So we have officially been parents for two weeks. The initial gift giving of food, flowers, and friendly visits have ended. The parents have gone home (as in we aren't being cared for, but Chris' parents come visit Monty weekly!) and we are navigating these waters ourselves. Well with the assistance of many texts and the internet.
The joys of breast feeding came immediately. He wasn't even a week old before I was able to experience engorgement at it's highest level. I was able to call the "hotline" the hospital offers to get some assistance (which was much needed as I was getting conflicting advice from all the previous mothers). They werre very helpful and I have needed those tips even this week- as the issue continues to rear it's ugly head as we fine tune feedings.
We were able to make a second appointment at the pediatrician this week. Monty now weights 7lbs 8 oz. That chunker has managed to gain back his birth weight and then some! He was in the 40th percentile for length and 50th for weight. The nurse practitioner cleared us to start tummy time and gave some other suggestions for his dry skin. The big "issue" was his reflux. For that we should go back a bit...
On Sunday we were supposed to have our baby photo shoot. The photographer came to the house and set up. Prior to his arrival, Monty had lossed the contents of his breakfast over the course of a few spit ups. When she tried to work with him he was tired, hungry, cold (because he was stripped down to his diaper for the cute baby pictures), and appeared to be in pain. I had started to suspect reflux, but on the day we scheduled the images to capture his "newness" he had the worst day of his life. He was pretty much unconsolable. We tried feeding him and rocking him, swaddling and rocking....all was a failure. After two hours and not a single photo, we decided to reschedule for this weekend. I had Chris move the Tuesday appointment at the pediatrician to Monday. I wanted this baby to get some relief as soon as possible.
In the mean time I altered his feeding schedule to shorter meals and added in an extra feeding to make up for the reduced intake. I kept him at an angle during feedings and for 30 minutes afterwards to reduce the reflux symptoms. All of this with the Prevacid he is now taking is working wonders. He is still having some vomiting, but not nearly as much as he doesn't sppear to be pained.
We have gotten into some routine with our lives for this current 3 hour cycle of feedings, playing, and sleepting. Following Baby Wise has been genious for us as we like having the routine and knowing.
Two weeks in and it seems like we have been living this life so much longer...
Again, I have images to upload after we have changed the security settings on the blog. If you are interested in maintaining access please let me know so I can share the password with you :)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Birth Day
On Saturday January 12th I was supposed to help with officer
transition for Alpha Delta Pi. I was was my last duty as an adviser and
since I had shown little sign of giving birth, I had confirmed my
attendance the night before. I set my alarm to shower and prepare but I
wasn't feeling well when the time came. I sent a message to the group
saying I would be late attending.
By 10am I was pretty sure the contractions I was feeling had a pattern. They were no longer random in appearance and so I timed them. Sure enough they were about ten minutes apart. Nothing to alert the media about, but I was indeed making progress. I had read enough and talked to my OB enough to know that we could still be a ways away from going to the hospital- let alone having a baby. I knew I wouldn't have the quick birth story like Rhonda. Little did I know Monty wanted his story to be the opposite.
We watched football during the day and Chris asked me what I thought about grabbing some food for the Falcon's game on Sunday. Apparently I had not been clear enough. I was having contractions every eight to ten minutes. We aren't planning anything for the Falcon's game in 24 hours!
During the Raven's game my contractions finally started looking about 4-5 minutes apart. I was clear to call the doctor after almost 10 hours of laboring at home. I had been too excited and nervous all day to rest. I had spent most of the day doing final clean up around the house (damn nesting) and watching TV. Now at 8:30 I realized I was tired, nervous, and headed to the hospital!
The nurse midwife reminded me that my practice was not on call at Northside Forsyth that evening and that I would have an associate doctor deliver Monty. I forced Chris out of the house prior to the overtime field goal kick that sent the Broncos packing. My contractions were about 3 minutes apart and as much as I wanted to see the end of that game, I was ready to get some pain relief. He (we) would have to hear about the end of the game through text messages and my ESPN app on my cell phone.
