Have you picked up any of the fall items from the new Shops at Target?

Shockingly, I found an endless number of things that would be perfectly happy in my home. :p

That man's outfit conjures up images of strong men cutting wood in the mountains. Yum. :p

Happy shopping. But then when does "happy" and "shopping" not go together?

What Else?

Okay! Okay! Last time I talk about the Trojans and this beautiful baby this week*! Man, I'm quickly turning into that really annoying relative who goes on and on and on.. 

Here's the sum of our Saturday in one picture. Us in our Trojan shirts with our nephew. 

Post that doesn't mention USC or baby coming in minutes!

* fingers crossed

The 2 Hot Topics

Trojans are in NY. Tomorrow they play Syracuse at the Met Life Stadium so they're excited. Pictures from Instagram of Times Square today. Don't all these people have jobs??

Josh and I are packed and ready to go. He's got his USC t-shirt and I've got mine. I just realized there might never be any photos of Josh and the little guy without his SC shirt on. Crazy.

And I can't leave you for the weekend without one of these. I wonder what he's dreaming about that would put that grin on his face?

Have a great weekend! See you on the flip side.

Auntie Agony

Where in the world did this week go? It feels like Tuesday or some day earlier in the week. Doesn't it? I just finished putting our place back in order from our fishing jaunt and la trip. And yes, tonight we re-pack because we're headed to la tomorrow.

What? You thought I could keep away? Please, these last four days I've been wallowing in Auntie Agony. Yes, I think it is a real disorder. But I'm not going to look it up, just in case it isn't.

Everyone keeps asking me if we are getting the baby-beegies. i.e. the most hotly anticipated question of the season after what the fall boots will look like. Our answer, we are enjoying the Uncle/Auntie gig. It is full of wonderfulness and has only just begun. Please give us just a second to be present.

Here you go. Do you get butterflies in your stomach like I do each time I receive a picture?

And in other news, I ran across this article on marriage that was absolutely fascinating and made me think of the last time I criticized Josh. 

Also, this recipe app has changed my life. Organizing always does.

As an nod to our middle school lives but with a sophisticated twist, I could not resist.

And coming soon to IKEA.

Graduated

Happy days continue. Today I was hit with some unexpected good news, I graduated from Physical Therapy!

This morning I had a session and I thought I was going to get in trouble since I hadn't been doing my stretches and exercises while in LA. But instead I passed all the tests with flying colors and at the very end Ana told me she thought I didn't need to come back. Praise Jesus!

She warned me that I will forever have a weak back and in order to keep from a relapse I need to keep my core strong, including my butt and back. Then she gave me some more stretches, told me to keep in touch, and sent me on my way. I'll be forever grateful to her for getting me back on my feet. 

Here's Ana and I today (excuse the nasty, I had just been worked over the last hour). 

Oh and another one for the road :)

The Die Hards

Josh and I drove back to San Jose on Monday. We only talked about two things: Baby Cole and SC Football. :) The ABC clan (Aimee + Blane + Cole) are back home now. What a whirlwind weekend! The hospital was a constant revolving door of the die hard fans. 

27 visitors within 48 hours. 

Already one spoiled little brat (spoken by the chief spoiler, of course). Hope you had a wonderfully relaxing Labor Day. Just think, only four more days left in the week! 

The Auntie's Version

I am officially an auntie! My friend, Kiki, told me that as an auntie you are overcome with a deep love that you would only expect the mother to understand. She was so right.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Don't you want to hear the back story? I would. :)

I had been praying all week Cole would make his move while I was in town. I didn't want to miss one of Blane and Aimee's most important moments. On Friday night, Blane and Aimee took me to pick up Josh from the airport. We grabbed some In-N-Out and hung out at their house till late. Aimee had gone to the bathroom and mentioned some of her water may have broken.

My ears perked up and there was no way I was leaving.

Her and Blane tried to get some sleep. Josh was already passed out but I was too excited so I cleaned up their house a little bit. I pushed Josh over and found a space on the couch and fell asleep for a few hours. I woke up to Aimee saying it may be time to call the doctor. Early Saturday morning she began feeling contractions. She waited till they were five minutes apart and Blane gave the doc a call.

The three of us packed up the overnight bag and drove over to St. Johns. It was 7:30am and there was no one on the road. She was omitted and checked and moved to a birthing room. They told her the average first time birth took about 14 hours so they settled in for the long hall.

Parents were called, friends were texted. The best was Blane when he called his dad. He couldn't keep the tears from welling up. He blamed his emotions on exhaustion. I just smiled knowingly. Cole is going to have one great dad.

Around 4cm she got the beloved epidural and finally fell asleep. I went to close up their house, take a shower, and pick up Josh. Blane texted around 3:30pm saying she was 9cm dilated so I headed back. By the time I got there she had already begun to push. My heart contracted and my eyes filled with tears. It was happening.

I joined Blane's grandma and my mom outside in the waiting area. Dad arrived, then Melissa and Grace. Still no word. She pushed 45 minutes and then he was there crying his eyes out and as healthy as can be.

The spectators were finally let in and dad was the first to hold him. Aimee did great - and so did Blane.

I am beyond grateful I was there. An event etched in my mind forever.

"It's happening"

This excited lady showing up with breakfast and caffeine.

Waiting...

Dad made it in time!

More waiting..

and the greatest reward

A bona fide family

My heart is bursting with joy!

Hello

Cole James 

7 lbs 1 ounce 20 3/4 inches