Sunday, November 14, 2010

Baby Shower

My baby shower yesterday couldn't have been more perfect. We had a huge turnout and although there were a lot of people who didn't know eachother, I think everyone mingled well and had a good time. I got an amazing number of gifts. I have hardly anything left to buy for Elliot, yet I received almost $1000 in giftcards and money! Oh well. I'm sure I'll find a way to spend it! I can't believe everyone's generosity- it was utterly amazing. I couldn't be more thankful.
We did a question and answer session about Gastroschisis... and I'm so glad. It went extremely well. Everyone had really good questions and it was such a great way to inform and educate everyone about his condition. It also saved me from answering the same questions over and over again- an added bonus! Everyone is so optimistic about Elliot's situation. It sounds like we will have a lot of family and friends visiting our little family in the hospital, which will be wonderful. It is obvious how much everyone cares- Elliot is truly loved.
I haven't really had a chance to look at all of the pictures yet. I was too busy going through all of the things I got and putting it all away {my favorite part!}. So here is just a little glimpse of the shower.

the cake :)
The cake- it says "waiting for our little miracle, Elliot Reid"
Gifts!
Some of the gifts.
Mom & I at my babyshower
My mom, who hosted the shower, and I.
Opening presents
Opening presents!
Another shot of the Money Tree
My Aunt Diane and cousin Renee made me this money tree- along with a handmade card with a beautiful message inside suggesting different ways to use the money while Elliot is in the NICU. It was extremely touching. I totally teared up!
Hope & Believe
so sweet.
The message inside the money tree card:
Perhaps you need gas money to go see Elliot.
Perhaps you need some dinner after a long day of sitting with Elliot.
Perhaps you need a book to read while you sit by Elliot's side.
Perhaps you just need a break and a new pair of jeans that would fit you now.
Use the money tree however you need to...
Perhaps... this will bring a smile to your face!

18 comments:

  1. Wow! I love who ever invented baby showers. Aren't they the best?

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  2. The shower looks and sounds fantastic! How amazing that everyone was so absolutely generous! I am so happy for you and your family (oh, you look just like your mom!!!) and I cannot wait for Elliot to get to meet everyone! Well, I can wait another month if he's willing!

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  3. Your shower looked amazing!!! Cant wait to see more pics!!!

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  4. Wow, looks like you had a great time! So glad you got almost everything you need, that's so great! The giftcards and money will definitely come in handy once he is here! Diapers are expensive... well, not expensive but when you go through soooo many so fast it adds up! Anyways, so glad you got to enjoy your shower! Now the waiting begins :)

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  5. it looks like a great shower! and the cake is so cute. What was the big gift in the corner?

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  6. wow, what an amazing shower! it's awesome you have such a great support group by your side throughout all of this. elliot is already SO loved.

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  7. awww....the money tree was so sweet! what awesome friends and family you have!

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  8. looks like it was fun! glad you had a great shower and dang girl you got a lot of gifts!! ;o)

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  9. You are glowing! I love what it says in the money tree card. While visiting my daughter in the NICU there were some things I would bring along. I hope you don't take this as being bossy but I wish I had someone to tell me some of these things. ;)

    Lotion-b/c scubbing my hands day after day before being able to see my little one was really hard on my skin. Chapstick-my lips were always dry for some reason during that time. Tissues-they never seemed to have any on hand.

    Water and protein bars-We weren't allowed to eat or drink in the NICU but since I didn't want to always take time away from my daughter by going to the hospital cafeteria, I would go into the hall outside the NICU and eat really quick.

    Tylenol or ibuprofen- I was a crier during the several hours I spent in the NICU with my daughter and would get headaches from it. Camera-of course. Books to read to the little one. :)

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  10. Bevin- I said JUST that after my shower. Everyone laughed and said that it probably wasn't invented. Oh well!
    Dana- the big gift was my crib. I already knew that- but my dad insisted on wrapping it for the party so that everyone knew they got it for me.
    Elle- thanks for the suggestions! I've been making a list and packing lately. I'll definitely add these to it. I was appalled when I found out we couldn't drink in the NICU- how do you stay hydrated? Particularly if pumping/breastfeeding? I drink so much water normally so I feel like that will be a hard adjustment for me to make.

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  11. TOTALLY give the cookie recipe a try. omg, you won't ever look at other cookies the same. because these are the best. THE best.
    i edited the recipe a bit to make more sense, i hope you like them :)

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  12. Wow, sounds fun and I wish I got that much in gift cards lol. We'd have everything she needs! We still don't even have everything she needs and she is 2 months already lol.

    Little Sugar Monster

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  13. How cute! It seems like u had lots of fun at your shower and I love the color scheme!! :)

    I am glad u got so many gifts as well. Wishing u the best of luck!

    PS I am a new follower of ur blog! :)

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  14. Hi there,

    I was sent from the non profit organization Avery's Angels. I heard you are having a baby with gastroschisis. I also had a baby with gastroschisis 9 months ago. My daugther Sienna is doing great. I would love to chat and answer any questions I can. You can see more of her at http://www.siennawilson.com . Or email me at theamywest@gmail.com

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  15. Jess,
    I thought it was so frustrating not being able to drink water while visiting my daughter in the NICU. I would spend hours with her. We would see our daughter every day but mostly it was for 5 or 6 hours in the afternoon. Sometimes my hubby and I would go early in the morning when he was able to get off of work (I couldn't drive to the hospital for 3 weeks since I had a c-section), leave the NICU for dinner then come back and stay late.

    They had pumps in the NICU but since I couldn't drink anything, it was so hard to pump and I didn't get much when I tried. It would be really nice if they would make an exception for breastfeeding moms and those who pump.

    When I would mention this to the nurses, I was always told your fluid intake has nothing to do with how much breastmilk you produce. I happen to disagree. :)

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  16. Wow! Over $1000 in gift cards and money. Must admit, I'm a little jealous. ;) Have fun, girlie. We were disappointed in our shower. :( It was nice, but people were leaving within the first half hour, we didn't get any of our big stuff, and we got $75 in gift cards and $100 in cash. Afterwards, my mom and friend (hostesses) called us and told us they were really, really disappointed in everyone. Ah well. We went out and got everything we'll need yesterday, and I washed E's clothing and hung it and folded everything today. More to do tomorrow! Enjoy playing with all your new toys for your babe! :)

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  17. Elle- that's really frustrating. I agree that they should make an exception... especially if you're just drinking water in a clear plastic bottle. I read online that being well hydrated helps increase your supply. Looks like I'll have to take a break every so often to gulp down some water or something.
    Laura- that really stinks :( I'm sorry your shower didn't go too well. That must've been pretty disappointing. I am so thankful that ours went so well. I was nervous that people wouldn't really talk to each other since they didn't know each other.

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