Today is my first niece Ashtyn’s birthday and in around five weeks she will give birth to her and Gordon’s first child. So on the weekend there were numerous celebrations – a mother blessing ceremony, a baby shower, and a birthday party.
Ashtyn is gifted with the ability to be the star at every family gathering without even trying. Her birthday invitation read “The Most Important Day of the Year!” And her favourite present (given by her sister) was a selfie stick which was put to much use that day.
At the baby shower, my mother, “Grandma” now to eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, gave Ashtyn two pictures that she had hand-embroidered over the last few weeks, then had framed. She’d told Ashtyn that if the baby were a boy, she would have the angel picture back for another occasion, and if the baby were a girl, she would have the train picture back for the same reason. Ashtyn’s response: “No way! I’m keeping them both.”
I haven’t included the numerous pictures taken of the rest of us because, well, I didn’t want to detract attention from Ashtyn haha!
Anyway, in all the decluttering of this household, I had already found several silver teaspoons and I remembered that Ming had been given one at his christening. So I sorted through the good ones, found a matching spoon and fork, polished them up and then found a suitable box.
I was so excited about this gift for Gordon and Ash’s baby that I did a bit of research into the whole silver-spoon-in-the-mouth tradition and was delighted to find that using silver cutlery is a lot more healthy and hygienic than other materials. Who knew!
Ashtyn is an absolute joy of a person to be around; she is totally, unselfconsciously, gregariously, generously beautiful. I am so proud to be her auntie and can’t wait for all of the mother-and-baby selfies!
jmgoyder 
It is so uplifting hearing about a new baby due.
New-birth. New beginning. What a lovely place to be.
Aaaah what a lovely post….
what a joyous post
Absolutely gorgeous!
Your present was perfect. There are trace elements in the silver that are good for human health.
What a wonderful lady you have in the family. The silver spoon and fork is a fabulous idea! So glad you are having a great time being an Aunt
She is adorable!
She looks gorgeous! I’ll bet she’ll be a great mother. I love the gift you gave for the baby.
This is so beautiful! I can only imagine what a doting aunt you are and I love the train and angel pictures. It must have been hard for her to “Choo”s!
Something to look forward to. A new baby always generates a lot of excitement.
The tapestries are lovely and will look nice hanging on a wall. Regarding the silver spoons, does one have a thistle on the top? One of the ends on the right looks like a thistle. If it is it will be hallmarked in Edinburgh.
I love hearing about your family.
A silver spoon, what a good start in life the new baby.
Your gift is exquisite, your niece is so lucky to have such a fantastic auntie! 😀 I love her beautiful colored baby belly lol
Such a beautiful smile she has and the picture of the two of you is lovely…. How exciting a time.. to be expecting a child.. Diane
I love it! It looks like it was a wonderful day!
I love the art on her stomach Julie! ❤
Diana xo
What a delightful post! I too love the art on her stomach!
I’m so happy for you all! I wish you all the best!
She’s beautiful! your choice for gift was excellent. I bet the baby will be just as lively and beautiful as his or her mother!