Hi, It's Me....

So, since the last time I spoke with you all (1) we've celebrated Troy's 30th birthday, (2) found out a friend of ours is expecting (a baby!), (3) our friends the Airlines gave birth to their first born child, and (4) my BFF Charity graduated and obtained a PhD!!!! I tell you, 2012 is the best year ever!  So, I'll have pictures and posts as soon as I catch up on sleep, work kept me super busy this week so I am in need of catching up on some missed hours of sleep.  This post is being drafted from bed as we speak.  

Goodnight folks,

SG

To Quote Ice Cube...

"Today was a good day!"  (Not everyone is going to get that! ha!)  But anywho, as I've mentioned, 2012 is going to be the best year yet! So much to look forward to! Welp, one of those things is the birth of little Baby Airline.  Our friends Eric and Sonja are expecting their first son, due one month from today!  I'm going to be an auntie...AGAIN! 

So, why was today a good day? Well, Sonja invited me to come with her to her ultrasound!!! Not only did I see little Blueberry's face in 3D, I also heard his heart beat!  Sure, may not be a big deal to you, but it was a HUGE deal to me!! I. heard. his. heart. beat!  Amazing.  Tears were shed from my eye balls. 

p.s. I call the baby Blueberry (1) because he was the size of a blueberry when I found out that he existed and (2) Eric and Sonja are keeping his name a secret until he makes his grand appearance so I can't call him his real name yet (i.e. I don't know it!).  

So anywho, today was a good day!  Blueberry is perfectly perfect! Six pounds and one ounce and growing just right.  I'm so excited for him to get here so that I can love all on him!! I'm going to be an auntie!

I heard his heartbeat ya'll,

SG

Miyah Comes to Visit

Now it's time for me to play catch up and dish about some of the funnings that have been going on.  The first weekend in February Troy and I kept our then- 5 month old niece.  This was our first time ever having an infant in our home overnight!  So here's a summary of what went down...

The Good

Miyah is just lovely! I love being an auntie so much and being able to be a part of her life since day 1!  She only cries when she's hungry or you try to get in her nose and de-clog it.  

My BFFs are the BEST! Charity and Regina visited and we took turns on Miyah duty while the other two of us worked on cooking a big family dinner!  Troy also pitched in too! It really was one of the best weekends of my entire life! Family, friends AND food. Doesn't get much better than that.

The Bad

Having to wake up at 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.  But seeing Miyah made it all worth it!  She is just so precious!! Have I mentioned how much I love being an auntie? So really, no "bad"....but there was some ugly! More on that below!!!

 3 a.m. doing happy baby pose! Literally. It's my least favorite yoga pose.

7a.m. wide awake

The Ugly

The poop!! And LOTS of it.  Miyah is teething and I am told that means runnier and yuckier poo.  Well, there were many encounters with yellow poo and that was NOT my cup of tea.  I changed a lot of diapers!  

And here is a picture of Charity cleaning poop off of her skirt because the poop sometimes escaped the diaper!

You see this picture below?  It was taken on Sunday morning just before leaving the house to head to Sunday School.  Well, literally 3 minutes later in the car, those nice white tights were filled with yellow poop.  And I had to change her as soon as we arrived to church.

But who wouldn't love this face?  Even with all the poop!

So grateful to be an auntie,

SG

p.s. speaking of being a proud auntie, I must brag some more on my niece Mekala (remember her from this post and this one) she's been chosen as her high school's representative in a Medical Conference to be held in Atlanta this spring and I am just so proud of her!!  Have I mentioned how much I love being an auntie? Just making sure we're clear on that...

365 More Days....

of being a "twenty-something!"  Today I turned the big 2-9! I am so grateful to see a new age! I'm enjoying a little couch time (while Troy hangs curtains in the living room) to share with you some details about my stupendous birthday weekend!

I'm SUPER excited about my birthday gift from Troy...

YES!! That's right folks! I'm FINALLY the owner of a KitchenAid Stand Mixer!! I've wanted one for years!!  Her name is Gretel!! And she looks so nice in the kitchen.  I'll have more pictures later, but here's one I snapped on the iPhone after setting her up on Friday night.

Then, if Friday's fun gift wasn't enough, on Saturday my BFF's spoiled me with some quality time, a beautiful cake, and birthday decorations! I came home from Publix and to my surprise Regina had decorated the living room.

 

And Allison brought cake!!! Which I love! Check out the Celtics green!

