Vintage Storybook Adventure Baby Shower
Our family surprised us with a lovely baby shower this Saturday. It turned out to be one of the most memorable occasions of my entire pregnancy. The highlight of the baby shower was spending time with both our families and friends. Since many of my family members live in other states, it was such a surprise to see them, even more than the baby shower itself.
That Saturday, Sergi and I went out to see a movie and then to run some errands. Since I usually feel better during the earlier part of the day, we try to go out during that time. Sergi was the secret agent for Mission: Baby Shower, so he made sure to leave the door open and was keeping everyone informed when we left the house, where to find different things that they needed, etc. While we were relaxing at the theatre and then browsing at the library, the busy bees were hard at work getting everything set up.
When we walked through the front door, I was shocked to see so many smiling faces. 
For a moment I felt like I was dreaming, since I never expected to see my parents, my aunt, uncle, sisters, brother in law and nieces from New York and Ohio. Plus, it was so nice to see my brothers and sister with their families that live nearby, Sergi’s family and some of our really good friends. I was really missing everyone. Even though they live in the area, we haven’t really been spending any time with anyone recently, because I just don’t feel good most of the time, especially in the evenings when others are free.
I’m still reliving the few days that we spent together and know that I will always cherish this time. I can’t believe they drove and flew just to spend this time with us and to share our joy of the soon to be born Nathaniel.
The Decor:
The theme of the baby shower couldn’t have been more perfect, a vintage storybook adventure theme. It was absolutely stunning, elegant and very tasteful.
Every little detail was charming and sweet. 
They even had all the guests bring a children’s book to add to Nathaniel’s library. I can already see myself cuddling with him and reading him all these wonderful stories.
To go with the vintage adventure theme, they also incorporated a lot of nature accents. Not only does it go with so many storybooks, but it’s something so dear to me, since I grew up on a 100 acre property, and spent my childhood hiking through the woods, wading in the creek, picking wildflowers and berries.
The Cake:
My sister, Karina, made the simple and elegant cake. The cake was set against a book backdrop and decorated to emulate the nature theme. Not only did it look spectacular, but it tasted even better.
The top cake was a vanilla and white chocolate cake and the bottom cake was a sponge cake. All the cake layers were soaked with a raspberry simple syrup and alternated with fresh strawberries with shaved chocolate and raspberries with dark cocoa powder in between layers. The frosting for the bottom cake was divine. It seriously was a masterpiece and a labor of love. Karina made a white chocolate pastry cream and then combined it with a cream cheese frosting and then lastly folded in some whipped cream. WOW! It was the bomb. We were very happy to have leftovers and enjoy the cake with some tea the rest of the weekend too.
The Menu:
We sure had a feast at the shower, thanks to both of our families pitching in and cooking so many delicious dishes. 
Not pictured: Mashed potatoes and Baked Salmon Fillet
- Mashed Potatoes
- Grilled Chicken Kebabs
- Grilled Barbecue Chicken Thighs
- Grilled Vegetables
- Baked Salmon Fillet
- Garden Salad With Feta and my sister in law’s homemade dressing
- Cauliflower Tomato Salad
- Tomato, Roasted Corn and Avocado Salad
- Tomatoes with Cheese
- Russian Beet Salad “Vinaigrette”
For dessert, we had a nice variety of sweets with tea and coffee.
We were “showered” with gifts for our new arrival. Aren’t baby items so much fun to look at? We are well prepared for the baby’s arrival at this point, with everything that we will need and much more. I am really excited to get the closet organized and his nursery all set up.
With both of our Moms
The Latest Pregnancy Update:
My c-section was moved to February 23rd, which is less than 2 weeks away. The OB doctors are going to have a general surgeon who specializes in abdominal surgeries at the c-section just in case, since I am a pretty complicated case. I will be 37 1/2 weeks pregnant at that point, which is the time that they want the baby delivered. I’ve only gained about 5 pounds total throughout my entire pregnancy and nutrition has been quite a challenge. Since I’ve had so many abdominal surgeries in the past, have a complex history, and a vertical c-section in the past, there are too many risks, so the c-section has been carefully planned. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the baby this whole time and thank God Nathaniel is doing great. We will get to meet our little miracle very soon. I am eagerly waiting for the incredible moment when I will finally hold him in my arms and gaze into his precious face.
