Comment from Jessie
Time: August 15, 2008, 7:32 am

Darling AB,
I will look at the registries and comment later, although as the yet-to-be mom I am probably not the best one to give advice.

2. I confess that I hate shower games. What I like at a shower is a cute theme, really good cake, and lots of time to talk to friends.

3. Tell her to take maternity clothes to wear. That is the only response, according to everyone I have ever met.

Jess

Comment from mandy
Time: August 15, 2008, 7:42 am

1. I looked at the registry & didn’t see anything missing except a diaper bag to which you replied you had that taken care of.

2. Baby shower – We had mini champagne glasses w/ a plastic baby frozen at the bottom. The ladies just sat it next to them & waited for it to melt while we were opening gifts / playing other games. When the baby floated to the top she had to yell out “MY WATER JUST BROKE”…it was hysterical, but. Also we played pin the pacifier on the baby. Diaper races, with cloth diapers, pins & dollies. Baby mad libs. Games at a baby shower are hard. I never felt like doing ANYTHING.

3. Take your maternity clothes that fit you at about 4-5 months. And my suggestion is to NOT take your own nice, comfy, pajamas to wear while you’re recovering. I did it once & had to throw them away. The first 2 days are brutal “down below”.

Comment from Vanderbilt Wife (Jessie)
Time: August 15, 2008, 9:22 am

Do you have a stroller and carseat and extra carseat base? How about gowns for the baby to sleep in? I have heard those are a lifesaver even if it is a boy.

I’ll send you my registry links if you want to compare. I am SO tired from staying up to watch gymnastics last night I can barely think straight.

Comment from Jeni
Time: August 15, 2008, 9:26 am

No one wants to hear it, but she should take her maternity clothes to the hospital. She’ll be a bit smaller after delivery, but will still be about 6+ month size. Besides, right after delivery, comfy is best!!

Comment from Jennifer M.
Time: August 15, 2008, 9:28 am

I’ll sit down and look at the registries this weekend (when I go shopping for BABY and Roomie.)

Showers… ummm… I’ve been the guest of honor at a few, a guest at a few and helped hostess QUITE A FEW. Give me a call if you need some help.

MATERNITY CLOTHES. I know that is NOT what she is going to want to hear.
I just KNEW I would be able to wear regular clothes home after Chandler was born… HA! I cried and cried when I couldn’t even get my jeans up past my knees!!! Brandon had to drive home and get me my maternity pants!
AND on PJs. I did not wear my own PJs in the hospital with Chandler, but I did with Riley. I hate all of my hospital pictures with Chandler because that stinkin’ hospital gown looked ridiculous! (Ok. I don’t HATE them, but you know what I mean). When Riley was born I took a pair of PJs that were stretchy shorts and a button down top. Stretchy was great and the button down made breast feeding a little easier than a t-shirt top.
I do agree that Roomie shouldn’t take a pair that she loves. If she wants to take a pair… buy some new ones that will make her feel pretty, but she’s not attached to them just in case they don’t make it.
NOTE** She will have to take off the bottoms EVERY TIME THE NURSE COMES IN TO CHECK ON HER!

Comment from Abby
Time: August 15, 2008, 9:30 am

Amy Beth!
I made some stations at the last shower I threw for my sister. We had puffy paint and random sized onesies that people could decorate. A photo frame to sign. Cheap gifts for everyone. Things that let others show how much they love Roomie and Baby will not only be special for them, but for the people who come as well. Let me know if you want some long-range help. I LOVE to throw parties!

Comment from mandy
Time: August 15, 2008, 9:53 am

I’ve had forgotten about a shower I went to once that had a similar station that Abby is talking about.

This one had TONS of iron on letters & pictures, onesies of all sizes & colors & (of course) an iron. It was fun to see all of the fun things people did. They cut the iron ons & combined them or just picked one that was already complete.

The girl didn’t know what was happening in the other room & got a kick out of all the creative onesies she received!

Comment from Cinda
Time: August 15, 2008, 10:08 am

Baby Shower Time. I’ve thrown a few in my day….BIG ones, small ones, traditional and even not-so-traditional showers. I think the key to a successful shower is knowing what the mommy-to-be will enjoy.

