Decorating for Christmas

After we got home from our St Louis trip, we immediately started decorating for Christmas.  I thought seriously about not putting up a tree this year because of everything going on and the hassle of getting it out of storage.  But we decided that it just wouldn't feel like Christmas if we didn't have the tree.  So we started early and already are done and enjoying the Christmas lights!  Rusty got everything out for us.  He doesn't enjoy the decorating but Caitlin and I love it.  This is Caitlin putting on the first ornament.

Caitlin loved finding each of "her" ornaments as we unpacked.  This is her reindeer from Papa Larry.

Her red rooster!

And the finished product - it's much better in person!

St Louis trip

We went to St Louis for Thanksgiving to visit Pat and Colleen and the cousins.  Caitlin loved their pet bird, Guido.  Last time we were there, she said she wanted to hold it but always got scared.  This time, she was a little more brave and was able to be still.

We went out on Saturday and did some family pictures for them.  While out, I caught these of Caitlin and Lauren.  Too cute!!

And more fun with Guido!

Thanksgiving Feast

Caitlin's Kindergarten class had a Thanksgiving Feast and invited all the parents to eat and watch their program.  They dressed up as pilgrims and indians and put on a play for us.

This is Caitlin's teacher, Mrs. Pearson.

Here's some videos from her program -

And here's the whole program -

Cousin Alli

A few weeks ago, Caitlin and I watched Heather's little girl, Alli.  This was good practice to see what it's going to be like when the new baby comes.  I was pleasantly surprised with how good Caitlin did.  She fed an entire bottle to Alli while holding her.  I thought she would get bored, but she didn't.  She even held it up right so air wouldn't get in.  Then we took her to the baby's room and played with her.

I love this one of Alli "watching" Caitlin play her Dora game!

Belly pics

I had belly pictures made with Caitlin so I decided to do it again with this baby.  My friend, Lila, came over and we spent hours playing around.  Here are some of my favorites of the more tame ones.  We also did some creative ones but those are not going on the Internet.  :)

Misc Girly Pics

Lately, Caitlin and I have been playing around with curling irons and curly hair.  She's trying to let her hair grow out so sometimes we make it look prettier for church.  This was one Sunday morning when Rusty was out of town and we were playing around.

Halloween

For Halloween this year, Caitlin got to pick out her own costume.  We got on the internet and narrowed down the choices and this is what she picked.  It is actually Elizabeth Swann from Pirates of the Caribbean, which she has never seen, but she knew she loved the dress.  These are pictures of the Trunk or Treat at church that I planned.  It went really well for my first activity.  Caitlin had a blast!

This one was on Halloween night.  It was COLD so Rusty took her around the neighborhood.  She only did our street and came back with TONS of candy, which she is STILL eating.

Checkup

I had another checkup today.  I've only gained 14 pounds overall since being pregnant.  Not sure how since I eat whatever I want.  The baby is still growing, is head first and not ready to come out yet.  (That is good and bad)  We did set a date for being induced.  As long as everything progresses fine like it did with Caitlin, this baby will be born on December 15th.  Hopefully, by then, we will have a name for her.  :)

Caitlin funny

Last Friday, Caitlin was picked up from school by a friend from church (thanks Mary!!).  When we were leaving, I said, "Thanks Mary!" and shut the door.  Caitlin said thoughtfully, "Now is she the one with the lamb?"  I love the minds of 5-year olds!!!

Checkup

I had a checkup yesterday and everything is progressing normally. My doctor compared my weight, baby's growth, etc with the same time period with Caitlin and everything is consistent. He did mention that he would induce me around the 15th of December so we could be home and settled for Christmas. I'm definitely going to try and hold him to that!!!

Pumpkin Patch

Every year, Caitlin and I go to the Pumpkin Patch, take some fall pictures and pick out some fun pumpkins for our front porch. This year, we got to go with cousin Alli. We didn't spend long because we went kind of late and underestimated when it got dark. We might have to go back again to get some more pictures. But at least we have a cute front porch that's decorated for Fall.