More than Just Crabcakes

Our first night in Annapolis we headed to the Middleton Tavern. I think pretty much every restaurant in the city (even the Starbucks we popped into a few days later) is in a building that's at least 200 years old. The Middleton was pretty good and we got to watch the people next to us have their dinner prepared tableside by what I'm pretty sure was the owner.



The next day, during our walking tour (yes, with the wands) around town we stopped for lunch at Galway Bay. Ryan had mussels and I had what might be the second best burger ever (after Clifton Manor and neck and neck with J. Paul's).

That night we had dinner at O'Leary's Seafood. Ryan had some kind of scallops for an appetizer and some kind of tuna something as an entree. You can see I'm really concerned with seafood. I suppose if I liked seafood, I would have been happier. You see, the filet I ordered medium came out pretty much seared on each side and was so raw I was afraid to eat it (pregnancy has it price). They did give us dessert for free because of the problem, chocolate cake-the kind with the molten middle, so I couldn't complain too much.

Next day for lunch we hit the jackpot at O'Brien's Oyster Bar. Ryan had noticed the pizza on a table outside the previous day. So, when we were looking for lunch we stopped in and had what I think might be the best pizza I've had in quite a while. Crust was great...not too doughy, not too chewy. Sauce was spicy and thick. Pepperoni was greasy and delicious, like it was meant to be. We considered ordering a second one.


That night we went to Lewnes' Steakhouse at the recommendation of a former citizen of fair Annapolis. It was fantastic. The only drawback was my window seat overlooking the enormous collection of wine that I couldn't drink. We both had great steaks (although the delmonico at Calao's still holds the number one spot) and they actually managed to cook my steak thoroughly enough that I could eat it without fear of foodborne illness.

Lewnes' has among their fine collection a bottle of $1050 wine. I believe that you get what you pay for...to an extent. I know that a $60 bottle tastes better than a $6 bottle, but can a wine really be good enough to warrant dropping a grand on it? I'm not convinced.



I can't forget to mention Ann's breakfasts at Georgian House. They were great...fresh fruit, puffy pancakes and French toast, bacon, muffins...yum!

DC was a little less interesting on the food front. Of course, we went to J. Paul's. We ended up at an Italian place called Bertucci's for dinner that night. We ended up at an Elephant and Castle for lunch. We tried to hit Lauriol Plaza, but the wait was too long for a preggo with a headache, so we went to Circa instead. Had some ice cream at Kramer Books that was ridiculously good.

Before we headed out, we had breakfast at the Beacon Hotel's bar and grill-type place. Mine was good...bacon, eggs, potatoes, toast, juice, milk...you can't go wrong there. Ryan had oatmeal with golden raisins. He said he liked it, but I don't know how good it could have possibly been...it was oatmeal.

Jeez! You'd think all we did was eat...

Annapolis

We finally decided to take a little honeymoon. Our first stop was Annapolis, Maryland...home of the...


We did the requisite walking tour of the historic sites, complete with dorky wands.


We also stood in the middle of Main Street to try to get this picture. I like Main Street. There's a store called "Alpaca International."



Annapolis is quite the sailing town. I'm really surprised that I didn't get more of "Would you be mad if I bought a boat?"


Annapolis is a great example of what Erie could be, but isn't. Historic waterfront district, free music, great little shops, amazing restaurants. We could learn a thing or two.

Order of the Garter

One of our goals is to educate here at Bob's My Uncle...so without further ado.

As far as I can gather, the tradition of the garter toss comes from the ancient belief that it was lucky to have a piece of the bride's wedding attire. As you can imagine, this easily got out of hand...people ripping apart the bridal gown. Even though you aren't going to wear it again, the destruction of the gown is still tragic.

There are other explanations, but they're not as sweet as that one. I'll let you look that one up yourself!

The DJ explains the process to Ryan.



"Hey! How many layers does this thing have? Do you think we could insulate the apartment with it?"


"Why does your mom have that baseball bat?"


"Hey, they did a great job on your pedicure."



"Woo-hooo!"


"I am the man!"


I made all of that up, by the way. I don't really remember what he said. It was still pretty funny and the pictures did come out great. I like it.

Let Them Eat Cake

All Occasions Goodies is responsible for our beautiful cake. It tasted at least as good as it looks.


