Christmas Stuff and Baby Stuff

Hope everyone had an awesome Christmas!  Ours was great, and fast.  December is flying by!

Our Christmas celebrations started when Grandma Kathy and Don came to visit the week before Christmas.  It was great hanging out with them and getting all the festivities started early.  They gave us a Kinect for Christmas, which is much harder to play when you're carrying around a bunch of extra baby weight.  ;-)  I'm super excited to get my use out if it though after the baby is born - soon enough!  She also gave Michael and Matthew these matching MDawg shirts.  Pretty hilarious.

And then my parents and little brother came the next week for Christmas!  Matthew played nonstop.... which means, so did Grandma and Papa.  ;-)

We also saw movies, (loved Les Mis, by the way!) shopped, ate good food, and just relaxed and hung out.  On Christmas Eve we went to the Mesa Temple to look at the lights and have hot chocolate.  I grew up going to the LA Temple every Christmas Eve to see the lights, so this is a tradition.  I must say, the Mesa Temple lights are pretty dang awesome.  However, it was SO crowded.  (It never is at the LA Temple).  It was still super fun, but sheesh. I guess the temple lights are a much bigger thing in AZ than they are in LA.

And of course Christmas morning was a blast.  Santa was good to us this year.

 Baby Girl wasn't left out!  :-)

I was pretty quick in getting all the Christmas decorations down because I really want to be at least SORT of ready/organized when Baby Girl comes, and I didn't want to have to worry about undecorating once she's here.  And guess what?  I'm full term (barely) and dilated to almost a 3 and 80% effaced.  Whoa!  I was barely dilated to a 2 when I started labor with Matthew so it really could be any day now.  Michael is hoping for a tax break baby.  ;-)  Me?  I'm all about her taking her sweet time and coming as far into January as she wants.  Haha.  I must admit, however, that I've finally starting "feeling it" about a week ago.  And by that, I mean that I feel humongous, it's getting hard to move around, and tiny feet have made my rib cage feel like a nightmare.  Sometimes I even sleep so poorly that I feel like I already have a newborn.  ;-)  But still, I can handle it for a while longer....  But since Michael would loooove for her to come before January, it'll be interesting to see how much he "casually suggests" that I lift heavy objects, join him and Matthew in a (super long) family walk, and play the Kinect.  Ha.

Anyway, most of the "getting ready for the baby" part is done, except for packing for the hospital, (which I'm planning on doing tonight or tomorrow) doing some cleaning, and figuring out a couple other small details.  I am getting really excited, but I also have SO much anxiety.  (What if my labor is SO fast and I don't make it to the hospital in time?  What if I forget something important?  How will Matthew do while I'm in the hospital?  What the heck do I do again while in labor?  Why do I seem to have forgotten everything I learned last time?  Am I really ready for 2 kids?)  I know everything will be fine, but it's seriously impossible for me not to worry... especially about Matthew.  He will be the perfect big brother, but it's still hard for me to know that his world is about to be turned upside-down... even though it's for the better.  I have already informed Michael that frequent Mother/Son dates are absolutely essential.  (And I don't think he'll have a problem starting Daddy/Daughter dates really early.... I have a feeling that this little lady is going to melt Michael's heart the second he lays eyes on her).

Baby Girl, we are so excited to meet you!  You are already so loved!  Can't wait to add another girl to this family!!!!!

And Matthew, I love you forever and ever to infinity and beyond!  Thanks for making me a mom and being the best little boy I could ever ask for.  I can't even begin to tell you how much fun you are.  You have such a good and kind heart and your little sister (and any other siblings that may come along in the future) are ridiculously lucky to have you as their big brother.

My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies

I am obsessed with Christmas movies.  Recently I was telling Michael all my favorites and decided to instead make a formal list of what I think are the best ones.  It was actually kind of hard to narrow it down to just 10, because there are just so many good ones, but here it is:

Oh, and these are NOT in perfect order, though I do believe that the top 5 should be somewhere in the top 5!

