Shower in CT

Me again. :) This past weekend we visited Josh's family in CT and were blown away by the generosity and kindness we received at a shower for Lillian! This special celebration was arranged by our dear sis-in-law Lauren Helene, Josh's mom and other family members and friends. It was such a wonderful morning, and even though I found out about it a few days before (oops -- JOSH!), there were other surprises along the way...like my parents showing up!

 

It was decorated beautifully by Lauren, Janet Kent, Wendy and her girls. 

We walked in under a bamboo rod draped in ethnic fabric into an African-themed oasis... 

a perfect way to celebrate our Ethiopian princess!

 The family and friends there were more precious to us than any gift we could receive. 

Their support and encouragement meant the world to us!

 Abby stealing Auntie Bet's salad :)

Adorable and yummy desserts!

 My mom and me :)

"Big Bro" Cole and his cousin Gracie

I have tears in my eyes as I think about that special day. Lauren told me that the minute she found out we were adopting she started dreaming about doing a shower for us. Who does that?? I am so grateful for my amazing friend-turned-sister-in-law. 

Josh's mom also shared a very meaningful devotional, and I am thankful for the way she personalized everything and also for the reminder of just how important it is to be diligent and intentional about teaching our children God's word and what that means for their lives.

"And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. "And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.  

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

We were touched by the attention to detail and thoughtfulness throughout the whole morning (Lillian, you are already so loved!). Thank you to everyone who had a part in our shower. It was such a blessing to our family.