Very Hungry Caterpillar Shower

Yay, today was my first baby shower! Risotto is already getting set with great clothes, daipers and gear from my work friends. I am so grateful to Jacquie, Jenn, Marianne, Tanya and Andrea for their enthusiasm about my son-to-be and their desire to help celebrate him. What a day! 


We received name suggestions from the crowd. A few favorites: 
Baby Name: Akaloa, To bring him good fortune (Akaloa is our biggest funder, and on whose grants I spend the most time. Clever, Teri!)
Baby Name: Ricardo, Because it is his destiny (Ricardo)
Baby Name: Joe IV, Best name in the entire world (Joe)
Baby Name: Saffron, It is beautiful and logical (Wendelien)
Baby Name: Ricky Bobby, Because it's awesome! (Andie)



Guests were asked to list their wishes for Baby "Risotto" Rice. What a spectrum of advice!

I hope you learn: to embrace life's mysteries, to have fun, another language, to be as amazing as your folks, to play nice with others, what the world has to teach, to ride a bike, CPR and First Aid, to whistle, to cook, to speak Italian, to trust God's plan for you, some funny jokes, Red Cross messaging
I hope you aren't afraid: without reason, to help, of anything, of the dark, of clowns (3 people wrote that!), to have adventures, to try, of failure, of taxes, of spiders, to cry!, to be afraid, to give blood
I hope you love: and are loved in return, lots, yo mamma - no doubt!, butterflies, chocolate :), life and your parents - even when they say "no" to you, Chance as much as mom does
I hope you get: to be on TV for the Red Cross, to travel the world, to see a real caterpillar, to play music and football, your mom's love of writing, sleep, to sleep through the night (early on), to go to Disneyland every year, rich!
I hope you laugh: at everything, at yourself!, often, harder than your Dad, often and loudly, at your parents, with joy, all the time!!
I hope you never forget: cherished memories, to smile, to be thankful, birthdays, to brush your teeth, how much you are loved, your passport, how to be silly, how important you are, God loves you
I hope you ignore: peas - they are the worst, doubters, bullies, your flaws, bad drivers, anyone who tells you that you can't do something
I hope you become: president! elderly - in a good way!! happy, a great leader, a master cupcake maker, a magician, a pirate arrrr!, a rock star
I hope you respect: the Red Cross & volunteer, those who earn it, life, mother nature, animals, your Mom and Dad, the body and mind God gave you
I hope you grow: up to be smart just like your mama, strong, your own veggies & fruits, to be confident, up to be happy, to be tall, flowers for your mom, up a gentleman, to love the Red Cross



Ah, the decor... Jacquie headed the party planning committee and her attention to detail, craftiness (and excellent utilization of Pinterest) was clear. 









The caterpillar cake pops and cupcakes were SUBLIME. Justin and I were really bummed when we ran out of leftovers. 

 

Thanks again Jacquie! What a fun day - you raised the bar on work parties!

Risotto is set with his Red Cross gear. Future volunteer? We'll see!

Thanks for the photos, Kat!