Christmas 2013

This year a certain little girl had NO desire to see Santa, and screamed the entire way.  Even on Christmas Eve, Ryan excitedly told her that Santa would come when they were in bed and she freaked out screaming, "No, no, no!"  After Christmas she decided Santa was an okay guy...  :)

Despite just being a little family of four, we're trying each year to act out the nativity scene like I did every Christmas Eve growing up.  Annick wanted to be a reindeer, a shepherd, a sheep, and most importantly, Mary.

Our Christmas set-up

The kids lining up with their bowls to come see their stockings.

 Christmas Loot

Santa gave Annick a doll high chair and we gave her a tea set and some big girl underwear (hoping to motivate...).  Santa brought Ryan a remote control car and we gave him a magnet set, a Lightning McQueen watch, and some learning workbooks for homework time when the baby's here.  We got a set of old Little Rascals videos as a family present.  Some friends from France sent presents, Grandma & Grandpa sent the UNO Moo game, and cousins loaded us up with new shows and totally awesome Christmas jammies.

A labor of love...39+ week prego Mammasita trying to make a blanket for Adam.  Sore!

We had a quiet, peaceful, drawn-out Christmas that was very relaxing.  The Christmas baby we'd thought for sure would come decided not to join us yet, and we were glad not to have to send the kids away on the holiday.  It was a perfect family day.

Annick's Baby

Annick loves to show everyone her baby.  She pulls up her shirt, sticks out her tummy, and pats it while saying in a super funny voice, "BABY!"  It's quite a hoot.

Look who's big enough now to have a real ponytail!!

Last week a 12-yr-old friend begged to paint Annick's nails.  Boy was she proud and showing off her nails to anyone who would look at her.  It's hard for me to imagine I have such a girly girl, but man does she love getting dressed up! 

Christmas Sweets

Adam had a work party this week and his coworkers had begged him in advance to bring "Special K Bars"--his favorite treat that I've brought in to the office the past 2 years on his birthday.  Obviously the kids were happy to help out in the cooking department....

Sarah's 2013

Here's the easy summary of my year.  This has been my easiest pregnancy, but that's not saying too much, unfortunately...  Now we're counting down the days until our new little one arrives.  The kids are super excited.  Ryan asks every day how much longer he has to wait for the baby.  Annick sticks out her tummy and pats it, saying, "Baby!"  I've washed the baby blankets and clothes and am in awe one more time over how a baby can possibly be so small.

Weeks 16, 18, 22, 24, 26

28, 30, 32, 35, 36

I've started what I presume will be a few weeks of super hard contractions.  Yesterday after many hours of pacing around my house with pre-labor contractions I was in a bit of a panic feeling like I'm NOT ready to do this again.  Most days I'm doing well thinking positively.  My midwife came for a home visit this week, and I'm excited that she left the birth pool here and ready for us.  All around I'm just really excited to have the chance to have a home birth this time around.

Growing Up Too Fast

Who do these kids think they are???

Halloween 2013

Luckily for me, the kids aren't picky when it comes to costumes.  Ryan asked this October, "Mom, can you get out my kangaroo costume to make sure it still fits me for Halloween?"  3rd year in a row.  Sweet.  Next year he'll need something new.  Annick wore the little rat costume she wore last year too.  I love that they're warm and cozy costumes for Halloween night.

Friends

One day I heard the kids talking sweetly to each other and I could tell Ryan was reading Annick a book.  I came into our family room to find them snuggled up together in this "nook"--a little reading corner beside the couch Ryan created.  These two really are great friends, and I love watching their relationship grow.