Back in England!

We've been back in the UK almost a week, and I must admit, I already miss home.  There really is nothing like being home, especially for the holidays.  I can't even begin to explain, after being away for nearly a year, how great it was - being so close to family and friends, driving a car and on the right side of the road, the conveniences of home, the food, the weather, the...well, everything!  I certainly appreciate home a lot more being away overseas. 

While home, my sister Amy and her husband Geoff, threw us a couples baby shower and invited all of our closest friends - it was so nice of her to do this for us and for all of our friends to be there to support us.  In addition, my Mom also threw me an amazing baby shower and invited family from both sides.  Needless to say, we feel very loved and it is very evident little Anna is already loved and adored very much! 

As we approach this next chapter of parenthood, I have been feeling a bit nostalgic about my own childhood and how amazing my parents were with my siblings and I - all the things they taught us, the family get-to-gethers, the vacations we took, the endless soccer games and practices, the ups, the downs, and through it all, all of the constant love and support.  I hope that someday I can be at least half the parent my parents have been and still are to me. 

We are now 30 weeks along - I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy has gone!  We're in the final stretch!  Little Anna is moving all the time and is definitely getting bigger - she also loved the food back home!  We had our 29 week midwife appointment last week and things seem to be progressing nicely.  My midwife, Kim drew my blood to check my iron levels.  Right now, I am sort of feeling the need to "nest."  Dave and I managed to get all of Anna's shower gifts back here to England and I have washed all of her clothes and we set up her bassinet.  Her room is about ready to go, minus a few items.  I still need to get some sort of dresser or temporary storage container for all her cute little outfits.  I have a list of things I still want/need to purchase and still need to organize the closet in her room as it's full of mom and dad's coats at the moment!  Not a whole lot of storage space in English homes! 

Other than that, Dave and I are enjoying our last few weeks together as a couple and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little one. 

We are so thankful we were able to be home for Christmas and for the time we got to spend with all of our loved ones.  It was a bit hectic trying to squeeze in time for everyone and I apologize if we weren't able to see you.  We will definitely make up for it once we move home this Fall. 

We miss you all so much!  Lots of love from the Andersons!