Our Special Day

Felix and I had a very different Christmas this year.  It was different because it was the first year that we didn't travel to three different states to visit family. It was different because we didn't spend hours opening presents on Christmas morning. It was also different because just the two of us celebrated alone in our home for the first time ever since we have been married.  Due to the pregnancy and various other reasons, we let our families off the hook this year and decided we would celebrate as a family of two for the very last time. This may not seem like a big deal to everyone, but this was our 7th Christmas together, so we wanted to make it special.  We woke up late on Christmas morning and Felix made us a  HUGE breakfast. We had pancakes, eggs, bacon, biscuits and all the fixings.  We pretty much laid around ALL day and watched Christmas movies, and we even got up the energy to go for a little walk since it was 70 degrees outside that day.  To end the day on a special note, Felix booked Christmas dinner for us at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead. We went to the 5:00 seating (yes, I am hungry and pregnant) and we enjoyed many, many courses of wonderful food. It was a nice evening together that we will never forget.  I must admit that we are now ready for our sweet baby girl to come into this world whenever she is ready! She is the main reason that we have to be so thankful this holiday season, and we are very anxious for her to get here.  Please  keep us in your prayers these next couple of weeks for a easy delivery and for a healthy baby girl! 

Christmas dinner

37 Weeks

Blair's Nursery

We FINALLY got Miss Blair's nursery finished up this weekend!   I have to say it is my favorite room in the house. Felix and I find ourselves just sitting in there rocking away in the glider.  I think we consider it "the calm before the storm" just because we know we probably will not concentrate on how beautiful the room is AT ALL once Blair arrives; she will of course get ALL of our attention :)  I will be 36 weeks on  Thursday, and we have a doctor appointment that day. I can't believe that she could basically be here any day now. It just seems unreal, and we are really excited about meeting her!!   Here are a few pics of the nursery...

Baby Shower Heaven...

This past weekend was one of the best ones I've had in a long time. All of my girlfriends came into town and threw me one of the nicest baby showers I have ever been too.  Everyone arrived on Friday and we went to pick up Stacey from the airport. After some much needed vino (no, not me) and pizza, all the girls came over to my house so Felix could put his old bartending skills to work. All of the OOC girls showed up as well and we had a big time. 

The baby shower was Saturday morning at the Dunwoody Country Club. The girls had everything decorated to the nine's and they didn't miss a beat. Another shout out to Mattycakes for one of the cutest rattle cakes I have EVER seen! Baby Blair got SO many presents. I think I was opening gifts for close to three hours! It was so much fun and I didn't want it to end...

Me and the Hostesses

Prego

Rattle Cake

I really appreciate all the hard work that everyone put into everything. I am also very thankful for my friends that took time out of their Saturday to come and shower Miss Blair.  We even had a surprise visitor towards the end...

Atlanta Girls

OOC Girls

Me and my photographer

Look who arrived..Baby Katherine!

Saturday night, all the girls met up for old time sakes at Taxco. Everyone but me took part in pitchers and pitchers of margaritas! I kept reminding myself that my day is coming and tried to  not get too upset! After filling up on chips and cheese dip, we all headed back to my house and sat by the nice big fire Felix had prepared for us (okay, he turned on the switch to the gas logs).  It seems that all of my friends freeze to death in my house for some reason. Felix and I are very hot natured and we prefer to just wear alot of clothing. We promise to try to warm things up in here once the baby arrives! HA!  I was so sad to see Sunday come. I didn't want everyone to leave, but I did get to spend some quality time with Stacey and the Decker girls that afternoon.  Aunt Stacey broke in the glider and rocked Miss Katherine all afternoon while Anna Kate and Virginia helped me organize all of my loot! I don't know what I would do without these girls. I am going to have to hire Virginia as my "sister" when Blair arrives so she can help me out on the weekends ;)  

Aunt Stacey and Katherine

Aunt Sixty and Katherine

I am so thankful to have so many wonderful friends. It was truely an amazing weekend! I can't wait for Blair to arrive so she can meet all of  her wonderful aunts! Thank y'all so much for being goooooood girls!!!!!!

Halloween!!!

Felix and I had a pretty low key Halloween this year. We went over to our good friend, Robert Rigsby's house for a Halloweenie Roast. His neighborhood has all the kiddies over for hot dogs and goodies prior to trick or treating.  All the kids were so precious in their costumes. This is a tradition that Robert and Sister had carried on for many, many years. Felix and I joked with Robert that this was our FIRST invite....HA!

