Mexico Trip

Bob and I celebrated our fifth anniversary, with a trip to Cancun, Mexico.  We stayed at the Iberostar Grand, and had a fabulous time!  Bob won the trip for us, because of high productivity during the summer months at work.  I was very proud of him!

We arrived Thursday afternoon, and departed Monday afternoon.  Our anniversary fell on the Saturday (10/13), and we spent the day alone - on the beach.  It was fabulous.  We read all day long, and had drinks and lunch brought to us.  The rest of the trip was spent with Bob's coworkers and wives.  We laid by the pool, ate, drank, went to the discoteca, shopped, and ate.  Did I say eat?

It was the perfect escape for us.  Bob and I were both feeling worn out, by work and the kids.  We needed this trip.  It was the perfect getaway! 

Here's to making next year's trip!

(My camera settings were messed up for most of the trip.  Plus, there are better pictures on Bob's iPad, so hopefully, I can add those to the blog too!)

First afternoon on the beach, with a drink in hand!

The entrance to the beach, from the pool.

These chairs in the pool were awesome

Lobster, yum.

Would you believe me if I said he was just pouring coffee?

Joking around on a Gondola outside one of the restaurants!

Bromance with Bob and Tyler.

Anniversary Dinner (and, why do I look so fat?!?)

My own special Nacho Libre!

These little guys were all over the resort. 

AL vs. TX office annual pool football game.  I won't say who won.

Three Years

Bob and I celebrated three years of marriage today!

It is hard to believe the things we've done in three years: get married, move, build a house, get pregnant, move again, have a baby, and change jobs (Bob) - Whew!

One of our many traditions in our marriage is to watch our wedding video on our anniversary. It is a reminder of how important our family and friends are in our life. It was particularly emotional for me this time around. I saw people in the video who I've drifted apart from, and people who I miss. I saw our family and friends, and realized how amazing these people are. How fortunate and lucky I am to have the life I lead? I know you most likely feel the same way.

The struggles and hurt we've endured these past few months have taught me so much. I finally know what's important to me. I finally know to not sweat the small stuff. I finally know that life isn't always going to go the way I want. I am amazed at the support I've received from my friends and family. And, more surprisingly, the support I've received from people I barely know, or did not expect. People truly are a beautiful thing, don't you think? The letters, emails, texts and phone calls have been overwhelming regarding my dad and his current health. Perhaps it's a Southern thing, or a Christian thing? Or, a human thing? Either way, it has been nothing but abundance love.

I cried tonight watching my wedding video and seeing my Father/Daughter dance with my dad. Dad, I love you so much, and I hope you realize that you are an amazing man and have a family here in Birmingham that cares so deeply about you!

I am thankful for Bob. I am thankful for the parents that brought us up. I am thankful for our extended family. And, of course, I am thankful to our close friends.

A marriage not only represents the bond between two people, but also between their family and friends.

Be happy, be yourself, and be loved...

Congratulations!

Congrats to my very best friend Lisa, and her husband Dale! They welcomed Bryn Elise into the world on Wednesday, December 16th! She weighed 8 lbs., 6 oz. From what I've seen, she's beautiful! I can't wait to meet her next week!!!

xoxoxoxo

Congrats to my parents on their anniversary yesterday!!! I love how they always make each other laugh; and always make me laugh! Love you both!!!

Our 2 Year Anniversary

We sealed our love with a kiss on October 13, 2007...

We honeymooned in Virgin Gorda...

We had fun...

We moved to Alabama in June 2008...

We broke ground on our house in July 2008...

We found out we were pregnant on October 1, 2008...

We celebrated our first anniversary in Asheville, NC with our honeymoon buddies, the Van Blaricom's...

We played in the snow in March 2009...

My belly grew, and so did our hearts...

And, our union was made complete on April 30, 2009.

Daddeee,

You have been and will always be my rock through our life! No matter where we live, what we do... you and I will be a team. I love you more than words can describe. Thank you for giving me the life I have dreamt about since I was a little girl.

I love you baby!

Do Gators Fly?

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been in a blogging funk. Hopefully it will pass, or is passing, and you'll see more of what's going on with us. Or, just my own personal rants ;-)

We've had a busy past few weeks. First, our friend Mike Cooley came to stay with us while he was in town for work. After he left, Bob's parents came for a quick visit. And, after they left, Bobby's eight cousins all came to see him for the first time. I will blog more about that soon. It was wonderful seeing everyone! I think Bobby was entertained by all of his cousins. He sat in his bouncy seat, looking around at them for most of the time. Maybe this is why it's easier to have the 2nd, 3rd, etc... child? Who knows? Anyhow, Bob and I were joking around yesterday and we stated that Hotel Ross is closed for the month of August! I think we've had more days of people staying with us, then alone, since Bobby's arrival. Crazy, right?

Last week, Bobby also had his first cold. It was not bad at all. It started with his cry sounding a bit raspy, and then he had a stuffy nose, and some coughing. Little Noses Saline got rid of the stuffy nose, and a humidifier took care of everything else. Now, the new thing is his pooping! He is only pooping every 4 days or so. I am guessing he's just become an infrequent stooler (nice, huh?) due to his formula intake. I am slowly transitioning a little bit of formula into his diet. We've already tried two different brands, and seem to have found one that is working for us. He takes after his dad, and has a sensitive tummy. We are using Similac Sensitive. It seems to be doing fine, with the exception of his lack of bowel movements. The pediatrician says some babies only poop once a week! So, I guess we'll see if it gets better or worse.

Oh, and do Gators fly?

Bobby fell asleep yesterday in his bouncy seat. If you are familiar with newborns, you know they can startle quite easily. Well, he heard a noise and raised his arms like that, as a reflex. It's actually called the Moro Reflex. He slept like this with his arms up for a couple of minutes so I could snap a picture. Too funny, right?!?! Anyhow, daddy dressed Bobby yesterday, and of course, he put him in a Gator onesie. This was given to us by a friend, Lindsey Adams. Thanks Lindsey, we love it! Besides, we can't wait for the season to start September 5th!

One last thing, Happy Belated Birthday to my beautiful sister! I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you. And, your gift is going to be late! (everything is, these days). :-) Also, Happy Belated Anniversary to my wonderful parents-in-law. Love all you guys!

Our 1 Year Anniversary

We spent our first anniversary at the infamous Grove Park Inn in Asheville. We actually celebrated our dinner on the 14th, because we were tired from sightseeing all day on the 13th. We did however, enjoy our top layer of the wedding cake on the 13th!

Here is the view we had from our table at dinner. Notice the hot-air balloon.

The four of us at dinner...the steaks were amazing! I, of course, was stuck drinking water, just being newly pregnant here.

Bob and I, with the beautiful view behind us.

Eating our top layer of our wedding cake, which, was actually pretty good!

The cake. This cake traveled with us from Orlando to Birmingham, and then from Birmingham to Asheville. Thankfully, my mom did an amazing job of saran wrapping it! The three apples on top were long gone.