Thursday, October 30, 2008

I know I'm a nerd... but...

Chappell's got mail!
Aunts Sarah Waters and Nicole Aldworth sent Chappell's gift via snail mail, and I thought this was so funny. I loved what was inside of the envelope, by the way! The monogrammed clothes hamper is so cute! Thank you :)

33 Weeks, 4 Days

We just got back from the doctor a few minutes ago with good news-- Chapster is head down! I'm so pumped about this. I had convinced myself that she wasn't going to flip and I would require a C-Section. Woooohooo!

I thought some of you might enjoy (at Reed's expense) a few pictures of his Halloween costume. Reed will be playing the part of Woody from Toy Story - chosen by Will (3 year-old nephew). Sadly, plans changed and Will cannot come to Birmingham to trick-or-treat as Woody's partner, Buzz LightYear. So here is solo Woody!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Pumpkins...

Tonight is pumpkin carving night! This is one of my most favorite fall activities, and this year it seems to have been put off until the last minute. Anyways, I will post pictures of our marvelous creations tomorrow... but until then, here are a couple from last year. Note: Reed makes funny faces when he is embarrassed.



Monday, October 27, 2008

33 Weeks, 2 Days

Last night I returned to Birmingham from a week in P-Cola with the family. It was so good to get to hang out w/ my sister Lyle and her baby, Iain (pronounced Ian, by the way). Smith and Reed drove down together Thursday afternoon. Saturday was the Pensacola baby shower, which was perfect! I forgot to upload my Dad's camera before I left, but will do it next week when I am home again for Anne Cook's wedding. Chappell got the most beautiful things-- adorable clothes, stuffed animals, Maclaren stroller, among many others! It honestly took over 2 hours to put it all away.

Here are a few things...













This stuffed elephant is from Aunt Ferrill. I absolutely love it-- it's so cute and huge and I love how it has her name on the ear! If I was a stuffed animal, this is what I would want to be...













This gift was my absolute favorite. It's a newborn sleep sack, and it's from Reed. I thought it was the sweetest thing for him to get the baby a gift... it says "Baby's First Christmas" and the card was signed, "Love, Daddy." Reed also earned major points this weekend by giving me MY baby gift. Gorgeous black pearl earrings that will someday be Chappell's. You're the best, Reed!













Aunt Mary C had this gorgeous pillow made for Chappell- and she even tackled the 4 Letter monogram!! I absolutely love it and it has a prime spot on the rocking chair. Thanks, MC-- it matches perfectly :)




Tomorrow I will post more- including Chappell's going home from the hospital outfit. Emily gave it to me at the shower on Saturday and it is gorgeous!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

32 Weeks, 2 Days

I drove to Pensacola yesterday to see Lyle and baby Iain who flew in from Bangkok for my Pensacola baby shower.  He is so dang cute!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

32 Weeks Down...

What an eventful weekend!

Friday night we laid low and were paid a visit from one of State Farm's home health nurses. I suppose an important part of becoming a first time parent is purchasing life insurance. However, I never knew the insurance company had to personally inspect our bods to see if we were fit to be covered. It's a pretty intense process. For me, it was a just a little weird to have blood drawn on my own couch (I wouldn't allow it on the white one). I shouldn't complain - it was convenient.

Saturday morning we went to Brookwood Hospital for our prepared childbirth class. I personally enjoyed the hospital tour the most. It was cool to see where all the action will be happening in just a few weeks! I was excited to see that each post-delivery room had a huge flat screen TV and mini-fridge (for champagne, or course). I feel like I knew most of the material from all that I've been reading about pregnancy and childbirth. I do think Reed learned a lot from the experience. It was especially helpful to see where we are supposed to go when I go into labor... considering we were both a little clueless about that. There are a zillion entrances... and we had no clue which one we were supposed to use. Russell and Beau took the class with us. We both thought it was so funny to think how much things have changed in a year. Most of you reading were at Gallettes for the Ole Miss game... and we were learning how to swaddle. Crazy, huh?

