Baby Shower and a Farewell Party

This past week I was invited to a baby shower and a farewell party.  The baby shower was very specific with a gift request - diapers or a meal that can be pulled from the freezer to cook after the baby is born.  I am pretty sure either gift would have been appreciated by the mother as I am sure baby will go through diapers like crazy and although I do not have kids, I feel sure new mothers probably do not feel like making a dinner every night like she did before baby arrived.  So, not having a lot of time to prepare a freezer meal, I opted for diapers.  I have no kids and have not had to buy diapers before.  I had no clue on what I was doing and ended up getting some suggestions from some of my Facebook friends on particular diapers they liked and the hostess ended up telling me the brand and size of the diapers to purchase.  Great news for me!! I knew what I was doing when I went in to purchase the diapers from a local drugstore.  Yet, I was VERY surprised at the cost of a smaller pack of diapers.  Good thing that some parents do not sit down, calculate the cost of diapers and then opt out of having kids.  Diapers can be expensive!!

At the farewell party, there was a large number of people who said they were coming and the party was at the home of a lovely lady.  We all were told to bring an appetizer.  Even a simple vegetable tray from a local grocery store was a little over $6.00.  Just for some carrots, celery (who really eats that?!), broccoli, tomatoes and a little bit of dip.  I just spent $18.00 (plus tax) on diapers and a veggie tray!! Holy moly!!

You could look at this as a budget buster.  Or, if you are prepared, you might have some extra money just for these little events so neither one will make you wonder what you just did!! I was not prepared and had some sticker shock! Luckily, the veggie tray was able to come back home and Husband and I can eat the veggies (minus the celery).

But, the bigger point is the ladies who were honored at both parties.  Babies are a little exciting and baby showers can be just as exciting to see all the gifts.  Farewell parties are a mix of sad to see the person(s) go and happy to celebrate the friendship you have made with that person(s).  There was lots of excitement, tears and a general fun fellowship at each party.  I am so glad that I went to both parties as I enjoyed both.

The lesson I learned here is that even though I was not prepared for either party, I am so glad to have gone to both.  I would not have missed it for the world.  Friendships, new and old, are very important and can be more important than the small gifts I bring to either party.  I am glad for each lady as they start new adventures - a new baby and a move to another part of the world due to work.  Even though I may have said it at either party, I do wish you well on these new adventures and the $18.00 (plus tax) was well worth being able to enjoy your company as I have done so.

Good luck ladies.  You can do well with your new adventures!!

Jenn