Am I wrong for feeling this way?

aw, mama! i'm sorry that happened! i personally don't think you are wrong to *feel* disappointed over that -- i absolutely know where you are coming from! feelings are natural and normal, so it wouldn't be wrong to feel a certain way. the only thing that might be inappropriate would be if you were thinking about telling your DP's stepmom or other people who were at the shower how you felt...a shower is a gift in itself and was a sweet gesture to celebrate you and your baby, no matter what you did/didn't get! it sounds like it was adorable and well planned, so i hope you had fun!

my sil threw me a shower, but because i was hesitant about it (4th baby and all) she made it a "mommy shower" instead and, well, it was kind of disappointing because i had finally consented to the shower and then ended up with a lot of smelly bath stuff that i don't need and virtually NONE of the cloth diapers i DID need (the only thing i asked for). i still had a great time hanging out with my friends and taking some special time to focus on this baby for a couple hours! not to mention the cake!!!! lol

I also got gift receipts, especially things that were not on the registry. I actually DID get registry items, though, probably just over half the gifts at my small shower.

(Of course, when I get clothes from MIL, they come with *all* the tags removed so I cannot return them even if I tried.) :

Honestly, though, people often have varying reactions about registries. Personally, if I was directly *asked* to purchase off the registry, I think I'd just get a gift card or write a check, because I don't like to feel pressured about what gift I give. And some people just buy what they want to buy, regardless of what you need or your tastes, etc.

I don't think you're wrong to feel disappointed, but don't let yourself dwell on it. Be happy that people came to celebrate your new little one! I got a few weird gifts, too, but the thing that disappointed me the most was close family and friends who didn't ever bother to RSVP or say congratulations.

Quote:
I never had a baby "shower" per se, but did ask for certain things after baby was born. And I would agree that people usually just get what they want. Same with wedding showers. I used to be feel disappointed to, but I guess I am used to it now.

I cannot tell you how much crap I have gotten for my children and myself from relatives over the years. It is sort of annoying at times, especially when there were times when we really needed something. For example, I could have really used some maternity clothes on my birthday, and MIL got me some size small t-shirts that I will be able to wear in about two years when DD weans.

I also don't think your wrong for feeling that way. I can see why you would be disappointed for receiving gifts that you can't really use that is very frustrating, especially with the economy and you took the time to pick reasonable items that you really could use.

I honestly hate the idea of a traditional baby shower, it's really sweet that people want to shower you with gifts but honestly I would rather people just come and wish me well on the remarkable journey I am embarking on...plus as I mentioned I HATE to waste money so if people get me things I can't use, or aren't in line with the way I want to raise my baby it's completely frustrating.

I will say that at least it sounds like you had a well executed party, my SIL planned a party for me and she showed up 2 hours late (mind you she also had ALL the food with her) and there was NOT a good excuse.

Thanks for all the replies!!
Ok, well I didn't get any gift receipts, and I'm not sure where any of it was bought, and I'm not about to ask!!
I really DO appreciate the shower and all the thought put into every gift given. I just think it kinda stinks that I have close to nothing to for this baby right now, and although I am trying my best to piece together the items I need, it has become rather difficult since I haven't been able to work in a couple months and DP is the only source of income. *sigh* I know things will work out in the end, but I guess I'm just worried that they won't. I had specifically asked for no clothing, because we have gotten wonderful hand-me-downs from my sister and 2 friends, and I already have more than I know what to do with! I've spent more on baby hangers this week than anything else!! But I guess people get excited when they see baby clothes. Of course I'm not going to say anything to the people who bought me the gifts, I will use what I can and give everything I can't use or don't have the need for to someone who CAN use it.
I know this is my second baby, but I didn't get a shower or any sort of celebration with DS, so I dunno, maybe my expectations were wrong, or I based them off MY experience with going to showers. I know, I know, I shouldn't have had any expectations in the first place. What can I say, I overthink everything!

Thanks again for the replies.