C.C. asks from Skippack, PA on November 17, 2008
Baby Shower for a Second Child
Hi!
I'm hoping you guys can help...I have a 3 year old boy and I'm pregnant with my second child (a girl) and due Feb 14th. My sisters, mom and mother in law want to have a baby shower because the shower I had for my son I couldn't go to because I was in labor! My question is...Do I register? I don't really need much in the way of girl clothes and things like that because I have 2 neices that are my sons age so I have enough hand me downs to last me 2 years! But should I register for some other things that didn't make it through 3 years of my son? Also, who do I have them invite? Should I only invite a few people? or should I invite all the people who came to the last one? Is there such thing as a "gift free shower" or am I putting too much thought into this? I just don't want people to feel obligated to buy me gifts.. What are your opinions?
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C.J. answers from Harrisburg on November 18, 2008
Another shower is not needed. My suggestion would be to have a few friends, and some family at a dinner or something. Celebrate baby...something along that line....I wish my SIL would not have another shower, but she is...This is number three......I just think it is crazy!
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J.C. answers from Philadelphia on November 17, 2008
You can always register for a charity. Like a shelter for women. And celebrate the baby.
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C.J. answers from Harrisburg on November 18, 2008
Another shower is not needed. My suggestion would be to have a few friends, and some family at a dinner or something. Celebrate baby...something along that line....I wish my SIL would not have another shower, but she is...This is number three......I just think it is crazy!
1 mom found this helpful
K.K. answers from Erie on November 18, 2008
I hadn't had time to reply before, but since you asked for opinions, here's mine-- I say, no second shower.
If you want to have a small, "meet the baby get together" or a small afternoon tea gathering for really really close supportive family before the baby then fine.
This may sound contradictory, but i do say, go ahead and register for what you think you NEED. But only offer the registry if someone approaches you and asks "what do you Need?"
I think of it this way. People that love you and your little one will show up with outfits and toys etc, and the ones that wouldn't do that automatically, well they really don't want to be obligated to attend your second shower anyway. So when you look at it that way, Having the second shower becomes more about the gifts than just hanging out with the people you love. ANd you have said that gifts aren't your focus.
If you have a close family member that would be willing to organize meals for your or something like that you could have the opportunity to show the baby off in your home, little bit by little bit. To me that would still feel like a celebration but with out all the hassle.
Obviously this is only my opinion and if it makes you happy to have a second shower that you actually get to attend, then go for it. Have fun with your new little one, what ever you decide.
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K.K. answers from Philadelphia on November 17, 2008
I agree with Denise. I don't think a second shower so close together is appropriate. I can see if someone has their two children 10 years apart but not three. Times are tough right now and there could be feelings of resentment that they were invited to your second shower. I think you should have a party/brunch with your sisters, mother and mother-in-law.
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T.S. answers from Pittsburgh on November 17, 2008
My second child was a different gender from the first. They were only 21 mos apart so I pretty much had everything I needed minus girl clothes and a double stroller. My friends threw me a prayer shower. The invitation stated that the focus of the gathering was on prayer & gifts were not necessary unless you felt lead. It turned out be a beautiful party and a very special experience. If you would like more info email me.
H. answers from Pittsburgh on November 17, 2008
I like the "meals shower" idea. It's so easy to accumulate stuff that they go through so quickly and chances are if you made it through one kid without it, you don't really need it. Diapers and wipes are good too, but I'm picky about brands and styles as I have kids with really sensitive skin. The idea of assigning sizes is cute, but you'd have to save some of those diapers for so long! Plus my kids never made it past a size 3 before they were trained (just because they are little, not necessarily early trainers). I'd stick with assigning sizes newborn and 1. Then assign others the wipes.
M.A. answers from Allentown on November 18, 2008
I personally don't see anything wrong with celebrating a new life, and Valentine's day is a great b-day, (mine is that day). Anyway, if you feel weird about registering, ask for diapers and wipes. We all know you could use them. As far as who to invite, I would invite close family and friends to the shower. Maybe make this one a little more intimate than the last. COngrats!
D.P. answers from Pittsburgh on November 17, 2008
Hi C.,
I'm probably going to get a lot of flack for this but I think one baby shower is enough. I understand that you weren't (physically) there, but it was a shower. Lots of people disagree with this thought of no more than one, but let's face it--the shower is for the first baby when you have nothing and need everything. That's probably not the case here.
I think a more tasteful option would be for you, your mom, sisters, & MIL (close family and friends) to host a nice luncheon as a celebration of the new baby. The people who are close to you will be asking you what you need and buying gifts anyway......Just my opinion. Have fun whatever you decide to do!
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