Tuesday, June 12, 2012

NY Girls Reunion… and my tummy.

When D was a law student ten years ago, we lived in New York and were away from all family.  So we created our own.  Lovely couples who were in a similar situation… going to school, working, beginning families… and who shared our lifestyle of tiny, overpriced student housing and loved to explore the city.  We met often to discuss great books, to eat great food and to commiserate when it had been more than 24 hours since we had seen our spouses. 

Five of these lovely ladies were able to abandon their husbands and children for a quick weekend and descend on the Homestead for a reunion retreat.  Major props to the dads who took over households and to D who vacated this one and fled west with the children.  We spent a few days reconnecting and it was completely uplifting. 

We stayed up way too late, ate amazing food prepared by Ann (my kitchen did not know what hit it when Ann took over in here), enjoyed pedicures, shopping, laughing, crying and talking about things other than our children.  Much needed and much appreciated.  Each of these women have been through various junk that life throws in the last few years and it was inspiring to hear how they have weathered their storms, how they are fighting their battles and continue building happy families in the midst of trials that we never would have guessed we would have encountered ten years ago.

From the time we left New York, we have grown by 10, almost 11 children and lost one.  We have seen multiple moves and job changes and all feel gratitude for where life currently finds us and for the potential of great things to come.  It is reassuring to know that even after so much time passes that there is a group scattered about this country that has my back and loves without judgment.  It was surprising and wonderful to find that all of my relationships with these friends are stronger now than they were years ago.  We are all different people than we were then and yet we click better now than when we were still figuring out who we were and where we were all headed.  I love them to pieces and miss them terribly.  I am grateful for this here internet that keeps us connected. 

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lovely pampered toes

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divine chocolate quinoa cake with raspberry sauce and chocolate fondant.  yes, quinoa.  yes, divine.

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top: Nancy, Ann, Shelly.  bottom: yours truly, Maren and Kristina.

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and for those of you who keep requesting belly pics… here is the little lady and me.  the countdown is on… I vote 4 more weeks!

13 comments:

Lindsay said...

girl with the turquoise shoes are the cutest. and you basically just got a different shade of orange. cute belly.

tenacious d said...

I was wondering if you were going to post about your girls' weekend or if what happened in Mesa stayed in Mesa. You ladies all look marvelous!

The Hunt's said...

I second Harrie on turquoise sandals. And give me a freaking break on your stomach. That was Bode at like 16 weeks. I will re-send you ready to launch lest you ever think about whining.

Torey said...

LOVE the belly shots. You are definitely one that can look good, pregnant or not.

kimmalee said...

You look SO darling! And your girls weekend sounds so fun. I'm glad you got a bit of a break and have such amazing buddies to share life with. That Maren, she's pretty incredible. Good luck on the last 4 weeks!!!

Krista Hegstrom said...

You look amazing! Here's to hoping you also feel amazing these last few weeks!:)

Annika said...

I need that cake recipe PLEASE!!!

Unknown said...

LOVE great friends. And love the cute tummy too. :)

Emily said...

You look A LOT like your mama in the bottom pic on the right...minus the baby in the belly of course!

Yea for the countdown. That gives me motivation to get to the Post Office and send something I got a while ago for the little miss.

Tiffany Ann said...

Are you kidding me?! You are one smokin' hot teeny tiny preg....I am so jealous!

Jess said...

Glad you had fun and sorry I missed it! I will definitely be there next time!

Tamra said...

Absolutely adorable!! And what a fun time to spend with friends. Glad you got the chance to do that. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up now and then. Good luck with the last few weeks!!

Mallory said...

Umm...Amb, you look unbelievably darling! I'm so excited for you and your fam to add this cute little girl to the mix. Love you!