What a Fine Morning

Oh Happy Day Paris Giveaway!

2011-06-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Jordan Ferney, was able to move to Paris with her husband and two young sons this year. I've been pretty jealous! (Not to mention the fact that her sister, Gabby, of Design Mom, got to move to nearby Normandy with her family. France . . . for a year . . . with your sister nearby?!? Would it get any better?!? I think not!). Jordan's blog, Oh Happy Day, was one of the first blogs that I started following. And now, she is giving away a trip to Paris for one of her readers!! Oh, how I would love to win this. I have agreed with Gertrude Stein for a long time: "America is my country, but Paris is my hometown." I truly feel like I would not be me without the time that I spent there.

Those sweet words

2010-07-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Atticus has started talking. It is charming and adorable! Not everyone knows what he is saying, but Jon and I have a pretty good idea these days! I just absolutely adore his sweet little voice. So far, he says these things (I really just needed a place to write them down, and figured this was a good one since it was automatically dated):

Hi! (With a wave) (just started last week)
Bye! (also with a wave)
Thank you (sounds like Da-Doo, but always at the appropriate time!)
Ball
Bat
Cat (sometimes he gets the "Meow," but it is an every once in awhile thing)
Dog (with an appropriate bark)
Cow
Cookie
Cracker
Banana
Duck
Cake (I have no idea how he learned this -- just pointed at a cupcake the other day and said it)
Milk
Uh-oh
Wow!
Mama
Dada

He chats non-stop, but those are the ones that we can discern at this point! I'm so excited to find out what he has to say!

She and Him

2010-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to this loveliness for the past two days. Zooey Deschanel has the most charming voice. I'm not typically a fan of the actress-turned-singer craze, but this is of a different sort than most. I kind of wish that I had found it before the Palm Springs girls' weekend, because it would have been oh-so-appropriate!

A Spark of Heavenly Fire

2009-12-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

I am in tears for the second time in two weeks. More than a year ago, a plane crashed in eastern Arizona carrying three people, and out of that plane crash has come inspiration for millions of people. Stephanie Nielson and her husband, Christian, survived the crash, and since then, millions of people have been following the story of their recovery and how they have put their lives back together. I had been following Stephanie's blog for quite awhile before then, in awe of her honesty, her love for her husband and her children, and how she had made the raising of her children her life's work. When news came of the plane crash, I thought of nothing more than the four children whose lives had changed terribly -- and how much I knew that Stephanie wanted to get back to them. I also thought of the life growing in me -- Atticus -- and how even though he had not yet arrived, I wanted to make mothering him my life's work, as well. I've never met Stephanie, but like millions of people, feel as if I know her.

For the past two weeks, Jaimee Rose of the Arizona Republic has written Stephanie's story here. The story, which was beautifully written, is at once heartbreaking and inspiring. Many of the details included are new even to the that people who have been following Stephanie's blog.

In the article, Ms. Rose includes a quote from Washington Irving that Stephanie has used for inspiration. Stephanie is, and I hope to be, an embodiment of these words:

There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity. -- Washington Irving

Photo of Stephanie and Christian via the NieNie Dialogues.

Ahh, Paris

2009-12-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite family friends, Brie, is traveling to Paris in the next few days for her honeymoon! Two weeks in Paris, at Christmastime -- might not get any better than that. So wonderful.

Today on Brie's blog, she posted a travel guide that I emailed to her a few years back when she was going to be spending a weekend there while she was studying in Austria for the summer. In it, I listed some of the spots that became my favorites when I was studying in Angers in 2000 and working in Paris in 2002. While there are sure to be newer places that are also amazing, hopefully these have retained their fabulousness! I also listed things in the guide that were in my mind for a girls' weekend in Paris, rather than a honeymoon, although I'm sure that Kiwi will love them too! :) There were a few places that were also my favorites that I forgot to mention to Brie, and while the info may also be dated, they are worth mentioning. Christmas shopping at Printemps, with that incredible ceiling, would be amazing. Lunch at the Musee Jacquemart-Andre should not be missed. Pain au sucre from pretty much anywhere is a great way to start the day. Sandwiches at Cosi are incredible (they were my favorites when I was studying in Angers, before Cosi came to the United States. I have to imagine that they would still be as wonderful.). Walking through the Parc Monceau would be very romantic. Cozy, warm lunch at Les Editeurs would be quite lovely. Have to say that I'm just a teensy bit jealous that I'm not going, as well!

