The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 4}

3/3/13 at 3pm, dear friends threw me my final shower. Ali (from childhood) came down from Greenville to co-host with Patricia (from City Church) a book-themed shower. Everywhere we turned, really well thought-out and executed decor greeted us.

They prepared appropriately girly food (see Sugar n Spice menu), a cheese and fruit spread, mimosas and hot chocolate. Friends from Florida joined local work and church friends for an afternoon of chatter by the fire. It was relaxing and peaceful and very "me." I am blessed to have friends who know me so well. Forgive the picture over-load. There were things we didn't even capture! Also, I will update this post with a group shot as soon as I get it from Patricia. :)

Hostess Patricia, Baby and Me

Hostess Ali and Me

My mum, Lulah, and her best friend, Pam (also, Ali's mom)

Lulah and Mama

 The Food...

The Menu

Cake Pops and Caramel Corn

Caramel Brownies

I have been craving petit fours. Patricia made these herself!

Ali picked some amazing cheeses for our fruit n cheese spread

Boy or Girl?

Mimosas!

 The Decor...

My diaper cake

"inside of a dog, its too dark to read!"

Everyone wrote notes for me to read after the baby arrives- can't wait to read them!

Everyone made a bet on due date and gender... still waiting for the results...

baby clothes worn by my mum and aunts 

The Highlight...
We had a time for everyone to pray for me, Brandon and baby. It was sweet and perfect and loving.

Ali and Patricia- THANK YOU! 

Hug the baby!

The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 1}

When Brandon and I first found out we were pregnant, I asked him "Do you think we'll have a shower?" I did not doubt the love of our friends and family... I doubted our all-too-busy lives, our geographies, our other responsibilities.

The end of the pregnancy yawns before us now. Our family of 3 has collectively attended FIVE showers thrown in our honor. We have been abundantly lavished upon. For our first child, Brandon and I only bought a dresser (that doubles as a changing table) and cloth diapers for ourselves. Everything else was given to us- new, used, loved, hand-selected.

Without further ado, here are two the showers...

Brandon's work threw him a "Dad to Bee" shower at which we were given LOTS of diapers and wipes.

My work gave me an "all-day, drop-in" shower. Karen decorated my desk and asked people to just bring presents by throughout the day. It was a really neat idea because I was able to have time with each gift-giver without feeling like I needed to "perform" while opening presents in front of a bunch of people. We received several adorable books and (totally unplanned) all of our bathroom needs. Baby tub, soaps, towels, duckies, etc. Karen also had watermelon and muffins ready for me whenever I wanted a snack throughout the day. She's been such an encouragement and blessing at work the last year. OH! and she made the bunny pictured below. His name is Mr. Sweater.

I will post photos from the other 3 showers in individual posts. 

a poem, as read aloud on Sept 6

In these moments of waiting—

this simple wait—

from which I learn the voice of my soul,

secrets drip from my tongue,

reaching for my pain to lie

there

in surrender of this silence.

Swinging on this trapeze of unforgotten love,

I hope.

Hope.

hope in the abundance of laughter

hope in the renewal of rain

hope in the promise of this dream

In these moments of inhaled breath,

I beg for grace to reach down and cover

fill, even smother,

this jaded self

arms-knees-face-tongue.

And with this glimpse-

mirroring eternity-

my soul cries,

“take me with you—

in your naming, forget not me.”

-CHL

The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 5}

Cities of the World- To Teach a Love of Travel Early On!

Some favs

Domino's. Yeah.

I would be remise not to mention the gifts, phone calls, and texts from friends who were unable to attend these showers. We have received several carefully selected and thoughtful presents throughout the pregnancy... from LOST themed onesies to favorite children's books to Clemson baby booties! 

Dharma Initiative for Little Loy!

 These are a few of the treasures that have arrived for Little Loy. (Has any other baby been so lavished on? I think not!!!)

Go Tigers!

The Lord has been good to us. Our friends have as well. A simple "thank you" is nowhere near enough of an expression of how full our hearts are by this support, excitement, love and encouragement. We are overwhelmed.

The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 3}

My sister, Michel, threw me a Morning Tea Baby Shower in February. She prepared a FEAST of treats- pain au chocolat, lemon scones, strawberries, chocolate digestives- to accent our drink selection of fruit teas, British teas, Charleston teas, and coffee. We munched and talked, shared stories and played games. It ended up being a lovely day of family.

anyone for a cuppa?

Me and Pops

Me and Mum

Michel and Aunt Marie

Jackie and Michel

The most fun present to open- a clothes line of baby essentials!

Jackie, Anne, Betty, Lynda and Judy

Aunt Nancy and Mum

Hostess Michel

Michel has been a huge support and encouragement the last few months. I know everyone loves being an auntie- but she really thrives on it. Her happiness and excitement for us means the world to me. She knitted Little Mouse a soft blankie of blues, greens and yellows. I can't wait for her/his little fingers to curl up in it. Love you, sis!

finding brasstown

on a saturday adventure, brandon and i traversed the pathways and highways of northwestern south carolina. we found an abundance of beauty and a few places to photograph. here are a few of my favorites: