Best quilt ever!

We've been consistently amazed by all the support and love for Baby B from our friends and family! Apparently, people really like babies!  Who knew?  We are so grateful!  Here is an incredible, handmade baby blanket from quilting expert Auntie Becky!  We love it!

Nursery Decor, Part Duh

We loved all the sweet, thoughtful cards from our friends and family and wanted to display them.  We also didn't know how to fill the blank space above the baby's bassinet (later, crib), since hanging heavy framed pictures that could fall on her is generally considered a parenting faux-pas.  Embarrassingly, it took us months to "string" these two thoughts together, but we finally figured it out!  

And what would a baby corner be without THREE remote controls?  Not fit for a Bloomquist, that's for sure.

Monterey Bay Babymoon!

John planned an awesome weekend getaway for us in Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur.  We had so much fun just the two of us that we almost forgot all about our big plans to have a baby, except that my coat wouldn't quite button.

Frog pond hike in Monterey

Fun with the new camera

Monterey Bay

There's two Sea Otters! (I swear. They're totally there. Ya gotta believe me!)

Pacific Grove coastline

Big Sur

Big Sur glamour shot

Bixby bridge

Cool random hike in Big Sur 

Carmel Beach

More beach, with Pebble Beach golf course in the background

Baby Shower!

We had the most wonderful baby shower at Jean & Mark's house.  The decorations were gorgeous, the food was scrumptious, and the company was superb!  We were so amazed by the adorable, thoughtful, generous baby gifts and really appreciate all our friends and family who made the day so special, both those who were there in person and those who sent their good wishes for Baby B!  

Dessert table

Jean actually made these super-cute and creative onesies!  They are the perfect staples for a baby's early wardrobe, and they even serve double-duty as decor!

If you can arrange it, it's an excellent idea to have a professional party planner for a sister.  If she has a handsome and supportive fiance, so much the better.  

New York treats (chocolate babka and assorted rugalah) from Grammy JuJu -- sent from Brooklyn to San Carlos!

Babymomma with cousin Lisa & Grandma-to-be Jean

Great Aunt-to-be Sue and GP-to-be Mark

We were so flattered by this packed house of good-looking friends!  Thank you, everyone!!!

What's a baby shower without a little friendly competition???

Baby B kicking up a storm for Aunt Annie!

Life of the party Hailey May.  Apparently she's full of surprises!

Hardworking ladies, Jean, Sue & Joan, making it a fabulous event!

Baby pictures of the mom & dad du jour ... Baby B has some cute shoes to fill!

Cuddly teddy bear from Great Grandma Maria & Great Grandpa Pat!

The ultimate baby shower cookies, expertly baked and decorated by Jean and Annie.

"Midnight Diapers" - notes from friends to entertain us for late night diaper changes.

"The Hill Gang" + Hailey

Lots of animals!

Beautiful and educational embroidery gifted to us by Aunt Joan, originally handmade by Jean for Joan's babies!  Incredible!!