Chesapeake Roundup

Well, Coco and I have made it back from Chesapeake in one piece. Surprisingly, the two of us thought we'd arrive back in Brooklyn, much more worn. We thought lil Ava would be up (and us with her) most of the night. If I said I heard her once through the night I'd be lying. I didn't hear a peep. Coco even claims to "not have such good sleep since being in my mother's womb". Fitting if you ask me given the theme of our trip.

I've come away from our trip with a few key points:

1) My niece, Ava, rocks. check out the pix from our trip.

2) Coco will make a great mother some day.

3) I like Jenoa as a sister-in-law more and more.

4) Even though he's a dad, Sean is still a goof. I'm sure Jenoa will agree 100%.

5) The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is l-o-n-g. At first thought, a $12 toll seems out of line but at 20 miles, I'd say it beats the Verranzano-Narrows $9 looting.

6) Jenoa's sister, Laurel, is so jealous that she'll have to wait until February to see her niece. Seeing who can (and will!) spoil her most will obviously be a 'who knows how long this will last' competition between Laurel and Team Brefanie. Bring it on, Laurel! Team Brefanie rules!!

Chesapeake Survival Guide

Step 1) Try not to fall head over heels for a 12 lb, chubby-legged, blue-eyed beauty named Ava - it makes it that much harder to leave the mid-Atlantic region.

Step 2) See Step 1.

Step 3) For proof of Step 1, please see the photo below.














And no, although she may have wanted to, Coco is not eating Ava's toes.

Newsflash!! Chesapeake Warning!!

Rumor has it the lil bugger below doesn't nap!!?!!? Eek! Can something that cute really not want to take a nap??
















Gasp. This could be a tough weekend.

Random Thoughts of Honeymoon

* I wonder if I can pay for the hotel in Rome today to get a better currency rate against the Euro? I can't imagine the rate getting any better than 1 USD = 0.682 EUR. DAMN!! European CD's anyone? A risk free score if things keep going as they are.


* The cruise - our honeymoon - I can't tell you how many times I forget what ship we'll be on; Libery of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, etc... Too many "...of the Seas" if you ask me. Let me check the intinerary to make sure - hold please - alright, it's Legend of the Seas. Note to self: do not forget. Here are some specs.

While I'm a bit disappointed there aren't any of those targeted restaurants like the Chops Grille and Portofino, I suspect it's because the cruise takes place a non-GINORMOUS ship - Just the way I like it. My only concern was a casino, and thankfully, the Legend has one. D'ya think they serve dinner and drinks at the Blackjack table?


* I have not clue what shore excursions will be like much less cost. I don't think their site has them posted yet. Since we're hitting Rome, Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Alexandria, Mykonos, Capri, Cyprus and Ephesus (Turkey), I wonder what we'll actually end up doing. A good deal will be cultural yet some will also include sand and sun. This is what it looks like:

D1: Civitavecchia (Rome): Depart 5:00 pm
D2: Cruising
D3: Mykonos: Arrive @ 1 pm, Depart @ 11 pm
D4: Ephesus (Turkey): Arrive @ 7:00 am, Depart @ 6 pm
D5: Rhodes: Arrive @ 7:00 am, Depart @ 5 pm
D6: Limassol (Cyprus): Arrive @ 9 am, Depart @ 6 pm.
D7: Cruising
D8: Alexandria (Egypt): Arrive @ 7 am, Depart @ 10 pm.
D9: Cruising
D10: Athens: Arrive @ 7 am, Depart @ 5 pm
D11: Cruising
D12: Naples/Capri: Arrive @ 7 am, Depart @ 6 pm
D13: Back in Civitavecchia (Rome): Arrive @ 4:00 AM

Here's a map of the route, too:



Where was I? Oh yeah, shore excursions...can anyone tell me anything about them? Do you think we should use those set up by the cruise operator or venture out on our own?

I'll try to detail some of the goings on in each over the next couple of months so Coco has something to read on the subway. I'll 'visit' Rome last since she's been there already. As opposed to following any order, I'll just select a destination at random and run with it.

What should I cover first?? Any suggestions?

The First Run Down

Its been a while since I've made a post and, I must admit, its getting harder and harder to maintain this thing once a week much less once a day. With that, I thought I would do a run down of what's been accomplished so far. Some, given our recent distribution of Save The Dates, are obviously obvious.

- Venue: Carlyle on the Green
- Date: Friday, September 19, 2008
- Officiant: Minister Keith from NY Marriages
- Flowers: Vito from Pedestals
- Music: Renegade (awe-some)
- Photo/Videography: Duet
- Wedding Planner: Coco et moi
- Honeymoon: a few days in Rome and then an Eastern Mediterranean cruise (via Royal Caribbean)
- The Dress: You'll have to ask Coco...
- Registry: Fortunoffs and Pottery Barn



Here some pieces that have yet to be decided:

- Rehearsal dinner location
- Abbreviated song list
- Groom's attire
- The menu
- Political affiliations
- Floral design
- Stationery/invitations
- Wedding insurance
- Design of the cake
- Order of the wedding procession
- Ceremony Readings
- Green influence
- The rings
- Hair & makeup

Am I missing anything??

