Hubby, Daughter and I spent Friday evening at his uncle’s house, along with his mother, brothers and sisters, and grandparents. Whew. Even though Hubby and I have been together for a little over five years, I’m still not quite used to huge family gatherings. Growing up, having “everyone together” meant about six of us, total. With Hubby’s family? Last night was about 12…
So anyway. We had a nice evening there. Now Hubby’s side of the family knows that we’re expecting our second. Bring on the congratulations and excitement! Much speculation was made on this one’s gender, looks, etc. And of course, the usual oohing and ahhing over Alyssa, complete with lots of photos being taken and remarks of, “Jenn/Dan, I swear, she looks just like you!”*
*Alyssa looks nothing like me, except for her ears and her blue eyes. Those aside, she takes after her father.
We have about 75% of our Christmas shopping done. I need to get something for my brothers, and then get cards filled out, addressed and mailed, and we’re all set. Our house is decorated, and we’re getting a tree tomorrow. Mmm. I’m already smelling the wonderful smell that is a real Christmas tree – I can’t wait!
Anyway. It’s nice to have Hubby home. I missed him – but not enough to accompany him on his traditional yearly camping trips with his family. 100+ miles from civilization? No shower? No TP? Cooking over a campfire? Sleeping on the ground?! It sounds quaint… if it were a night… or two, max. But seven nights? Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t venture where there isn’t indoor plumbing, electricity and stores in close proximity!
Okay… now that I’ve finally updated, I think I’m going to go fall into bed. I’m so pooped out… although my main complaint is that my breasts hurt. A lot. Yay for first trimester pregnancy! Okay, as I was saying… goodnight. 
I don’t blame you. My idea of a good time is not sleeping in the wilderness. And you’re right. Alyssa is Daniel’s mini female twin.
Oh. My. God. I LOVE this layout! It’s just…wow. I love it. Jenn, you’re amazing haha.
And yes, that kind of camping for a week straight doesn’t sound all that thrilling to me either.
your website is hard to read when i’m drunk. yes. and i like the new layout. goodnight.
I just love the smell of REAL Christmas trees, it really does makes me feel like Christmas. Anyway, the new layout is amazing!
Just wanted to say I love the layout
And also, I wanted a real tree this year so bad, but we’re strapped for cash right now.
I don’t like real trees, it takes ages to get all the pines off from the floor. Heh.
Love the new look. I’ve never had a real Christmas tree. Too much hassle with cleaning up after it!
Omg this layout is so hott! I love it!
I’m happy that telling his family about #2 went well, I would have been so nervous
Maybe this one will look like you, because yes, Alyssa is a spitting image of Daniel!
LOL, hope you get your sleep Jenn.
Yay to Dan being home now!
Our ‘family’ gatherings over the holidays are usually huge – even people who aren’t family always seem to be there. And somehow, there are still leftovers! lol
I still have Xmas shopping to do, but I have to wait until I get paid. :\
Be careful where you buy the tree – make sure they don’t use pesticides. I don’t know why, but that’s been the big news around here… people are buying trees with the stuff still on it in trace amounts. With kids, people are just worried about them getting sick if they put a piece of the tree in their mouth.
Oh yes, camping. I don’t even particularly enjoy it during the SUMMER let alone in the cold autumn/winter months. There’s something about sleeping on a bumby ground, making foodon a fire (while your fingers are either burning or freezing off) and peeing into the snow that just doesn’t move me a whole lot.
i wouldnt want to go on that camping trip either.
i love the new layout and i’m glad the family is happy about the baby! im happy for you to! 
im glad your gonna have a good holiday. better than mine. but i wont bother you with that.
have fun!
I’m not great at large gatherings either. I’m sure you’ll get used to it eventually. Alissa’s got to help, since you don’t have to pay as much attention to everyone else when you have a little one to watch. ;) I gotta get around to putting my tree up – i just can’t seem to get motivated.
Camping is great! But isn’t it cold? I wouldn’t go now! brrrr
I am glad everything is working out well Jenn. Also, glad that you and your hubby were re-united ^_~. Hope everything is well and don’t work too hard! See you around Lavish.
Ah, yes, the beloved family gatherings when everyone lies to you so you don’t end up having a fight. Well, in my opinion anyway. I need to get my shopping done; I’ve only bought a pressie for my brother. Well, toodles xoxo
Can’t wait to read the reactions for your side of the family!!
I know EXACTLY what you mean about family gatherings. I have a small intermediate family too. It takes a LOT of getting used to and after almost 4 years, it’s still weird.
i’m glad ur site is back up again! sorry if i’m quite late for saying it! lol
Lol. Camping has never really been my thing either.
I wish we were able to have a real Christmas tree but both my mother and I are allergic to pine needles… and she’d probably complain for days about the mess it makes.
This new theme is absolutely gorgeous!
Ewwwww : ( No plumbing for seven days?! That is … ~shudders. There’s no avoiding ‘that’ for seven days. Three-five max, but not seven ; )
May 5-8th i will be camping, I dont take a shower but at least this campground has an indoor nice bathroom, but it wouldnt matter to me, i will go in the woods and use leaves lol! Camping is fun.