FOOD. This is very important (at least in my opinion). From taste, to presentation…make sure it’s the best. And, it’s always best to have a little left over than not enough. Chicken salad sandwiches, fruit and veggies are usually popular choices. Depending on how intimate the crowd is, you may want to do more of a dinner type shower. Don’t forget the cake!

DECORATIONS. Less is best. As fun and exciting as it may seem at the time, buying the entire collection of Classic Baby Pooh will overwhelm any party. Try to match decor with the cake, and use the cake as a centerpiece. Candles and flowers are also great for any size party. We used mason jars with some mixed flowers at a shower a few weeks ago.

GAMES. I think this is a tradition that is fading. No one enjoys tasting baby food or sniffing smashed up candy bars in a diaper. If you feel like you need an ice breaker or a time filler, choose one game. If you want to give guest prizes you can set a timer while she’s opening gifts, and whoever gave her that gift gets a prize. I think this is also a category where you have to consider your audience.

I think you and Allie will do great, and that Roomie will be blessed! Send me some cake!

Comment from Alicia
Time: August 15, 2008, 10:44 am

Gowns are the absolute best for newborns – for as long as they will fit! My baby boy turned 1 3 weeks ago and I miss those gowns! Even being born in the summer, he wore them most of the day when we were staying in, and every night! I liked them better than footed sleepers b/c of the easy access in changing diapers – especially in the middle of the night. Also, mittens to prevent scratching. You can get a 2pack of these at BRU. I also used them on Forrest b/c his hands seemed to get cold at night.
No real shower advice. Just good food and good friends, and plenty of time to ohh and ahh over the gifts.
I wore a pair of yoga pants and a maternity shirt home from the hospital. If she doesn’t have any, I suggest Roomie get a pair of yoga pants from walmart. Not necessarily maternity, just a size or 2 bigger than normal. I would wear them every day if I could.
One last thing. Ditto to the comment on NOT taking nice PJ’s! Someone suggested I do that, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Unless she has a csection, the 2-3 days afterward are like a nightmare of a period (sorry to any male readers, but it’s the truth). Wear those hospital gowns. I also took home the extra pads they left in the room for you to lay on in your bed. They are washable and can come in handy (which reminds me, take home everything from the hospital on the nursery cart – diapers, wipes, blankets, etc.).
I’m sure there’s more. I’ll get back to you.
Such exciting times for you and Roomie!

Comment from Cindy
Time: August 15, 2008, 10:55 am

I’ve thrown lots of baby showers and attended about a zillion others. I won’t tell you ALL my ideas, but my favorite thing we’ve done (in a close-knit group) is to have a time of prayer for the baby. One time we each had a yarn bracelet to remind us to pray (big circular way to put them on so you’re all in it together and you say what you’ll be praying for as yours is tied around you.) Or I’ve bought a baby doll for the new baby and we passed it around; as each person held it they prayed for something like… the baby’s eyes… both physical health for their eyes and also that they would SEE their heavenly Father’s love for them, etc. Mouths would sing praises, smile with joy, etc.

3. Maternity clothes, sadly enough. Not the biggest, but not regular jeans. I ALWAYS bought a new pair of pjs or a nightshirt. I wanted to feel pretty. I just didn’t wear them on the “bad/heavy” day or only wore the top in the bed. She needs something pretty in pictures. Just know she might not wear it again.

Comment from Ronnica
Time: August 15, 2008, 11:32 am

I’ll answer the two questions I know:

“Why are you up at this time in the morning?”
Because blogging is addicting. Smokers get up early to get in their first smoke, you get up early to get in your first blog.

“Can we sleep in tomorrow?”
YES. This is imperitive. I have no idea what is on the schedule, and I know that it is crazy programs-starting-up time, but Saturday morning sleep is necessary for growing babies and grown-ups too.

Comment from Amanda
Time: August 15, 2008, 11:59 am

Registries – look pretty good to me. Nothing is glaring at me that you are missing. Just know that several trips to the store for pads, ointments, etc., will be made less than a week after the baby is born, but that’s not the stuff that you really want to put on a registry.

