A Look at 2009 with the Dechiros

In January I played with my new birthday present, a Cannon Rebel EOS XS, I also learned how to make my own blog headers and backgrounds and thus became addicted to digital scrapbooking. Jon and I bought a new toy and I hosted a baby shower for my good friend Lauren.

In February we celebrated Jon’s 28th birthday, and brainstormed on some ways to keep cute puppies off the couch. I got crafty and made some mistreatments for our bedroom and I also shared about our wedding and honeymoon.

In March I got crafty again and made some artwork to fill an empty wall in our study. I got an iphone and Jon and I tried and loved SXSW concerts out at Auditorium Shores. We also celebrated 2 years of marriage!

In April we spent a weekend with my parents in Plano and made a list of things we wanted to accomplish over the summer on our house (sadly we didn’t make it to everything). However, Jon did accomplish building a beautiful patio in the backyard.

In May I painted the bathroom cabinets and had some minor surgery. Hiro made a big mess, and Jon and I tool a short trip down to San Antonio. I started participating in Kelly’s Show Us Where You Live which has been a blast! Jon took on building a pergola from scratch with no plans and did great!

In June Hiro got sneaky and we spent a lot of time outside, biking to dinner or playing at the Greenbelt. I celebrated 1 year of blogging and planned the perfect summer weekend in Austin.

In July we celebrated the 4th with some good family friends, took a short summer trip to South Padre, got some big news and took my first belly picture.

In August I mostly felt was sick. I did manage to do a big kitchen clean out and enjoy some time with my mom at a staycation at the Four Seasons in Austin.

In September I started my last, first day of school ever! I took some more belly pictures and joined a book club. 

In October we went to ACL despite the mud and rain. I worried about getting the flu (thank goodness I did not get it). We added a chiminea and lights to our pergola and we found out we are having a BOY!

In November I blogged every day for 30 days!  I made some cute baby outfits and hosted a baby shower for my cousin’s wife (their baby girl is due to arrive any day now). We also spent Thanksgiving in the country with Jon’s family.

In December I had my last day of class,  celebrated my 26th birthday, decorated for Christmas, and passed my glucose test. My family came down to celebrate my graduation and I was able to spend some time in Plano for Christmas, even though it didn’t go as planned.

And that wraps up our year around here. We had a great year, but we are so looking forward to all the changes that will be coming with 2010!

Happy New Year’s Eve!!

-Lauren-

Home Sweet Home

I flew back home this morning and it is great to be back. I had a great time with my parents and sister, but I missed my boys! I didn’t get to hang out with everyone I wanted to while in Plano, but I had a great time with my family. It’s hard to believe I will only be going back to Plano one more time before Aedan comes!

When I got home Jon opened his Christmas gifts from my parents. He got some good stuff, including a new pedal for his electric guitar and some juggling size soccer balls so he and Hiro can play soccer in the house (sigh).

After I got everything unpacked we decided to take down the Christmas decorations. It went pretty fast and now our living room feels huge! We ran some errands this afternoon and then just napped the afternoon away.

Now we are home in our usual spots on the couch (including Hiro) and watching the first season of Better Off Ted.

I have to work for a few hours tomorrow morning and then I’m off again until Monday!

-Lauren-

Change of Plans

Our Christmas plans didn't turn out exactly as planned. In my last post I mentioned that Jon and I were heading to Plano on Christmas afternoon to spend some time with my family. Well on Thursday night Jon and I started watching a movie and surprisingly I did not fall asleep (I am known for falling asleep when we start movies late at night). We were up pretty late and Jon decided to get a midnight snack. He decided to heat up the leftovers from my graduation celebration dinner. Apparently this was a big mistake. He woke up around 4 am with horrible food poisoning.

