First impressions...

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

"First Impressions"

(Grand #2)

Ocean City, New Jersey

Hello ocean.  Glad to meet you.  But I gotta tell ya, you arrived a bit early.  February?!?  At the Jersey Shore?!?

Fully expecting a blizzard in the next couple of weeks.  Because that's how Mother Nature rolls here in the Northeast.

Here's where I "link up" today 

Introducing...

Grand #2.  Yes, #2 chronologically.  But she shares equal residence in my heart with Grand #1.  I mean after all, can't we ALL get along?  On Saturday, while millions of women were marching in protest throughout the country...I was only focussed on the women in MY life.  Those that started the day with us. And that one little gal who decided to join the party and end the day with us.  Despite what the media tells me these days....life is good.

"Ellie Rose"

(Thing #1 with his little girl)

It took awhile for Miss Ellie Rose's parents to settle on her name.  But the wait was worth it.  She carries the moniker of all her great grandmothers combined.

"And Baby Makes Three"

There is just something special about seeing your son holding his little girl.  Boom.  The sound of my heart exploding.

We are in love.

Here's where I "link up" today 

Master of the details, but oblivious to the obvious...

That's what happens when you leave it up to me to take photos of my daughter-in-law's baby shower. Always an eye for details, often at the detriment of the big picture.  And by BIG picture, that is in NO WAY commentary on my soon-to-pop Thing #1.2's cute belly.  What it IS a statement of is the fact that I never got a photo of the Mama herself.  Alone.  Hello...guest of honor?!?

Got her with HER beautiful mother.  Got her with friends.  Got her with family.  But didn't get her with just her cute bump!  Sigh.  Hard to believe Grand#2 will be here shortly.  Just seems like yesterday that they shared their good news with us and I had TWO Grands baking in the oven.  Flash forward a few months and Grand#1 was in attendance at her little cousin's baby shower.  Love how my family is growing like that!

"Then and Now"
Thing #2 and #1.2

And so we all gathered Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate, and fall in love, with Grand#2.

"Falling in Love with Baby Blackburn"

Loved the decor.  Simple and cute.  Vintage baby shoes with sweet babies breath.

"Babies Breath"

Thing #1.2's baptism outfit, and a collection of cute baby girl dresses on display.

"Momma-to-be's Baptism Gown"

"Pretty in Pink"

And lots of candles, photos, beautiful lighting, and baby memorabilia from both Things #1 and #1.2

Tables set in tones of gold, pink and cream.

Just add cake...

"Oh Baby"

...and an abundance of family and friends (including a surprise appearance by a very special BFF all the way from Kansas).

"Surprise"

And of course presents.  Lots and lots of presents.

"Because every little girl needs cowboy boots"

"Mom Mom's Quilt"

All the beautiful little details added up to a gorgeous celebration of love for the Mama-to-be and her bump.  But, still kicking myself for being oblivious to the obvious.  Oh well...even more reason to look forward to Grand#3 whenever he/she decides to be a reality.

P.S.  Whew!  Mission accomplished....got the post delivered BEFORE Grand #2!

Here's where I "link up" today