Brunch for Cash

Laura S. was kind enough to want to celebrate Cash coming to join our world. She thought he needed some of his own things that weren't hand-me-downs from James -- what a great idea!

The Group of Celebrators :-) Even Aunt Lu made it....and it may have been Sofia's first party!

Grandmas

Laura, Dani and Jamie

Got the hook up for some new Illini gear!!! He'll be here just in time for football season!

James came to hang out with Uncle Ed and keep him out of trouble ;-) Daddy and Pops were working in the basement re-doing the closet where we had the flood, which wasn't exactly a James-safe environment

After eating some Goldfish (during which he needed to watch "Nemo") and playing in the basement, James and Uncle Ed went on a fly hunt outside -- better watch out, bugs, you're no match for these two!

James wanted to hold Fia, then said "Take Picture!" when he knew just how cute they were together :-)

I couldn't help but post this picture of Sofia -- LOVE her facial expression and the tongue out

Weekend Around Indy with Mommy

I went to pick up James after our vacation and him, Easton and I stayed a few extra days. Thursday I got him from Gma Sharon's (Brian's mom) because I had to take Pops to get an injection in his back (which isn't helping, poor Daddy). Friday we hung out and played and then he played with Lauren (babysitter) while Pops and I went on a double date with Sherry and Dave Wood to see the Brooks & Dunn Last Rodeo concert (amazing)!
The Stage

Mom hooked Dad up with a golf cart ride back to his car -- his back just couldn't hack it but I was proud of him for going to the concert and having a good time still!

Me and the 'rents!

Dad and Mom, Dave and Sherry :-)

Saturday we went down to Ellettsville, IN (near Bloomington) to see Aunt Cassie and Uncle Brian's new house. Super cute house -- although you can't park on the street -- ever -- so they park visitor's cars on the lawn -- which I just find odd -- crazy southern IN towns :-)

James was a big big fan of Uncle Larry's new cowboy hat (he picked it up from the Brooks & Dunn concert) -- we should have known as he only liked country music when he was a baby :-)

Sunday we threw Aunt Kristen and Uncle Larry a baby shower! GG made an awesome taco bar for everyone to enjoy and they got some much needed baby gear. I can't wait to meet my new niece!!!! Mid-September will get her quickly though, so get ready, new Momma and Poppa!

Maddie was soooo excited to give Kris her present -- a "sisters" picture frame and a onesie that says "I'm the Little Sister."

I got everyone to decorate duckies for Mini Motesie -- I think they had fun and hopefully they can use them to decorate her bathroom or something :-) James went bonkers when he saw the ducks -- "DUCK DUCK DUCK" and doing the sign over and over.

Look at that baby belly and the excited Mommy and Aunties!

James gives Pops the best hugs. Here, he is saying "bye" to Pops at his lunch break because we were about to embark on our long journey home to Chicago. Pops, trust me, he misses you too! He goes around honking his nose, just like you taught him :-)

Amazing Baby Shower Weekend Extravaganza

We had a fun-filled President's Day weekend with 2 baby showers! On Valentine's Day, Jen K. and Amanda threw Peanut an amazing co-ed shower. We had family and friends from both near & far come to celebrate! Thank you to everyone for your thoughtfulness and generosity -- can't wait for you all to meet the Lil' man!

The wonderful ladies in charge of getting the party off without a hitch -- Amanda and Jen K. -- we cannot say enough "Thank yous" to let you know how grateful we are!

The happy parents-to-be

We love Grandma's -- Jimmy, Dani & Grandma 'Chele

I love my Mom -- g.g. (Grandma Gross)

I heart my Dad too -- Me and Pops

Aunt Kris and Aunt Cass drove in for the occasion too! They can't wait to meet their first nephew, but do enjoy rubbing the Buddha belly to try and feel him moving in the mean time!

Jen K. made a cupcake cake, Twon, who was magically delicious :-)

Marketing pitch warning: Tasha made this amazing diaper cake -- it makes me sad that I will have to take it apart bc it's so stinkin' cute (I'm sure after use it will be "stinkin" of a different sort, hehe) -- she should think about making some extra moola on the side doing this...if you're interested, I'll play the middle man for you!

Sunday brought another wonderful day as Jim's mom, aka Grandma 'Chele (pronounced: "shell," name not set in stone, but I do find it sort of flows off the tongue nicely), hosted a beautiful shower for Peanut at Boston Blackies. Montalbano-side family and friends were all there to get us ready for his arrival -- boy did they hook us up with some great items -- from necessities to toys to clothes and everything in between! Thank you very much to all for your words of wisdom and your thoughtfulness :-) (I didn't have my camera, so pictures will have to be added at a later date).

Surprise!

Oh what fun!Oh what joy!

The Montalbano’s are having a sweet baby boy!

Please Join us for Jim’s Baby Shower in the Kitchen

Wednesday, February 4th at 3PM

So the actual evite looks much cuter than above, but it gets the point across. Jim's work pals surprised him with a baby shower at work yesterday. I think that is fantastic! Let's him be the main source of attention for once regarding the baby and get the props that he deserves because he's going to make an excellent father. He came home with his hands loaded with baby gear and I was surprised too, so that was fun! It was so nice and kind of them to think of us and I'm happy he works with such excellent, caring people. Thanks to all involved and I'll post pictures when I get them from Mikey.

Work Friends Baby Shower

My friends from work (and Tanya) threw us our first baby shower on January 11, 2009. It was such a great time, I am so lucky to work with these fine ladies and have them be a part of my life -- they are truly amazing people! They helped get us off to a good start to be prepared for Baby Monty when he gets here (again, he needs to wait until March). Here's a group shot :-)

Corey has a friend that is a pastry chef and made this amazing cake that fits right in with the Safari-themed nursery -- seriously, how cute is this cake?!?!? We saved the animals to take some pics to possibly use as decoration in the nursery, we'll see if we get anything useable.

This was the best pregnancy belly picture I could find...30.5 weeks along...and the same shirt as last time (it's a fav)!