Good people, good times

Weddings and babies really seem to bring out the thoughtfulness and generosity in people. It's almost overwhelming! I feel like I just got over the getting married part, and less than two years later, I'm now in the having a baby phase. (I guess that's the way it's supposed to go!) I don't know why, but it's so hard for me to accept all the attention and gifts that go along with these events. It must be because the reasons for which I got married and for which I am having a baby have nothing to do with presents. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the nice things that people do more than anyone can imagine. I am one lucky gal and I know that. I just hope that all my friends and family realize that they don't have to do anything, that I don't expect anything, and that I won't love them any less if they don't spend their money on me (or my baby). I have a wonderful husband and hope to have a happy, healthy baby—those two things are gifts in themselves.

Here are some words of well-deserved thanks for all the amazing people in my life:

Thank you Mom & Dad (Grandma & Grandpa) for all the baby purchases you've already made. From maternity clothes to baby bedding to the baby's first piggy bank and outfits, you two have already outdone yourselves. Thank you, too, Mom for listening and caring and for the beautiful yellow afghan. Thank you Sarah & Steve for the "knocked up" T-shirt, the butt paste, the "I love mommy" outfit, the bunny book, and the cool Mexico T-shirt. Thank you AK & UB for the gorgeous afghan, the "b-a-b-y" blanket, the Beatrix Potter bell, and most of all, for providing our baby with a sunny and safe place to live. Thank you Mo for the maternity shirt and the cute panda bear hat and booties. Thank you Donna for the adorable counting sheep for our baby's wall. Thank you Anne for the "Mommy Loves" bunny book. Thank you Abby and Victoria for the adorable baby cards and thoughtful sentiments. Thank you Laura for your cards, too, and for all the baby coupons. Thank you Annette; it's great to have someone else going through this at the same time. Thank you Katie, Heidi, and Debbie for your offers of hand-me-downs. We'd be honored to borrow the gear you used for your terrific kids. Thank you everyone else for all the phone calls, emails, congratulations, advice, and support. I feel like Baby G. is the most loved baby ever—and he or she isn't even here yet! Wow. That's a lot of thanks.