Baby Showers – I agree with the good food, good friends. good cake matter the most! With you and Allie throwing the shower, I know it will be great! At my shower, we only did two games that were “non-competitive” so they were light at heart. The SWEETEST part of my shower was when my mom and sister led a prayer for our group (mixed group of Christians and those who have yet to believe) and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was a special time to ask for blessings and safety for me, the baby, our new life together, etc.

Going Home clothes – comfy, soft, maternity or stretchy clothes. I wore a jogging suit that was two sizes larger than my norm. The yoga pants sound like a good idea too.

Since several comments have been made about hospital gowns in pics, I thought that I would share a grand idea from a friend. She took a lightweight robe (pretty blue print) with her to the hospital to help her feel “dressed” and pretty but not interfere with the doctors/nurses checking on her. The close-up pics are great, because it just looks like a long sleeve shirt.

Comment from Amanda
Time: August 15, 2008, 12:36 pm

My post is up!
http://themcknatts.vox.com/library/post/what-every-mom-should-know-part-3.html

Comment from trs
Time: August 15, 2008, 12:40 pm

As a single girl with many pregnant friends – here’s my input.

Have a cute theme and good food.

Take it easy on the games. They’re tedious and boring and usually if there is one mom in the room she knows all the anwers so it’s no fun for the singles. Also – if you have friends like me who are rather competitive – and fully aware that they should tone it down– don’t have too many games. I HAVE to win.

That said, I LOVE the frozen baby in the martini glasses idea! That and the one where each guest cuts a piece of string to represent how big the guest of honor is around.
I approve of these because they are riotous… bursts of excitment… you have a winner but no competition – and you don’t have to sit around trying to figure out how to unscramble TARLET.

And here’s a great idea from the last baby shower I attended.
http://singlesolitarythings.blogspot.com/2008/07/sharing-beautiful-stories.html

Comment from Sherilyn
Time: August 15, 2008, 1:34 pm

For the clothes, yes maternity clothes, and have an extra pair other than what you wear in. My water broke & my jeans were not pretty. My husband had to bring me another pair from home.

Also, bring some pads w/ wings on them for on the way home. The pads in the hospital are good, but leak out the sides. Not a big deal in the hospital, but not so great when you are worried about your own clothes.

Comment from Chatty Kelly
Time: August 15, 2008, 3:02 pm

She’s so young she might go home in her regular jeans – but MOST people leave the hospital still in their maturnity clothes, having lost less weight than what the baby weighed. I don’t know why. But it does drop off quickly, especially if you breast feed.

Be prepared. You will need pads as someone noted – no tampons. Also, unfortunately you may need tucks pads.

Fun,fun!

Comment from debbie d.
Time: August 15, 2008, 3:31 pm

Cinda said, “No one enjoys tasting baby food or sniffing smashed up candy bars in a diaper.”

Golly, I must be getting really old…I LOVE all the cheesy games at showers…

Comment from Marla Taviano
Time: August 15, 2008, 4:12 pm

With baby #3, I left the hospital 11 pounds lighter than when I arrived. And she weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. How’s that for encouragement??

Comment from Kim
Time: August 15, 2008, 4:39 pm

Great Shower Game:
Materials: 1) Several different varieties of candy bars – Baby Ruth is a must have as one of them. Butterfinger is right up there too. 2) as many diapers as candy bars

Preparation: Melt candy bars in microwave. Number each diaper from 1 to however many candy bars you are using. Place one melted candy bar in each diaper. Keep a key for yourself telling which candy bar is in which number of diaper.

How to play: individuals or in small groups. Pass diapers around and have players guess what kind of candy bar is in each diaper. They can smell, touch, taste etc. The person/group with most correct answers wins.

Best game I have EVER played at a shower!

Comment from Dawn
Time: August 15, 2008, 5:25 pm

Ditto on the comfy pants to wear home from the hospital. I did not wear maternity pants home, I wore some very soft yoga-type pants that I bought at Walmart. Think drawstring waist & soft stretchy fabric. Comfort is key! And maybe Roomie could bring a cute (maternity) top to make her feel pretty. : )

For the shower – AMEN on the good food.

