(Dress: Leith Flounce Sleeve Wrap Dress – Yes, this is the same dress I wore on our Kiawah Island babymoon that I also have in pink. When I saw it on sale, I bought it in the icy blue color for our sprinkle, too! It’s not maternity but I just ordered up a size.)
I managed to snap some pictures right after I arrived at my friend Laura’s house on Saturday afternoon but kept my camera tucked away for the rest of the sprinkle and focused on time with the women I consider my biggest support system here in Charlotte (outside of Ryan, of course). Unfortunately this means I didn’t get a group picture – or a photo with anyone except my sweet sprinkle hostesses – which I am kicking myself for neglecting, but it also means I was so wrapped up in the moment and truly enjoyed every second with my friends. I am so appreciative of everyone who attended and took time out of their busy lives to celebrate the baby we already love so much.
But more on the sprinkle in a moment!
Friday
Our weekend kicked off on Friday evening with family night at the playground. We are in the “let’s get outside whenever possible” phase of spring right now and have been taking full advantage of the Charlotte sunshine.
The highlight of my Friday night? Snagging a woman’s phone number at the park who was there watching two kids and seemed like the most engaged and enthusiastic babysitter. I told Ryan I felt like I was majorly creeping on her but she was so great with the kids and immediately included Chase in a round of “Duck, Duck, Goose” when he seemed intrigued so I just couldn’t resist talking with her and asking if she was open to possibly watching Chase and a baby here and there in the future.
As I’m sure those with kids know, great babysitters are hard to come by and when I realized we have some mutual friends (she works at a juice bar owned by one of my friends’ brothers), it seemed like a match made in heaven. Since one of our favorite babysitters recently left for college, we’ve felt a little pressed on options, so I’m hoping this woman will be a wonderful fit! Annnd after typing all of that out I just realized how sad it is that my Friday night highlight was possibly finding a new great babysitter but it’s the truth and I am psyched! Ha!
Saturday
Saturday morning began with a family walk. With temperatures in the low 70s on Saturday morning, we decided leashing Sadie up for a walk and another romp at the playground with Chase sounded perfect. We ended up being out and about for a little more than two hours and planned our trip near a public restroom to keep potty training as successful as possible. Yes, life is revolving around easy-access to toilets right now, my friends.
By the time we made it home, I was ready for a shower so Ryan took Chase to the grocery store while I got ready for my baby sprinkle. Once they were back and Chase was settled in for his nap, it was time to me to head off to Laura’s and join my friends for some baby fun and plenty of sweet treats!
To say I was blown away by the time, energy and effort my friends put into our baby sprinkle is a serious understatement. Laura has a reputation among our group of friends for being the most incredible hostess (she’s not only ridiculously crafty but she’s also a phenomenal friend who always makes everyone feel so welcome) and the attention to detail she poured into creating the cutest ice cream and donut stand (she made everything!) blew my mind.
It was so clear how much thought Carrie, Lauren and Laura put into the sprinkle from the theme (helloooo ice cream and donuts!) and the food (including my favorite cheddar-caramel Chicago Mix popcorn) to the decorations and I honestly felt overwhelmed by their kindness multiple times throughout the afternoon.
I remember when Ryan and I moved to North Carolina from Florida and then got pregnant with Chase, I truly worried about finding a group of women I’d connect with who would be encouraging and supportive and totally judgment-free, especially since we would be raising children without family in the area.
Every single one of the 15(ish) women who attended my sprinkle are so genuine and kind and they’re the kind of people who never make me feel like I’m lacking in any area. They’re there to laugh at motherhood mishaps, cheer me on during the good moments and pick me up and support me when I’m at my lowest lows and I truly hope and pray they feel the same from me right back.
The baby sprinkle took place in Laura’s backyard and after chatting with my friends for an hour or so, I opened gifts and was, yet again, touched by everyone’s generosity.
I am so appreciative of the baby necessities we received (diapers, wipes, etc.) and found myself tearing up more than a couple of times. For some reason the gifts that involved Chase really got to me and I think it’s because I’m beginning to realize it won’t just be Mom and Chase all day every day.
Do not mistake this in any way for me saying I’m not ready for another baby because that is SO far from the truth, but I am a oddly emotional when I think about trying to juggle my first baby and my second baby. I know I cannot expect to have the same experience I had with Chase with a new baby since my attention will not solely be on one little one and I just want to make sure both of my children feel incredibly loved and cherished as our family grows and changes.
It’s an odd mix of emotions because I am so very ready for another child but also emotional about the one-on-one time with my firstborn slipping away as well. Please tell me I’m not alone in feeling ALL THE THINGS about mothering two kids and the big changes that await!?! Phew!
(That toddler t-shirt for Chase says “Did we just become best friends?” and the onesie for our new baby says, “Yep!” So darn cute!!)
Once the gift-opening was done, everyone stayed and chatted for a while longer which was such a treat! I texted Ryan around 5 p.m. and told him to head over with Chase when Laura invited us to stay and have our kids and husbands join in the fun.
(Can you tell the husbands and toddlers were psyched to dig into our sprinkle leftovers!?)
We spent the rest of Saturday evening hanging out by Laura and Steve’s backyard pool, digging into dinner from Zoe’s Kitchen on the patio and watching The Kentucky Derby.
The only picture I got with my wonderful sprinkle-planning friends took place at the end of the night right before we all headed home and our kids were dried off after the pool and either sporting their underwear or their jammies. Woops!
Thank you so, so much to Carrie, Laura and Lauren for their kindness, time and planning and to all of my wonderful friends who celebrated our baby with me for such a memorable day!
Sunday
Our Sunday was quite low-key which was exactly what Ryan and I were craving after such a full Saturday. We spent the morning at church and the evening outside splashing with Chase at our water table before ordering pizza and calling it an early night.
I hope all of you have a wonderful week ahead and thanks so much for stopping by PBF today! Enjoy your week!
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