10.  The Polar Express 

So this movie almost didn't make my list, but I can't ignore the theme of this movie.  BELIEVE.  Could there be a better message at Christmas?

9.  The Santa Clause

So most people don't consider this movie one of the classics, but I happen to love it.  As a kid, I always got a kick out of watching Tim Allen unwillingly transform into Santa.  It still makes me smile whenever it's on.  As for the sequels?  Not nearly as good, though they do have a couple of good/funny moments in them.

8.  Miracle on 34th Street

I just saw this for the first time last night!  Crazy, huh?  Which is better, the old or the new?  I saw the new one and thought it was adorable, but I'm going to have to watch the old one too.  Anyway, it made my list because the line, "IN GOD WE TRUST" saved the day.  That makes me happy.  And I was so concerned about poor Santa.  I'm a believer.

7.  How The Grinch Stole Christmas

I didn't love the Jim Carey version, (just a bit too weird for me) but I absolutely adore the original, animated version.  I love Cindy Lou Who, and the poor little puppy with the antlers strapped to his head.

6.  A Charlie Brown Christmas

I've watched this every year for as long as I can remember.  I adore it.  And we have our own version of a Charlie Brown tree in our home.  It looks sad when we put it up, but once we give it a little love (decoration!) it looks much better.

5.  Home Alone

What kid didn't love this movie?  Fabulous, cheesy acting.  The hero is the best kind of troublemaker.  And I love the creative things he comes up with to defeat the bad guys.

4.  The Muppet Christmas Carol

I actually also really like the newer, kinda scary Christmas Carol movie because it's a very well-written book and the new movie includes many of the real lines from the book.  However, I think I like the muppet version the best.  It's just so dang cute.  And much more kid-friendly.  :-)  Anyway, I love the transformation of Mr. Scrooge.  Funny, though, how even though he goes through this amazing transformation, if someone is called a Scrooge, it is never, ever a good thing.  Haha.

3.  Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

I think this was my very favorite Christmas movie as a kid.  Rudolph.  Clarice.  Hermey The Dentist.  The amazing Abominable Snowmonster, who turns out to be a sweet teddy bear once his teeth are removed.  And Yukon Cornelius.  All amazing characters.  (Although I always found Sam the Snowman to be a bit boring.  Just me?)  No other Rudolph movie has even come close to being this cute.  Can't wait until Matthew can enjoy it.  Maybe next year?

2.  It's A Wonderful Life

Maybe my dad will be so happy that this is in my top 5 that he'll forgive me for including "The Santa Clause" in the top 10.  :-)  Okay, I'll be the first to admit that it took YEARS for me to be able to get through this movie start to finish, but this really is one of the best movies of all time.  This man had all kinds of dreams to see the world, become rich, and really live his life.  And what does he learn?  That he is IS living his life, by working hard and having a family and sharing all those small, amazing moments with his wife, kids, and friends.  He was living the dream all along.  What a great message for all of us, especially at this time of year. Oh, and I absolutely adore Clarence.  He is so dang lovable!  So glad he earns his wings!!!

1.  Elf

I have never met someone who doesn't like this movie, and I wouldn't care to.  This movie could make anyone laugh.  Start to finish, it's hilarious, witty, and sweet.  I usually watch it at least twice every December.  There are soooo many good quotes from this movie, but I think my favorite is:

"You like sugar, don't you?"
"Does syrup have sugar in it?"
"Yes...."
"Then YES!"

Well, that's it!  Any movies I forgot?  Honorable mentions?  (such as A Christmas Story, Frosty The Snowman, etc....)  Movies that I included on this list that should NOT be on this list?  :-)

I think it's safe to say that there will be lots more movie-watching in this house this month.  I still need to watch a few of these, plus I'm not ashamed to admit that I kind of love the ABC Family Christmas movies too.  They are cheesy, and wonderful.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

One Last Road Trip

I hate long road trips, but I LOVE getting to the destination.  Vacations are awesome.  However, they get harder with kids, and I imagine we're not going to be up for road trips for a while after Baby Girl gets here.  So, we decided to take one last road trip (for a while) and go to LA for Thanksgiving.  It was a blast!  So glad we got to squeeze in one last vacation.

