Ridge to Bridge Marathon

This past weekend, Allen, Natalie, Baxter and I traveled up to North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest so that Allen could run in the 2009 Ridge to Bridge Marathon. We shared a cabin with our friends Jenny and Ryan and their golden retriever, Sadie. Allen and Jenny had a great run and came in at an impressive 3:31, which placed Jenny second in her age group. After the race, we spent the rest of Saturday eating, relaxing, and letting the dogs play in the creek behind the cabin. It was a great getaway weekend and the fall mountain scenery was absolutely breathtaking. We were relieved that Natalie did very well on her first big trip away from home.

Looking good at mile 19.


50 yards from the finish line.


Beautiful scenery at the finish.


Allen and Natalie taking it easy.

2009 Atlanta Dog Jog

I am sad to say that Baxter will miss the 2009 Atlanta Dog Jog this Saturday since we'll be in North Carolina for Allen's marathon. I guess it's only fair to give the other small dogs a shot at taking home medals this year since Baxter has dominated for the last 3 years. I fully expect that Baxter will spend the next 12 months preparing for his 2010 comeback.

For those of you with dogs, I highly recommend attending this event. You can run or walk the 1 or 2-mile race and it supports a great cause. And even if you don't have a dog, it's an entertaining spectator event!

Here are some photos from the last three years:

One of my all time favorite Baxter photos (2006)


Allen and Baxter with their award for first place in the small dog division (2006)


Baxter sporting his gold medal for first place in the small dog division (2007)


Baxter with more bling; second place overall in the female runner division (2008)

Georgia Tech Homecoming

Allen, Natalie, and I went to Georgia Tech's campus for a couple of hours yesterday to tailgate for the Homecoming game against Virginia Tech. It was great to see a lot of our friends from college along with some of their new additions too! I think Natalie was just the good luck charm that GT needed to pull off the win. GO JACKETS!!!

Sally and Natalie in front of the Rambling Wreck.

Trying to stay warm. Brrrrr!

Watching the game at Great Aunt Emma's.

All tuckered out after a big day.

One Year Ago Today...

Allen and I found out that I was pregnant with Natalie exactly one year ago today. A few hours after finding out, I attended a baby shower for an old high school friend. It was a true test of my willpower to keep my mouth shut when all the conversations revolved around pregnancy and babies!

It's hard to believe how much has happened in the last year. Our lives have been truly blessed and we have so much to be thankful for.

Four Month Pediatrician Visit

Look how big I am!!

Natalie had her four month pediatrician visit today. Here are her latest stats:

• Height: 24.75" (approx 50th percentile)
• Weight: 15 lbs 12.5 oz (approx 80th percentile)
• Head Circumference: 16" (approx 50th percentile)

In the last two months she has gained about three pounds and grown almost and inch. The doctor says she's doing great! Natalie also decided to enthusiastically demonstrate to the nurse and doctor how well her lungs work. (She was NOT happy about being laid down on the cold exam table or the scale.)

There's Nothing Cuter Than Baby Giggles

I've been waiting and waiting for Natalie to start laughing since there honestly isn't anything cuter than a little baby giggling. I finally got her to laugh on camera yesterday and it's pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.

Natalie's First BFF

Natalie seems to have made her first friendship. I had always assumed that her first BFF would be one of the many other little babies in the neighborhood, but, alas, she has befriended her Love Bug. She has no shortage of smiles, coos, and shy glances for this little guy. Who would've thought?!

Where have you been all my life, Love Bug?

Can I give you a kiss?

Love Bug, you crack me up!