It's amazing. Only a little over a year ago, we were all just women who happened to be Star Wars fans. Then, things happened. We all "met" online through this wonderful Hyperspace thing, then eventually most of us met IRL at CIV. Since then, some of us have maintained in-person contact, but one thing remained: Sisterhood.

Then, something wonderful happened.

Anakinside1 was blessed with her first pregnancy! So, what did we do? Threw her the best Star Wars Baby Shower in the GFFA, of course!

I had the honor and privilege of hosting a Star Wars-themed shower at my house last weekend (I wonder if it's the first). Several bloggers you may know made the trip, and many of our "sisters" did not get to come, but sent their love, gifts and blessings.

The day was cold and crisp, and Amidalooine was the first to arrive at my house. I was outside trying to put balloons at the end of my driveway for those who had not been to Mamdala's Lair before. Alas, the balloons burst as soon as they touched the cold, #####ly gound! Ami made things better by giving me this beautiful bouquet of flowers to add to the festivities, though!

One by one, the guests arrived: PadmeSkywalker77, followed by the Guest of Honor herself, Anakinside1. She was greeted by this banner. (I wonder what the people at the birthday place thought when they had to make it?!)

Then, JediMelindaWolf, EwenandHaydenFan5 and JediPrincess77 arrived after their long, 8-hour trek. We all hugged, shared some squees and giggles, and settled down for some chow.

The last to arrive was Senator Sophi-a. She'd had a prior engagement that kept her away until later that evening. She was also the only Sister we had not met in person prior to that evening. Of course, as always happens with our group, it felt like we had known each other all our lives, and we all easily slipped into conversation. Like E&HF5 said: "like family, but better."

As fate would have it (or the Force), it also happened to be PS77's and AS1's birthdays that weekend, so they were loaded up with lots of goodies, and even got to wear their own "Birthday Jedi" buttons!

Then it was time for opening gifts. AS1 received so many great baby gifts, including Star Wars and non-Star Wars gadgets alike. HG3 contributed a pair of beautiful, hand-painted baby shoes, too! The star of the show, in my opinion, wasthe blanket that was stitched with love by JMW, complete with the artwork of our own Nob01! Nobby created alphabet squares for characters in the GFFA, then Melinda put them all together with satin ribbon, a cotton SW-themed trim, and an oh-so-soft and fuzzy backing. The blanket is truly a work of art!

The blanket lined a basket that held gifts which traveled far-and-wide: each one of the Spew Sisters (whom I'll name in a list at the bottom), contributed a gift and sent them to Melinda. A card that Melinda made also traveled cross-country between October and January, signed with personal messages by each Sister along the way. We were all treated to Melinda's wonderful storytelling as she informed us about the card's journey cross-country, the story behind the USC onesie (GL's alma mater), and the creation of the quilt. It was absolutely overwhelming and heartwarming to watch AS1 open all of her gifts, knowing that there was so much love in that room, be it in person, or being sent from another heart far away. My Padawans were even there to help pass out presents and be on "garbage detail." They had the best time.

***Added on Friday, Jan. 25***: I also need/want to mention that Sarlaac-Pitt also sent a present along with ami for AS1 to open - you are so generous, Pitt!!!

Jedilily made a phone call to the party as well - we all got to say "hi" to her on the phone as she expressed her well-wishes to AS1. Thanks so much for calling, Lily! It was so great to hear your voice again!

Then, we had a Jedi-initiation ceremony, much like the one in the Clone Wars animated series when Anakin was promoted to knighthood, except this one involved us pointing lightsabers at AS1's unborn child! Now, I ask you, what other baby shower would possibly include that?!

Of course, with lightsabers in hand, we couldn't possibly resist having an all-out duel. FX sabers, Spring-action sabers, and even Ami's Leia blaster got into the act! We had such fun!

Then, it was time to enjoy the cake. The image was supposed to be an edible one, but we figured out that the bakery had made a mistake, and just laminated the original art I had given them. Oh well - we just scraped off the precious icing, and away we went!

We played a trivia game that included questions about Padme's pregnancy, the birth of the twins and the Skywalker lineage. Everyone got prizes - Star Wars, of course!

Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Sophi-a, as she could not join us for the sleepover. We hated to see her go, but I know I speak for everyone when I say that we WILL meet again!

Afterward, with the Hubakin and Padawans at Grandma's, we exchanged our clothes for our jammies, and settled down for SW Trivial Pursuit, complete with munchies. Since Melinda had to do all of the driving the next day, she sacked out on the floor, but interjected a comment from time-to-time...especially when the questions had anything to do with LUKE! The winning team was none other than the Mom-to-Be and ami!! YAY! Vader always wins...

Finally, we all hunkered down in our sleeping bags and blanket, popped in ROTS (of course), and fell asleep to the glow of the television.

The next morning, we shared a nice breakfast together. All too soon it was time to pack up and go home (well, everyone else, of course). It all ended so fast! We had one more round of hugs, and a final group-hug to top things off; then I watched as, one by one, all the guests had gone.

I can't explain the feeling of love, friendship, and camaraderie that is shared by this group of women. It is more than just a love of Star Wars that binds us all together. We are like-minded individuals, but also soul-mates as well. I am so incredibly fortunate to be able to call these women my friends. I had the best time planning this shower, but even a better time being able to share in its outcome. As AS1said "it's a good thing I got knocked up so I could have this party!" For sure, her baby - no matter whether a boy or girl - will not only be surrounded by Star Wars, but will indeed be surrounded by a never-ending supply of love.

MTFBWY all...
...Always...

MO2YP

Spew Crew Sisters:

Anakinside1
JediMelindaWolf
Amidalooine
Padmeskywalker77
Senator Sophi-a
Jediprincess77
EwenandHaydenFan5

Not present, but there in spirit:
Jedilily
Viagoangel2
Granny-Wan
Hansgirl3
JediMasterMina
Michelle68
JediPug1
Oboe-Wan
GalacticBabe

THANK YOU ALL!!!!