We Come Bearing Gifts

When Caroline was born, we were absolutely spoiled by friends and family with sweet cards, flowers, and such, but I wanted to make sure I told you about a special few, not to be forgotten.

First of all, the ever popular “push present”. No, I did not make this term up…for those of you out there who have been wondering and inquiring, yes, the hubby did surprise me with quite a special something to commemorate our Sweet Caroline.
Let’s back up a bit though to explain exactly what is a so-called “push present”.
I am borrowing this verbiage from Wikipedia, so giving them all the credit:
Also known as a push gift/baby bauble, it’s a present a new father gives a new mother when she gives birth to their child. It can be given before or after the birth, and is a long-standing tradition in numerous cultures, specifically in England, India, and in recent years, the United States. Apparently, it’s passed on largely by word-of-mouth and/or peer pressure. It’s a kind way to show a mother appreciation for nine months of carrying a child, putting their bodies through all sorts of fun, and let’s not forget the fun first trimester of constant morning sickness.
So, back to the moral of the story…we had discussed push presents throughout my pregnancy, as I wanted something I would keep forever to be reminded of this momentous occasion. However, seeing as my hubby simply cannot keep a secret from me to save his life, he came home 2 weeks prior to my due date after I had a particularly rough day at work and asked me to hold out my hands because he had a special surprise for me.
When I opened my eyes I was greeted by the most gorgeous earrings I had ever seen…diamond studs with pave diamonds circling the center stone. Something I can wear everyday and a piece of jewelry I will treasure always and forever. That man knows me all too well ;).

And then there is the gift that brought me to tears…
A few Sundays ago, my best friends informed me they were all bombarding the house because they had something they wanted to give me. So, they all gathered around and presented me with the book that took my breath away. They had been plotting for months to surprise me with a book for Caroline. Each one of my best friends, my mom and dad, and Jeff wrote letters to Caroline about me. Then they added a ton of pictures from over the years, which brought back incredible memories that I have had with each of them. They wanted to start a fun tradition that we will all make for each other once we have children of our own and of course I broke down {due to crazy hormones} at the thought that they had spent so much time working on this fun project. It is something I cannot wait to share with Caroline and it is a keepsake I know she will treasure always, as it’s sweet letters from those that know me best. Here are a few snapshots of the book:

P.S. I know I have the best friends in the world! Thank you so much girls…you know this surprised me beyond measure and each and every word you wrote made me so glad I have all of you in my lives. I know Caroline is going to be grateful to have each of you as honorary aunts, too.