Lovely Baby Shower

With all the action this past weekend with my grandfather in the hospital, the Rice ladies (my grandma, aunts LeeAnn, Robin and Dawn and my seven girlie-girl Rice cousins) managed to carry through with the Baby Shower they had planned for me (and Ryan).

Ladies on both sides of my family, distant cousins, the unforgettable ladies I worked with at DOTS for six years (from when I was 16-22), ladies who worked with my mom for over 20 years, and family friends all joined us for lunch and presents. It was such a nice get together. It really made me miss being home, miss sharing in their lives, and made me realize just how many people are as excited to welcome this baby as we are. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you!

We received more girl clothes than I ever imagined possible, so I certainly hope we really are having a girl and that I have enough energy after she is born to change her clothes three times a day to ensure she wears them all (look forward to many pictures of her in cute outfits). We also received some homemade gifts (from my grandma, Aunt Paula, and my cousin Monica), lots of baby-care products, keepsakes, and necessities from the registry.

The one gift that really got me was my mom's baby blanket (also used for me) that my Grandma Cappy (my mom's grandma, my great-grandma, and our little girl's great-great-grandma) gave to her. My grandma had it wrapped with a note to let me know what it was and where it came from. I cried so hard I couldn't even tell anyone what it was. Not that I need another excuse to be emotional as it seems to be my favorite pastime these days, but it made me cry periodically throughout the day too. My mom would've been 50 this year, in October, but the blanket sure doesn't look it. Perhaps that was one of the reasons I cried. It is very special to have something of my mom's to give to our little girl. I'm so thankful to have it.

Thanks to everyone for sharing in our special event, for showering us with love and support, and thanks to the "Rice ladies" for all your effort. It was so nice of you to go to all that trouble. We love you all!



I'll post more pictures once I download them from my camera. Here are a few to tide you over:

Gram and her girls...