Bridesmaids dresses are not conducive to nursing...

So Dorothy (my little sister) is hitched. The wedding was at the end of May, I was the Matron of Honor (truly an honor indeed), and Claire got to be a flower girl.

I was so glad and proud to be a part of Dorothy's big day, but it was not without its challenges. I was nursing a newborn, in charge of a toddler, and co-hosting Dorothy's bachelorette and lingerie shower festivities. Not to mention that Jared was a groomsmen in a different wedding during the same weekend. He helped out as much as he could, but he had his own activities and schedule that he had to follow. If it were not for my sister-in-law, Ashley, and Jared's family I do not think I would have made it.  Luckily, the weddings were not on the same day. Suffice to say we had a jam packed weekend.

Friday Night:

Jared had his rehearsal dinner. I (and Amelia tagged along) had Dorothy's bachelorette party and lingerie shower. Claire went to see her JuJu and Zo.

Saturday:

We had Dorothy's rehearsal around noon. There was a wedding party get together/lunch at my parents house. Jared had to go take pictures around 3:00pm and then had his wedding. Claire went to take a nap at the Allen's house and stayed with them until they took her home for bedtime. I attended the wedding (with Amelia in tow - she refused/continues to refuse to take a bottle) and then rushed over to Dorothy's rehearsal dinner. Jared joined Amelia and I when he was finished visiting with his friends and his wedding duties were over.

Sunday:

Amelia and I attended a Bridesmaid's Brunch and then went to get our hair done with (another) Claire (the groom's sister). Then we headed to my parent's house where the rest of the bridal party was getting ready. Then it was a whirlwind of make-up and getting to the venue. Claire (my toddler) was with Jared in the morning and then got dropped off at her JuJu and Zo's (again!) for a nap - before they dressed her and brought her for pictures. Then it was go time!

Phew!

General Comments/Feelings:

The most stressful moments were definitely during pictures when I was in charge of Dorothy's dress/veil, my dress, and Claire - she was NOT in a cooperative mood.  I was also so worried that she was going to decide not to walk down the aisle (Claire, not Dorothy) or that she would throw a tantrum at some point mid-walk.

All my worries were for nothing. Claire did beautifully. She walked down the aisle perfectly, then let out a little shout of excitement when she saw her JuJu waiting for her, and took off at a toddler run to get to her. It was so cute. After that point I took a deep breath and enjoyed myself much more. Jared had Amelia and I only had myself and Dorothy to worry about for half an hour.

Then after the ceremony it was a whirlwind of making sure everyone (else) was fed, Dorothy had everything she needed, my toast (which I totally did not prepare for adequately, but turned out okay), and trying to enjoy some of the reception.Yeah, I never did get to eat dinner, but that's okay. Even though I missed at least half of the reception - between nursing, Matron of Honor duties, etc. - the parts I did see/get to be a part of were a lot of fun.

Claire and the newlyweds.

Also, it turns out that a combination of nursing and not having time to eat is an excellent way to lose weight - I was down three pounds by the end of the weekend. However, I don't really recommend that diet to anyone. ;-)

It was a beautiful ceremony, Dorothy was a beautiful bride, and I was one proud sister. We all had a great time. I don't really care to repeat the craziness of that weekend ever again, but it was a really sweet time with/for my family.

Too bad I didn't have time (or free hands) to take any pictures.