Showering Baby Boy Frisbee

Two weekends ago my sister and Hadley flew into town to help throw my baby shower, along with my Mom and good friend, Tracy. What started as a small shower, quickly turned into a pretty big party.  With almost 5 years between Ben and the new baby, Jim and I realized we needed a lot of baby "stuff" again and there were a lot of family and friends I wanted to be there to share in this special occasion and celebration.   What an amazing thing to have some of my oldest friends there (some traveling 2 hours to be there), along with some of my most recently developed friendships. 

The hostesses threw a gorgeous shower for me - with lots of yummy desserts and drinks.  We decided to forgo games (besides guess the baby's weight) and instead just have the opportunity to catch up and chat.  Ben was napping when the party first started and the plan was for Ben, Jim, and my Dad to leave once he woke up, but Ben was SO excited about the party and was asking if he could help open the presents, so we decided having him there and involved would be way better than sending him off while we had a party.  So the boys stuck around and hung out in the background. :)  Ben helped me open the presents, which meant we had them all open in about 10 minutes flat!  He was flying through them and poor Devin had a hard time keeping up with the list of gifts, but it made it much more exciting and fun! :)

What an incredible way to get ready for our baby boy.  I had such a wonderful time at the party and truly did not want it to end.  I am so grateful to my sister, my Mom, and Tracy for creating an amazing day for me.  And what a treat to have Lori and Hadley in town for a few days.

Friday I spent the day in OC with my parents, Lori, and Hadley

Such a cutie

That evening, we went to dinner at a family favorite, Tutto Fresco

I couldn't stop taking pictures of her :)

About ready for bed - snuggling with Papa

The next morning - happy baby!

Napping with Grandma

Me with the hostesses - Lori (and Hadley), my Mom, and Tracy

 

The adorable favors Lori made

Me and Hadley ready for the party!

Preparations

The coffee station

A book to sign and guess the baby's weight chart

The dessert table

Carrot cake

Mini cupcakes

So grateful to have my sister there

The party in action

Lisa and Lori

Erika and me

Billie, Sarah, Lauren, and Lori

Billie with Hadley

Tracy and Lisa camped out at the dessert table :)

Christine (due 9 days after me) and me

My Dad and Devin catching up outside

My cousin Laura and Great Aunt Carol

Time to open presents!

Ben held up everything to show it off!

 

New blanket from Carol Hoelting (the all blue one matches Ben's)

Knitted cap and blanket for baby's newborn photo session with Devin :)

Grandma and Ben getting crazy with the wine glasses

Love this one

Lori and I with family

Nicole, me, and Devin

Lauren rubbing my belly :)

Lori and Ben drawing a picture to take home to Chase

"The j needs to point toward the n"

Giving some love to baby Hadley

Ben and Hadley

Getting a few more snuggles in before they had to leave

The completed baby weight chart - we'll see who wins! :)