Christmastime!

December 25, 2016

Julie's second Christmas was a little insane. She got WAY too many gifts, of course... but we managed to make the living room look like there is LESS stuff somehow. Good for us. We've now got a remote control full-sized car to drive outside, a drum set from Uncle Nick, a new coloring table, lots of clothes and all sorts of other fun stuff. Jules definitely enjoyed herself.

^Christmas Eve presents!

^Julie loves bubble type packaging material.

^Excited about her "Big Sister" ornament

^Rockin' the new Sugar/Spice jams

^Christmas morning. Time for ALL THE PRESENTS.

^Helping to open a present for baby sister!

^Julie's new ride :)

Dear Baby Sister: Part Nine

December 22, 2016

Dear New Baby Girl,

It's been awhile since I've done one of these. I'm getting so big and VERY tired, but what can you do? I'm holding out on gaining as much weight as I did with your big sister so far, and my blood pressure is still good, hooray! I still may have a month to go, though so it may change. Fingers crossed that it doesn't! I would like a completely different delivery this time around, as long as that doesn't' mean a c-section... all good things I hope! Anyway, you are such a mover and a shaker. I'm sure I've mentioned that but your kicks pack a punch and sometimes it HURTS! You're a tough one, and based on my size, I bet you'll be bigger than Jules was, but we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, keep on kicking, it lets me know you are doing okay.

This weekend is Christmas. We aren't expecting a baby like we did last time, so it's kind of nice not to worry too much about that. I just hope we all have a nice relaxing weekend, and I get a little time to finish up your room (and get some of the newborn clothes out of storage so we are ready when you do show up!). The more I get done ahead of time, the better. Jules waited until I finished her nursery to come, and I hope to be a little more on top of things this time around.

Still no name. I'm going to say your daddy isn't helping much. But it IS hard to name a baby! Especially one you haven't met yet but I hope we get one before labor starts. I have a new list to show Daddy tonight.

Keep doing well in there, we can't wait to meet you!

Love, Mommy

^31 weeks!

^32 weeks (definitely sticking out farther than with Julie!)

^33 weeks, phew! Look tired in this one!

^34 weeks... ALMOST full term! Just one more doc appointment and I'll be there!

Dinosaur Birthday: Julie Turns "2"

December 17, 2016

A little over a month ago (I think?), I had a brilliant idea. I suggested to Julie, who mentions dinosaurs in regular conversation each day, if she'd like to have a dinosaur birthday. Well, since that, she's mentioned dinosaur birthday just about every day since. Though I know she really didn't know what that meant, I figured she'd still enjoy it. I collected a few random dinosaur items, made dinosaur cupcakes and dinosaur cookies, and invited over a few people. We had to keep it smaller this year as we waited too long to do what Mike wanted (something more activity based and out of the house) and I am way too tired to have 30 people at our place, so we just invited Julie's 2 year old friends and the grandparents.

Julie actually slept past the start of the party so I woke her up, put on her dinosaur shirt and sent her out into the world. She had fun with Ellie, Livvy and Allie, got too many presents as usual and munched some snacks and cookies. She even managed to blow out her candle by herself. Impressive! All in all, it was a pretty awesome dinosaur birthday. She still says "dinosaur birthday?" to me like it's still going to happen, but I think she was satisfied. Now she just has to ACTUALLY turn 2... just one more week. Whoa, where does the time go?

^The pineapples are a nice touch (good work, Mike ;) 

^Guests!

^Pete is always hoping to get a moment alone with the flowers.

^Daddy and Auntie help open presents.

^Oh friends.

^The Doc McStuffins set was definitely a hit!

^NOM!

^Grandparents!

^And when the party was done... Christmas presents with Livvy ;)

Sugar, Sugar: Christmas Cookies

December 15, 2016

I figured these little ladies wouldn't QUITE be up to cutting them out, but decorating Christmas cookies seemed like a fun idea so we went with it. Ellie Joy came over to play (and they unwrapped their Christmas presents to each other) and then they frosted and decorated a couple Christmas cookies. We didn't do a lot (which is good because Julie ate every single one she touched) but it was a fun activity. Maybe next year it'll be a little easier, we shall see. But for now... photos!

^Julie is a goose!

^"This is gonna be good!"

^There is too much sampling going on here...

^She looks guilty.

^Fun times, girls!

^This photo is from a completely different day but I don't care.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

December 4, 2016

The cure to being too tired every night to have the desire to put the Christmas tree up...? Do it in the morning! This weekend we through the tree up real quick right before Mike had to leave on a work trip. I was able to finish decorating for the most part after he left and while Jules was distracted with other things (and also wrapping presents while she was napping ;) Finally! She seems to be pretty understanding about not touching anything too much, but she was thrilled to help put the star on the top. Oh, and when she woke up from her nap and saw the presents, she of COURSE said "Oh. My. Gosh!" but promised not too touch them. So far, so (mostly) good.

^Helping.

^Let's hang those a TOUCH higher, please ;)

^Singing "Twinkle Twinkle"

^Checking out this year's Julie ornament.

^Our family ornament :D

^Getting into stuff as toddlers often do!

^So excited (Daddy had to actually do it but it was still fun)

^My sweet lovey.