Will Marianna be a ballernia?

If she does it is because she takes after her father! This is a pic of Justin's sisters terrorizing him (at least that's what he claims)! Maybe someday Marianna will have a little brother or sister to terrorize, too! But it will definatley be a few years until that happens...

A Christmas Story...

Justin and Betsy on 12/20/07 with our Christmas tree in our first house!! (and of course, with Marianna in belly!)

An ode to Grandma Schlie

Christmas is my favorite time of year. As most people do, I always think of the people that are not here. And as you get older, the list gets longer. This is a pic of one of my favorite things to put up at Christmas time. It is the ceramic tree and house that my Grandma Schlie made. Every year when I take it out I am reminded of all of our great Christmas memories. Making anis cookies, shopping for our parents (with change that we rolled up from the year past), and falling asleep on the floor after opening our presents. God Bless Mom, Grandma and Grandpa Schlie, and Great Grandma and Grandpa Desimone

Baby update!

Saw the doctor yesterday and everything is going well. She says I am right on target, I am 32 weeks now. I feel like I am in a countdown now instead of counting up!! Marianna moves around a lot these days. She particularly enjoys my right rib area....ouch!! As long as she is healthy and comfy that is all that matters, but I still can't believe how much it hurts some time. So much power for such a little person!! I will take some updated pics of her room soon, it is filling up quick, it is just about ready for her arrival. Being 32 weeks pregnant reminds me of my niece Lilly, who was born at 32 weeks, that little stinker just couldn't wait to see us!! She is as perfect as can be..but I'm hoping that Marianna decides to cook a little longer than her!! Love you Lilly!!
We also had our orientation to the Birth Place at the hospital yesterday. They focus on natural family centered births. It is beautiful there and the staff is really nice. Now we need to make our birth plan and then we will meet with a nurse again to go over that. Hopefully all of the rooms won't be full when I go into labor, it would be so nice to be able to deliver there.

Merry Christmas to all...

and to all a Good Night!! We are ready and excited for Christmas. Carrie, Dan and Lilly will be home this weekend and we will have Christmas on Saturday since they will have to be back to Vermont before Christmas. I'm excited to see Lilly open her presents and then probably play with all of the boxes!! I think it's more fun for us than it is for her!! On Christmas Eve and day we will go to Justin's parents and see Tammy, Tim, TJ and Sydney. I love this time of the year!!

Welcome Home Brandon!!

11/13/07 was a great day. Justin's Brother came home from Iraq for about 18 days. We met Brandon at the airport with Justin's parents and Tammy and Sydney were there, too. Brandon's 21 st birthday was the day before. We were able to spend a lot of time with Brandon while he was home, including Thanksgiving day, it was great to see him and have him home. He is back in Iraq now and we miss him alot. We are looking forward to when he comes home again hopefully in May. We love you Brandon!!

Our First Baby Shower

11/18/07 was our first baby shower given by Justin's mother and two sisters Tammy and Jill. Unfortunately I didn't get many pics, but the shower was beautiful. It started at 11 and we had a great breakfast meal. We played a few games and opened all the great gifts. Debi had a great idea and asked everyone to bring a book for Marianna, she already has a full library! We can't thank Debi, Tammy, and Jill enough for all of the hard work that they put into the shower. We were so grateful that our friends and family were able to be a part of it all and are so thankful for all the great gifts!

Above are pics of me with my great friends Sarah and Meghan, a pic of Sarah with her daughter Madeline, and a pic of me opening my presents and Jill and Sydney helping me out.