And just like that, December is here. The festive holiday season has officially begun, with twinkly holiday lights and nostalgic tree decorations and snowy adventures filling my Instagram feed. Let the Christmas music fill the air! The countdown to the New Year is on, and I turn 41 in exactly one month (eek). This time of year, time seems to accelerate, though we probably all wish we had a few extra hours in the day to tackle our holiday to-do lists. We traveled to the Charleston area for Thanksgiving (more on that trip soon!), but- blissfully- will be home for the rest of 2015. My goal this year, as Baby Howe’s arrival grows closer, is to enjoy the season without adding unnecessary stress. (John is simultaneously laughing in disbelief and saying a prayer that I’ll succeed.) We are so blessed and I want to remember that daily.
Here are some recent happy moments from the last couple of weeks!
Cholula is absolutely the best cuddle buddy for naps.
Taking a poll: Is my husband moonlighting as Nitro, the spokesperson for Maverik?
Snow doesn’t slow down this ball freak!
Chukar Parmesan sammies with birds from John’s hunting weekend. Delicious!
I got the “lucky” buckshot bite!
My dear friends, Holly and Mandy, visited Park City!
The baby bump got a lot of love from the ladies.
Meats and cheeses forever.
UM…baby Frye boots at the Sundance store! I should have gotten them.
Ski day for Papa and Cholula with friends.
Holly spoiled Baby Howe with killer kicks and a baby book before she left.
A Charleston mural.
Heart leaf! The weather was fabulous in Charleston.
Meet Chief, our hosts’ dog. I suspect he’s actually a Muppet.
Did you? I would say yes, but I kind of wobble all the time these days…
Sunset on the Battery.
Stunning, mossy trees at Big Survey Plantation.
Deep-fried turkey and Red Velvet cupcakes for Thanksgiving lunch with 25 family members!
A canoe jaunt through the lowcountry swamps. I saw zero alligators.
How happy are these horses?
Can’t wait to show the baby the photos of Big Mama shooting skeet down South! #bump
The view from our room at Charleston’s impeccable Spectator Hotel.
The hotel bar has a while peacock in it!
This beautiful glass art hangs at a store aptly named “From Here to Maternity.”
I ate this ice cream in the hotel bed wearing a plush robe while watching football. #winning
“Swing the ring” to determine baby’s gender! Results: half said girl, half said boy.
That bump was way bigger leaving Charleston than when we arrived.
Good point. Cake for everyone!
This made me laugh out loud!
Beautiful fresh pear delivery! The holidays are here.
Our sweet friend who watches Cholula when we’re gone made us adorable festive mugs!
One year ago, I was on a snowy trail with this stick hoarder.
Two years ago, John (aka Hairy Ninja) was kung-fu fighting in West Marin.
Three years ago, I was busting out post-wedding thank you notes!
Four years ago, John napped in my lap on a beach in Point Reyes.
And today, I’m learning that A) a bad cold while preggo is horrid and B) Dr. Husband loves me very, very much.
You know. Just the usual bliss.
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the usual bliss 
Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Thanks, Emily! I don’t usually like taking medicine anyway, but a bad cold with no medication options is tough. I’m feeling better today though!
I LOVED SEEING YOU AND JB READING THIS MAKES ME MISS YOU AND JB WHOLE ALOT MORE CAN’T TOUCH BABY BUMP ANYMORE AND FEEL THE KICKS. I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER AND I AM PRAYING FOR YOU AND BABY HOWE. LOVE YOU AMBER. I FEEL WE GOT TO KNOW EACH OTHER ALOT OVER THE WEEKEND WHICH MEANT ALOT TO ME MORE THEN YOU EVER KNOW LOVE YOU SO MUCH GREAT SISTER IN LAW. GIVE JB BIG HUGS ABD KISSES AND HAVE HIM GIVE BABY HOW THE SAME XOXOXOXO
Aw, thanks Auntie Fran! We miss you, too. I loved spending time with you and am SO glad you were able to make the trip. You should go back in January!!! WITH Calvin. xx
Hope you feel better soon sweet lady!! Love seeing that cute bump grow! You’re glowing 🙂
I’m on the mend! Don’t get sick while you’re preggo- it’s rough!
Beautiful, Blissful Captures – Cuteness Overload with the Teeny Tiny Baby Shoes 🙂 Take Care of Yourself and Feel Better Soon. Happy Bliss Day – Enjoy!