Finishing and Beginning Things

This weekend my mother retired. She's been teaching for about 42 years. It wasn't always special education and it wasn't always children. There were years that she taught parents and regular education classrooms. She also coached basketball and any number of sports that Paige and I were involved in. So, this is it. She's been counting down since August. That might have something to do with the fact that she is going to nanny for us when Gabi gets home. She's barely excited. Congratulations Mom! (Mom-- Notice that I didn't re-hash any of the comments from the dinner. You're welcome.)

On Sunday afternoon, Liza, Paige, Natalie and Lisa gave me a baby shower. It was beautiful and so fun! Lisa is a designer of all things decorative and floral. She's a genius. She made the cutest centerpieces with ladybugs in them. The girls made wonderful food and basically, Gabriella was spoiled rotten. She received about 2 million dollars worth of clothes, toys, books and blankets. Everything is beautiful and I'm pretty excited to get her home so she can meet all of these people who love her so much.


Just a sampling... my Aunt Jana made her an adorable fleece ladybug blanket and pillow and found this funny ladybug chair. My cousin, Kim, brought her two mini-skirts and shorts. My mom (by Mom, I mean Paige) found all of this hand-painted ladybug stuff- a lamp, candle holders,and a tiny tray (presumably to serve the princess's bottle on). I say Paige found it because my mother couldn't buy something on Ebay if her life depended on it. But it was her idea! Gabriella's Nana brought her a crystal rattle with her name and birthday engraved on it. Linda Castillon traveled from St. Louis to join us. And the Sisters were there in big numbers. It was very humbling and I'm so grateful to the hostesses for thinking of us. Thank you girls. Love you!

Cute clothes...









How ridiculous is this chair? I love it!!!

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'...