Pictures from my incredible time living in Paris. I loved it so.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

As we begin to make preparations for this year's Thanksgiving celebrations with our families, I'm struck by two things: 1) I can't believe that it is Thanksgiving (I literally thought that it was August the other day); and 2) that I'm actually really excited for the holiday! I have never been a huge fan of Thanksgiving, primarily because for many years, I didn't really like the food that was associated with the holiday and that was such a focus of the gathering. As time has passed though, I think that there is a real beauty in a gathering that is expressly for the purpose of giving thanks for what and who we have in our lives. Gathering with those that we love for only that purpose -- not stressing about what gift to give or what to wear or anything else. (It doesn't hurt that, as time has passed, I've also really started to like the food involved.) Another lovely thing about the holiday is that there is never any letdown after it is over. You just move right into being excited for the Christmas season, which is my favorite time of year. So, I'm just going to focus on all that I have to be thankful for as I make my turkey (sugar) cookies and Brackberry Gobblers this year, and be grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my family.

Photo of the table that I set for Thanksgiving last year, the first time that I hosted my family for the holiday. Because I was pregnant with Atticus at the time, and Jon was on rotations at the teaching hospital, we couldn't travel. Looking at this photo makes me wistful -- I loved our little house there, and how the light would stream into the dining and living rooms in the afternoons. It was a fabulous holiday, and one that made me truly appreciate how wonderful the Thanksgiving tradition is.

Everything is Better at the Broadmoor

2009-11-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend with four of my favorite ladies from Fort Collins -- I had missed them SO much! We went to the beyond fabulous Broadmoor, where we had wonderful drinks (ah, the Pepper Pear), luscious food, got to sleep in (although even without the kids we woke up pretty early . . . boo!), slept in luxurious rooms. It doesn't get any better than a day at the Broadmoor spa, with the mountain relaxation room, eucalyptus-infused steam room, and the spa treatment that felt as if I was wrapped in fall. The best thing about the weekend, though, was the non-stop conversation that we had going from the minute the girls picked me up in Denver until they dropped me off at the airport yesterday. It is so wonderful to have such amazing women in my life!

Photo from my stay at the Broadmoor last year with Jon -- unfortunately, not a single picture was taken this weekend with the girls! What in the world! We were so wrapped up in living the moment that we completely forgot to document it.

Yay!

2009-11-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

I can't properly express the excitement that I felt this morning when I discovered that Karey M. of Mackin Ink is posting again! Karey's blog is one of the first that I started following, right around the time that Jon and I began thinking about having children. I was touched, constantly, by her amazing words and how she loved her "girlies." (who have fabulous names) Thank you so much, Joslyn (another one of my absolute favorites, and someone whose style I SO identify with), for including Karey in your Blogger Favorites series . . . and for letting me know that this talented lady is sharing her words with us again.

Image (completely expressing how I feel about this news) via Mackin Ink.

The Cutest Pumpkin

2009-10-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

Don't know that harvest fruit could be any more adorable. (His cousin Luke in the chick costume and his cousin Dillon in the lion costume are pretty fabulous, as well!)

Bittersweet

2009-10-29T15:07:00.001-07:00

The past couple of days have seen my former home, Fort Collins, CO, receive almost two feet of snow -- I'm SO wanting to be there and crunching around in it! I hated the cold up there, but loved the snow. This comes at the end of a couple of weeks where I have really been missing northern Colorado and all of my friends there. I think that this has been, particularly, because Atticus is getting older, and it would have been so much fun to go on playdates with some of my girlfriends and their kids up there . . . something that I can't do as much of here. But, the last weekend really made me realize how blessed I am to be where I am. I got to join in celebrating my Nana and Grandad's 60th wedding anniversary with the rest of my family, got to dress Atticus up in his Halloween costume with his cousins, and then . . . on the way home . . . received the most glorious gift. The most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. Hands down. It was honestly as if I was just being told that I was where I needed to be. And it was nice to hear.

Could not have said it better

2009-10-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

I love what Abbey has to say about the loss of Gourmet Magazine, and what this might say about our culture as a whole. I am that demographic that Abbey writes about (one that also is mourning the loss of Cookie - while not an institution like Gourmet, will definitely be missed as I navigate my way through raising Atticus.). And, like her, I grow increasingly concerned about how reliant our history is on electronic formats. Intangible things. When people started raving about the internet years ago, my mom said, "I just don't think that people will ever want to curl up with the internet." Many years later, I still agree. I still love curling up by the fire, in bed, or in the bath with a good book or magazine. Websites and blogs are wonderful, and have their place, but cannot substitute for the written word in books or magazines.

