Ferrara's in Florida

On Saturday, 1/27/07, Theresa and Pastor Andrea hosted a baby shower for me. Everything was lovely from the food to the games and gifts, but especially the friends. I felt really special that so many friends were there--from Long Island/Brooklyn/Manhattan/Queens, especially on a cold, overcast winter day. Big Apple Baby was the theme and all of the dishes were based around that fruit from apple turkey burgers with apple salsa to apple pecan coffee cake. Everything tasted delicious! I had so much fun to the point of exhaustion and fell asleep immediately when I returned home. Later that evening I began playing "house" with all of the baby gifts. It was so much fun arranging the baskets, rubbing the soft baby clothes on my cheeks, and showing Philip all of the gifts one-by-one. Slowly but surely he's getting used to all of this baby stuff. I definitely think the desserts and coffee that the ladies sent home for him helped take the edge off the baby invasion.

Today we received an update from Louie's new owners. He had a little cold but otherwise is doing fine. He also has a little sister named Lily, who is 2 1/2 years old and weighs 55 pounds (about 10 lbs more than Louie). Check out the two bullies, they look so sweet doing what they do best--lounging.

We received a package from college friends Jack and Michele Matheny. Michele and I met on the cross country team at Southern Miss and have kept in touch since our college days. She's artistically gifted and extremely talented, and I've always admired that about her. I couldn't wait to open the package, so with my coat & scarf still on, I ripped off the tape and peeled the top off the box. The packaging on the inside was soooo pretty and delicate. I peeked underneath the polka-dot tissue paper and saw a neatly wrapped ball of gold tissue paper. I found a red apple inside of the gold tissue paper and then a card that read, "Phil, Gina and Big Apple Baby." Then there was more--pearly, off-white tissue paper folded so perfectly; that is, until I unfolded it and found the most precious, lovely baby items: crocheted baby booties, sweater, bonnet and blanket. It was sooooo, sooooo sweet and I could just imagine our little babushka in the outfit (not to mention I LOVE...

Okay, I'm huge and the only thing that makes me feel otherwise is swimming. No wonder hippos love the water!

I don't exactly remember when we took this but I think it was 31 weeks or so. It was after the new year. I know, it's definitely not the best pic but at least we remembered to take one albeit after a 14-hour work day.

The suspense continues to build and the countdown is in full swing. Only 7 weeks til our due date; however, it could be as early as 5 or as late as 9. I'm deciding when my maternity leave will start for both Fenway and my Spin classes. I'm leaning toward Friday, March 9th, one day past my due date, but that is still TBD. Our childbirth classes couldn't be more informative or fun, to say the least. We look forward to Thursday nights just to see our new friends. For those of you guessing along with us as to our baby's sex, here's something new to think on-- "If Dad is more nervous, a daughter is on the way. If he's more relaxed, it's a boy. If Dad is getting lots of household projects done, a boy is coming. If Dad isn't doing more projects, it's a girl. If Dad gains weight with Mom, it's a boy. If he stays the same weight-wise, it's a girl. So Dad? What's it gonna be?" It's still a tough one to tell--Philip is relaxed, is wo...

Last week Theresa invited me to my shower and we though the invitation was sooooo adorable that we just had to post it. Our incredibly creative & talented friend, Sofia, helped design it. Check out the Big Apple Belly on a Southern belle silhouette.

My doctor's appointment went well this morning--my doctor was pleased with my weight gain (20 pounds total) & the baby is developing just fine with a heart beat of 140bpm (at 18 weeks it was 150 bpm). Only 9 more weeks til my due date, yippee! From now on, life gets busy. I begin bi-weekly doctor visits and we start our 5-week condensed childbirth classes tonight. In four weeks, Dr. Rhee meets with Philip and me to discuss our birthing plan and any questions we may have concerning labor and delivery. I am extremely pleased with the flexibility of my doctor and hospital as they allow Philip and me to be a part of the decision-making regarding labor and delivery. Other tidbits-- Between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I experienced heart burn and some minor discomfort in my lower back, but I've found supernatural and natural ways to avoid both annoyances. My energy level is up and I have been getting great workouts (well, as good as they can get with this extra ...