Celebrating Baby Jack

This past Saturday was our first baby shower. My very best friends from growing up - Ann, Abby, Becca, and Elisabeth - worked so hard to make it such a special day for us. It was exactly that. 20 family members and hometown friends gathered to encourage us, celebrate this little guy, and help us get started with the things he might need. 

Me and baby Jack with our hostesses Ann, Bec, Abby (not pictured), and Elisabeth.

Becca opened her lovely home and arranged the most beautiful flowers all around it, Ann flew in from Boston and made my favorite French pastries, Elisabeth made my favorite pumpkin bread and, what more could a girl ask for, a grits bar, and Abby sent her love - and the cutest guest book ever (a hardback version of "Where the Wild Things Are") - from her station at the hospital. (We are praying for you, Matt! Get well soon!)

My aunts Angie and Deb came to town, as did sisters Annaliese and Julianna, and they and Mom, Savannah, Rosie, and Meredith made up my wonderful group of female family there to celebrate! Great friends from high school, Nina, Katie, Shai (from Washington State!), and Gretchen also made it, as well as some of my favorite ladies from growing up - Mrs. Barlow, Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Carroll, and Susan. I really appreciated everyone making the effort to be there - especially on a busy Homecoming/reunion weekend! 

Sweet high school friends Katie and Shai.

Gilman girls! (minus Cass)

Aunt Angie, me, and Aunt Deb

Those who were too far to come send such sweet things to celebrate - Shelley, I LOVE the monogrammed onesie, and Susan, his handmade blanket is just beautiful!!! I am bringing it to the hospital! 

Luke and I felt so blessed to have things provided for him - our stroller, monitor, Exersaucer, sweet outfits, bathtime items, Boppy, pump, blankets - all kinds of wonderful things he will need. 

Thank you all for all of baby Jack's sweet things!

More than that, though, the support and love from our family and community continues to overwhelm us in such a wonderful way - thank you all for encouraging us and reminding baby Jack how very much he is already loved!

Sweet hostesses cleaning up after!

The husbands catching the UT game at the end of the festivities.