Baby Showers

I was blessed with not one but two baby showers in the past few months!

The first was actually a surprise. My sisters, Lenor and Rosanna, and nieces, Alyssa and Brianna, came out to visit soon after Nels left for Wisconsin in mid-August. I unfortunately had to work the weekend they came, but when I got home, my kitchen had streamers everywhere and I was greeted by "Surprise!" They had made food, a diaper cake and had all kinds of presents! I started crying as this was really unexpected. I had been feeling so badly that I hadn't done ANYTHING yet to get ready for this baby because of my crazy work schedule. It was a lovely surprise! After we indulged in some food and drink, we headed out to the pool to relax (and decrease my swelling.) This trip was the first time my sisters and I had been together for over three years! What a way to celebrate!

It was a quick trip for the Solberg's but Rosanna was lucky enough to stay for an entire week! She was a good sport making herself busy while I had to be at work. In the evenings, we had fun going out to dinner (Sauce, Postino's, Ajo Al's, The Parlor.) Yumbo! We went a little overboard near the end of her trip and got a good deal on massages at The Phoenician resort. We loved the pampering!

September 12th was Baby Shower #2 weekend! My mom and Patti flew down here to join the festivities. Melissa Lempke and Cori Norgaard organized everything and it was at my good friend, Adrienne Kurland's house. It was seriously one of the best days of my life! Mom and Patti stayed with me, which was really nice. After a leisurely morning, we headed over to Adrienne's. They place was all decorated and looked fabulous! The cake was unbelievable. My good friend and neighbor, Linda Conway, made the most amazing cake! It was out of control with the animals made out of Rice Krispy treats that were molded into animals and then frosted. It didn't just look good, but tasted good! Linda is so talented. It was so nice to be surrounded by my friends and family and they truly did shower me with so many lovely gifts! My mom took me by surprise when I opened the gift from her. It was a baptismal gown for the baby made out of leftover fabric and lace from when she made my wedding dress! Immediately, I broke down in tears, along with the rest of the guests! Mom, you are an incredible woman who continues to surprise me! All in all, it was a perfect day! The food was so good, all homemade by Melissa. The games were really fun. And it was just so nice to be able to see everyone and talk about the upcoming adventure of welcoming a baby into this world.

The next morning, I took my mom and Patti out to Sunday brunch at The Farm, a cute little place known for its food here in the valley. It was outstanding. They grow everything right there on the little working farm. They had a small gift shop where mom and Patti bought themselves necklaces as souvenirs from the weekend. Patti surprised me afterwards with a necklace, too (which I now wear ALL the time.) It was then off to the airport to drop Patti off. My mom stayed a bit longer and helped me with some things around the house, but then also needed to get back home. What a great weekend! Many thanks Melissa, Cori and Adrienne and for everyone who came to celebrate the coming of this child!