Go, Chris, Go!

I am so proud of Chris! He has always wanted to run in a race, and today was his first chance. It's been a tough journey since his knee surgery back in January. He's worked hard and come a long way. He found out earlier this week that there was one at AUM today. He figured he was ready, so went for it. He didn't want me to take pictures until the end, so we don't have any good pre-race ones :)

The group lined up, ready to go.
(Please note all of the army people... just a little intimidating!)

Getting close!

Almost there!

He made it!

Michelle was running too. I don't know if she knows I took this, but I had to! She impresses me- I don't like to sweat, so running and myself will never be friends!

Great job to you both!

Picture Perfect

I have to start by saying that not only is my sister creative, but incredibly talented and amazing! When I put final pictures of Cutter's room on here, I'll have to include the canvas she made for me. That being said among so much not said, she is awesome!

The reason for this post comes from our most recent weekend's festivities. She had the weekend available and my church shower was Sunday, so she headed down to hang out and take my maternity pictures. Yes, MATERNITY PICTURES!!!

We had a BLAST doing them! There was only one stipulation, from all parties involved: no naked bellies. FINE by me! We got up on Saturday and headed out. It got hot, but I had my jug of ice water, changes of clothes, and an extremely cooperative husband.

I don't have all of them yet, but wanted to show some of my favorites that she left with us before trekking back to Charlotte. Thank you so much for a great time, some awesome photographs and ALL of your hard work. I can't wait for you to take more!

These pictures turned out perfectly! Thank you Morgan!

Tradition

Since Chris and I started dating, I have gone to at least one Alabama football game a year. Over the last two years, we've been fortunate enough to buy season tickets, so I can pick which one I want to go to and either sell the others or send Chris on his way.

This year, we decided I would go to the Alabama vs. Penn State game. It would be early enough that I would still be able to travel, and a night game so I would be more comfortable. Either one? Still not really in my favor!

When we got there at 2:00, it was HOT! After trekking to the quad, I had a ring of sweat around me. We met up with some friends. Luckily, it started raining to cool me down. Unfortunately, it made everyone around us stink!

On the quad after the rain

We had tickets (compliments of Chris' boss) to the Scholarship Club, where we were able to sit inside and eat a nice dinner before the game. I enjoyed the sitting! Once we made it into the stadium, I had my own seat on the 40 yard line, about 2o rows up. No climbing ramps!

Best part: I had a great view, could sit in my seat and still watch the tv's around me when others stood, and Alabama won!

I spoke too soon when exiting the stadium: "I made it!" After hiking back to the car, I thought I was going to die! A two hour car ride with the cold air blowing on my feet helped, and I slept better than a baby that night.

I was able to continue my tradition during this football season. I don't know if I want to do it 32 weeks pregnant again!

Moving Right Along

In more ways than one! I looked at the Ticker today and it says I have 49 days left to go. That's less than 50! Of course it is, but less than 50 sounds really close!

I am trying to get things caught up before this weekend hits. My sister is coming to town to take my maternity pictures! I'm pretty excited about this. She does great work, and I think Chris should be fairly cooperative with it. We also have our church shower here this weekend. I am extremely excited about it too, but am trying to go ahead and brace myself for more things I will have to fit into that room. Pretty soon, I'll have to get pictures of the nursery on here. I love it, and can't wait to share it!

32 Weeks

We took pictures again last Thursday. Luckily, I didn't have to rush in the morning to get them done before heading to work. Unfortunately, there is a reason I had more time. At my appointment last Wednesday, my blood sugar was high. Again. Not extremely, but enough to raise an eyebrow and get it checked out. I had to go back after "class" that night and have it checked at the hospital. I then had to go back at 8:00 the next morning, after having NO FOOD for 11 hours. Do you know how hard it is to keep a pregnant woman from eating for that long? I might not have been the happiest person that morning, but I tried to not let it show. Things turned out to be fine. I think I'm just supposed to cut back on my carbs a little. ESPECIALLY leading up to those appointments!

I'm going every other week now, until October. Then I'll start going every week. Weight gain has leveled off a bit. Whew! Blood pressure is good. Emotions are in check, most of the time. I seem to get a little more tired, a little more quickly. Sometimes, my legs feel like giving out. I just sit down then.

School is going well. The girl doing my maternity leave is extremely excited to get in there, and has been in the room every day this week, just to get to know the students and how I do things so that we have as smooth a transition as possible. That is definitely reassuring! I'm still working on my binder for her. See my Confessions post to help understand what a process that is!

All things considered, we're doing well and moving right along!

Weekend Getaway

We decided that over Labor Day weekend, we would take one last trip as "just the two of us." That, and one before I have to stick around town. Sure, we know we'll go on trips together again, but it won't be the same: having to pack Cutter up and ship him off somewhere. (Not that I'll mind or anything.)

We left Friday, after Chris had just driven back into town from trial hours away. A quick and successful stop at Sikes and Kohn and we were off. We got there, got to the room, and crashed. Chris had us booked at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

We spent Saturday and Sunday at the beach. Saturday followed by the Alabama game and Sunday followed by shopping at the outlet malls and lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Sunday evening we went to Poppy's, there at the resort and enjoyed a beautiful sunset while eating dinner. Upon returning to the room, I discovered that my right hand had swelled. Not my feet, not my hands. Just the right one. So, we went down for a soak in the pool. Yes, the pool. It felt great!
We started making our way back on Monday and were able to take our time driving. We had the most relaxing and laid back weekend, one which I think we both needed and were very grateful for. I can't wait until Cutter gets here, but I can't wait for another weekend like this one!

This was the ONLY picture we took together this weekend!

Friends and Family

We are blessed to have such great friends and family. Chris' side threw us our first shower for Cutter at the end of August. We had a blast and received TONS of stuff!

Food, Favors and a Diaper Cake

About to get started!

Chris and the sweater he was brought home in... almost 30 years ago! It was fun to have him there for the games and gifts.

Jim, aka "Poppa", gave a gift of his own... denim jacket, Beatles onesie and a Pink Floyd onesie!

I've found places for it all right now, but we still have 2 showers left to go. It's getting more exciting as we get closer each and every day!

One at a Time

The last time I posted, we had just taken 30 week pictures. That picture came right as we were about to walk out of the house and drive to Huntsville, for our first shower. Since then, life has flown by and has been busier than ever! Things are calming down though as my calendar slowly begins to clear again. Meanwhile, I've gotten a little behind with everything that has happened. So, I'll take things one at a time, and hopefully, get caught up before it all starts over again! This means that I do have some pictures to download and work on.

Yet to come:
~ Friends and Family shower in Huntsville
~ Destin trip for Labor Day
~ 32 Weeks & Updates
~ Alabama vs. Penn State Game

4th Quarter

The song keeps running through my head... "it's the final countdown..." We're getting close when I start to think about it. Now, only about 9 weeks left and to think of all that's left to do! Cutter's room is filling up and my to do lists constantly change. All in all, things continue to go well as we keep moving forward!

30 Weeks