Glucose Test

Wednesday, Dec 17th: It was not as bad as everyone mad it out to be... although, I would not choose to drink that STUFF on my own. The biggest accomplishment is that I did not get lighted-headed & feel faint after the lab-tech drew my blood! I know... Hopefully, I'll be able to cope with the "needles & blood" once March arrives. We'll see!

Thursday, Dec 18th: At my 26th week appointment, Dr. Gopal informed me that I had failed the first glucose test with a reading of 163. She felt it was probably something I had eaten the day before, but for good measure, I have to schedule the 3-hour test as soon as possible... just like it's no big deal... Yea, right! Remember, I HATE needles!

Tuesday, Dec 23rd: Fast forward five days... Thank goodness no one went into great detail about the second test. I had a positive attitude until I figured everything out... draw blood at 8:10am; drink sugary fruit punch at 8:15am; body reacts to sugar; feel faint & have to lay down; draw blood at 9:20am, 10:20am, and 11:20am. All I can say is... I survived! Now, I just hope I passed.

Christmas 2008

It's a bit posed... but we have to show-off Baby E's bump!

The maternity clothes are now in full force... tops & pants!!! I can no longer squeeze into the pre-prego clothes... And, not to mention, I do not need to be stretching everything out! So... Now, I'm moving on to my limited wardrobe until March!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We celebrated Thanksgiving with Ross's Grandmother in TX. She absolutely enjoyed our visit and smiled from ear-to-ear the whole holiday weekend... We had a great visit! But, I have to admit... I missed my Granny's dressing and the fixings we have each year!

6 Months!

Here's another self-portrait... Gotta love the timer on the camera! Not too crazy about this one... but, it's the best one of 5 tries! I'm 24 weeks and the belly measures 34 1/2 inches. Baby E is growing! And, her kicks and stretches are getting a bit stronger!

Fun Night Out!

Saturday night, we went out with J & Laura and as always we all had a blast! What more could you ask for... Great food, catching up on gossip, and awesome drinks! ... That is awesome drinks for everyone else but myself! Needless to say, Baby E and the designated driver are in full effect!

Here's to J & Ross and the famous George Strait CD!

Getting ready for Baby E!

Wow! What a productive weekend! On Saturday, Ross & I finished cleaning out Baby E's room. I can't believe it... Now, all we have to do is get rid of the pile of junk we've accumulated and the three desks we have left in the office. Then, we'll have to settle on the bedding and start painting! I can't wait!!! Here are some ideas we have for the furniture and bedding...

Looking at the crib and changing table in Cherry Wood!

This bedding is a combo of the two other prints I've really liked!

Baby E's 20-Week Ultrasound

5 months!

The belly continues to grow! My mom asked me to measure the belly… I’m 33 inches! Oh goodness!!! We’ve started the prep process of beginning the baby registry and cleaning out our office that will soon be Baby E’s room… I’m sure the "To-Do" list will continue to get longer and longer! When I started thinking about EVERYTHING we’re going to NEED and have to DO, it was a bit overwhelming! But, one project at a time, I’m sure we’ll manage!

We're having...

Sam's Club Broadcast

I can't believe I actually survived! Today, I starred in a LIVE broadcast to all 600 Sam's Clubs and the Wal-Mart Home Office... there's no telling how many people were watching! Needless to say, I nearly made it through without a nervous inflection from my voice... until the last slide... UGH! Once the nervous tone started... I couldn't stop it!

That's me on the end in the pink shirt! I was the only 1st timer!

Baby Bump

The Baby Bump is here!!!

I love my new maternity pants! Seriously, why can’t our normal pants have a stylish elastic waist? This is awesome! ... And to think I've been wearing my black pants zipped up with a rubberband to allow extra room when I buttoned my pants. I had no clue how comfy these new pants would be!

