When to Have a Baby Shower

When to have a baby shower is a personal choice. It can be held anytime 4-6 weeks before or after the birth. Moreover, it can be held any day of the week and at any time of the day that is suitable for the mom-to-be, her family and the invited guests.

Traditionally, having a baby shower before the birth was very common. Today it is a matter of personal choice and convenience.

If the shower is to be held before the birth, then it is preferable that the gifts should be those related to newborn babies and in neutral colors as well as gender neutral.

When to Have a Baby Shower

Today it has become popular to hold the shower a month or two after the birth. It has its own advantages, like mother is somewhat worry free about her pregnancy. She doesn't have that large belly, so can participate in more games and other activities. She can eat whatever she feels like, unlike when she was pregnant.

Sometimes it can be more appropriate to host a shower after the birth if the mother is having a difficult pregnancy or her religion discourages celebrating the baby's birth beforehand.

Having the baby shower after the baby is born has other advantages as well. Now you can be certain that the gifts can relate to the gender of the newborn.

So as to when to have a baby shower, before or after is just fine, but it is a good idea not to hold the shower too near the anticipated birth date. Otherwise the mother's health may not be good enough for her to enjoy or even take part in the games or activities. Also, the baby could of course arrive late or prematurely.

Similarly, the next issue while choosing when to have a shower is to know whether she is a first time mother, or if this her second or more birth.

Baby showers before the baby arrives are great fun for first-time mothers to look forward to in the last month of her pregnancy. In this case the expectant couple (she and the daddy) can play and dream with all the gifts while awaiting their dream baby. For the second and subsequent babies, baby showers (also called sprinkles) can be held before or after the baby is born. The upside of holding the baby shower after the baby's birth is that gifts can be chosen by the gender of the baby and mother is more relaxed.

As per the old tradition, a baby shower is only held for the first baby. However, the modern view is that baby showers can be held for successive babies as well. Frankly speaking, it is a matter of personal preference and we have seen baby showers for 4th or 5th babies.

However, it is considered to be a good idea if the hostess can confirm and discuss with the guest of honor and potential guests how they feel about holding a second or third. If a majority of the people agree, you have all the reasons you need to go ahead with the shower.

Generally gifts for the subsequent baby showers are being targeted to more useful everyday items. Those that the baby may need and most of the time they are less expensive than for the first baby. However, nothing can stop you if you wish to give more expensive gifts on any subsequent showers.

My personal viewpoint is that a baby shower should be held for every baby. Moreover, showers are not just gift giving and taking rituals, but something more than that. They are given to bless and congratulate the mom-to-be and her family. But that is just my personal opinion, so go with what you have planned either way.

Baby showers are a time tested noble celebration. A social event and a good excuse for friends and family to get together and to celebrate the birth of a baby.

Moreover, in recent times pregnancies and deliveries have become quite an expensive affair. So this could help the parents financially as well.

When to Have a Baby Shower
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© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy currently has websites dealing with Baby Furniture Reviews [http://www.baby-furniture-and-bedding.com/index.html] and Shaving & Hair Removal.

Italian Family Traditions - Mothers, Sons and Marriage in Italy

Mamma mia!: Saint or Sinner?

The Italian mamma embodies all the paradoxes of Italian life. A beacon of self-sacrifice, she always gets her own way. An apparent martyr to her family's needs, she commands the same family without question. She is able to make life both easy and incredibly difficult.

It's no wonder that "Mamma mia" is the most used phrase in the Italian language!

Italian Family Traditions - Mothers, Sons and Marriage in Italy

Italian Mothers: The ultimate home-maker.

Far more than in America or the UK, Italian mothers in the twenty-first century tend to be home-makers while their husbands go out to work. A recent survey showed that it's quite acceptable in Italian family traditions for the average young son in Italy to spend around fifteen minutes a day with his father but several hours with his mother.

It's not surprising, then, that he learns to take every cue from her: how to dress, where to go, what to eat, who to see. And such is the attachment formed in childhood that it continues into adult life: one in three married adult sons sees his mother every single day, and seven out of ten unmarried men still live with their mother at the age of thirty-five.

Italian 'mothers' boys': The Growth of the 'Mammoni'.

In other countries that would make them the object of jokes and derision. Not so in Italy. Here, there's nothing strange about men wanting to stay with their mothers for as long as they can - even when they have married - and it's applauded as the right thing to do. The average age for an Italian man to marry is thirty - one of the highest recorded in United Nations statistics.

And that's given rise to a growth of what have become known as 'Mammoni' - men who are still tied to their mother's apron strings.

A recent story in a Roman e-magazine told of an Italian lawyer in his thirties, a prominent and very powerful figure in an intensely male and competitive world. Recently married and with a baby due, he still takes his dirty washing to be done by his mother who also irons his shirts, buys his underpants and gives him food to take home in case his new wife can't cook...