Hot, hot, hot!

2009-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

I had one of my very favorite New Mexico experiences the other day. My mom, Atticus, and I got up early and went out to a farm just north of Las Cruces to pick our own green chile. It was so much fun, and I can't even express how much I had missed the smell of roasting green chile. So wonderful! Atticus napped in the car, and then rode in his Ergo while the roasting was going on. Problem is, we only picked XXX HOT green chile (that is really what they call it) . . . so, we're going to have to go back for some more that we'll actually be able to eat! What will we do with 40 pounds of the XXX?

School Days

2009-08-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

For the first time in our lives, neither Jon nor I are starting school this month. It feels incredible! And, like I'm missing out on something! Will I ever get over that feeling?

So, my apologies for basically taking the summer off from blogging! We moved to New Mexico, got settled into our new house, had Australian visitors (and some others as well), took a few weekend trips and one larger trip to a family reunion, and are feeling a bit like the summer just flew by too fast for us to actually enjoy it. We're going to do our best in the next couple of weeks to make up for it!

Dr. Morrow!!

2009-05-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

I'm so darned proud of my husband, who is now Dr. Jon Morrow! Jon graduated from the CSU Veterinary School last week, and it was pretty exciting. It has been a long road -- someone mentioned that he'd been in school for five-sixths of his life (crazy, no?), so it was really thrilling to see him complete all of this so successfully. Love you, honey!

Thirty

2009-05-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

My lovely husband celebrates a big birthday on Sunday. Each and every day, I thank God for bringing Jon into my life. He is an amazing partner and friend, and I can't describe the joy that I feel when I watch him with Atticus -- he is an incredible father. So, even though he is sure that I'm only excited for his birthday because he is older than me, I'm really excited because I get to celebrate what a phenomenal person he is. I love you, honey.

Ma Belle Mere

2009-05-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

I have always known that my mother was fabulous. She is funny, caring, loving, a great listener, and over the years, has become one of my best friends. Over the past year, though, I have gained a completely different perspective on who she is, as she has helped me through pregnancies and now a couple of months of being Atticus' mom. And, let me tell you, she is more incredible than I had ever realized. I hope that I can come close to providing the amazing childhood for Atticus that she did for me. She has provided me with an incredible (and slightly daunting!) example to follow. I'm so, so excited to be moving to where she is, so that my son can come to realize what an amazing Mimi he has, and so that I get to spend more time with this fantastic lady. I love you -- Happy Mother's Day!

This little smile just melts my heart

2009-05-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Our little guy is just full of smiles these days. Could there be anything better in the midst of a little bit of chaos?

Vet School Prom

2009-04-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Jon and I had our first evening out sans Atticus the other night! We headed out to "Vet School Prom" a/k/a the Colorado State Veterinary School Junior/Senior awards banquet. Here we are with two of our favorite friends from the vet school experience, Allegra and Jeff. We're going to miss them! The night really brought home that all of this is coming to an end very quickly! We left when the fire alarm went off, but before the streakers ran through the room . . . . it was an interesting night!

Searching for home . . .

2009-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

We're traveling to Las Cruces this weekend in search of a place to live once we move down there at the end of May. Does anyone know of a fabulous place that is available to lease for a few months? We're so excited to be down there, but know that we'll (or at least, I'll) feel a lot better about things once I can visualize where we're going, and where our next home will be.

Hop Right On!

2009-04-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is fabulous. I've been looking at a variety of rocking horses, etc. for Atticus for many months, and this is by far my favorite that I've found so far. I love this brand (I got my adorable nephew, Luke, this Woodpecker Walker -- love it!) for its design, quality, and eco-friendliness. Beyond that, though, what a great concept: apparently this elephant not only rocks, it walks! As your little one rocks, the elephant kind of saunters along, so it is just like riding an elephant! Super-fun.

Thoughtful design

2009-04-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

I just ran across this incredible nursery for soon-to-be-born Finnian. I love how this mother so thoughtfully prepared the space for her son to soon share with them. Everything in the space has a purpose that was carefully considered. Whether you agree with all of her thoughts or not, that is a pretty amazing thing. When I was pregnant, I was struck for the first time about how utterly useless so many of the things that I have learned were, when I didn't spend nearly enough time learning about child psychology and development! I love the Montessori philosophy, and this mother put that philosophy into practice in this restful space. I'm excited to figure out where we're going to be after we move, so that I can start thinking about how to translate Atticus' nursery into his new, more permanent space.

