Thanks for Listening

I wanted to take the time to thank all family and friends for listening. That's it, just for listening. When I went off Zoloft during pregnancy, a lot of my anxiety and depression returned. It was a very difficult time for me.

I know that I made a lot of phone calls searching for an ear to listen, and it may have inconvenienced some of you, but it made all the difference. Feeling extra needy during that time forced me to back off from everyone for a bit and take some time to reflect. Sorry if some of you only hear from me when I am in crisis mode, but I feel that I take up so much of your time that I need to give you some space.

Going off Zoloft during pregnancy was a difficult task for me. I remember the before, the during, and the after Zoloft. I experienced the withdrawal--which was a bear and very rough. I never forgot the before, nor did I ever want to experience it again. It was a rough road to go down again, but wonderful friends and family made it all so bearable.

If you heard from me a lot (or even a little) during pregnancy, thank you so much for being there for me. I really needed an ear, advice, and encouragement. If you haven't heard much from me since--in addition to having a baby--I felt the need to back off for I had already imposed so much. Please just know that you are a blessing to have as a friend, very appreciated, and that I would love to return the favor or do whatever I can in the future should you ever need it.

First Baby Shower (D's Family & Friends)

Over the extended weekend, I flew to NJ to see the in-laws. Dino's cousin-in-law 'Mrs. J' and my mother-in-law 'Mom-Mom' organized a baby shower for us. It was phenomenal! Not only did I get to meet some family and friends of my hubby, but was also showered with numerous great gifts for little M!

Baby showers in NJ are a little different from Southern baby showers (from my experiences, anyway). The baby was held at a restaurant instead of a house (no preference, just a different setting and tone). The food was all prepared by the restaurant and was more formal--good food by the way, yummy Italian!

There was a diaper cake and diaper favors on the table--so cute--and I can use the diapers later!

Thanks so much, Mrs. J!

Auntie J was conscious of my latex allergy and ordered Mylar balloons. The kids enjoyed these so much that they all took home a set...in addition to Cocie (she's a kid at heart)!


Auntie J & Mom-Mom thought of everything. There was even an activity table for the kids. The girls were very busy and so good during the shower! They really seemed to enjoy themselves!



They even made goodies for little M!

There were two cakes (the hostesses had individual favorites so they incorporated both of their tastes). A cake from Sweet Eats Bakey was my cake of choice; it was filled with caramel creme and covered with white chocolate shavings--yummy!




If the girls weren't cute enough, they even offered to be helpers with the gifts!
Too Cute!

The favors for guests were beautiful and very thoughtful. Auntie N knows how much I love coffee, so she placed a biscotti and a single serving of coffee in a glass coffee mug!
Caption: A Baby is Brewing!
K's Baby Shower
July 5, 2008
...Thanks so much, Auntie N & Uncle N!

All of the guests shared advice for the expectant mother (much needed, I might add). Thanks for all of the advice; it'll come in handy when little M arrives!

Here is a photo of Mom-Mom with all of her daughter-in-laws:
Mom-Mom with all her Grand-Baby Mamas

Another shower tradition is the bow hat. Regardless of my reluctance, I had to put on the bow hat:

There were others who seemed to enjoy the bow hat a bit more than me. There was even one who made her own bow hat...
What cute little cheesers they were; very much enjoying the hat!

On top of a great shower, I was surprised with my Mom in attendance. She and her hubby chose to drive to NJ and then vacation for the next few weeks on the East Coast. They love lighthouses, wine, and seafood--so they are all set. They are also getting in to cycling and have rented bike to ride while on vacay.

Mom-Mom (D's Mom), Me, & Oma (My Mom)

Since I flew, I was only able to return home with baby clothes and stuffed animals (all the light stuff). When I returned home, I showed D all the cutie outfits and shared with him who it was from. I don't think he was as excited as me...silly guys. ;-D Mom-Mom is shipping some of the big stuff to us. My Mom took some of the stuff with her...unfortunately, daddy D won't get to see it for a few weeks.

Thanks Auntie J for letting me crash at your house. In addition to co-hostessing a shower, she helped decorate a float for the Cub Scouts (which won first place), and looked after her two kids, three pups, and hubby. She is amazing! She even showed me how to swaddle by demonstrating with her puppy, Sammie!
Sammie was a good sport

Thanks Mom-Mom for toting me around NJ and PA and for spoiling your unborn grandson SO MUCH; you'll have to stop before you go bankrupt!

Thanks again to all of our NJ family and friends for baby M's great gifts!