Isabella Kate Wasserman

Wanted to share the great news that Isabella Kate Wasserman was born Monday to our good friends Peter and Katie.

All went smoothly and everyone is doing fine.

We went to visit yesterday evening and got a glimpse into our future (two more months!) as we got to hold and hang out with Isabella.

We are so happy for Pete and Katie and can't wait for our little girl to be her best friend.

Here are some pics of the cutie and the proud parents:

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Candy/Lights Weekend

Ash and Angie have a tradition where they cook Holiday candy... many of you have enjoyed said in the past, and this year will be no different. Luckily, I did not need to go to the store multiple times to get unsalted or salted butter, etc.




The ladies working hard and the first views of the products.


Instead of making grocery store runs, I got to concentrate on my personal tradition for this weekend, hanging Xmas lights. Here's my product (depending on the leftover lights we don't use on the tree, there might be more to add!):

Next comes the tree, which is on the list for this coming week.

Tonight, we're heading to our Neighbor Lee's band Outformation's show at the Variety Playhouse. Should be great as usual.

Deck pics

So, as we've mentioned, we have added a screened-in back porch and deck to our house. Should be completely done by Monday and we are very excited about the finished product!

Here are pics of the work in progress:

And here are a couple of it done.

All that's left is new French Doors and some painting and it's good to go. Everyone now needs to come over and enjoy it - when it warms up!

Home Projects

So with the impending arrival of the little lady, we've decided to make some home improvements... although our list is long, we've managed to mark some things off!

1.) Back porch and deck - should be wrapped up by early next week... awaiting new French Doors and final painting touches.

2.) Baby Furniture - purchased (my credit card melted).

3.) New Fridge - well, just because our old one was small and broken.

4.) New Living Room Rug - thanks to our parents for that one (this one will last!!!)

5.) Murphy Bed for Nursery/Guest Room - will be installed on Monday

6.) Paint baby room - we picked a nice color we think will work (not pink)... did first coat last night and second coat is on schedule for tonight.

So I'd say about a 3rd of the way down the list, but making progress! Please stop by anytime (maybe wait until next week) and see us and the new stuff.

Wine Party 07

So one of the traditions among our friends is a wine party every December (around the 1st weekend). Our Friends Chris and Heather Buerkle (also pregnant) along with several of their friends host this event and it is usually at Chez Buerkle, but this year what with the nugget and all, they moved it over to Phil and Holly's house... great crowd and larger venue.

Thomas and Elizabeth joined us and we caravanned with Pete and Katie after a nice pasta dinner Ash whipped up.

Not too many pics taken, but here are a few:


The girls (Heather, Ash, Amy and Wendy) - notice the two pregnant ladies on the left without wine.




And the LBi crew (Me, Gelfond, Brooke and Dawn) - yes, these are some of my co-workers... not sure what was going on with the camera, and I'm sure Gelfond is happy I've posted this shot of him.

I have to say the best part is that I have a guaranteed designated driver.

Belated Thanksgiving pix

We had a great Turkey Day this year, having finally made it down for the annual St. Pete Austin gathering. We took our time getting down there, somewhat beating the traffic by leaving Tuesday night. Of course I slept during the worst part of trying to get out of Atlanta, so Park may have more 'choice' words on how much he enjoyed passing the extra hour+ with our 4 million neighbors.

We arrived at my dad's place on Davis Island in Tampa, and spent a beautiful 80 degree day on a golf course. I got to drive the cart and managed to only run it into a bush once :)

Thursday morning we trekked off for St. Pete and spent a wonderful day with the Austin tribe, grazing and waiting not so patiently for dinner! For a comic relief, Park and I decided to do a bit of canoeing....the comic relief comes at the part where I try to get into the kayak. Note that this is PRE-THANKSGIVING DINNER, and Park and I have nothing to change into should things go awry.

What could possibly go wrong?

Whew! Made it! I'm not totally convinced that others weren't a little disappointed that they didn't get a chance to roll on the ground with laughter had I gone in...

Cold busted.
Gratuitous belly shot for Cartier :)

Notice that we are all cracking up in this picture....I have a series of all the versions that came before this one! Thanks to Ray, though, we really got a great shot of everyone!!!