Something for Atticus to Look Forward To

2009-04-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

I think that Atticus will definitely need this in his new nursery when we move. I hadn't ever found a mobile that I was completely in love with, so he currently doesn't have one in his nursery, and I have been feeling like he needs one. Although I loved the older Petit Collage mobiles, their newest one is definitely my favorite -- and goes with everything that is already in the nursery! Love it, can't wait for him to see it.

BTW, how much do we also love their alphabet poster? Alphabet posters are pretty much running rampant in nurseries these days, but I do have to say that this one is tempting . . .

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

On a day filled with colorful eggs, beautiful sugar cookies, hopping bunnies, and more chocolate than should be allowed, let us celebrate the reason for the holiday: the beauty of Christ's sacrifice for us all.

Rebel

2009-04-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Jon got me the best Christmas present: A Canon Rebel digital camera. I love it. I wish that I knew more about using it. And, to get to the point, I need to use it more often. We took a zillion pictures of Atticus during his first four weeks with us, but since then have really fallen down on the job. I wish that we would just take random pictures as the mood strikes us, at all occasions and times of day -- that we could just leave the camera out and each of us could take pictures all the time. Sounds easy. Have a feeling that it really won't be, but we're going to make an effort! :)

Where We're Headed

2009-04-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

We are moving soon, back to New Mexico after being away for nearly seven years. After moving to Waco, starting law school, getting married, getting accepted to vet school, graduating from law school, moving to Fort Collins, taking a bar exam, starting vet school, starting a job, taking two more bar exams, having a baby, and (soon), graduating from vet school. We've been through a lot in the interim, but New Mexico is home and we're excited to be going back.

We'll be moving in about six weeks, after Jon's graduation and before he starts his job. As excited as I am to be headed back to family, warm weather, beautiful sunsets, green chile and other fabulous Mexican food, there is a part of this that is bittersweet. I really love Fort Collins, and the life that we have created here. We have great friends that I am sad to leave, and this is a wonderful town that is so good for having kids (and we're leaving right as we have our first baby). Leaving such a wonderful situation and moving somewhere to make new friends, work in new job situations, establish ourselves in another place is hard . . . even when we know that we will love where we're going.

So adorable

2009-04-04T10:35:00.001-07:00

Talk about finding the loveliness in each day (or week in this guy's case). This photographer has decided to document each week of his wife's pregnancy with these little photos and snippets about what was happening in their lives that week. And things have been rough for them lately. Yet, in the midst of everything else that is going on, they are celebrating the beautiful life that they are creating.

Trusting our choices

2009-04-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

I found this today, and it really hit home for me. Over the next few months, we have to be making MANY choices that are going to have huge impacts on our lives, and I know that there are many close to me that have big decisions ahead of them, as well. I thought that this was a good reminder that we should just trust ourselves and believe in the choices that we make!
via Creature Comforts

Be still my heart . . .

2009-03-30T21:45:00.001-07:00

Anyone need a condo in Fort Collins?

2009-03-30T21:44:00.001-07:00

Just checking . . . we have one for sale!

Because everyone should know how far it is to Paris

2009-03-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

We all need this.

Love, love, love these . . .

2009-03-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Our friend Cristy Cross is one super-amazing photog . . . she took pics of Atticus, Jon, Luke, Carly and I the other day, and pulled off some pretty amazing shots. These are just from the teaser on her blog, and I can't wait to see the rest! Anyone in New Mexico that is looking for a photographer who takes incredible pictures and has a great time in the process should definitely check out Cristy Cross Photography!

Impossible to describe

2009-03-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

It is simply impossible to describe the past five and a half weeks, except to say that this little one has just absolutely captured our hearts. Thanks so much to all of the family and friends that have been helping Jon and I out so much while we get used to having this little guy around!

Atticus Ryne Has Arrived!

2009-02-24T19:02:00.001-08:00

Our precious baby boy, Atticus Ryne, was born on February 19, 2009. His arrival snuck up on us -- he was four weeks early, and when the doctor told Jon and I that he would be arriving by midnight on the 19th, we looked at each other in shock and surprise! He is doing wonderfully well, though, and was able to come home on Saturday. We are having so much fun with the little one, enjoying his cute faces and small noises. Thank you so much for everyone's thoughts and prayers!

