My first baby shower didn't happen... Second time lucky?

[Lana]

Hope you don't mind me responding as I haven't been through what you are going through but I have been thinking about you all day! So I hope what I am going to suggest isn't inappropriate but I thought I would just put it out there as I do know what it feels like when you lose someone and you want them included in big events.

I was wondering whether rather than having a baby shower with all your female relatives (seeing you are not that keen on them) if you made it a couples event so your DH could be there and have a celebration of Cookie in that way with people you enjoy hanging out with. Then if things do get awkward with relatives saying inappropriate/stupid things at least you have each others support to get through it. After the year you have had you both deserve to be celebrated.

Then on the invitation you could write something like "We invite you to celebrate us becoming a family of 4". And in that way Ianto is included in the invite.

Again hope this is ok.

[toomanyshoes]

I have no idea's for the wording but I honestly think you should say/include whatever you feel comfortable with, it's your day and you can celebrate how ever you want and what is going to make you happiest.

[Babyluv]

Hi Teni,

Why not keep the invite fairly simple, ours read "A baby girl is on the way, so let's celebrate before the big day". It is a celebration of your bub, and that in no way is forgetting about Ianto, I think keep the invite simple and do something special on the day to celebrate Ianto too. What about maybe having a wishing well at your shower with some info about Bonnie babes and a personal note about Ianto with all donations going to them etc. That way ppl can still bring gifts for cookie, you've included your little man Ianto in the day and ppl can donate to Bonnie babes as well. You could even say a little something about your special boy and his new baby brother or sister on the day if you like.
Do whatever is going to make you happy hun, that's what's important!!!!

[skybie]

i agree with babyluv, to ME a baby shower is about celebrating the baby you're soon to bring into the world. and usually siblings arent mentioned in the invitation.
I do like ur idea of donations to bonnie babes in luei of gifts, its an indirect way of bringing Ianto's memory into the celebration.

[~Jayne~]

Hey Teni,

I hope you don't mind me adding my 2 cents worth......... but I just thought of a possible suggestion. What about if you keep the baby shower invite for Cookie, but at the actual party, have a blue helium balloon, one for each of your guests to release? Perhaps they could write their own special 'phrase' or secret to Ianto & have them released at the baby shower? That way, Ianto is still included?

Or maybe even have some blue & pink balloons to be released & they all get released together?

Just a thought..........HTH!

Love Jayne x

[maz]

siblings arent normally mentioned on babyshower invites at all....its all about the mama and the baby coming..IF you wanted to include him in some sort of way...maybe put alittle rainbow on the invite somewere...his stamp KWIM
OR
Maybe you could have a blessingway instead...OMG they are so spirital and amazing.

[Cassius2]

Maybe you could have a blessingway instead...OMG they are so spirital and amazing.

:yeahthat:

blessingways are a beautiful process that is all about inclusiveness and acknowlegement off all that are here, to come and passed. (this could also be a way to include Ianto in the celebration of his little brother or sister). I LOVE blessingways they are so gorgeous and really allow everyone to share their stories of their births, children etc. and you'd be surprised...even those that i thought wouldnt be 'into' it, came along to my friends and really got into it....

anyway, just a thought.

Also, maybe for the invite, you could say something like: "...please join us in celebrating the imminent arrival of our baby 'cookie', the day will be full of fun, laughter, happiness and rainbows...".

And maybe on the invite you could have like a PP mentioned a rainbow motif...and maybe something special for Cookie? see when i think 'rainbows' i also think 'blue birds' (thank you wizard of oz!)...kinda like two peas in a pod...exactly what siblings are!

HTH!

[AngelLukesmum]

Hi
The belly cast sounds like a beautiful idea! I had my belly cast 2 days before I gave birth to DD and I have it hanging in her room, waiting to be decorated by her when she gets older but I wish I had thought of having it done earlier for my baby shower.

In regards to food, I don't think its rude to ask people to bring a plate of food at all, especially as I am presuming those getting invited are your nearest and dearest who will probably be happy to help out. For mine, I had all the mums/aunties asking what they could bring and as it was an afternoon thing, we just had plates of cakes/slices and little quiches etc that my mum took charge of in regards to the oven and distribution.

I'm sure your day will be beautiful - all the best!

[Daytona's Mummy]

I hope you don't mind me butting in (cause we don't know eachother) but you really sound as though you have your heart set on including Ianto in your invitations & it has reminded me of an invitation my mum has had on her fridge for a few years now....
It is basically worded as though the angel baby was inviting everyone itms? off the top of my head it says something along the lines of "Please come along & help me celibrate my mummy & baby sister who I watch over every day." It also askes everyone to bring a plate of food & small candle to light to "help my presence be felt on the day"

Have a wonderful day at your baby shower! No matter the wording of your invites, or the activities you chose to partake in, Ianto will be remembered by all on this special day & everyother day. xx