A Pumpkin Baby Shower.

Babies bring family and friends together, no matter how far-flung our distant lives and dreams may have scattered us. It's one of my favorite discoveries about pregnancy, babies and motherhood. The camaraderie is so rich, so rooted in vulnerability and free of competition. My cousin Amber is expecting her first baby in early 2017, and all the women in my family were over the moon about celebrating her little man to-be. We had so much fun, throwing her a harvest-themed baby shower at my mom's house a few weekends ago.

My parent's house is on the market these days. Soon I know it will sell and that chapter of their lives will be over. It's extremely bittersweet, being that they are such phenomenal hosts and it really is part of their calling and ministry; the way they love and host people so well. They have always been the house that has all the parties - everything from baby showers and wedding showers to actual weddings and birthday parties and everything in between. This shower felt like a tender ode to their legacy, one final hurrah before moving boxes litter the hallways and the keys get handed over to a new owner.

Celebrating this particular baby-to-be with all the women in my family - sisters, mom, cousins and aunts galore - was truly one of the sweetest memories in my book. These are the women who have fortified me, helped shape my sense of humor and sense of self, and given me a gentle push when I needed it and given me grace when I couldn't possibly accept it. And I know that tradition will live on, no matter whose house we party at. So excited for this little boy to become my own baby-to-be's little buddy. There are lots of trucks and trains in our future!

A "Ta-Da!" Baby Shower

A Ladies Shower.

My mother. My sisters. These incredible women threw me the most decadent baby shower two weekends ago, full of fou-fou loveliness and baby-indulgent grandeur. It was SO MUCH FUN. These sweethearts know how to put on a seriously special party. The food? To die for. Adorable quiche, fancy fruit tarts, scrumptious eclairs, perfect petit fors (my favorite dessert!), Chickfila Chicken Salad Sandwiches and Nuggets (all thanks to my darling dear girl Natalie!), and chilled white wine topped off with gummy bears. I obviously couldn't indulge in that fun beverage, but I indulged like CRAZY in everything else! The decor was themed to match Everett's baby room, in shades of gray, flax, orange and yellow, with lots of giraffes peeking out here and there (more to come on his room!)

The guests? ALL PARTY GIRLS. I got the opportunity to catch up with so many women who have sowed into different seasons of my life, from old cheerleading buddies and high school friends to my feisty, gorgeous cousins and wise mentors that I admire. Such a treasured group of women assembled to celebrate the upcoming arrival of my little son, and I couldn't have felt more blessed or loved. Not only was the food and the decor to die for, but the words of encouragement and prayers were sweet, poignant, and will always be especially cherished in my heart.

// Me and my mama bear. Isn't she the loveliest? //

// You can't really tell, but the onesie on the right says "Party Naked" - thanks Kelley!! //

// My sweetheart nephew helped me unwrap the gifts. He didn't understand why I cried opening practically every other one. //

// Table of decadence, yummmm //

The Countdown Is On!

Thank you to all of you who have celebrated our growing family and affirmed us during this transition. I am overwhelmed by the loving support Stevie and I have received, all for making a baby!

We are getting really close to time for this little guy to arrive. Keep us in your prayers!

A Hometown Baby Shower.

I feel spoiled rotten. Last weekend, Stevie & I took a quick trip down to Atlanta to celebrate our two wonderful friends marrying each other and we snuck in a super duper fun couples' baby shower, too. The weekend was jam-packed, beginning with a most-necessary, 11pm post-flight visit to the Original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House (I was craving those nuggets!) before heading to the in-laws and dropping directly into bed. Over the course of the weekend, I had the privilege of spending some much-needed one-on-one time with my mom that included fish tacos, pedicures and maybe a bit too much laughter. My mother. Ugh she's just the best. I got to see some sweet friends from our time living in Boston, as everyone congregated to celebrate a glowing wedding. And one of the most memorable parts of the weekend? The delicious, decadent baby shower that my best friend, sisters-in-law and mother-in-law threw for me & Stevie. It was a smash, to say the least.

Dinner, Drinks and Bewitching Dessert.

My mother-in-law Lindy and sister-in-law Lauren know how to throw a party. These brainy women could probably do it in their sleep, with their hands tied and their eyes blindfolded. They are geniuses at planning, estimating and producing an immaculate event at a moments' notice. All the years they've invested into putting on mega church events and conferences really paid dividends, I can selfishly say, in this party, because it was just AWESOME. On their dinner menu? Yummy taco salad with all the fixings, some kind of fun alcoholic beverage for the non-preggos and fancy sparkling limoncello for me (and the 6 other pregnant gals who were there!) Dessert was pretty much enchanted. My sister-in-law Katie baked a multi-layered blueberry-lemon cake that was truly TO DIE FOR. I can't wait to get the recipe from her. It was seriously magic cake. Magical and beautiful, because she decorated it showcasing Everett's sweet name. Thank you, Katie!! And Lauren! And Lindy! The women in my family, whew, they are where it's at! They're party girls.

// Hey party people. Look alive! //

// There she is. The master of the dream cake. //

The Hostess with the Mostess.

My BFF Tricia is truly a gem. She is the kind of friend who takes notice of the little things, always keeping her eye on the details that transform an event into the truly spectacular. Along with caring for her precious daughter (whom she proudly wore in her fancy Ergobaby carrier!), she took care of me all night long. She made sure I always had a fresh drink, had eaten enough, and was getting quality time with all the guests. While we opened the gifts, she constantly (and inconspicuously!) kept arranging the presents so that they were easily within arms' reach. She did all these tiny little things that made such a huge difference and made me feel so special and loved. She continues to amaze me with her generous heart and constant servant-hood. I want to be like her when I grow up. Her biggest flaw? She skillfully avoided the camera all night (for the record, I am NOT PLEASED.)

// The fancy baby monitor. I like to call it our newfangled spy machine. MOMMY IS WATCHING. //

// Sweet REI baby backpack. I guess now we have to take this kiddo camping. //

Oops.

Somehow, I didn't get pictures with anyone! Oops! We were having so much fun... but I realized at the end of the night that I didn't get one single photograph with any of amazing ladies who threw the shower, our parents (both sets were in grand attendance), or our siblings... how silly. Well, we just all REALLY enjoyed ourselves. Thankfully, Tricia ordered my dad to take some pictures on our camera, (in his words, "The little one told me to take pictures!"), so we came away with a few great shots of the action :) Bless her, that little one.

// How cutie are these burp cloths? It's a really good idea to make gross, necessary items extremely cute. Baby spit up? Not so adorable. Graphic whales and mustaches on burp cloths? Geez so mega cute.  //

// Practicing his "hold". //

Thank You!

Many, many thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating our sweet Everett's upcoming arrival! We LOVED seeing so many dear-hearted friends and getting the pleasant opportunity to open his presents (one of my favorite things to do IN THE WORLD)! We can't wait to bust out all this sweet gear and get to using it - but we will wait. Well, except for the baby monitor. I think that we've gotta play with this little spy machine a bit before E's arrival. Watch out!!!