Christmas Eve, Christmas, 31 Weeks & U/S

What a crazy week! Christmas Eve was on Tuesday and we had a full day of fun. The boys all decorated Gingerbread Houses. Henry and Mike took it very seriously while Gabe was just angry we wouldn't let him eat the frosting and sprinkles from the containers. He did watch nicely from his high chair as the rest of us tried to make our houses look pretty. We didn't follow the directions entirely because you are apparently supposed to let the frosting that holds the houses together sit for awhile to really hold together well. Since we didn't plan to display our houses, that step didn't happen. We were all a frosting mess by the time we were done!

Christmas Eve was also the last day for our elf, Fred. He left a nice message for the boys and a little treat to say good bye. He's on his way back to the North Pole to be with his family until next year. Henry is very sad he will be leaving. He would like Fred to stay all year. I can't say I'll miss him that much! =)

In the afternoon it was off to church. I need to remember or next year NOT to go to the first mass of the day. It was completely packed. The boys in general were well behaved but there were so many people there it was ridiculous. We did end up sitting next to some friends so that was nice. Especially when our children are rolling around on the floor when there was standing room only. Ugh. Not a fun year. Not sure we could do that with four next year! At least not without family help =P

Christmas Eve night we followed the tradition from my family of opening one gift which is always a new pair of PJs. The boys really loved their PJs. Henry got Avengers and Gabe got Spiderman. They were a little slap happy by the time they needed to go to bed. Luckily they did go to sleep and slept all night.

Christmas morning was very fun. Henry was so excited to see what Santa brought and poor Gabe was confused by all the excitement. Especially considering his breakfast was delayed because of presents =) Gabe is usually one to follow routine daily to be happy but luckily the presents were enough of a distraction he went with the flow. Both boys got a variety of neat gifts. Henry's top favorites were his new Batman Cave and more Batman characters. Gabe was really excited to have new balls (although next year Santa should NOT buy Nerf brand... they already have teeth marks and bits of ball removed) and his basketball hoop. The crowning glory of the morning was definitely the new play house though! Both grandparents and us pitched in for it and the kids love it. Mike did a great job setting it all up the night before so the kids could really see what they got the next morning.

Christmas afternoon we went to my moms house for an early dinner. The boys were so excited to talk about their new things and to see everyone at Grandma's house. It was a full house of family and everyone had a nice time. We even got to Skype with my sister and her family on the Isle of Man. Gabe was more interested in causing trouble the entire time but it was nice to see most of them (who were still awake!) on Christmas. The boys were almost on toy overload by the time we were opening gifts again from Grandma. Henry is thrilled with his new costumes and super hero shirts. Gabe loves the doctor kit and a little camera that has superheroes on it. Mike and I are on sugar overload with the huge candy basket mom got us! I've already taken about 90% of the candy from Christmas and hid it away from the family. Shockingly, I'm the only one with any control over overeating sweets!

We got Grandma a new vacuum which is really unglamorous but I've mentioned a few times to her to try this Shark vacuum and she hasn't done it yet. Made it a great Christmas present for us =) Or at least a very practical one. Although the vacuum was cool (in my opinion), I think Mom was more excited to get the calendar from all the grandkids. She was so excited to see the photos and I think it turned out really well. Thanks to all the family who contributed!

By the time dinner was over and it was time to go home, the boys were done. Another lesson for next year - bring PJs to Grandmas! Poor Gabe was ready to go straight to bed but by the time I got his diaper changed and into bed, he was awake again. Both boys played a little longer and then it was a challenge to get them to settle down to go to bed. It was just such an excited and exhausting day!

The next day we had my 31 week growth ultrasound and check up. The ultrasound went very well. Both babies are 3 lbs 12 oz and about 16 inches long. They have strong heartbeats and are pretty active in there. They are on track for growth of a singleton so it's very possible I'll have two 7 pound babies by the time I have my C-section in February! I have no idea how that's going to work with my belly continuing to crack now but I guess nature will find a way =) The ultrasound photos at this point aren't worth posting. The babies are so large you can't really get a profile photo anymore. We have pictures of hands or feet but nothing new. I'm continuing to feel huge and uncomfortable but any of my complaints are completely normal for a pregnant woman with twins.

Today we had a pre-op appointment for Gabe. His ears are currently clear but that changes with the wind. We feel a bit better about everything after talking with the surgeon. She thinks what we're doing is the right thing and that it will help Gabe out a lot in the long term. Fingers crossed everything goes well on January 2!!

Tomorrow we have one more Christmas celebration with the Dozeman side of the family. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and not having to cook dinner! Mike is off of work now for a week so that will be really nice to have him around to help out and spend some time with the family. I'm sure we'll be busy finding things to do!