We checked into the hospital with ease. I had already done most of the paperwork online prior, so I just had to slide them my insurance card and my admissions letter. We were wisked back to a huge delivery room just like the one we had seen on the tour. The nurse's desk that we strolled past was full of staff- all waiting for a patient to roll in. We were waited on by ne nurse directly, but three more came in to help prepare the room and help me get strapped onto all of the machines. I was asked a few (read *a lot*) more medical questions and then waited for the anesthesia to come around. My contractions slowed down a lot since we left the house. We were back to 4-6 minutes apart. Apparently that is common when women get to the hospital?
I was introduced to a midwife that was part of the support team. She would be delivering Monty and an OB would be joining at the end (as she was new to that particular practice and her team still required observations of birth- even though she clearly had experience). The OB also made a pit stop in the room. Dr. McDonald was very nice and even though this wasn't the team I had been working with during the past nine months, I felt very comfortable with the current situation. I was only 3-4 cm dilated so they didn't anticipate a baby till at earliest 5 am. At this point it was clear we needed some drugs. I needed to rest!
Anesthesia was able to come in around 10pm and I was able to enjoy that wonderful "hospital rest" where someone is coming in the room to move you or check a vital at least every hour. At one of these points they did break my water and later (as contractions had slowed down again) I was put on Pitocin. I was in some pretty significant discomfort by 5am and our midwife determined it was time to work on getting that baby out!
I don't have the best awareness of time during this period which is probably for the best. At some point Dr. McDonald came back to check our progress and decided to stay and continue the delivery himself. I would say this was 90 minutes in....It was a long day but I was glad to have a good delivery team.
Monty made his appearance at almost 8am on his due date- January 13th. It was a long birth for sure but hearing his healthy squeals, knowing he had high APGAR scores (8 and 9), and finally seeing that little face was all worth it. I'm glad you truly can forget a lot of what leads up to delivery- otherwise every child would be an only child!
Shortly after delivery, Chris' parents were able to come in and see Monty. He had his first bath in that room and the nurses helped me get comfortable in my personal PJ's. We were packed up and moved to the long term room within 2 hours of his birth.
Northside Forsyth gave us a smaller room to call our own for the next three nights. It was a simple hospital bed, rocker, sofa/bed and bathroom. Out of our door was the nursery, where we could drop Monty off should we need some respite time (otherwise he was bunking with us!). There was a pantry/kitchen area where they offered snacks and drinks for us to have- soups, crackers, juices. There was a fridge that we could store our personal food items in as well.
My parents joined us that afternoon to meet Mr. Monts. We cleared the room of visitors in time to watch the Falcon's play the Seahawks (and for Monty to eat!). I feel as if I spent most of the game in a haze as I don't remember much of the game but I was watching it. I guess that is what happens when you are operating on 3 hours of hospital rest! Chris was able to celebrate the greatest day ever when the Falcon's won the game with a field goal. He ran out to the parking lot to celebrate without fear of his noise disturbing other babies or mommies.
Our routine at the hospital was great. My mom ran errands for me during the day (just when you think you have everything organized for a baby you need more medications or clothes to fit the baby that is smaller than he was supposed to be!), we had family visit us and meet Monty, and had lots of check ins and check ups by the doctors. Monty stayed with us at night except for one three hour stretch (so we could ensure rest at that time). The nurses were found holding him during those times. Can't blame them- he is a cutie.
We were dismissed from the hospital on Wednesday evening when they cleared Monty of any infection. He had some reflux in the hospital they were a little concerned about- but it turned out to be nothing serious.
My mom and dad stayed with us for a couple of nights to help get us situated. Oh let's be honest- I needed my mom to help me! Some of the processes ofh becoming a mother are best comforted and explained at the hands of your own mother. It was nice to have someone help with laundry and cooking too. She helped run more errands- picking up prescriptions for me, vitamin D supplement for Monty, and ice packs for me. She organized the clothes better (since we now knew how small he really was we could store everything that didn't say NEWBORN) and helped set up our diaper stations around the house (even changed a few herself). I did get to sneak away during the first 48 hours home too- by running a little errand with my parents and having lunch. Chris used to the time to visit with his parents and let them have some more time with Monty.
