Baby Shower fun

When I logged onto my facebook a few months ago to see my cousin Colleen having a baby shower out in Australia I was very intrigued.  I have always known baby showers to be very American and haven’t really heard of anyone here having one. So as my interest grew I decided to throw one for my friend. I started to plan it 2 months ago, gathering banners, balloons and even a piñata shaped like a pram. I have to admit, I did go a little crazy but I just love to organise things for other people and wanted it to be extra special.

So what is a baby shower some of you might ask? ( Or as my da said, eh? A party for a weene before its even born?!) Well it originates from roman and Egyptian times. , the baby shower party was part of the traditions associated with welcoming a new child into the world. However, there really wasn't much of a party involved. Instead, the other mothers would provide the new mum with items she would need to care for her child, such as clothing. It was also a time for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art o becoming a mother. Clearly back then, these informal events were very practical and were meant to help prepare new mothers for the newest family member. In those days, there was no such thing as Piñatas filled with sweets! The shower centres on gift giving so it is usually a friend that will organise the party and not a family member as this can seem rude for family members to beg for gifts.

Well this baby shower was a first for all that attended and it was a great day of fun and laughter for the expectant mummy. I decided to hold it in the evening time from 4pm to 7pm as at this stage of the pregnancy the mum can be very tired and suffering from the lovely swollen ankles. With a theme of ‘High Tea’ I brought all my mummy and grannies tea sets from back in the day, along with cake stands to give that real High Tea feel. Pinkies at the ready we delved into delicious delights made by a friend of the family and we played baby shower charades. A great days craic and lovely for the mummy to be to have something to look forward to and take her mind of child birth (even though that was reenacted in baby shower charades!). So if you are thinking of throwing a baby shower, speak to the mummy to be first, see if its an idea she would like and take it from there. There are lots of baby shower paraphernalia available online and off course you can make your own banners to make it more personal. I think I have missed my calling in life, to be a baby shower organiser!