Team Strotman Grows!

With much excitement, Matt and I are thrilled to announce that we're expecting! YAY! We couldn't be more thrilled about it all. We're due in August, and some days that seems so far away, and some days it seems way too close. What a roller coaster!

We found out I was pregnant the first weekend in December and spent the next three weeks keeping the secret between just us. With the holidays so close, I knew I wanted to surprise my parents with the news on Christmas morning. I bought them ornaments engraved with "Grandma's First Christmas 2010" and "Grandpa's First Christmas 2010". The snow pushed Christmas back a day, but they were totally surprised. It was perfect. His parents were very happy with the news when we told them too. Tears all around.

So far, my symptoms have been pretty tolerable. I've been a little sick, a little tired, and a lot hungry. Thankfully, things in the second trimester seem to be feeling back to normal. All my doctors are very pro-working out and running is okay, so I'm listening to my body, taking it easy, and staying as active as possible.

The best part has been sharing the news. Grandma was so excited to have answered the phone when I called and get the scoop before Grandpa. Also, since Elissa is due slightly before me, it was exciting to share the news with her and compare pregnancy notes. Good thing she's already been though it once. So fun.

Matt and I are very blessed to be surrounded by so many loving, supportive, and helpful family and friends. Every step along the way has been an adventure, and we can't wait to see what's next.

Wiles' Holiday Greetings

Yes, we were in Yutan for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to share in the blizzard, as well as family fun, good food, and a gift exchange. No church included in that schedule this year, as the weather cancelled services. Thank heavens Dad, Winfred, had moved two pairs of insulated coveralls and three corn scoops to town. The standard snow shovels only served to 'chop' down the wind-packed drift (4' deep the length of the driveway) so that those manning the corn scoops could heave the chunks off the driveway. Dad hires Larry Drews to do the major driveway clearing with a truck and blade, but our car and Kelly's car were in the way and needed to get Kelly to work and Zac to the airport. Both were accomplished with the work of five people.

Thought I'd post our holiday letter on the blog, also.