Showers of Blessings....

On Sunday, my sister, Brittany, gave me a baby shower. It was a reminder of all of the blessings in my life- my family (all the way from Florida) were there, constant reminders of never ending support. My first friend- Kathleen, who took time away from her busy life with three kids and flew up with my mom. We have known each other since we were two years old (Charlie's age!) Just to think, a lifelong friend, someone who knows everything about you and likes you anyway! Our church family, there in full force. They have showered us with prayers and concern every step of the way. My co-workers are planning to thrown a shower after Charlie arrives home, but my friend Michele was there from start to finish, even a co-worker of my sisters. And, of course, my sister. She planned everything from start to finish. She did recruit some help with food (thanks Carol and Debbie!) but other than that she had some very ambitious plans- a banner (I wish I could show you, but we took ALL the pictures in front of the banner and I can't post any of them because Charlie's face is front and center on it!) The decorations were done in our nursery theme- rockets and robots. Everything looked great. She really did a fantastic job, I was so appreciative. We got a lot of great stuff! (Pictured) Currently, it is spread out all over our dining room! I have no idea where it's all going to go. I've never been to a baby shower for a toddler, so the stuff was a lot more fun than your standard receiving blankets and bibs. We got some much needed practical items- a stroller and car seat and a ton of fun stuff Charlie will love to play with- books, art supplies, a sand water table, outdoor toys- toy mowers and t-ball set.
Chad came in the front door and said simply said- "whoa". Then we sat down and played for a bit! On Monday Mom and I did some residual baby shower shopping with GIFTCARDS! We got some "must haves" the magnetic locks for the cabinets, an ear thermometer, booster seat, some finishing touches for the bathroom remodel, and a little potty. It was so nice to fill in the gaps and not spend any money!
It was so nice to have all of my closest friends and family around me on Sunday- all for Charlie. There were pictures of him all around, I made announcements for everyone to take home with all of his "stats" and specific ways that people can continue to pray for us. It was so nice because some people hadn't seen his sweet face! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one that thinks he is the cutest thing on the planet!
So here we are, celebrating Charlie and hoping that we can bring him home soon so that he can play with all his fun stuff, but most importantly, share the love that is all around him.