Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

It's amazing - we get to experience Christmas first in the world, and I'm only just wishing everyone a Merry Christmas - on our boxing day (26th of December). We are now at the 10 week stage of pregnancy, and Sarah is starting to feel less sick, but it does flare up from time to time. She's been VERY tired though - some days have been a real struggle for her to get out of bed! I really can't blame her for that - apparently our emby is going through a growth spurt at the moment :-)

We have flown up to my parents place for Christmas this year - the first time in many that I've had the time away from work to come up. I'm beginning to understand why many people really dislike Christmas - don't get me wrong - I'm no Christmas hater, but the stress of catering to the whims of families from both sides of the equation, not wanting to step on any ones toes, buying christmas gifts that everyone will appreciate (although I didn't get to do much of that - thanks Sarah for getting as much done as you did!), and dealing with the fact that many people feel that Christmas is more about family than anything else has started to take it's toll this year. Don't get me wrong - it's a great time to set aside to spend with family, but lets not forget that we wouldn't have Christmas without the real reason for the season - that God gave us his most special gift, Jesus. In TV programs and movies you always see the stress on people's faces, and the fact that they are forced to spend time with people they often don't get on with and make a big scene over it. It's just that I've never experienced a christmas like that up until this year. I've never been one to get too into playing mind games with what I say and how I behave - but my parents are masters - they will say one thing and mean another, and always vie for the moral high ground by strategically conceeding, and using guilt as a tool to get what they want. This year we're playing along, but not getting caught up in it. It's probably best I don't say any more cause I don't want you to think I was brought up by monsters, becasue that's not the case - they are loving and caring parents, but just like things their own way if you know what I mean.

We took the opportunity while we are here to tell family that we are pregnant, and it's been great. It's meant that we've had to tell people a little earlier than we would like, but it's the only opportunity we're likely to get to tell many of them in person. 

Anyhow - just wanted to catch up and say Merry Christmas, and hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Abe