We had some cutlery issues when it came time to cut the cake. Apparently, the only thing they could find was this machete.


You'd think Ryan would trust me with a knife...I AM a trained professional.

Ryan was very good about not smushing me in the face with cake. I think it's because I told him that I would probably cry if he did...hormones, you know.



I returned the favor. I smushed a little, but it was mostly because the piece I cut was a little too big.


Sweet!

Abbey Road

It's very possible that I'm crazy...but I think this picture looks familiar somehow.


They're going the wrong direction...and Kayla's a little short, but I think there's a hint of similarity.


Is it just me?

That's Mr. Blueberry to You!

So, it's official...Blueberry is a BOY! Just what we need around here, another Sitter man! Ryan has been gloating all day...along with a couple of silly victory dances. He's already trying to apply for the Prep class of 2026.

It was actually the nice lady doing the echocardiogram who asked if we wanted to know the sex of the baby. Apparently, it was pretty obvious. Magee is a teaching hospital, so we had a bit of an audience in the form of two nice students observing. Even the girl who had started a week ago could identify the equipment.

They were having trouble getting a good look at the heart...the reason for this whole shindig...and the other student made a comment about him being willing to show us his "part," but not his heart. Typical man ;)

Everything looks good. The heart and hands look normal. He's practicing gymnastics in there from the look of it. All day they had trouble getting a clear shot at whatever they were trying to see.

Emma Wins!

The prize for best reader goes to...Emma!

She's certainly working the hardest, anyways. The rest of you are very passive readers. It's fun to get comments, you know!

So, keep up the good work, Emma! And teach your mom how to work that thing :)

Mr. and Mrs. Sitter

Yesterday was the big day.

Most of you know that, though. I think 90 percent of our readership was there. Thanks again for coming and helping us celebrate. To those of you who couldn't make it...you missed a great ceremony and some pretty darn good food. And to those of you who were scared off by the tornado-y winds...you missed a rip-roaring afterparty and a rather lively game of Trivial Pursuit.

I only have a few pictures at this point...courtesy of my mom...but, they're a start! (You could all e-mail your, high-resolution, please, pictures to me...there's a link over there!).

Here, Luke and Kayla steal the show. I think we have arranged another marriage! From what I hear young Mr. Martinucci was quite smitten with our tiny beauty.



The ceremony, much to everyone's delight, was short and sweet...and pretty funny. We couldn't have come up with a better referee.

The money shot.

It was a great day. The weather held for the ceremony and for dinner. The winds picked up and scattered our guests, but I hope everyone had a great time. I know those who stayed did!

A big, huge, humongous, gigantic, colossal (there's really not words) thanks goes to Sue and Mike for transforming their yard and their home into such a beautiful setting...harder than you'd think, even considering how beautiful it is to begin with. All of the beautiful flowers...in the ground, on the tables, in bouquets and boutonnieres...were the product of long, hard work on Sue's part. I personally can't tell a petunia from a poppy seed, but even I know that they were incredible. Mike likes to pretend he didn't do anything, but we all know better. That kind of magic doesn't just happen.

I'm just getting started. There's lots more (especially if you kind souls send pictures!).

Blueberry Kicks Ryan's Butt

It's said that there are certain traits that seem to lend themselves to feeling the baby move early...being thin (not a problem I've ever had), having previous pregnancies, or being very in tune with your body.

I'm pretty in tune with my body (well, with the exception of not noticing for a month that I was probably pregnant, but I have excuses for that one!) and I'm pretty sure I've felt Blueberry move. I have to sit still for a little while and concentrate, but I know I can't just be that gassy!

At any rate...the other morning, while snuggled up, I'm pretty sure Blueberry kicked. Which means she kicked Ryan in the butt. He didn't find it nearly as amusing as I did, but he didn't feel it either.

I'm training her well already!

One Week

Dress...check.

Dress to change into because the big one barely fits...check.

Tuxes...check.

Bridal party...check.

Flowers..check.

Tents, tables, chairs...check.

Food...check.

Music...check.

Booze...check...but who cares?

Photographer...check.

Rings...almost check...Tom's finishing mine up!

Cake...check.

Hair appointments, shoes, jewelry, makeup...check.

Referee...check.



We might just make it...check.