Not here .... yet

     Our little guy still hasn't arrived. We were hoping that he would come on the 3rd (Nate's Grandpa Bacon's birthday) or today the 6th (my Grandpa Andersen's birthday), or the 4th (David McConkie's birthday), but alas, he still has not arrived. Perhaps our Grandpas are helping though to give him his last lessons in the Spirit world before he comes to earth. The next best date will be November 11 (11.11.11). His due date was Friday (David McConkie's birthday...Happy birthday David). My nurse midwife won't let me go any longer than Friday, so we're almost 100% sure he will make his debut this week. If he doesn't come out on his own, we'll have to make him come out.
     I think he's just pretty cozy inside my tummy and doesn't really want to come out. Yet who can blame him? It's cold outside and he will have to wait for his food. He won't be rocked constantly, he won't get to live in a hot tub, he will have to worry about bathing and getting his diaper changed, he won't have cool surround sound, and he will have to deal with everything from illness to getting his cheeks pinched (especially if he is as cute as Ramona's kids). I'll never forget Maryanne's quote - "my Mom pinches my cheeks because I'm so cute!" Hopefully he's excited to get held and sung to, read to, snuggled, and adored by many loving family members and friends.
      We don't mind so much that he's taking his time, but we do get a little anxious waiting. Nate's coworkers tell him he looks like he's on the edge of his chair all the time :). The positives of having him inside my stomach - getting a full night of sleep, enjoying not being in pain, getting to go on lots of dates with Nathan, and getting last minute things done. Regardless, we'll take him whenever he decides to come, with full hearts and open minds :).
    The highlights of this week: Dressing Mason as a pumpkin (see picture), going to 'Hatch's Chocolates' for some amazing hot chocolate (see pictures), watching football, and getting spoiled at a baby shower thrown by Janet McConkie (cousins of David's Dad) and other angel women here in our wonderful Boneville 27th ward on Thursday night. I was humbled by their kindness and love. They really spoiled Mason!
   We're enjoying the change of weather - getting cozy inside, and enjoying the glittering snow outside. Nate taught a wonderful lesson in Church today about the Creation. It helped me to reflect on the glory of God, and how I would be in awe in my biology or other science classes at the wonder of His creation. Nate is also enjoying playing the piano in primary still and wishes he could make it his life-time Church calling. He is so sweet with children - and they all love him!
   I was so happy to hear about Ellie's wonderful baptism yesterday (even though we didn't make it - as I had been up the night before with some contractions). How appropriate to have the beautiful white snow arrive on the day of her baptism. I want my life to be as white as snow :). We missed our family, but enjoyed knowing that it was a wonderful day for everyone involved. We're also excited for Isaac and Angie to become permanent Utah residents beginning December 2nd! 
   I love this time of year! I love knowing that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, and that this year we have so much to be grateful for, complete with a little baby Jesus (well at least a baby Mason dressed up as a baby Jesus). How special that Christmas will be on Sunday. I am already looking forward to it. We even have been tempted to listen to some Christmas music.

   We love you all, and thank you for  your sweet phone calls, texts, and prayers. We'll keep you posted. Have a wonderful week!