I have read lots of comments on this site about how many do not agree with a baby shower for a second baby...BUT, a friend of mine is having number 2 and a group of her close friends are just chomping at the bit to do a "baby sprinkle" for her. She was hesitant at first, but she has been such an amazing friend to all of us, we are eager to have a reason to celebrate her. She wants us to keep it very simple (no gifts etc. but we will probably still do diapers and wipes).
For her first shower, we made a video for her to watch while in labor - it was a surprise - we gave it to her husband with a portable DVD player and he brought it to the hospital and broke it out at 2am when she couldn't sleep. She loved it and it really helped calm her nerves.
This time around I would like to do something for the hospital again. It CAN be a video but would have to have a different theme (last time we all just recorded messages of encouragement). I would prefer something like a book or anything else she can do...thoughts???
Thanks in advance for offering your creativity!
One of the best things I was given in the was an Edible Arrangements fruit basket and basket of snack foods to supplement the hospital meals. Seriously, having fresh fruit in my room was amazing!
If anyone is crafty, maybe sew her a hospital gown. I have seen patterns on Pinterest (and have one pinned, if you like he idea and want the pattern, pm me and I will send you the link. It's a free pattern.) that would be SOOO much more comfortable and prettier than what the hospital provides. It functions just as well as the hospital's gowns, with an opening (secured with ties or Velcro, depending on the sewer's preference) in the back, a neckline that can be opened and pulled down for easy nursing, etc. I really want it during my next delivery... Labor is bad enough without feeling so frumpy on top of it!
ETA: never mind, I don't have a pattern... I just have a picture. Lol. But anyone with basic sewing skills would be able to look at it and figure it out. It's pretty basic.
How about a basket of all those verbotten foods she might be pining for- wine, soft cheese, smoked fish and coffee etc.
Best,
F. B.
How about a photobook where all of you contribute photos of her and her friends, and her kid(s)/family. You can make one fairly easily with iPhoto or Shutterfly, and include messages of love/encouragement on certain pages as captions. Apple/iPhoto lets you order it bound and printed, we've done this a few times.. :)
M., it sounds like your friend is all up for seeing her friends & being encouraged. The video idea sounds great.
If she doesn't want gifts for herself, perhaps your group can pitch in to donate baby supplies to the hospital pantry or a women's shelter, in your friends name. Spread the love!
T. =-)
How about you do the book and everyone writes some kind of wish for her and then a wish for the baby. You could even add a memory or something like that. Kind of like the fairies giving wishes for Sleeping Beauty.
Well it is not necessarily for the hospital during delivery, but you can make those crafty little diaper cake, motorcycle, carriage, or whatever else is out there. They are cute enough and she can use the supplies.
Video the group of friends together with a glass of wine making them. That should be funny enough in itself.
I think having a come meet the baby is fun, and it can be a sprinkle, but it can also expose the baby to a ton of germs they aren't ready for.
I love your idea of the video. I have never heard anything like that before. I think sitting and holding a book and trying to ready while having contractions would be frustrating. I don't know though. It might work if it's a riveting book.
the encouragement thing is good. but how bout something funny? maybe short video clips of funny deliverys. I love the one where robin williams is the dr and julianne moore is having the baby high grant is the dad. in the other room is tom arnold and joan cusak. its hilarious. the scene in jerry maquire where cuba goodins wife goes into labor. just some funny clips that will make her laugh and relax. you can probably find loads of them on youtube
I second the fresh fruit suggestion. The second that baby is out, she will be starving!! Waiting for the hospital food to arrive after my second son seemed endless!!
Maybe a play list of fun songs, or a mix of "sweet" and funny? Like "Push It" and "Pressure" :)
