Jen’s IronBaby Shower

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A few weeks ago, I was racking my brain for a creative theme for my friend Jen’s baby shower.  I considered a puppy theme, a football theme, a jungle theme…

 

And then I realized – a triathlon theme would be PERFECT!  After all, Jen is an accomplished runner and triathlete who’s managed to rack up the miles through her pregnancy.

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Jen and I even did a triathlon relay while she was in her second trimester – crazy, right?

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I ordered customized Jen’s IronBaby Shower race bibs from a bib website (they were SO confused when they got my order – hah!) and used them to create fun banners that I hung up around her living room and kitchen.  Her baby’s name was written on the bottom – just like a legit race bib!

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Like a real triathlon, our IronBaby shower had three ‘legs’:

 

Eat

Play (shower games)

Love (unwrap presents)

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The shower was a potluck – all sixteen attendees ended up bringing VERY yummy dishes!  Quiche, potato salad, quinoa butternut squash salad, and chilled orzo with arugula.  Yum.

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Let the chocolate fountain flow.  I always have to resist the urge to stick my face under a stream of chocolate when I’m around one of these things.

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Dessert included pumpkin dip (pumpkin puree + cream cheese), as well as chocolate fountain dippings.

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For drinks, I made Boozy Arnold Palmers and Booze-Free Arnold Palmers.  In the Boozys:  ice tea vodka, sweet tea, sparkling lemonade.  In the Booze-Frees:  sweet tea and sparking lemonade.  With many lime and lemon slices.  I was a little heavy-handed when I poured the Boozys – it was STRONG.  Whoops. 

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Time for Part 2 of the IronBaby Shower – GAMES!

 

This activity was my favorite:

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I bought a pack of newborn diapers and colorful markers, and everyone wrote funny messages on the front and pack. 

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My personal favorites:  My shit don’t stink…. and I poop gold.

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Everyone guessed Jen’s bump in inches (around the waist), as well as how many miles she’s run since Week 14 with spawn…  What’s your guess?

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The answers:  39 inches and 254.75 miles!  <— AMAZING!

 

Our very last game was the classic Candy Bar Diaper game.  I bought 10 different types of candy bars, melted and mushed them up in numbered diapers, and then passed them around for people to sniff and guess.

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So gross.  Yet so funny.

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A few people managed to guess ALL 10 candy bars correctly!  I was impressed.  I put the candy bars in the diapers and still couldn’t figure it out.

 

And last, but not least, Part 3 of the shower: the opening of the presents… Jen got some wonderful gear.  I am just SOOOO happy for Jen and Jeff.  Especially after they struggled to get pregnant – this shower seemed particularly special. 

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Can’t wait to meet you in December, little baby boy!

{ 81 comments }

 

  • Whitney October 22, 2011, 7:09 pm

    How cool!! Whats the babies name?

    • CaitlinHTP October 22, 2011, 7:10 pm

      All of her friends know (hence, why it was on the bibs), but it’s not ‘public knowledge’ yet. 🙂

      • Whitney October 22, 2011, 7:45 pm

        Oh got it!

  • emily October 22, 2011, 7:14 pm

    Eeek, it looks like you did an amazing job setting up this shower! It seems totally cute and fun. And I starred this post in my GoogleReader so someday if I ever get to throw a shower I’ll have some clue of where to start 😀

  • Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats October 22, 2011, 7:16 pm

    This totally beats any baby shower I’ve ever attended! Great ideas! 🙂 I’d especially love the Arnold Palmers! That is my favorite summer drink!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete October 22, 2011, 7:17 pm

    That is such a good idea! I need to forward this to my sister to keep it in mind for mine! Well, when I actually get preggers.

  • Mel October 22, 2011, 7:18 pm

    Adorable. PS so’s your dress! Where is it from?

    A few years living in Alabama gave me a soft spot for houndstooth.

    • CaitlinHTP October 22, 2011, 7:27 pm

      H&M! Just bought it. $17!

  • Kelly October 22, 2011, 7:20 pm

    What an amazing baby shower!!! You did awesome!!

    • CaitlinHTP October 22, 2011, 7:20 pm

      Thanks 🙂

  • Kathryn @ Flopoodle October 22, 2011, 7:26 pm

    That’s so sweet! I love the tri theme – it’s so fitting. Looks like you really made a special day for her 🙂

  • Lauren @ Lauren Runs October 22, 2011, 7:32 pm

    This looks like an amazing and fun shower you put on for your friend! I love the race bibs decoration – and would love to consider using it for an upcoming party (actually, my wedding) if you share the source! So far we’ve just been playing around with ideas of using the race bibs we’ve collected over time!

  • erica October 22, 2011, 7:42 pm

    i love it!!! this is the most creative shower i’ve seen! 🙂 love the theme!

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt October 22, 2011, 7:53 pm

    Great job, Caitlin. It was lots of fun, and I think Jen had a great time. 🙂

  • Emily October 22, 2011, 7:53 pm

    Such a cute idea for a baby shower and what an inspiring mommy-to-be!! If I am ever pregnant I want to be all active and fit like her 🙂 Oh and I haven’t got off Reader and on to your blog lately but I love the new look!!

