This just might be my last “non-sewing” post for a while… I’ll get my sewing machine dusted off and ready for some action!
We take baby showers for granted… I think we’ve all been to one or two or more in our lives. I’ve put on more than that just myself. Well, some mom’s aren’t so blessed, and I know of one personally… My dear friend Bithar, and her hubby, Jean (Zhawn), from Haiti, are expecting their 4th child. When I told her I’d like to have a baby shower for her, she didn’t have any idea what I was talking about. She’s never had a shower or even a birthday party given in her honor, so I knew this was going to be special…and it was!
Her hubby had never been to anything like this either and was quite curious, and I could tell he wanted to come. Sometimes we do couples showers, but I forgot about the cultural differences and forgot to mention it was a shower just for women… When I was giving Bithar last minute instructions, it came up that Jean wasn’t coming? So after an awkward moment or two, we decided he could come…and that way he could see everything that happened and Bithar wouldn’t have to remember to tell him everything.
Since she is having a little girl, we naturally went with as much pink as we could… It was a big room to decorate, and it would have been nice to have been a little more cozy, but it worked out okay… We used streamers and paper cut outs on the walls, and of course pink tablecloths. I took a few pictures before everyone arrived, so the punch isn’t out yet, and neither are a few other things. Here are two different shots of the tables…
The food looked (and WAS) Yummy!
My decorated cakes…
…a platter full of pretzels…
…some strawberry sugar wafer cookies, dipped in melted white chocolate chips and then sprinkled… (a few got smushed…)
…oh, and of course, the basinette baby deviled eggs. I think Ingrid mentioned making the eyes from cut up pieces of black olives… but I thought after I was at the shower, why hadn’t I just used black olives for the faces…it’s a little Haitian baby and it would have been perfect… next time!
There were rubber duckies floating in the punch…
We even had M&M’s in a baby bottle for everyone to guess… How many do YOU think are in there?
We had a really nice turnout and in the end there were over 30 ladies who came, plus 2 guys…her hubby and her 6 year old son… Everyone in this next picture is frantically trying to figure out my game…
I don’t think Bithar ever stopped smiling the entire time she was at the shower. When she first walked into the room, and I greeted her, she sort of quietly squealed, “All this for me?”
One of my favorite parts was watching her open her gifts… she’s quite uncomfortable right now, so standing was easier for her. She would reach in a bag and pull out the item and just grin and laugh sometimes out loud…it was adorable watching her… Here are a few shots to show you what I mean…
Oh yes, and every little girl needs a pair of silver shoes!
When the shower was over, she had received some really sweet gifts and the most darling little girl outfits… we spread them out on the table so everyone could see them up close…
…and very reluctantly, I’m going to share this last picture… :o/
So, that’s what it was like for this young mom from Haiti and her first encounter with a baby shower… I think she’ll be talking about it for quite some time…
Thank you Leann, for helping me host this; Sarah, for your devotion; and Edgar, Alba and Sara for your help decorating! :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a sweet shower, and I do mean sweet, Jeanne! Loved seeing Bithar’s look of wonderment at her gifts! Oh my, the table looked just wonderful, and we all know who did most of the work on that! Everything was just perfect, and I’m sure Bithar will remember this day forever!
That last picture was wonderful too, especially seeing you so happy and smiling! Why regret a good thing like that? Thank you for sharing this joyous occasion with all of us!
HI Linda,
Yes, it was sweet and Bithar was the sweetest thing there! She just glowed! Jean was so blessed and he told me several times!
Well… you know how insecurities go… my arms look to fat at the top, my smile looks crooked, my hair was too flat, etc… blah, blah, blah… but I need to get over it!
Thanks for your kind comments, Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
I love your blouse.
Sometimes showers are for the right people. What a help this will be — not having to spend much money on baby clothes means having money for other things. This will help the whole family, and well as letting them know the community likes them.
I see what you mean about not cozy, but on days that can be hot and humid, air space can be very helpful.
Your cakes are lovely — really outstandingly pretty — and because of “Aunt Debbie’s” assistance, they’d be easier to handle than ones you frosted yourself.
Excellent decisions all the way. Congratulations on another job well done, and for making a memory this family will never forget.
HI Marilyn,
I like my blouse too.. I just got it… at a thrift shop, but I think I need to only take pictures of me in it from the front… I was mortified at how my arms look like at the top.. I think that little cap sleeve accentuated it… Oh well… it’s just me… :o/
We had a really lovely time and it was a fun and wonderfully fulfilling day! Yes, Aunt Debbie was a big help in the kitchen!
