All I Want for Christmas Is A Real Good Tan

Don't get me wrong, I love everything about Christmas. I love church during December because it is more meaningful, I love the treats, the snow, the parties, Christmas music and decorations.... Unfortunately, I'm one of those people that typically gets a little caught up in the chaos of shopping for gifts, including my own. I usually pick up a few presents for Bret to give me, in addition to the ones he picks out himself. This year, things are a little different. Clothes of all kinds usually top my wish list, but at this point in the pregnancy, there is no use buying maternity or regular clothes. Since a Santa wish list can be as impractical as I can dream it, all I really want is a real good tan. Of course, this is inspired by one of my favorite Christmas songs, but to me it is a good wish for several reasons. First, there is no chance of me traveling, much less getting into a swimming suit. Second, I'm fairly fair skinned, and third, I have sun allergies that prevent me from spending too much time laying out anyways. So until Santa comes and grants my wish, I'll just look back at some pre-pregnancy pics and dream about spending Christmas at the beach with some coconut tanning oil and a book.

Meet the Pregnant Cherissa

For those of you who haven't seen me since Bret knocked me up, I wanted to post the first picture I've taken of my pregnant self. So here I am, in all my shining glory, at 31 weeks. This picture was taken at my amazing family baby shower this weekend. More pictures to come, as I'm now realizing the fun and importance of having these pictures, despite the fact that they will haunt me when I'm less chubby!

DOTS at Evening of Excellence

Last Sunday was my Young Women's Evening of Excellence. It was a ton of work to pull off, with everything else I'm doing right now, but it turned out really cute. For anyone who is in Young Womens and needs a cute idea, feel free to poach this one because it didn't originate from me! I heard about the theme DOTS - Depend on the Savior this Spring and I couldn't wait to use it. If you have other cute ideas for other Young Women events, please email me and let me know about them!

Isn't She Lovely?

Here SHE is! We couldn't wait any longer to find out the gender of our little one. Last week we went to Fetal Photo where my friend Kimi Fry did the ultrasound. Thanks to her we got in at the last minute. At my 14 week appointment my doctor thought the baby looked like a boy, so we were very surprised to hear we are going to have a daughter. I've been feeling a little overwhelmed because I had started planning a blue nursery and we had names narrowed down. Now I need to start thinking pink and thinking of more girl names. That aside, Bret is excited to have a "Baby Riss" and it is nice to finally know what is kicking around in me!

Did you suspect we are expecting?

Big news for the Newton family... we are anxiously awaiting a tiny addition to make us a family of three! I'm sure when people read this there will be a collective sigh of relief because Bret and Cherissa are FINALLY having kids. After being married six years, we just couldn't wait any longer. So, I am about 10-11 weeks along and due in January. This may seem a little early to make this announcement, but people in my ward found out because I was absent for most of our Pioneer Trek and green in the face when I was there. People at my work were also wondering if I had Swine Flu and why I wasn't getting any better. So at the risk of the news leaking unintentionally on Facebook, we decided to share our excitement early with everyone!

I'm excited to chat with all of you about it in person and can't wait to hear all the good advice for dealing with morning sickness, fatigue, and all the other wonderful symptoms of pregnancy!