The Bad, The Good and The Ugly

The Bad.
When I thought that everything was already good to go, something goes wrong to cause stress. After all, the plan was simple. Around 11am was supposed to be baby Caleb's dedication, and afterwards, to the birthday lunch venue. No programs, no clowns, no etcetera.
But...

• The person from the parish office told me that my schedule was 9am and that the reverend had already left.
• The other pastor needed to attend some anniversary gathering and cannot substitute.
• He had lots of excuses when I have already called twice to confirm!
• He suggested we re-schedule.
• Then, we were a bit late for the lunch party. Guests were already waiting for us.
• I was reprimanded because there were more tables than guests.
• I was reprimanded for letting the nanny go on a day-off that day.

The Good.
In hindsight, even with the setbacks and the emotional rollercoaster that I have gone through, there were many things to be thankful to God for that day. Like...

• My hubby who talked with the person from the parish office.
• Accompanied by my friend who was bent on making the dedication happen, the person from the parish office had to make a way. Thanks, Beth!
• It didn't rain, praise God!
• My daughter Elle who looked so pretty as a little princess and she seemingly enjoyed the party playing with lots of kids.
• Aunts who were concerned about me and my children are blessings.
• Thankfully, Caleb did not cry at the sight of many people. Family and friends were able to carry him.
• I'm grateful for the guests who did attend and I think it was not right to worry over those who should have come.
• I was the one excited for Elle to open her gifts, teehee!

The Ugly.

• The grown person who was weeping: ME!

A Few Birthday Party Details

Less than a month to go until my precious daughter turns 4 years old. A princess-themed birthday cake is in order. When she turned three, she had a cake with several Disney princesses as cake toppers. This year, I plan to order a Barbie princess cake for her from Red Ribbon.



http://www.mymomfriday.com/2010/10/foodie-friday-red-ribbons-barbie.html



My daughter Elle just loves princesses so I will let her dress up as a princess on her joint birthday celebration with her baby brother. She already has a cute and shiny crown courtesy of her godmother Meg. What she needs is a princess-like dress from the girls clothing section in the department store, so, one of these days, we have to go shopping with her. I wonder what she'll choose. Most probably it will be pink and long, and would look like a dress for a flower girl at a wedding entourage.



http://child-adult-dressup.com/item-pics/childrens-pink-princess-costume.jpg



How about a costume? It will be only Elle wearing a costume, if ever, unless I specify that other girls wear costumes also. But, the party would not be a kiddie party type nor would it be fully princess-themed since it's a joint party. Therefore, it is not a practical choice for us.

Also, we have to find a suitable pair of shoes to go with a pink dress. A pair of white closed shoes is on my mind. Sometimes, it's easier and more fun for a mommy to plan what her little girl would wear.

I must not forget to also scout clothes for my soon-to-be one year old boy, red ones, I suppose.

Welcome him with a shower.

The last time I was pregnant with my firstborn, I didn't get to experience having a baby shower. Now that I am pregnant with my 2nd baby, I think I want to have one. Do you think it will be weird to organize one myself? Or pathetic even? Now that I know the gender of the baby in my belly, I am imagining the place to be in powder blue.

Here's a list of what I need:

• Decorations - some confetti , some balloons  , a garland , maybe a guestbook , a diaper cake and a centerpiece 
• Food & drinks- I know I cannot make my own, maybe I shall get a caterer. 
• Games - The first time I attended a baby shower, I joined a game where I drank soda from a baby bottle complete with a rubber nipple. It was hard, but I won a lollipop. 
• If there are games, I think there should be some prizes, too. 
• Party favors - For the guests to bring home as souvenirs, or to remind them that I was going to give birth soon. There are so many cute ones!          
• Invitations? I am not sure about this as I have to make an effort to meet the guests to give them out. How about a nice graphic e-mail?  
• Since my daughter is about to celebrate her 3rd birthday soon, I could have a joint party, too. Then the stuff above should be in pink and in blue!    
• Here's a page I'd like to keep in mind: Baby Shower 101

That's it! Any suggestions, mommies who had or have organized a baby shower? Since my pregnancy is coming to a close, I'd like to end it with a bang. A maternity shoot is not far from my mind, either. ;-)