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May 2016 Moms
swflJD
member
Shower Thread
swflJD
member
This may be a little early for some, but now that most of us are in the third trimester (or getting close to it) and some of the posters are beginning to have showers, I thought it would be fun to start a shower thread.
Are you having a shower? If so, when? What items are you most excited about on your registry? If you've had your shower already, what were your favorite items you received? Any fun/novelty items? What did you give your shower hostess(es) as a "thank you"? If you've had your shower already, what baby essentials do you still need to buy? Did/will your SO attend? If you've already had your shower, feel free to share any pictures and/or tell us all about it.
**Note** This post is not intended to exclude anyone who isn't having a shower. Even if you're not having one, please share what items you still need for your LO, what items you are most looking forward to shopping for, etc. STMs who received multiple similar items, did you return some of the multiples, or did you find that you eventually needed them?
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I just got back in town last night from our first shower in DH's hometown this past weekend. We have another shower in my hometown next month. Since we have to travel out of state for each, our hostesses decided to have them both earlier than most. We got a lot of items off our registry, but there are still quite a few left - which is great since we still have one shower to go. DH attended and helped me open the gifts. He wasn't too interested in playing the shower games, but he was a good sport about it. Since the shower was out of state, most guests had their larger gifts shipped to our house (for free through our registry vendors), but we got a ton of gift cards, books, and baby clothes. I don't think we'll have to buy LO any clothes for the first year at least! Aside from smaller baby essentials, we got some of our "big-ticket" items like our highchair, MamaRoo swing, play gym & matching jumper set, crib bedding & matching accessories, Pack 'N Play. We still need a crib mattress, audio/video monitor, glider & ottoman, stroller travel system, and convertible car seat, as well as a number of smaller items. Between the shower next month and the gift cards we got this weekend, that should cover a lot of our remaining registry items. We got so many blankets that we are going to have to return some of them. While much appreciated, we are only going to need so many of them in southern Florida in May! We got several handmade items, which was so thoughtful. My favorite gift was from my SIL who had a mini patchwork quilt made for LO with the logos of both my alma mater and DH's. It's so cute! My big project for this weekend will be starting on Thank You cards.
My MIL & SIL did a great job planning the shower, and it turned out really nice! I'm sending them each a Bath & Body Works basket with a Thank You card later this week. Below is a pic of DH and me opening gifts (The poster in the background is of DH's cousin who is working as an au pair in Europe this year. Since she was really bummed about not being able to make it to the shower, my SIL brought a life-sized poster of her to stand in for all the family photos - which was hilarious - and she "attended" via Skype.).
Are you having a shower? If so, when? What items are you most excited about on your registry? If you've had your shower already, what were your favorite items you received? Any fun/novelty items? What did you give your shower hostess(es) as a "thank you"? If you've had your shower already, what baby essentials do you still need to buy? Did/will your SO attend? If you've already had your shower, feel free to share any pictures and/or tell us all about it.
**Note** This post is not intended to exclude anyone who isn't having a shower. Even if you're not having one, please share what items you still need for your LO, what items you are most looking forward to shopping for, etc. STMs who received multiple similar items, did you return some of the multiples, or did you find that you eventually needed them?
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I just got back in town last night from our first shower in DH's hometown this past weekend. We have another shower in my hometown next month. Since we have to travel out of state for each, our hostesses decided to have them both earlier than most. We got a lot of items off our registry, but there are still quite a few left - which is great since we still have one shower to go. DH attended and helped me open the gifts. He wasn't too interested in playing the shower games, but he was a good sport about it. Since the shower was out of state, most guests had their larger gifts shipped to our house (for free through our registry vendors), but we got a ton of gift cards, books, and baby clothes. I don't think we'll have to buy LO any clothes for the first year at least! Aside from smaller baby essentials, we got some of our "big-ticket" items like our highchair, MamaRoo swing, play gym & matching jumper set, crib bedding & matching accessories, Pack 'N Play. We still need a crib mattress, audio/video monitor, glider & ottoman, stroller travel system, and convertible car seat, as well as a number of smaller items. Between the shower next month and the gift cards we got this weekend, that should cover a lot of our remaining registry items. We got so many blankets that we are going to have to return some of them. While much appreciated, we are only going to need so many of them in southern Florida in May! We got several handmade items, which was so thoughtful. My favorite gift was from my SIL who had a mini patchwork quilt made for LO with the logos of both my alma mater and DH's. It's so cute! My big project for this weekend will be starting on Thank You cards.
