The Baby Shower

While I was back in Iowa my mom and sister put together a baby shower.  Since Olga couldn't make the trip back to the US, I was the stand-in mommy and I have to say that I did quite a nice job (although I did this sans belly!).  I have to admit, I was very skeptical of this idea, but I had a great time visiting with family and friends and they didn't make me change any diapers (see pics below)!!  I'm not sure I can thank everyone enough for putting the shower together, as well as for all of the very nice gifts that everyone gave our little girl.  We even had Olga and her mother, Svetlana, join in via Skype, so they got to see and talk to everyone!  Below are some pics from the shower.

Look what daddy bought our little girl. Her first Polo outfit!!

Showing the sleepers to Olga via Skype.

My cousin Jennifer with her newest niece, Ellie (It's amazing that we were able to get Ellie away from her grandma Liz!)

Me trying to get into the Baby Bjorn.  It took 3 of us to get me into it!!  I even read the instructions....REALLY!

Time to change Ellie's diaper.  Notice how I'm right in there helping...not so much.  Have to take this slow.

Lola talking to Olga on Skype and trying desperately to find out the baby's name (under the direct guidance of her grandma Austin!)

Trip to the US

Well, I spent just about 5 weeks back in the good ol' USA and had a great time catching up with friends and family, but I have to admit that I was very ready to come back 'home' to Olga.  

While I was away, Olga took her mom, Svetlana, with her to a doctor appointment where they had yet another ultra sound.  Svetlana enjoyed the ultra sound and Olga was able to show it to me during one of our many Skype sessions (have to love technology!).  She even noted that the baby has my eyes (from an ultra sound???)....at that point I have to admit that I was questioning Olga's sanity, but I let that go.

I returned to Russia with no issues and quite a bit more luggage than when I left.  We bought a stroller and I 'transported' it back with me on the plane, as well as a very large 'baby' suitcase.  Who would have thought that those little things for a baby could weigh so much (the suitcase was overweight!)??  Oh well, Olga and I had a great time going through all of the things and I even put together the stroller.  Of course, I had to take it apart and put it back in the box once Olga had inspected it, as she didn't want it to sit around and get dirty.  To answer the question that many of you are most likely thinking, 'YES', I did this with no objection...she is 7+ months pregnant at this point and there is no sense stirring the emotions.