Neal and I (yes, Christine is adding her first 2 cents) have had a busy (but enjoyable!) month.
I had the opportunity to visit Minnesota last weekend for my friend Jen’s baby shower. For those of you that do not know Jen, we initially met seven years ago when we were both working at Andrew Residence (a long-term care facility for the mentally ill). Even though Jen currently lives in California and is literally on the opposite side of the country, her friendship remains consistently invaluable. Jen is expecting her first baby (newly announced a boy!) in April and she looks absolutely beautiful!
In addition to visiting with Jen and her family, I was able to sneak in some additional “girl time” with my elementary/ childhood friends. Diana, Sara, Angie, & Nancy were all able to get together Saturday evening for a little Chinese food, wine (not for three of us), and reminiscing. Living in New York has definitely been a rewarding experience, but I must say that nothing can replace ones closest friends.
Ladies…it always feels like home when we spend time together…
Over the past week, Neal has given me one of the biggest gifts of all. In addition to blessing us with our first child, Neal suggested that I take Diana with me while I was in MN to the OBGYN to determine the gender of our baby. As most of you know, Diana is one of my best friends who I have known since the fourth grade. We have experienced more things together than gives justice to ramble on about in a blog, but let's just say that this was an incredibly beautiful thing that he did. Because Neal did not travel with me to Minnesota, he patiently waited for the results on the phone while the ultrasound was conducted at our prior OBGYN's clinic in Edina. Due to the fact that the results were not 100% (he/ she had her legs crossed the entire time & tucked the cord neatly between her/ his legs) and we will "officially" receive the final word at our 20 week appointment on Feb. 1st...we are going to wait a few more days before we post the sex on the blog (sorry!)
On a final note, Diana and I were able to the see the 'little one' sucking her thumb & hiccupping right before our eyes...an incredible sight. I do wish that Neal were with us, it was the clearest image as of date and he/ she appeared to be pleasantly floating in her warm surroundings...blissfully unaware of being observed ~
