Holidays and 2016

All the boys (except baby Grey) enjoying the warm winter
(photo courtesy of Carra)

Happy New Year, everyone! Ryan and I wanted to give you all a quick update since the holidays. We spent a week in Virginia for Christmas and got to meet my newest nephew, Grey! He was an adorably sleepy baby. He seemed to radiate sleepiness; whoever held him during his nap seemed to drift off instantly as well. We spent the weekend at Courtney and Stacie's new home in Maryland and really enjoyed the 70 degree weather and spending time with everyone. Oden, Lucas, and Thia have all grown up so much! We had a lot of fun playing games, building Legos, and seeing the new Star Wars with the boys.

Baby Grey

Our coming baby boy still does not have a name, but he sure does love to kick, punch, and move a lot! His baby kicks are getting bigger; for the first time this week Ryan saw several kicks move my belly. It was exhilarating and freaky all at the same time. I feel like this baby has been really exploring new territory lately; he completely knocked the wind out of me in front of a class I was subbing when he sucker-punched my kidney. Who knew joy could be so...breath-taking?

Christmas morning in VA!

About 6 months along now!

I am still substituting and hope to keep it up for another month. I think the limiting factor will be how long I can last between bathroom breaks since subs aren't supposed to leave the classrooms very often. There is always at least one student every day who asks if I am pregnant. Before I can respond, their buddy usually nudges them and frantically whispers " Dude, you can't ask that!". As soon as I reply that I am in fact pregnant, both students get a look of such relief that they must have been in mortal peril waiting for my answer. It's the simple things in life that make me laugh the most.

In writing this post, Ryan and I have resolved to make some New Year's resolutions. Last year I wanted to read 50 books. I almost made it! I finished 45, and had started two others, but got severely distracted by catching up with all of Downton Abbey on Amazon Prime. 5 of those Ryan and I actually read together! Most of which were in the Mistborn series, and we just can't recommend them enough. Honestly though, trying to get to 50 made me rush some books, so this year I just want to read a solid 30. With a baby coming I have decided that all picture and board books count. :) We have a joint goal of reading another 5 together this year.

Ryan's main goal is to run a full marathon (with no injuries!) by the end of the year. We will keep you posted on his milestones along the way, especially the 1/2 marathons and any PRs. My own equivalent goal will be to birth a baby. I think all other physical goals for me personally pale in comparison, haha, but really.

To conclude, please enjoy this snapshot of Ryan's wrapping skills. To be fair, we were kinda
out of paper and the panda bear was in a stocking...All our love, from the OK Binghams