Is this the archetypal Italian mother stereotype? Perhaps. But it's having a very real effect on Italian marriages.

Italian Mothers and Marriage.

For a shocking three out of ten Italian marriages is now failing specifically because of the unusually close attachment of men to their mothers.

Psychologists conclude that boys in Italy being indulged by their Italian mothers well into adulthood makes them too emotionally immature to deal with the demands of a relationship with another adult woman in the shape of a wife:

"The husband is used to being adored and when he doesn't get that unconditional love from his wife, he goes running back to his mother."

Italian Marriage: Does it have a future?

Perhaps that's why recent United Nations statistics have shown that the marriage rate in Italy is now at its lowest ever ebb: Italy is twenty-third out of twenty-seven countries (the United States being at the top of the table) in terms of how many people per head of population are marrying per year.

Will this trend continue? As with many things Italian, there are regional differences: the south of the county is still a more patriarchal society than the north, the cities are more accepting of women and men having equal rights - and responsibilities - than rural districts.

So does Italian marriage have a future? That will largely depend on the new generation of men in Italy and the ability of the younger generation of women to change a mindset that has existed for generations.

Italian Family Traditions - Mothers, Sons and Marriage in Italy
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Cath Andrews lives in Italy, was married in Rome and visits the city regularly. A dedicated Italophile, she is currently writing a website about Italian culture. For more detailed information about Italy have a look at Cath's website at: http://www.explore-italian-culture.com.

Have you got an Italian Mamma? Do you think she's wonderful? Would you like to celebrate Mother's Day with a story about her?

Tell the world about her at http://www.explore-italian-culture.com/italian-mothers.html.

Sprinkle Baby Showers, When to Have It

Sprinkle Baby Showers for the Second, Third, Fourth & Additional Baby

The sprinkle baby shower is usually a smaller scale shower where the guests "sprinkle" the new mom with the little necessities the new baby will need. It is not the same as the traditional shower, but rather sort of like a sprinkling of gifts for the new baby. This clever term has been gaining popularity over the years and is becoming a new trend. A sprinkle baby shower is a great idea for parents-to-be who have other children. Read More About Sprinkle Baby Showers for the Second, Third, Fourth & Additional Baby.

Traditional baby showers started as a way for family and friends to celebrate and to help a new mom prepare for the baby. The first child always lots of baby supplies, including the of big items like the crib, car seat, high chair, stroller and so on. In the past, baby showers were only held for the first child, but that is changing now. Parents they usually already have many of the traditional gifts found at baby showers, thus a 'sprinkle' of items may be all that is needed but it is still important to honor the expectant parents, celebrate the newest member of the family, and give them useful and thoughtful gifts. The sprinkle baby shower invitations should indicate that it is a sprinkle baby shower.

Sprinkle Baby Showers, When to Have It

Although a "sprinkle baby shower" has become very popular for second or more children that is not to say you should not have the traditional "full baby shower" for the second, third or more baby. If the Mom-to-Be's circumstances indicate the need for a traditional baby shower with all the trimmings, then go ahead and have one.

When planning the sprinkle baby shower, the sprinkle baby shower invitations cards can be fun and theme-oriented, such as a theme around what the needs might be. For example if the family has a boy and is expecting a girl the theme could be related to the fact that it's a girl and we need girly things. Another idea is where guests can bring a book for the family "library" in the baby's name, or bring a food dish that can be put into the freezer for when the baby arrives.

A new unique theme that has increased with popularity with sprinkle baby showers is a blessing way, where women gather to wish the expectant mother well wishes and different gifts are given. Guests are asked to bring an item such as a candle or bead and a gift is made for the mother at the ceremony, in addition to the gifts for the baby. This shower theme can be reflected in the sprinkle baby shower cards and baby shower thank you cards.

Sprinkle baby showers are a time when the parents-to-be receive gifts for their baby and enjoy a celebration. The parents may not be new parents but the life entering their family will be new to the world, and new to Mom, Dad, and any brothers and sisters that may already be there.

For gift ideas, try thinking of something that the Mom-to-Be might need with another baby. Since she, no doubt, already has the big items, the focus should be on the small necessities like diapers, baby bath items, diaper wipes, bottles, baby lotion, baby clothes, toys, books, baby socks and so on. Becoming a new mom the second time around, or more, can sometimes be an even harder than a new mom anticipates. And for the Mom-to-Be, maybe a gift certificate for a massage or manicure or something similar just for her!

All babies deserve to be celebrated and welcomed into the world. Regardless of what the sprinkle baby shower is called, ensure that the sprinkle baby shower announcements cards announce the type of celebration that will be held for the parents-to-be for the new life. There are lots of sample sprinkle baby shower invitations wording ideas, wording verses and sayings to help you get your personalized sprinkle baby shower invitations just right.

