"Welcome to Atlanta where the players play...and parties don't stop 'til 8 in the morning..."

Why am I blogging at 5am? No, I'm not sick, and neither am I awake by choice. I have been up for almost an hour enjoying the sounds of House Party 5 auditions- "The Frat Party". Seems entertaining, right? I should get up and check it out? Turns out it's a real frat party above us. What's funny- or not- is that I think these "frat boys" are like 28. Maybe I'm jealous that I can't stay awake past 10 anymore, or frustrated that now getting up in the middle of the night to pee means not going back to sleep, or maybe I am just a little disappointed that K is sleeping soundly through it all and I can't convince him to go up there and handle it- Chuck Norris style. Whatever the root of it is, I am definitely annoyed. Thinking about it now, is this how my neighbors felt a few years ago? Oops. What's comforting is that we found a new place to live today and will move within the month. I know, we are the most nomadic people that you know. We are planning on hiring movers this time and staying in this new place for a while. It's really, really close to K's work, which means a little of a drive for me- which is fine. It's nestled in the hills of Buckhead. Right next to Lenox Mall. And Phipps Plaza. What a dream. The neighborhood is splendid and I'm excited about finally feeling really safe where I live and taking baby guff out for walks when he/she gets here. I am sad about not being able to walk to the store anymore or leave for work 5 minutes before I have to be there. All worth the sacrifice for a 3rd bedroom and granite countertops. Yes, K finally gets a man room, maybe. :)
PLUM! Plum! Baby Guff is the size of a plum this week! I can't believe how fast the little guff is growing. I remember staring at my asian apple salad the week baby guff was the size of an appleseed, and not being able to eat anymore. ("It's like I'm eating our baby!" I said, and K just shook his head and kept eating.) Anyway, time is already flying by. In a few days I will be out of my first trimester. Woo! Hopefully the sickness will subside and I will become the glowing, energetic pregnant girl. With a bump. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of this bump I've been hearing about. It's taking it's time.

Well, I think the frat party is over. Wait... ... ... nevermind. Well, at least the worst is over. People must be passing out and drawing on each other's faces by now. I can just barely hear random giggles. Off to bed! Again!

Until next time,
The Guff

"It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring..."

...The old man being State, our Border Collie. Our firecracker. Our unpredictable child. Bailey, our oldest and very predictable child is lying upside down at my feet. I guess the heat I requested K to crank up is too much for him to bear, so he's decided to belly-up and cool off. It is really wet and nasty around here and has been for weeks, ick. You know the song, "She's only happy in the sun"? Written for me.
(Come on- Ben Harper? Anyone?)


We spent the weekend in Athens with my brother and "sis-in-love" as she calls it. We (I) decided to go on a whim, which is how it usually happens. It was really nice- playing lots of cards, listening to good music, cooking dinner and spilling, er, drinking wine and catching up. (They poured me a little glass that I could smell instead of drink- I could almost taste it!) I'm so grateful that they are close. They are newlyweds, too, and its nice to see how in love they are. I just can't imagine a better gal for my bro. They also have 2 dogs and ours LOVE to play with their cousins, Maxwell Silver Hammer and Miss Elsie Lou. (...and harass their cat, Mr. Bigsby).



The minute K landed back in the A I asked him if he would be up for a road trip, and he kindly obliged. I had us packed and ready to go when he got home. Saturday we went to Panera Bread for breakfast so K could get some work done. I had wonderful hot chocolate, the always-a-hit everything bagel with pounds of cream cheese, and my book. It was a wonderful morning. I'm currently reading "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis- A tough read for me. I have to read things over and over again, but after I get it, I get it. It's really good so far, and I love that K has read it, and loves to help me out when I don't understand something.
It was a very cool weekend. Until. Saturday. Night. I hadn't been sick once since K left Wednesday- A miracle. Is the worst over, I thought? Could it be true? No, it couldn't, and it wouldn't be. We had Ah-mazing Taqueria Style Tacos- Carne Asada for dinner, and let me tell you- after I devoured my tacos and basically licked my plate, I had a horrible night. It was one of those pesky sneak-attacks, too. Punk. Rinse (literally) and repeat on Sunday afternoon. The only thing that I haven't seen 2ce are the Reese Cups I had about an hour ago. Hm, I could be onto something... I really hope that soon I will have cooler things to write about than my vomiting. Gross. For example, this week in the world of baby guff a LOT is going on. Ch ch check this out to see exactly what. (You'll have to click on weeks 10-14 to see current happenings.) It's pretty cool, and I love how the little one is kicking and punching me, already. Whatever terrible twos.

