full heart, tired body

Mornin' friends.  The coffee is brewin' for the first time in about 6 months... 1/2 caf' coffee of course... this morning I need a little pep in my step. 

I returned from Memphis last night at 10:45... that's late for the baby-momma.  The little girl enjoyed the flight, despite the inappropriate and very awkward conversation with the man I sat beside.  He interrupted my reading {Same Kind of Different As Me} to tell me he could see the baby moving through my dress... which wouldn't have been half as weird A) had the baby actually been moving or B) had it been appropriate for a grown man to be staring at my stomach.  Hmm.  He proceeded to tell me his son was almost a daddy a few weeks ago but luckily it didn't work out.  I wasn't quite sure how to respond to that one.  There are some strange birds out there.

I headed off to Memphis to meet some wonderful new clients.  Together we are about to embark on a major renovation of a very cool house that is 100 years old.  It's going to be a fun one!  I love the challenge of a renovation... the unforeseen, the curveballs, the not-knowing-what-you-are-going-to-find-factor.

The benefit of a project in Memphis is the added bonus of old college friends now calling Memphis home.  I passed on the hotel-offer from my clients and requested to shack up with my dear friend Laurin... she has a precious (new-to-her) quaint little house and I knew the accommodations and company would be better than any 5-star hotel. 

When I arrived Laurin had dinner planned with 4 other college friends.  In my book there is nothing, I repeat... NOTHING, like college friends (they are really right up there on the list with family).  There is something about being able to pick up where you left off as if you were just living in the dorm together yesterday.  We shared a lot of laughs, a lot of memories (some which gladly can be forgotten, Laurin!) and a lot of good times.  It really filled my heart to the brim to be with those girls (and Chris too!)... hope to see you again very soon!

 

Yours Truly, Kristen, Laurin, and Lindsey (due 10 days before me)

After dinner we hit up TCBY.  We could have sat there til 2am, but it was obvious at 10:15 that the employees probably wanted to close up shop.  Since I was about 10 years old I have always ordered the same thing at TCBY "kiddie cup of chocolate with gummi bears"... this is not a weird pregnancy thing, it is what I have always loved.  Something about the ice cream making the gummi bears chewier?  Not sure... but I like it.

 

After some serious catching up over frozen yogurt, we headed home to Laurin's place. Where I was greeted with fresh flowers on my bedside table and a hilarious collage of pictures from college.

 

Her house is impeccable.  Reminds me that I should edit my own home more often.  The roses in mint julep cups were good for my soul. 

 

She has just recently renovated her kitchen.  Her inset cabinets and honed travertine countertops are so perfect... do you spy a Panera bag on the counter?  Of course she had fresh bagels!

 

I tried to photograph her darling cafe curtains, but too much light was coming through the windows, so I finally gave up... and photographed her newly reupholstered chair.

 

 

Memphis friends, thanks for the hospitality!!!! 

I'm leaving again in less than 24 hours for an eleven hour drive to my parents farm... where we will spend the 4th of July.  Doctor wants me to wear support hose and get up every hour and stretch.  Hello?  That sounds down-right delightful.  Dad has threatened to disown me if I don't go home... so I guess we'll make the trek.  When I return next week I have 48 hours of downtime before the next big adventure.  "Downtime" is a poor choice of words... it'll be more like 48 hours of madness before we hit the road again.  More on that later.  Can you tell I'm trying to squeeze a lot into these next 10 weeks of freedom before the baby comes?  

I started this post at 6am, but since I've spent the morning repairing a modem and now have 100+ emails in my inbox as a result.  If you have emailed me in the last couple of weeks and not yet gotten a response... I'm workin' on it. 

Comments

[Melissa Wagner]

I can't wait to see you! I know it won't be fun to travel pregnant, but we sure will be glad to see you!!! Are you registered anywhere? I saw you were at Target. See you the 4th!

[Laura Casey Interiors]

Can't wait to hear more about this project you are embarking on. Sounds like a great weekend. Did you know I love gummi bears on ice cream too? put the haribo ones in the fridge :)

[Kerri H.]