He was very sick all Christmas day and needless to say, did not feel up to driving to Plano. We finally made the decision that he would have to skip the Plano trip (he was only going to be able to stay until Sunday morning so it didn't make much sense for us to drive up on Saturday. Since I already had a plane ticket to come back from Dallas on Wednesday, we decided I should just fly to Dallas. I booked the last flight on Christmas night, and after a 2 hour delay, I finally made it to Plano around 10:45 pm.

Jon started to feel better Saturday morning, but he was completely worn out. He has spent the weekend, with Hiro, having a movie marathon. Christmas with my family wasn't the same without him, but I'm glad he has gotten to recuperate at home.

Saturday morning I celebrated Christmas with my family. Everyone loved their gifts, although Jon and I bought my parents a chiminea, so they had to settle for a picture of the gift since a chiminea is not something I could pack in a suitcase. :) We hung around the house all day and enjoyed a great meal Saturday night.

Today we all went over to downtown Grapevine and did a little shopping. I got a cute cute diaper bag that was 40% off. I was also able to go spend some time with my best friend Amanda this evening. We stopped by Starbucks and I am now in love with the Carmel Brulee Creme, yum!

I have a pretty full couple of days left in Plano before I head home on Wednesday, and I am sure I won't get in everything I would like to, but it is nice to be spending time with family. I hope everyone has a had a wonderful Christmas and if you have to go back to work tomorrow, hopefully it is only a short week with New Years coming up.

-Lauren-

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I didn't bring my nice camera with me so the only pictures I have are from my iphone. Plus I only have my mini computer and it won't run windows live writer. I absolutely can't stand inserting pictures through blogger, it drives me nuts. I'll go back and add pictures when I get home.

Christmas Eve

Wow the last couple of days have flown by!

Yesterday Jon and I got the house cleaned and everything in order for all the various Christmas celebrations we have this week.

Last night we headed over to Jon’s sister’s house for dinner. We had a great dinner and got to visit with Jon’s parents and two of Jon’s sisters and their kids. When it came time to open gifts I was surprised that Aedan had a whole stack of gifts just for him.

Today we spend the day at Jon’s grandparent’s house and enjoyed some more good food. We had homemade chili, which was perfect on this cold day. Again, when it came time to open gifts Aedan made a haul. I have a feeling this is going to be one spoiled little boy and he is not even here yet! :)

Tonight we are just going to relax at home and then tomorrow we are headed up to Plano to spend some time with my parents. I can’t wait!

Merry Christmas everyone!

-Lauren

A Christmas Tradition

Last Christmas Jon and I were doing some shopping on the Drag in Austin. We were looking for a UT alumni shirt for my mom at the Co-op. Unfortunately we didn’t find the shirt, but we decided to stop into Tylers and just look around while we were in the area. 

Tylers is store that sells shoes, shirts and a bunch of other things. If you are in Austin and looking for a cool Austin t-shirt, Tylers is a good place to look.

Last year, while Jon and I were in Tylers, we stumbled upon Sanuks. We each bought a pair and have loved them every since. Seriously I think that Jon has worn his just about every day since.

This year we decided one of our Christmas presents to each other should be another pair of Sanuks (Jon’s are looking pretty worn out). 

This is the pair I got this year.

They are a little more crazy than the plain ones I got last year, but I think they look pretty fun. :)

Jon got two pair (since he wears them pretty much everyday).

These are one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever had. It is like wearing slippers. We love them, which is why buying Sanuks is going to be one of our Christmas traditions.

I can’t wait to buy these for Aedan someday.

-Lauren-

*Oh, the only bad thing about Sanuks is their website. We tried to order two different pair and both times we got emails saying they were discontinued or out of stock, lame! Unfortunately for these shoes you have to find them locally. *

A Family Weekend

My parents and my sister came into town Friday afternoon to celebrate my graduation. We all went out to a great dinner and then enjoyed a short walk down South Congress Ave, as well as some cupcakes from Hey Cupcake. It was great to spend time with them and I think everyone had a good time.

Since the five of us were all together, we decided to get a picture for my parent’s Christmas card.

