December 2007

This Christmas, we didn’t trudge out into the wilderness to find our own special Christmas tree, though there were trees a plenty. My whole immediate family (Mike, Leslie, Natalie and Russell) came up to spend this Christmas at Hume Lake. We did trudge out into the wilderness, with Chester leading the way and my siblings and I taking up the rear. After a two and half mile hike we came home to spaghetti and garlic bread (a family favorite). It was so refreshing to have my family up, and such a relief to not travel (being eight months pregnant!). There were a few tight moments with six people navigating around our 399 sq foot trailer, but it wasn’t really that bad. We opened presents, updated blogs (thank you Chester!), played Christmas carols, watched movies, and relaxed. Now that the family has left Chester and I are packing bags for the hospital (just in case) and making sure we know how to install the infant carrier into the car. It puts things in a new perspective as we ready ourselves, as best we can, for the new addition to our family. Meanwhile, Corin is dealing with the tight quarters by moving and stretching even more. I am sure I will be wishing for him to be back in my belly when all this energy is expressed by wide eyes and crying at two in the morning. Merry Christmas everyone!

Six weeks to go! Chester and I have now moved the bassinet and changing table into our living room. The snow is falling and we are packing bags for the trip to the hospital. After spending all of my pregnancy waiting for the 30th of January it is strange to be told it could happen any time and to be prepared. It snowed up here at Hume the last few days and there is close to a foot of snow on the ground in some places. Before we could travel down the mountain yesterday Chester had to dig the car out, a time consuming process. We have a lot to learn about snow management! My family is coming up for Christmas, it will be our first year having Christmas at our house. The bassinet and changing table will most likely move to the storage shed to make room for, family, food and presents! We are looking forward to a white Christmas and New Year! Merry Christmas everyone!

I had my shower in San Diego at the end of November. It was so amazing! There were 35 people or so who came and blessed Chester, Corin, and I with their hopes, wishes, and generous gifts. We shared childhood stories, played pictionary, and other shower games. It was a blessing to see so many familiar faces and old friends. One of the most wonderful things about the shower was the food! Several women (Mom, Grandma, Natalie, and the Rasche women) had slaved away in the kitchen to create the most amazing breakfast spread. There were pastries, scones, keishes, and breakfast casseroles. Also for beverages there were an assortment of teas and my dad was the barista for the shower. Russell and Tyler were serving and taking orders. It was a wonderful time. Thank you to all who worked and participated!