Here Comes [Insert Name] in a Baby Carriage
In one year, I planned five, yes five baby showers. It was like this epidemic at work. I had just finished going through fertility testing, finding out I was unable to bare a child. Yet, all these women around me were pregnant. These women would go around, rubbing their bellies, planning baby nurseries, searching for baby names, and comparing if they would be a “stay at home mom” vs. a “part-time mom.” The copy of “What to Expect When Not Expecting” book lying around the lunch table.
One day, I went shopping for one of the baby showers. I literally got so overwhelmed on all the different kinds of blues in Party City, I sat in the middle of the aisle way crying as I matched everything together so perfectly. I was planning another baby shower that was not my own. Finally a voice inside me stated, pull yourself together. You are not alone. I picked myself up off the floor, wiped the mascara from my eyes, and finished my shopping. It was a darn good shower too! I LOVED coming up to themes for these showers. Something that day (or someone—Thanks God) allowed me to overcome my sadness and sorrow, take that and turn it into Joy!
I had joy overflowing in my heart on the baby shower themes. I started to not take it so personal. I turned the turmoil into motivation; turned the hatred into passion. I went on to plan a shower for a little boy “mustache & bowtie” themed. I planned a little girl shower “twinkle, twinkle, little star, do you know how loved you are” theme. My favorite was a duel theme. Two of the girls were expecting close to the same time. Thank goodness they were ok with having a joint shower. The theme was a “circus” theme! It was so much fun! I have planned many showers, both wedding and baby. I guess this would be my second passion or hobby, if I were to ever live a different life and work a dream job.
It is amazing though how God took something so simple for some, but so heart wrenching for me, and allow greatness and joy to come of it! By now, these women are stay at home moms or part-time moms caring for their babies. They probably didn’t think twice about the shower or how it could affect someone who deals with infertility. How could they understand though? I do not condemn them or hold any grudges for something they know nothing about. Something they cannot ever relate to. I could have taken a different path. I could have said no, or chose a generic theme for the showers. I could have been bitter towards them. Was it awkward? Yes, at times it was. But, I felt an accomplishment for each shower planned. If it wasn’t for me giving it all to God, I would not have found my joy.
Take a look at my Pinterest to see ideas of themes I did. If you have any questions or need any ideas for your next shower or party, give me a shout in my contacts above!
