Why I’m Glad I Snuck Into The Baby Shower

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Last weekend, friends and family gathered in the party room of our building to celebrate Jess and our little bundle of mystery at the baby shower.

My sister-in-law (mama-to-be’s BFF) and Jess’s mom did an excellent job hosting the event, and it was wonderful to know that my favourite person was going to be the one that everyone wanted to talk to and love on and etc. What I didn’t expect was how it was going to make me feel to see just a little part of it.

While it may not be tradition for the dad to be in the room with all of the ladies at the shower, I did sneak down for what was supposed to be just a minute to see my mom. Instead, I ended up staying for a bit to watch the mama-to-be in my life opening gifts and laughing and thanking the people that were there for her.

Note: As much as the baby shower was meant to be Jess’s day with her at the centre of attention, the spotlight was semi-stolen by my cousin’s little girl. She was the most adorable little helper when it came time to open, show off, and put away presents. It also doesn’t hurt that she really likes Jess, and was happy to be around her.

I thought that I’d see Jess opening gifts of diapers and onesies and be thankful for the help in stocking our shelves with things we’ll need when the baby arrives.

Makes sense, right?

What I didn’t expect was the feeling of gratitude I’d be filled with watching Jess open gifts that were more personal, thoughtful, and meant for us and our baby, not just any baby.

In the photo above you can see the mama-to-be holding a painting of our ultrasound photo. That’s our little mystery baby, painted by hand, with love, and one-of-a-kind, just for her. Gifts like that filled my heart just as much as gifts of things we need and listed on our registry.

It was also amazing to look around the room and see that there were three grandmas and four great-grandmas in the room. I know that we’re lucky to be surrounded by the love of women that love us, and can’t wait to love this baby. And on Sunday, they all sat together to celebrate mama-to-be and baby.

Note: As a family, we’re fortunate to have an extended reach. We are rich when it comes to grandmas with my mom, Jess’s mom, and my step-mom all expressing their joy and love and support for us and the baby as we get closer and closer to the due date. I know we’re lucky.

four great-grandmas, with a great-aunt in the middle

While I sat in the background and watched, it was clear that the room was filled with happiness. There was a joy that can only be found when a baby is involved. I could feel it.

So, dads-to-be, if you have the chance, and your partner is okay with it, I highly recommend a silent visit and look in on the baby shower. You don’t have to say anything. You don’t have to do anything. In fact, I’d recommend not speaking unless you’re spoken to so you don’t mess with the traditional ecosystem of it all.

Just be there to take it all in and know that there is already a ton of love for the baby, and just as much for the woman that is bringing that baby to the world.