It's raining Babies!
No, I'm not following the engagement announcement with news of a 'bundle of joy.' I figure we'll at least wait until I'm making some money for that.
This post is about my sister, in all her pregnant glory. Some friends of hers planned a baby shower for her and were kind enough to include me as a hostess, despite my relative ineptitude in such matters. I can only remember attending one baby shower in my life. I was in middle school and the guest of honor was a woman who helped out with my church youth group. We didn't even bring real gifts, just boxes of diapers.
The whole situation reminds me of when Kate got married. I was maid of honor in name only, on account of genetics. In reality, Kate's good friend Molly coordinated most everything that a maid of honor should--planning a 'girl's weekend' (which I didn't even attend), a 'stock the bar' party, and a scrapbook. I was amazed at how effortless she made it all seem, how organized she was, and how she always knew exactly what to do. Not surprisingly, Molly was also the organizer for this shower.
My sister is nice enough not to fault me for my shortcomings in social graces when it comes to events a 'life stage' or two ahead of where I am at the moment. I'm just now getting acquainted with proper wedding etiquette, and I frequently consult her with frantic phone calls:
'I got invited to a wedding shower that I can't attend. Do I have to send a gift?'
'What should I wear to a wedding that starts at 5 in the afternoon? Even though you're 7 months pregnant, would you mind getting some of your pre-pregnancy summer clothes out of the attic so I can find something to borrow?'
And so on.
In typical Melanie fashion, I ended up missing the baby shower. I was very busy that day, sloughing off my stomach lining through my mouth. Having vomited at a stranger's home earlier in the day, I didn't want to make it a two-fer, and weeping, I conceded that I should stay at home. Jules had to come and pick up the cupcakes and chicken fingers that were my responsibility to provide.
I got a chance to look at all of the gifts for Baby Mather later. I'll tell you what--this kid is SET. He and Paris Hilton will have a lot in common in that he's probably not going to be wearing the same outfit twice for some time. He has not one, but TWO baby bathrobes for lounging around; however, he does lack a 'My Aunt is Awesome' onesie.
As I've watched my sister and her husband prepare for their new family member, it makes me simultaneously happy and sad. I'm very excited for Kate and Zach to be new parents (and for me to be an aunt); I know they'll do a great job and that this baby will have so much love in his life. What makes me sad is knowing that so many other children aren't as fortunate to be wanted and loved by both of their parents as my nephew is.
So, congratulations, Baby Boy Mather! You've already made a great selection in parents. We're all looking forward to your arrival in a month or so!
This post is about my sister, in all her pregnant glory. Some friends of hers planned a baby shower for her and were kind enough to include me as a hostess, despite my relative ineptitude in such matters. I can only remember attending one baby shower in my life. I was in middle school and the guest of honor was a woman who helped out with my church youth group. We didn't even bring real gifts, just boxes of diapers.
The whole situation reminds me of when Kate got married. I was maid of honor in name only, on account of genetics. In reality, Kate's good friend Molly coordinated most everything that a maid of honor should--planning a 'girl's weekend' (which I didn't even attend), a 'stock the bar' party, and a scrapbook. I was amazed at how effortless she made it all seem, how organized she was, and how she always knew exactly what to do. Not surprisingly, Molly was also the organizer for this shower.
My sister is nice enough not to fault me for my shortcomings in social graces when it comes to events a 'life stage' or two ahead of where I am at the moment. I'm just now getting acquainted with proper wedding etiquette, and I frequently consult her with frantic phone calls:
'I got invited to a wedding shower that I can't attend. Do I have to send a gift?'
'What should I wear to a wedding that starts at 5 in the afternoon? Even though you're 7 months pregnant, would you mind getting some of your pre-pregnancy summer clothes out of the attic so I can find something to borrow?'
And so on.
In typical Melanie fashion, I ended up missing the baby shower. I was very busy that day, sloughing off my stomach lining through my mouth. Having vomited at a stranger's home earlier in the day, I didn't want to make it a two-fer, and weeping, I conceded that I should stay at home. Jules had to come and pick up the cupcakes and chicken fingers that were my responsibility to provide.
I got a chance to look at all of the gifts for Baby Mather later. I'll tell you what--this kid is SET. He and Paris Hilton will have a lot in common in that he's probably not going to be wearing the same outfit twice for some time. He has not one, but TWO baby bathrobes for lounging around; however, he does lack a 'My Aunt is Awesome' onesie.
As I've watched my sister and her husband prepare for their new family member, it makes me simultaneously happy and sad. I'm very excited for Kate and Zach to be new parents (and for me to be an aunt); I know they'll do a great job and that this baby will have so much love in his life. What makes me sad is knowing that so many other children aren't as fortunate to be wanted and loved by both of their parents as my nephew is.
So, congratulations, Baby Boy Mather! You've already made a great selection in parents. We're all looking forward to your arrival in a month or so!
