2004

June
We did extensive research into the subject, and apparently nothing happened in June.

July
Gretchen is now very fat. Everyone said pregnant, Gretchen said fat. No matter what the reason, she is now having a hard time getting around like she is used to and is beginning to have back issues. So Tony takes over Gretchen's duties as pooper scooper at 3rd of July parade. No one was more surprised than he at how much fun he had. He never knew how much the crowd supported the pooper scooper. If you think about it, the person who gets rid of the shit, is a person to be honored.

Another wonderful 4th spent on Life Dancing. This year we did a desert wine tasting (Gretchen sniffed). We may have to have one every year. Though there were a couple of heated discussions about certain wine rankings.

Soon afterwards T&G went to Wine Maker's Classic. Gretchen drove and did some more sniffing, so everyone else was able to taste all they wanted. Since next year Gretchen will once again be able to taste, it was decided that the person who had the most fun from the previous year has to drive the next year. Having a designated driver was definitely the way to go. It was very nice to not have to worry about the many police that were out on the highway on the way home.

By the end of the month Gretchen is having a lot of trouble getting around. She and mother Linda go to Bead show in SF via the Vallejo Ferry. Walking the last 3 blocks to the Ferry Building ends up being very painful. It's amazing how much stress an extra 45 pounds puts on a 42 year old frame. At that point Gretchen decides that her baby fat is not going to hang around one day longer than necessary after Maximilian is born.

August
T&G decided to take birthing and baby class. It seemed that anything that was going to have this large of an impact on their lives should be closely studied. Neither was to know until later how important these classes would be. Tony was an instant hit, volunteering for many of the demos and winning many great toys and prizes for Maximilian. T&G are of the opinion that no child should be born without their parents taking a similar course.

Maximilian's shower was breath taking. T&G were totally blown away by the turn out of friends and the lovely gifts and food that they brought. It took T&G 3 full days to make, write and send out thank you cards afterwards. Even before he was born Maximilian became the best dressed and accessorized baby boy in Benicia.