Monday, September 29, 2008

"36 Weeks"

Well, usually I like attending the special events that my company sponsors, but when you are eight months pregnant it's not quite as fun!  My back and my feet were killing me by the end of the night!  Otherwise, I'm still feeling great and enjoying these last weeks of pregnancy.  Now that I'm almost there, I'll share with you the latest updates and things I've learned along the way...

- Most of my expectations about pregnancy weren't exactly realistic.
- I haven't "forgotten" the morning sickness like people told me I would.
- Feeling the baby move in your belly is the most amazing experience!
- Everyone has guessed that I'm having a boy including clients, construction workers and even a homeless guy!  Not one person has looked at me and guessed I'm having a girl - very interesting!
- I've put on twenty pounds so far, but I've tried to go with the flow in that area.  I never knew that the weight gain could be so sporadic.  I put on 7 1/2 pounds one month and actually lost 2 pounds another!
- My food cravings have changed drastically from month to month - there was a Spaghetti-O phase, a chips and salsa phase, a Pop-tart phase and a major Taco Bell bean burrito phase.
- According to my doctor's 2-second stomach evaluation, Asher should be about 7 1/2 pounds at delivery - we'll see!
- I was told that Asher is in the correct position for natural childbirth with his head down.  His heartbeat is great, and his growth is right on schedule.
-We probably have a couple of weeks left before the big day, but we'll keep you up to date!!!

"4 Years Ago"

On September 18th, 2004 Elijah and I got married at a vineyard in Dahlonega, Georgia.  I can't believe that four years have gone by so fast!  I loved our wedding, and it is so nice thinking back to that special day.

We decided to take one last mini-vacation to celebrate our anniversary before Asher's big arrival.  We took a trip out to the Northfork, stayed at a cute little inn and had fun attending Greenport's annual fall festival.

Wow, is this belly really starting to pop or what??!! :)

"Baby Serena"

Sam and Andrew welcomed their new addition a few weeks ago, and little Serena is absolutely adorable!

We celebrated with some girly fun and yummy treats at Alice's Tea Cup.

A little sleeping angel!

"Special Delivery From Taiwan"

My coworkers and I decided to throw a surprise baby shower for Catherine.  She and her husband Rob are adopting two babies from Taiwan - a boy and a girl.  We have essentially gone through our "pregnancies" together.  She found out that she was getting the babies the week before I found out that I was expecting.  Now she is going to pick them up only weeks before I will be delivering.  It has been so much fun sharing this exciting time with her, and I know she is going to be a wonderful Mom!

Fun "His and Her" outfits!

All the Chopard girls!

The obligatory tummy shot!

Auntie Raina can't wait to meet you two!!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

"Chopard Fiesta"

Just for kicks, my coworkers and I decided to throw a little fiesta at our boutique last week.  These guys are definitely like a second family to me.  We spend A LOT of time together!  It was so much fun watching everyone let loose!

The Chopard gang...

Marco and Erin completely committed to their characters...

Mi amiga Jamie...

The three banditos...

The world's largest sombrero...

Me with two suave Latin hombres...

Fiesta King and Queen...

Party animals...

The muy bonita Miss Tam...

Ole!

All work and no play?  Not today!! :)

Thursday, September 11, 2008

"Family Visits"

After we got back from all of our travels, we had some traveling visitors of our own.  It was so much fun having my Uncle Bo, his wife Lisa, and their girls Alayna and Alexandra staying with us for a week.

I took a trip with them to the Bronx Zoo.  It was my first time there, and it was really amazing.  Turtle Power!

I think this might be a groundhog??  HMMMMM....

These underground tunnels allow you to feel "at one" with the groundhogs.

The day Bo's family left, another one of my my Mom's siblings came into town with her family.  This is my Aunt Lari's son Tyler (a future soccer star).  It was so great seeing you guys!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

"Our Cousin's Wedding"

After our beach vacation, Elijah and I made a stop in Columbia, South Carolina on our way back to New York for my cousin Nathan's wedding.  We had a great time hanging out with the fam!

Chelsea and her friend Chris "cut up the rug" at the reception.  Top dance honors go to you two!

A very distinguished "cheers" from my brother Peyton!

The rehearsal dinner...

The Hodges clan!

That's the handsome groom and the gorgeous bride on the right!

My sister Chelsea and our beautiful cousins!

Elijah and I can't wait for Nanny Chelsea to move to New York!  We need your help already! :)

Monday, September 1, 2008

"30 Weeks"

I reached the 30-Week mark while on vacation.  Therefore, my sister said that it was only appropriate that this be my progression pic.  I really can't believe that I'm 75% of the way there.  We are really getting excited now, and the whole experience seems so much more real.  The baby is moving around like crazy, and I'm constantly aware of him being with me.  Everyone I meet asks about my bulging belly, and I can finally reply with sincerity, "I feel great"!

"Beach Vacation"

After the baby shower, we drove down to Panama City with our families for a few days of rest and relaxation.  It was a much needed escape from the city life, not to mention a wonderful bonding time with la familia!

The Kolmetz family, who recently moved to PC, came over for a visit.  Cooper was the center of attention!

Elijah's turn!

This is Elijah after tackling the infamous "Pier to Pier" run with my Dad.  Were they successful??  You be the judge!!!

"Girlfriends"

I was only in Georgia for a couple of days, but I did squeeze in a night out with my girlfriends.  The guys were there too, but they didn't make it into the picture.  I'm so happy that I've stayed in touch with these special friends over the years.  They have all known me for a very long time, but they've promised to keep certain details to themselves! :)

"Safari Shower"


On August 9th, our friends and family in Georgia gave us a safari-themed baby shower.

Geri the Giraffe was the perfect centerpiece, but the rocking giraffe will also look great in Asher's safari nursery.

"Mommy - To - Be"

My friend Emily, on the left, was the creative mind behind all of the adorable decor.  She is the beautiful new Mom of Sellers, and that's her beautiful sister Amy on the right.

"The Adorable Decor"

The shower took place at my Granny and Poppy's house.  They have been married for over fifty years and have five children and twelve grandchildren.  Now, they are going to be great-grandparents!

I'm due only one week before my friend Kate, and we're both having boys!  How fun! :)

The cake was so cute!!

Two more beauties - my sister Chelsea and friend Cristin.

I married into the best family.  I'm so lucky to have my mother-in-law Mai and my sister-in-law Elianna in my life.

Wow!  Thanks to everyone who attended the shower.  I was so blessed by your generosity, and it was wonderful to see all of your smiling faces.  Special thanks to the gorgeous hostesses - Emily, Chelsea, Elianna and Cristin.  I love you!!!!!