It’s been over a month since my last collection of Bliss Bits! Life has been full of bursts of activity with welcome lulls in between. Since Christmas, we rang in the New Year with friends from the East Coast, celebrated my 41st birthday with an overnight get-away to Sundance Resort, hosted my parents and brother for a belated Christmas, and were treated to an incredible party in anticipation of Baby Howe. Truthfully, it hasn’t felt like there has been much of a break since before Thanksgiving, but I think that’s my preggo exhaustion talking. With just 7 weeks left with this baby on the inside, even the everyday routine has gotten to be a challenge for me. Big Mama is just tired, requiring lots of downtime with my feet up, and it’s frustrating to see things go undone. Toss in the anxiety of giving birth soon (to a big, healthy baby whose head is supposedly measuring in the 95th percentile!) and my Type A desire to have everything ready like, yesterday, and I’m definitely happy we’re entering a quiet period. It’s time to prep the nursery, to fluff my nest. To get informed (and slightly freaked out) at birth classes and focus on each other with some pre-baby date nights. As it goes before any big life event, I can feel the anticipation growing in this household. We run the gamut of emotions each day (hello, preggo meltdowns), but ultimately simply can’t wait to meet the newest member of our pack. Life feels pretty special right now. Here’s a joy-filled recap of the last few weeks!
I’ve been trying to get out with Cholula as much as energy will allow!
She deserves it, even when I just want to stay inside under a blanket.
My sweet family taking good care of Mama.
On New Year’s Eve, we joined dear friends from New York for a whiskey pairing meal!
I drank pomegranate juice.
Goals for life.
I turned 41 on the second day of the year. Birthdays are my favorite!
Frigid birthday family portrait!
We snuck away to my favorite place to celebrate my birthdays: Sundance Resort.
Sundance is lovely all year around, but winter is special.
My parents sent me the most beautiful card ever!
A ham biscuit and a cinnamon roll for the birthday girl. #blamethebaby
How beautiful is Mount Timpanogos?
We spoiled ourselves at the spa. It’s a cozy little cabin with a roaring fire!
My family came to town to celebrate Baby Howe and we had a belated Christmas!
Cholula helped me bake cookies for everyone.
My BFF and dear friends flew in from California for the baby party. So special!
Lots of love for the BUMP. We missed you, Ame!
I learned a new trick! My dad seems impressed, don’t you think?
Nothing better than my dining room table filled with people I love!
John helps me put my boots on these days. He’s THE BEST husband.
The handmade details at our baby bash were adorable.
Mini John + Mini Me.
My brother comparing bumps with me. We are a very competitive family.
One word: CHURROS.
John has been wearing that hat from my parents every single day. Proud Papa!
Lazy snuggle moments with my two babies.
The Cali girls froze their booties off at the sledding hill!
We went to High West Distillery to celebrate Sierra’s birthday.
Donuts and s’mores…a pregnant woman’s dream.
We opened shower gifts with my folks. We have generous friends!
John demonstrated his skills at putting jammies on our baby using this bunny.
Amanda and I reenacted a photo we took together over 6 years ago!
We Facetimed with her daughters. Silly girls!
Christmas Part Deux: An embarrassment of riches!
Please note my mother’s wrapping paper! OINK!
New favorite apron! I feel like Wonder Woman after toting this belly around for 8 months!
John caught this shot of the ice pulling away from our rain chain out front.
On the wall in on our Labor and Delivery floor.
Pre-baby date nights have commenced! I laughed for two hours straight.
Dear toes: I miss you. We will meet again, I promise.
A break in the storm during a walk in the ‘hood.
Full-body pout.
Fortune cookie say…
John just learned that Justin Bieber’s father is two years younger than he is.
BE GONE, Christmas! Until next year!
Daddy’s powder hound.
Meaty cheesy gooey yummy lasagna on a snowy night. I used this meat sauce recipe.
Baby bump as snack table!
I made a really good loaf of banana bread (via Smitten Kitchen). Whoa!
I had help.
One year ago, I drove to Bozeman for 24 hours of Sarah time!
Two years ago, I was enchanted by the ice castles in Midway.
Three years ago, Vanessa came to town for a little Sundance Film Fest trouble!
Four years ago, Cholula looked like this.
Five years ago, John decided to grow a beard.
And my favorite part of the weekend involved folding teeny tiny clothes and watching football!
You know. Just the usual bliss.
One year ago: Roasted Veggie and Goat Cheese Pizza.
the usual bliss 
So much sweetness!! What an exciting time in your lives… I love seeing these photos and remember the anticipation well. Soon your sweet baby will be in your arms and life will never be the same…what a wondrous thing! Hang in there sweet mama! Xoxoxo love from snowy B.C! Ps: I am a Bunny is the cutest book ever, & is one of Ronan’s faves! We 💖 Nicholas! 😘
Hi, Callie! I know, it’s really getting close. I’m going from being excited to getting freaked out! xxx
eeeeeek!!! You’re getting so close!!!! 7 weeks is going to fly by! I am so excited for you guys.
I always look forward to your bliss bits posts. You capture so much goodness. That pic of John learning Justin Bieber’s dad is 2 years younger then him made me laugh out loud. hahahahahahah
Sending you all so much love xoxoxo
He likes to catch up on his gossip magazines at the OB’s office! I think that little factoid made him feel old…xx
Squeal – baby clothes – teeny tiny cuteness 🙂 Happy Bliss Day – Enjoy!
I can’t imagine a human that tiny! So cute!