Dozens of Air National Guard Members of the 162nd Fighter Wing - and their spouses - gathered for a baby shower.
Expectant mothers, as well as moms with newborns, had the chance to get spoiled on Saturday.
This whole event was about five months in the making with The Women of Quail Creek, an organization from Green Valley. The 29 babies and their families took home roughly 4,000 diapers, 300 onesies, nearly 250 outfits, 60 blankets, as well as $4,200 in donations from the community. This gave families a chance to share their new experiences and celebrate their new duty as parents.
"And you get to see these babies," Pamela Rodgers said with a big smile. "I'm a grandmother of two, but they live in California, so I get my baby fix every year. I get these little tiny babies. I love it!"
Pamela Rodgers is the chair-person of this event with The Women of Quail Creek. She and her team spent hours upon hours working TO make this a storybook baby shower.
"Our theme this year is 'Read me a story,'" Rodgers explained. "I'm very big on child readiness and reading is, so important. Whether it's in utero or after birth - it's just so huge."
Books are just a small part of the extensive gift baskets, ready-to-go diaper bags and clothes - free for the taking for all the families.
"We have dads that are military. We have moms that are military," Rodgers explained. "We are really lucky - we have a mom and a dad that both, same family, are in the military."
One of those families is the Hinds.
"33-weeks. I've got about a month and a half left," said a very pregnant Marya Hinds.
"It went by fast," said her husband, Constantine Hinds.
They met in the service and soon these parents-to-be will be welcoming a baby girl.
"I was impressed," Marya said. "I didn't think it was going to be this big."
"Extremely well organized," chimed in Constatine. "It seems like there is a good system in place - definitely have been doing it for years."
Five years to be exact and for Rodgers, it's a small way to show her appreciation to the families who serve.
"They give so much to us," Rodgers said as tears watered her eyes. "They put their life on the line every day. This is nothing... Nothing. So, we just try to honor them."
