37 Weeks: Merry Christmas!

Becoming so outwardly pregnant, moving around so slowly, and feeling like a giant whale were all in the very back of my mind this week!  There were too many great things going on to focus on feeling uncomfortable.

It's Christmas!  First, this means that school is on break, giving me a much needed two week break.  I wrapped everything up at work anyway, just in case Will decided to grace us with his presence early (so far he is indicating he's going to cook for a bit longer in the oven.  :)

(Although this actually happened last week, I only recently got the pictures uploaded, so I'll just add it in under the Christmas week blog!) We had a blast at our Bible Study group's annual White Elephant holiday gathering, and I was FINALLY able to get rid of Old Iron Sides, James' grandmother's ironing board.  It is heavy, worn down, and has the worst possible screech when it opens.  The lucky Luces took that bad boy home!

 Who wouldn't want an ironing board that weighs at least 10 lbs?!

  Priceless!

Kristin lucked out with a whoopie cushion costume! 

Kim was thrilled with this hand-made kleenex kozy!

It will match any bathroom decor, obviously.

James and I love this time of year, even if there is no snow on the ground.  We decorated our house and had a few days to relax in Lawrence.

Then, we made a quick trip back to Neosho, MO for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  It was really a wonderful time!  Not only was my grandpa in town (one of Will's namesake's, but he goes by Bill), but so was my brother, and my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew Connor.  Connor is nearly five months old and cute as can be!

 Me and Grandpa (Bill) Zastera, my mom's dad

Will's stocking 

 Me, Mom, and Dad

 A picture of Four Generations!  

Connor, his mom, his grandma, and his great grandpa

 James and I going to the Christmas Eve church service

 Baby Connor getting a bath

 Baby Connor

 Baby Connor

 Baby Connor at Christmas

What a cutie pie!

James got a cram session for new dads.  He changed his first 'live' diaper, which he felt was a harrowing experience because everyone was telling him the baby could possibly pee on him if he wasn't careful.

He also learned how to use the baby carrier that Robin and Scott gave us for Christmas.  He did great, and already looks at home wearing it.

Of course, part of the fun of Christmas is getting presents!  James surprised me with a cute fox print he got in Lawrence at an art fair.  I think it will look great in the nursery.

Foxy!

Sadly, we had to leave Neosho practically as soon as we arrived because James' parents, sister, and brother-in-law visited us in Lawrence, and arrived Christmas evening.

Due to crossed communication lines, when they arrived at 8:45 pm, there was no dinner waiting for them (bad Mildren hosts! yikes!).  Luckily a local Chinese restaurant was open, and we had yummy take-out.  It wasn't the traditional meal, but everyone ate their fill.  Of course, we had plenty of sweets and James' mom brought some back-up cookies, too!  We opened more presents as a family, and had a great evening!

 Mark and Mia settled right in

 Lynda is encouraging Baby Will to embrace his Ozarkian heritage! 

 James' sister Libby and her husband, Raul

 We received lots of great baby books for Christmas from both grandmothers-to-be!

 Mark and Lynda

James relaxing with Mia

The Mildren family photo

Christmas 2011

We had a marvelous holiday, even though the time spent with family was shorter than we would have liked.  

It's hard to believe that next year Baby Mildren will be nearly one year old! WOW!