Love Love Love

That is exactly what we felt this past Sunday at our Baby Shower, hosted by the Poker Gals. The morning started off teary given it was the ten year anniversary of 9/11. Gina and I were somewhat tender and open hearted.

On our way there, we just kept looking at each other saying, “This is it! This is our baby shower.” It was totally surreal. For some people it’s just a party with gifts and dessert. For us, it was an outpouring of love, community and a welcoming for our girls. It was a rite of passage and ritual. It was absolutely beautiful. The decor reminded me of our wedding, only this time I got to slow down and really take it all in. From little satin ties on the champagne glasses to baby clothes pinned on a line, to fresh dahlias and zinnias everywhere, yummy food and beautiful dessert…. it was exquisite. There was so much love in the details– and all could feel it.

When Gina and I arrived just a bit early, all the gals were in the back doing finishing touches. I think we surprised them standing above looking down on the scene. “Ahh! You’re here! We didn’t know you were here! Get back! Turn around! Close your eyes! They’re here everyone, they’re here! C’mon!”

Gina and I did as we were told but already had a glimpse of not only all the pretty tables but of all the gals swarming below. Tears spilled from our eyes immediately.

When they said “Okay! Turn around!”, we did. We looked down from the balcony and there they all were holding a glass up to us, smiling so big with so much love. “Happy Baby Shower!”

We stood there and just took it in, crying, of course. Then I just about ran down the stairs, Gina hollering behind me to be careful! When I got there I hugged and hugged and hugged until I had hugged each one, saying thank you with tears in my eyes. For it was so clear how much work went in to this day– and all because we are so loved. It’s still so humbling my heart swells just thinking of it. In fact, I think it’s been permanently swollen since last Sunday.

Then Gina and I walked all around checking everything out, just beaming! It was 97 degrees out and we hardly even noticed. Krista’s backyard was lush and green and shaded and there was a bucket of ice water just for my feet. And cold decaff ice-tea made just for me– it was constantly refreshed with ice as I needed.

As people arrived and the party ensued, I found myself wanting more time with each person than I had time for. I popped around to each table to have short visits but really, it was kind of like a wedding or big birthday party in that it’s impossible to have really good quality time with each single person. Instead, I practiced taking in the community as a whole. In that, I was filled.

The outpouring of love for Gina and I AND these two little girls was so obvious/clear/evident it sort of bowled me over. Our friends and family are not only excited for us but excited to have our girls, these two new little human beings, join their lives– join their community, too. That struck me. The generosity we received in gifts was (and still is) kind of hard to be with– it takes a lot of deep breathing. And truth is, with two babies and one income we really do need all the help we can get– as such, we find ourselves not only grateful but really present to the need for and the power of community.

In all, we couldn’t have dreamt up a sweeter day. I love that our babies got to feel all the love and good vibes of our people loving us. Surely they can feel that and it serves them well as they grow and develop not only their bodies but their energies, their hearts, their beings.