Sebastian's Celebration

With only 4 weeks to go, the thought of Sebastian being here "live and in person" is becoming increasingly real. Celebrations like the one my nearest and dearest friends hosted for me help the excitement outweigh the fear. It was almost surreal receiving gifts fit for a little prince...am I really about to have a little baby boy? In a world of pink, it's hard to imagine how he'll change the dynamics of our family. Most of you know it has taken me a while to get my head around this little guy. I had somehow convinced myself Coco would have a little sister and I would be buying matching dresses and bows for them! My friend Sarah, who probably doesn't know this, gave me the words of encouragement that got me excited about the reality of a brother & sister relationship. I look forward to watching Coco play with Star Wars toys and seeing Sebastian ride along in a pink Barbie jeep.

While Sunday's celebration was all-boy, complete with a Peter Potty (thanks Audie for this eye-opening gift!), it was an afternoon that truly made me feel like a princess. Thank you to the hostesses with the mostest for honoring me for the day and all of my dear friends who took the time to celebrate with me. My love to you all!

"The Apfel Girls"

Note to self: NEVER stand amongst a group of skinny women when you're this pregnant!

I'm pretty sure we have a picture JUST like this circa 1998.

Isn't this adorable? Mom made this for Sebastian and I know it's going to be one of my most treasured keepsakes.

Nothin' like juicy girl talk!

This one's for you Danielle! What would a baby shower be without a little mud slingin'?

New addiction

WARNING: This post is extremely fickle and indulgent.

Most all of you know that when you're pregnant, shopping for clothes is no fun. Well..it's fun when you have the cute 20 to 30 week baby bump. But, when the bump turns into a full on bulge, the fun screeches to a halt. An incredibly frustrating trip to A Pea in the Pod last Saturday confirmed my theory. This experience made me realize what I have subconsciously become addicted to...skincare! Since BeautiControl changed my regular skincare formula, I have been on a mad quest for a new regimen. After much research and a long visit in Sephora, I found Bliss! The stuff is amazing; particularly the Triple Oxygen Facial Mask. In just 6 short weeks, when I'm allowed back into the shopping world (with an equally frustrating postpartum bod no doubt), I will not forsake the solace I've found in this new fun and satisfying addiction. The moral of the story? There's no keeping a true shopaholic down!

P.S.
Anyone seen the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic? Just wondering if it was worth the theatre admission or more of a rental.

Snow what fun!

Coco's first experience with a snowflake. She definitely prefers it as it's falling; the 12 in. accumulation was a bit much for her. After all, that is 1/3 of her height. It must have felt like quicksand to her. All she could say was "I stuck!"

Aren't they adorable? Maybe I should call Kodak and let them know we've captured another one of their "moments."

You can't see us very well because Daddy didn't get geared up as quickly as us girls (Who says men have to wait on women?) and took the picture through the window. Yes, I did play in the snow nearly 8 months pregnant. Are there trophies for that?

Brunch with friends

Who knew that when I walked into Looney Ricks Kiss Architects as a very green, 21-year-old college graduate, I would be interviewed by 2 ladies who would eventually become good friends? Our friendship has lasted through cubicles, impossible deadlines, weddings, babies and even changes of jobs. Life keeps us busy but we manage to get together at least twice a year; and somehow, conversation is as effortless as if we spoke every day. Here's to you Kathryn & Beth, my former "marketing mavens," whom I am honored to call friend.

Coco's 2 Year Pics

We got Coco's 2 year pics made with Phil the other day. Wow! What an experience it can be capturing a lively 2 year old. :) Phil is worth every penny...Coco loves him and he manages to capture her. Our Coco isn't a poser for the camera; she makes you work for it. I knew what I was in for when we walked in the studio to proof them and Phil greets us with, "I really got some 'personality' shots!" Honestly, I would want nothing less. In 50 years, the perfectly posed, perfectly coifed, perfectly smiling portrait wouldn't conjure up all the sweet & spunky memories we already hold so dear of our little girl.

If you have few minutes and want to see these "personality shots," go to:

http://www.philramseygallery.com/ and then go to Proofing. The password is: Parr.

It's beginning to look a lot like

...a baby is coming!

You may wonder why start this post with a picture of Jack? Well, just keep reading. It seemed only fitting to let the world see our first "baby" and the teacher of many of our parenting lessons on patience and the art of laughing at, I mean with, your children.

:)

We can hardly believe it but in just 9 short weeks, baby Sebastian will be here. With one minor kink, we have finally gotten the walls painted! Donald attempted something that even a well-practiced mother may be intimidated by: he painted the room while in charge of a 2-year old and a golden retriever. Now, let me just say over our 5+ years of marriage, he has become an excellent painter. But even Picasso may have had trouble balancing our two "little ones" and a paintbrush. Anyone who knows our dog Jack knows that he is a 90 lb. baby. If he could crawl in your lap, he would. He is always one step behind and apparently this is even true when you're on a ladder. Donald took a step down and there was Jack and the paint tray! Blue paint on the carpet and the newly painted crib. Thanks to Jack, Sebastian's carpet already has its first stain so it's all ready for spit up!

As good as it gets

Oh, to have the life of a 2-year old! Loafing around in your p.j.'s watching LazyTown with your cousin...does it really get any better than this?