Second baby baby shower?

[Gmsg01]

First, I will admit to my to my prejudice that I consider baby showers and bridal showers a request for gifts. Heck, their name even derives from "showering" the guest of honour with gifts as she sets up a new household (wedding), or begins the perilous journey into motherhood (wow- I usually give baby food cook books and mini blenders- I should be giving bottles of whiskey!). Anyways- I received an invitation today for a baby shower for a second baby, and I find this very weird. Am I the only one who thinks it strange to ask for gifts to get set up for the second child? I would think they would have most of the stuff from the first one; I did.

 

[Orchid]

How far apart are the children?

Personally, I think every baby deserves a baby shower whether it's the first baby or the 10th, but that's just me. Not necessarily for expensive items, more for things like clothing and blankets - what kid doesn't want their own special stuffed animal or blanket?

 

[pdsavage]

I only do first baby showers unless there was a disater or some such thing and they needed stuff as it was all lost or destroyed.

 

[Gmsg01]

Quote:
They will be 5 years apart, same as my boys, and both will be girls. I always send a gift after the baby is born, because I agree that every baby likes to have their own special something.

 

[Martin Grove Farm]

IMHO baby showers are for the first only. I would not attend a shower for a 2nd child or 3rd and so on.

 

[redhen]

I dont do baby showers or bridal showers... (unless i REALLY have to..)
They totally annoy me...

 

[Gmsg01]

Quote:
I TOTALLY agree with you!

 

[Memphisjourney2seramas]

I don't think you should have showers for the second baby. I think it is kind of tacky. Maybe a diaper shower, but especially since they are the same age. My sister has had 3 showers with each kid and it really annoying...one for work, one for, church and one for friends. That is 6 showers she has had for 2 girls, 2 years apart. Works out for me though, because I get her handy-me-downs!

 

[Kaelinstorm]

Our family throws a shower for every baby. Every baby is special. Besides... none of us keep the items after the baby outgrows it because we pass on things until they wear out or give to our local missions/donation centers. We have a large family. Usually the showers are mostly family anyway. We like any excuse to throw a party, have fun and to lavish gifts on one another. Every new baby will need new diapers and is it so bad if he/she gets a few new toys and not ALL hand-me-downs? I dunno thats just mho...

 

[nuchickontheblock]

I actually hate the bridal shower thing worse than the baby ones. The brides always seems greedy, with their wish lists that are 12 pages long.

The only time I think a 2nd baby shower is justified is if it's been a long time between kids (like 10 years), special circumstances, or multiples where you will need extra stuff. Although I know a family with 13 kids and everything from kid 1,2,3, etc has been well used through wear and tear, so her friends do give her showers every couple of pregnancies just so she can keep up with the basic things.

IMHO Most of the stuff new mothers think they need, are not necessary anyway -- just marketing hype.
I prefer to even skip the 1st shower and just give a gift afterwards.