sweet book themed baby shower

My sister-in-law, Jess, is due any day with her first baby – a sweet little girl. We’re beside ourselves in the Lex family because it will be the first new baby since Audrey and we’re just slightly baby-crazy around here.

Since Jess is a lover of literature and she has already been showered with more gear and clothing than she knows what to do with, we went with a book themed baby shower to help build up baby girl’s library.

Between Ryan’s mom (crazy talented with a pretty house and garden full of flowers), Jess’ best friend (super organized and sweet and great hostess) and me, we put together a special party to celebrate mama and baby.

I was in charge of invitations and lucked out because Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. had already done the work for me :) She created these darling invitations (found here for free) and I modified them slightly to work for our party.

We decorated my mother-in-law’s home with lots of book page garlands, flowers from her garden and a few large paper flowers to bring some pinks into the decor.

And mini booklets hung from a string with mini clothespins over the food table.

We kept the food simple and delicious – banana bread with cream cheese spread, fresh fruit, curried chicken salad sandwiches, mini cupcakes with strawberry cream cheese frosting and iced tea with raspberries or coffee to drink.

We played a few games (this one was pretty cute), visited with family and friends, opened gifts, snacked on yummy food and prayed over Jess and baby.

At the very end we snapped this group photo, but we’re missing about half of the ladies. Note to self: take group photo at the beginning of the party next time.

It’s always so fun to celebrate a new mom and soon-to-arrive baby.

Audrey is especially excited to meet her cousin. She can’t stop touching Auntie Jess’ tummy. We can’t wait to finally hold and snuggle the new baby girl!