Since I never even publicized this..

No one will sass me for setting it up with one blog and then adding nothing for a month. What can I say, I forgot. Well, to catch everyone up on the latest happenings....

We had a terrific Thanksgiving with my folks in NC. We hung with (2 of) my brothers and their families, I can't believe how big all the kids are getting! We ate and (James) drank lots and generally enjoyed the annual madhouse the folks so patiently put up with. I am sure it's a pain to host, but it sure is fun to attend!

December was pretty uneventful. In great pregnancy news, all of our scary-disease tests came back so strong we opted - and the doc agreed - for NO amnio for me. Hooray! That was one giant needle I didn't care to see. I also just had the diabetes test which also came back negative. So aside from continued tiredness and backaches, I have had a pretty easy time so far. For those who care, yes my belly is popping out nicely these days! I actually decided I will go ahead with the maternity pictures, since Brenda (our wedding photog) insists and even James thinks it's a good idea. She of course, invited Bruce; so I figured why not commemorate my expanding girth with some photos right! Fun! So stay tuned for a sample of those in a few weeks.

We spent a wonderful Christmas with the Parkers here in Dallas. We attended mass and had a big dinner followed by gift-giving on Christmas eve with the family. Then another big meal and the annual Trivial Pursuit Boys Vs. Girls Challenge on Christmas Day. And since I'm writing this and James isn't, you get to know that the girls SMOKED the boys in both games PLUS the add-on Catchphrase rounds we had. Thanks for the good-luck caramel corn Mom, it worked! I also think it helped that I was completely sober and James was, um, not. A good time was had by all.

We spent a relatively quiet new years eve out to dinner then had dessert and champs with friends. That was dual-celebratory champs too, since Ilene and Chris just got engaged - congrats guys!! (Dad, you remember Ilene, she was my step mom at the engagement party HA!)

We just got home from a weekend in Vegas followed by a quick night in Phoenix for the Fiesta Bowl. Texas pulled out a nail-biter against Ohio State, scoring in the 4th quarter with 16 seconds to play, to win the game. There was much celebrating, even if they didn't cover the spread. That promises to be my last trip for a while, traveling absolutely takes it out of me. I'm glad to be grounded for now, but I'm sure I'll be whining in a month that I never go anywhere.

So now we're settling into the new year, getting ready to celebrate both our birthdays. As usual, the time flies, as we turn another year older and anticipate a great year in 2009. Bruce continues to be the best dog ever and no matter what anyone says I'm sure I'll still find time to scratch his chin even after the baby is here! I am 27 weeks today as I write this, so we're starting to get close. This weekend likely brings the tearing-down of holiday decorations and cleaning of the guest room, so we can get serious about getting the nursery - which we haven't started - done. We still need a crib and furniture, so we'll get on that soon too, as I know you most often have to order it. And of course hopefully a Giants victory on Sunday vs. the hated Eagles.

We hope everyone is well and I promise to post more often and include pictures in the coming weeks, since I have my new laptop at home to do it! Happy New Year!!