Sunday, October 17, 2010

My Baby Shower

A Shower Full of Love
october 16, 2010


Before you were conceived, I wanted you.
Before you were born, I loved you.
Before you were here an hour, I would die for you.
That is the miracle of life.
Maureen Hawkins, "The Miracle"

Coming together to be with some amazing women made my baby shower very special. It was a great bonding experience to laugh about what a little monkey my Joshua will be, my worries about juggling motherhood with my new job, and hearing stories from some new moms and those who are a little more seasoned in motherhood.

One of the games we played was:
"How Big is the Mommy's Tummy?"


My cousin Reiko was "generous" with measurement
haha (it was really funny)





My childhood friend surprised me!
She drove from CA just to be at the shower =)



I received some very special gifts...
one of them was a personalized scrapbook.....



A Superman blanket
(it even has our baby's name on it--Joshua Kalel)



...AND many other great gifts!


Before the shower, my mother gave me some great advice about motherhood:

In the coming months and years you might find yourself saying such things as: “We don’t eat Bella’s dog food.” “We don’t climb on the dishwasher door.” “What’s in your mouth?” Through it all, learn to laugh at yourself, your son and remember … it’s only for a short time. You only have a limited amount of time that you will be able to guide and influence Joshua’s every action. Raising little ones is exhausting and busy and adventurous. But it is only for a season. So be present in all the moments - in the hard ones, the funny ones and the joy-filled times. Don’t wish them away. Instead, be thankful that you get to experience each and every one of them.
God gives us these little people to enjoy, love, encourage, and teach. But keep in mind that our babies are, in reality, His. They are only on loan to us. He is entrusting you with one of His most precious creations. (Thoughts inspired from: “In its time - He has made everything beautiful in its time.” www.samuelmay.com).

I hope I can take these words of advice to heart and remember them throughout my parenting years. Joshua is a precious gift, and I don't ever want to take him for granted.

My favorite part was spending time with some of my favorite ladies. As I finish up the remaining months of pregnancy, and then welcome our precious bundle into the world....I will count on them to encourage and remind me to focus on the joys of motherhood (especially when lil' Joshie won't stop crying). Most importantly, it will be such a blessing to have these wonderful gals be a part of welcoming our sweet baby into this world.


Thanks ladies for making my day so special!
Love you all!