So Loved

I have never believed that material items can truly display one's love and affection for another. But this last week has presented an awfully strong argument against that standpoint. Last weekend my stepmother and stepsister held a baby shower for Andy and me. It was held in Huntsville at my dad's house. There was food, games, football, alcohol, more food, and the world's biggest cake. It was like an SEC gameday party and a baby shower all rolled into one. My two best friends from high school were there - the first time we've all three gotten together since Lindsey's wedding over three years ago. My uncle and aunt arrived from Atlanta toting a relic from the Frew family past (an awesome rocking horse crafted almost 100 years ago, most likely by the Amish). Dyer family friends from Chattanooga were there with embarassing pictures of pre-teen Andy in hand. And Dad's Sunday School class (including members I've never met before) showed up in droves to show their support. Once everyone left, we were left with a dining room stuffed with gifts (and a long list of Thank You notes to write).

Yesterday, my friend Keesha threw me a surprise baby shower here in Auburn. She got quite a few people in on the gig and, boy, was I surprised. I thought I was just going for an ordinary lunch with my friend Emily, but when I arrived at Ruby Tuesdays, there was a dozen ladies there cheering with balloons, cake, and the whole shebang. I was embarrased and instantly regretted not having showered that morning (don't worry, I at least took a bath the night before). It was fun and they showered Baby Dyer with more gifts (though, I guess that's the point of a 'shower').

So now, after all this showering (of gifts, not me physically), our nursery looks like a baby store exploded in it. We still have a few supplies to get, but it has become clear that our friends and family are not going to let our baby go without plenty of onesies, teething rings, travel accomodations, and soothing play things. We don't know much about our little heaven-sent gift, but we know that he/she is already so loved.