Best Baby Shower EVER...

In my humble opinion. :)  It was soooo wonderful to spend the last few days of February and first few days of March with the MLGs in beautiful Raleigh.  They were excellent hosts - not really fair since they were only about 6 weeks from blast off. I am sure they were both exhausted after everything was over...but hopefully they felt a bit more ready for baby's arrival.
In honor of Matt's bday, I am FINALLY doing a posting about the fantastic weekend.  Happy Birthday, Matt! You are going to be a great dad!

Mags picked me up from the airport. I couldn't wait to rub her belly and say hello to my future niece.  Lucky for me, Mags didn't mind.

Mags lookin fierce. Nothing but a watermelon under that shirt people. No need for concern.

 We spent Friday running errands and prepping for Saturday's party. Mags had to work from home...but I was glad to just be there and "piddle" my way through my to-do list.  Honey was my faithful helper too!

Mason jars with pretty ribbons...and paper straws.

I went a little crazy with all the pretty ribbons... too many gorgeous ones to choose from!

I also went a little flower crazy. I know it is silly and extravagant, but I really think flowers are the prettiest decoration you can have. They are a must for everyday, so why not go crazy for a sweet baby shower?

My helper.

Candies, colors, and candles... so many fun decorations!

 By Friday night, it was time to welcome other guests. Bob and Fran arrived from SC.  Mom and Amber arrived from Marion (bringing along my requested serving platters and pretty dishes and candlesticks!). We had a little pizza party... then Amber and I got busy doing some food prep for the big day!

Not fair that Amber's miniscule waist would make anyone look pregnant.

Saturday morning, Aunt Debbi and her mom, Marlene, (traveling all the way from Florida!) treated us to a beautiful brunch.  Then they got busy helping us finish party favors and decorating.

We have the best family in the world...

Debbi and Marlene add a perfect delicate touch to the light fixture...tulle and bows.

Carolyn showed up with cake and got busy helping in the kitchen.  I was SOOO lucky that Mags has such great friends.  Alison brought several items for the shower and food...Melissa took charge on preparing some fun games.  By the time the party started, I felt like everything was ready. Everyone pitched in and got candles lit and we were ready to roll!

My dessert table spread was picture perfect... if I do say so myself.

I hate that I didn't get a picture after we added Tyrone's orange cream cheesecake to the platter. I was too caught up in the moment.

Mag's homemade bookshelf provided a perfect decoration location.

Still bummed that I never got a minute to look at the wedding album or baby book.

Mags made her own favors - mason jars with layers of cookie ingredients.  Debbi and Marlene topped with tulle and pretty ribbons.  I also had some cute mini polishes in pinks and teals for favors.

So much delicious food!  Cheeses, caramelized onion dip, Amber's rice/veggie salad.

The hot foods... slider-sandwiches, buffalo chicken dip.

The beverages: cucumber water, cranberry punch, and raspberry beer punch. The fruit salad was over there too. Dang - didn't get a picture of it!

Their house was packed!! I ran out of beer punch way too fast!

Everyone loves the MLGs.

Our family claimed the kitchen table.

Mom and sweet, sweet Amber.

Mom and Margaret.

Carolyn getting in on the gift-opening fun.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Fran with Mags.

So excited to see Tyrone and meet his girfriend, Danielle.

People hung out for hours!!

By the time it was over, I think Mom was a little tired. :) She was making faces for the camera. 

My friend from WA loaned me flag banners...they were PERFECT!

Baby's nursery is really coming together with all the generous gifts from friends/family.

Anyway... that is a lot of pictures. I know. But even the pictures didn't capture the beauty of the occasion. When it was over... it hit me really hard. Mom and Amber were leaving... and I couldn't believe that the weekend I had worried over and hoped for had come and gone in the blink of an eye. I got all emotional because so many people pitched in to make it happen... Especially sweet brother bear Mark who took care of Dad and Brad so Mom could get away for a little 24 hour break and celebrate their coming grandchild.  I get choked up thinking about it. I know I am biased...but I am also a perfectionist... so for me to say that it was the best shower ever - and take a little bit of credit for it - means that it must have been really damn good.  I wanted to play it again as soon as I realized that the weekend was fading away.

Can't wait to meet you sweet niece. You are so loved... hope you feel it everyday - even though I am 3,000 miles away!