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Sunday, June 14, 2009

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!


15 comments:

Ashley said...

What a great shower you had! Isn't it amazing to finally be going through the normal things about motherhood after you've sat on the sidelines for so long? How surreal...

Anonymous said...

That quilt is AMAZING! And the food looks awesome, too. I'm glad it was everything you'd dreamed of and more. I'm so happy for you!

Tracey said...

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! THE BROWN BEAR QUILT IS GORGEOUS! YOU DO HAVE GREAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY! WHAT FUN!

side note...I love the way they piled the fruit and cheeses...so cute...back to you...

I AM SO HAPPY FOR CHARLIE! HE IS INDEED A BLESSED BOY!

Becky said...

i am so glad you had such a wonderful day!!! That quilt is unbelievable!!!! What a special treasure for a special boy!!!! YEAH for YOUR baby shower!!!!

RB said...

What a wonderful day! And one well deserved. Charlie is one lucky little baby :) The quilt is gorgeous!

hope548 said...

So glad you had such a wonderful shower and got so many things for Charlie!

Jamie said...

congratulations melba! I'm glad it was all you dreamed of. :) Throughout my whole shower I felt like it was someone else's because it always had been! :)It's amazing to finally be able to celebrate this day, isn't it??! :)

and the quilt is beautiful ~ what a special gift for little charlie :)

Shane & Marie said...

What a special day! You have such amazing family and friends. It also looks like you received lots of goodies!

KLTTX said...

Looks like an amazing event. That quilt is gorgeous! We have that aquarium play mat and our little guy loved it. I am sure Charlie will too.

happymomof4 said...

That quilt is GORGEOUS!!! What a work of art- I love it!!!! I am so happy that you and Charlie had a wonderful and much deserved shower:)

Anonymous said...

WOW, what an absolutely perfect baby shower!! I love the quilt and the cake and the sheer happiness glowing from every picture... You've waited so long for the perfect baby shower -- I'm so glad that it was everything you expected and deserve! :)
love,
S

kimberly said...

how wonderful, melba.....i remember not only how thrilled jamie was for this event....but how thrilled her WHOLE family was, to be able to finally celebrate her!
families are wonderful aren't they....and thank you for your sweet bday wishes!
hugs,
kimberly

HappyAutisticMama said...

I remember my baby shower after we brought Andrew home, too. It was something I'd been waiting for for so long. It was finally my turn! I'm glad you had such a good time!

Rebekah said...

Playing catch up, today. Looks like a fun day!!!

E said...

I missed this post! Your shower looks like it was so lovely....glad you had a wonderful day surrounded by people who you love and obviously love you very much!