Five Months Later

Much better than the first x-ray picture we posted in September.

Holiday Weekend - UPDATED

Second update: Not buying home. Fell through. Took down pics of us in the snow in the backyard that is not ours, and never will be. Kinda funny. Still on the search for the perfect home for us for the next 5.5 years of our lives. :) Stay tuned.


We stayed pretty busy & had a really nice time. Friday night we had dinner with some friends and then went to listen to a band. Our Baby heard heavy metal for the very first time! I'm sure his or her little hands went up to his or her tiny little bitty ears and closed them as best as possible. It was pretty intense and we were there supporting a friend. Got home LATE for us, around 10:30! Starbucks Saturday AM, then headed in the cold to Barnes & Noble. While we were both enjoying our home decorating & landscaping books we looked outside and it was completely white with falling snow! It was absolutely beautiful. We decided to leave & ride by the house so we could see it with snow on it (and see the Under Contract sign again, thus making it more & more real!) so we took some pictures of the roof with snow on top. After lunch I went to see 27 Dresses with some friends, and then we spent the rest of the day with Damon & Katie. While the boys enjoyed a malt liquor and a cigar on the porch, snow falling all around, Katie & I enjoyed a non-alcoholic beverage and a whole lotta food. That girl can cook and is the best host ever! For dinner, the four of us went to Damon's brothers house for dinner, there were four other families there. Thanks Meredith, it is always so good to see you and the fam!! There were nine kids total, ranging from age one to ten. All absolutely precious and excited b/c they had played in the snow all day! It was a big dose of reality - and really fun to see where our lives are headed.

On the home news, we heard from the sellers this morning, and they've agreed to our requests and now all we have to do is wait until the closing. I'm really looking forward to getting in there & decorating, and Matt can't wait to get in the yard and make it our own little paradise! We're so blessed and thankful. We'll hopefully be all moved in by March - that's the goal, anyway. First dinner party will happen very, very soon!

It's currently 26 degrees outside, the snow is still all over the ground and on parked cars and homes. This is such a great city, and with snow all over, it really became a little Winter Wonderland and we had a great time enjoying this lovely, cozy weather!!

Whoa Baby!!

You're growing so fast already!!!











It looks like a little teeny tiny baby in there! Hard to believe that just four weeks after our first ultrasound, this is what we saw last week. I can only imagine what Baby C will look like in four more weeks. Back to the doctor on February 6 for the anatomy ultrasound, where we will not be looking at the screen. Oh...how hard it will be to not peek, just once!!

Words Seem Inadequate, But I'll Try...

Today was a BIG day for us!!

We went to the Doctor for our second visit. The ultrasound was AMAZING! We already have some bragging rights - our little guy or gal was flipping all over the place, turning upside down & sideways, waving at Mom & Dad, and we even saw one of the precious, tiny hands go into his or her mouth. We may have a little ham on us, everyone, a big show off. Wherever does our baby get that? It was as if our little one knew that all eyes were on him or her, and the excitement was overwhelming. For all three of us!! Heartbeat was 171...we saw the face, the spinal cord, legs and arms, LONG fingers & toes, everything looked healthy so far. Our doctors both said everything looks to be on track for the July 13 due date! Thank you Lord....what an answered prayer, and we know we are blessed. It truly is a miracle.

I hope that one day our little one will know of this blog and perhaps read this, and I just want to write here that Mom and Dad LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Hearing your heartbeat was incredible and our life will never be the same. You have already completely stolen our own hearts.

We have several months to go, lots of growing, lots of changes. We're still going to wait and not find out if we're having a girl or a boy. Many nicknames have been established already!

Photos to come soon!

Much love to all.

Back in the Swing of Things

Well, after four long months I'm actually going back to work tomorrow. It's really hard to believe it has been that long, but here we are in 2008 and I'm amazed at how fast the time has gone by - not to mention all that has happened and how much life has changed.




We are entering 2008 with such bright hopes, and we have so much to look forward to -a new home, a new addition to our family (YAYYYY!!!) and all of the new experiences that will inevitably come our way. I get completely nostalgic when I think about it (imagine that). It just makes me realize in the blink of an eye, things can change. I know we have all had a life changing experience, and for me, I know God allows those things to happen for a reason. Looking back on the last several months I know for an absolute fact that I am not the same person I was six months ago, and one big lesson that immediately comes to mind is that since I have been so dependent on others, it's been really weird having to ask others for help, whether it was a ride somewhere or asking if someone could get a few things from the store for me. But, I have learned that it's ok to do that, because of course I would do it for any of my family and friends without question....but accepting it was something I have almost had to relearn during this. People enjoy helping others in need, which is something I've always known, but I now appreciate so much more. Patience, thankfulness, appreciation for your family and friends, getting support from those you love, giving those you love the support they need...and just simply being the best person you can be to all and enjoying life. That's what matters.

I will never again take the simple task of driving to the grocery store for granted again, and I vow to help those who are so much less fortunate than me. There are so many volunteer programs that I am interested in working with and that is my main goal for this year (among many others!!) so I am looking forward to working with hospitals, shelters, etc......anything to show people who are in need that someone cares! I'm excited about this and I'm writing it down in order to be held accountable for it, so everyone who reads this needs to ask me every now & then how that is going, please!!

Any resolutions for me? To try and remember all of the above every single day.

The old adage is true: Life is fragile, handle with care.

HAPPY 2008 to everyone!

Happy New Year!

We wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Boy, 2007 flew by faster than we ever imagined. There were broken legs, broken arms, bahama trips, skiing trips, and a few other little surprises. What a great year! Anyone have some interesting New Year's resolutions? Leave it in the comment section, we'd like to know. After the break, you'll see some of the more interesting photos of this year.






Here are a few pictures from this year.

Christmas Day

Matt had to work Christmas Day, he was home by about one though,which was a great surprise! When he got home, we had lunch together, opened gifts from our family on SSI (THANK YOU ALL!! We love & miss you!) and then headed up to my Mom's house.
When we got there, we sat around and talked, played a few games and waited on Jessica, Ryan and Joey to get there from NC. Around 6 they arrived, so we hung out for awhile and then had dinner. Mom made a wonderful dinner with SO much food, which was perfect for all of us go back several times. I was stuffed and I don't think I was alone. Then it was time to open gifts which is always so much fun at Mom's!
















Matt had to work Christmas Day, he was home by about one though,which was a great surprise! When he got home, we had lunch together, opened gifts from our family on SSI (THANK YOU ALL!! We love & miss you!) and then headed up to my Mom's house.




When we got there, we sat around and talked, played a few games and waited on Jessica, Ryan and Joey to get there from NC. Around 6 they arrived, so we hung out for awhile and then had dinner. Mom made a wonderful dinner with SO much food, which was perfect for all of us go back several times. I was stuffed and I don't think I was alone. Then it was time to open gifts which is always so much fun at Mom's! It was a large Christmas for everyone. Most importantly, we were all together, we are all healthy, and it was really a blessing to see that everyone is happy. It's easy to get wrapped up in the craziness that is the Holidays, the excitement builds and presents are given, and then you realize that all that matters is family and being together. Matt and I are both so thankful for our family's and as much as we wish we could physically be together more, and especially during Christmas, we know that we're all together in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

Christmas Eve

Matt and I enjoyed what will most likely be one of our last very peaceful, quiet, uninterrupted Christmas Eve dinners right here in our apartment. Just the two of us, we had such a lovely time. He got off work around 1 pm, we did some last minute grocery shopping and then came home, took a nap (which all of my friends keep telling me to enjoy!) and then started preparing our meal. Well, Matt did.







I set the table with our china and crystal and silver that we got for the wedding. I love it all so and use it as often as I can. He made a phenomenal dinner for us! Ham, (yes, I'm eating some pork every now & then!), parmesan green beans, long grain & wild rice with cranberries, and maple glazed carrots.