  • Lauren @ SassyMolassy October 22, 2011, 7:57 pm

    I love the decorations and theme that you made for the shower. Definitely one of the most creative themes I’ve seen and perfect for Jen and her husband.

  • Army Amy* October 22, 2011, 8:04 pm

    I love the theme! It sounds very Jen and very fun!*

  • Fit Chick Britt October 22, 2011, 8:08 pm

    What a cute theme! Looks like you did a great job!!

  • Cindi October 22, 2011, 8:11 pm

    You did such a great job, Caitlin! Everything was so thoughtful & I had so much fun!

  • Heather October 22, 2011, 8:18 pm

    What a perfect baby shower for Jen! I love the tri theme- So cute 🙂

  • April @ Grits and Granola Bars October 22, 2011, 8:18 pm

    That looks like a seriously fun baby shower! Great job planning it! And congrats to Jen on her little guy 🙂

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen October 22, 2011, 8:21 pm

    Awesome theme! I guessed football, but Ironman is way cooler 😉

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats October 22, 2011, 8:24 pm

    What an adorable theme! That was so nice of you to throw that shower, and it looked like a great time! I love the messages on the diapers!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun October 22, 2011, 8:26 pm

    That is the BEST looking baby shower I have ever seen. So cute and fun!

  • Krystina (Organically Me) October 22, 2011, 8:33 pm

    This is the cutest, most thoughtful shower. And a beautiful mommy to be!

  • Sami October 22, 2011, 8:34 pm

    Is his name Wyatt???

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga October 22, 2011, 8:43 pm

    Great job on the shower…what a fun day for everyone!! She’ll always remember this day so fondly 🙂

  • Jen October 22, 2011, 8:59 pm

    Love the “that was a marathon poop session” diaper! Looks like a fantastic shower…you did a great job!

  • Alicia from Poise in Parma October 22, 2011, 9:00 pm

    Sorry if someone has already commented on this, but a “boozy” Arnold Palmers is also know as a John Daly – he’s an other golfer that has a history with adult beverages…

    The bibs are the cutest thing I’ve ever since. Very nicely done.

    • CaitlinHTP October 23, 2011, 5:44 pm

      Nice! Now I know 🙂

  • Ashley October 22, 2011, 9:00 pm

    What a great theme for her, good work! It looks like the party was lots of fun.

  • Linz October 22, 2011, 9:12 pm

    omg this baby shower is AMAZING!!!! you are so unbelievably creative, it’s ridiculous! and AWESOME! i seriously LOVE THIS!

  • Marissa C October 22, 2011, 9:41 pm

    Woo hoo! Another December baby! I’m due Dec. 8th. And ironically, I threw a shower for another mom-to-be of a Dec. baby today. The theme was “lil pumpkin”

    • CaitlinHTP October 23, 2011, 5:46 pm

      Very cute theme 🙂

  • Keelie (SweatEqualsSuccess) October 22, 2011, 10:42 pm

    Adorable! And the diaper candy bar game is the most wonderfully hilarious thing I’ve ever heard of!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good October 22, 2011, 10:47 pm

    What a fun shower!

  • Melissa October 22, 2011, 11:32 pm

    Oh my goodness! That was such an incredibly thoughtful baby shower!!
    The bib banner is awesome, and the games are incredible!
    I love the idea of writing fun and funny things on the baby diapers!
    And the candy bar diapers—-FABULOUSLY HILARIOUSLY FUN!!!
    I’ve never heard of any of the great things you did (except the “guess the inches around the belly” game).
    You are an incredible friend!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence October 23, 2011, 12:00 am

    So cute! i love the theme.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 23, 2011, 12:24 am

    SUCH a cute theme!! That’s perfect!

  • Sarah October 23, 2011, 12:46 am

    Where did you get your top?? I love it!

    • CaitlinHTP October 23, 2011, 5:48 pm

      Its a dress from H&M!

  • Karien October 23, 2011, 1:02 am

    Love the sporty theme! What a great idea!

  • Laura October 23, 2011, 1:45 am

    Hee at the chocolate fountain – they always remind me of the Vicar of Dibley!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-wwbO4LUMY

  • Hangry Pants October 23, 2011, 2:16 am

    You did a great job with the theme!

  • Penny October 23, 2011, 2:32 am

    I am DYING over “my poop is beautiful”!!!! I hope that was yours!

  • Pam C October 23, 2011, 3:10 am

    That looks like such a fun shower. I bookmarked this post for future ideas, I had never seen the diaper messages or the melted candy game. Genius!

  • Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count October 23, 2011, 3:13 am

    What a fun idea and so personal for Jen! You are truly creative!

  • Sophie @ threetimesf October 23, 2011, 5:43 am

    Aww, that is such a cute party idea – I love that you even had 3 legs!
    Oh my, chocolate fountains are always such a challenge!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb October 23, 2011, 5:59 am

    what a fun shower!! so happy for jen.. and you are such a great friend to host this beautiful celebration 🙂

  • Alett October 23, 2011, 8:12 am

    omg! Love that baby shower theme. I have only been to a few baby showers but all of those games seemed SO original!

