Last week was a fun week- (I took it easy but did go out for lunch some.) It was my friend, Kamber's birthday! I organized a couple of friends to meet up for lunch to help her celebrate and this is what ensued: Party!!!






















There were.... 8 ladies and 10 chillins in attendance. Just Kamber and a few of her closest friends! The kiddos were very well mannered and adorable, as were most of the moms. Ha!!! We managed to have some conversation and it's always fun to be with our friend's children. God has blessed us and we sure are fruitful.

We love you, dear. Happy Birthday!

You know that Stephanie is away at college as a freshman and she sent us a super cute picture this week of her in her new job. Here is what she said:



"Just after I sent out my first e-mail I got a new job- I am now an official WinShape "Chicken Bus" Driver...for those of you who don't know about the Chicken Bus its just a big bus all the WinShapers ride to and from classes, up and down the Mountain (so we don't have to waste our own gas!!!). Me, being on the short side, apparently look too little to drive the bus...but I have successfully completed 4 or 5 runs at this point!! (I'll attach a picture though for your enjoyment, and so you can make your own decision as to whether I look funny in the bus or not.) The bus hasn't taken up too much of my time, I only drive it twice a week so I am still also working at the elementary school."



School is going great for her- she's studying very hard, participating in leadership training in her WinShape program and also enjoying college social opportunities. Keep up the great work, Steph!

So, I went to the OB doc again on Friday and found out that because of my now "irritable uterus," I need to stay at home as much as possible. I'm not complaining- oh, wait, yes I am. I know; I hear you saying it right now: "You're almost there. You look great." (Thank you.) and blah, blah, blah. I don't mind but I might be going stir crazy soon! (Whine. Moan.)

I have a completely new respect for women who have to go on bedrest. Bless their hearts! I am still maintaining an active social calendar (if it doesn't require physical activity, okay?!), but may need some friends to step up for some playdates. I know my faithful friends will come through.

I'm now over 34 weeks and that means that if I were to go into labor, the doctor would not stop it BUT.... nobody wants me to have a preemie and so the cooking must continue. But at 38 weeks, watch out- I'm going back to the gym (and probably to the mall)!

In the meantime, I can't wait to meet the little guy or gal who irritates my uterus and apparently wants to come out early. I propose I am having a Mini-Me this time (Hunter is a Mini-Mark.). Yikes! I will definitely have my work cut out.

Thank you for your prayers.

Today, after a trip to the gym with my loyal WorkOut Mom buddies, Hunter and I headed for the OB office for a scheduled 33-week check-up. This pregnancy has been one with a very active baby and tons of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I mentioned it to my nurse this morning at my appointment and my doctor proceeded to have the baby checked with a fetal heart monitor and checked my cervix which was closed. Yeah! The FHM results were great. However, off to the Ultrasound Associates I went.

There, we found out the baby looked great and there was enough amniotic fluid; however, my cervix is effacing. Not to worry, said the doctor. Just cut back on activity and at 34 weeks (1 more week), I am in the clear for a safe delivery. However, I would prefer 38 weeks to make sure that baby is nice and fattened up!

Most likely, I will be fine. I am thankful to God for protecting me and our unborn munchkin. Today was definitely a little shocking, as I thought I was invincible, apparently. God probably wanted to keep me in check.

As for tonight, I am much better! I am having minimal contractions and now have a sore throat with which to contend. At least it gives me something else on which to focus.

Oh, and lastly, my neighbor, Jen, kept Hunter for me during my sonogram appointment and he proceeded not to nap, nor did he nap when I brought him home. Tonight was back to toddler disciplining in the Wright household. He is a bear without a nap. I am SO thankful I am feeling better! Phew!

The weekend before Christmas, Mark & I took Hunter to the local Springfield Mall for a quick Santa pic. We quickly discovered, however, that Santa was on break. Mark had a little shopping to do, so Hunter and I trotted off to the Carousel. This is now my prized photo on my cell phone, by which it was taken. Hunter will ask, "I want to see Hunter on the Carousel." So cute!!!




Today, Hunter and I were walking to the Library to go check out a new airplane book (I also picked up a couple of Big Brother books) and Hunter says, "Praise the Lord!" I guess he's heard me say it a few times, especially when I found THE best parking spot only moments ago. You have to appreciate that when you have a large belly and a toddler. Praise the Lord! ;)

After returning home from visiting Mark's parents in Bedford and picking up Steph, we headed in to DC to check out the National Christmas Tree. While not all that exciting, in my opinion, it was a lovely night and the best part was Hunter's enjoyment of all the different model trains that were running under and around the big tree.








Hunter is truly enamored with the trains. I held the camera over the fence to take this one. We must have watched the trains for 20 minutes.







The Wright Family




After driving around for at least 15 to 20 minutes looking for parking near The White House, we gave up and parked at the Willard Hotel... so we stayed the night. Yeah, right! We payed $20 or so to park our car for an hour and a half. We took a couple of pics around the lovely Christmas tree in the lobby, which I must say is much prettier than the National Tree.


Steph and Hunter 'round the Willard Tree.





Our pic taken by the former Year Book Editor- Well done, Steph!

So, I know some of my far-away friends would like to see some belly. So, for you, here you have it. I really would like Mark to take a couple more, so be on the lookout for more.


Mark and I had a couple of "Holiday Parties" to attend, so here we are at a friend's house dropping off our little cherub (Thank you, Leslie and Laura!). We attended Mark's bank board meeting which was QUITE interesting and a Springfield Chamber dinner where I had a great time just being with Mark and getting to meet new people. I wish I could tell you more about the parties but it can't be published.