34 Weeks

I am getting close and in the home stretch so they say but I don't think I'll believe it until I'm checking in the hospital to give birth.  I am so ready and really getting big!  No, I'm not as active as I need to be and I am absolutely NOT going to the gym!  I have huge plans for what I'm going to do after the baby is born.  I plan to lose this much weight and plan to take this class at the gym and walk this many miles.  I at least have goals but I am not very motivated to accomplish these goals at this current time to be honest as the contractions are coming on pretty painfully.

As for my eating, I have done great!  I only have gained about 10 pounds so far and have eaten pretty healthy thanks to cooking a good deal at home.  Not that I don't have cravings.  In the early stages of pregnancy I couldn't get enough of calamata olives, especially in a nice fresh Greek salad.  Last month I would dream of eating cupcakes,  I only gave into that craving twice.  I made a trip to the famous sprinkles and I ate the best tasting cupcake I have eaten.  The second time I made cupcakes at home and made my own icing which I didn't like so I guess that is a good thing because I only had one and I no longer wanted cupcakes anymore.  My new craving is strawberries and boy I can't get enough of them.  They are sweet and full of water and I just feel nourished when I have them.  So at this point... Bring on the strawberries!

Austin

This weekend we went to Austin to visit my best friend Emily and the family. We have actually been planning on coming down for a year but something always caused one of us to cancel at the last minute. Jamie couldn't wait to see William (as they are only 3 months apart).  We spent a lot of time relaxing and just catching up.  On Saturday we met our friends Jackie and Kaylse at Kirby Lane for breakfast.  It was yummy and great seeing the girls other than the long wait to eat.  On Sunday we went down to Ski Shores (an old greasy spoon 1/4 mile from Emily's)  for lunch and fed the birds.  Emily is such a great friend and we always pick up right where we left off!  Thanks for such a great weekend!

More Christmas Celebrations.....

This has been one busy holiday for the Burk household!  Of course we love spending time with our family and friends so my only complaint is that we have to cram it all into one week!  Here are some highlights of the various celebrations at our house and others.

Christmas at our House 2008

For the past two Christmas Eve's we have gone to West Texas to Brandon's Grandparents Christmas.  So we decided to ask Santa if he would make an early stop to our house.  Santa was very good to us all this year!  

Thanksgiving in Marshall

We went to East Texas for Thanksgiving 2008.  We had a great time spending time with my family and of course ate a ton of yummy food!  The best part was that we got quality time with my 94 year old grandma.  Everyday with her is a gift!

Remembering my Mom

A year ago today my mom went to be with the Lord.  She joined my dad in heaven and I miss her very much.  So much has happened in this past year.  Who knew a year ago I would be married to such a wonderful man, and have another little guy on the way.  Time is such a gift as I know now more than ever.  I am so greatful that Mom had the chance to meet Brandon prior to her passing.

Our New Addition!

We found out last week that James is going to have a brother.  Brandon is so excited!  He shouted out for joy the moment he found out.  I am thrilled as well!  We are going to name him Tristan Alexander.