The class was over around 3:30, and went straight to one of Reed's friend's houses to watch the rest of the game. Roll Tide!!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

31 Weeks, 4 Days

YO.
Today I went to the doctor for my 32 Week appointment. We met with one of the other doctors in the group, Dr. Sparks. He was really nice... but I'm still a bit partial to my own doctor! Things are progressing normally. Six to eight weeks to go... I got a flu shot, which was of course awesome.
After the flu shot, I started to feel really bad-- sweating profusely and feeling faint. Since I felt so awful, Reed went to get the car from the parking deck while I waited on a nearby bench... and that's when it got worse. I thought I was going to die in front of Brookwood Hospital with only the valet attendants to witness my passing. I tried to put my head between my knees, but of course that's impossible at this point. I just knew I was seconds away from vomiting all over one of the cheery pregnant women walking by, toddler in tow. By the time Reed pulled through the circle I was drenched in sweat- seriously soaking wet and looking rather green. Ha! I'll never forget the way he looked at me through the car window... now it's hilarious. I don't know what it was, but I think I'm going to take the hint and quit trying to rush winter along with my sweaters, jeans & Uggs. Not worth it!

Monday, October 13, 2008

A few of the house...












Reed's mom, Emily brought us Chappell's bedding on Sunday. I can't thank her enough... can you believe she made this?






Birmingham Baby Shower

What a memorable weekend! Smith arrived Wednesday afternoon. We had great sista bonding time- lots of shopping, pedicures and lunches all week long. She helped me find some clothing that may flatter my huge bod. Ha! It was great to have the entire day to piddle around together.
Mom & Dad arrived on Friday around 5ish. We went to one of our favorites, the Fish Market for dinner and then picked ML up at the airport around 8:45. Thanks, ML for coming all the way from DC for the shower! It was so nice to have little Mags back in the South.
Saturday, Cover got in town just in time for lunch. Thank you Cover-- I know the drive from Memphis is rough... I had so much fun with you!
Saturday night we had an awesome cookout/shindig at the house-- courtesy of grill master Reed (see pic). I didn't help at all, as we were running around like crazy people most of Saturday. Bloom, Hunter, Laura, Sarah, Cover & the fam dined on burgers, dogs & asian slaw. Delish-- and it was really fun to hang out w/ everyone! Hunter, thank you very much for the musical entertainment. I will never think of the # 5 the same. I will post pics of the cookout soon!
Sunday was the day of the main event. Meg, Buddy, Emily & Will (sister-in-law, in-laws & nephew) all drove up from Ozark to be there. It meant a lot to me! Emily made Chappell a zillion adorable bibs, burp cloths, onesies-- and the beautiful crib bumpers and bed skirt. I still can't believe she actually made them. The woman is talented!
Chappell got some awesome presents. Thank you SO much to all of the hostesses and everyone for being there. It really meant a lot to me and my family. We had a great time!

By the way, I'm fully aware that I look like a cow.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

30 Weeks, Almost 3 Days

Just thought it was worth documenting since this is an online pregnancy journal of sorts-- I am starting to feel the discomforts of the third trimester. I'm huge-- and the fatigue of the first trimester is returning. Today I was rather worthless. I'm so thankful that I'm not working! I would've cried at my desk... going to Publix felt like quite an accomplishment!!

Monday, October 6, 2008

So proud of Smithy!

I couldn't get the blogger post-thingy to work, so click on the link below!

http://www.slideboom.com/presentations/18494/MARY-HOWARD-STUDIO--SMITH-SINROD--2008-SUMMER-INTERN


An article featuring Smith from The Crimson White:

