One Special Day.

Sunday was a day that I will never forget. Many of my favorite people in my life and many who I don’t get to see half as often as I would like to came to the shower that my best friend Michelle gave me. It was so very special to me to have friends from all area’s and periods of my life surround me in one day. Old friends, new friends, friends who traveled quite some way to be there … If my calculations are right, total travel time to the shower for all who made it was over 15 hours. Shana, obviously being the winner of the “who traveled the furthest” contest, as she came in from Savannah, GA. What a friend, is all I can say!

Michelle is one of those people who I know will always be in my life. Her and I met a bit over three years ago and she truly is my best friend and all that you could ever ask for in a friend. She has more on her plate right now than probably anyone I know, yet insisted on having a shower for me and baby Tanner. She works full time in the hospitality industry and is also a full time wife and mother of three. (3.5 month old twins and a four year old) How does she do it all? I have NO idea!! I am very thankful to have someone like her in my life.

The shower started off with having everyone decorate burp clothes and bibs for Tanner. Who needs bibs from Baby Gap and Pottery Barn Kids when you have my friends?!? These bibs were amazingly creative and super cute. Michelle also had everyone cut a piece of string to try to guess the size of my belly… let me just say, everyone must think I’m HUGE! Everyone completely overestimated, haha, but it was all in good fun. It was then time to indulge ourselves in the elaborate spread of food that Michelle prepared. She had two of my favorites… carved turkey and a big bowl of delicious fresh fruit. There were also phyllo shells filled with chicken salad, a wide variety of cheese spreads, various munchies and baby blue punch.

I have hit the point in my pregnancy when I am HOT all the time. I seriously think I was sweating the entire time of opening gifts… I would like to think it was only because I was overwhelmed with everyones generosity, but I think Tanner was hungry and decided to roast marshmallows or start a campfire in my belly like he’s been doing everyday for the last two weeks. Anyhow, Tanner and I were showered with lots of amazing gifts. Fun gifts, cute gifts, gifts from the heart, gifts of love, baby must haves….

Here are some of the things he received: Super cute outfits, magazine subscription, baby entertainment toys, rattles, teething rings, bottle nipples, bottles, spoons, pacifiers, hangers, Pottery Barn changing table pad and covers, bathtub organizer, bibs, books, towels, socks, soft and cozy PJ’s, baby’s “first” containers (ie: first curl, first tooth), closet shelving, babys “first” hand and foot prints frame, diaper depot, DIAPERS (!!), Target gift card, and on and on. There are two things I do have to mention that really touched my heart. Some people really do put so much time and effort into gift giving. Their thoughtfulness is overwhelming. Matt’s mom had already made me cry once at the first shower with a tear jerking poem accompanying two outfits that were made for Matt when he was born from his paternal grandmother and maternal great grandmother. At this shower, I opened a box with what looked to be like a brand new cozy blanket. It turns out that it was Matt’s when he was a little boy. How cool that Tanner will be able to have his Daddy’s blanket! Also, one of our dearest and best friends, Jenn, gave us the most beautifully arranged basket of goodies. The thing that stood out the most in the basket was a gift certificate from her for home cooked meals, once a week for four weeks. I honestly can't think of anything more thoughtful.

After this weekend, I have once again realized how blessed I am in my life. Thank you to all who were able to make it on Sunday. And for those who weren't, I completely understand because this is a crazy time of year for all! Thank you to my wonderful friend Michelle for putting the whole thing together - you are the best!!