Celebrating Two Years of Bliss!

October 29--Hands down, the best day of the year. Above Christmas, my birthday, and even Thanksgiving. This is the day that Mark and I were married on a brilliantly sunny afternoon at Mount Saint Mary's, in front of all of our favorite people. It was truly the most amazing day of my life, and, now two years later, I am still pinching myself as a reminder that it really happened. I couldn't have dreamed up a better husband than Mark, or a better life than what the two of us have built together. And it makes me even happier to know that our adventure is only beginning...next chapter: Hoboken!

Super 7

This morning as I got ready to head out, I turned on the Today show for a quick weather check. Ann was in the courtyard interviewing the USA Women’s Gymastics Team—fresh off their World Championship gold medal performance last month in Germany. I quickly watched the segment, and headed out to Soho, where I had to pick some stuff up at the adidas store.

When I walked in, I wasn’t surprised to see the store completely packed—it is Soho afterall. But then I started to feel like I was in Munchkinland. All of the girls shopping aside me were well under 5’2”, and on top of that, they had these absurdly muscular arms, broad shoulders, and tiny waists, hands, feet, etc. One of the girls was asking for size 4 ½ shoes, and some of them were shopping in the kids departments, even though most of them looked at least 16.

Who were these miniature people? Well, it took a few minutes, but then I pieced together that it was these were the very same girls I’d just seen on the Today show—the “Super 7”. And apparently, that I was actually in the midst of a USA Gymnastics shopping spree—turns out, the team is sponsored by adidas, so they must have had some kind of mega discount (they were buying out the store). They also had a chauffeured van awaiting them outside to take them to their next destination—Chinatown. Also with them? Marta Karolyi, wife of famed coach Bella (and a coach herself). Not surprisingly, she was very loud.

I noticed that the individual gold medallist, Shawn Johnson, had some sort of boot on—so I guess she's injured. Did she pull a miraculous Keri Stugg-like feat and compete on a stress fracture at the world champs?

I had this little daydream that they’d all break out into a tumbling routine in the middle store, you know, just because, but they all remained on their (very tiny) feet.

Rainy Run and Old School Tights

After threatening with gray skies all day, the rain finally came this evening, just as I was leading my Wednesday night group out for a run in Central Park. Not only was it raining, it was also cold--and very dark. I was totally underdressed and wishing I hadn't left my jacket inside. But once we got started, I remembered how much I love running in the rain, and we did a bit over 5 miles in under 8-minute pace--pretty quick for this particular group. Now, I actually wouldn't mind a few more nights of rainy runs (now snow or freezing rain...that's another story).

Since I must sport all adidas attire for these runs, I really have to dig way into my supplies when it comes to my outfits. (As many of us do, I buy most of my workout clothes at "M", so I can't be choosy with brands). Tonight, I wore my now old-school, royal blue 3-stripe tights, which--if memory serves me correctly--were purchased at the Gaithersburg M in 1995. Sissy had (has?) the same ones, and we'd wear them to track practice, back when we considered ourselves the team's "Outlaws." They were way cool back then, and actually still get compliments. In fact, all of the adidas gear reps took notice of them (they knew they were way old because of the classic trefoil symbol, which has since been replaced by the three-stripe triangle). For a second, I was kind of embarrassed that I was admitting to wearing 12-year-old tights (how stuck-in-the-90's of me), but hey--they're vintage, right?

I'm Not Obsessed...

Okay, yes I am....with scrabulous.com.

After a few months of being on the wagon, I've relapsed. My addiction to online Scrabble has returned with avengence. I now go to bed with imaginary letters in my head and think about which combinations will garner me the most points. When I'm supposed to be working, I'm playing NanaJane or MimisMom, and not always winning. This is where working from home becomes extremely dangerous...but today I've restrained myself and have only played one game. So far.

