Friday, September 17, 2010

Welcome, Peanut


In my head, I am have a list of rules for a happy life. One of them is attend baby showers. Like everything else in blogland, there are a lot of other people who feel the same way. Isn't it amazing how your tribe finds you? Today is the day to celebrate my good friend, Dandy. And more than that, to celebrate the joy that is parenthood.

So, even though this party is for my favorite formerly-bald-headed-stunningly-beautiful-gourmand-of-a-bride-about-to-become-a-mommy, it's for all of us. We have all looked into a child's eyes and fallen completely in love. We've all held a baby and wondered how such tiny fingers could hold our heart so tightly. This, my friends, is a chance to remember those perfect moments. I hope you all, guests and mommy-to-be, enjoy the shower.

the perfect cake for our little peanut


the dessert table

and, of course, a mound of presents

Now for the best part of the shower... when all the moms take turns sharing their horror stories and scaring Dandy to death.
Ok, maybe not.

Well, how 'bout this? A tiny bit of advice. From me. And, I hope, from my friends. And a love story.

Some advice for new parents
  • The days are loooooong, but the years are way too short. Savor them. Each one.
  • Take all the pictures and video you can. You can't stop time, but you can capture it.
  • You really do need to have a date night. This gets more important the older your child gets.
  • Write it down. Write it down. You think you will remember it all. You won't. Trust me, you really won't.
  • Sleep when your baby does. You're gonna need it.
  • If you don't want your child to have a nickname, speak up. Be polite, but firm.
  • Enjoy this. Every moment. But, know for sure... it only gets better. And, you'll be more rested and able to enjoy it.
  • WalMart brand diapers really do work as well as the expensive ones.
  • Don't feel badly about listening to your doctor instead of the grands.
  • And, then, when that doesn't work - call your mother.
  • Read to him. Now. At birth. Daily. Always. Never, ever stop.
  • Smother him with hugs and kisses. Never, ever stop.
  • Establish a bedtime routine soon. Make it personal and full of physical and verbal affection. Be consistent.
  • Take a picture of your baby in every outfit. Every single outfit. You won't be sorry.
  • Listen to your gut. You and B know exactly what you are doing. You just don't know it yet.
A love story
Sloane was a miracle child; born unexpectedly and so very, very welcome. I was 31 and we had been married nearly 10 years. One Friday morning I felt off; a little bit worried. I realized that I hadn't felt Sloane move in a while. By noon she still hadn't moved. We were two days past her due date, and the nurse told us to head to the hospital. Sloane's heart was in some distress and the doctor decided to induce. Almost twelve hours later, the nurse put Sloane in my arms: perfect, whole and healthy. And so very beautiful. I looked down at her, and she looked up at me. Those eyes, so dark they were nearly black, just stared into mine. I smiled. And I said, "I know you. I've been waiting for you my whole life. I love you, Sloane. Your Daddy and I love you so much." And, we all lived happily ever after.
We love you, Dandy. We're clapping with you. Can you hear us?


Click on the pictures to visit the original sites.

27 comments:

Erin Wallace said...

I love every bit of your advice! It is all so true. Try to cherish the moments because they go by so fast.

xo Erin

Flat Creek Farm said...

I'm here shower-hopping :) Oh, what a sweet post! The story of Sloane moved me to tears.

This virtual shower has been delightful in every way! -Tammy

Elle Bee said...

So sweet Relyn!! I love this: "I know you". It's so true, isn't it. We know our blessings when they're placed in our arms--so familiar. Just like God knew He would gift them to us before we were even born.
Elle
PS
That peanut cake was just too perfect!

Rosaria Williams said...

Lovely advice, especially the one about sleeping when the baby does.

ELK said...

what a mixture of happy emotions as I read through this post..please let us know when baby dandy comes!!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful and wonderfully written post. And the advice is bang on, especially the part about long days and short years. Far, far too short.

~Andrea~

beth said...

your advice is so amazingly perfect !!
xo

ps...give her this idea, too
milasdaydreams.blogspot.com

GailO said...

Love your advice Relyn! I sure wish I had taken more photos...

Life Is A Road Trip said...

OK, I love that little peanut in the photo. You have so many lists. I am...listless. Congrats to the new Mommy and the old Mommy, too. (Come on, you know what I mean. *snicker*) Enjoy your weekend!

Dandy said...

As usual your writing touches me, it always does. thank you so much for your advice and thank you so much for being a part of my baby shower!

I will never, ever forget this. Ever. I am so very lucky to have friends like you.

Joanna said...

I loved that baby-shower - thank you so much for sharing it with us. Having had 2 babies I am so excited for Dandy and the days ahead getting to know her gorgeous baby. It's such a wonderful time, and I'm so lucky to have experienced it. Dandy is indeed lucky to have such a wise friend prepared to share your experiences and love.

And yes, you gotta let us know when Peanut is born!

x

Alice said...

Oh gorgeous! What fab advice - how I wish I'd listened to 'write everything down'!

Xxxx

margie said...

a lovely post. thank you.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful surprise for your friend! I'm sure everyone had a great time.

Jennifer Richardson said...

So, so sweet
...gotta go write my kids
a hug now!
"...how your tribe finds you."
-love that!
-Jennifer

Marilyn Miller said...

Your baby shower, just perfect. Yes, to look in those eyes your will know that little one and fall in love. I was going to say to follow your heart and you will be right, but then Relyn caught that at the end of her list. Hugs to the little peanut.

Sue said...

I was married nine years before I got pregnant. They told me I couldn't...now she's 26! I still remember every detail of that day.

This is sweet!

Pearl Maple said...

babies can be such a delight and that peanut is just too cute

Laura said...

What a beautiful post. You are such an extraordinary writer Relyn!!!

Dutchbaby said...

I love baby showers too. The anticipation creates an electric atmosphere.

Your sage advice is great, I can vouch for the effectiveness of date nights. We've been slack about it lately - must remedy.

Terrific love story about Sloane!

curegirl0421 said...

That was just lovely. Thank you. And yes Dandy, we're all clapping for you!!!!

Amy said...

What a fabulous little cake! Your advice is perfect...and don't you love a good love story? Sigh.

spudballoo said...

Oh what a perfect post! We don't have baby showers in the UK, alas ;-)

I would totally agree with number 1. Each day seems to take forever but the weeks, the months and the years just fly by.
xx

Susan said...

Wise words not to be taken lightly. The cake is just darling!

Hindsfeet said...

How very very sweet, Relyn......what a lovely gracious soul you have...

Patti said...

What a wonderful idea and post! Love the pnut cake! Best advice- hmmm....enjoy each and every minute- the baby will never be that young/age again- cherish it all!

Ragamuffin Gal said...

This was so very lovely ~ I so enjoyed the very last part!
Love you!

Oldies, but Goodies