Tis The Season...

To be jolly and merry and bright. And a little lonely due to the fact that my husband has 6 of 8 finals left to take before Thursday afternoon. And a little sad about the fact that I just returned from my semi-annual trip West to visit with friends and family. Which was oh so wonderful.

Tis the season to welcome the first snowfall with an unimpressed groan and to decorate our apartment with an amazingly over sized Christmas tree. Like really it nearly takes up our entire living room.

Tis the season for life changing events (births, mission calls, engagements, and weddings), parties, family bonding, and...babies? Oh yes, the babies. Ready for the Utah/Idaho recap? Here goes...

The Parties

Kyrsten was the hostest with the mostest this past week. Between a wonderful baby shower for myself and a bridal shower for our cousin this lady just might be partied out. But if I know Kyrsten like I think I do then probably not. Her flower making, goldfish giving skills were out of this world and made for several nights of fun.
One of the events hosted by Kyrsten and my great cousin Emily was a baby shower in honor of our own Little Miss P. So many wonderful friends and family came to support and everyone looked "pretty in pink", just as the invitation ordered. Emily and Kyrsten (okay and my mom and even myself) spent a great deal of time making flowered headbands and broaches for all of those in attendance. It was so much fun!


Little Miss P was again spoiled in Logan at a shower put on by Ryan's wonderful mother and my great sisters-in-law. I was able to spend a little time with so many wonderful friends and family and wish I would have had more time to visit with each person. There was no shortage of baby bumps, actual babies, food, and gifts. So much fun!

The Family Bonding

Oh I just love my "little" bro. After a wonderful football season complete with the flowing locks of his famous mullet he is now showing of his skills on the hardwood. I was able to attend a couple of games and what a stud he is. He is beyond a great kid and I hope he knows how much I love him and how proud I am of him. In a short 7 months he can leave on his mission. It is so crazy. But after spending the last week with him I have no doubt he could leave tomorrow and be the best missionary out there. Not like I am biased or anything.

Oh and look at him. So happy to be having his picture taken. I was able to go with my dad to one of his weekly treatments. Not many upsides to chemo, but he does get to take a three hour nap once a week while wrapped up in a warm quilt and with a coke and cookies by his side. I know, but I have to put a good spin on it somehow. After a long and challenging few months I was able to be home for some good days full of a little more energy and a sudden craving for a Big Mac. My mom says being on chemo and being pregnant are a lot a like. I might have to agree.

Some of the most beautiful, talented, and wonderful ladies in my life!

Got a little crazy playing SCUM

The Babies
Remember the babies? I told you there were babies.

My mom's best friend from high school has a daughter my age and we have also become great friends over the years. We lived in different towns growing up, but always found a way to share some of the greatest times of our lives. Now it is time for us both to be moms! It is crazy.

Peace. Love. Q2. Former roommates. Future mothers. Leah is still feeling pretty good at this point and is still so tiny. She is having a little boy. We all know my story. Still feeling good, but getting more and more anxious and excited for this little girl to arrive. At the moment this picture was taken Breanne was wondering why in the world she was still pregnant enough to be in it. Stay tuned for more details on that...

Breanne and I met up on Thanksgiving morning to ensure we got a pregnant picture together. We could have gotten at least 5 more (and did I think) as little Brielle didn't decide to make her entrance to the world until Thursday, December 3. Her arrival that day ensured I would be able to see her on my way to the airport on Sunday. Thanks, Brielle.

You may think I covered it all, but there is no way I did. So many fun memories were made and being the 8 months (!!!) pregnant girl I am a few tears were shed as well. I can't believe the next time I head West will be with a 6 month old baby. So many changes lie ahead for my family in the next few months and being in Ohio means I have to miss quite a few. It also means everyone else misses our big change. It makes being back in Ohio rather bittersweet. Bitter for the obvious reasons, but sweet because our little family will soon increase from 2 to 3. 8 weeks people...8 WEEKS!!!