Remember how I said that traveling with kids is hard?  Well, I've only ever traveled with one kid.  My sister came down with her four kids, and one of them is only 2 weeks old!  That's bravery at its finest.  And guess what?  Her 2-week old (Sadie) is pretty much the cutest thing ever.  I held her as much as I could and I still don't feel like I got even close to enough time with her.  Every time I held her I would just think, "Oh my goodness, I want a baby girl SOOOOO bad!!!!!  Oh wait...."  :-)  But while having your own newborn is the best feeling in the whole world - let's be honest - it's also incredibly nice to hold someone else's newborn so that you can get your newborn fix without also dealing with recovery/lack of sleep/etc.

Love her.  Miss her.  (Miss my other nieces and nephews too!)

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious.  Last year, we let Matthew have a tiny bit of mashed potatoes.  It was his first taste of a "real" food.  This year, he got his own bowl and got to go crazy with the food.  He was a huge fan.

The next day my mom threw me and my sis a small baby shower.  I'm so thankful for people who are so nice and generous.  And of course, the food was awesome.

There was also lots of time for play.  Grandma and Papa have such fun toys.

We also went to the beach and it was SUCH a gorgeous day.  Absolutely perfect weather.  And the older Matthew gets, the more he loves it there.  He definitely has some CA blood running through those veins.

And now, time to really start getting ready for Christmas and this baby girl!!!  Both are coming up SO fast!  I'm horrified that I don't have my tree up yet - but that'll hopefully get done tonight or tomorrow night.  Yay Christmas!

Ready or Not - 2 Kids, Here We Come!

At this time of year, I am (obviously) always feeling extra thankful for my blessings.  This year I have been feeling especially grateful for my little family.  These boys are my world!

And of course, I haven't forgotten this little lady in my belly.  She has become part of my world too.... and Michael's.... and Matthew's.... although Matthew doesn't know it yet.  ;-)  

31 weeks!  And see my new iPhone?  Yep, love it.  Thanks Santa for coming early this year!

Have I mentioned that I'm excited to meet her?  Only 1000 times?  Well, I AM!  But with all that excitement comes a whole lot of nervousness too.  It's funny - while I feel like this time I will be able to appreciate those early days even more because I understand how fast they zoom by, I am also more scared because I know how hard they can be.  With all the fun and excitement and happiness comes a lot of exhaustion and stress.  While I am a firm believer that the good heavily outweighs the bad, I am scared of my biggest unknown - what life is going to be like with two kids.

I have seen countless women with more than one kid and they seem to be Supermom about it, but whoa, it is definitely weighing heavily on my mind that I won't be able to devote all my time and energy to just Matthew anymore.  Perhaps this is a good thing - despite our best efforts, Matthew has developed a small case of the Only Child Syndrome,  ;-)  but still.  It's scary for me to think of how I'm supposed to be a good mom to TWO kids - especially in those early days.  Any and all advice is appreciated!

As for a pregnancy update, I am actually feeling really, really good.  My SPD has been way more under control this time around and that has made a huge difference.  I am beyond grateful that I can still chase Matthew around, even if I am getting slower by the second!  I am appreciating my mobility now because I can tell that it won't be long before it becomes more limited.  My stomach seems to bother me a lot, but it isn't anything too terrible and if that's my only big complaint at this point, then I have it pretty dang good.  Braxton Hicks are rare.  I have no idea what heartburn even feels like.  My biggest craving at the moment is pastries.  Ugh!  Please don't even say "donut" or "cream cheese croissant" around me, or I just might lose control and eat a dozen of them.  :-/  Baby Girl has mostly stayed away from my ribs (what an angel!) but I'm sure as she gets bigger and chunkier she'll run out of room ... and I'll get those little feet in my ribs soon enough.  ;-)  She gets the hiccups ALL THE TIME, just like her big brother did.  She also likes to dance.... on my bladder.  When Michael puts his hand on my belly, it usually calms her down.  Daddy's girl already!