With the help of the book Baby Wise, I was able to develop a feed-wake-sleep cycle for us. It helped to keep us organized as well as Monty. He was able to sleep longer through the night than we initially anticipated (joyous) because he was such a good eater. He had lost weight in the hospital that dropped him to the 5lb range (not sure the oz) but at his first appointment with the pediatrician he had gotten back up to 6lbs and they were pleased with his growth.
I am pleased to report that with the support of my husband I have been able to get more sleep than I expected, get a shower at least every other day (to include drying and curling my hair), and have enjoyed makeup more days than not. I have found comfort in yoga pants, but I have donned jeans and sweaters as well. Monty has entertained himself in a bouncy seat or a swing so I could cook a dinner, unpack my winter clothes/store my summer clothes/pack up maternity clothes, write thank you notes, etc. He has demonstrated the ability to catch a nap in the quiet of his room as well as the noise of the living room. He and daddy have a nice morning routine which has given daddy the expert level abilities of calming a fussy baby and getting that tricky burp.
I have lots of pictures to post, but I need to change the security settings of the blog first. If you would like to continue to receive notices about his blog and be able to access it please make sure I have your email address so I can get you the password :)
By 10am I was pretty sure the contractions I was feeling had a pattern. They were no longer random in appearance and so I timed them. Sure enough they were about ten minutes apart. Nothing to alert the media about, but I was indeed making progress. I had read enough and talked to my OB enough to know that we could still be a ways away from going to the hospital- let alone having a baby. I knew I wouldn't have the quick birth story like Rhonda. Little did I know Monty wanted his story to be the opposite.
We watched football during the day and Chris asked me what I thought about grabbing some food for the Falcon's game on Sunday. Apparently I had not been clear enough. I was having contractions every eight to ten minutes. We aren't planning anything for the Falcon's game in 24 hours!
During the Raven's game my contractions finally started looking about 4-5 minutes apart. I was clear to call the doctor after almost 10 hours of laboring at home. I had been too excited and nervous all day to rest. I had spent most of the day doing final clean up around the house (damn nesting) and watching TV. Now at 8:30 I realized I was tired, nervous, and headed to the hospital!
The nurse midwife reminded me that my practice was not on call at Northside Forsyth that evening and that I would have an associate doctor deliver Monty. I forced Chris out of the house prior to the overtime field goal kick that sent the Broncos packing. My contractions were about 3 minutes apart and as much as I wanted to see the end of that game, I was ready to get some pain relief. He (we) would have to hear about the end of the game through text messages and my ESPN app on my cell phone.
We checked into the hospital with ease. I had already done most of the paperwork online prior, so I just had to slide them my insurance card and my admissions letter. We were wisked back to a huge delivery room just like the one we had seen on the tour. The nurse's desk that we strolled past was full of staff- all waiting for a patient to roll in. We were waited on by ne nurse directly, but three more came in to help prepare the room and help me get strapped onto all of the machines. I was asked a few (read *a lot*) more medical questions and then waited for the anesthesia to come around. My contractions slowed down a lot since we left the house. We were back to 4-6 minutes apart. Apparently that is common when women get to the hospital?
I was introduced to a midwife that was part of the support team. She would be delivering Monty and an OB would be joining at the end (as she was new to that particular practice and her team still required observations of birth- even though she clearly had experience). The OB also made a pit stop in the room. Dr. McDonald was very nice and even though this wasn't the team I had been working with during the past nine months, I felt very comfortable with the current situation. I was only 3-4 cm dilated so they didn't anticipate a baby till at earliest 5 am. At this point it was clear we needed some drugs. I needed to rest!
Anesthesia was able to come in around 10pm and I was able to enjoy that wonderful "hospital rest" where someone is coming in the room to move you or check a vital at least every hour. At one of these points they did break my water and later (as contractions had slowed down again) I was put on Pitocin. I was in some pretty significant discomfort by 5am and our midwife determined it was time to work on getting that baby out!
I don't have the best awareness of time during this period which is probably for the best. At some point Dr. McDonald came back to check our progress and decided to stay and continue the delivery himself. I would say this was 90 minutes in....It was a long day but I was glad to have a good delivery team.
