B is for Baby Shower

B is for....

Bird! Baby! Boy!

A few weeks ago we threw a shower for a dear friend of mine. As you can see, we went with a birdie theme. (Birds & trees are the nursery theme.) I found so much great inspiration on-line so I am returning the favor and posting some pics.

Invites came from Vista Print. I incorporated one into a wreath for the front door.

I made most of the decorations with printed scrapbook paper and solid card stock. I picked up a 2" circle punch from the craft store (with a coupon of course). To make the garlands I just ran the cut-outs through my trusty sewing machine.

Alternate messages: Welcome to the nest! Feather your nest! About to hatch!
In the end I just kept it simple with a "Welcome Baby" banner.

Instead of a wishing well, we had a wishing shelf.  :)  Guests were instructed to bring a new or used book for baby's library.  Card cage collected card gifts.

LOVE this guest book idea I found on Living Eventfully. I printed free coloring pages from the net. The guests got into and it was a great activity to kill time until the guest of honor arrived. I am going to take the pages to be bound at an office supply store.

Favors were these tasty chocolate nests made w/ chow mein noodles and Jelly Belly "eggs."  (Made by another friend, Em)

A couple general tips, pick up that white tacky stuff from the office supply store to hang decorations on all surfaces. And bring your own tape, scissors, suction cups, etc when you are decorating a space that is not your own. I was so glad I did this time.

Inspiration:

Paper Birds @ Family Fun

About to Hatch Shower @ Living Eventfully

Bird Nest Baby Shower @ My Little Cottage in the Making

Bird Themed Shower @ Leaving My Mark

Change of Seasons

I know summer isn't officially over, but the weather has turned cooler and we are getting into a school year rhythm here. After W's party, there was a baby shower (am working on blogging that). The next day the kids and I took a 10 day trip across the country to visit family. Wow. Whatever made me think that was a good idea I don't know. (No hubby. Change of location every few days. Two crazy, active boys... yikes.)

And here we are. Smack in the middle of September!

I joined a homeschool coop and there are lots of kids in the 3-4's age. So we have a little preschool class going on Mondays. Very fun. One of the local museums offers preschool art classes so we are doing that once a month as well. That was not as big a hit with W, but we will keep trying. When you throw in some Library Story Times and trips to the park we are keeping quite busy.

Oh and D's first birthday is like a week away. No idea how I am going to pull off that party! LOL