NORTH CAROLINA

Michael had to re-certify for his EMT for the military so it was off to Charlotte North Carolina for ten days. Luckily this is where his sister Amy and family lives along with my friend Perrin and her family. So we spent the first weekend at Amy's house visiting with Amy, John, Zoey, Avery and even Michael's mom. It was like a little reunion. Plus how great for Michael's mom to get to have all her children and grandchildren in the same room...that includes Lucy!
Zoey hammed it up for everyone and put on her usual dynamic singing and dancing show for everyone, with tickets needed for admission.
Avery kept a close eye on Gilbert as you never know when he might sneak that special toy or an extra hug from a grownup, too cute.

The following week we were at a hotel in Charlotte close to where Michael's class was going on. I did tour Charlotte a bit as was in a bit of culture shock to see a real city again. Seriously people, we live in a very different place now.
But I got a real reconnection to reality when we visited my friend Perrin and her lovely family. They moved from the heart of NY City. Funny to think that in the NY way she is majorly adjusting and missing a real city. That kind of put things into perspective.
Charlotte was good, but we were happy to be back home in our own bed. Well that is not totally true. After spending six nights in a king size bed at the hotel, we obsess little over how small our queen bed now seems. Plus Gilbert misses having breakfast in bed. Maybe in the forever house...

NEW YEAR

Hello...we are parents with a one year old in a town where we know almost nobody. But we did make it to midnight and had a bottle of champagne and Lucy wore her special New Year Dog bow.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

We stayed in Chambersburg for Christmas morning and then headed to Butler to see Michael's side of the family. We were there just in time for an early dinner at Scott and Kris' house. It was a good gathering as some extended family was there, which is always reason to break into a rowdy game of Apples to Apples...a Taggart classic in the making. We stayed at the grandparent's wile visiting in our favorite room upstairs with the double beds. So cozy! Grandma Pat was her usual hospitable self and therefore we were well taken care of.
Here is Gilbert being a helper in Grandma Pat's kitchen.

LAST POST EVER

This might be my last post ever. I have had a stomach bug for a week now. This consists of being only able to consume oatmeal, tea, water, and anything bland. At times I think I'm getting better and will eat something real. But that never proves to be a good idea. My favorite things: coffee, sweets, and wine are totally off limits. So for those who know me well know that is a big deal.

But here is where the last post comes in. We have been invited over to a couples house for dinner tonight. Michael came home last night to inform me that they asked if chili or lasagna was okay. Either way I think I am in trouble, but if it is chili I am a gonner. The plan, eat oatmeal before going over and then eat a VERY SMALL portion of.....chili. Nooooooooo!

Pray for me!

Oh, but I am almost at race weight for the first time since having Gilbert. Which really means that for the first time in my life I am officially "skinny fat". What is skinny fat?????? People who are skinny not because they workout, but because they eat poorly. This results in a higher percentage of body fat as opposed to muscle. Not something to be proud of.

CYCLOCROSS SEASON WRAP-UP

Our last race for the season was December 7th just outside of DC. I think I was a bit exhausted at this point in the season and after only one lap I chose to DNF. Conditions were icy, I didn't warm-up, I had a bad attitude, and just wasn't into it. So I pulled out of the race. No harm done, just a little jab at the ego. But that was all smoothed over when I got news the following week that my request to upgrade from a Category 4 to a Category 2 was approved by USA Cycling. Three cheers, next year I get to race with the big girls. I will be back to chasing and no so much being chased, it is still fun either way.

I think Michael was a bit exhausted at this point at the last race of the season. I could tell that he just didn't have his usual spunk at about half-way through the race. But he still finished in about 6th place which is pretty good.

The season overall was a learning experience for both of us. Being somewhere new we had to figure out with races, series, and major events to do...and we didn't always pick the best ones. But we had full weekends of racing and many races to choose from. Then throw in the factor of toting along a baby and me racing my first season ever...I think that Michael had a very different racing season than any prior year. But we actually got a pretty good routine down and have our sights set on next year. But highest honors go to Gilbert, he was a trooper through the season and is a well traveled baby. Can you believe that by the age of one he has been to all the Western States and all the Eastern States except for Maine, Georgia, Rhode Island, and Florida. Next year?

TINY WALKER

Gilbert has been thinking about walking for some time now. He takes a little step here and a little step there. But he is the sort that likes to wait until he has it down and then he goes for it. So today, with all three of us in the living room, he took his first real walking steps. And then he did it over and over, with smiles and claps for himself. Needless to say, he and we were very proud.

READY FOR CHRISTMAS

I have been debating what to do as far as Christmas goes this year. Last year I had just arrived in Chambersburg, we were in the rental, and Michael was working. So to be honest we did nothing. Oh we did have Gilbert's stocking up, but that was about it. I think all three of us were just too tired.

So this year we have a little more flow going on. But Gilbert is in to everything and the thought of a tree is a bit horrifying. If the thought of cutting down a tree isn't bad enough. The thought of Gilbert pulling one down, lights, ornaments, and all just tops it off. About fifteen years ago I witnessed my first alternative Christmas tree at my mom's friends' house, Fran and Dick. I must admit that at the time I thought they were a little crazy for having this arty abstract rendering of a tree on the wall above the fireplace, but it really stuck with me.

So we have a eucalyptus tree, which smells good, sits out of Gilbert's reach, and is environmentally friendly. Oh and it cost $2.99!

So the stockings are hung, the tree is up, the lights are around the window, and the wreath is hanging on the door. Christmas is in the air at the Gallagher house, now we just need a little Christmas music...must check out Itunes.

My mom's friend Fran, an Alaskan artist, died this summer from cancer. She was one of the coolest ladies ever and always will be. In honor of her my goal is to come up with a different, creative and environmentally friendly tree every year. That is how a spirit lives on. Fran you rock!