Christmas 2009 cont'd...

Christmas 2009

Our favorite time of year! Colin doesn't quite get Santa Claus yet, but knows what he does ("brings toys!") and what he says ("ho hoooo"). We went to see Santa just before Christmas and Colin was saying hello to him while we were in line but pulled out the shy act once he got to meet him (same Santa as last year, so they've met before). We got a couple cute pictures nonetheless.

Christmas morning was fun! Colin opened his gifts, with help from mommy and daddy, and played with every single one of his new toys. He LOVES drawing pictures and using his colors on his new chalkboard, figuring out "tato head" and putting together his "graffe" and animal puzzles. I love my new camcorder, robe and slippers and Jake loves his new laptop...The Roche Family had a good Christmas this year!!!

As quickly as Christmas came in our house, it went just the same...the tree is down and we are now trying to focus on baby! We have the basics of what we need to bring her home we are just trying to get organized. Bring on the nesting!!

36 weeks

We can't believe that my due date is only 4 weeks away! So far everything still looks good. I'm pretty much the same weight at this point as I was with Colin but I feel like I'm definitely carrying this baby differently. She's a little lower and giving me much more of a torpedo belly so I'm finding that my maternity pants are just not quite fitting right these days! We are busy doing the last minute things and getting the rest of the newborn baby girl stuff we need...I forget how expensive all the stuff is!!! (nursing accessories, clothes, now we need hairbows...just doesn't stop!) In the end, it will all be worth it and we look forward to meeting baby girl soon!

I will be spending the first of Christmas Eve day getting a little pampered with a mani/pedi, long overdue haircut and just some "me" time...and then it's home with my boys for quality time, dinner and waiting for Santa Claus!!!

Strong Start!

The Perry Hall High School Varsity Wrestling Team started the season out strong! On Dec. 4-5, they participated in the Parkville Knightmare Tournament with 15 other teams and placed 4th!!!!!!!!! 10 of 13 varsity wrestlers placed 6th or better leading to the best finish EVER for the Gators in this tournament. The first and second place teams are traditional powerhouses and both won state championships last year...not too shabby for our guys to be just behind them!!!

Jake is immensely proud of his guys and the parents and athletic director are beside themselves with the team's quick turnaround...one year ago, this program was going to fold. Apparently, all they needed was a little South Jersey style wrestling to get 'em going. GOOOOOO GATORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

33.3 weeks

Today, I am 33 weeks and 3 days along...baby girl is getting big and will be here soon! I had a doctor's appt. today and everything looks great so we're just taking everything one day at a time. At my last appt, we did have some concerns. I had had about a week of contractions with a two hour period of regular contractions the night before my appt...a little worrisome. Thankfully, the baby is still "floating" and nothing else has changed so she's tucked inside safely for more time. However, because of this concerning development, I am (attempting) to cut back on some of my 12 hour shifts at work. Being on my feet for 12 hour shifts and for sometimes 3 days in a row has proven to be challenging to the health of my pregnancy. I'm greatful to be working with a wonderful bunch of people who are accomodating to the pregant condition...so what does this mean? Fewer 12 hour shifts, no more than 2 days in a row and working some 8 hour shifts. Mostly. I do still have some stretches of 3 days in a row, but it's better. I'm also no longer doing overtime, which I'd been doing about once every 1-2 weeks until last week. No, I'm not crazy, I just like the paycheck:)

All in all, we're progressing nicely, preparing for baby girl's arrival and trying to enjoy our current family of 3!

First couple weeks down...

So, Jake's first week of wrestling practice was a success! And if you measure success by how many black eyes the head coach has at the end of the week, then there's no need for improvement at this point:) He is now in week 3ish (there was timeoff in between for Thanksgiving) and they have a tournament tonight...we're excited! Jake's team has a record number on the roster. So far, the program he's coaching has gone from close to folding to having almost too many kids!!! AWESOME!!!!!! Here are some pics of Jake's first 5 days as head coach of varsity wrestling...let's just say, we've bought stock in icy hot and ibuprofen:) The kids seem to love that he gets on the mat with them. When asked what the other guy looked like it's a simple answer...the other guy looks like a 16 year old kid:)