Sprinkle Baby Showers, When to Have It
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Sarah Porter is Author of several articles including Sprinkle Baby Showers, Sprinkle Baby Shower Invitations for 2nd, 3rd, 4th child, Invitations for Sprinkle 2nd child Baby Showers and more.

Baby Shower Decorations and Centerpieces

Balloons - Nothing says "party time" like balloons so be sure to float some around the room. Party supply stores usually carry an assortment of balloons tailor made for a baby shower. Choose a dozen or so regular-sized balloons to tie onto tables and chairs or opt for several oversized balloons to hang at stationary points around the room.

Paper Fixtures - To liven up any space, be sure to hang several paper fixtures around the room. Choose from paper lanterns, tissue paper pom poms, or any other sort of unique paper fixture. You can hang them above tables and doorways and most are simple enough to hang up and take down.

Cake Stand - The right cake stand helps to add an air of celebration to any baby shower. Fill it with cupcakes or stack a decorated multi-tiered cake for an edible centerpiece that will set the mood. Choose matching cupcake wrappers or a cake decorated to match the theme of the baby shower in order to make it a true decorative item.

Baby Shower Decorations and Centerpieces

Centerpieces - Immediately establish the theme of your baby shower with the perfect centerpiece for each table. Beautiful flower arrangements or candles are more traditional centerpieces that are always a great choice. You can also choose to get a little creative with a unique centerpiece such as oversized gift boxes or baby bottles filled with colorful candy.

Tulle - Tulle is one of the most elegant, yet inexpensive fabrics and it's a staple for any event decorator. One of the great things about tulle is that there are so many creative uses for it and it's super easy to hang around walls, tables, chairs, from ceilings, etc. Consider adding flowers, bows or lights to the tulle for a little extra flair.

Napkins & Utensils - Matching napkins and eating utensils are the perfect compliment to a great centerpiece. Mix and match the colors and patterns of the napkins and utensils to add an even more customized look and feel to the space. Wrap the set up in a color-coordinated bow and your table will be that much closer to baby shower beautiful.

Diaper Cake - The icing on the cake for any baby shower is a custom-made diaper cake. Use one of these adorable centerpieces to add another touch of "baby" to the shower's theme. The gifts table is a great place to display one.

Choose a few of these baby shower décor staples in order to transform the space in no time!

Baby Shower Decorations and Centerpieces
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For more helpful articles like this one, be sure to check out ThertyOne.

How to Make Your Own Printable Invitations for Any Occasion

Even with modern technology like email and cell phones, printed invitations have remained the most common way to let people know about your upcoming party and will continue to remain popular due to the timeless rules of party etiquette. Invitations can be a major cost, especially for large parties, like weddings and some baby showers. However, with a little creativity and time, you can make your own printable invitations, even if you have no artistic skills.

1. The first step is designing your card. You can use a simple word processor like Microsoft Word and if you want, you can go to the Adobe's website at http://createpdf.adobe.com to convert your file into a pdf file. Select the proper dimensions and print out a sample on some plain white paper just to make sure it is the right size.

2. Next, you will want to find the proper card stock to print out your invitations on. Your local office supply store will have these and you can purchase them inexpensively there.

How to Make Your Own Printable Invitations for Any Occasion

3. Use the word processor to insert text boxes with the words you want on your invitation. Play around with the fonts and text color.

4. There are many sites that offer free clip art and pictures that you can use for your invitations. Just do a search for "free clip art" on the search engines and you will find many sites that provide these services for free. Browse through and download the pictures you want and then insert them into your card at the desired location.

5. If you use a background image, make sure it does not obscure the text on the card. Ideally, background images should be watermarked. Most word processors will allow you to select background images and make them watermarks. Another alternative is to click on all the text boxes and give them solid colored backgrounds.

6. Need a catchy poem or verse? Once again, you can search the internet for related verses. For example, if I am making baby shower invitations, then I can search for "baby shower poem" or "baby verse" and any other related phrases.

7. Save the master copy of the finished card and print out a sample copy on plain paper to see what it will look like. If it looks good, then you can start personalizing each card and printing it out on card stock.

8. If you do not have a color printer, then create a personalized copy for each guest and save it as a separate file on a disk. Take the disk to your local print shop and have them print out a invitation for each guest. Some print shops may even print out the invitations for you if you give them the guest list and template. A print shop will cost more than printing them out yourself, but probably less than buying invitations from somewhere else. Plus the product should look very professional and they may even have the right card stock available. Additionally, print shops can do engraved invitations as well, which are good for upscale occasions like weddings.

Some other guidelines include try to stick to a central theme, don't try to use too many pictures and colors, and compare your card to others at card stores to get a feel for what a good invitation should look like. Remember that most invitations are simple and have just a few graphics and maybe one verse. As you can see, there are infinite possibilities when creating your own party invitations and not only is it a fun project, but will also save you money.

How to Make Your Own Printable Invitations for Any Occasion
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About the Author - Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors (http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com).

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.