Showered with Love

The last two weekends have been some of the most joy-filled days of my life. First, two of my best friends (pictured below) threw me and our girl the most beautiful baby shower in Tallahassee, and this past Sunday, we were spoiled and loved on again by my family in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL. I remember sitting at a friend’s baby shower a year ago and wondered to myself if I would ever have a baby shower of my own. I know that might sound dramatic, but when you’re walking through infertility and you don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, this is where your mind goes. I’m grateful for God’s redemptive work and grace revealed through my infertility struggle, and for the women He placed in my life that have seen me through it all. What a joy, and even sweeter blessing it is, to have the opportunity to celebrate this gift of life with them now!

As I was reading my favorite pregnancy devotional this morning, Waiting in Wonder, I was reminded that I, and the life I am carrying, are being celebrated by God Himself. Scripture says that God takes great delight over his children and rejoices over them with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I can only imagine that I might have a glimpse of this type of love the Father has for us when I hold our daughter in my arms. You can bet I will be rejoicing over her with singing!

While I’m still on Cloud 9 from being showered with love by my friends and family, I’m reminding myself today that I’m forever being showered by the love and attention of the Creator of all. He delights in me and He delights in you too!

Cake: Judi B’s Gluten Free | Cake Topper: Briley Gunter

   

Invitations: Rifle Paper Co.

      

While I was in Tampa a few weeks before the shower, I spotted this dress at Anthropologie and immediately thought of the invitation! I loved the flowy fit and feminine details, and the fact that I’ll be able to wear it after baby is a huge bonus.

           

JACKSONVILLE, FL BABY SHOWER

We’re not sharing her name until she’s born, but here’s a sneak peek of her initials. And no, we are not naming her Lynda Mycah like my friend Paige guessed (Lynda is my middle name.) 🙂

   

Mini cupcakes (pumpkin with maple frosting and lemon poppy seed with strawberry frosting) are from my favorite bakery, Sweet Theory Baking Co. They use only organic ingredients and all treats are free of eggs, dairy, soy, and peanuts. Lots of gluten free options are also available. My best friend made the delicious spinach salad and you can find the recipe for that here.

This floral maxi dress was another Anthropologie score. I also wore it in our pregnancy announcement shoot we did with Red Fly Studio back in August when I was 14 weeks.

The most special gift I have EVER received – a painting by my godmother, Annie Pajcic. I think my face says it all. I was shocked, overjoyed and elated to receive something so incredible! (I’m not revealing the painting because she wrote our daughter’s name, along with one of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11, into the painting. How amazing is that?!)

    

These sweet friends traveled all the way from Atlanta and Tampa to celebrate with me!

   

LOVE this candid shot my sister-in-law took of my godmother, Annie, and me!

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17