I have included many pictures, but with so many special people and things happening I just couldn't pick one or two pictures to share. I usually only post pictures if I have permission in advance, I broke my own rule. If I have offended anyone, email me and I will remove you!
I start with one of the biggest surprises of the day. Auntie Teresa made blankets for all our kids. (Jamison, she made 3! He was a blankey boy and wore 2 out!) Since the first 4 kidos were little she has damaged a nerve in her hand, making things like knitting NOT fun. She suffered through knitting this soft blue (had to be blue, just like Jamison's because "every little brother wants to be like his big brother) blanket. She made up the pattern herself and had the sweetest poem attached. I have a feeling this blue blankey will be well loved.
In place of traditional shower games, which I am not a fan of, Teresa asked guests to bring an item that describes the current time to place in a time capsule for Joshua. It was filled with very creative items like TIME magazine, a flashdrive, Sierra's favorite band SKILLET on CD, a hand drawn picture of our family by Brenna, a picture collage by Krissy, the book "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs", an article about the new $2 bills that are coming out along with a $2 bill, a real estate magazine, etc... I plan to add all the cards form the shower and a note about the gifts each person brought and a few other treasures I have collected during this wait.
This is all the presents. I meant it when I titled this post spoiled!
Grammy working hard setting up and making coffee.
Brenna and one of her very favorite people Auntie Teresa.
These are some of my dear friends and family members.
My niece Ainsley, how cute is she?
Ainsley's momma Miranda and her big sister Addi
My sister-in-law Emily and niece Alexa and my inspiring friend Karri and daughter Abbi
My friend Erin - check out her zoo pals cup. It has a lid! They were so cute and very popular with both the moms and the kids.
Carly! I love having a house full of kids hamming it up.
Brenna and Grandma Donna
Notice Brenna's haircut? Very cute, but alas our family picture from Wednesday is already outdated!
Presents! I love this outfit. It is red, white, and blue - like the US flag. Significant to me because I am so anxious for my Ethiopian son to also be an American. (For the record, Joshua G. has a dresser full of outfits I love. This one made the blog because the picture turned out!)
Ellie (my friend Karri's daughter) is truly one of my favorite people in the world. We adore each other. Ellie has an extra special place in my heart these days because my relationship with her was a reassurance when I was deciding to adopt. Ellie was the first child that came to my house for day care in the years that I was a day care provider. Loving her so much and being loved in return has caused me to know beyond any shadow of a doubt the depth of love one can feel for "someone else's child." I have never been concerned that I will love Joshua G as much as my belly babies in part because of sweet Ellie. (For the record, there is a very special spot in my heart for each of the children I was lucky enough to have at my home for day care. I would let any one of them move in in a minute! But, Ellie was the first and there is something special about that. She is also the most open about her adoration of me and boy is that good for a girl's ego!)
This Little People Ark was the centerpiece. It is so cute. Many of the pieces have soft textured parts - like the elephant has soft floppy ears. It is darling in Joshua's animal room. We will have hour of fun playing with it together.
Miranda and my nieces are piggy bank experts! Isn't this piggy so cute on Joshua G's dresser? Cousin Addi even shared some of her moneys.
This funny monkey was a party decoration, but Sierra put it to good use in Joshua's room now. He looks so happy hanging there.
Happy, yep that describes the day! Thank you Teresa and crew for all your planning. It was a perfect party! Thank you my beloved friends for loving me and my sweet Joshua G. so very much! I can hardly wait until he is here and you can kiss his hands! Thank you for destracting me as I wait - just 36 hours or so before court!
