Getting ready for Christmas

Last week we got a Christmas tree set up and decorated and Morganne thought it was so much fun. She loves looking at Christmas lights through town and every day points out the different ornaments she knows and the different colored lights. It's not uncommon to hear from the back seat in the car "Look! More Christmas lights!". She makes us smile often. Decorating for Christmas takes on a whole new meaning when kids are involved. I've been one in the past couple years to not really desire to drag out the decorations because in a month you only have to take them down again. But seeing how excited Morganne has gotten, it's been a lot of fun this year. I look forward as the girls grow, being able to go through the ornaments with them each year. I know it's a lot of work, but I will admit that if my parent's didn't decorate or put up a tree I would miss it and I can't say it would truly feel like Christmas to me. Morganne, Nana, and I also went to Christmas in the Village last weekend in Zionsville and then Christmas on the farm at the Trader's Point Creamery. Both were a bit of a disappointment and we were glad they were free but Morganne got to see some reindeer and ponies at both places and those were definitely the highlights.
Happenings recently, Justin and I both slid off the road on our ways to work last Monday during the nasty snow/ice storm. Fortunately, only he had to get drug out by a tow truck, a very nice man stopped to help me out and it only took me 1hour 15min. to get to work (normally takes 20-25min.). So, there goes $85 before 6am. But, counting our blessings, it could have been much worse.
I am getting huge, and the baby is kicking and moving a lot which is the fun part of pregnancy. We are excited and I'm relieved (I'm the planning type) to have come up with a name finally. Don't even ask though, yes, we are keeping it a secret again until she arrives! ;cP Much to the chagrin of most of our close friends.
Anyhow, looking forward to Christmas plans and seeing some friends and family from out of town. Here are a few recent pictures from the last couple weeks.

Inspecting the lights hung outside, good job Daddy.

There is something mesmerizing about a Christmas tree decorated and lit with Christmas lights. It just makes the room feel warm and cozy.

Thanksgiving

We found out a week before Thanksgiving that Justin's vacation request had been denied, so our plans of traveling to Kentucky to have Thanksgiving with the Grant's were cancelled and new plans came into place. We are blessed to have wonderful families on both sides and I made one phone call to my mom's side of the family to let them know we would actually be coming there instead and they were all thrilled. We desparately missed seeing Grandma Peg and enjoying in Uncle Brian's famous prime rib Thanksgiving dinner (oh so delicious!)- no bird for this occasion, seeing how he is a cattle rancher! But, we enjoyed our traditional get together with the Ufkes' and it was good seeing my grandma and grandpa again. It was a bit exhausting taking a toddler into a very NOT-babyproofed house, however she did very well and made for a lot of smiles and laughs throughout the day for everyone. We then were able to have dinner and spend some time with Fred and Sue on their way in and out of Kentucky and one night even got to see Derek, Lynsey, and Annabel. We are so blessed that my parents are good friends with Fred and Sue and offer their house every time they come into town. Makes it much easier than fitting everyone into our tiny 900 sq. ft. home. Not many people can say that their in-laws and parents get along so well. Below are some pictures from the weekend.
We started decorating for Christmas today. Having child makes this season so much more exciting I think. I couldn't have cared less about decorating the first couple years we were married, however now as we drive through town Morganne can't get enough of the Christmas lights and we so into helping us put our own up at home. We haven't gotten ornaments on the tree yet. I'm interested to see what she thinks about that. I will have pictures soon I'm sure. Anyhow, I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving, and just think Christmas is only 3 weeks away! Yikes!

Goofy Grandad!

Nana feeding Morganne yummy pumkin pie!

