It's a few months early to be deliberating this now, but I'm really turned off at the idea of having a baby shower thrown for me...or at me throwing one for myself, for that matter.
For one thing, I'm sure that subsequent babies won't get the same attention. This is my own theory - if your experience has been different, let me know. I just happen to know for a fact that there are approximately 1,487 pictures of my older sister from birth through Kindergarten. I have maybe 5. Part of that problem is that even then I didn't like having my picture taken because someone behind a camera always tried to make me smile and pose. Anyhow, my mother claims that my pictures were lost when they were "moving" or in a "great flood" or something. Bullshit. I was number two - second girl at that. I was the newer model that came out when the older one still had less than 100,000 miles on it.
I digress. Yeah. Baby showers. I just don't want that kind of attention. For one thing, Scott and I have a hard enough time agreeing on paint and furniture without bring other opinions up in the mix. I don't want people buying us shit that neither of us like. And that's pretty hard to do. I tend to be the kind of person that will take the gift and wear it anyway because someone I care about gave it to me. Even if it's ugly as shit.
But we're talking about a baby here. We've got to furnish an entire room and closet, and seeing as how the probability me of taking a massive pay cut in the next couple of months is about 99.9%, I wouldn't mind a few generous, unsolicited donations...but stuff I've already picked out. Does that make sense? We're the ones who have to use the crib, changing table, blah blah for the next two to three youngun's afterall.
I just can't see having to tolerate a bunch of people in my house when I'm thisclose to popping. I'm sure my family fall back on the old-standby guilt trip and call me "ungrateful," but how can I be ungrateful if I don't ask them for shit at all?
Fuck it. I'll just have to finance my own private shopping spree courtesy of my credit cards and some crap in the closet that can be sold on eBay.
Posted by Tiffany at May 29, 2006 09:01 AM | TrackBackDon't pass up the baby shower opportunity. I think your family and friends would purchase items you want if you provide them with a specific list of those things you have your sights set on. Family/friends actually look forward to seeing exactly what it is you want for your baby... especially your first born.
Posted by: Sheron at May 29, 2006 09:05 AMHow about registering for the baby shower? I know people do it and I don't think it's unreasonable either. Just a thought.
Posted by: nicole at May 29, 2006 10:59 AMRegister at Babies R Us and Burlington Coat Factory - that way you get what you want. I had triplets remember and I got VERY few things that I didn't register for or didn't like. Experienced parents can buy you stuff you didn't even know you'd need. I would defintely go for the shower - why spend money on stuff that other people are willing to give you? A shower is usually good for getting at least one big dollar item from your list, anyway, like a stroller or carseat. You could also have a diaper shower - you can't get too many of those... People are going to buy you things anyway - shower or not. You might as well register, have a shower and get the stuff you want. People like buying stuff for baby showers much more than wedding showers, by the way.
Posted by: Momotrips at May 29, 2006 10:28 PM