A Sweet, Sweet Baby Shower
When you get to kid six, baby showers are just things you read about on BabyCenter.com and Twitter.
That is, unless you have a wonderful friend like Dina who says, “Kathryn, I would love to host a shower for you.” I’m not sure she will ever know just how much I appreciated those words. She and I met at Dell Children’s on 3 North. Our boys were both hospitalized and after many Dr Peppers and cups of joe, we discovered they have many of the same specialists. She and I share a very special bond because of those two NICU miracles. Truly, those boys should not be alive. But they are.
Shower day was just as beautiful as I hoped it would be. And then some. Friends from so many phases of my life walked through those doors bearings gifts, laughing and offering the best hugs. Rather than bore you with words, I’ll just share some of my favorite photos of the morning.
The food. Oh lawd. My very talented, and sweet, friend Olga made this cake and those adorable cookies. I’m not even kidding when I tell you that was Olga’s best tasting cake, lemon blueberry, y’all! And I’ve had a lot of her confections. Dina whipped up a feast and it was all just delicious.
The small touches. Guests were asked to bring five one-dollar bills which were then divided among our five children. Each of my children received a cup, filled with money, some peeps and five coupons to cash in when baby comes – things like “stay up one hour past your bedtime” or “make a sweet treat, you’re the chef, I’m your assistant.” Leave it to the child psychologist to remember my other children. Dina, my kids were BESIDE themselves when they saw their gifts.
The sweet gifts. Is there anything cuter than a baby bum and tiny clothes? No, no there is not. One thing’s for certain. This baby will have the cutest bottom in all the land. When I returned home, Will asked me, “Sooo, what do you DO at a baby shower?” I told him women gather to eat, laugh and open presents. He was not impressed. It could’ve been the lack of video games. Maria, thanks for being my unwrapping assistant and Debbie and Christy, thanks for keeping all the gifts straight!
The friendships. Isn’t it funny and providential how the “just right” friend walks into your life at just the right time? For every season of parenthood, I’ve been a part of some beautiful friendships. Gals I can call on to watch my kids at 6 o’clock in the morning, to those who make a mad dash to Target for after c-section underwear to those who know just how to down a good glass of vino. All of them are dear friends and every gal should be so blessed. Dina, I cannot wait to hang that frame in our living room!
From a very grateful momma-of-six-to-be, my thanks to all y’all for making this baby – and our entire family – feel so loved. Mwah!
How beautiful, what great friends you have!
The gifts for your the other kids is the sweetest idea. What a great way to include them.
What a wonderful shower and such a blessing for all of us to share in welcoming the newest “W”! And Kathryn, I must say, you write a world-class thank-you note, straight from the heart, with warmth and sincerity. As we Texans say, “Just don’t make ’em like that anymore!” Thank YOU for including me.
Oh, Kathryn, this warms my heart so much! What a beautiful day, and a beautiful way to celebrate this new little person we all can’t wait to meet. You look radiant!! 🙂
The joy in this post is such a breath of fresh air! I’m only four years into this parenting gig, and I’m quickly learning that godly friendships are among the biggest blessings God gives us in this world. I love the gifts for the rest of your kiddos, and I am beyond impressed with the baking skills of your gal pals! Get outta town! The cake and cookies are *ALMOST* too cute to eat! 🙂 You and Baby Whitaker continue to be in my prayers as you anticipate the big day. Until then, keep soaking in all of the joy I’m reading in this post. Many blessings to Team Whitaker!