Monty made his appearance at almost 8am on his due date- January 13th. It was a long birth for sure but hearing his healthy squeals, knowing he had high APGAR scores (8 and 9), and finally seeing that little face was all worth it. I'm glad you truly can forget a lot of what leads up to delivery- otherwise every child would be an only child!
Shortly after delivery, Chris' parents were able to come in and see Monty. He had his first bath in that room and the nurses helped me get comfortable in my personal PJ's. We were packed up and moved to the long term room within 2 hours of his birth.
Northside Forsyth gave us a smaller room to call our own for the next three nights. It was a simple hospital bed, rocker, sofa/bed and bathroom. Out of our door was the nursery, where we could drop Monty off should we need some respite time (otherwise he was bunking with us!). There was a pantry/kitchen area where they offered snacks and drinks for us to have- soups, crackers, juices. There was a fridge that we could store our personal food items in as well.
My parents joined us that afternoon to meet Mr. Monts. We cleared the room of visitors in time to watch the Falcon's play the Seahawks (and for Monty to eat!). I feel as if I spent most of the game in a haze as I don't remember much of the game but I was watching it. I guess that is what happens when you are operating on 3 hours of hospital rest! Chris was able to celebrate the greatest day ever when the Falcon's won the game with a field goal. He ran out to the parking lot to celebrate without fear of his noise disturbing other babies or mommies.
Our routine at the hospital was great. My mom ran errands for me during the day (just when you think you have everything organized for a baby you need more medications or clothes to fit the baby that is smaller than he was supposed to be!), we had family visit us and meet Monty, and had lots of check ins and check ups by the doctors. Monty stayed with us at night except for one three hour stretch (so we could ensure rest at that time). The nurses were found holding him during those times. Can't blame them- he is a cutie.
We were dismissed from the hospital on Wednesday evening when they cleared Monty of any infection. He had some reflux in the hospital they were a little concerned about- but it turned out to be nothing serious.
My mom and dad stayed with us for a couple of nights to help get us situated. Oh let's be honest- I needed my mom to help me! Some of the processes ofh becoming a mother are best comforted and explained at the hands of your own mother. It was nice to have someone help with laundry and cooking too. She helped run more errands- picking up prescriptions for me, vitamin D supplement for Monty, and ice packs for me. She organized the clothes better (since we now knew how small he really was we could store everything that didn't say NEWBORN) and helped set up our diaper stations around the house (even changed a few herself). I did get to sneak away during the first 48 hours home too- by running a little errand with my parents and having lunch. Chris used to the time to visit with his parents and let them have some more time with Monty.
With the help of the book Baby Wise, I was able to develop a feed-wake-sleep cycle for us. It helped to keep us organized as well as Monty. He was able to sleep longer through the night than we initially anticipated (joyous) because he was such a good eater. He had lost weight in the hospital that dropped him to the 5lb range (not sure the oz) but at his first appointment with the pediatrician he had gotten back up to 6lbs and they were pleased with his growth.
I am pleased to report that with the support of my husband I have been able to get more sleep than I expected, get a shower at least every other day (to include drying and curling my hair), and have enjoyed makeup more days than not. I have found comfort in yoga pants, but I have donned jeans and sweaters as well. Monty has entertained himself in a bouncy seat or a swing so I could cook a dinner, unpack my winter clothes/store my summer clothes/pack up maternity clothes, write thank you notes, etc. He has demonstrated the ability to catch a nap in the quiet of his room as well as the noise of the living room. He and daddy have a nice morning routine which has given daddy the expert level abilities of calming a fussy baby and getting that tricky burp.
I have lots of pictures to post, but I need to change the security settings of the blog first. If you would like to continue to receive notices about his blog and be able to access it please make sure I have your email address so I can get you the password :)
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Ladies First
Yesterday I was bummed (to say the least) to learn I wasn't as far along as I was lead to believe at the previous appointment. Since my practice only rotates as the hospital 3 days per week, we started talking induction (just so we know what days are available worst case scenario).
