Baby Shower #1

I am so blessed to have incredible friends-who-are-family and family-who-are-friends. This Saturday most of the people I'd call my inner circle were all in the same room at the same time. It was thrilling. While it didn't go off without a hitch (and I'm more than grateful for everyone who helped host, plan, and loved us!), it was the most beautiful day and everything far exceeded my expectations.

I've always said for me showers are about getting incredible people together. I loved looking across the room to see old friends, new friends, and family, all chatting and enjoying themselves. There were people there who have known me for 11+ years and people Jarrod and I have met just since our move back to Texas. My aunt was there - she's known me for nearly 30 years! Jarrod's family was there - they've known him for nearly 30 years too! ;-) Jarrod wasn't there - he left us have our girl time.

I loved seeing old friends getting to know new friends. I love people talking about Jarrod's Chuck Taylors and how we'll need to get some for the baby. I loved hearing stories and sharing love. Renee set up some beautiful crafts for my friends to do.

 

 Family writing letters of encouragement for Jarrod and I to read on difficult days and creating pages for an ABC book of love for baby!

 This next craft was one of my absolutely favorites. It's already hanging in the nursery! Hopefully Renee will blog more about it, but basically she drew a tree and had everyone put a finger or thumb print on the tree to signify all the leaves in our family tree. It went in a beautiful white frame and looks gorgeous in the nursery - the colors are perfect and I love that it's the prints of those who love us so much. Jarrod and I even added our own prints when we got it home. You'll see it in the 20-week pregnancy picture!

 Of course there was delicious food and cake! Everyone enjoyed fruit, veggies, and snack foods while getting to know each other.

 And could there possibly be a baby shower without cake? I can't imagine a cuter cake!

While the shower was not all about the gifts for either Jarrod or I, we were definitely showered with lots of beautiful things!

 The title of this book is "On the Day You Were Born" and it's just beautiful. I'm not making a sad face (although it really looks like I am...) It's a "aww... isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen?" look.

 I was SO excited about the pack 'n play! My face doesn't adequately express my excitement. It's already put together and in the corner of our bedroom - all ready for baby!

 My mother in law made this blanket for our nursery. It matches beautifully and is absolutely gorgeous.

 A few of my favorite kids showed up!

 This silky was so soft and very meaningful. It was tested and picked out especially by one of my favorite little girls. I know it will be baby's favorite.

 These little onesie gowns are so cute! I love the ones with the silver stars and I hear gowns are AWESOME.

 This is such an awesome bear! It's currently living in the crib so Lucy the destroyer doesn't harm him before baby gets to play. I can't wait to take pictures with baby and the bear to see how much baby grows over the years!

 Yay for a baby bath! I've kept a mental note of this post for months, knowing that we'd want to minimize the baby items in our home. I registered for this baby bath sponge rather than a bulky baby bath tub. I'm so excited - as this picture shows!

The whole shower was delightful. I am so thankful for such wonderful women in my life - women who have modeled how to be a good wife, create healthy family, and raise loving children. All the gifts have been relegated to their temporary homes - clothing has been washed, sorted by size and put away, books are waiting to go in their permanent homes, and all the ducks are accounted for!

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special!