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Start looking at pictures of any woman wearing cap sleeves. There is something about that length and the upper arm — it is seldom the best length for anyone, but in summer heat and humidity, long sleeves will not work at all. Better to look cool and comfortable than like you’ll melt or have a stroke.
Hi Marilyn,
I think Deb told me about that little cap sleeve before…I guess I should have listened to her. Surely I’m not that vain…because I like the top and will wear it again…the pictures just surprised me….Oh well…
Thanks Marilyn
What beautiful gifts given to Bithar and her family….your gift of giving her the shower, the care given in all of the preparations, friendship, material goods for the baby. It all adds up to the last photo of our beloved seamstress…Jeanne, and the kindness given to the foreigner.
Blessings.
Hi Becky,
Thank you Becky, for your sweet comments… it truly was a blessing for me to share this day with her…She was priceless the whole day!
I loved your line… “the kindness given to the foreigner.” That’s what I’d like to be known for… being kind to others…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
That was a special thing to do for her. I bet she will never forget it! It is nice to see your beautiful face as well. 😀
Thank you Christine,
She told me at the end of the shower, she wished she could open up her chest so I could see how much love she had in her heart for me… What a blessing to bless her and the baby!
Thank you so much,
Blessings to you,
~ Jeanne
What a lovely lovely shower and I’m so happy for Bithar that she is loved by all of you and the celebration for her baby was a happy happy time for her. The tables were beautifully set up and the refreshments looked so pinkish-ly wonderful and delicious!
Seeing the happy couple at the end was neat, however, I didn’t expect to see our Jeanne in the picture and my response was unexpected – I felt so emotional and started crying because it was so very nice to see “our” Jeanne. It’s not like I haven’t seen pictures of you but this one for some reason…it’s recent, you are sweet, you are so pretty and you have shared your thoughts, feelings, and kindness to all us girls…you are goodness to us…we know you even if it is only by pictures and your notes. My goodness, it just makes my heart happy. Thus the emotion. Hugs to you!
Bless you Jeanne for all you do for everyone including writing us girls everyday!
Thank you Paula,
Now you have me all emotional… I love sharing with all of you and don’t take it lightly that what I say or what I do might influence someone. I share what I love to do, and if it blesses even one person, or encourages them, or makes then smile, or causes them to try something new, or figure something out, it makes me happy!
I love to share stories and I love to share them with people. I’m not a gifted writer, so I’m not a good candidate for a book, but I can tell a little human interest story and maybe bless someone’s heart. That’s what I love to do…
Thank you Paula,
Blessings to you, Jeanne
So sweet of everyone to shower Bithar with lovely gifts. Amazing what you did with a plain room, turning it into a masterpiece of lively excitement. A big thank you for including the last photo. That one takes the cake!
HI Joy,
How sweet of everyone to “like” my post about the shower for Bithar. It was a truly wonderful day for her and me! It truly is a blessing to give to someone who has so little and who appreciates the smallest kindness.
Thank you for your kind compliments to me… :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
It looks like a wonderful shower! The decorations were pretty and the food looked wonderful. Bithar looked so happy. I’m sure she will never forget the day! I don’t know why you would regret the last picture. I gather that is you with Bithar and her husband. I’ve never seen you before and I’m happy that I can put a face to all the conversations we have had here.
Have a wonderful day!
Take care.
HI Charlotte,
I’m sure everyone does that… when they see a picture with them in it, their eye goes to it first and all they see is the things they don’t like. I’m trying to get over that… and not compare myself to anyone else, but it’s hard.
On a positive note… I have just lost 10.2 pounds…so I guess that’s something to shout about! There probably wouldn’t have been a picture if I hadn’t. 30 pounds to go… :o) Then maybe I’ll be okay in pictures!
Blessings, Jeanne
Late to see your post so I’ll make it short and sweet. Love the baby shower and what a delight it must have been for Bithar having never experiences one before. Since Jean didn’t know husbands usually don’t come, I’m sure he enjoyed seeing everything and wouldn’t have felt awkward.
So nice to see a picture of you again. I don’t think you’ve shared one in a long time. You look lovely, what a sweet smile!!
Thank you, Laura,
I just couldn’t say no to Jean coming. He sat in the back and didn’t say a word, but just watched with a big smile as his wife was blessed. I’m sure it was a day they BOTH chatted about over and over…and it sure would have been to be a little fly on the wall when they looked at their stuff again at home…
Thank you Laura…
Bless you for your kind thoughts.
