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Second Baby and Long Distance Invitations

by Karen
(Valley Forge, Pa)

I am pregnant with my second baby 10 years after my first. This is very joyous for us as I have had years of health problems. We have tons of people happy and excited for us but my Mom is the only person who has offered to host a baby shower. My mind was not even thinking about a shower but since she mentioned it I am excited at the idea of celebrating with friends and family. The issue is she lives 3 hours away. She wants to have it at her house because there are still 3 friends of the family, that have known me since I was born, that we both want to invite and she does not think they would travel to me.

These family friends and my 2 sisters are the only people that live local to her. I have many friends and my husband's family I would invite if it was local to me but am torn over whether or not to invite a few very good friends and my mother-in-law to such a long distance shower. My mother-in-law gave me a local baby shower with my first with mostly different guests than I would invite now.

Our Answer:

Hi Karen,

Congratulations on your new baby on the way! I have a few suggestions for you. You can pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation.

The baby shower at your mother's house sounds like it will be an intimate occasion with close friends and family. Depending on how close you are to your delivery date, you still might get an offer closer to your home. If someone offers, you will also be able to have a celebration for everyone who lives close to you.

If not...

1. You can go ahead and invite those who are "very close" friends and family. The invitation is a way to let those close to you feel part of the celebration, even if they decide not to attend.

or...

2. You can wait until the baby arrives. Then have what is called a "sip and see" or a "meet and greet". Invite those friends and family that live around you to come and meet the baby in an open house party. It is a casual get together in which everyone can relax, chat and see the new addition to the family. Although gifts are not required at a sip and see, most guests bring one as a token of love.

I hope that helps. Good Luck with the baby and your baby shower!

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