The Will and Emma Pitstop

It'S Nowin!!!!!!

2009-03-01T17:03:00.001-08:00

Nothing like a good March snow in Georgia. Will was so excited to finally see the real thing. "It's Nowing!!! It'sNowing!!!!" rang through the house at about 1pm. When we finally got everyone dressed and outside to check the white stuff out, Will could hardly contain himself. When he felt that it was wet, he then was convinced that it was Nowin and raining too!!! Emma says "Why am I cold and wet? Princesses don't do snow!!!" With Emma's demand, Estrogen returned inside to the best place in the house, and the boys went on a little adventure. What a great treat...a little of the white stuff and an awesome snow day!!!!

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There she is....

2009-02-28T19:31:00.001-08:00

Okay....so I have to send apologies to all of my devoted followers near and abroad...(yes, mom...I know....the blog hasn't been updated in a while.... :) ), but we have been just a wee bit busy around the Pit Stop the past six weeks. School is weighing me down this semester with five classes, three days a week....I feel like I have no escape from it. So, instead of writing about my beautiful children, I am force to compose works of brilliance about Marxist theory and marriage. Ponder that one for awhile....hmmm..hmmmm

But school is not all that has been happening around here.

There she is.....

The coolest one year old in town, and the newly crowned.....

Baby Miss Sweetheart of Georgia...and the crowns don't stop there....

Add Baby Miss Cherry Blossom to her list of titles.... :)

We have been busy celebrating with a princess party complete with her very own castle....

Provided by Mammaw of course!!! After the party was complete, Emma said it was time to win some crowns!!! We have spent the past two weeks glitzing it up at a couple of local pageants. Emma worked the stage in her new pink dress, and we have really had a good time dolling her up. She is so incredibly girly...I have no idea where she gets it???? I never thought I would see the day a one year old would sit still to have her hair curled. Her entourage (me, mammaw, and mimi) have been incredibly entertained by her these past few weekends, and we made some great memories with all the estrogen (as Scott likes to call it) together. It will make for a great story to tell her when she's older!!!

So since I am so behind with posting....once again I put together a little video of the latest pictures....enjoy!!!

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No Cheese!!!!

2009-01-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

Will and I were enjoying a good book this afternoon, and Will quickly let Daddy know the moment was private....

It's Snot Funny and a late Merry Christmas!!!

2009-01-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

Yet again, I am behind on my posts....but we had an attack of the vicious snot. First me, then Will, and Emma with Daddy being the only one spared (hmmm.....makes me wonder does the man have an immune system of steel or what???) Needless to say, we have had some very long nights around the Pitstop. Sniffle, cough....you get the picture. Last night as Scott and I were running man on man defense, I began to wonder how in the world could anyone mange with more than two. The game plan then turns to a zone defense, and well, I just don't see that ending well. Nights like that remind me why we decided to stop at two....

Snot aside, we had a wonderful holiday filled with so many memories that I haven't gotten to share. Todd, Shinin, and Gideon joined us at the beginning of December. It was really wonderful to have them here and to finally get to meet Gideon. He is really awesome, and the kids had a great time together. Those moments are truly so special. The three of them will never be that small again, and it was so nice to see them together. It was a wonderful reminder of what the season is all about...not presents, decorations, or the finest feast, but rather the special moments that make a lifetime of memories. Of course, Sara had to visit to help capture those moments and as always, she did an amazing job.

Along with Todd and Shinin, Uncle Bill, Aunt Susan, Katy, and Emmie with Grandpa and Grandma in tow made the trip down to spend Christmas with us. It was great to finally meet Bill, Susan, Katy, and Emmie, and for them to meet the little stars of the Pitstop. We ate, opened presents, and changed a lot of diapers, but I have to say that I have never seen Mimi and Poppas' house filled with more love and happiness.

Santa's visit was also much expected; so, the Pitstop was lively on Christmas Eve. I was so suprised at how much Will understood this year. All the way home from Mimi's house, he pointed to the sky and said "Santa in the sky!" We tucked Will and Emma in and thanks to some helpful elves, Santa made his delivery. A kitchen, dollies and more dollies, "aninimaallss", and last but not least "ipke!". He really likes him, but doesn't completely understand that he is not alive. Since he is remote controlled, Scott and I control him for Will so that the two of them can play. When Will wants to play with him, he goes up to Spike and yells "ike!!! wake up!! wake up!!". It is really cute, and I think eventually he will learn to control Spike himself, and then the toy becomes completely new again....and that is what moms like...the gift that keeps on giving!!!!

Emma waited until she had a very attentive audience at Mammaw and Pappaw's house on Christmas night to give us our present. We had just shared a wonderful meal and opened presents with everyone. The kids were playing in the living room and we were all just sitting around talking. She stood up in the middle of the floor and waited until she knew everyone was looking. "Momma, look at Emma," I said as Aunt Terra ran for the camera. And she did it...she took three full steps and of course, we all cheered as though she had found the answer to world peace. Now, a week and a half later, she is walking all over the place. She still gets a little frustrated and crawls some, mainly to keep up with Will, but is starting to walk more than she is crawling.

I have to say that it was a whirlwind, but truly magical. I know that I was given the most incredible gift in these two children, and the magic of Christmas reminded me of this blessing. I am truly grateful to my amazing husband for not only loving me, but for giving me these amazing gifts and then working so hard so that I can enjoy them each and everyday. This season reminded me of how amazing my life truly is and makes me excited for what is ahead. 2009 here we come!!!!

It's Great to be Two and more!!!

2008-12-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

I am a bit behind in blogging, but the past six weeks have been so busy that I haven't even had a second to catch up everyone on the activities around the Pitstop. I survived finals...forty pages of papers and two written finals....I wasn't sure that it was possible. With a little assistance from Mimi and Mammaw, I got it done, and the kids survived too!

In the meantime, our little man turned the big two!!! It is so hard to believe that he is so big. It seems like just yesterday when Scott and I were putting him on top of the dryer hoping that it would soothe him to sleep. Now, we face the challenges of potty training and getting him to stay in his 'big boy' bed. Time really does fly. He is turning into the most amazing little boy, and his vocabulary grows everyday. The words that come out of his mouth amaze me daily. He is a little sponge that picks up everything. "One, twooooo, hree, ourrrr, ive", he says, and my mouth falls to the floor. His hugs are amazing, and he is truly the most loving child. He is the sunshine in my life, and I am so grateful to be his mommy.

We have been celebrating all month long with a big birthday bash at gymboree. I highly recommend them for parties. It was wonderful, and kids had the best time. Mammaw did a beautiful job on the cakes. 'George' and 'Jeremy' replicas set the mood for all of our monkeying around. We were no short on presents, and Will has been assisting Daddy with his new tools and workbench, which has inspired a few home improvement projects. We had a great time, and everyone left with smiles.

We have also taken a few field trips to Daddy's office and to the aquarium. "ishhhh!!!", he says over and over again!!! He loved it. Emma of course got in on all the birthday fun. Equally growing and changing, "hey there" and "What's that" are her two favorite sentences. She has taken a few steps and is well on her way to walking. Growing is the theme of the Pitstop lately and with that we must say that "It's great to be two!!!"

Quotes from Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

Excuse my journalistic instincts, but I think that these quotes capture Halloween '08....

1. "Momma, are we pickin corn?" Nikki Harris after entering the corn maze

2. "It's stuck!!" Will Pitman

2. "What's that smell?" Nikki and Victoria Harris

3. "That is the cutest thing" Aunt Leah

4. "Sir, can you pick up George so I can take your picture?" Random man in the neighborhood

5. "Walk!!!" Will Pitman

6. "Tweeattt!!!" Will Pitman

7. "At...!!" Will Pitman

As you can imagine, we had a wonderful Halloween full of fun costumes, pumpkins, corn mazes, and more treats than one boy could ever eat. I Want Candy!!! Pitman Halloween 2008

Finest in the Land...Again???

