Surprise Shower

Local Friends

A few weeks ago I was visiting my friend, Nina.  After a couple hours at her house, she asked me to follow her in my car to an undisclosed location.  With suspicion, I followed.  As we pulled onto my street, I realized I was walking into a surprise shower. What a sweet surprise it was!

The whole thing was orchestrated by my mother.  I knew something would eventually happen as she had had me register for baby items. You must remember that Lila is soon to be five and Olivia is six.  Let's be realistic.  Unless you are sure you're going to have more children, most people get rid of all their baby stuff when their last child reaches toddlerhood.  That's exactly what we did last year.  At a pre-move garage sale, we sold many of our baby things including our crib, bouncer seat, many toys, a few books, and lots and lots of clothes.  I even gave away our cloth diapers.  My mother loves to throw a party and while some people deem it strange to throw a shower for a third baby, my family does not!  With a five year age gap and the fact that it's a boy (I do still have a small box of baby girl clothes - which I will keep for the next month - just in case "he" comes out a "she"), my mother began scheming.  

First she contacted Matt - who, in all  honesty, thought it strange and maybe even inappropriate to throw a shower for a third baby.  My mother does things like this for fun.  Did I really need help buying baby clothes and items? No.  However, it's so easy to feel detached living so far away from friends and family and this was one way to stay connected and feel loved.  So, she convinced Matt to help her throw a virtual baby shower.  She invited friends and family from back home while Matt rounded up friends from here in Germany.  Our American neighbor agreed to allow gifts be sent to her APO box.  She even wrapped the ones that came from the registry!  Not only that, Matt was to be away during the day of the shower so she and her husband kindly made food and set everything up in our home while I was at Nina's.  What a great friend!  Her task was not easy as I had left the house a mess - a sewing project thrown about the living and dining room!

The Computer (in back) was used to webcam family back home

My friend, Lynette, made the cake.

Nina came back from her holiday a bit early to help out!

I was so touched by all the love and support shown by my friends and family near and far.  My mom had arranged to Skype with some family and friends back home and we were successful at that.  My friend, Krista, traveled an hour and half from her home in Ansbach (Not including the time she spent in a traffic jam).  Nina was on vacation and even came back early to help out! True friends, indeed.

I received many things that I needed and it really help put a dent in the purchases I have had to make for him.

Many many thanks to all who participated and thought of me.  I love you all!