Friends from Kentucky

Some friends from Louisville traveled to Nashville today to meet Clay and hang out for a little while. Leigh, Renee, Evetta and Emily were co-workers of mine at the law firm where I worked right before we moved. It was so nice to see everyone again! I was pleasantly surprised and very touched when they told me they were driving over for the day. Thanks for making the trip, girls. You all are so sweet! I hope you know you are welcome back to my house anytime. And, Clay loved you all!!!

I can't believe Clay is 4 weeks old!

The past few weeks have gone by so quickly! Not to state the obvious, but our lives have changed dramatically since Clay arrived four weeks ago. I can't remember what it feels like to be completely rested and refreshed when I wake up in the morning. I also can't remember what it feels like to have lots of free time to do whatever I want. Despite the lack of sleep and the absence of free time, I am so happy to be a mom! Clay is such a joy. I look forward to holding him everyday and I am just so thankful God sent this little person - who bears a slight resemblance to me - into my life.

It's so much fun watching his little personality emerge as he becomes more aware of what's going on around him. Rob and I get so tickled at his facial expressions and noises. He has to be the noisiest baby I have ever been around. And, I'm not talking about crying. (He only cries if he needs something.) I mean other noises: snorts, grunts, coos, sighs, screeches, hums, etc. My mom said we might have to get a muffler for him!

Caden and Clay in their matching jammies and pacifiers

Clay practicing his signature pout

He now weighs 7 pounds, 14 ounces and his eyes are still blue. He finally made it out of preemie diapers and into newborn size diapers - Mama is so proud. (He has tiny little hips and legs, so preemie diapers were the only kind that fit.) I can't wait to see what is in store for us this next month!

Mr. Smiley Face

I've started calling Clay "Mr. Smiley Face" because he is now blessing us with his sweet little grins a few times a day. He started smiling almost two weeks ago, but they only appeared when he was dozing off. I call these his "practice smiles" because they are not directed at anyone - or anything. Now, he is starting to smile when he looks directly at me. Of course, he still smiles at no one sometimes, but hey, he's making progress! Last Sunday he smiled at my reflection in the mirror while my mom was holding him and all three of us were looking in the mirror. It was too cute!

This is the best picture I could get of him smiling. He usually starts smiling when my camera is three rooms away! Rob said this is his "I'm terrified" grin. Silly Rob!

Happy Birthday, Rob!

On Sunday, Rob turned 33! Happy Birthday, Sweetie! Thanks for being a great husband and a great father. I know all you really wanted for your birthday was more sleep, but unfortunately, it wasn't in the cards. (Clay sincerely apologizes.) Maybe next year your birthday wish will come true? Until then, thanks for being a good sport! We love you!

Two Thanksgivings

For our first Thanksgiving holiday as a family of three, we celebrated on Thursday AND Friday with our families. On Thursday, we went to B.B. and Grandpa Peter's house for a slightly nontraditional, but very delicious, Thanksgiving dinner. Clay thoroughly enjoyed his first visit to B.B.'s house! Rob and I also enjoyed our visit and we are so thankful to live within ten minutes of one set of grandparents. Thanks for such a wonderful dinner, B.B. and Grandpa Peter!

On Friday, we spent the day at our own house with my parents, Michael, Shay, Caden and Scott. It was our first Thanksgiving in Nashville and the first Thanksgiving in our new house. It was a great day and an excellent opportunity to see how well my house "works" for family holidays. I can't take credit for any of the cooking, however. My mom and sister-in-law prepared all the side dishes and my brother, Michael, fried the turkey. Thanks for making such a spectacular meal everyone! I have so much to be thankful for this year and I couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving holiday!

Guess who is one week old...

....CLAY!!!

Happy One Week Birthday, Sweet Pea!

We Love You!

Clay Robert is here!

Our little bundle of joy arrived on Wednesday, November 19th at 3:52 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. and he was 20.25 inches long. I was scheduled to be induced on the morning of November 19th; however, I ended up going into labor on my own the night before. We arrived at the hospital on Wednesday morning around 6:00 and Clay was born later that afternoon. We are so happy he is here! He is so precious - I just can't get enough of him!

Today is my due date!

Today is my due date, but I don't think Baby Clay knows! I'm being patient because I know the little guy has to come out eventually. My doctor will not let me go a week past my due date and my next doctor's appointment is Monday. So, if he hasn't made an appearance by Monday morning at 8:30, I may be induced soon thereafter.

We will keep everyone posted! Rob and I are soooo excited about meeting our first baby any day now. We really appreciate all the sweet comments, emails, messages and phone calls we've received recently. It's so comforting to know everyone else is excited about our little one too!

He's still moving around A LOT and I've had a few contractions and pains, but nothing significant yet... Come on, Clay! Today would be a great day for your birthday!!! :)

Happy Halloween - a day late!

Caden's pumpkin in honor of his new (and only) tooth!

Hope everyone had a spook-tacular Halloween! (I'm such a nerd, I know.) Here are a few pictures of our Halloween preparations this year. We carved pumpkins, bought lots of candy, and Rob even dressed up as "Joe the Plumber". I, however, chose to remain myself this year. I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather be right now. On a side note, before Rob took that picture of me yesterday, he said - rather sarcastically - "I like the Sarah Palin thing you have going with your hair today." I was like, huh??? But, then I had to admit my hair did sort of look like Sarah Palin's when she puts it up on top of her head. It was totally unintentional on my part, but I got a good laugh out of it. So, for all practical purposes, I dressed as (a very pregnant) Sarah Palin this year. We were a very politically themed couple!

Nashville Baby Shower

On Saturday, October 25, some good friends in Nashville hosted a couples' baby shower for us. It was so much fun! We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with good friends, watching football, eating delicious food and opening presents! Preparing for Baby Clay's arrival has been so much fun. A HUGE thank you to everyone who has made this time in our lives so wonderful. I can't wait for him to get here so he can meet everyone!

10-Year High School Reunion

This weekend is my 10-year high school reunion in Slidell, Louisiana. I attended Northshore High School from 1994-1998, and it seems like it was a hundred years ago rather than just ten! Due to the fact that I am 36 weeks pregnant, I can't go. I'm a little disappointed because I would love to see everyone again. However, at the same time, I don't feel like I could make such a long trip either by plane or by car. So, to all my friends who are attending what I'm sure will be a fabulous party, have fun and take lots of pictures!!!! I would love to see how everyone has changed over the last ten years. I, as most everyone knows, am no longer rockin' this super-short haircut. These pictures were taken at our Senior Prom at the Abita Quail Farm in Abita Springs, Louisiana. From what I can remember, we all had a wonderful time!

Knoxville Baby Shower

On Sunday, October 5th, my sweet friends from Knoxville threw me an amazing baby shower at Gettysvue Country Club. I had the best time catching up with everyone and relishing in my "pregnant-ness". It still seems surreal to me that all these preparations and celebrations are for MY baby. A part of me still feels like I am there celebrating someone else's little bundle of joy. Is that crazy???

Once again, I was overwhelmed with everyone's generosity and outpouring of love and support! Thank you all for a wonderful afternoon spent talking, laughing, drinking (not me, of course!), eating and reminiscing with some of my favorite people in the whole world!

Baby Shower

On Saturday, September 20, I had my first baby shower at my mom's house in Jefferson City, TN. It was wonderful! Words cannot express how grateful I am for all the planning, hard work, little details and love that went into such a fabulous party. The theme was Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and I was overwhelmed with the generosity of all the guests and the hostesses.

Thank you, thank you for everything! I'm so thrilled to be surrounded by so much excitement and support while waiting for Baby Clay's arrival.