For Dad...

For the last three years, I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research. The event I volunteer with is the annual Pavilion Ball here in Charlottesville, where 60% of the funds remain local, while the remaining 40% goes the national ACS. I am fortunate to work and live in a community with fantastic cancer physicians and care providers, so I know the money we raise is well spent and helps patients in our community.

Each year our committee works hard to put on a great event, organizing a silent and live auction, honoring cancer survivors and having a great time. the theme this Year was "Lights, Camera, Take Action." And while there is nothing glitzy and glamorous about having cancer, it is a fun event that celebrates survivors and those we've lost. We are there to raise money for a cure. Everyone knows someone who has had a battle with cancer. As you may know, almost 4 years ago, my dad was a victim of lung cancer. I always dread that January day that he died, so instead I celebrate my dad on the night of the ball. I celebrate with my husband and my friends, and last year my Mom celebrated with us too. It is hard work, but so is fighting cancer, and many people fight for their life every day. I remember all the hard work my dad put in for me so I could have a great life and for this, we raise our glass, and hopefully the standard of how cancer is treated in the future.

Thanks for all you did for me Dad. We miss you!

A Welcoming Party...

A few weekends ago, Meghan, Ashley and I threw a welcoming party for Payton. Many of Diana and Wes's family and friends were able to attend. The highlight for me was when Grant got to hold Payton. It just made the experience a little more real. I couldn't help but to think that in a few weeks, that will be Grant holding our little girl. So exciting!
Grant, You're a natural!

Friends for so long.....Hard to believe we have kids...

Connie's shower...

After I found out I was pregnant, my good friend, Connie found out she was 10 weeks behind me. It is great to have friends who are going though the same experience as you. It is hard to believe that 9 months ago, kids were not in the picture for not only me, but some of my friends as well. Oh, how things have changed, (for the better of course)! We celebrated Connie's little boy and she got lots of great things. The nice thing about having a pregnant friend, is that you can share experiences and clothes! We spent the day at Brix Cafe where the food was great, but the friendship was even better. If you ever need to have a shower somewhere in town, this is a great place; good food and an open atmosphere.

Pregnant Buddies!

I am so ready!

I work with 7 guys and we all share an office. Our job is to decrease medical supply costs by $10 million dollars by March 1, 2009. We are more than half way there, so we can have a little fun while we work. It was April Fools Day when I told my co-workers I was pregnant. Some of them didn't believe me, and for some it became more clear as the Summer came closer; some felt the need to measure. Although, I love my co-workers, I am really looking forward to 7 weeks off with little baby McElwain. I haven't taken a vacation day since March, although I don't think endless, sleepless nights breastfeeding is really a vacation.

This picture pretty much sums up how and feeling with 3 weeks to go.

There is still room for sleepovers...Even for Moms!

So before the blessed arrival of baby Payton, my three best friends since elementary and middle school decided it would be fun to take me out to dinner and have a good ole' fashion sleep over. This was a belated birthday celebration and was supposed to be our last alone time before I became a mom in less than a month. The evening was complete with wonderful Thai, friends, laughter, girl talk, ginger ale, chocolate, and what slumber party would be complete with out a scandelous chick flick, Sex and the City. I always thought your personal life would come to an end when you become a mother; that there wouldn't be time to hang out with your friends and do all the fun things you used to do together. The thought of replacing my Michael Kors bag with a clunky diaper bag, was not what I had in mind. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was selfishly not looking forward to being a mother because none of my friends had children and I thought I would feel alone. I didn't want to give up my married life with our other couple friends. I am thankful Diana beat me to it. Now, at least 4 of my close friends are all having babies within months of each other. Little three week old Payton Kemper Kite assured me this weekend is that life doesn't stop just because the baby comes. Moms can still have slumber parities too. The fun ain't over baby!

As you can see, there is no shortage of fun here and if you could hear this picture, you would know we are doing a great job of keeping Payton awake!

Making room for baby...

Grant and I have been working really hard this week to get Baby McElwain's room ready. He so graciously gave up his man room for our little girl. We have also been in the process of finishing our basement, which makes a much better and abigger man room. Since from today, there are 33 more days until her expected arrival, we figured we ought to get things ready. Thanks to our parents, friends and Craigslist, we were able to get just about everything we think we need to make her the happiest baby ever. Really, we are hoping we have created a room which optimizes sleeping through the night!

A little place to get some ZZZZs....

This is will be my new favorite chair for those late night feedings and bedtime stories...

A place to change poopy, stinky diapers (Not looking forward to that)...

And Cracker, for now thinks it is his place to hang out and sleep...