I'm almost ready to challenge Bec, a fellow addict (granted, she plays when she's forcing herself to rest after like a five-hour workout , but whatever), but my stint away from the boards has left me blind to Scrabble opportunities (as in 7-letter words, I've only scored one so far) and other strategic moves. I think her skills will get the best of me, so I may have to wait until I've got the magic back.

Hmmm, maybe I should practice a little more now...

What a difference two years makes!

When I saw a picture of Ella sitting among mums (taken by Aleta the other day), I was immediately reminded of another picture of her with mums...from two years ago! At our wedding on 10.29.05, Steve (our photographer) captured an adorable moment of little Ella and the potted mums outside of the church. And almost exactly two years later, she struck the same pose!

(not) Coming Soon to a Store Near You

So last week I had a "gig" at Martha Stewart Omnimedia, in which I modeled for her new line of crafts for Michael's. Well, to clarify, the crafts--in this case, tissue paper "poofs" that you hang from the celing as decor; sissy actually had some for the twins' first birthday party--were the models. I was more a prop in the shot to show scale (how big the poofs are in real-life). I arrived on set at 9:45, got dressed in a cute Catherine Malandrino cocktail dress the prop guy provided, and proceeded to sit...and sit...for two hours before the photographer was ready for me (oh the tough life of a high-fashion model! hahah). When she was, I sat at a gorgeously-appointed table, made up in the prettiest cream linens and china, and smiled as I pretended to lay some presents down (I believe I was supposed to be a guest at a wedding shower).

The photog. took about ten frames, and I was done...off to my next odd job...excited about seeing myself in a Michael's store a few months down the line. (The shoot was for all in-store promotions and packaging).

But then earlier this week, I found out that the powers-that-be opted to show the items sans model, so alas, my shots were quickly dropped to the cutting-room floor. Oh well, at least I have these pics to show for it!

Karl to the rescue!

In attempt to get our apartment rented (did I mention we're moving?), Mark and I have decided to start ridding ourselves of the "clutter" that could possibly be turning potential renters away. So I began by rearranging the living room yesterday to open things up a bit, then I decided to hit the bedroom. Our bedroom--just big enough for a queen-sized bed and a dresser, really--had been jammed packed with stuff, including a seperate wardrobe for my endless amounts of clothes (we have limited closet space, just one of the many reasons we're moving!). I had little desire to dismantel the piece, and always have difficulty letting go of certain items, but Karl convinced me otherwise. She came over after work and helped me go through my closet and wardrobe, determining which items needed to go and which could stay. (Deeming my style "trendy", she was right in saying that I had many disposable shirts, skirts, etc., whose looks are no longer in vogue, and probably won't be again).

We made a gingantic mess, but by 12:30 a.m., after a pizza dinner and a trip to 'Boken to drop off the first load of stuff, everything was cleaned up, put away, and the apartment looks 100 times better!

Now, I just need to gather my strength to take the 5 bags of clothes, shoes, and bags to the neighborhood thrift store! They're not going to know what hit them!

More weekend pics

A couple more highlights from our weekend: Earlier on Saturday, Mark and I met Maureen and her new guy, Paul, at the Zoo! I've been itching to go ever since I wrote the Nim's Island story that had me eyeball-deep in research on bearded dragons, Australian sea lions, and pelicans. So we set out on the gorgeous October afternoon (the weather reminded us a lot of our wedding day--almost two years ago! sniff sniff) and spent a few hours ogling the gorillas, hippos, monkeys, reptiles, invertebraes, etc. I think the last time I was at the zoo was when Mr. Dreskin took Sissy, Corinne, and I to some concert there in high school (I believe the band was called "Red Letter Day"--whatever happened to them?). It's such a fun place, especially for kids (or in our case, big kids)--can't wait 'til Sam's a bit older so we can take him there!

