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!

Nicole Riche expecting!

If you're a follower of celeb baby makers like I am, you'll find it interesting that Nicole Riche is expecting her second baby, according to Celebrity Baby Blog. Nicole is expecting baby number 2 with husband Joel Madden. The new little bundle of joy will be joining sister, Harlow Winter Kate who is 13 months. Joel posted the news on his Good Charlotte blog.

10 Things to Reduce Risk of SIDS

When my baby was under 1 year old, I remember checking on him 3 or 4 times a night to make sure he was still breathing. Now that he is almost 2, I still check on him at least once through out the night. I think every parent worries about their baby while their sleeping. Here are ten things you can do to ease a few of your worries and reduce the risk of SIDS (from SIDS Resources).

1. Place your baby on his/her back to sleep.

2. Do not smoke while you are pregnant and don't let anyone smoke in your home.

3. Make sure the baby's crib has a firm mattress and fitted sheet.

4. Don't use blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, or positioning wedges in your baby's crib.

5. Don't let your baby sleep on soft things like cushions, pillows, comforters, the couch, or an adult bed.

6. Do not let your baby get too hot by over bundling or keeping the room too warm.

7. Take good care of yourself while you are pregnant and have regular checkups.

8. Take good care of your baby. Keep appointments with the pediatrician.

9. Breastfeed your baby.

10. Consider using a pacifier for sleep times.

Happy Valentines Day!

Pick a great valentine gift for your special little one at Posh Maternity! In addition to great maternity wear, we have loveable infant and toddler wear, perfect for your tiny valentine. Check out the burnout Mini Hot Wings tees by Sakrid, the Ooh La La Mama Vintage Love Onesie, the Opsy Daisy Baby Raspberry Pettiskirt, and the Jaime Ray Hats. Share the love with your baby sweetheart at Posh Maternity!

P.S. In honor of Valentine's Day, we're spreading the love by taking an extra 35% off all sale and clearance merchandise, today through February 16th. See our homepage for details!

Spend Valentine's Day on a Babymoon!

Babymoon's are a great way to get that last romantic getaway in before the baby is born. You don't have to worry about finding a babysitter, worry about them the whole time your gone, and you won't spend more time in your hotel room doing diaper changes, feedings, and naps, rather than being beachside. There are some great travel deals right now. Maybe Cancun, Las Vegas, San Diego, Honolulu, or even Chicago. I've found some great deals using FareChase on Yahoo! Whatever your pick, take a little time for you and your honey and enjoy it. Babies are truly the best gifts and while you will enjoy many vacations to come with them, take advantage of the time you have now to babymoon!