Giving Thanks

This year was our first year not to have Thanksgiving at our Granny's house, as she has recently moved into a retirement center. With traditions changing this year, it was extra special to have the continued tradition of a Chattanooga Thanksgiving with my mom's side of the family. It all started with us all meeting up at Brad and Deb's house from eight different cities for a carbo-loading dinner to prepare for the big race the next day! 


Then, at 9am Thanksgiving morning, for the 4th year in a row, we all ran, walked, or, in my case, waddled, the Sports Barn Turkey Trot -- all in our matching, homemade hats! People had so many comments on our group and the way the walkers cheered for the runners - especially our first-year runner,  (as denoted by the tan hat), Savannah. At 5 miles with some good hills, it isn't an easy race, but it's still a lot of fun, and a great way to start the day -- before eating all of the wonderful food Aunt Deb had made for Thanksgiving lunch! The turkey, three kinds of dressing, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and rolls were fantastic -- and I think my favorite part was the pumpkin torte! 


We finished the day with all the ladies working on stockings for the new additions to our family. With two engagements and a baby on the way, we have lots of growth and lots to celebrate! And, I suspect a similar sewing circle will be needed in most of the years to come! What a wonderful 24 hours in Tennessee celebrating all that is most important to us.

All three of us Turkey trottin'!

Me and my very fast sister, Julianna.

My girls. Yay Savannie for your first 5 mile race!

The siblings who participated - we missed you, Annaliese!

Our whole crew of runners and walkers!

33 week appointment and 4D ultrasound

Today Luke and I went to our 33 week appointment where we got to check in again on our little guy - this time in 4D! It was slightly disconcerting how squished he looked, but amazing to watch him move around, open and close his mouth, "practice" breathing, and bring his hands to his face. My favorite part was seeing how well he is doing! He is head-down, moving well, just a little ahead on size, and weighs in right now at an estimated 5lbs 5oz and 17 inches long! Our ultrasound tech, Nancy, said with his nice, full lips he looks like his daddy!

We saw Dr. Sharp today, the third doctor in the practice, and he is very nice. He measured baby Jack at 34cm, or 34 weeks, which is pretty close to on target! He said he looks and sounds perfect, which is what I like to hear!

I feel very peaceful knowing that baby Jack is happy, healthy, in the right position, and just fattening up and doing some last-minute maturing before we get to meet him! I also feel great about my support team of Luke, Dr. Stone, and Jennifer, our midwife/doula, which adds to the peaceful feeling about the weeks to come. 


It's hard to believe he'll be full term in just under 4 weeks! (Even though I suspect baby Jack may take his time and hang out 'til closer to 9 more weeks.) Either way, he'll be here soon, and we are excited - and happy to soak in these last few weeks just the two of us in the meantime. We'll go back to Dr. Stone in two weeks, and then every week until baby Jack is here. We'll keep you posted!

33 week belly!

Gilman Thanksgiving

This past weekend, just after we all got back from the baby shower, Luke and I had the privilege of hosting my entire immediate family for a Thanksgiving meal at our place! Mom and Dad, Annaliese and Chad, Cassie and Ronnie, James, Philip and Stephanie, Julianna and Trey, Savannah, Will, and Rosie ALL got to join us - in our 1,000 square foot condo for a (rotating) sleepover Friday then Saturday night, and several great meals together, including a Thanksgiving meal on Saturday night with ALL 16 of us around our table!


Luke made the turkey, Annaliese the squash casserole, Cass the mashed potatoes, James brought the cranberry sauce, and my parents the drinks, and then we all worked together on the last dishes - dressing, green beans, apples and sweet potatoes -- and once you put it all together, we had quite the Thanksgiving meal - topped off by Bruster's pumpkin ice cream pie. 


I was a little busy in the kitchen to get ANY pictures of the day, but will borrow some from Mom when she gets them. It was a full, special weekend -- and a testament to how much we all enjoy each other that we could be in THAT close of quarters and still have a wonderful time! I am so thankful for my family. 

Birmingham Baby Shower!

My sweet Birmingham girlfriends hosted such a wonderful baby shower last weekend to help celebrate this little guy! It was such a lovely day of visiting with friends and family and celebrating. And, something extra special to me is that my mom, mother-in-law, and all of my sisters got to be there! Thank you all for the effort for coming from out of state!


The shower was just lovely and the hostesses left no detail unattended -- from the adorable invitations (thank you Ann Wade and Heidi!), to the sweet Mother Goose guest book, to the fantastic finger foods (who doesn't love mini shrimp and grits?! -- thank you, Allison!), to the awesome door wreath that we'll get to take to the hospital (I'm so impressed with Ellen for making this!).


We were overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends and family -- baby Jack now has his car seat, mattress, enough gift cards for us to get him his Pack N Play, outfits, blankets, a wooden Noah's ark, a Moby wrap, a photography session...the list goes on. Thank you, thank you, thank you, hostesses, family, and friends, for the love you showed the three of us on Saturday! We are even more excited and encouraged about all that is to come!

Me with all my sisters, - Cassie, Annaliese, Julianna, Savannah, Rosie,  and the newest addition - Stephanie, who will marry Philip in May!