2008-11-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

I know that I am falling behind on posting...so today while the kids play with Mimi, and I will try to catch everyone up!!! I decided earlier this summer that it had been sufficiently enough time since graduation that I could return to Alumni band without being completely lame. Out with the spandex and sequins (no one needs to see that post-two babies) and in with the a classic red Georgia t-shirt. Emma approved of my outfit, and thanks to Aunt Terra, the kids had a great day playing with Parker and Nikki. Scott and I enjoyed a trip down memory lane, and Scott got some good laughs at me trying to be 'the finest in the land' just one more time....man, it had been awhile, but it is just like riding a bike, comes right back!!! It was awesome to catch up with some old friends and to remember how much I loved being a Redcoat (I know, completely lame....) Last semester I wrote a nice nostalgia piece on my Redcoat experience and after my first homecoming I think it is the perfect time to share....enjoy!!!

Game Day

The sun rises over the horizon as I turn onto Board Street from my small but quaint apartment. Only one reason could wake me at the early hour of six AM on a Saturday. The streets are quiet with anticipation, and the crisp air that blows through my cracked car window seems to smell of the excitement. My red flag flaps in the breeze as its pole stretches the entire length of my small sports car. My sequined uniform hangs in the backseat window almost announcing the purpose of my trip. The town is painted red and black.

I arrive at my destination to find that 400 of my closest friends are also awake this early hour. The silver tassels that hang from their red coats glisten in the sun as they dot the curbs around the Coliseum. They await the start of this weekly fall ritual. I grab my provided cold cheese biscuit and make my way to my sisterhood of flag girls who are gathering in our usual location in front of the Coliseum. We greet each other sleepily and share war stories from the Tivoli party the pervious night. Red flags spin around us as we aimlessly amuse ourselves before the all important Saturday morning rehearsal begins.

The town is beginning to wake as one loud fan screams from a convertible, “We love the Redcoats!” It is apparent that his party either began very early or last night’s party never ended; nevertheless, these fans always provide a good laugh to start the day. The clock strikes seven thirty, and as always, we migrate to Woodruff Field. The Redcoats share this Astroturf practice field with the football team. We must wait for their practices to end before we can take the field.

The band circles around the fifty yard line. The sheer size of the group fills the entire field, and I always feel small when I see the enormity of it all. The drum major raises his arms, and the horns strike the first note. It serves as a wake up call for the tailgaters who make it an all night affair in the Coliseum parking lot. The hill in front of the practice field begins to fill with fans, family, and past Redcoats coming to reminisce. Depending on the game, the hill could be completely full of onlookers. Because of the this spontaneous audience, Saturday morning rehearsals had become a bit of a performance and are the best way to start Game Day.

I love the performance. The sound of the snare drum makes me excited to take the field. The marching band is a passion that developed early for me. As a young girl, I loved watching my two older brothers march in our high school band. I followed suit, but because I lack any musical talent, the flag team was the next alternative for me. I spent all four fall semesters of my high school years spinning flag. After seeing one Redcoat performance, I knew I had to be a part of the incredible organization. Saturday morning rehearsal feels like a reward for the hard work it took to get there.

The hour and half flies by and soon we are gathering around the center of the field to receive instructions for the remainder of the day. They are predictable. We will meet at the Tate center at 12:15 for the Dawg Walk. Everyone in full uniform and be ready to go. The 400 person huddle ends with a loud “Go Dawgs!”, and we all break for an hour and a half of coveted tailgate time. I load up my small car with as many Redcoats that will fit. Until this ritual voyage, I did not realize that a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse could hold seven people with baggage and flags. Feet and Georgia “G” flags hang from the windows.

My parents never miss a game, and I never miss their tailgating feast. News about the party and the incredible free food travels through the Redcoats fast, and my parents’ party often attracts at least twenty hungry members. This Saturday the red tailgate tent protects a feast of grilled ribs, shrimp, and chicken along with all the homemade fixings. My mother had been on campus cooking for at least two hours and spent at least three preparing at home. There is nothing like a home cooked meal that travels to you.

The hour and a half of cherished minutes fly, and it quickly becomes time to travel to the Tate Center for our 12:15 deadline. This walk is never predictable. Red-sequined halter tops and black stretch pants with a Georgia “G” flags in hand promise amusement. We approach Lumpkin Street, which hosts some of the liveliest tailgating parties on campus. The livelier tailgate party makes a passing group of flag girls more entertaining. We run through a drunken spirit tunnel. We are offered food or adult beverages for spontaneous performances, and we hear over and over “We have the hottest flag girls!”. The walk down Lumpkin never disappoints.

As we all begin to gather around the Tater Center, the parking lot becomes a sea of Redcoats. Everyone is scattered about making final preparations for the upcoming performances. We make our way to the curb to add the final touch to our uniforms. We never enter the stadium without Georgia red lipstick. It had been a requirement for as long as I had been alive I am for sure, and although I hate red lipstick, I do not mind wearing it on Game Day. Horn players migrate over to our corner hoping to steal a red lipstick stain on the cheek. They wear them as some sort of symbol of pride. I look for my lucky recipient. I have a soft spot for one particular tuba player.

The whistle blows, and within seconds, the excited chaos becomes dignified flanks. Four loud taps. “Hey what’s that coming down the track? A music machine that is Red and Black.” We chant with pride as we take our place to usher the Dawgs into their house. The Dawg Walk is a new tradition that often times puzzles me. Our flanks break into two lines that create a tunnel for the team to walk through. We essentially serve as a security measure for this new tradition protecting the team from the outside fans behind us. I am not sure how thirty five girls with pom poms are suppose to provide protection for the two hundred pound football players walking into the stadium. I think we rather provide distraction for the excited fans behind us. Let’s just say that my “three feet of personal space” rule has been violated numerous times during this new tradition.

The Dawgs safely enter the stadium, and most of the fans remain outside to hear the Redcoat pep rally. A few more rounds of “Glory” followed by “Hail to Georgia” and the crowd is ready to cheer the team to victory. These pep rallies remind me how much tradition surrounds this University and this organization. The Redcoats have been playing these anthems for many years and will continue to play them for many years after I leave. I realize that through song the Redcoats add to this University’s rich tradition.

We make our way into the stadium, and we soon find ourselves between the hedges in preparation for the pre-game show. The stadium is beginning to fill, and from the field, I am able to understand the meaning of 96,000 people. I can establish faces for the first few rows, but it soon becomes just a sea of red and black. The excitement of the event pulses through my blood, and I find myself standing in awe of the experience. We take the sideline in preparation for our entrance.

The whistle blows and we scatter to the field. My hands and feet assume auto drive as I had done this routine at least two hundred times. My thoughts focus on the experience. I stand on the lush field and look into the sea of red and black. It is amazing that something so simple can bring so many different people together. I know each person in the stadium has his or her own story, but today, they are here for one sole reason: to cheer on the Dawgs. For four quarters on a Saturday afternoon, nothing else seems to matter but this simple game. It is truly amazing.

The trumpet sounds from atop the Tate Center Bridge. The band halts in straight flanks across the field. Redcoats past and present will always stop to give the hymn the respect that it deserves. Only the highest director conducts this song and it serves as a symbol of our incredible organization. I remember the first time I heard the Redcoats play the Battle Hymn. I knew I was part of something larger than me. I was standing where many had stood before and many would stand after with the same feelings of pride and appreciation.

The rich tone of the brass line feels me with pride as the hymn crescendos with a resonating “Go Dawgs!”. The band breaks with one simple chant “Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg. How sweet it is!”

Nikki's Enchanted Tea Party

2008-09-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

We can't believe it...Nikki's Four!!!!