After the zoo, we went back to Wheatone for a delicious dinner at Nova Europa with the 'rents and Uncle Phil and Jeanie! Mark was treated to an extravagant birthday dinner, which included a dessert of profiteroles! I'd only had this dessert once before (at Balthazar), and I knew how decadent (and delicious) it could be. Nova Europa's version (pastry crammed with vanilla ice cream and topped with hot fudge) definitely did not disappoint. I credit all of my energy for the race the next morning to my grilled salmon and all of that sugar!

Thanks to the 'rents for being the best "B&B" hosts, we love staying in their guest suites!

A 10K and Some Birthday Cake

I didn't have a chance to write much this morning, but I couldn't resist posting those adorable pics of Philip enjoying his birthday cake! The party was so fun; Aleta did a such a fab job in seeing to every detail, from the blue party hats to the Crown-shaped Pinata! A bunch of people turned up and I have a feeling Philip went home with a bunch of fun presents--and lots of new toys! (We didn't stay long enough to see everything opened).

Earlier yesterday morning, we dragged ourselves out of bed to go down to DC to run the Boo! 10K. Maureen and Eileen were running with a bunch of Mo's co-workers, and of course I can't resist a race! Hah! I actually have a better appreciation for the 10K distance now that I've been running more; even more so when I don't have to do a one mile swim and 25-mile bikeride beforehand! The race went down around Hains Point (twice) and finished/started on Ohio Drive. I loved running and seeing all of the memorials--it was a beautiful morning and great running weather. I ended up getting 2nd overall and running my fastest 10K time every (42:15, nothing to sneeze at, but decent for me), and Maureen and Eileen did great as well!

We hit up brunch at our old fave Rhodeside Grill afterwards, then ran off to get ready for the party. Then to top off the very fun day, we made it back to NYC in record time and found a parking spot right across from our apt!

"Prince Philip" Turns One!

Thinking of yew

Dedicating one of his (and my!) favorite songs--Kenny Roger's The Gambler--to Grandpop today. It's hard to believe he left us exactly two years ago, but of course he never left our hearts. And can you just imagine how happy he'd be to know that he now has five great-grandchildren!?

A trip to the Upper Breast Side

So I'm learning there are things that you just have to get used to when you have a baby. Or, for me, when your sister has a baby. These things include casual coversations about poop, pee,
burps, gas, and of course...breasts. Not the baby's breasts, of course. The mom's. And what I've discovered about the latter is that the baby business has come up with all sorts of puns to celebrate them: "Brest Friend" (a breast-feeding pillow), "The Breastaurant" (as in It's time for the baby to take a snack at the Breastaurant) and, here's a new one for ya: the "Upper Breast Side." That, my friends, is the name of a store that sells everything a nursing mother could ever desire--bras, shirts, dresses, pumps, pads--located (where else) but on the Upper Breast (oops I mean West!) side.

With Sam snuggled up away in his adorable little Infantino sling, Leezie and I hauled up to 71st and Columbus to check out the goodies. I think I expected something along the lines of Buy Buy Baby or Destination Maternity: a SuperStore for moms. What we got was more along the lines of a tiny closet without even a display window--blink and you'll walk right by. When we walked in, we were quickly escorted the back room where Leezie was told to strip down so she could be measured. Another woman--with her 5-week-old in town--did the same. Then another woman, 9-months pregnant. Talk about being out of your element: There I was, surrounded by new (or soon-to-be new) moms, naked from the waist up, being measured by some woman who kept saying her baby was "39 years old" (that joke got old pretty fast, especially when she admitted on more than one occasion that she, too, wore the nursing clothes...for their comfort). Not knowing what to do, I started looking at the clothes. But when I reached for a dress folded up on a shelf, I was quickly reprimanded not to touch the merchandise.

Quite the experience, to say the least, but Leezie did get some good stuff out of it, so I guess it was worth taking a trip to the Upper Breast Side (sorry, had to do it one more time...).

Birthday Baby!

Another birthday boy! Philip Thomas Calder III turns 1 on Monday. Check out Aleta’s blog for lots of amazing pictures of my little second-cousin-once-removed, like this one. You can tell Mark and Philip are bound to be buddies—not only do they have similar birthdays, but they also share a love of motorcycles!