Me and Robert

On Saturday, our new neighbors had a costume party to introduce themselves to the neighborhood. Everyone really went to alot of effort with their costumes. Well, except for me and Felix. I went as a pregnant woman, and Felix went as my husband! Shame on us for not participating; we promise to do better next year! I did manage to take my new camera and snap some photos of the costumes!!!

Angie (Gorgeous) and Mary

Cooper and Clayton

Felix and Jill (the neighbor)

As for the baby, we made it to 30 weeks!! It's hard to believe we have made it an additonal 3 weeks since our big scare. We are off to the doctor again this Friday for a new update. We are praying for a good report! 

Freedom!

I have some of my freedom back! I went to the doctor on yesterday, and got a great report. It seems as if the 2 weeks of bedrest did the trick. I had an ultrasound and the doctors were very pleased with how everything looks. It just seems that the little one got all worked up for some reason and now she has settled down. Don't worry, I am not going to over do it. However, I do have some loose ends to tie up before Miss Blair gets here in January. The doctors just recommend that I listen to my body when I'm tired, and get plenty of rest. The only restriction I have at this point is no traveling. We pretty much figured that would be the case since the first "incident" was so unpredictable. I know this is the best thing, but I was extremely sad to have to cancel our baby showers in Louisiana and Alabama. I appreciate all the hard work our friends and family put into these showers, and I am SO sorry that we can't come :(

We go back to the doctor in two weeks, so please pray for more good news and pray that Blair will remain content in her Mommy's belly!!

Change of plans...

Well, what an interesting week we have had. On Tuesday afternoon, we had a little scare and had to make our first trip to Northside Hospital. I started having contractions and was admitted into the hospital. I was immediately given one round of shots to make the contractions stop and it worked. After having many test ran, it was determined that I had gone into pre-term labor, and was 1 cm dilated. At 27 weeks, this was not what we wanted to hear. But the good news is that Blair is just as healthy as she can be and she is still in my belly. Fortunately, the doctors felt confident enough to let us come home last night. The challenging part is going to be the weeks to come. I have been given strict orders by the doctor to basically not do anything but go to the doctor's offce and use the restroom for the next 2-3 weeks. I will start seeing a maternal fetal specialist next Friday, and I will go in weekly to be checked out. If my condition stays the same and doesn't progress then I may gain some of my freedom back in the weeks to come. So, that along with Blair's well-being is all the motivation I need in order to follow the doctor's orders. Felix and I really appreciate all the sweet phone calls, text messages, and emails we have received. They mean more than you will ever know. With two heavy hearts, we ask for everyone to pray for our family. Please pray that this baby will continue to thrive and remain healthy. Pray that Felix and I will have the knowledge and ability to make the right decisions regarding our situation, and pray that the doctors will take care of us. We will send out updates as we get them.

Love,
Tara and Felix

Long time, no blog!

I have been a terrible blogger. You wouldn't believe me if I told you how busy we have been. We were also without a computer for about a week, so that put a damper on my blogging capabilities. I'm not going to bore you with EVERYTHING we have been doing, but here are just a few of the highlights....

The weekend of the Auburn/LSU game, Blazer and I went to visit Miss Katherine. She is such a doll! These pictures aren't some of her most recent, but they will have to work for now. I can't wait to get my hands on her again ;)

Katherine with her Aunt Sixty

Katherine with her Aunt Blazer

We also made a trip to Nashville to visit friends. We got to visit the Sloan's and the Joiner's in the same weekend. Claire,  I'm sorry that I don't have any photos to post of you guys. I must not have gotten my camera out any around you (another sign that I've been a bad blogger lately).  I hope Davis will forgive me. I will comment on the little guy even though I don't have a picture. He has the cutest darn grin on his face at all times. He will definitely light up a room! 

 Sloan's and Verdigets

And last, but not least...Felix and I just got back from a fantastic 7 day vacation to Rosemary Beach. God, we love that place. We went with my mom's side of the family. The food, company, and laughs will never be forgotten. Once again, I didn't take many pictures.  But, I do have a better excuse this time. We didn't put on make-up for SEVEN days and it was totally worth it.   I will give a shout out to a new little restaurant called George's in Alys Beach. I highly recommend it if you haven't been. Felix and tried it out on our date night, and it was wonderful. We sat there and enjoyed a great meal and realized that we don't have many meals left where it will be just the two of us. Here are a few pics from our trip...

Felix and Tara

Me and Mama

26 week bump shot

Thought I'd leave you with a little belly shot since I've been a bad blogger.  I will be 27 weeks on Thursday!! Time sure is flying by.  I have to go back to the doctor on Friday for a SECOND glucose test (since I failed the first one) and then we are off to New Orleans for our first baby shower! It is a couple's shower, and we are both so excited. I promise for lots of pictures and blogging when I return!!!