Atticus' Nursery - It is Finished!

2009-02-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

With our arrival due in less than five weeks, we have completed the space that he's going to occupy! Because we're moving about two months after Atticus is born, decorating was a bit of a challenge. We wanted to only do things that we would be able to take with us, and didn't want to buy furniture, etc. that would be specifically used for this space and might not work in the house we end up in when we move to New Mexico.

Skiing the Bump

2009-02-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

I put this shirt on today, and thought that it was funny that the skier on the bottom looks like he is about to fall off of a cliff. Skiing on this bump has become treacherous!

Showered with Loveliness

2009-02-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

Two of my good friends in Fort Collins, Shannon and Chresta, threw a shower to celebrate Atticus' arrival last Saturday. They completely spoiled me! Everything about the day was just delightful, and it was so special to be surrounded by so many of the ladies that I've been blessed to be friends with since we've lived here. They all made celebrating Atticus' arrival so much fun! Michaela was able to come into town for the event, so that made it very special, as well. I was so glad that she got to meet my friends from Colorado!

Snuggling up at home

2009-02-09T16:07:00.001-08:00

Last week brought a lot of changes! Unexpectedly, I ended up in the hospital with some pregnancy complications a couple of times, ultimately resulting in a directive from my doctor that I have to work from home for the remainder of my pregnancy. Everything seems to be okay -- our little baby boy just seems super-healthy, so we are relieved. Working from home is going to be interesting -- we all knew that it was coming, but didn't think that it would be this soon. But, since I'm not having to drive up to Cheyenne anymore, bring on the snow!

Lovely: Home for Christmas

2008-12-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

True loveliness is not going into labor at 27 weeks. Even better is permission from your doctor (ever so hesitantly, and only after passing three tests successfully) to go home to New Mexico for Christmas. I've been so excited to go home and spend some time with my family. And, even though yesterday was a bit scary, it really has made me think that we really need to start preparing for this little one!

My belly button looks surprised today . . .

2008-12-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

That is what I told Jon this morning . . . and it is so darned true. He laughed, and asked if it was surprised at what was going on behind it. "Oh my goodness, I'm being stretched and expanded!" I don't have a picture of the surprised belly button, but just picture the mouth on a surprised person's face, and there you will have it.

Have a good Monday, lovelies.

I made a turkey!

2008-12-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

. . . with a lot of help from the fam, of course! My parents and sister Carly came to Fort Collins for Thanksgiving, and we had a super-fun time.

Cooking with the fam -- after the Fort Collins Turkey Trot (Jon with turkey fingers -- so glad that I married a vet . . . will never have to actually touch the turkey!)

The finished product -- it was very yummy, thanks to a combo of recipes from Martha and some great tips from my mom.

Carly and I on the tour at New Belgium Brewery . . . it was really nice to have someone with me that couldn't sample the beer, either!

And . . . the belly makes an appearance on the blog! At this point, I was 25 weeks . . . have to love the Bella Band!

So late in posting these . . .

2008-12-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

But look at what a cutie my little nephew, Luke, is! I got to spend a few days with Christy, Andrew, and Luke several weeks ago. I can't wait to see him for Christmas in a couple of weeks -- I'm sure that he has changed so much already! BTW -- he is already super-strong -- check out those biceps!

NetFlix . . . but even better!

2008-11-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

I just heard about a couple of super-interesting concepts in the last few days. Both are based on ideas similar to NetFlix, but for golf clubs and books!

GolfClubDemo.com works like NetFlix, but instead of getting Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which, by the way, I just saw for the first time this weekend and loved it), you can get a set of Calloway irons or a new Ping putter. After trying the clubs out for five days, you can send them back and pick out some other clubs. How great is this for people wanting to try out new clubs? Or, (and, as a caveat, I think that from looking at the website this would work, but am not sure) how about trying the clubs out while you're on a golf vacation, and not having to take your clubs . . . and pay for the ridiculous baggage charges on the flight you use to get there? It just seems like a great deal . . . although, this is coming from someone who would really love to have a new set of irons!

