I Really Love My . . .

Navigating the world of baby products is tough.  The options are endless and the costs staggering.  When you're particular about design/color with a dislike of hippy prints and 30 year old women carrying bags looking like they are meant for a 5 year olds, picking baby gear is borderline torture.  My loving mother regularly calls me "ridiculous".  She's right.  I am ridiculous.

Nightmare.  Is this really made for an adult?  Sadly, yes.

This hallway proves I am ridiculous.  Who has all this baby stuff and no where to put it?

My obsession with my new stroller is also ridiculous.  I don't have a baby and I push it around on a daily basis.  Side note, Border Terriers most definitely DO NOT enjoy being forcefully placed in strollers for entertainment purposes.  I was worried about bucking the BOB trend, but when I saw the Limited Edition Missoni canopy for the Bugaboo Bee Plus at Neimans I knew it was perfect for me.  I have wanted a Bugaboo since living in NYC, where all the moms seem to have a Bugaboo.  Again I know this reasoning is ridiculous.  However, there is nothing ridiculous about a super lightweight, one touch, one piece folding stroller with great suspension, storage space and a super high handle bar for the 6'5" husband.   This one piece of equipment has pumped me up for motherhood more than anything.  I have always had a thing for a good accessory.

Love.

The super cute, but practical baby stuff does not end with the stroller.  I am so thankful for the generosity of friends and family.  The Little Lardo is going to be well equipped thanks to them.   My dear friend Brooke created my registry for me.  She has three kids.  If anyone knows what you need and don't need it is her.  She is equally parts the most thrifty and the most fashionable/generous person I know.  This is a very tough combination to pull off.  I pretty much left the registry she created for me in tact and so far haven't had to return one item.  I honestly love it all.  Who knew a few pressies and a stroller would be the tipping point of anticipation for the little guy? We finally feel ready to be parents.  Just don't expect a ridiculous looking "mom" hair cut to follow anytime soon. 

Chicago!

One of the best parts of being pregnant is the excitement of friends and family.  Never was this more evident than on a quick trip to Chicago to celebrate the littlest Lardo.  Who side note is apparently quite little for his gestational age.  This post lacks creativity due to the extreme Dallas heat.  Seriously this 105 degree nonsense has to end.  

My parents in their new house (5 doors down from the old one)

Sisters at the luncheon with my mom's friends

My mom's friends celebrating little Lardo at the Martin's house

Dinner at Skokie Saturday night, before picking up Melissa at the airport

Al & Barbara made it into town from Michigan!

Enjoying brunch Sunday at Quartino's.  I broke my own rule and photographed in the same outfit twice. . .the same weekend.  Major fashion faux paus.

Jann in from Michigan, me and Melissa in from NYC

Alison- the host, me, mom

Tablescape

The Sunday group- Brooke in from St. Louis, Katherine, Missy in from Milwaukee, Julianne in from Grand Rapids, mom, Donielle, Barbara in from Michigan, Kathy in from Wisconsin, Jann in from Michigan, Susan in from Colorado, Katie, Tressa, Alexis, Me, Alison, Melissa in from NYC

Ahoy! The Lardos are having a boy!

I knew it was going to be a good party when I got the invitation.  Nautical theme . . . very me, antique stamps . . .amazing, envelope liner emphasizing the lakes of michigan . . . too clever, handcrafted by Catherine. . . very impressed.

I love antique nautical stamps! 

Notice Lake Michigan and the U.P on the envelope liner? 

Last night 12 friends gathered for dinner and drinks at Courtney's lovely new home to celebrate the Little Lardo in nautical fashion.  I was a bit nervous leading up to the "big" event.  I don't love being the center of attention- much preferring to host a party over being the the guest of honor.  I calmed down on Friday when Courtney emailed me to let me know we would be using her wedding china for the first time . . .ever.  She has been married for 7 years.  This signaled that the party would be just my style.  My friends know me well.

Ahoy! Welcome banner outside the house

Table for 12! The ladies get an "A" for tablescape.

The only "game"  . . . thankfully, and I do love quizzes

Arnold Palmer my favorite pregnancy bevy

Carolyn is a classically trained chef and prepared all of this yummy deliciousness. 

My favorite Dallas baked good, Stein's petit fours doubling as a placecards.

I wonder where I found all of these creative friends too.

The entryway

Melissa & Courtney- our hostess

Carolyn- the chef + due early October with kid #2, Jessica, and Becca- due mid November with kid #1

Courtney, Jane, Catherine, Carolyn

Amanda, Me and Carolyn

The husband makes an appearance

The attention to detail and thoughtfulness of this shower were amazing, down to the inclusion of Arnold Palmers, my pregnancy drink of choice.  I appreciated every last detail. Thanks Catherine, Courtney and Carolyn! Your outfits even matched your party!

The triple C team of Carolyn, Courtney and Catherine posing with their hostess gifts.

Hello New York!

Quick work trip to NYC this week = dinner at Maialino with Ashley (in from London) and Katie Knab.  It was like old times.  Don't worry I managed to sneak a Connecticut lobster roll in too . . .

Onward to the 3rd Trimester

At 28 weeks there is no mistaking I am pregnant.  This is a big relief after 27 weeks of possibly looking like I had just gained 10-20 to the outside world.   Here are some pics by popular demand.  Only 12 weeks to go!

28 weeks with the Littlest Lardo

Lola is there as a size measure, she isn't too happy about it!