b l o g o r e l l i

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.)

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.

Hearth

“A little House well fill'd, a little Field well till'd, and a little Wife well will'd, are great Riches”
– Benjamin Franklin

C O N G R AT S  to Jeffé and Claire Voyant on taking advantage of that 2009 tax credit and BUYING A HOUSE! I've been lucky enough to see the new manor and it is a very charming place indeed, with lots of nooks and crannies, quirky historical details, and a big yard with almost any kind of plant imaginable, including strawberries. YUM.

(Here is the nested couple with the letter "O" that Sarah won at the BoNE Show Opening. She said that the piece will hang in the office, like "O for Office.") 

Manwich

I am a queen of procrastination, especially when something big is on the horizon. Even though The Prof and I are less than three months away from our wedding, I decided that my time would best be spent searching online for a dog to adopt and love in our new apartment. Two weeks ago, I found him:

The dog's name is Manny, but because of some Red Sox prejudice due to a certain player, I proposed that we call him MANWICH. Oh, what a wonderful weekend I spent inside my head, thinking about "Mr. Man" and how he and BKP Sophia's fur complemented the other's so perfectly, and how cute would matching sweaters be for all of us?

Then, just as suddenly as the whole thing began, I got a little tipsy at a picnic, forgot to call MSPCA Methuen, and the next time I checked, Manwich had been adopted. I'm happy to know that he's in a great new home (even if said home may not perhaps understand the necessity of clothing for pets.)

Luckily, I can refocus my puppy love on Tara + Hal's new guy:

THOR!!!!

(I know that you're not coming home until August, Thor, but Auntie Blogorelli is gonna squeeze you good when we meet, you lovable fluffy canine cupcake.)

Robert C. Tobin, Architect

Here ye, here ye:

Blogorelli is proud to be the exclusive online media outlet to break the exciting news: Bobby Crocker passed all of his architectural registration boards! All peoples may officially refer to him as "Architect."

Yippee -- and CONGRATS, Robert C.!

Aside from being able to "stamp drawings," whatever kind of technical mumbo jumbo that is, Bobby also recently celebrated a birthday and is readying to be a father of two...which meant Murforelli had to get him this novelty tee:

Speaking of which, here is one of his angelic offspring (who sat across the table from me):

Sláinte!

The sun is shining outside this St. Patrick's Day, and I'm getting excited for The Prof and I's annual hop over to the historical, local Doyle's Cafe later tonight. This year, we're extending the celebrations to dinner; I want to try this "best corned beef and cabbage dinner in Boston" self-proclaimed on the bar's web site.

Bust out the kilt, don some green, bake a batch of Guinness cupcakes -- and a lucky day to all...

Super Swap

The Third Annual Murforelli Soup Swap last night went swimmingly...our apartment was full, of people AND soups (20 total!)  We did the usual introductions, and then got right down to swapping. All the soups sounded amazing, so The Prof and I had to be strategic about our choices to make sure that we both got our #1 picks but also ended up with 12 different soups (we each made 6 quarts to swap.)

This was our biggest swap ever -- thanks to everyone who know us through so many different avenues (friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc) for attending (and for bringing snacks and alcohol)!

Stay cozy, and enjoy your SOUP...

Saratoga Spings Sweethearts

Our Valentine's Day weekend getaway to Saratoga Springs (apparently, the location of a major horse race, but who knew?) was so fun. I also got to meet a lot of Murf's Francis Corp friends who I've not only heard so much about, but who will also be at our nuptials.

The ceremony was held at the historic St. Mary's Church in Albany, and the reception took place at The Hall of Springs in Saratoga Spa State Park. Being in the wedding planning process, I can appreciate a perfect combination of beautiful location, delish food, and great guests. Also, did I mention that Kate and Jeff had pipers -- P I P E R S ? ! ? !

Here we go...

St. Marys

Pipers!

The Hall of Springs

Mr. and Mrs.

"A guy thing"

A Murforelli Valentine

All Hail A New Chancellor

B I G   N E W S :

Lookee what we bought, Inter-net!

The Prof is very excited, especially because he drove our as-yet-to-be-named new sedan to Foxwoods for a show he's producing this week. I'm very excited, because I get to wear my down booties, get into bed early and use the laptop hours on end, while drinking red wine and watching French Kiss for three nights straight.

Who says winter is all bad?

A Royal Heir

Much fanfare, trumpets, and *happiness* as I finally get to reveal a long simmering "secret" -- The Polish Princes has an Eastern European babeczka (that's Polish for 'bun') in the oven!

I can't wait to meet this new, little person who is a mix of her and the Mad Hungarian. Plus, they're taking the "biggest surprise in life" stance and not finding out whether HRH is a he or she, so we'll all be awaiting the much anticipated announcement come summer.

C O N G R A T S !
(and we can't wait to see you both when you visit at the beginning of March)