I am SO excited for the holidays!  And it's crazy to think that when they're all done, this baby will make her appearance within a  few weeks!  Woohoo!  Maybe she'll even be a really, really good sleeper and and never fuss.  It's possible, right!?  RIGHT!?  Ha, okay, I know better.  But regardless, I am thrilled for her to get here and come play with all of us!  She is already so, so loved!

Rantings Of My "Crazy" Libertarian Husband

The elections are over.  Obama is the president for another 4 years.  Time to make the best of it, let it go, and move on, I know.  However, I don't think that it's wrong to voice your opinions, try to learn more about political matters, and educate others on things that they may not know much about.  (As long as it is done in the right way).  Debate can be a good thing.  It can also get ugly.  Michael has been struggling on Facebook the last few days because he has seen some really, really dumb posts.  (Haven't we all?)  While he can have a good, healthy debate, he has a hard time when people say things that are just plain ridiculous and don't know how to actually argue in a good way.  I keep having to tell him to just not read them so that he doesn't get too worked up about it and say something to them he'll regret.  So, I'm letting him vent here.  Of course you probably won't agree with everything he says, (not even I do.... though we definitely agree on the big issues) but he's down for a debate with anyone if you're interested.  ;-)  Just make sure you know what you're talking about!

If any of these seriously offend you, just stop reading.  We don't want to make enemies - we just want to let Michael get some things off his chest without targeting a specific person. Be warned, he is quite extreme in many of his opinions. 

I also just realized that this is Michael's first time writing on this blog.  Hmmm... maybe one day I'll be able to convince him to write again - perhaps about something more upbeat.  ;-)

I have recently been on my soap box in my home and on Facebook, ranting about the different things that perplex or anger me to do with the current state of the USA.  My wife has petitioned me to put it down to writing.  This would be a serious undertaking that would be more novel length-ed than a blog post.  Quickly, I just want to address a few of my biggest pet peeves regarding Americans and their view on politics.

  

1. The idea that America is going to be fine no matter what happens.

     -This is a fallacy for a number of reasons.  This mindset is actually a big part of the problem.  We think that we are invincible and that everyone owes us something because we are better.  We feel like we deserve everything because we have been privileged for so long.  People have forgotten the sacrifices and policies that brought about this life of privilege and now feel as if they deserve it.  We are bankrupt as a country and we are not going to be okay with the status quo.  There needs to be big changes in mindset and practices of the American people or we will lose the privileges that take work to earn and keep.

2. The focus on social issues as a means for selecting a candidate.

    -Our economy is held up by credit.  When our creditors come looking for what they are owed we are in trouble.  Either we are going to be looking at hyper-inflation of epic proportions or we are going to be looking at no one being willing to sell us goods because we defaulted on our loans.  Our national debt with contingent liabilities has a burden of about 150k on every citizen.  There is no way we can pay this and if something isn't done we will be wishing we had the quality of life of people in Mexico.  But many people go to the polls to vote for Obama because he supports gay marriage or because of his stance on abortion...seriously?!  Those things don't matter if you can't eat!  I'm not saying that social issues should be ignored, but they are not what is the most important thing right now, and NOT what you should have used to select the president.

3. We are entitled.

     -Entitlements are absolutely ridiculous.  We used to oppose communist ideals with vigor.  Now we feel like it is the responsibility of our country to take care of us.  It is no longer "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country."  It is all about "what can my country do for me?"  This country doesn't owe you anything.  I don't owe you anything.  Nobody owes you anything.  And nobody owes me anything.  Being born in this country does not give you the right to have everything everyone else has.  When people say that other people should have healthcare I ask "Why?"  Nobody really answers the question.  "Because it is the right thing to do." , "Why?"  "Because people shouldn't suffer." , "Why?"  "Because ...."  Fill in the blank with whatever you want.  Nobody is willing to say the real reason - "Because I feel like I deserve what everyone else has, so the government needs to make it fair for me."  This mindset that people innately deserve something other than opportunity is insidious.  Not only does it take from the opportunity of others, but if everyone had that mindset, nothing would happen.  In a world where I deserve to get "mine" and not have to make the same sacrifices as others to get it I stop making sacrifices, but when I do that, so does my neighbor because he has no reason to do more for the same amount so he does less.  Then we all end up doing nothing and get angry when everyone else refuses to work for us.  Don't believe me?  See what happens when food stamps are released late http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufk7IXdxc-c&feature=related .   You don't deserve anything you didn't work for.  NOTHING!  And that includes a prosperous America.  Also, I am not saying that people who have more shouldn't give to people who have less.  They should!  But to be forced to give it is wrong.

