Babymoon?

I recently read that a couple will often take one last vacation together before the arrival of a new baby, and it's called a "babymoon". While I don't know if it qualifies as a babymoon, Kyle and I just returned from a week-long vacation to North Miami Beach with my family. My grandparents started going to the Golden Strand - the place we stayed - about 40 years ago, and this year, 13 family members spent a week on the beach at the Golden Strand. We had a great time and thank my parents for a wonderful trip! Grandma and Grandpa couldn't join us, but they were definitely with us in spirit.

Kyle and I on the beach at dusk.

My dad and mom with the lights of downtown Miami behind them. We ate at a restaurant on Biscayne Bay.


My brother, Jonathan, and I with my mom on a balcony in the condo.

The pool deck with the ocean in the background. On the left is Christopher, my cousin's son, and Kyle and my cousin, Kelly, are behind him.

The view from the condo.


My mom, Peggy, and her sister, Jill, in the pool, with their matching hats. They come to the Golden Strand together in January every year, and occasionally my mom will join Jill in July.

Celebrating Red, White & Blue

This is our second Fourth of July in Atlanta, and we've already established traditions! Kyle and I attended the Hosch Family Fourth of July party during the day and then went to the neighborhood party at the Wyatt's house in the evening. It was a great day full of wonderful food, good friends and a spectacular fireworks show. Below are some pictures from our low-key, but fun, weekend.

Baby Long's future best friend. Special K, as I like to call him, was born in February.


With our host, Amber, who is about eight weeks behind me in her pregnancy. She is carrying Baby Long's future girlfriend!

Kyle and Erin after Kyle and his friend, Eric, dominated Corn Hole. I think they went undefeated all day!

These pictures are too cute not to include. Our "boys" Brooks and Gavin enjoyed some yard time playing ball. For those of you who know Gavin, you know that he isn't the most outgoing dog. Lately, he's wanted to go for walks and he loves to play with the ball in the backyard. It's like having a whole new dog! We're so happy he's coming out of his shell.

Long Time, No Post

My lack of blogging definitely isn't intentional. Life has just gotten busy. I can only imagine that it's going to get busier in September! Kyle, Brooks, Gavin and I are busy getting ready for Baby Long's arrival. I'm officially in the third trimester. We have a little over 10 weeks before the expected "d-day". The biggest help in getting ready for baby was our second shower. Thanks to our hosts and everybody who came and to celebrate our new addition. Some pictures are posted below. You'll notice that Baby Long and I are definitely growing.

The Geiser Family! Kyle's Aunt Carolyn and his grandmother, MeMaw came in town to join us at the shower. From the left is Carolyn, Erin, Kyle's Mom, Pat, and MeMaw. MeMaw and Carolyn supplied the baby with his high chair. I've been told it will stay clean until Baby Long's first feeding.

Here I am with the best shower hosts! From the left is Kyle's sister, Kristen, Erin, Jamie and Lisa. Jamie and I have known each other since we were eight. And, Lisa and I have been friends since my first year of high school. I'm really fortunate to have such a wonderful sister-in-law and two long-time, amazing friends.



Here I am opening gifts. You can see from the packages that everyone was so generous. I guess it's true that everybody loves a baby! In the picture, I am holding up a precious little onesie with dogs on it, compliments of my Dad's cousin, Mary Jo, her daughter, Lisa, and Lisa's daughter, Anne.

This gift is from my grandmother. Unfortuantely, she couldn't join us, but wanted to make sure that Baby Long received this sippy cup. It's great - the cup part comes out and is washable. Easy use for the silver sippy cup!

And, last, but certainly not least, the cake! In case you can't see it, it says, "Born to Be a Wildcat". Well done, Kristen and Pat. Thank you! It just dawned on me that I've posted a picture of the cake from both showers. My mother is a huge cake person. Maybe I'm a little more like her than I originally thought.... :)

In Good Company

Kyle and I made a quick trip home to Kentucky this weekend. Saturday evening, my friends from college and I hosted a baby shower for our good friend, Ann. Baby Boy Long will be in good company because Ann and her husband, Alan, are expecting a boy in August. On Sunday morning, the girls hosted a brunch for Kyle and me. Baby Boy Long got some wonderful gifts, including some things I'll learn how to use (the Boppy and Bumbo) and super cute clothes, including seersucker overalls. If that doesn't scream, "I'm Kyle Long's kid", I don't know what does. Coincidentally, my dad is also a big fan of seersucker, and he's requested a family photo of all of the boys in seersucker. Look for that photo in a future post...

