thanksgiving weekend highlights

*Rather than having a traditional Thanksgiving, we went to a vegan restaurant, Plum, with my brother in Seattle and then to see New Moon. It was nice not to have to prepare all of that food and do all of those dishes (I think I am re-entering the tired mode of this pregnancy. I am all about simplicity). It was nice to spend time with my brother and W. (And, no pictures to show from Thanksgiving this year - part of that whole simplicity thing, I guess.)

*It was wonderful having Friday off as well. It was a catch-up day. We cleaned our house and I worked on editing, which was very much needed. I now have a very clean shower to show for it, among other things, which makes me happy.

*Saturday we had a shoot (these are getting more and more difficult as I can no longer lay on my stomach or bend in ways I am used to) and then we bought our tree and started decorating our house. I cannot believe it is Christmastime. I just can't believe it. Wasn't it just Christmas? Where does the time go? The older I get, the faster it goes.

*Today after church we had dinner with some friends and my brother came over to watch Star Trek with us. It was a nice, relaxing day.

It's so difficult to go back to work after nice, long weekends like these.

catching up: my mom and sister's visit

In October, my mom and sister came to visit. It was so fun having them here. My mom wanted to be here to see Sassy Mei in person since we've been doing that show for a while now (she is super supportive like that). I didn't pull our camera out once the whole weekend but luckily my mom had her point and shoot and got a few pictures.

[At Kent Station after eating at Fondi's.]

[Lindsey, me, Tyson, and my mom]

My mom and sister and I had a fun girls' day in Issaquah at Gardner Village (even though it wasn't quite what we had hoped it would be and the Mexican place we ate at for lunch was absolutely horrible), we played games, and enjoyed spending time together. It was so great having them visit. It's hard living so far apart but so fun to have them visit.

so very thankful

that this man is in my life.

[Pictures taken at the Puyallup Fair
September 2009]

Thanks to all who left comments on
my last post with your advice about
what to buy (and not buy). It's so
helpful. It makes me even more excited
to welcome this little guy into our
family.

must-have items?

I posted this on my pregnancy blog but thought I would post it here too.

I wanted to throw this question out to you guys: What baby items would you recommend? What could you not live without? What should I put on my "must-have" list?

I am finally getting into the mode where I'm keeping an eye out for items that we may need. So far we have a crib, a car seat (compliments of Amazon - they give their employees a free car seat), a stroller and a bunch of clothes that I have been collecting when I find really good deals (usually second-hand). My sister-in-law, Britney, sat down with me a few weeks ago and made a list of the things she recommends and it was so helpful. I thought I would get even more feedback from all of you experts out there. Tell me what I can't live without.

ETA: Also, is there anything you bought / received and wish you hadn't?