Evan & I Skyped as we opened our family's stockings & exchanged gifts. It's a pretty big deal to get accepted into your partners family. Evan has been accepted since day one, but he received his seal of approval this morning when Santa left his stocking full. My mother is a fantastic quilter and made Evan a stocking, matching the rest of our family's stockings. Lee Ila also received one from my mother (no name on it quite yet because she still thinks I'm as indecisive as I use to be.)
What could possibly top that? How about my Mom making Evan & I a QUILT. It's beautiful and absolutely the most meaningful gift we could've ever received.
Yesterday, the Eagles won! The Jets lost (our necessary win for the Eagles to be able to make it to the playoffs) but that's okay. Evan & the rest of our boys played extremely well. I'm especially happy he made it back to Philly safe & uninjured.
In other news, I've booked my flight to Alabama! Thor and I will arrive on January 4th, "twenty twelve." Excited about seeing Evan's family!
Wish everyone a lovely Christmas & Happy New Year <3
Thor & I flew to California for the holidays. He did absolutely fantastic on the plane, slept the whole way. Ever since we arrived in Los Angeles we've been enjoying ourselves by taking in as much of the west coast cuisine we can. In-N-Out, Pepe's, The Habit, Blenders in the Grass, Coffee Bean (who knew they weren't in Philly?!?) My pregnancy cravings have been satisfied, for now... It may be all the food or Ila has really shot right out!
That's my friend Jenn.
I DID go in the jacuzzi, but at a bathing water temperature, totally safe. My boobs don't fit in my top anymore! I can't really complain, I just don't want them to disappear after breast feeding.
Merry Christmas all! Good luck to my boys in Dallas tomorrow! We miss Evan so much & wish him a successful & injury free game.
I am putting off packing my suitcase. It's the nail in the coffin. Goodbye Philly, goodbye new best friends, goodbye crappy apartment.
Philadelphia has turned out to be so much better that I thought it was going to be. Some lessons I learned about moving-
The idea is simple, know your way around town. Once you get that down, you're golden. Then tackle the the touristy spots, or as many you find interesting. And lastly, I didn't find this important until failing at it miserably multiple times over and over again, but figure out how to match your wardrobe to the weather. Too many times I went out under or over dressed.
Network. I didn't work while I was in Philly. Simply because I wasn't able to until mid October and by then it's a matter of realizing I would be leaving in two months time. So when I say network, I mean socialize. By not working, I ended up spending a lot of time meeting other woman in the same... situation (wives, girl friends, fiancés, significant others etc.) Some have been here for years, others weeks. You take their knowledge and others you share.
This apartment is really nice, I don't think it's crappy. When decorated and kept clean and organized, I loved it. It's more about research, next season (town where ever you may be) I will be putting a whole lot more research into location-location-location. I ended up loving it because it was the nicest apartment living close to his work, but definitely didn't feel safe- possible due to lack of security around the complex.
Overall- I couldn't be happier about Evan bringing me with him to experience such a different world.
Last night was Evan's work Holiday party. Everyone was beautiful. It was like a room full of average americans straight out of Vogue. These men have such lovely taste in woman, it's ridiculous. I'm not saying they were hot off the runway, even though they did appear that way, I'm talking about their spirits. Those men picked naturally stunning & genuinely nice partners. The men were great too, all spiffed up in their suits and ties. I wish there were more pictures, but now I know to invest in a tiny handheld camera! Santa baby...
Guess I'll go back to packing :(
I'll cheer up- Yoga with the girls and then another Christmas party tonight!
Our Holiday plan: Evan and I will celebrate Christmas and The New Years without another. I will be bringing Thor (our son) to California while Evan is finishing work (and the moving process) in Philadelphia, then meet up with him after his last day in Alabama to welcome in the new year with his family, my new family.
I am ecstatically happy that we will be welcoming a new addition into our family, but there are moments that I feel nervous, and even a bit sad, about all the changes my body is going through. My stomach is rapidly growing, my skin is still broken out and my chest is becoming obnoxiously heavy. Despite the emotional roller coaster I'm riding, I refuse to let myself go. Here's what helps aid my lack of feeling sexy during pregnancy:
Shower daily (you would think this come's easy...)
Do your makeup (before going out & even if you're just staying in)
Nails done (stay clear of chipped nails by using a clear coat on instead of solids & always moisturize)
Dress up, feel sexy in heels (go out with friends, your man & take pictures!)
