Bittersweet

i cant believe Halloween is almost here. this will be Ridges second Halloween but his first REAL one. he was born October 5Th of last year so he wasn't even a month old and we didn't even dress him up so it doesn't REALLY count. this Halloween were thinking of having a party for the kids. nothing to crazy just some games to earn them and their guest candy, wear costumes and have fun food, maybe a movie. we don't do the trick-or-treat thing and never have. the reason being is one we don't see the point in letting them go collect candy that we wont let them eat anyways and two cause its just not safe these days. last year we took them to a park to see a parade and play games and i believe we did the same the year before that. we've never really been the traditional type anyways and its not like their missing out cause we do celebrate....just in our own way. same with Christmas. we don't do Santa and presents. they get so many presents from family its ridiculous that we just don't feel the need to buy them any. instead we have our own tradition. the day before Christmas eve we spend baking goodies for ourselves, neighbors and family. then we go through our slightly used toys and let the kids pick out some to donate, and then we wrap them up. Christmas eve we drop the toys off to a shelter along with food and the cookies. that Christmas eve night we make hot chocolate and go look at Christmas lights. then Christmas morning we have a big breakfast, and then visit all the family and open their presents. they know Santa is not a person of today but instead we share the real story behind Santa and the significance of giving at Christmas instead of getting. now trust me we have had alot of controversy from our friends and family but the way we think of it is, if you want to argue with us teaching our kids about giving instead of receiving and the value of family time instead of gifts then that shows the person and parents you are =) when we put it that way it definitely shuts people up. even though we have our way we don't think any body Else's way is wrong. everyone has their own traditions and to each his own.

so any who on another note, tomorrow is my 30 week Dr apt. cant believe how time has flown by. our classes our over and we have a doula selected. now were just revising the birth plan and getting a list together of everything i want for the home labor like, candles, music, birthing tub, food etc. and a list for the hospital as well. lots to do and time is going so fast. before i know it its gonna be over and a distant memory. how bittersweet