28 weeks and new car!

What a busy weekend we had!  After going back and forth between lots of vehicle options, we decided on a Volkswagen Touareg.  It's a small to mid sized SUV, black, and gorgeous!  Matt is driving it for now while his Infiniti sits in the garage to be sold and my poor Grand Prix got booted to the driveway.  When the baby is born, I'll drive the Touareg and Matt gets the Grand Prix - so I can't be too jealous that he gets to drive it for the next couple months!  I think Clifford likes it too, although it may be a tight fit for that big goof.....

Opinions

I've always been an opinionated person, but not necessarily confrontational or overly emotionally attached to my views.  I do my best to not place judgment or treat anyone with views different than mine with disrespect. I expect the same from others.  As we begin making decisions affecting our baby boy, we have been faced with opinions that differ from ours and I'm having a hard time reacting appropriately.  It's one thing when someone thinks I'm crazy to be a vegetarian of 22 years because I can't imagine eating an animal or not believe in god, since that's who I am and I'm confident in that - but when someone thinks I'm risking my baby's life by running or considering a home birth, I feel a surge of protectiveness and become defensive.  What I'm realizing is that this is only the beginning of the opinions that will come our way as we make decisions as parents - and I've got to learn to take it all with a grain of salt.  That's all.  :)

Finally - working out and some shopping!

It's so nice to be back in the swing of things workout wise.  I've been trying to workout 5-6 days a week, whether it's at the gym doing the stair master and lifting weights or running outside.  I feel my workouts getting progressively harder but it still feels so good to be active!  I'm also doing lots of squats and stretching to "train" for the birth. Yesterday Matt and I took Clifford with us on a 3 mile run and he did awesome.  Running with me is more of a fast walk for him, so it's perfect. 

We also finally did some shopping for baby Jack for the first time.  After some research, we picked out a nice travel system that includes an infant car seat and a stroller.  We decided to hold off on our BOB Revolution stroller that's on our wish list, since we wouldn't be able to use it with the baby for a couple months anyway.  We also got a breast pump and some newborn outfits.  I think Matt is experiencing some sticker shock on how expensive a baby really is!  And to think, we've only just begun......  :)

Rose Bowl!

All Matt wanted for Christmas was a trip to the Rose Bowl - so off we went to cheer on the University of Wisconsin!  We took a road trip to Pasadena on New Years Eve - about a 6 hour drive.  Upon arrival, we headed to downtown Pasadena to walk around and have some dinner.  We could not believe the amount of people lining the streets to get their overnight spot for the parade the next morning!  Those people are crazy.  Many had sleeping bags, a fire going, lots of chairs set up, and were playing cards/games.  Matt wasn't interested in going to the parade, so we skipped it. 

Our tickets included entrance into a hospitality tent with free food and drinks - so that was nice and it gave me an opportunity to sit down for awhile in the sun.  It was a sea of red everywhere!  Not many TCU fans wandering around at all.  It was exciting to be at the game, despite the outcome.  I'm definitely glad we were able to go!

Holiday Fun at 25 weeks!

The reality of a baby in 3 months is starting to set in big time now that the holiday's are over!  We had a great time with family in both Michigan and Wisconsin.  We arrived in Michigan late Christmas Eve, and spend Christmas day relaxing, playing games, eating, playing with the pups, and walking in the woods outside - my favorite things to do when I'm home!  We also spent time reflecting on how different next year will be with a little one around, since almost all of our family events include just my parents, sisters, and brother in law.  There will be a lot of joy with the new addition, but I'm sure we'll miss the adult activities, beverages, and games that are the focus when we normally get together.  Hopefully we can find a happy medium!

We don't focus so much on gifts during Christmas but rather experiences, and this year my mom surprised us with a trip up to Muskegon to cross country ski!  I've always wanted to try it, but I can't say my enthusiasm was shared with everyone.  It was a gorgeous day and we ended up having the best time!  I had to take it easy (booooo....), but everyone else both skied and fell hard - except for my dad who was a pro!  I'm so thankful for an active family and parents that are in shape and get right out and do anything with us kiddos.

After several days in Michigan we drove the 4+ hours to Wisconsin to see Matt's family.  We took our 6-year-old niece and nephew out on an "adventure" for their Christmas gift, which included shopping for U of W gear for the baby and me, doing some indoor mini golf, and having a special treat.  It's so fun to spend time with them and they just adore anything they can do with Matt!  We also went to Olbrich gardens and bowling with everyone - and I'm not sure any of us are going to quit our day jobs to become professional bowlers any time soon!

Overall, it was a nice trip with family but much too short - as usual it seems!

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!!