So Grateful!

I have to admit, when we signed up for this pregnancy adventure, we never anticipated the amount of generosity and support we would receive from our family and friends—especially since it has started long before 0.9’s anticipated arrival.

At the risk of leaving some acts of kindness out, I want to share just a few of the many amazing things our friends and family have done for us…

Baby Shower—Midwestern Style

I was surprised and touched by Sheila’s (my sister-in-law) offer and enthusiasm for throwing us a baby shower. Moreover, she was so wonderful about making the event as comfortable and convenient for us as possible. We made a trip to Wisconsin with our East Coast friends (James and Meredith) in May. James and Meredith are from Australia and were game on having a Midwestern baby shower experience while living in the States. While Sheila slaved away (with a minor back injury) to prepare the morning of the shower, I enjoyed a yoga class with my Mom, Mother-in-law, nieces (Kate and Claire), and friends Meredith and Dana. It was a great way to spend the morning with everyone and to get ready for the big day ahead.

The shower itself was amazing. My mom (with delicious cupcakes and cheese cake in tow), Aunt Sheila, and Daniel and Bethamy (brother and sister-in-law) made the drive from Indiana to join the festivities. Also attending were many of Joe’s relatives and family friends (and there are MANY of them!). Everyone was so genuinely happy for us and it made for a very joyful day. Thank you so much Sheila for giving us such a wonderful gift!

My co-workers also treated me to a surprise baby shower. I was amazed that so may of my colleagues were willing to sacrifice a little billable time to eat cupcakes and watch me open baby gifts. It was an unexpected bonus. From the baby showers we received many useful gifts and funds to go toward supplies for 0.9. Joe’s co-workers were also in the giving spirit. Several of the women on his Squad made an afternoon lunch outing to buy us many practical and cute items from our registry.

Support from our friends all over the U.S.

Seattle care packages started arriving a few months ago from our friends Darcy & Ryan and Amy & Byron. I cannot possibly describe all the amazing gifts that have been included in these packages. One of the greatest joys from each package is a letter describing the included items and sending words of love and encouragement. The boxes have included themes such as date night gifts, hand-me-down treasures, mom-to-be treats, and dad-to-be treats. The boxes have been a mix of new gifts, amazing hand-me-downs, books, music mixes and even a spa gift card!!

Staci made the flight from California while pregnant over Mother’s day weekend (a slight scheduling oversight) to provide support and help me prepare for the adventure ahead!! Staci also has a professional photography business. So although I was only 28-weeks at the time, we were able to get a few maternity photos in during her visit. It was a wonderful weekend and I was so happy to spend time with my dear friend during our overlapping pregnancies. Staci has also been a consistent source of support for me throughout my pregnancy with regular calls and emails to check on me and patiently listens to my pregnancy concerns. She gives the kind of advice you can only get from someone who has known you for 20+ years.

Stephanie was our most recent (and last) visitor. She drove her minivan from Michigan for a girl’s weekend in the city with me (at 33 weeks). In addition to spending an afternoon shopping with me for various maternity and baby items, Stephanie came bearing a van full of gifts. She cleaned out all of her stored baby gear (she has three little ones) and brought us literally a van full of baby stuff—including a car seat, pack-n-play, swing, activity center, and boxes of clothes/bibs/toys/other goodies. Even more importantly, she was a wealth of practical advice on labor and life with kids.

Joe and I have both also received emails, calls and gifts from high school, college, graduate school, law school and academy friends when they hear our news. Each word of encouragement and congratulations has helped to make this journey even more enjoyable.

As shown by Joe’s previous post, we are feeling pretty organized in terms of the nursery must have items, thanks in no small part to the contributions of family and friends. Thank you all so much!