Baby Showers & Blessings

We have been blessed to have so many amazing people in our life who loves us and spoil us. We have had 4 showers. A surprise mini-shower given by my sis-in-law over Thanksgiving, one back home in Anaheim, another here in El Segundo, and finally John's work had a Super Bowl party planned which really turned out to be a baby shower. We really appreciate everyone's generosity! Casper is already loved by the masses.

My sister Kerilynn hosted my shower back "home" and made these cute invitations.

A few days later my aunt and some wonderful friends gave me a shower in El Segundo. Here is the invite made by Amy

And some of our loot, in boxes and bags...

(There is more in the closet and garage)

now in piles

Here is Caper's little closet in our hall cupboard with his hang up clothes (up to 6 months)

We bought a dresser to hold Casper's clothes. It will serve a dual purpose, storage/diaper changing table. It is chalked full of clothes, spit rags, socks, beanies...you name it.

***warning it may get a little sappy here, I apologize in advance***

When I first found out I was pregnant I was happy but thought, "How the heck am I going to do this?" Being the oldest of 6 I was confident in my ability to sustain a child's life; I know how to feed, change, bathe them etc. But now I would be responsible for raising, teaching, and enriching their life. (concern #1)

Then I thought about our situation at the time (and currently), John is in law school working a few hours a week at a firm but I'm the bread winner. I work full time and have 3 different jobs; how were we going to afford a baby and all the expenses that accompany one and who would take care of it? (concern #2)

And lastly, well I'm sure there is more but for sake of being brief, was I ready to do this? (concern #3) I have always wanted to be a mom since...well since I can remember and now the opportunity was here- ahhhh!

With all these concerns I sought much comfort and help through prayer and other means. I was excited to be pregnant/having a baby but I was scared, nervous, apprehensive-you name it! Now, I have been blessed and I love how my life has turned out so far. I've been married to the most amazing guy for over 4 years, I'm in a profession I love at a job I enjoy, we have a great family and many friends; life is good. I would have never thought being pregnant/having a baby would be such a huge test of my faith but it has been. Yet through it all I have been comforted by a loving Heavenly Father who constantly reassures me that everything will work out, and it has. Julie Beck, general Relief Society President of my church, said this, "We don't have children because we have money, because we have means. We have children with faith." This has been my motto recently. When I have concerns and doubts I (or often John) reminds me to look back and see that the Lord has not forgotten us in the past and won't in the future.

There have been many times I've been reminded of this, one example is the generosity shown by those around us with their gifts and support. We have not have to buy much at all because we've been given so many things. Friends, my mom and sister's co-workers, and others have given us cribs, car seats, clothes, swings, pack'n'plays, baby carriers, and many other accessories alleviating some of the financial burden. Schedules have worked out so baby sitting will not be as much of a burden. My employers have been accommodating and supportive. John has a job to help with living costs....the list goes on and on.

This experience while definitely trying has been one of the best things for me. I have learned/been reminded that when I trust in the Lord and do what I know is right, things work out, not always the way we see it happening, but we're taken care of and blessed. I am gratefully overwhelmed by the love that the Lord has for us.