Dallas Shower and Lake!

Been meaning to post this for awhile.....

Over the weekend of May 8-10, I flew to Dallas for my first baby shower and a wonderful weekend with family and friends. It was so great be back in the "mother country", as I describe Texas to my equally state-proud husband! I was able to catch up with so many friends and had some extended time with my good friends from high school at Brenda's family's lake house at Cedar Creek.

Friday, my sister was scheduled to pick me up at DFW around 12pm. When she pulled up to the passenger pick-up line, I noticed that there was a guy in the front seat of the car. When he stepped out I immediately realized that it was my Dad, surprisingly in town from California. I haven't seen my Dad since I have been pregnant really, so it was so good to get some time with him. He needed to come to Dallas to renew some real estate stuff, so it worked out for him to be here Friday and part of Saturday to catch some time with me and my sisters.

We enjoyed a delish lunch at Ozonas (the begining of my Tex-Mex rampage) and then headed back to my grandmother's for a chat. It was fun just to sit with them and catch up on life. That afternoon they took my over to my mom's to unpack and rest, we were all going to meet up later for dinner. During the time I was at my mom's house, my dear friend from growing up, Rachel Terrell came over for a short visit with her daughter Ava. Rachel was not going to be able to make it to the shower on Saturday, so I was so glad to have some good time with them and chat. Ava is so precious and it made me so excited about having a girl! Rachel had some great tips about pregnancy and delivery too. Thanks Rach!

After mom got home and we refreshed a little we headed over to the Lake Highlands Mi Cocina (my FAV!) for dinner with dad, grandmother, aunt Nancy and uncle Joe, my sisters Annie and Emily, Emily's boyfriend Ryan and my mom. It was such a treat to be with all of those people, and as expected, Mi Cocina did not dissapoint!

Saturday morning was the shower at Karen Debenport's house, hosted by: Karen Debenport and Nicole Dalton, Beverly and Brenda Marr, and Alaina Busch and Carla Thomas. It was absolutely beautiful, cute pink decorations at the door and a lovely breakfast spread. So many wonderful friends made the effort to come and celebrate me and Mary Harper. I really felt so special and blessed, thanks so much girls!!!

Saturday afternoon, my mom and I hopped in the car with Sarah and Jan Staats and made our way out to Cedar Creek to stay the night at the Marr's lake house! Oh wow, their house is beautiful and we had a great meican dinner complete with quacamole and cake balls, delish! Fun extended time with friends and catching up on life. My mom and I were able to stay in the min-master suite, it was so comfy!! Thanks for organizing Brenda!

Here are some pics...

Lots of my best friend's from High School: Tori, Nicole, Alaina, Annie, Me, Amanda and Caroline

Me with all the gifts, lots of clothes for a little girl!
Dinner at Mi Cocina: Dad, Emily, Me, Annie, Grandmother
Emily, Mom, me and Annie
In front of Karen's House, "Its a Gril" Sign and pink tule!
The breakfast spread at the shower...
All the hostesses: Beverly, Brenda, Alaina, Me, Carla, Karen and Nicole
My cousin Summer's precious baby Sutton, he is such a doll!!
Another one with Sutton, so so cute!
Front of the house
Brenda's Lake House
View from the Lake House...

Baby Items I am Craving Right Now :)

I have had so many good friends recommend different products for baby during this pregnancy. And with those recommendations and a little researching on my own, I have developed a nice little "wish list" for Mary Harper. Here are a few of the items I am craving right now....


1. The Baby Zabu from Wagamama. I love this floor mat/floor pack and play. Throw it on the ground and use it for tummy time, tie up the sides for a smaller enclosed area for little babies. Great for traveling and hotels, fits in regular sized pack and plays for extra padding


2. Pottery Barn Moses Basket and Stand. I love this Moses Basket from Pottery Barn. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns for baby boys and girls. I love the size, compact and contemporary looking perfect for a little town house in DC :) Seems like it would be a great fit right by our bed, until Mary Harper moves to the crib. I like the silver sage striped color (can be used for a girl or boy).


3. The Moby Wrap. Many people have heard of the Moby Wrap, but I continue to get lots of recommendations from my friends and family. Comfortable for baby and mommy, I hear it will get lots of use when baby is little. Fun color options too! I like black or turqoise!
4. Graco Doorway Jumpster. My sister in law highly recommended this doorway jumpster from Graco, specifically the one with the tray. I love the color sceme of this one too, found at Walmart, bc it looks like it could work for a boy or girl. The one at Babies R US looks very boy to me. I hear these jumpers are life savers if you are going to someones house or have guests at your own home, endless entertainment for your little one.

5. Ergo Baby Carrier. Okay, this product was recommended to me by my friend Erin, who is currently pregnant with her second little one :) She said that the Baby Bjorn actually started hurting her back after using it for a long time. She and her friends in Dallas swear by the Ergo. It won't hurt your back and is very comfortable for baby and mommy. Aparently, the extra $20 is well worth it!
6. Combi Play Yard in Wasabi Color. I absolutely love this play yard by Combi. I love the wasabi green color and the simple, contemporary design. Its a nice retreat from some of the cheesy patterns on some of the pack and plays out there :) Its sold out on Babies R Us right now, but you can get it on e-bay or pre-order through other stores.
7. Bloom Bouncer from Pottery Barn Kids. Love this bouncer! Almost looks like a piece of furniture, and I can see it out in our living room all the time. Its also good for babies up to a year old, so you will get some use out of it!


8. Fairy Mobile. Finally, I love this fairy mobile from Pottery Barn Kids as well. So sweet, and not so overwhelming, like many of the mobiles can be. Cute!

Nine Words Women Use

This made me laugh this morning...I know my husband is belting out a big "AMEN"!!

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine:This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying F-- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.