Waiting for Baby...

Well, Lucy's due date is in two days! It's so hard to believe . . . She will be here any day. I've been filled with so many emotions lately. Excitement beyond belief. Some nerves and anticipation. Wondering about so many things. A little anxiety. Ready to meet this sweet girl. Ready to be a mother and love and raise and take care of this baby. Ready to not be pregnant anymore (though it's surprising how fast it truly does go)! Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better or smoother pregnancy, it's been such a blessing. Sam and I have talked about Lucy's upcoming birth every day as we anticipate signs of labor and wonder when "it's time." It was funny, Sam said "I bet you've never been this excited to feel pain before" and I had to laugh and agree whole heartedly! Many thanks to both of our families for putting up with my pre-delivery nerves and slight paranoia at times, haha. When you're on the edge of your seat just waiting for your body to completely take control of you in an intense life-altering event that will affect your eternity and bring you a child, sometimes it's hard to be calm or relaxed about the unknown! Nevertheless, along with the comforting information and advise from family members and friends, I've also felt the comforting hand of my Heavenly Father and Savior again and again. I know they are watching and guiding us, and so as we wait for Lucy to come we've been filling our lives with wonderful things, seeing friends and family, getting extra sleep, and just savoring spending time together as a couple (and as a family of only 2 for the last few days). We can't wait for 2 to become 3!

Sunday night we went over to our good friends' home to play games and have a "hurrah!" before school started for Sam and Cameron. Dana and I are both taking this semester off (her baby boy is due beginning of March). We love these people so much! They are such dear friends (the lifelong type without a doubt), and we are so grateful for them! It's been fun expecting our babies together, talking about the funny things we've been experiencing (from both sides) the last several months.

Ready to pop!

Deckin' the Halls 2013!

Christmas 2013 was wonderful! Full of magic, beauty, family, friends, food, fun, and the wonderful spirit of our Savior's birth. Sam and I decorated our small tree we borrowed from  Mom and Dad Browning. It was such a fun festive moment and really made such a difference in it feeling like Christmas in our little apartment. I still can't take it down yet!

Our "1st Christmas" ornament from Mom and Dad Howes :) Thank you! It held a place of honor at the front of the tree. It's crazy to realize Sam and I have had two Christmases together as a family already!

O Tannenbaum! O Tannenbaum!

Our Christmas elf, Melvin, received a place of honor overlooking the kitchen.

Melvin wasn't the only Christmas elf in the house!

Last year we had a fabulous Christmas with my family in California, and this year we had a fabulous Christmas with Sam's family in Ogden! It was so fun to participate in their family traditions ("unwrapping Christmas" was so great: the christmas story in Luke, playing the pipes, singing, reading a christmas poem together, the left/right game, and more) make/eat yummy food and treats, work on puzzles, talk, and just spend time together. Not only did Spencer come home from his mission, but Josh and Kristen and the boys surprised us and came from Iowa! It was such a special time. This was the first year in a long time that everyone was all together for Christmas!

No one could get enough of these yummy little clementine oranges all week! We ate 'em up and ate 'em up again! MMM...

I got to whip out Pinterest and make these delicious treats! Oreo peppermint truffles. They are SO easy. Crush up oreos, mix in cream cheese, roll into little balls, freeze, dip in white chocolate and peppermint, and consume in large quantities. Then have a glass of water and lie down. :) Careful which peppermints you use, however. Some taste a little more spearminty like toothpaste. I recommend a solid traditional peppermint candy for the best culinary experience.

My lovely scarf from my sneaky and sweet husband! I wear it almost every day. It's so beautiful and soft, and matches both my winter coats! What a rock awesome guy. :) Thanks, Love!

Fun with the extended family at Patty's!

While the women took cover in the kitchen and chatted, most of the men went to the basement to wage war with foam darts for an hour or two. Let me tell you, this family means business when it comes to Nerf! It was so funny. I usually like to join in for a while, but considering the circumstances of late I decided to relax and have munchies with the gals instead. It was great fun!

It was a wonderful Christmas. We missed my family in California like crazy, but it was so great to talk to them on Christmas and after and hear about their festivities. If only everyone was closer! I am so grateful for family, the family Sam and I have started, and the amazing families we've come from. What a beautiful thing to know Heavenly Father's plan of salvation has so much to do with keeping families together forever!