It's a baby thing!

We flew down to Jacksonville for a baby shower and had a great time! It was Andrew's second visit with my family and friends. Everyone had a great time I think, the weather for the shower was beautiful and Mom had organized an Easter egg hunt for all the kiddies. There was plenty of food and drink and front porch space for everyone to lounge and mingle. Sean bought a big IT'S A BOY flag for all to see and folks showed up with arm loads of goodies for baby boy.

Most of the day was spent in preparation for the party. All the aunts showed up and we were busy cooking and decorating, and setting things up. Andrew went about his new favorite chore of cleaning the pool and patio and with his cousin, Brad, began hiding Easter eggs. Yeah, even Andrew had family there! His cousin Brad, from Michigan, is living in Tallahassee and drove over to Jax Saturday night to hang and then stayed for the shower/party on Sunday! So cool...

The party ended up being a sort of reunion for me. I had invited friends I hadn't seen since I left to move to Philly in 2005. So, although a fast reconnect it was sooo great to see everyone, their little babes or two and just be loving everyone and enjoying the great day.

We had tried to do a shower game or two but I knew the nature of this day would be party with a kiddies theme. Sure enough, people just took time to enjoy themselves, relax and reconnect. The games were never played and even gifts sat waiting for their moment to be revealed. When we were finally ushered into the living room to open gifts we were surrounded by a see of pretty pastel bags and boxes. Oh my. I had no idea there would be so much. Andrew was also a bit intimidated by the task before us. Now we were front and center with an audience of loved ones. Let the opening begin!

At first we started to alternate gifts, opening one and then the next, but it wasn't too long before I noticed Andrew cuddling the heart beat bear and all opening ceased while he closed his eyes, soothed by the sounds. We opened bottles and blankets, booties and onesies, sleep sacks and hats, and outfits and lovies. We opened more onesies (yay) and blankets (yay) and sleep sacks (yay) and then there was the "thing". I began to realize I was answering Andrew's questions of what something was with " it's a baby thing" or "you know, that thing for the baby". To the point where even others laughed at my earnest not knowing. We received some amazing gifts and I feel this baby will be snuggled and loved up so much in each gift he wears, plays with or cuddles to.

I'm sad the day passed so quickly even sadder as people began to pack up and leave. I love my friends so much and was so happy to have been able to share this with them. I am hoping this is also a sort of bridging of Jacksonville friends to my daily life in Philly. Time goes by so fast, I want to stay in better touch with everyone.