Yokosuka Baby Shower

On September 4th I had an AWESOME shower here in Yokosuka with friends from base and Japanese friends from my kimekome craft class! First and foremost a HUGE thank you to Kelly and Tiffany for throwing the shower - it was sooo much fun and I'm incredibly grateful to them for doing it!!

The shower was a blast and I was honestly surprised by how many people came! It's such an unusual situation to be so far from home experiencing such a huge milestone... I just feel really blessed to have such good friends here to share such a special time in my life with. It was also special sharing this American tradition with my Japanese friends! The Japanese don't have baby showers, they traditionally bring gifts and visit the family AFTER the baby is born at their home. The shower was a new experience for them and one they seemed to really enjoy!

Haruko, Sadako, Yoko, Sumiko, Keiko, Kelly and I

Me, Erin, Dana, Beth, little Noelle, Haruko, Mayumi, and Sadako

An adorable diaper cake from Tif and super cute prizes!

I even had a corsage!

YUMMY FOOD!

A fabulous diaper cake that Kelly made!!

Julia was photographer for the day (THANK YOU!) but we got a picture before she took over camera duty!

Mayumi and Sumiko - winners of the "pass the gift to..." poem game.

Kelly explains and demonstrates the belly game for everyone...

Checking measurements with Sumiko, Dana, Yoko, Eiko, and Terri watching...

Lois didn't win the belly measuring game, but I insisted on a picture since she thought I was SMALLER than I actually am!!!

Haruko guessed the size of my belly PERFECTLY!

Opening gifts! Beth just had a little one and knows what a pregnant Momma REALLY wants! :)

I included this pic because it's one of the few with Tif in it (lower left)... she did a good job of avoiding the camera!!

Super cute stuffed food set - complete with eggs, fruit, shrimp, and onegiri - handmade by Sadako's daughter.

Being silly - what can I say, I really liked the bow and garland. I also LOVE Erin's reaction!

Lois, Yoshie, and Donna tied at the attributes games (they had to guess which attributes I hoped the baby would get from Shane, me, or neither of us)! Dana (2nd from left) won the don't say baby (or akachan) game!

I can't even put into words just how much fun the shower was... I'm always up for a good party and this was truly fantastic with incredible memories that I will keep forever! Thank you so much to everyone who came!!!