Merry Christmas Eve!

I cannot believe it's Christmas Eve already. Where did this month go? It doesn't help that we haven't had any significant snowfall yet. However, that should change tonight! Snow is acceptable and very welcomed when I am off work and for the Holidays. After that, I'd rather not have to deal with it and only want it in the mountains.

front door views from yesterday

Anyways! It's Christmas everyone! I sort of slowed the settling in process to do more seasonal things like cookie baking, attending holiday parties, and working extra. For the surgery world of nursing, it's our crazy time- boy it's been crazy. Lots of over time but that also meant missing out on somethings or being very late. Not much progress of late to the house, our pictures are still piled along the walls, waiting to be hung. The basement is all but forgotten except to run down and do a load of laundry. Once I get it a little more set up, there will be a house tour. Today's post is mostly to let you know we are still alive out here in Utah.

I've been feeling good during this phase of pregnancy. I am still not showing a whole lot.  I am measuring about on target. We had a big ultra sound a couple days ago. Davis got to see the baby for the first time. Well, it's the first time either one of us has seen him/her outside of the gummy bear- looking stage. I am beginning to feel more movement. It's been a little delayed because the placenta is anterior and blocking a lot of the punches and kicks. As far as we know, things look good. It's exciting and a bit unnerving to be somewhat in charge of helping this little life flourish and yet there still is so much you can't do.  We have a few pictures from the ultrasound, most still make little one seem somewhat alien-like. We got to watch some punches, kicks, and very cute yawns. It's pretty amazing. It still doesn't seem that real in the coming year we will welcome this child into the world. After Christmas, we'll start really focusing on getting ready. We haven't done a thing yet, other than tell Ingrid she is going to have to get used to being the big sister :)

caught mid "yawn"

20 week "bump"

Davis' work party was at the aquarium this year. Excellent location for a work party, if you ask me! Dressing up provided an opportunity to take picture of the "bump". I think it just looks like I ate too many burritos. At some point, I'll cross the line of looking definitely pregnant.  Davis also took me to The Nutcracker ballet last night. It was the most professional production I've ever seen. It was so lovely, every bit of it. We want to check out their performance of Alladin in the spring.

the living room

Ingrid modeling the new rug

my family

This is the best I have for pictures of the inside of the house. But I figured a little taste might be nice. Today I want to bake some more cookies, Davis' favorite german cookies. Davis is helping with music during the Christmas Eve service tonight. Additionally, I need to get a chicken in the crock pot and take Ingrid for a walk. She has been a bit neglected due to crazy schedules and rainy days off.

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas. Such a beautiful but hard time of year for so many.