Showertime

This past weekend Gillian and I flew down to LA for a fun-filled weekend that included my first baby shower. Many months back I thought it would be a brilliant idea to drive down so that it would be easy to transport back any shower gifts. Thankfully Steve talked me out of that because I'm certain I would have been miserable sitting for so long and having to stop every 30 minutes to search for an icky rest stop bathroom. So, bright and early Gillian and I hopped down to Burbank Airport armed with our two small suitcases and three big empty suitcases to carry home all the possible loot. At the curb, Stacy arrived to pick up Gill and Susie swooped in to pick me up and we went our separate ways. They headed East to do some things for the shower that included much traffic and manual labor. Meanwhile, the newly betrothed Susie and I had a lovely day of wedding related activities and more throughout the San Gabriel Valley (aka Pasadena). First, we visited Susie's recently acquired wedding dress. Beautiful! I will not post photos because it will ruin the effect when I post photos of the wedding in October.

Susie poses outside the adorable dress store.

But needless to say, I'm very honored to be a matron-of-honor in Susie and Curtis's wedding! Even though I despise the word "matron"...it actually goes quite well with the size dress I had to order in anticipation of post-baby weight retention. The dress itself is not at all matronly, it's a beautiful style and color from J Crew. We'll just say I will need to get my act together quickly! After the dress and a mandatory stop at Coffee Bean for an ice blended we visited Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge where the ceremony and reception will be. Such a fabulous venue, I can't wait!

I could have stayed all day at Descanso taking pictures of the new blooms. But I think I was boring poor Suz.

Then we headed to visit Vicki and her new addition, Kyan (Kye, for short) who live in San Gabriel. We had a lovely visit with sleeping Kye and a very well adjusted new mom of 3 weeks. She gave me the nitty gritty on birthing and I just have to say, I can't wait! Yes, that was sarcasm.

I can only pray that Piccolina is this serene!

Saturday turned out to be a nice, warm day in Glendora where Stacy opened her home for my shower. The hostesses did a bang up job putting everything together. They should really start a "Virtual Shower Planning" company - since they did all the planning over email. Brunch was delish, the games were hilarious, dessert was amazing, favors and invites were adorable and of course the company was the best.

Shower throwers: Amy-Jo, Marie, Stacy, Bridgette, Gillian, and Susie

This is what happens when you let me pick out my own balloon. Isn't it cute??

Brunch prepared by Susie - yum!

Probably the reason I failed my glucose test this week.

Some of the crew ready to play "Shower Gift Bingo"

Thanks girls! And thanks to everyone who made the (for some LONG) trek to Glendora. It meant so much to have all of you there.

Irish I had a beer

This was the first St. Patty's Day in many years that I've spent sober, at work and without my partner-in-crime Gillian. In years past, I've trekked up to SF the night before, spent the night and then dragged Gillian to the Irish Bank at the crack of dawn to enjoy the Alice Radio morning show parties. We typically would stay all day, attempting to pace ourselves while meeting many interesting characters. But, since I couldn't justify missing a day of work while saving up for maternity leave and since nobody likes a party pooper, I decided to stay home and enjoy St. Patty's Day as a grown-up would. I stopped at Starbucks, went to work, then had a lovely cornbeef and cabbage dinner at my in-laws. Just my (current) speed!

Week 25 photo donning the green.

A poor substitution for an Irish Coffee. Thanks to Gillian for the very appropriate button!

May babies bring March showers

I've been pretty forgetful about bringing my camera places lately, and even if I do remember to bring it, I forget to take pictures. But luckily I remembered to snap a couple of shots at the recent baby "sprinkle" that Claire threw for Arlene Vaccaro on March 1st at California Cafe in Los Gatos. Arlene and Paul are expecting Gabriella's baby brother in early May. He will have wonderful manners, be able to drive a manual and make a mean pizza - and therefore will be a potential suitor for Piccolina.

Arlene opens her gifts, including the Tonka Dump truck complete with "Chicks Dig Me" bib from none other than Julie Albanese.

I didn't get a shot of any of the guests, but I did get the important stuff on film. Also, Claire made a great CD of current hits as the shower favor. So clever that Claire - I'm so excited she's throwing me a shower too!