Yesterday Jon had to head up to Kansas for work. He may make it home tonight, but if not he will be home tomorrow. My parents, sister and I spent the day in Round Rock with my grandparents. We had Christmas with my aunt and uncle and cousins. One of my cousins is about to have a baby (possibly this week!). Their little girl will only be about 10 weeks older than Aedan! We are all excited about Christmas next year at my grandparent’s house. It will be so fun to have two babies on the move in addition to the other great-grandkids!

My parents and my sister headed to Galveston this morning to visit with my other grandparents. I wish I could have gone with them, but I didn’t have a place for my furry baby to go. My plan for today is to get the rest of our Christmas shopping done. I have two more gifts to buy and then I think we are officially done shopping!

I have two more therapy sessions this upcoming week and then I will be off until next year!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Only five more days until Christmas!!

-Lauren-

Mid Week Update

I got a call from my doctor yesterday and I passed by glucose test. Yay! But she said my iron levels were really low, so I have to start taking an iron supplement twice per day in addition to my prenatal vitamin. I have been feeling tried lately, but I figured it was just because I was pregnant. Maybe I’ll have more energy after I get my iron levels back up to normal. :)

This morning Jon and I ran some errands and got just about all our Christmas shopping done. I have two more gifts to buy but I should have time to get those over the weekend. Now I just need wrap everything we bought today.

My parents and my sister are driving down tomorrow and we are going to celebrate my graduation. I decided not to walk since the ceremony is at 6pm tomorrow night and the thought of spending an hour in traffic getting down to San Marcos one more time just did not sound fun. Plus I am more the go out to dinner with a small group, than celebrating with a big ceremony and lots of people kind of person. I’m looking forward to spending time with everyone tomorrow night! We are going to to try an Italian restaurant on South Congress, head over to Hey Cupcake for dessert and then home for hot chocolate. :)

-Lauren-

Christmas Card Carousel

 

I love giving and receiving Christmas cards! Every year I look forward to picking out a new design and a new picture to represent the year. This is the 3rd year Jon and I have sent out cards as a married couple. Next year we will have a new addition, Aedan, so I know our Christmas card will be even more special. I can’t wait!

Thanks for checking out our Christmas card and my blog. To check out more great Christmas cards go visit Walk with me by faith.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

-Lauren-

Orange Soda

I got to drink this before my doctors appointment today. yum.

(I’m looking rather round in this picture)

The drink wasn’t too bad, but by the time I finished my stomach felt pretty full.

After I finished the orange soda like drink, I drove over to the doctors office. My appointment was at 2:30 and I finished my drink at 1:57 so they needed to take my blood at 2:57. I was hoping I would be able to see the doctor and get my blood drawn on my way out. Boy was I wrong. 2:57 rolled around and I was still in the waiting room. They called me back to take my blood and then sent me back to the waiting room. Finally at 3:30 (yes, 1 hour after my scheduled appointment), I asked how much longer it would be. The receptionist looked at my form and asked “oh my goodness, you have been waiting for an hour, and you haven’t seen the doctor?”. Um no, that would be why I am still here. She called back and told my I was next. Sigh. I finally got called into an exam room at 3:45 and saw the doctor for all of 5 minutes at 4:00. Of course I hit tons of traffic on the way home. perfect. At least everything looked good and hopefully I passed the glucose test (I should know in a few days).

I was able to schedule my next 4 appointments and they will all be morning appointments, so hopefully I won’t run into such a long wait again.

-Lauren-

Christmas Tour of Homes

Today I am on tour with The Nester’s Christmas Tour of Homes.

This year I didn’t do too much decorating, but in our small house I think a little bit is just enough.

Here is our Christmas tree

Every year I like to pick out two coordinating wrapping paper prints. I love the look of these two simple prints. Since our presents usually get put in a bag and taken to one of our parents’ or grandparents’ house, traditional bows don’t work out well. This year I opted for simple ribbon to finish of my gift wrapping. I think it goes perfectly with the simple print of the paper.