Exercise daily (walking isn't strenuous & is always enjoyable even if it's raining)
Girls night out :) Eagles ladies met and enjoyed dinner with the Flyers & Phillies ladies.
We bought our stroller & highchair!
***Who ever is sending us presents, we have no idea who they're from- please let us know! We want to thank you!!***
BTW- I've been writing this while watching Dr. Oz on "Hunger on America." I am thankful for how fortunate Evan & I are but feel like I could do more. Most people are not this lucky, in some cases not even able to shower. I do what I can through the Eagles Youth Partnership, but am looking forward to doing more when I come back with baby.
Not only can Evan & I feel Lee Ila, but we can see her move too! I tried to catch a quick clip to share with you guys using the camera on my phone, sorry if it's difficult to see. I know it's not easy to distinguish her movements between my breathing and heart beat just by viewing,but you can see two minor jumps at 00:16 seconds and 00:32 seconds.
(Heres another if the first seems impossible)
The kick is towards the end to the left & above my belly button, focus on the line between my skin and black.
Click the bottom right button (on the image) to enlarge, good luck!
Lee Ila has all of her fingers and toes, is at normal growth and has a steady heart rate. Believe it or not, my belly is dead on with what size it should be! HA! Y'all thought I was measuring small ;)
This is weird, my belly button last month & my belly button today- haha.
It was difficult finding a doctor in Philly, but thanks to the help from several new mommy friends I believe that I have finally found someone that is going to help me through the next three weeks. That's right, THREE weeks is all I have left in Philly. That's one more visit just to assure our safety before flying (it should be, but just in case.) As much as I am looking forward to going home, I dread leaving my new found friends.
Philly has grown on me too. It's amazing what good company & weather can do for your spirit. Without an early winter breeze coming through, I've been able to get out and walk every morning. Thor (our 2.5 lb. chihuahua) loves going on walks, his collar doesn't bother him the slightest! The three mile trail we've been walking is fine but once we're over five, he's pooped.
I was looking back on my former entries and I see that I wrote how my morning sickness was gone by 12 weeks, it wasnt. In fact, I occasionally get sick in the morning still. At 12 weeks (and on) it was better and because I felt better I created some illusion that it was completely gone. What really happened was that it just wasn't as bad. I will go ahead and self diagnose myself as one of the 2% that suffered from chronic morning sickness. That or I'm just a big wuss.
No joke, I lost ten pounds. I was scared for the babies health, nothing was helping those first few weeks. Now, seeing Lee Ila, reading her measurements, feeling her movements, hearing her heart beat and gaining back my ten pounds- I know our baby is not only going to be healthy but perfect. Look at that cute little nose! She's beautiful. We are so fortunate.
My parent's left this morning, I would have cried watching them leave- but three more weeks then Christmas in Cali!
I was so worried about it but Thanksgiving was perfect! Adding to the spirit of my parents visiting, every dish turned out delicious. I will share my family's favorite recipes to my cooking & baking blog soon. The table wasn't set to perfection but it didn't matter. Family & good food. That's all I wanted.
Lee Ila has been kicking just often enough for my mom to feel her. My dad & Evan's hands are just a tad bit too desensitized to feel her little kicks, but get some coffee in me & she's kicking, punching & flipping enough to almost see her movement!
Nursery talk! Evan & I don't know where we will be living next season but we have a good idea on how we want Lee Ila's room to be decorated. Evan picked this room as inspiration-
It's beautiful! I can only hope we do as good as a job as this child's parents did :)
Belly photo!
How far along: 19 Weeks 5 days
Weight gain/loss: +5 lbs
Maternity clothes: Oh ya, shopping for new cocktail dress today for Eagles Christmas party
Sleep: Splendid, sleeping in later than normal- finally.
Eagles Win! It feels fantastic and the boys couldn't be more ecstatic. But let's talk about it- when you watch the love of your life go down on the field, your heart hits the pit of your stomach and then continues to suffer till you know what happened.
