Nursery and More...

We are gearing up for Baby Natale's arrival! The nursery is finished! The carpet arrived yesterday! We still have a few pictures to hang in the nursery, as Jim's sister did some drawings for us! But other than that, the drawers are stocked and the crib is made! Jim painted the room and did a fabulous job! So now that the nursery has been set up and our bags are mostly packed, we are just waiting for Baby to decide when to arrive!

Dresser

Changing Table and Shelf

Crib and sign that says "I love you to the moon and back"

Just before Christmas, we had a nice shower thrown by the teachers at my school. We are so thankful for the generosity and love they showed! I am so grateful to work with an amazing group of educators. They are an amazing group of people who truly care about those around them. I took some time over the break to make some thank you cards to show them just how much their thoughtfulness is appreciated (close your eyes if you think you may be receiving one of these! :) ). My Dad has a "cricut" machine and we used it to create these cute little cards! Who knew we could be so crafty! Thanks for your help Dad!

Sweet Child 'O Mine

Notice I said sweet...not tiny or little! So I guess it's time to formally state that the prediction is...I'm having a big baby. To some of you, this may not come as a surprise because you've watched my belly expand!

Last week they sent me for an ultrasound because I was measuring larger than 35 weeks.

Jim and I went to our ultrasound on Monday. At that ultrasound, the "guesstimate" for our child's weight was 7lbs. + or - 1lb 1oz. We had another appointment yesterday afternoon where they confirmed...yes...big baby. (As much as they can predict without seeing the baby) The midwife's "guesstimate" is now around 8. By the way...did I mention that I'm between 36 and 37 weeks along and my due date isn't until January 17!!! And I know that one can never be sure, but at least we will be prepared for the possibility of Big Baby Natale. The good thing about all of this is that it's not due to gestational diabetes...no...it's genetics. I must give a big shout out to my mother-in-law whom I love dearly and has blessed me with the genetics of carrying this bundle of joy! :) (All of her babies weighed in at 9+ lbs.)

We are just praying for a happy, healthy baby whenever it is ready! I have to say though, it's not looking like it will be before Jan (sorry Jim!). So keep us in your prayers as we near the end of this wonderful adventure and look forward to a new one!

Holiday Preparations!

Upon a review of this next week's schedule, I realized that I was not going to have much time to complete any of the things that I need to get done! So, Jim and I spent today preparing for the upcoming holiday festivities! Yesterday, he helped to cut down Christmas trees for UAFD and then we brought one home. Today was the day for decorating! These are two ornaments I received from friends and family in honor of my first pregnant Christmas!

Baby Fairy from Aunt Julie

Pregnant Mommy ornament from Mary G. (Gram)

The tree is all decorated!

I also spent some time preparing cookie dough for a cookie exchange and Fire Department Open House at the end of this week, as well as, a treat for a school luncheon on Tuesday. WHEW! Since I had to make two types of cookies, I tried one new recipe, Santa Whiskers, and stuck with an oldie but a goodie for the other , Peanut Butter Blossoms. I'm excited to see how they turn out!

For the school luncheon, I made these chocolate refrigerator treats with marshmallows and rice krispies that Jim requested. Only problem was, we couldn't find the exact recipe. Well we concocted one and based upon Jim eating 3 of them already, make that 5, I think we got it pretty close.

So Sunday evening and I have most of my extra-curricular things complete and I can use the time I do have in the evening this week to do school work. Oh how exciting!

Thankful at Thanksgiving...and always!

This year, Thanksgiving held even more meaning for our family. We got to spend the week with my grandfather and his wife, Helen. They live in Canada, so we don't often have large family gatherings. My brother and his wife opened up their home for us to use for our Thanksgiving meal (and a few others). My aunt and uncle traveled from North Carolina. My aunt, cousin, and her ten year old son traveled from Michigan!

Many activities occur when the Carmichael's get together. The first of which is leg wrestling. My dad has worked really hard to lose 57 pounds since August 1 and he was determined to beat my brother! Clearly we had many laughs and my dad is still insisting it was a tie!

Dad and Aaron begin the competition

Who won?!

Whenever we are together, we have another tradition...we sing! My uncle brought his guitar and as you can see below, my grandfather enjoyed every minute of it! It's such a fun memory to have of Grandpa singing his heart out...normally it's at the dinner table! :)

On Saturday, we went to Hershey Chocolate World. We enjoyed walking around (or shuffling past the crowds of people) and looking at all of the yummy chocolate. We had a cold ride on the shuttle to get to and from our car, but it was all worth it! We ended the day with shopping at the Hershey Outlets.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with our family! Thank you to all of you who traveled and Aaron and Rach for opening their home to us!