A Beautiful Afternoon

Last Saturday, my darling best friend Mary threw me a baby shower at her house in Glen Ellen. Twenty-plus wonderful women attended - family and friends - and it was such a treat to see everyone. Mary was a champion party-thrower. She had totally scrumptious food (including a chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting - yum!) and great decorations. She and her hubby Gary have fixed up their backyard with lots of shady areas and a gorgeous garden, so we ate outside and talked, then went inside to play a few games (all of which were fun, not lame!) and open gifts inside. And what wonderful gifts they were - lots of practical things we need and lots of wonderful books and handmade things too. My friend and co-worker Robin gave me a hand-sewn teddy bear her mom Shirley had made - what a treasure!

Another highlight was receiving a handmade quilt that my grandma, Audrey, stitched by hand for baby Marlo. What a lucky girl Marlo is (and what a lucky girl I am too). I am going to figure out a pretty way to hang it on the wall in Marlo's room, so she can see it every day and know how much her great-grandma loves her.

Another highlight was a really unique activity Mary had everyone do. She made note cards and labeled them "6 months," "1 year," "2 years," etc., up to about 22 years old, so that everyone there could choose an age. Then people wrote a short note to Marlo, imagining she would open it on that birthday. These letters are filled with so much sage advice, fun reminders, and stuff to look forward to. Some excerpts:

For 2 years old, from Nonna (Grandma) Price: I can hardly believe you are 2 years old already. I remember how excited we were awaiting your birth. Now you are walking and talking. I am looking forward to your next visit...you can swim in the pool and eat ice cream. We'll take Sophie for a walk, read a book, and take a nap!

For 6 years old, from Ginny Jones (my friend Angela's mom and my surrogate mom): I hope you have a dog or some other special animal to be your pet.

For 7 years old, from Kimberly Blattner (a friend of my mom's): What all parents love is to have their child make them laugh. Tell your mom and dad jokes, wear disguises and funny hats, and learn magic tricks.

For 9 years old, from my mom: My hopes for you at age 9 are to ignore the media's pressure to grow up as fast as you can and try to be 18. Instead, find ways to play music and sing, hike in nature, draw and sculpt, and read and write as much as possible. Ignore boys for now and don't ever hide your intelligence.

For 13 years old, from Aunt Megan (Lew's sister, who also gave Marlo this adorable stuffed monkey): You will have so many questions about life and about who you are, and who you want to become. There will be so many paths that lie before you, which can be confusing at times, but you will choose the right ones. One day, you will realize that the paths you chose, even the steep and rocky inclines, were the only ones you could have chosen - because they will have shaped the beautiful and intelligent woman that you are sure to become.

For 15 years old, from my friend Kelly: You probably think you have most of life just about figured out by now...but you don't. Listen to your mother. She does actually know a thing or two. You'll see!

For 20 years old, from Donna, my friend Angela's stepmom (who I've known since I was about 10 and whose daughters I babysat and learned almost everything I know about babies from): 20 = better than 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, but you are still likely to be confused about the best path to take...do what riles your particular passion. Most of all, start looking out and spend less time looking in. You will have a wonderful life!

Needless to say, what a lot of wonderful thoughts and comments for our baby Marlo. That's just a sample, and I can tell you it will give me just one more reason to look forward to her birth - and every birthday after that.

Comments

[Shirley]

Leslie,
What a fantastic party it must have been! I love the "little card and sage advice" gesture!! So meaningful for you and Little Miss Marlo...such good friends you have. Enjoy!!
P.S. I followed you from Scrapbook Answers...sad to see it go, but looks like life is treating you right!!!
:D