Happy birthday, Philip! We can’t wait to celebrate with you next weekend!

Birthday Boy!

Mark celebrated the big 2-9 on Saturday! We had a lovely day, first hitting the Russian barber shop for a little trim, then chowing down a Lumber Jack at the Sweet Life. The fun was only beginning, as Mike was set to arrive from DC to whisk him off to 18-holes of golf at the Spook Rock course in Suffern, NY.

I dropped off the boys—no golf for me!—and drove up to Newburgh, where I met UlaBeck and SJ at M before driving up to Traphagen. Karl and I took a great bike ride on the rail trail (thanks to John for letting me ride his awesome bike), then we did a little impromptu photo shoot in front of the beautiful sunset.

I picked the guys up later on that night, where they had been enjoying the “19^th Hole”, until, that is, they closed and the guys had to drink their beers in to-go cups outside the course. (I was way late!). We drove back into the city and opted for a night in of pizza, wine, and cheesecake instead of going out, fine for all of us tired old folks!

Mark says he had a great day, despite the fact I didn’t have any prezzies for him to open. I know, bad wife! But my present came in the form of golf lessons at Spook Rock with the resident pro. He’ll be challenging Tiger Woods for a match in no time!

Happy birthday to the best and most adorable husband in the world!

Bowled Over

I'm very excited to have found a sport involving balls (and hand-eye coordination!) that I can actually BEAT Mark in...bowling! Yup, he got SERVED in the lanes of Chelsea Pier's swank bowling alley on Saturday night! We were all set to have a big workout dork's night of well, working out and going home to watch a DVD when we spontaneously decided to go bowling. Within minutes, we were whisked back to the VIP section (that move had nothing to do with who we are; I think they just needed to fill lanes) and began bowling away to the beats of Britney and Rhianna as a disco ball spun above us.

I started out with a spare (beginner's luck, I thought) and consequently leveled off to 7's and 8's. Mark, meanwhile, was hitting strike after strike, leaving me completely in the dust. But sometime around the moment the DJ started spinning Britney's "Gimme More" (Mark DESPISES that song, especially when I sing it over and over and over), he completely crumbled. Game 2 saw a few more spares and strikes for me while Mark was rolling despondently downhill. By the end of the second round, I'd squashed him by about ten pins. Mark claimed all of the lifting he did made his shoulders "sore", but did I mention I'd run the Fifth Avenue Mile that morning (in 5:44)? The soreness excuse was all mine.

The night resulted in perhaps the priciest bowling matches we'll ever encounter, but we definitely had a great time. And I won! Can't complain about that.

Doing my due-dilligence as Bec's psudeo publicist, I wanted to share the news that she's featured in today's Frederick News Post! I must say it's not the most well-written story (lots of fact-checking errors, for one!), but it's still nice to see her get some much-derserved local coverage! Maybe this'll get her a bid to the Mount Athletic's Hall of Fame?!

Check out the full story here: Slice of Life — Former Mt. St. Mary's star is professional triathlete

"Moore" Sightings

Seems like everyone I know who lives in the West Village (well, my sisters at least) have seen Julianne Moore at least once. I've always lamtented that I never had the honor--until yesterday, that is. As I walked down West 11th, I noticed a blonde, smiling woman leaving her beautiful brownstone with a bright red door. I did a double-take a saw that it was JM, somewhat disguised because of her lighter locks (for a movie, I think). As she walked out, she yelled across the street to a man at a garage (whom she presumably was friendly with) about the heat and how she had to go run some errands. I wanted to say, "yeah it is hot and guess what...I'm running errands, too!" But I kept my mouth shut--and kept walking.

