Showered

Last Saturday my parents hosted a small baby shower-ish gathering for our Southern California family and friends. With so many people are around, we definitely didn't get quality one-on-one time with anyone (felt very similar to our wedding in that way). All the same, we're touched that so many people showed up to celebrate the impending babies Loveridge.

The expectant parents:

Lisa prepares a display of ultrasound pictures, some little toys, a guestbook and awesome tiny Vans crib shoes:

I impatiently sit on the couch with my feet up to bring the swelling down, while I'd really rather be doing... well... anything:

In more pre-shower activities, Steve makes me lunch:

My brother does his homework:

Steve works on ginger lemonade for the gathering:

I didn't deputize anyone to take charge of photography, so some of our guests were missed. If you were there and don't appear in these pictures, please know that it's not an intentional omission. I only realized after some guests had left that I should send Steve around with the camera and make people pose for pictures on the way out.

My nephews teach me to play their video games (Plants vs. Zombies):

Me and Steve with Steve's brother Philip, lovely wife Jenny and their boys:

With Steve's sister Natalie and yet more adorable niece and nephew action:

With Kristi (my friend since first grade... things have changed a bit over the years) and her fabulous husband Matt:

My mom chats with Kristi, Kristi's mom Susie, and Kristi and Matt's fantastic daughter:

I do have the most stunning smile (with friends Travis, Melissa, and Lindsay):

I'm sure Travis and Melissa will love me for posting this picture, but their expressions just delight me:

Scott, Eric, Gail (and her awesome rainbow hair) hang out in the kitchen with my brother's wife Brooke (and her awesome red hair):

Flower arrangements Brooke put together:

I didn't manage to get pictures taken of Brooke actually preparing those beautiful flower arrangements or setting out cookies she and my brother brought especially for the shower. They, along with my parents, did a lot of work behind the scenes to make everything so lovely.

Scott looks on while Steve opens a gift for the kiddos:

Matt, Lindsay, Travis, Melissa and Natalie chat with me:

I was completely exhausted and overwhelmed that day, but it was fantastic to see everyone.

As we bid farewell to my parents on Sunday (after they treated us to Greek brunch and took us out shopping for yet more baby gear) I told them that next time we'd bring the grandkids. I didn't even think about that remark before I said it. Steve and I discussed on the drive home how we were both struck by how we're sitting on the cusp of such momentous change. The idea that the boys will be here in two months or so still seems somewhat abstract. But the fact that we're probably not going to be in Southern California again until after their arrival... that somehow feels more concrete and startling.

Hopefully the boys will think car rides to Southern California are fun, so all our shower guests can make those kids feel as loved as we've felt.