Baby Shower

Yesterday my neighbor came over and she asked if I was going to have a baby shower. I told her no because all of mine and dh's family have moved due to Hurricane Katrina. (We live just outside of New Orleans) She looked at me funny and said I will give you a shower you just have to give me a list of people. That was so nice of her to say, but I don't really know anyone in my area. Two years ago I could have given her a long list when I was teaching preschool, but now I only keep in contact with 3 of my excoworkers. Other than that I don't know anyone here. What should I do. Showers cost too much money to throw and not have anyone to come. I don't want to be rude or hurt her feelings. Please help!

 

I think i would tell her the truth. She's trying to be nice and being honest can't hurt either of you. Tell her you really appreciate it but b/c you've lost so much contact w/ everyone - you don't want her to have to go through the effort w/o anyone coming. just keep reiterating how much you appreciate the offer and you would love to take her up on it - it just doesn't make sense right now.

 

What a generous offer. A shower does not have to be 50-100 people at some restaurant or hall and spending a fortune. It can be a potluck at someone's house (or your own) with a couple of people getting together to celebrate this great new chapter of your life, Enjoy it!

 

I agree with being honest and I agree it doesn't have to be huge. Tell her just what you told us, heck you could just the two of you go out to lunch somewhere to celebrate!

 

wow how sad that so many people seem that they have left for good. I don't think most of america has a concept of how prolonged the effects of katrina have been....or maybe it's just me that has my head in the sand??.... I agree with the pp that maybe even if you know a handful of people you could give their names...or if you know that certain family members would come in. Otherwise maybe you could do something like the pp suggested about just going out to lunch... or perhaps even asking this woman to make a meal or two for you in lieu of throwing a baby shower?... very nice of her to offer regardless.

 

My mom and mil wanted to give us a shower but our family is 1000 miles away. So a friend of my mom's made beautiful invitations, explaining that due to my inability to travel, they would be having a shower through the mail. She mentioned where we were registered and even included a game w/ a return envelope so everyone could play and the winner would get a prize in the mail. It was sent to our family and friends that are so far away, but you could include the friends that you have near you as well.

She also included our website with our u/s and my weekly belly pics, along with an online journal. I've read that you could also have a shower online, which would be even simpler then a mail one.

I also agree with the pp who said that a lunch out (or in) with those friends close by would be just as nice as a big shower with a ton of guests.

 

I would tell her just what you told us. She can organize a small lunch or afternoon tea for the friends that you do have nearby.

 

How thoughtful of her!!! It sounds like she wants to be able to do something special for you. I agree with explaining your concerns to her. I think a small gathering would be really lovely way to celebrate your growing family!