Dear Baby Helland (of 16 weeks):

Well, we survived our four days of x-mas, and all went as planned even with the crazy snowstorm. Mommy, Daddy and Prudence decided to stay at the farm on x-mas eve because the roads were icky, and we'd have to come right back the next day anyway. The Simonett's were out there as well, so it was a fun night. On x-mas day the rest of the Schuft clan arrived. Cousins Morgan and Payton had a bunch of questions about how you and mommy were doing. Wilson was obsessed with mommies belly, and I was weirded out a little by it. She thinks since the other grandkids don't like her that much, that she has to reign you in right away. Plus, she'll only have about three months with you before she heads off to college. And she's also requested four pictures of herself to be hung in your room so you know who she is. She's pretty silly. You even got a gag gift that day. Auntie Connie has stuff left at the farm, and since it's been there for quite a while, your other aunts wrapped it up and gave it back to her. Except for a set of baby books that we think are from Ellie. They are all the Sandra Boynton ones so they are really good ones. Plus, someone wrapped up an Antique breast pump for us. It's glass and kinda cool I guess, but it's still a little weird to me, so it's getting tucked in a closet for now.
The day after x-mas we headed down to LeCenter to have the extended Helland side x-mas. That day is always fun because there is constantly at least one game being played. This year, the new game was Quelf and it was pretty awesome. You have to do some crazy stuff, but it's really fun especially with the right people. Then the next day we had our small Helland x-mas. Auntie Kristen couldn't resist and bought you some bibs and hats. They just happen to perfectly match the little gloves I bought you a while ago. Great minds think alike! Auntie Kristen and Uncle Erik are pretty silly. They told us how they were discussing what each of them would teach you. Auntie Kristen said she'd teach you math since she already teaches that anyway. Uncle Erik has big plans for you. First, he's teaching you to be an acrobat, and then a lion tamer. Things could get crazy!
And now we're back home! Mommy has the week off yet, so she's going to be getting scrapping stuff ready for Winter Wonderland and other random stuff.
A few other things.........
I really need to get used to the fact that people will be looking at my belly. I've always been a fairly self-consious person so it's pretty uncomfortable right now. I often look at my belly in the mirror and for those who are anxiously awaiting your arrival, why shouldn't they look? Maybe I'll feel better about it when it's blatently obvious!
Speaking of uncomfortable....what is a four month pregnant lady seriously supposed to wear??? My two favorite pairs of jeans still kind of fit, but it's getting pretty iffy. Most shirts are starting to look pretty silly. And the maternity clothes still looks like I'm wearing a colorful tent with arms. I tried to put my gift cards to use and buy maternity clothes. But do you think I could find anything that looked decent? Nope. So I guess for the next few months, I will be either wearing sweatpants and sweatshirts, or the one pink shirt that doesn't bug the crap outta me.
Daddy and I have been pretty bad at taking those growing belly pictures too. We took one at like 13 weeks, and here we are at 16, with nothing to show in between. I'll work harder at that.....
Speaking of your father, remember how I said he freaked me out with the giant babies? Well, I asked Grandma Glo to be sure how big her babies were. I was the biggest one at 8 lbs. Not bad. Then I asked Grandma Denise, and she said your daddy was 9 lbs, 1 oz. So if you're a giant baby, it's your fathers fault.
Before x-mas break, I finally told my principal and the kids. My principal said congratulations and wished us good health. The kids were pretty funny. I told them that I might start to look different when we get back from break. Sure enough, one of my eighth grade girls knew it right away. She yells out "I so knew it like a month ago, but we can't say anything becuase it sounds mean". I knew those girls could tell. Junior high girls watch VERY closely. But they all were pretty excited. They told all of my high schoolers before I had a chance the next hour!
Well, I think I've caught you up for now. And mommy needs to calm daddy down now anyway. The Vikes are losing to the Bears, which should NOT be happening!
We'll talk again soon!
Mommy