A little later on, as Leezie and I popped into a Four-Bucks after Sam's checkup (he's healthy as a horse and growing by the minute!), we spotted Oksana Baul! Again, we were tempted to chat her up (I mean, how many fans does she really have anymore! She probably would be flattered!). But alas, the she was immersed in a conversation with two other women and looked a little ragged in a faux Juicy track suit and cheap-o Chinatown slippers. We noted she had an Ace bandage on one ankle--nursing a skating injury, perhaps?

I really love this picture of Jeanie, Ella, and Philip, taken yesterday at the farm by Aleta. The lighting is just perfect, everyone look so happy, and it puts you right there at the Farm. And I love Ella's side pony!

Looks like they all had a great day yesterday!

Shout Outs...

OK, haven't said "shout outs" in about three years, but the phrase just popped into my head as I wanted to say congrats to bec, for her big win in the Westchester Tri this morning, and happy birthday to Brittany, who celebrated a very big birthday in Vegas this weekend! I'm sorry I wasn't there to either root Bec on or celebrate with Brittany, but my thoughts were definitely with you!

Mini Speed!

Just couldn't resist pulling this shot of a sleeping Sam (aka Mini Speed) from Leezie & Speed's new photo blog. Keep checking back for many more pics of adorable 9-day-old Sam! They'll be posting new pics often.

I've now seen him every day since he was born, and I can't get enough! Today, we went on a lovely walk down Bleecker Street with visitors Felice, Elana, and Jared (up from Montgomery Village for the day), with Sam sleeping away, tucked into the Bob Stroller. We hit some shops and enjoyed the perfect weather--this is seriously the best time in NYC. It was so great to spend time with Felice on her home turf! As she had to remind a sales guy in the Juicy Store who mistook her for a suburbanite, she did live here for the "first 36 years of her life!" Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker, right?! Elana and Jared are doing great...I hope they all come back to visit often (and bring Dana and Jeff next time!)

Outside the world of Baby Land, things are busy around here. After going out for drinks with former NYRR co-workers and then meeting Nandita up for dinner at the Inn LW12 (very good, btw!) and drinks after in the Village, we had a nice relaxing weekend. Much needed since I'm up against a bunch of deadlines for stories that have me writing and researching anything from sea lions to the dating habits of teen girls. Plus my variety of "odd jobs" keep me running (literally, sometimes!) allover the lower part of Manhattan.

Sightings

Amidst all of the Sam excitement, I haven't really mentioned some of the good celeb sightings I've had lately...today alone, I saw Tony Bennett (and his much younger wife) leaving a building in midtown. Tony was wearing what I guess were his "workout" (or maybe just his every day) clothes, a Cuban shirt and track pants. He looked good and totally unassuming--I kind of wanted to say I loved seeing him on the Emmy's, but us New Yorkers always pretend not to notice celebs, anyway...even when it is Tony Bennett!

A few minutes later, I spotted my favorite ER doc/NERD, Anthony Edwards, on Madison Avenue when I went to meet Mark for lunch. Again, another unassuming guy--no glasses, entourage, bags, nothing. He even gave me a smile! Sweet!

Then last week, as I was crossing over Hudson on Christopher, I saw Life on the D-List (and Real World) alum, Trash-elle, hailing a cab (remember her?). She actually looked pretty, although I have to question the chartreuse cami/red bra/red shoes combo she was sporting...

And this is kind of borrowing from Bec (although I did see the back of her head!): Natalie Portman walking down 12th Street with her British beau.

Odd Jobs

Over the past couple of months, I've realized that the best part about being a freelancer is all of the random stuff you get to do--and among that is picking up part-time gigs. Luckily for me, I've figured out a way to get paid for what I love to do, e.g., run! My latest "assignment" is a leader for the adidas Urban Run, which is a twice-weekly distance run leaving conveniently from Chelsea Piers. We take anyone who wants to join us out on a free 6-8 mile run and offer them a place to hang out and refreshments. I started last week and have already been"promoted" to a leader at another run for adidas, geared toward marathon runners and leaving from Central Park. So I'm now committed to running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays--maybe I should start training for a marathon myself?

