The El Torito Baby Shower

What a freakin' surprise this was. Naomi and I had been planning for about two weeks or so to meet for brunch the morning of my baby shower to which she was hosting at her apartment. Little did I know that she had planned the shower as a surprise at our favorite brunch spot El Torito!

I was a bit nervous that morning when I met with Naomi as she had an errand to run before brunch and I didn't think we'd make it on time to her house to meet and greet the ladies for the party after we ate. Jessica, Naomi and I walk into the restaurant and of course my brain doesn't register what it sees. The first thing I notice is Donna, Maebeth and Dorcas sitting, eating and chattin' it up. My first thought is, "Oh look! They're here too for brunch! What a coincidence? Neat!" Completely oblivious to the rest of the party sitting in front of them. Then suddenly, "This is the baby shower!!"..... (still not registering that they were here for me....)

What a great time this was and what a great idea to host it there. There is no better way to gather a bunch of people together and feed them than a buffet style party. Especially for this pregnant lady who's been thinking about the El Torito Corn Cake for weeks!
Naomi completely blew me away. I really had no clue what was going on and still didn't really "get it." I had to ask, as I saw the balloons and presents if we were still just having brunch and having the party at her place. The best bunch of women I know were there. Ashleigh, Ana, Naomi, Josie Fiestel, Georgia, Donna, Maebeth, Dorcas, my little girl. I couldn't of asked for a better day planned for me than that day at brunch.

The service was wonderful and the company even better. After things started winding down, Marcos shows up to help take some presents home. We head over to Naomi's where two of Jessica's teachers, Mrs. Cueva and Mrs. Moore arrive, (I like calling them by their teacher names), as well as Ashleigh, Ana and Ara. Dan was already there awaiting our arrival. We sat and talked for a bit, opened a couple of more presents. I wonder why I didn't take more photos then? Slowly, people trickled out and Jessica and I stayed and watched T.V. with Dan and Naomi. Before it got dark I headed home with a smile on my face reminiscing of one of the best days of my life.

Gatherings like these make me appreciate more the friendships I have and although I'm not around as much or communicate with them as much, there will always be an unspoken bond between these women and I. I will always be grateful to have them in my life.