baby bumps and showers
Baby Bump – 37.5 weeks
I am not too keen on baby showers. I don’t like to play games of melting candy bars in diapers or who can guess the circumference of the belly with a strand of yarn. Not really my thing. And I feel really uncomfortable as the center of attention and asking guests to bring gifts. And so I was kind of opposed when my sister-in-law said she wanted to throw me a shower.
What I had in mind, rather, was a blessingway. Something more sacred and spiritual that honored the passage into motherhood in a more meaningful way. I’d also read about traditions in other cultures that just seemed, I dunno… better in tune with how beautiful this transition time is. But those ideas didn’t really pan out because I don’t have any hippie dippie girlfriends nearby to hold that sort of thing for me. (I would like to work on that!)
So I reluctantly said yes to my sister-in-law’s shower idea, and we agreed to an eco-friendly event (real dishes, gifts wrapped in swaddling blankets, asking for gently used where possible, etc) with just family invited.
As we got closer to the date, I started thinking more about the idea of a shower, and trying to take a step back from my preconceived notions. Maybe I was being too hard on this american tradition. Maybe it could be good and have heart. And most of all: maybe I needed to soften here…
I mentioned these thoughts to a cousin during Christmas and she said: “Do it, sister. It’s your time to be honored. Everyone takes a turn when they are pregnant and they like giving back when it’s someone else’s time.”
And that cracked my heart open to the idea.
So Sunday was the shower, and all I felt was grateful that these women in my family were willing to circle around me and come out in the cold to be there. That they wanted to celebrate and welcome this baby with me. And that they had taken time to decorate and set up this event just for the new one on the way. That giving in itself is sacred.
We did play a few games — drawing and writing games mostly — and they made me laugh. And we ate together and heard baby stories, listened to everyone’s best motherly advice, and I didn’t even feel uncomfortable opening gifts in front of everyone. Colin also came to the event because, ahem, he had something to do with this baby too. (Why do the dads get left out so much?!) And he’d written something to our baby that he read aloud. Everyone was in tears.
So this shower turned out to blow my assumptions out of the water. Things really are what you make of them. And having a grateful mindset can make any seemingly uber-traditional thing bloom with heart and spirit.
Thank you to everyone in my family for coming. And a very special thank you to Katie and Kathy and Lauren for hosting. You guys are wonderful. :)
this is beautiful and true, like most of what you share. your baby bump is getting pretty impressive as well!
how touching to read that all. you have a lovely set of people close by you, that’s so nice too. and the bump is a wonderful sight to behold! enjoy : )
Oh my! You popped! You look absolutely beautiful. Though it’s hard, it’s amazing what our bodies can do. Bringing a person into the world is nothing short of a miracle. I’m so happy for you!
So glad you were able to enjoy the shower and celebrate this time with the people closest to you.
That sounds beautiful, you’re a lucky girl.
Best of luck for the birth, I’m right behind you! (By 2.5 weeks!)
xxx
oh i adore this possum…
deepest blessings to you always…
funny how these traditions were meant for something, hey?
love big heaps to you
xoxo
leonie
I am so glad you let your family honor & celebrate you. You’ve gotta know how beloved you are. xo
You’re more than welcome :) I’m glad we didn’t embarrass you too much! If I had known about a Blessingway, I would’ve gladly figured out a way to do it…even though I’m no hippy :) Take care and get some rest!
xo,
YSIL
Penny, you are the cutest little pregnant woman ever! i am so excited for you! :)
Love this post. I wish I lived closer so I could throw you a blessingway in addition to this heartwarming shower you had. You’re often in my thoughts and I can’t wait to see your beautiful baby.
Wow your bump has grown! I love that idea of a blessingway will have to keep it in mind for that one day. I know exactly how you feel about the center of attention and stuff, but if surrounded by the wonderful women in your family then it’s a blessing! Can’t wait to see pics of the baby! Hopefully she gets here early…
I love reading your blog, and this story was particularly touching, thanks!
oh wow! you are SO close. i can’t believe it! so fun to see your belly, too. you are all mama, in the best way. you look beautiful. and i’m happy your shower was so nice and nurturing. i have felt similar to them in the past, but it really is about the blessings women bring TO the gathering, no matter what the ‘form’. but, oh, i have to say, if i lived closer, i woulda thrown you a baby blessing of a 2nd sort (too). xoxo ps if at all possible, when you leave to go into labor, write a post saying, “gone into labor” so we all can focus a whole lotta love and good energy to you and colin and baby for a safe and beautiful birth/homecoming!!
thank you all!
And yes, Jenny! I will try to write a quick “gone into labor” post. That’s a great idea! :)
beautiful! love the idea of softening…xox
I love that you included your hubby… I felt like I wanted mine there too… There were plenty of men at my shower… albeit most of them were gay… love your blog…
Congratulations on letting yourself be honored. It can be tough for me to be the center of attention and have all eyes on me. But my dear you and your baby to be deserves to be honored. It is such a magical time. How wonderful to be surround by so much love. You look great!!