Charleston Baby Shower

My Charleston Baby Shower was hosted by Allison, my sister-in-law Sue and Debbie (Allison's mom).  Unfortunately Allison was not able to attend (we missed you so much!!) because her midwife did not want her to travel since her due date is fast approaching, but Debbie and Sue did a great job hosting and it was such a wonderful shower.  I am so blessed to have such amazing family and friends.  The shower was at Debbie's house on her patio outside by the water and it was such a beautiful day.  The decorations were adorable with black and white polka dots, zebra theme, blue and black silverware and very colorful flowers.  We had lots of food and an adorable cake that said Boy Oh Boy.  Allison also made the labels that said Boy Oh Boy for the water bottles.  We did a wine tasting with 4 different types of white white.  They also had a metal tree with cards hanging for everyone to write a note to Grayson Christian (middle name after my Dad) and then I had to guess who wrote it.  It was such a cute idea and I loved guessing who wrote them, but for most I knew their handwriting.  Some people disguised their notes so I was stumped.  I got a lot of wonderful gifts from everyone so Grayson will be one spoiled boy from his family and friends.  He is already loved by so many people and has no idea how long we have all been waiting for him.  I now know why I had to go through those 6 years filled with countless rounds of IUIs and IVFs as well as the 5 miscarriages to get the baby I was destined to have.  He is one special boy and I am so lucky to be his momma.  He truly is a miracle that I believe my Dad (and Uncle Hank) had something to do with.  Thanks to all my family and friends for such an amzing baby shower!  Love you all! 

L to R: Aunt Jan (pink shirt), Kay, Anne, Lauren (brother Bryan's girlfriend), Aunt Cindy and my Mom

The hosts: Sue (my sis-in-law) and Debbie

Christina, Mindy & Rosie

Krista, Christy & Harper (isn't she adorable!)

Emma (my 2nd cousin) picked out the recorable book and read the pages to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep for baby Grayson.  It was so sweet it made me cry.  She did a great job recording the book and I know Grayson will love it!  Alli picked out some very cute clothes for Grayson too.

John, Sue and Tommy got Grayson his car seat, nuzzler and cute clothes
(Thanks Sue for all that you did for the shower, coming to visit us in Chicago and the amazing gifts!)

Rosie made me the cutest orange and white chevron burp cloths and onesies.  She also got me Batman books, pacifiers and a toy bin.

Anne made this nice quilt/blanket

Christy got me the cutest "my first" stickers (for every holiday), white onesies, shark bathing suit and matching shirt and a orange minky blanket with Grayson's name on it on one side and gray and white chevron on the other side (such a cute blanket!!) 

Krista: baby wipes, diapers, a cute Ralph Lauren polo onesie and cross

Debbie: crib and porta crib sheets, bowl, plate and utensil set

Kay: bottle dying rack and burp cloths

Frank & Jan:  hand made wooden baby bowl made by Frank, onesies and Babies R Us gift card

Aunt Cindy & Uncle John: reversible car seat cover, lovey blanket and book

Marcie: adorable Ralph Lauren clothes and PJs!

My mom got him a ton of cute clothes, books, baby toiletries, leopard blanket and lovey, grocery cart cover, stuffed animals and socks.  She accidentally gave me a few extra presents in the gift bag for Grayson so we had a good laugh...which turned into tears from laughing so hard. 

Here is what happened (for his baby book):  My mom had been at my house and had Grayson's gifts in a big bag that we also used to fill with her stuff she was taking home, but she forgot and gave me everything including several blank cards, tissue paper in several colors, Bath & Body Works soap, lotion and body spray.  It was a never ending gift of random things that she meant to take home.   

Other gifts from people who could not be there:

Dennis & Kim: bathroom faucet cover and books

Kathy: North Face snowsuit

High School friends (and family): Christina, Mindy & Rosie

College friends: Christy, Krista & Marcie

My Mom has spoiled this baby like crazy.  I know he will love his Oma so much! 

The wonderful hosts: Debbie & Sue

Sister-in-law Sue and hopefully soon to be sister-in-law Lauren

28 Weeks ~ June 6th

I'm 28 weeks and officially in my 3rd trimester!  I so thankful this pregnancy has been so easy, but I think that is because it was such a hard journey to get pregnant.  I'm feeling a little tired and sleeping is getting harder, but overall I feel great.

Belly Pictures - 28 Weeks

Here is what BabyCenter says about the baby at 28 weeks:

By this week, your baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Sue & Tommy in Chicago

Sue and Tommy came to Chicago for my baby shower.  The first night we hung out with Allison, Cora and Elin and they all got along great.  It was so cute seeing them play together.  The next day we went to Navy Pier and had lunch.  Tommy went on several rides and played mini golf.  We also went to Build-A-Bear and he made his first bear and named her Poopsy Smoopsie (or something like that).   That night we went over to Sue's friend's house who lives not too far from me for pizza.  She has two little boys close in age to Tommy so he had fun playing with them.  On Friday we drove to Charleston and had fun with family for my baby shower.  Tommy is such a cute little guy and has the best laugh.  We had a great weekend and I can't wait to see them again!

Tommy & Cora  

Tommy & Julia