A Very Hungry Caterpillar baby shower

My sister is having a baby boy in June. Excited doesn't begin to describe the emotions I feel about this little one joining our family. I knew I wanted to throw her a shower and since I started working part-time at the beginning of April (more on that in another post - God is so faithful!) I had more time to work out the details and get creative. I had the best time planning this shower and I think it turned out really well.

I used a lot of color because Eric Carle used a lot of color in the book. The decorations were re-purposed items I already had. All of the printables I created and printed. I also created and printed the invitations (one is framed on the guest list table). The favors were an idea I found here. I used m&m's instead of bubble gum and put them in pails that looked like the caterpillar. I ordered the paper straws here. The food was an assortment of what the caterpillar ate in the book: apples, pears, plums, strawberries, oranges, watermelon, lollipops, cupcakes, pickles and cheese cubes. I also made brownie batter dip (a Pinterest find) and pretzels. The dip was a big hit.

The whole she-bang was put together on a budget, and not a very big one :)

 Abel's name spelled out with Eric Carle alphabet flash cards

Several things I didn't get pictures of (shame on me!) - the most important thing, the guest(s) of honor, Ashley and Abel. You can sort of see Ash five pictures up on the right. She was treated to the king's chair (aka Jake's recliner). I also didn't get a picture of the treats that were prizes for the game. We played 'How Sweet It Is: Baby Edition.' Guests had to match different pregnancy/new mom terms with candy bar names. An example is baby laughs = snickers. I also I neglected to get a picture of Ashley opening any gifts or one of all of the gifts opened. She got a LOT of great gifts though. Take my word for it :) The pictures above of the guests are when they are deep in thought trying to make the matches for the game.

The wooden sign and alphabet art are gifts I made for sister for the nursery. I also sewed her a few burp clothes, got her several of our favorite books (including The Very Hungry Caterpillar), bottles, Boon's grass bottle dryer, and a piggy bank. I could have gotten a lot more but I had to pace myself. I know it'll get worse once A is born. Anyway, the other picture above is outfit, blanket, and socks that Abel will wear home from the hospital. They were gifts from sister's hubby's grandparents. The set includes a white seersucker bubble, the tiniest socks in the world, and a blanket.

A big thanks is due to my Mom for helping me host the shower and to Laura Laird for helping with last minute details. Also, thanks to my hubby for getting our 'grounds' in tip-top shape and to my dad for helping with the cleaning. I couldn't have done it without all of you!

J, W, & I cannot wait to welcome baby Abel into the world in June! Congratulations to sister and brother-in-law! We love you!

Blessed

The past several months have brought about abundant blessings for the Eldridge's.
We found out we were expecting in early November. Baby Eldridge's due date is July 6, 2011.

For Christmas, we got a fancy new camera so we can take lots of pictures of that sweet baby and I got a new job with nice pay raise and great hours.

We found out in February that our bundle of joy is a baby boy!
And I had the joy of hosting a shabby chic themed shower for my bff Shanna & her baby girl Riley Kate.

In March, we finally chose his name - Waylon Scott Eldridge. It was harder than I expected.

The next few months will fly by, I am certain. With several showers and a trip to Michigan on the agenda, July will be here before I know it!

I'm almost 27 weeks along. I have an appointment this Thursday. They'll test my glucose to make sure all is well & that I don't have gestational diabetes. I've been informed that if I don't "pass" there is a very nice nutritionist who will make sure I get on a diet that will whip me into shape in a hurry. Praying it goes well.

Here are my pregnancy progression photos. I started really taking pictures at week 16 as my baby bump was non-existant to that point. What you see at 9 weeks was true until week 16.

9 weeks

16 weeks

17 weeks

18 weeks

19 weeks

20 weeks

21 weeks

22 weeks

23 weeks

24 weeks

25 weeks

26 weeks

Little man is quite a wiggle worm. One of my favorite moments of my pregnancy was when Jake felt him kick for the first time. Now he is starting to roll along with the kicks and jabs - so cool that I get to carry this sweet baby for 9 months. Jake & I already love him more than we ever thought possible. I can't imagine how head over heels we'll be when he's actually here. I've had the dream pregnancy thus far. No food aversions, no morning sickness, average weight gain, sleeping soundly. I am fortunate and grateful.

A good friend of mine is making Waylon's bedding. A big thank you to you JB! I can't wait to share the finished product sometime next month. It's going to be gorgeous. I have swatches of all of the fabrics & they look fabulous together - the computer swatches don't do them any justice.



I bought the rocker for Waylon's room on Saturday. Can't wait for it to come in. I will post pictures of the nursery soon - it's coming together piece by piece.

Stay tuned for more belly pics and posts about Waylon's showers in the weeks to come.