Pregnancy & Baby Index: Pregnancy - Just for Fun: It's my party: When nobody throws you a shower
It's my party: When nobody throws you a shower
Andi and Penelope
Although pregnancy and parenting don't require a degree, sometimes we can all benefit from a different point of view. Get some down-to-earth advice here from two real-life moms: the wise and witty -- and very opinionated -- Andi and Penelope.
Dear Just Add Baby: I'm 32 weeks along with my first baby,
and we just moved to a new town a year ago. I guess we don't have many
friends because so far, nobody has offered to throw us a baby shower. I
was wondering if we could do it ourselves.
Andi: Every etiquette book we consulted on this matter says
no -- it's "simply not done." In fact, mothers, sisters and other
family members technically aren't supposed to have a shower for you,
either.
Penelope: I don't know exactly why you're not permitted to throw
your own party to celebrate an impending birth -- I mean, you can throw
your own birthday party or graduation gala…
Andi: Well, even if the rule is old fashioned, there it is. Of course, you can take it or leave it.
Penelope: As I see it, if you had friends who wouldn't attend
because it wasn't proper social etiquette -- well, I'd wonder what sort
of friends those are.
Andi: Assuming you do want to do this properly, you can't have
your own shower. Sorry. But that's not to say you can't have a nice
little "meet the baby" party or a naming ceremony shortly after he or
she has arrived.
Penelope: Very true -- and everyone will be dying to get a
little look-see at this fabulous creature you produced. And since
they're unlikely to come empty-handed…
Andi: That makes the post-baby party a win-win for everyone!