Baby Shower

Sunday afternoon was very memorable many of my close friends and family members congregated at my apartment to give me a baby shower. It felt a lot like a "baby-warming party" because it was such a loving event. Nine women came circled around me and afterwards I felt like I had been given much more than material gifts.
My mom and mother-in-law were there along with my friend Eva who has a two-year old (whom she brought along, and thankfully he is so well behaved that he made the party even more fun) - so I was able to hear from experienced mothers. My friend Erin, who is also expecting, was there too - so there was someone else who was sharing the experience of pregnancy. My other friends were able to support me and let me know that there would be plenty of aunts around to help with the baby and sisters around to be there for me.
Anne and Addie came over before the party to decorate and set up refreshments. Blue balloons and clothes, fresh flowers, curled ribbons, music, plates of chocolately food and eventually piles of gifts lent to the party atmosphere. I was glad that there were no hokey baby-shower games - just plenty of conversation and laughter!
I was excited when it came time to open the presents. Some were wrapped so beautifully that I didn't want to disturb them. Even though many of the women gave me things I had registered for, it was all still a pleasant surprise - I actually wasn't expected so much. Handy things that I was glad to receive included pacifiers and holders, teething rattlers, sheets/receving blankets, a dishwasher rack for bottles, a grooming kit and (given later) a large package of diapers. I loved imagining Daniel wearing the adorable clothes, sleeping wrap and hooded terry-cloth robe that I was given. Fun gifts like the Ocean Wonders Aquarium and Barnyard Gym looked like things even I will enjoy! And handmade gifts like a quilt, diaper-changing pad and a cup and bowl from Africa seemed to be especially made with love. Various other things were given, including a certificate for a free-massage that I can't wait to redeem.
Because of these generous friends, the multitude of baby things Eva and Justin have given me and gift cards from out of town friends and family members, I'm armed with an arsenal of baby supplies. Baby carriers, diaper bags, a mattress, car seats, a stroller, a swing, a baby tub, breast pumps, bottles, linens and other miscellaneous items are waiting for use. Though there are still itmes I need to purchase (there never seems to be an end!), I am so blessed to have the essentials, especially when I never expected to be expecting in the first place.
After the gifts, fresh strawberry shortcake and a plate of cheeses and crackers, and lots of talking (not to mention oohing and awwing) guests began to leave. Soon it was Anne, Becky(Ben's girlfriend, so near-aunt), my mom and myself and we were able to relax a bit, take loads of gifts up to the nursury and reflect.Eventually, we went to pick up Matt and Ben for a late dinner (they had been occupied that afternoon my a poker game).
I've started writing thank-you cards today and am gradually showing Matt the new things for baby (he is a bit overwhelmed by all of it). Aside from setting up the crib, all of the gifts have been organized. The clothes are folded in almost-full drawers, the linens are stacked in a closet, the toys are in a basket, the canvas-organizer and changing station shelves have been stocked and even a diaper bag has been packed. All of the beautiful and humorous cards are on display on the dresser. With my nesting instincts mostly satisfied, I'm feeling relaxed and prepared.