This is why I'm planning an after-baby party (even though this is a boy and my first is a girl). If the purpose of the party is to really celebrate the new baby, then shouldn't it happen after the new baby has actually arrived?
If it's before, then the purpose, IMO, is to get prepared with stuff.
I have a friend who's having a second shower - second girl, only a little over 2 years apart. It struck me as really odd. This is the girl who didn't want a FIRST shower, and now she's having a second? My first thought was that it was her crazy MIL who just desperately wanted to throw a shower because she didn't throw the first one. Then, I got to thinking that this girl started going buying-crazy with her first and maybe she's more focused on the "getting" than she was last time. I don't know. I just don't really like them, myself.
That said, the after-baby party will hopefully allow anyone who WANTS to give something the opportunity to, it will allow me some rest without visitors after the baby comes, and it won't leave anyone feeling OBLIGATED to give something. I may do a registry just in case someone wants to get something and looks for one, but it'll mainly be for the coupons after (and for small things like new crib sheets and blankets).
My SIL had one for each baby, but the second was six years after the first, and the third was a girl (first two boys) three-four years after the second. It made more sense in those situations.