Thank you so much to everyone who came, helped decorate, cook and made this such a meaningful experience. 
I cherished every moment of the shower. It was surreal in so many ways. For years I didn’t even dream that there would someday be a baby shower for me. What an unexpected blessing and gift from God. Even though this pregnancy has been very difficult, it was totally worth it. Nathaniel is already so loved. Just like the theme of our baby shower, may the adventure begin.
My parents with all their current grandchildren, 2 more boys to be added this year.
54 Comments
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Oksana
Be blessed. It’s so fun to see your baby shower and hear about your pregnancy update. You guys are so close! I’m overjoyed for you. May God guide the Dr’s and surgeons’ hands during your delivery. You sure have an incredible story. You’ve got a lot of people praying for you.
olgak7
Thank you, Oksana.
We are praying for a safe delivery and healthy baby. God has been so good to us, in good times and in bad. Thank you so much for your prayers too. We really, really appreciate it.
Marina
You are truly blessed! That was very nice of your family to give you such a beautiful baby shower. You are blessed with family that loves and supports you. May God bless you, your husband, your precious little baby and your upcoming c-section. May your family always bring Glory to God- for He is good.
olgak7
I will be forever grateful for my wonderful family and the best in-laws too. Sergi and I are really blessed and don’t take it for granted. Thank you for your kind words, Marina.
Tina
Olga, I literally had tears in my eyes looking through your wonderful pictures and your beautiful post!! You have an amazing family!! I’m super excited for this beautiful gift that you and your husband will be getting. May the Lord bless your delivery and everything else! I’m excited to meat your precious baby! I already love him too 🙂
olgak7
Thank you so much, Tina! I have the best readers.
Galina
Olga, I’ve been reading your blog for a few years and I’ve been following your baby story (from your previous loss, trying to adopt, fostering, and now your pregnancy). The last paragraph of this post had me in tears, happy tears. God is good! I am so incredibly happy and excited for you to finally meet your little miracle! I will be praying for a safe and complication-free delivery and quick recovery. God Bless you and baby Nathaniel!
olgak7
Thank you for your loyal support, Galina and for sticking around with me for awhile. It has been quite a journey. God has been so good to us, in good times and in bad.
Maxine
Hi Olga, I have enjoyed your blog ….your recipes and your life story. You have a wonderful testimony of God’s care, miracles and grace. I’m so happy for you that He is blessing you with another miracle. Praying all will go well with your delivery! God bless you!
P.S. Love the picture of your parents and grandchildren. So sweet. I have 3 grandchildren now and being a grandparent us wonderful!
olgak7
God is so good and has blessed us beyond measure.
I love seeing my parents as grandparents. They are so wonderful with all our sweet babies.
olga
Wow, you have a beautiful family and your baby boy is so lucky to be a part of it. Congratulations and wish you an easy and uncomplicated delivery.!
On a side note – can you make a post or maybe just answer here in comments what baby shower gifts were your favorite or maybe what you’d recommend to get for a mom-to-be..? Thank you 🙂
olgak7
I am so thankful to God for such a wonderful family.
That’s a great question about the gifts. I will try to come up with something like that to share my favorite baby items:).
Isis Tomik
Dear Olga,
On Feb 23 it will be 3 years since my adventure started with my son Ian. It too was a c-section (for other circumstances)…it has been wonderful. I sincerely pray for you, Sergei and Nathaniel for all to go well in the step step of your adventure…and may you both be very healthy during and after the birth. xoxo
olgak7
Happy early birthday to your son, Isis:). Thank you for your sweet comment.
Valentina
Oh my!!. Decorations are on point. Food and dessert looks fantastic!!.. Many blessings to you and your bundle of joy!! 🙂
olgak7
Thank you, Valentina. My family put in so much love and thought into it.
