Got Low?

So, Chris is off work today and on the set of the upcoming movie "Get Low", which is a period drama based on the true story of a man who, in the early 20th century, planned a funeral for himself while he was still alive so he'd be around to enjoy it. Because of the timeline, our car - the 1909 Hudson, was requested to be in the movie. We also were requested to be extras in some of the scenes, but as we're learning, the schedule is anything but firm. We've been on again, off again for the past week trying to coordinate people, cars, weather, etc. to make this work. Only time will tell if we even end up in any of the shots, but it's still a pretty neat experience. Chris called me Monday morning to tell me he'd just seen Bill Murray ride by in costume on an ATV.

Speaking of Mr. Murray, Chris relayed a story about a period hearse that Bill is driving as part of his role as a funeral home director. During one scene they were shooting, Bill is headed down a dirt road with Sissy Spacek in tow. What he didn't realize was that in real life the road dead-ends into some thick woods. He started trying to turn this monsterous beast of a car around amidst the tall Georgia pines, and had the owners of the car wringing their hands and apparently made Sissy so nervous she jumped out of the car and came running back up the road!

As for our car, this is old hat to it... The Hudson has already 'starred' in several movies, including Cold Sassy Tree, and The Greatest Game Ever Played, so us newbies are just trying to keep up with the pros!

Grace's 28th birthday was last Saturday the 28th, and we took her out for dinner at Pappasitos. As I was headed to the bathroom, I passed a woman wearing a "Get Low" extras jacket (hi, Judy!). I stopped her and found out she was an extra in the movie as well, and in fact was eating there at the restaurant with the director's parents and family! They were all in town from Illinois and going to be extras in the film as well. It was a happy coincidence to run into them all, and they were as excited as we were about the film. Hopefully we'll run into them again on the set sometime this week.

So, I guess we'll see sometime in the next few months if we got Low or no Low...

In like a lion...

Well, this month has certainly had a ferocious start. A day of sleet and slow, followed by one of bitter cold and wind. Today has started out chilly, but sunny with the promise of warmer weather to follow. Whee!

I am excited by the possibilities of a fresh, new month ahead. The possibility of completing our house project (finally), of getting to move in, of Hayden maybe learning to laugh this month. The possibility that our dogs might survive this transition in our lives. That I might get my taxes done ahead of time, and might even get a return. So many hopes, and a whole glorious month to make them realities!



It amazes me what a difference a month makes these days. With Hayden in our lives, it seems sometimes we measure milestones in minutes. It is truly like watching Spring in slow motion when I watch Hayden budding with new skills, energy, awareness and learning. I love watching her unfold into this tiny, beautiful little soul. Sunday, when it was snowing and raining out, and the wind was howling, she and I spent much of our day cuddled up in bed together, just enjoying one another's company. For those that knew me BH (before Hayden), you'd know that sitting still and not doing much is not my cup of tea. I have always been go, go, go. Today, PH (post Hayden), I think I could spend a year just sitting and staring at her, delighting in each new development.

I mean, how could you not enjoy watching this little creature? I absolutely love her flirtatious little smile, where she shows that gummy grin and tucks her chin onto her shoulder, spraying drooly little bubbles? It makes my heart ooze like warm maple syrup! I swear, if she were candy, I'd weigh 1000 lbs. I just can't get enough of her. It is an absolute addiction! This morning, on our way to daycare and work, she was in a great humor, and just cooing and "aaahh"ing, and "eehhhaaa"ing, and "oooOOhh"ing to herself in the rearview mirror, and I could catch glimpses of sweet, pudgy little hands swinging in the air at some imaginary orchestra. I could have driven around all morning, just listening to that beautiful symphony of baby sounds. Or, I could have driven around until she suddenly decided that she had had enough. of. this. car. and. let. me. out. NOW. Thankfully, we didn't hit that point this morning, and I brought her still slightly sleepy self into daycare and left her happily in the arms of Ms. Amy.

Now, I'm just counting the hours (time does become hours and days again when she's not with me) until I can scoop up that little wriggly, smooshy baby girl into my arms again.

Better late than never

Hayden and I in the family room at NICU

Well, it's only been a month or two, hasn't it? How sad is that, my first blog and I'm already failing!

In case you haven't heard the last few months have been pretty busy for me! I went into labor on December 11 (my due date) and little Hayden Elizabeth Padgett was born the next day, Friday December 12 at 12:17pm. She weighed in at 7lbs, 8oz, was 20 1/3" long and had a head full of hair that made her daddy and both granddaddies envious! She's such a little beauty! We just love her to bits! I can't believe she'll be two months old next week. Time sure does fly!

I'll have to post more about her birth and the few weeks following when I have time. For now, just know we're still here, still working on the house (the project that NEVER ends), and will get our acts together sooner or later. My bet's on later.

Hayden meeting her Daddy in the delivery room. Our little ewok!