OK, I know that we’re almost done with February, but I still want to post about our visits home and seeing our families over Christmas and New Years.  However, before we get to the details of each visit, I wanted to share how we shared the news of our pregnancy with our families.  

Since it was Christmas, it seemed natural to give them something to open, so we decided to make something for our parents to open in front of our families.  We had a little onesie made that said, “I love my Grandparents” on the front, and on the back said, “Made in Brazil.”  We wrapped it in a little box so that the first thing they would see would be the “Made in Brazil” – just for fun.

First up was Michael’s family.  We were so eager to tell them, but had to wait until our second night so that the whole family would be together.  We had just finished a family dinner at home and asked everyone to get together for a couple of early gifts.  We had wedding presents for Christy and TJ, so that helped to throw everyone off, and then we gave the little box to Sharon and Ollie.  It’s funny how when I was trying to hide the pregnancy I was so suspicious of other people being suspicious.  But the truth is that no one was suspicious.  At. All.  They were shocked.  In fact, they really didn’t get it at first and thought it was an outfit for their little Yorkies.  Thankfully, Michael quickly announced “Ashley’s pregnant!” and everyone immediately jumped up, giving us hugs and congratulations.  We don’t have pictures but we filmed Sharon opening the gift, so here are a couple of screen-shots from the video.

Can’t believe it!

Next up was telling my family.  Although it was Dec. 28, our first night in South Carolina my family had a little fake-Christmas complete with my favorite Christmas meal, gifts and all of the family.  So, after dinner and presents, we gave my parents the final gift.  Similarly to the Harpers, the Zaises were not expecting it at all and initially thought that it was something for my brother’s daughter, Augusta Clare.  Again, it took an announcement to clarify the news, but of course it was met with lots of joy.  We have one photo of my parents and the rest are video screen-shots.

Still not getting it.

Right after we shouted out that I was pregnant

Nan had the best reaction!

Happy grandparents!

So fun, right?!  OK — so here is a quick look at the rest of our holidays!

After staying in São Paulo for Thanksgiving, we were really ready to go home for Christmas. Michael and I started our trip in Phoenix where we enjoyed beautiful hikes, the Phoenix Luminarias tour, and lots of family time and relaxation.

Phoenix hike with Ollie & Lise

Phoenix night sky

Harper fam at the Luminarias Tour

Apple cider by the outdoor fire with the most festive guy around. And a really cute Yorkie.

After spending Christmas in Phoenix, we headed East to South Carolina for New Years where we enjoyed fun time with family, a wedding shower for Meredith & Andrew and a few days in magical Edisto!

“Christmas dinner” our first night in South Carolina with my favorite holiday foods and a very festive centerpiece.

Loved being there to celebrate and hang with my best girlfriend!! So happy for you Meredith & Andrew!

Edisto

aka paradise

Such wonderful trips home and special time with family!