For the love of Sprout

Sunday, as I briefly mentioned, was Sprout's baby shower.

And it was incredible!
Overwhelming.
Astonishing.
Heartwarming.

Sadly, I didn't do a great job with the photos . . . but here are some!

To the left: Sprout's cousin, Aunts, and my knitting buddies -- but I cut one in half. :( I don't love you any less 42MainSt, I promise!!

To the right: another Aunt, Mr. Wonderful's cousin, a friend of my mom's . . . and cleverly disguised as a gift bag, Sprout's Nana. I swear, that woman is so tiny, she fit right inside that bag ;)

To the left again: another cousin of Sprout's in the pink, my cousin's daughters, and my Aunt. Oh, and Sprout's Aunt's Knee.



So let me tell you the tale of my remarkable insecurity, and how it was put to rest on Sunday.
We'll begin with my bridal shower. Before Mr. Wonderful and I were married, my now SIL offered to hostess a bridal shower for me. I was very excited and optimistic, arrived at the location full of anticipation -- and only my mother, my aunt, my Matron of Honour, ONE bridesmaid and my SIL showed up. It was absolutely humiliating. Especially given the list of invitees.
Fast forward three years (almost) to the day before Sprout's Shower. I'd had a few friends tell me they weren't going to be able to make it, and I had a bit of a freak out. I called my parents house and sort of wigged out on my dad's shoulder (he can be so awesome sometimes . . . everyone needs a daddy, even when they're all grown up). I was having visions of shower 2.o being sparsely attended . . . yet again. I even had nightmares about it all week. I had a teary, hormonal moment all over Mr. Wonderful (who seems mighty confused about my emotional state as of late - but he's really trying to have the right responses).
So I was completely blown away when I arrived at the baby shower, and the room was packed. Seriously. Standing room only. I'm told there were 22 ladies there, and more who couldn't attend, but sent gifts. And I was only expecting 7-10 attendees.

Wow.

To be able to actually SEE how anticipated this child is - and not just for Mr. Wonderful and I, but for a room full of people - some of whom were friends of my mother's that I don't even know . . . it was a huge boost. It may just get me through the remainder of this pregnancy.

And the gifts were remarkably generous, and some were just so beautiful! Sprout has lots of handmade treasures now. Still needs to be a girl . . . although there's much more in the realm of gender neutral in the nursery than there was before. As these lovely things come into rotation, I'll have to photograph them and share them . . . or I could share a few of them now!

Here is the boxes, and bags, etc. once we got it all home. It took two cars! I was completely astonished!
Sprout's gorgeous Crib Quilt. My mom is a quilter. An amazing quilter. Her taste and mine don't often intersect, and I know she would have preferred to make a baby quilt in baby colours, but this quilt is just so perfect for the room! AND it can be used for years and years to come. Note how the polka dots are used? Sense a theme? I love that she let me pick/approve the fabrics before she put all the time and effort into this quilt, because I think it's beyond perfect, and I absolutely love it. And I'm not sure I would have felt the same about a different quilt.


This was probably the gift that drew the most Ohhhs and Ahhhs. My good knitting friend, Ski, made up these adorable booties in three sizes, and a fun little noodle hat. I had to keep a close eye on these -- they were much beloved!

And here's the one that almost made me cry. Months ago, another of my knitting friends zagraham flitted off to Britain, to roam the European country side. She sent this for Sprout. It's so soft, and absolutely lovely. And I can't even imagine the patience it took!
Just beautiful.


Now, generally, I am not one for pink, or acrylic, or swing coats on babies -- but this set is absolutely precious, and will definitely be used. As long as Sprout is a girl. I love the circles on it. Too cute! It's another mom gift -- she's a little excited, I think ;)

There's an awful lot more I'd like to share with you, but sadly, I've run out of time. I have an OB appointment to make - hoping for 'labour is imminent' news . . . I just can't wait to meet this baby! Of course, I know I'm only 36 weeks . . . she really can't or shouldn't come yet.