{Final Nesting}

The thing about finishing the nursery so early is, you kind of run out of things to do. AND, I'm already wondering if I should have gone with a different look.

There are SO many options, right?

 So, I've found myself making more burp rags.

 And car seat covers. That was a process because I ordered adorable seat covers but couldn't find anything that matched really well. However, I didn't want to have  a perfect match!

 Cloth diapers washed and ready for 3+ mos. With as much diapers at first, I like to start with disposables.

Baby Update:

The girls are BIG. Believe it or now, I am glad to hear that! I feel SO, SO, heavy. Rolling side to side takes so much effort. I have only gained 8 lbs. BUT, the girls are almost 5 lbs each! At 31w5d they were each 4lbs 13oz. C-section is scheduled for 37weeks on Monday 2/24 at 7 AM (5 AM arrival).

 I don't want to have them any sooner due to developmental milestones like their sucking reflex and lungs. I am still working and plan to until delivery as my job is as sedentary as it gets; but don't discount it, it's really mentally tiring, as is running our life lately:-) 

{So INCREDIBLY Sick}

 

I just finished 2 rounds of antibiotics and I wish there was a cure other than time for my back. Last Friday I couldn't walk and I swore more than I ever have in my life. The excruciating pain lasted for 3 good days and then by the 1 week mark I gained more motion but still with some pain.

In the meantime, I also had my top wisdom teeth out! SO sick. With 8 hours of bleeding I am going to leave the bottom ones in.

 Poor Ry was in the E.R. 2x in one weekend with croup and pneumonia.

 We watched many movies while sick! We'd like to think we'll be healthy when we meet these little gals in a couple more weeks!

 The kids feeling better thankfully hitting the pavement tying up last minute errands before we have 2 more family members.

 We even found a convenient place to let the kids sled near by; they LOVED it! 

{New Years Eve/Day}

On New Years Eve we took the kids to the Fun Center up the road. We love the place because they have climbing structures, jumping inflatables, and arcade (we don't use), and a nice skating rink. The coolest part, they allow children to bring scooters (i.e. Razor... great for kids like Ry who don't want to skate).

New Years Day

We visited Provo Beach Resort another fun place with indoor surfing, bowling, climbing structures, an old carousel, arcade, golf simulator, and a ropes course Maisey loves (freaky as you climb around ropes high in the top of a warehouse type ceiling).

 (Lazor game light game)

 Finishing up with ice cream at their creamery in their old fashioned diner.

We had some cider and other snack foods (my fave taco dip) and played games to ring in the New Year.

We are excited for all the changes 2014 will bring. Little did we know while ringing in 2013 how much change would come. I am somewhat embarrassed to say 2013 is a year I'm so glad to say goodbye too!

{Christmas 2013}

We baked cookies this season as we do every major holiday only to find out that Maisey doesn't like them (eating them I believe)! Well, 8 hours baking and decorating isn't much fun to me either but Ryley and Chad seem to enjoy it so I'll keep with tradition!

 Apparently the elves wanted in on the action because we awoke and found this one morning!

I sewed 6 burp rags and need to sew many more I'm sure! About 7 weeks to go and things are down to the wire!

 On Christmas eve we visited the Ancient Life Dinosaur museum. Ry had been asking and we don't use our membership nearly enough! 

 Christmas morning began at 6:15 with my daily wake up call. Ry is the perfect alarm!

 The kids were happy as clams!

 Eagerly trying on new pants from Grandma and Grandpa.

 Maisey was excited at this Eiffel tower wall art along with 2 other Eiffel tower décor items she incorporated into her room!

 Christmas morning breakfast with cherries and strawberries.

 We built Lincoln Logs; checked that off my list of childhood faves!

 The day after Christmas we rented a hotel in SLC for a quick staycation. Since moving here in March we have never been away from the house one night!!!! If we were in OR, we likely would have been gone 4 weeks so this was much needed.

Ry made a new friend at Build-A-Bear. Santa knows I hate stuffed animals but Ry was head over heels!

 The kids also enjoyed ice skating at Gallivan center next to City Creek and temple square.

We watched and froze our rears off. The snow as been on the ground, although cleared here, for 3-4 weeks now. Luckily, we enjoyed hot cocoa while spectating!
I enjoyed after Christmas sales and got the girls the most adorable swimsuits E-V-E-R!
We also had a fabulous lunch at my fave place, The Cheesecake Factory.  

This was a very unusual holiday for us but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

We enjoyed caroling on Christmas eve and having neighbors over for a nice brunch.

I wasn't the greatest at taking pics but you get the idea!

We hope your holiday was enjoyable too! 

{It's the most wonderfull time...}

We've been watching TONS of Christmas movies. We have also been sick over here for 2 weeks! Respiratory, sinus, flu- all the works.

This year the kids wanted to make a gingerbread village instead of a big house. To each their own- I'm pretty sure Maisey won't go for such little ones in the future.

He believes! This is the grumpy, I don't smile or have a voice Santa... I think I still saw a twinkle in his eye.

We've had snow for 2 weeks and the kids are loving it (I don't think it's going to melt either). I'm doing much better than I ever imagined it but it's still gives me anxiety the day it snows and for a day or so after.

 The snow- and salt make for a horrible mess. Needless to say, the car washes are packed!

 After dealing with being sick for a week we thought they were better enough to go to Temple Square. Well, this was directly after school on the way there. Had I known, I would have kept them out of the cold snow.

 Hard to tell they had fun but they did!

 Ornaments at Macy's- made from CANDY!

 I liked the elephant the most!

It was beautiful- and crowded!

 The manager

The wise men

 Joseph and Mary with Jesus in the reflecting pool.

 Asian nativity

 lanterns were EVERYWHERE!

 Next, we drove to look at residential lights in millionaire neighborhoods- nothing as impressive as Eugene!

These elves have been hanging out and "surprise" us each day.