Christmas Card - November 2008

Christmas Card - October 2008

Christmas Card - September 2008

Christmas Card - August 2008

Christmas Card - July 2008

Christmas Card - June 2008

Christmas Card - May 2008

Christmas Card - April 2008

Christmas Card - February 2008

February was even darker, colder, and wetter than January - in fact it was THE darkest and coldest and wettest in 30 years or something crazy. I was getting heavier and Christian's foot started kicking my top rib. He was either trying to kick his way out (the wrong way) or was just stretching. The heart burn was pretty bad as well, but that's something I can omit here:)

Dan and I attended some more classes, including one on breastfeeding. He likes to tell people that there were other men there. The class was eye opening and very educational, but nothing compares to actually trying to do this 'natural' act yourself!

We also started going to the doctor more often - almost every week! We didn't mind, especially when the doctor let us know that Christian wouldn't be born with kidney problems (there had been some worries at earlier ultrasound screenings).

I had my second baby shower, which was thrown by the women in my small group. It was a wonderful shower - not just because of the gifts. They were just very thoughtful in the games and program - having all the guests say what characteristics of mine they would wish Christian to inherit. And the scripture and prayer were touching! These women have been such a blessing to me and I love and appreciate them!

I think that's it for February...on to the birth story:)

Christmas Card - January 2008

January 2008 was a dark, wet, and cold month, but not one without joy! It was definitely a month dedicated to learning about and preparing for Mr. Christian Peter.

Dan and I attended our birthing class, in which we watched graphic movies of women in various stages of labor and delivery. I think it was at that point that I became intensely aware of my 'condition' and that, yes, I too would be going through labor. It was a scary realization. I think I forgot about why (the baby!) and succumbed to anxiety about the unknown. We also learned baby CPR and how to care for a newborn using baby dolls. It helped conceptually but not in reality I think.

On the lighter side, I went with friends to register for baby things, which was fun but also a bit overwhelming. But, my mother's friends threw me my first baby shower so I was able to see the things I had chosen. I was so grateful for everyone's generosity! Babies, who happened to be very small people, need a lot of stuff. Cute stuff, but still stuff!!

Lastly, Dan and I attended a Bulls vs. Kings game, a sign that we were still young and hip - not yet needing a babysitter! :)

Christmas Card

So, I've decided that sending Christmas cards are so yesterday:) Instead, I will be sending y'all a link to this here blog.

To make it more like a Christmas letter, I will be posting summaries/memories of the 12 months of 2008 - so a kind of twelve days/months/posts of Christmas.

I'm not sure how it will turn out, but it's worth a try!