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 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!

The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 2}

Christmas 2012 took us to New England for just about two weeks. I prayed for snow, as I often do on these northern winter trips.

(I must have whispered many prayers that are just being received now because it is still snowing! Apologies to everyone north of ... Carolina. I must have left a trail of prayers on the way up...)

Guest Place Setting

The amount of snow that I received during my stay was perfect. It dusted Christmas morning- enough to be enchanting but not to prevent our guests from coming to dinner. Later, we had a nice blizzard of about 14 inches. Andrew and Sara were able to plan to spend the night with us at Marlen and Caneva's.  The next day, Sara and Caneva were throwing me a shower. So I was told I wasn't allowed in the kitchen or dining room area. The guys watched football. Brandon and Marlen made me a fire. I curled up fireside- with pillows, blankets and a book. One of the most relaxing evenings of this pregnancy.

Me with Sara

The next day, church friends of Sara and Caneva came to celebrate Little Loy. We lunched on tomato/mozzarella paninis, fruit salad with sherbet, strawberry spinach salad, and peanut butter chocolate mousse cake. The food was delicious. The decor exquisite. The games fun (though I definitely bombed the nursery rhyme game). The company delightful. It was a pleasant afternoon of love, laughter and stories.

My Place Setting

 I am thankful Brandon and I have such a strong support system- even as far away as Hopkinton! Thanks for making a snowy December afternoon so lovely!

Caneva, Sara and Me

Little Loy

A few baby-themed pictures from Instagram.

32 weeks

36 weeks

Mr. Sweater. Made by Karen.

Little Feet!!!

Now Little Loy has a room too.

38 weeks