Chicago and my Baby Showers!

Hi! I know it has been too long! But I finally had a day

with no German class and no meetings or coffees to attend.

I went home to Chicago in March to see my friends and family

before the baby is born. While I was there I was lucky enough

to have had my friends and family throw me two showers.

This is my first shower. We did afternoon tea at the

Peninsula. Kristin and Laura (the ladies closest to me)

put together this event and it was such fun!

Me enjoying all the yummy food!

Barb was our photographer and had to get some of the
beautiful flowers!

Our cute party favors with blue bows for my
baby boy.

Again, the Peninsula was decorated beautifully!

More yummy treats!

Melissa and me at the shower.

Jaclyn and Kristin and me.

Danielle, me and Amy.

Laura and I comparing baby bumps. Laura had her
baby boy Ryan on April 7th. Drake already has playmates!!

Barb and I posing for a quick picture.

I also had some professional maternity photos taken
while in Chicago. I went to the same studio that shot our
engagement and wedding almost 7 years ago now. Wow, time flies!

One of my favorites.

and another...

yet another...

and the last. I had over 300 taken and it was SO
hard to decide. In the end I had the professionals make
a composite for me and I ordered that.

My next shower was given by my Mom and Barb.
My great friend Tara let us use her house to accomodate
everyone in a cat free environment. :) This is my aunt

Colleen, me, Barb and Mom.

Kaite came from Louisville and I was able to meet
her little boy Tripp!

Here is proud Daddy Beckman.

And this is my beautiful cake. Deerfield's out did themselves
and my mouth is watering as I am writing this. Some of the
best cake I have ever had!

This is me, Barb and my aunt Lou.

We played the most hilarious game - everyone had to
make a baby out of playdough and I chose my 3 favorites.

You should have seen the creations. I laughed so hard!!!
I kept all of them to put in the nursery.

Just an example of one of the "babies".

Me and the uber delicious cake. Drool...

Here is a photo of my great friends from Dental
Hygiene School. Tara, the house host, is just behind me.
And Erika who is next to me is pregnant with her first
too - due 3 weeks after me! She is having Drake's first
girlfriend! We already set them up!

I had such a great time visiting with my frinds. I had too
many photos to put them all up but I sincerely appreciate
everyone who took the time to help me celebrate!

I promise to keep updating and not to take such a long
hiatus! I have a bunch of new stuff to share!

Lots of Love,

Leah and Derek