With the girls at Ann's shower: Me, Zoe, Catherine, Alison, Ann, Beth & Lynsie

With the girls at our brunch: Zoe, Alison, Me, Ann, Lynsie, Catherine & Beth

The wonderful cake from our brunch. The blue things are baby booties. There were really good!

With Kyle's Dad, Paul, Kyle, Me, my Mom, Peggy, and my Dad, Lawson

My, How We've Grown!

I apologize to my "fans" (aka Erin Ruwe) for not making a post for more than a month. It's been busy! The most exciting news is that Kyle and I found out we're having a boy! Several people have asked what we're going to name him. That's "to be determined" because we haven't agreed on the right name yet. I have my favorites, and Kyle has promised me he'll create a list of his. Right now, I'm worried Baby Boy Long will leave the hospital as Baby Boy Long. Since we've shared all of his ultrasound pics with you, here's the latest at 18 weeks - about three weeks ago. The picture of me is my corresponding belly at 18 weeks.

Cravings & Yard Work

Many people have asked me if I've craved any foods during the pregnancy. I really like citrusy foods, like oranges and grapefruit. I've rediscovered the greatest sandwich ever - peanut butter and jelly. And, I believe that a bagel is strictly the means to get the cream cheese into my mouth. But, what I've wanted most is ice cream. I've done well and gotten sugar free or low fat frozen yogurt. However, what I really want is a hot fudge sundae from McDonald's. Unfortunately, I'm batting 0 - 5 in getting one. I've come to the conclusion that McDonald's really doesn't serve hot fudge sundaes. Here's the deal....There is a McDonald's up the street from our house - about a 2 minute drive WITH traffic. I have been there four times in the last 17 weeks. Every time I order a hot fudge sundae the voice on the other end says, "Our ice cream machine is broken." The first time, I believed them. The fourth time, I cried and resigned myself to believe that my McDonald's doesn't have an ice cream machine. So, today, as I was leaving my tennis match (we lost but it was fun), I drove past another McDonald's. Immediately, the tractor beam pulled me into the drive thru. I pull up, and what do I see? A sign that reads, "Ice Cream Machine is Broken. Sorry." Are you kidding me? I am never going to get an ice cream sundae from McDonald's.

Kyle and I had a good weekend. It's gone by too fast. He's spent a lot of time working in our yard lately. Here's a picture of our house. I'm really proud of his hard work...doesn't the front yard look great? And that is from yesterday. It looks even better today!

The First Trimester

At the end of January, Kyle and I found out we were going to have a baby. We've had a lot of special occasions to celebrate our life without baby, and to celebrate the life of our baby.

February - Las Vegas
In February, Kyle and I went to Las Vegas for a long weekend and saw Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil. The getaway was a great Christmas present from Santa Claus. Thanks P-Daddy & Pat! The picture below is of Kyle and I outside of the theater at The Mirage.



March - Kyle's 30th Birthday
Kyle turned 30 on March 1, and February 26 started a fun three day party. Thanks to everyone who came in town to celebrate! Kyle got an early birthday gift on February 27 because that was our nine week doctor's appointment - we saw the baby for the first time.


Clay (Kyle's brother), me, Kyle, Kristen (Kyle's sister) and Brent


Kyle and his fraternity brothers: Chris, Kyle, Bob, James, Eric and JMK


The girls: Leah, Brianna, Lisa, me and KT


My family: Dad, Mom, Kyle, me, Jonathan (my brother) and Jill



Brianna and me striking a fierce Tyra pose. :)

Also in March...Brit Brit Comes to the ATL!

Something I didn't intend to do pregnant - go to the Britney Spears concert. Aside from the fact that she didn't dance that much, the Circus was quite a production. And, in my eyes, Britney made her comeback.

Meg, me, Beth and Zoe

The back of Britney's head in the center ring.