My sweet sister-in-law told me she wanted to host a baby shower for me as soon as we announced our exciting news at the beginning of the year, so I’ve been looking forward to this special day for a long time! Lauren is quite the party planner, and she completely outdid herself this time! It’s obvious how very much baby girl’s aunt loves her by the creativity, thought, and sweet touches she put into every detail of the shower.


Lauren’s talented dad painted this piece below for us to hang in the nursery, and it couldn’t be more perfect! He’s a self-taught painter and woodworker, and we just love his artwork, so it is extra special to have a custom piece for her room!

The shower was held at her parents’ home, which is like being in an art gallery because every wall is filled with her dad’s paintings and wood pieces. I was thrilled when she told me it would be there — it’s such a beautiful place! 

Also — baby girl finally has a name! After much debate, we settled on Leighton Lane Hayes, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. We wanted something unique but not weird, and I thought that Leighton was such a pretty name (for those who haven’t heard it before, it’s pronounced “lay-ton”). Her middle name Lane is in memory of Craig’s mother, Karen Elaine. We joked that she’s going to end up with the nickname “LL Cool Hayes” (like the singer LL Cool J), but that only “old” people like her parents will be the ones making that reference. 🙂

Grandmas-to-be::

The best hostess/sister-in-law there is::







Neighbors having babies this summer — future bffs::



Thank you to our moms and sisters and all of my fabulous friends who came out to celebrate Leighton’s upcoming arrival! She is one loved little lady, and we’re incredibly blessed and thankful to be surrounded by so many amazing people to share in this exciting time! We love you all.