~ Jeanne
What a beautiful shower, the decorations and so many lovely treats to eat! She will be one beautifully dressed baby. So glad you included the picture of you and Bithar and Jean. It adds so much to see you all. I’m kind of like Paula and get a little teary when I see your picture. You are the kindest person I know. Thanks for being you and including us all so we can share in your happiness.
Oh Susette,
Don’t you get all weepy on me….
Their baby will be dressed beautifully, no doubt. Thank you for your sweet compliments.
Thank YOU ALL for giving me an outlet to share my world and love of sewing…speaking of sewing…I need to get in my room…
Thank you, Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
You know how I love photo’s in your blog. Bithar looks so happy. It’s so nice to see how very generous the ladies were. What a blessing all those goodies will be when the baby is finally here. I love the last photo most of all! What a beauty you are with a huge heart and the sweetest smile! No complaining miss Jeanne!
…. just before my back surgery in March I had to have a pre-surgery looks see. They poked and prodded me, sucked what felt like a gallon of blood out of me. Took me temp, blood pressure, open your mouth and stick out your tongue. Look at the dot on the wall please while I blind you with my flash light…. ok now get on the scale please… and THATS when it happened! I found out I was 43 pounds more than I thought I was … I cried… the doctor said it was my meds… my hubby said it’s ok baby you’ll get it off once you’re off the meds and back to your normal routine. He’s so sweet, he still loves me even if my behind doesn’t look like it did 2 years ago. I’m pretty sure your George and my Larry are cut from the same cloth… had working, never complaining, just get it done kind of guys. We are lucky ladies!
Hugs sweet Jeanne
Ingrid
Thank you, Ingrid,
I guess everyone has issues with how they appear in photos. I never have liked having my picture,taken…but I did and now I’m glad…maybe I’ll do it again sometime…
The ladies who came to the shower were very generous and helpful and full of advice when she asked about things in America.
I think our guys are alike…keepers, huh?
Thank you Ingrid,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a wonderful “shower” of love for a new little life! Your love and hospitality for others knows no bounds. The atmosphere was festive, the decorations were adorable, the refreshments looked delicious, and the gifts were bounteous. I’m sure Bithar and Jean were overwhelmed with gratitude for all the kindness bestowed upon them and their little one, and they will one day return to Haiti with a story that will never be forgotten. Your pictures help tell the narrative beautifully, Jeanne, and I’m certain Bithar and Jean will be especially glad to have that final photo, where the smile on your face is a window to your heart and your devotion for every good work. Like Paula, I am touched by it also. Thank you for sharing such a joyful celebration with us, Jeanne, and thank you for sharing a little piece of yourself!
Hi Anne,
How eloquently you have summarized the baby shower…it truly was a love fest for us ladies…and gents. We showered as much love on Bithar as we could.
At the end, when Bithar had finished opening everything, she shared that in the beginning when she found out she was pregnant, she just cried…but now she said she is very happy and she is ready to welcome this new baby into their family. She said she was so grateful to the Lord for her new American family and friends…she calls me mom to other people. What an honor.
Her hubby was supposed to go back to Haiti and preach a 2 week revival, but somehow he missed his plane and he came back home. He will go again this Sunday…and hope he doesn’t miss his plane because Bithar is due August 14th…yikes…guess who is supposed to take Jeans place if she goes into labor early????
Thank you for your very kind and touching words, Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a nice story! I only you wish you had a video so I could hear Bithar laughing with joy when she opened each gift. Everything looks so good, and I recognized the food from your earlier post. Was everyone as impressed as your readers with the deviled eggs? By the way, you look lovely and your arms do not look big. Just remember the camera adds 10 pounds!
Hi Carolyn,
I wish we had recorded her shower too…it was priceless…we played a game where we asked questions to get to know her better…no one got this on the first, 2nd or 3rd tries, but her pet back home was a pig! :o)
I have to say those little baby deviled eggs were a big hit!!!
Someone needs to invent a camera that takes “off” 10 pounds in the pictures! :o)
Thank you for your kind words, Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Haven’t been to a baby shower for a long time but your creative talent came out all over that one!
Those little cakes were just brilliant and the deviled eggs are too clever. Bihar looked so happy! You have been so good to her! What did Jean think about all that pink? 🙂
Can’t wait to see pics of this new little one!
HI Kathie,
Thank you Kathie, for your sweet comments. I think Bithar was happy and I think Jean was happy because Bithar was happy…It’s funny how that happens… :o)
I’m not sure what Jean thought, but he didn’t have much choice, because I think Bithar was loving it!
I can’t wait to see pics of this baby either! :o)
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne