This will be my third child, with a different partner than the first two. I have two girls and this one is a boy and I can not decide to have one or not. Is it okay to have another? Or frowned upon?
Is it your partner's first? His family may want to celebrate with a shower. If someone wants to throw you one for his side of the family, I would not say no.
Throwing a shower for yourself is frowned upon, especially if it's not your first. But like @lwentland said, if someone from his side wants to throw you a shower, then go for it.
If people in your life want to have a shower for you, it's a gift and you can accept it. But it shouldn't be something you do or that you convince someone to do for you (not saying you're doing this... just saying you'll want to make sure not to).
ETA: Even if you are having a boy this time, you do still have a lot of the big ticket items that you'll need (like a crib and stroller)... even if they're girly, you can still use them - it's not like he's going to notice. You can also pick things up at consignment stores, garage sales, craigslist, etc. if money is an issue.
I think this really depends on where you are from whether or not it's acceptable. My friend just went to one last week which was the third shower for someone and it's was extravagant. If you feel uncomfortable but someone wants to throw you one then maybe you could do a sip n see after the baby arrives or a sprinkle.
There are also other threads on this topic. If you search for them, might provide you with some more insight and ideas.
OP, did you by any chance use the search function at all? Have you lurked in this BMB? I don't think you have. I think you have asked this question to get a reaction. Because come on let's face it MOST if not EVERYONE knows a baby shower is to welcome the mother into motherhood. You are already a mum & good etiquette says NO to 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc showers.
Do whatever YOU want! If you want to have another one go ahead.
It's always only a matter of time before this silly argument pops up. Since having another shower affects the time and funds of your nearest and dearest, perhaps you should consider their feelings, instead of just your own. You do realize the world doesn't revolve around what you want, right?
Okay everyone just for the record. I did not post this to get any one upset which I clearly have. I have been asked by family and friends whether or not we were having one and I honestly did not think I needed to but others think I do. I don't mean to break the"mommy code " or anything so all the rude comments are not needed!
Okay everyone just for the record. I did not post this to get any one upset which I clearly have. I have been asked by family and friends whether or not we were having one and I honestly did not think I needed to but others think I do. I don't mean to break the"mommy code " or anything so all the rude comments are not needed!
If you've been asked by family and friends if you are having one but no one has actually offered then you are SOL in my opinion. There is no mommy code there is only people who are greedy and those who still have etiquette. I'mnot saying you fall into those but for me I didn't have any showers after my first and I am now on #3 as well. No matter what anyone thinks a shower is a gift giving event so guests will expect that they are to bring a gift so hosting your own means you are saying "buy me stuff". For my second we had a little party for her when she finally got out of the NICU. People felt less obligated to bring a gift and only a few did. We just wanted to celebrate that she was home and healthy.
Okay everyone just for the record. I did not post this to get any one upset which I clearly have. I have been asked by family and friends whether or not we were having one and I honestly did not think I needed to but others think I do. I don't mean to break the"mommy code " or anything so all the rude comments are not needed!
Rest assured, no one here is upset. This topic comes up frequently, and you could have used the search function. I've never heard of the mommy code, whatever that is. And nobody was rude to you. Just answered you honestly. Calm down.
Showers are seriously a territorial thing I think. Although no matter where you are I think it's bad form to throw your own. But where I'm from showers are after the baby is born. I had a huge one for my first, then a small one for our second, more for family to get together and cuddle him. For this one I'm seriously not sure if my sisters will do one or not. I do not see it as being necessary. (Third boy! ) For us it's not about presents it about people getting to see baby and get some cuddles in. I think they are called a sip and see. And presents are not required. Some people bring anyway. But it's not like a big shower where that's kinda the main thing.
I had a full shower with my first two since they were different genders, with this one my friends at work are throwing me a sprinkle shower! The only one shower for your first only is old tyme and out the door But I would agree with above posts, it's not proper to throw yourself a shower!
I had a full shower with my first two since they were different genders, with this one my friends at work are throwing me a sprinkle shower! The only one shower for your first only is old tyme and out the door But I would agree with above posts, it's not proper to throw yourself a shower!
Sorry, but good etiquette does not go out of style.
Shower: no. Diaper party(sprinkle): acceptable. There should be no registry and no implication of actual baby items other than diapers and wipes, considering those don't get saved or passed down to siblings.
Throwing/organizing it yourself: no.
My friend has asked if she can throw my shower at my house and even that makes me a little uncomfortable...
Ok, I have to ask bc I've seen enough of these posts and comments to make me wonder. For the multitude of people on side "one and done" for the sake of etiquette, where are you hearing this? Is it a social circle thing, or a specific book or posting?
