the shower

As is custom in any family gathering of mine, too many pictures were taken at my shower. I'd actually like to send out a special thanks to my friend Donna for manning the camera during the shower, or I wouldn't have had any of my own pictures from the day. Thanks Donna!

As I mentioned already, the shower was a complete success. And that is due in part to my mom and sister and aunts for putting it on, and to all those who came or sent gifts. I felt truly honored and blessed and assured that Josie will soon enter a world full of too much love. It was truly a spectacular day.

My sister took care of most of the theme for the party, which was western. When I got the invitation in the mail (which is honestly the most awesome baby shower invitation I've EVER seen), I had to call her and tell her how awesome it was. And she told me that ever since I got married she couldn't wait for the day she could throw me a western baby shower. Well, she had to wait almost three years, but her dreams finally came true! And I loved it! I've always been a cowgirl at heart, so the theme was perfect. And who doesn't love pink gingham?

Below are a smattering of the nearly 160 pictures taken on the day. I need to take a few quality photos of some of the handmade gifts I received from my family. They are truly some beautiful items. But, that will have to wait. In the meantime, enjoy the photos below!

Mom and Amy, finishing up the food prep. Don't you love the pink gingham? And that picture in the middle is of me when I was 3 or 4, one of my dad's. I got to bring that home as well.

Juice and wine glasses, for a classy party.

My sister Amy finishing up food prep ...

Mom, also finishing up food prep ...

On a clothesline in the family room hung some of my own baby clothes from when I was little. The crocheted number in the middle was made especially for me by mom's Aunt Dotty (Grandma's sister, I think). I guess it was too big when she first received it, so she put it away ... and didn't remember it until I'd outgrown it! So I never wore it, but what a precious handmade item!

Opening gifts ... the truly best part of any baby shower, if you ask me. These two pieces came from my friend Darcy who lives in Florida, and therefore couldn't make it to the shower.

OK, not sure what the look on my face is about, but these burp cloths were handmade by my sister-in-law Julie. They're so awesome! These are one of the gifts I need to take good close up pictures of. You, too, will be impressed and jealous.

I just thought it was funny how excited I seem to be over burp cloths.

Amy and I talking to an off-camera computer, where my sister-in-law Rachel had joined us via video conference. This gift was from them both.

The quilt top my mom had finished for Josie. She'll finish the rest soon. But I love the colors! And all those little tiny "postage stamp" size pieces! I'm so amazed by my mom's talent. And the colors of the quilt match perfectly in Josie's room. Can't wait to have the finished product.

Talking with David and Rachel after all the gift frenzy. They live up in Washington, but I love that in today's world they could join us anyway.

Not sure what was so funny ... but SOMETHING sure was .... (me, cousin Molly, cousin Joy ... all prego)

My niece Madeleine. Such a classy eater.

Amy, me, Julie and Maddie. We missed you Rachel!

Cousins Maddie and Josie. They'll be just ten months apart, and we're hoping, of course, they'll be the best of friends.

It was a fantastic shower everyone. Thanks again!!!