Boo!

Happy Halloween! Enjoy the new, Halloween inspired, Imeem playlist! Can't say for sure if any of these songs will be covered come wedding day but I'm pretty sure an artist or two will. Any guesses? Who's bad??


And here's a pick of the pumpkin that was left on our front stoop - not that we have a stoop...





















I wonder if Jenoa will ever create different Picassa web albums?

In Honor Of All Hallow's Eve and All Things Black

As you probably know, Coco would do just about anything to get married in a black dress holding black flowers. Alas, her mother wouldn't hear of it.

So, in honor of her affinity for black gowns and fauna AND in honor of the Celts that begin celebrating Samhain and All Hallow's Eve (which eventually became Halloween), I've come upon a dark tale of a couple that has decided to marry on a blessed holiday while playing homage to the awesomeness that are the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the “Dungeons and Dragons” role-playing game. Can you say Elvira meets King Arthur's court?? Weird is an understatement.

Read more about it here.

ps...how on earth does someone really name their child 'Faith Charity'?

pps...oh, and for the record, she's come so far as to 1) look at the Cowboys schedule to see what week they have a BYE and 2) actually know what a BYE is. Way to go, Coco!

Just as an FYI

We've gotten some really great feedback regarding our Save the Date cards! We just wanted to let the world know that our pal G$ was the one behind the lens. To see more of his work, you can either come over to our apartment (I think we represent pretty well) or go to http://embeddedinbrooklyn.my-expressions.com/index.html.

* Please note that I forgot how to do that link thingy and Brian is ignoring my plea for help. =)

Another Thing To Check Off The List

This past Sunday, while Big A and I (nervously) watched the Cowboys-Pats game, Coco and her mom had an appointment to see another florist (our 2nd).

Pedestals was suggested to us by a couple of now newly-weds. Obviously I can't speak to the details of the what had gone down -I obviously didn't listen well enough when they returned just before halftime - but 1) they quoted us a much better price than Colonial and 2) Coco L-O-V-E-D the floral coordinator, Vito.

Stack the characteristics I have now omitted due to a certain someone's demands (married men, I'm already losing, aren't I?) on top (just imagine the pun intended) of a personality that LOVES designing with flowers and we've got another marriage, of sorts. All kidding aside it screams of a perfect match. (Kidding aside?? What kidding??) He loved her (our) vision and is very excited to work with us. As are we. We've heard he only gets the best reviews.

Bring it on, Vito.

ps...because I can no longer say/write what I want on this blog, I may stop saying/writing. Or at least leave it up to her.

pps...Disclosure: If I have selected your skills for my wedding, no biases exist no matter what may or may not be written about you. Unless you're a Yankee fan, of course.

ppps...IM demanding removal of post:

loveforfire15: nooo no nooo
loveforfire15: it's funny and you're a great writer but if he reads it i don't want him to be offended
loveforfire15: seriously, I love you but the wedding may be off if you don't remove it
BtotheMC: what. you know there's no mal intent on my part..
loveforfire15: about the gay and the growing up gotti
loveforfire15: it's a great post but i dont' want to offend him in any way in case he reads the blog as it's in my email. I'm not sure why I care so much since no one really reads it save 3 maybe 4 people. and you're harmless.
BtotheMC: not picking up [she was calling me at work]
loveforfire15: brian i'm serious, i may call the whole thing off.
loveforfire15: it's a little on the mean side although you don't have a mean bone in your body - except when i need bugs squished
BtotheMC: it is? its not meant to be. i love that show. i'm pro gay. i love hot, italian sausage when you put it in with the meatballs.
loveforfire15: and i really don't think it's necessary to bring in what he looks like
BtotheMC: i'll try and fix it so it doesn't come across like you say. thats not my intent.
loveforfire15: you are making fun of his appearance although i really know you're not
loveforfire15: which isn't nice
loveforfire15: please fix about the gay and the spikey mikey and growing up gotti
BtotheMC: can i leave the picture?
loveforfire15: nooooo
loveforfire15: pretty please no - you'll get good lovin' if you take it down
loveforfire15: i wouldn't want to read anything like that about myself although i'm not sure what you say about me that is negative
BtotheMC: just so we are clear it was never meant to be mean

pppps...Some of Coco's IM responses have been doctored. Blame it on me.

The Honeymoon - An Addendum

As discussed, we decided to front load our honeymoon with 2 nights in Rome. Having never been before, Coco stressed staying near the Trevi fountain (pictured) and the Spanish Steps; "I'd like to be near it all."

