The Baby Shower

It was taking me forever to put this together because I was getting caught up in my own mishegas. Forking off into all sorts of stuff - materialism, family dynamics, sexism, over-population ...

And while I feel all my views make sense the post started to carry less and less celebration. And then Nana was in my head ...

We were sitting together and I was going on and on about something and she just stopped me "Oh Dianne, what's with all the rigamarole!? It's not the end of the world, not many things are, enough - you're making yourself crazy."

And of course she was right. I called myself Nana out loud for the first time at the shower. I had been hesitant, thinking there is only one Nana, thinking I wanted something sexier or stronger - like Supreme Goddess or Matriach of all Matters or ... you get the picture. The thing is I honor Nana by wanting to be like her. And I truly honor her by doing all I can to bring the families together and to make the world this baby lives in as happy and peaceful as possible. It hit me that Nana compromised all her life but never once did I ever feel she was anything but her own person - with strong ideals and a clear sense of what she felt was just. She did it quietly and with grace. And a whole lot of humor.

So here's some stuff about the shower ...

The setting was beautiful. This is the outside of the restaurant in Northern NJ ...



The tables were lovely. The chocolate bunnies were handmade by my SIL. Actually she and my brother have been divorced for years but we all get together all the time.




We're not a game playing group - we're an eat and drink group. After talk about all the dozens of baby shower games out there it was decided 'Baby Gift Bingo' was the least annoying. Before the gift opening begins you fill in all the squares with names of things that baby needs --- stroller, socks, blankie and so on. As Connie called out what she was opening you cross off until you get Bingo. There were little dish sets and photo frames as prizes.

Here's the Bingo card in action ...



The shower was given by Connie's Mom and her brother's girlfriend. Connie's brother is one of the owners of the restaurant. I'm going to do a post about the restaurant soon. It is a great place and deserves a plug.

Connie's Mom was worried about every detail and then Jeffrey called to say they were outside and she was so anxiously happy. Her son always teases her when she's like that. His girlfriend is one of the most poised and positive people I have ever met. She calls me "Mamma" and treats me like a Queen. She is an actress. Was on Broadway in the 'Putnam County Spelling Bee' along with being in many road companies. She is currently awaiting callbacks for several major roles.

I love this photo because it pretty much shows everything I just said ...



Connie was lured to the restaurant under the guise of a belated celebration for Jeffrey's birthday and Mother's Day - both of which had been the weekend before. Two of her cousins were an hour late and ran into her in the parking lot. After careful consideration Connie's Mom let them live.

The moment was still joyful ...



Jeffrey got pulled deeper and deeper into the room even though he tried his best to get out of there and go watch a ballgame down the road. He was charming as always ...



There was a lively discussion going on about the birth canal and crowning and umbilical cords. It's amazing what a room full of women will share. I turned around and here was Jeffrey's face ...



All I can say about the next two shots is - Holy Crackers! Babies need a lot of stuff ...




Mom-To-Be enjoyed opening all the gifts. She was adorable when she read out each card and thanked each person. At the end she was clearly overwhelmed when she tried to tell everyone how much she loved them ...






The blanket is mint green - not blue, no clues here. Jeffrey insisted on waiting until the baby is born. He says it is one of the last real, true surprises left in the world. He wants that moment of telling everyone - "It's a ..." - I think he's right.

Everyone left with a sweet little party favor. Lenox cat scupltures - some were candy dishes, others were candle holders.



And here we are. I think this photo tells a bit about us.
Connie's Mom is a little shy
Connie is beaming
Jeffrey is thanking heaven above that we all got along
And I'm a bit like a deer in the headlights - 4 hours of smiling, not cursing, and not having an opinion about everything. Ha!



Vin - before you start, I swear I am going to do a "breast pump" related post. Connie is getting me an extra set of materials from the lactation nurse. Hehehehehehe.

So the baby is due in 4 weeks. As Nana would say - "Oy! It's a baby, everyone relax."