My Ironman

Well, as you know from my last post, Reed's half ironman was this past weekend in New Orleans. This was his second time to compete in this event and he did so great! The weather in New Orleans was absolutely perfect all weekend long (the high was about 76) but the wind was NUTS! It was extremely windy throughout the entire city and on race day (Sunday) the officials decided to cancel the swim portion of the race. They said the winds were around 23 mph down on Lake Pontchartrain and that it wasn't safe for the athletes or safety personnel to be out on the water. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty happy that the swim portion was cancelled...that part just freaks me out! Reed was a little disappointed since he has been training so hard but he got over it! My sweet parents even made the drive down to watch him race! It was great to spend some time with them down in NOLA. On Saturday, while Reed was being briefed and racking his bike, I was able to meet one of my besties, Jill, for lunch and a little shopping! She took me to this great boutique, Baby Bump (on Magazine Street), and it was too fun!! Sunday, we were up bright and early for the race...as in 3:30 am for Reed and 4:15 am for me & Baby Stacy. Reed did so well and has really improved since this time last year. He biked the 56 miles in 2 hours 31 minutes, ran the 13.1 miles in 1 hour 37 minutes, had a 2 minute transition time and finished 37th overall in his age group (30-34)!!! I am so proud of him and how great he consistently does in these events. One race down...3 more to go!!

reed and i post race in jackson square

reed taking off on his bike from the transition area

me & dad waiting on the street car

mom & dad...just off the streetcar

It's That Time Again!!

Well, friends...it is that time again - IRONMAN!! Reed is competing in his 3rd half-ironman this weekend in New Orleans. This is actually his 2nd time to compete in this particular race. Last year we had such great time and he did so well, especially for his first ever race! He finished in 5 hours 14 minutes which put him 31st in his age group. This year, his goal is to finish in the Top 10 in his age group. I just know that he can do it! I'll report back on Monday with all of the details. See link below for race information! http://ironmanneworleans.com/

Derby Day Revisited

This past weekend, I journeyed to Oxford to meet up with my Mom, my Memama and my Uncle. Since we aren't going to Dyersburg for Easter this year, I decided to drive up and see everyone! I had the best time! Coincidentally, it was also Derby Day weekend and Sis twisted my arm to come watch them dance on Saturday. It definitely hasn't changed much in the past 8 years (since that was my last derby day...8 years ago!!) but it was a slightly different experience being there, pregnant, with only water in my styrofoam cup!! Below are a few pics from the morning:

me & sis

the phi mu girls...they won 1st place in the dance competition!!!

SPA 3

How cute is this sweet baby?!! Sidney Perry Allen III was born on March 21, 2011 here in Jackson. Perry is the first child of our precious friends and neighbors, Sidney and Kristin. Oooohhh, I have been waiting on this angel to get here so I can kiss his sweet cheeks! I will be able to get lots of good practice in...Sid & Kris, we will babysit anytime you need us!

Sidney Perry Allen III

Getting Bigger!!

Last week, I had my monthly doctor's appointment (at 11.5 weeks) and another sonogram. Baby Stacy has gotten SO BIG in the last 4 weeks! It was truly surreal to see how much he/she had grown in that short amount of time. We have gone from looking like a "little fish" (as Sis described the first pic) to looking like a little human! It was really neat and exciting to see. The heartbeat was 178 which everyone has told me that says GIRL! I'm still not totally sure what I think but I'm kinda thinking we're having a girl too. We still have many weeks to go before we find out pink or blue but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it flies by quickly! Have a great weekend!!

On the way...

WOW!! This is such a fun post to write for me because Reed & I are expecting a BABY!! We are so very excited and cannot wait to meet this little one already! At my first doctor's appointment we were able to see Baby Stacy and hear the heartbeat...which was a strong and fast 146. It was surreal to see something so small pumping that heart so fast. My due date is October 1st (right smack in the middle of football season!). We have to wait 7 LONG weeks to find out whether Baby Stacy is a boy or a girl! What do you think? Will we be having:

a little Reed

OR.....

a little Lynlee

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

February Fun!!

February has been a busy busy month for us!! We have celebrated the 1st birthday of three precious little boys: Hampton Blanks, Gaines Easterling and Smith Haralson! I cannot believe these sweet babies are already 1...I vividly remember the day that each was born! In fact, these 3 are only one week apart in age...Smith is leading the pack, followed by Gaines, then Hampton. We also celebrated the upcoming arrival of Baby Allen - Sidney and Kristin's little one. Kristin's shower was so much fun! It was especially fun seeing all of the sweet baby things she received! The Allens are having a little boy...he will be the III! Below are some pictures from Hampton and Smith's birthday party, Kristin's shower and Gaines's birthday party! Lots of sweet babies to celebrate this month!!

Hampton, Smith and Gaines hanging out

Herrin is definitely going to be a ballplayer!

Smith and Hampton are patiently waiting on their cake!

the Allen women

a snapshot of the sweet decorations...those onesies were adorable and Shannon did a fantastic job on those flowers!! too cute!!

Kristin's shower hostesses...minus a few that were out of town

Gaines Easterling...sweet boy!!