Saturday was one of those days that I will look back on and remember for so many years to come. All of my friends and family went above and beyond to make me and Baby C feel so special and loved.
In addition to helping me shop for maternity clothes, nursery items, registry needs – you name it – all summer long, my little sister Sarah also planned my baby shower. She knows way too much about babies for a 20 year old junior in college by now, and I can’t thank her enough for how special she made me feel this summer, and particularly this weekend.
The baby shower was held at Essencha, an super cute tea house in my mom’s neighborhood. I arrived and was greeted by absolutely adorable decorations and shower favors, all created by my amazing and crafty friend Lindsey. She gave the shower so many beautiful personal touches!
Including these completely awesome handmade felt napkin rings. How gorgeous are these?
Beautiful tables set for afternoon tea. So fun and girly and fabulous.
After all saying hello and chatting for a few minutes, we sat down for our tea luncheon. We started with a small tea sampler – Moroccan mint – yum!
After browsing the menu, we each selected which type of tea we wanted to try. My favorite thing at Essencha is the bubble tea! If you have never tried this you are missing out. There are giant tapioca pearls at the bottom of the slightly sweetened tea, and it is both delicious and fun to drink.
Once tea was served, we started our four course lunch. Sarah worked with the staff at the tea house to create a spectacular “sweets” menu. I loved that while the overall theme was dessert, the portions were perfect and the food was natural, nothing overly sweet that left you with a sugar high.
We started with a chilled fruit soup, which was absolutely incredible. The server said it was made with a pureed melon base. I want to make this!
Course number two – vanilla bean panna cotta with fresh blackberries and a balsamic glaze. Incredible. (I was surprised by how many people hadn’t had panna cotta before!)
The third course was a light crepe filled with lemon curd – my favorite. Garnished with a berry sauce and light whipped cream.
And finally, the fourth course – green tea cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Perfect way to end an absolutely delicious meal.
Of course the food was not the only highlight of the afternoon. Is there anything more fun than having an actual BABY at a baby shower? This weekend was my first time finally meeting my nephew Jonah, and he is just as precious and perfect as I expected.
Once our meals were finished, it was time for gifts.
I tried hard to open them as quickly as possible so I didn’t bore anyone to death. Baby stuff is just so darn CUTE!
And it was such a treat for me to have so many people that I loved there for the occasion.
Baby C now has more clothes than I do. He is going to be one well dressed little boy!
And his mama sure did feel special.
Having the baby shower at the tea house was such a fun spot, and such a great way for us to all celebrate together. It’s only so often you get to do something really girly with all your favorite females.
I felt very spoiled by how many people came from near and far. Casey’s grandmother drove in from Indianapolis just for the occasion!
My best Cincinnati friends who I miss desperately now that I live so far away. We have so much fun whenever we are all home together.
My two besties from college, Lindsey and MaryAnn (who is pregnant too!), who I can never possibly spend enough time with.
One of the biggest surprises for me was that Casey’s entire extended family made the journey to Ohio to help me celebrate. They drove in from Indianapolis, Chicago, Columbus, and Atlanta – such a wonderful treat to get to see them during my pregnancy. I only wish he had been able to come with me and visit with them too!
Two more long distance guests – Rebecca took Jonah for his first plane ride at just 8 weeks so that he could be part of the festivities. It meant so much for me to have her here, and we’ve been talking babies and advice all weekend.
And of course my adorable family, which finally includes a boy! Soon enough there will be one more. I’m not sure how I got quite so lucky.
It was the perfect day, and I went to bed feeling overwhelmed by how loved and blessed I felt. Baby C is very lucky to have so many people who already love him so much.
Back to Seattle tonight! It always goes by too quickly. Next time I see everyone, I’ll be a mom! Hard to believe…
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What a nice shower! And it will be SO nice for you to share the experience of having a newborn with your sisters baby as well :)
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Awww, what a sweet post and so happy that you had such an awesome time and shared it with your friends and fam. THIS is what life is all about.
Safe travels back home and yes “Next time I see everyone, I’ll be a mom! Hard to believe…”
And so wonderful! :)
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That was such a beautiful and fun looking baby shower. Kudos to Sarah and Lindsey! I’m so glad you were able to see so many family and friends :) Your dress and bright shoes were totally adorable too!
BTW I want that crepe in my life!
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What a sweet day. Love all the little personal touches w/ the decor. You are blessed. :) Excited for you as you continue towards motherhood!
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You look absolutely gorgeous – love the white dress! Baby showers are so much fun – I actually have one today for my cousin!
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I have never even heard of panna cotta before! :)
Your shower was so cute! I love the decorating! Can’t wait for Baby C to arrive!
