Fiesta!

We have hosted a baby shower/celebration before each of our children were born: morning mocktails; a gelati party; a candy store; and this time a Mexican fiesta! Having a baby shower as no-gifts-but-bring-a-plate, whole family celebration allows everyone to feel involved without the pressure of too much to prepare (food, babysitters, gifts etc). We love it that way! Here it is in pictures, with all the details following:

Invitation: Mexican mariachi singers (illustrated by my sister, Lauren)

Decor: Faux Papel Picado flags (made from plastic placemats!); Mexican picnic rugs; streamer backdrop (made from strips of cheap plastic tableclothes); fake flowers; succulents; and sombreros.

Costumes: I made a colorful top for Elara, a dress for India, and a long vest for me. Some bold flowers and Frida Kahlo style braids topped of the girls looks. Tim grew a very mexican mo for the occasion.

Food: Serve your own burrito or taco bowl with grilled fish, pork carnitas, chicken or cola beef and ALL the extras! Cactus cupcakes and 'embroidered' cake for dessert (made by my sister of Flame Tree Bakery).

Drinks: Watermelon agua fresca; pineapple agua fresca; margaritias and mexican beer.

Activities: A quick form to guess baby's arrival date, sex, name, weight, height and looks, and to leave a prayer or wish for baby.

Helpers: My family are always wonderful helpers at events, and this time (at 36 weeks pregnant, and feeling very sore and heavy) I could not have done it without them. Thanks Tim, Mum, Dad, Clare, Lauren and Nathan.