Merry Christmas

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Look at these perfectly posed pups . . . we love them so!

A long december and there's reason to believe . . .

maybe this year will be better than the last. Well last year wasn't terrible, but we'll take this year. We think it is very interesting that:

1.) you readers think Henry will arrive so late and 2.) you think that he will be a big boy

I wish there was a way to tell who voted what dates and weights! Oh well.

My sister came over a few weekends ago and took some photographs.

The roman shades are done and hung in Henry's room.

Updates

Good news-Bricks made it through his last round of heartworm injections. He is in good spirits, not much of an appetite, but other than that he is doing well. We are glad to have him back home! He must continue his "low activity" routine for the next 30 days and then things are back to normal. We think he really likes the low activity part of the treatment . . . it means him staying inside on these cold days, and him finding a place to curl up and nap somewhere he is not supposed to (like on the couch). He and Savannah keep wandering into Henry's room and playing with Henry's toys . . . stuffed animals, rubber duckies, you name it. I guess they are "leaving their mark" so Henry knows it's okay to share. Ha!

Last night we had our final childbirth class. These classes have been informative (and crowded) for the most part. One last exercise they had everyone do was to think about your child 18 years from now . . . they provided a list of character traits and asked you to circle the ones important to you and then list the top five traits that you would want your child to demonstrate.

Gary's top five: spiritual, healthy, caring, resourceful and honest
Summer's top five: spiritual, thoughtful/caring, selfless/generous, reflective and respectful

There were a lot of traits from which to choose, so it was slightly difficult to select your top five. We both enjoyed this exercise though.

Lastly, we have some friends here in Auburn, Scott and Miki Parker, who need your prayers. On November 29, 2007, Carly Parker (their oldest daughter, age 7) was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma (or PNET) filling her nasal passage. They thought she just had sinus problems and then discovered the sarcoma. Right now, the cancer is self contained. So they have started chemo to reduce/shrink the tumor. Because of where the tumor is located, they can not operate to remove it because it will severely disfigure her face. She is a petite girl to begin with, but has lost 10 pounds and really struggles to take her medicines and shots. Scott and Miki have adopted an extremely positive attitude and are showing amazing strength. I can not imagine the roller coaster of emotions they have experienced over the last 3 weeks. They have set up a Caring Bridge website (see link below), and are keeping everyone updated regularly. Carly starts another round of chemo today, this time a bit stronger and with more intense side effects, so please say a special prayer for the Parker family today. Never underestimate or underappreciate the benefits of good health and nutrition.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carlyparker

32 weeks

32 week belly. Notice our tree, which we cut two weeks ago, is still not decorated. How terrible is that?

Bricks goes in for his second and final round of heartworm treatment/injections this morning. We pick him up on Sunday. Hopefully, things will go as smoothly as last time! Poor boy.

'Tis the season . . .

to curl up for a good nap . . . to dream about going for a run . . .

. . . and to enjoy a fun night with good friends (Doug and Katherine). This was at our Junior League Christmas party; I had good intentions of taking pictures but managed to only take one.

Machen, McChesney & Chastain Baby Shower

Last Thursday, the accounting firm with whom my company works, threw us a baby shower at Lesley and Andy's house. It was wonderful! The food and company were great. There were also a lot of children there which made it even more fun. Again, not to sound like a broken record, but we are so thankful for the love and support of our family and friends.

Nicole, Dana, Gary and Lesley
Most of the MM&C ladies
Gary got his very own diaper bag!

the little things surface again . . . and give us reason to celebrate and be thankful . . .

. . . after wearing a walking cast/boot for the last nine weeks, I got the go ahead to take it off and no longer wear it! Exciting stuff. The orthopedic has now downgraded (for lack of a better term) me to a lace up type of brace. It's much lighter and less cumbersome. I have been given the go ahead to resume swimming and can even try stationary biking . . . this is especially good news for someone who aimed to run/jog/etc. as long as possible throughout her pregnancy. Woo hoo!

Nursery After . . .

View if entering the room - we are waiting on roman shades the lady (who made the crib bedding) is sewing for us.

Antique dresser (using as changing table).

Henry's crib
My sister gave us this super comfy glider and ottoman and we had the cushions recovered and a pillow made.
Everything is ready for him . . . except installation of the car seat!

Nursery before . . . and during . . .

The nursery used to be a second guest bedroom/office.

Before . . .

Then we decided to have stripes painted for the nursery-here is the taping job. Quite a puzzle!

First Financial Group Shower

This past Friday, our Birmingham FFG office threw us a baby shower hosted by Embree, Mimi, Jenny and Crystal. I really miss seeing everyone there every day-they are such a great group of people!

Snuggle time . . . Shelby and Bricks enjoyed it much more than Savannah, who just wanted to get up and play with her frisbee.