My Sister's Baby Shower

It seems like only yesterday that I had my own baby shower. And, in fact, it was less than five months ago. When my sister, Katie, hosted that one for me, she was in the throes of morning sickness. Now, with only four weeks or so to go until she has her own baby, it was her turn to be the guest of honor.

Selfishly, the shower was a great way for me to see my grandmothers and several of my aunts and cousins during my limited time in Ohio. But it was hardly a piece of cake (although I did have a delicious raspberry jelly-filled slice at the end). Finding the location, decorating, sending invitations, leading games -- there's a lot to do for even the simplest shower. And then there's the stress of making sure you're doing what the mother-to-be would like -- not just yourself!

Luckily I had assistance. Katie's sister-in-law sent invitations to that side of the family and brought half the food. My parents were invaluable as we gathered food and supplies. And my sister is certainly neither high-maintenance nor high-strung: a giant help.

Now the only thing to do -- for me, anyway -- is to wait for my new nephew to arrive!

Odds and Ends from Ohio

Last Thursday night was my sister's not-quite bachelorette party.

"Not quite" because there were just as many men (including Jay and Paul) there as women.

We went to a bar in Paulding County, not too many miles from where Katie's husband grew up and where they are building a house. They've been to this bar numerous times, but I'd only ever heard of it.

It was extremely different than any bar in Columbus, let alone New York City. This photo on the pool table probably explains all you need to know:

At least they asked politely.

I knew this wasn't going to be the type of place we normally frequented when Paul asked the bartender if we could start a tab and she replied that he would have to get permission from the owner of the bar. Nevermind. And when she asked for our ID, I'm sure she'd never seen any from New York before.

Highlight: A man and a woman got in a fight at the bar-- I think at one point she might have asked him if he wanted to take it outside. Katie leaned over and told me they're married-- and the owners of the bar.

Don't get me wrong-- it wasn't all bad. I don't sing, but the karaoke (including a couple of Katie's friends) was pretty good. And the drinks were extremely cheap. In fact, buying a six-pack of Bacardi would be so expensive in a New York grocery store that it was about equal in price to the $2 bottles they were selling in the bar.

In other Ohio news, Paul and I are now landlords. Just using that word makes me laugh. We weren't able to sell the house, but we did get renters for at least a year. We have a property manager, so he'll forward us the rent checks and tell us if the renters have any problems. And I have no problem with that.

My Sister: Married!!

Five days and at least as many slices of wedding cake later, I'm back in New York.

My only sister is married.

I was there for her final dress fitting Thursday. Paul and I helped decorate the reception hall Friday. And of course Saturday was the big day.

If the ceremony was a blur for me, I can only imagine what it was like for Katie and Jay. Before I knew it, Dad was walking Katie down the aisle. It seemed only a second later that she made the return trip with her new husband.

About 200 people attended the reception-- both the bride and groom have large extended families. I saw each of my aunts and uncles on both sides of the family (Mom has four siblings; Dad, two) and at least a dozen cousins and second cousins-- some of whom I see only once a year, if that often. With the exception of my own wedding, I'm not sure I've ever been in a room where I've known so many people.

I snuck in a few dances with Paul and thrilled at least one of my young cousins by twirling him around and 'round for an entire song. My legs ached the next day.

Of course, Katie was beautiful and happy. And although the wedding was obviously the highlight of the weekend, I have good memories of Thursday night, when Mom and Dad treated Katie, Jay, Paul and I to supper at Friendly's. We all seemed to be one big, happy family-- although I'm sure the ice cream didn't hurt.

I have a lot more to write about the weekend, but it will be saved for a later day.