Showers of blessings

Last weekend was filled with showers. Not the wet kind (although the rainy floodgates opened on Sunday), but the eating, laughing, gift-giving kind. The womenfolk who will welcome Baby Liam into the world gathered to ooh and aah over tiny blue onesies, animal-print footed pjs, and feats of modern technology/engineering in the guise of Pack 'n Play, Ocean Wonders Soothing Seas Aquarium, and Diaper Genie.

But it wasn't just about outfitting the baby or decorating the nursery. In fact, the best part of the showers was spending time with great women (and a few little girls) who take delight in celebrating the good fortune of the soon-to-be Ma and Pa, as well as the hope and promise of new lfe. And it was another excuse to gather, laugh, talk, and, of course, eat.

Saturday's baby shower was for all the girls in the family, hosted by Jessica, Lizzie, and Aunt Cindy. I'll call that one The Bully Shower, in honor of the Bully Bartow women from whom many in attendance came. There was a fine representation of the Brennan women, as well (Honorary "Bullies"), even Aunt Kathy from New Jersey. It featured two fabulous cakes - one (edible) of chocolate with white and blue frosting (great baby booties!) and one (inedible) of tiny rolled up diapers layered with ribbons, baby wash, and diaper creme.

Highlights are too many to name, but here are a few:

• Seeing Baby Liliana and Baby Aidan, both born December 7. A couple o' cuties!
• Sweet tears as gift from Grandma Brennan, who died in September, was unwrapped. Marie always gave the new babes a silver cup engraved with his/her name (Kate has one of her own). She made sure a cup was provided for Kate's baby.
• The darling gift-unwrapping assistants, Sarah and Tallulah. Tallulah even explained how to use some of the gifts. Ahhhh, experience!
• The great hot cider, yummy sandwiches and fruit salad, and a de-lish cake (the real one, not the diaper one).

Sunday's shower was for Kate's girlfriends, hosted by Betsy and Sally. It was brunch at Cherokee Town Club in Atlanta, complete with Mimosas (woo-hoo!), potato soup, fabulous salad, and yogurt with fruit. Sally created the lovely flower centerpieces for the tables - gorgeous! It was a beautiful, fun day, despite the pouring rain.

Highlights, again, too many to list, but here are a few:

• Lindsey's story of the parking lot/money exchange with Greg to purchase the incredible designer purse/diaper bag.
• A roomful of amazing young women, running the gamut of life-experiences, having a great time celebrating Kate as a soon-to-be mama.
• Mimosas! We all needed a drink. Or two.

• Girlfriend talk. Is there anything better?

Thank you, thank you to all the women who planned and/or attended the baby showers. Now, where can I get one of those Ocean Wonders things to put next to my bed? Hm?