The Zim Life: Less than two weeks to go…

Where do I even begin catching up on March? It’s been an educational, fun and tiring few weeks. I’ll start with educational. We started our 6-week birth/labor class towards the end of February and we have been attending every Tuesday since. We have a great instructor who has been an L&D nurse for more than 20 years. She is extremely knowledgeable and fun. Our last class is this coming Tuesday and I will miss it.

Fun – Adam turned 30 on March 21^st so we celebrated last weekend with a surprise birthday dinner (hosted by Lauri and Bill) with both families. It was great having both sides together to celebrate everyone’s favorite Uncle Adam. Mom and Dad put together a very impressive dinner at a cool new Italian pizza place in Bethesda – thank you again. Adam was totally surprised. On Adam’s actual birthday his Wednesday hockey team won their semi-final game, and will play in the finals this week – exciting! Last night we celebrated with Adam’s best friend Matt and his sister Cindy. The Rangers were playing Matt’s team the Sabres so we hit the bars (haven’t said that in a while) and had a great time with our friends.

My baby shower was the Sunday after Adam’s birthday and I am still glowing from all the attention, love and gifts given to me (us) by my dearest friends and family. Eric, Luci, Matty and Mia made the trip from NYC, which was the ultimate gift from them. It’s not easy taking two kids under 4 on a 5-hour (one-way) trip, especially when you know you’ll want to do it again in a few weeks.

Cindy, Adrienne, Jaime, Luci, Mom, Betty and Clarice pulled together a beautiful brunch. It was just what I wanted – amazing food, lots of time to speak with everyone, special touches and no cheesy baby shower games haha. Cindy really went out of her way to order special New York Rangers and Mets cookies from a cookie-maker in NJ – unreal. The theme was “It’s not a Boy,” which as you may remember was how we told the Onders the gender on Christmas Eve. It was fun re-telling that story to my friends.

The gifts that we received were quite generous and very thoughtful. Our family in particular really out did themselves. I got “all my favorite things” from my sisters who all have impeccable taste – how lucky I am. I have started writing my thank you notes and it feels great to express all my gratitude.

After sorting, cleaning, putting things away Adam and I made a final list of the things we needed for “Miss E.” We hit BuyBuy Baby today and got all the remaining essentials. Everything in her room is washed and organized. We just need our little bundle to arrive now.

Adam even took it upon himself to assemble the car seat caddy this evening – with little to no frustration! Good job bear. Seeing the car seat really hits home. We are getting it installed next Thursday, which will surely be a reality check. You would think seeing her completed nursery would hit me harder but no – the car seat takes the cake in that regard.

I’m sure I’ll write again to share some final thoughts on her arrival before the big day. Until then – enjoy some pictures of her 99% completed nursery :)

A happy place.