Happenings

Sorry, I haven't posted in a while. Not much has been happening lately. Yesterday I ended up taking Morganne to the doctor because she's had a unresolving cough for 3 weeks. Her doctor said it sounded like a bronchitis and we have since started her on an antibiotic. Good timing on the visit I believe, because yesterday I felt she was running a low grade fever, so I'm hoping it's bacterial and that the meds will suffice, however if she is still running a fever today I will call in for fear of the flu. This H1N1 virus has definitely put the fear and concern into everyone. For good reason I'm sure, but I also worry that a lot of it as been blown up due to media. I'm one that I'd rather not treat unless absolutely necessary. However, with me being pregnant I guess it's not something to play around with.
Speaking of me being pregnant, we had our 6 month check up yesterday. Everything looks fine and the baby is growing well. I gained a huge amount last month, at one point 4 lbs. in a week! Yikes! But she seems healthy and getting stronger every day. Justin loves feeling her kick and move and she is just as active as Morganne was in the womb. For the past two weeks, periodically I've been having a lot of pain in my lower right abdomen and side. I've never felt that it concerned the baby so I never called my doctor, concerned myself rather that it was kidney stone issues. Upon explaining it to her yesterday she agreed. So now I'm asking for prayers that I can at least make it through this pregnancy without having to address the issue and we will deal with it if necessary after I deliver. Dealing with it now would not only be quite painful/uncomfortable for me for the remainder of the pregnancy (and possibly jeopardize my working ability) but also possibly cause concern for the baby with me having to be put under general anesthesia and risk infection. It would also be quite expensive. Oh how I hate kidney stones..... So, I'm pushing the fluids and praying for healing.
Anyhow, plans are still in the works for Thanksgiving, so family members that read this we will fill you in soon. I am looking forward to seeing family. I think this is probably my favorite holiday. I hope everyone has a good one and has safe travel. Don't eat too much!!! :c)

Moganne's Trick-or-Treat debut

The most adorable Lady bug in the world!

Visiting with family friends, Margaret and Kenny. I think we made their day with the visit of this cute little lady bug.

Our next stop, the Hickson's! She wasn't quite sure why everyone kept giving her candy. Mommy and Daddy were excited though! :cP

What an adorable Dragon/dinosaur and Lady Bug! Curtis and Morganne are best buds! How often do you get to see a dragon and lady bug kiss!!! What great blackmail pictures for when their older! :cD
Visiting our day care sitter, Amanda! Morganne was very excited to see her and I think the feeling was mutual.

Our last stop, Nicci and Kevin's!!!

Nana and Grandad coming to share in the evening while we had dinner and passed out candy to other adorable superheros, ghosts, and goblins!
Today, the weather was nice so Morganne and Daddy went outside to rake leaves, or should I say play in the leaves. She thought it was great!

Isn't life grand!

If you didn't see the post from yesterday, keep reading to see Little G's u/s pictures!

Prayer request: Our good friend Delaney Stahlhut is in the hospital at least for another week. She's thirteen, has special needs, and just had MAJOR emergency GI surgery. Praise God, she is healing well, it's just going to be a long road of healing and patience for the family.

Little G u/s pics

Little G's profile at 20 weeks.Scratching her head, she's a thinker!

Check out those biceps! Definitely looks like a softball player to me!

Happy Halloween everyone! Morganne's Halloween pics will be coming soon. I'm going as a pregnant lady this year.... ha!

Pumpkins and New Floors!- and Little G!!

Thought I would share a few pics from the last week. I will post more Halloween and fall pics soon. Morganne and I moved in with my parents for a few days while the floors were being redone by Daddy and Grandad. It was fun with Nana and Grandad, but we have been so busy and it's been a long weekend.

Every day Morganne's sitter does crafts with the kids. We are blessed with a sitter that is as involved as she is. Here are a couple of the latest crafts. We thought they were too cute not to share. The spider did have eyes until they fell off in the car somewhere. All of her weeks crafts are now decorating our door for Halloween.

Our annual pumpkin carving with the Hicks', Gosewehr's, and Wilhoites, produced this years pumpkins. Morganne likes to check on them every once in a while. Too cute.

Hmmmm.....

Kissing Zeke through the screened door.

Morganne supervising Grandad and Daddy placing the final pieces in the living room. It's now about 11pm and we are all ready for bed. However, we couldn't get to Morganne's bed until the living room was done and furniture could be moved back! It's been a long weekend.

Daddy you missed a spot! Morganne helping hammer in a invisible nail.

Enjoying the completion of the living room phase. Well minus transition strips, but almost complete!

Nearly complete! We really like the new floor. Yes, that is a slide in our living room. We moved the coffee table to the garage to make room for a slide for Morganne. It has totally been worth every penny I paid for it at a garage sale a couple weeks ago!

Morganne helping Daddy fold clothes tonight. She thought this break from folding for play was so much fun!

PS: For those of you that may not have heard- Morganne is going to have a little sister!!! I will post ultrasound pictures soon!