Jingle Big Bellies

December came and went faster than ever in the Feuling household. It feels like I put up my decorations and tree (or as Michael calls it “The house vomited Christmas) and then in a blink of an eye had to take it all down. It was a whirlwind of a month full of pure joy, holiday happiness, and a big big belly. Being the lover of the holidays that I am I wish it could have lasted much much longer, but we really couldn't have had any better of a month.

December started out with my 24 week pregnancy appointment and my belly measuring in at full term. I went into the appointment feeling huge, and was quickly justified when the doctor told me I had the same size belly as someone who was ready to deliver with one baby. But big or not, everyone was happy and healthy. The boys were growing as they should, and I was thrilled to be feeling so great going into the Christmas season.

My house became the land of singing toys, sparkling lights, and Christmas gift planning. As I have said before, I just can’t get enough of the holiday cheer. This year we were much more organized with our gift giving so it wasn't stressful and I was able to get most things up to Seattle ahead of time so our car wasn’t loaded to the roof when we drove up. I was bound and determined to soak in as much of the spirit as I could and enjoy this time with my babies, and I can honestly say I did that.

This month the boys and I were also showered with love, twice, by family, friends, and amazing people who support us. It was such a wonderful feeling to be able to share some of this baby joy with so many caring people who are so important to us. We are certainly blessed to have such loving people in our lives and the boys will also be so blessed to have them in their lives when they arrive. I don’t think I have ever seen so much baby stuff before. Thank you cards are far from good enough to show how much appreciation we have for all the gifts and baby equipment we received. Babies need a lot of stuff, but when you times it by 2, holy cow is it a ton!

Christmas Party - Santa had a Red Solo Cup. Haha.

Like we have done every year since we moved to Oregon, we made the drive home for Christmas to be with our families. We arrived the Friday before Christmas and spent a week bouncing back and forth between both houses and celebrating as much as we could. It is so nice to have them living close to each other so we can see everyone with only a little bit of driving. We woke up Christmas morning at the Feuling’s house (we rotate every year) and spent the morning and afternoon with them. They have an early Christmas dinner at about 1:30 so we ate some turkey and the works, and enjoyed sitting around the table and chatting with each other. Then about 4:00pm we headed over to Chan’s house for Christmas night. He and Ashley were hosting both my family and her family for dinner. The boys played darts, we at more amazing food, and had a great time hanging out with everyone. It was really an eye opener for me to feel like a real “adult” because if my Baby Brother was hosting at his house, that could only mean I was getting super old.

Overall our holiday was incredible. We love spending time with our families and taking a break from a busy work schedule. But this year we couldn’t get out of our minds that next Christmas (and likely every one after that) will be very different. I can’t tell you how excited I am to meet our little men and share everything with them, especially Christmas joy. Michael spent the last few days of our vacation here at home up to his knees in pieces, parts, and crazy directions building the babies furniture. Seeing those cribs set up made it even more real. Before we know it they will be here and the craziness will begin. But as insane as I might sound, I can’t wait!

Christmas Eve

Now it is New Years Eve, not long before midnight, and we are here home alone ready to ring in 2013. It is certainly different than many of the other NYE nights we have before, but having a big big belly and pregnant wife isn’t really the equation for a party animal. But to be honest, this is a perfect way for us to start 2013. We spent the morning at a doctor’s appointment where we got great news about the boys, the afternoon napping and relaxing, the early evening with amazing friends who we love, and now the night just the 3 of us watching the big ball drop on TV. We have so much to look forward to in 2013, and so much to be thankful for in 2012. 2012 was a year of learning about ourselves and patience, traveling to Florida, enjoying our jobs, laughing a lot, and learning of the biggest blessing we have ever had. 2013 will be a year of babies, changes, learning again bout patience with or without much sleep, and I’m sure so much more joy than we can even try to plan for. Life is good for the Feuling’s and we are grateful.

We can only hope that 2013 will also be a wonderful year for you! Happy New Year everyone!