It was a warm Sunday afternoon, a perfect bright and sunny beacon of the coming spring. In an upstairs room overlooking Columbia’s Main Street, preparations were underway in Lula Drake’s upper room, called the Pastor’s Study, for the most beautiful baby shower. As the midday sun beamed through the windows, fresh greenery and flowers were draped elegantly across each table, but the true focal point of the room was the wooden wheelbarrow filled with vegetables and adorned with a stuffed Peter Rabbit, a nod to the theme of the shower. Shortly after noon, family and friends from near and far began to arrive, and the room buzzed with the excited thrum of conversation as they awaited the arrival of the guest of honor. Suddenly, the two grandmothers-to-be whisked away to the stairwell to meet Caitlin—the glowing mama-to-be. As she entered the room, her eyes shining with joy and excitement, she began to exclaim over all the dear ones who had come from great distances to be there to celebrate her and the sweet baby on the way. It was impossible not to feel the love in the room, and I could only begin to imagine how it will surround this sweet family as they bring this new life into the world!

What an absolute delight it was to be able to capture this absolutely gorgeous baby shower! Caitlin and Sean’s sweet baby on the way is the first grandchild on both sides of the family, and it was so apparent how much excitement all of the grandparents have for this little one! I was especially excited to hear that Caitlin and Sean decided to wait until their baby’s arrival to learn the gender, too! Since my husband and I also had a surprise gender baby with our first pregnancy, I know firsthand the extra element of anticipation and excitement it adds as the baby’s arrival comes closer and closer.From the moment she walked through the door, Caitlin’s radiant joy was contagious. However, I also could not help but take note of what a truly warm, gracious person she is. As I watched her interact with each of her guests, I couldn’t help but think how her abundant love and kindness will make her an especially incredible mother!

To the Bazan and Hastings families—thank you so much for inviting me to be part of such a special celebration for your families! Baby H is the luckiest little one to be surrounded by such an incredible village!