wrapping paper

This weekend was another one spent in Cincinnati, which have been rare over the past 8 months. We had a great dinner Friday night with a new couple we are just getting to know who also happens to be expecting their first child. She is due in two weeks and looks fabulous. They invited us over to their home after dinner and we "played" with their stroller that was set up, which ended up being the one we bought today. So it's a bit extreme, my Mom would say, or actually she would say, "you spent what?!!!!" but honestly, for how active we are and how much we like to be on the go, a good stroller was critical to us. And Ted likes that it's not super girly (apparently, he has not seen the car seat that will go in the stroller for the 1st few months)...think "pink everywhere".





Saturday was spent all day at the hospital...no, no...not early labor. Just attending a childbirth prep class. Needless to say, I didn't leave knowing much more then I already knew, it was quite enjoyable watching Ted get a glimpse of what he is in for come delivery time. I already know...it's going to hurt like no other pain ever felt and it's not going to be pretty but the reward you receive after you make it through is worth anything I saw those ladies in the video go through. But I will say, I am a tad nervous for it all. I am thankful for my girlfriends and family that have let me ask them all of the questions....lately. Thank you for your honesty!





In the evening, we met one of our favorite couples to hang with, Todd and Sarah for a nice dinner.....dessert, port and all....it was a festive dinner with friends. The restaurant was packed after a busy day of shopping at the nearby mall. There were lights and soft Christmas music playing in the background. Mom and Dad were always on my mind, the images and thoughts come and go....but I am able to appreciate all of these times spent with Ted and my friends.





Today, we did a little more to the baby room. Ted hung up her picture frames above the changing table and we got her closet closer and closer to organization. We got "the stroller" and that will be here in 6 weeks or so. Mom's tree has been up since last week and I even started wrapping presents today with the wrapping paper she left behind at her house, unopened, waiting to be used this Christmas. Thanks Mom, you were always prepared and I'm even using your gift tags.





I continue to pray to my parents to "get my Sister and I through the Holidays without them".





Not that I would want anyone else to be in my shoes, but I sometimes wonder what my other family members or friends would do. How would their Christmas be spent without their parents and brother, could they smile? how would they handle new traditions? I hope I am doing the right things, but I can only do the best I can and I honestly continue to be proud of myself but know I have a long road ahead of me.....


You are missed so much and I am most sad for what you will also miss come January. It still seems strange you won't be here to meet her. She is our faith...