The past few weeks

Goodness, it's been a while since I've posted but so much has been going on. The month of December has flown by fast and tomorrow is the last day of the month and the year! Goodbye 2008! The first few weeks were filled with Christmas parties, work events, and last minute preparations for Christmas and our big trip to Mexico. We had our Patterson family Christmas on the 19th and it was so much fun to be with everyone and watch Gray open presents for his first "real Christmas". Sadly, he enjoyed opening the gifts far more than using them. But I suspect that he will soon appreciate the miniature golf set and other fun toys he got from Lovie, Papa, Aunt Lauren and Uncle Andrew. The best were the light up red and black cowboy boots he got from his grandparents. I have to find a way to load the video of him trying to walk in them...hysterical.

We left for Puerto Aventuras, Mexico on the 20th and spent 8 glorious days on the most incredible vacation I've had yet. We stayed in a fully staffed, 10,000+ SF house with a private beach and pool on a canal off of the Gulf of Mexico. It was like heaven. We got seriously spoiled with the private chef, maid service, and afternoon guacomole and daiquiris. But we're back in Memphis now, sigh....

I had my 12 week prenatal appointment and ultrasound yesterday and everything looks great. If it's not a girl, I'll be shocked. It flipped us off in the ultrasound! Can you say attitude? I'm not sure I can handle another diva in this house! It sounds like I won't find out the sex until mid-February so for the next two months, we'll just keep on guessing. I'll have to add a poll later to see what everyone else thinks this baby is.

Well, tomorrow is New Year's Eve and I can't believe we'll say goodbye to another year. 2008 has been a blessed year for us in so many ways but I know 2009 will be even better...especially with the birth of our new child! With no sitters available, it sounds like we're going to do something low-key with Gray and another family but being with family and friends is our favorite thing to do so it'll be great. Until next year....

Emily

Thanksgiving and a visit from P

Last Tuesday we had our second ultrasound which confirmed that Baby Patterson #2 is due July 13th so I'm right at 8 weeks today. It's more comforting to know that my maternity leave will be after the end of my fiscal year at work is over, but I was really hoping that I was a little further along and therefore a little closer to relief from the morning sickness. But, oh well....I'm thankful for a healthy little bean and the constant reminder!

This Thanksgiving was much more enjoyable for us and Gray because he was able to actually join us at the table and let us eat our yummy Thanksgiving feast in peace! I brought my famous sweet potato casserole and there were all kinds of other delicious things to sample. Gray's favorite was Lovie's corn souffle and I don't blame him. He had a great time being the only little one and getting all of the attention from his aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. And we got a great nap out of him after it was all over, which was a nice treat for us!

We spent Friday decorating for Christmas and we are now jumping head first into the holiday season since we won't be here the week of Christmas. Mexico here we come! Gray really likes the Christmas tree and points and oohs at it regularly. I put the unbreakable ornaments on the bottom so I'm pretty sure it's as childproofed as a Christmas tree can be. I'm more worried about the dogs actually, but what's new?

Saturday we got a visit from P and Gray had a great time staying up late with her on Saturday night while Adam and I had a date. We tried the new restaurant Andrew Michael's Italian Kitchen and had the best time. Not only was the food great, but the ambiance and company couldn't be beat! Thanks P!

On Sunday, the three of us took Gray to see Santa and get his picture taken. We were all surprised when he happily obliged us by sitting on Santa's lap while we took some shots. In typical Gray fashion, we didn't get any smiles, but as long as he wasn't crying I was happy so it was a success all in all. Sunday night we all went to dinner for Mallory's birthday and had a little Mexican in her honor. Happy Birthday big sis!

So today is Monday and it's back to work and school for all. P's still in town and picking up Gray early while I'm in meetings. We have a busy week and are already looking forward to the weekend. Anyone else?

