Name: Corbin William Policani
Date of Birth: May 7, 2008
Time: 2:12 a.m.
Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz
Length: 19 inches
Hair: Dark brown at the moment

Another fantastic birthday! Nevermind how old I am. I was looking at previous posts and realize now that I didn't bother to mention last year's festivities, which were just as enjoyable. Alayna once again volunteered to let me use her condo for our party venue, and once again it was an overwhelming success. She decorated the condo, whipped the up the sangria that will soon become her trademark recipe, and performed a karaoke version of Mariah Carey's "Emotions" that will not soon be forgotten. She and her new adorable roommate, Heidi, also took the liberty of creating "Edible Erin", a cake that came complete with eyelashes--how the talents abound.

It was just my style: Good friends and great food, the latter of which was prepared by Yours Truly. I got there early to prepare appetizers of crackers with cream cheese, lox, capers, tomatoes and cucumber, a bowl of edamame (my new favorite), and japanese-style crackers. For dinner we had pork loin marinated with garlic and onion (okay, so Costco did the marinade--but why mess with a good thing?), and angel hair pasta tossed with shrimp and fresh pesto. I made way too much pasta and am still trying to finish it off. Along with Edible Erin, Sheryl brought a from-scratch chocolate cake and Junie a strawberries & cream angel food cake that was almost--almost--too pretty to eat. And no party of mine is complete without strawberry salad, which was prepared by never-to-be-single-again-Megan. I failed to mention the wonderful news of her engagement to John, a man who, in her words, is "remarkable." I think he proposed on April 11th. I have to agree that he is the most worthy man I have seen with Megan, though in my own eyes no one would ever be good enough for her. She is to be cherished.

. . . but I digress. Like last year, my birthday was an excuse to have a ladies night. We giggled, sang, watched "Enchanted", and found innovative new ways to enjoy party favors (don't use your imagination. We are ladies, after all). If you ask nicely I'll show you photos. My gifts included a devotional from Sheryl, another gorgeous pair of earrings from Megan, an assortment of coconut indulgences from Elaina, and chocolates from Janene with a card promising some quality time and perhaps dinner later on. It was just perfect. I love my girlfriends.

On the coattails of Saturday night, Mom and Dad treated Dana , Jon and me to dinner at the Red Robin last night. Dana gave me the best gift ever--a mix CD. I used to take them for granted but it's been a few years since she did this for me. John gave me a Starbucks card that will hopefully last more than a few days. Mom and Dad invited the three of us over for cake to catch up and surprised me with a digital camera! I was overjoyed. I didn't ask for one (my track record with cameras leaves a lot to be desired), but I've wanted one for a long time.

On a side note, my birthday coincides with the newest addition to the Policani household: baby Corbin was born early Wednesday morning, 5 lbs, 15 oz. I moved in the same week Mira was born and will likely move out before Corbin can see me clearly. I can't wait to hold him.