Baby Bear is showered with Presents

In case anyone didn't know Rachel and Jay are having a baby (my 1st grandchild and Becky's too - just in case you needed reminding) and after much thought we decided to do a big shower.  It has turned out to be a busy year for Rachel with 8 weddings (she is in 4), one of them being her brothers, so lots of showers and celebrations.

It took a little coordinating but we found a date.  Sunday, September 17 and we found an absolutely wonderful venue - King Cole Ducks - thank you Debbie Conzelmann, you have an amazing facility and we were able to sit everyone down in their respective groups.  I am getting quite good at delegating and quickly turned over the gift organizing to a person from each group.  Thanks to Amy/Becky, Lindsey/MJ, Colleen, Margaux/Kelly and Bre for doing a great job organizing the gifts.

After taking over 44 plates, side plates, forks, spoons, tea cups, wine glasses (can't forget them), bowls, serving trays, tea pots, etc - yes basically emptied out our kitchens I may never have anyone offer to help me again.  Luckily our memories are short.  A big thank you to Becky, Lindsey and MJ for all the carting of dishes back and forward and helping make my vision a reality.  It looked beautiful.

Amy, Kathleen and Stephanie picked the bear theme and off we went with decorating ideas.

With everyone sitting at tables with their friends or family, I didn't feel we needed to do a game to get everyone involved so we did a "Baby Bear" Colouring Book and everyone was asked to write a memory/wish/advice after they had coloured their picture.  Thank you to Pinterest for turning us all into event planners.  Honestly that sight is amazing for ideas.


Rachel mentioned to me that she had been at a baby shower where instead of cards, the guests were asked to sign reading books for the baby.  Our whole family are huge readers so we jumped on that bandwagon pretty quickly.



If you are looking for something unique for an event, baby, wedding, birthday, Christmas check out Stephanie Pizzitelli's facebook page here.  She made a cake topper (which I put in a vase) and a headband for Rachel.

The table decor was pretty simple with all the pretty tea cups.  A few years ago I realized why do I have all this stuff sitting in cupboards, might as well use it and in the using it brings back memories of 2 of my favourite ladies - my mom and my mother-in-law.  A simple tea cup and I could feel their presence celebrating with me today.  A little bear name tag in each of them made sure everyone was sitting with a friend/family and they could wear as a nametag if needed, some crayons for the colouring books and lovely baby's breath in mason jars with a little bear sitting beside them.  Aldene (Jay's Grandma) made all the little bears, they are amazing and what a wonderful touch.

I am pretty sure when David started looking for a serious girlfriend, one of the items on his list was can she bake, specifically cupcakes.  Stephanie you have made some amazing desserts for us, these cupcakes were definitely one of your best and I am so glad I got to take the extras home.  Just as good the next day and the next day and the next day :)

Amy came in from a bachelorette party and started setting up.  Her gift table was amazing.  That is one of Aldene's big bears and the diaper cake full of newborn diapers was amazing.  Great job.  

Kathleen our resident balloon expert out did herself.  What more can you say than "OH BABY".   

Rachel and Baby Bear with his 3 aunts, he is going to be one spoiled little bear.  

A big shoutout to the best BFFS in the world Lindsey Irvine and MaryJo Williams, so many of the crazy whacky things I do are because I know they have my back. I love you and your families like they are my own and I know you both feel the same way about my children and I. Rachel's shower was another example of the 2 of you just digging right in, from carrying boxes, cutting 100's of little sandwiches, and keeping me organized. Sharing these special moments through laughter and tears (and a wee bit of cursing) made the day amazing. Thank you both so much. 

Well we made it, everything is set up and the guests are starting to arrive.

Mamma Bear and Nannie Bear and Baby Bear

We do love our desserts and chocolate is always a big hit with the ladies, coffee, tea and a herbal tea keeping with the theme of the day called "Bear Claw Tea", delish

Thank you to Jay for coming and helping Rachel with the opening of the presents, although she didn't seem to need much help ripping the paper off LOL.  (He was also very handy at helping us getting everything repacked and back in our cars - whew).  

I am thinking we should have wrapped up a box of kleenex for both her and Jay.  Rachel and Jay and Becky and I were overwhelmed with everyone's generosity, from their stroller to a sterilizer to a rocking chair and lots of little thing as well, they were truly crying with thankfulness as much as laughing with excitement.

Trying out the new rocking chair !!!!!!!!!!

A little chocolate bear and some gummy bears as a final little but BIG THANK YOU to everyone who came and gave up a beautiful Sunday afternoon, donated to the gifts and just helped and continue to support Rachel and Jay as they set off on this new adventure together.