I tried to call Chris afterwards, but he wasn't available. So I brainstormed and cried with my sister (it's so nice she's not just a mommy but has some serious medical background...). I got a "beep" from my friend Rhonda. At 36 weeks she was sad to learn she was already 2cm! We were literally opposite ends of a spectrum.
I had lunch and then met Rhonda. It was nice to vent (and listen). We ran a baby errand and made plans to get a pedicure this afternoon. I mean- if either of us could be in the hospital soon we should have some cute toes :)
Alas this morning I got the message- Rhonda's water broke at 4am. Baby Charlotte was born at 9:45 this morning at 6lbs 6oz! Under 6 hours and natural birth. AMAZING!! Girl is setting records!
So while I was sad that Monty didn't make the 10th his bday (I was joking he would be on the 10th of the month like me!) it's fun that Charlotte has this day! I'm still 3 days from due and I have had some signs of progress even since yesterday- but I am happy to know Monty will be here no later than the 22nd (induction for sure!).
I like to think Monty's just a gentleman- waiting for the ladies to have their moment. Then he will have his....
Congrats to Rhonda and Luke :) LOVE YOU GUYS!!
I tried to call Chris afterwards, but he wasn't available. So I brainstormed and cried with my sister (it's so nice she's not just a mommy but has some serious medical background...). I got a "beep" from my friend Rhonda. At 36 weeks she was sad to learn she was already 2cm! We were literally opposite ends of a spectrum.
I had lunch and then met Rhonda. It was nice to vent (and listen). We ran a baby errand and made plans to get a pedicure this afternoon. I mean- if either of us could be in the hospital soon we should have some cute toes :)
Alas this morning I got the message- Rhonda's water broke at 4am. Baby Charlotte was born at 9:45 this morning at 6lbs 6oz! Under 6 hours and natural birth. AMAZING!! Girl is setting records!
So while I was sad that Monty didn't make the 10th his bday (I was joking he would be on the 10th of the month like me!) it's fun that Charlotte has this day! I'm still 3 days from due and I have had some signs of progress even since yesterday- but I am happy to know Monty will be here no later than the 22nd (induction for sure!).
I like to think Monty's just a gentleman- waiting for the ladies to have their moment. Then he will have his....
Congrats to Rhonda and Luke :) LOVE YOU GUYS!!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
the sun will come out...tomorrow??
We have made it to the finish line: we can see the end!
Today marks week 39. At my OB appointment last week they declared that things had started to progress so we are confident that Monty will be joining us soon! I am hoping little boy will be with us on the 10th- so we are both born on the 10th of the month ;)
This was our "last weekend" but it seemed we didn't really have anything on our list that had to be done or needed to be completed prior to his arrival. I think that means we have done a great job preparing ourselves and the house for his arrival.
In true nesting fashion we made a list of things we were almost out of (toilet paper, laundry detergent, makeup, etc.) and went ahead and picked it up. Thanks again to my teachers at Shiloh Point for the Target gift card!! This made sure that we don't HAVE to leave the house any time after he is born for anything. When we want to venture out it will be on our terms and if things aren't going well we can go home without needing to make a purchase (in theory anyways!).
This week Chris and I have both spent time combing through the frozen meals that are on sale at the grocery stores (did you know they are always on sale in January?- coupon fact!) and picking up some things we enjoy. I also prepared some meals in advance to freeze for his birth. Hopefully they are good when we pull them out of the freezer! I am my mother's child in the kitchen...
I spent some time on the phone with the OT that is filling in for me. Her concern for making sure everything runs smoothly makes me confident that it will :)
And finally I have the nursery completed. While he won't sleep in the crib for a while, it was nice to have everything completed. His clothes all washed and put away. His many blankets have been cleaned and await his swaddles or tummy time. Pictures have been hung on the walls. Diapers are in baskets.
I took some pictures of the "Sunshine" theme. I think the pictures don't do justice to the finished product, but may be biased ;) I have a friend making the sunshine themed toy bucket- which is the only thing missing at this time!
A special thanks to everyone who gave Monty a present. From new items to hand me downs they are all appreciated. Having a baby is a pricey undertaking to say the least. And more thanks for the advice on what items are needed and what are fluff. I appreciate all the mothers who have gone before recommending books and stores.
