Showered in Love: a Real American Baby Shower
Written by Kelly Schumann (Development Associate)
As the Development Associate for Elizabeth House, I don’t get to interact with the women we serve very often. I manage our database and pull reports and make deposits. These types of computer-based tasks are the proverbial music to my introverted ears! And it is so rewarding that my technical skills are helping to empower pregnant and parenting women in need.
Elizabeth House keeps me busy most of the time. But when we have a baby shower, it’s my chance to get out from behind my computer and spend quality time with our residents. Recently, I got to stretch my creative muscles and plan and execute the baby shower for our resident, Melanie and her baby girl on the way.
Melanie has a huge personality! She’s originally from another country and she loves exploring the American way of doing things. I asked her one small question: what do you envision for your baby shower? And Melanie had given this a LOT of thought! Her top three requests were lavender and blue colors, mocktails and yogurt parfaits, and the full American baby shower experience with as many party guests as possible!
On the day of the shower, I was nervous and excited for her to see what I’d come up with. Little lavender butterfly garlands hung in all the windows. A lavender scarf with ballons and streamers adorned the throne where she would sit. Presents were piled up on the table, right next to a yogurt parfait bar and a mocktail station.
Our church partners, Bridgetown Church provided décor, refreshments, gifts, and party guests. And of course, baby shower games! Lots and lots of baby shower games! (Thank you so much to Kate and her whole crew for all the hard work and help!)
When Melanie walked through the door, she was stunned. She stood there taking it all in, totally silent. Then she said, “I’m shocked, I’ve never seen anything like this!”
It took several days for Melanie to come back down to earth after the high of the baby shower. She kept saying over and over how grateful she was. And for me, seeing her literally showered with gifts and love and support reenforced why Elizabeth House is so important. Now Melanie and her daughter will have all the things they need to start their life together. And if that life gets difficult, I know Elizabeth House will be there whenever she needs us.
