the procedure. He sent me on my way with a note for my Baby doc that I was seeing that afternoon.

I dropped Noah off at Grandma F* house for my other two appts. My doc was really busy and I was informed when I walked in that it was time for an ultrasound. That is always fun to see your baby. Even though in a couple of weeks, I can take real pictures all that I want. He had one of his partners come in and talk for a minute and then realized I had to see Dr Esplin. So I talked about my eyes, he checked all of my other fun problems and decided to schedule an amnio the day after Christmas to see if her lungs are developed enough. Apparently, the lungs of babies that have diabetic moms don't develop as quickly although they grow bigger faster. If the tests come out okay then they will take Shaak-Ti on December 28th. I then had to go have a Non-stress test. Which showed that the baby is doing fine with no stress but the mom is freaking out and going a bit nuts. This is making me so nervous and stressed, is this really the right thing for Me and my Babe.

My sisters and mom had planned a baby shower for that night. And since so many people could not come and it was just not a good day, decided the night before to reschedule a "Meet the baby" party after she is born. I am really glad they changed it. I was freaking out a bit. Kerst had to calm me down on the phone. I bought myself a fruit smoothie at Costco. I had a blessing that night that said she would come when it was right and she would be fine. Cute Noah, asked for a blessing afterwards and he looked like he felt so important and special as he got a fathers blessing. It said he would have the ability to calm his sister and they would be best friends. His made me cry.

Since we did not have the shower on Wed, on Thursday Lena came and brought this darling Shaak-Ti cake she was planning for the shower. She was so excited to make it that she made it in spite of having no party. Noah was so excited and it was the yummiest cake. Lena is so talented, it was really fun to have a surprise like this. There is a pic above of the beautiful cake. Is it not so awesome?

Friday Night we went to an Adults only Christmas Party in our ward. Emilee took Noah and he had a sleepover at her house. We had a fantastic time visiting with other couples around our age in the ward. It was a Shephards dinner but with simpler food. It was fun to get to know people better and have adult time together as a couple. I am so pregnant and tired that afterwards, I went to bed. I got to sleep in until 9. So that was heaven.

Saturday, we cleaned out our entire bedroom and moved all the furniture to fit the cradle in there. My mom came to my house 5 minutes after I woke up to help. She was tending Baby Allie and stayed for a couple hours and worked so hard to get it to a point we could do it on our own. Lena showed up to help just as my mom left. We also wore her out. We really could not do all that we need without the help my fam has given us. Emilee showed up with Noah and her kids and Kristin folded my socks for me and we finished the room and cleaned the front room.

I noticed Ernie fish was looking really sick and dark. I asked Lena as she is our resident fish expert. She and Kristin took him up to PetSmart to see if he could be saved. He has probably been sick for awhile but I have had other things on my mind. Ernie has a fungus. The tablet that would help has to be put in a 10 gallon tank. Ernie lives in a one gallon tank. So we had to find something to save the water so that we can keep it and change his water with his med water every 4 days. He seems to be better today. So that is good. I figured if something happened to Ernie, it would be a good learning experience. I am glad he seems to be doing better. To much change for Noah to fast.

I go to the doc again on Wed. I am going to go over everything with him again to make sure we are making the best decisions all the way around. It was really strange making my last appts for the doctor. I have had numerous people who saw me from Tues to Sat say I am carrying this baby different than I was at the beginning of the week. I can totally feel it.

Today I am grateful for all I have an am blessed with. I see how the Lord has a hand in everything in my life. I have such a wonderful husband and son. A family and family in law that are doing all they can to help me when I need it most. I am just grateful to be a mother. I really never imagined I would get to be and I am so blessed to be born at this time where it is possible for me. Sorry this entry is so long and drawn out. I am totally not offended if you did not make it to the end.

Christmas MeMe

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for under the tree, gift bags for neighbor gifts etc.
2.Real or Fake Tree? Fake all the way, It has to be up for a month and it is less messy
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually sometime during the week after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the week between Christmas and New Years
5. Do you like eggnog? LOVE it
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My stereo in 7th grade
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes quite a few. It is my favorite part of my decorations
8. Hardest person to buy for?My step -mother and step-dad
9. Easiest person to buy for? Kids. Toys and books! and Kersten for he always tells me what he wants of buys it for himself early
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever got? To big pajamas that were not returnable. A maternity jacket when I was not pregnant
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, and I love to make them. It is a true delight to me. Although this year people are getting baby announcements in January instead
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf, love it and The Muppets Christmas Carol (best version ever)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In September Usually
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I did last year sadly, I got a late Christmas Santa from a neighbor and never even unwrapped it and regifted it the next year to some acquaintances that we did not know well
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Virginia's Divinity, Kersten's mom's rum balls and Peppermint ice cream with fudge
16. Colored or clear lights on the tree? Growing up it was colored but now we have clear
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night and Baby, It's Cold Outside
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home but go around the valley like crazy people.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Olive the Other Reindeer
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Right now it is an Angel but I am on the lookout for a great star. A little bit picky about it
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Kersten's fam opens them ALL Christmas Eve, We did one on the Eve and the rest Christmas Morning. This is a big debate in our marriage. But convenience has made it so we open them Christmas Morning with our little family. To much going on the Eve before to try to open all our gifts also.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? It is over before you have time to really enjoy it as an adult.
23. What do you enjoy most about Christmas? How magical and festive it is. I am big on magic. Watching the wonder in my child's eyes.
24. Hot Chocolate or Cider?Hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and stirred with a candy cane.
25. What do you want for Christmas? This year I would like for this baby girl to wait till after Christmas to be born. That would be the best gift ever.

