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Hello all! Happy December! It is so fun to have the sights and sounds of Christmas all around, even if it does feel to me like we went from 90 degree days and swimming at the pool to winter and Christmas around the corner! Very surreal! The boys are having a fun time working themselves into a tizzy of holiday cheer! We have a few of the classic TV specials from when we were kids and much to our amazement...they love them. Greg and I just look at each other over their heads wondering how those cheesy shows captivated us for so long!? Do any of you feel that way? A new tradition in our house was a gift from Lisa, Scott and their kids last year...the Elf on the Shelf. My family actually had one of these little fellows when we were kids (they actually still show up each year) and my parents told us that he was reporting our behavior daily to Santa...now some brilliant local woman actually wrote a book about it and sells it along with your very own elf for your shelf...why didn't I think of that?!? Anywhoo, I was hoping that this might impact their behavior for the better...so far, not so much! Oh well. We are starting with the advent calendar that my mother made for us in addition to the ones the boys made at school...nothing like a count down to whip kids into a frenzy! We also have another tradition which will happen this weekend. The boys get to go through their play room and fill a big box full of toys that they have enjoyed that we can share with someone that doesn't have toys of their own. We then take the box to North Fulton Charities or Must Ministries to share...last year Landon was so proud and surprisingly shared some toys I never thought he would let go of...it sure does make a mommy proud for her boys to understand how much more important it is to give than receive! We have been so blessed and it is important for the boys to learn to bless others!

So, we went to the doctor today and...nothing. I have gained yet another 3 pounds (Holy cow! Will it ever end?!), but the baby sounds great and the doctor thinks it is "approaching 7 pounds". Look, for how much weight I have gained, this kid better come out weighing closer to 20 pounds! We also got to visit with Dr. Sharon, who will deliver me on the 12th and he answered all our questions. We feel very comfortable with him and have heard rave reviews...I am hoping he is open to taking a little extra skin during the surgery! :) I feel like I have earned a tummy tuck, don't you?! And that is that...no more doctor visits unless something comes up...I just show up next Friday am at 8 and, Lord willing, we'll have a baby by 10:30! WOW!

Thank you all again for your prayers, words of encouragement and help along this journey. We feel very blessed to have friends and family like you and appreciate those of you who have requested prayers on our behalf...we are so grateful! God is SO good!

Love, the Powells!