Baby Shower for Daniel

On May 6th, the faculty at Daniel's school, Liberty Valley Elementary School, in Danville, had a surprise shower for him. It was great!!! I knew about it a few weeks in advance - I can't believe I kept it a secret . . . I don't think I have ever really been able to surprise him . . . along with being a terrible liar, I am a terrible secret-keeper. I told like everyone I could think of though - his family, my family, my friends, the people that I work with . . . just so I didn't have to hold it in as much! It worked - he was TOTALLY surprised! I have never really even seen him look like that before - it was awesome! When he walked in, he was surprised immediately, but he didn't even see me. Then a few seconds went by and when he saw me, he was surprised all over again :)

It was organized by one of his neighboring teachers, Ron, who teaches Life Skills. Two aides, Bonnie and Tina, and his mentor teacher, Barb, made beautiful decorations. We received many wonderful gifts that just about finished the necessary items on our registry - everyone was so generous. It was particularly neat because this is largely a new faculty in that building this year because of the redistricting in Danville and many of the teachers that I met that day commented that they had never really gotten everyone in the building together for an event before - so cool!

SURPRISE!!!

The chairs that they had us sit in to open the gifts

Bonnie and Tina made this sign - the owl is an exact replica from the theme that we have chosen for our nursery - such crafty ladies :)

Standing in front of the presents and cake

Such a yummy cake

37 Weeks and 5 Days . . . but he's huge!

I have just returned from my latest ultrasound. Baby Bear is doing fine and I feel pretty good, too. The technician was able to get a pretty good 3D view of his face - which was really exciting to see. The interesting news is that he is measuring at 8 pounds, 2 ounces! The doctor that saw us commented that even though he is on the large side, everything looks good because his head is in proportion with his belly. I believe the words were something like . . . "large head" . . . "Buddha belly" . . . "chubby cheeks" . . . "if you can get the head out, you'll have no problem getting the rest of him out." I can't say this doesn't make me a little nervous, but at least he's healthy. The doctor also said that just because he is on the large side doesn't mean I will go into labor early either. All we can do is wait and see. I am feeling good, just exhausted, so I can't say I wish he would come early or late or anthing.

Side view of his head

3D view of his face! We are so excited to be able to see this!!!!

On April 24, the Beyer family threw a baby shower for us at Daniel's father's (Al's) home in New Jersey. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and almost all of the Beyer family members were there to join in the celebration. The ladies all made super delicious food and Aunt Sharon really outdid herself on the cake.

Daniel and I enjoying the beautiful weather on the mountain

Al and his brothers - Uncle Bob and Uncle Don

Guests inside

and guests ouside

I was really excited that my brother, Jason, drove up for the event! I know it is a 4+ hour drive between our hometown of Elkridge, MD to Great Meadows, NJ, so I was super appreciative that he came up to hang out with all of us!

Opening gifts

More presents :) The rocking horse to the left of the picture used to be Daniel's when he was young - Al fixed it up and painted it red for our Baby Bear.

Aunt Sharon's incredible cake (there was a layer of pineapple in it!) and Jonathan's artistic photography :)

Cutting the cake - and being photographed by Jonathan - thanks for all the pictures, Jon!

My brother, Jason, stayed the night and left Sunday morning

Mom and Dad come to visit

On May 1st and 2nd, my parents came up to visit one last time before Baby Bear makes his entrance. It was great having them and they were super helpful - we got the birth announcements ready, set up the Pack-N-Play, moved some heavy furniture, and organized some things. It's getting so close - I am so excited! (and nervous!) The nursery is almost completely ready - we plan to have that mostly finished up this weekend. Here are some pictures from the weekend (36 weeks huge!). Today I hit 37 weeks and just came from a check-up. All is well, he is head down and getting himself in position for arrival! I have one more ultrasound next Monday. We have asked for the really cool 4D pictures, but the technician has been unable to get shots of the face. Come to think of it, everytime we have an ultrasound, there is usually some comment about how uncooperative the little guy is being - I hope that's not a sign!

In the backyard - the irises have already passed their peak bloom

West Third Street - our neighborhood

on a walk at the Bloomsburg Town Park

Baby Shower with MD/PA family and friends

On April 10th, Jessica and my mom coordinated a baby shower for me at Jessica's house. Even though it couldn't be a surprise, it was super fun! The food was delicious and the games were silly :) We received many wonderful gifts and it was great to see so many people that I know from so many different places all in one place!

Jessica - hostess (the party was at her newly built beautiful house near Harrisburg, PA)

Cristl - hostess (in charge of the fun games!)


Mom and Aunt Lo - also hostesses (in charge of the yummy food!)


Mandi and I on the porch

Jessica recording the wonderful presents



Opening gifts in between Melissa and Jessica

Allison just "birthed" her baby first and won the game (the little babies were encased in an ice cube and the object was to "birth"/get your baby out before the others)

Courtney, Allison, Katie, Cristl, Cathy, Tara, Aunt Mary

Joanne, Aunt Lo, Aunt Nancy

Joe and Tom took Daniel to the Troegs Brewery and then for a bike ride around Harrisburg.

Daniel and I after it was all over :)