Silver Rattle Baby Shower

I love a shower...particularly a baby shower.

There is just something so warm and happy about welcoming a new little one.  Even, or maybe especially, for second or third (or fourth) babies.  When you have one or more blessings at home, sometimes the anticipation and excitement of preparing for a new baby can sort of get lost in the hustle of daily life.  It's easy to focus on the blessings already in hand and overlook the wonderful months leading up to a new baby joining the family.  A shower gives time for friends and family to gather in honor of the new baby and time for Mom to get a little special treatment, too.

When my {almost unfairly} beautiful and talented friend Gretchen shared the news that Baby No. 2 was on his or her way, the first words out of my mouth were to offer to host a get-together in her honor.  She kindly indulged my enthusiasm and we set a date for a breakfast shower.

The next order of business was to contact the equally {almost unfairly} lovely and talented Louisa of Weehah! Greeting Cards & Invitations.  For nearly 10 years now, I have had a constant stash of Weehah! treasures at the ready for whatever occasion comes up.  I was so in love with the birth announcements Louisa hand-crafted when my youngest was born, that I asked her to use a similar design for Gretchen's shower invitations.  I started with the theme of a silver rattle and Louisa went to town from there.  When they arrived I literally squealed with delight as I took them out of the tissue.  Sadly, I don't have a photo straight on of the invitations, but you can catch a glimpse here.

Finally, I set the menu.  When you cook for a culinary genius {did I mention Gretchen is a Gluten-Free Registered Dietitian, the author of the awe-inspiring Kumquat blog & author of Fast and Simple Gluten-Free:  30 Minutes or Less to Fresh and Classic Favorites?} it could be daunting...fortunately, Gretchen is also kind and modest and most appreciative of any efforts made on her behalf!  It was a simple breakfast of Southwestern Breakfast Casserole, Potatoes, Gluten-Free Cream Biscuits and fruit.  Unfortunately, the most exciting part of the menu, and the only item not gluten-free, was the party-favor rattle cookie. At least Baby Kiddo No. 1 got to enjoy one!

It was a treat to spend the morning with Gretchen and some of her lovely friends, to celebrate Baby No. 2's pending arrival and of course, to bake!