I hope the next post is the story of his arrival. Our bags are packed and waiting for the signs...
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| Crib- "Mom" and "Dad" Sunshine Pictures are over the crib. His mobile projects images of the sky too. |
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| Across from the crib is the rocking chair and changing table. All the immediately needed items (including night clothes!) are in the drawers and baskets. The box next to the chair has books inside. |
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| Sunshine Pictures by his two Aunts |
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| Sunshine Pictures by his Grandfathers (left) and Grandmothers (Right) |
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| Sunshine Picture Mom (left) and Dad (right) |
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| Lyrics from Mom hang close to the changing table |
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| Lyrics From Dad hang close to the crib |
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| All of his daily wear outfits are hung up or on the shelf. The clothes he grows into are sorted by size in large bags for easy access. Daddy bought diapers in bulk online, which are in the box overhead. |
Thursday, December 20, 2012
4th Annual Holiday Trip
A few years ago, we had some friends get married in October. Stefanie and Shawn decided to have a "cabin trip" with their closest friends in place of the normal bachelor and bachlorette parties. The trip was a huge success. Everyone had a great time and it was great to "live" with our best friends for a couple of nights.
It was actually SO much fun that the following year Chris and I decided we would look at cabin rentals in the Helen area again. We found one that was super inexpensive and decided to book a weekend. If our friends could come join us that would be great. Worse case scenario, no one wanted to come and we would have the place to ourselves. We had a great turn out. In fact this cemented for all in attendance that this would be an annual tradition.
So the following year we really planned it out much sooner and got input from the group. Chris and I found a place in Gatlinburg, organized the troops, collected the funds, and we went on a trip with our friends. It was at that time we realized the magnitude of the trip. We were all getting older, making more money, and no longer comfortable with air mattresses and sharing living quarters we had tolerated over the previous trips. Demands were going up and therefore the work load was increasing as well. So 2011 we came up with a system to have a co-planner. I would help "transition" in a new person and then that chair would help plan and pass the torch to a new person in 2012. It would help share some of the responsibility while giving the trip new blood and new ideas.
In 2011 I planned my last trip with Jessica. Twickenham House was memorable in SO many ways. The mansion of a home set another milestone of how the trip would be planned. How would it be topped?
This 2012 trip was the first year I wasn't a planner. Huge relief as a pregnant woman but the control freak in me was nervous. Would it live up to the previous years? ABSOLUTELY!
Stefanie and Jessica planned a beautiful weekend in Savannah. I was so glad it wasn't a trip that required a flight or extremely long drive, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to attend.
The Savannah House was perfectly located downtown so that we could walk to most things (even in my pregnant state I waddled downtown multiple times!) and it was stunning (seriously- look at the pictures and video).
Chris had been traveling prior to the Savannah trip, so I drove myself to Savannah. I went to the airport that night and picked up the weary traveler along with friends Brandon and Victoria. Back at the house, the party was getting started for everyone. While I could not participate in the libations, it was really fun to watch everyone else get a little sauced.
We were responsible for preparing breakfast the first day. Friday afternoon we walked down to River Street for lunch with friends (Camie & Mike, Belinda, Stacey, Victoria & Brandon). We continued to walk around and check out some of the shops after we had eaten. Ever the entertainer and gamer, Chris went out to find a board game for the group. We had a nice time gathered around the dining room table playing with friends.
Saturday morning the boys played golf. Chris took a group of hungover friends to a golf course that was next to an airport. Apparently the course was beautiful but the volume was loud. Their logo makes a lot more since to the group now ;)
While the boys played, my sister and Luke came over from Blufton to visit. We went around the corner to The Crystal Beer Parlor (ignore the name- it was a super cute old fashioned restaurant) and then proceeded to walk around the downtown area. After the two pregnant women could walk no more we chatted back at the house for a little bit. It was a fantastic afternoon. I loved getting some snuggle time from my nephew and getting to visit with my sister. Next time we see each other, there will be a new baby for each of us!!
