b l o g o r e l l i

Three, Two, One Month

On Wednesday morning, I found a card from The Prof on my desk which, once opened, read "I can't wait to marry you in one month!"

O N E  M O N T H

Realizing that this wedding thang is actually (now less than) thirty days away kind of threw me for a loop. Not because I can't wait for Mark and I to be "officially" Murforelli, but just because there are still a lot of plans to fall into place. So today, I'm at home doing some intense wedding "stuff." The über-talented Tara did my makeup trial last night, which went well, Cho is coming over soon so that we can go to a dress fiting, I found neckwear for the BBK Ring Bearer, AND am about to email the florist.

The boys are both passed out, one on either side of me, on the couch.

So lots has been happening, but not much has made the way over to Blogorelli. I decided to take a few minutes and do a general update, complete with pictures.

IN THE LAST MONTH...

This has been my master and slave:

which led to finally finishing our invites:

After "practicing" my letterpressing skills on our invites, I produced quite a nice batch for The Nachos, AND attended Tracey Nacho's bachelorette (check out the cha cha red boa!)

The FIRST green bean was picked from our backyard+garden= backyarden:

BKP Sophia found a new, higher, and canine-safe perch:

And the Blogorelli babies kept growing!

HENRY

ELLERY

CABELL (and Sophie the Giraffe)

WILL (TURNED ONE! Unfortunately, the flag-bearing squirrels couldn't attend due to weather)

Our old neighbors welcomed their twin girls, Lily and Ruby:

Our "babies" grew too, about two pounds each since they've been home with us!

Ellery Viola!

What a weekend! First off, the most exciting news: our friends Amy + Ashley welcomed their little gal, Ellery Viola, on Saturday (four days early, and even one day earlier than the induction schedule for Sunday.) Check out the cute email birth announcement...

YIPPEE! Murforelli can't wait to meet her, especially since her name sounds like something out of a quirkily illustrated children's book. I also love the look she is giving Mama in this photo, like, "Wh-wh-why am I out HERE?!?"

And with Papa:

 

C O N G R A T S,  A + A + E !

Happy Third Year, Big Boy King

Things have been so hectic that I didn't have the chance to say an online

* * * H A P P Y  D A Y ! * * *

to Linc, who turned three this past week! It's so hard to believe that my waiting with baited breath for that call announcing his arrival was over 1,095 days ago...

You've still got a present coming from Aunt Titi and Uncle Bink, dearness, and you're doing a bang-up job at being the older brother.

Introducing...

Despite his every effort to stay inside Cho (which he did, for more than a week past his due date,) the Bean is  O U T:

Cabell Gunnar
7.11.09
7 lbs, 12.6 oz
20 inches long
2:56 PM

Everyone is doing well, and headed home tomorrow to an eager Barbarian Big Brother. The Prof, Half Pint, and I visited the the new little guy + proud parents today at the hospital...

He's perfect (and sooo little!)

I've worked a lot on my technique since the last time, and the practice paid off -- Cab slept the entire time I held him.

The Baby Whisperer and his newest recruit.

Half Pint, a pro with both the babes and adults (she brought Rancotore's ice cream, YUM.)

Lady in Waiting

Dear Bean (aka Baby ChoBo #2),

Soooo....your due date has come and gone by three days now, and this is your Auntie Titi to tell you that we're all waiting for your arrival with baited breath (especially your über-prego Mama!) This weekend, Uncle Bink and I hung out with your parents old school style -- since your big brother was up at the lakehouse with Nana and Popi -- going to the movies, out to eat burgers, to the beach. Now, I think you've shown yourself to be a more-than-obliging second child, letting your parents have some solo fun before your arrival.

The sun is out, and it's time that you joined, Bean. Trust me, as someone who goes MIA often (online and off,) absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder until there is someone to miss. Also, never fear, I've worked on my newborn greeting technique over the years and promise you (and your forehead) need not be afraid.

See ya soon,
Blogorelli

FRI
Dinner and a movie failed to draw you out...

SAT
This is our friend Syd eating cherries; you could meet her, if you were here...

SUN
Beach and a bbq, but still no you...

A-Z

How many times can I mention baby Henry in a week? At least two for June 22-26, because I wanted to post this really unique idea that The Polish Princess and Mad Hungarian's GTP (Good Time Pals, the Cincinnati Gang) came up with for a baby shower gift. The rules were basic and simple:

- design a 10" x 10" square based on the theme of one letter of the alphabet, with the square being a pictorial expression of the alphabet (think animals, nature scenes, musical instruments, and kid friendly)

- any medium is allowed, but the letter must be at least 2" tall within the square

These specifications might seem fairly loose...until you send them to a group of designers. I got to participate (!) and couldn't wait to see the final result. If you're planning a shower for some mama-to-be, I thought this was a really fresh idea.

Here is the amazing outcome (for full disclosure: I did "Q," don't bash, y'all):

And in the context of Henry's nursery (bunnies are so "in" right now, love it!)

Congrats again to the Eastern European royal family...I hope that first week at home is going smoothly.

I Suck

Just an excuse to show some more photos of the soulful Hank in his clever onesie...and to apologize for being so absent around here as of late. What can I say? Whether I was being showered with The Prof at our "Jack & Jill" party, giving myself a black eye by drinking too much at a picnic with the Irish cousin-in-laws-to-be and then passing out into a wall the next morning, unpacking, working, or trying to organize this "wedding thing," life has been too busy for typed recollections.

Look at this cutie and try to be mad at me for disappearing...

I thought not.

Since Summer "technically" started yesterday but it's been sideways raining in The Bean for the last week, my co-worker and I pretended to toast in the season at Marliave with one of the most sneakily easy-to-drink cocktails I've had in years. Of course, I can't remember the drink's exact name, but through the fog of two rounds, I recall that it was named after Marie Curie and contained a mix of gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, grapefruit, prosecco, and maybe lime? Guess I'll have to return for another drinky and try to smuggle out the recipe.

Then last week, Half Pint sent me this article from ohdeedoh about how this Saturday, June 27, is the official Great Backyard Campout...while I simultaneously found this piece about an 11-by-11-foot, one room cottage bought (for $500!) and brought back to life on the shore of Wandawega Lake in Wisconsin. Coincidence? We have a backyard at the new apartment, and nothing says love like buying your new spouse something other than useless jewelry for her wedding present, hmmm?

HAPPY SUMMER -- I AM BACK!

Oh Henry!

Not only was this past Saturday our wedding shower here in MA, but The Polish Princess and Mad Hungarian sent us an extra special prezzie -- in the form of a message that their baby had arrived!

YIPPPEEEEEE! I finally got to see a photo last night, and he is scrumptious!

A big and heartfelt welcome to...

HENRY JOHN MICHAEL
Saturday 06/06/2009
7:51am
6lbs 10oz.
20.25" in length

Mom, Dad, and Babe are all doing well -- congrats, you three!

Love,
Blogorelli

First Monday Back for sure means a case of "The Mondays"

Here is all I have to say about the next 18 days before our office is closed for MLK Jr. Day...

(Cian and Niamh)

(The Barbarian Baby King)

A bunch of random kids' photos that I found on Flickr, apparently children can really NOT like the white stuff!

One more -- Greta -- it's a phenomenon, I tell ya!

Seen One

...but I have yet to see a lovely friend produce TWO babies! So let's step up to the plate, hey possible Blogorelli Babies Mamas of 2009? Otherwise, when will I ever get to buy these matching outfits as prezzies?

Speaking of duos, these two are just too damn cute not to include, COME ON!