DC

Prepare for picture overload...

We flew out Thursday after work to hang out with all of my east coast family. My mom and Steve were still anchored at a marina on the Potomac, and my Aunt GiGi, Uncle Rick, and Michelle came down to join in on the mini-family reunion as well. I knew I wouldn't get a chance to see my mom until the baby comes in February, so we jumped at the chance to visit while they would be in one spot for more than a few days. We stayed with Josh, Makenzie, and pup Annie. The weekend went way too quick as I knew it would, but it was perfect getting to spend some of these special moments with so much of my family. Once we got to the house I saw this...

How fun! Big plans were in the works to spoil baby! And, Makenzie made brunch reservations at a Belgian Waffle restaurant - LOVE HER :)

Robby and Annie relaxing

2Amys - Best pizza you will eat in the states... guaranteed

Steve, Phil, Ma, Grazia, Luca, Makenzie, and Josh on the Metro to Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Tomb of the Unknown Solider

Changing of the guards

Ready for my waffle at Belga's Cafe!

Josh & Makenzie

Josh & Luca

Steve & Ma

My waffle - it was oh so good and satisfied my craving :)

At Belga's (GiGi, Ma, Phil, me, Rob, Steve, Makenzie, Josh, Michi, Rick and Luca)

As we left Belga's, we saw a pet adoption going on next door. We stopped by just to see the sweet pooches, but Josh and Makenzie fell in love. They are getting this sweet pup next week, Lily! I love how she has a leg sticking out at all times. She would straighten one every time you held her or put her down:)

Here is a better picture of her. Look at that face!

Josh showing his skills at the Navy Yard :) I wish they lived closer...

Hanging out at the Yact Club where mom & Steve are

currently staying

Luca showing Robby and Michi how to play a game

Mom & Steve's boat (it's right smack in the center of the photo in the VERY back)

Robby, Michi, and Ma

After we checked out the boat and enjoyed our waffles we all headed back to Josh and Makenzie's place for baby's surprise baby shower! I get so excited just thinking about it. Here is Robby doing a few taste tests :) And those cupcakes in the background - DELISH. Makenzie showed me a cute new way to decorate them.

Grandma M gave us a white linen long sleeve top and a white knit sweater for the baby. My Aunts told me it was a very traditional Italian outfit for baby to wear. He is going to look so handsome!

Bouncer from Ma & Steve! It's so soft I can't wait to see baby in it! Robby was so upset because I guessed it, Haha! He says I do it with my birthday and Christmas gifts too. Sorry babe!

Super soft changing pad for outings, I LOVE NY onesie, baby carrier, and the softest tiniest little blankie you have ever seen. Thanks Aunt GiGi, Uncle Rick, and Michi!

Baby gap onesies from Uncle Paul and Aunt Ghada! They are so soft and tiny :)

Diaper bag, from Josh & Mak, filled to the brim with baby goodies (tiny boots, blankets, bottles, diapers, wipes, socks, hats, etc)! I LOVE this bag - anything Makenzie picks out it stylish though. I already told you about the boxes she sends me :)

We had Aunt LuLu and Grandma M on Skype. Aunt LuLu, Uncle Dani, and Karen bought us a really nice blanket for the baby's room. Thank you! (Uncle Rick was all baby showered out...)

Mom, Ghada, and Josh inspecting the bouncer

Michi and Uncle Rick

Uncle Paul and Aunt GiGi getting Robby all set to carry a little baby! He loves this thing and I can't wait to see him in action.

Aunt Grazia, Uncle Phil, and Luca gave us this Moby wrap. I made a rough attempt and tried it out with Coconut (yes, that is a real dog!). She loved it! I need to practice the technique a few times before I put an actual child in there, but it was so soft and seemed to be really supportive for both me and baby/Coconut.

As you can tell from the pictures, it was a very happy weekend. I couldn't get enough of the baby gear. It feels so strange that this is all for our child, but at the same time (with each kick and punch in my belly), it is starting to feel very real. I am so grateful for all of our family and friends helping celebrate with us. Thank you a million.

Love you!