On top of that, I'm writing a bunch of stories, including one about training for triathlons during the off-season and the various ways to keep the motivational fires lit over the winter. So I'm testing out a bunch of places around the city that offer out-of-the-box workouts (anything you won't find in a typical gym, really), and today I hit Velocity, a training center in midtown. There, I was told that my mechanics weren't ideal (stride's too long and inefficient), and I went through an hour-long training session trying to right all of my wrongs (funny, I always thought my long stride was a good thing!). Hopefully, the inevitable soreness will be gone before I try out a yamuna body rolling session, a strength session, and an agilty session at other gyms/studios within the next week!

Like I said, lots of random stuff going on these days. Never a dull moment!

By popular demand, here is another video of Sam. Actually, this is more of Leezie and Speed, but I figure the parents need a little love, too. Doesn't Leezie look great for having a baby just THREE days prior? Anyway, you can see what a homecoming's like for the West Village baby.

I'll have to edit everything down one of these days to make one continuous clip (sans my annoying voice, too!), but for now, enjoy the snippets!

Sleeper's Awake

I promise I'll write about more than just Sam one of these days, but right now, he certainly seems to be occupying most of my thoughts! I visited Leezie this afternoon, where I was treated to a bit of an awake Sam! I pulled out the video camera and filmed away, catching big moments like a sneeze, a yawn, hiccups, and lots of looking around! Here's just a little glimpse--we were trying to figure out who he looks like, but now it's still just a big ol' mystery!

You may notice that Sam's sporting a onesie straight out of Lemoore's Naval Air Station! This, we believe, was courtesy of his first cousin once removed, Sissy, who gave it to Sam's second cousin, Philip III, who eventually grew out of it. Then Sam's other first cousin once removed (by marriage), Aleta, passed it on to him. Got that? (And please, correct me if I'm wrong, I had to look at some geneology chart to figure that out!)

Well, no matter who it came from, one thing's for sure, he's definitely the only baby in New York City to rock anything from Lemoore!

Aunt Sarah's Pancake House

Sam I Am

More pics of Sam! Here he is with "Grand Liz", in the arms of Great Aunt Jean, and Uncle Mark! Is he cute or what? (The baby, that is. Though Mark ain't so bad himself! Hah!)

Samuel O'Connell Smith!

Introducing Samuel O'Connell Smith! Weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches long, our new NEPHEW was born at 8:43 this morning. As you can see from these pictures, he is as healthy and perfect as can be, and currently bears a strong resemblance to his daddy (check out the mouth). We shall see if he bears mum's dimples or the Wassner/O'Connell huge feet and hands as the days continue! Leezie is doing great and is resting well in her private room at Beth Israel Hospital.

Needless to say, we are all elated about adorable little Sam, and are so grateful for this amazing gift. I can't wait to take him running in the BOB stroller!

Coverline!

A story I wrote for the October issue of Girls' Life magazine is mentioned on the cover! Officially, this is my first "coverlined" feature story (it's the next best thing to an actual cover story!). Here's the cover...can you guess which story I wrote?

Martha recap

Well, if anyone tuned in to the Martha Show yesterday, you probably saw the crazy bird guy, the scrapbooking girl, and a segment on plum desserts. What you didn't see? Keren and I in the front row! I don't think they showed any audience shots, but we were there, front and center, directly in front of Martha. So I got a great chance to take it all in: The set is fantastic--bright, bold, fabulously-appointed with all of Martha Stewart's many product lines and every kitchen accessory you'd ever dream of. Martha herself is, of course, perfect, with flawless hair and just a lovely on- and off-air presence (Keren may beg to differ on that point, however!).

I didn't get to meet her (she had to run off to another gig), but it was still a fun little morning adventure--even though the show itself was a bit of a snoozer!

