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!