Baby Shower
I had a baby shower for my second child, only because there was such a large gap from when I had my two kids- 8 years. I thought about not having one since the “rules”, at least in my head, dictated that it’s taboo to have a shower for any child other than the first. A question about this topic was posted on the LiveMom forum from Cindy. Here’s what she writes:
I’m pregnant with my second child, due in November, and my friends are insisting that I have a baby shower. My oldest is only three years old and I saved most of his baby stuff with the intent of growing our family even larger, so it’s not like we are in need of stuff. But they keep insisting that it would be fun and that this baby needs some spoiling just as much as my first baby. I’m getting tired of fighting them off about this baby shower issue and am curious to know if there are any baby shower alternatives that will make everyone happy. Can we have a gathering and ask for people to bring something other than gifts? What would we call it and what could they bring? It’s not that I really mind having a shower thrown, I just feel like it’s not really acceptable, especially since I am pretty well stocked with hand-me-downs. Hoping that we can get some brainstorming here!
July 15th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
We had a blessing way for a member of our playgroup when she was about to have her second:
http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/blessingway.html
It sounds very touchy feely and spiritual, but you can tone all that down. Really it’s a time to honor the mother to be and do things that aren’t centered around gifts. We hung out and had yummy snacks, talked and we brought a bead to make a necklace for her to wear during labor. There is also the option to have someone come do massages, or do manicures or pedicures…just something to pamper you and your friends. We did plan a food tree and contribute towards a Soup Peddler and Eat Out In gift certificate, so things like cooking/eating would be easier after the second little guy came. Hope that helps!
July 15th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I’ve been brainstorming some ideas for you. Maybe you can have a get-together with food and drinks, or even meet at a nice restaurant. Instead of people giving presents, they can give IOU’s for things that you may need done after the baby comes: home-cooked dinners, a grocery store run, house cleaning, etc.
That way, your friends get to come back around after the baby is born, keep an eye on your needs and they feel like they are helping out instead of just buying a gift that you might not need or like.
July 15th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Maybe you could have people bring baby items and then donate them to a local charity. That way people still get to ‘buy’ you stuff and you don’t feel guilty for taking things that you don’t need. Plus, there are plenty of babies out there who might not have a lot of nice things. Everybody wins!
July 16th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
a mom in my mom’s group had a Sip and See party where you have a get together after the baby is born for everyone to see the baby and if they want to bring you a gift then they can
July 28th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Have an “all sizes” booty party!
That’s what I’d do… hehehhee
July 28th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
OMG.. I said “booty” without saying “Diaper” I meant a diaper all sizes booty party… What a typo… LOL