Stuff has been happening...

...just nothing huge. Mike and I had a wonderful, relaxed Christmas break and were able to spend lots of time with both our families and with each other. He got me a couple really thoughtful gifts that I love, and we both pretty much stuck to the budget. There was tons of great food, which Mike was especially excited about since he missed out on it last Christmas (because he got super sick Christmas Eve). I especially loved my family's Christmas buffet -- my mom had made tons of won-tons (I could eat a million), Nate and Ki brought authentic Texas-style brisket (yum), and Trav and Debbie brought like a gourmet cheese plate (I love fancy cheese so so much). Everything was delicious. Oh boy. I'm already excited for next year's. Another highlight of Christmas break was getting to talk to Jessica on Christmas; we miss her. It's crazy to think that she'll be home in less than 6 months (hooray!). I just realized that on Mother's Day, we'll get to talk to Jessica AND Conner (at least I think we'll get to talk to Conner- he might still be in the MTC and I don't think they get their phone call if they're there). Hooray for missionaries!This is one of the only photos we took over Christmas break, so I thought I should probably stick it up here.
Well, I guess Christmas break is over (boo). Mike has started classes again (he did really well last semester, by the way), and I'm back to TAing PS110B and working on my thesis. I don't have to take any classes this semester, which is fortunate, because Baby is due two weeks before finals. Mike and I are still leaning towards the name Miriam Elizabeth (this way, backwards her initails will be J-E-M, woot for geology, minerals, etc.). I keep trying to think of back up names just in case we have her and decide she's not a Miriam, but so far Mike has not approved the other options I've presented. Lately, I decided I like the name Ella a lot, but Mike says that it only sounds like a half name. I actually always wanted to name a girl Bella, but now, after the Twilight books, I'm staying away from that one. I'm so mad Stephanie Meyer ruined that name for me.
Other baby news -- we're so excited. March seems a lot closer now that it's the new year. Only 2.5 months and we'll meet our daughter. Despite not being born yet, she is making her presence known. Mike can feel her kicking and moving much more often and more easily than he has been able to previously, and I feel her almost constantly now. Sometimes, when nothing exciting is going on for me, I just stare at my tummy and watch it move -- still a weird sensation.
That's it for us, really. We're back to the school/work grind, but still having a great time.