SHOWERS GALORE!

The saying goes, "When it rains, it pours" and this is so true when it comes to the past few weeks of baby showers!

Shower #1 (June 6th)- A Surprise Shower by my girlfriends from college at Val's House

A few weeks ago, I was up in Boston for my friend, Emily's bridal shower and bachelorette party. Even with SEVEN...yes SEVEN pregnant ladies there, it was such a great time. It's not often that the eight of us girls get to see each other (some are in MA, NYC, San Diego and me in NJ) but it is just like old times when we do! On Sunday morning, they surprised me with a baby shower. I was stunned! So special...

UMASS girls at Emma's bridal shower

Mini-Shower #2 (June 24th)

I thought I was one up on two of my classroom staff members when throwing them a surprise party because they are both leaving. But, the joke was on me when they surprised me with a baby gift...the Citi Mini Jogging Stroller. Way too generous, Room 1!

Shower #3 - Surprise Shower at Work (June 25th)

On Friday, which was our last day of school before our week off (wooo-hooo!), the staff at Manhattan Children's Center surprised me with a baby shower. After being stalled by my boss in the conference room after a meeting, the entire staff was in the gym shouting "SURPRISE!". They definitely got me. Again, I though I was one up on everyone because that morning I accidentally saw on the administrative assistant's computer calendar "NI's Surprise" scheduled for July 8th. I felt horrible that I saw it, but didn't have the heart to tell anyone that I did. I would just have to pretend to be surprised that day. But...they surprised me that afternoon. I was given a Babies R Us gift card that I will put to good use this upcoming week, a handmade blanket and lots of other baby goodies! THANKS, MCC!

One of my bosses made this monkey climbing a palm tree made out of diapers, socks and washcloths. So cute and creative!

More of the staff baked yummy treats - flan (Giselle's specialty), rice krispie treats (Mel's specialty) and lots of other indulgences. I loved this sign for the Rum Balls (made by Katarina)...that reads "NOT FOR PREGNANT"!

And last, but certainly not least...

Shower #4 - Shower given to me and Tyler by my sister and parents (June 26th). Barbara helped immensely too!

WOW is all I have to say! It was UNBELIEVABLE! Meghan should really consider being a party planner. I can't even begin to describe the amount of thought and work that must have gone into making this baby shower a beautiful success. Meg's attention to detail couldn't be beat. Just take a look at the following pictures to get an idea of the amazing day...the theme was birds which I love and which is part of the nature theme that we are using for the nursery.

The beautifully decorated mantle and presents.

The bird/nest themed diaper cake (made by Meghan)

A bird mobile (handmade by Meg, Mom and Barbara)

Foyer decorated for the shower...

Handmade banner that reads "WELCOME BABY"

Also on the table was a wishing tree. Guests each wrote a wish for Tyler, me and the baby on a bird tag and hung it on the tree. What a great idea!

The table decor...

The favor boxes...

And inside...were CUPCAKES...bird's nest cupcakes to be exact! Adorable.

The start of Baby Soroka's Library...instead of a wishing well gift, guests were asked to bring a copy of their favorite childhood story.

Gorgeous sunflowers

Getting ready to open presents

Sarah was my helper and she collected the bows to make her crafts with :o)

Sarah carrying one of the Bumbos...we got three!

Kay-tay and her prize that she won during gift opening. Coconut-Lime 'Verbeana' of course (shout out to LHOP)

Tyler watching the gift opening and as Meg said wondering "What the heck are we gonna do with all this stuff?!?"

Meg and Tyler

Me and Meg

Ty and Me

The party-goers...

The party planners and me

The cake...

Enjoying some time outside after the shower.

Ty and Sarah

Me and Dad

Mom, me and Barbara

Mom and Barbara having some wine...

Me and Meg...

It was a fabulous few days and we can't thank everyone enough!

32 weeks and counting

Picture taken around 32 weeks...

Auntie Meggie feels the baby moving...and I mean MOVING! I think it may be a gymnast.

We had a doctor's appointment last week and all is well. The doctor could actually feel the baby's head by touching my belly...pretty amazing. Heart rate was 135 bpm and the gestational diabetes test results were normal....woohoo...was a bit worried since I have been consuming sorbet and italian ice like it's going out of style!

We also began looking at day care facilities last week. My heart sinks thinking about putting the baby in day care but it has to happen...hopefully just three days per week if everything works out. The places we saw were okay, but we have more to look at.

On another note, our friend, Laura, was at Meg's house this weekend with her adorable son, Desmond. Des is SO SWEET...he is really one of the most personable babies I have ever met. What a sweetheart!

Sayonara, Civic!

Since baby is on the way, we decided to get rid of the old Civic. Although it had some bumps and bruises, it really never gave me any problems for the ten years I had it. But after MANY trips from NJ to Boston and 163,000 miles...the time came to say goodbye. To my surprise, we actually got a pretty decent trade in price to put toward the new car.

I had to take one last picture before I traded it in.

So we were looking for a vehicle with a bit more room. We decided on the Hyundai Tuscon. It is pretty basic, but is just what we need. Tyler and I are both not big into fancy cars...just wanted something to get us around.

Front view...

...and rear view

We are really loving it. Next new set of wheels is the stroller!