The One With Week 16 & Some Holiday Fun

How far along: 16 Weeks.  I think my belly feels LARGER than it looks.  Yeesh. 

                             

Size of babe: An avocado (Brynn's favorite!) and I think this calls for guacamole for supper!

Husband: Still taking good care of his girls! 

Maternity Clothes: Yes.  I ordered some great pieces from Loft and Gap during all the sales last week! This new black top is so comfy! I'm also at that weird stage where low band elastic is too tight and the belly isn't quite big enough for the full tummy elastic. So I'm doing the rubber band trick on my maternity jeans...because I'm cool like that.  And you may find me mostly in sweats and dresses until this sorts itself out!

Loving: Christmas time! Brynn is at the BEST age and I have a long list of festive fun for our family in the next few weeks (hows that for alliteration?!) 

Loathing: Nothing really and I'm sooo thankful for that! 

Movement: I think I've felt a few punches, but nothing significant. 

Symptoms: Easing up!! YAY! I am FINALLY feeling {almost} back to normal.  I still have to eat a decent breakfast and lots of snacks throughout the day, but I'm making it until around 7 or 8 at night before I start feeling yucky...so hopefully the queasiness is saying goodbye!

Craving: Now that I can start thinking about food again I've been inhaling... Cheeto Puffs, pineapple, sliced Colby Jack cheese on Ritz, fruit Popsicles, and I'm back on my sweet tea addiction.  

Best Part of the Week: Brynn and I had the best day on Friday.  I felt really good, we went Christmas shopping and just had a great day together.  I love my kid so much!

Missing Most: Sleeping through the night. 

Can't wait for: Wednesday! We find out gender {as long as baby cooperates, which is not typical} & I CAN'T WAIT!!! I was feeling pretty patient about waiting until our 20 week appointment, but when my doctor offered to let us find out before Christmas i couldn't pass it up! 

We aren't the secret keeping kind of people {I HATE surprises} so we will be telling our family by lunch and I'm sure sharing on IG Wednesday afternoon.  So get in your votes!

Gender: I still vote girl! And so does Brynn! I think Daddy is secretly out praying us for a boy.  HA!

Now, on to some holiday fun! 

Brynn loves looking at Christmas lights! Now that her car seat is forward facing she can see everything and gets so excited, "more Christmas lights!! Look!"

In a few weeks my entire family is getting together to go look at lights and I can't wait!

Last Tuesday we headed to LCU for the Big Blue Family Christmas.  I was blown away by all of the decorations and everything they had for the kids to do! 

Looking at the Christmas trees with Grams.  At the end of the night I asked her what was her favorite part and B said, "with Grams!" 

She is very curious about Santa this year.  She sat right in his lap and I could tell she was over the moon!

That time we took a family picture under the blue lights...#beblue

1st year at LCU's family Christmas and this year.  Shes trying to run away from us in both!

On Thursday she hung out with Aunt DeAnn. 

I just love this cutie face!

On Friday we ran all over town trying to finish up Christmas shopping {I'm waiting for a few things in the mail then I will be DONE!} and this little cutie did great! Normally going more than one place is really pushing her patience, but Friday she was content just to see all the Santa's everywhere!

1st stop: Hobby Lobby. 

Then to Target! As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, "Yay! Target!" We typically have the same cashier every time we go and he always supplies the stickers. 

Last week she drank all of my Sonic drink, so I smartened up and got her her own.  Whenever she would see her drink she would yell, "my sonic!"

Then I took her through the car wash {which she normally likes} and she LOST it.  I had to reach back and hold her hand to calm her down.  As soon as we got home she ran to Jonathan and cried so hard.  Broke my heart! 

I posted this picture on IG Friday with this quote, 

"My best gift of all 

is not under the tree.

Yes, you are my joy,all year throughout, my kiss and my cuddle without any doubt.You're my glee and my gigglewith friends far and near,making memories to fill uswith laughter all year.
You're my love and my joy-a gift I'll always carry through Christmasand forever.
You are my merry!" 

--Marianne Richmond 

It's from this book that I found at Target. 

I buy her a book every Christmas and write a special note to her and this one is so sweet and sentimental.  I love it! Maybe one day she will sit and let me read more than one page to her.  

On Friday night we met up with mom & dad to shop for our Angel Tree gifts...but first...the daily inspection of the neighbors decorations! 

At supper she was being a HAM. 

I'm also looking for a gingerbread house kit that is egg and peanut free..any suggestions? 

I've been trying to be more proactive in making Jesus the focus of our holiday.  I enjoy all the lights, decorations, food, movies, music, and family time that Christmas brings but I think it's important to find a good balance between the "commercialism" and the reason we celebrate...Immanuel: God With Us! 

I found this kit at Hobby Lobby and I think it will be a great new tradition for our family.  

It comes with 12 ornaments, each with a name of Jesus on the front and a scripture on the back.  Each night you read from the little devo book provided and hang a new ornament on the tree.  I can't wait to start it tonight! 

This is going to be a packed week with Christmas programs, work parties, a trip to Holland Gardens & a family carriage ride...oh yea, and a gender reveal!! Say a prayer that our little one will cooperate Wednesday {Momma will be drinking an early morning coke to get them going!} Hopefully next time we talk we will know if it's more pink & bows or, the totally foreign to me, trucks & blue!

*insurance update*

We get to keep our doctors!!! We are switching insurance companies to make it happen. If you are local and ever need a good insurance guy to help you sort it all out, let me know!