Episode 5 of Pregnant in Heels – Baby Showers!

In all honesty, when I left England (agreeably, I was only 18 years old), I don’t think I had even heard of one. But then again, I hadn’t heard of a bridal shower either.  I am not so sure whether this was because weddings and babies hadn’t been a huge research topic of mine at that juncture in my life, or whether such celebratory events are simply shied away from in that grey landscape that can so often swallow British culture (though let’s hope that, since my departure, both bridal and baby showers are back in force!).

When I first found out about showers, two things struck me immediately, and they remain the reasons that I will defend the culture of showers till the end: (1) Showers mark the celebration of an amazing life event — what is not to love about that?2) Showers help the bride- or mother-to-be compile all of the gear that will stand her in good stead for the immediate future, a wonderful gesture especially as we are often strapped for cash when starting out on these adventures.

So, all you critics out there (you know who you are, probably the same ones that pooh poohed on the royal wedding), get with the program, pour yourself a martini and start enjoying the celebration!  We all need a little sparkle, gifts, cupcakes and pretty dresses every now and again, and what better excuse than a baby or a wedding?

Now that I have you all on the shower train, I’d love to share a few of my fave things to add to any shower to make it that bit more special with minimal cost:

1. Make sure you ask all of the guests to bring a baby or children’s book for the baby-to-be.  Enclose a book sticker in the invite so they can write a wee note to the baby explaining why they love the book.  This is a wonderful way to start building baby’s library.
2. Instead of a guest book, bring lots of newborn and size 1 diapers.  Have all the guests write a wee note on the outside of the diaper so that the new mom can read funny notes and words of encouragement from all her friends when changing those diapers during the many sleepless nights and long days.
3. Serve food based loosely on pregnancy craving cliches– e.g. buy chocolate covered pickles and serve with ice-cream.  The fun doesn’t necessarily come from delighting in the delicacy, but more from rejoicing in the absurdity of those stereotypes.  Chocolate covered potato chips are another favorite of mine.
4. Why not do your very own Mommy IQ for the mom-to-be?  

But most importantly make sure every mom-to-be gets to have a shower if she wants one.  Pregnancy deserves celebrating!