Natasha of Natashaskitchen.com
Olga my heart is so filled with joy for you! I’m so excited to see your little Nathaniel 🙂 God bless your delivery, baby and you!
olgak7
Thank you, Natasha! I’m getting more and more excited with each day. Can’t believe I have my last doctor’s appointment next week and will have the baby only 10 days from now.
May God bless your last few weeks too and give you a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl. I’m really looking forward to see pictures of your little baby.
Teresa
That is all kinds of precious!!! Praying for the doctors to have perfect planning and wisdom as your blessed day arrives. Congratulations to you all!
olgak7
Thank you, Teresa.
anna3
It’s been a year since I found your blog. And its amazing and blessing to be part of your life. From the time i started following your blog, I started to say little prayers for your family. Everytime I read your new posting I say little prayer for you. Everytime I go through something hard, I always remember you and say to my self ” if you went through hard times, I will go through it to”. You inspire me to be a better person. And always see, God is good. I really want to know, what time will your c-section will be to pray for you at the time. Love your recipes. God bless you in your new adventure of rasing little gift from above. I love you so much. Ill be praying for you.
olgak7
Thank you for being a loyal reader, Anna. I really appreciate your kind words.
God has been so good to us and I am so thankful that He has been beside us no matter what we are going through, tough times and happy times too.
Thank you for the prayers. I can really feel them.
Tanya
What a wonderful surprise! Looks like you have the most wonderful, tight-knit family! What a blessing! You girls looks so much like your mommy! Compliments to her also! She looks awesome having the grown kids and grandkids! May God bless you in the upcoming delivery!
olgak7
Thank you, Tanya.
Yes, our family is very close. I’m really, really thankful to God for them.
My Mom is amazing, I agree:). And it’s a compliment to look like her.
marina
I just want to cry of happiness for you!! I am so happy that your dream finally came true. Congrats and wish you a safe delivery and quick recovery!
olgak7
You’re so sweet, Marina:).
Mila L.
I have been following your blog for few years and you always amazed me how strong you are and your faith in God. I was so happy to hear about your pregnancy when you made that announcement which brought tears (joyful). Now you only days away from holding your son and I pray that God guides the medical team through your surgery and helps you recover well and hold your healthy son soon. Thank you for all that you do with your blog and sharing your journey and yummy recipes. It helped me through my journey and to become a better cook. I was wondering if there is a way for your blog followers to send you a baby gift to show our appreciation for all that you do? Is there a PO Box that we can mail or do you have a baby registry somewhere that we can order online and have it delivered to your home? Thanks and wishing you all the best.
olgak7
Hi Mila!
I’m so thankful for loyal and supportive readers like you.
I am also really thankful for the opportunity to share my love for cooking and homemaking with others. Not only that, but to share our story and how good God is.
It’s so thoughtful and very generous of you to want to give me a gift. I feel so touched and honored that you would want to do it. I don’t feel comfortable sharing my personal address online, I’m sure you understand. I do have a registry on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/IA8MISR5RXLO
Ellina
This is so so sweet, your family seems so close to each other and so supportive, i love it! God bless you and your delivery and your sweet baby boy!! I’m so happy for you Olichka!
olgak7
Thank you, Ellina!
A close family is such a blessing.
Thank you for your kind words.
mary ann
What a beautiful, special baby shower!!!! – and, we get to see your gorgeous new kitchen in action! Many of us, thanks to your blog, feel like we know you, and share in your joy. Come on, Feb 23rd!!!!!! We look forward to the news – and accompanying photos – of little Nathaniel. Prayers going up!
olgak7
The best part of having a nice home is sharing it with others. We love having people over, especially our wonderful families.
I’m so happy to share this exciting part of my life with all of you. Thank you for your kind words, Mary Ann.
anita
You are truly blessed to have such a large caring family! God bless you and protect you all through your delivery/operation. Like you said, even more important than the shower itself was the fact that your family both near and far came to see you. Such a shower of love and caring! You are very blessed in them! May you be blessed with a happy, healthy, cheerful child and a speedy recovery and both of you with good health, peace, love and joy. I enjoy your blog very much and wish you every good thing together with health and happiness.
olgak7
I am still so amazed that they all came to share our joy with us and to bless us.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and your kind words.
