My wonderful coworkers at Wathen-Castanos-Mazmanian hosted a baby shower for me at the office on Friday, April 22, 2005.  They wouldn't let me anywhere near the main conference room as they set up for lunch.  The main culprit was Heather Dunn, but she had her accomplices (that means YOU - Lorie, Patty, Liz, and Rebekah!).  We had a delicious Mexican lunch from Sal's, followed by a couple of games that were much harder than they first appeared!  Everyone was so generous and Baby E. got lots of goodies!!  Thank you SO MUCH!!!  My maternity leave begins on June 13, but don't worry ladies - Baby E. and I will visit often!!

On the morning of Saturday, April 30, 2005 two beautiful ladies from my church (First Armenian Presbyterian Church in Fresno) hosted a baby shower for me and Baby E.  Maryvonne Gagliardi and Sue Garabedian, along with their gorgeous daughters, Natalie Gagliardi and Ali Garabedian, welcomed numerous friends into the Gagliardi home for a delicious brunch, warm fellowship, and lots of laughter!  Maryvonne and Sue planned a gorgeous affair (they should really consider going into the professional party planning business!).  It was a sunny day, and we took in the lakeside view as we enjoyed our time together.  Thank you, Sue and Maryvonne (and Natalie and Ali), for working so hard and making me feel so special and loved in anticipation of Baby E.'s arrival!!

This day was a real treat!  Nelda ("Grandma Mimi") Baker hosted a joint baby shower for me and Christie (Jayson's sister), who is due only one month after me!  It was a cozy and warm gathering of Jayson's family and closest family friends, held in Fresno at Nelda's home on Saturday, May 14, 2005.  We were all able to sit at one table and dine on Chinese chicken salad (mine was sans chicken), fruit skewers, boereg, and delicious cakes for dessert.  During lunch we went around the table and each shared something special we had learned from our own mothers.  We also played a yummy game where Christie and I were blindfolded and spoon fed baby food, the flavors of which we had to guess.  I got the veggies easily (hmmm, wonder why?), had a little more trouble with the fruit (they all tasted like mango to me!), and made a vow never to feed my children macaroni and cheese from a baby jar!!  Christie and I took turns opening gifts, and then T.J. and Jayson showed up and surprised mom with our thank you gift for hosting the shower - a double stroller for her two grandsons!  Thanks again, Mimi - it was truly a beautiful and memorable afternoon!