Baby Shower!

(Mary Clare Writing) This past Sunday my mom and Regina threw a baby shower for me and little Benedict Joseph. I want to thank them (and Grand) so much for all their effort and creativity, and of course, thanks to everyone who was so generous to our new little family. We really appreciate--and need--everything you gave. I love the Mets gear he got and Dan's a big fan of the dinosaur stuff. Plus, we were so amazed at the knitting skills of Grandma Judy, Nonni Lucia and Aunt Jane who all made beautiful blankets to keep Benny warm. It was great to see everyone. The next time I see many of you, it'll be with the new little guy!

The shower was at Trattoria L'Incontro in Astoria. The food and service were great. Dan was very excited to get to eat there again; he and some of the men had lunch in the main dining room. The only guy present for the whole time was my little nephew Luke. He was at his angel baby cutest that day.

After the shower I was pooped and went straight to bed as Dan unloaded the car by himself. (What a trooper!) We saw the doctor on Monday. Turns out Benny Joe's on the big side for his age, so I've put us on a low carb, high protein diet. I had blood drawn on Tuesday and the phlebotomist couldn't believe he wasn't twins or triplets! (We're insulted, not to mention bruised, since I got stuck 4 TIMES(!!!) before they got blood). Well, just six weeks (or perhaps a little less?) to go. Time to get that nursery in order...