hats, a ring and a room filled with friends and family

Some may say I didn't have the most typical baby shower. (yes, there were Men there!) But in my world, there is no longer the typical anything.

Looking back on my day yesterday, if I had to choose one word to describe it, it would have to be magical. From the moment upon entering, the celebration was over the top and perfectly decorated by my Mother-n-law, Sister and dear friends. Brown satin bows tied perfectly on every chair, hot apple cider being passed by servers, an elaborate chocolate/candy/cookie station for the guests to enjoy (thank you Mel), a painted sign by my cousin Beth, a two tiered adorable polka dot cake that color coordinated with the fabric on the candy station, monogrammed napkins and chocolate Hershey bars, gorgeous pink hydrangea and rose centerpieces, pictures on a ribbon of mom, dad and I when I was born and a young child, and last by not least a room filled with my most favorite people in the entire world.

The only thing missing from this beautiful day was my Parents. It was almost surreal experiencing it without my Mom right by my side. Watching me open my gifts or hugging and kissing family, taking pictures and laughing. I can tell you it was not easy, but I made a commitment to myself that I would not cry and that I would save the tears for another day.

And I did just that, however my commitment was almost broken when my Sister, who never speaks in front of a large group, surprised me with a few words. She went into how beautiful I looked and all that mushy Sister stuff but then started talking about my Dad....I instantly was like uh-oh, don't freak out Melissa. I listened to her words and felt my Father's wedding ring that had been melted into two rings for her and I, slip on to my finger......that is all I am going to say about that moment but it was wonderful, sad, yet happy at the same time.

I told my Sister to please don't go crazy on the gifts since she was taking care of the cookie favors for the guests. Why did I bother even saying anything? She spoiled the baby with shoes, tons of trendy little clothes, a sling to carry the baby around, a little newborn bathing system and so much more. I have a very generous Sister with an amazingly huge heart. But she still does not listen to me! (had to throw that one in there)

The gifts were amazing Mom and Dad. You wouldn't believe the generosity of friends and family. I was so overwhelmed with the amount of things that were given to us as just being with everyone was honestly enough. Mom, your sister Lisa (my Aunt), who I knew knit throughout her life but did not know the level of talent she had, shocked me with some pretty amazing handmade things. I could seriously write a book on the thoughtful things she knitted for the baby- box after box presented a new surprise to my eyes, a hat collection with flowers! a beautiful blanket! a sweater, hat and scarf set that it is out of a movie and a collection of embroidered burp cloths that I am scared to even use! Just gorgeous things that I cannot stop looking at.

There are just way too many special things to list. We got the necessities needed to get ready for the baby and some beautiful things to make the room look stunning.

Gathering with my family and friends have always meant so much to me but since losing Mom and Dad, it now means even more. I wish yesterday could have lasted for days.....why do we spend too little of time with the people we love the most? I hope to never have that regret. I know my parents didn't. I will be forever grateful for the wonderful women in my life who all contributed to the shower in so many special ways to make it such an unforgettable day. I love you all and I am positive my Parents are smiling down on us.

Although the future will continue to bring some sadness and loneliness without my Mom and Dad, I can tell you one thing and that is we have the best of friends and the best of family to introduce Baby Close to and they will forever remain the center of our universe. Distance, time, hockey schedules/ballet lessons, or cost will never keep us from continuing to make the memories with the people we love the most. Thank you to so many for being on this roller coaster of a ride this year. We couldn't do it without you and I couldn't do it without thinking of my Mom and Dad each and every day knowing they just want me to be happy.

What an amazing baby shower and what an amazing weekend............I love you all my dear friends and family~