It’s Week #19 and it's been so funny today at work… EVERYONE is noticing! I walked into my first meeting this morning and they were like… “She’s showing!” and that I blossomed over the weekend. Then I saw some ladies in the hallway and they’re eyes went straight to the bump! There is no more hiding for Baby Mac!

Cold Weather...

The girls & I are not ready for the 30 degree weather just yet!

Halloween!

We kicked off Halloween this weekend!

It was great seeing all of my Running Girls.

4 months!

Like I said... not many changs, yet! I'm still wearing my normal clothes, but I have to admit some days they're a bit tight! I know that one morning I'm going to wake-up with a real baby bump and NOTHING is going to fit... so, I went to Old Navy today and found a couple of good deals to start me out for work!

Our Friendly Spider

Our friendly spider lives on the front porch behind one of the window shutters during the day and comes out every night to fix his web and eat the bugs. YIKES!!! I hate spiders!!! I am trying to just let him be for now… but, if he tries to move any closer to me, he will be taken out! He was a bit camera-shy for the photo...

16-wk Appointment

I had the 16-wk Appointment yesterday. Baby’s heart rate sounds great… it was 140 beats per minute! Although, I have no clue as to how I am going to make it through EVERYTHING… every time they draw my blood, I get light headed, dizzy, and have to sit down. Seriously, how am I going to deal with the IV in the hospital? Guess I’ll overcome it somehow!

Last night before dinner, Laura & I were looking at Old Wives’ Tales for telling the gender of the baby… there were questions about the fullness of my hair, my cravings whether they are sweet or sour, the baby’s heart rate… needless to say, I think it’s a 50/50 shot! Guess we’ll know in a couple of weeks!

I Survived the Army 10 Miler!

I survived the Army 10 Miler!!! The run went very well... We averaged 11-min miles including 3 quick potty breaks! Not to shabby for being almost 16-weeks pregnant! Thank goodness for Jeannie's support... I couldn't have done it without her! It wasn't until mile 9 when my legs felt like they were going to fall off and I determined that I am not a fan of the 14th Street Bridge!

Congrats to Leigh!!! She ran an amazing race! I believe she said she averaged 8:30-min miles... You go girl!!!

Running through the National Mall is a great experience!

Don't Be a Pinhead, Ross!

Ross & Bill O'Reilly

Baby McElroy is on the way!!!

Due date is set for March 17th… a St. Patrick’s Day baby!

Ross & I are very excited!!!

I am currently 15 weeks… the First Trimester was somewhat of a challenge. I was able to fight the nauseous feeling by having small snacks for breakfast. However, with traveling and a full work schedule, I could not fight the “tiredness” for anything… once it hit 7pm, I was down for the count! No kidding!!!

Second Trimester has been much better! I’m over the hump and taking full advantage… I am productive at work again and can actually “think” without forgetting ALL of the details! …I now know what Alyce was talking about & how she was sooo embarrassed at times… I have gotten back into my running/work-out routine. The girls & I are set to run the Army 10-Miler on Sunday… no worries, we take plenty of breaks for walking, water, and potty stops. Wish us good luck!

My 16-wk Dr's appointment is set for next Wednesday. Now the big question is whether or not to find out what we're having... Ross wants to know, but I am up for the surprise...

12-week sonogram

Middleburg & Wineries

What an awesome "Girls Day Out!" Anna & I grew up together in TX and she is in DC working on a logistics project for the Department of Treasury. So, I figured she needed to get the full DC/VA experience before she heads back to TX... had brunch in Middleburg, shopped the boutiques, wine tastings at Piedmont & Pearmund, and had cupcakes in Haymarket. It was a beautiful day to catch-up with an old friend.

Quality Snuggle Time

Ever since I have been traveling more & more for work... Zoe has become a snuggler with Ross.

Labor Day in Texas

Oh my goodness... Cassie, Jaxon & Lorin are all growing up so FAST! It was nice to be able to spend some quality time with our family & friends.

Pop's girl!

Lorin steals the show! She is such a HAPPY baby!

