Date Night

Last night I took Kristin out for what could be one of our last date nights before Jackson comes. Kristin and I use to always go to this place in Westbrook called Log Cabin when we use to go down to John's beach house. When you think of a log cabin, you think the food would be rustic, i.e. meat and potatoes. The food is everything but that. It is Italian food that I think is bar far better than most Italian places I have gone to before.

The Log Cabin is known for their portions and relatively inexpensive prices. We started with their awesome baked stuffed mushrooms, which rival mine hands down. These always use to be a favorite of ours. The stuffing is greenish and after all these years, we still do not what they stuff them with. After the mushrooms, we had salad, which comes with the meal. They are known for their Gorgonzola dressing, which they make there. After the salad, they come out with a huge bowl of pasta (1 full pound!) which is covered in their homemade red sauce. After you have stuffed your face with pasta, your meal comes out. Kristin got eggplant parm, which was really good. I got cavetelli in a white sauce, which is what I always use to get. Below is a picture of my meal to give you an idea of portion size.



I barely made a dent in my meal as was the same for Kristin. Below is a picture of all the containers of leftovers we came home with keeping in mind everyone of them was filled to the brim!



It was a good night! I enjoyed the time with Kristin before the little one comes and look forward to the dates night after he comes when we can leave Jackson with one of his grandparents for the night!

On a different note, I had gotten up early this morning and was watching the news as is custom for my Saturday morning ritual. About an hour after I got up, Kristin called for me to come upstairs. First thought that came through my mind was that she was in labor and wanted to calmly tell me. When I got upstairs, she handed me a package of papers and asked me to read each page out loud. Sparing you all the detail of what was written, Kristin surprised me by planning me a surprise 30th Birthday party. I was totally blown out of the water because she is not a good secret keeper. I came to find out that she had been planning this party along with my friend Adam since December. Everyone is coming to our house tonight for drinks and appetizers. We are then taking a 15 person van to the casino to have dinner at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. They reserved the whole porch balcony for us! After dinner, there is talk that we might go to the martini bar or maybe someplace outside of the casino. I am so excited to see everyone who is coming. Tonight is sure to be an awesome night and I thank Kristin so much for all the hard work she has put into organizing this!!! I love her very much! So, tomorrow's blog will sure to be filled with pictures from our night tonight! Of course, I think Kristin will be writing it anticipating tomorrow being a rough day for me!

Hello...Kristin here with an update. Its only Weds and we have already had such a busy exhausting week!!

Today is Ash Wednesday, this means Easter is 40 days away, this means Jackson will be here most likely in less than 40 days!!! Oh my stars.

Monday was a very long day for Anthony. He had to attend his LAST ( hooray) Verizon meeting ( in person as he has another one Friday). He was in the office until about 4then flew home to pick me up for class. He didn't even have time to come in the house, I packed him a sandwich and off we went to Child Birth class. We learned about pain relief, watched a few births and then went for a tour ( or 2nd tour) of the Alternative Birthing Center. As our class was bouncing on balls and testing out birthing stools, a lady waited patiently outside our door to deliver...I hope I am that calm.

Tuesday morning we were up bright and early and off to the doctors for my check up. Everything is good, my blood pressure is nice and low and the baby's heart beat is strong. The little bugger is head down ready for delivery but he is face up and needs to be face down. The doctor told me to do some exercises to turn him and hopefully he will turn on his own before delivery. If not I can still deliver normally it will just be a bit more painful back labor she said and could be a longer delivery....JACKSON TURN OVER!!!!!!

Last night we had yet another class all about Breastfeeding. I had a case of the giggles and just kept bursting out laughing during class, the instructor was deaf in one ear and very technologically advanced.....but the class was overall ok.

Hopefully we can just relax at home for the rest of our evenings this week. I have to finish my work thank you notes then get started on my CT shower ones. I'm just about done with baby laundry but have a list of other things I want to get done before the baby arrives.....but only I can do this list, Anthony learned all about that from a co worker :-)

So whats everyone giving up for lent? I'm giving up soda again this year I think....

Baby Shower Numero Tres

Yesterday was our CT shower, hosted by my mom, Rosie Favry. Nerves were high the week prior because a snow storm was forcasted. Fortunately though the weather was perfect, leaving me to continue my questioning of how a weathermen stay employed.

There were about 25-30 people at the shower yesterday. My mom's cousin from Long Island drove up. I also got to see some of my cousins and my aunt, all of whom I have not seen in a while. Some of our friends also came as well as two women that work at Verizon who I have become good friends with over the years consulting on their account. Many people drove from afar and we were very thankful for them coming. We are also thankful for those who came to both of our showers and all the help given.

The shower was at my mom's clubhouse in her condo. She did an incredible job decorating, matriculate with detail as typical of a Rosie Favry function! Below are pictures of the front table, which housed the pictures of Jackson room that mudda Rouse made. There were also chocolate cigars and other selection of candy. My mom also had a stuffed baby bottle for people to sign so Jackson could one day see all the people who came to his shower. The baby bottle is kind of neat because when you squeeze it, it plays music.






