2013 Has Been a Great Year

It's hard to believe that little Colin is already 2 weeks old!  The advice that we've heard the most from family and friends is how quickly the time goes by, and to cherish every minute...I can say that I'm already finding that to be so true!  Marshall and I are learning so much about our son, and I think he's learning a lot about us too.  We're amazed at how inquisitive he is about the world around him.  It's as if he's just taking it all in.  He loves looking outside, and has begun to study our faces and his surroundings much more closely.  He's most content after eating, and makes the cutest smiley and kissy faces!  We had a follow-up doctor's appointment this morning to check his weight, and I'm happy to report that Colin now weighs 7 pounds!  I'm such a proud mama :)  That also means that I no longer have to stress about waking him in the middle of the night to eat...he's been pretty good about letting us know when he's hungry or needs a diaper change anyway!  Since it is New Year's Eve, I've found myself reflecting quite a bit on this past year.  It's been a very big year for us, to say the least.  Here are some of the things that have made 2013 one of the best years of my life:

• We bought and moved into our dream house at the end of January
• We found out I was pregnant on April 16th!
• Marshall began his new role at Premier in business/corporate development
• Marshall graduated with his EMBA on May 3rd
• We watched some of our best friends, Aubrey and Chris, get married in July
• We got our new car, a Ford Explorer in August
• I began a new role as a math teacher and kindergarten assistant at school, which I have loved
• The Carolina Panthers made the playoffs!  It's been an exciting NFL football season (wish I could say the same about the Gators and the Boilers...)
• Our sweet angel, Colin, was born on December 18th...he was the best Christmas gift we could ever have asked for!
• Our family and friends have provided so much loving support throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.  We are forever grateful!

I know that 2014 will bring with it a multitude of new and wonderful experiences, as we watch our little boy grow, discover, and learn.  My New Year's resolution will be to savor every moment, and do my best to capture them all in video and photo!  Here are some cute moments from the past week.  Enjoy, and Happy New Year!

The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

Our sweet baby boy was born this past Wednesday, December 18th, 2013!  He made his debut a week early, just in time for Christmas...and we couldn't be more in love.  After feeling crampy all day Tuesday, which was a bit unusual for me, I woke several times during the night with sharp pains in my back.  I lost my mucus plug around 3am, and finally started to consider that this could really be it - after all, it was a full moon!  I called in to work to let them know I wasn't coming in that day to teach, mostly because I hardly slept the night before...I still wasn't convinced this could actually be labor, because I didn't realize that my contractions could be entirely in my back.  I also called my mom and Dave to tell them that they might want to drive up from Florida now, rather than waiting until the next day!  As the early morning progressed, my back pains became worse and Marshall decided to notify work he would not be coming in.  We packed up the car with all of our hospital bags and headed to the doctor's office down the street to be examined.  The doctor informed me that we needed to get to the hospital right away, as I was already dilated 3-4 cm, and was 100% effaced!  By the time we were checked in, Dr. Bohmer (the doctor on call, though not my primary doctor) determined that I was now 5-6 cm dilated.  My labor was progressing very quickly, but things got even more intense once the doctor broke my water.  It was after that that I decided I had had enough of the pain, and needed some rest - so the epidural was ordered, and brought much needed relief.  Another 2 hours passed, and when dilation hadn't progressed, so some Pitocin was added to the medication to move things along.  It started to wear off towards the end, as if I could feel that last bit of dilation to 10 cm.  Upon my last examination, the nurse announced it was time to start pushing!  Marshall and Erin were in the room with me, coaching and providing encouragement.  I was given a bit more medication, and felt more determined than ever to meet our beautiful baby!  After 40 minutes of pushing, and even a few laughs in between, Colin Mackey Rothwell was born at 4:50pm, weighing 6 lbs, 11 oz, and measuring 20.5 inches.  He had many visitors at the hospital, including Pop Pop Lee and Grandma Mary, Nani Lynne and Pop Pop Dave, Grandma Kimmie, and Papa John, Aunt Ginna and Uncle Blake, "Aunt" Aubrey and "Uncle" Chris, and "Aunt" Erin!  One of the biggest surprises was how much dark hair he has!  He also has deep gray/blue eyes, which may change color after a few months.  Colin is perfectly healthy and happy, and is already busy observing his new world.  He loves looking in the mirror, gazing outside, and making funny faces when he snoozes (even a little smile here and there!).  He took to breastfeeding quite easily, much to my relief!  We both have the hang of nursing now, and Colin is certainly one hungry boy!  He eats about every 2-3 hours, and goes through plenty of diapers each day - we're learning that we have to get his diapers changed quickly or else we get peed on!  I'm still adjusting to getting up so frequently throughout the night for feedings, but Colin is learning to fall right back to sleep after being rocked in his cozy chair.  My biggest challenge is learning to rest when the baby sleeps, and remembering that all other tasks can wait.  I'm extremely lucky to have my mom and Dave staying with us for a few weeks to help out with cooking, cleaning, and caring for baby.  Their help and support has been such a gift, and has been incredible in helping Marshall and I make this transition to a family of 3.  We are so blessed that our little miracle has finally arrived, and our prayers have been answered.  Colin immediately became the love of our lives, and we're so thrilled that he's finally here.  Here are some photos of his first week:

An Early Christmas Gift?

I was very eager to see my doctor today, and get some news on my latest progress.  It seems as though the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful "practice" contractions I've been having over the last few days have helped the dilation process even more...I'm now 1-2 centimeters dilated!  The doctor could feel the baby's head during my exam, and said he has definitely dropped more since last time (that's a -1 pelvic station, for anyone who understands all this preggo jargon!).  Doc said that's good news, because some of the initial labor "work" is already taking place - hopefully that means that the real thing will go pretty smoothly and naturally.  Dr. Palermo is predicting that I'll go into labor sometime during this week, and maybe even this weekend!  Luckily, my last day of teaching is Friday, and Mom and Dave are driving up on Thursday.  Dad and Mary are just two hours away, and Marshall's parents live locally, so I'm hoping everyone will be present for the big arrival!  I'm crossing my fingers that I at least make it until this weekend...until then, I'll continue to waddle a bit slower and keep my feet up :)

38 Week Update

Today marks 38 weeks, and only 14 days left til my due date!  We had an appointment today with a different doctor from the practice, and the latest news is...there is no news :)  Not since last week, anyway.  This doctor reported that I'm still 80% effaced, and about 1/2 cm dilated...the same as what Dr. Palermo told me last Monday.  Marshall and I were both a little surprised, and expecting that I would have made some more progress since last time because I've definitely started feeling some practice contractions.  Saturday night, we were at a friend's birthday party, and I began to notice some sharp but fleeting twinges of low pain.  I figured I had just been standing too long, but they continued for a bit even after I sat down.  Over the next two days, I had more discomfort, but it was more of an overall crampy feeling.  I still have the sharp pains occasionally, but nothing has felt too intense or prolonged.  Seems as though it's just my body preparing itself for the real thing!  I've felt a bit better today and yesterday, but have noticed more pain and cramps in the evening hours.  The doctor told us that all of this is very normal, and I may not make any more progress until real labor begins.  She said everything else looks good though...a strong heartbeat and good measurements!  I guess our little guy will make his debut when he's good and ready :)  We'll see Dr. Palermo for our next appointment on Monday, so I'll post another update then.  Until then, maybe I'll go for a few extra walks this weekend! 

A Crafty Thanksgiving

We spent the Thanksgiving holiday with Dad and Mary in the mountains this year.  It was the perfect way to spend our last holiday together before the baby arrives.  On Wednesday, we got the all clear from the doctor (no new baby progress since last week!) and drove through snowy weather on the way to Seven Devils.  Marshall drove very carefully along the icy roads up to the house.  The storm had passed by Thursday, and we enjoyed the cold Thanksgiving morning by watching the Macy's Parade and doing some crafting!  Dad was very excited to show us the mini owl house he made for us to hang on the tree decal in the nursery.  It made the cutest night light when we added a flameless votive candle!  He also made a real owl nest box, in hopes that a barred owl family will move in and raise some babies in it this spring.  We read that once an owl chooses a home, it stays there for life - even it's offspring will return!  So Marshall's project was to build his own owl house to take back to Charlotte to hang in one of our many tall backyard trees.  We have already heard barred owls in our area, so we're really excited to see if any move in to our owl box!  Mary helped me make my own Christmas wreath using greens cut from the Christmas trees.  I added pinecones, spray-painted gold thistles, some red berries and cardinals from Michaels, and a red bow at the bottom.  It turned out to be really pretty!  We enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal, watched a lot of football, caught up on sleep, and did a little shopping at the Mast General Store.  When it was time to leave, we loaded up our mountain Christmas tree on top of the Explorer, and were excited to bring it home - our first real tree together in our new house.  We had a lovely weekend, and realized just how much we have to be thankful for.  We are truly blessed in so many ways!