I love displaying all the Christmas cards we get each year. I have tried a couple of things in the past, but earlier this year I made this simple message board and I thought it would be the perfect place for all the cards. I made it a little more festive by adding a big red bow to frame the board.

These three cheery snowmen look great on our half wall between the kitchen and the living room.

The last little bit of Christmas decor I put out this year is my Department 56 Snow Village collection. I’d like to continue to get more pieces, but I’m not sure where I would display them. This year we moved the sofa table that was on the wall with our Christmas tree, to the wall behind the couch. It is the perfect place for my snow village because all the cords are easily hidden and its not in the way at all.

So that’s our Christmas decor over here at the Dechiros. Thanks so much for stopping by! I love making new blog friends, so leave me a comment. :)

-Lauren-

Parties Galore

Today was a whirl wind of parties. This morning I went to a surprise baby shower for one of the girls I work with. She was sooo surprised! The friend that planned the party told her that it was a birthday party for another friend, so she had no idea it was going to be a baby shower. She was so shocked that she burst into tears as soon as she saw everyone.

After the shower I stopped by the grocery store so I could get the ingredients to make these cupcakes. They turned out great, I’m pretty sure I will be making them again this holiday season.

Tonight we had a Christmas party for my graduate concentration group. It’s so nice to see everyone and their significant others outside of class. Everyone is relaxed and having fun. My professor was nice enough to open her house up and make us all dinner. The food was great and the company was even better. :)

Tomorrow I have a holiday dinner to go to so that makes party number 3 for the weekend.

-Lauren-

I’m exhausted, it’s time for a movie!

I had a full day of therapy and meetings today. By the time I got home my back was aching and my belly was sore. Lucky for me Jon had dinner all ready when I walked in the door. :)

We were supposed to go to a friend’s birthday party together tonight, but I was just too tired so Jon went by himself. I felt a little bad, but he will know twice as many people there as I would, so I know he will have fun.

Since I am not at the party, Hiro and I are curled up on the couch watching this movie and eating some Ghirardelli peppermint bark (well not Hiro, just me on the last part).

Have a great weekend!!

-Lauren-

Only 100 days to go!

How far along? 25 weeks and 5 days, only 100 days to go!! 
Total weight gain/loss: As of my last appointment I was up 15 lbs. 
Maternity clothes: Pretty much all the time. I found a great pair of jeans that I love from Old Navy, they are still not as good as my pre-maternity jeans and I am quick to put on my comfy pants as soon as I get home, but they work for me. 
Stretch marks: Not yet, but I think I am getting a faint line under my belly button. 
Sleep: I’ve been sleeping really well over the past few weeks, I hope it keeps up.
Best moment this week: Finding out I don’t have any cavities! I know cavities can be bad for the baby yet I still put off going to the dentist during the whole 18 months we were trying. Did I mention that I HATE going to the dentist.  
Movement: Yes! He moves the most in the morning, but I feel him a lot throughout the day.
Food cravings: Still nothing specific, but I feel like I could just eat all the time!  
Gender: Boy
Labor signs: None
Belly button in or out: It’s pretty much flat.
What I miss: Being able to zip up my jackets and coats.
What I am looking forward to: Christmas with family and friends (okay so that doesn’t really have much to do with being pregnant, but that is all I think about right now.
Weekly wisdom: Always have some Tums handy.  
Milestone: Only 100 days to go. :)

-Lauren-

P.S. Do you want to add a little falling snow to your blog? It is super easy, just go here. :)

Dentist Update

Yesterday morning I went to the dentist at 8:15. I’m not sure why I thought it was a good idea to make an appointment that early on a day that I had completely off, oh well. My appointment went pretty well. After avoiding the dentist for about 3 years (maybe more, I can’t remember my last appointment), I have no new cavities! :) He did say that I grind my teeth and I have worn down a couple of old fillings I got when I was younger. He said I should get them replaced and I need to come back for a deep cleaning, but that’s it.

