Scarlett's Nursery - 7/29/2012

My sweet husband put all of Scarlett's furniture together - he has been an enormous help to finish her nursery.  My doctor was right when he forewarned me "you will not have the energy nor the mobility that you do in your 2nd trimester." 

Sugar Plum decor - purple butterflies everywhere                       

Must-have bow holder with every color imaginable - Scarlett is going to be girlie :)

My mom and her crafty friends hand-painted her name to match the purple butterfly theme. 



We feel incredibly blessed to have SO many family and friends support us through our preparation to become parents.  Her library to the right will keep us entertained with our future nightly routine.

Where Jon and I will sleep when guests come to visit. My mom is planning to stay with us for 2 weeks as we settle into this new role.  Jon's mom has planned to help out afterwards.  Thanks to them ahead of time for continuing to take care of their babies as we figure out how to take care of our baby :)

Baby Bump 37 weeks - 7/25/2012 and Yankees Game - 7/14/2012

I have to admit work has become harder as I inch closer to Scarlett's due date - the little things that usually don't bother me are frustrating.  I changed my commute from the bus and subway to the ferry and bus so that has helped ease my mind/commuting stress.  When I used to take the bus and subway, people were so focused on their kindle/iphone, they would not notice a pregnant lady standing.  Yes, I know it's the Northeast, but I still expected a little more courtesy.

Jon's brothers made their annual trip to visit us and attend a Yankees game.  The Yankees beat the Angels 5-3.  It was awesome to see Granderson and Cano hit homeruns!  We toured the Yankee Museum to see pictures and stoires of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and all of the historical greats.  Since my OB said to "stay indoors with the heat this weekend," I was happy we had cloud cover for most of the game :)

Harrisburg Baby Shower - 7/8/2012

Aunt Ginny and Aunt Sue hosted a fabulous shower in Harrisburg to celebrate our daughter Scarlett's arrival - due August 12th!  Bouquets of gorgeous spring flowers, delicious food, and baby decor throughout the house made a cheery setting.

The strawberry-flavored princess castle cake and red velvet cupcakes were a hit!

White-chocolate baby-themed treats
                                

Peppermint and spearmint-flavored mints in baby shapes

Jon's mom, godmother, and cousin Lindsay before the guests arrive.

Surrounded by family and friends, we had a grand time playing baby-themed games, eating tasty food, and spoiling little Scarlett!

Cousin Nicole and Aunt Christine competing for a prize

Jon's Grammy, cousin Kathy with her daughter Gabrielle and God-daughter.  Scarlett's middle name was chosen from both Grammy's first name and my grandmother's first name "Grace."

                                          Grandma Sable (right) in her Sunday best, excited for her first great-grandchild.  She always provides us with helpful advice as we adventure into unchartered territory.

Jon's Grammy made each of us a diaper bag with many necessities found throughout the various pockets :)  She is incredibly talented with her seamstress skills.

2 year anniversary - 6/12/2012

As most of you know, Jon has a crazy busy work week that is mostly unpredictable.  Although I love planning, I've become flexible when actually celebrating special days together.  For instance, our 2nd year anniversary fell on a Tuesday this year so we agreed to celebrate the following Sunday.  Jon took me to dinner at Minetta Tavern, a NYC favorite, open since 1937. 

The Michelin-rated restaurant has not become overpriced but is hard to get into (reservations have to be made far in advance).  I tried bone marrow for the very first time...delish!

Jon surprised me with ruby earrings!  I didn't realize how hard they are to come by these days since the US has imposed a trade embargo on Myanmar (formerly Burma), - the origination/mining of these precious gems -  since 2008 for many good reasons.

Since our bond will always surpass material things, it made me think of this verse:
Proverbs 31:10-12 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."