My MIL & SIL did a great job planning the shower, and it turned out really nice! I'm sending them each a Bath & Body Works basket with a Thank You card later this week. Below is a pic of DH and me opening gifts (The poster in the background is of DH's cousin who is working as an au pair in Europe this year. Since she was really bummed about not being able to make it to the shower, my SIL brought a life-sized poster of her to stand in for all the family photos - which was hilarious - and she "attended" via Skype.).
Re: Shower Thread
My baby shower is April 2 and I am really looking forward to it! My husband's boss actually got us a lot of stuff off our registry already and gave it to us two weeks ago. They got us the high chair, infant carseat, extra base for the carseat, both of our diaper bags, crib sheets, and a set of bibs!! They really went all out and spent over like $300-$400. I couldn't believe it!!
I didn't even know that giving people a "thank you" for throwing a shower was a thing until I read it on here recently. I am not giving thank yous, I think that's kinda dumb. I've thrown multiple showers and the only thank you I got was a verbal thank you and a hug. That's it. Heck, when I threw my sister in laws shower I don't even think I got a hug and honestly I don't remember her saying thank you either. So, yeah, other than me hugging my best friends and my MIL and saying thanks, they aren't getting anything.
Me: 31
DH: 29, SA - Great
Married: June 12,2011
TTC #1: 1/2014
Diagnosis: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Treatment: Clomid: 50mg, 100mg, 150mg - not successful and not monitored
Menopur 75ml (upped to 112.5ml), Ovidrel, & IUI IUI #1 8/31/2015
9/15/2015: BFP HCG - 400, 9/17/2015: HCG - 827, 9/21/2015 - HCG 3,327!Our shower isn't until April 2nd, so we've got a ways to go. My parents purchased our crib, and we got a secondhand swing and vibrating chair from a lady at my mom's work. We purchased our crib mattress and pack n play on sale at Target, but we still have a bunch of large items that we keep an eye out for sales for because our due date is 4 weeks after the shower and one major item is our car seat!
I have never heard of a thank you to shower hosts aside from a general "thanks for hosting" and maybe a card. I guess that's how we do things in Wisconsin? I might go with a small gift like a bottle of wine or something, but seeing as 5 women are hosting the shower, anything larger could get pricey.
I am not having a shower - we live in LA, and our families are spread between Florida-Boston-Toronto (in Canada), and neither of us can travel right now, and my OB doesn't want me to travel after March (she thinks I may deliver early based on a low protein in my blood, the name of which escapes me now), so it just wouldn't work. Ah well
We have gotten a crib and a travel system, and are now looking at getting other essentials ... like a place to put all of her clothing. What I am most looking forward to, re. registry like items, is a rocking chair/glider, since we have a couch ... and then dining room chairs, and no where else to sit.
My Mom does want to have a "Meet the Baby" tea party in August when the three of us go back home (Toronto) for my sister's wedding, which may be cool ... if I figure out what this party entails
Pretty happy with my registry so far, but need to figure out: which car seat to register for, if I want a high chair or not (hadn't occurred to me, but now I'm thinking that's an obvious one?), and if our friend's three-year old mattress that they gave to us along with a crib is safe or if I should be getting a new mattress as well.
I've found that heartfelt thank-you notes go a long way, especially if they're homemade!
