Baby Shower

Crystal is originally from Newfoundland, but was brought to Calgary by her fiancee Rick. Here, she met Carmen. Sharing a love of children, they became the best of friends while working together in a daycare center.
Crystal has now moved back to St John’s, but they are still inseparable. Although there have been visits between them, it’s completely clear to me that it’s not enough for either of them.With the right employment opportunity, Carmen expressed that she would love to move here, both because of the beauty that is Newfoundland, but also so she could be closer to her best friend.

Crystal and Rick are expecting their first child in August. Carmen decided to do something sweet, personal, and perfect for her.

I could have printed out something quick and easy. Heck, Staples carries little booklets of  ’Gift Certificates,’ that you just fill out with a regular old ballpoint.
This friendship, and this new-mother-to-be, deserved something much more personal.
So I (and John when I got frustrated and teary when it wasn’t turning out the way I wanted!) crafted this over a few hours on Sunday evening.

(I actually stuck my fingers together while gluing on the flags. Totally worth EVERY effort!)

I can’t imagine a more perfect gift for a new mother. A baby can only wear so many clothes, play with so many toys. But they don’t stay babies very long. Infants grow so quickly. Having beautiful images to reflect on later are priceless. Carmen knows how fast children grow, so she started searching for maternity and baby photographers in Newfoundland. I am so honoured she chose me.

John is too wonderful to me – he helped me with the printer settings, with the glue, with the string, and with the address stickers sticking. (Dear Scrapbookers, you have my utmost respect!) He is so crafty. I can set things up to look incredible in an image – but for the life of me, I can’t cut, glue, tape, or fold. But he could see how important this was for me, and knew exactly how to interpret what I was saying, and brought it to life! I am thrilled and so proud of how the gift certificate came out.

When it’s redeemed, I’ll simply write on the back of it, and then Crystal can keep it for a special memento if she’d like. It’s perfect.

What a beautiful surprise this will be. I only wish I could see Crystal’s face when she opens the envelope.
I know this is only one small memory from the long and solid friendship you both share, but I am so touched to be a part of it.

Rick, Crystal, I can’t wait to meet you both, and your new baby boy, in August!

xoxo!

Jennifer

Last Sunday I was invited to a baby shower for beautiful Mommy-to-be Connie, who is simply glowing.

I had so much fun – so many tiny baby clothes – so much pink!

Baby Jillian Erica isn’t due for another month, but there’s so much love waiting for her!