Another low-key (but good) weekend

I'll be 17 weeks tomorrow and I think I'm finally (fingers crossed) starting to feel better! Unfortunately, I can't say the same for little Gray who has had a stomach bug since Friday. I know, I know....could I have a sicker child? The answer is yes so I'm thankful. I'll take all the stomach bugs, stuffy noses, and croupy coughs as long as it's nothing serious. Needless to say, our weekend was pretty uneventful as a result. We took him for a big boy haircut on Saturday and then to feed the ducks at Audobon Park. He definitely enjoyed the ducks more and is not a good salon customer, hence the big tip I left. But, he does look precious so it was all worth it. And no Mom, it's not too short and he does not look like "Moe" from The Three Stooges. Besides, if his hair grows as fast as mine, we'll be back in the barber's chair before we know it.
We cooked and watched movies both nights and by Sunday we had a little touch of cabin fever. Fortunately, it was GORGEOUS with sunny skies and 65 degrees! We went mattress shopping for Gray's big boy room and he had a great time testing all of the floor samples. I got the feeling that the salesman did not think it was quite as endearing as we did, but oh well. We can't wait to get his mattress delivered tomorrow so that we can start putting his room back together finally!
With Gray still feeling crummy, we decided to stay put for Super Bowl Sunday so we're making lasagna and watching it here over a bottle of wine. Of course, Gray will miss all of the action, as most of it will take place after he's asleep, but we'll fill him in tomorrow. He got his fill of sports today anyway by watching the FBR Open with Adam.

Tomorrow starts another busy week, but thankfully Adam is in town again! I know! So exciting! I've got two work events this week so it will be a busy one for me. I can't believe February is already here! Before we know it, it will be Valentine's Day, then Easter.....where does the time go? If you find out, let me know. Until then, take care all!

The Pattersons

Our godson, Airey Cole, turned 2 last Thursday and we helped celebrate at his party on Friday. Here's a pic of Gray using some of Airey's birthday gifts...think he was a little overwhelmed by all the toys. Here he is in the middle of a real dilemma....which shopping cart to push?


We also got a last-minute visit from P last weekend, which made Gray very happy. Since I was under the weather, it was really nice to have some help and home cooking. Thanks Mom! Lovie and Papa came by on Tuesday to play with Gray, which was also lots of fun. But he's at the age where he's devastated when someone leaves. So sad! We got to go on a long walk with our friends Ethan and Elise on one of the only tolerable days this week (Wednesday). Boy was it cold (but beautiful)! Hopefully it will warm up some this week or this cold I've got will never go away! We tried to lay low this weekend so I could kick this cold to the curb, but we got a wild streak and started working on Gray's big boy room. Lovie was nice enough to come and distract Gray for a little while so we could get some of it knocked out. We painted the walls of his new room as well as his bed and chest. I can't wait to see how it all comes out! Since I'm keeping the nursery the same for the new baby, I'm having lots of fun putting all of my energy towards Gray's big boy room. I can't believe he's going to be out of a nursery in just 6 months! As for the new baby, it's starting to make itself known...kicking a lot and very squirmy. I'm 16 weeks today and have been able to feel it for a week or two now. I have an appointment tomorrow so hopefully the kicking is a good sign that all's well. We have a busy week ahead with lots of meetings and running around. Have to run to get a start on it all, but until next time, that's it for the Pattersons!

A long weekend

It's cold, it's Monday, and I'm already exhausted from a long weekend of taking care of Gray and doing tons of laundry (see above for reason #1). Let's hope this week goes by quickly, as I'm ready for another weekend! Poor Gray has had some kind of funk since Wednesday of last week and this weekend it got much worse. His fever just would not go away and when Linda came to babysit for us Saturday night, he threw up all over his crib and just wouldn't go back to sleep. Last night Adam was up with him for an hour or more trying to console him, poor thing. I think we finally have his fever under control, though he's not his normal silly self, and he's off to school today. Since I have two important meetings today, I'm sure the daycare will call and tell us to come pick him up. Just my luck. One good thing that did come out of this weekend was our friend Scott's 30th birthday party. Happy 3-0 Scott! It was so much fun to catch up with all of our friends and have a little adults only time, even though I could only drink St. Paulie girl all night. Sigh. Only 6 more months, right? Until next time.....

Emily

I can hardly believe it's 2009! So much has happened over the last year and Adam and I have so much to be thankful for....Gray has grown into a beautiful, happy, funny boy, we've made some great new friends, we've taken some fun trips (Santa Monica and Puerto Aventuras top the charts), we've shared some unforgettable memories with our families and friends, and we were blessed with a new baby on the way. I can only hope that this new year will be half as wonderful as the past year.

I'm so excited to finally be entering my second trimester! Whew, that was a tough couple of months for everyone. I'm looking forward to celebrating by enjoying a nice glass of wine and finally highlighting my hair. Let's just hope this trimester marks the end of the morning sickness.

Today it's back to work and school for the three of us but I feel renewed after having the last two weeks off to relax, get some things done, and spend quality time with family and friends. I think this week will be an uneventful one....Adam is actually going to be in town after all and I only have one night meeting (yea!). Hopefully the weather will warm up a bit again and we can enjoy a few afternoon strolls in the neighborhood like we got to do last week. We miss the warm weather and are over fires and hot chocolate (gasp).

Until next time,
The Pattersons

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!