"Smothered In Love" Baby Celebration

Okay, so it's not a typical theme for a party, but every time I tried to come up with something different, I just kept coming back to it.  Apparently Casie was needing some smothering from her sisters.  This Celebration included guests from all over.  A few different fellowships and family sat around the tables AND the new baby joined us as well.  Yep, Casie went into labor almost 4 weeks early, then had the baby, Yahkiyn Levi just short of 3 weeks before he was due.  What a surprise!  We know that the Father always works things out for our good, so I just figured she needed time to settle in with baby, and then get with her sisters to celebrate and be encouraged again now as a mom with 5 children.  It turned out so delightful and was a blessed time!  

A big shout out of thanks to Sadie Mae for helping me in preparation for this wonderful Celebration!  I couldn't have done it without your helping hands, your contribution of fun decor, and your energy of helping set it all up!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

This was the invitation.  I also included a onesie and a slip of paper that gave details on decorating the onesie and bringing it to the Celebration to be displayed.  

The tables were simple yet so pretty.  

We put a party favor at each setting on the tables.  The nice thing about these party favors was that I worked at these over the summer, so I wasn't doing them 2 days before the party....unlike someone else I know.  :)

We borrowed these turquoise jars from different people, so we would have enough.  We borrowed the flowers and stones from another sister.  We borrowed the table cloths from another sister.  This is one way we keep the costs down, and we appreciate all the joint effort in helping us do this!

Onto the food table!  We decided to go with a bread and cheese theme for a light lunch and tie in the "smothered" theme with the foods.  Ladies brought in some wonderful contributions.  Meatballs, cheeses, grapes, breads, bruschetta, olives, pickles, jams, honey cinnamon butter, herb dipping oil, and sweet potato brie bites filled our bellies.  Nobody left hungry!

Sheep cheese.  What a fun addition!

Yahkiyn Levi's name banner with fabric tassles on the ends.  We used it at his circumcision party, and made it so we could use it again at this party.  Double purpose decor is always great!  

For the drinks I wanted something that the ladies could smother their drink with.  Coffee was my first thought because Casie loves coffee, but I wanted something a little different.  I found Italian Cream Sodas.  I hadn't had the chance to try them ahead of time, so I was a little nervous at how they would taste.  But they turned out yummy, so very cute, and fun to make.

  

We asked ladies to decorate the onesie that we sent to them with their invitation.  Some people are so creative!  It was a lot of fun to look through them and see the clever ideas.  

Dessert time!

Sadie had this old window that we used to write the desserts' names on with a dry erase marker.  What a fun touch it added to the table.  

Everytime we do a Celebration, Casie always finds these cute little mini cakes that she thinks we should do.  You see, I did mini cakes once, and vowed I'd never do them again.  Well, I thought it would only seem appropriate if I made some for a small portion of my smothering on her.  They did turn out quite cute.

This banner was made so that the paper behind the turquoise paper wasn't attached at the top.  So, they are like little pockets.  We left white triangles of paper on the tables for ladies to write encouraging words on and stick in the pockets on the banner.  We also included some chocolates and gift cards to her favorite places.  She took this home to go through and be further encouraged and smothered there.

Her mom gave her this pin in the gift she gave her.  I think it's so cute!

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We then take time to share whatever God has given us to share with the new mom.  This is where we take the time to truly encourage our sister and build her up.  We have one lady read a letter that her husband wrote ahead of time, and ladies take turns sharing either with the group or just with Casie personally as she washes her feet.  It really is a humbling act to wash her feet and serve her in this way.  Special moments!

Thank you so much Sadie for all of your help!  

Casie Lynn, I'm so honored to call you my friend and sister!  Yahweh has blessed me with a great person to share in these moments with, whether we're planning one together or having one for each other.  Yahkiyn, I'm so glad you could join us for this one!  You sure added some cuteness to the room!

CeLeBrations don't have to be this detailed, or have a room full of ladies to share.  Sometimes the smaller more intimate setting can be just as meaningful.  Don't try to compare what you do with another's.  Don't try to make it something huge and amazing if you don't have the ability to do that.  Pray about what HE wants you to make it, and you can be sure it will be just perfect and fitting for the new momma!