The Shower that had to be Postponed

Originally, this baby shower was scheduled for December 1st - 7 weeks before my due date...but Hudson was an early bird. He arrived very unexpectedly on November 30th. 

Now that we are all recovered and doing well, the shower was rescheduled. My friend Ashlee planned the most creative time to celebrate Hudson's arrival. (She is a great party planner) And, I must say, I think all showers should be after the birth of the baby - you have a cute baby to share, you are ready to get out of the house, and you don't look like a buffalo in all the pictures taken. I must say I am glad to be back down to a normal size.

Originally, Ashlee had planned to use the "Ready to POP" theme...but since Hudson was already here, she changed it to "Already Popped!"

She had different flavors of popcorn and the most adorably decorated paper bags for them to put their popcorn in.

My friend, Roanna, (who is also expecting) was gracious enough to host the event. Her daughter, pictured above, kept telling everyone she was going to name her baby brother "Hudson."  She is the age I was when my little sister was born. People would ask, "What is your new sister's name?"  And I would proudly respond, "Courtney."  My parents would quietly correct me, "No, her name is Amy." "Well, I'm going to call her Courtney."  And sometimes, to this day, I call her Courtney - just to be funny.

Everything was decorated so cutely, with colors matching Hudson's nursery. Ashlee had even made a wreath of diapers for the front door (I just didn't get a picture of that!).

Some of these items will make their second appearance in the nursery! They are too cute not to!

Due to this being Flu season I decided to leave Hudson at home for some quality Daddy time. But I knew that everyone would be wanting to "see" him. I loaded our digital photo frame with pictures documenting his life so far and brought the shadow box full of NICU memories.

I also brought along this special print of Hudson's birth details, made by my sister Courtney Amy.

Last year, I had picked up two of these cream frames at a thrift store for $1 each. I knew they could be used for something fabulous and I didn't mind that they were without glass. I simply attached some burlap to a piece of cardboard for the backing.

I plan to use the other frame to display one of Hudson's newborn pictures (which I will be able to share with you soon!)

Instead of a card, people were encouraged to bring a book for Hudson. The invitations resembled a library card.

Ashlee even made some of the little sleeves found in the back of library books to hold the invitation. We received so many wonderful books. And I think it is amazing that we didn't receive a single duplicate book. Hudson already has an impressive library. When I was a little girl, I used to sleep with a stack of books instead of a teddy bear or blanket. I hope that Hudson also develops a love for reading like his mother. We have already started reading together - at this point, I think he just likes listening to my voice.

My giddy face here shows my excitement over Hudson's books!

We are so thankful for all the wonderful gifts that we received. People have been so generous and God has blessed us with so much!

I was glad to be able to get out of the house, wear outfit other than sweatpants and a t-shirt,do my hair, and see some of my friends.

It was such a wonderful afternoon. Thank you to all who had a part in our wonderful postponed shower. 

5 Year Old Doll Party

My BFF/neighbor's family has the cutest tradition. When a girl in their family turns 5 years old, her birthday party is a doll party. You can see the adorable invitations that she sent out here.

This was technically a third generation doll party - It was held a few weeks ago...but with all the excitement of the early birth of our son, I am just now getting around to posting the details. The party was held at our house, and I loved having all these giggly girls over for the afternoon.

The decorations were adorable...and pink, of course.

She was also able to make this party very cost effective by making the decorations solid colors rather than a themed character.

Wrapping paper makes an excellent table runner. And all white dishes will complement any event.

 

Tip: To make your chalk drawings seem darker, simply wet the stick of chalk in a little glass of water before drawing on your blackboard. Once the drawing dries, it will be so bold and dark. 

Once the girls began to arrive, the party never had a dull moment.

The girls all took the opportunity to introduce themselves and the doll that they brought.

Then, they measured and weighed their dolls - each one won a prize for something...

 

 Tallest doll, best hair, best eyes, etc.

Party hats were made for each doll.

And while the girls were decorating their hats, award ribbons were placed on each doll.

We thought "Largest Doll" sounded more polite than "Heaviest Doll." We didn't want to give anyone a complex.

They played "Pin the Bow on the Doll." 

And a party isn't complete without cake. 

And I think this disaster lets you know that the girls had a great time! 

I was glad to be able to share in the festivities. Every girl loves a party - no matter how old they are.