Not on friend has asked for my registry, so I have bought everything myself
This is pretty much how I feel about showers right now
I'm surprised by how many people have already gotten us gifts and had them sent to us directly, I've not opened anything because my mom wants me to bring them to the shower to open but I have a pretty good idea of what everything is because I can't stop peaking at the registry. I'm surprised and thrilled that we've already gotten a lot of the smaller essentials (boppy, swaddles, bottles, etc) as well as an ergo baby carrier, rockaroo, and baby bjorn bouncer. We already purchased our stroller ourselves because we wanted a pricey one (Uppababy Cruz) but I'm really hoping for the Mesa car seat. I am also really hoping to receive the Halo bassinet.
I'm not sure what I will do to say thank you to my hosts but I definitely want to give them something small to show them how much I appreciate all that they've done for us. I know it isn't expected or required but I love giving gifts anyway and it will make them feel good.
Really hoping to get the swing from our registry and then the smaller essentials. We registered for a full travel system so it's pretty pricey, so we'll most likely end up getting that ourselves.
I'm planning on getting my sister a gift card to a spa, so we can have a little spa day together before the baby gets here.
Next month is the family/friends shower, which I'll need to travel for (going back to my home state for the first time in over two years!). I know people like to buy cute clothes over the more practical registry items, so I'm not really expecting to get a lot of registry stuff, I'll just be happy with whatever
It it was an amazing day! I was surprised by the theme, which was Little Deer. We did a headband making station and everyone filled out a "wishes for baby" card, which was super sweet and a diaper raffle.
I got got only a few items from my registry - a pack n play with a newborn napper, bumbo, boppy lounger and an oil diffuser/humidifier. The rest was a lot of cute clothing, shoes and blankets!
I'm part of a weekly Bible study, and they will throw me a shower as well. There hasn't been a date set yet, but we usually just pick a Tuesday night and have a shower instead of Bible study. We always have fun, and these ladies give great (useful) gifts because they're all mostly moms to babies/toddlers.
DS1: May 2016
DS2: Jan 2019
Baby #3 EDD: 6/18/24
4/2 is our Co-ed shower at our house in Denver, hosted by my cousin and 2 of my girlfriends. We'll serve brunchy foods with mimosas and bloody mary's...and probably beer for a select few (like my Dad and DH).
As for hostess gifts, I might just give each a thank you card along with a little plant for their home/office.
I hope everyone has a great time at their shower(s)!
Me: 31
DH: 29, SA - Great
Married: June 12,2011
TTC #1: 1/2014
Diagnosis: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Treatment: Clomid: 50mg, 100mg, 150mg - not successful and not monitored
Menopur 75ml (upped to 112.5ml), Ovidrel, & IUI IUI #1 8/31/2015
9/15/2015: BFP HCG - 400, 9/17/2015: HCG - 827, 9/21/2015 - HCG 3,327!@NinnyJean I want books instead of cards too. I am hoping my best friend remembered to out that on the invitations.
Me: 31
DH: 29, SA - Great
Married: June 12,2011
TTC #1: 1/2014
Diagnosis: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Treatment: Clomid: 50mg, 100mg, 150mg - not successful and not monitored
Menopur 75ml (upped to 112.5ml), Ovidrel, & IUI IUI #1 8/31/2015
9/15/2015: BFP HCG - 400, 9/17/2015: HCG - 827, 9/21/2015 - HCG 3,327!The only things I need for DD#3 are a crib bedding set/decor, baby carrier (thinking a k'tan and ergo), and diapers. I didn't wear the others but think it will be nice since we are going to be outnumbered now. Everything else we need has been packed away and stored after DD#2 was finished using it.
I'm actually getting more stuff for the other two since I'm moving them both into the big room that was the guest room and need furniture/decor for them along with a small remodel (new vanity for 1/2 bath off the room and closet system). DD#3 will use the same nursery furniture that DD#2 is using now and will be in DD#1 room which only needs new paint and decor.
YUP
I had a work baby shower on the 5th where I received our bouncer, floor play mat, receiving blankets & a matching blanket, three pairs of super adorable shoes, some hair bows, pacis, a Sophie teether, and a book. I was really surprised by how generous and supportive my coworkers are about my pregnancy! They are the best!