The second new website that I just heard about today, which I think is ingenious, is Book Swim. Again, think NetFlix, but this one -- for less than the cost of a paperback -- sends you three books at a time, you get to keep them as long as you want, and then you send them back and get new ones. Like NetFlix, you have a cue, so they know which ones to send you next. And, for those of us who really like to hang onto the books that become our faves, there is an option to purchase the book if you're going to have a hard time parting with it. Of course, if I did that very often, I would need a staircase like this one! (Notice that there are even books beneath each stair.) I started to sign up for this, and then remembered that there is a lovely thing called a library that I haven't used in quite awhile, so I'm going to head over there sometime soon. Book Swim found via Cool Mom Picks.

Fall in Fort Collins

2008-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Jon and I had so much fun this past Sunday. Late last week, we heard that Barack Obama was coming into town, since Colorado is such a huge battleground state this election year. I think that we were just pretty relieved to have something going on other than the election ads every other minute! But, we figured that it was definitely history in the making, so decided to go out to Colorado State University to see him . . . not quite knowing what was in store for us.

So, we had heard at 9:30 that morning that the line to get in was already 1/2 a mile long . . . he wasn't speaking until 3:30! We just decided to go around noon and see whether or not we could get in -- we had other things to do, so couldn't go that early! When we arrived, we were told that they were expecting 20,000 people. After walking down a line that ended up being about four miles long, we knew that there had to be more people there than that! We later heard reports that the crowd was 45,000-50,000. Craziness! Here we are, standing in a VERY long line!

I decided that I should have worn an earband, because it was CHILLY! After walking to our place in line, my ears were hurting, so Jon became earmuffs for me.

Even though it was chilly, it was such a beautiful fall day. We were actually just really glad to have a reason to be out and about during such a great day! Have to enjoy them while you can get them around here! The kids in line around us had a great time playing in the leaves, and of course, that made us get excited for upcoming autumns with our little one (although, by that point, we may have to travel to leaves! :)).

Once we finally got into the area where Obama was speaking, there wasn't a chance that I was going to be able to see him! He was speaking at the CSU oval, which is a relatively flat area. So, Jon put me up on his shoulders and I watched with a better view than most! I couldn't believe that he put me up there, but it was fun -- and I did get to see Obama!

Not the best picture (taking pictures was a bit precarious from where I was!), but you can see the podium (and Obama) just to the left of the branch of yellow leaves that is hanging down. It was pretty exciting! Even more exciting, my friend Shannon got to be at the very front of the crowd, and got a picture of Obama holding her new baby!

It's a . . . .

2008-10-30T23:50:00.000-07:00

Shocker, is what it is! Just kidding . . . it is a beautiful, healthy baby BOY! Contrary to our online poll, and what nearly everyone had thought, the ultrasound today revealed that it was a boy within seconds of the baby being on the screen!

Jon and I are so excited. Everyone should have been there to see Jon's reaction: Jumping up and down like Nebraska had just won a national championship. It was pretty fun. The ultrasound technician, Julia, had a fun time laughing at us both.

The best news of all is that, as far as anyone can tell, our little boy is completely healthy. I had been nervous going into the ultrasound about making sure that both of his arms were there, etc., and we were relieved to find out that everything is just fine. So, definitely the best news of all. And now, we get to move onto the task of figuring out what in the world to name this Little Mr. Morrow!

A Little More Than Ten Years Ago . . .

2008-10-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

Jon and I graduated from Clovis High School ten years ago last May. Can we believe that it was that long ago? We just attended our high school reunion in Clovis a couple of weeks ago. I have to be honest, I have had a pretty ambivalent attitude about reunions . . . I think that Grosse Pointe Blank, with John Cusack and Minnie Driver, pretty much sums it up! But, we actually had a really nice time. It was great to see some people that we hadn't seen in a long time -- some since we had graduated, and to get to catch up with others that we've seen more recently.

Cristy Cross, me, Jon, Ben Cross, Chris Wilde

The Preggers Grads of '98: me, Traci Nesbitt, Brooke Osburn, Kori Henthorn (I'm using maiden names, because I'm not sure of married ones) (and, we missed having Jackie Grasso in here!)

Me, Lacie McGoughey, Amber Robbs

Kelly Cummins and Kori Henthorne

Jackie Grasso, Amber Robbs, Misty Ponce, and me

Tomorrow is the Big Reveal Day!

2008-10-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

the news has spread far and wide by now, but now updates will be more accessible to everyone! we'll have a big update tomorrow . . . we're having an ultrasound tomorrow afternoon to find out whether we're having a boy or a girl. what is your feeling on the subject? i've been taking a random poll of a lot of you, but make it official and vote on the left!