Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Am I late?

Hello! Hello? Hello? Is anybody here? Oh, I missed it! Well, I'll just leave my gift and go. I'm so sorry I was late! I took too long making it! Well here it is.
A set of 2 gowns for each baby. I don't know if you used these with Max, but we loved them with each of our boys. They lived in them the first 3 months. The gown is soooo much easier for changing diapers especially in the middle of the night, because there are no snaps!
This little one has a lamb!
This little one has a puppy!
And for baby girl, a Hair Bow Box! I know you said she will have a bow on her head after the nurses clean her up. So she will need a place for all her cute bows.

And for baby boy, a box to put, well, whatever you want! But I need an initial! Here are some examples.

B- in case you name him Bob. Baby Bob is cute, don't you think?

P- In case you go with Pat or Pedro. Pedro does mean, Steadfast in Christ. You do want that for your little boy, don't you?

G- For Grover or Gaylord. I don't think those names are used enough now a days, do you?

And last, but not least. Here's Max's gift! I know he loves Thomas, so here's a Thomas box for him to keep a few things in. Maybe his rock collection, or a frog, or snake. I'm sure he'll think of something!

Jennifer, I am so glad to be a part of your shower. Well, almost! You are so blessed to be having 2 little ones! I am praying for you and your family!

Love,

Angela

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Move over girls!

Move over girls - FBIL is on the blog! Gird your loins and prepare yourself, I have the perfect baby shower gifts for my new niece and nephew. A tremendous amount of research was conducted to determine the character and interests of these two gifts that God is giving to Jennifer, Don & Max and soon to be their FU . . . . Favorite Uncle!


Fortunately, my research led me to a Christmas card that Jennifer sent out early in my relationship with the Dunn family. I was instantly reassured that this was a good family and my future as their FBIL was secure. It also gave me the clues as to the certain interest these two babies will have.


Isn't Jennifer a studette!


Well, with the idea firmly planted in my brain, I went on a mission. My quest was to provide the ideal accessories to my future hunting buddies. I think you'll agree I have succeeded! Now your sister, Shari, started to squabble with me on some of these gifts, but I just told her that she could do her part once the babies actually arrived, but for now, this is MY post and MY gift!

With my long range planning, I realized that these babies would need Halloween costumes and not just any Halloween costumes. They needed something that would define them as the true niece and nephew of a big game hunter - ME! There's no better costume than that of a young doe and a young buck. (Just be careful in case Dick Cheney's out there!)
My two vicious hunting dogs, Smokey & the Bandit, wanted to give these here booties to my new niece & nephew. I think you can figure out which one goes to which.



Now, here's two pacifiers for yer kiddos. Most people think you should use these when the babies are cryin, but not with me. These here pacifiers are fur when yore sittin' in a deer blind and you can't make a sound. These'll plug up those cryin babies like nothin at all!




The greatest thrill in the world is when you pull the trigger and bring a buck down. We celebrate by thowin' our underwear onto the horns. These here baby britches will help us celebrate the big 'un that we're sure to shoot together!



Now , I know you are a probably a little skeered for me to take these babies out with me to the deer lease. But I'm committed to teachin' them how to be a good safe hunter. And since they'll need a lot of practice along the way, I'm including in this here gift, a Lifetime Membership to the Lodge at Lost Creek, the world's best deer lease. Aint' no other gift come close to this one - that's why I waited to the end so that I could really surprise you.

Your sister, Shari, said that once the babies arrive, she'll send you her gift, but for now, I hope you can git over the shock and awe of FBIL's love for these here babies that will be a part of my family.

To Little Sis from [favorite] sister Andrea

Okay, I am so, so late! We just got back into town -- gone all weekend! Know the cake's gone, but here are my gifts.


Poor Don, sometimes he gets a little overlooked. These onesies are for him (not to wear):


"Charming like Daddy" and "Daddy's Favorite Shrimp":







Don, they didn't have any muscle shirts, or else I would have bought them.


Next, to celebrate your Texas heritage and to pass it along to the twins: Cow print bibs and burpcloths (models: Lily and Clay -- for hire)




And to think that with Lily and Clay, I carried a plain white wipes case. Jennifer, I don't want you to go through the same humiliation . . .

