Sometimes living life in a big family does feel like a three-ring circus, but that's my life, and, all-in-all, I LOVE IT!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Not Your Typical Baby Shower

I've been to many, many baby showers (none of my own, as my Mom's family did not believe in baby showers), but I've hosted a few baby showers and I've been a guest at quite a number of baby showers of all sizes ~ small, intimate gatherings in the home or office, luncheons or teas at restaurants, and even larger affairs with many women and little girls attending, but I have never before in my life been to a baby shower with so many children and so many men:


(Too bad Jayden was sick that day, he would have loved running around with the other boys and playing with the wrestling figures!)


Brian and Flora's baby is due to arrive mid-January, and my girls and I were planning on having a family shower for Flora sometime in late November or early December but Flora had a plan of her own. Flora's family lives out of state, so understandably, she wanted to have it when her sister was visiting New York. Flora did the planning herself and she had lots of help and support from her friend Kathleen, and also lots of help from Brian's friend Melissa. While Flora was out of state the week before the shower these girls did a lot of the shopping and organizing. They also helped to set up and decorate the hall and they organized games and provided prizes for the guests to enjoy. The girls were an outstanding support system to Flora. And they were a God-send to me! With a two-week-old baby in the house, and planning and packing for a trip to Disney World, it was not perfect timing for me to host a small family shower, and definitely not perfect timing for me to throw a big bash. I did meet Flora's request for cupcakes and 'Wanda's Peanut Butter Cookies' though, and Ray made up some cute Baby Shower water bottle labels that we found online, and we had a great system: Ellie took off all the Poland Spring labels, Ray put on the new labels, I cut ribbon, Ellie tied it on the bottles, and then I curled it. So many thanks to Ray and Ellie, and many, many thanks to Kathleen and Melissa!






 (I like the idea of the water bottle labels, and Kate says she may do that for Eòghan's Christening celebration too.)

(Flora's friend Kathleen is on the left)


(This is Brian's friend Melissa)

Ray's sister Susie has a severe latex allergy, so she was not able to attend the shower because there were lots of these:






We missed her a lot, but we were happy that her girls were there!

 (Here are Erika, Jackie, and Jillian, back at our house for a little visit with E`oghan after the shower was over).


(Susie's oldest daughter Jackie with Ray's Mom Helena.  We also got the good news that Jackie is expecting her first baby in May!)

(Here is my sister-in-law Eileen [married to Ray's brother Kenny] and her beautiful daughters Sara and Katie.)

(My cousin Mary, she just got out of the hospital recently, and even though she is recovering from major surgery, she still makes every party!)
(These are Mary's daughters and granddaughter, Laura with little Ashley, and MaryAnn)

(And this is my Aunt Marion [mother to Mary, Grandma to Laura & MaryAnn, and Great-Grandma to Ashley, among many others], Marion will be turning 95 on October 17!  Happy Birthday, Aunt Marion!)

(Lori and Sophie!)


(And here's the guest of honor ~ Flora)



Flora's baby shower was more of a baby festival complete with a "Cat In The Hat" pinata!


 I really don't like the idea of pinata's at all.  I think it is too dangerous (I kept yelling at Flora to step back!  She's carrying precious cargo after all!), and I feel bad for the children at the end of the line who never seem to get a chance at bat!


(But Mia was at the front of the line, so she got a chance.)

(And James got a chance too!)

And I think all the children went home with 'goody bags', so, all's well that ends well.


Well, we're off on a road trip to Disney!  'See you all when we return!

12 comments:

  1. Wow! That WAS quite a party! I know you'll have a wonderful time at Disney World. (Is this now an annual event for your family???)

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  2. HI EILEEN - I am exhausted by all the festivities and the work to create such an event. You are a trooper. phew.
    Great pictures, I felt like I was there.
    Love you
    Gail
    peace.....

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  3. Eileen, this looks like great fun!

    If you all get a chance, you need to take Jayden to the pirate museum in St. Augustine. There's also a pirate ship here that sails in the harbor. I know it's hard to try to visit people along the way, but if you get a chance, click on my email, and I'll give you my cell phone. Even if you stopped for a bathroom break, I would drive out to see you and hug your neck! LOL!

    My house is in shambles right now (we moved all sorts of things around), but you can always use it for a potty break. Just think of me as the FLorida Welcome Station.

    And if not, we can catch up some other time. One day, though, I'm determined to meet you eyeball to eyeball.

    Love you...

    XO,

    Sheila

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  4. What a great shower! Thank you for the splendid blog on it...and the photos. I, too, like the idea of the labels on the water bottles. Clever...and I love learning new ideas to use for the future.
    Have a wonderful time at Disney World. Wave at me if you come down I-75 at the Florida/Georgia line....or if you go down I-95 wave 'west' to me....I'm not far from where you are going. But....we will be traveling north (to North Carolina again....so, I might not be at home.) Wave anyway....I leave a 'virtual' wave for you, my friend. Have a safe and happy trip.
    Love,
    Jackie

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  5. I enjoyed meeting more of your relatives. What a happy celebration! I have never heard of a pinata at a baby shower, but this generation knows how to party, and knows how to do it well!

    Aunt Marion looks really good. How wonderful that she was there with you all. I wonder what baby showers were like back in her day!

    My mother was also not fond of baby showers so perhaps it was their generation. She thought they were okay only if it was for a first baby and only if a friend gave it, never a relative. But now days it usually IS a relative who throws the showers.

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  6. The shower looked like so much fun Eileen! Baby showers are my favorite. It's true, men are coming to showers these days. They help unwrap the gifts, play, the games, and are totally involved. I kind of like this idea especially with a baby shower where I think men have felt left out. Men are even registering for wedding showers with items they want. The world is changing fast LOL I hope you have a great weekend. Please tell Jayden I hope he is feeling better.
    Take care, Carol

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  7. Hi Eileen,

    It sounds like a really fun party! I think it's great that the guys and the kids are now being invited to baby and bridal showers. I like tradition, but being more inclusive really lets everyone share the special memories.

    Hope you have a wonderful week!

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  8. October 28
    Popping in again to say hello to you!!!
    Miss you!!!
    Love,
    Jackie

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  9. Your family sure knows how to throw a party!! Lots of them. Wish I lived out there, I'd invite myself!! Hope you have a great time at Disney Eileen. Sorry I haven't been around. I will try to visit more often, I've missed you!
    Love Di ♥

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  10. Hey!

    Just popped back by to see if you had a good time in Florida! I hope so! Getting ready for the godchildren to visit next week. It's Florida History month in their school, and they come to St. Augustine for a few days. Always fun!

    Love you...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  11. What a grand time you all had !!! You know me...When I get it together...I'll be followin' you any where! My best wishes!!! Cathy

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  12. Eileen, I just wanted to pop over to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope your day is blessed in every way ♥

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