to celebrate fat tuesday, kate came up with the swell idea to have everyone pitch in a dish for a cajun-style potluck lunch. to fill out the festivities, we also decided to mix in a little midday baby shower for two of our kitchen boys. ryan and gary, who are shortly to become proud first-time fathers (separately, for the record). they got some swell gifts (ryan is pictured holding the onesy and gary's about to open a book of stories for children) and we finished out the luncheon with cake. at the time, the whole thing seemed like a pleasant enough time-killer in the middle of the working day, but i found myself feeling a little more deeply when i saw this picture. i've worked with both of these guys for years now and definitely feel a strong mix of pride, love, and even a little envy to see my good friends about to grow into good fathers. our best wishes to ryan and kelly and gary and kara as they welcome the little ones that will change them from young couples into new families. lechaim!
