Back in March, we had a baby shower for my sister and her sweet little boy. It ended up happening later than we would have liked due to there being so many babies born into the extended family in the year, as Baby J was over a month old already, but it worked out. I was in charge of making the cookies and a number of the paper decorations. I ended up going a little overboard in some things... I blame Pinterest. (I thank God for my husband who helped me pack everything up as I had to bring it all to the church that morning with the kids in tow and he was still in the barn! Felt a little crazy that morning, and was so glad I wasn't in charge of cake, only cookies, which are much easier to transport!)
Sorry about some of the photos being 'smudged'. I took a number of pics before realizing that my son had played with my camera lens. Again. After cleaning it earlier that morning. Sigh.
The table you come to upon arriving.
I have ALWAYS wanted to do a diaper cake, and since I saw this little beauty on Pinterest I just HAD to make one! I kind of wanted to do a guitar (since my sis and her hubby are very musically talented) but I had more of what I needed with this. Since I was in charge of the diaper notes and had to buy the diapers anyway, I decided to do a diaper 'bike'. Vroom vroom! ;)
Another adorable pinterest idea was for those who arrived to write little notes on the top back of the diapers with markers. Silly things, lovely things, whatever they thought would cheer up the parents during late night diaper changes. I took some cereal boxes and dressed them up with scrapbook paper and fabric inserts. I was hoping these would also be good for in the nursery for holding diapers a little more cutely than the giant bags/boxes they come in.
Another idea I got at some point (remember when I said 'overboard' I wasn't kidding, as I was only to do the diapers, cookies, and cake decoration initially) I decided to make a guestbook picture frame. I cut out over 50 little tiny hearts, brought some coordinating colored pen Sharpees, and had glue there for guests to sign a heart and place on the tree. Before they left, I inserted the glass into the frame. The little sign on the bottom has baby's name and the date of the shower. And the tree I cut out of scrapbook paper so it would be well defined against the blue (their room colors were blue, brown, and white).
My sister-in-law was in charge of the decorations for the food table. She bought balloons and streamers, and we dutifully hung them all as a backdrop for the goodies. My mom made cakes, and gluten free cakes as well since my sister and a cousin are gluten intolerant. I made cookies and they were also gluten free. I put a sign on them that apparently everyone but my sister noticed. I sent some home with her, and it took awhile for her to be convinced that she could indeed eat them. My daughter LOVED those cookies.
The cake my mom made, with a little baby clothes line that I made at home.
I love to do this sort of thing for almost all the baby showers I am part of. The cookie tray has footprints that spell baby's name, sometimes weight (if enough room) and date of birth.
The table again. I love all the tablecloths my mom and SIL brought! There was still more food to be put on the table, mostly done by both my mom and my SIL. Four cakes, a veggie tray, fruit tray, coffee, cookies, and punch.
Another extra I saw on Pinterest. A 'shower' for the gifts. Lots of gluing on fishing line for that one. Packing it without tangling was an interesting endeavor. And they got so many lovely gifts! I adored all the hats and cute monkey onesies and outfits! <3 p="">
And of course, the guest of honor! I was lucky to get a pic of him on the floor when he was not being held, that little boy was snuggled by so many during the shower! *love*
My mom made blue 'ducky' punch!
Her nieces, helping my sister open the gifts.
M was really wanting to buy a gift for her cousin all on her own, so she saved a little money and found something to buy from the second hand store. Then she really really wanted me to make a 'closet' for a card. 'A paper closet, mommy, with baby clothes inside' (I think she really liked seeing the little onesies and sleepers I was cutting out for the cake topper). So, we did. My sister was very excited about it, haha.
And of course, the guest of honor! I was lucky to get a pic of him on the floor when he was not being held, that little boy was snuggled by so many during the shower! *love*
Here you can see the guestbook with all the little heart leaf signatures on it. Oh, and tiny washcloth 'candies'.
I know this is late, and you are already half a year old, but we love you, baby J! We can just see those gears in your head turning, and you smile so easily! You always look thoughtful! I look forward to seeing you grow!
