“I was recently informed by my mother that ‘you only get a shower for your first child’.  And while I certainly agree that we are in a much more prepared state then we were two years ago, especially since we’re having another girl, I always viewed showers as a chance to celebrate a new life with family and friends. I have personally hosted baby showers for two different friends for their second children and another shower for a friend for their third child, and have always held to the belief that each child deserves to be celebrated.”

What do you think? Should each child be celebrated?

Once all the “big items” are acquired during the first round of baby showers, it seems reasonable that a baby shower for a second child could be limited to essentials – clothing items, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, etc. Or what about a shower just for mom – an event where she is the recipient of the gifts?

Cooking with a Baby On Your Hip

Francinne Cascio Lawrence does a great job of making the book a fun, easy read that has eight quick recipes mixed in. It has adorable illustration on the cover and throughout making it a fun addition to a baby shower gift or a great “happy” for the new mom who is having a bad day. It’s just $12.95 and you can buy it through Baby On Your Hips’ online shopping cart.

Francinne says that some of her greatest pleasures have come while raising three spirited and diverse young women who grew from being on her hip to hip all on their own.

She is giving all of you a sneak peek at one of the book’s recipes:

Angel Pasta Nirvana

While your little angel is napping, sear a couple of chicken breasts and cut them into cubes. They will keep nicely in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare the rest of the dish. If you prefer to go vegetarian, chop up a few of your favorite fresh vegetables in place of the chicken. Some of my favorites for this recipe are zucchini, squash, and carrots.

As dinner time approaches and you have found another break from parent duty, melt the ½ cup butter in a skillet. Add the chicken or veggies and sauté them along with the mushrooms onions and garlic. When your cherub takes wing to for the night, you’ll be just minutes away from experiencing Angel Pasta Nirvana!

Ingredients
10 oz angel hair pasta
¼ c olive oil
½ c butter or margarine
4 large cloves garlic
1 medium onion
½ c sweet red bell pepper
¼ c dried parsley flakes
½ c dry white wine
8 medium mushrooms; sliced, sautéed
½ c Parmesan Cheese
8 ounces of poultry or 2 cups of fresh mixed vegetables depending on your preference.

Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain and toss with olive oil.
3. Melt butter in skillet.
4. Add garlic, onion, and mushrooms and sauté until onion is tender. Either fresh vegetables or chicken may be added here to make a rich medley of ingredients.
5. Add sweet pepper, parsley flakes, and white wine.
6. Pour mixture over pasta and toss until blended. Add chicken and cheese.
7. Toss and serve immediately.

Serves 4

Choose from Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Busy Spider and Brown Bear. Kodak.com offers a few different print options including pictures – folded cards, accordian style and 5×7 post cards.

How cute and colorful, just like Eric Carle’s books, which happen to be some of my son’s favorites!

Wether you want to go more traditional with the Bubbly Ducky Brunch Baby Shower (pictured) or a little more modern with the Bling Baby, Modern Due Date or Modern Alphabet, you are bound to be inspired by these adorable themes.

Are baby showers for both parents or just for the new mom?
While most baby showers are traditionally “for women only”, coed showers are definitely becoming more popular. Check with the soon-to-be parents for their preference.

Where, When and What do you do at a baby shower?
Baby showers can be given anywhere from a home to a restaurant. Most are held during the day and last for about two to three hours. Activities are always fun for the attendees, including make-your-own onesie and guess the size of my bump.

Once you have decided on all of the details, when do you send the invites?
Be considerate of your guests and give them several (typically four to six) weeks notice to make arrangements to attend and purchase the perfect gift.

Alas, you can relax, the life of a pregnant friend is not that bad!

A special thanks to Lisa Friedman for contributing to “Baby Etiquette Week” on BabyBlogAddict.com. Lisa is the Co-founder of SomeoneSpoilMe.com, Beverly Hills, CA.

Who is responsible for throwing the baby shower?
Baby showers are typically hosted by anyone (with the exception of the new parents-to-be) from the new grandma to close relatives and friends.

When should a baby shower be held?
If the parent’s religion and customs allow, the baby shower is usually held a month or so before the baby is born. The shower can be held any time after conception; although, it’s always better to hold the party towards the end of the pregnancy. Be sure to check with the parents-to-be and their immediate family to determine everyone’s availability. There is nothing worse than planning a party and sending out invitations only to find out that the most important people are unavailable.

Who should be invited to the baby shower?
Always check first with the new parents to make sure you invite everyone they want to attend. Generally guests include relatives and close friends.

Lisa Friedman
BBA Guest Contributor
SomeoneSpoilMe.com
Beverly Hills, CA