The good thing about having an early appointment is that I was able to run a bunch of errands and was home by lunch time. I got a few more Christmas presents bought, returned a few things for Jon and went searching for stamps. The grocery store was out of them, Walgreens was out, and CVS was out. Sigh, I finally stopped by the post office and got some. Our Christmas cards are officially in the mail. :)

It has been rainy here since the weekend so I haven’t been able to talk Jon into putting up our outside lights. It is finally sunny today, so I am hoping I can convince him to do it today or tomorrow, but since he is in training all day, I’m not sure it will happen.

Well since I actually have to go to work for a little while today, I should probably get some things done around the house. Have I mentioned that it is amazing to not have school work to do when I am not at work!! I love it!

-Lauren-

Monday Come and Gone

I had today off so I decided to go to a prenatal yoga class this morning. I haven’t been since I was around 16 weeks and man it has gotten much harder! I was amazed at how much harder it was to do things that I have always been able to do now that I am getting bigger. My cousin’s wife was there and she is 37 weeks! She goes just about everyday and I am so impressed. Oh, and her midwife told her that she thinks that her baby may come some time next week!! I can’t wait to meet little ZB!

Other than yoga and a trip to the grocery store, Jon and I stayed in most of the day. It’s been cold and rainy here since Saturday night so neither of us felt much like getting out. Jon is in training for the rest of the week and I am determined to get our Christmas shopping done!

Tomorrow morning I have a dentist appointment. :( I HATE the dentist and have never had a very good experience so I am not looking forward to going. At least its first thing in the morning and then I have the rest of the day free. I really do work, but during the holidays so many of my sessions get canceled due to traveling and such. It works out really well, since it allows me to get my Christmas shopping done during the week as well as just relax. :)

-Lauren-

Birthday Weekend Wrap Up

I had a great birthday weekend!

Friday night Jon and I just hung around the house and had a relaxing evening together.

Jon had to get up early and drive to Houston for work on Saturday. I slept in and then straightened up the house before meeting a friend for lunch. After lunch I got a bunch of Christmas shopping done. We still have a few more gifts to buy but we are just about done. :) When I got home I spent the evening wrapping presents and addressing Christmas cards. Jon was able to come home Saturday night so he could be here for my birthday on Sunday.

Sunday morning Jon had a soccer game at 8 am. I thought about going, but once I realized it was raining and only in the 30s, I decided against it. I just laid around until Jon got home and the he made me breakfast. We had a relaxing morning and then went out to do some shopping before going out to dinner. We ate at BJ’s Brewery so I could have a Pizookie, yum!!

All and all it was a great birthday weekend. Now it’s back to work; at least there are only 3 more weeks until Christmas!!

-Lauren-

Brr it’s cold outside!

Today has been super cold (for Austin anyway). I had the morning off because one of my little clients is in Disney World this weekend. I took advantage of having the time off, by spending some extra time in my warm bed before getting up.

A little huge dog I know slept in as well. He usually only gets to sleep on the bed when either Jon or I is out of town. We only have a queen size bed and Hiro insists on taking up 3/4 of the bed at all times so when the 3 of us are there its a little cramped. We let him get up on the bed every night before we turn out the lights and he gets to cuddle with us while we read (yes, I realize that he might just be the most spoiled dog around). Well last night Jon and I both feel asleep before we kicked him off the bed and neither one of us woke up during the middle of the night to kick him off (I can’t believe slept the whole night without making a bathroom trip at 25 weeks pregnant!). Usually Hiro wakes us up between 6:50 and 7 winning because he wants breakfast. So this morning when I woke up and the clock said 7:15 I was a little shocked. Then I realized that Hiro was snug as a bug sleeping between Jon and I.  Sigh, lets just hope he doesn’t expect to get to sleep on the bed all night, every night!

Oh and apparently it snowed in north and west Austin today for a few minutes. We didn’t see any at our house. So much for the winter storm that was supposed to come through. At least it feel like winter outside. :)

-Lauren-

The Furniture is In!

