Hangover

It might seem kinda odd that I'd have a hangover this morning - you know with me being almost 38 weeks pregnant and all. But I woke up and my head is spinning.

You see, last night, my card girls threw us the most perfect baby shower. They were all so kind to me and they all realize how I just don't do well in the 'all eyes on me' type of situations. Somehow they managed to make the most fun afternoon and evening EVER and I can honestly say that I never once felt like I was gonna puke.

The afternoon started with me being picked up by the 'prom'-mobile. I say that because our dear Ruth was the group driver and she even had her car completely cleaned out and washed prior to the festivities! I walked out to the perfectly air conditioned and immaculate car, sat down and took a big ol' sip of the Route 44 Coke that was waiting for me. We could have just driven around the neighborhood and I would have been perfectly happy! :)



Once we picked up the other friends, we made our way to the Oasis Day Spa in Circle C to have our group pedicure. Yep, that's right - all six of us in a line of chairs with our bubbly and being treated like queens. You know all of the other ladies in that place were wondering just who in the world we were. :)

Since I don't get a pedicure very often, it was a HUGE treat. A couple of the girls got a silver polish and were recommending it to me saying how nicely it would go with the stirrups.

After the great time at the spa, we headed back to Liz's house for food and fun. Everything was so so SO delicious that I am pretty sure that is why I feel hungover this morning. Joanie manned the stove and prepared everyone hot and fresh pork sandwiches, Sara had an outstanding fruit tray with a yummy whipped fruit dip, Liz was in charge of the fresh salsa that was perfect for everyone - even the non-spicy folks like me and Ruth, and Jenny - well you know that Jenny had to go on and bring her world famous mac-and-cheese casserole. I was outta control with the food, but I am pretty sure the mac-and-cheese is what pushed me over the edge.

After the feast, we decided that it would be a good idea for a walk. The weather was perfect, not too hot - so we walked on down to Liz's neighborhood park and just had a nice visit. Besides being puffed up like the Pillsbury dough boy when we got back, it was nice just to get out, breathe the fresh air and relax.

We made it back to the house and it was decided that it was present time. These girlfriends had already done way to much and you know I could just hardly stand having to open up presents. I did really well keeping my shit together while opening the gifts - which is saying a lot because all of these gifts are very special and each given with a lot of thought and even more heart. Ruth and Joanie gave us a complete bath set with the CUTEST hooded towel, washcloths, soap, and the sweetest little tiny knitted baby booties you have ever seen. Sweet Sara made us a 'I've got more than one kid diaper holder' that is absolutely perfect for us! You know, since this isn't my first, I don't (or won't) feel the need to pack the whole house every time we walk out the door. This perfect little holder holds a few diapers, wipes and baby needs and rolls up to fit perfectly in my purse or backpack. And Liz, well just like the others, she was far too generous and gave us the perfect little coat that is ultra-hip and stylin' and carries a lot of sentimental value, a BEAUTIFUL handmade quilt that I'll need to take a picture of for you to see how sweet it is and a box of much needed and appreciated thank you cards. And Jenny gave us the cutest pair of baby mis-matched socks - you know so that this kid can fit in with the family the moment he pops out and she and Andy outdid themselves and made the baby the funniest and cutest onsies you have ever seen! And then to top it off, they gave us a group gift of a gift certificate for a free house cleaning. It was at this point that I started to feel very overwhelmed and undeserving and I could have easily lost all self control and started to cry uncontrollably or start saying things that made no sense. Lucky for me, the card table was waiting and the ladies had vodka calling their names, so I was off the hook!

After a few hours filled with exciting cards, tons of laughter and a few cocktails for the friends, it was cake time. I was totally cracking up because they were all so excited and SO secretive about the cake. I decided to go ahead and excuse myself while the were getting things ready and I came back into the room to the CUTEST, SWEETEST, most delicious cake ever.

It says...'What do you call 5 Carrs? Traffic jam...full of love'. It has playing cards on the top with all of our photos and five of the cutest little car shaped candles. It was so moist and the frosting was SO yummy. And sweet Ruth even had to go back to the bakery to have them correct the spelling of the word car.

We ended the night with more cards and laughs and fun. Jenny got to go out with the help of her friend Tom Petty. And we all got to have some nice visiting time.

I got up in the middle of the night last night to look at the gifts and the pictures again. I am overwhelmed by the love that these friends show me on a daily basis. I am so thankful. I know that I can make it through this next few months with the help of my girlfriends. They'll be here waiting to help with the kids, throw some cards when I need distraction and hand me the first cold cocktail when I need a little escape. How could I have ever guessed that I would find this incredible group of women (true friends) while sitting on the sidelines of a soccer field. I am so so so thankful.

And how 'bout 10 hours together and it only felt like 10 minutes. Gotta love this kind of friendship!

Oh, and P.S. to Curt and Cade - thanks for letting us use your house ALL day and night and for the AWESOME shower mix of tunes. :)