It's 1am and it's approximately 27 degrees outside. It's toasty in here-woodstove going, Christmas tree all lit up-I can't breathe because of my cold/pregnancy nose...I'm just waiting for my email server to update in order to send my weekly paperwork in that I've worked so dilegently on since 7pm this evening. 6 hours of work and I'm unable to email it. I did, however, have some oreos and vanilla yogurt a bit ago (despite being unable to taste either-which is just not fair) so baby bean #2 is wide awake. It's humorous to see my shirt move-I wonder if she could type through my belly if I put the keyboard close enough to my stomach :)Work has been awful-three child abuse reports in two weeks, ongoing beaurcracy that has left our team exhausted, and a holiday season that looks no less exciting. Mike's job is quickly closing up shop as the semester ends in four days. I will be interested to see what the spring brings-a new location? new hours? a whole new job? Keep us in your prayers. We will also know by January if I was accepted into the Doctoral program at FSU in the College of Social Work-but if we have one 'breadwinner' out of the bakery-should I go back to school now? Needless to say we are faced with many new circumstances this spring and I'm hopeful we make it though in one piece! Gubby is doing splendidly and will be celebrating his first birthday in just 5 short days-what a year its been! He has 5 teeth, toddles quite well with his walker, and can stand briefly for several seconds or so on his own. He eats nearly anything but will quickly become picky if tired. Other than that-we still love him! Ha! He finally began sleeping regularly from 730ish to 6ish each night with a wake up call in the middle of the night occurring only once a week or less. We have been working hard to keep his schedule despite ours. We hope that we can have him in a routine like clockwork by the time March 28 (our tentative due date) arrives.We love and miss you all and pray for each of you often-please keep us in yours-we need them now more than ever!
We are slow (but steady) in this race but wanted to let our loved ones know our little girl is set for arrival around March 26, 2011. Pictures to come soon!
Many of you may have noticed the rapid increase of 'hate lists' on the internet lately so I've decided to react in a more positive manner and list just a few of the things I like a bunch...in no particular order, of course.
I love...
God, my family, and friends
My NBF for her neverending support-even across the miles
Decaf pumpkin spice lattes and Lady Earl Grey tea on cold mornings
Morning walks under draping oaks
Singing to country music with the windows down driving to Wakulla County
Candy corn (NOT the harvest mix)
Maple leaves and pinecones
Afternoons in bookstores without cell phones
Old sweaters that smell like winter
Sushi
That sparkling grape juice makes me laugh just as hard as wine
Trying to pay attention to FIFA tournaments
The ability to wash/dry Vera Bradleys
People who still park their cars in spots rather than in front of stores to 'run in'
Homemade granola (without raisins)
Maple syrup from Vermont
Completing needlework projects within 3 months
Handknit scarves
Little boys who eat dirt and leaves
Independent movies (and foreign films)
Traveling overseas (without toting carry-on luggage)
The smell of new textbooks and freshly copied powerpoint presentations
Going out of my way to step on crunchy acorns
L.L.Bean aidorondak coats
German rock music
Warm towels after a steamy shower
The Food Network
Sharpei puppy wrinkles
Colored gel pens and organized planners
How pearl earrings make denim dressed up
Sharp cheddar cheese
Returning to your old high school and feeling like you run the place
That dogs clean up under highchairs without direction
Shih tzus prepped for dog shows
Fragrance diffusers and plug-ins so little fingers don't get burned
Cirque du Solei
Dark chocolate (in moderation, of course)
Free underwear from Victoria's Secret
Snow fall (not shoveling)
Hoops and Yoyo cards
Finishing products in recycled materials the night before putting the garbage out
Professional articles on advancements in alzheimers
Pregnancy massages
Little girls with southern polka-dot bows
Paying off student loans quickly
My mom's shepard's pie
Pocket-pack tissues and portable hand sanitizer
Watching babies learn to pick things up with their fingers
Pharmaceutical reps (free office supplies and lunch)
Loreena McKennitt songs on autumn days
Wearing scrubs
Dried pineapple
The smell of freshly chopped pine
Shopping at Publix-because it's a pleasure!
Bed and breakfasts
The prospect of one of my children becoming a priest/nun
Christmas lights
Cinnabun popcorn
Tomato soup with bowtie pasta
A good pair of broken in boat shoes
Waterproof mascara
Lanolin
Teething tablets
After season sales
Two story homes with wrap around porches
Willow trees
Campfires and s'mores
Yahtzee at Christmas
Finding lost things
Sleeping in and/or naps with little ones
Santa's White Christmas ice cream
Laughing so hard you have to leave the room
Seamless discharges of clients into the community
The fact I've used the same email address for almost 10 years
Ferret kisses
Wedding pictures
Attempting to quilt on rainy days
Celtic festivals
Hmmm....I'm a bit tired and think I will come back to this at another time! I urge each of you to make your own-it feels good to reflect on how many things we enjoy rather than loathe!
Here's Gubby giving his little sister some lovin'! Hugs for the little girl! 
Gubby and Pawpaw on the world famous swing! (And that's Riley's bum, too!)