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What a beautiful shower! Sarah did a wonderful job planning, it looked perfect in every way! Glad you got some precious time with your family and friends :)
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Wow! It all sounds so wonderful!!! The sweets theme was fabulous and the green tea cupcake looks very interesting!
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Base on the photos you have posted in this site every seems very happy to the baby shower.
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Awe, what a sweet post!
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So sweet!! Wish I could have been there too
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Oh my gosh, what a lovely day! I really like that your hosts made it possible for people of different generations to attend…sometimes showers can feel stuffy, but yours was wonderful.
And, may I say, my dear — you really look gorgeous in the photos!
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Aww – everything looks beautiful! What a lovely way to share the excitement and love for your new arrival surrounded by family and friends! I can’t believe your nugget is almost here! eeeee!
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Emily how fun!
I am really curious on how a baby shower works when you live thousands of miles away from where it’s held! Did u just get small things that u can put in your suitcase? Are u shipping stuff home? Being a military wife we never live by family so I always figured when there was a baby a shower wouldnt be possible!
Enjoy your last weeks of pregnancy!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Some people mailed gifts and then brought a card letting me know what was sent to Seattle, and others just brought small things that could fit in a suitcase. I brought a big bag and paid the $25 to check it home with all the smaller items!
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emily, you look stunning! would you mind sharing where you got that gorgeous white dress?
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Got it at a boutique in Cincinnati! It’s actually not a maternity dress – just bought a size up. :)
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Sounds like a wonderful shower! The food, the decorations, everything looks just perfect.
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Those green tea cupcakes look so adorable and delicious!! I might have to experiment with a gluten free variety of those soon! Your sister knows how to throw a shower :)
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It is SO evident how much your family loves you and Baby C. Glad you had such a beautiful and fun time. Can’t wait to meet the baby!
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Looks like such a wonderful time! I love the theme!
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Great idea to have your shower at a tea house. What a sweet celebration!
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What a sweet, beautiful shower. And I love your dress and those pink shoes! So cute! :)
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So cute! Good job, Sarah!!
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Wow, that looks so fun! How wonderful that you were surrounded by family who travelled so far to see you :)
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What an amazing day! :) So neat that your family came from so many different directions to share the special day!
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what an adorable baby shower! having it at a tea room is the cutest idea. and i love your dress!
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I’ve been stalking your baby posts for a long time. I thought I would stop being creepy and comment. :-)
I love the way you are documenting your pregnancy. It will be such a wonderful thing for your family to look back and read. I started blogging when I was 8 months pregnant with my second child, and I wish I would have started sooner. However, I love having blog posts that show my my kids growing up over the last 2 years. It’s priceless to have!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Thanks for reading!
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What a great baby shower! You look amazing lady bug :)
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Oh, I’ve been waiting for this post! :) You look beautiful and it looks like the shower was wonderful. What a nice location for a baby shower!
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This post made me tear up a little.
What a wonderful, beautiful celebration of family and your little boy.
Congrats!
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That looks like such a beautiful shower. I’m so happy you had a such a nice visit with friends and family. :)
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What a beautiful shower and a fun day! So glad you had a great time.
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how beautiful!! ohhh i love bubble tea!! so fun to drink! i grew up in the philippines and the pearls (we all it ‘sago’) usually in our halo-halo desserts. anyways, i want to nom nom on that green tea cupcake though! :) p.s. you look adorable!
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Wow, this is such an adorable post! The food looks amazing, and the fact you are seriously *glowing* makes it even better!
P.S. The younger girl in those pictures totally looks like dakota fanning!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Doesn’t she?? She gets that all the time. :)
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Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Haha, at least I’m not the only weirdo then :)
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Congratulations, everything looks fantastic! Kudos to your sister for planning such a great event.
I hate to like be the vegetarian police or something, but I appreciate when people have let me know about things I thought were vegetarian — in case you didn’t know, panna cotta isn’t. Sad, because it looked good!
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Heather Reply:
August 14th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
I was thinking the same thing about the cream cheese frosting.
There are ways to make panna cotta vegan friendly (http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/2008/02/vegetarian-panna-cotta-ingredient-you.html), and hopefully the restaurant was able to make those accommodations.
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
The restaurant assured us the menu was vegetarian! They may have used pectin or agar or another stabilizer – not sure.
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Oh my gosh, what a lovely party! I am a former Cincinnatian too and I absolutely LOVE Essencha – whether I go by myself to have a quiet cup of tea and write, or with a group of fellow tea-loving friends. I still get my loose tea from there even if I no longer live in Cincy.
Aaah, the joy of babies and baby stuff…
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Yay, love that place! :)
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What a special time! Everything thing looks so cute and brightly colored. I would love to have four courses of desserts!
