Harlem Holiday Cheer

HARLEM HOLIDAY CHEER

We had our annual holiday party last weekend. So much fun! I think we counted somewhere in the 30+ range of guests, which is quite a bit smaller than last year, but the result was a more manageable group! LoL We understand people have many commitments on a Saturday night in December, but it was the only date we could plan a get-together.

I am going to 'bug" Sarah to upload and send me her pics of the evening so I could post a few. Check back soon......

(not so) HAPPY HOUR

Maria has had Friday, December 12th on her calendar for like a month.  Finally going to hang out with Debbie, Lou, and Toni - always an eventful evening when this crew gets together!  The crap these guys get into is just amazing, the stories can not be believed, inside jokes abound, and poor Debbie deals with GRINGA references all night long! 

Unfortunately, Maria had to beg off this time.  She worried us both after going to sleep on Tuesday night, and then being up from 3am-7:30am with contractions, pain, and other symptoms.  We decided to contact the doctor on call around 6:30am, and if you know Maria - it had to be bad for her to agree to that.  She went in to the office in the morning to make sure the baby's heartbeat was normal and she wasn't dilated, and luckily all was well.  Turns out her body reacted to an impending stomach virus.  She was in bed and out-for-the-count for DAYS and DAYS.  

Maria also missed 'Red Hot Holiday Stomp' at Lincoln Center last Thursday night.  We had plans to go with Van and Sarah for weeks, and Lori was left with finding a "date" only a few hours before the show!

So, apparently this Happy Hour went from a 5:30 meeting time for a respectable dinner and drinks, to out causing havoc and bedlam until 1:30am.  And Maria missed it!  Damn it!  Next time.  And poor Lori is going to have to stay home with Cooper while Maria is out buying the first round and making up for lost time! :-) 

Prop 8 - The Musical

H Y S T E R I C A L ! ! !

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

THE CAST (in order of appearance)
California Gays: Jordan Ballard, Margaret Cho, Barrett Foa, J.B. Ghuman, John Hill, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph
The People That Love Them: Rashad Naylor, Nicole Parker
Prop 8 Leader: John C. Reilly
Prop 8 Leader's #1 Wife: Allison Janney
Prop 8 Leader's #2 Wife: Kathy Najimy
Riffing Prop 8'er: Jenifer Lewis
Preacher: Craig Robinson
Catholic School Girls : Rashida Jones, Lake Bell, Sarah Chalke
The Frightened Villagers: Katharine "Kooks" Leonard, Seth Morris, Denise "Esi!" Piane, Lucian Piane, Richard Read, Seth Redford
Jesus Christ: Jack Black
A Very Smart Fellow: Neil Patrick Harris
Piano Player: Marc Shaiman

Please check out JoinTheImpact.com for more information.  An amazing grassroots group started up by a handful of students.  This organization is responsible for the protests, rallies, and most on-the-ground organizing that is so needed to continue the momentum.  

3D/4D Sonogram Pictures

Well, last Wednesday we went to get 3D/4D sonogram pictures..... But this kid was not willing to work with us at all! He had his hand in his face like he was shielding himself from paparazzi, and then rolled over and had nothing else to do with us! Maria tried her damn'est to get him going by eating something, walking around, and even jumping up and down. Nothing.  Nada. Oh well. Rescheduled for Monday afternoon. And luckily he was WAY more cooperative then.  Do you think it helped that Maria had a piece of pizza and a coffee before our appointment?  We had to do something!  We decided on a package that included many black & white and color pictures, a CD with almost 100 images, and also a DVD of the whole 25 minute sonogram. The best part? Lori's parents came into the room as well, and were able to experience the whole event. The process is simply fascinating, and we are thrilled they were with us! Maria has been a tad nervous (or even paranoid) since everyone continues to tell her she is carrying as if she is having a girl..... And even when we say it is a boy, most are not convinced. Thank god for this confirmation: 31 weeks! Time is going by very quickly! Another doctor appointment today, and the measurements, heartbeat, and everything else continues to be in normal range. Maria has now hit the 170 lb mark, and is handling it. Handling it very well. :-)

Baby Shower #2

It was back to Jersey for us on Sunday! 

Maria's mother planned a baby shower for us both while Lori's mom was in town, so about 30 members of the family gathered at the house that afternoon. Lunch was great - tea sandwiches (Maria's fav), pasta salad, a very popular romaine salad (which is similar to Lori's famous cole slaw), and fruit salad.
Everyone was just so generous, and we spent a great deal of time opening all the gifts.

Us and moms.
Maria and her grandmothers.
G I A N T S ! ! !