Need my creative doodle friends.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I am hosting my DD's Baby Shower November 6th. At 4:00p,m, after running a Women's Half Marathon for Breast Cancer. Yeah, I know, nothing like doing too much on one day, but several dear friends and a niece are flying in for the Marathon so it was a perfect time to do it.

Anyway, I want this to be beyond the typical baby shower and need as many creative ideas as you all can share. Was there something at your shower that still stands out in your mind? Have you hosted a shower and had something you are especially proud of that you did? Decorations? Activities?

We are doing a very Organic, Natural, eco-conscious party as that is who my daughter is in life and she appreciates the little things like not using plastic, recycled papers and as little waste as possible. We are holding the festivites outdoors and are planting a tree in our yard in DGD's honor, like we did for both our children many moons ago. I planned to have everyone write a wish for the baby on a tag and tie it to the tree with a ribbon, as part of the evenings decorations.

 So far we have invitations on recycled paper, using rented linens, using our own china and silverware, catered with organic foods, Orchids for centerpieces and gifts, handmade soaps made with essential oils and no additives for our thank you's and asking guests to be creative with wrapping their gifts in re-usable things like recieving blankets or towels or something creative.

So, please put on your thinking hats and help me make this extra special for her? She and DH have tried for 3 yrs to concieve and we are all so grateful and excited.

I feel like I am planning her wedding all over again!!!! Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks all.

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thank you, I will.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I also found them in the grocery store when we were in FL.  I had to use them when we had to cover all the shrubs bushes and flowers every time they thought is was going to frost.  I have tons of them.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Beautiful photo, Sue.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thankyou. She and her DH will make gorgeous babies.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow, you are off to a great start! You also have some great ideas-sounds like it will be one to remember and I love your whole tree idea!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

What might be fun for your daughter is to do a time capsule.  Your daughter and/or you the grandparents could write what you are feeling at this exact moment.  Or your daughter could write her thoughts on how special this baby is and how loved and wanted it is, maybe put an ultrasound photo in it, photos of the parents and grandparents, etc...then bury the time capsule to be dug up and opened when the child turns 21 years!  Just be sure to make a map or a marker so you know exactly where to go 21 years from now!!!  My daughter too is now pregnant after two miscarriages so I do know how meaningful this is. Have a fun day!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Oh boy, 21 yrs seems so far away and we better not move!!! Maybe we can bury it by the tree we're planting for her.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am knee deep in hosting baby showers and have a few thoughts that I think your daughter may like:

1. For quite a few of my friends, we have added a little gift for the mom instead of just baby gifts. This is a necklace with different charms given to the mother for her to remember her strength as a woman and the strong women that surround & support her.  Every guest could bring a small charm (from Michael's for example, nothing fancy, mine have been $3!) that represents their relationship to your daughter and/or something that makes them think of your daughter.  For one of my friends, I gave her a sanddollar charm because she loved the beach and that is my favorite, most calming place in the world.  Another friend, I gave her the japanese letter for "mother".  Another friend, I gave her a charm of her favorite flower.  Everyone says something quickly and presents the charm to your daughter, then you string it up and put beads in between each charm (colored, anything).  It can be a bracelet too.  I don't know, this may be way off, but this has been very very very special to many of my friends that have had babies.  They keep those bracelets/necklaces hanging in the bookshelf in their kids rooms now. It's a sign of strength for them.  Does that make sense? Have her sit in mommy chair as described above.

2. Have you considered having the shower at her house? it's probably too late for that, but we have started doing that so you don't have to transport gifts PLUS the tree would be in her yard.  Probably too late for that...

3. Another good idea, but not sure if your DD is doing thank you cards, but if she is - have guests fill out their adresses on her ty card envelopes - one less thing for mommy to do!!!

 

Hope this helps.  So happy for you and your family!!!

 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Love the charm idea ... really thoughtful!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

1. LOVE LOVE LOVE the charm idea.  Don't know if everyone is going to want to make a special trip to Michaels, but I can suggest it. I will be at Michaels and Joann's often Im sure and can get the beads and chain.

2. Not at her house as I have much more room and I never know how long she will keep this house where I am pretty set for the next few decades in mine.

3. Yes, we are doing the self addressed ty notes. She is eco-conscious, but grateful and polite will win out when it comes to sending cards. They will be recycled cards tho as I am making or getting those made for her so they are on hand.

Thank you so much for the charm idea.

[Dani and Scout]

I just hosted a shower this past weekend and the 2 most complimented on things were the clothesline I used to decorate with and a "diaper-changing toolbox" for the dad. I attached onesies, clothes, bibs, and socks to the clothesline and hung it across the room. The toolbox was filled with dad's essentials: goggles, a nose plug, tongs, a biohazard bag, headache medicine, earplugs, a flashlight, a poncho, etc. We laughed so hard as the stuff came out!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thank you. I have seen the daddy toolbox on line and thought it was cute. I will be using the clothesline idea for sure.