A Shower for Charlie

Yesterday was the big day...baby Charlie's shower! As I drove up to my parent's house, this was the sight that greeted me:

As soon as I saw the balloons, I got teary-eyed. This is a moment I have been waiting for my entire life, I really couldn't believe my baby shower was finally happening!

Let me begin by saying my family is amazing! My two sisters, who are also my two best friends are simply beautiful women. Of the many blessings in my life, Nan and Holly are at the top. They have been there through thick and thin my entire life. It is such a tremendous comfort for me to know there are always two people who will love me no matter what, and to whom I can look for support through the good times and the bad.

These awesome aunties, along with my mom worked really hard to plan a beautiful shower for me, and for baby Charlie. Despite my initial fears that we would also have literal showers, the day was perfect in every way! The food and decorations were simple and elegant, there were friends there from all important areas of my life, the weather held out, and I genuinely had a great time celebrating our little miracle.

Two of my best friends from all the way back in high school also came to the shower. We've known each other for almost 20 years now, and we've always managed to keep track of one another through the years. Both of these women drove up to Michigan from Indiana just for my special day. It was quite an honor for me to have them there, and I am so thankful we had a chance to talk and catch up a bit.


And then there's my mom. She is my inspiration in so many ways. Truly a woman I look up to as I go through my own life. She is always there for support when I need it, and she gives some of the best advice I've ever heard. She is an amazing gardener, a writer, a wonderful "Ema" to all the grandchildren, and above all...my friend through thick and thin.

We were blessed with so many gifts for Charlie. One of the highlights of the day was when I opened this gorgeous handmade quilt from my friend, Kim. This is themed after one of my all-time favorite children's books, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. It is absolutely lovely, and it even has Charlie's name stitched along the edge of the fabric. I am honored to have such a work of art for my son.

There were also many other gifts, for which I am extremely thankful. The living room was already fill after we unloaded all the goodies from the car last night, but after my Target shopping spree today...using the much loved gift cards I received, our little room was overflowing with a smorgasbord of baby things...what an incredibly delightful sight for these sore eyes!

All in all, the day was everything I have ever dreamed of. I am so honored and humbled by the outpouring of love and support we have received as we have welcomed our precious son into our lives. These are moments of my life that will never be forgotten, and I am so grateful to feel so completely loved. I don't want to bog down my blog with too many more photos, but if you're on my Facebook, you can see lots more there!