Nora Ella's First Baby Shower

Well I think I've finally recovered from this past weekend. Traveling is not so much fun these days what with having to sleep in a strange bed and all the driving. But it was indeed a wonderful weekend even though it was jam packed and flew by!

First let me say thank you to all my sweet friends who threw us the shower. It seems like just yesterday I was unwrapping blenders, bed sheets and china and I know a little over a year is short turn around for shower hosting, so thank you!

Susan Moll (our ring leader), Shanon (my big sis), Susan Stabler (guest who traveled the furthest), Anita (injured but still contributed behind the scenes) and Kristin (the hostess with the most-ess) turned Susan's house into a baby shower machine. Everything looked so lovely from the balloons on the mailbox to the wreath on the door and the table and flowers everywhere. We were treated with brownie sundaes and toppings galore and I really don't think I've been to a yummier shower.

We skipped the games and I don't think anyone noticed. I almost didn't notice. I guess they remembered how competitive I am when it comes to winning shower games and they didn't want to go there just in case I lost. It turned out to be a good thing because we couldn't waste any time with all the presents I had to open. I bet we went steady on the present opening for about an hour and 15 minutes.

It was very overwhelming and hot. HA! I was burning up and made Susan kick her ceiling fan into high gear. We had around 30 guests and many people who couldn't make it sent gifts so there was paper and bows and bags OH MY flying everywhere.

To recap on the gifts: I got some stuff off my registry including our play yard, diaper champ, tummy time toy, exersaucer, capri stroller, mobile, mattress, bouncer, bath tub, booster seat, boppy & monitor! And if that wasn't enough! We got so many lovely handmade gifts like bibs, burp cloths, towels, blankets, & onesies. Of course we got some adorable outfits and practical items as well. Brannan's step mother is very talented and made us a gaggle of gifts including a smocked gown with matching bonnet and booties as well as a blanket, two stuffed dolls, a taggy blanket and a sweet little crocheted cape and booties!

There is nothing like a shower to make you realize how much people love you and your family. I really can't describe how thankful I am to everyone who has been so supportive and loving to us during this time. I know that Nora coming into our world was very unexpected but I wouldn't change this time in our lives for anything. I love Nora Ella and Brannan more than I thought my heart was capable of loving anyone.

It was a wonderful, wonderful day and I've included some pictures!

My 29th Birthday

Where to begin?

Let's start with 29 sounds alot older than 28. I'm not obsessed with age by any means but I'm just saying, it really does sound much older. When I was 16 I worked at dry cleaners in Birmingham and there was this really hot guy that always came in to get is dry cleaning. He was 25. I thought he was so mature and I would have given my right arm to have been 18 (not that he would have dated an 18 year old - but you know what I mean). So I think about Mr. Scott Black (yes I remember his name) and I think, I am now 4 years older than he was then. That, more than anything makes me feel old.

I don't think it helps that I'm pregnant and I can't roll over, bend over, get out of bed, stand up or climb stairs without totally exhausting myself. I know this is a temporary situation but add it to a birthday and it makes me feel really old.

I really do love my birthday. I never work on my birthday, it is a rule of mine I've kept my entire adult life and I don't mind burning a vacation day at all. I actually found it very natural not to be at work yesterday, oh well, I better not get use to that. I've been under the weather for about a week and a half so I don't have my normal energy level but I still had a great birthday. It was quiet, which is fine since my life will never be quiet again in...oh...about three months. My parents came up on Sunday and we went to lunch and did some light shopping. Then my mother and I made dinner Sunday night and I made a chocolate covered cherry bundt cake that was really delicious (thanks old lady at church for the recipe). My mom and dad gave me some perfume that was well received since I've been hinting around for SOMEONE to buy me perfume for about 6 months.

On Monday (my actual birthday) we had our 4D ultrasound appointment for Miss Nora Ella (and yes she is still a girl, whew). It was wonderful, she slept through the whole thing because I had her drugged up on decongestant medicine (doctor prescribed, don't worry) but she did move a little here and there and I must say she is the cutest baby in the entire world. Easy. Sorry other moms. Here are some pictures for proof:






My parents headed home after the ultrasound and lunch and I spent the afternoon looking at her pictures over and over again. I love her so much. I can't wait for her to get here. Even if that means staying up all night and changing diapers. I just love her beyond my own comprehension.

Brannan and I were going to go out to dinner last night but neither us felt up to it so we ordered Chinese takeout (which was delicious) and watched a movie. My sweet husband bought me a figurine of a mother and baby (which I loved) and I got the prettiest card from him. The best present was that he finally cleaned the garage out so I could park inside last night since this is about to be the coldest week in like 10 years in Huntsville.

It was a wonderful birthday.

Finally a New Post!

I took a major hiatus over the holidays. But I'm going to try and get back into the swing of things.

Let's see. In a nutshell. We went home for Christmas and it was wonderful. I really miss being in Birmingham and it was just so nice to be with Mom & Dad again. I got home on Christmas Eve and baked some goodies before heading to my Aunt Martha's for the evening. We also went to the 11 pm service at Asbury UMC, if we do the late service next year I'll be sure to squeeze a nap in first...it was a little tough during the message to stay concentrated.

Christmas morning Brannan and I were with my mom and dad and we had a great morning. Brannan and I bought a camcorder for ourselves as our Christmas present and we waited until Christmas morning to bust it out. I also got him a new body for his gas powered remote control truck and a gift card to Gander Mountain. However, I was trumped. Even though we weren't suppose to get each other much more he surprised me with a pair of diamond earrings. I was genuinely shocked and cried uncontrollably (hormones), it was just such a sweet and thoughtful thing to do, I love him.

Then we headed over to Brannan's Dad's house followed by his Mom's house and had a nice afternoon visiting with the family. Brannan left for Arkansas the day after Christmas freeing me up to do my own thing (always good). I picked out my fabrics for the nursery, did a little shopping with mom, Shanon & Susan, had lunch one day with my cousins and aunts, registerd for some more stuff for Nora, and managed to eat lunch at Edgars twice in one week (perfection).

We came home for a few days for New Year's because Brannan had to work and we made it over to Mark & Leslie's for a New Year's party among friends. Then we headed BACK home to Birmingham for a party on Friday night with my best friends from High School. It was a great night. Everyone and their others were there, a rare gathering that never happens. They surprised Brannan and I with our highchair. So great of them to do that for us and we really appreciated it and their friendship.

It was a wonderful vacation and I hate that I'm back at work and with a cold to top it off! But life goes on and everyday can't be Christmas.