I'm honestly curious bc past etiquette references I've been exposed to regarding showers and subsequent showers do not say that they are inappropriate. What I have seen are things like putting a registry on your invitations is tacky (and that information should be given only upon request) as well as it being hosted by your mother or sister.
Sidebar: I do think it's a personal choice to allow someone to host your 1st, 3rd, or 7th (to each their own), and not a "hey strangers I need your opinion" type issue though.
Everyone on here gets all butt hurt about people having showers after their first baby but ive never actually heard that rule and have attended plenty of showers for second and third pregnancy without feeling like they were greedy or w.e. I feel like a shower is ment to celebrate the baby not a first pregnancy. Women who get divorced still have bridal showers if they get remarried.
Everyone on here gets all butt hurt about people having showers after their first baby but ive never actually heard that rule and have attended plenty of showers for second and third pregnancy without feeling like they were greedy or w.e. I feel like a shower is ment to celebrate the baby not a first pregnancy. Women who get divorced still have bridal showers if they get remarried.
The correct etiquette is that a shower welcomes you to motherhood. A shower doesn't celebrate a baby who isn't born. Who is the guest of honor? The mother. Who benefits from not having to purchase the items she is gifted? The mother (or parents to be, as it were).
Second showers may be common in some circles, but that's not always the case. I had never even heard of that until the bump. I can't imagine a 2nd time bride having a bridal shower...what could she possibly need? I mean, I would certainly give a wedding gift to a friend getting remarried. But a bridal shower? That's just ridiculous.
Just because you are unaware of etiquette doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Everyone on here gets all butt hurt about people having showers after their first baby but ive never actually heard that rule and have attended plenty of showers for second and third pregnancy without feeling like they were greedy or w.e. I feel like a shower is ment to celebrate the baby not a first pregnancy. Women who get divorced still have bridal showers if they get remarried.
Actually the people who, to use your words, "get butt hurt" are the ones that don't like to hear that they are being tacky by throwing themselves a shower, having a second shower, or requesting specific gifts on an invitation. The rest of us are just trying to help educate the uninformed.
It's all opinions. If you want to have a baby shower, diaper party, sprinkle etc for your third baby then go for it. If some think it's tacky then fine, they have a right to their opinion. But you have a right to do as you please. It's funny to me when these women are so quick to tell you about etiquette when they are not using it themselves. We should be considerate (in general) of people's feelings, values, culture, traditions. We all do not have the same. @jamie2792 you did ask for their opinions. But I personally have seen how much this subject gets blown up. Just wait for the responses after this.
It's all opinions. If you want to have a baby shower, diaper party, sprinkle etc for your third baby then go for it. If some think it's tacky then fine, they have a right to their opinion. But you have a right to do as you please. It's funny to me when these women are so quick to tell you about etiquette when they are not using it themselves. We should be considerate (in general) of people's feelings, values, culture, traditions. We all do not have the same. @jamie2792 you did ask for their opinions. But I personally have seen how much this subject gets blown up. Just wait for the responses after this.
@Latina211508 Yes, we all know, you're having a shower for your 4th baby and you've hosted your own showers and you think everyone should just do whatever they want whenever they want because everyone is entitled to everything.
It's all opinions. If you want to have a baby shower, diaper party, sprinkle etc for your third baby then go for it. If some think it's tacky then fine, they have a right to their opinion. But you have a right to do as you please. It's funny to me when these women are so quick to tell you about etiquette when they are not using it themselves. We should be considerate (in general) of people's feelings, values, culture, traditions. We all do not have the same. @jamie2792 you did ask for their opinions. But I personally have seen how much this subject gets blown up. Just wait for the responses after this.
All those defending the right of the OP to have this shower and criticizing posters who vehemently disagree do realize the OP requested opinions right? 10 seconds of searching would have made it exceedingly obvious what the general consensus on the board is, yet she asked what people thought. You do not get to ask what people think and then get pissy when they respond as requested.
This is my second child. I'm having a baby shower. In my social circles, it is the norm for every baby. I'm aware of people's thoughts and feelings on the topic and am not asking for opinions from this board due to that.
If there's something strange underneath the hood. Who you gonna call? Your Doctor. If there's something weird and it don't look good. Who you gonna call? Your Doctor. Immediately. If it's new, painful, and possibly pregnancy related get your ass off the internet and call your doctor. It's for your health and your child's.