So glad you didn't miss your flight to Memphis. ;) Have safe travels and a fantastic 4th of July. I'll hold down the fort here at Amli with my upstairs neighbors who are, apparently, the North American Stomping Champions.

[beck]

Do I spy Kristin Hill? Yay for Memphis buddies! (Do I dare guess Chi O Sisters?)

And EW to that man on the plane.

[Darby]

Ummmm.... I want a close up of the college collage... please? Please?

And I'm totally jealous. I am coming with next time, OK?!

[Angela Conklin]

You look great! Take care on that drive...DO stretch often!!!

[mary-kathryn]

kristen "graves" hills looks so cute in that picture of all y'all! it was always fun for me visiting Kristen when she was at auburn and meeting her fun friends... and now reading their blogs!

[megan]

OH MY GOODNESS, that is one of the reasons I hate flying so much: you don't know WHO you will be stuck next to for X number of hours. HORRIFYING.

I think the gummy bears get chewier because they get cold, so you have to chew them more because they get harder!

[Devon]

I've been put on a low sodium diet (2000 mg a day) for this pregnancy. I only tell you that because it has kept my swelling at a bare minimum, especially with plane travel (which kills you--although I have no idea why). If you are wearing support hose because of swelling...I say kick the salt for the entire weekend and see if that helps. Ice cream has no sodium. ;)

If you are not swollen and I'm totally off base, please eat 20 pickles for me this weekend and happy 4th!!

[arre]

what fun! i am also (of course) reading same kind of different as me. are you digging it? p.s. Laurin's chair fabric is to die for. sad we'll miss you in srb this weekend. have so much fun on the farm. xx

[Anna]

That is the best book! I read it on our way home on the plane too! And Dottie already read it. . . we passed it on to Michelle last night!

Happy 4th and get some rest up there!

xo

[Robyn R]

Hi Erica,

I'm a frequent reader of your blog although I've never commented before. I'm looking for upholstery just like the one you posted here (the lovely yellow & white geo print) - if you have a moment (& I know you're a very busy bee), could you forward me contact info for Laurin (if she would agree to a random stranger contact her!) or the name of that upholstery if you know it?

Thanks so much! And thanks for brightening my day every day with your great posts! :)

[ellen]

I'm obsessed with gummy bears and ice cream/frozen yogurt -- a new frozen yogurt place opened up in my town, where you can DIY toppings, and my husband always thinks I'm crazy when I load up on anything gummi ;o)

I'm with you, the frozen ones taste better!

[Katie]

what a small world. i love the sweet hill family!! and i totally wanted to be lindsey when we were in high school (i told her this at a recent bebe shower so she knows and we laugh...) what a fun time with friends!!

happy 4th! we also have an 11 hour drive tomorrow...good luck!!

[Allyson]

lauging hysterically at the plane ride story! do get up and stretch...every hour may be a bit much to stop, but you sure need to keep circulation in your legs!!!

[Monique]

I discovered this blog just a few weeks ago and am now a big fan. Thanks for all the sweet posts. FYI, I'm just starting a blog of my own and have added a link to yours.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, I just survived mine and now have a little boy to take care of.

[Lauren Liess]

you & your belly are looking ao pretty!!! :) your friend's house is amazing. love the peach roses against the coffee table!

[kate]

Erika, Happy 4th! Have a great time at the farm with your family. Being pregnant, lends to some really interesting comments and conversations with those passing by in public places. Strangers touching your belly is a way weird experience that I wasn't too keen on either. Look forward to hearing more about your new project!

[Christina]

I had to wear that hosiery while pregnant. Let me tell you, they are not attractive and putting them on while 30+ wks pg is interesting to say the least BUT well worth it to limit the swelling, varicose veins, etc.
Have a great trip!

[Courtney]

TEN WEEKS!!!!! Holy moly where has time flown?? TEN WEEKS. I'm still trying to catch my breath on that one. I'm so happy for you and so happy you're feeling well enough to be doing all this running around! Sounds like a wonderful weekend.