She's here!!!

Katherine Lee Crowe was born today!! She weighs 5 lbs 8 oz and is 19 inches long. She is so adorable and tiny ;) I am happy to report that mommy and baby are doing great!! This little lady just doesn't even realize yet how many people love her! I can't wait to hold and squeeze you baby Katherine!!

Evacuees...

This post is going to be a bit late, but late is better than never! Following our recent trip to Las Vegas, Felix and I landed in Atlanta Monday night to find these little munchkins waiting on us at the neighborhood Starbucks...



Hurricane Gustav had forced them out of their home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They made the 12 hour drive (with one stop in Anniston, AL) to Atlanta, and arrived on our doorsteps minutes after our return from out west. You will notice in most of the pictures that Aunt TT is no where to be found because she had to WORK all week long :( I did manage to to sneak in some shopping with Melissa for Harper's birthday dress and party invitations. Uncle Fe took the kiddos to the Aquarium one day (while I worked), Harrison got to experience is first Hibachi meal, and we baked something for dessert almost every night. Melissa earned her keep in the kitchen by making dinner a few nights, and man can she cook?!?!?! Felix and I were tempted to let her stay permanently because of all the good food!




It was such a nice, unexpected visit! We were sad that it took a hurricane to drag them all the way from Louisiana to Atlanta, but we sure did have a good time! We are looking forward to our visit with you guys in October for the baby shower!!

What happens in Vegas...

...doesn't have to stay in Vegas when you're preggers! HA! Felix and I visited our good friends Shane, Allison, Leigh and Mia in Las Vegas for the Labor Day Weekend. Allison and I are friends from back home and we try to visit each other at least once a year. They have recently moved back to Vegas for her husband's job, and I think that I was in a race with other friends and family to get on their calendar for the first available weekend ;) We arrived on Friday evening and we were greeted by the entire family at the airport. Our first stop was Caesar's Palace so Felix and Shane could get their picks in for Saturday's football games. Unfortunately, we are back at work this week, so that must tell you the type of luck they had! HA! Allison and Shane prepared a wonderful dinner for us Friday night on the Green Egg (we will be buying one of these). I swear Allison is Betty Crocker. I hope they wait a while before visiting us, so I can spruce up my skills in the kitchen ;)

In our Auburn Gear!

Mia and Leigh

Saturday was a wonderful day. Being the bargain shopper that Allison is, she couldn't wait to take me to the outlet mall. We shopped all day and I lucked up and found a diaper bag for Baby Blair and some designer maternity jeans ON SALE! I was so excited. Felix says I am changing before his eyes and becoming such a thrifty shopper! HA! While the ladies were out shopping, the guys and little ones stayed at home and prepared a wonderful Boston butt for game time! We were fortunate enough to get to watch the Auburn Tigers play (yes, we are all big fans) and catch the end of the Alabama game (ugh!) even though we were across the country.

Cheering on the Tigers!

We spent Sunday morning out by the pool catching some early morning rays and doing a bit of relaxing. That afternoon we decided to hit up one last mall before our wonderful evening on the strip. Allison found the PERFECT anniversary band for her wedding ring while we were out. Allison, I think you MUST have the one from Tiffany! HA! Allison hired a sitter for Sunday night, and the four adults went to the Paris and dined at Mon Ami Gabi. We had the most fabulous table with a view overlooking the beautiful fountain show at the Bellagio. Our meals were fabulous, but the company was hard to beat.

At the Bellagio

Allison and Shane

at the Paris

Unfortunately, Monday came too soon at it was time to head home :( Shane and Allison, thanks so much for a wonderful weekend. We can't wait to see the two of you again in May. The girls are adorable, and we miss you so much already!! We hated to leave, but we had to rush home to our Louisiana relatives who have evacuated to our home from Baton Rouge, LA!! Stay tuned for that post to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi! It's me...

Hi everyone! My name is Blair Elizabeth Verdigets. I am about 20 weeks along in my mommy's tummy. They tried to take some photos of me tonight, but I was determined to keep my face covered with my arms. I had this stuff called ice cream before my photo shoot tonight, and it made me wiggle a lot. That stuff is gooooooood! Things are progressing well with me, and it appears that my mommy is feeling good ;) I'm trying to let her get a lot of rest now, so I can keep her up when I arrive in January. We are going to the doctor on Tuesday for our big check-up. Pray for us that everything checks out to be okay. I can't wait to meet all of my new friends and family!! Love, Baby Blair

Arm and hand on my forehead

Maybe a small smile for the camera

Big yawn!!

