More Thanksgiving Pictures & Welcome Cole Nathan Jarvis

Here are some Upchurch Thanksgiving pictures.  We celebrated at my cousin's (Kellie and Chad Milford) renovated 1895 farm house... you can see some of the neat details in the background.

The Upchurch/Larson Family (Ryder "coming soon", Cooper 11 mo, Charlie 3 yr)

Check out the amazing built in cabinets on the right side (all recycled wood from the farm)

The Davis/Milford Family 
Notice the mantel over the stove on the left side of the picture (behind Kellie)

Welcome Cole Nathan Jarvis (Becky's nephew)!!

Proud Aunt Becky and baby Cole (8 lb 13 oz, 21.25 inches)

Welcome Jonas Clemens Mayer-Blasig

My host-brother, Joerg, and his wife, Susi, had a son on 11.18.10!!  Jonas Clemens Mayer-Blasig was a beautiful and healthy 49 cm (19.3 inches) and 2500 g (5 lb, 8 oz)!  Here is a picture of Claudia and Bernhard (my Mom and Dad over the pond) holding their new grandson.  Jonas is their third grandson. 

So thankful on Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone.  Eric and I are so thankful to have spent it with our entire family.  We had dinner on Wednesday night at the Milford's "new" renovated farm home (from 1895) with the entire Upchurch family.  Chad did an AMAZING job on the renovation... the home is a work of art.  Thursday started with Eric and I cheering on Brandy as she ran the Thanksgiving half marathon (Go Brandy! She got her best time yet).  We went to the Larson's for a late Thanksgiving lunch and celebrated with many friends and family around an amazing meal that Michelle prepared.  Lastly, we had dinner at Granny and Pawpaw's with the entire Ala family (extended family on my Mom's side).  Granny made every dish imaginable.  The day was so beautiful (nice, warm weather) and we enjoyed every moment with the family.  Ryder especially enjoyed all of the great food.

Here are a couple pictures from the Larson gathering.

Here is a sneak peek at the nursery paint color!  Efrin still has to come back and do some touch up, but this gives you an idea.  I love it!

I'm feeling well... the acid reflux is not fun, but I'm learning different ways to manage it.  Ryder has found his favorite spot is under my right rib.  He often tucks himself onto my right side and my stomach looks lopsided.  It is quite uncomfortable for me, but he seems happy.  We go to the doctor next Tuesday to check his kidneys and also make sure things are still going well for me.  Please keep us in your prayers!

Happy Thanksgiving

I took the day off today to go to pick up Ryder's dresser from Liberty Furniture.  Of course, it did not fit in my car, so my Dad came with his trusty Aerostar van to save the day.  Efrin Gomez (E. A Gomez Custom Painting) will come to paint the office and Ryder's room this weekend.  I look forward to being one step closer to having the room ready.

Eric and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!  We all have so much for which to be thankful... family, health, jobs, etc.  I am especially thankful for my little baby boy.

Putting the knobs on the dresser!

 The view from the doorway (I should have closed the blinds)

 Ryder's new Liberty Furniture dresser!  Huge thanks to Jason Brian for the hook up!

By the way- when in Roswell, check out Lucky's on Hwy 9 near downtown Roswell.  We had dinner with Alison and Chris Copenhaver there last night and the burgers were yum!  They have kettle cooked chips and sweet potato fries too... yum.  Alison and Chris gave Ryder his first Georgia baseball hat, among many other goodies.  Thanks guys!!

Good news from doc!

The specialist doctor checked me out today and everything looked much better than two weeks ago.  The rest made a huge difference!  I can do easy walks and light exercise (like yoga) now!!  I'm so relieved for my and Ryder's health... and for my sanity. :)

Relaxing (not as easy as it looks)

Eric and I spent the weekend at home where I made every attempt to be compliant with the doctor's "rest" orders.  Eric found time to smoke a pork shoulder, and I picked up the house and caught up on some "Real Simple" magazine reading.  I look forward to good news from the doctor tomorrow.  Hopefully I will be back in the gym at least doing yoga and be allowed short walks in the neighborhood.  Heaven help me if the "rest" order continues!!

 Preparing the pork shoulder...YUM!  It was Eric's best smoked pork yet!  The trick, we think, was 5 hours in the smoker and 2 hours in the oven.

 Eric's current game day partner... sorry Mia... Ryder will take your spot soon!

A fun Packer's outfit from Eric's family, the Duchow's, in WI!  Ryder can only sport this gear when "The Pack" are not playing Atlanta! :)  Thank you Irene and Barbara!

Showered with love

Saturday night was our first shower, hosted by the amazing Sprinkle girls... Lindsey, Allie, and Caroline.  The "House Divided" theme was a perfect couples shower complete with red/black and orange/blue tailgating decor.  Each detail was perfectly planned, from the "Baby Larson Loves Dawgs/Gators" coozies to red velvet and carrot cake (orange) desserts.  The girls outdid themselves!!  A HUGE thank you to all who came.  Ryder needed everything we received, and we appreciate it all so much.  Here are some pictures from the party and of the amazing gifts.

Great basket of very needed goodies from the Billington's!  The puppy is so soft.

 The Grateful Dead shirt from Jimmy (and also one from the Glaze's)!

 The cute letter blocks from Jessica and Jeremy!  Ryder is all set with toys and many useful gifts from the Glaze's!

 How big around are we!?!  Beau and Brian won!

All of the great gifts...  thank you, thank you, thank you!  Ryder's going to love his Sleep Sheep from Uncle Britt and Aunt Lindsey!  Look at the adorable Dawg wear from the Carpenter's and the great "BullGator" onesie from the Lunsford's.  We will certainly put the sterilizer from the Ryan's to good use! Ryder will love the gator and red dog onesies from Uncle Brian and Aunt Liz!

Check it out... the BOB running stroller (Eric will put together soon)!!!  WOW!  Thanks Wine Club & Anything-But-Wine Club!  That is so wonderful..

On another note, as most of you know, we found out on Tuesday that I have some health concerns and the doctor needs me to rest more to avoid early labor.  I am certainly taking the direction very seriously and will be absent from many upcoming events.  Hopefully my follow-up appointment on Nov 16 will show signs of improvement.