Wow. Almost afraid to pipe in ! I am pregnant with my third - A VERY surprise baby. I didn't find out until I was 18 weeks, and we were done having children (permanent things in place and birth control pills). It has taken me a while to get excited and I have a friend and a co-worker who both have asked if they can throw me a shower. I tried to decline but they were adamant and feelings were going to get hurt if I said no. My youngest is nearly 6 and we have donated everything to charity that has to do with babies. While I realize it is unconventional, I think it will be fun to have a party to celebrate my little surprise. I do feel awkward as the guest of honor (I usually host the parties), but have decided that life has handed me a twist and I need to just roll with it.
My opinion is that when you imply that someone is a narcissist (especially with a sarcastic meme) that's going beyond opinion.
I would think that that would qualify as a judgement. Especially since the information about posters is limited being that we are on a web forum.
In my opinion, PP's aren't just arguing opposing opinions, they are arguing the unnecessary roughness.
Every time I see one of these shower posts, I feel like I should be requesting some fresh popcorn. Everyone seems to get so torn up.
I understand that there is a general etiquette. I don't understand how so many posters feel that that general etiquette should apply to everyone. It's clear that some feel it should apply to everyone because instead of saying, " it's generally not appropriate" or something along those lines, usually it's.. "It's tacky, greedy, grabby, etc". There is no "one way" to do anything anymore. The world is far too diverse for that. Cultures are different, families are different. Everyone is cut from a different cloth, so I don't understand how some would expect everyone's situations to conform to the same mold.
As for myself, this is my first and am grateful for the shower that is going to be thrown for me. It was not something that I was expecting but am excited to have just the same!!! I wouldn't expect one for the second either, but if friends/family wanted to do something for me, I would graciously accept.
In reference to wedding showers, as a PP mentioned. This is the second marriage for both my husband and I. Last August one of my best threw me a casual shower at a local Sangria fest. She did it on her own accord, it was small and causal, maybe 15 or so. It was lovely, there were gifts, and I enjoyed every second of it!!!
My cousin wanted to throw me a shower for #2 and I felt uncomfortable so just asked her to instead plan a little brunch where everyone can catch up and have fun. I have no registry and have asked for "no gifts, please", but definitely feel every pregnancy and child should be celebrated individually in some way. If someone wants to throw you a shower, then go for it if that's what you want!
I thought I saw a comment on here about etiquette being out of date, and there was a reply that etiquette never goes out of style. I do agree with that etiquette doesn't go out of style but it does evolve over time. For example if we stick to the tried and true tradition of baby showers there would be no such thing as coed showers. And like PP have said it really does depend on your social circle and culture.
@Shelbyville30 the narcissist meme was in reply to the post that said you should "do whatever you want!" Which is a very narcissistic view. The world does not revolve around "you" (meaning the general you). And obviously sometimes you need to consider others and not just yourself. Most adults realize they can't just go around doing whatever they want. Or whatever makes them happy. That's not how society functions.
Entitlement is rampant these days and it's sad. You are not entitled to a party and gifts for everything.
And of course you were overjoyed to receive gifts and a party in your honor.
I don't really care what it was in response to. It's still my opinion that it was not needed and throwing around judgement.
The statement to do whatever you want was such a simple thing to say. I'm sure If PP wanted, she could have gone into a long drawn out explanation that at the end of the day still meant the same thing, do whatever you want, whatever is best for you, WHATEVER.
I never said anyone was entitled. I don't think OP felt it was owed to her, that's not what I read from her post. So I'm not sure why you are bringing up entitlement to me.
Yes, it was a very nice occasion. All of my friends came together and we had a great day. They did it because we are close and have love for one another. Why would I not be overjoyed by that? Am I supposed to feel bad about that? No even for a second. Again, It's seems an awful lot like you like to throw around judgements as opposed to just expressing your opinion. I mean, why not just come out and say it as opposed to beating around the bush? What do you mean by, "and of course you were overjoyed to receive gifts and a party in your honor." ??
I don't really care what it was in response to. It's still my opinion that it was not needed and throwing around judgement.
The statement to do whatever you want was such a simple thing to say. I'm sure If PP wanted, she could have gone into a long drawn out explanation that at the end of the day still meant the same thing, do whatever you want, whatever is best for you, WHATEVER.
I never said anyone was entitled. I don't think OP felt it was owed to her, that's not what I read from her post. So I'm not sure why you are bringing up entitlement to me.
Yes, it was a very nice occasion. All of my friends came together and we had a great day. They did it because we are close and have love for one another. Why would I not be overjoyed by that? Am I supposed to feel bad about that? No even for a second. Again, It's seems an awful lot like you like to throw around judgements as opposed to just expressing your opinion. I mean, why not just come out and say it as opposed to beating around the bush? What do you mean by, "and of course you were overjoyed to receive gifts and a party in your honor." ??