It's almost February! What?!

Until Next Time,
The Guff

An ode to Ginger Ale

Seriously, Ginger Ale? I have hated you my entire life. I have actually talked in length about how you and Sprite make me want to throw up. Now when I think of you I feel goooood. I think you might be the thing that makes me that happiest at this very moment. Here I sat, watching 'The Holiday' and whatta ya know, it was time for my daily, um, "recycling". My hair was down so I ran frantically to the bathroom to spare enough time to find a ponytail before I made a bigger mess -and in those few seconds- K managed to grab you out of the fridge and shove you right down my throat, mid-ponytail loop. What a relief. I feel great. I love you, Ginger Ale.

(Someone really makes these sweatshirts? I'm all over it.)

In even more fabulous news, I have actually lost 7 pounds since the pregnancy began. I have a feeling now that I am loving Ginger Ale so much, and likely (and hopefully) won't be throwing up as often, this is going to be a real quick gain-back, but whatev! I'll take it while I can get it. Pregnant, skinn(ier) and bigger boobs? Yes, please. It probably has a lot to do with the way I have been eating as well. Several small meals a day, what feels like a gallon of water and lots of walking. A friend of mine told me that her sister craved fresh fruit throughout her pregnancy. (Shout out to Nay Nay!) When she told me that we both laughed, like, really? Who craves fresh fruit and not ice cream and chocolate? Uh, me. Can't get enough of it. When K asks what I want from the store, I say fresh fruit. What kind? Don't care. It's delicious.

Speaking of fruit... (? nice segway weirdo)

I have been planning my best friend's bachelorette party this week!!!!!!!!! I have a lot of ideas and a lot of inappropriately shaped items coming in the mail. It is going to be awesome. I just. keep. ordering stuff. I am lucky lucky enough to be in 2 of my dear friends' weddings this spring and can't WAIT!!! One close to home and one in the sa-weet city of Nashville. Here are the 2 beautiful brides-to-be:


Mae is getting married March 27 ...


...and B is getting married April 10.

Lucky, Lucky men.

So, Mae is staying over tomorrow night to hang out and go over bachelorette party stuff. AND we're going to sushi. (I know, only the cooked stuff and the vegetables:) All because I am a scaredy cat - K is going to Dallas for a couple of days on business. Man, I hate when he does that. BUT I am thrilled to have a girls night out again; minus the wine. Hooray! I'm so thankful for wonderful friends who will come and help a scared sistah out. (I am such a wimp).

I'll leave you with a quote that I adore and have been re-reading for a week or so now:
"I believe the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
-The Reason for God

Marinate on that for a minute.

Until next time,
The Guff

Peace- Be Still

Today's only Wednesday?! It's been a slow week. I vote that every pregnant woman have the first and third trimesters off of work. This allows for throwing up in the comfort of your own bathroom (...jammies and ugly, scraggly ponytail) and sweating in your own space. Only the beautiful, glowing and still somewhat-slim pregnant woman shows up for the job. I am none of the above so far. I really hate gagging in my trash can and running in stilettos to the multi-bathroom, throwing up my morning hot chocolate and blaming it on "looking out the window...fear of heights, ya know?" I really do have a fear of looking out the windows of my office (it's 42 floors!) but to the point of up-chuck? Nah. I'm sincerely thankful for this beautiful, sweet, growing baby. Ok, I know that I don't know if it's sweet or not yet. But it will be. And, of course it's beautiful...have you seen K's eyes? and curls? -focus- I am sincerely thankful. I will, however, be thrilled when this trimester is over and the throwing up ends.

On a not-so related note, can you guys pray for me? I have been having a hard time this week fearing things that could happen and letting them rule my thoughts. Then, accepting them already; almost preparing for them. (Why am I so weird?) I'm just scared. I'm scared of miscarriage, disease, stillbirth, not being able to handle something, not being "good" at giving birth, not being able to stay at home with baby guff or finding an excellent, top of the line (affordable) day care...and the list goes on. Every day I am brought to tears by something that I am fearful of. And then, I talk myself into it being 'ok' because God has a reason for everything; instead of praying boldly that he prevent this tiny miracle from any harm, and curb my insecurities. Anyway, I would appreciate prayers. This is something I am working fervently on, and fail miserably almost by the hour.



Well, these are my girls. My big sis and my mama. They both have beautiful, wonderful and healthy children :) I am certain that they were a lot stronger than I am being during their pregnancies and had less complaining on their agendas. I love them. I look up to them. I pester them with annoying questions and exaggerated stories. They are beautiful women of God who inspire me every single day. *mmm mmmm* That's a hug. (Now get your husbands to give you a real one from me, and tell them to squeeze tight).


