colleen writes: Happy Thanksgiving

November was complete craziness. We had so much going on—it was ridiculous. For those of you that know me, while I like to get out and do things, I do not like to be busy. I try to enjoy a slower pace of life, but November was not going to cooperate! And how do full-time working parents enjoy a slower pace of life?! I was so busy at work—I had 6 meetings scheduled (outside of my regular schedule including two nights of conferences) and between the 4 of us, we had 5 dentist and doctor appointments. I also was able to volunteer twice in Gabrielle’s classroom, and Adam was able to volunteer for her Thanksgiving party. We were even able to squeak in a date night, which is pretty unbelievable! I definitely think that I get 10x more things done now that I am working and actually have to manage my time….

At the very beginning of the month, I took the kids to the open house at the new Livingston County Airport where the U of M life flight helicopter was on display as well as the life flight airplane. Carter went absolutely crazy. Literally. He was running all around, taking cuts in line, getting into the helicopter and airplane, and enjoying every minute of it. I really had a hard time keeping up with him! Gabrielle was a trouper—she was interested to a certain extent, but Carter was having the time of his life!

A few days later, we had our 20 week ultrasound and found out some very exciting news. We are having a BOY!!!! The ultrasound looked great, and baby boy looked very healthy. I was pretty much convinced from day one that we were going to have another boy, so it wasn’t a big shocker to me. While I am not sure how a new little person will fit in exactly to the family, I am sure that after he is born we will not be able to imagine life without him! Gabrielle was a little disappointed with the news, but being the princess and not having to share her toys is pretty appealing. The only toys of hers that Carter likes to play with are the princesses’ carriages, so that isn’t so bad!

Other highlights of the month include the birth of our newest nephew and my godchild, Kyle! This was especially fun for us because our niece and nephew, Aili and Cadyn, got to spend the night with us and have a sleepover party! This was Gabrielle’s first sleepover with someone other than me, so she was especially delighted! The next day we ventured to Southfield, MI, for a Laurie Berkner solo concert. We splurged on tickets and got a meet and greet with Laurie, so that was super fun and special!

Another funny thing this month is that Adam and I both got new cars. He got a Cadillac and I got a mini-van! LOL! Adam thinks the mini-van is awesome. “Drives great!” “So utilitarian!” “I could drive this van!” “What great mileage!” “Wow! All the seats collapse!” I, on the other hand, think it is completely average and a bit clunky at times. I think I’ll get used to it. I think it is great for this summer and our umpteen trips to Houghton Lake because it has two drop-down DVD players with Bluetooth headphones. That’s pretty cool. But his Cadillac is way cooler. BUT he has to drive 2.5 hours a day, so he does deserve something better than my old Jetta. He is more than welcome to take the mini-van anytime he wants before baby boy comes in March….

How cool to be able to sit in a real helicopter?!

IT'S A BOY!!! Look at those excited faces:)

#Selfie

Love this monitor. It has a walkie-talkie like feature on it. Carter will say in the morning, "Mama! Need you on speaker!" I then talk to him and find out if he wants me to get him....