A bit of celebrations

***Disclaimer: this is a heavy post for anyone dealing with infertility/pregnancy loss. Please feel free to skip this post and return tomorrow if you are in a difficult spot right now. I'd completely understand. I almost didn't post this at all but decided a disclaimer was a fair compromise. I am sorry for anyone that this post may hurt. My heart knows the pain ... and remembers the pain.




Sunday morning sent Bara back to Boston! We had a wonderful visit and thoroughly enjoyed catching up. Bara is so great to talk to, and we always enjoy all the lessons and information we can share and learn from each other. So much of what we discuss is cultural, and this visit was no exception.

Speaking of culture, I have a question for all you blog readers. Is it culturally inappropriate to have your guests take a cab if you are able to pick them up or take them to the airpor?. Bara really wanted to just take a cab to the airport on Sunday morning (we didn't let him!) because his flight was so early, but JB and I told him that for us to stay in bed while he took a cab would be rude. Is that true fellow Americans?! I believe our cultural tradition is that the only time it is acceptable to have a guest take a cab is when you are unable to pick them up or the distance is very great. Correct?

All right, back to the Sunday celebrations . . .

Sunday afternoon, my great friends here in Eglin decided to throw a triple baby shower for Andrea, Joia, and myself. Not only is it strange to be pregnant, it's even stranger to have a baby shower for me and this baby inside of me. I still remember when Joia and Andrea both sensitively shared their joyous news with me, still careful with my heart. What's so amazing is that while they were being sensitive, I was pregnant -- and just had no idea. What a strange turn of events.

The party was at Jodi's house. However, Andrea decided she didn't want to come and instead wanted to go into labor the evening before -- three weeks early. Little Chloe Christine arrived early on Sunday morning. Andrea wasn't able to make the shower (imagine that!) but we all headed to the hospital to bring some of the shower (and shower goodies) to her once we were done eating and celebrating ourselves.

Here are some pictures from the afternoon.

Tiffany and Jodi (the official shower host -- this is the third baby/bridal shower she's hosted since we've moved here. What a gal!)

Here's me and Joia sporting our winter looks.

Tiffany made each of us a BE-uuuu-tiful blanket for the babies. Mine is not quite done yet (thus the reason I don't have a picture of it.) But here is a picture of Joia's to let you see what the finished product will look like. Mine will be the same, only in blue. What an amazing gift!


Joia and me goofing around during the gift celebrations.

Brittney gave me swim suits in a plethora of sizes. Both my boys are set until they are two! What a great gift idea.

I decided to give Joia some newborn girls' clothes. She doesn't know what she is having and won't find out until the big day, so I thought, what the heck, if it's a boy, she can return them, let's let her have some pink stuff for a little while. Joia will be thrilled either way, but I know we are all silently hoping the little Dooley is a gal! (At least I am!)

The two gals who decided NOT to go into early labor and instead show up for the shower. Doesn't Joia look so radiant? I love this picture of her.

Here's a photo of our gang with Andrea at the hospital. We brought her a few of her presents, some flowers, and of course some food (chocolate!!!) Andrea looked great, her labor went great, and Chloe is doing great despite being nearly a month early.