 

Feeling Lucky and Loved

OK, so normally, I'm not the bragging type...but I simply must take a moment to gush on my amazing husband, Marshall.  Not only has he been my best friend for many years, but he has been the most wonderful partner since we've been together.  We've been through many of life's obstacles together, and each experience has brought us closer in love.  This pregnancy has perhaps been the most significant life event, and through it all, Marshall has been the most attentive, thoughtful, loving, and considerate husband he could possibly be.  I just wanted to share some of the things he's done to make me feel so special...and how blessed and proud I am to call him mine!  So - if you're the jealous type - now might be a good time to just close this window :)

• He puts on my socks and shoes for me every morning.
• He cleans the house without me even asking!
• He makes salads for my lunch, and even puts the croutons in a ziplock bag so they won't get soggy.
• He'll go out to get frozen yogurt when I'm having a craving and already in my PJs.
• He talks and reads to the baby, and loves to feel his movements in my belly.
• He puts up with all my lists and helps me get baby preparation tasks accomplished.
• He understands when I can't control my emotions, and gives me the best hugs.
• He makes delicious dinners and cleans up afterwards.
• He's scooped and changed the cat litter for the last 35 weeks and hasn't complained once!
• He traded loofahs with me because the one I bought was really scratchy.
• He plays with my hair and rubs my feet.
• He tells me I'm beautiful, even when I'm feeling huge and frumpy.
• He takes the time to tell my family how much he loves them too.
• He's been to every doctor's appointment and ultrasound, even when it wasn't convenient.
• He's painted the nursery and playroom, and put together strollers, swings, and pack-n-plays.
• He works so hard to provide for his family.
• He is truly ecstatic about being a daddy :)

So what brought on this sudden flood of emotions?  On top of the daily little things like those above, a gift box of beautiful flowers was delivered to my kindergarten room today...with a very sweet note - from baby to me (see photo below).  Here is what the note said:  "Dear Mommy, I wanted to say I love you and can't wait to meet you too!  You're going to be the best mommy in the world!  See you soon!!!"  I know our little boy will grow up learning some valuable life lessons about how to demonstrate true love...we are both so lucky to have Marshall in our lives.

He's Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

We've waited 15 long weeks to see some new images of our little man, and today - at 34 weeks and 6 days pregnant - we had another great ultrasound and update!  The baby weighs in at 5 pounds, 5 ounces!  He's apparently going to put on another 1/2 pound each week, for a grand total of about 8 pounds by D-Day if he keeps growing at this rate!  This little guy is quite a thumb-sucker too, which we remembered from a previous appointment.  He kept putting his thumb, fingers, and even his fist in his mouth - all with his left hand!  Maybe he'll end up being a lefty like his daddy :)  He kept his right hand in front of his face a lot, and we could actually see him rubbing his eyes.  As of today, he's head down and looks quite cozy.  We also confirmed that this baby is DEFINITELY a boy (as seen in the last photo).  Everything looks perfectly healthy and normal, and we feel so blessed.  I hope you enjoy these latest photos of our little bundle of joy!

The Nursery is Complete!

After much thought, preparation, and love from family and friends, our baby's nursery is finally complete!  We absolutely love the apple green and teal blue colors, and the woodland theme is very special to us as it is something that has made us love this house so much.  When we first moved in, we were in awe of all the trees and wildlife right in our backyard...we saw lots of deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and even a turtle!  But what really blew us away were the owls that we would hear when we had our windows open in the spring .  We later found out that the owls we were hearing were barred owls, which make a specific call and answer back when called to!  They were one of the reasons we chose this owl and woodland theme for our nursery (not to mention that owls seem to be everywhere these days!).  We chose some fun fabrics and Grandma Kimmie made all of the nursery bedding for us - it turned out so cute!  The cradle used to be my cradle, and somewhere I have a photo of myself as an infant, sleeping soundly in it.  Aubrey and Chris made and put up the tree on the wall, a gift for our baby shower.  It really completed the room!  Marshall painstakingly sanded and stained the wood on the hutch to match the crib and dresser.  I also painted the window above the crib, and the two paintings above the changing table.  We are ready for our baby boy to arrive, and can't believe he'll be here in just 6 short weeks!  I hope you enjoy the photos below of the finished nursery!

