100th Post - Surprise & A Baby Shower

I wanted to wait until this week to post since I was at my 100th post and I wanted it to be special with lots of pictures.

Saturday was our last baby shower and it was hosted by a few of my closest girlfriends. I knew it was going to be special, but how special I had no idea until the big day arrived. My side of the family hosted a shower for us back in July that was wonderful and my mom and step mom got to come and celebrate their grand baby, so this time I had David's mom's with me.On Friday, my friend Vivek from college flew in from DC to spend the weekend and be with me for the shower. I hadn't seen her in 5+ years! I was so thrilled she was able to come and that we got to visit Friday while things were still quiet. Saturday morning my BFF Lacey came into town with her newest baby Jane Dare (she's 5 weeks and just precious!!) and arrived just as David's parents did and was able to join us for lunch.

We all met up at Taco Mac, one of David's favorite wing places, and I was loving on my Jane Dare while we waited for a table. After a bit David wanted some snuggles and took her from me. A few moments later I looked up and saw a little girl who looked remarkably like my niece Erin. You know how it goes, you process very quickly: "that looks like Erin, but it can't be Erin, because she's in Colorado". But then I see Deborah holding her and Carol (who was supposed to be on a women's retreat!) coming in behind her with my nephew Grady in her arms and I realize that they are really here! I just lost it and started to cry. I was so surprised and I still tear up every time I think about it. My awesome yet sneaky husband had helped orchestrate all of this and it was probably the most surprised I've ever been, second only to his proposal, of course. There are pictures of their arrival and my reaction on David's mom's camera, but I don't have them yet. I'll post when I get them.

Before I knew it we had finished lunch and it was time to head to Karen's for the shower. When I got there, I walk in the kitchen and see my friend Marleah who drove in from Alabama. I almost cried all over again!
I had no idea that so many people would come from so far away to be here with me and celebrate our little one. We had some great food and times of fellowship with my friends and family from near and far. We were spoiled beyond belief with wonderful gifts for this baby, who is already so loved, and there were a few more surprises here. A few friends who couldn't be with us sent gifts and my mom even made the baby 2 more blankets and sent them so I could open them at the shower. The funniest part was my mom used a post-it as the gift tag and we all got a kick out of it!

The post-it gift tag!The beautiful cat quilt handmade by my mom
Aunt Carol made a beautiful blanket for the baby too - it's so soft!Lacey getting in some snuggles with Jane Dare while I opened giftsWe love Sleep Sacks!Spoiled already - look at all these beautiful things!The sweet cupcakes were made by Leigh-Ann and they were yummy!Vivek, Carol, Deborah & I chattingGrady having fun at the showerMy lovely hostesses: Lacey, Karen, Leigh-Ann & Bethany

After we enjoyed some more girl time, we headed back to my house. David's mom and Carol headed back to Carol's house and Deborah, Erin, Grady, Vivek, Lacey & Jane Dare were going to stay with us. Paul & Bethany also joined us for dinner and we just had a great night hanging out together. It was one of the sweetest times I've had in this house and I certainly won't forget it anytime soon.

I absolutely love being surprised and Saturday was full of them. And Deborah and the kids got to stay through Tuesday which was wonderful since they live so far away. I certainly feel blessed to have so many people in this life who love and support us and who will love our baby.

As we were getting ready for bed David asked "so was it a good day" and I said "best day ever!"