baby shower advice?

[Glittergirl]

What is the etiquette for having a baby shower? I had 2 baby showers thrown for me with ds1 one by co-workers and the other was a couple's one from DH work. I didn't have friends at either one of those...mainly a work thing. I didn't have showers for DS2 and DS3 (we would host meet the baby type things after they were born though). My sister really wants to host a shower--especially since this is my last pregnancy and it's a girl-- and it will consist of friends and family--not a work type thing. I get excited thinking of a PINK baby shower and all the cute girl stuff I never got to experience. Is this OK? I feel weird about registering for gifts. I kept everything big like crib and playpen and swing. So should I just look at it as a fun party to celebrate this baby and not necessarily register or should I just have a meet the baby party like I have done in the past? Anyone think it's OK to have a shower for your 4th child??

[zanacal]

I have no idea because we don't really do baby showers in the UK but, oh my goodness, a pink baby shower sounds like something you should really do! If people want to do one for you, then I say why not!

[rainbowflower]

why not?
I hosted a baby shower for my friend and she gave us a list of things she needed for the baby...
Alternatively you could say that presents are not necessary and you more want a lovely party with friends to celebrate the baby - I did that when I had my baby shower as I wasn't comfortable with asking for gifts

[nuthinbutpink]

Absolutely! Every baby should be celebrated!

[Cinss]

All of your friends and family WANT to buy little girl things for you because they are so cute! Trust me everyone gets excited about a new baby. Your sister sounds like she has it under control, she knows you have cots and other things which you can use so she will probably be telling your frinds to get clothes and toys, etc. Don't feel weird about it, definatly register.

[DoulaMama]

I'll be getting one too! I had one shower with DS1 and was offered one by friends for the next two but declined. This time my close friend(the one who knows I'm having a girl)really wants to hold a shower for me:) I'm not registering anywhere...it's going to be a "girl clothes" shower!! Pink, pink, pink:) I have everything else I need for baby:) I say go for it, Glitter!!!

[Glittergirl]

I like all your ideas! I think I wont register or ask for anything, instead just celebrating the baby and friends and family can bring cute little girl outfits or blankets that we can all say "awwww how adorable"! My sister has been wanting to host one since she found out I was preg and kept saying she would have one even if it was another boy.

[love being a mummy]

Yeah go for it, celebrate pink !!!
I also wouldn't register for gifts I don't it's really needed for a baby can never have 2 much baby stuff and even if you get double of something you can still use it.
Let the host know if you already have too much of something and don't need anymore and then that way the host can tell all the guests not to get any of that.
Have fun xx

[begonia]

I like all your ideas! I think I wont register or ask for anything, instead just celebrating the baby and friends and family can bring cute little girl outfits or blankets that we can all say "awwww how adorable"! My sister has been wanting to host one since she found out I was preg and kept saying she would have one even if it was another boy.

Oh that sounds perfect! FWIW I refused a shower this time (2 of my friends wanted to do one) and ... they're doing one anyway, LOL. I am not registering, and I forbade them from doing anything remotely fancy (including sending formal invites) so we're just going to tea with a small group. ITA with NBP that every baby should be celebrated.

And here's another thought ... we did a "display" shower for my friend having her 2nd boy; it's meant to bring unwrapped gifts and then rather than have everyone sit around watching you open presents (this always made me uncomfortable, both at my wedding/baby showers, but I don't like being center of attention in general) the hostesses "display" the gifts around the house. We hung a clothesline across a big picture window and clipped up various onesies, etc. People brought darling gift baskets stuffed with blankets and diapers ... stuff like that. It was fun to walk around and see/feel the cute stuff instead of just seeing the mom-to-be hold it up. Plus no big pile of wrapping paper to clean up!

[love being a mummy]

And here's another thought ... we did a "display" shower for my friend having her 2nd boy; it's meant to bring unwrapped gifts and then rather than have everyone sit around watching you open presents (this always made me uncomfortable, both at my wedding/baby showers, but I don't like being center of attention in general) the hostesses "display" the gifts around the house. We hung a clothesline across a big picture window and clipped up various onesies, etc. People brought darling gift baskets stuffed with blankets and diapers ... stuff like that. It was fun to walk around and see/feel the cute stuff instead of just seeing the mom-to-be hold it up. Plus no big pile of wrapping paper to clean up!

ooh I like that idea, I also hate being center of attention.

[Prettyinpink]

I definitely say go for it! It is not uncommon to have another baby shower thrown for you when you have a baby of another gender. Not in poor etiquette whatsoever. Congrats glittergirl and enjoy!

[LolaInLove]

I totally agree with everyone, I think we deserve one for each baby, regardless of our age or the baby's gender. People WANT to buy you cute stuff and celebrate with you, so let 'em! Enjoy!!!!

[Luvmykiddos]

Each of my boys had a shower and I know I will have one when I have my baby girl!

[Prettyinpink]

The display idea is great on so many levels! Eco friendly too!

[auroara78]

I think this is great! Go for it, and as other posters suggested, wouldn't register, just enjoy the pink!!!

I had a family only sprinkle for DS2 and it was clothing, but it helped out a lot! DS1 was born in a different season, so the clothes I had saved weren't the right season for DS2 to wear hehe

[applesoup]

My sister has been wanting to host one since she found out I was preg and kept saying she would have one even if it was another boy.

What a great sister!!!!

I think with the 4th child it's fine. After all, even if it is a boy, a lot of the clothes and stuff have been puked & pooped on a million times. Not to mention, it's great to celebrate all babies...even #4. Since you're having a girl, I think it's totally fine. If you feel weird about having one, just invite people that you KNOW want to come & are really excited. You can "feel" the others out as to where they stand on the topic.

I like the idea of not registering & letting it be more of a gender-celebration shower.

congrats!

[Glittergirl]

Wow you all have such great ideas! I'm gonna tell her that if anyone asks if I need anything to just leave it up to them on what they want to bring--I may even ask that if they want, then can donate a small item that I can take to the shelter here as I feel blessed enough with this baby. I did that with DS1 as a group of co-workers threw a lunch baby shower and everyone brought a package of diapers that we took over to the women's shelter. I also love the idea of having the open presents. I totally agree I really dislike being the center of attention!!! I have a hard time celebrating my birthday when friends bring gifts LOL! I like the idea of just celebrating this baby!!!! With ds2 and 3 we had a meet the baby party and that was so nice too. the only problem with that is I'm usually super paranoid about people who may have a cold or have sick kids all come over and handle the new baby. I know--it's crazy--but the first few months I'm always so careful not to have so many people around the baby...I always have the baby covered in the stroller if I have to go to the mall or other crowded germy places :)

[Tiny Dancer]

Definitely go for it Glitter Girl!!!! You only live once! I'm have twin girls my 3rd and 4th and I had a couple friends offer to do a shower so I accepted! I think it will be fun and like everyone has said it is so much fun to buy for girls. I think even if you registered or said no gifts people will still buy you girl clothes and bows and ribbons. I know I can't resist when my friends have a girl! Have fun and go celebrate your Baby Glitter!