A Lovely Baby Shower

Kimmie, Erin, Aubrey, and Melissa hosted a beautiful baby shower for me this past Saturday.  The theme was blue and white, and the decorations, balloons, and flowers were absolutely amazing!  The food was really cute too, and delicious of course :)  Kimmie made "Baby Boy Rothwell" banners and a sweet diaper cake as well.  It all just blew me away!  There were about 15 guests, including my mom and sister who came to Charlotte for the occasion.  Everyone brought lovely gifts, and I am so appreciative!  This little guy will be well-dressed, that's for sure!  I'm so thankful for everyone's hard work and thoughtfulness.  I feel so special and loved, and I know that baby will feel the same!  Here are a few photos from our wonderful afternoon.

My Favorite Things

One of the most wonderful people I have ever known is my Great Aunt Rose Marie Mackey. I have so many special childhood memories with her, and she'll always have a big piece of my heart. Today, I got a sweet baby gift from her in the mail - 3 onesies, 2 of which are for baby's first Christmas. They're so cute! I'm already imagining bringing him home from the hospital in one, and taking his picture under our tree. But the best part of the gift was a book that she sent called "My Favorite Things," which we read over and over together when I was little. I even hear her voice as I read it back to myself today. It brought tears to my eyes when I opened it, and it now has a special place on the nursery bookshelf. I can't wait to read it to our little boy, and tell him how his Great Great Aunt Rose used to read it to his mommy!

Our Maternity Center Tour

Today we visited the maternity center at Presbyterian Hospital where we'll deliver.  It was a really great experience!  We got a basic run-through of what will happen when we arrive on our "labor day," including a tour of the birthing center, postpartum rooms, nurses station, and waiting areas.  I must say that the facility was really beautiful...the rooms were very spacious, bright, and clean.  I was happy to see that all the rooms were private with restrooms complete with showers...the birthing rooms even have jacuzzi tubs!  The hospital really tries to provide amenities that a hotel would have, such as hair dryers, TVs, music systems, linens, etc.  I will, of course, be bringing my own pillows :)  The hallways were quiet and orderly, and it seems that every attempt is made to accommodate moms, babies, and visitors.  They even have 24 hour rooming in for babies - no nursery stays unless the baby needs medical intervention.  All of the equipment was very high-tech and modern as well.  I was pleasantly surprised that the tour really confirmed my expectations about the big day, and left feeling even more at ease.  Now I just need to restrain the urge to pack my hospital bag!

A Busy Week!

This was a very exciting week at the Rothwell house! Our nursery crib and dresser were delivered on Tuesday, and we absolutely love it! It all fits nicely in the room, and Marshall worked on staining the wood on the hutch a dark espresso color to match. Grandma Kimmie has also been busy sewing the bumper, crib skirt, changing pad cover, and pillow using the cute fabric we picked out. We had a few surprise registry deliveries from Nani Lynne too...baby's high chair and changing pad! Another huge project was the installation of our hardwood floors in the kitchen and office. The crew showed up around 7:30 this morning, and were done by 2:45...they did awesome work and it looks fabulous! It's really all coming together, and we're just thrilled. We'll wait to reveal the nursery until everything is finished and hung, but here's a before and after peek at our new floors :)

