O-h-i-o, NY & Cohasset Harbor in September

Wow, once again it has been awhile in between posts. Sorry! All I can really say is this whole third trimester sleepiness thing is for real. And for those of you who know me well and/or have ever lived with me, you know that I don't like to waste my time sleeping. In fact, every time I talk to my parents (or get an email from them) they start lecturing me about getting enough sleep. They don't even ask if I am, they just assume I am not. I promise, naps are my new friend!!!

We actually have already been over the pond & back again, so I am going do a quick run through of our adventures.

In September, after our great family shower for BumBum on Sunday, I headed home to O-h-i-o. Clark and I drove almost the whole way from Chicago with the top down - it was awesome! Then my Grandma helped me with the rest of my shopping list and was quite the expert when deciding between different burp cloth options. Thanks Grandma! Here is a picture of us the day I left:



After O-h-i-o, I met Pat in NY. So fun! I love love love NY! And we were greeted by a bunch of paparazzi at our hotel . . . is BumBum already famous? No, it seems a certain VP candidate was staying there while doing her meet & greet tour at the UN. Pat carried around our camera just in case we spotted her, but all we saw were lots of secret service agents. Anyway, he did get a shot of BumBum in Times Square:




And then thursday night was the Welsh Fam reunion! We were missing lots of good friends, but getting 4 Whirlwinds together these days is an accomplishment, especially when it involves coming from 3 different cities (which as of yesterday is 4 different cities). Thanks again Jen for making the trek, you rock! Here we are at dinner (Carly, Leanne, me & Jen):



And here is picture of me & Jen with St Patty's Day outfits for BumBum & Baby D - straight from Ireland! Thanks Cars & John! BumBum can't wait to rock that onesie, but will it be with green tights & a skirt or jeans? Soon we will know! Thank goodness - this whole waiting thing is starting to lose it luster.



Our last stop on the tour was Cohasset Harbor, an adorable town just south of Boston, for a special wedding. It was so great! The wedding was beautiful and so fun and it is always great to see friends. Here are a couple pictures (that do not do it justice!). Congrats again Regs & Steph!

Another shower for BumBum!

Sunday in Chicago, our families got together to for lots of yummy food (lots - we are Italian), the Bears game, and more presents for BumBum! Thanks to Aunt Theresa & Uncle Bob for hosting and thanks to Aunt Di, Maggi, Laura and everyone else who helped. And thank you to Clark (the official photographer) for all the pictures! One more thank you - to everyone who came (from near & far) to celebrate and visit with us. It was an awesome day and we loved being able to spend time with everyone!

Tina & Katie - the serious Bears fans:



All the D family cousins (and families), minus Danny - we missed you Bud! Do you see the spot we saved for you?



Uncle Bob & his granddaughter Makayla (love her sucking her middle 2 fingers!):



Aunt Joanie, me & Maggi:



Blaise, Maggi, Aunt Theresa & Great Aunt Pauline:



The Bears game went into OT, so the present opening was mostly a women's affair (at least until the game finally ended). Here is GrandMar (my mom, a.k.a. "baby hog") trying to keep Mt. Blaise from erupting all over his cousin's gifts:



Brain, Kate, Pat, Denis, & Susan as I show off an adorable pair of pants for BumBum - check out the paw print on the rear!



And then the goodbyes (and obligatory family shots) started . . . that was not fun! It will be awhile before we see everyone again.

Maggi, Uncle Brian, Laura & Blaise, Molly & Aunt Di (busted!):



The D Family (Danny, we saved a spot for you again!):



The McC family. Any guess what Susie is thinking during this picture??



After the picture came Grandma McC's prophetic message: Baby O is a girl and BumBum is a boy. We will see! Only 5 weeks (Baby O) and 11 weeks (BumBum), give or take, until we find out!

Home

We are back home in London, after our visit home to Chicago. It was great to see so many friends and family members. We landed and headed straight to Tommy & Laura’s to meet our new nephew Blaise! It was a race against the clock to get there before his bedtime. Thanks for waiting up for us Blaise! It was so fun to hang out with you for a little bit – even though you smiled for Uncle Pat before Aunt Becky.

Saturday during the day we meet with lots of friends & family to cheer on the Irish. Although the game was not the greatest, it was still fun. Here are some pictures:

Since Kate & I could not enjoy a beer during the game, like Maggi & Deardra:



. . . we imbibed in some fries – both cheese & regular! YUM!



Grand Mar was worried about Blaise’s ears, but he slept through most of the game, so I think he was fine.



Here the guys, still thinking we had a chance and therefore not taking their eyes off the game to look at the camera:



Saturday night was my girlie night/baby shower with my girlfriends. It was so fun! Before heading out to a new fun restaurant, we went to Lauren's for drinks & apps & gifts. BumBum received lots of great stuff! Here is one of my favorites:



More tomorrow on the rest of our great visit to the US!