4. Regulations are good and that is how we fix problems

    -You vote every time you go to the store.  You vote every time you go to work.  You vote everywhere you go.  If you don't like the way somebody does something, don't patron that establishment.  Women's employment issues was a big topic in the election and many women chose to vote for Obama.  This, to me, is ridiculous. If you don't like how much your employer is paying you, get another job.  If you don't like the employment practices of a company, don't use that companies products.  If you don't like how a company treats the environment, don't use their products.  People want there to be equal pay and hiring practices.  If you want that, go and work for a company that will compensate you that way.  If you are worth that much money to your company they will pay you that much money.  If you are not, they won't.  If they are prejudiced, go work somewhere else.  If nobody else will hire you, create your own job.  Nobody owes you a job and nobody owes you a certain level of pay or a safe environment to work in.  If you don't like it, don't work there.  I repeat, nobody owes you anything and you do not deserve anything that you do not work for.  Regulations are bad.  They make it more expensive to comply and decrease jobs.  They lend towards the egoistic entitlement philosophy of many Americans.  Regulations create far more problems than they could ever "solve."  

I could go on for weeks, but these are some of the things that have been getting me fired up lately.  We need to abandon this entitled, "we are better than everyone else" mentality.  I am so tired of this.  Also, I don't like Abraham Lincoln and think the wrong side won the Civil War but that is a different topic for a different day.  And no, that doesn't mean I am pro-slavery, I just happen to be pro the Constitution.

October Festivities

I love October.  Cooler weather, the start of a string of super fun holidays, and lots of activities going on.  This last Saturday we had a super fun and busy day and even though we all ended the day exhausted both physically and mentally, it was more than worth it for the memories!

Last year, our pumpkin carving involved putting Matthew INTO a pumpkin.  My sister helped me majorly Photoshop the picture to make it look like Matthew was actually tolerating it, but the actual pictures made me and Michael look like the worst parents that ever lived....

Good picture:

Bad parents pictures:

This year, pumpkin carving was a MUCH better experience for Matthew.  Pumpkin guts = unbelievably amazing to a  1-year old.  Definitely kept him entertained for a while.  We'd take the insides out of the pumpkin, and he'd play with them and then put them back in.  :-)

 Not really sure how that got there... 

And then we headed to the Arizona State Fair!  Apparently, it's a pretty big deal here.  Michael grew up going and was like a little kid on Christmas as we were getting ready to go.  It didn't disappoint!  Just walking into the fair made me happy.  And it was HUGE!  Definitely the biggest and nicest fair I've ever been to.  We got really good deals for admission, but we forked over the money for some ridiculously overpriced (but delicious!) fair food.  We bought a humongous turkey leg, a funnel cake, (1000 calories per bite?  Oh well!  It's the Fair!) and a giant strawberry lemonade.  We checked out the petting zoo (Matthew's favorite) watched a pig race, wandered, and Michael even played a game and won Matthew a stuffed penguin.  Aww.  :-)  Oh, and of course we had to check out the Coliseum, which is where the Phoenix Suns first played.  

After a veeeery quick nap back at home, we headed out to the Trunk Or Treat.  Matthew was definitely a fan of the candy, but couldn't figure out why people kept giving the candy to his bucket rather than to him.  Silly people.

 Batmobile

And then, we all crashed.  So excited for all the other fun holidays coming up!