Our "White" and Blue Christmas

In the post below I wrote that Christmas might be a little different this year. I had no idea when I wrote that just how different it would be. Since we never got around to making tamales, we did indeed have ham. I joked that it was our first "White Christmas" (you know not Mexican...). We didn't invite anyone over which was strange, and a family who usually stops by for my mom's amazing tamales called and asked if they could come over. My dad had to tell them that things were different this year. Per the boys request, we had ham, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. My mom and I had the easiest, stress free dinner to prepare! All the dishers were ready at the same time (NEVER happens). Only problem was there had been some miscommunication between Jesse and my mom. We thought he would be over for dinner at 7:00, but after calling Red Lobster, we learned he wouldn't be off work for another 45 minutes. By the time he got to my parent's for dinner it was 9:00! To say we had worked up an appetite waiting for him is an understatement!

While waiting for Jesse, I decided to make a breakfast casserole and french toast casserole for Christmas morning (my dad did the grocery shopping this year at Costco. Instead of buying a carton of eggs he bought 60! And instead of a small bag of potatoes he bought 20 pounds! It made for an interesting argument between my parents so I wanted to use a few extra breakfast ingredients). There were a couple of things I needed from the grocery store to complete the casseroles so my dad, Jasen, Jose and I headed to the store. My dad thought the distraction would make us forget our hunger, but we forgot that the grocery store is the worst place to go when your hungry! Anyway... this is where our Blue Christmas begins. We got home and found my mom distraught on the phone and crying. She had just received a call that my grandma had lost consciousness and doctors and nurses had rushed into her room. To be four hours away, on Christmas Eve is something that no one should have to go through. We tried to be patient to receive updates on my Grandma, but they seemed to get worse. We learned she had air in her brain from her surgery and was in a coma. About this time, Jesse shows up to all of us somber and sad. Instead of a cheery Christmas Eve dinner, we sat around with tears in our eyes, trying to figure out what to do. Though I had been sad we didn't have guests over for dinner, I now see it must have been a part of God's plan because we would not have been cheery hosts! We thought about postponing Christmas so that my parents could get on the road right away. I felt so bad for my mom who had to choose between going to be with her mom or staying with her family for Christmas. We got a call that my grandma was responding (incorrect information), and that helped us make the decision to wake up early and celebrate Christmas at the butt crack of dawn.

The next morning we arrived at my parents at 7:00am and quickly opened presents and enjoyed the casseroles I made the night before. Christmas is also my dad's birthday and we usually celebrate him in the afternoon. This year we cut his birthday cake after breakfast, took a few obligatory pictures, and my parents and Jasen were on the road before 9 am. My mom said last night that she wishes we could have a "d0 over" Christmas and try it again. I wish we could.

Christmas Day also marked 35 weeks of pregnancy! We didn't remember to take the weekly "cheesy posed" picture. No Baby's first Christmas picture...

At lunch, Jose and I went to his grandparents house and celebrated with his extended family. We had a fun time, and had tamales! It was fun opening presents with everyone and playing games. Even still it was hard to not worry about my grandma.

It seems so sudden for her health to be in jeopardy and the thought of losing her is too much for me. A month ago I would have never believed that this Christmas my grandma would be in the hospital after brain surgery. My grandpa's health is suffering too, but that has been ongoing and in a way I think we'd be prepared to lose him. Jose and my mom have both reminded me this past week that my Grandma knows the Lord and we know where she would go if she passes, but my Grandpa does not. The first time I heard that, it didn't help at all, but the more I think about it the more I am thankful for that. My mom has said my grandma is in a lot of pain and has had moments of confusion. She is very weak, and not out of the woods just yet. Even still my mom says every time she walks in to see my grandma, my grandma asks if she has heard from me and wants to know how the baby and I are doing. My mom keeps challenging my grandma to get better and stronger so that she can meet her first great grandchild in a few weeks.

Christmas afternoon and evening Jose and I stayed home by ourselves, ate leftovers, and watched the Chargers dominate! The bye week they secured is exciting because it gives Aubriella an extra week to come and wear her Charger cheerleading outfit for the playoffs- and Superbowl!

Wow, I guess that sums up our "White" and Blue Christmas. We're praying for my grandma's recovery and hope she is healed soon. Other than that, we are looking forward to 2010 and meeting Aubriella!