I remember where I was last Fourth of July and it sure was a treat :)

[yansy]

It sounds like you had a great time and I too love tcby. I always order the white chocolate with gummy bears. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip.

[Julie Neill]

Sounds like a fun trip Erika! I'm so impressed with your energy and attitude with just 10 weeks left to go! You are a super-woman and I know you'll be a super Mom.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!

[Lamaisonfou blog]

You go girl! I understand the doing all you can before baby comes! I remember that quite well. Thanks for sharing your trip, what wonderful friends!
Leslie

[Sara Jane]

I'm working on Same Kind of Different As Me too! Loving it so far, are you?

I feel you on college friends. There is nothing like catching up with the people you spent 4 of the most fun years with.

[Katy Durec]

I remember doing a 7 hour drive (not as bad as yours) at 31 weeks. My doctor printed out all of my information in a file for me in case anything happened, which I thought was strange, but when I started having contractions just after returning home at 32 weeks I understood why!

I'm sure that you won't have to worry about making yourself stop every hour, your bladder will let you know that you HAVE to stop! :) I distinctly remember having my husband stop in the middle of nowhere at a gas station that only had a port-a-potty! NEVER would I do that unless I was pregnant. :)

I hope the drive passes quickly for you!

[julie y.]

Erika!! I wish you LOTSSSSS of rest this weekend! xoxo Julie

[kendall boggs]

Erika,
Check out my daughter's blog. She posted her favorite baby things and you will love reading them and she's right, all of them are great!
www.ericandjordanelkins.blogspot.com

One thing she forgot to put on there is this little float thing that is awesome. She had never seen it before she found it at "Kids R Us" but it's a float that Evey sits in and then another float that is connected wraps around an adult. It's the greatest thing I've ever seen!

[kendall boggs]

Let me retract the float. It has just been recalled, so to anyone looking for baby floats please check the recall list on baby products. You need to be careful on those things because the bottom sling is usually plastic and can rip. It's a shame, this one was great! :(

[The Lil Bee]

You look great, Erika! That guy on the plane was so creepy!! I'm glad to know you still have a lot of energy. Seeing as you're four weeks ahead of me, I'm taking it as a good sign that my energy will continue!

[Julia]

I'm having a little giveaway at my blog - I hope you might be able to stop by and see if you'd want to enter!

[Caroline]

TCBY and gummy bears are totally good for the soul :-) And I'm sure the little one appreciated it too!

[Britiney]

{Same Kind of Different As Me} - Great book. I read it this Summer too. Be sure to obey doc's orders. Blood clots are no fun!

[amanda jones]

Just checking-in on you and your nursery chronicles, seems like it is all coming together, yay!!! Can't wait to see more, glad you all are having fun in IL!

[Brighton]

I just finished that book, it was very good.

[kelsey]

Totally agree with you on the icecream and gummy bears...it's the best! And of course I always get made fun of for ordering it.

[caroline woods]

I can't believe you are 10 weeks away! We are thinking and praying for yall. Being a mom is heaven, especially to a little girl! TAke care!
love
caroline

[abby jenkins]

Guess what I am having for lunch today? Ice cream and gummy bears...that sounds delicious!

[Kara Hebert]

Where ya been little lovebug? Did you have that baby yet?? We just got back from Sea World -- NEVER again! aaaah! lol
But we had a vErY cool side trip to our new home - Mount Dora. Totally in love and driving distance to my mother. Wait till I post pictures of this house we found - you will DIE, Erika. I think even YOU will swoon.
xx

[pve]

Where was your personal "eject" button for that passenger beside you. Glad you had fun, gummy bears and all. 100 year old house...anxious to see....your magic.
Might I add, I think you are glowing!
pve

[Emily]

What a weirdo talking to you a bout seeing the baby moving! But what a sweet friend to have you stay with her- love the welcome sign! And her home is just divine! -e