I do like the idea of having people say blessings or prayers for Roomie & the baby, but even better than that: buy a pretty notebook & have people write their blessing or prayer in it. That way Roomie can read them over and over again.

You could also bring some diapers and Sharpie’s & have people write notes on them. So when Roomie is doing YET another diaper change, she can have something to smile about (besides her beautiful baby!).

Comment from Brandy T
Time: August 15, 2008, 9:42 pm

1. I’m off to look at the registry right now…

2. My favorite shower was the one where I opened my gifts as they arrived (while everyone else was talking and eating). That way, I didn’t feel like a whole circle of women were staring at me (and my oversized belly) as they scrutinized my every facial expression with each gift.

At one of my showers, they passed a notebook around the room so everyone could write down a word of advice/encouragement. Even if they weren’t moms, they could tell me something awesome that their mom did for them. To this day, it’s one of my favorite things to open and read.

3. I bought a cute “outfit” to wear home from the hospital and ended up wearing the same maternity pants that I arrived in. Honestly, she shouldn’t expect to lose any weight in the days following the birth. What she loses in baby, she’ll gain in water retention that comes with the surge of hormones (seriously, I couldn’t wear socks because my ankles were so swollen AFTER I came out of the hospital).

Comment from Brandy T
Time: August 15, 2008, 9:42 pm

Oh… and I’m not a fan of shower games. =)

Comment from Lauren
Time: August 15, 2008, 10:45 pm

I have never been to a baby shower that I can remeber. I remember one that was a surprise…but I wasn’t there. So, I have no advice to give. sorry! but I have to agree with almost what everyone said.

Comment from trs
Time: August 16, 2008, 12:04 am

I’ve never given birth … so the pros here will have to claim veto power to my idea…

Couldn’t she bring a pretty/comfy empire waist dress ( and slip on shoes) so she can feel pretty and femine when she leaves the hospital as well as look FABULOUS!!!!?

And apparantly a pair of heavy fleece shorts underneath for it’s absorbtion properties!!

Comment from Michele
Time: August 16, 2008, 9:24 pm

Shower: good food, good friends! Amen! Prayer time is wonderful. Decor: it’s fun to decorate with baby clothes hung up around the house, and a good use of money! My friend also did a diaper-cake to decorate and it was soooo cute. You’ll have to look online for directions, but again, roomie will be able to use both the clothes and diapers in the future.

Clothes: I heard somewhere that you should bring maternity clothes from about 4-5 months, so I did…..and the pants didn’t fit, but I’m glad I didn’t really believe them, and had a bigger pair with too. Thank goodness! Soft and stretchy is the best!

Comment from Jenni
Time: August 17, 2008, 12:25 am

was there a rocking chair on either registry? I don’t remember seeing one, but I know that my mom LOVED hers when she was up for late night feedings, or just trying to get the baby to sleep!

Comment from Ashley
Time: August 18, 2008, 7:15 pm

Bring big, comfy maternity clothes to wear home… don’t worry if you look cute or not – everyone is going to be focused on that precious baby! And I would also recommend investing in some big “granny panties” that you would never really wear in real life; they are simply the most comfortable option after everything that has happened “down there.” FYI, you will have lots of bleeding, like a really huge period, EVEN if you have a c-section (and it may last more than just a couple of days), so make sure to have a package of the biggest maxi pads you can find.

Comment from Missy @ It’s Almost Naptime
Time: August 18, 2008, 11:13 pm

I don’t know if there is an Ultimate Crib Sheet on the registry, but that is one of the greatest inventions EVAH. Get two. Keeps you from changing poopy or barfy sheets at 3am.

Re: showers. The most precious memory of mine was of all my girlfriends putting hands on my belly and praying for the baby, very specifically. Boo hoo city.

Also, I heard this idea which I love: make a little votive candle for each guest. Then, when they get the call that she is in labor, they light the candle, and that reminds them to pray for her until they hear that baby is here. How cool is that???

Another idea from that same shower, when each friend’s prayer is said, string a bead and make it into a bracelet. Then mom wears that bracelet while she is in labor to remind her of her friend’s who are lifting her and baby up to the Lord.

Comment from John Farmer
Time: September 8, 2008, 10:53 pm

Check out my blog for Midget Monday!