Colombia Celebrates Lily Ann

Not just any baby gets celebrated on two continents. But our little Lily Ann is one spoiled little girl. Lucas's mom, Cleo, is so excited about Lily's arrival. Unfortunately, she was unable to participate in our showers because she is saving her time in America for when Lily is here. And I am definitely in no shape to travel overseas to celebrate at this point. So she gathered up friends and family in Colombia and they had a baby shower in Lily Ann's honor!

This wasn't just any old baby shower. Cleo went all out with a live musician and lots of dancing (as well as drinks flowing well into the night). From what I hear, it was an excellent party. I really hate we missed it!

Here she is leading everyone in dancing.

A pretty cake....

And, of course, a diaper cake...

(donated to a local family)

And gifts galore!

I am so excited to see all the goodies and pass on the Colombian heritage to Lily Ann.

And now, if you'd like to join in....

Song and Dance in Celebration of Lily Ann

Happy Holidays from SouthMeetsSouth

Week 32

Dear Lily Ann,

Another week has passed! It is amazing how much work can get done in just seven days! I am proud to tell you that all of the major woodwork and painting in your room is finished! And new closet doors are hung! And - even better - your crib and dresser are up! We had some minor damage on both pieces but replacement parts are on their way. Your nursery is really coming together! We still have lots to get done: including replacing all the outlets, refurbishing and installing your light fixture, sewing the curtains, making the headboard for the daybed, and staining and recovering cushions for Mamaw's glider (we have been saving it for you since she passed away almost 10 years ago). Whew! Daddy has been doing a lot of the work thus far (with lots of help from your Granddaddy and Papaw), but now all the work is starting to fall on me and your Grandma! We are excited to start sewing for your nursery!

We also went to cheer on your Uncle Rookie at the marathon this weekend. I could feel you cheering, too! You are going to love your Uncle Rookie so much! Even though he has a bit of baby-phobia, I know he is going to be in love with you. Next year you will probably be cheering on your Uncle Rookie at the marathon once again! Who knows? Maybe your dad or I will be running, too!

Aunt Aida and Uncle Chris came over with your cousin/friend/future husband Landon. Landon is growing so fast. He is almost four months old! I am anxious for you to arrive and meet him. But I am sad to know you will grow so quickly! Until then, I am cherishing every moment of having you so close! They got to see you moving and kicking around and are so excited to meet you!

This week you and I also went to a Christmas party with my tennis team. We had a great time!! You will meet all of these nice women very soon and may even take your first vacation with them in June to our state tournament!

I finished up school this week, so no more Accounting or Economics for us! I am glad to have the extra time to focus on preparing for you. But soon enough we'll be starting again. I hope you like Statistics!

So much has gone on this week and we are pulling late nights to get things accomplished every day. Thank you for being such a great baby and letting me get everything done! I am feeling amazing! And ~ according to our doctor at this week's appointment ~ you are right on track! 32 weeks down, 8 to go!


We Love You,

Mommy

Team Rookie

If you have been reading for a while, you may remember Team Ashley from last year's marathon. Unfortunately, Team Ashley was disbanded this year because I'm freaking 8 months pregnant and not running any marathon! But our good friend, THE ROOKIE (see him there on the left), decided he would step in and run this year's marathon. Well, to be honest, he has taken this whole running thing very seriously. He trains hard and is actually quite good. He is one of those people I refer to as 'real runners', whereas I am just a 'fake runner'.

So this year, Lucas and I bundled up and hit the road to do a bit of marathon spectating and cheering. I have to tell you: marathon spectating isn't easy. But I think back to my experience from last year and realize it is much easier than putting one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles. Yes, I prefer to drive.

At the start and Mile 2, Lucas decided to share some inspiration with the runners:
A lot of runners complimented us on the sign but we had a few negative remarks. I don't think they would have been encouraging me to run so much if they would have seen the belly I was hiding behind my sign.

Well, The Rookie enjoyed it and that is all that matters. Here is his smiling face at Mile 2:

Since the "Hurry Up" sign got such rave reviews, Lucas took out his next masterpiece at Mile 6:

Now I think this is absolutely hilarious! Almost There! Only 20 more miles to go! Haha! The traffic guard and most of the runners were laughing along with us.... only a few sarcastic remarks. Oh, well! You can't please everyone! And let me tell you: a good laugh and keeping the spirits up does wonders in the midst of 26 miles. I think we were doing good and spreading cheer..... for the most part.