It's obvious you won't get it. I'm not beating around the bush. I'm saying plain and simple: It's not just about you when you are inviting others to spend their time and money in your honor. You should consider the feelings of everyone. If it's completely common in your social circle, are you really going to ask for advice here? No, you aren't. However, if you're asking, chances are it might not be well received by some of your nearest and dearest and you run the risk of offending them. They will probably be too polite to say it to your face though. Here, you're getting completely honest answers. Nobody needs to sugarcoat.
For the record, I AM saying people are far too entitled these days.
Re: Do i have a baby shower with baby #3?
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18
Having a different sex isn't a reason for another shower. You've already been welcomed to motherhood.
There are also other threads on this topic. If you search for them, might provide you with some more insight and ideas.
I think you have asked this question to get a reaction. Because come on let's face it MOST if not EVERYONE knows a baby shower is to welcome the mother into motherhood.
You are already a mum & good etiquette says NO to 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc showers.
Yup! Quite often!
Diaper party(sprinkle): acceptable. There should be no registry and no implication of actual baby items other than diapers and wipes, considering those don't get saved or passed down to siblings.
Throwing/organizing it yourself: no.
My friend has asked if she can throw my shower at my house and even that makes me a little uncomfortable...
I'm honestly curious bc past etiquette references I've been exposed to regarding showers and subsequent showers do not say that they are inappropriate. What I have seen are things like putting a registry on your invitations is tacky (and that information should be given only upon request) as well as it being hosted by your mother or sister.
Sidebar: I do think it's a personal choice to allow someone to host your 1st, 3rd, or 7th (to each their own), and not a "hey strangers I need your opinion" type issue though.
https://www.parents.com/baby/shower/planning/a-quick-etiquette-guide-to-baby-celebrations/
Second showers may be common in some circles, but that's not always the case. I had never even heard of that until the bump. I can't imagine a 2nd time bride having a bridal shower...what could she possibly need? I mean, I would certainly give a wedding gift to a friend getting remarried. But a bridal shower? That's just ridiculous.
Just because you are unaware of etiquette doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Buh bye.
This is my second child. I'm having a baby shower. In my social circles, it is the norm for every baby. I'm aware of people's thoughts and feelings on the topic and am not asking for opinions from this board due to that.
I would think that that would qualify as a judgement. Especially since the information about posters is limited being that we are on a web forum.
In my opinion, PP's aren't just arguing opposing opinions, they are arguing the unnecessary roughness.
Every time I see one of these shower posts, I feel like I should be requesting some fresh popcorn. Everyone seems to get so torn up.
I understand that there is a general etiquette. I don't understand how so many posters feel that that general etiquette should apply to everyone. It's clear that some feel it should apply to everyone because instead of saying, " it's generally not appropriate" or something along those lines, usually it's.. "It's tacky, greedy, grabby, etc". There is no "one way" to do anything anymore. The world is far too diverse for that. Cultures are different, families are different. Everyone is cut from a different cloth, so I don't understand how some would expect everyone's situations to conform to the same mold.
As for myself, this is my first and am grateful for the shower that is going to be thrown for me. It was not something that I was expecting but am excited to have just the same!!! I wouldn't expect one for the second either, but if friends/family wanted to do something for me, I would graciously accept.
In reference to wedding showers, as a PP mentioned. This is the second marriage for both my husband and I. Last August one of my best threw me a casual shower at a local Sangria fest. She did it on her own accord, it was small and causal, maybe 15 or so. It was lovely, there were gifts, and I enjoyed every second of it!!!
Entitlement is rampant these days and it's sad. You are not entitled to a party and gifts for everything.
And of course you were overjoyed to receive gifts and a party in your honor.
I don't really care what it was in response to. It's still my opinion that it was not needed and throwing around judgement.
The statement to do whatever you want was such a simple thing to say. I'm sure If PP wanted, she could have gone into a long drawn out explanation that at the end of the day still meant the same thing, do whatever you want, whatever is best for you, WHATEVER.
I never said anyone was entitled. I don't think OP felt it was owed to her, that's not what I read from her post. So I'm not sure why you are bringing up entitlement to me.
Yes, it was a very nice occasion. All of my friends came together and we had a great day. They did it because we are close and have love for one another. Why would I not be overjoyed by that? Am I supposed to feel bad about that? No even for a second. Again, It's seems an awful lot like you like to throw around judgements as opposed to just expressing your opinion. I mean, why not just come out and say it as opposed to beating around the bush? What do you mean by, "and of course you were overjoyed to receive gifts and a party in your honor." ??
For the record, I AM saying people are far too entitled these days.