baby G in da hizzhouse!

oooohhhh baby! that's right...we're expecting and i couldn't be happier or more excited and blessed....i figured it out and looks like we got preggos on the thursday of our honeymoon...a cabo baby :0) when i look back at the pics, its crazy to think...wow, i was pregnant and didn't even know it yet.......i always planned out this sweet, creative way to let michael know when it happened, but i was so freaking excited i just kinda blurted it out....it went down a lil like this...so i had been off the pill and we were back from cabo and going to go to a party..i figured since we were going to be drinking, i better take a test just incase....so i went into the bathroom and to my surprise, there was a second line..i couldn't believe it...i was so excited i practically ran out with my pants still down holding the test behind my back...i yell, guess what??!!! he was like what?? i showed him the test and said, we're pregnant!!!! he was like no way, i was like yes babe, look! he was like did you fake that (ha)...i was like no babe...then he asked if i had another test just to make sure and i sure did and took it again right away....we both were so happy and just hugged...i was so emotional because for some reason, i had a feeling we would have trouble conceiving (don't know why), but again, like with so many other aspects of me and michael's life, it just feel into place just as we and God would have planned it....i couldn't wait to tell people..i figured if something went wrong, my family/close friends would be there for me...so slowly i began to tell people...my pregnancy has been wonderful...no morning sickness..i practically feel like myself..just a lil more juicy :0) my favorite part of being pregnant is feeling the baby's movement...i swear i have my hands down my pants nearly all day...people must think i'm al bundy or something....this baby is def a shaker...i'm thinking pro soccer player......i love when michael gets to feel the baby move too..infact it was 19 weeks 5 days when michael felt the first kick..it was so special....he takes the time everyday to feel the baby and say hello...he's so sweet and i can't wait for him to meet this special lil person......we had our big ultrasound and decided not to find out (i know, we suck).....it's just that much more to look forward to at the baby's birth....we have names though (we have had these names even before we started trying..yea, we're gay) emerick for boy...samantha for girl....we are slowing preparing for the baby...so far we've painted the room (shade of blue), bought furniture (dark cherry..it's beautiful!) and put up lil decorations....of course, i couldn't help but buy a few cute onesies here and there too :0) i'm actually in my thrid trimester already and can't believe how quickly time has passed...again, i feel so blessed and lucky to have my family and can't wait for our lil one to arrive

Weekly Belly Pics

12 weeks 5 days

13 weeks 5 days

14 weeks 5 days

15 weeks 5 days

16 weeks 5 days

17 weeks 5 days

18 weeks 6 days

19 weeks 4 days

20 weeks 5 days

21 weeks 4 days

22 weeks 4 days

23 weeks 4 days

24 weeks 4 days

25 weeks 4 days
i have a few more weeks to update.....stay tuned

michael&carolyn

May 17, 2008

i'm originally from texas, michael from jersey....we met while we were both living in new york...and now we live in texas...it's a crazy story, but just another factor that proves it was meant to be!....we have been living in texas for almost 2 years...i can't wait to marry this guy...i really am a lucky girl

~THE PROPOSAL ~
we were at oceancity, maryland with some family on a week vacation on the beach...we went to the inlet to watch the sunset and take some pics and that's when michael got down on his knee...i was shocked...i had no clue...if i did, i would have dressed up, lol

~ THE BLING ~

i was shocked when i finally glanced at the ring after the proposal (michael had to tell me to look at it, lol)...i can not believe he would pick such a beautiful, perfect ring...i absolutely love it! ...he told me he had purchased the ring when we were still living in ny......ritani endless love collection (http://www.ritani.com/) ....we went with the ritani endless love band ... for him we picked a squared shaped band from helzberg diamonds..i had it engraged...my baby.....forever