Jaxon playing "Tennesse Football" with Uncle Ross!

No body use the noise makers!!! Silly boy!

Pop swears "He's not attached to Alex" ...

Quality Family Time

My parents flew in last Thursday and helped to celebrate my birthday weekend! It was great to have them here in VA and spend some quality time together… Because, during our trips to TX, Ross & I are pulled in every direction possible and it’s difficult to really sit & visit with family & friends.

Zoe & Belle finally warmed up & snuggled!

Bluemont Vineyard - The view was AMAZING!!!

Enjoying the Norton Grape wine!

He finally gets to cook on the new grill!!!

Working on the bar!



Jett & Austin hanging out in the hammock!

Found a New Template

I found one!!! However, I lost all of my links to my saved blogs... UGH! Apparently, when you upload a new template, all of you're data may be replaced by the new format. So, now I need you to send me your blog address again!

New Blog Site Design…

I want one, but can’t find one I like… UGH! Any ideas???

BOOBEZ

So, I had to drop my car off for service this morning… Yes, I needed new brakes! And, my girlfriend Dianna picked me up… on our way to the office we saw this license plate… CRAZY!!! Dianna yells... "Get a camera!" I actually had one in my purse... and the lady driving waved at us through her rear-view mirror! ... I'm sure she gets this often.

The annual golf tournament…

Another success tournament! Too bad the weekend flew by so fast!!! Ross & I always have a blast catching-up with our families & friends… And, what a nice surprise this year, we were able to see practically EVERYONE! Thank you so much for making the trip to join the festivities!

After two days of 18-holes… Ross made the cut for next year!!!

The Breaks

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the South”… it is an absolutely amazing view! The only drawback is the very, CURVY road… I can’t believe we actually survived! I’ve never seen so many sharp turns in my life. I definitely needed a new set of brakes after this trip! No kidding!!!

Jett on his scooter... He showed us how he can pop a wheelie!

Projects! Projects! Projects!!!

So, I know the mattress is not an actual project, but… Seriously, look how TALL it is! Who knew that you have to actually measure the mattress before buying it to make sure you’re not touching the ceiling fan??? Oh well, I’m learning to adapt to having to CRAWL UP into bed these days.


Ross started on the outdoor mini-bar this weekend... He has the frame work done and will have the outside look similar to the fence and a tile counter top. Hopefully, we’ll be able to host a summer BBQ!

Aggieland, con't...

Enjoying some drinks at the Dixie Chicken! ... Sangria's are only $2!!!

Dinner party with Jamie's girlfriends!

Relaxing with the Girls!

I found this hammock on sale at Target this past weekend... I LOVE IT! So, we hung it between the fence posts in the backyard. Hopefully, it'll pass HOA code... considering we used tree straps wrapped multiple times around the top of the post... Hee! Hee! Oh well, do what you got to do!

"I am a runner because..."

Marathon Mom posted "I am a runner because..." Here's my response...

I am a runner because… challenge for "going the distance", gather my thoughts, being in nature, girl chat!

And, just the feeling of accomplishment! These are a few of the things that keep me going! I have found it a bit challenging to run on my own lately… our “girl chats” are far more fun than listening to the IPOD.

I am determined to get back on track! I must hit my goal of 500 miles for 2008!

Aggie Wedding

I made a quick trip to TX last weekend... it was CRAZY!!! 4 nights in 4 different places! There's nothing like packing and unpacking throughout the entire trip... but, it was well worth it! I was able to spend time with ALL of my family!

Not to mention... the wedding was held in College Station, TX! It was great to be back on campus and to see how everything has changed! After the ceremony, Michael & Ashley took a group photo with all of their fellow AGGIES!

Lorin stole the show prior to the wedding!

The Newly Weds!

The reception was held at the Kyle House ... Very beautiful!

It was great to be able to spend some quality time with Jamie, my college roomie!

Catching some ZZZZZZZ's!