My Baby Shower

June 1, 2017/Nat

Three years ago, I did a share in the Hamptons with basically unknowns. We each had one child the same age and wanted to escape the city for the summer, have access to a pool, beach and a yard. Little did I know then, they’d become some of my best friends. Over the years, we’ve added a few more kiddos and celebrated nearly every occasion together from New Year’s and 4th of July to birthdays (adults and kids) and… sprinkle showers. Brooke and I threw a joint one for Amanda and Jess, who were expecting within a week of each other, and two summers ago, Amanda, Jess and I celebrated Brooke and her little mermaid-in-waiting. I guess it’s only natural that it’s my time but they blew me away with the gorgeous sprinkle they just threw for me in honor of my little boy-to-be. It was seriously stunning and the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, eating some of my favorite things and laughing with my most favorite girls.

A note from the hosts: We’d been thinking about Nat’s sprinkle for months. When we found out that she was having a little BOY, we knew it was going to be an adventure for the Friedmans! So… Oh Boy, Nat’s Next Little Adventure was born.

Our vision was boho chic meets adventure, Nat style. We wanted the shower to feel baby but also classic. There were a few elements that were very important to us. One of which was a sweet moment for mama and baby which we designed with a customized wish wall (framed by white balloons inspired by @geronimoballoons). We also wanted to be sure to include a good photo opp (greenery crowns + plus asking guests to wear neutrals), pretty signage (through hand lettering and wood signs), a throwback to some of Nat’s baby pics and of course a dreamy dessert (donut wall + gorgeous cloud-like meringues). Add in a bubbly juice bar (and a few of her fave foods) and we had a party! It’s so much fun to create an event around someone you love, we hope that the abundance of joy that was shared that day is seen through the photos.

The gorgeous hosts.

One of my favorite things in the world is a well-prepared lobster roll and I LOVE mini food (The more you can try and eat and not feel bad about- that is, until you’re 10 deep, the better.) so they nailed this.

Another huge hit was the spoonfuls of white cheddar grits with applewood smoked bacon. So delicious. Between those, the lobster rolls, bite-size challah french toast with vanilla butter, bourbon maple syrup and poached apples (amazing!) and the donut board, I was a happy girl.

Of course, there were plenty of healthy options too like these beautiful farro salads in a jar with rustic kale, wild arugula, mint, smoked almonds and Manchego cheese and pomegranate bowls filled with maple yogurt parfait and bruléed cherry granola, all beautifully prepared by The Kitchen Sink, but this preggo stuck with the carbs.

The laser cutouts from Meghann Miniello set the tone for the entire event. (And, bonus, I get to keep it! I honestly want to redesign the whole nursery around it but I think Zach would officially lose it.)

And then there was the beautiful work by Rachael Bush.

The bar included mixers like cold pressed tart cherry nectar, black currant and blueberry nectar, blood orange and tart cherry ice cubes, elderflower cordial and, of course, champagne.

They made for such pretty cocktails.

They asked guests and family and friends who couldn’t make it for wishes for the baby and me and then wrote each one on the mirror wall. It made for such a statement and a fun activity. I loved reading everyone’s. Some were so touching, others hilarious. My crew certainly doesn’t lack in personality and all have a way with words.

Just a few of my favorites:

“I hope you get your mom’s sense of adventure, your dad’s work ethic and your sister’s hair.”

“I hope you are smart and funny like me.” -Lilly

“To the luckiest little boy with THE BEST mom and dad and the best big sister Lilly.”

“My wish for you is that you chase your dreams without fear, love without boundaries and laugh often.”

“They say you can’t choose your family- lucky for you, you couldn’t do better if you tried! I wish for you, a life filled to the brim with adventure.”

“Never forget… You were born in NYC.”

“For you to be braver than you believe, stronger than you know and smarter than you think.”

“Wishing you your mom’s sense of style, your dad’s love of Mexican food, your sister’s sense of adventure and your family’s HUGE hearts.”

“I hope you have hair like your Uncle Grady as opposed to your daddy!”

“Wishing for Natalie… sleep, cocktails and skinny jeans.”

Gorgeous homemade meringues from The Meringue Bakeshop that also served as favors.

They customized the exact shade of blue, which just so happened to go with my dress, the hosts wanted. How cool is that?

At a party with a peg board of donuts (from Dough), you know where to find the preggos! I won’t tell you how many I had.

My heels came off about five minutes into the party.

I love that my mom got to share in this day with me.

As well as my bestie from practically birth on the left and college (so basically birth) on either side of me.

And my mom friends, who saved me, from when Lilly was a baby.

One of the million reasons I love her: Brooke will go to any lengths for a good photo op. Here, she’s crouched on the couch, holding up the canvas so I can get the perfect post with the “Oh Boy” sign.

It was especially meaningful because, for my pregnancy with Lilly, my friends in LA threw me such a sweet shower but my east coast one was cancelled due to winter storm Nemo so I never got to celebrate with any of the crew below, not to mention, many of them didn’t come into my life until after she was born and as a result of her. It was such a nice excuse to all get together, no kids, no husbands and enjoy the afternoon together. We actually ended up staying twice as long as planned, shoes off, stomachs stuffed, sharing stories. I loved every little moment.