~ THE VENUE ~

Addison Event Center
www.addisonbanquetcenter.com

We decided on the AEC because of the price and size of the venue really fit us and our needs…I booked the venue about 6 months in advance and didn't have much (because I didn't feel the need to touch base all the time) communication until a month or so before my wedding….i have to say the communication via telephone is horrible and it's very difficult to get in touch via phone…at times it did take a day or two for a response via email…..there was a time I had a freak out moment when I had a meeting a few weeks before the wedding and djuna did not show up….she did apologize the next day and from that time, she was on point with her communication with me…..I was able to store and bring up my items the Friday before my wedding…I guess this is when I realized how busy they really do get there…the phones were ringing off the hook and djuna was almost always on the cell with people or showing people around…up to that point, I always thought it was a lack of care/responsibility, but clearly it's a lack of support/help…..after setting everything up djuna told me she had a "surprise"…I was a lil worried because everyone's taste is different so I had no clue what was in store for me…..before I left for the day, she told me she had to let me know what the surprise was….soo, she told me SHE hired someone to fold, tie black ribbon/bows and place pink carnations (to match my centerpieces) for all of my napkins…I could not believe her nice gesture and was in tears over her kindness…I understand this was her way of making nice for the miscommunication that had recently occurred, but I still thought it was really nice and not necessary…so yea, I def had my issues and concerns (esp after reading the stuff online), but everytime I did meet with djuna, she was able to melt them away and I have to say if I had to do it all over again, I would probably go with the AEC…...i believe a lot of the stuff online is someone trying to personally attack her for whatever reason...i have read things about her demanding cash...this was not the case with me..…I have more reason to believe people are personally attacking her which I prefer not to discuss publically….as far as the ceremony (which I had there as well), it was beautiful and perfect…the transition from ceremony to reception was prompt and organized (which only took like 15-20 minutes)…this time gave the guests the opportunity to find their seats (I had assigned), grab some drinks and enjoy the appetizers (which were great btw)….when I walked into the room I was soooo pleased with the way it turned out…I kept finding myself stopping, staring and just saying, it's sooo nice and soooo perfect…I really couldn't have asked for more….i left djuna with the instructions on how to set up the cake, bridal party table and tables and she executed it perfectly…...the plated dinner was nice and everyone was pleased with their food and the service…from the waiters to the bartenders, everyone was so nice and friendly

as far as my recommendation for this venue, i'm really torn....i have had such a love/hate relationship with this venue although at the end it was perfect (and in my heart, i knew it would be)....the only negative thing i can really validate/say is the communication, or lack of.....i have to be honest, it was annoying not being able to have someone pick up the phone or reply to an email for a few days...so, that was my one/only issue...the communication....take it as that...if you really love this place and it suits your budget, this is what you're in store for...so it really is the individual that has to decide if it's worth it

~DRESS #1 (like i'm a diva or something)~

Alfred Angelo
www.alfredangelo.com

one day after leaving the mall, i decided (by myself) to just look at some dresses at alfred angelo...this was the first dress i tried on...and only tried on 2 others...i went back after a few weeks with a friend and bought it....it's really simple and i love it!....the price was less than i expected to pay for my dress which is a plus for me....it's a new style so it's not on their website or anywhere on the internet…I purchased from the NE Mall location….i was in and out and the dress came in when expected…I would def recommend this store based on my experience, although I have read stories on the boards about not receiving good service here.

~ DRESS #2 ~

i entered the reception in a traditional korean hanbok ....we purchased the honboks (both mine and michaels) from a contact through my mom ..if you need one, please let me know…we ordered and received from korea.

~INVITATIONS~

The American Wedding

http://www.theamericanwedding.com/

went with simple, clean black & white invites.....cost was about $200 for 100 invitations and reply cards...i was impressed by the quality...i received a lot of compliments on the invites

~ALTERATIONS~

Becky Fowler
972-986-8067

beckyfowler1@tx.rr.com

i have nothing but great things to say about becky....she is intelligent, honest, professional and damn sweet.....she did a great job on my dress and was even willing to work on my dress two days before the wedding (I lost a lil weight and it was loose) ....i highly recommend becky!!

~ DJ ~

Seth Hoisington, Dallas Rhythms

www.DallasRhythms.com

we decided on seth after meeting him.....i have heard great things about him on the boards and meeting him in person sealed the deal....our main focus is for our guests to walk away from our wedding saying gosh damn that was fun and i know seth will be a big part in achieving this....Seth did a great job of keeping the party organized and fun..the dancefloor stayed packed the entire night…he even does a "love story" which was a special touch for our reception…I highly recommend seth…he is professional, super organized, experienced and great to deal with…he wasn't cheezy or on the mic all night long

~PHOTOGRAPHER ~

NinePhotography

http://www.ninephotography.com/

we are VERY excited about our photographers...i have had great communication via email and the meeting went great...they are a cool, young couple with a great portfolio...i am excited to work with them...i may just ask if we can still be friends after the wedding :0)….both kelly and brendan showed up early and stayed late….they did an excellent job on our pics and i highly recommend them

