Where did December go?!?!

Wow!  January 2011??  Where did December go?  And for that matter, where did 2010 go?? 

We apologize for the delay in posting.  December was a pretty big month for us with travel and family gatherings.

The month started with early Christmas Shopping (early for Meghan, that is!), while also focusing on planning a little birthday party for a certain lady in Ipava, IL.  Our December started with the immediate Butler Family Christmas.  After Nick flew in from Colorado (the plane flew, not Nick...) we enjoyed a great homemade meal and then exchanged gifts with just the five of us....well, 7 actually!  Gotta count Miss Bella and Mr. Charlie!

The next day, December 11^th, we had the Mayall Christmas.  Grandma nearly lost an eye to a marshmallow gun, but all survived!  The next day, we had a party to celebrate Grandma’s Birthday.  That’s right!  Grandma Shirley turned 80 and what’s better than a party?  Even with challenging IL winter weather, there was still a GREAT turnout!!

The following weekend, we headed back to Fulton County to celebrate Christmas on the Butler side.  My brother and my cousin, Brian, were unable to make it.  While it wasn’t quite the same, we text’d & facebook’d throughout the day to let them know just how delicious Grandma Mary’s Fried Potatoes were!  I don’t know if it was the pregnancy or what, but they were a HOME RUN!!!  They really hit the spot!  Baby Allen was very impressed with those potatoes and hopes to have them again very soon!!!  Mmmm Good!!!  And don’t even get me going on Grandma’s Apple Pie.  Holy cow!!  (Oh shoot…Isn’t that a Cub saying?!!)  We are hoping that dad’s Apple Tree trimming wasn’t too crucial to the crop and that we’re able to have some more famous Grandma Mary pies in the spring!! 

The following week, Matt and I were able to load up the car and head to Ohio on the 23^rd.  It was our first Christmas in Ohio and we were very excited!!  I had worried about the travel for months and the trip ended up being one of our easiest.  Thank goodness!  We were able to get into Ohio that afternoon and enjoy Connie’s homemade lasagna!  Again…Baby Allen was a happy baby!  On Christmas Eve day Melanie, Jacob, Tiffany, Gabe, Kirsten and Nick came over and we enjoyed a wonderful meal and TONS of presents!  Matt and I were excited about this part of the trip because we usually just do the gift card thing.  This year, we got to play the “Aunt and Uncle” roles out and buy all sorts of fun stuff!  Make-up and girly stuff for our niece and Remote Control cars and Nerf Guns with EXTRA bullets for the nephews.  That was pretty cool!  On Christmas Day, Melanie (Matt’s sister) had us over for a beautiful Christmas dinner.  Of course, she touched my heart with homemade mac and cheese!  The next day, Matt’s dad was pretty pumped for us to go to one of their favorite hangouts to watch the Browns game.  Sadly, it wasn’t a good outcome for the Browns…but we had fun just being together!   

The following day, we were able to meet up with Matt’s Grandma Alice and enjoy lunch and the afternoon visiting with her.  It’s always nice to catch up and get some Grandma time.  Tuesday we headed back to IL and boy was it a snow-covered IL at that!

Well, I’m sure you can all tell by now…I’m feeling very good!  Food is finally my friend again!  Ha ha!  It’s still kinda strange that I fill up so easily and then end up hungry an hour or so later, but that’s ok.  I just take my time and keep the smaller meals coming.  I’ve really noticed the baby kicking more and more.  I was pretty unsure of it at first, but now I think I finally have it figured out when it’s a baby kick.  I must say..it’s absolutely amazing!  Yet another moment that is beyond words.  My belly is starting to stick out just a bit.  And no…no belly pictures!  As open of a book as I am, that’s one that I don’t think I’ll be doing just yet.  Maybe when it’s more prominent…

Our last doctor’s appointment was December 7^th.   Yes, it was the appointment that we could find out the sex.  NO!  We didn’t..and we’re totally fine with it.  Our family and friends…not so much!  It sure is fun getting everyone’s “thoughts” on whether it’s a boy or girl.  That’s been pretty entertaining!  This visit was the sonogram that they measured several things and checked the organs of the baby.  I wish I could do better with words on this.  It was remarkable how much the baby has grown and looks like this little human!  We were able to see the brain, all four chambers of the heart, kidneys, stomach…and then all the limbs, bones and such!  Once again, the baby’s mouth was moving.  I know, you all find this so hard to believe!!  We got some really awesome sonogram shots.  Hope you enjoy them below!

  

Our next appointment is tomorrow.  We are only scheduled to see the doctor.  No sonogram this time!  Basically just a checkup for me.  I’m sure we’ll get to hear the heartbeat again.

We hope all of you had a safe and joyous Christmas and New Years!  We are so thankful to have such a wonderful time with our families and friends throughout this holiday season.   Time flew, but it was all wonderful and filled with many, many memories that will last for years to come!!

Happy 2011 everyone!  It’s gonna be a great year!!

Meghan & Matt