Of baby and family and all over festivity

Guess which one of us is having a Kooistra baby--soon?

[Hint: It's not me.....]

This past Saturday we Kooistras gathered in NJ among family and friends to celebrate the coming of that baby girl that we have been anticipating,

and to celebrate Marisa, 

the keeper of said baby girl.

A family affair, I took charge of the menu

and put my peeps to work.

Kara was the overseer of the design committee: the adorable invitations were her handiwork, as were some of the very special table accessories.  

[A key responsibility was also the carrying of the overflowing punch bowl, to avoid an undesired floor display I think...]

The show couldn't have gone on, however, without the vision and coordination of Grandma Kathy, seen here welcoming her guests and trying not to cry.

Once those guests seemed sufficiently satiated with the abundance of food,

it was time for presents!!

Everyone present was determined that this baby girl has everything she needs when she decides it's time to arrive,

and that we would have a good time while preparing for her.

All Keith & Marisa had to do was show up,

and let us love them.

We do--indeed--love you guys,

and can't wait to love that baby girl in person!