I have not been to a baby shower for years. Relatives, who had been regularly reproducing with me far away, got the click-and- send items from the babiesrus.com registry. For quite some time, my friends have neither been of the age or inclination to spawn.
It thus defines my new world order that the first social event hosted in my new space was a baby shower. I shared the hosting duties with two other women - both of substantial professional accomplishment. It says something of these times that between us we had minimal baby shower experience.
But a dear colleague is about to pop and it was only right to honor her and the baby-to-be. Despite my trepidation (and the fact we moved into the apartment three days before the shower) all went very well. It was easy and affirming. (And would have been so even without the champagne and chocolate offered in abundance).
In the back of my car are two more gifts wrapped for delivery... one for a second cousin's shower next week and another for a baby born to to another cousin last week.
If there is any doubt what people do in Buffalo during the cold months... 'tis apparently the season to be more than jolly.
Time and money were scant and precious resources when my daughter was born. Her gifts came by mail from relatives far away. I could not have imagined how much fun it is today to see and share the latest in baby gadgetry and couture.
I've stepped from an observer to an active participant inside the family circle.
And I like the view.

Copyright 2005 Judi Griggs