Happy Birthday Nikki and thanks for the great party.....we had an "enchanted" time....

Disgustingly Southern

2008-09-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Could there be anything more Southern than a fair and a beauty pageant? We are in the South and I just couldn't resist this very southern tradition.

Emma participated in her first pageant this past week. In her mother's footsteps, she took the stage at Baby Miss Gwinnett County fashioning a Mammaw original. She was beautiful in her blue dress, but the organizers did not consult her bedtime schedule before deciding the time for the event. She was ready for bed and would not surrender one single smile on stage. But we were very excited when they crowned her Baby Miss Photogenic....Emma says, "Ha....see Will I can strike a pose too!!!" (See our earlier post Strike a Pose).

Nikki and Victoria also got in on this great southern tradition. They worked it in Wee Miss Gwinnett County. Victoria sparkled in pink and Nikki glowed in white. Both Mammaw originals of course. The girls did a wonderful job and Nikki brought home the Wee Miss photogenic crown.

With all the hairspray, make-up, and girly fun, we found the princess doing what she does best! So here's to Ferris wheels, meat on a stick, funnel cake, and everything else that is disgustingly southern!!!!

Once a Dawg...

2008-09-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Always a Dawg....

How Sweet it is!!!!!

"You have a such a pretty ring"

2008-08-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

So, I am a bit behind...I know three weeks have gone by without a pitstop update. Shame on me.....

Well needless to say, life around the pitstop has not disappointed lately. I have returned to school and with it's start, life seems to have be turned a bit upside down. Yeah...I know...two under two and a full load of classes what can I expect.

Tuesday morning I find myself sitting in my Spanish class (yeah, it really has been eight years since the last one....hmm...lol), and the naive 19 year old next me says all dreamy eyed "You have a such a pretty ring". I laugh to myself thinking if she only had a clue. I wanted to respond with "yes sweetie, it is very pretty, but I have been puked on, changed three dirty diapers, and washed two loads of laundry and it's only seven thirty.....it's difficult to wear a pretty ring".

Lately, I have been so caught up in the challenges of everyday life. School, kids and more kids and well more kids, cleaning, laundry, dead battery in the car, husband healing from a "little" procedure......the list can go on and on that I really had forgotten that "I have such a pretty ring". The starry eyed 19 year old is on to something. Sure it is sparkly and pretty, but what it symbolizes is so much more. Giggles, kisses, hugs, and everything good in life. Even though it gets dirt on it sometimes, Tuesday morning I was reminded that I really do have such a pretty ring.

The Kitchen Sink

2008-08-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Scott, when is the last time we did the dishes?......Because, I think something is growing in there and my guess is that it's going to be expensive......

Beauty

2008-07-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

My definition of this word has changed so much over the past two years. I used to believe that it littered the cover of magazines and required an entourage of hair stylists and makeup artists to achieve. Now, I see it differently.

Beauty is one simple kiss that begins something amazing. It is a boy and his father, and a baby girl with heart-piercing blue eyes. It is the simple things like a little old house filled with a lifetime of memories or grandparents with their great grandchildren.

This weekend Sara came down and reminded me of the simple beauty in my life. As always, she captured our family at its purest. Check out our slide show to see my new meaning of beauty.

http://saradharper.com/shows/pitmanfamily/

Thanks again Sara!!

To contact Sara check out her blog..... www.saradharper.blogspot.com

Let's Hear It for the Girls

2008-07-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

I have to give a shout out to my girls this week. A little over five years ago, my brothers actually gave me something that I wanted as opposed to the torturous wet willies or wafting farts. They married two wonderful women, and I scored two awesome sisters.

Time, babies, and changes haven't afforded us as much time together over the past year and half, but within two weeks, we have managed rekindle something truly great. We have become quite a stroller posey at the Mall of Georgia, and we have discovered that everyone can fit in the Pilot minus one stroller. Yes, that is three car seats, two boosters, and three adults. Don't ask Terra how you have to enter and exit the vehicle. She is still trying to recover.

The kids are really starting to bond, and it so awesome to see Will and Emma's relationship with their Aunt Terra and Aunt Ya Ya (Leah's new affectionate name...thanks Parker!!) grow.

Last week, Mammaw's Fiftieth birthday presented us with the challenge of capturing all five kids in one photo. With a little mothering from Victoria and a ball for Will, we were able to get everyone in one place. Emma protested and in classic diva style and demanded a solo shoot. Two new teeth and some shiny gold earrings (thanks Aunt Terra), her diva status couldn't be ignored. The boys worked it in Ralph...real men wear pink, and after much effort, we managed to get everyone looking at the camera and for that, LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS!!!!!

Born in the USA!!!

2008-07-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

Does it get any better than water parks, backyard barbecues, smores, and fireworks?

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

Too Darn Cute...

2008-06-30T17:36:00.001-07:00

Need I say more???

Strollers, Bows, Ice Cream and A Whole Lot of Fun

2008-06-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

So Will spent the weekend at Mimi's before her big trip to visit Uncle Todd, Aunt Sihin, and Gideon. He had the perfect summer weekend with the perfect summer treat.

Meanwhile, Emma hung out with me and Daddy to do a little shopping. Last weekend we found Daddy and me new rides, so, it only fits that we would spend this weekend purchasing something new for Will and Emma to take out for a spin.

Yes, I finally broke down and bought the double stroller. I thought that it was unnecessary and that somehow I could manage with the two singles that I already had. Yeah....well, that lasted about four months. We haven't taken it out yet but I am excited. It seems to drive well and has lots of bells and whistles. I will let all the eager mothers know my review soon.

Emma enjoyed her alone time with us this weekend. She is now interested in playing, and has her favorites spots. She is most often found jumping or in her new pod watching Baby Einstein...Baby Beethoven to be exact. God Bless this video. Will loved it and Emma feels the same.

Emma says, "Dollies and bows are fun too!!!". Little girls are so much fun!!! I have been waiting for her hair to get long enough to put a bow in. Yippee!!! she will be sporting those more often.

Strollers, bows, ice cream, and a whole lot of fun....just another weekend around the Pitstop.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful husband and father in the world!!! I could not ask for a more supportive, loving man and I am so grateful that he is stuck with me forever. I love to watch him with Will and Emma. He is an amazing father and I am glad that he waited so long for me :). We had a busy weekend with the car adventure (see the previous post) and a trip to see Mimi and Pappas.

The kids showered daddy with a set of UGA coasters and some beautiful matching photos for his bare office walls. Mimi and I worked hard for the shots. Nothing like a 18 month old and a 4 month old in the portrait studio. Sara will be coming here for my next attempt at photos....totally worth the money!!!!! But we did manage to get a few usable shots.....

Am I cute??

Together at last

Just Hanging Out

This is all your getting people...

I'm so pretty

Happy Father's Day to our favorite Daddy!!!! We love you!!!!!

Dream Big...Right?

2008-06-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Let's face it...Scott and I are dreamers. If we weren't, I am certain that we would have never made it this far. It has always been our plan to find that perfect house that we would basically live in forever. After moving all of Scott's stuff (hmmm....do we really need all those camping supplies...I hate the outdoors...), I vowed that I would only move one more time. But, that perfect house is more like a five year plan. Well....we thought....

A couple of weeks ago, Scott and I happened upon this house that we both absolutely fell in love with. It really is perfect for our family and it started stalking both of us in our dreams. We simply could not shake our fascination with it. Five bedrooms, four and half baths, playroom, basement, perfect back yard...you get the picture right??? We could see ourselves living in it forever, but we are only a year or so into the five year plan....oops...

