COOLEST baby shower EVER

Meet my friend Shanda (and baby Milo). Shanda and I talk on the phone for hours (even when we know we will see each other the next day). We have late night "chat fests" every couple months where I just sit at her house until 1 am while we talk and talk. She bakes the best cakes. And she hosts the coolest parties. This past Saturday she hosted what I have dubbed the "coolest baby shower ever." And it was just for me! (Oh, and the baby too, of course.)


The theme was "She's about to POP!" And no detail was left undone. The refreshments-- four different kinds of soda POP (with custom labels for each); four different kinds of POPcorn: cheddar, butter, kettle, and caramel; three different kinds of POPsicles; homemade cake POPS (yes, just like Bakerella makes); POP tarts; and tootsie-roll POPS. And, if you can believe it, Shanda kept telling me she was bummed she couldn't do POPcorn shrimp on top of all that! Other details include about 100 hand-cut POP circles hanging from the ceiling; 25 hand-rolled pastel paper cones for popcorn; a custom "Andy Warhol" style POP art photo of me; and a customized play list of my favorite 80s POP music playing in the background. Again, let me emphasize she does not leave out any detail. I loved it! When I walked downstairs to where the party was, between the music and all the cool decorations, I felt like I was in the movie "13 Going on 30."

In addition to the fun party, I had so many sweet friends to support me. And the gifts I received were so thoughtful. Three people (Shanda, Grandma, and Grandma Judy) were thoughtful enough to add a little gift for Hallie in addition to the baby. My friend Ronnie added special Bath and Body Works supplies just for me. And four of my friends hand made two "diaper cakes" that were stuffed with hidden treasures of essentials (baby shampoos, bibs, washcloths, etc.) and keepsakes like handmade bracelets (one for baby, Hallie, and myself), bows, hats, and more (Thank you Katie, Ruth, Jen, and Emily). My friend, Kerrie, sewed a hooded plush towel (and custom-matched it to the nursery). And the new baby received darling summer clothes and clothes for next winter which is where we were lacking since Hallie was born in a different season (Thanks Charlotte, Em, Ronnie, Millie, Mary Ann, Megan, Wendy, and Mom).
Hallie with remnants of cake pops on her face
Ronnie and Charlotte
Hallie and Dottie (friends since Hallie was born)
hand-cut circles
Em and Ruth showing off the diaper cakes made with love by Jen, Katie, and themselves.

Mom popped some serious popcorn!

Jen and Edana

Em, Me, and Shanda

The kids had a blast!

Everyone was so thoughtful! So thank you, thank you Shanda and the girls! You are the greatest friends and our little family is very grateful to have you.