A Baby Shower

Our Baby Shower | A Sweet Spoonful

Last Saturday we felt the whisper of fall for the first time — it was an ominous grey morning with pretty intense wind and light rain, all interspersed with bouts of that saturated, golden September light that I look forward to each year. We had friends staying with us from out of town, and their toddler son Leon sampled an apple from our tree in the front yard (many an apple fell in the storm); suffice it to say, the apples didn’t get rave reviews. I had a feeling this would be the case. Sam made coffee and eggs, and later that morning our dear friends Brandon and Molly hosted a baby shower for us at their restaurant Delancey so we all headed out, looking forward to a day celebrating Baby Sprout with our people.

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When we walked up to the door, Natalie was stringing these amazing colored flags she’d cut by hand across the restaurant, and Molly and Brandon were busy setting out bagels and spreads from Eltana, a tasty green bean and tomato salad, fresh fruit (thank you, Keena!) and Ashley’s addictive brownies. We busied ourselves hanging photos on the wall from when we were babies, and Sam raced around in typical Sam fashion chasing Natalie’s son Eero. I’ve been to many baby showers in the past where it was generally all women and there were games and gifts and the like — but we wanted to have a co-ed shower that wouldn’t feel too shower-ish, a comfortable gathering on a blustery Saturday afternoon with really good bagels and many of our friends.

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I’m often asked questions about the baby and sometimes I have an answer right off the bat and other times I realize it’s something I haven’t thought about at all (oh, right, I probably should find a pediatrician for the baby, I suppose). Occasionally these things will end up as a conversation starter between me and Sam at home; other times, they’ll simply cause a minor personal panic attack while I’m driving to work (ohhhhh, the to-do lists!). But this question, “what are you most excited to teach your child?” had me thinking for awhile.

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I was surprised that I didn’t have an answer right away. I’m used to this with many questions — whenever the old ‘what’s your favorite movie?’ talk comes up, I always remind myself I really need to think through favorite movies, books, meals because in the moment I never have an answer. And I’ve grown ok with that. I usually just blabber on and on about how it depends on the mood, the day, the season. But this question! As a former teacher who comes from a family of teachers, how could I not have an immediate thought about what I was most excited to teach our child?

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I just finished the book Bringing up Bebe which, if you haven’t heard of it, is a great read that essentially compares American and French parenting styles. In it, author Pamela Druckerman talks about how American parents often enroll their kids in so many activities — from sports to music to dance — and drive all around town, often exhausting themselves, to make sure their kids experience as many activities as possible. French families, on the other hand, tend to let their children lead a bit more; parents aren’t as eager to exhaust the calendar with multiple activities, play dates, and commitments and instead wait to see how their child’s interests unfold.

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Part of me thinks that my uncertainty about how to answer the teaching question is explained a little bit in Druckerman’s research: While of course I’m so looking forward to reading to our child and going on walks around the neighborhood, I haven’t thought much beyond that as I truly can’t wait to see what really excites Sprout — what he or she is interested in and attracted to. That must be one of the cooler things about earlier parenting: discovering your kid’s interests and proclivities, some that possibly you never shared yourself.

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So call it more of a French approach or call it ‘too overwhelmed to ponder that question right now’, but we’re both looking ahead to November when we’ll have the chance to get to know our kid as a person slowly — part following, part guiding as we go. That’s all I know for sure right now.

Our Baby Shower | A Sweet Spoonful

Photo note: Our friend Gabe Rodriquez took these photos for us at the shower. He does amazing work, so if you’re in the Seattle area (or beyond!) and are looking for a photographer, he’s your man.

Comments

  1. mcs3000

    Beautiful post. So excited for you + Sam!

  2. Kasey

    How I wish we could have been there! Also, with you on the insomnia! Lots of love to you and Sam, my friend!

    1. megang

      Oh we do, too, Kasey! -- soon :)

  3. Jacqui

    Congrats again, Megan! I'm currently reading that book (usually while I pump because it's the only time I have to read anymore, ha!) and really enjoying it.

    1. megang

      Thank you, Jacqui! Yes, I bet it's a really good one to read AFTER giving birth, to be honest. For much of the time I kept mentally bookmarking things until later, so I think you're doing it right :)

  4. Shanna mallon

    Beautifully said, I so agree, and I can't wait to read along as you guys get to learn and discover all about your little one. Every tiny new thing is so exciting, so worth documenting, it's crazy! I feel so thankful to get to be the one to learn Rocco first. He is ever unfolding and growing and it's such a pleasure to watch him!

    1. megang

      Thank you, Shanna! I've been loving see Rocco slowly come into his own through your photos ... he's such a brilliant combination of the two of you. xox

  5. Nick

    Looks so fun! Thanks for sharing Megan! Bringing up Bebe was a big hit in our house also. I read it almost a year ago and Bets and I still talk about it often.

    1. megang

      Yes, Nick! I want to have Sam read it. There are a few things I was a little "meh" on but I think it raises some really good, important points. Thanks for the comment :) Hope you guys are doing well!

  6. Carole

    November babies are special. It's the nesting season anyway, right? And don't you think those precious faces look extra sweet surrounded by little hand knit caps (silly in July) and bundled into thick quilts for a stroller walk about? Eager to hear Sprout or Sproutessa's real identity.

  7. mamaghere

    Who knew I was French-like?! I thought I was the 'No sleep overs, no activities at dinner time or after" Mom!

  8. Kari

    hello & congrats! I'm 30 weeks prego myself and searching for a dress for my shower. can I ask where you bought that one? finding something to wear is a task these days! I'm so happy for you and am sending love and light for a peaceful birth.

    1. megang

      Hi, Kari!
      Absolutely. I found it on ASOS, which I've come to love. Search their maternity section. Very reasonable, too. Good luck and congrats to you, too! ~Megan

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