I’m Surprised!! A Virtual Baby Shower… For My Baby Boy and Me!

So, today I decided to wake up a little earlier than usual to work on a blog post – that’s not my norm in case you were wondering. I usually try to milk every minute of sleep I can get, especially lately. Well, that blog post never actually happened. I got a little distracted when I realized I woke up to a Virtual Baby Shower for me and my little guy hosted by my dear friends Julie, Sandy and Liz! To say I was floored is an understatement.

(How stinkin’ cute are those little lions??)

I am one lucky girl I have to say. I’ve said this before, one of my favorite things about blogging all these years is the people that I’ve gotten to know virtually and in real life. Each of my friends I’ve met through this blog is so special to me. This amazing community fills me up in so many ways, and I’m so honored to be a part of it. Today feels like a huge hug and I am so incredibly touched!

You all have got to see the spread (it’s listed below with links) that almost 40 of my closest blogging buddies put together for this baby shower. Everyone went all out!! They created an Italian-themed menu full of apps, salads, drinks, main dishes and dessert. I loooove all things Italian so this menu clearly rocks my world. And makes me hungry.

Oh and this same group of friends? Well, they totally surprised me just last month at my real life baby shower luncheon that my local friends threw for me. I was so happy that Julie was able to make it (after changing her flight home from a conference to get back in time for it!!), and with her she brought a gift from this very same group of friends here today – a generous gift card to Target for all of my baby needs! 🙂 Let’s just say, I think we’ve got diapers covered for at least the next year (if not more)!!

Friends, I can’t thank you enough, for everything. I am feeling the love, that’s for sure, and I can’t wait to tell little Micah all about this when he’s here. You all sure know how to make a mama of almost 3 feel good. My family and I appreciate all the kind words and well wishes. And all the amazing food!!!

Julie, Sandy and Liz … you girls are truly the best!! I love and appreciate you with all my heart. xoxo

(The Goodman Foursome- at my parent’s house a few weeks ago enjoying a little family get together)

Speaking of food, please take a little time to visit each of these blogger’s posts featuring their recipes for this delicious Italian-themed baby shower. Now, all I want to know is – how can we make this happen in real life??

Appetizers
Sundried Tomato Hummus from Robyn of Add a Pinch
Melon & Prosicutto Balls from Paula of bell’alimento
Bruschetta from Sheila of Eat2gather
Jalapeno Poppers from Ali of Gimme Some Oven
Grilled Naan White Pizza Bites from Jamie of Mom’s Cooking Club
Watermelon Feta Bites with Basil Olive Oil from Sandy of Reluctant Entertainer
Pesto Caprese Fried Wontons from Julie of The Little Kitchen
Blue Cheese Wedge Salad Crostini from Cheryl of TidyMom

Drinks
Toasted Coconut Milkshakes from Bev of Bev Cooks
Lemon Cream Soda from Angie of Eclectic Recipes
Peach Sorbet Bellini and Spritzers from Shaina of Food for My Family
Non Alcoholic Berry Spritzer from Lisa of Jersey Girl Cooks
Virgin Peach & Raspberry Bellinis from Milisa of Miss in the Kitchen
Italian Basil Sparkling Lemonade from Marly of Namely Marly
Italian Sodas from Laura of Real Mom Kitchen
Cafe Mocha Punch from Amy of She Wears Many Hats

Salads
Italian Chopped Salad in a Jar {with Creamy Caesar Dressing} from Brenda of a farmgirl’s dabbles
Caprese Salad with Mozzarella Crisps from Christine of Cook the Story
Pesto Pasta Stuffed Tomatoes from Suzanne of Kokocooks
Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad from Liz of The Lemon Bowl
Herbed Israeli Couscous Salad with Tomato and Mozzarella from Rachel of Rachel Cooks
Chickpea, Avocado, & Feta Salad from Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod
Lentil and Chickpea Layered Salad from Lisa of With Style & Grace

Entrees
Chicken Cacciatore from Meagan of A Zesty Bite
Zucchini, Bell Pepper & Edamame Stir-Fry from Cassie of Bake Your Day
Potato-Crusted Vegetarian Quiche with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Feta from Dara of Cookin’ Canuck
“Straw & Hay” Tagliatelle in Cream Sauce from Flavia of Flavia’s Flavors
Grilled Italian Chicken with Veggie & Bow Tie Pasta from Katie of Katie’s Cucina
Grilled Naan Pizza with Summer Veggies & Turkey Sausage from Kelley of Mountain Mama Cooks
Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Panini from Kathy of Panini Happy

Desserts
Fresh Blueberry Shortbread with Lemon Cream Frosting from Sommer of A Spicy Perspective
Crostata di Mango from Lora of Cake Duchess
Italian Ice from Kristen of Dine & Dish
Roasted Banana and Nutella S’mores Bruschetta from Jenny of Picky Palate
Italian Cream Cake from Deborah of Taste and Tell
Panna cotta from Leslie of The hungry housewife
Fortune Cookies from Shari of Tickled Red
Baby Vanilla Bean Scones a la Starbucks from Tara of Unsophisticook

Oh and for fun…because I know people are crazy about baby bumps 🙂 – here’s my basketball bump last week at 34 weeks. I’m pretty sure it’s doubled in size already by now, the 5 week countdown begins!!