Teni, this sounds lovely

I've never been to a blessingway either but I have read that they are really lovely and the one I read about said they all sat around in a circle and blessed each bead as they put them on the necklace and said what they hoped for in the life of the child to be born. I hope everyone really gets into it for you I think the invitations are important as they set the tone and make everyone aware that you aren't just after a "plasticy" baby shower.

Other mother focused things.......hmmmmm..........what about having everyone write down something they admire about you and you can keep these and read them in the early stages of labour? Just an idea, probably a silly one