December blogfest

Merry Christmas from the Merkleys!  It was one of the warmest Christmases we could remember here in Utah, with no snow and mild temperatures.  I told Erik that God has been giving us nice weather because I don't have a coat that closes over my ever-growing belly.  Sorry to all you skiers who have been devastated by my pregnancy.

Christmas is not complete without a Christmas dress from Nana.  I realized an hour before church that Morgan had no hair accessories that matched her outfit (what a crisis, I know), so I did what any slightly neurotic mother would do and made her a bow with my card making supplies.  A little ribbon, a button, a cast-off clip, and some glue dots, and she was ready to go (although I was just praying that we didn't have a strong wind - glue dots are not equal to hot glue guns).  I went to church with a ponytail, but my child looked great.

A girl's first haircut... while sitting in a pink car, watching TV.  Life is pretty sweet when you're two.  She's had a few trims from Mom when the mullet got out of control, but this was her first professional salon experience.  We realized that when this baby comes, Morgan's hair will be at the mercy of Erik and Nana, and neither claim any expertise in the area.  Bangs and a bob sounded like a manageable choice, especially if a good combing is the extent of the hair-do.  Morgan enjoyed the whole thing, especially the balloon and lollipop at the end, and has been asking for another haircut soon.

Christmas morning with her new stocking.  I made four this year and still haven't taken any pictures.  

The hit of the year: the wooden iPhone.  She's been calling people and holding conversations every day.

Far-Far got himself a ukulele for Christmas.  Once she saw that shiny red child-sized guitar, Morgan began to covet.

Discard iPhone.  Move in.  Make it impossible for Far-Far to play.

Take possession.  Refuse to give it back.  Have it confiscated by cruel mother only to have mother start playing with it too...

We spent this Christmas knowing that next year we will likely live away from family, and Erik's schedule will be too tight to travel.  It made us much more grateful for the time and memories we've had with both sides.

And just in case you've been wondering, here is the list of potential residencies we have narrowed it down to (in order of interview, not preference):

Austin, TX

Albuquerque, NM

Louisville, KY

SLC, UT

Rochester, NY

Charlotte, NC

Hershey, PA

Phoenix, AZ

Tucson, AZ

There were some other good options, but in the end we started really weighing time and money spent interviewing and decided that 9 good choices was enough.  Feel free to leave feedback on any of these places, but don't be offended if we ignore you completely.

PS.  I'm having a baby this week.  Wish me luck.