Until Next TIme,
The Guff

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I just downloaded music for this blog, and while I was listening to some of it, it reminded me of how crazy I am about my husband. It blows me away how hard he works every single day to provide financially, spiritually, emotionally and physically for our growing family (dogs included). What is he doing right now? Asking if I need anything while he works tirelessly on a side project for work. I am incredibly blessed to have such a man. I can't believe it has been over 5 years since he waltzed into my life. What a dance it has been! I don't think I could accurately write the love or luck I feel when the sound of his voice calls my name or a brush of his skin touches mine. I am in awe of his work ethic, and his dedication to me and the Lord. It is amazing. Plus, he plays the guitar- how hot is that?



Until next time,
The Guff

Gone Hiking- Be Back Soon

My (super smart) brother-in-law told me over Christmas that just sitting on the couch being pregnant & 'lazy' was equivalent to me hiking all day- energy wise. I guess it has something to do with my body being the host for God creating another HUMAN- but i don't know. (*Sidenote: This is not to say that my other brother-in-law is not "super smart". He just doesn't have his PhD... yet... Gotta differentiate somehow; We'll just call him "plain ol' smart" for now.) Anyway, the point is I am totally buying into it. It helps that my doctor said the same thing, but mostly because I can't really seem to stay awake for long periods of time. And, by long periods of time, I mean like 3 hours. At work I literally have to get up and walk around for a while, hum to myself, make lists (of no importance AT ALL: the order in which i like my shoes, what i am going to do after work, how i could rearrange my closet, etc.) You get the picture. I can't have caffeine to help so it is pretty much a disaster. Also, for someone who is used to about 5-6 hours of sleep every night for the last few years, going to bed at 8:00 has been a huge change. For example, at dinner tonight:

K: You wanna go see a movie after dinner?
N: Yes! Awesome!
-we eat-
N: *yawn* What time is it?
K: 7:30, why?
N: Can't make the movie. I'm falling asleep right here.
-end scene-

And, last night I was out by 8. This is crazy business. My nausea and actual sickness has been in full swing. Pretty much right on time every day. It used to be a mid-morning thing and now it is every night. Riiiight before bed. It's now routine to come home, eat dinner, get sick and go to bed. I thought that switching my pre-natals to night would help but I am beginning to realize that they aren't the problem. It's this growing 'green olive' in my tummy! (One whole inch!)

In other news, Alabama won the National Championship on Thursday!!!!!!!!! For those of you who don't know (and, how do you not know?!) K is a HUGE Alabama fan. This was definitely a good year for him- in football and other news; you know, the getting a wife and baby kind. It was so much fun to watch him watch the game. It was definitely a roller-coaster of:

excited>serious>really serious>change-clothes-because-this-isn't-usually-what-I'm-wearing-when-I-watch-the-game>fist pump>dancing>serious>can-everyone-stop-talking>excited>serious>natalie-put-the-pom-pon-away>dancing>yelling>fist pump>dancing>yelling>smiles.

One reason that K really wanted this win was because he has decided to "tone down" his love for the Tide so he can devote more time and energy to his baby-to-be. He really wanted to "go out" on top. I say, "We'll see in September" :) Love him.

So I don't know how to end this post because its kind of a random one. To keep with that theme, here's a random picture that I found on Kraig's desktop:



See? Has nothing to do with anything. Boy, does he make me laugh.

Until next time,
The Guff

Thump Thump...Thump Thump

Turns out I don't have Munchausen Syndrome! We went to the doctor yesterday morning and we were totally blown away. I honestly didn't think that much would change. I would go and hear my baby's heartbeat which would be really cool. I would confirm the pregnancy (duh) and stock up on information and pre-natal vitamins. When we saw our baby's little arms and legs and it's heart pounding in its little chest it was almost more than I could handle. We just stared at the screen. I have never felt more emotions in one moment. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry, speak up or just let the moment stand still with my sweet baby's heartbeat as the soundtrack. I think I did all of it, at once. I don't know. It was awesome.



So, there's baby guff. (Pardon my uterus). Doesn't it look like she's holding a little clutch purse? (aka yolk sac). K says it's a briefcase. Whatev. If you look close you can see eye sockets and little arms and legs.

Isn't it a wonderful miracle from God? I mean, how does He DO that? Homechild has arms and legs, kidneys and a tongue... and is literally the size of a raspberry. I can't help but stare at this ultrasound (for hours) and imagine swaddling those legs up, kissing those little fingers and watching those little bitty eyes fall asleep for years and years. I'm in love.