Mila
Olga, you are a trooper, and you have such a wonderful support group. I have no doubt that in a couple short weeks you will be snuggling with your beautiful baby boy.
That bookcase filled with baby books– such a great idea. Books are a major part of our life, and our toddler can never get enough.
olgak7
I love books myself and I noticed that most children LOVE story time. We’ll definitely do our part in introducing Nathaniel to the love of books:).
Natasha
Wow! What a beautiful shower, home & family! God is awesome & you as well as your husband are a wonderful testimony of that. May God always keep you strong & healthy. May He bless your c-section & your recovery. May He bless your son & whole family. And may you continue to glorify His name! Praying for you Olichka! Congratulations & very happy for you. -Natasha
olgak7
I really appreciate your prayers, Natasha. I can certainly feel them and am so thankful that God has brought us this far already and He will be with us to the end.
Oksana K
Hi Olga. I wanted to say you are an inspiration to me and so many others. I love following your blog and taking an example from your positive attitude in everything. You are an amazing cook and you will be an even more amazing mom to your precious boy. You’ve been through so much in your life and God is blessing you with a baby to call your own after all these years. I dont know you personally but I am so happy for you and Sergiy! God never fails us. His timing is perfect! God bless your family!
olgak7
God had been SO good to our family throughout the years. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to share it with all of you.
Thank you for your kind words, Oksana.
Olya
Hi Olya,
Your baby shower looked so lovely. I wish you and your family Abundance of God’s blessings!!! and may God guide the doctors who will be performing the C-Section and a fast and healthy recovery for you. Be Blessed!
olgak7
Thank you, Olya. You’re so kind. I am so blessed by wonderful readers like you.
Ana Sch
Wow, you had such an awesome baby shower! I can’t wait to do some of the recipes you posted. 🙂
Hope you have a safe delivery! 🙂
”Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. ”(Philippians 4:6–7)
Be blessed you and your family!
Blessings,
Ana
olgak7
That’s one of my favorite verses, Ana. Thank you for sharing it with me. I needed to hear it again.
Viktoriya
Olga, I’m beyond happy for you! It was very sweet of your family to surprise you with such a beautiful baby shower. Thank you for all the updates, I absolutely love your blog and truly learned how to cook through your recipes and tips. Thank you, you are a blessing in more ways than you know. May God bless your delivery, health and the health of your baby boy. Cannot wait to see the pictures! (:
olgak7
You are so kind, Viktoriya.
I am really thankful that I am able to share my love for cooking, homemaking and life with so many people. It’s a joy for me.
Thank you for your well wishes too.
Elizabeth S.
So very elegant, and your blog made me cry again! Praise God for babies and loving families!
olgak7
Awww…. You’re so sweet, Elizabeth.
Tatyana
Olga, what a lovely baby shower your families threw! It’s SUPER cute! I am so happy for you and your husband, that God gave you such an awesome miracle, a precious baby boy! May God bless you and your beautiful family in the remaining days of your pregnancy, as well as the delivery of your bundle of joy!
olgak7
They sure did a wonderful job! I am really thankful for both mine and Sergi’s families. They are such a blessing.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support.
natasha
May God Bless the hands of doctors for safe delivery and healthy baby!
olgak7
Thank you, Natasha!
I really appreciate all the prayers.
Tallya
Olga,
As tomorrow is your very long awaited and special day, I pray God’s blessings over the hands of the doctors who will be performing the surgery, peace over you and your husband, and baby Nathaniel to be brought into this world safely. I hope they allow you to hold him as soon as possible skin to skin so that he can be near to you as he was when in your womb, Im sure he’ll appreciate that. I am looking forward to my instagram feed being flooded by his adorableness 🙂
Shannon J. Perkins
Wow, what a nice baby shower you have there! Vintage theme is one my favorites. It’s cute and awesome. Good job!