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[#1]

Nearly five years ago when we moved thousands of miles from our families, I feared my husband and my girls and I would be on our own in this adventure. We'd moved a lot and had made a few close friends in many states, but I longed for home so often and that feeling of people who love me unconditionally. I never really trusted we’d find a group of people that would become as close to us as family can be. That all changed when I walked into this home last week and saw love just pouring out of every square foot.

I got a call from Rachel and Mary when Ben was only a few weeks old asking to throw a baby shower for him. When you adopt a child you’re told to not have a shower until after the baby is born for fear that the adoption could miscarry. That had happened to us and we were so scarred by that experience that not only did we not have a baby shower before, we didn’t even tell anyone we were adopting.  When Ben came screaming into the world at 2:46 am he was had loving arms to hold him but he didn’t have a single onesie to his name. I had to run out to Target and buy a car seat the day after he was born just so we could get him home. In an instant we were a family in need.

One thing you should know about QVC hosts and really, every QVC employee I’ve ever met; they respond to their coworkers in need. I’d seen it over the years whenever one of us had a life event. We rally. We feed, help, care, and love on each other. It’s the family first feeling that drew me to QVC five years ago. So just like that, my family from QVC sprung into action. Rachel and Mary called my cousin Katie and social partner Reba who then enlisted my other BFF’s Alberti and Jen and they put together the most beautiful welcoming party for our new son.  

Building a family through adoption is so different and as a mother you often feel like your child is missing out on the big arrival celebration. People around you don’t often get as excited about adopted children. There isn’t that big party at the hospital. There isn’t always a nursery ready or family gathered. As the mom and dad you are exploding with joy and gratitude and relief and so in love with your new child. Just as much, if not even more than you are when you have a baby the old fashion way (I know because I’ve done it both ways,) but its hard not to feel robbed on your child’s behalf that they aren’t getting the grand welcome other babies often do.

All of those feelings were erased when we saw what my friends had planned.

{our reactions to the amount of love in the room}

{for this sweet baby boy I prayed for}

{aren't they perfect?}

It wasn’t only the Four Seasons worthy decorations (bravo Alberti, and cousin Katie on the gourmet food (Mary slaved all day!) 

{oh boy!  this was such a beautiful event!}

{the most beautiful cake from Cakes and Candies from Mary Ellen}

{LOOK at the cheese tray!  AMAZING!!}

{the Ben Diego themed lemonade}

{Mary adding some extra sugar to her masterpieces}

It was the people who assembled and the words they shared with my husband and I as we introduced them to our new baby.  Some of them knew what we had been through to get to this point but many of them didn’t. But regardless they were all so overwhelmingly welcoming to this little caramel colored baby. There were a lot of happy tears in that beautiful home, lots of smiles and toasts to the faithfulness of our Lord. Rachel, really explained it best, “He is our baby, one of us.” Indeed he is.  

{my DEAR friend + BFF, Rachel!  Beautiful inside and out}

{My other amazing BFF's Jennifer + Alberti! xoxo}

{My gorgeous + talented cousin, Katie!  Love you!!}

{My Social Partner, Reba xo}

{My goofy gang!  LOVE them!!}

I’m so beyond blessed by every single person who came out to celebrate Ben Diego, and all the others who had to keep the Q running and sent their love (and diapers and clothes!) to our boy.

{So many people came out!  Mary Beth, Sandra, Mally and Sarah}

{Mari Lyn from philosophy, xo}

{Alberti + Jayne + Rachel} 

{Auntie Rachel }

{Mary playing with Alberti's pups}

{If you don't know them yet..our newest hosts, Mary, Elise + Katie!}

And we can't forget about the games we played, thanks to my cousin Katie!  We played "10 Things About Honduras" and "10 Things About Ben Diego."

Below are the winners, Cara + T.J.!

Not only was Ben adopted into a loving family, I truly feel like I was too. I didn’t expect this five years ago when I showed up at the Q, but isn’t it amazing how the Lord puts you exactly where you need to be.

God Bless,

Kerstin

P.S. I'll be back on-air this Wednesday, September 14th for "The SHOP!"  Can't wait to be back with you all xoxo