A baby shower without any babies or showers

I was lucky enough to marry in to the nicest group of friends on the face of the earth. We're the last ones in the group to have kids, and they are really excited to meet Young Nug, although slightly annoyed at not knowing the gender yet. On Saturday, they threw us a shower at Carraba's, which is apparently "our place" for baby showers. It's tradition.

Braxton, James, Stephanie, me, Emma and Alix (front), Josh, Ang, Sara, Tamara, Mia, Justin, Luka and Zach. I bet this is one of those pictures we look back on in 30 years and think, dang, we looked young. Well, at least the kids will think that. 

Ang made some really cute cards for everyone to predict to the gender, birthdate, birth time and name for Nugget.

This picture of her cute cards doesn't really do it justice because the lighting was weird when I took it. They were so cute!

Look how beautiful these flowers are! And I love that the cake said Nugget. It was delicious. 

Here are the predictions, in order of birthdate:

• Mia is thinking girl, named Ariel, born at 3 a.m. on Oct. 8. Sorry, Mia, this one didn't work out! I appreciated the positive thoughts on a speedy delivery, though!
• Luka predicted a boy, named Dominick, to be born at 11 p.m. on Oct. 17. I have a hair appointment earlier that evening, so if this happens, at least I'll look good in the photos.
• Stephanie guessed a boy, Josh Jr., to be born at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. Josh Jr. is a bit of a scary thought, but I bet it's a Josh Jr. even if it's not that in name. 
• Tamara thinks boy, Liam or Graham, born at 12:45 a.m. on Oct. 29. Liam is a name we considered, so great guess!
• James predicted a boy, named William (to tie into Willis), born at 6:35 p.m. on Halloween. I do want a Halloween baby, so this would be fun. It's also the last prediction where I would have the baby on time.
• Sara predicted a girl, Ava or Sophie (both names I love) born at 3:05 a.m. on Nov. 2. Thanks for pushing me past my due date, Sara! :)
• Ang guessed a boy, Max or Charlie, born at 4:16 p.m. on Nov. 3. I love the name Max!
• Close on the heels of Ang's date/time, Justin predicted a girl, Alberta, born at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 3. While I did promise Albert Pujols my first unborn child if he'd stay in St. Louis, he let me down. So no namesake for Jose Alberta.
• Alix thinks it's going to be a boy, Baren or Byan (Bryan), born at 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 4.
• Zach is going with a boy, Conner, born at 3:24 p.m. on Nov. 7. My doctor only lets me go a week past my due date, so this is the last guess that would be me going into labor on my own.
• Emma guessed girl, Lulu, born at 1 a.m. on Nov. 10. This might tie with Ariel for the most creative name. Well, if you exclude Alberta.

It was really fun seeing everyone's guesses! Three girl guesses to eight boy guesses--looks like the group is predicting a boy like everyone else! It sure will be surprising for a minute if Nugget is a girl.

The kids helped us open presents.

Braxton was really excited about them and would squeal as we opened them.

I used this as a chance to trick him into snuggling with me. 

Family photo opp. It was really nice that they scheduled the shower when my mom was visiting so she could be a part of it.

Wonderful gifts!

Luka was a little concerned that the shower ended before the baby even got there. He was also confused before the shower about who was going to wash all of us. I guess we don't realize how misleading the term "baby shower" can be. No showers and no babies at a baby shower?! The poor guy was confused.

It was just such a nice day that I felt like crying a few times. Maybe that's the hormones, but I think it's that I'm so grateful for this amazing group of friends!