Monday, August 22, 2011

Samuel's Celebration Shower...

After our short stay in Pittsburgh, we headed west to Indy. There was much to look forward to with our visit to Indy -- Samuel's Celebration Shower, a date night, an afternoon at IU, time with friends and family, etc. If Obadiah knew what was coming, he would've looked forward to it, too! Upon our arrival, we dropped him off at the Moore Hotel for Dogs -- at least that's what we may as well call it! My in-laws have always graciously opened their house up to our basset during our Indy trips and well...I think Oba was just one step short of entering a resort when he got there! While I know James' parents were more than excited to see their grandson, I think they were fairly happy about seeing their grandpup, too. As we pulled into their driveway, they were outside waiting with the biggest smiles on their faces and immediately started loving on Oba as he jumped out of the truck. Once we got inside, we saw that they had covered all of their furniture with sheets/blankets in preparation for the prince. Plus, there was a blanket folded neatly in the center of the living room with a treat and two new toys waiting for him, HA! I really don't think he missed us much when we left later that evening and he stayed there. Oh, Oba...such a hard life he lives!

With Obadiah settled in at his hotel, James and I unpacked our stuff at my parents (they have a crib for Sam so it works out perfectly!) and headed out to see some good friends before preparing for Sam's big party. It's always fun seeing James back with one of his best friend -- such a bummer that it can't happen more often...



After a great night with good friends, we spent the next day celebrating the arrival of our little man with lots of friends and family. I didn't know what to expect, as my sisters/mom/mother-in-law planned the event and left me out of the loop, but wow! They did a great job! We were incredibly touched when we saw the party favors, desserts, pictures, video, etc. that they created. They made sure to include Jacob, Jordan, and Olivia as well as explain the meaning of a Rainbow Baby. The whole thing tied together so well. It was very clear to see how much love surrounds our little Samuel Ryan -- as well as our three angels!

It wasn't long after we arrived that friends and family started to show up to see the little man. Talk about being a hot potato! Samuel was passed around like crazy, as everyone wanted to share in the joy of his arrival. Being the laid back little boy that he is, he slept through most of the event and was perfectly content being passed around. In the end, 106 people showed up to Samuel's Celebration Shower. We were so incredibly blessed to have such loving friends and family -- so many that hoped and prayed for Samuel's safe arrival right along with us. It was great sharing in such joy with them all!

As always, I'm going to post a ridiculous amount of pictures, but I can't take credit for most of them this time around. During most of Sam's party, various sisters had my camera while I caught up with friends and family...

Samuel with his Aunt Sarah before the party...


Awesome cake pops made by my sis, Sarah...


The definition of a Rainbow Baby, along with rainbow colored M&M's...


Samuel's business cards, ha...


Waiting for people to arrive...


Can't go without a diaper cake!


There were several rainbow/butterfly related desserts made by my sisters...


Can't forget our three angels!


Finishing up Samuel's cake. My sister, Rachelle, apologized for it looking like "Rainbow Bright threw up all over it." Haha. She said that Sam HAD to have a rainbow cake and when she Googled rainbow cakes, that was the best they could find, ha. So sweet!



All themed around our story...


My sisters set up an area where people could write little notes to Sam...




Quality time with Grandpa Dave...


A fun picture taken by my sister, Deb...


Visiting with extended family...



And friends...






Friends from far away...




With Grandpa Grant...


This makes me laugh...the two Grants -- my dad and my bro-in-law...


Sleeping through the whole thing...


My sister, Deb, couldn't get enough of her hubs. There were several pics of him on his own, ha...


Such sweet friends of family -- there were several (some of which couldn't make it) who heard our story through my mom or other family members and followed us throughout our journey. So much love and support from all around...


Watching the super sweet/emotional video created by my sister, Deb...


Guess James needed some time with his boy after being passed around...


My turn...



Time for a meal with Aunt Deb...


The boys...


Proud Grandmas...



Had to get a picture of my sister, Rachelle, and I...somewhat matching...


My sweet niece, Caitlyn...She's still asking where "Baby Samuel" is...


My nephew, Ben, caught in the act...


Some of the hard-working hosts -- sisters, Deb and Rachelle...


My mother-in-law and her friends were getting a kick out of how Sam rested his hand...


So sweet...


Our little family...



Now if you've read this far without getting sick of seeing pictures and closing out the post...here's the video my sister, Deb, made for Sam's shower. She did a great job of tying everything together!!!


We love you, Samuel Ryan!!!!
We're SO glad you're here with us!!!!

10 comments:

  1. It was great to see you guys! I'm glad the timing worked out so I could be there. Sam is the best! Your celebration shower was wonderful too. Hopefully we will be able to meet up again soon. If you guys ever want to come up to Chicago let me know :)

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  2. Well done Deb! What a great video - so sweet. Looks like a great and well deserved shower! I'm so happy for you. I love the picture of James' dad holding Sam - just so much love - he's so protective over him. And I love his little shoe socks in the picture of your sister holding him! Thanks for sharing :)

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  3. samuel is so perfect. it almost looks like he's making a heart w his hands in the picture of him speeping! miss ya sis!!!

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  4. Priscilla what a great shower. OMG! I so wish I could have been there. I love all the pics and thanks for sharing them all. Too bad the star of the show decided to sleep through it lol! I also loved the cake for Jacob, Jordan, and Olivia. Always there in spirit and in your hearts. Miss you guys!

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  5. Oh Pricilla! This post made me cry!! the happiness, the joy! How wonderful!! I can only pray that we are able to do the same very shortly. HUGS!!

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  6. Wow, what an amazing shower!! I love the video. I had tears reading the whole post.

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  7. Wow, I am blown away. What a wonderful family you have. I love how Jacob, Jordan and Olivia were such an important part of the day too. And that video. Well, I'm in tears.

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  8. It looks like Samuel had an amazing celebration shower!! The cakes were too cute; I love how your angels were included! That video was so sweet, also! Thanks for sharing this :)

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  9. Samuel's shower looked perfect. I love that Jacob, Jordan, and Olivia were such a big part of the celebration. Deb's video is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. You and James have been through so much. Samuel is such an incredible blessing, and I am so happy for you. <3

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  10. I am SO PATHETIC!!!!! I just sobbed watching the video. I truly believe that God has a beautiful path for your future...and although he grieves over your past with you...he knows that he has "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope a future.." (Jerm 29:11). The pain is hard to explain...why you have to live missing Jordan, Jacob, Olivia...but I am just SO HAPPY to see Sam...such an amazing little gift!!!

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