I have my family & friends baby shower on April 2nd as well, and I'm really looking forward to it! My best friend and MIL are hosting and my sister from Alaska might be flying in! There are several items on our registry I'm hoping to receive such as our swing, pack n play, and extra car seat base. We have our convertible carseat on the registry, but I would be very shocked if someone purchased that for us. The rest are smaller items that I'm sure people will purchase, but nothing we wouldn't be able to pick up on our own if they don't.
For Christmas we received our high chair from my mom and a humidifier from my BIL. On Black Friday we purchased our Graco Click Connect travel system for $100 off, along with our video monitor (also on sale), diaper bag, and glider/ottoman. We've also received the occasional gift of clothes, toys, or other baby items since announcing our pregnancy.
One of my grandma's got me our travel system and my other grandma is getting us an Amish glider. Those were our only big ticket stuff left, everything else is less than $50. I'm hoping people buy some hooded towels, bath accessories, bottles, toys, etc. off of the registry since I've been withholding spending urges to buy that stuff. The ladies at my work were talking about throwing me a shower there too, but I don't think they'll end up planning it out (ironic since our jobs are production planning).
My DH might come by at the end to load up some of the stuff in his truck and say hello. I will probably make my mom a Thank you card, but not buy her any gifts, she would appreciate a heartfelt thank you card more.
the older women I work with were a little confused as to why I wasn't having a shower. It's cute to see them try to politely ask what I still need so they can come up with a good gift for me when I leave.
AmmyBelle said: This sounds like an awesome idea. You'll have to let us know how it goes
I found constructing the registry to be a little harder than I'd planned, but I'm pleased with how it turned out. I am most excited about the cloth diapering items, or the high chair that matches the stroller and car seat we've already purchased.
We did co-ed with ping-pong and corn hole which I loved because it didn't get too cheesy and we got to celebrate with everyone. It was an awesome day, very relaxed, BBQ & beer. My MIL hosted and I need to get her a little plant and write a thank you note. I would get her a piece of jewelry but finances are really tight right now.
We got so many gifts, people really went overboard. I need to exchange some of the clothes for larger sizes this weekend. My favorite items are the things we will use a lot of like dippers, baby soap and wipes. We got a lot of baby books which I can't wait to read to him! Those are special to me.
I wore a normal maxi dress that fit's my growing belly. I'll post pics when I get them from my family.
Anyway. I finished up my hostess gifts last night. Mani/ pedi kits in Ball jars. Hope they like them.
DD: 05/14/16
At this point, I'd say I'm excited to see what kind of clothes people buy! I didn't register for any clothes, because I expect people will just pick what they think is cute. So, that'll be a fun surprise!
And, I'm excited for cake. I am excited for any event that involves cake.
DH is attending. We're holding it at my mom's house. It's Beatrix Potter themed, like the baby's nursery. I am just looking forward to seeing people mostly
Married: Oct 20, 2013
BFP 1: Aug 31, 2015
EDD 1: May 12, 2016
DD1 Emma born May 12, 2016
An Honest Account of New Motherhood (with Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and OCD)
BFP 2: October 07, 2019
EDD 2: June 20, 2020
Me: 31
DH: 29, SA - Great
Married: June 12,2011
TTC #1: 1/2014
Diagnosis: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Treatment: Clomid: 50mg, 100mg, 150mg - not successful and not monitored
Menopur 75ml (upped to 112.5ml), Ovidrel, & IUI IUI #1 8/31/2015
9/15/2015: BFP HCG - 400, 9/17/2015: HCG - 827, 9/21/2015 - HCG 3,327!Also, for those of you who asked for books in lieu of cards... I'm trying to come up with some wording that would make it clear the book is optional, but we'd appreciate it if it happened. Basically, my mom finds asking for books instead of a card gift grabby, so I'm hoping that with wording showing it's clearly optional, she'll let me get that through.
I was thinking maybe:
"[DH] and [arj] would love to get started on Baby's library! If you'd like to help, please feel free to bring a favorite children's book in lieu of a card."
Thoughts?