With all that said, we decided that we could not let it go even though we were pretty sure we weren't ready for the huge financial commitment. Scott called the mortgage broker and to our surprise, he wasn't laughed off the phone. We realized that we were closer to the dream than we thought and with a few changes we could get there a lot quicker. We had two large offenders in our budget that we had been ignoring for some time....a 2006 Saturn Vue and a 2006 Honda Accord.

Off to the dealership we went with the goal of getting a better deal. Emma offered to sell us her new ride, but couldn't come down on her price. To our surprise, the dealership could. I guess with the rising gas prices the car business isn't as grand as it once was and a good deal is a lot easier to come by.

As I crammed the strollers in the back of the Saturn for the last time, I knew that we needed something a little bigger....yeah, I know, I am the last person in the world looking for a bigger car these days....but we found out that those are the cars you can get the best deal on right now. I drive so little that the higher gas price doesn't off set the savings on the vehicle itself. Yipppeeee...I found my way into a fully loaded 2005 Honda Pilot. No more cramming strollers into the back. This puppy seats eight!!!!!

We found my perfect car rather quickly, but then spent the next hour or so wondering the lot looking for Scott's perfect fit. I test drove a cute civic for him....too small. Then there was the BMW with pimped out rims and a stereo system that consumed the whole trunk...too mid-life crisis. Then there was the red Taurus...government car. "I have a nice one for you," the salesman said as he walked us toward some station wagon. "Um...No!!!" we said in unison. "I have one last choice...good on gas", he said as he walk us towards a silver Honda Accord. We both laughed. "Do you have any other colors?" The salesman at this point had not seen our 2006 silver Honda Accord.

I guess the Pitmans are just suppose to have a silver Honda Accord because he got us the deal we needed on it. It's a 2007 and is exactly the same down to the interior color as our 2006. The only difference is that it has half the miles.

Two new (well, new to us) cars later, we are two steps closer to our dream. So maybe it wasn't this exact house, but we will keep dreaming knowing that we are making moves to be ready when we really do walk into that perfect house.

Just Your Average Day

2008-06-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

Could it get any better???

Are you smiling yet???

Let Summer Fun Begin...

2008-06-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we kicked off summer around the pitstop. Being Memorial Day weekend, we figured it was the best time for a little fun in the sun. We started off with Will's first trip to the zoo. With his affection for his own mini jungle, we knew that he would love to see all the animals. Our assumption was correct, and he was so excited. We saw giraffes, a few rhinos, and even the rare Emma breed. She was especially lively and by far the cutest. After conquering the wild jungle, Will enjoyed a rest and a ride on the very trainable "daddy" beast. We finished our safari with a visit with the tigers and a quick nap with the kangaroos. It was a wonderful day that left both Mommy and Daddy smiling.

We enjoyed a great cookout with Shayne and Amiee, and a little swim time at Mammaw's. With all this summer fun pack into one weekend, Will and Emma "demanded" that we spend Monday afternoon recovering.

Here's to Joe

2008-05-23T18:21:00.001-07:00

With Joey's seventh birthday approaching, I thought that we should take a moment and appreciate our furry, ball chasing four legged friend. He is pretty much unforgettable for those who know him. Looking back I realize that was always the case.

When I first met him, he was chasing his tail endlessly much like he chases his ball today. I thought that it was the cutest thing I had ever seen...little did I know this was the beginning of an endless obsession to chase something. "Throw my ball, please?"..."Throw it"...."Throw it just once"....The ball flies over his head. "Sucker". You can see this thought process all over his face. But tonight as he sleeps at the foot of the bed, I realize that he is far more than a ball obsessed shit tuz.

The two of us have been through so much together. College...Joey discovered the fun of creating a snow storm with a roll of toilet paper and that Miller Lite was by far his favorite adult beverage. Meanwhile, I had the time of my life and learned that I was really clueless about life. The first few years after graduation...well...neither one of us want to talk about those....let's just say that we both had a bad relationship :). But we learned a lot. Joey says that he will only live in a one dog household and I learned to always trust my heart even if it is telling me to do something extraordinarily scary.

And then we met Scott. "Daddy" was the first thing Joey said when he met Scott and from that moment on, he stopped being my dog and became our dog. And now, I watch him chase Will as giggles radiate through the house. I know just as I have found my happiness, Joey has found his. I was always sure that Joey and I were the perfect match, and now that I see how wonderful he is with my children, I am so grateful that we found each other.

He is more than a dog, but is an essential part of this family, and to be honest, it is difficult to imagine this home without him. So, here's to our 'ball chasing', 'housekeeping', 'bed hogging', 'down-right perfect' dog.......

Welcome Gideon!!!

2008-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Will and Emma would like to announce the birth of their new cousin Gideon Dima Pitman. He joined us at 1:47 am in Dakar, Africa on May 19th. If he had been born in the states, he would have shared his father's birthday arriving at 10:47 pm on May 18th. He weighed in at 8lbs 14oz and from what we understand his arrival was eventful with Sihin delivering only thirty minutes after arriving at the hospital.

He is truly a beautiful addition to our family and his resemblance to Will is notable. What is in those Pitman genes??? See the photo of Will at the same age.....

Congratulations Uncle Todd and Aunt Sihin!!!! We love you and can't wait to meet him........

The Witching Hour

2008-05-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

For some reason the hours between 4pm and 6pm have become the most challenging time around the Pitstop. I can have a perfectly quiet day and within 15 minutes it can go completely down the drain. With that being said, I have been working hard to find ways to make the two hours bearable. We have captured a few shots of my efforts.

Here is Emma in the baby bjourn. I have found that she likes to cook dinner with me and this keeps her happy for at least 45 minutes. This only leaves me an hour and 15 minutes left.

Will has also started helping with dinner. You can never have too many cooks in the kitchen. Hey...I take what help I can get!!!

And when the clock strikes 5:30 with no Daddy in sight.....

GRAB AND COLD ONE AND HOLD ON!!!!

The clock strikes 6:30. Everyone is fed and we are.....

EXHAUSTED!!!!!

We have affectionately named this time the "witching hours". So, when the clock strikes 4...let the fun begin!!!!!

Mother's Day Fun

2008-05-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a couple of pictures from Mother's Day. We had a very special day, and I am sure that I have the sweetest husband in the world. He suprised me with a dinner with all the wonderful mothers in my life. It was great to have my mom, my grandmother, and my mother-in-law together. We just enjoyed being together and the time was priceless....not to mention Scott had both of the kids in the bed by the time we got home. That is a feat worth much respect.

Emma was quite tired by the time we remembered to take the annual photo. She couldn't be bothered to get out of her carseat....(important mothering rule: let a sleeping baby sleep)

And of course, here is me and my cute little boyfriend :)......

I hope everyone enjoyed their special day!!!

They are....

2008-05-07T17:29:00.001-07:00

The same breed....lol!!!! Which one is Will and which is Emma????

I'm Gonna Miss This...

2008-05-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

While rocking Emma and listening to the lullaby sang by my Bissell vacuum cleaner, I began thinking about how quickly time is passing. I cannot believe that she is already three months old, and I watch Will in amazement everyday. He is changing so quickly.

I thought to myself how ridiculous it was that I was sitting in this beautiful tranquil nursery, but that the only thing that seems to soothe my daughter to sleep these days is the sound of the vacuum. It makes me laugh and sad too in someways, because I know these days are going to be over long before I want them to be. I know that I am going to miss the sound of that loud vacuum cleaner.

Will is turning into the most incredible little boy. He learns new words everyday and gives the best hugs. These past few months have been full of so much discovery and it is amazing to watch. "Pease" and "this" with finger pointing...I know that I am going to miss that....

The past few weeks have been trying for me. I am exhausted in a way that I cannot describe. The hours between 4pm and 6pm at the Pitstop are unpredictable, but can promise a lot of noise, some food on the floor, and that the vacuum will be running. Through the exhaustion and chaos, I know that I'm gonna miss this....

