Yesterday was just one of those great days. Yep, I turned 29 years old, finished up my last day of work and as my friend Michelle put it "officially joined the Maternity Leave Club". The whole day was just a treat - I received phone calls, text messages and emails with birthday wishes. I was escorted to lunch by my work mates to my favorite Italian Restaurant, Terroni. As I happily wrapped up a few last things on my to do list - I realized that the office was unusually quiet - little did I know there was a Baby Shower being pulled together just down the hall...I was finally informed that I was needed in the Board Room where I was greeted with a booming 'SURPRISE' from the entire head office group. Wow! My immediate team, Nataliya, Jennifer, Renee, Suzanne, Carla and Sylvia had pulled this one off with fresh home baked goods, brewed tea, balloons, streamers and a beautiful array of baby gifts.
...Nataliya had been drinking a surprising amount of coffee that morning and had blamed it on the fact that her little boy was teething - leaving her with very little sleep the night before...well the truth came out once the shower was in full swing. Nataliya hadn't been up with little Marcus, she had been up until 3 am making the most gorgeous hand decorated cupcakes for my party! I am hoping that I will get a picture from her later this week to show you all - they were too beautiful to eat. Little babies adorned each cupcake, some were boys, some were girls all with little faces, hair and wrapped in blankets - I think dear Nataliya is in the wrong line of work - somebody call Martha!
After overindulging on treats and saying proper goodbyes to everyone - I was on my way - officially leaving the wild world of retail buying for 12 whole months. I am excited about the year ahead - it will be a different kind of job which, similarly to my job at Home Outfitters, will likely be full of challenges but also incredibly rewarding. I recognize that this is an important and special time in my life and I am ready to embrace the change. My Happy Day continued as I spent the evening with my Sweetheart, dinner and then home early to snuggle up on the couch, chat with family and friends and dig in to one more piece of cake. Life is good.
...many, many years ago...I just love how young my Dad looks!