Baby Pic

Here is a picture of our little guy from our last ultrasound. We were able to get some 3D images. It looks like he has chubby cheeks, a big nose, and big lips. We just love the picture and Chad and I both have it as our wallpaper on our phones.

It's fun to see him everyday.

I'm definitely feeling him move around a lot, which feels so weird - not at all what I thought it would feel like. I guess I really didn't have any idea what it would feel like, but definitely not like this.

It takes me by surprise every time!

Yikes!!

So the week before Christmas I was asked to teach an 8 week graduate psychology course at the university I work at. Scary, I know...especially given I have ZERO teaching experience. I was really hesitant to commit to this since the class is scheduled to end 11 days prior to my due date. Yikes!!!! Chad wasn't too sure about this either. However, I decided it was an opportunity that I couldn't let pass me by. Plus, my maternity leave is unpaid so the money is definitely needed. The good news is that I've now survived two classes (2.5 hours long each!). I only have three students - I started with four (I am not going to take personally the fourth student's decision to drop the course after the first class - my wavering self-confidence wouldn't be able to handle it!). I am finding that I really like teaching, even though the subject matter is dreadfully boring (Psychological Testing). The students are so great; active and engaged in the class and not too hard on me, which I appreciate. So, now I'm just hoping that this little guy doesn't come too early. I realize he is going to come whenever he's ready so I've made arrangements just in case.

Only six more classes to go!!!

Baby Shower

While in Pocatello for the holidays, I had a baby shower on January 2nd, the day before we headed back to Chicago. All my dad's sisters came and many of my hometown friends were there. Trish and her family came all the way from Salt Lake City. She even brought her 3 month old baby girl, Sayge. It was so great to see so many friends and family members. Some of whom I have not seen in over a year (Brittney and Chris Ann!). It was so fun to catch up, eat goodies and celebrate this little baby to come. I got so many adorable clothes for the baby. I also received three handmade blankets from family members. My sister did a wonderful job preparing all the food and serving as hostess. Trish brought goodies all the way from Utah.

It was so fun!

My cousin, Rachel, her son, Cooper, and me. This picture was taken by my little niece - that's why we look like giants.

Jody, Karen and Penny.

Brittney, baby Sage, Trish, and me.

Maddy and me.

Steph, the shower hostess. I know this picture is blurry, but it is such a great one!

Christmas 2009

We had a long, fun, eventful Christmas this year. After a flight cancellation due to adverse weather conditions on the afternoon of December 23rd, we waved goodbye to Chicago on Christmas Eve morning and said hello to southeast Idaho Christmas Eve afternoon. Once we arrived in Pocatello, we spent the day wrapping the presents we brought on the airplane and preparing yummy food for our Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning we opened presents with my parents then headed up the road to Buhl to see my extended family. Fun, fun, fun. We saw my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and most of my cousins on my dad's side. We then saw my mom's oldest sister and two of my favorite cousins and their children. We even got to spent the night with my aunt, just like old times when I was little. The next day we headed to Challis to see the Strand's and stayed there for six days. More fun. Lot's of visiting, card playing, movies, Wii, and walks. We even got to see both Lane and Kelli Ann in their taekwondo class. Just in time for New Year's Eve, we all headed back down to Pocatello to conclude our trip. We had a small New Year's Eve party and watched the ball drop. The kids were so excited to stay up until midnight. It was great to see so many family members this year. Thanks everyone for the great time.

Christmas morning.

Opening presents.

My cousins and me on Christmas night.

Opening presents with the Strand's the day after Christmas.

Lane and Kelli Ann kicking the bag.

Lane and Kelli Ann sparing with each other.