I got a call today saying that Aedan’s furniture is in! Jon and I both have the afternoon free tomorrow, so I think while we are out getting some Christmas shopping done, we will pick up the furniture.

I can’t wait! I know as soon as we get the furniture set up I will want to jump into decorating the nursery. I may just have to order the bedding set this weekend. :)

Oh and this is random, they are actually calling for snow in Austin this Friday. I have some serious doubts that it will actually snow, and if it by some chance does, it won’t stick. But, it is still exciting that they are calling for such wintery weather so early down here. I happen to have Friday morning off, so I am thinking hot chocolate and a warm blanket will be calling my name.

-Lauren-

Last Graduate Class Forever!

Tonight was my last graduate class forever! It was sooo hard to get motivated to go to class. It was in the low 40s and rainy all day, and all I wanted to do was stay curled up in bed (I was able to take a nice nap before going to class). All I had to do was turn in my last research paper and the thought of driving 45 minutes in rain and traffic did not sound fun. However, I did end up going to class and turning in my paper. I am home now and feeling pretty good about almost being done with my masters! I have one last project to finish up and 2 more hours of observation to complete this week and then I can say I am officially DONE. My birthday is on Sunday, so I am planning on finishing up everything before then, just so I can say I am officially done! Can’t wait!!

-Lauren-

A Little Holiday Baking

I didn’t have to be at work until 2 today, so this morning I tried to be productive. I straightened up the house, got my class work organized (tomorrow is my last night of class) and got started on my holiday baking.

I found a recipe for Eggnog Pound Cake in my December issue of Southern Living. There was a pound cake recipe and a variation for cupcakes with eggnog icing. I am supposed to bring a dessert to a holiday party in a couple of weeks and I think the cupcakes will be perfect! Since I have never made them before, I figured I would make the pound cake for Jon and I to enjoy, just to make sure its good (although every recipe I have used from Southern Living has been good).

Here is the pound cake recipe:

• 1 package of pound cake mix
• 1 1/4 cups eggnog
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat over to 350. Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into a lightly greased 9-by-5 inch loaf pan.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack and cool completely (about 1 hour).

**My house smelled amazing while this cake was baking. I had to try a piece as soon as it was cooled and it taste great! I think I am going to make the cupcakes for the holiday party and maybe a loaf for each of my clients.**

Here is the recipe for the cupcakes:

Prepare pound cake following the recipe above. Spoon batter into 2 (12-cup) muffin pans and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes. While muffins are cooling make the icing.

Icing recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 package (3-oz.) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 package (16 oz.) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and eggnog alternately, beginning and ending with sugar. Add nutmeg and vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread over cupcakes and enjoy.

I love baking during the holidays! What are some of your favorite holiday baked goods?

-Lauren-

**Looks like I made it, 30 posts in 30 days!! I have to admit it was a little hard to think of something to write about some days, but overall it was fun to do. While I don’t think I will keep up with a post everyday, I do want to try to post at least every other day or so.**

Relaxing Weekend

Jon and I have had a nice relaxing weekend. I’m sad that I have to go back to work tomorrow, but one of my clients is going out of town next weekend, so I have a 3 day weekend to look forward to.

Last night we hung out with Jon’s sister and her family and some of their friends. We all had a blast sitting around a fire and making smores and telling stories.

Today we pretty much just hung around the house, cleaning and doing laundry. We made a big grocery store trip since we had not been in a couple of weeks. I’m excited because I am planning on making some chili and I am going to try a new soup recipe this week since its going to be kind of cold here.

Jon took me to see New Moon tonight. He is such a great husband. :) I thought the movie was so so, but that is what I expected. I loved the books so I just had to see the movies, even though I knew it wouldn’t be spectacular.

Even though Jon and I both have to go into work tomorrow, neither of us has to be up early so we are about to grab a warm blanket and curl up on the couch to watch an episode of Life (we have become addicted and season 1 and 2 are on Hulu).

