Catching Up

I'm back.  Sorry for my absense.  Last Sunday night I drove from Clinton to Charlotte, a total of four hours.  We spent the night with George and Betty one last time and then got up and at 'em the next morning and made the nine hour trip back home.  BY-MY-SELF.  To say it was tough with a two-year-old and being pregnant would be an understatement, but I was determined.  Determined to see my hubby after a two week absense and sleep in my own bed.  Sleeping in my own bed was glorious (insert my sing-song voice here.)  The lower back pain I awoke with the next morning was not.  The only complaint I've had this entire pregnancy has been the back pain.  It's tough getting Grant in and out of his crib and car seat and some days it's all I can do to stand up straight.  The following days consisted of unpacking our suitcases, cleaning out the car, cleaning up the house, grocery shopping all in the spaces of time I felt some relief from the awful shooting pains I've become accustomed to in my lower back.  With all this said, I felt better by Wednesday but I seemed to have overdone it.  Thanksgiving morning I sneezed and that was all she wrote.  I cried out, Ron caught me and poof!  Couldn't move.  I was in an awful state the majority of the holiday, Ron was so wonderful at taking care of me he even once had to drape me over his shoulders and carry me to the bathroom.  It was miserable.  Three days later, I'm feeling like myself again but taking it easy.  My hope is this back pain will stay at bay for awhile and I plan on avoiding long car rides at least until Christmas.  So, that's what's been going on and why I have left you lingering with the final details of our trip to North Carolina.  So now, on with the story.

Five weeks ago, my dear Mother underwent knee replacement surgery.  She has had a tough recovery so a lot of the time spent at home was spent at home, with her, keeping her company.  We did venture out to my friend Jill's baby shower the Sunday afternoon before I left.  Here I am with my Mom and Dad.

The Rouse sisters, Jennifer, Mom-to-be, Jill and Grant's Godmommy, Jessica

Jessica and our pal, Georganne

Grant had a great time playing with Papa during our visit, they did a lot of fun things together like riding Papa's "tractor"

We also spent a couple of nights in Mt. Airy with Ron's Mom.  This day we ventured out to the local park and threw rocks in the creek.

Grant could literally do this for hours.

Another highlight of our trip was helping host a sip and see for my great friend Emily and her beautiful daughter, Collins.  Collins was born in September and looks just like her Daddy!  It was a joy finally meeting her and being reunited with so many of my dearest friends.

Pregnant pals and best friends.  Both of these gals have been with me through it all and were in our wedding.  Now, we're sharing the journey of pregnancy together, just wished we lived closer!

Emily received so many pink, girly things for Collins.  The shower was so fun!

A good majority of my sorority pledge class.  Oh, how I miss these girls!

Had to include these because I love all things crafty.  Emily gave these flower pins to all the hostesses.  The best part?  She made them!  They will be accessorizing all of my sweaters and jackets this season.

And that's about it.  We covered a lot of distance, traveled many miles, packed in a lot of fun with a lot of friends and the trip was a success!  Time with family and friends in NC is always so bittersweet because I never know when my next visit will be.  That's why these times are so cherished and I'm so glad there all documented right here.  Even after the long drive and consequential back pain, we are glad to be back in Sweet Home Alabama!