So my advice to all the new and expected mothers out there, slow down and enjoy. You will even miss the soothing sound of the Bissell Vacuum cleaner.

Strike a Pose

2008-04-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

....There's nothing to it.....

Okay for those who know me very well would not expect anything less from me, but I have been eager to show off my "Little Man's" incredibly cute face (I am not biased at all :) ). I was so disappointed to find out that I missed the opportunity to submit him to Regis and Kelly's cutest baby contest (being eight months pregnant, it wasn't high on my priority list) with that being said, when Mom saw a promo on Fox 5 looking for Atlanta's Most Photogenic Babies, I couldn't resist. This was a fun event and the small entry fee benefited Children's Health care of Atlanta; so, why not.

Off to Discover Mills we went for his big photo shoot. I was sure that he would be the complete "Ham" he usually is in front of the camera, and he was looking especially cute in his "my mom rules" t-shirt. Well, let's just say things didn't go as planned. He spotted the carousel and it was over. He was not interested in having his picture taken and we were only able to get one usable shot (Mammaw was holding him).

The expression says it all for those who know Will well.

Never a dull moment at the Pitstop.

This weekend was the judging and the announcement of the awards. I could not resist going to check out his little face on the display boards. So, I made Scott ride with me over to Discover Mills for the awards and to catch a few snap shots of him on the board.

The contest had four categories: Most Beautiful, Most Precious, Most Comical, and Most Fashionable. I had entered Will in the Most Beautiful category, and to my surprise Will won the Judges' Choice in his category!!!!! Will is at Mimi's for the weekend so he wasn't even available to accept his award....lol. Scott and I had a good laugh and we wondered if they could reach him via satellite like MTV does on the VMA's.

Emma was along for the ride and later piped in to let us who really is the most beautiful....lol!!!!

Will says "Strike a pose. There's nothing to it!!!"

They have just added Will's photo to the Atlanta Winners link click to check him out. He is in the one year olds category. http://www.photogenicbaby.com/winners/atlantawinners.html

In the Jungle

2008-04-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

So I am almost a month behind, but I wanted to post a few videos (thanks to Mimi for putting them together...Lord knows I haven't found the time lately) of my two angels.

Will has discovered the great outdoors, and we can't keep him inside. Sticks, rocks and a few yard ornaments are all he needs to have hours of fun. Oh..and you can't forget Pappas little red hat. It was actually Pappas' hat from when he was little, which makes Will's fascination with it even cuter. Will cannot be seen outside without it. It is the only hat that he will wear. Click to see Little Man in the Jungle.....

We are also preparing for football season. We have learned to call the dawgs and can point out the Georgia "G". With those two accomplishments under his belt, we are sure he will be ready to try out for the team by the fall. It is never too early to prepare for game day in Athens.....click to see our Little Dawg....

Now we must not forget the princess and believe me, she will not let you forget her. We have reached a huge milestone....SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! Yes, believe it or not, we have not asked "Where's Emma?" (see our previous post: Where's Emma) in two weeks. She finds her way to her crib at 8pm and is happy there until 6 am. She is growing and changing so quickly. Tuesday we visited the pediatrician for her two month check up. She has grown to a whopping 12lbs 6oz and is 23 inches long. We survived the five shots, and Emma says she doesn't want to talk about it anymore. It was very traumatic.

One last video from Easter. Uncle Todd visited from Africa to meet his new niece. It was wonderful to see him and we can't wait to meet our new nephew that is expected to arrive early June. We wish Africa was closer. Books, bunnies and a whole lot of lace.....Pitman Easter 2008

Once again thanks to Mimi for putting together these great videos!!!!!

Surviving Motherhood....

2008-04-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't really taken the opportunity to blog about how I feel in all this craziness. Wow...how much has changed in my life in the past two years. It feels as though Scott and I have always been together, but actually, we will be celebrating our second wedding anniversary in July. This is really crazy considering how much has changed in those two years. I am now the mother of two and working towards a completely different career. I am so much further from what I thought I would be when I exited UGA's arches, but I could not be happier.

Life is strange in how it guides us to exactly where we should be. I love being mom even when the going gets tough. It seems when things become so overwhelming that I am sure I am not cut out for this, I am rewarded with the most loving hug from my little man and a coo from the princess. They are truly a gift that I am sure I am not worthy to receive. My only wish is that each day they know how loved and special they are.

I am not surviving motherhood, but rather living motherhood.

Where is Emma??

2008-03-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

Okay....I know that I am a bit behind with posting, but needless to say, time is sparse around the pitstop lately. Let's see....I guess I should catch everyone up on the last few weeks.

The sleepless nights began. Sigh....Sigh...The newborn honeymoon could not last forever. Emma has let her presence be known, and Scott and I quickly remembered the joy of endless nights of crying. One valuable lesson learned from Will: where the baby falls asleep, the baby stays. This discovery has lead to many new sleeping locations for Emma. In the morning, this leaves the parent who enjoyed their coveted night of sleep asking "Where's Emma?".

There are a few popular choices though....(all highly recommended by Will)

1) Our Maytag dryer....(Emma seems to also enjoy the Washer...Will wasn't about it)

2) The Swing but only with the Bissell Vacuum cleaner close by and on (I must have vacuumed entirely too much in the third trimester)

3) The car seat

4) On Daddy or Mommy

Oh the joy of the first three months. Will has also gotten in on the act. He is good for a paci run from time to time and a good "shhhhhhh" especially when Curious George is on.

Lesson #1 for Emma: Do not bother a Pitman man during his favorite TV show.

Things seem to be settling in now, but I am sure we will be asking "Where's Emma?" for a few more weeks.

Jungle and Ocean Dreams....

2008-03-07T18:44:00.001-08:00

I just has to post tonight as it was a first. My house is quiet. They both are sleeping peacefully. One in his jungle and the other in her ocean.

Tonight is the first night that Emma has gone to bed in her big girl crib. Hoping for a long night's rest....

Let them sleep......

Can't Resist.....

2008-03-05T14:19:00.001-08:00

Taking them to the Picture People.....

Enjoy these shots from today's Easter shoot....

Another thought......

2008-02-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I forgot to post the link to the beautiful slideshow that Sara created for our maternity shoot.

For a trip down memory lane.....click here

http://saradharper.startlogic.com/shows/bethpitmanmaternity/

A Moment of Silence...

2008-02-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Okay....So I know that I promised everyone pictures and a birth story a couple of weeks ago. Well, you can only imagine what adjusting to life with a newborn and a 14 month old is like. I have learned a few valuable lessons over the past two weeks:

1. Never leave Emma's bath water unattended because there will be a fully clothed Will sitting in the middle of it when you return. Ducky wash cloth and all......

2. Plan Ahead....Once you get breakfast cleaned up, you better fix lunch because you never know what might happen in between.

3. Diapers....buy lots of them. I think I can fill a whole trash can in just one day. I have never seen so many dirty diapers.

4. Bathroom breaks...remember to take them......

5. Will in, up or wherever first and out, down, or wherever last. Keep the mobile one restrained when unsupervised......

6. Last but not least, enjoy every minute of this as it is the last time they will both be this age :)

As you can tell, learning all these valuable “mother of two” lessons hasn't left me much time for blogging, but as they both quietly nap, I will see if I can catch you up......

Emma's birth.....
There's a story. Scott and I worried that we would not have any great stories to tell her about her pregnancy. We had so many with Will, and we just didn't want her to feel left out. No worries there.....her birth alone tops all of Will's pregnancy stories......

