Weekends with Friends

We've spent the last few weekends taking a little break from baby world and spending time with close friends. We took Brian & Jen and their 1 year-old, Ford, up to the cottage the second weekend of July. It was a little chilly but that didn't stop Ford from jumping straight into the water. I suspect that Matt was not prepared for just how busy a one year old is, but Jen and I made sure to give the guys a couple of hours to relax sans baby. In fact, Brian taught Matt a new game: beer darts. I won't lie, it's not that safe, but it does look fun. Matt generously offered to play it with me and a can of root beer. What a guy.

Ford expertly helps me steer the pontoon (with Brian dutifully blowing up the floatie in the background)

Jen and Ford let the breeze flow through their hair

First mate Ralphie, keeping a watchful eye for danger

Matt taking his turn with beer darts. Yes, the goal is to have your dart nail your opponent's beer which is sitting precariously between their legs. Good times!My favorite shot of Ford, making his 'smelly' face while covered in some kind of root vegetable.

The next weekend we made the trek up nort' to visit our friends Scott & Anna, their 6 1/2 month old Ethan, and their new pup Izzy. We also got to hang out with Kyle & Robin and their new addition, Miles, and our friends Shawn & Melissa too. This was our first chance to meet Miles and we haven't seen Ethan since he was 6 weeks so it was about time we all got together again. The ladies kept occupied first with the wee ones, and then with the Wii itself. Competition on the Mario Kart was intense, however Melissa flat out schooled us every time. The big treasure find of the weekend was a pair of shoes...for baby M. They're red patent leather driving mocs. How could I say no?

Starting her young. In the words of the late Yves Saint Laurent, "Fashions fade, but style is eternal"
Baby M hangs out between her two buddies, Ethan on the left, and Miles on the right

Ethan's dad Scott shows Matt how the pros do it

Wii ladies work hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Melissa, on the left, wiped the floor with us. Robin (Miles' mamma), Anna (Ethan's mamma) and I could only watch and learn from the master

Third trimester

For those of you keeping tabs, we are in the third trimester. Only 10 weeks to go. It is getting down to the wire people. Sarah is doing a great job with everything and she is feeling pretty good. Although, the fatigue after a long day at work is starting to set in. Again. I was able to get this shot while she was sound asleep after work. She had no clue.

Baby M's First Party

When I told my good friend Jen that I was pregnant a few months ago, the first words out of her mouth were "I'm throwing your shower!" I'm not one to argue, so this past Sunday that declaration came true in the form of a gorgeous party for baby m. We got piles-o-goodies that will help our baby be brilliant (baby Einstein toys), clean (several tubs and lots of bubbles), and well documented (a camcorder - thanks G&G Martin!). I was delightedly overwhelmed by everyone's excitement for our new addition, and was especially excited to announce to the eagerly anticipating crowd that we are expecting a girl (woo hoo!). As I said to our guests, I owe a huge thanks to both grandmas for 'sponsoring' the shower, as well as to Jen and her motley crew of helpers for transforming my house into a magnificent, stylish party. We are very, very lucky to have such great friends & family. Enjoy the pics below - more to come soon.

Above: hostess with the mostess Jen at the brunch table; the cakes - one diaper, one delish; Jen, her henchwomen (Heidi on the left, Tracie on the right) and big mama