It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I love Christmas and the holiday season. I confess that I have been listening to Christmas music since the day after Thanksgiving, and I'm not sick of it yet. I also love all the holiday traditions! Though this year I have to admit that I jokingly accused Jon of trying to sabotage all my traditions, like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation. Especially after an unusually long and exasperating search for a Christmas tree, which led us to three tree lots and on a 30 mile detour down a lonely country road with the fuel light brightly twinkling at us. But I suppose that is the fun of the holidays, all the mishaps and adventures along the way.

Jon mustering some holiday spirit after our arduous search

Kali, Kenny & Julia gathering some fire wood

And a little hot chocolate by the fire makes it all better

A glimpse of sun to lighten the mood

And the tree in all its glory!

This also is the time of year to be over booked with holiday parties!  But Jon and I do love an occasion to get dressed up.

Headed to my work holiday party and the OBT's Holiday Revue. I have to say it is getting more challenging to dress the bump up.

And ready for Jon's work holiday party.

We tried to make it see the Christmas ships, one of my favorite traditions, but alas the show was called off by heavy fog. We had to settle for a fun party with lululemon friends and glimpse of the two of the ships parked at the marina.

And last, but not least, Jon whipped up a batch of his famous holiday Almond Roca.  I have had such a sweet tooth these past couple months, I'm in trouble with all the delicious holiday treats around.  I'm sure to fail my glucose screening at the beginning of January...but its for a good reason, or at least that's how I justify it in my head.

Chef Jonny

I think what as made the holiday season seem extra special is, of course, being pregnant. I'm finally at the stage where I'm obviously pregnant and strangers are offering up their congratulations and excitement.  The bambino is moving all the time! I have an app on my phone that helps me to count kicks, and the standard is to count 10 kicks in 2 hours and last night I counted 10 kicks in 56 seconds! We have a little budding athlete in our midst. While we are definitely in full holiday swing, we are also starting to make more definitive preparations for our bambino, we put to together the crib, I've started researching doulas. Its all becoming more and more real every day =) 

Here's wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!!