Mom and I had planned a morning out on Wednesday to return a couple of duplicate gifts and pick up the last odds and ends. We started early and had managed to stop at Walmart, Kmart, and Target. I had to run by the bank to make a deposit, and at that point, things got interesting. While standing in line, I started to have noticeable contractions. When I got back to the car, I told Mom that I thought that I might be trying to go into labor. So, we began timing the contractions and kept going with our plans. When we got to Discover Mills, they were uncomfortable and coming every three or four minutes. We decided to call my midwife for advice. They had me come in to be checked.....only to be disappointed with a centimeter and instructions to go home and rest.

I spent the rest of the afternoon at Mom's with contractions. By late Wednesday night, they had picked up again and I was sure it was time. At 11 pm, I called Jill (my midwife) again. She told me to come into labor and delivery. Surely, this was it right??? Nope, after two hours of walking the halls at Gwinnett Medical and laughing a screaming woman, we were only at two centimeters. This time I was sent home with a drug of some sort that was suppose to help me rest. Didn't stop the contractions, but did make me drunker than a night at the Firehouse during power hour.

We returned home at three am and settle in for the night only to hear my mother in law's car being towed from the front of our house. Our wonderful homeowner's association decided the night that I was in labor was the night to start towing cars. The crazy drug prevented me from getting too worked up luckily. $125.00 and a trip to the racetrak with no shoes, Scott was able to reclaim his mother's car. After all this, we just wanted to sleep and ignore the possibility of Emma's birth.

The morning came with even stronger contractions. At this point, I am in denial. I was not going back to walk the halls of the hospital. We would just have her in the bath tub before that would happen. I had another appointment with the midwife for an ultrasound at 1 pm, and I decided that we would hold out until then. By 12:15 I was on all fours in the hallway in front of the bathroom crying in pain. Truly indescribable!!!

The drive to the doctor's office was terrible. I just wanted drugs and for it to give me a break. We arrived and they began the ultrasound. The tech then realized what was going on and called a midwife immediately. They sent me back to the hospital and back to the triage room of the night before. I protested with a large quantity of profanity telling Scott that I refused to stay there and that he needed find me someone quick. The nurse came in and checked me immediately. SIX CENTIMETERS!!! "What did you intend for pain management, Mrs. Pitman?" the nurse asked. "A damn epidural!!!" I responded. They threw a sheet around me and rushed me to the delivery room calling for the doctor on the way.

Jill (my midwife) arrived soon after and stayed with me the entire time. She was truly amazing and I would have never made it through my almost, but unintentional natural child birth without her. The epidural came quickly, but seemed like a lifetime with the intense pain. Scott was great keeping the mood light and helping me deal with it. By the time the epidural started to take effect I was eight centimeters. Too much natural child birth for me. How women go all the way without something is beyond me.......

Emma greeted the world at 6 pm only an hour and a half later. It really was a beautiful birth and a special moment for both Scott and me.

She is a dream of a baby and she completes our beautiful family. Enjoy the video below....
Introducing Emma Marie Pitman.......

The Watch has Ended....

2008-02-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

And it was a close call.....

Emma is here. Healthy and happy, 7lbs and 12 oz, but not without adventure. I wanted to post to let everyone know that she had a safe arrival and that we are home resting peacefully.

I will post the story and tons of pictures tomorrow as we are catching some much needed rest.

Big Brother Will is in love and is the best helper Mommy could ever ask for......more to come.....

Just Amazing....

2008-01-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

So we actually got snow before we got Emma. Shocking......

Sara Harper came into our home today and took the most beautiful pictures of Will, Emma, and me. She is incredibly talented. Check out her blog to see her beautiful work http://saradharper.blogspot.com/. I just could not resist posting just a few of the shots. I have an incredible slide show to share but I wanted to wait to unveil it at Emma's nursery warming party next weekend, but here is just a taste.....

We have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow. Pretty sure we are getting close. Stay tuned....

Due to Popular Request....

2008-01-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

I had to post this video of our artist at work in Emma's room. He is very talented, and in my opinion, is rather cute!!!!

No "Emma" sightings as of yet....

Emma's Princess Ocean

2008-01-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

I know that I am so behind on the blog. We are so busy preparing for Emma's arrival. It is so very soon, and my body tells me this everyday. I have to finish my Christmas post with the amazing details of our holiday, but for the begging family's sake, I had to go ahead and post these snap shots of the progress in Emma's room. Mammaw has truly out done herself. There is something amazing about handmade baby bedding and the handcrafted decor. I hope that Emma inherits her talent for these things. Maybe it skips a generation????

The furniture is in route, and we have scheduled a maternity photo shot with an amazing photographer in a couple of weeks. Her work will unveil the finished product, but for now here is a small taste. We are getting excited.....Let "Emma" watch 2008 begin....

Will's Super-dee Duper 1st Birthday!!!!!

2007-11-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

Our little Man is growing up so fast, and his first birthday party reminded me how fast time is passing. We had a wonderful bash with all of Will's family and close friends. Scott and I couldn't believe that our house could hold so many people.

Will demanded a Barney themed party and let's just say that Barney is not what he use to be. Apparently, his popularity has decreased in recent years, and all the Barney themed party decorations have been discontinued. Thank God for Ebay!!!! A girl can find a piece of toast with the Virgin Mary browned into it and all the Barney party supplies she could need. Mammaw came to the rescue and baked the most perfect Barney cake. A few Barney Dolls from Hong Kong and the decorations were complete. He loved it!!!! So it was worth all the effort.

Everyone was so very generous and now I am not sure what Santa has in his workshop that Will doesn't already have. His new powerwheels fourwheeler (thanks to Mammaw and Pappaw) and ball pit (thanks to Mimi and Poppa) are by far the biggest hits. Plus they are lovely accents in my living room. Martha Stewart has nothing on my carnival.

Emma enjoyed the party as well demanding that I eat as much cake as possible. Hard to believe that I am seven months already. I put all the photos into a video for easy posting. Turn up the volume and enjoy partying with our rockstar.

Happy Late Halloween!!!

2007-11-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

I know that I running a little behind, but I wanted to post Will's Halloween video. He was the cutest Babyzilla we have ever seen!!! Will had a great time trick or treating with his cousins Victoria, Nikki and Parker. Birthday and Thanksgiving to come....stay tuned!!!!

PS. Emma is huge and doing well....all is on track. Be sure to turn up the volume :)

Introducing....

2007-09-25T17:40:00.001-07:00

It is Official......

We will be welcoming Emma Marie Pitman!!!!!!

The ultrasound was great and our baby girl is growing perfectly. She was being a typical Pitman woman and was not moving from her comfortable curled up position so the ultrasound tech had a difficult time checking her out. We were in there for over an hour and she had her in mommy in all kinds of positions just so they could get a good peak. She wasn't ready for her close up. I guess she didn't have her hair just right!!!! We are very excited and know that she will complete our family. We can't wait to see her beautiful face.

I also wanted to post a copy Will's birthday present to Daddy for everyone. It has alot of great shots from the past year. I thought everyone might enjoy seeing it. Make sure you turn your volume up.....

A Little Creative Writing...

2007-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Okay...So the first few weeks of school have presented their challenges. We have battled off sickness after sickness and even had a few worries with the pregnancy, but all seems to be settling down now. Tomorrow is the big day that we confirm the identity of pitstop #2. We had an ultrasound about four weeks ago that gave us a good idea, but I won't share any clues.....Will it be Emma Marie Pitman or Matthew Scott Pitman....Tomorrow, we should find out.......

In the meantime, I did manage to get some homework done and out of it came a great piece that I wrote for my creative writing class.....I think that it sums up our happiness pretty well....

Beginnings
I couldn’t imagine that it could get any bigger, and it wasn’t going to. It was a good two weeks from the day; the day that we had talked about and planned for a little over nine months. The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas. I wish that I could have taken credit for the winter wonderland, but my swelling condition would have never allowed me the energy for the task. The tree sat pristinely in the corner glowing with beautiful clear lights. It looked as though it had been kidnapped from the pages of Martha Stewart Living. Garlands hung from the stairwell, and the mantle was the perfect entry and escape for St. Nick. His stocking was even hung and ready for his arrival. It was green and red, and his name was perfectly scripted in gold puff paint.

