Showers of Happiness

A lot has been going on here in the our household since my last post!  I can't believe it's been two months since I posted about Eli and I feel like I have A LOT of catching up to do!  

In Vermont enjoying everything about it!

We have been on GO GO GO since September and I cannot believe we will be celebrating Christmas very soon!  In October, AJ and I and my side of the family traveled up to our usual spot in Vermont for some peace, rest and beautiful scenery---most of which you do not get here in the Tri-State area (those who live here KNOW---the pace ooohhh the pace!!!).  Once we came home, the following weekend my mom and I traveled up to Rochester, NY where AJ's family lives.  My MIL had a sweet shower at her home where I was blessed with a lot of nice things for Eli (he will not be lacking in the clothing department that's for sure)!  We literally drove up late Friday night, had the shower on Saturday and rushed back home early Sunday morning.  WEW!!!  AJ did not come up with me this time because he has been working on a bathroom project and it's crunch time to finish!  THANK YOU to our bestest friends Dan and Theresa for sacrificing so much of their weekends to help us!  I'll tell you what, our friends are not just friends they are most definitely an extension of our family--I think that's the best way to have friends!!!!

Mom and sweet MIL

My amazing SIL and me!

This past weekend my mom and I hosted a beautiful shower at a gorgeous country club down the rode from where my parents lives!  The club did an amazing job with food and service, it was wonderful!  I had soooo much fun coming up with a color scheme, deciding decorations and planning the day!   Pinterest is dangerous..very dangerous...but ooooooo how I love thee!!!!  It's a really good thing Pinterest was not around when I got married because my wedding probably would have cost double with all the ideas I would have wanted to cram into the day!  Anywho I digress! But seriously I love Pinterest..nough said!

 I remembering just dreaming about this moment and wondering if it would ever happen for me!  Guess what!?  It did!!!!

 

Pinterest is the best as well as a touch of artistic ability from my Great Grand Father Bevalet (he helped design the statue at Rockefeller Center) and my Aunt Tara who made the incredible center pieces!

The day of my shower was like a dream!  The room was filled with so much love, happiness, support and the presence of God!  I really felt like I was floating and I don't think my feet really touched the ground
the whole afternoon!  It was amazing to see people from
different times in my life gather in one room to celebrate the beginning of what God has ALWAYS called me to be ...a MOM!  I had a dear friend whose sons I nannied for when they were 2 and 9 months...they are now 17 and 16  WHAT!!!!!!!! I had my best friend there who started college with me 16 years ago and we have not left each other's side since (we live like 15 minutes away!) Many women from our church came, all of which have blessed me with friendship over the recent years.  A lot of my family was there, as they always are to support and love us!  I love my family! Childhood friends/ neighbors and their parents came and present coworkers who have loved and encouraged me through the struggle of infertility were there! Of course my most cherished person was there-my mom!  Without her, oh my, I don't know how this would have been possible!  She is the most loving, giving and selfless woman I know!  It was a room filled with history and love, perfect for welcoming Eli!

My amazing BEST friend..we were meant to be sisters!

The day went so fast and I was blessed with an incredible amount of gifts for Eli....you all did not hold back!  I would apologize for making everyone sit through the tedious task of opening every present, but you all did it to yourselves...MY GOODNESS!!!!!  Hee hee!!!  No really I can't believe the outpouring of generosity, amazing!

Now that the last month of baby shower frenzy is over, AJ and I are now focusing on the last details before we leave for China!  We will know by next week when we go and I cannot believe it is happening..I can't wait to kiss Eli's sweet cheeks!  We have finishing touches on his room to do, finishing our bathroom project and organizing all the stuff we need to pack and bring to China...it's a lot people...A LOT (those who have done this know)!  We will be heading into the doctor's office this weekend to conference with our doctor about our travels, get vaccinations and prescriptions for meds to take with us.  It's the final countdown now and we cannot wait to go!  We promise we will let everyone know when we go and when we return so that those who want to be at the airport to welcome Eli home can be there!

Well I realize this post is rambling and very long, that's why I need to post more often...just hasn't been enough time!  I realize I want to document more of Eli though once home and I'll have to commit to it more so!  We can't thank all of you enough for blessing us so greatly through prayers, doniations, gifts and above all LOVE! Eli is one loved boy and we are blessed to be bringing him home!!!!!

Mom beautiful, giving, Godly Mom and I! I love her sooo much!

God is good and we are BLESSED!!!!

 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Ruth 1:16