So Thankful

Sorry for the lack of posts - Mr. Gabe and I were sick with the flu! What a horrible feeling. I haven't had the flu in a long time - a cold, yes, the flu, no. It wouldn't have been so bad if i just had a simple cold but taking care of a baby when you're feeling naseuous, achy, and tired is not fun - especially a sick baby. There was nothing we could really do but rest it out and drink lots of fluids. Luckily, we're A LOT better. So i learned with adults the flu bug lasts only about 24 hours but with baby's, it can last from 3-5 days. I'm fine now and Mr. Gabe is about 90% better. yey! Wil and I have been waiting for him to feel better for awhile! He had a cold for a few weeks and he just ended his flu bug. I'm hoping these boosted up his immune system. we'll see.

Anyway, we were able to celebrate our first thanksgiving as a family. It was so nice having the 3 of us together to start our own traditions. It was nice and quiet. We had Christmas music on, Wil played with the baby, I wrapped Christmas presents and cooked a nice dinner.

I haven't conquered the turkey yet so i was going to bake some cornish hens for us. I even got Gabe some sweet potato to try as his first baby food :) But since he was still under the weather, I held off. Anyway, Wil's not a big fan of thanksgiving food (neither am I) and so we had a Thai Thanksgiving. I cooked thai basil beef and chicken pad thai. Yum - it was soooo good.

This thanksgiving was also special because Wil and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary. I can NOT believe its been 4 years since our wedding in Aruba. I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was a vacation for everyone - including us.

This year I'm so thankful for everything in my life. I know how lucky I am. I have an amazing husband who would do anything to give me the world. I have wonderful friends and family. We're so lucky my husband has a job that allows us to see the world. And the best part, is our adorable son - Gabriel. We've been waiting so long for him to come into our lives. And its still so surreal that he's finally here. Our lives are finally complete.

Hope you all had a wonderful and special thanksgiving.

Celebrating Gabriel

On September 19, 2010 Gabe received the Sacrament of Baptism at St. Thomas More Church here in Atlanta, GA. Wil and I were so happy to have him baptized at that church. Its such an inviting community with great pastors and we couldn't be happier. 30 of our close friends flew into town to celebrate with us. Friends and family came in from New Jersey/New York/Minneapolis to be with us. It was a blast! Its always fun when my NJ friends mesh with my MN friends. Plus it was fun for everyone to finally meet our baby boy.

Just like we did it in Aruba, we tried to make it a weekend long celebration.

On Saturday, Sept 18 - we had a welcome dinner at our favorite local Italian restaurant - Anthony's.

On Sunday, Sept 19 - we had th Baptism and a beautiful outdoor reception at Park Tavern near Piedmont Park here in Atlanta.

On Monday, Sept 20 - we had a goodbye brunch here at our home before everyone took off for home

Here are some bits and pieces from Gabe's big celebration. A lot of TLC went into this party with a lot of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) party ideas.

(Gabriel in a vintage christening gown from his godfather - RG. RG wore this at his own christening 30 years ago)

(Gabe getting baptized by Father Brian at St. Thomas More Church in Avondale Estates. Godparents Gail and RG were there to witness it)

(All of our family and friends who flew in for the occasion sqeezed into a big family shot)

(The celebrant at his baptism reception after a long nap. Gabe is wearing a Gap button down shirt with Burberry shorts)

(Our table setting in the outdoor patio at Park Tavern in Atlanta, GA)

(Beautiful DIY centerpieces, Blue and white ceramic vases from Home Goods, fresh blue hydrangeas from Dekalb Farmers Market)(White cutout vases from Home Gooods)(Our lil family :) I'm wearing an H&M dress, Fioni shoes, and a David Yurman cocktail ring. Wil's wearing a DKNY pinstripe suit with a Burberry tie, Kenneth Cole shoes. Gabe is wearing a Gap button down with Burberry shorts)(DIY cupcake stand that i created with a crystal cross on top. Cupcakes from Atlanta Cupcake Factory - 2 flavors - Red Velvet with Almond frosting and Sugar Cookie Caramel Cupcakes. SOOO good. )(My family pic: Jim -Gail's boyfriend, my middle sister Gail, my dad, my mom holding Gabe, my youngest sister Christine, her husband Eddie, me, and my love Wil)(Favors were handmade rosary bracelets courtesy of Designs by K Cayetano. I loved that i was able to make something meaningful and special for our guests) (The handmade rosary bracelets were blessed and placed in sheer pouches with personalized ribbons as favors for all of our guests at Gabe's baptism)

The WK

This whole blog is about baby and I. But we wouldn't be without the love of my life, Wil. I am so lucky to have someone like him in my life. Its funny, when i was younger, I wrote this journal entry of how the person i married would always kiss my hair, stare at me across the room, etc, etc. You know, the sappy stuff that naive girls write. Well, i wasn't naive - its real-it does exist.

Wil and I have been through a lot to be together. We went through a lot together. And we'll go through a lot going forward. But i can honestly say, everything seems easier with him by my side.

Here's a mini album of our wedding in Aruba. It couldn't have been more perfect. We're so lucky. Enjoy!!