Jackson Baby Shower ~ 1/15/2011

Sadly, neither Luke nor I could make this shower.  Luke was going to go without me, but he got the stomach bug the day before and was so weak - poor thing!  We feel so blessed to have out of town family come in to Jackson to throw us a shower...without us there!!  From the pictures, it looked absolutely beautiful and like they had a good turnout.  They really put a lot of hard work into it and outdid themselves!  Luke and I had a blast sitting at home and opening all of the gifts the other night!  We were definitely showered.  Thank you again to Cathy, Pam, Courtney, and all who helped out with this shower!

 That food looks delicious!!

 Courtney getting some practice with baby Eli (Luke's cousin's new baby just 4 days older than Adele! ;)

 Look at all those gifts!!  We are SO thankful for them all!

 Cute embroidered blanket ~ Adele Claire 1-5-11

 Cathy did a FABULOUS job on this diaper wreath!!!  Wow, talk about talent.  I have it hanging on the nursery door!  I've already gotten compliments on it :)

 The Hostess!  Courtney (sister-in-law), Aunt Cathy, Aunt Pam

Memphis Shower ~ 1/8/2011

The shower my friends threw me here was so precious!!  I didn't get a picture of the take away goodies Courtney made for the guests to take away - it was little bags of popcorn that said "Lindsey is about to has Popped!."  Slight last minute change ;)

It was so neat and encouraging to have friends rallying around me the day after I was discharged from the hospital.  Suzie Dixon, my friend and our Realtor, said the sweetest prayer over my family at the shower.  She adopted a NICU baby, so she knows the stress that comes along with it.  It was a great time to see everyone and be social after such a rough time at the hospital, but it was definitely taxing mentally and  physically.  I do not regret having the party go on though.  It was great to see everyone, feel loved, and be blessed by all the gifts!  Here are some pictures.

Isn't that diaper cake amazing!?  Crystal did an awesome job!  The food was so delicious!!

 Taken by the one and only Sydney, my precious niece :)

 Prayer time - yikes on the close up

 All the wonderful hostesses ~ my amazing friends!

 I got my high chair from the hostesses and my pack n' play from my Sister and Mom!!

 Onsies...classic.

 Super cute cap that Jennifer Wilson made!  Glad my face wasn't still puffy ;)

 I guess I didn't know what it was for the moment, oops

 Glad Sydney kept my outfit in check

 Thank you all for coming and supporting me!!!  Love you all.

Pitkanen Shower

Below are some pictures of the baby shower that Crystal Vitullo, Courtney Black, LeeAnna Hungerford, Leslie Poole, Ashley Watson, Mandy Payne, Jill Bell, and I hosted.  It was at my house this past Sunday.  Cecile Gray, her mom (Cecile) and her grandmother (Big Mom) all came.  It was just snacks and presents.  That's how we do it in our group of friends.  No games - just talking!

Merri Ryan is due January 7th, 2010!  Benton and Cecile Gray Pitkanen are dear friends of ours the live on the other side of our street (Philwood Avenue) in High Point Terrace.  Luke and I have really enjoyed them since we have moved to Memphis.  They will always be dear friends of ours wherever they move.  Benton graduates medical school in May and will find out where he will do his residency in March.  I know they will not be in Memphis, but hopefully not too far away!  At least I will have a few months to hug on Merri Ryan :)

In other news: Luke finished recovering the chairs for the party...whoopee!!  Bench next :)

April in a nutshell

It's been a while...April was a busy month!!

1) The Payne Baby Shower went great!!

2) My nomadic girlfriend, and bridesmaid, Vanessa O'Neal was speeding through town and stayed with us one night!

3) I had a GREAT time at the 2PC (my church's) Women's Retreat! What a refreshing time in the presence of the Holy Spirit and around ladies of wisdom!

4)Luke and I got to visit family in Nashville this past weekend! My cousin, Jeff, married a beautiful and sweet girl named Sarah.

5) My hair color is constantly changing...I call it a recovery program (see picture) More change TBD tomorrow ;)
This....
To this...
6) May is a new leaf turned over. I have begun to start P90X again - a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. It's going well. I'm on day 12. I'm not following their strict diet, but I have been keeping up with my calories on www.my-calorie-counter.com and have created a 2 week healthy meal plan (went grocery shopping last Monday). I will post some of the recipes I've tried so far!

7) Mother's Day is this weekend, but I celebrated with mom this past weekend sans the sis :( However, I did go ahead and give her a gift - a digital picture keychain! Here is a pic I put on there...miss you sissy (note my beloved missed tan from Jamaica and long blonde hair)!

...I'll be back with recipes :)