Waiting for Baby V: Twenty-Three Christmas-y Weeks!

We had a big and fun-filled week in the Valentas household! There was lots of couch-sitting throughout the week, but the fun started Friday. We finally got our new doors! And just in time, because it is supposed to be very chilly the next few nights. They aren't all stained and painted, but they are beautiful because they shut completely, there are no gaps at the top or bottom, and they still look like they belong in our house. I am looking forward to warmer weather even now too (but we need something wintry weather first, and hopefully that will include some snow) so that we can get some good use out of our new screen door. Hooray! And since our mail slot was in our door, we got a new mailbox. I love it when things come together on our house that we have been trying to do since we moved in! We also got to spontaneously hang out with some of my teacher friends this week. What am I going to do when I don't see them everyday next year? Guess I'll have to have them over for lunch regularly!

Then on Saturday, we got up for the Norman Main Street Christmas Parade. It was fun seeing all the community out and celebrating together. Got a little choked up with the combined NNHS/NHS band playing Christmas songs though. Silly me. Chris and I then went and tried out Syrup, a new-ish breakfast place downtown. It was pretty good, but nothing can beat The Diner. We then had our Christmas card pictures taken by the lovely Francesca at a local tree farm. It was a bit stressful because we decided to bring the dog along too, but we got several great pictures! We ordered our cards today too! Here are a few of our favorites...

Last night we then headed to Pops in Arcadia (aka Edmond) to celebrate the December birthdays: Brian, Karla (though she couldn't be there), Francesca, and Chris! December is such a crazy month for everyone, but we always try to make a point to make these people feel special. They are there month after month for everyone else's day, and those that were able to come were very appreciated I am sure. We came back to our house for some mugs cakes and apple cider, and though we had planned to play games, we all were pooped, so we just hung out for a little while. 

Me and Ellie:

1. Total weight gain: +19 lbs  (1 lb this week)

2. Maternity clothes?: Yep of course! I have a few favorites that I like to wear, and am getting good use out of them. I did good the past two weeks though and haven't bought anything more! :) Tee hee!

3. Stretch marks?: Not yet! YAY!

4. Sleep?: Tossing and turning is the norm, with new heartburn and leg cramps, but I have been sleeping better overall. Maybe it's the colder weather?

5. Best moment this week?: Starting to feel Miss Eloise kick her tiny legs. I feel little "bunny thumps" throughout the day now, and it feel more and more real. This really started Wednesday, which was a nice little mid-week pick me up! 

6. Miss anything?: With holiday celebrations in full-swing, I am really missing being able to have a glass of wine. I don't need a swirl from the Mont or a margarita, just a glass of red wine! Or some mulled cider! Sigh...

7. Movement?: YES! Finally feeling her move consistently! Was getting a bit worried, but all is good now. Can't wait to meet this tiny girl. 

8. Food cravings?: This week it was anything that required little to no effort to make and a plus if it was warm too. Peanut butter and jellies are my lunch best friend, and warm foods at night. I did a bit better in the evenings too; didn't have dessert every night! :)

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: No! 

10. Gender?: Eloise Marie...Our sweet little girl! I say her name a million times a day, and can't wait to see her! Hope she has a ton of crazy, dark hair!

11. Labor signs?: No

12. Symptoms?: Tired and swollen feet at the end of the day still. And little girl moving a bunch!

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: I'm happy the majority of time, but think this week has brought on a few irrationally moody moments (poor Chris). Probably also has to do with the time of year and it's stresses. I am trying hard to NOT be stressed out about it though!

16. Looking forward to most?: Chris's birthday is this week, so we will be doing some fun stuff to celebrate that, and I can finally give him his gift! Then, I only have to worry about not telling him his Christmas gifts. Haha... AND OF COURSE...The English Christmas Party!!! One of my favorites all year. We also have another doctor's appointment Friday, which I look forward to every time.