Christmas was here and gone so quickly!

Brandon and I both are so anxious in anticipation of Christmas. We are sad when the time seems to come and go so quickly. We are now in discussion as to when our tree and decorations will come down... sadly... very soon.

Dec 24- We went to West Lafayette. We first stopped by Larry & Judy's to wish Judy a very Happy Birthday and to visit for a short while. Then a drive across town to my Mom & Dad's to have our Christmas celebration and gift exchange. This year's highlight was Brandon's scavenger hunt to find his cornhole boards in the garage. They just wouldn't fit under the tree! After presents it was time to prepare our Christmas Eve meal. Larry & Judy came for dinner which has been a tradition since Brandon and I started dating. We enjoy the time together so much and would hate to have Judy cook on her birthday! Then it was time for church and the ability to see friends that we most often see only once a year at Christmas Eve Services. Many come from out of town to spend the holiday with their family in West Lafayette. At the conclusion of the service we left church rather quickly. We helped to get the remainder of our dinner dishes cleaned and my parents made their final preparations for their early morning flight. Brandon and I changed into our jammies and hit the road for Newark. One more year to wake up at Aleesa & Kevin's with the kids. Next year will be different I'm sure with our own little one!

Dec 25- My parents were on their flight as scheduled at 6:50a.m. on their way to Houston to be with Eric & Keira, my Aunt & Uncle and my cousins. Brandon and I were up with the Blair crew at 7:15 which was later than last year. We had a great time opening our gifts and watching the kids' expressions as they opened the gifts they had been wanting all year. This year's highlight with the Blair family was Judy's oven mit money game! I could explain, but trust me, you just had to be there. What a riot! We had another great meal, took some left-overs and hit the road to Cleveland. The Cavs played Washington and I had a few obligations at The Q. What a game!

Dec 26- A day to relax! Brandon and I ran a few errands, had pizza with Dan, Jena & the kids, but also made time for a movie at the theatre! What a treat! We don't do it often, but try to make it a bit of a holiday tradition.

Whew... to look back at the past few days, it sure was busy and a lot of running around. However, to us, it's well worth it and would do it all again tomorrow if given the opportunity. We are blessed to be able to spend time with both of our families during the holidays. Next year we hope the Eric & Keira will have an opportunity to come home.

Beanie Update - 4 mo.

We are happy now to have the opportunity to update all of our Family & Friends through our Blog as to what is going on with our little Beanie! I have successfully gained 5 lbs in the first 4 mo. of pregnancy and am feeling wonderful! I am tired and am eating a lot, but both are to be expected. Brandon's original opinion was that Beanie was a little girl, but, as my appetite grows he is beginning to think it just might be a boy!

Our three Dr. appointments have gone great. The first, an ultrasound at 7 wks, allowed us to see OUR BABY, though extremely small, growing inside of my belly!

At the second appointment at 11wks we heard Beanie's heart beat for the first time... a healthy 164 bpm.

The third appointment at 15 wks we again heard Beanie's heart beat...160 bpm. Blood work was taken for our TriScreen, testing AFP, hCG and uE3 levels in the blood for Open Neural Tube Defects, Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18. Thankfully our results came back to us as Normal!

Our next appointment is an ultrasound scheduled for Jan 9. On this day, we will learn the sex of Beanie! We will then be anxious to move forward with bedroom preparations and ordering furniture.

Will definitely keep you posted....

FINALLY!

We have finally been able to share our exciting news with all of our family and friends. While many found out that WE ARE HAVING A BABY by reading our most recent poetic creation (below), we told others on the phone and in person during holiday functions. We couldn't be more thrilled and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little one this Summer!

My life began like a bean, so small.
But one day I will grow to be big and tall.

A ballerina, a lawyer or a football star,
Or maybe, like Daddy, I'll drive a cop car.

What life has in store for me, it's hard to say.
I'll live life to the fullest each and every day.

When my nine months of growing in Mommy are through,
I will really look forward to meeting you!

HUGS & KISSES,
Beanie Blair

Due Date: 06.05.09

Crow Holiday Dinner

Today was the annual Crow Family Holiday Dinner at my Mom & Dad's. We were happy to have 30 Crow's together for Love, Laughter and a LOT of great food! Thanks to everyone for making the drive. It's always great to get everyone together. Maybe we'll do it again in July?

Since Thansgiving...

Here is our update for all that has gone on since Thanksgiving!

Dec 4- Happy 7th Birthday Maddie!

Dec 5- Larry, Judy & Brandon came to a Cavs Game. It was Anderson Vaerjao Wig Night! The guys are proudly wore their wig. Judy quickly volunteered to be the photographer for this one! Dec 6- Happy Birthday Austin!

Dec 7- I went back home to go to Mom's Community Choir Concert with Dad. It was also nice for Mom's college friend, Deb and her husband Terry to come to the concert! They had never been and I know their support meant a lot to Mom. Judy was also at the concert with Sheila. Deb & Terry, Thanks for making the trip!
Dec 8- Happy Birthday Dan!

Dec 12- Happy Birthday Audra!

Dec 13- Brandon and I had another meeting regarding our new house, or the one we will one day build. Still working on the plans to make them just as we want. We are really getting close which is really exciting!

Saturday night I went to Kate's for a sleepover with her and Amber. It was great to see them and to catch up a bit. It had been a while since we just hung out to watch a movie, eat great food and share some tasty beverages. Thanks, Kate for inviting us over!

Back to Arizona

Taylor lost Suzanne on Sunday. It's still hard to believe. Her remains will be returned to Taylor tomorrow and he will travel back to Arizona with them to prepare for a memorial service to take place later this week. Suzanne's 18 year old son Vince is doing as well as can be expected. Thanks to everyone for keeping them in your prayers.