Us girls then headed to a private yoga class at my yoga studio which was a very light class just to ease them into the yoga practice that I oh so love! All smiles afterwards.

After a good workout of course you need food. So off to PF Chang's to pick up our to-go order and head back to the house to eat and relax.

Regina enjoyed the balloons as you can see in this picture. Balloon volleyball.

After lots of movie and tv-watching, some games, LOTS of laughter and lounging around the house we finally headed out to dinner before calling it a night.

It's been a great weekend and I'm so blessed that these three ladies took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with me.  As for Gretel, thanks to a gift card from Charity, I plan to get the ice cream maker attachment to Gretel soon!!! I had just pinned it on Pinterest this week!  That Charity, she knows me so well!! 

Alrighty folks, thanks for tuning in on the birthday details. It's been a great one!  So grateful to Jesus for EVERYTHING!  He's given me such a beautiful life filled with joy, peace, and love.  And for that, I owe Him EVERYTHING!!  So, here's to this new year and seeing all the many ways in which He continues to develop me!  I'm beyond excited about it!!

29 and counting,

SG

We Heart Regina!

My college BFF Regina Hinson is taking the bar today and tomorrow so please everyone out there send loving thoughts her way!!   We go back to college days:

And on the day of my wedding, she was right beside me as my beautiful maid of honor.

And although she's been busy in law school the past 3 years, she's made her way to Greenville for my first Homecoming since graduation and our house warming.  And of course Troy and I traveled to UNC for her graduation this past May!

So, as you can see, this is one special lady in my life and I want to let her know that I am thinking of her and excited for all that is headed her way!! Granted, she won't read this anytime soon since she's currently deep into the North Carolina bar exam.  But, anyway, everyone, if you remember, say a special prayer for my friend that she remains calm and at peace while she rocks the NC bar exam!!!

Love you Re-Re,
SG

p.s. how ROUND was my face in college?! I know right! Troy & I were saying in some of my college pictures I don't even look like myself!

We Interrupt this Program for FFFF....

Okay okay, I have been a very bad blogger the past few weeks!! Work is still great but it's busy and my weekends have been filled with FFFF (I'll get to what FFFF is in a sec!).  So, while I haven't blogged in a few weeks I have tons to share and lots of pictures/stories, etc.... That being said, I'm going to use this post to to catch you up and then we'll be back to the posts about our house and the status of each room!! (there have been some updates in the living room already and in the office, which is the next room that I will post about this week!!...)

So, what is FFFF?  It's one of my priorities for 2011: Family, Friends, Free Time, and Frequent Vacations!  And that's definitely what I've been up to the past few weekends--enjoying time with family and friends in various locations, taking advantage of the spontaneity one has without children and the ability to go places one has when employed! :-D  No, in all seriousness, I really want to enjoy this time in life with the people who mean so much to me before the day I become a mommy and the F stands for Frequent diaper changes!

So, three weekends ago I decided to visit my niece and nephews on their spring break in Orlando.  You remember this cute crew from when they visited last summer, right?  Well, it was double plus good to catch up with them and as a cherry on top, I also got to see Mekala compete in a cheerleading competition!  Unlike the first time I saw her cheer, this time I watched without tears forming!  They grow up so fast!

I love these youngun's so much! Since they live in Florida, I only get to see them about once a year which just isn't enough!  Shooting for at least twice this year!  Anywho, as you can tell from that dashing medal around Mekala's neck, her team WON!! Not only did they come in 1st in their division, they won the award for Sportsmanship and BEST TEAM ALL AROUND!!  Love it!! Here's my champ sporting the team winning banner

And while Mekala cheered, the boys got restless and made their own routine

Here's me and Miles.  I must say I am so grateful that he is such a sweet little boy.  He was born right as I was about to leave for law school and then they moved back to Florida shortly after that.  I was so concerned that he wouldn't remember me, but he's just such a sweet and loving boy and I just can't get enough of him!

and let's not forget my sister in law Jameela!  The proud mom of these three kiddos!

and my road trip/shopping partner for the weekend Catrese!

So that was three weekends ago.

The next weekend (two weekends ago) Morgan and I headed to Cary, NC where we stayed at the boug boug and super nice Umstead Hotel.  A must visit hotel!! LOVED IT! Even fancier than the Four Seasons, for sure! (my hotel room had a door bell, phone in toilet, private room for toilet, it was just too much!)  You see I had to be in Cary for work on Friday and the firm put me up in the fancy digs so of course I invited Morgan along to share in the fun!!  I didn't get many pictures but here's me playing in this nice and fancy tub and bathroom with phone! (iPhone pictures...I left my camera!)

