Okay, so my sister is pretty much insisting that I have a baby shower for the new baby.

I really don't want to. I had a baby 2 years ago and pretty much knew we'd have another, so I kept everything, including clothes. I don't really need anything.

There are a couple things I want, but they are a bit expensive so we'll probably buy them ourselves.

Anyway, she says I should have a shower and I say no. I told her that if people wanted to give a gift for the baby, they can bring it to the hospital or to my home if they come to visit. We had a shower for Preston and I was so glad when it was over. Don't get me wrong, I was very grateful for all the goodies, but I hated making the invitation list. Do you invite so and so or not? I haven't seen her in while, do I still invite her? Do you invite distant family members or step-family members? I just didn't like that part because I didn't want people to think I was just out to get a gift. KWIM? So, that is kinda why I don't really want to have one with this one. People know I had a baby 2 years ago. They know I have baby stuff already.

So, I'm thinking leave it up to the people who come visit if they want to bring a gift or not when they come. Either way is fine with me. Like I said, we don't really need anything.

My sister thinks I'm being unreasonable. What do you guys think?

Lori :D

I think if you don't want a shower, then you shouldn't have to have one. I would tell your sister you really don't want a shower and that's the final answer. Tell her you appreciate her willingness to help out, but you prefer to not have one since you have everything you need. I would stand your ground because it's what you want.

I am kind of on the fence for this one. I love baby showers...no matter how many babies someone has. I look at it more as a time to celebrate a gift from the Lord. I think if someone really wants to give you a shower, it's probably done more out of love than trying to annoy you. Maybe you can let her do all the work, invite everyone and just have you show up. You could even do just a diaper/wipes shower, or have everyone get together and get either a gift cert. to someplace you would go, or get one big gift item that you wanted to buy.
Honestly, I would never think someone is trying to just get gifts because they or someone wants to celebrate a baby. If someone thinks that, well maybe they shouldn't come if invited. A friend of mine just had her 4th baby, and it was their 3rd DD, and we are having a shower for her. She has more than everything she needs, but we want to celebrate her daughter, so we are going to have one. She said she would like a prayer shower, but who doesn't like to buy baby gifts....and what mommy doesn't like to put fresh new clothes on a baby.
I guess I am leaning more towards having one, but if you really are opposed to a shower...and you don't think your sister can plan one herself, than I would try and explain it to her nicely and simply. I know I would feel hurt if I wanted to throw a shower and I was told no.

Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear, but I guess you wanted our honest answers!
I pray you get resolution soon!

Amber

I had the same problem making out the invitation list for my wedding...a nightmare. :shock:

I agree with the others who are saying you shouldn't have one if you don't want one. Maybe your sister is having trouble understanding because of personality differences? She's an extrovert, you're an introvert? Maybe you could ask her to think of another, lower key way of blessing you and your new baby? Just an idea...

Maybe your sister is having trouble understanding because of personality differences? She's an extrovert, you're an introvert? Maybe you could ask her to think of another, lower key way of blessing you and your new baby? Just an idea...

I like this idea. Don't get me wrong, I loved my baby showers with my other babies! They are always fun and I really like spending time with friends and family. I just don't think it's necessary this go around. But, I do like the idea of finding a lower key way! There is another post around here somewhere saying something about bringing meals after the baby is born. I had about 3 people from church bring meals after Preston was born and that was really nice. Maybe I'll recommend that she can set something like that up for us.

Lori :D