Until next time,
The Guff

Ten for '10

I figure while I am eating this pint of Ben & Jerry's and laughing hysterically at some show called "Conveyor Belt of Love" I should let you in on my extremely sophisticated New Year's resolutions. If you ignore what I am actually doing right this moment, I am doing pretty good so far... ... ... In no particular order:

1. Stop wasting so much time checking Facebook every half hour or so and read a frickin' book. I have started so many (probably) awesome books this year and gotten to abouuuuut chapter 3. Then Poof! Time to change my status.
2. I guess it's a bad year to try and lose weight... So I am resoluting (real word?) to get toned through my pre-natal yoga video. I have a feeling the yoga is no match for the 250+ calories I am currently shoveling down, but it is sure to make me feel better about the inevitable bump (and swelling that comes with it).
3. Cook! I have a few totally groovy cookbooks that I know I would really enjoy using. I just haven't had the best luck in the kitchen so far, and lately I am so exhausted. Here's to starting this resolution in the 2nd trimester!
4. Focus less on buying things and more on doing things.
5. Start eating healthier- ignore my dirty cravings and shove a broccoli stem down my throat! (organic, of course!)
6. Be productive with my creative channels. I really enjoy time that I spend alone in a corner making something. I don't think I do it enough, or push myself to take it to the next level. Etsy, maybe?
7. Be more environmentally conscious.
8. Get to bed at a decent hour! It won't be long before I don't have the option to sleep, so I have got to stop watching House Hunters at all hours of the night and get my tush into bed by 10:00...
9. ... so that I can get up early and spend some time in Bible study.
10. Have a positive attitude no matter what, what, what happens! I am so blessed! There's no reason for me to be grumpy. Other than the fact that I won't be able to see my feet, eat sushi, or control my emotions for the next 9 months. Whatev! I'm positive baby!

Phew, 10 is a lot. Oh wait, I forgot one. Stop biting my nails. Well, that makes 11, which bothers me because I said "Ten for '10." Which one can I throw out the window, then? You vote.

So, we go tomorrow to our first doctor visit since we found out I was pregnant. By the way-am I supposed to say "I was pregnant" or "We were pregnant"? I just don't think I can say 'we' since K isn't technically carrying a child and fighting off all-day sickness...all day. Anyway, tomorrow we go. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled- but the feeling of fear is sneaking up and almost overwhelming the thrilling one. What if something is wrong? What if there's no heartbeat? What if I got 4 false positives and this nausea is Munchausen Syndrome? And then, I repeat in my head "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6.

Ah. What a breath of fresh air. Speaking of fresh air, Bailey is just begging me to take him outside. I guess I better get up and do it before he pees on my bed.

I'll keep ya'll posted! All 3 of ya!

Until next time,
The Guff

New Year, New Guffeys

It's a new year! What a great opportunity to refresh, re-evaluate, and re-focus!

One decade ago I was half way through my freshman year of high school. Maroon hair, hemp necklace, and guh-ross eyebrows. Ew. I went to see my first Widespread Panic show that year, knowing just 1 song: One Arm Steve. Thankfully they played it, so it wasn't a total loss. I was 15 and free. No worries except how I was going to pass Algebra II (which I did, barely).

Anyway, the point is a lot has changed in 10 years. I still don't love my eyebrows, but I graduated high school and college, had an adventure out west, and managed to come home and marry the man of my dreams. After 4 crazy, passionate, wild and youthful years together, he decided it was time to marry me. I happily agreed.

As a blog-lover, but also a "I-will-never-write-a-blog" type, this is definitely a new challenge for me. I'm not sure that anyone really wants to read my thoughts or ideas but I am putting them out there. I'm not witty or charming (on paper) and I never really thought I had anything of any importance to say that would constitute writing a blog- I'm not passionate "enough" about a certain cause, I don't have beautiful, wonderful children to share and mostly because I'm just really not that interesting. (Weird? yes. Interesting? not exactly.)

This all, however, changed on December 7th when I found out...

I'M PREGNANT!!!

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!

If you need to, take a moment to breathe. I am.

We were thrilled to find out that we are expecting our first baby guffey sometime this summer. We weren't 'trying' but we also weren't not trying. We had prayed and talked and prayed and talked, and just decided that ultimately this was not our decision, and that God would bless us with a child when he felt it was the right time. Boy, was that fast! :) We are beyond excited and feel incredibly and abundantly blessed.

I am really excited about blogging throughout my pregnancy! Be warned, I am a pretty candid, TMI, dramatic type of person. There my be posts where it is just. too. much. Oops!

Until next time,

The Guff