Having just married into a huge family, I’m finding myself with invitations to events I haven’t seen in many years. Weddings. 21st Birthday parties, and now, a Baby Shower. HHH and I received our invitation to this shindig weeks ago. The date just snuck up on us. Sunday afternoon. THIS Sunday afternoon.
Remembering back to 1979 when I was heavy with child, baby showers were a thing we all loved attending. The expectant mom loved it the most. During the 1900’s, we kept our baby bumps under wraps. All the more difficult to guess the mother’s waist size, or see exactly how the baby was carried, both important in shower games. Tent-like maternity dresses were created from yards and yards of fabric. A popular pattern in the day added a big bow at the neck. Things are quite different today.
I’m quit sure this pattern was next to my sewing machine. Just slap a bow with that big white color, and that’s what we wore.
HHH and I were just remembering all the ways in which our babies could have died. From smothering as they slept on their stomachs, to dying without a car seat as we held them in our laps, survival was miraculous.
Babies slept in cribs with retractable sides for easier access to the baby. They didn’t smother themselves in the cutest bumpers we made for their cribs. Daily bathing didn’t damage their fragile skin. I guess our babies were just a tougher breed than those of today.
These days, there are no more soft wool blankets with satin edging. Don’cha know, the kids can strangle on the satin, should it come loose? Wool???? Really???? Don’t risk the chance of an allergic reaction. Gender neutral. No pink or blue. (Don’t be mad your darling curled boy is pronoun-ed as SHE, or your adorable bald chunky girl, HE.) Everything is so different, it’s hard to know what present would be appreciated.
Bring diapers if you want to be entered into the raffle. Instead of cards, the new mom would like us to bring a signed child’s book. And of course, one must bring the main gift when invited to a shower!! That’s part of the fun!!!!!
Upon receipt of the invitation, HHH informed me that he doesn’t do Baby Showers. But, with a little wifely persuasion, he even helped select the gifts. It was a new and fun experience we both enjoyed. Now, we can hardly wait for Sunday to arrive.
Yesterday, while in the baby department of a local store, it took a minute to choose the best diapers. We used the cloth type washed and hung out to sun-dry. These diapers are powerful with one brand promises to cling to moisture for 12 hours.
Oy.Vey.
A baby shower is a wonderful time for family and friends to share their excitement for the arrival of the newest member of the family. This little girl will be the 7th Great Granddaughter of The Mayor, and a Great-Great-granddaughter of Miss B, HHH’s mom. Generational members of our little town dating back to the mid-1900’s when HHH and his family moved to the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada.
I promise I’ll be on my best behavior on Sunday. No advice on colic, breastfeeding, natural childbirth, or schedules. No request for a little pat on Mom’s bump. Certainly no labor and delivery stories from so long ago. Nope. Just a lot of listening about the plans for this little one.
If I DO slip and feel the need to give one bit of advice it would be the following…..
Blessed are we are to receive this little one into our flock!!!! Lucky she is to be loved by us!
More tomorrow.