Wild Card Wednesday - a baby shower!

So, I guess it's official now. Sasha is on her way! Last night my friends threw me a baby shower. Sweet, huh? And before I tell you all about it, here's a laugh. The hostess and her family recently moved here from Sweden. I guess her son isn't too familiar with the tradition of baby showers, because he asked her who's baby we would be washing. LOL... he probably wondered why all the fancy food, too! Poor kid! I'm sure he's anxious to discover what other crazy things we Americans do. ;)

Anywho, I totally was not expecting a shower. In fact, I shyed away from it because not only is this my fourth child, but my second girl, and I really have all that I need. But I have had some trouble with my pregnancies and am on modified bedrest for preterm labor, so this was a very thoughtful gesture... and so unique an idea for any subsequent pregnancy...

Everyone brought an envelope containing a money gift and clipped it to this tree, which I got to take home with me after the shower:

The money was collected specifically for a gift certificate to a place in town called The Studio Kitchen, where you can assemble a stock of frozen meals. I cannot tell you how helpful this will be. We have tried both Schwan's Delivery Service and a personal chef, and the cost (on top of a maid service and weekly/sometimes bi-weekly appointments with progesterone shots) has begun to be a financial burden. I still have to hire a mother's helper for when school lets out, too!

I also got to open a few sweet little gifts (because some of my friends just love to shop too much:)). There was a darling little ladybug outfit, some baby toys to spruce up my ancient collection, yet another gift certificate (for an infant massage, yay!), and a sweet little baby pillow made from an antique handkerchief.

What a fun little celebration it was! The goodies table was picture perfect :

And we played some not-too-tacky games, as well. Mi favorito was guessing organs/body parts from various ultrasound pictures. It's amazing how little you learn from having, oh about a bajillion good looks at babies in utero, lol. I think I missed some of the easiest, most basic shots!

Anyway, I am truly feeling like one happy and loved mama today! And hopefully these ideas will get used by some of you out there... this was such a fun and simple (not to mention charitable) way to celebrate baby's coming.