Party Pics

I broke my camera over the weekend (talk about an inopportune time!), leaving me stuck with a camcorder to take pics. Not to knock the camcorder--it takes awesome video--but the still shots leave much to be desired. Plus, it's less convenient to carry around, so I will probably generally take less pictures until my other camera's fixed.

That said, here are the limited pics I have from Monday's baby party; for more, check out Bec's blog. There should be a few more out there that I will collect and post later on, but here's a snippet of some of the fun!

Hippest Invite Ever!

Here's the invite Karl and Bec created for last night's baby

party. They wanted to keep some element of surprise, so I didn't get to see it 'til last night. The print-out's going right into the baby book!

All I can say is...

...wow! My sisters really know how to get a party done RIGHT! Prime example: The Hawaiian-themed fete they threw Mark and I last night in honor of F's impending arrival. We were welcomed by the entire fam--'rents included--in their finest Luau-wear (that detail was a supposed to be a surprise, but a friend spilled the beans to me just prior, so I dressed appropriately!). They'd all been slaving away all day on the party prep, but managed to doll themselves up in flowery dresses (Hawaiian shirts for the guys...even Sam sported one!). We then walked up to the roof, which had been adorably appointed with floral decor and other tropical-esque details. The spread, masterminded by Bec, included a variety of Hawaiian delights, from Maui Onion Dip to "Cap'n John's Sliders" (turkey burgers with a delish mango chutney spread, prepared by John). Three was also cucumber- and watermelon-infused water, Paia fish sandwiches, and the cutest cake you've ever seen baked in a beehive mold. (Words cannot do anything justice--I'll be posting pics soon).

As the sun set over the Hudson, the guests (all of my very best NYC-based friends) arrived, mingled, and stayed past dark. And since they all broke the "no presents" rule (not like I'm complaining!), we had a little gift-opening sesh. Like a true Manhattan (er, Hoboken) baby, F will now be outfitted in nothing but the trendiest clothes, thanks to my very generous pals and sisters.

Before everyone departed, Bec handed out the favor: Emptied baby food jars filled with chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. Hanging from the lid was tag featuring a mini-version of the invite Karl designed, featuring a Lichtenstein pop-art painting of a woman in Hawaiian garb. The tagline? "She's about to POP!" (Get it?). So clever!

Here's a shot of the four of us at the end of the evening. Really, could they get any cuter? Again, not only am I beyond lucky to have such amazing sisters, but F is going to be loving life with these three awesome aunts! (Not to mention the other three on the Flynn side!)

Thank you to everyone for pulling out all of the stops and working so hard...you all are the best!

Recapping the weekend

As the countdown to Baby F is in full swing (at 37 weeks, I'm now considered fullterm and, though doubtful, I could essentially go at any moment,), Mark and I spent our first of many weekends NYC and 'Boken-bound. No trips down the turnpike, no family parties at the Farm--just some setting up, cleaning, and much-needed relaxing and hanging out. We kicked off the weekend with a big trip to Tar-J (yes, on a Friday night...)where we got F a car seat for a steal and some other baby must-haves. In our defense, we're not thaaat big of losers: The only reason we went to Tar-J on a Friday was because it's next to the movie theatre where we'd planned to see Dark Knight. Well, apparently so did the rest of the world because every showing was sold out 'til practically 1 am. Darn.

Saturday was filled with some milling about and a delicious al fresco late lunch at the adorable cafe across the street. I'd only been there once before, and realized we'd been missing out on not only fine food but fun, too: They have jazz on Thursdays and 2-for-1 dinner specials on Mondays. Plus, it's literally across the street. Can't really go wrong there. Visitors, I'm sure, will be taken there in the future!

Sunday got a bright and early start with a 7 a.m. wakeup call. I drove in to watch Bec and about 10,000 other runnerse cruise down the West Side Highway for the NYC Half-Marathon. The best part was that Leezie and Sam came, too, so we hung out for most of the morning down by the river with another mommy friend of hers. Sam had a playmate, and I was able to take in some great mom lessons from two pros. Then after a bit of writing at a coffee shop, I met up with Keren and her two friends, both named Sara(h). The 3 Sara(h)'s and K hung out before I had to head over to my nannying duties with Sam.

But the day wasn't over just yet--after my few hours with S, the 'rents came over, fresh from seeing the final show of A Catered Affair (thanks to Speed!). Mark, Karl and Bec eventually joined us, and we all left Leezie and Speed for a date night while we grabbed dinner together at Dublin...Sam was a cutie of course and it was so lovely to have almost all of us together!

Tonight, the fun continues. My three terrific sisters are throwing Mark and I a pre-baby bash on Bec's rooftop! And we'll also celebrate my Dad's birthday...unfortunately, my camera is out of commission, but I'll make sure someone takes a lot of pics!

