Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

I am so glad to be off of work today! I honestly don't think I would have made it through the day if I had to work! I am exhausted! I've been parked on the couch the entire day, and it's been snowing all day long! I'm so lucky that Erik has been extra helpful! He got the laundry started, made us breakfast, and is getting the grocery shopping done, all while I lay here unable to move! Even if I wanted to help him, my tired body won't let me!

I don't mind all of the snow falling since we don't need to go anywhere today. It has been a slight hassle with letting the dogs out. Riley loves the snow, and was trying to chase Bella and get her to play. I had to stop him or else she gets covered in the snow, plops down, and starts to cry until I trek out to get her! He was running laps in the snow and eating it this morning! It's been a two person job letting them out. One goes out there to make sure Bella doesn't get stuck, and the other has a towel ready to wipe them all off!

So far, we've had a really nice Christmas this year! We both got Christmas Eve off from work, which up until a week ago we thought we'd have to work a half day. We had a nice breakfast together and relaxed a bit in the morning. Then we loaded up the car with presents and all the dogs, and went to Erik's Mom's house. We exhanged a bunch of presents, and got a lot of nice gifts! Everyone was more than generous this year! Thanks all!! Then we had a really yummy dinner and relaxed while watching The Hangover. The puppies had fun visiting with Lulu, and were passed out the whole ride home!

When Erik and I got home, we lit up the tree, and opened our presents from each other. We added a few more special ornaments to our tree! I got Erik some comfy fleece pants that are red and gray with footballs, and he got me some PJ's, comfy socks, and some perfume! We also spoiled the dogs with lots of presents this year. We bought them a bunch of treats, chew bones, toothpaste, and some chew toys. We put them into gift bags and were cracking up watching them pull everything out!

Christmas morning we woke up early to go to church. We than went to Erik's Dad's house for breakfast, more presents, and to open our stockings! Erik and I were really excited to get a camcorder from his Dad! It'll come in handy when Baby arrives!! We then drove to Oma and Opa's house to hangout with the rest of the family!

We had another delicious dinner! After dinner all of the cousins were hanging out downstairs. Somehow we got on the topic of babies and delivery!! Erik cracked me up! He keeps joking that he's going to go to Vegas the week before the baby is born, or that the baby will come early so he can go to Vegas with his brother. (So not going to happen!!) His plan is to have me eat a lot of bananas. I looked at him confused...why bananas? He said well the doctors give you potassium in the hospital to speed up labor! Hahaha! I started laughing! I said, "You mean pitocin! The drug that starts labor!!" He's so funny!!

We still have one more Christmas celebration with my parents tomorrow! We've been waiting to open the rest of our presents with them! I can't believe Erik is being so patient! I didn't take many pictures this year, so I'll have to see if I can get some from family to post later!

I can't believe how quickly Christmas is coming! I don't know if it's because we're so busy with work, or because every thought has been about the baby, but it still doesn't feel like Christmas yet! We decorated the house, bought all of the presents , and mailed out the Christmas cards, but something still feels like it's missing. I'm looking forward to going to either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day mass! Ususally after that it feels like Christmas to me!

Erik and I had fun last weekend visiting with our friend Cramer in Indy. He works at Butler University, and was able to get Erik, Matt, and me, tickets to the Butler vs. Ohio State basketball game. Uncle Scot and cousin Joe also joined us for the game! More excitingly, we got to meet Cramer's fiance, Jessica!! They recently got engaged and are planning a February 2011 wedding! We're very excited for the both of them!!

Last night Erik and I had a Christmas get together with our friends Michelle, Justin, Sarah, and Jeff. We had a great Thai dinner, and exchanged presents! Erik got an Ohio State Snuggie and loves it!! He put it on last night when we got home!

The following pictures are from 24 weeks, and then 26 weeks after my work Christmas party!

24 weeks

Thanksgiving was really nice with our families! Some people were asking us about baby's name. We're pretty sure we're going to wait to announce it until he arrives! However it was really funny, because Erik pretended he was going to tell the name and said, "All right, it's going to be Darnell!" It was hilarious hearing everyone call him Darnell all weekend! Now it's a running joke!

Last week I had a little scare because of sharp, stabbing pains in my abdomen. My work is so good to me. They had me lay down while I waited to talk to my doctor. I ended up going to the hospital just to make sure that everything was all right. Well thankfully, everything looked fine, and they couldn't really explain the pains...very frustrating!! I'm just happy our little guy was ok!

We then saw my doctor this Tuesday. He also couldn't explain the pains I had, but said to keep him posted. Baby Grimmer looked really good on the ultrasound. He's so much bigger from just 4 weeks ago! He weighs 1lb 10oz, and is in the 50th percentile! We could see him sitting "indian style" with his legs folded, and of course he had his hands in front of his face again! We did get to see a pretty clear look of his face! So very cool!



He's been moving a little bit more in the last two weeks! One night, Erik said he must be practicing boxing, because he kept punching or kicking the same spot over and over! I've been feeling extremely tired again. I've been resting as much as I can, because well I don't have a choice! My body will not let me push through! It tells me to sit my butt down! Also, my appetite is driving me crazy! Half the time I can't think of what I want to eat, and then I fill up so quickly! I eat a few bites and feel "Thanksgiving full!" I know it'll all be worth it, but this growing a baby is tough stuff!