Baby Shower Busy

On Saturday I had the privilege of co-throwing and hosting a baby shower for my dear friend, Megan.  Megan's sister-in-law, Lisa, and I had a blast planning the party as it turns out we are kindred spirits in our list-making, frugal tendencies and drive to do a good job with a simplistic and themed flair, not to mention we both love Megan and couldn't wait to "shower" her with love and fun with friends and family.  Here's a glimpse after we were done with much of the setup.  The theme was African baby animals and all things African since Megan mostly grew up in Zimbabwe and counts the days until she can return there (don't get me started on how selfishly sad that thought makes me).

Don't worry, we served more than one dish.  =)  I just took a picture before all the food was out.  It was actually quite the brunch feast. 

Here are the lovely favors that Lisa made.  Caramels and tea bags from South Africa tied together and decorated with Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good!"

Things were quite busy, so I didn't take as many pictures as I would've liked, but thankfully Megan's college roommate, Becca, came and took lots of pictures of everything.  Here are a few pictures of much of the crowd enjoying the brunch and chatting it up.

Showers can be tough as it's a lot of attention to receive to be watched while you open the gifts, etc.  But Megan was gracious and poised and it was so fun to see the generous blessings showered on her, Sky and this baby on the way.  Here are a few pics as she opened gifts, read cards and had a few laughs.  Isn't she such a beautiful mommy-to-be?!

Doug took the big boys out for the morning/midday, but Penn was upstairs napping at the start of the shower and I fed him his lunch during the present-opening.  He wasn't quite sure what was going on.  A bunch of ladies crowded into his living room with Dr. Megan at the center of attention and he was eating his lunch amidst all the chatter and laughter.  What could be happening here?

After the shower was basically cleaned up and most of the guests had headed home we finally remembered to get a picture with the woman-of-the-day herself!

Thanks for being such a great party-planning-partner, Lisa!  I had so much fun getting to know you in the process.  And Megan, although the shower is over, please know that I'm ecstatic to see you enter this season of motherhood that you have anticipated for so long.  I can't wait for you to experience all the highs and lows you've been so sweet to share with me for yourself.  I look forward to being here to support and encourage you and to celebrate with you as well.  

Ok, so since my eyes are misting as I reminisce on how much this dear friend means to me and how I truly cannot wait to see her become a mom, I have to change the subject to something lighter.  So, what did Doug do with Koen and Tavin all morning?  He took them to the Sarah Heinz House Community Day for a quick swim in the pool (we were hoping to sign Koen up for swim lessons again, but it was a debacle).  After that fun activity they headed over to the Heinz History Center with some free passes.  The boys had fun looking around the museum for the exhibits that would excite little guys of their age group.  They found some winners for sure.  Koen jumped up to drive the street car.

He soon invited Tav up to be the "money man."  With every person that walked through the exhibit (and Doug said it was at least 50), Tav said, "money please!"

Silly faces in front of the Heinz 57 pickle cart.

Thumbs up for Grampa in front of a 1944 Jeep.  Tavin Dale can't stop thinking about his namesake and all his fun toys!

Tav found a steel beam he could fit in.  Man, this kid is cute!

Koen as a hockey goalie.  He even has the missing teeth to fit the part!

Now, this is really funny...Tav as a goalie (with no neck).

After the Heinz History Center Doug took the boys to lunch with a very special guest...Nana!!  Nana drove into town in the morning to be with us for the rest of the weekend so that she could attend the Pirates game on Sunday afternoon with Doug and Koen.  Needless to say the boys were super excited.  Stay tuned for more on Nana's visit in the next post.  Thanks, Douglas, for taking care of the big boys while I hosted the shower.  As usual, you did a great job!