Cute Times Two

I couldn't help but snag and post some cute pics of Ashley's twins, Hanna and Olivia. They are now two-and-a-half months old and are getting bigger--and, it seems--more identical! I pride myself on always being able to tell twins apart, but I wouldn't have a clue with these two. The personalized onesies must come in very handy!

Tune In!

The Aflac IronGirl Lake Las Vegas race will be televised tomorrow, Saturday, July 26, at 2:30 p.m. EST on NBC. Karl, who made her pro debut there, may be singled out as not only one of the elite competitors but as the first cancer survivor to ever become a professional triathlete! Even if she's not featured, it still should be an uplifting show in the same vein as the Hawaii Ironman broadcasts that always make me boo-hoo no matter what. Tune in (or set those DVRs!)

Here's a sneak peak of the broadcast. Inspired yet?

Cousins

The wedding pics continue to trickle in...I love this one of the extended O'C cousins (minus a few, including two who were probably on their way to their race in the Hudson River when this was taken) . I can just see Grandmommy and Grandpop smiling down on us all!

Next time we're all together, we need to make sure to get one of everyone--including the next generation! Maybe at Bec's wedding?

Mario in the news

We all know Mario travels the world for his job with IBM, but do you know what he's doing while jet setting from country to country? This press release--which was picked up by Yahoo! Finance and CNN Money, among others--may clue you in a bit. Pretty cool to see his name in the news!

IBM Global Financing to Fund En Pointe Solutions for IBM's Services Business

IBM Global Financing, the lending and leasing business segment of IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the largest IT financier in the world today, announced that it will provide inventory financing for Los Angeles-based technology reseller En Pointe Technologies® (NASDAQ: ENPT), a provider of solutions for IBM's Global Technology Services business. This move increases IBM's capacity to respond to clients' needs quickly and with greater flexibility now that the balance sheet of one of its suppliers is made stronger by faster payment turnaround.

"This partnership brings benefits for both En Pointe Technologies and IBM," said Mario Bernardis, vice president of IBM Global Financing. "IBM Global Financing's inventory financing solution with En Pointe will help IBM Global Technology Services reduce risks in its supply chain and help ensure timely and dependable implementation of solutions for its customers."

The inventory financing agreement also has significant benefits to En Pointe, largely because of the extended payment schedules provided by IBM Global Financing. En Pointe can expect a more predictable cash flow that will help the company further optimize its balance sheet.

"We are quite pleased with our new funding arrangement with IBM Global Financing that will enhance our ability to provide technology solutions for IBM's services business," said Javed Latif, Chief Financial Officer and Sr. Vice President, Operations, En Pointe Technologies. "IBM Global Financing provided us with a creative commercial lending solution that was very economically attractive and met our business needs. We believe all parties involved will benefit and it should stand as a model to the industry."

Thank you, thank you

I am still quite overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity bestowed upon Mark and I on Sunday. Sissy, Eileen, and Leezie (with the help of the rest of the Flynn's, my aunties, my mom, Corinne, and oh, pretty much everyone in the family!) threw us a pre-baby BBQ at the Farm, and it was absolutely perfect (and so much fun!). With a summery menu fit for 50--yep, 50!--guests and the Farm serving as a charming and welcoming location, it was an ideal way to celebrate the arrival of Baby F. We chowed down on fried chicken, burgers, Asian slaw, baked beans, salad, tamale corn, 7-layer dip, fruit salad, hyper brownies, and more while languishing around the picnic tables and chair circle. Really, it couldn't have been any better.

A rouge thunderstorm rolled in late in the evening (conveniently as it was present opening time, so we were inside, anyway), leaving in its mist a spectacular rainbow and one of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen settle over the Catoctin Mountains. I'll truly never forget the day, and will always be so grateful to my wonderful family and friends who put it all together--especially on the heels of a wedding! You all are amazing and I'll be forever thankful! Here are many pics of the day. For more, check out my online album, Erin's pics, and Aleta's blog.

Here's a full array of wedding pics, with captions. Just click on the slideshow to see the album. Enjoy!

Here comes the bride!

It was quite the whirlwind weekend, but a most wonderful one at that. Things kicked off right on Friday night and didn't stop 'til Sunday around 10 p.m. I had such a great time--as always--with all of the cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and babies. Andres and Kasia's wedding was just perfect with a beautiful ceremony and rockin' reception. Both the bride and groom were glowing, with Kasia looking like a Modern Bride magazine covergirl in a gorgeous ivory dress, and Andres beaming the entire time.

I don't want to spare any details--there were so many lovely touches to the day--but I took enough pictures for you to get a good idea of everything that went into making it such a memorable occasion. Most of them follow, the rest I'll pop into a picasa album with captions in case you're wondering who's who and what's what.

Looking at these pics makes me want to do it all over again...can someone from the fam get married every weekend, please?