Ya'll are evil....

But I still love you.

I've been trying to figure out for a couple of days now just what to write & how to express my sincere gratitude for everyone's generosity, whilst trying to maintain some modicum of funny. Its hard. I keep getting all verklempt (talk amongst yourselves.....) when I think about what a nice bunch of friends we have. Seriously, you guys are the bomb. (I don't know about you, but that expression gives me the giggles.)

This post was supposed to be all about the new car & general blathering, & I guess I really do have to thank our new Kia Spectra for giving Calvin the excuse to get me over to Geoff & Katherine's place on Saturday afternoon to my surprise baby shower! G & K had mentioned getting a new car before so I was totally unsuspicious when Calvin mentioned that they wanted to see our new relatively cheap purchase so why not come over for some lunch after yoga class & they'd also give us some extra baby clothes or something like that. Okeedokee, sounds like fun. Little did I know that Katherine & Karen had been secretly meeting & going on lunch dates with my innocent hubby to plan their surprise attack. I do have to say that I got suspicious when I heard some vaguely familiar voices coming from the vicinity of the backyard & then Katherine didn't let us in the front door & made us go around back. Seemed a little odd.

So anyway, you got me good people. It was the perfect party; casual & comfy, yummy food, fun conversations with pals, boys & girls & kids all having a fun time on a late summer afternoon. I couldn't have asked for anything more & certainly did not expect even this much. In fact, I totally thought I was off the hook on the whole shower thing for which I was grateful since I don't really like being the centre of attention (that's more of a Calvin thing.... I just throw in snide remarks every once in a while to deflect all the glitter) plus we'd already been given so much already. But this was just the best day ever & just the kind of party I love so I have to thank with all my heart the lovely hostesses for putting on such a wonderfully festive affair. I'm even more grateful now.

And then there was the loot! (Try this link for a slideshow. Crossing fingers that it works.)Now I know why Calvin was bugging me to register for stuff. I mostly did it because its fun to go shopping with those zapper machines & pretend like you've got all the money in the world to spend. Same with the wishlist thingy. Its like some virtual world where you can get that shopping high without spending all your hard earned cash. Not like I ever expected to get any of it. But, thanks to all you crazy people & your gerenous gift giving natures, we're now stocked up in the cutest clothes, the softest toys imaginable, sweet sweet shoes, bath, boob & baby bum supplies, educational media & other great items to keep baby dry, cuddly & hopefully cry-free. We can't thank you enough! Gush, gush, gush.

Thank you all for being there with us & supporting us in our new adventure. Though its a scary ride in many ways & you all know I've done my fair share of complaining, we are soooo looking forward to meeting the bun in a few weeks & getting to know the little monster that has been having a grand ol' time dancing around in my ever burgeoning belly. I feel like I've learned so much more about myself & about life in the world in general since I've gotten knocked up. I know that sounds a bit trite & its not to say that because I'm pregnant I've got some weird advantage over someone who's not, but just that I've spent so much time on this emotional roller coaster that I can't help but come to terms with what I can & can't deal with. It is such a selfish time & yet I have no real sense of control over what happens to me or those I know & love... I guess its really a time of acceptance. So on that note, I gratefully accept all the help, knowledge, wisdom & even most of the assvice from everyone. I just keep taking it all in & letting it sizzle until the time comes when I'll need it most. And I'm sure I'll need it & appreciate it all even more then.

Thank you all so very much.