~ VIDEO ~

Terry VanDerHeyden
http://www.withinfilm.com/

we are excited about this pick as well....we met with terry and he is a very down to earth, professional guy...i am looking forward to working with him in making a memorable video...VERY reasonable pricing…..terry and his daughter recorded our rehearsal, ceremony and reception…we were thrilled with the end results...here is the link to our short clippy version

http://www.withinfilm.com/id8.html

~CAKE~

The Cake Lady

http://www.thecakelady.org/

we went for a simple, clean design.....we had our tasting and are going with a white cake with walnut, pecan and coconut with italian creme filling, butter creme frosting.....we also rented the cake stand...the price was GREAT...came out to about $2.50 per slice which included the stand and delivery..we are also going with a monogram topper....G cause we're gangster ….the cake was delivered on time and looked beautiful…it was also the bomb! …my brother had 5 slices!! I def recommend them

~OFFICIANT~
Marty Younkin, Love Notes
http://www.lovenotesweddings.com/

we have hired marty to do our rehearsal and wedding...he is a great communicator through email....he provides you with a great book of ceremony readings/structures which was very helpful…marty had to send an associate to perform our rehearsal which went smoothly…I felt bad for the lady cause we're all a bunch of whacks! But she handled it great and was a true professional…I walked away knowing it would go great…marty showed up early and had to leave because of personal issues right after the ceremony….he did a great job at performing our ceremony….he's got a nice, calming way about him…I highly recommend him or any of his associates.

~ HAIR ~

Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Center

Addison, TX

972-669-0494

I ended up having a girlfriend do my hair (and she did a fab job!!)….the other girls got their hair done at the paul mitchell center…it was hit and miss with them…I would only recommend if you go for trial first…if you are interested in getting your hair done by my girlfriend, shoot me an email carolyn.gallagher@yahoo.com she also did my makeup

~ WEDDING PARTY ~

i have decided to let the girls pick their own black dresses (GASP) and shoes and even hair, jewlery, etc ...everyone is different, so why try to make them look the same...this way, everyone's happy and comfortable, which is what i want...of course everything must be ran/approved by me first....i mean, i do get a say in something, right??! ....the guys are going with Al's...there were no issues with them and i recommend them.

My advice for the bride to be…...

You gotta remember that although you want things to be sooo perfect and you feel like so much is riding on the line, you shouldn't obsess over the wedding planning….the reality is the most important aspect of your wedding day is standing there, looking into the eyes of your future husband and knowing that's the reason for it all…everyone kept asking me if I was nervous, if I couldn't sleep…they were all so shocked at how normal and calm I was….i was never nervous, never lost sleep (although I did have one dream where I left my shoes and veil at home, ha) and its because at the end of the day, I knew I would be married to michael and regardless of what happened, didn't happen, went wrong, went right, we would be married…and that's all that really matters at the end….i just happened to have the perfect ceremony and reception to go along with it and feel truly blessed, loved and lucky….there's no better feeling than knowing you're married to the ONE….i honestly had a cheeze on my face the entire time

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to email me at

carolyn.gallagher@yahoo..com

Happy planning !!....but happier marriage!!!!

~ DIY STUFF ~

Here are some things i decided to tackle myself.....

my mom ..........YES, she really is that cute!

~HONEYMOON~

we're staying for 9 days in Los Cabos, Mexico......i can not wait! ...we booked ourselves online...the trip was the bomb...and we got the BEST souvenir EVER!!!!

~ FURBABIES ~

yep...had to include them

stormy a/k/a big burtha is my oldest....nine this year.....she's still outta control...loves taking walks...chew toys....anything stinky and dirty...she is my baby girl...12o lbs of love

rocky...eight this year...loves walks....sun bathing.....being the badass on the other side of the fence...thinks he's 120 lbs...eats like he does...he's my lil chunk

loosey....the 3rd and last (yes, we are on the verge of becoming the crazy dog people)....she's our hot mess.....she's not a big fan of walks...but loves a top shelf margarita and she is the cutest lil thing i've ever seen

any one in the mood for some basketball?

beware.....the new year ninja





















i survived bachelor party weekend.....

http://www.wfaa.com/video/gordonkeithshow-index.html?nvid=220326

thanks for visiting....smell ya later