April Showers

We hope everyone had a happy Easter. We did. We spent Saturday in Effingpatch with Ed's family. A baby shower was given for Gabriella by my sister-in-law and it was beautiful! We had delicious food and NO games (which I was very grateful for), but lots of fun. Most of the guests were from Ed's side of the family, as well as my mom and our Effingham crew of friends. We were so spoiled and it was really fun to celebrate Gabriella with such important people in our lives. Edward was especially moved by how genuinely happy everyone seemed for us.



Later in the day, the rest of the family joined us for Easter dinner. The kids had an egg hunt in the basement (to avoid the winter climate outside) and enjoyed a prize or two-- candy and cold, hard cash! Griffin was easily distracted by a single egg with a piece of candy in it. No need to spend all of his energy racing around like those crazy, big kids... while big brother, Spencer, burned off his chocolate buzz performing for the adults.

Well, Gabi Sol is a little closer to having all of her creature comforts. A sampling of her loot:
- a pack 'n play
- an exersaucer
- a high chair
- a music box for all of her special treasures with her mom's teething ring and baby ring, books and brag book photo album
- a cake made out of diapers, a bottle of champagne (for mom and dad) and outfits galore
- Leap Frog musical table
- special shoes from her friend, Emma
- beautiful smocked dress with organza bow and winter dress with rhinestone tights
- a gardening pot with toys and shopping money
- lots of summery outfits (capris, bubble romper, and dress) including a swimsuit with matching skirt and sunglasses for next summer and toy for her carseat
- beautiful blankets and toys that any little girl would dream of
- a picture frame plate and keepsake ceramic booty with Gabi's picture
- a basket with a funny book, a bathtub, cozy blanket and bibs
- and a very special handpicked bear from her cousin Emmie



Can you say SPOILED ROTTEN? Gifts are wonderful and we are so appreciative, but more than anything, we feel so blessed that so many people love Gabriella already. What a lucky little girl!

In other news, my friend Kathy and her husband have decided to adopt through the foster care system-- so excited for them! My friend, Meagan, is pregnant with her third child and due in October. And I passed my Praxis exam and Illinois Certification tests!!! That's a lot of good news in one week. Let's hope it keeps comin'...