Anyone else not get a baby shower and feel bummed about it?

[Ravin]

I had a very small shower for DD. Now, 7 years later I'm having #2, it's a boy...we have most of the big stuff we need thanks to hand-me-downs from my mom and sister and things I held on to from DD, but it would have been nice if someone I know had actually cared enough to throw any kind of shower/celebration for this baby! Most of my family are far away, and while a few people at work mentioned getting something, no one did anything before I went on maternity leave. My friends out here also have not mentioned anything, though they all know we're struggling financially (many of them are, too, but I'd have been happy with even an offer of a no-gifts celebratory get together). When I think about it, I wasn't invited to the shower of the last friend who had a baby and was given a shower...

Not really the kind of thing you can complain about to IRL friends...but anyone else in the same boat?

[reelgeek]

I'm throwing my own baby shower, otherwise I'm pretty sure no one would have got it together enough to do it. Not that they wouldn't want to, but everyone is busy and those who aren't are very disorganized. :) All of my family lives in Canada, and we're in the States. My husbands family are far from us too. This is my first and only intended baby, so I really wanted to have one.

I put in the invite that gift are lovely but not necessary and it's mostly about coming over, eating snacks, drinking and doing some minimal baby related things. I'm also making mine open to guys/ladies so that everyone feels included to encourage attendance.

You should just throw your own, that way you don't miss out!

[urbangoddess2]

You could borrow a (southern) Dutch tradition:  post-birth "baby borrels" (baby 'drink'), which are organised by the parents.  Invite everyone to your house after the birth and offer some snacks and drinks (here everyone drinks beer but you could just as easily serve coffee or something).  It's a time to congratulate the parents and meet the baby, and there is no implied pressure to bring a gift (although I think that people would).

[Twinklefae]

We're having a 'Meet the Baby Open House' once it arrives.  Why wouldn't we - everyone is going to want to hold, snuggle and breath in that gorgeous newborn scent!

(I imagine gifts will arrive too, though that isn't the 'point' of the party.)