Last night some friends in my ward gave me a baby shower. I always feel a little awkward attending a shower, whether it be bridal or baby, given in my honor. I have a hard time being the focus of attention. And then there's the gifts. I know that showers are an expected tradition, but I can't help but feeling like I've suddenly become gift-greedy or something. Deep down I know I'm not, but on the surface, that's what I can't help but think it looks like.

Anyway, personal issues aside, it turned out to be a great little party, with lots of friends and some really good food -- really good food. We're talking rich chocolate fondue made from Ghirardelli's chocolate and heavy cream and big, red, ripe strawberries to dip in it. So good. Oh, and they served that Sprite with frozen berries punch...my favorite.

This baby of ours cleaned up quite nicely. He got some adorable outfits, and our collection of cute little onesies was added to considerably last night...which is great, because I'm told that what with spit-up and poopy diapers and such, you can't have too many of those. His board book library is starting to look pretty decent, as is his tiny stash of tiny diapers. And, should we end up continuing to live in a climate with harsh, bitter winters, his pile of little blankets will keep him nice and warm. A few people were thoughtful enough to think beyond newborn-hood and gave some plate and bowl sets, tiny spoons, and sippy cups. Those will definitely come in handy down the road.

Of course, because a baby shower wouldn't be a true baby shower without them, there was the healthy sharing of childbirth/nursing/child-rearing horror stories (just like a bridal shower wouldn't be a true bridal shower without lingerie and giggling). I'm sure that someday I'll have my own stories to add to the mix, but until I have at least one of my own, I usually end up feeling like the pale, anxious-looking third wheel in those conversations. There were some pretty hilarious stories shared last night, though, which, for the sake of their privacy, I won't share on the internet. Just trust me -- they were good.

Anyway, it was certainly an enjoyable evening. It made me realize just how much I will miss these people when either they or we move away (this is turning into the Summer of the Muncie 1st Ward Exodus...while we may or may not be leaving the area right away, nearly all of our friends are, which is sad). I really have gained some sweet, thoughtful friends here.