Not much to report today as we had a very low-key weekend. I'm getting my butt kicked by the morning sickness so Adam and Gray kindly obliged my request to stay in our pajamas the entire weekend. We cooked and ate and played and bundled up by the fire and I have to admit, it was really nice....even if we didn't do anything productive. But today, we're back at work and school and missing our cozy little quarters. The good news is that it's a short week and we're really looking forward to Thanksgiving, which will be at the Pattersons' house this year. We are bringing the sweet potato casserole, my specialty, but I'm also going to try my hand at my Dad's famous cornbread and andouille dressing to keep around the house to eat with the leftover turkey. You see, Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without it and since I'm eating for two these days, I can do whatever I want--even if that means eating a whole 9x13 pan of dressing. I assure you that Adam won't dare utter a word about it. He's a smart man who loves me very much and I think he kind of secretly adores the fact that I eat like a teenage boy when I'm pregnant...at least when I'm not throwing up that is. So, we'll see how the recipe turns out and hope that it agrees with the baby.

Tomorrow is our second ultrasound and we should finally know a better due date and age of our little bug. For my sake, I'm hoping I'm further along than they originally thought which would mean that I'm closer to the end of the morning sickness. But we shall see! Poor Adam is going to have to miss his company's annual Thanksgiving feast so that he can be there, but i know he wouldn't miss it for the world. Hopefully we'll hear the heartbeat too! I'll keep you posted and maybe even share some pics if we get some good ones.

Guess that's all for now. Wish me luck tomorrow!

By the way, for those of you who voted on Gray's new table and chairs set, here's a pic of him using and loving it! Thanks P and Pop!

Big news at the Patterson House!

I can't believe it's already been two weeks since I posted, but I have a great explanation. There's been a LOT going on at the Patterson house seeing that we just found out that Gray is going to be a big brother! That's right....we're expecting Baby #2 in July 2009 and are excited and shocked at the same time. It took me a week or so to process the idea of another little one since it wasn't in the "plan" but I can honestly say that we are officially thrilled.
As you can see, so is Gray! At 21 months and only 2 grades apart, I know they will be best buds and I'm already looking forward to the days when they can comfort and entertain each other.

It's been a long week, especially with Adam traveling and our big news so we were in need of a low-key weekend, but today Gray is supposed to be getting his one year photos taken by Brandi Delisi. She does BEAUTIFUL work and I know they'll come out great, but it sure is cold outside to be taking those artsy outdoors shots. Hopefully Gray won't mind a bit since we'll be putting him in his swing and carting him around in his wagon. We shall see!

Friday night we had the Pattersons over to celebrate Lauren and Billy P's birthdays, which are only a couple of weeks apart. It was nice to all be together and as always, Gray had a big ole time showing off. Happy birthday Lauren and Billy!

Well, that's all for now. Gray is down for a nap so I better get a move on things if we are to be ready by the time the photographer comes at 11:30 AM. Have a great day everyone!

Gray's first "real" Halloween

Friday was Gray's first "real" Halloween. His first one doesn't really count since he was less than two weeks old and even though he did dress up last year, he never woke up during the festivities.

But I think he made up for it this year! He had a hayride at daycare and then Linda and I took him up to Adam's office for their annual Halloween party. Here is a picture of him dressed up as a giraffe (Thanks for the costume Airey!). The mohawk was hysterical and looked a LOT like his hair in the morning. At Adam's office, he only visited a few desks to trick or treat because he was much more interested in wandering around and playing with people's personal items. He immediately went into Adam's boss's office and started playing with a vintage firetruck on his windowsill....again, it's the wheels thing.

Next it was off to Katie and Ed's house for trick or treating. But before we got them back in their costumes, we let them play on the moonbounce, which Gray adored. Unfortunately, I was not aware that Keds stick to the rubber on the moonbounce slide and when I went to push Gray down, he landed flat on his face. Thankfully he's a durable little fellow and didn't seem to mind at all. After the kids ate their ghost sandwiches and jello bats, we headed out to Trick or Treat around the neighborhood with Katie, Ed, Lewis, Roger, SE, and Airey. It took Gray a while to get the idea, but once he did he really enjoyed it. Personally, I think it will be a little more fun when we don't have to carry him from door to door...my back is killing me today! Even though he's walking well (practically running) he doesn't exactly go in the direction we'd like for him to. All in all, his first real Halloween was a lot of fun and we are already looking forward to next year!