For food, we had an assortment of cheeses and crackers from DH and also a variety of dips my mom had. For lunch, we had an assortment of sandwiches, pasta salads, tortellini salad, Cesar salad and chips. And for dessert, we had jumbo cupcakes that were, white, chocolate and carrot cake. We also had a fruit salad which was forgotten but thanks to Mudda-Annie and I, we remembered to put it out.

Kristin and I got so many gifts, too many to remember them all. Those that stick out were our jumperoo, pack'n'play, baby carrier, bedding/comforter set, hospital/spring maternity wear (for Anthony), an afghan from my godmothers mother, who is 94 years old (absolutely beautiful), countless DVD's (my favorite being the looney tunes compliments of DH), baby monitors, oh yeah, and the 100's of baby lotions, wipes and body washes we got. Kristin also got this beautiful Kate Spade diaper bag from my godparents. She will certainly be hip and in style when Jackson comes! Chelsea also got a gourmet dog bone dipped in chocolate from Kristin's friend Shannon. On Thursday, Kristin and I also had a work shower. Our work friends got us our stroller and car seat set as well as many clothes, red sox wear, several gift cards and toys. They also had a cake for us.

Kristin and I thank you mom for hosting such a beautiful shower. The day was great and it nice being able to spend time with everyone! We cannot thank everyone enough for all they have done for us! Kristin and I are fortunate to have such amazing parents who do nothing less but support and love us. You have been so incredibly generous and we are so proud that Jackson is going to have such amazing grandparents. We love you all!





Today Kristin and I spent the morning cleaning house and straightening up the nursery. Funny thing is when I woke up this morning at 6, Kristin was gone. I freaked out for a second because I just had waken from a dream I was having in which Kristin went into labor. I found her in the nursery going through clothes and separating them into piles to wash.

Once the house was in order we headed to Babies'R'Us to return some items. We then purchased the remaining items on our registry that we had not gotten yet. We then headed and did some grocery shopping before coming home. We just finished putting the remainder of the stuff away. Below are some pictures of what his room looked like last night when we unpacked the car. We also included a picture of his closet...SO MANY CLOTHES!!!! Finally, we have a picture of the pack'n'play that we set up in our room where the little guy will be sleeping until he goes to his crib. Oh yeah, one last picture....a picture of all the lotions and washes we have gotten. We are certainly set for the years to come!





One last picture, which is of the crib now all set up with the bedding his papa and grammie Goldsmith gave him:


PS: Slide show to the right with all the pictures from the shower Saturday

Happy Valentine's Day

It's taken me long enough to finally post all the pictures I took from Kristin's Mass shower but I finally have! They're off to the right in a slide show. If you want to see them larger, just click on the slideshow.

Not much going on with the Favry's family. Another busy week with traveling back and forth to Rhode Island both Monday and Tuesday and then up to work Wednesday and Thursday. It was nice not having to get up this morning and drive anywhere! Next week we have a rest from classes and doctor's appointments due to President's Day but the week following, right back into the grind. We have two more birthing classes left and then one breast feeding class before classes are all done. As weird as this may sound, I am actually enjoying our birthing class. Ja-Lynn, the doula who leads class is really good and the other couples are fun. We seems to laugh through the 2 hours. In a couple of more week, we start going to the doctor weekly. Kristin thinks she will be going early, like around end of March. I am starting to feel that way too. Jackson, however, likes the idea of coming on April 1st. When we asked him what day he was coming while reading off the dates, he kicked on April 1st, so who knows. Shall we start a poll again with the lucky winner getting a home cooked meal? I think we may....

Below is an updated picture of Kristin at week 34ish. Kristin is not to happy about the picture but I think she looks great! Jackson seems to be growing a lot, which is great because I can feel him move often. Last night he was going crazy. I kept on pushing in and he in returned punched back...too cute! Kristin and I have been reading to Jackson every night. We have been reading two books a night, a Sandra Boynton book and one other from our collection. Our favorite book so far is "The Bears in the Bed and the Great Big Storm." We love all the Sandra Boynton books, especially "Snuggle Puppy." The other book we like is "How Do I Love You," by P.K. Hallinan.



2 more weeks left and I begin my new job and let me tell you, I cannot wait! Since January, work has been crazy. It still will be in my new role but a different type of crazy. After 6 years, the change is welcomed. Next Friday I have to go to NJ for a 2 hour meeting. I will spend 4 hours driving down and probably 7 hours driving back for 2 hours of a meeting! The meeting ends right during rush hour, so that will make the drive through NJ, NY and 95 in CT a great one. Then, the following day is out CT shower, which I am looking forward to. Hopefully the weather holds out. For those who went to the Mass shower and are coming to the CT one, the games are changed up a little. We will be playing, guess Kristin's weight and how many buck-buck eggs can she eat in 5 minutes!