It was our first holiday together although it seemed as though we had always shared them. We were a newspaper couple. He worked downstairs and was somewhat of a legend there. It was daily paper, and without him, many editions would have never made press. The intercom constantly rang with his name as frantic employees always needed his assistance.

He was the first person I met there, and I remember noting after the encounter there was something special about him. He took me to my desk and showed me every technical aspect in my new square home. It was apparent that he had given this speech many times. He showed me the computer and how to access the network, and then moved on to the phone. As he said many times before, “I make all the computers go”. A few weeks later a new publisher joined the paper, and I will never forget when he came out of his office and asked “Where is Scott?” and we all responded in unison, “Welcome to the Daily Report!”. It was the first question every new employee asked.

I worked upstairs selling ads. It was a small paper, but we were like a family. Little did I know that my real family would be formed at 190 Pryor Street. It began as any romance does. We looked for ways to run into each other, shared glances across the room, and found reasons to stay late together. We tried to hide it but didn’t succeed. Scott soon found his way into the publisher’s office announcing that he had proposed marriage and that we were expecting our first child. Neither of us was sure what the reaction would be, we prayed for acceptance. We needed our jobs now more than ever. After Scott’s nervous announcement, Mr. Korn smiled and offered his congratulations. We had his support and soon after everyone followed. It was our second home, and they were our second family.

I waddled past Ms. Julia on our way out that Wednesday. She was the best gatekeeper in town. With her direct and coarse demeanor, she manned the phone and the many characters that found their way in from the downtown Atlanta streets. Not much intimidated Ms. Julia.

“Have a good holiday,” she said with smile.

“We will”, I replied.

“See you on Monday,” she said with a wink.

“Maybe not…” I replied as I waddled out the door in front of him.

Ms. Julia never thought I would make it to the date. She knew I was a time bomb ticking, and she was right. That was the last time we would leave 190 Pryor Street as a family of two.

I had been looking forward to the holiday for weeks. Since it was our first, everything had to be perfect. My mother had ensured the décor was exactly right weeks before and was even preparing the food for the meal. Thanksgiving wasn’t complete in my family without a house full of Christmas decorations and the smell of giblet gravy. She knew how special this one was to us and that I was in no condition to recreate a Harris family Thanksgiving. As always, she was there to provide the perfect setting and a wonderful meal. My only responsibility was to provide the table and plates.

It was our first house with our first real dining room, and it was the perfect place for our first holiday. We woke up early that morning, which was rare in those days. My condition kept me in bed as long as possible in those last months. As a matter of fact, I would have just stayed in bed if I had been allowed. I was huge, my feet hurt, and I was pretty much miserable. The bed was a good place for me, but I wanted to get the room just right regardless of my physical condition. Our guests were scheduled to arrive at one only leaving me a few hours to get everything in order.

We finally had real dining room furniture that we had purchased a few months before. It was a small investment but seemed minuscule after signing our lives away for the mortgage on the house. It was beautiful oak and stone. Oddly enough, the table wasn’t the one I selected at the store but rather ended up in the room as a mistake. I was grateful for the mistake as the long square table complimented the room much more than the circular one that I had first envisioned. It had a leaf that would provide the perfect amount of space for our guests. I demanded that it be placed into the table. We hadn’t realized how heavy the simple piece of furniture was until then. Scott swore it weighed over two hundred pounds. I didn’t argue with him as he had to complete the task alone. My protruding belly left me useless.

I set the beautiful table with our mixed matched silverware and crystal. It was a copulation of hand-me downs and what had passed inspection from Scott’s bachelor pad. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the hodgepodge table reminded me that we had only been in the house for three months. This span of time hardly allowed for acquiring a house full of beautiful crystal and silver. I lit the candles in the center and placed my Publix pilgrim shakers on one end. Scott had bought them as a surprise weeks earlier after he found me on the couch crying over a sappy Publix commercial. He is good about remembering insignificant details, and it is one of the many reasons I love him so much.

The door bell rang, and our family began to arrive. From there it was blur. We spent the day laughing, talking, and remembering when. The two families melted together perfectly, and no one would have ever known that it was their first encounter with each other. The impending arrival overshadowed much of the conversation, and it was apparent that everyone was excited about the first grandson. The nursery was set, and its unveiling made for the perfect end to the holiday. We opened the door with pride, and everyone gasped at the beautiful mural of jungle animals and the matching crib in the corner. The room was perfect and for the first time I felt ready.

The rest of holiday weekend flew by. We spent the next day in the mall with the hordes of holiday shoppers. I waddled through Macy’s with my list and pointed to every desired item. Scott resembled Mr. Claus as he carried an arm full of my must-have deals. It was a memorable trip and my energy level was notable. We even laughed as Scott commented that he hadn’t seen me move that fast since the second trimester trip to the Golden Corral. For the hours of five am to two pm, I managed to accomplish all the Christmas shopping and even was able to acquire a few pieces of crystal to help solve our mixed matched table problem. We returned home that afternoon with the intentions of spending the rest of the holiday on the couch with a few Christmas favorites. I had been dying to see A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation. It was truly the perfect holiday and within three days we had made a ton of memories and managed to start a few traditions. I went to sleep that night content and at peace.

“Push!” was all I could hear, and the lights were blindly bright. He was there holding my hand just as I knew he would be. Sweat poured from my forehead, and I struggled to catch my breath. I closed my eyes in hope for a small retreat. I felt heaviness on my chest and new wetness on my face. I opened my eyes to see Joey standing there waiting eagerly to be escorted out for his morning romp. It was a dream. It was just a dream. I caught my breath and rolled out of bed.

As I threw on my robe and attempted to look excusable for our neighbors, I felt something. It wasn’t unusual in those days to feel a contraction or two, but this was different. It sent me quickly to the edge of the bath tube for stability. I breathed through it and thought that it would pass. I was still two weeks away. Scott was sleeping peacefully, and I hadn’t the heart to wake him again for another false alarm. I stayed there in the bathroom for another hour. Joey never left my side. He sensed it and was pawing at me to get Scott’s attention. I finally resigned and knew that we were about to embark on a new crazy journey. I grabbed Joey for comfort and said loudly, “Scott, I think it’s time…”

Pickles, Giggles, and Hard Earned Free Time

2007-07-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

So I have to admit that I am a teensy weensy bit behind on the blog....okay, I admit I am really behind on the blog. But, I am officially announcing today that I am going to improve. A lot has happened in the past few months. As a matter of fact, it almost seems surreal. Where to begin....

Our little man is growing up so very fast. Within these summer months, he has managed to make his first big trip to see Grandma and Grandpa, go swimming in Lake Lanier, and learn to crawl. He has also found his first obsession: Baby Einstein. The sound of the DVD starting will stop him in his tracks. I am really not sure that I get it (believe me, I have tried...only watched it twenty times), but I do appreciate the silence that is induced. Best twenty dollars spent. He has discovered the fun of grocery shopping and has helped me rediscover the excitement of Krogering. Overall, he has turned into the neatest little person with his father's loving, inquisitive personality. It is really amazing to see so much of Scott in him.

Life has a wonderful way of working out and the past two years have proven this to Scott and me. An incredible trip to Hawaii, a townhome close to the mall, and a beautiful baby boy are just a few reasons for us to believe that things just have a way of working out. Well, the past month and a half have shown us again.

