Baby Shower (A Hers and His Account of Pre-Parenthood Festivities)

She said… My sister Maggie and my Aunt Sue threw me a baby shower this past weekend. It was a great chance for the women in my family and Dan’s family to get together to celebrate Baby McCoy’s approaching arrival. I was so excited to have people come in from Idaho, Missouri, and Chicago, as well as from around California. In true baby shower fashion, we ate, we played games, and we did (a lot) of talking! (Dan was happy to escape before the first game began.)

The only man brave enough to stay for the shower (cousin Julia’s baby, Liam)

Shower cake (hand-made by cousin Elida)

Thanks to everyone, the baby now has plenty of clothes to wear, a crib to sleep in, some fun toys, and a well-decorated nursery. I can’t wait to start reading him or her all our new baby books and using all our new baby gear (including some very impressive hand-made blankets and clothes!).

Already preparing to be a Domer, and the requisite dachshund gift

It was also nice to get some words of wisdom from some experienced mothers—everyone from my grandmas to Julia.

The Grandmas with the Momma-to-be, and Maggie and I

I feel so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends! Thanks again to everyone for making the trip. And not to worry—Dan wasn’t left out of the weekend’s activities…

He said… This past weekend was a great opportunity to spend time with family. I’m very thankful for all the people that made the trip to the Bay Area. It was especially nice to see my Mom and Aunt Marian who made a quick weekend trip from Missouri. Aunt Sue and (soon to be) Aunt Maggie put together quite an event for all the ladies. They apparently had bingo and cute crustless sandwiches. I’m not sure, because everyone that can walk (sorry Liam) and has a Y chromosome split for our own event.

The guys all went to Campo de Bocce for an afternoon of bonding and talking about our feelings. Actually, it was more along the lines of beer, (too much) great food and some BSing. I probably should have taken pictures there, because Lee started a vicious rumor that we went to Hooters instead, and now I can’t prove otherwise.

Afterward, I did get a chance to play with all the wonderful gifts that people got for Baby McCoy. I’m not sure which one of us will be more excited about the toys – the baby or me:) Thanks again to all who made the trip or sent their good wishes!

Babymooners

With the start of this week, our second trimester is now officially over. It’s hard to believe how fast six months have gone! The baby has been going through a major growth spurt lately—or at least that’s what I like to tell myself since my belly expanded a lot last week. Dan is always sweet and positive (“I think you look beautiful, sweetie!”) He’s going to be great in the delivery room! Nonetheless, I’m starting to feel very big. Some days I have to make a conscious effort not to waddle. It’s all worth it, though, when I feel the baby kick or get to hear its heartbeat.

Dan and I headed up to Yosemite this past weekend for a quick Babymoon. With work and school we knew we wouldn’t be able to take a long vacation before the baby is born, so we’re taking advantage of a couple quick weekend trips instead. Yosemite is beautiful this time of year and not nearly as crowded. There was still snow on the ground, and the waterfalls were really starting to pick up. We had a great view of Yosemite Falls right out of our hotel room window. We did a little hiking and a lot of relaxing—a perfect weekend getaway. After May, we know there won’t be any trips for awhile!