-Lauren-

A Country Thanksgiving

"There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone."

We left late Wednesday morning to make our way to Whitehouse TX to visit with Jon’s family for Thanksgiving.

No trip to the country would be complete without bringing along at least 3 guns.

We decided to take an alternate route to Whitehouse to prevent spending hours on I35 only to get to Waco before getting off. After slowing down through 23 small towns and lots of 2 lane roads we made it to Jon’s parents house in about 4.5 hours.

Hiro got to do some exploring and I wish I had thought to bring the video camera, because he had some first. First time to meet horses, I’m pretty sure he thought they were just large dogs at first. First time to meet and try very hard to play with a herd of 6 goats. The goats were a little afraid of him and every time he would turn his back, as a group, they would inch forward and as soon as he would turn back around, they would all retreat…it was hilarious! Hiro also got to meet 3 calves (again, I am pretty sure he thought they were large dogs as well). Hiro also made friends with this little guy.

A 10 week old Chihuahua named Jordan. Again a video camera would have been perfect. Visualize a 75 lb dog playing with a 1 lb puppy. It was too cute! It was pretty chilly at night so we all took turns wrapping Jordan up in a blanket and carrying him around. Hiro got a little jealous whenever Jon would hold Jordan, I think he is going to have a rough time in a few months when Aedan gets here.

Jon’s parents have 1 cat, 2 dogs, 3 calves, 6 goats, a bunch of chickens and tons of little baby chicks. Aren’t they cute. They are all huddled under a heat lamp.

 

Jon’s parents also have 2 horses. Here is one of my nephew’s riding one of the horses.

Jon’s dad

The two of them together. 

Of course what horseback riding adventure would be complete without a tantrum (this is another one of my nephews, he was upset because he wanted to ride the other horse),

A farm dog named Daisy,

And of course, my 2 favorite boys.

After horseback riding and a little game of catch with a football, the guys went to shoot (my brother-in-law, Brad and Jon).

This is the only picture I got of them shooting, but Brad, Jon and Jon’s dad (Dean) shot clay pigeons for awhile and then after our Thanksgiving feast, Brad, Jon and Dean and Jon’s other sister’s husbands went out to shoot pistols.

We had a big feast with about 25 people and lots of interesting conversation. After some good food, we enjoyed a variety of desserts while a few of the guys played football and a few more watched football inside. Brad and Jon took on 3 other nephews (have I mentioned that Aedan will be the 18th grandchild on Jon’s side? Yep, there are a lot of kiddos running around). It was the “old guys” vs the “young guys”. Even though the “old guys” only had 2 players they pulled out a win (of course the “old guys” where a bit more out of breath by the end of the game).

We had fun, but we (including Hiro) are glad to be back home. Neither of us is a crowd person, so we were glad to get back to our quiet little house. Hiro is pretty glad we didn’t bring Jordan home and he is still the baby. :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I know the next few weeks are going to fly by, but we are looking forward to more family time, holiday parties and hanging out with friends.

-Lauren-

24 weeks!

Despite posting everyday this month, I have still failed to up date about my growing belly since 21 weeks. Oh well, better late than never, right?

How far along? 24 weeks!! 
Total weight gain/loss: Up 15 lbs total at my appointment on Tuesday. I’m sure I can add at least 1 or 2 more lbs after all the great food I had over Thanksgiving! 
Maternity clothes: Still holding onto my pre-maternity jeans with the bella band (I get sick of having to pull up maternity jeans constantly). I am excited about cooler weather coming since my friend Lauren let me borrow tons of maternity sweaters that are super cute! 
Stretch marks: Not yet and hopefully it will stay that way. 
Sleep: I think its been pretty good over the past few weeks. I still have to get up an make frequent bathroom trips, but I don’t expect that to change.
Best moment this week: Feeling lots of movement, Jon was finally able to feel a little kick!
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings: Still nothing specific, but I feel like I could just eat all the time!  
Gender: Boy
Labor signs: None
Belly button in or out: Still in, but in the morning it is just about flat.
What I miss: Enjoying beer and wine during the holidays.
What I am looking forward to: This is my favorite time of the year, so I am looking forward to our holiday plans with family. I keep thinking that next year we will have a little 9 month old and it will be so fun! 
Weekly wisdom: I can’t think of anything creative right now. :)
Milestone: While shopping last week, a stranger asked me how far along I was. :)

