Shower #4

Yes, you read that correctly...#4. It is hard to believe that is true. Because this process has taken so long and because our time frame has become so extended, we truely just had our fourth shower. Our first was a year ago (May 2006) from my co-workers. Then the Hatcher side of the family had one for us hosted by my mother's sisters (which I'm so thankful for because my grandmother was able to be there last September). Third, was a huge gathering in honor of our little girl at church last fall (October), and now we just had number four. Our good friend Jody hosted a shower for us on Sunday afternoon (with the help of her awesome mother, Joan, and her little cutie, destined to date our daughter someday BTW, Isaac). I had an awesome time. I couldn't believe how many people came! It was such a cool group of people, too. My friend Keri was there who has been one of my best friends since early childhood. We grew up across the street from each other, we graduated from high school a year apart, and we were maid-of-honor in each other's weddings. A great number of my friends from high school (class of '93..go B-W!) were there and it was a blast to see them all again. Then, two of my college roommates came over from my days in Eau Claire! I was super emotional when they arrived (but I guess if you know me at all, you know that is not a stretch). Our new friend Holly came who is in our travel group to China. Her family is waiting for little Ava (who has even more hair in her pictures than Hope!). They are only 3 minutes away in Hammond, so we are very excited to have our girls grow up together. Then, there was the signing crowd...My dear friend Wendy who I started my ASL classes with, and three co-workers made the trek to farm country as well. OH...and I musn't forget the 3 young ladies who came to offer gifts to their new friend Hope also. Our God-daugters Lauren and Hannah were finally introduced to each other and played so well together for the afternoon. I'm thinking those two need to get their little dolls together again. :) And Tessa came with her Mom to hang with the girls for the day. Thanks for joining us and thank you also for the noisy toy (the new Mom said with a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice). :) It was such an unbelievable day for me. Ron and I are so blessed by the friends we have. What more can I say? It is pretty amazing to feel so loved.

Here's the crowd -

Proud Waiting Grandmas -

One of my favorite shots of the day -

And more (you can always click on the photos to see them enlarged a bit) -