It's Kramer Time

Well folks, it's that time of year again.  Aside from the slew of birthdays actually on the 10th, I have a lot of important ladies born around me.  My sister-in-law Sara had a birthday yesterday and today, on good ol' Friday the 13th, is my best friend Courtney's day.   I wrote about her last year to celebrate our 26th birthday.  This year we have reached the ripe old age of 27.   

She and I have both had a lot of changes over the last year.  The most important probably being the new additions to our families.  Courtney has been married for 5 years I think...yes 5.  This is a picture of Court and her husband Matt.

Aren't they cute?  I know, they totally are.  Imagine my excitement when she shows up to tell me she was having a baby.  SO PUMPED!

Then I got more excited as she got bigger.

And she got great maternity pictures that made me kinda stop hating maternity shots.  

Plus, how could you not love a girl that is so happy she can't stop her happy-squinty-eye when she holds your nieces. 

And truly loves and appreciates the handmade things you work on for her baby.

I'm so glad she has a fantastic babe of her own now.  Hazel Jane is beautiful.  She even trusts me enough that she let me adjust baby Hazel to help her go to the bathroom.  She says I can adjust her everytime I see her...and I love being able to take care of Hazel in a way most others can't.  It makes me feel special....which makes me feel dweeby to write, but it's true.  

When Courtney called me yesterday, I was so thrilled to be able to tell her to "Get excited, I am carrying Hazel's future husband, Cliff.  She responded, "OF COURSE you are.  Of course you are having a boy and of course he will be Clifford Stuart."  We both agree, the marriage of Cliff and Hazel will be epic :)

So happy birthday to my best friend.  I love you dearly.  I am lucky to have you and can't wait for you to be the mother of my daughter-in-law.  It's happening.  For sure. 

Hazel has arrived

I posted last week about my best friend being in labor....and she was...but they weren't interested in heping the process along, so she was sent home from the hospital.  Courtney toughed things out at home until last night when her water started leaking.  Off to the hospital they went, she was dilated to a 6 and 100% effaced.  Fast forward to 2:30 this morning and Hazel Jane has made her appearance!  She is so much bigger than I would have guess at 8lbs 13oz.  She is 21 inches long.  I had told Courtney a whle back, that I predicted Hazel would be born on the 7th...I was close!  The best part, this is her husband Matt's Grandma's birthday.  I'm not sure how old Rosemary is today, but I already know her favorite present!  I get to go meet her tonight....so send a shout out to God and tell him to move around my speeding ticket prayers to today (and everyday really...lead foot, it's my worst habit).  Enjoy the few pictures I have for now.

Hazel Jane

Courtney and Matt

Hazel and Aunt Michelle

Changes

As most of you know, there are a lot of big changes coming my way.  I can't really fathom yet what being a mom will be like.  I mean, logically, I know, but the experience of it I am not sure I can truly be prepared for.  It is a whole new life and I am intimidated by it a bit.  Luckily for me, I'm not the first woman in the world to go through it.  I have a great mom, so does my husband.  I have two sisters and 5 sisters-in-law to watch and learn from and I am so very happy to say, my best friend will be joining their ranks anytime now.  Literally.  She is in early labor right now!  It seems like just yesterday I was throwing her a baby shower and tomorrow (probably) I will be adding a new niece to my list.

I desperately want to call her every half hour to say "how ya feelin?" but I am trying not to make her whole labor a running commentary to me over the phone....as much as I would like it.  I am a little sad, however, because I haven't gotten a picture of the two of us pregnant at the same time.  We missed our opportunity at Christmas and I haven't seen her since then.  I am also afraid that I will miss being at the hospital. It's not that the hospital waiting is particularly fun, but I don't want her to need me and have me not be there for her.  (I know, I know, her husband and family will be there but I am the best friend, so I am allowed an inflated sense of self-importance in her life.)  I am afraid it is the way it's gotta be though.  I have to work all day tomorrow so afterward I will be hightailing it the almost 2 hours to try to make the birth of my best friends first little girl.  I CAN'T WAIT! It will be a long night of not really sleeping for me.  So everyone, say prayers.  

Say prayers that Courtney has a safe and easy labor.  That she can make it to a 6 before she needs paid meds (it's her goal).  That baby Hazel is absolutely perfectly healthy. That Matt is supportive and attentive.  That I don't get a mega speeding ticket and I make it there just before baby with my super nice camera built for just the occasion. Thank you and Amen. 

Hazel Jane

Last Saturday I had the distinct honor of throwing my best friend a baby shower.  Courtney has been my best friend since 6th grade.  We are two beans in a pod she and I.  Courtney is now pregnant....like 26 weeks, I think.  In other words, super pregnant.  Courtney's family is spread all over the place, so I knew I wouldn't be the only shower thrower, but I was darn well gonna be the best!  We had it in a little chapel turned coffee house, so we had adorable mis-matched chairs and tables and plenty of stained glass windows.  I was able to beg, borrow, and steal all kinds of decorations from family and friends and it turned out absolutely beautiful.  I have the pictures to prove it!

I turned Aubrie Grace loose with my camera and here are a few gems she snapped.

Maggie

 Penelope (aka LP, Elle Pea, Pea, Nelly)....ha-larious! I love that chin and that scowl!

 Courtney and baby Elle Pea

 Lyndsey, Cheryl (Courtney's Ma) and Emily

Cheryl, Cindy (Court's MIL), Michelle (SIL), and Courtney 

Mama Janie 

Me 

Caroline (aka Carolbean, Bean, and the Beans) 

Victoria and Lilly 

She is a camera pro!  Plus, no one doesn't smile for a 5 year old with a camera.  I took over after than, with mom's much nicer camera.

Beans had to help....until she started asking me to open things for her :) 

Court with the quilt I made her.... 

and the onesies I made.  I don't like the iron on patches that say how old baby is, so this was what I did instead.  PS....embroidery takes FOREVER!

So that was my best friend's shower.  I ran a very loose ship.  People did what they wanted.  I barely moderated the "games."  The guy who owns the place ran a very loud coffee machine at random.  And it was perfect.....except for the guy who came in with his McDonalds and set up shop with his laptop at a back table.....he was clearly not invited.  He didn't seem phased.  

I can hardly believe that my best friend is pregnant, let alone that far along.  About now is when things will start taking a turn for the waddles.  She told me she is starting to get more tired again, and she cannot imagine that her body can make any more room for that bean.  It will my friend, oh it will.  And I will be there to laugh at your thick calves and swollen ankles and try my best to find you horizontally striped pajama pants.  Now that's love!