Orange Beach

This past weekend Felix and I got to meet our Diddies (that would be southern for fathers) and their girlfriends down at the beach for some rest and relaxation. We drove down last Tuesday night after work and were welcomed with new pajamas (someone must have told Michele I was sleeping in Fe's boxer shorts these days), beach towels, and all other kinds of cool beach gear! We also got to help Gina celebrate her birthday on Wednesday night with a nice dinner at Voyagers.

Happy Birthday, Gina! ( and yes, I wore this dress 2 weekends in a row)

We were fortunate to have a couple of days of nice weather before Tropical Storm Fay rolled into the gulf. My favorite part of the trip was all the SNACKS! Michele and Gina prepared all kinds of yummy things for me and the baby to eat. Those are the kind of things that make me happy when I'm without wine! HA!

Michele HAD to get this picture in front of the dog

We went to dine at Cosmo's on Thursday night, and decided to take it easy and order pizza and watch the Olympics on Friday night. Everyone but Dad and Michele left on Saturday in fear of the tropical storm. The Cajuns aren't the most comfortable people when they hear the phrase "flood warning". Can't say I blame them! However, we had a wonderful time and look forward to our beach trip next year with the new addition!

Anna Kate's Baby Shower

This weekend I went to Birmingham to help throw Anna Kate one of the cutest baby shower's ever ;) Everyone met in town on Friday afternoon to prepare while Anna Kate went and shopped for some last minute maternity items. Mandy was nice enough host the shower at her home, and we all blew in there like tornadoes with all our shower gear! I don't think little Ellie will ever be the same! All the hostesses scurried around decorating, grocery shopping, and preparing food while our guest of honor tried her hardest to be patient. We finished up just in time to meet Anna Kate afterwards for a wonderful Mexican dinner courtesy of the new grandmother, Diana. After a good night's sleep on Friday night, the big event was planned for Saturday morning. If anyone needs to hire a team to throw a shower, let me tell you, call this bunch. I'm convinced we could start our own show called "Project Baby Shower". Even if we are random, we will still work for a small fee :) This team worked like no other getting everything ready for our guest of honor to arrive just before 11:00 am.

The Hostesses and Anna Kate

The details of the shower were amazing. Everyone pitched in with their own ideas to make the shower very personable for Anna Kate and Katherine. Anna Kate was so pleased to see so many of her close friends and family come to the shower. Ginny even brought baby William so he could meet all of his OOC aunts :) And the presents, gosh, I didn't even mention the presents. If this child doesn't like monogrammed items, then we are in trouble. Everyone seemed to know just what the Mom-to-be's favorite thing is! HA!

Pledge Sisters in the making!

After the shower, all the OOC ladies were nice enough to come over to Anna Kate's for a short little visit. We headed back to get into our comfies and go through all of Anna Kate and baby Katherine's loot. We didn't make it to the bottom of the pile, I think that may take some time :)

The Auburn aunts

After enjoying a nice, relaxing happy hour on Anna Kate's veranda, it was time to head to dinner. With exception to throwing really good parties, this crew also likes to eat. Anna Kate arranged for us to have a late dinner at Ocean to top off the day's events and for our farewell to Stacey as she headed back to Miami to greet Hurricane Fay. As always, the meal was outstanding, and I highly recommend the lobster tails or the chocolate lava cake. Either will suit me and baby girl Verdigets' just fine :)

Heading to dinner at Ocean

As always, I had the time of my life with these girls. They are wonderful friends, and not to mention some of the most fun people I've ever been around. I am sad that the shower is over just because we had so much fun planning it! However, it won't be long until we all get to hang out again. Did I hear someone say Spa Weekend 2009?!?!?!? Get your planners out ladies!

The Graduate

This past weekend was a very special one for the Verdigets'. A much deserved celebration was had down on The Plains by both of our families. Felix had the honor of participating in the graduation ceremony at Auburn where he was hooded by his dissertation chairman, Dr. Charlotte Sutton. I can't tell you how proud I was of him while sitting up in those seats in the coliseum. I must have teared up a hundred times (pregnancy hormones probably didn't help at all). Felix's Mom, Dad, Gina, and Jason all came into town. We met my family in Auburn and had an early lunch at Byron's Barbecue. I offered him anything he wanted for lunch, so that is what he chose :) We had a great time with family, and Felix got some very thoughtful presents. Here are some pictures from his special day. We are so proud of you Pooks! I love you!

Officially Hooded!!