Showered

Alex's family generously hosted me a baby shower in the Bay Area, where Baby Girl Close was already spoiled by her extended grandmas, aunts, and cousins galore! We made out like bandits, but somehow managed to get everything on the plane home with us - thanks to Alex's ingenuity (extra suitcases). We came home to our fabulous new BOB stroller from Granny and Pablo (Chris and Paul). We also got an additional car-seat base, Raffi CD's, an adorable yellow swimsuit and sunhat, bath time goodies, onesies galore, hand-knit sweaters, hats, booties, and blankets, a precious rain slicker and matching green galoshes, Sarah Jane prints for the nursery wall, UO and UCLA gear, and more. I was feeling, besides full of delicious cupcakes, very loved, supported, and spoiled, and grateful to be bringing our new addition into such a loving extended family. Here are a few pictures from the shower. It was a girls-only affair, but we couldn't keep the golden son/grandchild/nephew/son away from his adoring female relatives, so Alex debuts in many a photos.

Alex with his Grandma Peggy, the shower hostess with the mostest.

The most stinkin adorable swimsuit ever. Think the bee costume from that Blind Melon song, or the girl from Little Miss Sunshine. Courtesy of the Doherty Family, in memory of Alex's early days swimming with cousin Melissa.

Granny, Daddy, me, and Pablo.

Opening one of many gifts.

Grandma Peggy, Great Aunt Gilda (happy 90th!!), and Paul.

Jenny and Emily Doherty, aka wrapping paper collectors.

Excited soon-to-be parents.

Now you get the profile view. Talking with Aunt Cis and thanking her for the amazing hand-knit blankie and adorable hats w/booties.

Passing present.

Alex's Adventures in ... Books saved by the Doherty Family- once passed down from Alex to Melissa, Kevin, and Emily, and back to Baby Girl Close.

Lisa posing with the Duckie blankie.

Best cupcakes ever.

Surprise visit from Aunt Barbara, in from Maryland.

Aunt Bobbie, Aunt Colleen, Aunt Cathy, Aunt Barbara, and Chris, all on the Doherty side.

"I'm so full. And tired. And how are we going to get all this stuff home?!?"

And now here is Alex, with "his" new toy, thanks to Paul and Chris. I guess I knew Alex was sometimes a gear-head, but didn't imagine it would extend to baby gear. But boy does he already love that new BOB! Maybe he'll be the one to take up jogging to get back in shape.

Thanks to everyone for hosting and attending the Bay Area shower and for reminding Alex, me, and Baby how loved and supported we are. Looking forward to sharing our new addition with everyone, and showing off all her new fashions.