When it rains it pours

Last week our church, or rather the ladies in it, gave our baby a shower. And showered we were. The party itself was beautifully done in our dear friend’s back yard, the desserts were obviously made with care, and the presents were never ending.

There were a few things done very strategically for this shower, though, mostly on my part. I walked into the shower not NEEDING anything.

Now, I have rolled the above information around in my head many a time and am fully aware of how it sounds – but if you listen further I will explain myself.

From the beginning we set ourselves up to be completely self reliant. Michael and I had savings that he wanted to go to Germany with. I got my baby instead (see a post a few months back and you’ll understand the gravity of this small sentence). So we had the means to obtain everything we needed for our child with out having to rely on any one to do so for us. We got the crib, stroller, car seat, and dresser/changing table right off the bat (some were even purchased before conception…and not by yours truly). But I do understand how it made us look. The “we don’t need anything” line can be off putting (and reprimanded my husband whenever he used it). I recognize that this is a time when people want to give, wanting to share, and to say that we have no need for it is plane arrogant.

But- here was my goal. We were set up to have our baby from some time well before my second trimester – not to discourage any giving from our loved ones – but so that anything that is given to our child is truly a blessing. Anything that we have gotten from that point forward has been “icing on the cake”, something that we can enjoy with out the worry of getting everything together and in order in the last few days before our child comes – days that I am trying to relax in and enjoy.

And we were truly blessed by the gifts given: pacifiers, blankets, bibs, toys, wipes, onsies, you name it! They filled our front room from wall to wall and M and I both had an overwhelming feeing of gratitude to be cared for by do many.

So, blame my incessant planning nature, but the way we monetarily set up for our child has made me the most comfortable. And now I’ll I have to do is take pleasure in the generosity of those who love us – and maybe use some of the “Just for Mommy gifts” that I got too!