Hello 2012!

Today is only January 10th, but is already seems like the holidays were AGES ago! What a whirlwind -- a week here at home, a trip into the city with the kids and some great friends, and then a week in Michigan with the grandparents and our siblings. I returned on New Year's Eve feeling so thankful for such an incredible family. I truly enjoy every moment I get to spend with my siblings and parents. They are so wonderful, thoughtful, and funny, and know and love me for exactly who I am. My in-laws are pretty spectacular, too. Their home is always such a warm and fun place to be. They are constantly showing their love for Jon, the kids, and I in generous ways. I am so thankful to have in-laws whom I love spending time with and who are constantly loving and encouraging me.

Last week was our first week home, which is always a little bit weird after a long time away. Most of the week was spent trying to organize all of our new toys -- LOL!! The weather has been unseasonably warm, so we've been trying to take advantage of getting outside when we can. I think it's only snowed here once so far this winter ... and it didn't even stick!! Temperatures have been hovering in the 40's -- almost like early spring. We're all kind of on the edge of our seats just waiting for some monster winter weather to finally hit us! Hopefully, this late start to the season doesn't mean it will still be snowing in June!

Tanner was sick while we were in Michigan, and then sick again for a few days last week. This week, Landon has been sick. As much as I've loved cozying up in the house with my kids and nothing else to do, I've got to admit I'm getting a little bit of cabin fever here! I miss seeing friends and getting out of the house! Hopefully, today is the last day of being stuck at home, as Landon has started to perk up a little bit. We've been playing lots of new games (thank you SANTA!!!), watching lots of TV (I'm so sick of PBS Kids, I can't hardly stand it), and taking nice long baths every day. I've decided that putting the kids in the bathtub is the best way to while away a late afternoon. I plop them in around 4:30, let them play as long as they want to, and then we cozy up in our PJs. By this time, it's usually 5:30 or so and time for dinner. Kids are basically ready for bed when Jon gets home. It's a win/win ;)

I've been seriously enjoying my new Christmas gifts. Jon surprised/spoiled me with a new MacBook for Christmas/Birthday/Having 3 babies :) (BTW ... I call him my MacDaddy now -- hehe!) I'm on a total learning curve, but really loving it so far. It might be the only thing in the whole house that's just MINE and nobody else is allowed to touch. And now, I can watch TV with Jon while I work on pictures, check emails, etc, instead of being stuck in a little corner of our kitchen, all alone at our desktop. I was SO surprised upon opening it ... I literally cried tears!

I also got a new bread machine from my mom and dad. You have to know that when Jon saw this on my Christmas list, he thought it was so stupid and called me a total dork. But ... now he is LOVING it almost as much as I am :) So far, we've done pizza dough, bread, and over the weekend, we made these from scratch:

Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls

Did I mention that my boys and I DIED over them? Seriously, that's why I could only take a picture of half the pan, the other half was gone in a matter of minutes. You can find the recipe here if you're interested in seriously spoiling your own crew in the near future :)

Some of my other gifts? A totally chic new purse from my in-laws -- I was finally able to throw away my ratty green Target purse from 4 years ago. And a new Starbucks travel mug that keeps my coffee HOT, not just warm, HOT, for at least 2 hours -- and I'm not even exaggerating. Love. It. So. Much.

Now that we're actually in 2012, I feel like I've turned a corner in my pregnancy. Like -- the end is just around the corner!!! As of today, I'm 31 weeks, and I just feel like the next 2 months is going to fly by. This might actually be my favorite part of pregnancy. I love the feel of a big pregnant belly ... it finally seems like there's actually a PERSON in there! I love the big kicks and movements that the baby makes all day long. I love the thrill that comes with setting up the crib, getting out the bin of baby clothes, and packing my hospital bag. We are all just beside ourselves with excitement to meet this little guy. The other day I came across a video that my mom took for us from when we had Tanner. The boys and I have watched it upwards of 20 times. It totally made me think about how some of our sweetest moments as a family were in a hospital, welcoming a new member. Can't wait to do it again :)

30.5 weeks

Sorry, buddy, there's nothing in there!

My baby for a few more weeks. You're so darn CUTE!!