Aunt Patty and Mom
Lots of bump rubs by Dad and the Daddy-to-be
My Besties and their Boys
My Godson Griffin
Thursday was reserved for golf and a Cubs game with Lars for Ky while the girls headed to 4 bridal appointments in search of the perfect wedding dress for Julie. Lo and behold Gigi's Closet had "THE" dress as I got goosebumps and my Mom and Aunt both started crying when Julie came out of the fitting room. There was a unanimous reply, "that's your dress". We also found the bridesmaid dresses there as well! Mission accomplished that ended with some free organic samples of yummy frozen yogurt!
Friday my best friend Melissa, who is also expecting a week after us; offered to take maternity photos at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. We decided to head out early as the temps would be in the high 90's by noon which means lots of sweating for girls with bellies. I am so proud of Melissa uncovering her talent behind the camera, she is a natural and it shows in all of her work...just another of the many reasons I wish we didn't live so far away.
After we finished our photo shoot and laughed at Ky A LOT as he kissed my sweaty belly, Melissa headed back to her day job and we headed to Portillo's. Portillo's is a staple in every trip back to Chicago, Ky is a big fan of their beef sandwiches and I personally don't think you can find a better Chicago hotdog...with cheese fries, and a small chocolate shake too :) It was the baby's first taste of Portillo's, we had to indulge (at least that is what I was telling myself) A food coma soon followed with a nap at home and hanging out in my parents pool.
Saturday we headed to my brother and sister-in-laws home where my family threw Baby Reding a shower! It was so fun to see everyone and show off my growing bump. Baby showers are chalk full of joy, there is a new life to celebrate and lots of love to go around, you can't help but smile from ear to ear! Ky graciously attended the shower as Jen's husband, Lars and my friend Mark all came to keep him company with some Coors Light. We were blessed to open so many beautiful gifts and are extremely grateful for all the love and support for our new addition. The afternoon carried on until 10pm that evening at my parents house where friends joined us for some BBQ and volleyball in the pool.
Dad hanging with Griffin
Maddie and Leslie - I was Maddie's nanny and now she is going to college!!!
Classic Pooh from Auntie Julie
Christine, Erica, Sarah
Our beautiful cake
MMMMMMMMM
Lars and Ky
Lars and Mark rubbing Baby Reding
From left to right: My awesome Mom and sister - Baby Reding is already getting spoiled and not even here yet
My brother Andrew and sister-in-law Kelly celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary
Mel and I showing off our bumps - only 1 week apart!
My highschool crew - love them all
Sunday was HOT...sweaty HOT by 10 am...and we were headed to celebrate the baptism of my new godson Griffin and his twin brother Jackson! The boys were on their best behavior in sweet white outfits. After the service we headed back to the Toff residence where we ate, drank and chatted the day away.
The Toff family has been my second family for the better part of 24 years as Jen and I have grown up together since we were 7 years old. Now we are starting our own families and I can only imagine what it will be like for our kids to make life long friends.
Monday we found ourselves once again packing, for the trip back, which is always bittersweet. A delicious breakfast at one of my Dad's favorite restaurants started the travel day off right as my parents took us back to Midway Airport.
Until next time Chicago...when we are a family of three...
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