Home Sweet Deathtrap

So I get these daily newsletter emails from Parents Magazine, and I always do my best to sort through the articles that I find interesting and relevant.  Today's newsletter focused on baby-proofing your home.  After perusing about 5 different links on the subject, I came to the conclusion that our house is clearly a death trap.  I know our little guy won't be on the move for quite a bit, but like most things involving kids, I'm sure it'll creep up on us before we know it...if he's like most of the boys I know, he'll be into all kinds of stuff in a matter of mere seconds.  So while I appreciate all of the "helpful" advice and tips, I'm now also a little freaked.  Now I know we'll need to have things like corner guards for furniture, and gates at the top and bottom of the stairs...but did you know that those little outlet covers can actually be a choking hazard?!  And here I thought we were already ahead of the game with the few that we have around the house now (left behind by the previous paranoid homeowner and mother).  Apparently, they sell a kind that screws into the wall and has a sliding mechanism to cover the outlet when not in use.  Who knew?!  And the list goes on and on about blind cords, stove knobs, cleaning products, bath seats, baby bedding, dishwashers, balloons, and even purses - all potential hazards!  But then again...as I've heard my elders say time and again, "...well, we all survived, now didn't we?"  So I think I'll try and take it with a grain of salt, and just plan to keep a close eye on our little man.  Maybe these articles are meant for the parents who are watching soap operas and eating bon-bons while their toddler is playing in the toilet.  I'm sure Marshall was an exception here :)

Another Good Check-Up!

I'm feeling incredibly blessed and happy today :)  We went to our next doctor's appointment this afternoon, and had another great check-up!  The baby is measuring at 29 weeks, so we're right on track.  We even got to feel where his head and bottom are!  He's currently facing down, so hopefully he'll stay in that position until he's ready to be born.  It was exciting to know how he's positioned so we can try to imagine which of those crazy movements are kicks and which are punches!  His heartbeat was also very strong...probably even a little elevated after all the poking and prodding we were doing.  I'm still feeling great, although it is getting harder and harder to bend over.  Marshall is helping me put on my shoes on a regular basis now.  I've read that the baby is actively using all of his senses now, and there is some major brain development taking place this week.  I've also read that he's about the size of a basketball!  I don't feel like he could be that big, especially because people continue to seem shocked to hear that I'm already 7 months (per the lady at the checkout line at Publix a few days ago: "You're 7 months pregnant?!  I looked like you when I was at 3 months!").  I've gained about 14 pounds total now, but my doctor reassures me that I'm right on track.  I'm so lucky that this pregnancy has been so easy so far...I just hope it's a sign of how my labor will be! 

Even post-meltdown, Marshall told me I was beautiful and snapped a great baby-bump photo. I did get compliments on this dress all day...thanks to Tori for sending it to me! So I guess that's a pretty decent silver lining :)

Preggo-brain Pitfalls

Have you ever read the children's book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?  In the story, Alexander is a kid who wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, and it's all downhill from there...he gets gum stuck in his hair, trips on his skateboard, has a cavity at the dentist, and lima beans for dinner.  I feel ya, Alex.  This was my kinda day today.  The kind where everything seems to go wrong, and before you know it, the most insignificant things have piled up on you and brought you to tears.  OK, they brought me to tears.  Poor Marshall has been tiptoeing around me all night, trying to be as sweet and helpful as possible...and I love him so much for it.  We both know that this whole pregnancy thing is filled with a roller coaster of emotions, due to all of my raging hormones.  But the preggo-brain - I didn't expect that.  I think it's what's lead to the vast majority of my pitfalls today.  Nothing major, just not my typical OCD self!  I did, however, manage to make beef stroganoff for dinner, and baked an upside-down caramel apple cake for Mary's birthday tomorrow, as she and Dad are coming for a visit this weekend.  I think I'll be OK now...unlike Alexander, who believes the answer is to move to Australia.  But I'm pretty happy right here at home.

Over the River and Through the Woods

To Grammy and Pop-Pops we go! It is a beautiful fall weekend in the Appalachian Mountains, and today we had a delicious lunch at Dunn's Deli and got some amazingly fresh and crisp apples at Johnson's Small Fruit. We're relaxing and enjoying some college football, and looking forward to the Florida game and fire pit  tonight. Go Gators!