It was excellent which I consistently and annoyingly said throughout the meal after every single bite. After we cleaned the dishes we exchanged gifts from each other, then watched Matt's new Planet Earth dvds. Spending Christmas Eve with my all time favorite person in the world was a gift in itself, and I could not be more thankful. Merry Christmas everyone!

A little announcement.

Well, friends and family, we have a little announcement. Some of you may already know, but Amy and I are soon to be parents! Yes, I know that many are wondering why or how Amy got pregnant while still on crutches, well let's just say that bed rest wasn't that bad. Today, Amy is officially 8 weeks along and we went to the Ob/Gyn for our first visit. So far, the pregnancy has been relatively easy aside from the all-too-often cramps; no morning sickness (knock on wood), no sleepiness, no problems. The Ob/Gyn visit went great, our little guy/gal got a great bill of health.

I have to admit that the real reason for getting this blog up and running was to have a way to document our little one's major events, and share it with our friends and family who might not live near us. I know that we haven't updated this blog much lately, but I expect that this was just the calm before the storm. We're going to have tons of pictures of Amy's growing belly, and our growing pride. Look over to the right and make sure that you vote in the new poll. We wanna know if you think we should find out the baby's sex.

.....And We're Back!

Ok, it has been way too long! Matt and I are now each a year older since our last post of me in the scooter. I'm taking the hint from all of our loyal readers and finally feel inspired enough to update our blog!

Let's see....the last post had me in a scooter at Publix, and several weeks later, I'm still scooting but we won't share any additional photos of that. Part of our problem is that our camera is broken and with all that's going on, it's sort of the last thing on our mind....but I will admit it's driving us both crazy not having one. All in good time, eh?

So Matt turned the big 3-0 on September 24. Bless his heart, he had to work all day and didn't get home until after ten. I had a great surprise party planned with some of our nearest and dearest, but unfortunately we had to cancel that because of work. I have to give props to Katie and Ginny - two of my best girlfriends who helped me still manage to somewhat give my husband a great day. Katie drove me all over the Highlands looking for a gift. We finally settled on cooking classes for us both to share together! We're excited about it. Then she took me to Whole Foods (are you following? I still can't drive) and got a delicious meal courtesy of their fab deli. Ginny picked up a gorgeous and absolutely heavenly chocolate birthday cake, we three girls met at our apartment, shared wine and stories and when they left I did my best to prepare for Matt to get home! I couldn't have done it without the two of them, so thank you so much! It wasn't what I had imagined for his birthday, but we were together and able to celebrate the best we could have! Sometimes, simple is best, though.

I'm working from home, which is still going well. Although last week I was SO sad to have to back out of a business trip to NYC because I didn't need to go on the crutches. And that's a big deal because I adore that city. Next time, for sure. Physical therapy is going well - I have ridden the stationary bike twice, I'm able to put a small amount of weights on the right leg while I'm there, and that's quite exciting. My next appointment is November 29 and I'll definitely update on my status at that time.

Matt and I have had some busy weekends this fall, and during November we won't be home for one weekend, which all means one thing: the holidays are approaching! It's crazy to think that 2007 is in the fourth quarter - time is flying. We're heading to Charleston, Highlands NC, and Lake Oconee in November and then we'll be home for Thanksgiving week. We haven't been home since July so it's long overdue. Very much looking forward to that week. Matt works constantly, he's going in at 6 AM and coming home between 7-10 PM, so he deserves some time off, and spending some QT together makes me smile just thinking about it.

Other news...my sister Jessica got engaged! We're so excited for them and loads of planning is underway, as all of you well know from your own experience. Parties, showers, and the wedding itself - we are so happy for Jess, Ryan, and Baby J!

For my birthday I had lunch with Mom, Jocelyn and Melissa that afternoon while Matt was working....then that night Matt took me out for a lovely dinner, gave me an awesome outfit that he picked out, I swear that man has the best taste in the world. So much better than mine! He brought me flowers and a wonderful cheesecake to boot. It was perfect! I didn't want to celebrate any more than that, (you all don't believe me, do you? You shouldn't!) but my friends and sister Melissa surprised me with a girls dinner the next night which was SUCH a surprise and meant so much to me too! After a great night out, Sissy brought me home....I have to say it was a lovely birthday as most of them are, even when turning over 30. Gosh, am I really?!?