(not really using the facilities FYI)

And now for last weekend.  Last weekend was double the fun.  First, Friday night Troy and I along with Allison and Cody went to (drum roll) the CELTICS game in Atlanta!!!  I came prepared too: Wearing my Rondo jersey shirt (thanks Charity for the EXCELLENT birthday gift!!), a Sign, AND a flag (which Cody brought me from BOSTON on a recent work trip!!!)

 And guess who I saw!! Standing in line waiting to order nachos I look over to the right and I saw Ray Allen's MOM!!! Well, the back of her! LOL!! It was too cool.

Speaking of mom's, the final stop while in Georgia was to visit my mom to celebrate her birthday!  I took her to a spa for her very first massage. She LOVED it!! I mean, who doesn't love a good massage?!  Here's mom after a relaxing massage.

So, that's what's been going on over this way, at least in part.  Stay tuned for more FFFF updates throughout the year.  But, before that, be on the lookout for a blog entry on our office and how that room is coming along!

Super happy,
SG

28...for the next 5 years!

Whose the happiest birthday girl who just turned 28?

ME!!  Last Saturday I celebrated one of Jesus' greatest gifts--LIFE!!  I saw yet another birthday!!  And all I wanted to do was spend time with some of the people who mean the most to me--my friends!!!  I must say it was pretty much exactly what I needed!!  Some of my closest friends took the time to let me know just how much I mean to them and I am more grateful than I could ever express!!! 

FRIDAY. MORGAN!! Morgan took off of work (that's right, she gave up a precious vacation day for me!!) on Friday and came up the day before my birthday!! We went out to lunch, went shopping, poked around in some stores, and then Friday night we vegged out HARD CORE and watched movies! 

 all the essential food groups--pizza, chips (pepperoni, chicken, pineapple), cookies, chocolate.  And in the fridge/freezer--Ben & Jerrys & cupcakes!

We visited a new store here in Greenville--Buy Buy Baby.  And here's what we saw... some new gadget called a Mama Roo!

 Morgan wondering what the mess?  This is called a Mama Roo and it rotates a baby in a circular motion to allow the child to be "bounced just like mom does."  Really?  Too much!!

We were just so confused about this Mama Roo. What happened to being rocked in a loved ones' arms?

SATURDAY! Saturday, I was surrounded with more love!  Friends came over to the house to hang out before dinner!

DINNER.  Then we headed to Myabi for dinner where Sonja jumped in the mix!!

Myabi was yummy as always!

And the fellowship--SUPERB!

 

Charity & Troy are like brother & sister!

 

Charity, Morgan, & Lauren

 Eric & Sonja

 Mike & Shemeka

Me & Troy!

I got to open some gifts at Myabi also and guess what Charity gave me GUYS?!!!  Just thinking about it makes me excited.  Not only did I get Volume 4 of Glee to round out my collection, but I also received...

RONDO JERSEY SHIRT!!! I am a HUGE Rajon Rondo fan!  And plan to wear this shirt during every game for the remainder of the season!  Here's a group picture of us leaving Myabi before heading to Bowling!

BOWLING.  Imagine my excitement when my bowling shoes matched my birthday shirt AND Rondo jersey!

And, while I wasn't the best bowler, I have my secret techniques!...

 roll the ball real slow!

 then spread your wings to show it which way to go!

works every time (except for when it doesn't!)...

Sonja sports her fun bowling socks!

And I even got to spin a wheel for a prize...

 I won two free games!!  Whose coming with me?! (although next time we're coming on NON-SMOKING night!! sheesh. My entire outfit has to go to the cleaners!)

LOVE.  Here's a pic of all of my beautiful and heartfelt cards!! It really was a birthday filled with well-wishes, cupcakes (Allison's husband made me cupcakes!! And she decorated them! so super sweet!), cards, gift cards, and so much more.  I am so grateful.  All I wanted was simply to spend time with positive people who love me for me.  That was enough.  I'm a happy lady I must say!! 

Oh, and I've decided that 28 was such a fun birthday that I'm going to remain 28 for the next 5 years.  Please note this.  Thank you!!

Grateful for the gift of friendship from a group of positive people!!,
SG