Thankfully he jumped right back into the game not even a playing minute later. He continued to kick ass and prove that this is just another reason why he deserves this position. "Deserves this position" also known in Evan's mind as "they need me." Even though it was merely 5 minutes of Evan off the field from his undisclosed injury, it was another 2 hours till I heard from him. I figured his way of thinking convinced him to keep going. In my mind, he was terribly injured and working through the pain. If you caught the Eagles vs Bears game two weeks ago, you would have watched Evan work through his right foot injury, followed by Evan not playing the Cardinals the next week. This is his life, his pride and joy.
He was lucky, his undisclosed injury did just what it looked like from the TV. He was out and back in with no pain and no flaws in his game. When we did speak, he was just one of the boys and was confused on how worried I was about him because he, pretty much, forgot about it over the win.
How far along: 19 Weeks
Weight gain/loss: 5 lbs
Maternity clothes: Yes! In fact my leggings don't fit anymore :/
Sleep: GREAT
Movement: Yes :)
Food cravings: In-N-Out, CaliMex, Sushi
Queasy or sick: Not anymore!
Showing: Totally
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, especially with these two guys around...
Still need quality Holiday cards fast and for less? I just ordered our first family Holiday cards from My Publisher and used the code "RTM55" allowing us to save $40!
Evan says I am a shopaholic, but I prefer good shopper. Anytime I tell Evan what I purchased, I always start off by how much I saved. Yesterday, I bought a Le Creuset butter dish and saved 60%, I may be proud (and my mother as well) but all Evan hears is the piggy bank being emptied. I'm realizing that as much as Evan is my best friend, he is not my girl friend and does not get excited about the savings.
Speaking of savings- I'm about to save $250+ on my stroller! I was extended an invite to attend the 10th anniversary party of the store that I have been planning on buying the stroller at, Busy Bee Design! When you attend, you receive a 25% discount off any one item. This is great, the stroller is obviously not cheap and impossible to find any less than the original value. I've always wanted this stroller and its a dream come true to have this opportunity. Evan and I agreed to buy it when we found out that it practically resells (later on down the line) for the same amount that you bought it at, as long as it's in good condition. We also figured that since we wont be using a crib for the first months we would use the bassinet feature, allowing us to save even more money- I mean space ;) I'm learning about all the wonderful things you can do with this and it is quite the contraption (If you're curious.)
In more important and exciting news, tomorrow the Eagles face the Giants in New York! Aaaand- Evan is back to playing! I'll be alone... wishing my man was with me :( JUST KIDDING!
The Eagles Woman's Association (EWA) has been just as wonderful as the Eagles organization has been to the players and coaches. At the beginning of the season EWA held a potluck allowing the significant others of the players and coaches to gather and enjoy each others company. This season I have had the pleasure to gain many new friendships. That's right guys, besides blogging I have been making friends! We try to get together when the boys are at work, the night before their away game (they're gone) and during the Sunday game. Tonight is Taco Night! It's going to be difficult saying goodbye, and it's right around the corner!
I have bought my ticket home and will be arriving December 19th. Our plan is for me to meet Evan in Alabama (to visit his side of our family) as soon as the season ends. The date of our trip to Alabama totally and fully depends on the Eagles making it to the playoffs. After our trip to Alabama we will be flying directly to Arizona, to begin nesting.
To think, I'll be 5 months pregnant in one more week! The time is flying by, I can only imagine what it will be like once our baby is here.
I am very impressed by bloggers, especially the ones who balance babies and work &/or school. One in particular has led me to interesting and valuable nooks and crannies of the world wide web as well as the advice an early mother, like myself, likes to know.
Michelle’s blog, Early Mama, is full of great insight as well as bright perspectives for thee up and coming early mother from an experiencing early mother. Michelle writes ,“Young motherhood can be challenging, but we’re often faced with judgment, stereotypes and pity rather than encouraging support and positive outcomes. And while I’m still learning the ropes as much as any young mother, I want to create a site — a community — that I was desperately searching for.”
Recently, Early Mama has sent me to check out certain flash deal sites that offer huge discounts on baby and children products. Not to mention, the sites are absolutely free to sign up! Here are my favorites :D
I also want to add that Evan has been back to practice! It was hard on him to not play last week at the Cardinals game, since his injury at the Eagles & Bears game, but is looking forward to kicking some Giants butt! Good luck to the birds this Sunday at 8 P.M. est, 5 P.M. pst! Fly Eagles Fly!!!
