Too cute!!

Who wants to get Baby Jack one of these?!?! 

24 weeks!

After this weekend we are definitely ready for the Holidays!  I can't believe next year we'll have our first Christmas with our baby boy.  Matt and I have both been talking about traditions and how we want to celebrate Christmas with our own family.  As you know, we're not exactly ones to celebrate the Christ in Christmas, but still value the holidays as a special time to celebrate.  To us Christmas is about being appreciative for what you have, from family and friends to good health, while doing something to help others that aren't so lucky.  It's about spending time with loved ones, playing games, eating yummy cookies, and playing in the snow.  I feel sad when I see the focus for children being on what toys they are going to get and a me, me, me attitude.  Don't even get me started on commercialism!  Mass quantities of gifts, while thoughtful and provide immediate gratification, do not equal love. 

One tradition we've started as a couple is to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program through the City of Phoenix.  This was our 3rd year, and once again we were so happy to make Christmas a little bit more special for a family.  We start our tradition by going shopping, which is both fun to do together and a reality check.  These families want items like towels, cleaning supplies, sheets, and other items that most of us take for granted.    After shopping we come home and wrap the presents, while having some wine/beer and watching a movie.  Yesterday, we delivered the presents to the family - which is always a special experience.  We drove to a "bad" area of town and met a huge Hispanic family that you could tell was close as can be and worked together to support one another.  The children were so excited, and the mother was quietly grateful.  This year, we both talked about how meaningful it will be to take our little one shopping and let him pick out toys and clothing for another child that needs the items much more than he does.  I hope each and every one of you find a way, no matter how big or small, to give to someone in need this year!

On another note - we had a gorgeous weekend and I enjoyed Prenatal Yoga on Saturday and a 6 mile run on Sunday in sunny, 70 degree weather!  Love Arizona this time of year!  I'm still feeling great and happy to be out and active.

 

On Friday, we head home to Michigan for a few days and hope to make the 4 hour drive to Madison, Wisconsin (unpredictable lake effect weather permitting!) for a few days as well.  Merry Christmas everyone!!

The 12k's of Christmas!

This weekend we participated in the 12k's of Christmas in Gilbert!  It consisted of a 12k run (7.8 miles), which we did, as well as a 6k and 1.5k walk.  This race was to raise money for local dog rescue groups, so dogs and costumes were welcome.  In our gift bag we were given a dog toy and Santa hat, and of course I had to get into the theme with my outfit!  Can't say the same for Matt.  :)

The race started at 10:00am and by then it was in the 70's with the sun shining bright - making it a warm race, especially for those of us in Santa hats!  We brought Clifford with us, where he met with his BFF Athos and Athos' dad and our friend Ricky.  Ricky was nice enough to take Clifford while we ran - he's the best!  I had a great run for 23 weeks pregnant, although I could definitely feel Jack when he moved on top of my bladder!  The pictures say it all......!!

Names!

We've finally chosen a name (well, at least we think so)!  It took a lot of thought, research, and baby boy iPhone apps.  I wanted a name that fell between traditional and trendy, but Matt was not too keen on the "trendy" part of that equation.  In the end, we have decided on.........

Jack Matthew Zernicke

At least, that's what we've been calling him lately!  I can't imagine we'll come up with a name we like better at this point - but you never know!

Happy Anniversary to Us and Half Marathon!

On Saturday, December 4th we celebrated our first Anniversary and what a memorable first year of marriage it was!  We went to the delicious Italian restaurant Marcellino in Scottsdale, where I chowed down on homemade gnocci and a salad.  The food and experience made for a special night.  We came home to dig into the top of our cake from a year ago, and unfortunately it looked better than it tasted!

On Sunday the 5th Matt ran in the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon - which was special because last year a group of us ran the 5k during our wedding weekend!  We brought Clifford and I spent my first race as a spectator and cheerleader.  Not an easy task for me!!  However, I couldn't have been more proud to see Matt cross the finish line at 1:54 - a PR for him and he has now taken over as family half marathon champion!  Now Matt's sister Missy, my sister Carrie and me all have a time to beat to reclaim the title!   Yea for Matt!!!!!

Where have I even been?!?!

Geez, we find out we're having a boy and then disappear off the blog, huh?!?!  Well, it has been a busy holiday season already and I'll share some of the favorite moments.....

We traveled to Seattle for Thanksgiving where we met my parents, sisters, and brother in law.  My mom's side of the family lives in the Northwest, so it's always a tradition for them to do Thanksgiving at my Aunt Janice and Uncle Rick's house.  We were lucky to all be able to join them this year!  The weekend started out with a fun family 5k - since we all love to run/stay active!  Matt and I braved the cold weather and snowy roads - but it was great to get some exercise in before eating!

After lots of yummy food and a walk down to the cove, we had a baby shower that my wonderful Aunt Janice arranged!  Matt and I haven't bought anything for the baby, so it was exciting to get some adorable clothes and cute accessories!  Makes us more excited, that's for sure!

Other weekend highlights included the Underground City tour, shopping downtown, vegan donuts, Pike Place market and a Wisconsin football win!  All in all, a great weekend with lots of my favorite people!