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The shower looks beautiful!*
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What a beautiful shower! Your sister did a great job! I am so glad you had a nice time. And you look amazing!
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Jonah is too adorable! The baby shower looked just perfect!
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Beautiful pictures! You look stunning and your dress is too cute!
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What a beautiful shower — and how special for you to celebrate with everyone most near and dear to your heart :) It sounds like a day you’ll cherish always.
And how ADORABLE is Jonah?!
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So sweet. You have so much support and are so loved. It is wonderful and touching to see.
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Oh Emily, you are absolutely glowing! It looks like the perfect event to welcome your little one into the world! I am so happy for you and Casey!
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GORGEOUS! Glad you had such a lovely time with your family and friends. You and baby C deserve it all!
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So happy you had such a great shower!! Baby Jonah is beautiful!!!
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What an awesome baby shower! It must be such a strange feeling knowing that the next time you see everyone you’ll be a mommy. :)Hopefully I’ll get to see you in Seattle soon!
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you dress is excellent! the tea place was such a great idea for a shower. something different and girly. :-)
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What a fun, loving, and perfect day! You and baby C totally deserved it! I’m so glad you had a wonderful time and the party was too cute!
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Such a lovely lovely day!
I can feel all the love overflowing in your heart, great writing again :)
Thank you for sharing!
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Awww! Glad you had a great shower! Love your dress!!
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What an adorable baby shower!! You are absolutely glowing. :-)
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love your dress!
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If anyone deserves such a beautiful baby shower, it’s you. You are truly glowing and pregnancy suits you perfectly!!!!
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This post made me cry happy. I’m not even pregnant, I’m just emotional and happy you’re just glowing and happy! :)
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Your shower looks like it was wonderful & it’s so special that all of Casey’s family was able to come (and your new nephew!). I also love your dress – so cute :)
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This looks like such a lovely afternoon :) I’m sure your friends and family were as thrilled with the celebrations as you were – and the food would have won anyone over!
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Awww looks like such an adorable shower! :) Glad you had an amazing time, you definitely deserve to be spoiled! :)
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Wow! Everything looks so elegant and beautiful! Your nephew is absolutely adorable! Such a great baby shower with all your family and friends!
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Congrats. Those green tea cupcakes look delicious,
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You look absolutely gorgeous in that white dress! You are my pregnancy beauty hero :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Thank you! :)
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What a sweet baby shower! I love that place. Also I’m kind of sad I didn’t randomly run into you this weekend…
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Jen Lilley Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
oh and also i think we need a guest how-to tutorial post by lindsey for those ridiculously cute napkin rings…
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
AGREED!
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Ashley Reply:
August 16th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
I was about to ask for this too, I love the napkin rings, they’re so cute in the different colors.
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
I was 100% expecting to see you at Target. No visit is complete without a random Lilley run-in. :)
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I think iI *need* a green tea cupcake in my life.
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Your sister did a fabulous job with the baby shower, am craving lemon curd right now… Mmmm! Love your dress too, looks lovely with the bump!
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Beautiful family! I can’t wait to see Baby C. :-)
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You look stunning in that white dress!!
and the shower looked beautiful! I’ve never had panna cotta….not sure what it tastes like? But it looks great!! :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
It tastes like custard!
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What a beautiful post! I’m glad you were able to spend some time with all the great women in your life! I love the sweets theme– so fun!
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What a beautiful shower! I’m glad you had such a great one, and your family seems so wonderful! Congratulations – I’m sure you will be a wonderful mother!
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I love that your baby shower was a tea place! So adorable. Looks like it was a blast and kudos to your sis for planning it!
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You look beautiful! What an adorable shower. Those green tea cuppies look amazing! And I *love* panna cotta. Delish. Congrats :)
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Such a sweet post…you look beautiful! I love the idea of having the theme of sweet foods!
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You are positively glowing! And I absolutely LOVE the little touches your friend made, esp those napkin rings! She should start an etsy store…I want to buy those! :) I also love the idea of having a “sweets” shower at a tea house. Everything looked delicious!
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aww. it makes me want to cry. really. cause all of that is over for me now, but it was so magical.
:)
jen
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looks like a fabulous time! and you look gorgeous!!!
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Your shower looks like it was so much fun! I love all of the little details, and I’ve never seen one done at a tea house before! So cool!
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What a beautiful place for a shower. You look lovely. :)
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You are so lucky to have so many awesome females in your family to do this for you! Love the details and the custom menu :)
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aww glad you had fun! the decorations are adorable!
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You look beautiful! I am in LOVE with your dress. What a perfect shower dress :) You look lovely! Glad you had such a fun time.
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