    What a fun time 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 23, 2011, 8:19 am

    Wow you put so much work into this and it really shows! Jen is so lucky to have such a great friend! 🙂

    I’ve never heard of that candy bar diaper game – I’m kind of grossed out by it haha!

  • Amanda October 23, 2011, 9:44 am

    You did such a great job with her baby shower! I love all of the personal touches and how you really customized everything to her. And writing funny messages on the diapers? Awesome idea!! I’m sure she’ll appreciate those down the road. 🙂

  • Courtney @ The Petite AthlEAT October 23, 2011, 11:39 am

    You’re an awesome friend, and this was well themed and planned Baby Shower! Nice work! 🙂 Love those diapers, hahaha … Marathon Poop session …

  • Chelsea October 23, 2011, 12:00 pm

    It looks like you guys all had such a blast =D! I love the poopy diaper notes haha.

  • Moni'sMeals October 23, 2011, 12:03 pm

    IRON BABY Shower Indeed! How awesome and great ideas! Congrats Jen!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 23, 2011, 12:35 pm

    You did an amazing job hosting your first shower! How very clever 🙂

  • Erica October 23, 2011, 1:03 pm

    Such a cute theme! And, oh my gosh, I have that maternity shirt that Jen is wearing!

  • ashley October 23, 2011, 1:08 pm

    that has to be the most perfect baby shower idea ever! and i love writing messages on the diapers, too cute.

  • Grab An Apple October 23, 2011, 1:09 pm

    I LOVE the tri shower idea; I’m so stealing this for my (distant future) bridal shower!

  • Amber K October 23, 2011, 1:19 pm

    That looks like so much fun! Love the theme idea.

  • Meredith October 23, 2011, 2:21 pm

    I just have to say – you are such a thoughtful and caring friend!! What a terrific party – I LOVE the customized race bibs : )

  • Kristin October 23, 2011, 4:18 pm

    Love this! That is the best theme ever good job:)

  • Lisa October 23, 2011, 4:40 pm

    This is such a wonderful idea!!!!!!

  • Eliza October 23, 2011, 5:57 pm

    I just don’t understand why such a pregnant woman would jeopardize her baby’s health by running that much, especially if she had trouble to conceive it in the first place. All that bumping and shaking around can’t be healthy for the baby.

    • CaitlinHTP October 23, 2011, 6:01 pm

      She has cleared her running and mileage multiple times with her doctors, including her fertility specialist. There is a great deal of evidence that cardio, including running, does not harm the baby at all and actually can help with delivery.

    • Samantha @ Mama Notes October 24, 2011, 2:32 am

      You should do research so you know what you’re talking about before you post stuff like this. 😉 Running while pregnant is TOTALLY fine. Babies are VERY protected inside their mothers womb. They are not bumping and shaking around. There have been numerous studies that show that mothers who exercise during pregnancy have easier labors and faster recoveries, along with many other positive things.

  • Jen October 23, 2011, 7:39 pm

    Such a perfect shower! I love you <3

  • Alaina October 23, 2011, 10:09 pm

    That is the cutest themed baby shower!! 254 miles run?? She’s a rockstar! Her baby is going to come out running. 😛

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat October 25, 2011, 1:23 pm

    You did a great job on the shower, absolutely perfect! Jen is amazing and I’m really happy for her too 🙂

  • Katie October 25, 2011, 4:36 pm

    Omg what a fabulous shower! I remember you tweeting about getting ideas! It turned out so great!!

    Love the diaper writing!!

  • Tammy @ Palm Trees and Manatees October 25, 2011, 10:32 pm

    Oh, I love this!! We struggled to get pregnant, too. Congratulations to the very sweet and happy couple!

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel October 26, 2011, 11:25 pm

    Looks so fun! And I love the theme–that baby better be athletic haha.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife November 3, 2011, 12:19 pm

    awwww that is SO sweet! What an awesome themed party 🙂

  • Amanda Norwood September 9, 2013, 12:45 pm

    I know I’m coming into this two years late, but hopefully you’re still reading your comments!

    What did you give away for favors?

    • Caitlin September 9, 2013, 12:47 pm

      I don’t think I gave any favors out… Sorry!

  • Carmen December 17, 2013, 11:43 am

    Hi – were you able to find a way to make cute running-themed invitations? I am looking everywhere online to do running-themed invites for my sister and can’t find any 🙁

    • Caitlin December 17, 2013, 2:28 pm

      No I didn’t!

  • Victoria May 28, 2014, 3:35 pm

    What website did you order the personalized bibs from?

  • Marisela July 2, 2014, 1:27 pm

    Hi there, what an amazing job you did! Looks fantastic! I’m hosting a similar baby shower for my friend Jen as well with a marathon theme and just wondering which website you used to create the custom bibs. I wasn’t having much luck. Many thanks!

    • Caitlin July 2, 2014, 1:58 pm

      It was so long ago that I don’t remember – I’m sorry!

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