Christmas Eve

Justin's parents bought us tickets to the Royal Albert Hall to hear Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. It was such a fun way to ring in the holiday.

We went for dinner before, and had this cute and cozy private room.We got to Royal Albert Hall a little early, which made for a great photo opportunity in our box.

The choir would sing some carols, and then the audience would stand and participate in some as well. You can imagine how amazing it sounded with 5,000 people singing carols.

White Christmas

It hasn't actually snowed since being in London, but there is plenty of snow and ice on the ground to call it my first white Christmas. Here are photos of us out and about in the freezing cold!

Dubai

We had a fabulous time in Dubai. The flight was not too bad at all for me, which made the trip even better. The first night we barbecued at Daire and Laura's, they had quite the spread of food and we were entertained by endless songs and dances from the girls.

The next day we all had lunch and went down the creek on a private boat.That night we went for an aperitif outside a bar that overlooked this man made lagoon. We were able to watch a fountain show right underneath the Burj Khalifa there, it was absolutely beautiful. Drinks were followed with a delicious dinner at the Rivington Grill.It was a short trip, but so nice to catch up with great friends.

Off for the Holidays!

We leave for Dubai tomorrow morning. We get to stay with this amazing couple below for a few days.And we get to play with these guys as well.Even more exciting is that we get to see these little girls too!Having high hopes that London airports will be up and running smoothly by Wednesday so we can get that white Christmas!!

Baby/Mommy Update

So I am a little over 7 months now, 29.5 weeks. We had a check up with my doctor on Monday and little baby Nicolson is a "good size" baby she said. He is already 3 pounds. She has predicted that if he continues growing at the normal rate he will be around 8 pounds at birth (fingers crossed no more than that!). I was cleared to travel for the holidays as well. She said I shouldn't travel after mid January so Justin and I might squeeze in a last minute mini vacation after we are back from London next year.

We also started prenatal classes a few weeks ago. There are 5 sessions in total and they cover coping with labor, the delivery in detail, breast feeding and some information on how to care for the baby once you are home. So far I think they have been pretty informative. I have definitely learned some new things and been able to ask some questions I have been curious about. They suggested in the classes to tour your hospital before the birth, so Justin and I also did that this week. I think that was one of my first real anxiety moments. Seeing the birthing room and the stirrups for your feet and all the equipment kinda freaked me out a little. I am not good in doctor type environments, so I guess it was good exposure to what I will have to deal with. It really hit home though that there is only one way this baby is coming out of me, and that is pretty overwhelming! The maternity ward suites were ok, nothing spectacular though. I don't know what I was expecting, but they definitely aren't very nice. In Singapore, they recommend you stay in the hospital for 3 days after the birth. I am sure it is nice to stay a little longer after the birth, but I could see me wanting to get back home sooner than that.

We still have not bought a crib or set up the nursery. I plan to do all that in January. We do have the big things purchased, like the stroller and car seat. His wardrobe is also expanding nicely, but I still feel like we have so much more to get. My work load is cutting back in January so I will have plenty of time to get everything ready. I will stop work at 36 weeks (end of January), at least I will stop teaching classes at that point. I may continue on with private clients for a few weeks depending on how I feel.

We leave on Monday for Dubai. I have never been and am really looking forward to going, I also can't wait to see a few of our great friends who live there. On Wednesday we head to London for Christmas with Justin's parents. We are going to do a little road trip with them between Christmas and New Years as well, and then have a low key New Year's eve in London. Hopefully my swelling will stay at a minimum during our travels. My wedding ring is already getting too tight to wear all the time. Oh the joys of pregnancy!

That is about all I have to share for my update!! Have a good weekend. :)

Oh Javier

Move over Clive Owen...I've got a new leading man in my life, Javier Bardem.I am a sucker for tall, dark and handsome with a good accent, that's why I married Justin!

Grandma

My dear grandma, my dad's mom, has recently moved in to a "retirement community". It is basically a beautiful apartment complex with all senior citizens, and they provide tons of activities, food, a gym, an ice cream parlor, a salon, etc all on the premises. Before moving in, and even a short while after being there, she was hesitant if this was the right move for her. For most people her age the idea of moving into a much smaller space, with all new people is a little bit scary. And I think she felt like she was giving up a lot to move there, but it has absolutely been the most fabulous thing she has done for herself in years. She is always busy with different friends and activities now, she is either doing knitting class or organizing the library because she is the main librarian now. But the best part is she met a man! That's right, my 85 year old grandmother has been courted by a handsome 87 year old gentleman and I am so happy to announce that they are now engaged!! ENGAGED! My grandma! It melts my heart.

She is like a 20 year old girl she says, she is just smitten and is absolutely spoiled by her fiance. They are planning on getting married soon, possibly February, because lets face it who needs a long engagement at their age. I unfortunately will miss the wedding because I will be 9 months pregnant but could not be more overjoyed for her. Check out the bling :)Way to go Grams!! She more than deserves all of this!! Love and happiness is truly possible at any age. :)