Thanksgiving and My 27th

This year was definitely different than any year before.  Having a baby completely changes your paradigm.  This was the first year that I didn't have a countdown for Thanksgiving and my birthday.  All the days blend together and I barely think of myself anymore. (my poor husband...I never get ready anymore) It's hard to be excited for big events because worrying about a baby makes everything more stressful and less enjoyable.  But she of course is worth it :) 

This year I was lucky enough to have my family come to me (and my parents) for Thanksgiving and my birthday! All my sisters and their families made the drive the whole way to MI. They all descended upon my house on Thanksgiving morning and we went crazy cooking and getting everything ready! I made rolls and sweet potatoes and the turkey.  My mom made basically everything else.  It was crazy trying to get the baby fed and get ready on top of all the extra tasks I had that day.  But so fun.  I love the chaos of having my family around.  Brody compares the experience to herding cats because we are all unable to stick to one plan and are constantly changing (it was extra chaotic this year because we didn't really have a central location) We ate dinner at the church while the children ran wild.  Everyone doted on baby M and she was spoiled by all her aunts and uncles who wanted to hold her.  The cousins all took a few turns as well.  Dinner was delicious. I missed my family's Thanksgiving food.  Of course I forgot to take any pictures.  It was too crazy to do anything like that.  

My family all stayed in a hotel nearby and spent tons of time swimming and socializing. We went over for a bit and hung out on Thanksgiving night.  

The next day was my birthday.  I really wanted to do some black Friday shopping.  But again it is too hard to do anything with a baby so I decided to not worry about it this year.  On Friday (my birthday) I did go to JC Pennys and Target.  We also walked around the mall a bit.  For my birthday Brody surprised me with dinner and a movie (Twilight)  it must be a tradition for us.  We saw a one other Twilight on my 24th birthday.  My sister Susan stayed with the baby.  It was fun to go out and spend time alone together. But my baby did well without me.  I wanted to take more pictures but for some reason my new, expensive camera decided to malfunction just as we were walking out the door. So this is all we have. 

Brody did a great job picking out a present for me.  He got me my jewelry for having a baby.  A rhinestone bracelet and earrings.  He got them from Swarovski.  I loved them! 

Overall this year was completely different but still a great birthday and even more special because it was so different than my normal routine these days.