So that's what's been happening with us. I hope this post is going to sustain our avid readers (all three of you) until we can post some pictures.

XOXOXOXO



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Saturday: Scooter Edition

We decided to head out to the store Saturday morning for some football snacks. There are a few things that I didn't expect to encounter this early in life, but today I've eliminated one of those. Its the grocery store scooter. Two weeks ago, I never thought that I would park in the handicap spot, unload Amy, then hurry in to the story to reserve the scooter.
















After getting used to it, Amy scooted with the best of them, dodging kids, soccer moms and other fellow scooters with ease. The good news is that she'll be a pro when we need the scooter indefinitely.

We're Half Mexican

In case you didn't know it, Amy and I might be half Mexican. We could eat Mexican food 6 days a week without a doubt. Despite Amy's gimped up leg, tonight we decided to head out and grab some Mexican food.

I guess that everyone has their local Mexican "restaurant." When I say this, it can't just be any restaurant food serving up burritos or tacos; it has to be greasy, loaded with taco meat, and serving ice cold beer with a lime. Well, our local Mexican restaurant is Carmaba Cafe over on North Highland, which is a little family-owned place serving hot tacos, spicy salsa and tasty taco meat.

Amy was a total trooper tonight, crutching her way down three flights of stairs, across a parking lot and into the car. Then, through the restaurant and all the way back home again after we ate.

It was a great night and we invite to anyone to let us know their favorite mexican restaurant in the comments, tu comprende?

Dinner and drinks

What a great night! Damon and Katie came over and brought a wonderful meal to cook.

Amy and I needed a nice home cooked meal. We've been eating out more frequently than we usually do, so a nice home cooked meal was great. Though, I must admit, Amy's mother has been spoiling us with southern cooking and "mom" cooking that we have been without for some time.

Katie and Damon whipped up some great fish, baked vegetable medley, and baked corn. It was a wonderful dinner, and it was great seeing friends!

A Laborious Labor Day

Well, well, well. What a weekend. As you can see from the picture, the Labor Day weekend was not without incident. I can't tell you how much we were looking forward to a wonderful weekend in the Bahamas. As we all know, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Well, that's what happened here.


We flew directly from Atlanta to Marsh Harbor (via Miami), which was a lot easier than driving from Atlanta to Daytona then flying out from there. So, we got there Thursday afternoon, and had a wonderful first day.



Day 2: The real fun begins. We decided to go fishing off the coast that morning, so we all packed up and headed out for the day. Amy caught started off a great day with a nice Wahoo, which you can see in the pic.






We spent several hours hitting a couple of fishing holes that the Rentz's knew about, then decided to head towards a herd of boats we thought may know something that we didn't.





As we sped up, a series of swells popped the boat's bow in the air, which popped Amy up in the air. She popped up enough to almost get her feet underneath her. The boat then started to come up for another swell as she was coming down. The Result: Amy's broken leg. Fortunately, we were able to get the leg splinted with some life vest and a bait net. Sadly, my idea of using a "harpoon" was unsucessful. The local EMS met us at the shore after an hour long ride to shore. There, we got to a local doctors office where we x-rayed, attempted to reduce, then casted her leg.




After arriving back at the Rentz's house, we consulted with a few Orthopods who let us know that there wasn't much to do over the Labor Day weekend. Thus, we decided to stick around in the Bahamas for the weekend. Heck, if you have to sit around in a cast, it might as well be next to a pool, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean drinking Kaliks.

We made it home safely, and Amy had surgery on her leg several days later. She's doing well and can't wait to get back out on the water...yeah right.

(Dawn in Abaco)

Labor Day Weekend

Went to Bahamas. Broke my leg.
More to come!