Christmas is just around the corner!

Only 2 days until Christmas! It never fails that Christmas day is warm here in Santa Maria. It can be cold the entire week before, and then Christmas day is magically warm. This year is going to be 68 degrees! I know that we are supposed to love our mild weather climate, but just once I want it to be really cold and rainy on Christmas day. I loved the stormy weather the other night because it is as wintery as we are gonna get on the Central Coast. Of course the little storm blew through quickly, but I enjoyed it while it lasted.

Being the last week before Christmas, I'm trying to enjoy our Christmas lights a little more, and stare at our Christmas tree a little bit longer ( It would be so nice if Christmas decorations could stay up all year!). Jose and I have also watched not one, but TWO Lifetime Christmas movies, and Christmas music is on at all times. Have I mentioned that I loooove Christmas??

It is so surreal this year thinking that it is our last without children. Jose was only half kidding when he suggested putting our tree in the living room that we can block with a baby gate next year, and my mom has mentioned how she won't be putting the train around her tree next year so Ellie won't try to get it. Jasen and I reminded my mom that someone will always be watching her, but my mom doesn't want Aubriella to feel like she can't touch things at Nana's house. Haha! I wonder what she will be like next year, seeing her first lights, going to the tree farm. Will she be crawling like I was at that age, or walking like a pro like her daddy did?

For some reason, lately I keep remembering all the times I played Mary in church nativities or plays. I remember always wondering what it would be like to be pregnant and carrying the Messiah. Even when I was younger I thought about Mary in labor, her pain as she laid in hay (one year in the Women's ministry event I was Mary on stage. My legs fell asleep so bad, I crawled off the stage! Sitting with my legs to the side for 1 hour taught me a thing or two about pain. ). This year actually expecting a baby has made me look at the birth story in a new light. I heard a birth narrative from Mary's perspective (you got to check it out!) and I almost started crying. When I hear Mary Did You Know or any other Christmas song about Mary and Baby Jesus I get a little teary. I just finally understand what it feels like to be expecting, and wondering what my baby will be like, and how God will use her, yet I know it is nothing compared to what Mary was going through as a teenage girl, with a miracle pregnancy, and not completely understanding what God was calling her to do but being willing to do it. Wow! Even now if I start to feel nervous or unsure about delivery, I think about her birth in the worst of conditions. I'm sure she will be my focal point/visualization during labor. And if I ever get around to making a birth play list, it will include all the holiday songs about Mary.

I'm looking forward to it being Christmas Eve tomorrow- I can't believe it! Things will be a little different this year as my mom was out of town a lot to visit my grandparents. We never got a chance to make our Christmas Eve tamales or invite people over, so we may be having a ham dinner! And I made the decision that this year will be the first Christmas Eve we don't attend the midnight service at FCC! Since I'm a huge fan of holiday traditions, this year may feel a little strange, but I've decided it might be the perfect timing for transition- because surely next year Jose and I will want to make our own family traditions with Aubriella!

4D ultrasound

Meet Aubriella Joy! From what we saw, she has the cutest little nose, very defined pouty lips, and chubby cheeks! The technician also said she can tell she has hair (no surprise there!). Just like I imagine her to be based on her kicks, she is laid back and peaceful. She seems to like to cuddle my placenta and stick close to the uterine wall (she just likes being close to her mama!). We actually got to go twice because the first time she had the umbilical cord in front of her face (which is why the picture is slightly distorted) and had her hand on her head. Since she kept cuddling up against the uterus, there wasn't many very clean shots. We were happy with what we saw, but the tech said she would like to try again. So the next week we returned, only to find Baby Ellie folded up like a pretzel! She had her hands and feet in her face, and seemed to be content staying in a tight little ball. We still had a great time "seeing" her and it has made us even more anxious to meet her in 4-9 weeks (I know a big range!).

32 weeks!

I can't believe that this week makes us 6-10 weeks from delivery day! She can come so soon!

We were so blessed to have a work baby shower this week! Aubriella is already so spoiled! Our coworkers really made it nice, and it was very touching to see how much effort they put in to it to make it beautiful!

I know I'm a nester at heart, but lately I feel even more motivated to get things done. I have been helping run a Christmas gift operation for all our foster children. It has taken a lot more (work)time than I thought it would, but it has been very rewarding. I am amazed at the generosity of some people and their willingness to help out kids in need! It is so fun wrapping these gifts and arranging for sponsors, and thinking of the children who are going to get to open these presents on Christmas day.