I am so blessed to have Jennifer as a sister. And Don as a brother-in-law and especially my sweet Max as a nephew. I can't wait for the twins!!

Congratulations Clardys

Am I late? Is the food gone?
Sorry, I had a first birthday party to attend before the blog shower. Will wanted to come, hope that is ok. He heard it was a baby shower and wanted to come along. Babies and showers are his two favorite things. He is an expert on what babies need, so he wanted to show you what he picked out for the twins.
"First we have this nifty cup for washing."
"Oooh I like these. I have some of these for my baths. I like to bite their heads."
"I like this bath wash. For some reason I always feel sleepy after my mommy uses it."
"Wait I can't see!!!!"
"Here is a brand new tub for the twins. This is a nice one. It gives lots of support. I remember that my neck was really floppy at first, and I needed alot of help."
"Hey, is this my bib? I love this bib! It is so easy for my mom to clean. She just throws it in the washing machine when it gets really dirty. It also covers my entire shirt!"

"Ok, I am outta here. I have not seen any babies yet and when does the shower start?"

Jennifer,

We are so excited for the entire Clardy family. These babies are a true blessing. You and Don are amazing parents and the babies have no idea how lucky they are. I can not wait to meet them.

Love,

The Normingtons

PS: Will wanted to let the twins know that he can not wait to play on the hill at Furman Football games with them in a few years.!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Happy Shower Day, Jennifer!

Jennifer, This shower is so fun...what great friends you have in blog world! It was so hard to decide what to get for your shower...everything is so cute. We are sending you the infant carrier for Baby Girl. It's not often I get to buy pink baby gear so naturally I had to get the pink one! Hunter went with me to shop as you can see below. The smile on his face is because he realized that he was no longer going to be the youngest of all the cousins...it was a happy day for him!









Also, I had to get a little something for Max. The big brother shirt is definately something he needs! And then I am sending him a DVD that is a favorite in our house... Hermie: A Common Caterpillar. Such a cute movie...if he already has it let me know and I'll get a different one. He's going to need some new movies considering he will be watching more than normal over the next few months!








I am so excited for you and Don and the arrival of these sweet babies! I will keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers. We can't wait to see the Clardy clan...all 5 of you...when we come to visit this summer!


With love,

Lori

Jenny's Ark

OK...so this started out as a slideshow but I was worried not everyone could view it. I figured I better post each slide separately. If it's hard to read, just double click on the picture to make it bigger for reading purposes.







Best wishes from Joy

First, a little something for the big brother. My girls have these and they're great to use in the car and to grab when you're going somewhere and need them to be entertained. Congratulations, Max, on the upcoming arrival of your baby brother and sister. We all know that you will be a wonderful big brother.Next, a few necessities. A crib sheet, bib for baby girl, and washcloths.
Then, another crib sheet and a couple of burp cloths.

OK...really I was going to try to post before Kristi and Hannah because I just cannot compete with their wit. I can't believe I had to follow directly behind Kristi. My post is not as entertaining to read, but it's every bit as sincere.
Jennifer, I remember walking out of my first appointment pregnant with Essie, thanking God that all seemed to be well with her, and immediately praying for you and Don. My appointment and your appointment for your procedure were the same day. I have been thrilled to follow you through this pregnancy and honored to have been able to pray for you and to be a part of this wonderful shower. Congratulations and best wishes.
Joy







Friday, April 17, 2009

I can't give enough to my good friend, Jennifer

Happy Shower Day, Jennifer!!!! I am so excited about my gifts, I am about to explode. I hope you enjoy everything.

(Disclaimer to those who don't know me........No, I'm not on drugs.....No, I don't have brain damage......and Yes, Jennifer expects this from me)



I stumbled upon a GREAT SALE and bought you tons of baby clothes. You will be so excited when you get them. I bought an entire black trash bag FULL. The lady assured me that 1 hour on a clothesline and all traces of cigarette smoke will be GONE from these clothes.




I also wanted to make sure you had your necessary supplies on hand for when the babies make their arrival. Here is a supply of "vitamins" you will need for months to come....Did I say months or years????




Knowing you are such a conscienscious person, these are for those rough nights when the babies are crying at all hours. You need to do what Oprah says and take care of YOURSELF first. They'll eventually stop.



