A beautiful blue sky and sparkling Bronte sea met us on the morning of Saturday 19th May. A day designated to showering my sister-in-law and my soon to arrive niece or nephew with love, light and abundance. Having never been to a baby shower I was eager and excited to plan, organise and execute the perfect shower to gather together a gorgeous group of strong unified women to celebrate K and baby on the way. After a family breakfast and many excited mumblings, the organising committee descended on Gayle's house to decorate and prepare. While Kirst and Toby rested we dashed about with excitement. Our pastel and metallic theme was paired with a passion for sustainable design. I created and up-cycled. DIY-ed and sourced as many ecological and non-plastic items I could muster. I passionately believe that natural is beautiful and you can have beauty while looking after the planet. With little helpers (Molly and Henry) and organised chaos our vision came to life and we were ready for the guest of honour.
When our guests of honour (Kirsty and bump) arrived, many excited squeals and heartfelt hugs were had. As more and more of Kirsty's squad arrived the house filled with noise, laughter, girl power and immense love for both Kirsty and Baby Button. It was so lovely to gather with women from different parts of K's life to share in the celebration of her as a first time mum to be. An incredible time in her life which was marked, celebrated and emphasised especially on this shower Saturday.
As we all shared a bite of delicious food we stood in awe of the adorable baby carriage watermelon. We chatted away, caught up with loved ones, got to know other wonderful women and grabbed a drink. We meandered to the loungeroom where we skyped in the London guests of honour Jan and Caroline Benjamin, K's beautiful mother and sister. We did a cross-continental cheers to K and Baby, played games, shared stories, laughed together and were brought to tears together by Caroline's incredible poem. We all passed around an advice book sent all the way from Jan in London, filling it with tips, tricks and well wishes to the soon to be mum and Dad. Despite distance across an ocean we were all together to celebrate and shower K with love.
Kirsty's girls from all over who came to celebrate´her and shower her with love...
After many photo booth moments and laughs I clinked the glass (genuinely surprised at the effectiveness of this simple attention grabber) and gestured everyone into the dining room where a table of sweet treats, watermelon babies and an epic pastel cake lay.
Many believe that the term baby shower comes from the notion of showering the mum to be with gifts. Others believe it derives from a 19th century custom for the presents to be placed inside a parasol, which when opened would "shower" the mum-to-be with gifts. Either way it was time to open gifts and shower this baby and mumma with cute teeny tiny socks, big bouncers, hand crafted gifts with a touch of Raiders and obscenely cute clothes and toys, wraps and hats. We sat around smiling from ear to ear gasping at the immensely cute gender-neutral baby bits and bobs. As if on queue, Dad -to-be Toby Young, and his posse of guy pals waltz in from an afternoon of man chats and celebratory beers. David, the delightful Dad of Mum-to-be, timed his Skype appearance perfectly, dialling in at the exact moment the guys arrived.
Advice was given, sweet moments were shared, celebrations wound down and it was time for the girls to part, taking with them sweet lasting memories and a little eco-gift to 'Grow alongside baby Benjo-Young'. Thank you to each lovely lady (and guy ;) ) who came to celebrate. Thanks to all the squad for making this shower so special and filled with love.
K you are celebrated and loved. I wish you light, peace and abundance. Thank you for gifting me a baby niece or nephew.
Baby Button, oh how we are excited to meet you, watch you grow and teach you about this wide, wonderful, wish-filled world. *Jan this blog post is written especially for you <3*
Peace and love The Little Aunty Earthling