The Ball

Last night, Ben and I attended the 152 Academy of Music Concert and Ball. At work, I have been helping out with the organization of this event, so we got to go for free. It was a white tie affair, men in tails and women in formal gowns, about 1700 people altogether. The gowns were really spectacular, so unique and lovely.
We went to the President's reception (at which I had to work) which had amazing food (lobster fritters, oysters, shrimp, caviar!) and then off to the Academy for a concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra and James Taylor, which was really beautiful. Blythe Danner was the host of the night and Fred Willard did the comedy portion. It was all so well done, not to mention that we were sitting front row center. After the concert, there was a sit down meal at the Belleview hotel and then dancing at 6 different ballrooms throughout the hotel. Everything was so lavish and beautiful and it was really exciting to be there. Ben and I spoke with the Mayor of Philadelphia and Ben got a picture with him. He is such an approachable man.
It was a truly memorable night and we had a great time. I think the baby had a good time too. He's been dancing and kicking all day today!

For more picture of the ball, check out Philadelphia Magazine and especially picture #29! http://www.phillymag.com/party_pictures/gallery.html?gallery=244706

Philly Arts

Over the past month, Ben and I have been to more performing arts shows than we would've gone to in a year living in NYC. In combination of working at the Orchestra and getting student tickets to the Annenberg center courtesy of our friend Cara, we've been able to go to a variety of shows for very cheap. Since December, we've seen the Philly Pops Christmas Show, a dance show that I was in, The New Years Eve Philadelphia Orchestra Concert, Doug Varone Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company and Ain't Misbehavin (a Broadway Musical). Not to mention seeing Coldplay in November and the Dancenow Performance at DTW (which I was in).

Although Philly's Art scene is small and limited compared to New York and most of the art is experimental, it's nice that we have such easy access to some good companies/organizations. And there is a benefit of living outside of New York, in that most reputable dance companies tour the country more than they perform in New York.

We do notice that almost 90% of the people who come to these shows are over 50 years old, which makes us a little worried for the arts in smaller cities when our generation is older. Will our generation be patrons of the arts when they are old? I am not sure. For now, I encourage all of you to take advantage of the arts in your area.

New Year

Happy New Year everyone!
We spent our New Year's Eve at a Philadelphia Orchestra Concert (free tickets from work!). It was a fun performance especially since we had our friends Gene and Laura with us. Afterwards we went out for food and drinks to celebrate the new year.
Ben and I look forward to this year of anticipation and change. A friend said to us the other day, that this year will be an exciting year for us. And it got me thinking that really every year Ben and I have known each other has been full of adventure and change. Lots of travels, changing jobs, moving to a new city, making new friends. And while these things can and were stressful, they were also exhilarating. And this year will also have it's challenges and hard times, but we so look forward to beginning our own family and getting to know the little dude who is on his way. For now, knowing that he is healthy and growing well is enough to give us joy.

20 Weeks

After years of being yelled at to keep my stomach pulled in, that is how I continue to be. So, these days, I usually look like the photo on top, when in fact I am really as big as the photo below. Poor squished baby. He can blame it on my mean ballet teachers.
We had our 20 week ultrasound today and found out that we are having a healthy baby.....BOY!!
Ben and I are so excited and overwhelmed with finally knowing something new about our baby. It was incredible to see him in real time. Hopefully I can get some of his photos on here soon. He looks great and everything looked good to the doctor.
Thanks for all your prayers.