On September 19th I headed to NYC to visit with friends and family. My mom hosted a baby shower on the 20th (more on that later) and I had the opportunity to get together with my best bud, Lilah, and then my cousins, Leah, Danielle, and Jillian. The trip started with me flying to Laguardia. I haven't flown a different airline from the one I work for in a long time, and now I remember why. I had to get to the airport an hour early (I usually show up when they're boarding!) and then the flight was delayed because of Air Traffic delays. Once we took off, the flight was quick and my weekend of fun had begun.
Lilah and I hung out for awhile and then I headed to Manhatten via train to meet up with my cousins. Once we all finally found each other, we went to eat and catch up on our lives. I talk to Leah often, although not as much as before since she got a job and is always working! but I haven't seen Danielle and Jillian for years. It was so nice to be able to get together!
I wanted to vist Magnolia Bakery for one of their famous cupcakes, but we weren't able to fit it into our schedule. After dinner, Jillian suggested we walk to "Crumbs" bakery. We strolled up 42nd street only to find the bakery closed with signs on the door that they were sold out of cupcakes! My quest for cupcakes was not going very well! As we headed back to Grand Central, I noticed a Neuhaus chocolate shop. These are the same chocolates that Bryan brought back from Belgium when he visited two years ago. They are the best chocolates that I've ever had so they were a great substitute for the cupcake I wanted so bad. After picking out a few chocolates, the guy behind the counter did the nicest thing someone could do for a girl on a dessert quest: he gave them to me for free! He said that he had already closed out the register but couldn't turn me away once he saw that I was pregnant! So, the night ended sweetly with me eating free chocolates; what else could a girl ask for!
On Saturday, about 25 women gathered to celebrate Baby Martin. We ate awesome Italian food (I always love visiting NY!) and then I opened LOTs and LOTs of gifts. As expected, the majority of the clothes we got are green and yellow. They are all SO cute, though. We have plenty of time to add to our baby's wardrobe so the abundance of neutral outfits doesn't bother me. My grandmother crocheted a few blankets and sweater sets. I can't wait to put all the great stuff to use! Only a few more weeks...
The following day, my dad and I packed up his car and headed down to Maryland. There was no traffic and the weather was great for driving. I'm glad we were able to bring all the gifts home. I had fun showing everything to Bryan. I think the realization that there will soon be a baby in our lives is starting to set in...it's scary and exciting all at the same time!
Shortly after arriving home. Bryan and I headed downtown to the Ravens game. The weather was perfect for being outside and our seats were awesome. We were only 7 rows back from the field! It's interesting the things you see when you're that close (i.e. the amount of "treatment" the players get from the team doctors).
I am still exhausted from the exitement of the weekend but it was all worth it. I have the best family and friends in the world! Thank you all for making my baby shower perfect!