I'm getting teased at work, because even after working on the gift drive, I am coordinating a cookie exchange between coworkers-yum! Someone asked how I have so much energy for this, and I really don't know. I just know that I LOVE Christmas and planning, and hosting, and parties.... it is so fun! (By the way Jose and I are trying to plan a game night/Christmas party at our house so let me know if you want to come!).

This week also marks the transformation of our home! Christmas decorations have hit in full force! Jose has been so great helping me hang wreaths and decorations, decorate the tree, spray paint everything that doesn't move silver, and he is putting lights up this week! I can't wait to share pictures of all our projects! Even Aubriella's room got a few projects of its own. Jose and Rigo hung up her chandelier and installed a dimmer switch! It is getting closer to being complete!

And finally this week we had our 4D ultrasound! We got some great shots of her little round face. She has perfectly defined little lips, and a little round nose! She likes to get cozy against the placenta, and cover her face with her hands, so the technician is letting us come back this weekend for some hopefully clearer shots.

Thanksgiving and 31 weeks!

After our great Colorado trip, we woke up Thanksgiving morning. We headed to my parent's house to help my mom with preparation, then had our first meal at Jose's grandparents. Even though everyone gets together for dinner once a week, it is more exciting and special for the Holidays!

After stuffing ourselves for the first time, we headed back to my parent's for Thanksgiving dinner with my cousins! The little butterball inside me makes it difficult to fit in much food!

At 31 weeks I am feeling well. Aubriella made it easy on the plane, at high altitude, and in general. I surprised myself at how well I felt even after such a busy busy week.

So much to update!

Disclaimer: the pictures of the Colorado trip contained in this post reflect what happens to pregnant ladies when they fly. Can we say swelling?!

Whew! I don't know where to begin! The past 10 days have been amazing to say the least.

Friday, November 20th began with helping my friend Sonya at her wedding rehearsal. I had the privilege of telling the wedding party when to walk down the aisle. That night our friends the House's and Lamb's spent the night and we stayed up way too late talking and catching up.

Saturday I woke up early to do Sonya's make-up (she looked beautiful!) and later on we enjoyed the wedding! Sonya and Isaiah both looked so happy, and it was a beautiful ceremony. The weather was crisp and chilly, but I thought it fit well with the fall theme (plus who am I to complain about cold weddings ;-).

Another late night with our visiting friends, 2 hours of sleep, and on the road we were to LAX! We arrived with plenty of time for our flight and had fun spotting others in Denver or Charger gear who were flying with us. We arrived to the FREEZING weather in Denver, and had a great breakfast at Sams. Walking around downtown Denver we saw equal amounts of Charger and Denver fans. We had fun high fiving and cheering with other Charger fans. We got to the game and just happened to have a few other Charger fans sitting next to us in the sea of Orange. I had been a little nervous wearing our Charger colors in the South end Zone, but it turned out even the harassing Denver fans were nice to us. The first Charger touchdown, Jose and I instinctively jumped out of our chairs, and were soon yelled at to sit down. After the Chargers started dominating the Broncos, no one said anything when we got more and more obnoxious in our cheering! The wimpy Broncos fans started clearing out of the stadium when the 4th quarter started, and we were able to move to the front row of the end zone. By the end of the game, the only remaining people in the stands were Charger fans!

After FREEZING our tails off at the game, we headed to Colorado Springs to see Amy Jo! I am so sad that we didn't get a single picture together! How did I do that?!? Pictures or no pictures, the time I got to spend with her was great. It amazes me that every time I see or talk to a Focus Institute friend, it feels like no time has passed and we can pick up where we left off.

Monday Morning I looked out the window at about 6 am and was sad to see the weather forecast was wrong and there was no snow. When I looked out again at 8 it was snowing! By the time we got ready the snow had stopped falling but there was a blanket of white everywhere. Perfect for us Californians! We had expected weather in the 50's and 60's, (not FREEZING!) so our first stop was Target to buy long sleeves and sweaters.



