Baby Shower #1

My dear friend, Betsy, threw me my first baby shower last week in Fort Wayne, IN. Only a month ago, she asked if we were coming home for my brother, Drew's high school graduation (we were). Then, she asked if she could host a shower for Baby Ethiopia. No way! We are still many months away from even knowing who our daughter is, so thinking about a shower took my breath away. It's another milestone in this process of becoming her parents.

The funny thing about this shower is that I haven't lived in Fort Wayne for 12 years, and I only lived here for 5 years [1992-97]. I don't know many people here anymore besides my mom, Betsy & her mom, and my in-laws. I didn't even know who to invite. But my mom quickly said that she'd invite her entourage - closest friends - to come. And they did!

That night, 13 women gathered in Betsy's living room to celebrate Baby Ethiopia's life and arrival into our family. It was amazing. Most of the guests were my mom's friends that I've only met once; one woman I just met last night!! My mother-in-law baked me the most beautiful cake, and it tasted delicious! My Grandma Getz drove 5 hours to come. My sister-in-law and 5 year-old niece came. I was a bit speechless and in shock by their expressions of love.

We asked those attending to give gift cards and donations to our adoption because we're too far away from getting her to register or buy baby items. Nevertheless, these women couldn't contain themselves from buying little dresses, blankets, shoes, washcloths, & toys.

At the end of the night, hundreds of dollars were offered on behalf of this little girl living on another continent. And we have officially started a baby room!!!!

Thank you so much, friends, for coming to our baby's shower. We can't wait for you all to meet her.