(Badgley Mischka dress provided by Rent the Runway and makeup done by the uber talented, Jessie Diaz from Makeup Artistry by Jessie)
I want to start off by saying that I have some of the most amazing girlfriends and sisters on the planet. Sure, everyone says that, but I REALLY have them! I've known most of these girls and their families since I was 15 years old, where we met as sophomores at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. From that moment on, an everlasting sisterhood between Vivi, Adri, Christy, Rebeca and myself was formed. We have grown up together, have seen each other through high school proms and dances, first hangovers, study abroad programs, heartbreak, sickness and death, marriages and babies. And all along, we have maintained a sense of unity, love, and support amongst each other. They have always treated me like family and for that, I will always be grateful to them.
So when it came time for my baby shower, they made sure that I had the most memorable, gorgeous, and meaningful shower that I always envisioned for my little girl! As most of you know I am a control freak. I make no apologies for it! And it's very difficult for me to give up control and sit idle. Trust me, I'm working on it! But I put my faith in their hands when it came to all things planning. I gave them an idea of what theme I wanted (shabby chic), what kind of food (arroz imperial) and drinks (champagne of course!), and some shower do's and dont's (i.e no baby shower games.) They would take care of the rest. Now, surprises give me anxiety BUT I also know that I cannot always get my way and have to trust other people's instincts, so I did! And let me tell you, what a breathtaking surprise it was!!!
One of my closest friends, Adri P.S (not to be confused with my other Adri), did all the invites and the food place cards! That set the tone for the decor and style of the shower! It was very shabby chic! Imagine colors like white, baby pink, soft sky blue, and washed out green, with a birdcage print. It was simply divine! The centerpieces were either white skinny vases or pink glass votives with white hydrangeas and small stems of baby breaths (baby breaths are only acceptable with shabby shic themes), all mismatched over beautifully embroidered linen table clothes and napkins. I had cake pops, a cake that was super delicious and looked just like the design on the invites, and the music was a mix of Parisian, Bossa Nova, and old Cuban standards.
One special thing the girls did for me was buy Maya one of my favorite books growing up, Jose Marti's La Edad de Oro, and all the guests wrote a personal message inside. It was my abuela Maya who at the age of 3, started to teach me to read in Spanish with stories like Don Qioxote and La Edad de Oro. It was so touching! The affair was intimate- about 25 people. I'm not really big on ginormous guest lists. I rather events be intimate (sans a wedding of course) with those I'm close with and care about the most. It was so great to see my dad, especially since it was the first time he saw me pregnant in person. He of course, became emotional. He cries a lot. My awesome aunt Liza was the photographer and she really captured the mood and essence of such a special day. I was truly overwhelmed with love! I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!
I got to mingle with lots of fabulous ladies (and Javy because he is included in ALL my festivities) and it was nice to spend an afternoon eating, having champers and sweets, but more importantly, celebrating a new life. After a couple of hours, we went inside to open gifts. I have to say I am not a fan of opening gifts in front of people or at showers. I mean, no one really cares what you get except you and maybe your closest friends and I feel its such punishment to make people sit through an hour of oohs and ahhhs and sometimes fake excitement over gifts you kind of knew you were already getting. But most people had left so it was only close friends that remained and I know my dad wanted me to open gifts in front of him and who am I to say no to my dad?!
I will never forget this truly magical day and I cannot wait to one day show Maya how many people already loved her before she made her big debut! And you know what the best part is?? I get to do it all over again in New York with some of the best friends and sister in laws a girl could ask for! If that's not a blessing of love, I don't know what is.
Here's to you. Here's to me.
Kata
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