Steve and Maria Frey

Now that my belly is growing nice and big, it’s pretty much impossible to sit at the wheel and throw. (a.k.a. throw a mound of clay on a spinning wheel and mold it into something useful – but NOT like Demi Moore in Ghost!!)

Due to my “condition” I had to sign up for the handbuilding class this session. It’s a lot easier on my back, hands, neck, etc… and it’s a new experience in working with clay. I’m having a lot more fun than I expected and though I’ve been working on the same piece for 4 weeks already, it’s probably the most satisfying part of my week.

I’m working on a pot that will probably end up being between 14 and 18 inches tall. I’m building it entirely from coils. Steve still fears that my “coil pot” will end up looking like a stacked hose, so I took a picture of my progress so far with my camera phone to prove him wrong…I mean, set him at ease.

I’m not at the skill level to where I could throw something this tall on the wheel, so I’m pretty excited about making something new. This process has been so rewarding and theraputic. Who would have known there was such happiness in playing with a bunch of mud.

* UPDATE: My coil pot as of 6/2/09 – moving right along!

This weekend we took a trip down to Florida where we were showered with love and gifts from family and friends. We got to Florida Friday night and headed out Sunday morning. The baby shower was a full day wedged in between. Someone asked me how it went and I replied that it was just like my wedding – I don’t remember half of it, but I know I had a good time!

It was a great day and we appreciate all the hard work that went into making it happen. We also appreciate that so many people were willing to drive (some people close to 5 hours) to little old Citra, Fl where my parents live. Just to make it worth their while, we directed people back to Orlando and beyond via John Travolta’s house. As much as Steve and I think we’re cool, John Travolta “out celebrities” us.

Here are some pictures from the day. My sister did a great job decorating/coordinating/making me a diaper cake (and thankfully remembering not to use glue). My cousin made an amazing baby shower cake that tasted as good as it looked. Mom outdid herself as usual on the food. And as usual, there was no time to take any pictures of the food. That’s not something you let hang around while you fumble for a camera!

We got many great gifts that are sure to get us started when Jacob arrives. The one thing I wish we would have gotten was directions for when that day comes.

We’re not ashamed to admit that 90% of our house is made up of hand-me-down furniture or Craigslist finds. Every once in a while though it’s nice to buy something new. Something our own. Something we picked together and didn’t have to settle on.

Introducing…our new dining room set. We’re headed out of town tomorrow morning so I didn’t have time to make it look all pretty and official (and remove the dust and dirt from the moving guys laying all over the floor to put it together!) but I’ve been asked to send pictures regardless.

We’re looking forward to many dinners with family and friends…and MUCH to my mother’s delight, they will no longer have to sit on the couch with t.v. trays! (Though I’m sure those trays will still get occasional use)

This is so my mom doesn’t say I never do anything she asks of me. To borrow a phrase from my friend Brittany- sorry if this “assaults your eyes”

Oh, and for those that may not know, we’ve named my belly. Well, the little guy inside. He shall be called Jacob Thomas Frey.

I traveled to Florida a few weeks ago for work. It was a fun filled 10 days with a HUGE empasis on the word “filled.” It literally took me a week to recover when I got back to Charlotte! I was lucky to get to spend Easter weekend with my family and then headed to Orlando to get some face time in with my coworkers. It’s probably the last time I will get to see them before the baby is born.

In between the training, and meetings, more training, more meetings, and then other meetings they found time to surprise me with a baby shower. It was super nice of them. They decorated the conference room and had yummy snacks and gifts. I just may have to “go into the office” more often!

Here are a few pics:

They made a comment about getting me gifts I could take on the plane with me. Yes, that’s a giant box next to me. Our new pack n’ play! Lucky for me, our friends Matt and Alicia (who I was staying with) were coming to our house in Charlotte the next day and they were able to fit it in their van. How’s that for convenience?!

Thanks Xcellimark!! You guys rock!!!