It's A....

Baby Girl! 20 Weeks along and with healthy development. She's been through a lot, so we're expecting a tough little cookie.

Clara liked seeing the feet the best because she could easily figure out what they were.

These images were so neat to see. We didn't have these with Clara's ultrasound.

Here's the latest little princess face.

Fairfax Corner Tree Lighting

We headed to our old apartment neighborhood for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. It was very busy and a little crazy. At 7:00 Santa and Mrs. Claus made their appearance and initiated the count down to the tree lighting. We were near the tree, but we could see Santa over the heads of the crowd.

The tree decked out with snowflakes and blue and silver ornaments - Mommy's favorite!

While everyone rushed to sit on Santa's lap (Clara wanted to see him but was content to watch the others take a turn), the stage area opened up and our little dancer wasted no time grooving to the Holiday tunes.

Our night ended with a short but very nice carriage ride courtesy of Dock and Dan and the Shennandoah Carriage Company. Everything was complementary, and we were the last ride of the night. Clara was so excited to be around the horses and hear the "click clack" of their hooves on the street.

Polar Express Pajama Party

We headed back to Border's this Saturday morning for the Polar Express Pajama Party. The children listened to the two stories read by Miss Connie.

Then we sang "Snow is Falling on the Ground" to the tune of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again" Here the "snowflakes" are tickling Clara.

They played a game of "Conductor Says"

and made a polar bear/snowflake ornament. Mommy had to do the gluing because Clara wouldn't touch it.

Once all the other children left, Clara took the opportunity to play on the little stage. The Chipmunk's Christmas CD was playing, and Mommy and Daddy decided that we will choose a different Christmas CD to buy.

Thanksgoween

We went to the 3rd Annual Thanksgoween Party hosted by a few of our William and Mary friends and joined by many others. The idea is to dress up in costume for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Last year the 3 Condons went at maize. We had tee shirts with a maze on them. This year Chris went as Black Friday. His shirt said Always bet on Friday, and he created a big Best buy Tag. Katie went as the frazzled housewife complete with dark circles (didn't take much make-up), flour smears on her face, and shopping lists and recipes on her apron. Clara was going to wear the turkey hat she made at Ms. Kelly's this week, but she decided not to wear it once we got there. We had good food in the company of great friends.

Fancy Nancy Party

Saturday morning, Chris and I took Clara to our local Border's Bookstore for a  party. She is a character created by Jane O'Connor. She is a little girl who wants to make everything"fancy" - she uses more elaborate words for ordinary things, decorates herself and her house with accessories, and has fun little adventures. Clara's first book was a gift from one of my second graders last year when we saw her at the bookstore on Clara's birthday and she asked her mom if she could get Clara a gift. We have also borrowed other books from our library.

The first activity was to write a letter to Santa.

After listening to two of the stories, Clara decorated her own butterfly ornament with stickers.

We left with our own copy.

Where have we been?

Dear Friends and Family,
The blog had to take a hiatus from August until now due to several life events. Here's the short list, details spared. :-)

August

1. We went to Ocean City New Jersey.
2. Katie was in a wedding days before that.
3. We found out we are expecting our second baby in April 2010. (More news on that after Thanksgiving.) The pickles and potato chips I am eating right now taste very good and are the perfect appetizer to my lasagna dinner.
4. Katie had her appendix out (6 weeks pregnant) during the teacher work week at school.
5. Chris had to cancel going on his annual guys trip. (Sorry guys, but thanks for your understanding)
6. Chris continued to be amazing and hold down the fort, while I had a longer recovery than I would have liked.
7. Clara started going to Miss Kelly's two days a week. She has done so many wonderful projects! She is proving how smart she is every day.

September

1. Back to school with a very slow start.
2. Recovery continued.
3. Chris and Mom were amazing.
4. Clara liked to see Mommy's ouchies and started using the excuse, "I can't do that because my tummy hurts."
5. We celebrated in NJ at a bridal shower for Aunt Jen.
   
6. Katie turned 29.
7. Chris turned 30 and celebrated with so many wonderful friends.

October

1. Katie still struggled to get back on track with a tough 2nd grade class and the 2nd grade play.
2. Chris plays flag football for William and Mary alumni team.
3. Clara had a wonderful Halloween dressed as Cinderella Princess. Her comments, "I'm so happy I'm trick or treating."
   

November

1. Is it really November already?
2. We're plugging away with the daily routine and looking forward to being with friends and family during the upcoming holidays!