The Monday after Father's Day Scott and I got a wonderful surprise. Will is going to be a big brother in February. We had decided a month or so before to let nature take its course for us and well, it didn't take long. We are due on February 15th and so far everything is healthy and normal. This time around has offered a few more challenges with some mornings, afternoons, and evenings spent in the bathroom, but I am now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We are really excited about our family growing again, and Will can't wait to find out whether he is going to have a little brother or sister. Scott is sure that it is a boy, but I am secretly hoping for a girl. Either way, we will be happy with a healthy baby. They are truly such blessings.

The fun of summer doesn't stop there....the Pitmans never move slow. For quite some time, I have been struggling at work. I haven't been happy in my position and was really feeling frustrated with my situation. The stress was becoming way too much to handle. Scott and I had always been working towards the goal of me returning to school for my Masters in Education. Teaching has always been something my heart has been pulled towards, but the timing had never been right.

Late last week after an unnecessary stress attack, Scott and I decided we had enough. We moved quickly and I was able to get enrolled back into school for fall semester. Monday morning I gave my resignation to the Daily Report and haven't felt freer in my life. I loved the paper and the wonderful people that I worked with but the stress and turmoil had taken its toll on me. I was really shocked when I left on Tuesday for the last time how I felt. I could relax again and finally let go. It had effected everything and now, I feel like I can be a better wife and mother. The wife and mother that my wonderful husband and son deserve.

Friday, my wonderful friends at the paper hosted a farewell lunch for me. It was a great time, and I could finally feel grateful for the time that I spent there. The paper lead me to Scott and for that reason it will always have a special place deep in my heart, but I have to say that there was more there for me. It was my "coming of age" place. I learned more about myself there than I could have ever expected when I walked through those doors. It was home in some senses and the people there were family and that I will miss. It is rare to encounter a place that can make you feel that way, so when asked, why did you stay for so long, that will be my answer.

The next months will be spent giggling with my beautiful baby boy, eating a few pickles, and enjoying my hard earned free time. So come along and enjoy this next phase in our journey!

Like Father like Son

2007-06-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Grandpa found this picture of Scott when we were up for a visit and I just had to post them. Like Father like Son.... :)

"Excuse Me!! I told you..."

2007-04-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

"...that I don't need no stinkin shots!".

Friday proved to be a less than easy day for our little angel. The morning began innocently with a bottle and a little cereal, but went downhill from there.

We loaded Will up and off to the doctor's office we went for his four month check up. Our little piggy has grown to a wopping 16 lbs and is 27 inches long and "is a mightly good looking fella," according to Dr. Pitts.

We had a wonderful visit with Dr. Pitts, who reminds me of the great pediatrics you see on television with animals on his stetoscope and all. Will laugh and cooed giving us a great show.

Then the mean nurse comes in. The smiles and coos stopped. Five shoots later, he sniffles on my shoulder, and we retreat quickly to the car. Scott and I prepare for a quiet afternoon of napping, and all began as planned. Will had a quick lunch and off for a visit with the sandman. Everything was going excatly as planned until the trip to dreamland ended. Will woke up beside himself. With a fever and achy legs, he was very unhappy. He then spent the rest of the night in his swing or in my arms.

The look of his face said it all. "I told you that I didn't need no stinkin shots!!!"

And He Sleeps...

2007-04-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

"Shh...." I said as Scott and I sneaked into Will's room this evening to peak at him. He is so beautiful when he sleeps. Getting there was not always simple and watching him now made me smile when I remembered what we have done to get him to sleep.

In those first few weeks, a solid six hours of sleep was impossible. The nights of a screaming Will in his swing, long rides up and down Hwy 20, and hours of wiggling on Mommy's chest seemed endless.

On the upside, I never missed an episode of General Hospital. Soap Net reruns it at three AM everyday.

"Try the dryer" all our friends said. To dryer in his car seat, Will went. Ahhhh...worked like a charm. Peace and quiet, finally. But wait, he can't sit on the dryer all night, and the washer made for a less than comfortable cot for me. The dilemma forced me to move him (still in his car seat) to the floor next to the bed, and I prayed for an hour or two of sleep.

Looking back on those trying nights makes me smile. Now, Will finds his way to his crib at seven PM and is happy there till seven AM. We are sure that he does not sleep the entire time, but rather has wild parties with his good friends Ollie and Mack. We find him turned all directions in the crib and Ollie is usually not far from him. It is always fun to find him in the morning. We never know what we are going to see.

All of these moments have created so many photo opts. The camera is never far from the crib. Inevitably, we will find him doing something incredibly cute or sleeping some way that makes us laugh. Hence, this is the purpose of this post. I wanted everyone else to enjoy our sleeping angel, but remember getting there was not easy!!!

As the Belly Grew...

2007-04-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

I saw this great posting on another friend's blog and thought it would be a great way to reflect on those memorable nine months.

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Nope, some of the best things in life come as a suprise

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Not yet.... :)

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Oh S**t, Scott!!! He was smiling ear to ear while reading the directions. He wanted to make sure that there was no possiblity for error

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? Nope.

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 24 at conception/ 25 at delievery

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Home test

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Shawn and Dave and Kim

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Could not wait

9. DUE DATE? Decemeber 5th

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? OMG...the worst. The Daily Report bathroom will never be the same

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Ranch. Everything must have Ranch

12. WHO IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Hard question...I was pretty irritable.

13. SEX OF CHILD? A bouncing baby boy...AKA Pitstop

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? We knew it was a boy when we found out I was pregnant

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? Only 20...Thank god I am tall....He had alot of room to spread out

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yep. Two to be exact

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? No suprises there

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? No complications, but my doctors did every test looking for one. Had the three hour glucose screen (shouldn't have had all that candy before the first screen), emergency ultrasound (our eight pounder might have been too small), Preeclampisa screen (midwife didn't ask if I had made my sales goals for the month...blood pressure is always high in sales)

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Emory Eastside

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 12

21. WHO DROVE YOU THE THE HOSPITAL? Scott of course

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Scott, my mom, and Scott's Mom

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Natural

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Yes...hit me again Doc

25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8lbs 2 oz. Suprised everyone since I was so small!!!

26. DID YOUR CHILD HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS? Not a single one

27. WHAT DAY WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ON? November 26th...the day after my oldest brother's birthday

28. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? William David

I've Got that Bunny Trained

2007-04-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Santa?? Who needs Santa when you've got the Easter Bunny.

With Will peacefully sleeping in bed, I finally found my way to the couch to take a breath. I then looked over at the stairs to the garage and there it was...

A mountain as high as my waist built with the empty toy cartons from Will's first Easter.

At that point, I knew the kid was on to something. I remember only ONE Easter basket filled with a few choice toys and some candy. Scott reflected on the Easter Bunny that only delivered candy and a few dyed eggs.

Will, on the other hand, has that bunny jumping to our house, Mimi's house, Mammaw's house, and making a side delivery from Nanny and Granddaddy's house. All these deliveries translates into enough stuffed animals that we could bury him and a host of noising making toys that I am sure Scott and I will enjoy for the months to come.

After a good laugh and a few photo opts, I stopped to reflect on how much life has changed in a year. Will has brought so much joy into Scott's and my life and I feel so blessed that he has such an incredible family to love and support him. Even with the total "Will" breakdown, this Easter ranks as one of the best.

With Will's expert bunny training, Scott and I think we are going to let him lose on Joey next!

Mommy... Am I going to be stuck in the digital camera forever?

2007-04-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Scott and I realized last weekend that we have picture after picture of the most beautiful baby in the world, but somehow they are only viewable through the playback feature in our digital camera. We have all of these wonderful memories, and we needed a way to share them. Being the extremely new age technical gurus that we are, I have decided blogging is the solution. The days of promised emails with pictures are gone as I hope this blog will be the one-stop shop for everything Will (and maybe a little Scott and Beth too). Come on in and get comfortable because the ride might get bumpy, but we can promise a lot of smiles and maybe even a few good belly laughs!!