T-Minus 3 Months

Today marks the official start of my 3rd trimester...my due date is exactly 3 months from today!  I can't believe time has gone by this fast, and I know the last trimester will fly by as well.  I really feel ready and prepared, and more excited than you can imagine.  Apparently, only like 5% of babies are actually born on their due date, so let's all keep our fingers crossed that this baby comes on time, or a little early!  I'm betting that being due on Christmas Day will mean that the best doctors (including my own) will make their greatest efforts to be home with their families for the holiday.  I'm teaching right up until winter break, and the last day of school is December 20th.  I'm sure I'd be ready to go a few days early at that point too :)  But as long as he gets here before the end of 2013 (the last thing we need is to have to pay another deductible for the next calendar year!), then I'll be a happy mama.  Hopefully, doc is on board.  And maybe Baby will have the same birthday as Daddy (and Aubrey) on the 27th!  Add on another BT - but this time it would be for "Birthday Triplets!" Guess time will tell...

Project: Playroom

This weekend's baby project focused on the playroom. Marshall did a fabulous job painting the walls a yummy color called limeaid. He got the job done in about half the time by using an edger...it's the best painting tool ever! I also found a photo of some bookshelves made from rain gutters on Pinterest, and talked Marshall into adding that to the project today. They look awesome! We also changed the light fixture in the fan to make it a bit brighter. It all came together nicely after 4, yes FOUR! trips to Lowes. Don't ask...it's done, and that's all that matters! We're pretty stoked! Here are some photos of the finished product.

Baby's first Gameday!

Sugar Highs in the Morning

Today's doctor appointment involved a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes...which meant that I had to down a very sugary fruit punch drink at 8:00 am, then go to the lab to get more blood taken.  My results should be in next week, and will let me know if I tested negative for gestational diabetes, or if I have to come back for a more extensive test.  So fingers crossed!  The rest of my appointment went well...we listened to baby's heartbeat and doc measured my torso to show that I'm about 27 weeks - right on track!  I won't have another ultrasound until 36 weeks though...guess I was a little spoiled at first.  I've also only gained 13 pounds, and doc says that is perfectly fine, so I'm very happy with that.  I'll now start to see my doctor biweekly.  Maybe we'll actually get to the Ballantyne office, which is basically walking distance from our house, rather than having to drive all the way to uptown for our visits.  Our doctor is only in Ballantyne once a week, so we haven't even stepped foot inside the door.  Oh, and we found out that Marshall's insurance will cover a breast pump 100%!  That will save about $400, if we can get a script for the double electric hands-free version...can't wait for Marshall to come home for lunch one afternoon to find me washing dishes with a baby strapped to my back and a double breast-pump strapped to my front.  That visual should keep you going for a while.  You're welcome.

Welcome to My Baby Blog!

A good friend of ours suggested that I start a blog to document my trials and tribulations throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and bringing home baby...so I thought I'd give it a shot.  So here goes nothing!  Welcome!  Just to be clear, my "adventures in baby making" refer not to tales of conception (that part happened quite some time ago), but to the actual progress of growing a person.  MAKING A HUMAN!!!  Every time I think about it, I'm amazed at what a miracle it really is.  Since I'm just now beginning this blog, here's a little recap of the past 6 months to catch you up on our progress so far.

Marshall and I discovered we were pregnant on April 16th, 2013.  We were overjoyed, especially after going through a difficult miscarriage in December.  So needless to say, I was also a little terrified.  We made it through the first trimester with relatively few complaints...I was very lucky to not have to suffer with any morning sickness, and only had to deal with fatigue and allergies.  My second trimester was also ideal.  I was out of school for the summer, and had enough energy to make it to the gym everyday, and did quite a bit of shopping for the house, nursery, and for my growing belly.  We found out on August 5th that we would be having a boy!  Again, we were thrilled!  Marshall can't wait to coach little league teams, and I'm already dreaming about being a football mom.  Tests have come back normal, I'm feeling great, and I can feel our little guy kicking, poking, and squirming all the time now.  We even listen to his heartbeat with a stethoscope from time to time.  Just this week, I began my third trimester!  I can't believe that we're now on the home-stretch.  We've painted the nursery, have furniture on order, picked out colors and fabrics, and registered at Buy Buy Baby for everything we'll need and more.  We even have a playroom all set up! 

Baby Boy Rothwell is scheduled to arrive on December 25th...Christmas Day!  That's in 97 days, or 3 months and 6 days, or 13 weeks and 6 days...according to Siri.  I hope you will continue to visit my blog for updates on everything baby.  I'll include some photos along the way as well.  Please feel free to comment back!  Thanks for being a part of this incredible journey with us.  Marshall and I love you all!