Yesterday, we went to Campbell Cole's christening, which was so sweet. Congrats Campbell! Sarah Ella had a really nice reception at her house with lots of yummy food and Gray had the best time of all playing with his new friend Betsy and all the Cole's toys. Everyone elses toys are always way more exciting than his it seems. Then we all headed downtown last night to celebrate little Roger's 31st birthday at the Rendezvous. We always look forward to this annual tradition and it was nice to have an adults only dinner for a change. We got to meet Willie's new girlfriend and hang out with lots of old friends. Thanks again Cole Family and Happy Birthday Rog!

Now on to another christening today for our friends' twins, Hollis and Anderson Trammell. It is that time of year I suppose! It's another beautiful day today with a high of 72 so we'll definitely be out there enjoying it. Have a great Sunday friends and family!

An early morning

Good Morning! Even though it's only 7 AM, it feels like it's more like noon since Gray has been up for three hours already. That's right...he's going through this whole waking-up-at-4AM-thing again. I know it's a phase, but it's one that I dread like the dentist. The boys just got back from picking up breakfast and Gray is now climbing on top of his play table and quacking. He can only say three words now (Mama, Dada, and Baby), but he can quack with the best of them. What can I say?

Last night's event (Conservation Through Art) went off without a hitch and it really turned out beautifully. However, after a week full of events, I'm just thankful I survived....now on to the next one! Our partnership with Whole Foods during their Grand Reopening goes through the middle of the week. If you are in Memphis, come shop at Whole Foods on Tuesday and 5% of their net proceeds will benefit ArtsMemphis! We could use all the help we can get during these tough times.

If today is anything like yesterday, the plan is to head out to Christ Methodist's Fall Festival with Lovie (Adam's mom). Yes, another festival...We're such suckers for fair food, particularly caramel apples. I'm trying to indoctrinate Gray into my love of all things Fall. It hasn't quite rubbed off yet. Friday afternoon we visited the pumpkin patch with Lovie, Aunt Judy, Cousin Erin and her son Andrew. While Baby Andrew had a big ole time with the mini pumpkins and stacks of hay, Gray was only interested in one thing--the wheelbarrow. His obsession with anything on wheels has really gotten out of control. I'm wondering what this means for his future. Do we have a mechanic on our hands? An engineer? Or is he just a "boy's boy"? Who knows. He also loves making "porridge" with my double boiler and a wooden spoon, so maybe we've got a budding chef in the family. I'm wishing my little cook would make his own breakfast this morning but since I doubt that will happen, I'm off to do it for him.

Have a great Sunday all!

Our first blog

Hello and welcome to our blog! We are trying to keep up with the times and keep our friends and family informed at the same time so bear with us as we launch our first blog.

Gray turned one year old last Thursday, October 16th. He has been walking for about two months now and is a mess--a boy's boy all the way! He loves anything on wheels, strolling outside, and swinging in his new swing. He's been sick all weekend with a bad cough and fever but he's back at school today and feeling better (we hope). He's sad that he missed out on all of the fun events over the weekend that we had planned (Zoo Boo, Cade's birthday party and CTA Family Day at Shelby Farms) but is already excited about this weekend where he gets to spend the night with Lovie and Papa! Thanks to Billy and Linda, Adam and I are going to attend an adult's only function (our first in forever)--the Conservation Through Art dinner at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens sponsored by ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited.

Adam is home for two weeks in a row and Gray and I are really excited about that. I've got a busy week with the CTA events for work so they should get some good boy time in, which they both love. But tonight is boys night for the big boys and Adam is going to hang out with the guys for the first time in a while. Ever since all these beautiful babies were born, it's a lot tougher to get everyone together. Hopefully the girls will get our turn soon!

Well, that's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates from us along the way.