Happy Holidays!

As I write this, I realize it's been about 2 months since I last updated the blog...oops! Things at the Salley home have been very fun these last several weeks – Ella is becoming very interactive and is a very happy baby! She is “talking” a lot (in her own language, of course), smiling / laughing a lot, and sleeping...A LOT! In fact, I would estimate she sleeps about 18 or 19 hours out of the 24 in a day! We put her down for bed at about 5:30 or 6:00 each night and she is waking up at about 7:00 the next morning. I am sure it’s assisted with feeding her a couple of times during the night (about 9:30 PM and 2:00 AM), but even then she gets a little upset with us when we wake for that...she just wants to sleep! When she is awake though, she is wide-eyed and playful. She enjoys the “ExerSaucer” and tries to grab a hold of and bite the toys... she is now teething and drooling everywhere (and gnawing on her hands). The doctors (at both Emory and regular pediatrician) have given her good marks at her check-ups - blood work is good and she's 50th percentile for weight / 60th percentile for height - right where they want her.

We also now have a thumb-sucker! Ella found her thumb at around 3 months – which has actually been very nice as she was done with her pacifier and now we have one “built-in.” We put her down for naps and bedtime and within about a minute or two she has her right thumb to her mouth with the “hook” of her index finger over her nose. I must say it is very adorable to observe.

Another notable event that took place back in September is that a friend and coworker of mine – Jimmy Penson – participated in a sprint triathlon in Hilton Head and used it to raise awareness for MCAD and other metabolic disorders (as well as some money) and to do so in honor of Matthew. With merely the small group in our office along with the support of his family – Jimmy was able to raise roughly $6,000 to donate to Emory University Metabolic Genetics Program, which works to screen newborns as well as treat and support those diagnosed with genetic disorders. Thanks to Jimmy and everyone who supported him in that endeavor! In the wake of that event, Jimmy and I talked about how we could continue the efforts, and we are planning an event (that will require [physical] participation of all of YOU!) for next fall that will be a lot of fun. Planning has already begun... more to come in the near future.

Finally, with the holiday season already upon us (time seems to accelerate this time of year), they seem to be a little easier for us this year. Last year, we “boycotted” them since we were feeling neither thankful nor very celebratory. In fact, Robin and I spent Thanksgiving together at home and then eluded as much of the commercialized Christmas as we could by escaping to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (it certainly was very unusual walking on the beach Christmas morning in 85 degree weather with ocean waves lapping our feet). This year, the three ...and I would make the case, four... of us went to Augusta to spend Thanksgiving with Robin’s parents and sister and had a very nice time. For Christmas, we plan to be home in Alpharetta and spend the day with my parents, Lauren, and grandparents.

We wish each of you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving and blessed Christmas! I intend to be happier this year and aspire to reflect on the real significance of this season. We are also thankful this year – for what we DO have – friends, family, and most importantly, hope. When you truly consider it, what else is there?