Martha 'n me

Tune in! Keren and I will be part of the Martha Stewart Show's studio audience this morning! K, who works for Ms. MS herself, scored us some seats for the taping--and she anticipates that we'll be visible on camera! Eeks! We're told to "dress to impress"--and I hope I can possibly look perfect enough for Maaartha! (I fear her tsk-tsking my outfit choice or my non-manicured nails if she happens to set her steely gaze on me...).

No celeb guests (I was hoping for Jennifer Garner...), but the lineup seems interesting none the less. But I'll admit that I'm more into hearing from the animal expert than about the "sitting pretty" figures! Here's the scoop:

Are you looking for a new way to display your photographs? Collage artist Claudine Hellmuth shows you one when she makes her playful “sitting pretty” figures. Next, Martha is in the kitchen to make one of her favorite summer desserts using plums -- it's a recipe your whole family will love. And, animal expert Mark Morrone returns to the show with his menagerie, and he’s giving Martha an update on the recent break in at his store.

Oh yeah, the show is on LIVE TODAY in the DC area at 10:00 a.m. on WJLA (Channel 27 or 7), and on tape delay in NYC at 1:00 p.m. on NBC (Channel 4).

Grandparents.com

A site I've been contributing to, Grandparents.com, just launched. And, in an effort to drive traffic, I'm encouraging everyone (not just grandparents!) to check it out! Here are links to a few of my stories--you can read all about being "Emo", cooking with kids (you may see a familiar couple of names in there!) and grandparent/grandchild legacies. And if you're so inclined, leave comments!

Emo Who?

One Grandfather's Ivy Legacy

Get Cookin' With Your Grandkids

Leezie's Pre-Baby Party

It was a pre-baby bonanza on the rooftop deck of 366 10th Street! A while back, we decided to throw Leezie a little surprise party to celebrate the impending arrival of little he-who-shall-remain-nameless/Otto with all of her NYC friends. But once my mom and aunts caught wind of it, they wanted to come, too, making it quite the party! In total, we had 16 people: Leezie’s BFF’s (Tracy, Jackie, Joanne & Chris, and Jessica), plus Jess (Karl’s roomie), Speed, and of course the aunties (me, Bec, Karl), great aunties (Bubba and Jeanie), uncles (Mark and John), and grandmommy-to-be (Liz)! Just a tiny selection of all of the people who are going to be gushing over the little guy once he makes his grand entrance next week. (Can’t WAIT to meet him!)

Borrowing an idea from a recent issue of Blueprint, we went with an Asian theme (dumplings, sushi, edamame, etc.) and created a simple little event set against a stunning view of the West Side. People partied ‘til 10 (when it was so dark, we couldn’t see each other’s faces any more!)—and we split quickly so that Bec and John could get some rest before their 6 a.m. flight to LA this morning. Good luck to them both, by the way, at the LA Triathlon this weekend!

More photos from OZ

A few more photos from the Gold Coast--you can see the stunning setting and ammenities of my hotel (the Sheraton Mirage), as well as the seemingly endless stretch of beach I ran along every morning I was there. The white bridge was the link from the Sheraton to the Marina Mirage, an indoor/outdoor mall housing lux stories, like Hermes, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton, plus a few bars and restaurants. That aspect especially reminded me of Honolulu/Waikiki, in that it's definitely catering to a well-off touristy, (and mostly Asian) crowd. Not quite my style—but fun to browse!

As you can imagine, Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin’s death is still looming large over the country. So I found it a little creepy to see a sign warning against the danger of “Marine stingers”—a year to the day of his fatal run-in with a stingray. Good thing I stayed out of the ocean! (It was a bit too cold for me, anyway).

There were also some funny little sightings along the beach—interesting looking beach birds (which I’m sure are as common as seagulls here!) and the variety of surf lifesaver clubs. Bec will have to correct me if I’m wrong here, but I believe that there a bunch of clubs that the lifesavers belong to, and each one has a little hut—or, in some cases, a beach-side café—for their home base. The pic here shows one of these clubs, complete with outdoor seating and flat-screen TVs! Pretty swank!