We got the little rascal out for Mile 15.
He stayed bundled up with his daddy and waited for The Rookie.
I did my part....
And The Rookie's girlfriend and her friend were out to cheer him on at this spot...

Can you tell they are big New Kids on the Block fans?

He was still all smiles at this point! Go Rookie!
We caught up with The Rookie again in our neighborhood at mile 19.

We had an especially encouraging sign at this spot between mile 21 and 22 ~ which will go unpublicized. Funny... I don't remember him smiling at that one. Haha!

Then it was time to load up and meet him at the finish line...


Wow! Can you see that time?
3 hours, 52 minutes. I have to tell you.... this is like an hour and a half faster than me. Told you he was a 'real runner'.


Not sure if he was covering tears or the painful look in his face here....

But the look of agony quickly turned to a smile once he saw us all there to tell him how proud we are of him and what a great job he did! He really did do awesome! I am totally in awe.

Some lovin' from the GF

We love you, Rookie!
Great job!

Night 2 of Babymoon '09....

was spent with some of our closest friends:

Melanie Oudin, 18 years old, 2009 U.S. Open Quarterfinalist

John Isner, 6'9", GA Bulldog Alum, Ranked #34 in the world

Sam Querrey, 6'6" Californian, #25 in the world

The Bryan Brother, Bob & Mike, #1 Doubles Team in the world

Okay, so maybe they aren't our best friends.... but we're pretty fond of them. There was a tennis exhibition in Nashville during our stay so, of course, we had to attend. The crowd was pretty sparse but our seats were close and we got to watch some good tennis. Lucas and I had a blast! Even Lily Ann was kicking around so she must have been enjoying herself, as well!

I had my picture made with Sam:

And Lucas had his picture made with John:

(Can you spot him?)

He didn't want to fight off all the kids.... I had no problem pushing them out of the way with my big belly. Haha!


We had such a great time on our babymoon. I know there will be more vacations in the future - with children and without. But it was nice knowing we could enjoy one last child-free vacation before all of the craziness enjoyment of a different kind sets in.

Week 31

Dear Lily Ann,

We are nearing the finish-line and you are growing by leaps and bounds. Seriously.... leaps and bounds. That is all you seem to be doing inside my belly. We can see my belly move from one side to the other as you kick, play, and squirm around. Grandma even got to see you moving around!

Christmas is only two weeks away and we finally have two trees up! We are going to finish up with the outside decorations this weekend - along with installing our new mantle and hopefully finishing up all the woodwork that is going on in your nursery. Who knows? We may even be able to put together some of your furniture and start trying to recreate the vision I have in my head of your gorgeous nursery. I can't wait to see the finished product and envision bringing you home to your very own room (although you'll be sleeping in your cradle in our room for a few months).

Tennis season has ended and the wintry weather has definitely arrived. Your dad has been battling snow in Indiana this week and misses you very much when he is gone. I took you for a spin on the elliptical machine this morning and I think you really enjoyed it! You and I will have to do more of that now that we aren't on the courts.

As of today, I am finished with my last semester of school before your arrival. Maybe now instead of Economics and Accounting, I'll be able to read you nursery rhymes. I'm looking forward to our last weeks together and hopeful that the next few will be very productive. Hang with me! We have lots to do!


We Love You,

Mommy

See, honey.... It could be worse!

Hello, my name is Ashley and I am a Christmas fanatic!

I love decorating the tree[S] and house and listening to Christmas music while drinking hot cocoa and wrapping presents (which, unfortunately, I have still yet to buy for the most part)! So much fun! Lucas, on the other hand, is a little overwhelmed by my zest for the season. So during Babymoon '09, I knew just what he needed to get him in the Christmas spirit (and realize that my decorations pale in comparison to others).


Talk about intense! The Opryland Hotel is home to one of the South's most spectacular holiday displays! There are over 2 million Christmas lights adorning this huge mansion-esque hotel. Apparently, workers begin putting up the lights in July! Lucas wondered why they even bother taking them down. See ~ it could be worse, right? I could make him start adorning our house with Christmas lights in July! How fun would that be?!? Haha!!

We had a great time touring the grounds and are looking forward to bringing Lily Ann here in a few years. She is going to love it!

Some photos of us (and Lily Ann) enjoying the lights: