My friend Carol is awesome. Funny, smart, warm, she's got a record number of genuinely close friends from all over the place. A native of St. Paul, she's managed to attract a shocking number of visitors to the Twin Cities in the winter. That's how well-liked she is. (Plus, as an employee of General Mills, she has a direct line on free Boo Berry.)
She's also kind of crazy.
She's pregnant right now, expecting in January. And she wants to have a coed destination baby shower in either Las Vegas or Miami two months before the birth of her child.
I've never been to a baby shower. But my image of them has always been supremely serene: a 7-months pregnant mom-to-be, smiling beatifically, surrounded by Mom, sister, best friends, and neighbors, all of them oohing and aahing as carefully wrapped presents are carefully unwrapped.
"Oooh, a blanket," as she pulls it to her heaving bosom.
"Oooh, a mobile," as she holds it up above her impossibly rosy cheeks.
"Oooh, mom, look! It's a Teddy!" as her limpid eyes fill with tears of joy. (A Teddy bear. The other kind of Teddy is at Bridal Showers, right?)
Visually it's all very gauzy. The feeling is warm, as warm as a big bowl of estrogen soup.
Basically the opposite of Vegas. (A bridal shower makes sense in Vegas, right? Women shrieking as the bride tears open her fourth vibrator, brandishing it like a savage. At least that's what I've heard.)
If Carol's plan goes through and I end up in Vegas or Miami, I need your help. Please be constructive: What do these sites have to offer in terms of a baby shower? Can you suggest activities? Is a pregnant belly especially good for body shots in Vegas?
If we end up in Miami, should we hire a Latin dance band for the party? (The Miami Sonogram Machine?)
Or should there be an intervention? Should Carol's friends mandate a St. Paul baby shower? (Be nice. Her mom reads this blog.)
Mo Rocca has appeared on a bunch of shows, including 'The Daily Show,' 'I Love the 80s,'...
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Destination Baby Showers: A Hot New Trend?
Posted Sep 3rd 2007 5:56PM by Mo Rocca
Filed under: Mo Rocca, baby showers
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Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 3)
16. Generally, I'm not in favor of "destination" anything. It just makes life too expensive for the guests, and not a sharing of an event with the community. However, if her friends are really that far flung, it probably wouldn't be any more expensive or a hassle than going to Minnesota.
Your concept of what a baby shower is like is touchingly naive. They are the most boring events, with the most boring games in the world. Anything non-traditional, short of filming a snuff movie, would be a vast improvement. I like the idea of a "last big blowout before the baby" theme that a previous poster mentioned. But the nurse is right--maybe she should stay put and plan something with a Minnesota theme--a lutske fish eating contest, or ice fishing, etc. Just a thought.
ciocia at 9:02PM on Sep 3rd 2007
17. I'd just like to add a warning: pregnant women and any women who have ever been pregnant have absolutely NO sense of decorum at traditional baby showers. Seriously. (This is why I don't advocate inviting virgins to baby showers as all the conversation can be rather traumatic.) Hopefully a coed shower will avoid this pitfall, but I'd bring my ipod and earbuds just in case you start hearing new definitions for "road rash". Really, prego ladies will say anything.
Chelsea at 9:13AM on Sep 4th 2007
18. Americans have far too much disposable income to spend, and are coming up with even more ridiculous ways to waste it. Soooo over the top for a mere baby shower.
New York Chick at 9:54PM on Sep 3rd 2007
19. My best friend was preggo a couple years ago. We lived in New Orleans at the time, and were often surrounded by drunk party animals. Being preg, she didn't drink, and didn't have such a great time at parties where everyone else was drinking. I remember her being so happy when the doctor said she could have one half-glass of wine... it had been turned into forbidden fruit for her.
I don't know why a pregnant woman would want to go to cities known for such hard partying. Maybe she's been feeling denied lately.
I recommend a nice trip to a "dry" southern city, like Kosciusko, Mississippi. Not only is this the birthplace of legendary blues musician Charlie Musselwhite, it is also the city in which one Ms. Oprah Winfrey was born. It must be a very nururing environment. Yes, it could be hot and humid, but pregnant women look so cute when they fan themselves with baby shower wrapping paper.
Robyn
themkickingpoe at 11:12PM on Sep 3rd 2007
20. Most airlines require a doctors note before allowing someone onboard in their third trimester. Since flying raises the chance of a deep vein thrombosis (aka. blood clot), and pregnancy also carries the same risk due to pressure on the veins of the lower extremities... it's about 50/50 that she'd get clearance to fly.
That said, it's in mighty bad taste to expect a gift from someone after asking them to also go on vacation in order to have the honor of presenting them with said gift.
Danielle at 11:38PM on Sep 3rd 2007
21. First of all, I think you have to have a dr's note to fly that late in your pregnancy.
Secondly, I went on my honeymoon at 5 mos pregnant, and do not recommend it to someone looking to have the full on fun time they might be dreaming of. You're tired, bloated from all the standing and walking, you can't have a drink while everyone else around you is tossing them back, and let's not forget to mention you're not exactly the best dressed at the party. You can do all of that at home, in a comfy chair, and then go on a post-baby vaca. Surely if all of your friend's friends love her enough to fly themselves around the country to give her a baby present, at least one of them would watch her 3mo old baby for three days... and let me tell you, that's when she'll be wishing for some vacation time....
Alisha at 12:16AM on Sep 4th 2007
22.
I just got back from a long weekend in Vegas, and I find it perfectly delightful for a baby shower. Spas, high-end dining, boutique shopping, why not? Top it off with a performance of Cirque du Soleil: Love at the Mirage (circus performers plus Beatles music should equal happy fetus) and you've got a great last blast before the sleepless nights and endless diapers and inherent sticky/slimy that is a baby.
I have been to the sort of baby showers you describe, Mo. Imsufferably boring. I've also been to baby showers that consisted of a warm six-pack, an Eddie Murphy concert video, and a rousing game of Guess the Babydaddy. I once threw a baby shower themed One Smart Cookie. I gave out copies of Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat translated into Latin as doorprizes.
slackferno at 1:55AM on Sep 4th 2007
23. Ok, 1st, it sounds like your friend is going to have the shower 2 months "after" her baby is born. Is this correct? Anyway, I think any excuse to get away from the ordinary is a great one! But, not in a Baby Shower style-party. Only because I'm thinking of my family and friends, who either couldn't afford that trip/baby shower, or simply couldn't get the time off from work either. I know when it's my time to hopefully one day celebrate and bask in the glory of motherhood, I want my family and closest friends to be there to Ooh and Ahh right along w/ me.... and Yes... I would have alcohol there for everyone else who is NOT expecting of course. You want to make the party FUN... it shouldn't be where all the women sit around for 4 hours wanting to just hide under the table and say, "Please get me out when it's over!" I've been there. But with creative decorating and gifts to give away to all the guests (the only thing baby-related should be the saying on the card and not the gift you give to your guests...it should be something universal everyone can use..like candles, vases, etc) Try to make it an Adults Only as well... no kids allowed. Nobody can have fun when any kids are running around to these affairs either.
I say, surprise your friend w/ Baby Shower decorate the hall, room, house, yard, to the nine!! Really wow her and she'll be so touched she'll forget about Vegas or Miami, or least until the baby is born and she wants a vacation!!!
LoriMD at 8:16AM on Sep 4th 2007
24.
As a mother of two and grandmother of one, I would like to quote Mary Engelbreit: "This Woman Deserves a Party."
If she can afford it; go anywhere she pleases. Although life with children is wonderful; it is never going to be the same again. Have the bowl of estrogen soup before you go. Leave the gifts at home. Get out there and have a great time!
I would go to Miami. Much more relaxing.
Sandra at 9:17AM on Sep 4th 2007
25. I went to a baby shower at our local horse track once. It was a lot of fun, but we did get some strange looks since there were 3 of us who were hugely preg. It was up in the club house and just a nice change from the typical shower, although it was still just girls.
cbs at 9:45AM on Sep 4th 2007
26. Hi Mo...
There is a relatively new trend where mom to be's get their baby bump painted in a interesting way, and then they share the art with the world...
...could be a fun addition to the body shots... (smiles and winks)
check these out:
http://www.pregnantbellypainting.com/
http://www.futureclassx.com/bodypaint/bellypainting.htm
all's good, stay safe, and enjoy...
PennDragon at 10:01AM on Sep 4th 2007
27. If she wants to get out of town for a baby shower, she deserves to get her wish.
But, please! Not Vegas!
Jeffrey Smith at 10:11AM on Sep 4th 2007
28. Hi there,
In the olden days, a shower was given by a friend of the honoree, not even by a family member, let alone the pregnant mom. I wonder why your friend is organizing her own shower and specifying a "Destination?" It seems to me to be that it's in questionable taste to have your own shower on any type of "destination" location.
One other point is that she probably should not be traveling when she's 7 months pregnant, because if she had a medical problem when she's far away from her home and physician, the outcome could be bad.
Judith at 10:42AM on Sep 4th 2007
29. Mo-
First and foremost, if the mom-to-be wants her shower to be on Mars, that's what she gets. Call me old fashioned, but I've always been under the impression that when a woman is pregnant, she should get her way... she's dealing with ALOT emotionally and physically. Dad is too, so I kind of enjoy the fact that this shower would have both men and women. Dad needs to be celebrated and appreciated for what he's about to embark upon just as much as mom.
Regardless of those points, Vegas would be a great place for mom-to-be to enjoy the numerous spas and eateries up and down the strip. If she felt up to it, she could take in a show or two... perhaps The Beatles/ Cirque de Soleil "Love"? I can't think of a greater soundtrack to hear while in the womb. *** This would be a great gift Mo*** Dad-to-be and the men can also enjoy Vegas, while mom and the ladies are spa-ing or shopping, they can be watching sports, eating, looking at the Ferarris at the Wynn hotel, or just plane boozin' it up together over a game of Texas Hold 'Em. Everybody wins at a Vegas babyshower!
In Miami, mom and the ladies can take long strolls on the beach, eat the local cuisine, dance to the cuban rhythms and enjoy the wonderful weather (before it starts to get too hot come spring). And you men... well it's a bathing suit paradise. Eye candy everywhere. Not to mention home of some of the finest mojitos on God's green earth. Catch a football game at Dolphin Stadium, perhaps you can all partake in a dance class or two... it's all what you make it.
So, in closing... be thankful you are in a position to be able to afford to be part of something as cool as a Destination(fill in the blank)... some of us will be stuck in the mucky muck dead of winter come January. I don't think you lose either way when you're in a warm, lovely place, with warm and lovely people.
Have a blast no matter where you go Mo.
snwwhte4 at 11:41AM on Sep 4th 2007
30. Hiya Mo!
I guess Carol is going to go on with it either way, so I suppose it's a cool idea to have your friends around, no matter the place.
As for the baby shower, man! You'll have loads of fun. Whenever I go to one, I always bring the baby's first giraffe. I used to buy those talking and singing Geoffreys from Toys'R'Us until they went out of production (Rats!) and they were usually, a hit.
I love babies and I love Giraffes, so I always try to bring that to them.
Since Monica, my sister, is pregnant now and ten thousand kilometers away from me, I feel terribly anxious sometimes. I wish she could have a baby shower here... but of course, it's impossible.
As it were, I am on my way to the Oficina de Correos, to send her a love package: the baby's first giraffe, green coveralls (you never can go wrong with green, for boys or girls), and some blouses, pants and two dresses (one everyday, one party) for the mother-to-be.
I hope this translates as support for the young mommy. It's her first... OUR first... so, how many times is she going to be pregnant for the first time?
I know, I know, I am a hopeless splurger. SFW.
I am just thrilled, just as much as Carol must be, Mo.
Big hugs all around.
Spain reads you, Mo!
Miguel Cane at 11:48AM on Sep 4th 2007