Saturday night we went on a ghost tour. While it wasn't my favorite I have ever been on (I think the best are the walking tours), I did love that I could ride from location to location on the trolley. It made the evening more enjoyable for a pregnant lady! We went to The Olde Pink House which is said to be haunted as well!
We had to check out on Sunday and make the drive back home. It is a bit longer to make the drive with a pregnant lady, so Chris was lucky that I slept a lot of the way back (I wasn't entertaining but I didn't make a lot of pit stops either). We listened to the Falcons play against the Panthers on the way back (lame game).
It was another amazing trip and I am so glad we got to participate. It was my last big adventure before Monty joins us...well at least the last trip!
It was actually SO much fun that the following year Chris and I decided we would look at cabin rentals in the Helen area again. We found one that was super inexpensive and decided to book a weekend. If our friends could come join us that would be great. Worse case scenario, no one wanted to come and we would have the place to ourselves. We had a great turn out. In fact this cemented for all in attendance that this would be an annual tradition.
So the following year we really planned it out much sooner and got input from the group. Chris and I found a place in Gatlinburg, organized the troops, collected the funds, and we went on a trip with our friends. It was at that time we realized the magnitude of the trip. We were all getting older, making more money, and no longer comfortable with air mattresses and sharing living quarters we had tolerated over the previous trips. Demands were going up and therefore the work load was increasing as well. So 2011 we came up with a system to have a co-planner. I would help "transition" in a new person and then that chair would help plan and pass the torch to a new person in 2012. It would help share some of the responsibility while giving the trip new blood and new ideas.
In 2011 I planned my last trip with Jessica. Twickenham House was memorable in SO many ways. The mansion of a home set another milestone of how the trip would be planned. How would it be topped?
This 2012 trip was the first year I wasn't a planner. Huge relief as a pregnant woman but the control freak in me was nervous. Would it live up to the previous years? ABSOLUTELY!
Stefanie and Jessica planned a beautiful weekend in Savannah. I was so glad it wasn't a trip that required a flight or extremely long drive, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to attend.
The Savannah House was perfectly located downtown so that we could walk to most things (even in my pregnant state I waddled downtown multiple times!) and it was stunning (seriously- look at the pictures and video).
Chris had been traveling prior to the Savannah trip, so I drove myself to Savannah. I went to the airport that night and picked up the weary traveler along with friends Brandon and Victoria. Back at the house, the party was getting started for everyone. While I could not participate in the libations, it was really fun to watch everyone else get a little sauced.
We were responsible for preparing breakfast the first day. Friday afternoon we walked down to River Street for lunch with friends (Camie & Mike, Belinda, Stacey, Victoria & Brandon). We continued to walk around and check out some of the shops after we had eaten. Ever the entertainer and gamer, Chris went out to find a board game for the group. We had a nice time gathered around the dining room table playing with friends.
Saturday morning the boys played golf. Chris took a group of hungover friends to a golf course that was next to an airport. Apparently the course was beautiful but the volume was loud. Their logo makes a lot more since to the group now ;)
While the boys played, my sister and Luke came over from Blufton to visit. We went around the corner to The Crystal Beer Parlor (ignore the name- it was a super cute old fashioned restaurant) and then proceeded to walk around the downtown area. After the two pregnant women could walk no more we chatted back at the house for a little bit. It was a fantastic afternoon. I loved getting some snuggle time from my nephew and getting to visit with my sister. Next time we see each other, there will be a new baby for each of us!!
Saturday night we went on a ghost tour. While it wasn't my favorite I have ever been on (I think the best are the walking tours), I did love that I could ride from location to location on the trolley. It made the evening more enjoyable for a pregnant lady! We went to The Olde Pink House which is said to be haunted as well!
We had to check out on Sunday and make the drive back home. It is a bit longer to make the drive with a pregnant lady, so Chris was lucky that I slept a lot of the way back (I wasn't entertaining but I didn't make a lot of pit stops either). We listened to the Falcons play against the Panthers on the way back (lame game).
It was another amazing trip and I am so glad we got to participate. It was my last big adventure before Monty joins us...well at least the last trip!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Mackenzie Burgess Photography (the Bump Shots!)
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