Showers

In the past three weeks, Dustin and I have been brought to a state of speechlessness. We had two baby showers thrown for us. One, by our neighbors -- the couples who live in the closest proximity to us in Suburbia-land. The second, by my closest neighbor (both in terms of geography and friendship) and former roommate/card-playing partner and current friend. Both showers left me with a feeling of "is this for us?" and full of love and goodwill. I'm not kidding about this, despite the cheese-factor you may be feeling. My neighbors, friends and relatives have made Dustin and I feel ridiculously loved and supported. I want to share three examples of this.

1. Homemade woodworking

At the couples shower, two of our neighbors made Jaden homemade gifts that go far beyond my talent with glitter and glue.

We love them. The toybox already has two footballs in it.

2. Long Distance

My mother-in-law lives near Atlanta, GA. She works in the field of health care benefits, which we all know is crazy right now because of open enrollment. She took time out of her schedule to fly up here on a Saturday to attend the second shower. It won't surprise you when I tell you she is one of the most generous, caring, selfless people whom I've ever met. It was so exciting having her here to show her Jaden's room, diapers, blankets, etc. I love her lots.

3. Thoughtfulness

My two friends who hostessed the second shower need to open a catering business. Between the cake and the food spread, I felt like I should have paid admission to attend.

The two organized the shower with an Asian theme -- all of the food was so inspired and was nothing short of fantastic. There were fortune cookies and paper lanterns. To top it off, one of the hostesses and her husband gave a gift that still make my eyes water -- a traditional hanbok that Jaden can wear for his first birthday.

I guess I just wanted to take a moment to share some of the highlights of the showers. Everyone who came, all the gifts and notes that were given; they all make me feel more secure and supported while on the precipice of parenthood. So, once again, thank you.