Before we left for Viet Nam we had started planning Ella’s welcome home party. My husband and I were adamantly against having a baby shower before we left, because we were just too fearful that something would go wrong and then we would be left with the remnants of the party for the baby who didn’t come home with us. So, we decided to have her party about a month after we got home. We didn’t want to spring a party on her immediately after coming home; she had been through enough excitement at the time.

The party was held at my parents’ house and my mom and future sister in law planned everything (which I was/am so grateful for!) They went above and beyond a regular old baby shower and threw us the absolute perfect party for our new family. The house was decorated beautifully, they made diaper cakes with little surprises in them, there was delicious food and two beautiful cakes that they had made and decorated themselves. One of my favorite parts of the party was that when they sent out the invitations, mom and sis in law asked everyone to bring a book that was meaningful to them for Ella. When they arrived at the party there was a child size bookshelf for Ella ready to hold all her new books.

Friends and family attended and many people got to meet Ella for the first time. She did so well and loved the attention! Looking back, it’s amazing that after only a month home and two months with her new parents she was so able to accept the love, affection and attention that came pouring at her. It was a great experience and I’m so glad that we chose to celebrate Ella and let everyone welcome her to the family, the country and our lives.