My niece’s first-ever party

Since Libba is in her final months of pregnancy, we decided that the Birmingham Blackwell birthday weekend would be a perfect time for her baby shower. Oh, I am SO EXCITED for my sister to become a mama! She has essentially been a second-mother to my children since birth, and I can’t wait to watch her and Dirk transition into parenthood. They are going to be the best parents ever. And Baby Girl South is already one very loved and protected little person.

The shower was such a beautiful event, hosted by all of the Blackwell tooties. It was a group effort to make the day as lovely as possible for Libba, and I think it turned out wonderfully. I put together a craft of paper elephants that guests wrote words of advice on for Libba and Baby South. I was even able to send out some elephants to our wonderful Bloggers, who were all so sweet in returning in time for the shower. I watched my sister read every word on each of those elephants, and she teared up with joy or laughed out loud or both on every one. Thank you so much to you to the you fabulous out-of-town ladies for contributing. It made the day even more special.

Libba is blessed with so many wonderful friends, and I was so happy to see them again and meet new ones and let them know how much they mean to my sister.

Taylor was smitten with my cousin Meg’s daughter, Mallory, for the event, following her around like a duckling and helping bring her Beeba gifts.

Luke, thanks to his YaYa, ended up consuming his weight’s worth in lemonade and jelly beans, and proceeded to run around the room showing off his belly, giving high fives and flashing that charming smile.

And then the sugar buzz wore off, and he turned into a monster.

But not even a few tantrums could put a damper on such a fantastic event. I was so happy to be a part of it, and as excited as I am to watch me sister become a mother, I am even more excited to MEET MY NIECE! I am going to smooch her and cradle her and smother her in love. And it was crazy saying goodbye to Libba as we left the following morning, knowing that the next time I’ll see her that Baby South will be here. Hurry up, Thanksgiving!