Saturday was a bit uneventful, but we were able to watch the city fireworks from our back deck. We had considered taking Sawyer down to the recreation department where they are shot off, but decided against it. The kid loves his sleep, and he would have either: 1) Fell asleep long before the fireworks began at 10pm or 2) Been very unpleasant by the time the fireworks began. Next year he will be almost 2, so we think we will take him then.

Sunday, we all had a lazy morning. Around 1:30pm, James and I took Sawyer to my mom’s because he was staying overnight. Everyone was already at the pool so we lathered him up in Mary Kay sunscreen, changed him into this swim clothes, and dropped into my step-dad’s mom’s lap (she was drifting on a float) before leaving. When we left, we contemplated what we were going to do with our child-free night. The idea of drinking a little alcohol was brought up, but we didn’t have much of that in our freezer. Therefore, we decided to make a quick trip to TN to grab something to drink (since you can’t buy alcohol here on Sundays). We settled with Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and also grabbed a few snacks on our way home.

When we got home, we cleaned up the living room and kitchen that were in desperate need of a little TLC. We then showered, ordered pizza, and sat down for dinner and a movie. We decided on watching The Killers with Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. Great movie! Afterwards, we broke out the Mike’s as well as what we had left of the 99 Bananas and Parrot Bay that we have had for a couple months. The rest of the night consisted of us drinking, talking, watching TV, and James falling asleep before midnight. I then stayed up until almost 3am, a little annoyed that my husband got buzzed and passed out, but still enjoyed the alone time.

Today, we slept in and then went up to my parent’s house for swimming and a cookout. Tomorrow James is off again due to having to drive to Ohio and back a couple a few weeks ago. Because he is on salary, he couldn’t get paid overtime for driving on a Sunday or late Friday evening, so his boss gave him a couple extra days off. He used one back in June, and the other is being used tomorrow. No definite plans right now, other than I am going to enjoy one more day of sleeping in. We are thinking of driving up to a park in Chattanooga where they have fountains that Sawyer can play in.

We took his playpen for him to sleep in…and this week was the first time he’d had to sleep in it for more than a 1 hour nap. His naps and feeding schedules were also shifted a little every single day, which was just too much for the little guy. My parents want us to go with them to the beach in July, when he will be 10 months old, but I am seriously considering waiting until over he’s one year old before attempting any more trips.

We did have a good time while gone, and had a great Christmas as well. I got an Amazon Kindle from James, which I wasn’t able to use any during my trip. I couldn’t find the time to read anything during the few hours spent at the hotel each day. I also got a case and light for it so it will be well protected and I can read at night with it. I was able to start and finish Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks beore we left for Gatlinburg. I am currently reading Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead.

I cannot believe it’s already the end of 2010! The year went somewhat slow while I was pregnant, but as expected, it has flown since September. Since this will be Sawyer’s first New Year’s, we probably are not doing much other than lounging at home. Even though the little monkey will be in bed by the time the ball drops, we don’t feel right going and out and having a blast while leaving him with his Nana. So, we are thinking we may go out to eat and then come home for some movies and cuddling on the couch. Sounds like a great way to end the year to me!

Back on the topic of holidays, which is where I meant to go with this post, we had our first family dinner last Saturday night. It was with my mom’s extended family, so there were about 40 people there. I had to deal with a bout of insomnia the night before, so I went on 1 hour of sleep the entire day. We started at 9:45am at the newspaper office to get Sawyer’s first picture with Santa. They are running a special, and he even gets his photo in the paper!

After that we ran by the mall to pick up his Christmas pics, by Wal-mart for last minute things for the dinner, and then to my aunt’s an hour away. I did manage to take a short nap there before everyone started arriving, which I think is what got me through the evening. We had a good time and ate some yummy food. I was really glad to get home and into my bed though.

This week is mostly just working to make some money for our mini-vaca to Gatlinburg the week after Christmas. I’m doing really good with the income goal I set for myself…I think it may be because everyone else is too busy to work right now so there are a lot of good assignments available. That’s a thought anyways.

Speaking of vacation, I was beginning to worry that I would have anything to wear except for the one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans I was able to fit back into in November. I haven’t tried any of the other jeans on since November 18, so Sunday I decided to drag out a few more pairs. They all fit!! It’s crazy, because I haven’t lost a single pound in the past month, yet my jeans fit again. I know it’s because I’m losing more inches than pounds, but it would be nice to lose a reduction in the number on the scale. I’m not too worried though, because now I have 4 pairs of jeans to wear!

This is the last weekend of freedom for us around here. Next weekend starts all the busyness that is Christmas family dinners. We still have to take the puppy to get his shots before we can leave him at the kennel the week after Christmas while we go on vacation. Oh, and if you are wondering, it is absolutely ridiculous to plan a 4 day mini-vaca the week after Christmas…especially with a newborn. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it had been another time of the year. We have had to cut back on our gift spending this year to be able to afford the trip. I know we will have fun once we get to Gatlingburg though!

Tonight, my mom got Sawyer after she got off work. James and I went out to eat at our favorite Chinese buffet, and then by Wal-Mart to get a few groceries. When we got home, we cleaned the house. You know you are a parent when your “alone time” with each other involves cleaning! But, the house is now decorated for Christmas. The tree went up last night as well as all the other decorations we set out in the living room and kitchen. Now to find the time to wrap all the gifts that need to go under the tree!

After Wal-Mart we headed to the mall. James met us at almost 8am for breakfast there. We hit up Sears and The Children’s place. After that, we went to the other Wal-Mart in town, and scored a bunch of other things. In all, I crossed everyone’s name of my shopping list except for James, Sawyer, and my step-dad. I still have to order James’ gift and the rest of Sawyer’s from Amazon.com, and my step-dad may just be getting a gift card from us. I also have to get James, Sawyer, and the puppy some stocking stuffers and then I’m finished!

Tomorrow, we have two dinners: one on my mom’s side and one on my step-dad’s side. We may hit up K-Mart in the afternoon. Hopefully we can get the tree up after we get home tomorrow night. Then, we are getting up bright and early to go Black Friday shopping. Going to be a fun, busy few days!

And now, I’m having to explain the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band to my 20 year old sister (why she doesn’t already know is beyond me).

I decided to check out Shutterfly to see if I liked any of the photo Christmas cards that are offering this year. It’s a hard decision, because I found about 3 different ones I would like to use. However, I think I’ve settled on this one.

Of course, this could be subject to change, depending what the photo we use looks like. I want something that will coordinate well with the colors in the photo. I cannot wait to send Christmas cards out this year, so I can show off our little monkey!

Do you send out holiday cards?