Happy Valentine's Day!

I figure if I get this posted before St. Patrick's Day, it still counts.
First thing on the morning of Valentine's Day, I said to Shirley, "Happy Valentine's Day, Shirley! I love you." She responded by saying, "Happy Birthday, Mama! I yuff you! I WANT CHOCOLATE AND PRESENTS!"
Shirley Jean LOVED Valentine's Day. I mean, "Happy Natalie Day!" or "Happy Ballumtimes Day!" or "Happy Birthdaytimes Day!" It's really fun to teach her about different holidays and see her enthusiasm for every new thing she learns.

Making "Ballumtimes Day!" for Daddy and Richard.

Lovey selfie. Opening valentines from Daddy.
Playing with Richard's special valentine gift from Daddy.

How nice!

Today the girls at work threw me a shower.

I think they must have invited everyone in the company because it felt like there were millions of people there! Even more than people at the party, millions of people must have donated to my gift card, because, believe you me, I couldn't believe how generous everyone was. I opened the card and immediately started sweating.

It was that big.

No matter what, it was a really nice shower that I will remember for a long time.

I am very thankful for the blessings God is already pouring on my baby!

Pumped

I'm pumped.
I spent last night organizing and putting away all my shower gifts. By my count I only need ONE MORE THING to be ready for DesvousJunior to arrive!!
Putting away baby gifts is a million times more fun than putting away wedding gifts. I had no idea!
More belly photos coming soon, I promise!

Dear Kris H.,

This is what you missed.

I'm so not kidding. I could not stop crying when I walked in to the shower and discovered that my friends had hung up pages from my blog for everyone to see. I was so touched by their thoughtfulness and how well they really know me...
And from there my heart just filled and filled.
I couldn't even begin to list the highlights of the day, because it was all so overwhelming and wonderful at the same time.
My car was so full when we left that my sister had to thumb a ride home with another guest. (I'm not kidding!)
What a wonderful day, everyone. Thank you so much.
I don't know what I expected, but I was honestly not prepared to be so overshelmed by love and kindness.
In an effort NOT to wax emotionally dramatic, I think I'll sign off.
I told the girls, "I'm going to bed very exhausted and very happy!"
I'm hoping Aunt Kris will send me her photos tomorrow so I can post some more soon (hint, hint).
Sincerely yours,
Erin


























Hey! Who's got the photo of Erin, Sarah, Cara & Naomi??? I want it!

The Best Yet

I got to spend a significant amount of time in the nursery tonight crossing things off my list, folding and sorting baby clothes, and enjoying myself thoroughly.
I decided that it was time to share the best gifts I've received for my baby as of yet. The first came from Future Grandma Brenda--she found a Westie beanie baby! I look for stuffed Westies everywhere I go, and now I don't have to anymore. I can't believe she knew I wanted one.
The other came from Future Papa & Grandma Duffert--a McClain Clan hunting tartan kilt. I couldn't believe it when I opened it up. It's made from real Scottish wool and imported straight from Scotland. AND it's my family's tartan!
You know when Mary "pondered these things in her heart?" I am pondering these two gifts. I am treasuring them up in my heart. To me they represent the baby's heritage and the baby's future, if that doesn't sound too silly.
They are both so special to me that I may never let the baby touch them. : ) It's not the getting of the gifts...it's the love behind them.

An haiku in honor of these lovely gifts:

I treasure up these
gifts, deep in my heart of hearts,
for you, my baby.