Announcing...

Husband and Wife

congratulations Brother and sister in law

By brother got married a week ago and it was a beautiful day all around - from the ceremony to the party to the lovely couple themselves

Celebrations like this always make me think about my own marriage and family values, 

and when everyone is in "prep-mode" to make the day perfect i am reminded how blessed i am in both these departments.  

Family traveled in from Missouri and Minnesota for the occasion and it was sure nice to spend time together at the kitchen table and on the dance floor.

And these two!
Can you picture anything cuter???

And as a sister of the Groom,
i have to say i was quite impressed by my brother's own attention to the little things to make the day a special one.
He planned a few surprises over the course of the day including a little note and gift for the bride in the bridal suite ahead of bridal march and a song for the bride on the dance floor.

Made me realize my brother is all grown up and I couldn't be more proud of him.

Congratulations you two -- and welcome to the club.

You are gonna love it!

 

What!!!! We're going to be parents???

Wow I woke up with this overwhelming feeling today and its carried on all morning. 

To sink in, it's taken 8 months, a baby room in the making, a husband who is traveling this weekend which is making me nervous!, a friend helping me clean out the kitchen to make room for BOTTLES and baby stuff, a few baby items in the closet, "how you feeling?" calls from family and friends, a list of names that we keep adding to and never talking through (can a kiddo have 5 names??), filling out maternity paperwork, a shrinking stomach despite my ever-growing belly and slowing-down body, a "hospital" bag by the door,  a little booklet of sonograms and doctor appointment after doctor appointment, and emotions so out of control 

that some days I barely recognize the woman I was just months ago

I am going to be a momma, or is that spelled mamma??? gosh, i don't even know - 

but God willing, i will be one or the other in just weeks

So much to do! 

Off to take a nap

 

Life's a beach

Much as i love seeing Yahtzee's excitement getting ready for 'baby' (it's very endearing)…

bath time

a day at the beach was in order.

And once we got going, what a day we had

Long Island

34 weeks

Island Bridge

Labor Day

taking care of Dasha

person or dog?

Fire Island

local festival

a little sunshine goes a long way, beach day part 2 in store for tomorrow