My sweet hostesses, Rebecca, Ellen, Ann Wade, and Allison!

My wonderful small group girls.

The adorable invitation made by my very talented cousin, Heidi!

The sweet guest book that everyone signed!

Just a taste of all the wonderful food - petite fours and baby shrimp and grits!

The adorable wreath for our door that Ellen made!

Me and AW

His little car seat!

Me and my big sis.

Some of the sisters!

Some of the sweet gifts I can't wait for him to use!

Elf Yourself

My siblings have had fun the past few years coming up with ridiculous Elf Yourself videos starring...us. My sister Cass has made the first one of the year, and I have to say, it's pretty good. Adding Granny was a very nice touch. Good luck topping this one, guys!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/7OcEuPzl8nG5TNXp

Happy 235th Birthday, USMC!

Me and Corporal Paiva heading to the 226th Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Luke like his grandfather, had the privilege of serving in the Marine Corps. Today celebrates the 235th anniversary of this group of soldiers who have served our country bravely and proudly for so many years. During his time at Parris Island and 6 years of reserve duty, Luke learned a great deal about service, discipline, leadership, and teamwork from the Marine Corps. He would have been very proud and willing to have served overseas, but finished his commitment just before his platoon was called up. He is modest about his service as a result, especially as his mother and both grandfathers served during wartime. I personally am so proud and thankful for the service Luke gave the Marine Corps and the life lessons that the Marine Corps gave Luke that he uses every day. Semper Fi, and happy birthday! 


A few good USMC quotes:
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." GEORGE ORWELL

"Sometimes it is entirely appropriate to kill a fly with a sledge-hammer"

MAJ. HOLDREDGE

"A ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons."

ADM. DAVID PORTER, USN

"The Marines have landed and have the situation well in hand!"

RICHARD HARDING DAVIS

"Panic sweeps my men when they are facing the American Marines."

CAPTURED NORTH KOREAN MAJOR

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

"Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share. "

NED DOLAN

"I am convinced that there is no smarter, handier, or more adaptable body of troops in the world."

SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL

31 week appointment

Well, we've passed the 3/4 mark and went in today for our 31 week appointment! We met Dr. Goolsby this time, another doctor in the practice, though he said that they really do deliver 90% of their own patients, so unless it's a weekend or holiday (that Dr. Stone isn't on call) we'll be "stuck" with Dr. Stone - something we are great with! Our baby boy, instead of lying sideways and up high as he's been for so long, has stretched out and was lying up and down today. Because of that (and perhaps because a different person was measuring me) he measured only 1 week ahead instead of his usual 4. I'll be curious to see what he looks like next time! We get an ultrasound next week and at 36 weeks to keep an eye on his size and position. Next week's is in 4D! We'll post pictures and you can tell me who you think he looks like. :)


Several of you have asked how I'm feeling, and the answer is really good! This little guy likes an extra hour of sleep and extra snack than I'm used to needing, but if I get that, I'm usually good to go. Also, at plus almost 20 lbs, my back is sore some, but yoga, the chiropractor, and backrubs from Luke make it just fine. So far, so good! I'm still walking 6 miles most days, but have traded jogging for prenatal yoga for now. (Luke got me my jogging stroller, though, so I can't wait to get back out there once I'm feeling good post-baby!)  Just can't wait to "see" this little guy next week - and meet him in 6-11 weeks!

Vulcan Run 2010!

Luke at the (freezing cold) start line!

Luke and I, over the past few years, have picked up a new hobby: running in road races. Now, neither of us have ever claimed to be natural runners or fast at all, but both of us enjoy the challenge of running, the accountability that performance events encourage, and the barbecue/frozen yogurt/beer/quesadilla extravaganza that is usually at the post-race party. :) As a result, there are a few races that have become part of our calendar: Law Enforcement Torch Run, Race for the Cure, Vulcan Run, Mercedes Half Marathon, and Turkey Trot are a few of our favorites. Each has its own fun, challenges, and scenery and we look forward to them each year (as our schedules allow).


Working together to complete tough races are such sweet memories for me in our recent married life. Sometimes on tough hills, Luke's hand on my back is the only thing that keeps me going. One thing that encourages me about the upcoming ultimate physical challenge of labor is not only the knowledge that I've made it through some challenging and even painful physical events before (Nashville Marathon 2009, anyone?) but that I have an awesome training partner/coach in Luke. 


While I was disappointed to not get to run Vulcan with Luke this year (this little guy is just a little too heavy for me to run 6.2 at this point. Major props to you women who can do it!) it was really fun to get to be his cheering section for the first time, as he's been to me in so many races. Luke's been working hard on his run time, and did great this year, shaving 11 minutes off last year's time - even after a double shift and just a few hours sleep. I'm so proud of you, Luke!

29 week ultrasound video

Fair warning: he's naked. 

Storytime

Some of our favorite presents (as you might guess from two English majors) are the basketful of wonderful children's books friends and family have given us. We credit our parents' many, many hours of reading to us to our early shared love of reading. As firm believers that it's never too early to enjoy a good book, reading time in the nursery-in-progress is one of our favorite past times as we wait for baby Jack. Thanks to Becca, William, and Camille for this particular book! (Check out that 30 week belly!)