Baby Shower #3

Two of my best friends, Heather and Nikki hosted a baby shower for me this past Saturday. Heather and I met through church and have created a close bond. Nikki and I actually work together and it's a blessing to know we are not only co-workers, but good friends. What a cute shower it was! They did a fabulous job with the food and decorations. I was so impressed! Here are the pictures to prove it!

My amazing cake made by my amazing friend, Heather! How cute and what talent!!!DecorationsNikki and IHeather and IAdorable diaper cake made by Nikki (and Kelsey and Brett) :)Two of the best friends who hosted the shower...Heather, me, and Nikki

My loyal friend, KarenKelsey, Heather, Laurie, Nikki, Me, and Julie

Lori, Carrie, and Shirley...all from churchJanel & Cathy from church with Marlene, my fabulous neighbor!Two of the best social workers, if you ask us! Right, Jess? ;)The Wieman Family...Carrie, Paige, and Elizabeth...love them all!

This picture is for Grandpa Anderson...it says, "my crib rocks." For those of you who don't know, Nate's dad is making our crib for us. He has already made our changing table which I have posted a picture in a previous post of how beautiful it is!

34 weeks down!

Well, we missed taking our 8 month belly pictures due to me being sick. So, here I am at 8 1/2 months!

Oh...and the last picture is of our special friend, John. We had him over today to hang out (he ADORES our dog, Bailey) and then took him out for pizza afterward. He brings us so much joy! We certainly enjoyed visiting with him, as did Bailey! Bailey thinks John gives the best belly rubs ever!

34 weeks2 of my loves, Bailey and John

The "Big Sister"

Our sweet friend, Gwen sent us some of the cutest baby gifts ever! Gwen and Nate used to work together several years ago. When we first got Bailey, Gwen got one look at her and fell in love. Next thing we knew, Gwen went and got one of Bailey's sisters and named her Libby. We used to have playdates all the time, but now Gwen and Libby live about 2 hours away now. However, we still stay in touch.

Anyway, most of you know how Nate and I are alittle attached to our dog, Bailey. I was able to get a few pictures of Nate with Bailey to show off these precious gifts from Gwen (and Libby, too)! They are too cute! We are trying to get Bailey used to the word, "baby," as well as using the baby's name around her(yes, I believe we are settled on a name). Since having my baby showers, Bailey has stolen some of the baby's things and takes cover underneath our bed with those things. So far she's taken some socks, a moose, a duck, and shoes. This is only the beginning! :) Though we do think she will eventually adjust very well and be absolutely in love with her "brother." Now...all of you non dog lovers probably think we are absolutely crazy with our dog. ;)

Baby Shower #2

We had Baby Shower #2 last weekend. I have been meaning to post sooner, but I have been sick for nearly 2 weeks with a double ear infection and who knows what else. I'm on prescription #3 and seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel finally!

My mother-in-law and sister-in-laws did a fabulous job with the baby shower. I felt miserable, but still enjoyed my time. Some of my favorite things were they had each guest create a scrapbook page. I now have a scrapbook compiled...all I need to do is put the pictures in it! Kara, Nate's sister came up with this idea and what a gift that will be treasured for many many years! Another cute thing was, Nate's mom gathered favorite books of family members and sat them around as decorations with a note inside saying whose favorite book it was. So, our baby boy has a nice book collection already. Lastly, my sister-in-law, Danielle created the cutest party favors. She had a blue tub full of bathsalts for each guest with rubber duckies, as well as a robe and washclothes for our little guy.

Sadly, I didn't get many pictures with guests or family, but here are a few to share. Enjoy!

My family creating their scrapbook page Other guests working on their scrapbook pagesMary and Janice Walsh...you'll learn more about this amazing family in future blog updates! (Missed you, Jackie)

Me with one of my cakes and Aunt Kara (Nate's sister)

Friends, family, and food! Auntie Meghan and Aunt Danielle Aunt Danielle made this blanket...so cute!
After the guests left, the guys came to eat and help load up all the baby gifts...these 2 boys got stuck at the chocolate fountain for awhile (Landon and Alex). Nate's family's favorite booksThe adorable party favors made by Aunt Danielle

Uncle Nate practicing his daddy skills :)

I thought I'd post a few pictures of Nathan playing with our nephew, Landon and nieces, Emma, and Estella. My sister, her husband, and the kids came to Findlay and stayed the night in a hotel before baby shower #2. It brings me such joy to see Nate with the kids...they seem to adore him, as some of these pictures you can tell! :)

Landon and Emma with Uncle NateUncle Nate and Estella
Scott, Estella, Emma, Landon, and Nate

Playing with the bubbles in the hot tubEmma loves her Uncle Nate! Everyone says she is just like a "Little Joy." :) No wonder she loves him!

Baby Shower #1

This weekend we traveled down to Greenville as my mom and sisters hosted a baby shower for me. We had a fun time and got lots of baby goodies! Our baby boy is spoiled already! :) Enjoy the pictures! and thanks to all who were able to be a part of my day.

Gifts from my friend, Tracy (we met in a really neat way and have a lot in common, including our due dates of our 1st babies).

Gifts from my Cross Country Coach and his wife, Karen

Highchair from Aunt Kara Clouse (Nate's sister)Jumperoo from Aunt Kara Wenger (my sister), Emma, and Estella
Me with my mom and sistersAuntie Joy with Estella and Emma Me with my grandma, mom, sisters, and nieces My mother-in-law, Deb and 2 of my sister-in-laws, Meghan and KaraSome more guestsAnd more...My friends, Alison (& Carley) and Erin (& Ellie and Emilie)Erin and I :)Baby Boy's BEAUTIFUL changing table made by my father-in-law, Lee...we LOVE it! Thank you, "Grandpa!"

Have a fabulous week!

Love,

Joy, Nate, and Baby BOY