I canNOT believe this... I had the most beautiful, touching, wonderful 1st post to this new thread and "POOF!" -- it's gone!

Maybe it's the cyber-world telling me it's time to get to bed... good night, my lovelies!!

In all honesty...if I could back out without making anyone mad... I would. :thumbup:

Sad is different than mad... I don't think I'd be MAD at anyone... but I would be sad... but I'd get over it... eventually... I suppose...

I really, really, really would love to go . . . but with a new baby it is really not reasonable to commit to traveling anywhere within the first month after the baby comes unless it is close to home.

I think even if there is not 100% turn out, it is still workable for those who can go if the option is open to switch to a hotel and drop the house if necessary.

This really has been a strange year. There have been tough economic times in the past . . . but this is the first time that I can actually see so many people affected. Usually it only hits a select few but this time it is across the board and I am seeing friends, family and acquaintances struggle at every socio-economic level.

I don't even want to mention how many thousands in retirement money has drifted away from me over the last year. The only thing I can be thankful for is that I have many, many years left to work my tail off to gain it back. I just hope this period of time is just a distant, unpleasant memory for all of us over the next year or two and life gets back to normal.

Pamela, best of luck in defending your dissertation which is not very far in the future. You are going to feel like a million bucks once you put this stage of the process behind you.

Thanks Heather, it is surreal that it is closing in. Actually since this am, there have been some complications and now it is on the 13th for now...I don't care...just want it done. And in true Violet fashion...it will happen in April!

Pam

that is great, what an accomplishment

Well, I'm along for the ride on this one.. But if you want to down-size from the house and get hotels in Huntsville (although, Madison is better!!).. my parents have a BIG pool with 3x waterfalls and a slide.. AND a hot tub...and it's all on a lake (although you can't swim in this lake).

If you want that as an option, it's there.. my parents don't mind me ever bringing people over.

Ok here's pics from the shower.. And now I see where the 50lb weight gain is.. egads.

Me & NaeNae-- she's the one who threw the party (and went ALL OUT). The flags behind us spell Carson in nautical flag alphabet.

The cake

Me & the cake.. boy I love cake. She told me to take it home, and I didn't.. I would have eaten the whole 1/2 that was left to myself.

Me & my friends.

Me & my granny......

She always says something that brings us to tears from laughter.

Me & my cousin. She just found out she is pregnant last week (6 weeks along).. so she put a balloon under there. She really will look like that since she's a true skinny minny!!

Openin presents..

Smellin POO.. (Russell's mom was).

Laura, I think it was you that posted an article about a little girl living in squalor and the adoptive parents that took her in. I think she will be on Oprah tomorrow. It was an article that you or somebody sent that was kind of long, and I believe was in Florida, sad situation!!

I agree with Michelle, not mad, but sad. I am in, it is easy for me to say that because I have no one to rely or relate to for that matter. I can understand whatever you guys decide...

Jane

Oooo yeah thanks for letting me know, I'll have to add that to TiVo. I was curious what the latest update was on her.

Sad is different than mad... I don't think I'd be MAD at anyone... but I would be sad... but I'd get over it... eventually... I suppose...

By mad I mean PUT OUT, frustrated, burden anyone if any extra costs would be placed on others heads! I would not want that to happen.

Great pics, Laura! It looks like a fun time! & what a gorgeous home, too! I can't believe it's getting so close for you!!

Good evening, Violets..

First of all.... Sad..yes, MAD???? Nevah!!! Life is way too short to be mad about something you have no control over!

I'm in no matter what.. just gimme a bed and a place to swim and I'm a happy camper. Oh and some food occasionally would be nice too. I'm not into drinks so that solves that problem. I'll have enough to do making sure Meeeechelle behaves.

BABY UPDATE***BABY UPDATE***

Kris went for her regular doctor appointment today and came here sobbing afterwards. While on the monitor the baby made a big movement and it's heartrate went way down. It came up again, but Kris couldn't get anyone to come and look. She rang the bell and finally knocked on the door trying to get someone to come in and check out the monitor. The midwife came in and Kris told her she didn't like the looks of what she saw on the tape. The midwife looked and said she needed to go to OB and get hooked up to the monitor there. Kris was sobbing when she came home sure that something was wrong with the baby. I tried to calm her down and drove her to the hospital.. just a few blocks away. They hooked her up and everything is fine. The baby's heartrate is strong and he/she is moving around. She's having small contractions. They did an ultrasound to make sure everything was ok. We left after the ultrasound and waited for her call to see if she would be sent home or what. Turns out they are keeping her overnight and will start her on Pitocin tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. soooooooo if we don't have a baby tonight we WILL have one tomorrow or early Wednesday morning! Woooo hoooooooooo!!!

We're going over to the hospital at 7 to spend a little time with her until Nathan can get back over. He had to go home and get her suitcase, his suitcase and the baby's suitcase. She didn't bring any of that stuff with her.

I'll check in here tonight before I head to bed.

Everyone have a good evening...

Oh WOW Judy! It's so close... I'm so excited for you...

Laura - you look gorgeous, as always. Love the belly... Cake looks so yummy!

Pam!! It's getting so close! April will be here before you know it.

Awww, so what happened, the contractions just making the baby's heart rate going down?

You'll have to text us whether it be tonight, tomorrow, or Wed morning!!

Awww, so what happened, the contractions just making the baby's heart rate going down?

You'll have to text us whether it be tonight, tomorrow, or Wed morning!!

Nathan thought the umbilical cord probaby got pinched by the baby's gymnastics.

Out the door... talk at ya later!!

honestly yes... I have to admit...... and is one of the secret reasons I haven't been able to face you guys..... raising my hand.