Christmas 2016

As Jay and I discussed our Christmas travel plans and considered that I was 36 weeks pregnant, we weren't seriously worried about baby boy making an early appearance but took comfort in knowing that there are hospitals everywhere we go, IF needed. While my doctor could make no promises that I wouldn't go into labor over Christmas weekend, he gave me the OK to travel down to California. So off we went once again (fourth trip in six weeks) down to southern California to spend Christmas with our families.

The trip was our shortest one yet- Friday afternoon to Monday morning. After spending Christmas in Michigan the last two years I'm just thankful we got to go home at all, even if it meant only one day with each family.

Christmas Eve Eve in San Diego.

Christmas Eve in Irvine with the Goodman's and Patchell's.

Auntie Jerris

Cousin Kai

FaceTime with Jordan, currently serving an LDS mission in Australia.

Christmas Day in Corona.

We attended a lovely sacrament meeting in the morning and then came back to Rich and Renee's for Renee's traditional Christmas brunch. And then it was opening gifts and playing with cousins the rest of the day.

There were moments where it was a little frustrating and inconvenient but Jay and I have kept a good attitude about sharing a car for the last five years. The deal was that we would continue to get by with only one car until a second car became an absolute need. Since Jay and I learned we were expecting a second baby we discussed getting a second car more frequently than before. We also discussed the option of continuing to share a car but trading in our Nissan Altima for something bigger. Just a few days before Christmas Rich and Renee bought a new car and offered us their 2008 Nissan Pathfinder for a price we couldn't refuse. So, Merry Christmas to us! 

Not having to worry about driving Jay to work any time I need a car is very strange. Truthfully I get a little sad thinking back on all the memories of chauffeuring each other around in that Nissan Altima. This was bound to happen eventually though and I'm just glad we held out as long as we did. It saved us a lot of money and taught us patience. Having my own car again is pretty life changing, and this particular car so far has proven to be so practical for our growing family.