We had a great time walking around Garden of the Gods (or what I prefer to call God's Garden), driving through Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, downtown, and Helen Hunt waterfall. Up at the waterfall, the temperature dropped (below freezing) and it started snowing! Our final stop was The Broadmoor Hotel. I LOVE the Broadmoor and always dreamed of staying there. For fun, Jose and I asked if there was availability. While the front desk lady looked up rates, I glance at a flier that stated off season lowest rates was more than $300, and thought my dreams were over. However, she surprised (more like shocked) us with a deal I couldn't pass up, and added, " I hope you don't mind I've given you a view of the lake and mountains." I literally had to pull my jaw closed, and said, "I'd prefer a view of the street." When I assured her that I was joking, she handed us the keys to our room! What a perfect place to stay on our anniversary eve!


That night after dinner with Amy Jo and Esther (again no pictures!!!), we headed back to the hotel. We were walking around when a staff member told us to check out the Golden Bee Pub. We were shuttled to an off site Broadmoor restaurant complete with a piano man and a fun dinner crowd. Through rounds of singing show tunes, fight songs and classics we got to know the bar tender who suggested we drive through the Rockies on our way back to Denver the following day.

On Tuesday, our anniversary, we talked to the concierge about ideas of things to do. Our first plan was the Coors Brewery tour, but we learned that it was closed on Tuesdays! The concierge mapped out a three hour trip through the Rockies to get to Denver (instead of 1 hour straight through not so pretty). We are so glad we chose this option! It was beautiful. We pulled over at least 5 times to take pictures of the scenery. We stopped in Breckenridge and walked through the charming town. I love this town, even though we were freezing! They had the coziest Starbucks I've seen, great cookies, and beautiful views.

We made it in to Denver right before dinner and checked into our hotel. We stayed at the Curtis right down town. We walked 1/2 a block to our dinner at La Fondue, and another 2 blocks to Comedy Works. We finished the night with a stroll down 16th St. Mall! A PERFECT 2nd anniversary.

Wednesday we woke up, had another great meal at The Delectable Egg, peopled watched at the 16th St. Mall, and went model home hunting. Can I just say that I am VERY disappointed that California homes do not offer basements! For what we can sell our home for, we could by a 5000 square foot home with upgrades. Not fair!


Our flight and drive home went well, but by the time we arrived home we were starving! Thanks to a surprise from Silvia and Savannah we had food, sparkling juice, flowers and dessert waiting for us! Again a perfect ending to a perfect week!

Can you believe it?!?!

I can't! 3/4 of the way there! 10 weeks to go! Final stretch! Almost in the single digits! Dr. visits every other week! AGHHH!!! YEAH!!!!


Before we know it, Aubriella will be here! This week started rough. My grandpa is in the hospital and he wasn't doing well. They have no idea what is causing it, but his memory comes and goes. His health is declining, and he doesn't have much strength to walk around. I really wanted to go see him as the next chance of going out of town wasn't for over a month, and honestly I didn't (don't) know if he will still be here then. I was torn though because one possible diagnosis was spinal meningitis, and visitors and nursers were wearing protective masks. After talking to my doctor, and my grandpa's nurse, I was highly recommended to not come in contact. Long story short. On Saturday we learned that was ruled out, and that evening Jose and I packed in 30 minutes and did a 24 hour trip to San Bernardino. He is doing a lot better than I was expecting, and I'm very glad we went. But 8 hours in the car wore me out!

Monday morning when I woke up at home, I didn't feel the usual kicks and punches Ellie is so fond of waking me up with. I got pretty nervous because even after putting syrup and whip cream on my waffles (hey, give me a break I was trying to wake her up!) and drinking orange juice I wasn't feeling movement. I actually think I would have called the doctor for the first time if I didn't already have an appointment.

The appointment went great and we got lots of good news, and one not so good news. Bad news is that I gained WAAAAAY to much weight last month. So much that I had to re-weigh myself to make sure there wasn't a mistake. There wasn't. Aside from that we heard a very strong, healthy heartbeat, and the midwife (and Jose!) were able to feel Aubrie's butt and head. She is head down already! Good little girl is already getting into position! It explains why the last few days I feel pressure on my bladder when I stand up, and it also explains why a little foot is constantly getting stuck under my ribs!

The end is drawing near, and I'm getting more and more excited. This week Jose's cousin Veronica had her baby Gulianna, and my friend Lacey had her baby Maggie! A couple more November babies to look forward to, then January is our show time (unless she decides to take her time and we roll over to February)!