Students debut fashion lines
Emily Sanford
Contributing Writer

Published: Thursday, September 25, 2008

Tonight at 8, University Programs will host Rock the Runway, a student fashion show that will showcase original clothing made by students majoring in apparel and textile design.
Based off New York Fashion Week, the event will feature models, a film crew, a professional photographer and a DJ in order to transform the Ferguson Plaza into a microcosm of the real-world fashion industry.
The featured clothing includes couture and ready-wear pieces for men, women and children. The designers have specific themes for their clothing, which range from the Louisiana landscape and architecture to the stages of a female’s life. Of the 14 designers participating, 11 have produced a full line consisting of five to 12 pieces of clothing. Due to time constraints, the other three could not produce a full line but will still be allowed to display their work in the preshow.
Jessica Hess, a senior designer in the preshow, was surprised by how much work and time she invested in the event.
“It’s so much more than I thought it would be — finding a model, being more prepared, having fittings, having a loyal model who will come. Everything is so detail-oriented,” she said.
Hess explained that the design process involves creating a mental picture, illustrating that picture, choosing or creating a pattern, constructing the garment and fitting it to a model — all within a specific timeline. But she said she feels the designers have maintained variety, despite the time.
“I go out there and work with these girls all the time, and I look at their line and I’m impressed. I just think, ‘How did you whip that out? That’s amazing,’” she said.
The designers hope this variety will positively shape students’ perceptions of the apparel and textile design major. “I feel like people don’t think it’s as hard as it is. It’s not just a joke. People do have talent,” senior designer Smith Sinrod said.
But designers also hope to direct attention to their own work. To become a design assistant, visual merchandiser or independent designer after graduation, students need a strong portfolio and real-world experience, both of which the event will provide.
“The one good way to establish yourself is word of mouth and actually have proof that your work exists. [Rock the Runway] gives me an idea as to what a real fashion show could be like, what to expect, what not to expect,” senior Charley Nichole Wood said.
Lashara Barnes, fine arts director for University Programs, said she thinks the show’s professionalism and elegance compare to real-world shows and will not only help to prepare the designers, but also astonish students. Barnes decided to host the event in the plaza this year to give everybody the opportunity to attend.
“We really do have a good design program. It will be like nothing you have ever seen on campus,” she said.
Also sharing Barnes’ enthusiasm is Denee Mills, a senior designer with a line based off black and white photography.
“I am so proud of everybody,” Mills said. “It’s just going to be a wonderful, glorious show. I’m blown away, but I think someone on the outside looking in will be blown away as well.

30 Weeks, 1 Day

This weekend we decided last minute to go with my parents to Grayton. We left around 1 on Friday and got there around 5:30 in the evening. It was so nice to get out of town and just relax. My parents took us out to wonderful dinners both nights which was of course welcomed (and awesome)! If you will be in the area anytime soon, I recommend a new restaurant in Grayton called Fire. I think I gained about 5 pounds.
Saturday we shopped around Seaside. I got a mirror & matching frame for Chappell's nursery. Now all I'm lacking is her bedding, which will be here this weekend.

The next few weeks will be quite busy for us. This weekend, both of our families are coming in town for the Birmingham baby shower. Margaret Leigh arrives Friday night from DC and Smith will drive over from T-Town on Wednesday, as her Fall Break begins! Cover gets in Saturday around lunch (from Memphis). Wooohooo!
Next weekend, October 18th, Reed and I have our childbirth class all day. We're a little bummed about missing the Ole Miss game. The following weekend, October 25th we will go to P-cola for the Pensacola baby shower! I'm actually going to go down early, I think on Tuesday because SISTER LYLE IS FLYING IN FROM BANGKOK for my shower! She definitely gets an award for the furthest traveler. We are all so excited that she is bringing baby Iain. Iain just turned 1 about a week ago-- we are so happy that Chappell and Iain will grow up together... just a year apart. It's crazy... Lyle and I never thought we would have any kids so close in age!
November 1st we will be going to Reed's cousin Abigail's wedding about an hour outside of the Hammer. After the wedding (it starts at 2), we drive to Montgomery for an engagement party in the Gump.
Our last weekend of travel before being landlocked in B-ham will be November 8th for Anne Cook's wedding! I can't wait-- it will be so much fun, and I will be hooooge!

About the 3-D ultrasound: Chappell was once again in a bad position. This time we were able to get a few good pictures of her face, but in general, we were not impressed with the results. I guess there's just no guarantee the baby will be cooperating. All in all, I'm just not sure it is really worth it-- and I'm not sure I will do it with the next baby. It's just frusterating because each time we went I was so excited to see her little face... and then we left just as clueless as we were before. I will scan a couple of the good pictures and post later today!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

29 Weeks, 3 Days

Hello!

I don't have too much to report today, but noticed it had been a while since my last post. Reed had to go to LA for work on Sunday and returned around 10 last night. While Reed was gone I got to hang out with Danielle (sister-in-law) and Brody (nephew)-- a rather fun distraction during his absence!

As far as pregnancy goes, things have been uneventful lately. Fine by me... Tomorrow we are redoing our 3-D ultrasound, so hopefully I will have some good pics to post this time.












As you can see, cartoons & lolipops are fascinating when you are 2 1/2. I couldn't get him to look at me long enough for a picture!
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