Knowing that there is a baby inside your body is an amazing and beautiful experience, but knowing the sex brings your pregnancy to a whole new level. I can picture her button nose and glowing eyes, her little blonde hairs and porcelain skin, her cry and fine grasp of her fathers pinky finger. I imagine our first time meeting each other, the birth I can't wait to share with her and her daddy, the moment the midwife says "Alright Katie, reach down and grab your daughter." How I hope she recognizes her daddy's voice and immediately feels safe in his arms. I look forward to this day more than anything.
For all of the first trimester I felt sick and practically disabled. I was spoiled by Evan before the season started and once it did, I felt alone- both physically and emotionally. His work schedule wasn't bad but horrible for a pregnant woman in a new city literally suffering from serious morning sickness. That by itself is bad enough, but then add the fear of possibly miscarrying... I was scared s***less. I knew and still know there could be complications but the last thing I wanted to hear was someone say "miscarriage." There's something people NEED when speaking to a pregnant woman (no matter your relation) and that simple thing is a filter. Besides bringing up the evil "M" word, another very annoying comment was the few that were/are worried about our choice to have a home birth. Majority of people have a wonderful reaction when hearing about our choice, in fact some say they wish they would have or they would like to consider it for their next birth. Then there are those that don't, well- wish you the best. Beyond those two notes of what not to say/bring up to a pregnant woman, here are a few more...
"You look so... small?"
---Yes, I am small. Thank you, but you say it like there's no baby in here.
"How old are you?"
---Really?
"Are you getting married before the baby's here?"
---Again, really? Evan & I love each other very much and no license will prove that to our child.
"Don't lift that!"
---Trust me if it's over 50 lbs, I won't be, but this is 15... so... I'm good.
"What about your life/college/goals?"
---Why do so many think life and it's opportunities are over once a baby comes? I could write about this for days.
"..." Reaches and places hands on stomach
---Odd. I'm going to back away now.
I'm 4 1/2 months now and this list is bound to get better over time. On a good note, the cashier at Petsmart today asked me if I was expecting! I'm sure this will get unbearably annoying on post-birth quick runs (babies at home with daddy) to the grocery store, but for now I'm so excited! Someone noticed I was growing a human!
When we first came out to Philly, I met a lady who gave me the book "Baby Bargains." It's a must read for first time parents who believe and live by critics reviews. I've worked with families as a nanny and in daycares as a provider to know whats good on the cheap and easy on convenience (not to mention safe,) so I've already picked a few things out, but this book has helped me with the rest. Here are a few of my favorites. This is not a registry folks, I don't expect anyone to gift these items :)
Those are just some items that I can't wait to have in my possesion. The stroller, Bugaboo, is my favorite by far, I've visited the only baby store in Philly that carries it THREE time since I've been here. The car seat has been chosen, it's the Britax Roundabout 55. Something else I've found handy when working with families is these specific crib sheets, QuickZip. Finally, the big diaper debate... dun dun duuun. We are choosing gDiapers. Here is a quick clip for those curious to what in the heck I'm talking about...
Daddy's home, off to bed for a bright and early morning! Thanks for catching up on this special trip Evan & I are taking! Good Night <3
Happy 30th Birthday Evan! The man of my dreams, love of my life and father of my unborn child has turned 30. For his first time in years, Evan had his birthday off from work and to celebrate we spent the day curled up together on the couch with our newest addition, Thor. Thor is my birthday gift to Evan, a nine week old blue chihuahua. Thor is perfect, he went potty on his potty pad for the first few days with only two mistakes. Now, we leave a potty pad in our bedroom while we sleep (he gets off and on the bed by himself to use it) and I take him out four times during the day. He's got it down!
After an absolutely nothing kind of day, we headed to New Jersey to find out the baby's gender! Or so we hoped. Unfortunately, the baby had the cord draped between his/her legs, blocking every shot of the mystery private part. The baby was crazy active! Flipping, kicking and punching the entire time. When the ultrasound technician tried from a different angle, the baby's left arm was draped down beneath it's legs just enough to not allow us to figure it out. Some say that's because HE is grabbing HIS who-ha. Who knows. Our redo appointment is this Tuesday at 7pm. Here's a link to a little video of what Evan caught on his flip video of the ultrasound in 2D & 3D/4D.