Jon and I are back home after spending 3 days with his family in Whitehouse TX (outside Tyler). I’ll have pictures and a full update tomorrow.

-Lauren-

Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many things I am thankful for this year, but most of all I am thankful for my wonderful husband and our sweet little baby boy on the way. What are you most thankful for this year?

I plan on eating lots of good food today and spending quality time with Jon's side of the family.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!

-Lauren-

Nursery Furniture Ordered!

Over the weekend Jon and I ordered bedroom furniture for Aedan!

We got this crib (the crib not the ladybug bedding) :)

And this dresser

They were both on sale and we got free shipping because we are having them shipped to the store and then we will pick them up. They should be in sometime next week!! :)

-Lauren-

A Great Thing

This story made me tear up. What a great thing these two teenage girls have started.

Go check it out here.

-Lauren-

Thanksgiving Break

I am officially on Thanksgiving break! I had a session today and now I’m off for the rest of the week. No class, no therapy sessions, no homework, just time off with family!

For the most part our Christmas decorations are up (pictures soon)! Tomorrow I have a doctors appointment and then I think I will start my Christmas shopping. :)

Jon is working late tonight, so I am getting comfortable on the couch and watching My Sister’s Keeper. I never got around to seeing it in the theaters, but it is one of my favorite books. I know the movie won’t to the book justice, but I still have been wanting to watch it.

-Lauren-

A Lazy Sunday

Jon and I had a pretty lazy day, and it was wonderful!

We slept in and relaxed around the house this morning before taking Hiro out to play. When we got home I made this for a snack.

Plus this

Equals this

A perfect snack for a Sunday afternoon of TV watching. Jon and I have started watching a new show (well new to us) on Hulu called Life. It is really good!

Jon also got all the Christmas decorations out tonight! Since we are going to be out of town for Thanksgiving, I am going to start decorating tomorrow. I can’t wait! :)

-Lauren-

A Productive Day

Jon had to work this morning on a remote job (gotta love the commute from the bedroom to the office). While he was working I got the house cleaned up and made some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I used this recipe and I love it!

Classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
2 3/4 cups oatmeal
2 cups chocolate chips
Cream together the butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Add Baking soda, powder, and salt and mix. Add flour, oatmeal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

*the only thing I did differently was double the amount of vanilla*

This afternoon our good friend Aaron took some pictures of Jon, Hiro and I for Christmas cards. Thanks Aaron!! :)

It has been cold and cloudy all day, so for dinner we picked up soup, salad and breadsticks from Olive Garden and enjoyed a warm meal at home. I love nights at home with my husband! I can’t wait to have a little baby here too! :)

-Lauren-

Blueberry Pancakes

Jon and I had breakfast dinner at Kerbey Lane tonight. I enjoyed blueberry pancakes and hot chocolate with whipped cream. :) Yum!

I had a long day of work and its been rainy and cold all day, so I’m going to curl up on the couch and catch up on some TiVoed shows or a movie. I’ll post something more interesting tomorrow when I’m not so tired.

-Lauren-

I have to say

I am pretty jealous of everyone that I know going to to the midnight showing of New Moon! I’m not a fan of crowds or waiting in line for hours before sitting in a crowed theater, but I do want to see the movie and I know everyone going tonight will have a blast!

I am debating on whether I will go see the movie this weekend or if I will wait until after Thanksgiving. Fingers cross that I can get Jon to take me. :)

-Lauren-