Grateful Sunday 12-9-07 on Monday

Our computer monitor blew out on Saturday and two days without a computer was a bit of a struggle for us. Luckily we have some nice people that are letting us borrow one until Christmas. Who knows after that.

Good Friends-I am one very blessed woman to have some very dear, close "Kindred spririts" in my life. You don't realize how important these women will be to you as you grow up and raise your family. Thanks

Family-Lena came and put up my tree on thursday. And I am so glad that she did. It really has been cheerful and magical. Just like Christmas should be. Now, I feel so less Bah humbug. My mom also came and cleaned my bathroom and mopped my floor. Sanity returning. Kersten's family has also been so helpful and available. Monika tends Noah for me so often for doc appts and Heinz is always being creative in ways to help us. I am so very blessed.

Pampering-I was finally able to get my hair cut on saturday. The lady who cuts my hair did an extra long shampoo and sat and brushed it for awhile. It was so very nice and then Kersten massaged my legs. Heaven. Little things help a lot right now.

December Real Simple Interview

For my birthday my brother Nik and mostly his wife Lena got me a subscription to Real Simple Magazine The coolest thing was that I got my first issue the saturday before my birthday and they stopped by. I commented that I randomly got my favorite magazine in the mail with my name on it and had no idea how. They laughed and spilled the beans that they got if for me. Hooray! I am one lucky sister

What is the most unusual holiday gift you've ever received? In high school, I was trying to get all the Aladdin toys from Burger King. The only one I did not have was Abu the monkey. My brother Nik, wrapped it in a huge box with tons of newspaper and gave it to me for Christmas. It is a favorite memory.

Most useless invention I am sure there are a ton of them out there but I don't pay that much attention or forget about them after I see them.

What makes you laugh? My boys, my brother, the movie Elf, Undercover Brother, THe Man who Knew to Little, The Office, and mostly myself.

Bath or Shower?Shower, unless I have a huge jetted tub at my leisure.

If you could change careers now without consequences or financial loss, what would you switch to?Well, I am living my dream job of being a mom but if I could go back to school I would get a masters in Speech pathology.

What was your most embarrassing moment? I have way to many to think of just one. I have introduced some people in really kind of embarrassing ways trying to give the other a reference of who they are in my life. They probably have forgotten them but I replay them in my mind. Lame

How often do you exercise?Right now, walking and standing up feel like exercise.

What surprises you most about your life? How much joy I take from being a mom, The continuing struggles and unlucky surprises that keep popping up in life and I never thought my family that I grew up in would be like it is now

The big decision I'm currently wrestling with is . . .once again, what to name this baby girl. Should I tie my tubes, should I put up a christmas tree or just lots of lights and make one of paper. Should I just blow up my storage room so I don't feel a need to have it organized and cleaned out

Bah Humbug!

For reasons that seem really lame and lazy to me right now. I am having a hard time getting in the mood to put up my Christmas Tree. I put up the stockings and the cute Santa on my mantel that Polli made years ago. I can not seem to get myself to pull out the energy needed for a tree. Oh, I am determined that we will have one. Christmas is three weeks from today and my goal is to get it done in the next two days. I will be honest. If it was not for Noah, there would be not tree. Part of my Bah Humbug is that I will need to take it down very very soon after Christmas to be ready for this baby. How sad is that. I have the Christmas spirit just not feeling the spirit of the tree. Hmmm

Grateful Sunday 12-02-07

Kersten-He has been so much happier and optimistic lately. I have been reminded why I loved him so much in the first place. He truly is my best friend and he is such a man of integrity. I just love him.

New Snow-It has snowed twice this week and luckily each time was a day we got to stay inside. It was beautiful to watch the new snow fall and later my two men going out to play in it. They were so satisfied and happy about everything.

The New Hospital-Oh, how happy this hospital makes me. It is so much easier to get to for me. The parking is so much easier if you are a patient and it is so clean, new and nice. They are still working out some of the quirks but so far I really like it there. It will be so much better having my baby there.

Date Night-I know that one thing I need is to have some time just with my spouse to feel content, happy and loved. We went out with Ryan and Kristine last night to a movie at Gateway. We got there early and had a bit of time to window shop and talk. We dreamed and talked about our new girl and Christmas, it was just so nice to have a bit of time that seemed stolen.

My Mom-I have had some fun good talks with my mom this week. I have needed that where we just gab and laugh about nothing and everything. I don't know what I would do without her right now. She has been so helpful and willing to be there.