The first trimester is over (by a month) and I'm finally loving it. Besides being relatively emotional, I'm feeling amazing! I'm waking up & not running to the bathroom and I sleep in, but who can complain about 12 hours of sleep a night. And fortunately for Evan, I'm occasionally cooking and baking again. Last week I made my mothers famous Pumpkin Rolls and for anyone that knows what they are, you know you love them and crave them all year round! Tonight I made a Beef Stroganoff for dinner and for dessert Almond Roca.
Bye Week! This last week was Evan's bye week, meaning, no practices or meetings. We were able to leave Philly and go on vacation. Since I am going home for Christmas, we went to visit his family in Birmingham (Homewood), Alabama. We spent 5 nights soaking up the southern lifestyle. It reminded me of home. I was surrounded by genuinely nice people and family.
Upon our arrival, Deb (Evan's mother) set a tent up out front with a sign that said "Welcome Home Evan & Katie." It was so considerate because days before our trip I told Deb how I wanted to go camping but Evan said we wouldn't have time. We didn't end up sleeping outside because a cold front happened to move in the day we arrived and stayed till after we left, but it was so sweet.
The next day, on our way to met Evan's dad Ed & stepmom Dee Dee for dinner, we picked up Evan's brother Adam from the airport. It was a surprise, no one knew Adam was coming in from Arizona. His dad & stepmom couldn't be more happy to have the boys home. Lots of laughs were shared and fantastic southern food for dinner. They also surprised us with birthday & baby gifts. We received our first baby's first stuffed animal and of course if was a elephant. The softest little thing you'll ever hold. For those who don't know Alabama's mascot is the Elephant. ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Our days were filled with "this is where I..." & "theres where I..." and of course meeting all of his blasts from the pasts. One night Deb invited Evan's father and fathers side over for dinner. It was beautiful, we all sat around the fire pit out front and ate more great southern cooking.
Evan, Adam & Granny
Deb, Evan, Ed & Adam
Chris & Evan
Dee Dee & Chris
Saturday is football day in Alabama, actually everyday might be football day down there. Everyone seems to be a huge college football fan. Deb go the hookup and we sat in a skybox to watch the game. Before the game started, we ate at Evan's Uncle Bob's restaurant "Wings U." After "Wings U" we headed over to the tailgate party where I got the best view of true fanatics. I mean, these people are crazy about their pride. After a win (37-6) against Tennessee, we spent 2 hours in traffic to get back to Deb's house. Long day made getting to sleep easy.
The trip was great, and my body was exhausted. I slept over 15 hours when we finally made it back to Philly. Looking forward to going back with the little one.
The little one. I couldn't be more excited to find out the sex. For awhile I told myself that it was okay if we didn't find out right away. But now that we have an appointment I'm dying to know. Only 7 more days and we could hear and see the news of what gender our "baby shark" is.
As far as symptoms, they come and go. One day I'll wake up feeling sick and others I'll feel fine. Head aches come and go and no matter what I put or don't put on my skin, breaking out is inevitable.
My mom sent Evan this cartoon clipped out of her local newspaper last week....
I've been meaning to post a new update but I really don't have much to say that has changed about the pregnancy. I haven't gained any weight and my bump hasn't grown. In fact sometimes I wonder if I'm losing weight. Don't be alarmed, everything is just fine (normal/healthy.) Baby Mathis is being his/her monstrous self with a speedy heart rate and giving Mommy all symptoms her friends don't have through their pregnancy (lucky ladies.) Somethings are starting to ease, like morning sickness. Even though I've been saying that for a few weeks now, it does seem less and less troublesome to deal with. I have also had those little bursts of energy, spending it cleaning or doing something with my main man.
In the last two weeks I've used my extra energy in creating a surprise Baby Shower for a new friend I and the other player's wives have had the pleasure of meeting and loving. That has not only taken my energy but also my time from Evan. Since choosing not to work while in Philly, Evan has bee up and down with where my attention should and shouldn't be. And for this brief time that he had ZERO of it, he became a little more attached and acted... perhaps deprived. Adorable for the time that it lasted, but once I was done with the planning he was ready for me to find a new activity. I'm still finding that perfect balance. PS: I can email anyone the game and activities I created for the baby shower if you would like them for your own event.
We had games where guests could win a prize but also had an area where you could create a page for a scrapbook that the Mommy-to-be could add pictures and writings after the baby arrives. Next to the scrapbook area there was "Baby Jenga" where each person had three blocks to write a wish for the baby, a wish for the mommy and daddy and a block for advice. It turned out just beautifully.
Lindsay Morhinwig, the Mommy-to-be Keelie Rosa and Tammy Reid.
Before the planning of the Baby Shower, Evan was doing some secret planning of his own. We celebrated my 22nd birthday (just us two) and it was absolutely lovely. Evan surprised me with the biggest Edible Arrangements I have ever seen, teddy bear and bouquet of balloon attached. We told each other that we won't give gifts to each other on birthdays or Christmas, but just to make every day of our shared lives special. He ruined that deal, he bought me lovely presents. Now I have to come up with something for his birthday in two weeks. I'm taking ideas.
My parents sent me a package full of my favorite things and some new things as well (maternity tops!) But my favorite gift of all was the writing in the card. My mother and father wrote of how proud they were of me and their excitement for this year.
Let me toot my own horn. I couldn't be more ready for parenthood. I am strong, responsible and very much capable of anything I put my mind to. I was raised the same way I will choose to raise my children. I couldn't be happier of all the paths that I have chosen to take in my life, each and every one. They have all created this being I am today and I don't regret a single moment of wrong doing. Hell, if I didn't party I wouldn't have met the man who hired me for the job where I eventually met Evan. In all honesty, I can say that I am more ready for parenthood that most parents out there. Not once have I questioned our choice of starting a family. What book says that once you have kids your life has to stop and you have to give up on your dreams? I have plenty of items on my bucket list and I want my child to be right there with me, watching me or joining me in whatever it may be. Graduating college, getting promoted, sky diving, Euro trip. This life was created to be surrounded by loved ones. I love my boyfriend and we love this child. We can't wait to meet the little guy or gal.
In other news, EAGLES WON!!!!! Yes! The Eagles beat the Redskins in DC yesterday and gosh, it feels good. Evan has always been one to accept loss and move on to what it's going to take him to slaughter the next team, and that makes it very easy on me. BUT WINNING?!?! This is exciting, he comes home with two other gentleman that live in the apartment above us and you can hear them from the car. Their spirits are high and their voices loud with laughter. They did such a wonderful job. I drove to DC and stayed in their hotel the night before, not in the same room of course, they have rules against that. Driving 6 hours in one day would have been too much for me. It was quite funny to wake up the morning of the game and watch the boys (players) leave the hotel front entrance to the three large busses parked 10 feet from the door. It looked like the Obama was leaving the building! There were security guards surrounding the perimeter, looking up and down every corner. I know it's serious and the boys could be in danger (especially off their turf) but it just looked silly to me. I kept thinking "These guys?" lol. After they left, I packed up and was off to the game. No special treatment for player's significant others at away games! Nope! No sir! I parked a mile (or more) away and paid $40!!! Yes, $40 for parking, crazy. No free food, no special room I can lounge in, in fact... my seat was the second row from the tip top nose bleeds. It took serious energy to go to the bathroom or get a snack during the game, there were so many stairs. I was luck enough to sit next to a friend, a players girlfriend's seat was right next to mine and her family was there so there was always someone to chat with. In the end, the boys won and that drive home in traffic was that much easier because of it.
Our view :( It was like the whole stadium shook!
One more very important football note, Evan is rated #2 Guard in the NFL! The article writes "Mathis graded out at a 7.6 rating overall, but it's been his run blocking that received rave reviews as he has a 5.1 rating in helping the league's top-ranked rushing attack. Mathis has a 1.5 in pass blocking, a 0.5 in screen blocking and a 0.5 in penalties. 'I think I've done what I've needed to do to keep getting better every year,' Mathis said. 'I've always put it on myself to continue to improve. So far, I think I am playing the best (of my career), but I still know I have plenty of potential. There's plenty of room to go.'" For more information follow the link:
Now, it's the beginning of the "Bye" week. For those who don't know a "Bye" week is the chosen week each team has off for the season. If they're not injured and need treatments they have to stay of course. That chance is nerve racking for every player that plays in the game before Bye week and plans on going home. Luckily, Evan wasn't hurt. We are leaving tomorrow for ALABAMA! I've never been to the south before, this is my first time meeting his family (outside his mother and brother.) I am also going to my first Alabama football game, tailgate party and all! Woo hoo! We're going to have a great time.
