Intro & Vent & Advice appreciated

ShaboAE

Hi ladies, I've been lurking here every once in a while, but I haven't formally introduced myself. I'm a FTM, hubby and I have been married for almost 2 years, and our LO is due June 20th. We are having a little girl. The grandparents are super excited. It's not my parent's first grandbaby, but it's the only one they'll be able to regularly see as the rest of my family lives too far away. It is my FIL's first grandbaby as hubby is an only child. MIL is no longer with us, but I know she would be just as excited.

For the vent: My mother is so excited about this baby shower and she's kind of driving me crazy. I haven't had time between work and personal stuff to put together a list of people to invite, and she keeps asking me where we should have it, would it be ok at the house, should she rent a hall... I DON'T KNOW YET. Let me at least get the list together! GEEZE!

For advice- I'm feeling really overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices offered for everything. I have just started the baby registry, and I have no idea what to put on it. I know the major things, like bedding, clothing, stroller, etc. I found the list of items for the registry on the bump already and saved that to help, but there are so many options in each category.  Do any of you STM+ have suggestions on things you love about the items you bought, things you wouldn't buy again, recommended models for strollers, carriers, etc?

Also advice, (and let me preface by saying I'm not planning but my mom does ask me things about the shower) I suggested to my mom that a Jack and Jill baby shower might be a good idea as many of my friends are guys. Hubby doesn't think my guy friends would want to go to a baby shower, but I think they would be excited about it. What are your thoughts on the Jack and Jill idea? It's going to be half couples and half singles that get invited if my mom does end up going with that.

RosyRed87

This is my third preganncy and I still get overwhelmed with picking out baby stuff but one thing I've learned is, baby doesn't need as much as you think.

I had everything for my first..decked out nursery ( I breastfed so co-sleeping was much more practical), changing table ( I ended up changing her on the couch or bed), fancy bath tub (I used a towel in the kitchen sink because it was better for my back), bouncer (came in handy), swing (came in handy) etc etc. Baby only uses most of the gear in the first 6 months or less of life; you don't want to keep them pinned up for too long since they need ot learn to roll and crawl.

Second pregnancy, I got a playpen/bassinet, bouncer, swing, stroller and a $10 bath sling and used each of them. I didn't buy the most expensive because they aren't even used long enough to ruin..except the stroller, I would definitley invest in a good one. We are outdoors alot so rubber tires/jogging stroller is much more practical. As far as brands, I like Graco, they are good quality and decent price; I don't believe in buying a $1000 anything. All our baby gear is Graco.

 

 

RosyRed87

About the shower...this is what my sister in law has planned. A BBQ/diaper party, guys and gals allowed but very informal and not so babyshowerish since I've never met a guy who would attend a traditional shower.

MrsKatieW

If you haven't checked out the book baby bargains I would recommed it. We have a graco snugride 35 for our infant carseat, and Davinci Emily cribs. Beyond that, a swing was awesome the first few months, Aden & Anasis swaddle blankets especially for summer, Ergo baby carrier although I'm going to get a ring sling for the first few months because the infant insert is really thick fabric. I'm not a fan of travel system strollers they're really big and bulky, we use a snap n go type then an umbrella. 

As for the baby shower, if it's going to be a laid back BBQ type party then my Dh would be happy to go. He went to a co-ed traditional shower with me once, and hated every minute of it. He didn't want to play games  (I don't like most of them either frankly).

Mommy2CB

For registry ideas I HIGHLY recommend buying the newest edition of Baby Bargains. Totally helped guide us through that process with DS1. I've even checked it for some items we will need for DS2.

+Preppy+

So how did you come up with your screen name?

lioness13

BrassyClarinet:

Guys never want to go to these things. Ever.

This.

Tell your mom how you feel and ask her to give you some time to get it together. It's nice that she is so excited but I am understand how you feel.

AutumnOracle

I am doing a Jack & Jill Shower.  But let me preface that heavily with we are also doing a gender reveal.  The gender reveal happens first and then immediately after all the guys are going to my BIL for gaming.  

ShaboAE

lioness13:

BrassyClarinet:

Guys never want to go to these things. Ever.

This. Tell your mom how you feel and ask her to give you some time to get it together. It's nice that she is so excited but I am understand how you feel.

Thanks for all the feedback on the shower. I don't know that my mom can make it casual enough, and we have to have it in the beginning of April so a BBQ is too iffy with the weather in the northeast. I'll let her know we can probably scrap that idea.

My mom drives me crazy anyway just because she calls me daily to talk about nothing. She's new to the empty-nester lifestyle. Finalizing the list of people to invite is on my to-do list, and she knows it, but she is so excited she can't help herself. Plus, if she needs a hall, she needs to book it soon, so I can understand where she's coming from.

ShaboAE

+Preppy+:

So how did you come up with your screen name?

 

Shabo was a nickname in college, and AE because it was my favorite store to shop at while I was in college.