Baby Showers

I love my family, friends and coworkers. They are so kind and caring. I wish I could express my gratitude in a more profound way. Maybe one day I will be able to repay every single one of them with the kindness they bestowed upon me. This past week, I was showered with baby gifts and good wishes. The first one took place on Sunday.

Opening many, many wonderful gifts

Decorations

There were so many guests

Greeting everyone at the door

Presents for baby

My friend B was the photographer

The spread

Decorations at teta Mirjana's house

Beautiful winter day

Party favors: robin's egg scented soap in a nest

My mom prepared everything by herself - the food was delicious

Owls

It was so nice seeing everyone on Sunday. My baby is so lucky to have all these people in his life.

Baby shower at work

Today, there was also a baby shower at work thrown by my gal pals Jenny and Jana.  Lots of my favorite coworkers showed up for some cake and punch bringing beautiful presents. I took one picture but then got completely absorbed into meeting with everyone and forgot to take more photos.
I am so lucky to have these people in my life. I appreciate everything they have done for me.

Baby Goodies

So I subscribed to Citrus Lane - a monthly care package subscription service for everything baby-related. Each month they send you highly rated baby products based on how old your child is. Given that my baby is not here yet, I was curious as to what I would get. I have to say, I was not disappointed. I received some stuff that retails much more than the subscription fee.

I got the following:

• Swaddle Designs Marquisette Swaddle Blanket - a large, high thread count muslin blanket
• Pearhead Babyprints Tin - just roll the clay out, press baby's foot or hand into the clay, and let air-dry; includes an easel to hold the keepsake
• Green Sprouts 2 Pack Organic Cotton Mitts - soft organic cotton mitts for baby bears that like to scratch themselves
• Noodle & Boo Soothing Body Wash and Super Soft Lotion - smells like baby powder, so sweet and soothing
• Minted Gift Card - $50 off of an order at the Minted website for birth announcements and other stationary
• Cloud B Sleep Sheep Rattle - downy-soft, quiet Sheepie rattle
• Plum District Gift Cards - $10 off orders at Plum District

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the goodies and can't wait to try them on my babe.  It's quite a treat and something to look forward to every month.

San Diego, Day 4

It's our final day in San Diego. The weather was sunny and around 60 degrees. After class Jeff and I had dinner and then packed and retired early for the evening since we have to get up at 5:30am tomorrow and head to the airport. Unfortunately, my schedule didn't allow us to fully enjoy the city, but we definitely got a flavor of it.

The view at the Gaslamp District

While it was a nice mini-vacation, we are really looking forward to going home, even if snow and cold weather is expecting us there.

San Diego, Day 3

Another long day in class, followed by a looong walk around the marina and dinner with coworkers and their spouses. Here are a few pictures.

Marina at sunset

San Diego from the bay

Palm trees!

We were here

Boardwalk after sunset

Seared scallops and lobster risotto at Jim Croce's Restaurant

Dinner company

San Diego, Day 2

Today I had my first class. Jeff joined me for lunch. He then picked me up after class and we went shopping and ate dinner at a nice Indian restaurant. The weather was dreary, cold and windy. Hoping tomorrow is better.

Petco park during lunch

At the Indian restaurant

Waiting for yummy food

Mango Lassi

San Diego, Day 1

I got a training opportunity at work that took me to San Diego this week. I wanted to take that time and also make it a mini babymoon for my husband and I. So here we are! A nice time to escape winter in Iowa.
The flight was rough and uncomfortable, so we were very beat by the time we reached the hotel. Most of the afternoon/evening was spent resting and exploring the neighborhood a little. Here are a few pictures.

Our room (view from the door)

Bathroom

The view from our window

Warm but not so sunny San Diego

Hotel room (view from the window)

The hotel roof-top bar

The lively streets of San Diego

This place is alive

Our window view at the roof-top hotel bar at night

31 weeks

Tomorrow I'm starting my classes and then I'm spending the afternoon/evening with my hubby. Stay tuned!

Pregnant papa

Oh baby, you got a sweet dad with a sense of humor. At tonight's prenatal class, he volunteered to wear a belly just to see what it feels like to carry a baby. While he said it was no big deal, he was itching to get it off after a short while.

We are getting closer to having you, little boy - and we are SO ready.