BABY SHOWER!!!

Today the senior choir (in which I sing alto) and the handbell choir (which I am also a member of) had a breakfast together. This is an annual tradition for the senior choir, and in light of the fact they were also turning it into a baby shower for me, they also invited the handbell choir this year. I was afraid I'd bawl my eyes out. I am happy to say that although I did get choked up and shed a few tears while I was thanking everyone for the gifts and also for their prayers (some have been praying for 4 years) - I never totally "lost it." I can think of the baby showers I have avoided as well as the ones I've attended where I felt like crying as I sat there wondering - will I ever be a mom? I can't believe it was MY turn today for a baby shower. Sometimes I still can't truly believe I am actually having a baby girl. I really had given up hope. Anyhow when we walked in there were three long rows of tables. I am not sure how many people were there, but I'd say at least 60. On each table there were balloons (two purple, one pink, and three mylar). The weights to hold the balloons down were gifts - a little toy (a peacock), a roll of wallpaper border for the nursery, etc. At each person's place setting was a Baby Ruth candy bar with a butterfly attached. How appropriate! :-) My mom used to send me with small Baby Ruth candy bars to give to my classmates on my bday when I was in elementary school so that brought back memories to see those candy bars.

After we ate and honored Bob & Carol (the directors) and gave them gifts as well as our accompaniests and had a short devotional and time of prayer, then Paul and I were showered with gifts. Usually hubbies don't get to participate, but spouses are always invited to this event. So Paul sat beside me and together we opened LOTS of presents!!! She got so much stuff such as a high chair, rocker, mobile, crib sheets, clothing, etc. We are so, so very thankful for the generosity shown to us!!! Carol (handbell director) made her a quilt and Cindy (sings alto and also is a substitute in the handbells) made her a bib. It's so pretty; it will be hard to use it and let it get dirty! The only item which was a duplicate of something I have already received is I got another nursing pillow (very similar to a boppy). So I need some expert opinion from you moms out there. Should I exchange this pillow for something else (this one came from Walmart) or would it be helpful to own two of these??? Inside the card which everyone signed and wrote little messages in (definite keeper!) there was also some cash and a gift card from Walmart. Wow! A few of the clothing items I got today were newborn size. I didn't own anything that size yet so now I have something that she can wear right away!!!

I have to say I wish right now I knew for sure that we were not going to move prior to her birth as I feel the urge to start setting up her nursery today! I'd love to put up the new valance in the window, set up the crib and put the dust ruffle, sheet, and mobile on it, etc. I will restrain myself and wait 2 more weeks though. If I set up a nursery in this house it will be in a purple bedroom. If we are able to buy the house we really like, her bedroom walls are pink. Either way it will go with the Gossamer Wings items.

Anyhow I am grateful to the Lord for this miracle of life that He has created within me that we could celebrate today, and I am also very grateful to the people at my church - for their prayers for months (and in some cases years) and also for all the lovely presents which they gave us today. They made today a very special day for Paul & I!!!