baby shower question...

my2monkeyboys wrote: My mom, sister and cousin all want to give me a baby shower. I feel really weird about it, though, since this will be my second baby. According to my mom and sister since it's been almost 6 years that there is nothing wrong with having a shower for this baby, and my cousin actually had one for each of her 3 (they are all 6 and under). IMaybe it's my age, in that I just feel strange asking people to give me gifts. I don't know... there are some things we need like baby clothes, bottles/pacifiers, diapers, a new stroller (Will wore his out) and swing (Will's was ruined in storage), but we have most everything else. Since we're having to pay our dr. bills out of pocket we certainly could use the help, but I hate asking for that, you know? I've been picking up an outfit here and there, and plan on buying a some diapers as they go on sale/we get coupons.

So, what are your opinions - HONESTLY? Please don't feel bad about hurting my feelings or anything. Would you have/attend a shower for someone having a baby 6 years after their first one, or would you see it as a present-grab?

Thanks for any advice/opinions.

MommyToAshley replied: I love going to baby showers and never think twice about whether the person has another child or not -- HONESTLY. I think people just like to celebrate babies, and every baby deserves to be celebrated whether it is the first or the fifth. A couple of us got together and had an informal baby shower for a friend who was having her third baby. We did it because we wanted to... we wanted to celebrate the baby and we wanted to do something nice for our friend. Your sister, Mom, and friends want to do this for you, so I say let them.

stella6979 replied: I think every baby should be celebrated! My SIL had 2 boys and when she got pregnant with her daughter I threw her a shower and everyone came.

my2monkeyboys replied: That's my cousin's take on it, too, that every baby should be celebrated. I agree when it comes to other people, I just feel like I'd be putting people out to invite them to my own. I don't know why really.
Thanks for the opinions ladies. It does make me feel a little better about it. But one other question - if I decide to go through with this shower, should I register for anything (my mom had mentioned that) or just let them bring something if they want to?

PrairieMom replied: Personally, I think that baby showers should just be reserved for the first baby, then special situations, like twins, where more stuff, or special stuff would be needed. But, since yours would be 6 years apart, i think that would count as a special situation. So much has changed in that time, things get old, need replaced, esp if you are in a situation like yours where it would help you out.

If you DO have the shower, definately register for the things that you want or need to help your guests out, but PLEASE for the love of pete, don't be crazy. It drives me nuts when the new mommies register for the most expensive things.

mckayleesmom replied: I think all babies deserve a celebration....Not necessarily for the gifts, but because a new life has been created.

~Roo'sMama~ replied: I think another baby shower is a good idea. Where I live no one ever does showers for anything but their first baby, and I wish we did. I wanted to have a celebration after Alison was born since we don't do showers, but we just never did it. I think even people around here would do one for someone who has a big gap between the babies like you do.

Celestrina replied: Remember, you aren't asking for stuff, they want to give you stuff. There is a difference. There's also no harm in registring, especially for a second baby. People will know what you need. Because like you said, some stuff can't be used again. Besides, it will make life a lot easier for them. All they'll have to do is go in, see what you want/need, then pick something off the list. If its something more expensive, others can go in on it together rather than all of them having to shop for themselves.

MommyToAshley replied:
I was going to say the same thing, I wouldn't avoid registering for something expensive becasue a lot of times people will go in on a gift together. I'd just make sure you have registered for a variety of things in different price ranges.

mommymommy replied: I think that you sound very humble nd thoughtful in this!! I also think that if your family is wanting to do this, then go for it!!
It is not like you are having one two years in a row!!
Good luck and I wish you the best

5littleladies replied: I would have no problem with going to a 2nd baby shower-especially since it has been so long. It's not like you are throwing it for yourself.

I only had one with my first, but to be honest I almost wish I could have another with this one because things wear out after 4 kids!!

Calimama replied: Yeah I think you should have one!!! Especially since it's been 6 years!!

Kaitlin'smom replied: given its been 6 years I would not think twice about it. Its back to back that I have problems with unless you know its of the oppsite sex then its fun to shower them with clothes.

Our Lil' Family replied: We're giving a little "sprinkle" for my friend in a few weeks. Her daughter will be almost 4 when her baby boy will arrive. She has the big things but it'll be more for the sentimental things, and blue stuff of course!

A&A'smommy replied: GO FOR IT!!!! I had one with each of mine, one REALLY big one with Alyssa and one small one with Autumn both were VERY helpful.

my2monkeyboys replied: Oh, a "sprinkle" - I love it!!! That is such a cute way of saying it!
Jennifer, why don't you have a shower? I would think by the 4th baby you'd definitely need some things. (See, I have no problem giving showers to other people! )
I think you're all right... I will let them throw me a shower and just enjoy it. Even if no one brings a gift I love the thought of celebrating Waylon's life, regardless.
Thank you for all the help/advice.

boyohboyohboy replied:
I totally agree with this...you are not asking them to bring you a gift, if they feel funny about it they wont come, the ones who come want to give you something.

we had a diaper shower, where everyone brought a bag of diapers, what ever size you can always take back unopened diapers to any store and they will exchange them for no receipt even..
so that way we had tons of diapers and just took back the ones we needed new sizes for, and of course some people also brought other gifts, but it was fun...

i say celebrate!

AlexsPajamaMama replied: I just went to my sil's baby shower on saturday.....this is baby #2 for her, her son isn't even 2years old yet and she planned her own shower!! To me, that is asking for gifts!!
If your family wants to throw you a shower it's up to them, kwim, its not like you are asking them to organize a shower for you. Im sure you dont have everything still, I know I dont I was pregnant 5yrs ago with my first one. We kept alot of things like the crib, pack n play and tons of clothes, but the bouncy and swing we gave away. Plus, there are new things now that weren't out back then, like the bumbo seat and other neat stuff you may want for this baby.

They just want to celebrate the new baby and help you out with getting stuff!