I know how your image is very important to you. Just in case your uterus plays peek-a-boo under your clothes or you can't get those jeans buttoned, I have included some things to help you.






I picked up this uterus harness for you. I thought it was very cute but the neat thing was that it came in his and hers. I went ahead and picked one up for Don as well.




Keeping up with 3 can be a handful so I picked this up for you. I think there is room for everyone. Don't feel guilty using it whenever you need it. Remember, you have to look out for #1.




Discipline is key to raising good children. "Spare not the rod" is so true so I have purchased for you a Cat-of-nine tails because I know you want your children to be Christlike.




If they get really unruly and you start to feel out-of-control, I hired a nanny service to come over several days a week to help train your children until you get the hang of it. Pat is very excited about her upcoming trip to South Caroline.



One of the most beautiful things a mother can experience is breastfeeding. I bought you a new breastpump to help with your milk supply. Not pictured is the 178 oz. jar of udder cream that comes FREE with the pump.





Also, the crane should be delivering to you in the next few days a new nursing bra for when you are engorged.



Don't feel bad if the breastfeeding doesn't work. I had tremendous difficulty and felt so much condemnation. To ease this burden off of you, I have hired Sunglaafoolucoo to be your wet nurse. She has 60 years experience and has helped villages of women. Didn't Hillary teach us that? "It takes a village"


Also, you will have no time to keep your house clean so I have hired a maid service to send out Mike/Michelle (will answer to either name) to come once a week and clean for you.



At first glance you might think these are diapers for the babies. These are for you, Jennifer. I wanted to pick up a few things just for you to make you feel like a woman again.

I was on a roll and went ahead and hired kitchen help as well. LaFonda will be serving meals to you for the first 2 months you are home from the hospital. She comes highly recommended. Her menu for this month is......Chitlins.......Chitlins.......and well, more Chitlins. I promise you will get used to the smell.



This is one of my biggest disappointments. I hated to mention it to you. Denise loved the massage tech I sent her way so I wanted to bless you with the same. Earl comes highly recommended and does great pre- and postnatal massages. I tried to get him there but he wouldn't fit in the box so he had to stay behind. I'm so sorry! Don will have to take over in this department.


Speaking of Don, I know how those post-baby hormones are all over the place and you can be mighty grouchy at times. I didn't want to leave him out of this blessed time so I purchased this get-away for Max and Don for those rough days. Cletus should have it there by the time the baby arrives.



Now for the best gift of all............. I AM COMING TO SOUTH CAROLINA TO HELP YOU WITH THE BABIES FOR THREE MONTHS!!!! Yes, you heard me. I am on my way now so I should arrive sometime this evening. I have arranged childcare for my children and am coming to help you out and help with those babies. I know this is a big shock to you and you probably want to say things like, "Kristi, you really don't have to do that" and "No, we are really doing fine" and "Honestly, we have things under control" but I know those lines all too well. I am so looking forward to it as I'm sure you are. Maybe we can stay up late tonight and braid each other's hair????
(I will forward to you my list of dietary restrictions and diet preferences for the next several months. Also, did I mention that I prefer to sleep on a minimum of 400 thread-count sheets?)

OK, NOW IT IS TIME TO BE SERIOUS.....
I know this sounds like an excuse but your main gifts are coming as soon as you decide on names. I already had to throw away at least half a dozen baby items that were monogrammed with Kristopher and Kristine b/c I just knew you were going with that. I can't keep throwing money away so I am going to have to wait on you to give me a definite. I was on pins and needles with Denise when I thought she might change the name or go with Ashley instead of Jane since I already had something custom made for her. Anyway, gifts will be disclosed again in the coming weeks.
I also did get you a Target gift card for this shower that I will be mailing to you. I was going to buy a gift to display but I figured you could buy another item for what it would cost to ship from Texas. I hope you can buy some of those loose ends you need after all your showers are over.In all seriousness, I am thrilled for you, Don and Max. These babies are truly miracles and gifts from God. I know they were the "desires of your heart" for so long and I couldn't be happier for you. I know God has such great plans for these little lives as well as for your other little miracle, Big Brother Max. I love you dearly and am glad to call you my friend and now my Blog Sister.