Another Shower.....

Wow....Perfect....and Amazing. Those are three words that come to mind when I think of the baby shower. Wow, all the attendees, Perfect, the decorations and Amazing, all the gifts. This was definitely a day I will never forget. Two of my really good friends, Jen and Kathy, threw me a baby shower this past Saturday, along with help from other special friends. Both of them I met at Peabody while I worked there. Kathy, a very special friend and Jen, well she's the little sister I never had. She has been an amazing friend and I love her dearly. They kept some of the attendees and the decorations a secret from me, so that it would be a surprise. They did a great job and definitely surprised me. My friend Dora made the cakes and they were great. The main cake was Pooh Bear and it was perfect. I still haven't cut it, as I don't want to ruin it. Dora and her family, Jason and Zack, have been wonderful to us. We met them over the summer and they have become good friends and someone we can rely on. Dora's son Zack will be taking care of our prized possessions, Takai, Sam and Peanut while we're gone. Hopefully they don't drive him to crazy. They all love him and Peanut definitely has a new boyfriend.

When I came in, I was very happy to see all the people who came. Many friends from Peabody, neighbors, family and friends that have been a big part of my life since I moved to IL. It was great to see all of them and to have them here to share in my special day. Once we went around the room and introduced everyone, it was time to open gifts. Gifts is an understatment, it was 8 ft of table covered in gifts. I joked with everyone as I got half way through, that I was going to need to take a break and catch a quick nap so I could muster the energy to finish opening everything.

I got so many great gifts, far to many to mention, but everyone was more than gracious in ensuring that I am more than ready for Jetta to arrive. I got several hand made gifts, all with their own special meaning.

The first was a blanket from my very good friend, Dawn's Grandma Rayma. She had been telling me for the past three years that she would make Jetta a blanket and a blanket it was. Along with a pillow and adorable sweater. The pillow has a small pocket in the back and she wrote a very special message to Jetta and I. They all are very beautiful and will always hold a special place in my heart. Dawn's family has always made me feel like I'm one of them and I am very grateful for that and the friendship that Dawn and I share.

The next gift was from my friend Raylene. She and I have been friends for many years and met at the gym. When she still lived here, we made a pact to always meet at the gym (our own buddy system). After she moved away we continued our friendship and was very glad that she was able to make it. She made Jetta and I the cutest fleece Pooh blanket, which will be perfect for some "mommy & me" snuggle time.

The next were two blankets from my co-host Kathy. She and I met at Peabody and developed a very special friendship. She retired and we have continued to stay in touch. She has a heart of gold and I am so glad that I have her in my life. She originally made a blanket that was a bit smaller and then when she saw Jetta's picture, she realized that it was to small. So, she decided, well I better make a bigger one, so she did and hence why I have two. However, the big one is for Jetta and the little one for her dollies. A perfect gift and something both Jetta and I will have forever.

Lastly, I got a blanket from a lady that doesn't even know me. Denny (Shannon's dad) knows a lady, who he calls Weezey, made us a blanket. A very nice, generous gift and one that I will remember always as well.

As mentioned I got many gifts and they all were great. Another very special gift was from my friend Dawn. She is giving Jetta a Longenberger Easter basket....very cute and something I will treasure forever. Dawn and I have been friends for years and she is very special to me and holds a very special place in my heart.

Despite all the amazing gifts I received, the best gift was all the friends and family that attended. It is great to have such an amazing support network. I am forever grateful to all of you and can't wait to take the next step in this process and share her with all of you.

I'll post some pictures of the day, along with a few of the gifts. I don't have pictures of all the blankets that were made, but want to share the few that I do have.

I'll be posting more this week, one to share Jetta's room and two, to hopefully advise of our travel dates.