I couldn't locate a Comfort Inn on that side of the Atlantic, so after a heated discussion we've opted for the Hotel di Russie. Sweet.

Dude.

Sweet.

Dude.

A Time To Celebrate

Happy Second-Wedding Anniversary to G & E!!

ps..they're in our wedding party.

The Dress

Yesterday's missions was accomplished - The Dress was procured - not that I have any idea what it looks like....but it supposed to be that way, no?! For that may wish to read about the final decisions, she may not divulge all of the details publicly. Alas, you may be in my boat - having to wait until our wedding day. Sorry.

STDs

Save The Dates, silly. Get your mind out of the gutter.

We've been patiently waiting to get them so Coco can personally, hand address each one - yeah, right!! Believe it if you can but her penmanship is WORSE than mine. Perhaps I'll just have them printed up at work.

She was mumbling something about calligraphy stencils - say what?!

S-L-O-W

With things as slow as they are, I've only got the following to report:

1) I'm hoping to accompany Coco to our next floral shop visit this Sunday (Pedestals in Garden City) but it doesn't look likely - silly girl scheduled it at 3pm on the Sunday the 'Boys play the Pats.

2) This Saturday will mark the second Wedding Dress day. Only two - whodathunk.

3) We're tossing around what hotel to stay at in Rome on the front side of the cruise. Have you been? Where should we stay in? What's a must to see (since I've never been)?

4) Imagine if it's this warm come next year?!?

5) There's got to be more - there has to be.....

More Of The New Addition To The McNamara Clan

While Seannie is off training and Jenoa politely doesn't return our calls, I thought I'd post their web album with beaucoup pix of lil Ava Shae.

Enjoy!!

Rumor has it they're still trying to catch up on their sleep. The pictures do a nice job detailing their attempts.

This Is The Worst...

...day ever to be a Mets fan.
Ever.

Last year wasn't even this bad.

The Honeymoon

Finally.
At last.
Conclusively.
Its settled.
Irrevocably - well at least until October 1.

The honeymoon is finalized.

I'm not really sure why we didn't explore this option earlier in The Honeymoon Game but I'm elated to know that most of the plan is in place. We're thinking Rome, Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Alexandria, Mykonos, Capri, Cyprus and Ephesus (Turkey). 12 days on the eastern Meditterranean sounds sweet doesn't it?! I've never done the cruise thing before but I've only read great things about the ports of call, the ship, you name it...

Read more about it here!

Prelude To A Wedding Dinner

Part of the package that The Carlyle offers once you go to contract with them for the big she-bang, is to be invited back for dinner at The Oak Room - on them - as a means to sample the menu. Friday night we did a whole 'o sampling.

While not every item on the menu will be available for us to select and include during the wedding, our waiter notified us of such before ordering. He, I think his name was Alex, was very helpful in detailing any variations in how plates might be served on the wedding side of the house.

For appetizers, we started with crab cakes, calamari, stuffed artichoke hearts, a medley of salads (ceasar, blue cheese, and some bacon bean concoction), and my favorite, blue cheese batter shrimp. De-lish.

Entrees included filet mignon, mahi mahi, baby lamb chops, a greek chicken cutlet, and pasta.

Dessert included an assortment of chocolate molten something, brandied bananas, and an ice cream dish. All very good on the eye and the palate.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you what will make the wedding day menu because I'm being threatening by Coco. (Bad, Coco, bad. Now you must be punished ;) Besides, I would think that the menu might evolve between now and then. Let's just hope the menu selection process is easier than choosing a spot to honeymoon. BTW, I think we're going to cruise the eastern Mediterranean. S.W.E.E.T.

I should note that the house could do a better job of noting the meal comps on the reciept. While they were clear in what was being comped, you had no idea what the amount of each comp was. Big A was clearly befuddled when trying to tip the waiter. Big A is a big fan of service and wanted to make sure the waiter received his grat on top of the freebies.

Breaking News!!!!

Not only is it one year to the day of our wedding but it's also the day that Sean and Jenoa have brought their baby girl into this world. Ava Shae weighing in at 7 lbs 4 oz, 21", was born at 7:46 am. Mother is out cold sleeping and Ava Shae keeps blinking those baby blond eye lashes at her dad. Awesome news. Just awesome.

Rumor has it her eyes are blue. Pictures to follow when available.

Proud parents & little Ava*




*Thanks to Jenoa's mom Vicki Potter (not relation to Harry) for the photos.

Man, oh, man....

What's with planes crashing in Thailand??!

Our honeymoon is now completely on the rocks. You should see Coco scrambling...

Why am I not scrambling, you ask??

Because I would be just as happy poolside at the Motel 8 on Country Road 52 in Omaha, Nebraska. You know the one a 1/4 mile down from the Nelson Pig Farm & Slaughterhouse. Mmmm - bacon.