Invitation etiquette 2009?

So, what is appropriate in this day and age to include in a baby shower invitation? I have received quite a few baby shower invitations and attended some great baby showers and then some not so great baby showers over the years and it seems to me that etiquette is somewhat going out the window. I'm definately not old fashioned or feel the need to adhere to strict etiquette, but a baby shower is for showering the mother-to-be with gifts and gifts are gifts, right? Here's a list of do's and don'ts for baby shower etiquette in 2009. (Completely my opinion, but I think you'll agree)

Do:

1. Provide cake and refreshments.

2. Open gifts at the shower.

3. Place small registry stuffers in invtation to let guests know where the mom-to-be is registered.

4. State that the shower is "adults only" or "women only" if that is what the mother-to-be would like. If she wants a coed shower or would like whole families to attend, make sure you include that on the invitation.

5. Throw a shower for a second, third, or fourth child. The birth of a baby is a joyous occassion and should be celebrated. If the mom-to-be already has everything she needs for baby, throw a diaper shower or a casserole shower instead.

6. Let a friend or family member offer to throw you a shower. If you are not offered, then host a welcoming party yourself after you have the baby, so family and friends can meet the baby, and they can "shower" then if they choose.

Don't:

1. Ask guests to bring food

2. Wait until you get home to open gifts (guests love to see what you got and like to ooh and aww over tiny people stuff) *Note to Host: Make sure you keep the gift opening going smoothly so it doesn't take too long.

3. Please, please, don't ask for gift cards, cash, or specific items in an invitation. If there is something you were really wanting, let the host know ahead of time and maybe she can get a few people together to go in on it.

4. Leave the invitation vague and then expect guests to know to leave their little ones and husbands at home.

5. Skip the shower for baby #2. Every baby is a reason to celebrate even if you forego the gifts, get friends and family together.

6. Ask someone to host a baby shower for you. Subtle hints are fine, but keep them to a minimum.

Pregos in Primetime

I recently came across an article by Access Hollywood about the high number of pregnant stars playing in primetime series. I have to give credit to those names in the credits (prop and set crews) for coming up with creative ways to hide celebrity baby bumps in primetimes series. Some expecting stars that need to be covered by oversized scrubs, medical charts, and large handbags are Alyson Hannigan and Colbie Smulders from "How I Met Your Mother", Rachel Griffiths from "Brothers and Sisters", Kelly Rutherford from "Gossip Girl", Chyler Leigh from "Grey's Anatomy", Parminder Nagra from "ER", Ana Ortiz from "Ugly Betty", and Jill Scott from "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency". Looks like wardrobe departments all over Hollywood are in for a baby bump cover up challenge!

Spring is around the corner!

Yeah!!!! Spring is finally on it's way and I don't know anyone who isn't ready to embrace it. Flowers, polka dots, bright stripes, and paisleys, are cropping up everywhere. Posh Maternity is in full bloom with new spring merchandise arriving daily. We've expanded our infant and toddler wear this season and it is just too fresh and sweet to pass up. If you're a little down after the winter blues, our new spring maternity fashions are sure to brighten your day!