I'm kind of uncomfortable with the whole baby shower bring me a present thing.
This is what I wanted - very small gathering of people that I actually like and know and I wanted the focus to be on celebrating the baby and not so much on the gifts. I wanted it to be in a small function room or nice quiet restaurant. I wanted the whole thing to be drama free and actually about what I wanted.
What I didn't want - lots of people that I don't really like or even know. I absolutely didn't want it to be at my mother's house (my dad's side of the family wouldn't be comfortable).
I have two sisters and I had hoped that they would have realized that their main job was containing my mother. No such luck. My mother made the guest list and more than half of the list is people that I do not want there. My mother has a few friends that I just do not like, neighbors of hers that I might have said hello to 3 times in the last 20 years, and the one that boggles my mind the most is two of my nephews playmates and their mother. I can't stand those kids! She also has gone off on her own path and has asked various friends and neighbors to make different foods or favors. My sisters had a theme in mind but my mother went off and bought a bunch of blue decorations and tableware. She also won't drop the idea of the shower just being at her house. If I try to object my mother gets pissed off and tells me that I have too much to say about the shower and should just be happy with whatever is planned for me. We had a big fight over the guest list last week and in the end the only thing I could do was give in. I'm so annoyed that this has turned in to exactly what I didn't want. I'm furious that my mother refuses to see that this time it is really not one tiny bit about her and what she wants. I have told my sisters to let it go and not confront my mother about it because in the end it's just going to create more bad feelings. I don't even want a shower now and that makes me sad.
So much to do
11 hours ago

2 comments:
Holy crap, I'm so sorry you have this headache! Before I got pg, my mom insisted on throwing me a shower at her tiny apt (okay, no for several reasons) and inviting her friends (nice but I didn't feel comfortable expecting them to give me gifts). It was a fight but I *think* she has finally come around. I had to insist this was MY choice and what I wanted was a small gathering of MY friends and family at one of my friends' house or a restaurant. I can think of about 15 people total to invite. We talked very generally about this last weekend and I think she is starting to see the light. It took me getting upset about it to get through.
If it's not too late, and this is greatly weighing on your mind, I would put your foot down. I know it's easier said than done but the point about CHOICE for us, is this entire thing is a choice. If there are people invited who you don't like, that could make the shower uncomfortable for you and that is the most important thing - how you feel. I would sit down with Mom one on one and hash it out. I know you don't want to hurt her but this is about you and your baby. It doesn't mean you don't love her and want her input and support on everything else - you just don't want this very special time in your life to be awkward. Or more awkward than necessary!
Now if I am overreacting because I am imaging this happening to me and I'm more sensitive about it, then go for it as is and enjoy all the love and attention that all those people will give you!! Another part of CHOICE for us is being able to accept the awkward moments that are bound to happen because of our situation. I guess it's just a matter of determining what is worthy of letting roll off our shoulders and what is worthy of the fight.
I hope this has helped you in some way. :)
I'm sorry, that sucks.
I do hope it ends up being a plesant event and more like what you wish for.
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