What's The Time? Diaper Time.

We forgot we're having a baby in two months--from today,exactly.

 Black Friday sparked a little bit of interest as to the potential deals on strollers, toddler beds, crib mattresses, and the like. Literally, we hadn't bought a single thing for this baby until 11 weeks before his arrival date--with the exception of a few warm newborn clothes and a replacement Hoolie. The procrastination (which, thanks to online shopping, ie Amazon Prime) hasn't been a bad thing. The less I think about it, the less overwhelmed I get and stress about it, the less cortisol gets spiked in my unborn child's veins--though I have been stressing about a name since day one. Still nothing. Because all of this baby prep has coincided with the holidays, my Christmas present will conveniently be a double stroller (kills two birds with one credit card)--it is certainly nothing to complain about. I do hope I have enough energy for two boys. I am quite confident I will, actually, it is rather the question of being able to utilize my energy in an efficient way (several intriguing parenting books were purchased on Amazon in the last two weeks as well). Regardless, this little baby will have quite the treat coming into our family as the second baby: he doesn't come home to two loving parents alone, he gets a Beckett as well. 

And that's a pretty sweet present for both of those boys.   

 Beckett eating one of his favorite breakfast foods. He gets it from me. I have more boxes of cereal in my cupboard than Jerry Seinfeld. I eat, on average, two bowls a day (with plenty of skim milk). 

Slightly unsure of his Sunday shaving cream predicament. His leg tan line hints at once over-worn shorts that eventually became short shorts. 

The Holiday(s)

Because a few of us leave town for Christmas, my parents have creatively and thoughtfully decided to combine Christmas and Thanksgiving this year and last in what has been deemed a sort of "Thanksgivmas." The annual and beloved Turducken is served, presents are unwrapped, and family time is enjoyed.  

 After what seems like years and years of serving up Turducken for Thanksgiving, my dad has become a master at preparing and dissecting it artfully onto a platter so that each type of bird has its own display. He is a veterinarian so really, no surprise. Honestly, it's probably my favorite holiday tradition. Not just because it is absolutely to die for (hello, cornbread stuffing), but because when I tell people what I'm doing for Thanksgiving, "Turducken" is inevitably mentioned and jaws drop at the seemingly fabled dish.  

 My sister, Anna's, two little darlings, Ryan and Eliza. They are hysterical and full of energy.

 My parents newest cat, Tommy, (a 'she'). I say newest because they have gone through a good 15-20 cats over the years (not all of them work out). See, they're crazy (slightly creepy) cat people. I say that affectionately but also because I'm right there with them. My entire family is. I have been dying for another cat and my Dad supportively encourages me in my disappointment to keep trying and asking until Elliott budges. No dice yet.

Beckett admiring his new "Dance Baby Dance" CD from Grandma. It's essentially children's songs put to techno music. We put it on during the car ride home that night and he stayed awake the entire time bopping his head right along. Classic. That kid loves to dance to anything with a beat (don't tell him Santa is bringing him a "Let's Rock Elmo")! I do enjoy celebrating this "unique" holiday with my family. It is a fun and full day that we look forward to every year. 

Next up? Nana and Papa's in the snow for Christmas. And yes, it will just be Christmas. No other holidays will be combined to prevent even more confusion than already likely exists after reading this!