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?


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