Showered with love and kindness

Set under the guise of a neighborhood cookie exchange on December 23rd, my dear friend and neighbor, Rachel, hosted an amazingly generous and creative surprise baby shower. The work, planning and thoughtfulness that went into the evening was incredible. And making it even more special was the fact that even though friends from afar were not able to attend, their presence and involvement in the unforgettable evening was easily felt. I am one lucky girl... and TieBreaker is one lucky, loved baby boy.

(And, even though my sweet friend, Catherine, was at the shower as a guest and not working, she also just happens to know her way around a camera!  EVERY photo here was taken by her.  Thank you so much, Catherine!  I am very grateful to have such great photos capturing the fun, special evening it was.)

Surprise!!!

LOVE this of my mama... looking so happy!

Rachel adorning me with a bedazzled "Mommy To Be" sash

My dear friend, Rachel, the consummate planner and hostess.

There was a "blue" theme... even Blue Moon beer and Blueberry soda for me!  And, those who know me well (or read carefully here!) know that I LOVE me some mint chip ice cream, especially when pregnant.  Rachel made (yes, MADE!) blue mint chip ice cream.  Yummy! 
The house was "baby boy" decorated, the food was delicious and plentiful and the playlist on her iPod was all songs with the word "baby" or with boy names in them - - there wasn't a detail she didn't think of.  So special, so fun and so unforgettable.

I just love this photo!  We clearly were enjoying ourselves!

There were ornaments for everyone to decorate.
The guests made one for themselves and one for our family. 
So sweet and such a creative idea!

What a wonderful group of ladies!

My reaction when opening the package of quilt squares.

With the assistance of one of my oldest, dearest friends, Becky, whom she hasn't even met in person, Rachel secretly sent fabric squares to many of our friends and family - - both near and far - - and they each decorated in their own special way.  Her mom will then be piecing them together and making a quilt for TieBreaker.  The moment I opened the package, I knew what it was and I burst into tears.  My emotions continued to overflow as I opened each square and discovered so many lovely sentiments from people who mean so much to our family.  It is the most incredible gift.

As if the quilt weren't enough...
This is my reaction to the Gift Card Tree.
We are so blessed to have so many people who love TieBreaker and our family so much. 
I am still overwhelmed by the generosity.

My mommy, Jewell, me and Catherine

Bump by the tree!

The beautiful treats made for the cookie exchange.

Though the cookie exchange was a guise for the surprise, it was definitely a legitimate and delicious exchange!  Rachel's mom, Sally, made a beautiful diaper cake for us, too, which will be coming in handy very soon!