We have been very fortunate to have many generous people in our lives who have blessed us with so many great baby items over the last few months! It's been nice to know so many people who have had boys over the last few years (Lincoln, Eli, and even a family from school). We already felt like we had a lot of what we needed before our showers, but were surprised at how many more things we received (and then realized we needed, too)!
Brian a little overwhelmed with all the baby stuff BEFORE the showers!! (This is supposed to be the nursery - notice the weight set still set up amongst the baby items :)
I don't even know where to begin...we have the best friends, family, work friends/families ever!! It all started when my school put on a surprise celebration for Kevin (a fellow first-time-parent teacher) and I. The staff got us both a personalized memory box for our little ones, complete with messages and blessings for our new families. It also doubles as a money bank and was filled with money for the new additions. I love the idea of this memory box and would love to give it as a gift to a future expectant family!
Then that weekend, Brian had his own celebration with a diaper party that his friends threw for him. Clint was generous enough to host a party in his honor at his house. And his significant other, Sarah, was nice enough to allow 15 guys to invade their house with an all day/night diaper party, just weeks after they finished the remodel of their bathroom and kitchen! She has way more patience and trust than I would - thanks Sarah!! In the Evite, Clint told all the guys that we will be using Fuzzibunz, a great brand of cloth diapers that Trav & Bridg recommended to us. Of course, being the guys they are, I think all they read on the Evite was the part that said "What: Party for Brian / Where: Clint's house / When: 3/19/10" The "Why" part wasn't much of a priority. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the 5 out of 15 guys who brought disposable diapers, but I give extra kudos to Sam who was the only one who actually brought Fuzzibunz. But, I think the real kudos goes to his wife, Jenna, who read the fine print!! At least the rest of the party was a success - corn hole tournament, dude sleepover, etc - I guess that's the part that counts the most! It was almost like a Pre-Baby Bachelor party!!
The next weekend, Falkie hosted my friend/family shower. It was great to have so many close friends and family members there to celebrate! My mom was even able to come down from Seattle and Brian's mom was able to come over from Montana. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with all the important people in our lives! I couldn't believe how many more baby goodies we got - it was hard to imagine where I was going to put all of these items (see above pic :) Some of my girlfriends heard what had happened with the diaper party and were able to make up for our lack of Fuzzibunz - I think he's set now! And my mom, aunt and good family friend, Sandy, were generous enough to help us out with getting our crib and dresser. And Brian's sister and mom got my Petunia Picklebottom dream diaper bag. We really lucked out!
Trac, Falks, Jenna & Lawrence -
These girls helped put on a wonderful shower!
Good friends Candice & Shannon!
Mama-to-be with Grama Candy & Grandma George!
Trac, Erin, Falks, Jenna & Lyndsey
Opening some Fuzzibunz diapers!
Ang's sweet Haylee & Ali's precious Aubrey - love how their outfits match!!
Even Lincoln came to celebrate!
Three preggo ladies - Erin (37 weeks), me (34 weeks), Lo (24 weeks)
I wish we could have gotten a group shot of everyone, but here are some of the girls who made this day special!
If I didn't feel loved enough already from the generosity of those closest to us, I felt it even more when my Pre-K class threw me a shower as well. There was no way it (or the presents) were going to be a surprise, but any time they talked about it, I always pretended I wasn't listening. Most of the moms came in a little early and decorated our classroom to look like a baby shower - complete with streamers, balloons, flowers and baby shower games. It was so adorable, I left the decor up for weeks afterward! They all chipped in to get me a gift certificate so that we can buy our BOB stroller - yea!!! I can't wait to use it this summer and think of their kindness! They also wrote a book of advice for "Mr. George" and I about what to do with the new baby. Here are a few excerpts to give an idea of how precious they are - "Make sure not to let him drink from the dog bowl." "Feed the baby applesause and noodles and spaghetti so it's easy to slurp." "Let him sleep really long. Really, really long." I'm so glad I will have this collection as a way to remember them and this experience!!
Our attempt at a class pic - they were much more interested in the balloons!
A page from the Advice Book they made for me :)
And last but not least, my wonderful teacher friends also arranged a baby celebration for me at Jenny Lindsay's house. It was so great to spend non-school time with them and have a chance to spend the quality time together. Especially since they have been such a wonderful support system all year long. They are the ones who listen to the excitement, worries and sometimes even preggo complaints that I may have each day! They have been there for me every step of the way and it was a nice way to celebrate this time with such wonderful friends! We all decided that we shouldn't use a baby as an excuse to get together - we need to do it on a more regular basis!
As shown by our wonderful friends and family, this baby is definitely loved!!! I am so excited for him to grow up with these amazing people and know that he is an important part of all of our lives! Now we only have a few more weeks until we can meet him and continue to show him the same kind of love and support for many more years to come!!
