Completely overwhelmed with gratitude!

Richard, Meghan, Nate, Amanda, Krista, and Brad at the baby shower.

I really don't even know where to begin. Yesterday, my aunt Caryl and mother-in-law Rene threw me the most wonderful baby shower. We all met at my church in the parlors and visited, opened presents, and had lunch. It was absolutely delightful! I was thrilled not only by all of the amazing gifts, but by the people who took the time to actually travel in for the event. We had my Mom and Dad, and Nate and Krista in from Ohio, which is always awesome. Having Nate and Krista is the house means I've been laughing myself sore since they arrived. We have way too much fun together. Add Richard and Meghan to the mix, and things got truly out of control. They came in from St. Charles and stayed the afternoon before driving back so Richard could go to work. I've been battling a cough that seems worse when I talk or laugh, so I pretty much coughed the whole day. It was so worth it!
From the West, we had Jen traveling all the way from the Kansas (ew) side of Kansas City. Jen is one of those friends that I've had for so many years that just being in the same room with her makes me happy! We also spent the morning with lots of local family and friends, and I invite everyone who is able to stop by the house and see the nursery now that it's almost fully equipped. Just give me today to get everything put away!
Now on to the gifts. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So many cute onesies, and soft blankies. It was like Super Christmas! I get extremely excited about the handmade gifts, and there were some spectacular ones.
Krista demonstrated that she hasn't been working all summer (teacher) by arriving armed with like 47 packages. There was practical stuff, some of which she didn't understand why I would even want (car seat protector), some of which made me laugh a lot (breast cream), some of which made everyone laugh (pacifier with gold grill), and some of which was so thoughtful (painting, gorgeous handmade blanket). She went way overboard and that's the kind of aunt that Carmen needs!
Grandma Doris gave us this absolutely beautiful white and pink afghan. Seriously, it's breathtaking. I might have to hang it directly on the keepsake quilt rack. It's just amazing.
Grandma Kathy made her an awesome quilt too, as well as a lined hamper that is just precious. She is so crafty!!!
I could tell that my mom had had fun with her shopping and will continue to do so. The clothes she gave us were so my style and included a "Mizzou rules, Kansas drools" onesie and pacifier set. Mom also helped me cover the practical bases by giving us the changing pad and mattress pad we've been needing, and in a few weeks, we will have a brand new glider and ottoman for the nursery! Thanks Mom and Dad! OH! I forgot the diaper bag. I am madly in love with my diaper bag. I may start carrying it now. It is the coolest ever. No exaggeration.
Grandma Darla gave me the travel system that Carmen and I will use to travel the town. It's so cool that it defies description. Seriously, you'll just have to come over and play with it.
There were a bagillion other gifts that I LOVED, but I'm going to stop writing and go play with them now. Thank you so much to everyone who was there or sent wishes from afar. It was a truly wonderful day. Just 7 weeks to go, and we'll be able to meet the center of all this attention. We CANNOT WAIT!