Monument, Colorado
We had a party for baby! Blake & I had such a great time catching up with new and old friends, and family. We discussed all things babies, names, personalities, the birth, our move back home, working, and the future business we are about to start up. There was support and encouragement from every person who came to wish us well. We are so lucky to have these people in our lives! From the new ones, to old middle school friends, to best friends from different states, to parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nephew, and niece, to friends who have watched Blake & I grow up in our town and grow up together, they all were smiling with positive stories and offers to babysit at any time.
My friends Kelsie & Lauren offered to throw my baby shower. They knew I'd be heavily involved because I just love throwing parties. When I was up in the night (I blame baby) I'd get on Pinterest and search for inspritaions that would show who Blake & I wanted to be as parents. There were a few guidlines we needed to stick to in order to make this party ours; recycled, borrowed, and thrifted items as much as possible, casual and relaxed games and atmosphere, gender neutral as we do not know the sex, a delicious vegan lunch spread, and to accomodate the possible cold weather Colorado might give us.
And man did Colorado give us some cold weather! The only storm the town talked about since winter started was supposed to fall on the day of the shower. As it quickly approached, Kelsie, Mary & I were running around picking up last minute decorations and trying to turn an old, dirty barn space into something suitable for a baby shower. On a pretty good budget and praying for the storm to hold off a few more hours, we pulled off a better baby shower then I ever could have asked for. I was so happy with how it turned out. I think everyone had a good time, and they even said they enjoyed the vegan food! Catching up, laughing, and smiling with everyone was the best part of it all! The three of us are so loved.
The invitations I designed. I liked the camping theme because of all the camping Blake & I have done in the last few years with Blake's trip to Santa Fe, our West Coast trip, and Blake's Baja trip. Camping is very much a part of growing up in Colorado & being a part of nature. We hope that baby will have the same adventurous interests.
The happy soon-to-be parents
This girl's heart is so giving and selfless. She was my rock the last few weeks in getting things together and making this party work. Thanks for your time & love, Kelsie!
Terry, my beautiful Mom, and Bonnie
Kelly, Emma & Renee
Stacie, my brother Matt, my sister Bella, my brother Anthony, Treven, and my Dad, Bob
My brothers & Blake
Melanie & Jimmy are due with thier first, a boy, in July
Blake's parents, Mary & Shawn, and Grandma Great Benny
My bestest, Lauren, is visiting from Georgia, which is why we had the shower so soon. We knew she needed to be a part of this day & we were lucky enough her sweet boy, Luke, came out as well. Thanks for crafting & coming to the shower Lee & Lauren, my baby's Twiaunties!
Shawn, Grandma Great, and Blake's uncle, Max
Future cousins Cash & Marley
Sister-in-laws Jessica & Kelsie. Jessica was the awesome photographer. Thanks for all the great pictures, Jess!
Danielle's due six weeks after I am. We can't wait to have cousins so close in age
Corey & Kelsie
Stacie & Matt
My sister, Bella, told me a few years ago that she wanted to be an aunt when she was nine years old. She's now nine years old
Blake's Aunt Karen
The gift table filled up quickly with amazing books, blankets, onesies, diapers, wood toys, personal notes & so much more
Our wonderful rocking chair from Blake's parents. I'm so excited to rock baby to sleep in it
Grandma & Marley
Blake & I when we were babies
Blake's hat when he came home from the hospital
We had the clothes pin game, advice cards, and baby prediction pool cards
Some of the name suggestions were: Maverick, Jade, Clementine Penelope, Summit, Gilbert Kale, Annaleigh, Tristan, Regan, Zaccheas Shawn, Lulu, Nolan, Micheala, Stone, & Bartholomew
We made a kids' corner with a tent, chalkboard, fire pit, and some books
Grandpa reading to Marley
Bella & Cash drawing on the chalkboard
Grandma reading to Marley The Bernstein Bears New Baby
Happy Campers
Blake & decided we wanted to stick to vegan food for lunch. We wanted to represent who we are & offer what we like. I made sweet potato, quinoa & three bean chili with guacamole, cilantro, and limes, mini corn muffins with butter & honey, an organic veggie tray & fruit bowl, and a s'mores cassarole. We also had lemonade, iced tea, and hot cider for beverages.
My friend Stacey donated the beautiful flowers
At the end of the day I am happy to be going through this crazy life with this guy. He loves me for who I am while challanging me to be a better person each day. We aren't even close to figuring any of it out, but I can't wait to see what the future holds. Becoming a parent with him is my greatest joy. Love you, Blake Alan Morris!
Thank You to everyone who made this incredible day happen and for everyone who showed up during the blizzard!!
Dream Big Ride Far
