When my partner and I discovered we were expecting our third child, we were taken aback. We thought we had completed our family, but the excitement of welcoming another little one has us over the moon. Once we shared the news with friends and family, a few of my closest friends immediately began buzzing about organizing a baby shower for me.
However, before they dive into planning games or selecting adorable themes, I have a heartfelt request: Please, no new items. Seriously, I’m pleading with you.
After navigating the whirlwind of two babyhoods and the mayhem of two toddlers, I’ve learned the ins and outs of early parenting. I know I won’t need those fancy wipe warmers or baby bidets (let’s be real, I’m not even using cloth diapers this time around). I realize that a crib will simply become a laundry basket, and I don’t have space for an umbrella stroller or a bottle warmer. The reality is, I don’t want brand-new items either. The charm of a Pottery Barn nursery has lost its luster for me. Honestly, who puts a white shag carpet in a child’s room? I’m far too practical for that now!
What I truly desire are your cherished hand-me-downs. I want your favorite onesies, beloved books, and gently-used toys that carry memories and stories. I crave the items that you no longer need but can’t bear to donate. It warms my heart to think that your child once loved these things, and now mine will too. (I promise to share photos as proof!)
I want to unwrap gifts and hear the stories behind them—the Moby wrap that soothed your colicky baby, the hand-knit booties that kept your little one warm in the NICU, or the baby blanket with a frayed edge from countless sleepless nights. Those narratives are what I want to weave into my new baby’s experience.
With each of my children, I’ve kept only a few treasured items—the most cherished that I can’t bear to part with. These well-loved pieces, though worn, will be preserved in a wooden chest until my kids become parents themselves. Items like old teddy bears, blankets, booties, and rubber ducks will be saved forever.
As I prepare for baby number three, I hope to surround this child with the love of my treasured mom friends, as we approach this final chapter of pregnancy and newborn stages. We’re all transitioning to bigger kid adventures, and I want to savor every sweet moment of babyhood while it lasts.
So, dear friends, please, dig deep through your old clothes, sift through that box of baby gear in your attic, and pull out the quirky books and delightful toys. Find a new home for them in our house, where they will be appreciated and honored. I can’t wait to see what you have for me!
If you’re interested in more insights about this journey, check out this article on intracervicalinsemination.org that offers valuable information. And for those considering at-home insemination, you can find a reliable source for At Home Insemination Syringe Kits. For a comprehensive overview of pregnancy, this resource on MedlinePlus is excellent.
In summary, as I embrace the journey of welcoming my third baby, I ask for the love and stories embedded in your hand-me-downs rather than new items. Let’s celebrate this transition together, cherishing the memories and experiences that come with each precious gift.
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