`Tis the Season

The last few weeks have been a busy time for Gina and I. In addition to getting our house ready for two little ones, we have been wrapping up a busy semester. We both completed what will likely be the last of our courses at UVA. This is an exciting benchmark, though I am personally intimidated because this means the only thing I have left is my dissertation. I won't speak for Gina on this matter, though I do think she shares my sentiments a little bit.

Regarding the twins, all reports have been positive and encouraging. We estimate they are about 4.5 pounds right now, and our hope is that they will stay put for at least 4 more weeks. Of course, there is no way to predict when they decide to make their entrance, but we have been trying to persuade them to wait a little bit. Though ultrasounds are not the best indicator for what a baby will look like, you can see their latest photo opp here.

This time of year has also been a wonderful time to reconnect with family. Gina's parents spent the Thanksgiving holiday with us in Charlottesville. They helped us prepare the holiday meal and get the majority of our Christmas decorations set up. Don and I also got to see James Madison's residence, Montpelier. I had never been there before and was quite impressed with what they are doing there. The only President residence I have yet to see is Mt. Vernon, which I'm sure we'll see before we graduate and move on.

My mom has also been in Virginia helping Katie and Joe with Ella while Joe took his law school finals and Katie worked her last few days on Capitol Hill. She will begin working for the American Diabetes Association in January, which is much closer to their house and has more family-friendly working hours. We are all excited for the many ways God is blessing their family. My dad will round out the Alexander roster when he arrives on Tuesday. This will prove to be another wonderful holiday, just as Thanksgiving was.

That's all the news for now. Gina and I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to the Christmas season. We want to extend our prayer for a blessed Christmas for you and your family.