What's everyone doing for V-Day? Kristin and I are going to hang around the house I believe. I think we might even spice things up with a trip to Walmart for some grocery shopping. Walmart is always the spot for a good time! Tonight I think we are running to Babies'R'Us. Our Jeep stroller came in, so we need to pick it up. I think we will get a lot of use out of this stroller because we are both looking forward for going on walks.

I leave you with a picture of Ms. Monroe enjoying an afternoon snack while laying in the sun. Tough life indeed! Have a great Valentine's Day Everyone!

Shower # 1

Saturday morning Anthony and I headed up to Mass for our Massachusetts Baby Shower hosted by my family. A lovely warm day ( thank god no snow) and a great shower.

Nanie created a candy bar filled with blue candy. There were blue kisses, blue M&M's, blue jellies, blue tootsie rolls and Almond Joys ( but I didn't get any Almond Joys..hmmm) There were "ready to hatch" egg timers, blue bubble gum cigars, pens ( i love pens)and more. Nannie's decorating was of course wonderful and the place looked great!







We feasted on yummy wraps, salads, mushrooms ( DH how would you rate these compared to Anthony's) chicken kaboobs, meatballs and an appetizer spread of Chicken Dip, Pickle Dip, Veggies, and Spinach dip. For dessert we had delicuos cupcakes and carrot cake from Whites, Below is Anthony and I pretending to cut the cake before the guests arrived.....




I think there were about 50 people there and TONS of presents. By the end of opening them all I was so hot and exhausted!! We did so much nice stuff! We got our snap and go carraige, swing, seat, high chair, lots of feeding supplies, socks, onsies, clothes, sheets and bumper pads, toys, blankets, and so many nice books.
Nannie even knit an adorable sweater and hate and a blue baby afghan.

Anthony also got some daddy gifts including a new daddy tool belt, a personalized "Jackon's Dad" Tshirt, a personalized " Mr. Eggplant" apron and some cartoons..funny there aren't pictures of those presents, just me and my 8 chins..hmmm Ill have to have Anthony model his new atire and post pictures!!





Here are just a few pictures from the day...more to come I'm sure as we post ours in a slide show.








It wwas a great day, everyone had a good time and Anthony and I were lucky to receive such great gifts.

Here is a picture of Jackson's room after Anthony unloaded the car.




We spent yesterday going through all out gifts and Anthony put some bigger items together. More pictures on that to follow.

Yesterday was the worst I've felt to date thoughout the past 8 months. My legs are starting to ache and my lower back hurts. But I guess that is to be expected!!! Its all worth it in the end. Tonight we are off to class and I have an early 8am doctors appt tomorrow.

Thank you Mom and Dad for hosting such a great shower for Anthony, myself and Action Jackson. We love you very much!!!! Jackson can't wait to attend his first clubhouse event. He hopes to be on the comittee with Boppie.

Hello, Kristin here. So i have new pictures to post but SOMEONE has the computer in shambles as he works on a some reporting for work so I can't download them...so you will just have to visualize me...here is me at almost 32 weeks, how do I look?

It's been a while since we posted.

We are in the SINGLE DIGIT countdown to due date, CRAZY!!!! roughly 8 1/2 weeks to go! I think we are having a March baby or an Easter baby.

Last weekennd on Saturday we went to Daddy Henry's for lunch and chelsea visited her nannie and friends at Crane's Landing. Anthony made a delicious lasagna and DH pretneded he worked at Vinny Testa's and roasted garlic in the oven to dip our bread in...except I didn't get any. Stephanie brought salad with yummy dressing and Babs made cake, she usally only makes them for poor people so we were lucky.
Sunday we went to church. We like this new church we found and there were several babies at Mass on Sunday. After mass they did the blessing of the throats. Sunday afternoon we did a small grocery order then headed home to shred papers from 2004 and I cleaned the bathroom closet to make room for Jackson's tub and froggy towels.

Sunday night instead of the superbowl we were more intresed in watching jackson move. Anthony read him a story and was then talking to him. He said " Jackson kick mommy, and Jackson did! It was so funny. So Anthony said " do it again Jackson" and he did. We saw my belly bulging and Anthony was able to feel Jackson do the macarena. He has gotten to feel him move a lot lately, I think he must be having a growth spurt!!!

Monday night we had our 2nd birthing class. We learned more about signs of labor and what happens during the diffrent stages. We saw some pictures which were distrubing, I'll leave it at that...and then learned diffrent positions to try during contractions. We had to get into these positions and practice breathing for one minute intervals ( pretending we were having one minute contractions). It was kind of funny when one lady in class got into a lounge position and couldn't get back up....

Last night Anthony and I met with our pediatcian for the first time. We liked her, she is in her 40's and has four kids of her own. We talked about what happenes at the hospital, vaccines, circumsion, breast feeding etc.

I'd insert pictures here of Chelsea playing in the snow last night....visualize please...

So thats what we've been up to. We are looking forward to Saturday when we have our first baby shower!!! It's going to be a nice spring day! Can't wait!