Baby Shower, Part Trois

The most recent and final (I think) baby shower was held on January 30 at CAV restaurant in Providence, RI. There were about 16 of us, including Mark who always seems so comfortable wherever he is--even with 15 cooing women. A highlight was my sister-in-law Mary Beth who traveled all the way from Virginia by train to be with us. Another was my Mom, who at 89 years of age, was the bell of the ball. How lucky we are to have four generations of women to love this baby. Also, the shower could never have been pulled off without the assistance of my two sisters, who helped wherever they could. The favors, chocolate truffles from Sweenors in RI, were compliments of my Mom. Great time.

Happy third trimester!

Em and Mark just left to return to RI after an extended Thanksgiving holiday. What a wonderful time we had talking, visiting, eating, touring Houston and getting to know baby. Em looks great, with her little bump adding a womanly dimension to what will always be--to me, at least--her youthful looks. And now that the wee one is well into his third trimester, we know that he can distinguish sounds. Mark makes it a point to talk to the baby, and she literally shifts in Em's belly to the sound of his voice. So of course, Nana-to-be had to try, too. I got up as close as I could, introducing myself in that tone that women use exclusively for babies. After a couple of tries, she gave a hearty kick and continued to do so every time I talked to her during the several days they were here. Curt says she kicked because I was annoying her, and he may be right. But I'll stay elated in my fantasy anyway.

Time to Party

Yesterday was Em's baby shower given by her Houston friends Kelle and Tanya, with the wonderful assist of Kelle's mother Pam. The party began at 2 pm and we enjoyed two hours of fun, food, present openings, games and laughs. They'd even staged a craft, wherein we decorated baby clothes with decals of our own making. What fun. The party was held in Pam's home, and it was decorated beyond belief--owls everywhere, since Em has decided to make owls the theme of the baby's room. The time went by much too quickly, but we left feeling full of the happiness that only friendship can bring, not to mention sandwiches and cupcakes!

We're planning a party

We're getting into baby shower time. Em's close friend is planning one, to be held over the Thanksgiving holidays. Em's mother-in-law is planning one for December, and I'm planning one for January. The next few months will be busy, but what a great excuse to get together with old friends to celebrate something so wonderful. I've been busy making guest lists and deciding on some games, and it occurred to me that these ritual-type events are another way that women bond and create community.

Team sports

We went to a couples' baby shower for a friend last weekend. It's so funny how the women all cooed over the expectant mom, the baby gifts and the homemade gluten-free cake, while the men tried doubly hard to be manly, talking sports and loitering outside doing whatever it is that men do when they are together. Is a baby shower too much to ask of men? I sure hope not. I just think a man is much more apt to show his softer side when other men are not around.