Final Christmas "Alone"

As we close out the holiday season 2011, I have to look back and say that the last few weeks have been very nice. We were unable to travel home for the holidays due to my wife's advanced pregnancy so we were lucky to be able to have both of our parents and the Wife's sister join us over the holidays.

A few weekends ago, my parents were down for a visit. We hung out and talked a lot and they shared their excitement in meeting their new granddaughter (their second grandchild, our nephew Carson being their first). It was a quick visit but a great one.

The weekend after, the in laws were down with Sondra. It was also a nice visit. I believe they were here for four or five days. Had lots of fun, great food and lots of junk. Oh Christmas!

It was nice that we were still able to see a lot of family over the holiday's even though we were not able to go home.

The last few days have been the nicest for me. We removed Christmas (took down the tree and decorations) and are now able to focus solely on the final preparation for the arrival of our little lady. We were also able to take a bit of time for ourselves and sit back on the couch with some hot chocolate and have a fire in our fireplace for the first time. It was quiet and calming. I suppose the calm before the storm.

Today also marked the last day of me working at IKEA. I am now back down to one job. That in itself is a relief.

With tonight being the end of 2011. I wish everyone a happy new year. All the best in 2012. I know it will be the best year yet!

Finished Pre-Natal Classes

Last night was our final pre-natal class. I have to say I am happy they are over.

We did the 7-9:30pm sessions for 6 weeks instead of the 9-4 two day weekend because of our fluctuating work schedule. I can see how it would be nice to do the crash course and get it over with in a weekend and not have to make the trip out to the hospital multiple times.

In the end, I did get a lot of good information from the sessions. However, I was bored and tired a lot of the time and just wanted them to be over.

Baby Names

Picking a baby name has been one of the most challenging, time consuming and frustrating endeavours my wife and I have gone through in this process.

It has also been one of the most fun and rewarding things too.

We have finally come to a decision. After many, many months of list and back and forth, we have come to a decision.

But we aren't telling anyone yet. It is the only thing that we haven't shared with anyone yet. I am looking forward to the day she is born and we can introduce her to our friends and family by her full name.

Very exciting.

Stay tuned for the unveiling post-birth.