Last weekend was a social whirl for us. After staying up late at the "quinceañera" party on Saturday night, on Sunday afternoon we then had to go to a baby shower. Lidia, a granddaughter of Alejandro's favorite aunt and uncle is expecting a baby in July. I had never been to a baby shower until I came to Mexico. This is the second one that I have attended. It seems that here they are no longer "women only" events, and, from what I read, I guess they are becoming more inclusive in the United States also. Here in Mexico, the word for baby shower is "baby shower". The concept was adopted from the U.S., and they simply use the English word.
A hall was rented for this event also. However, it was less formal and more relaxed than the party the night before. I knew most of the family members. There was no loud music so people could actually converse. Lidia's mother had spent hours preparing food for the shower.
Later in the afternoon, we played several "baby shower" games. I guess that is typical in the United States also. We all counted off, and I lucked out. My number was not called, so I could just observe and not participate. I was especially glad that I did not have to take part in the last game. People were paired off and seated facing each other. Everyone was blindfolded, and they had to feed each other from jars of baby food. What a mess! Poor Ezra was wearing his favorite shirt, and, by the time they were done, there was baby food all over it. I hope his mom was able to get the stains out.
I think that all showers, bridal or baby have gotten out of control here. The bridal ones, have become "couple showers," as is fitting since the men are more involved in cooking and other household things. People are marrying later, and include their friends more in their celebrations.
ReplyDeleteThe baby showers often include the father, at least, if not the couples' friends, as the fathers tend to be much more involved preparing for the baby, and will be partners in the care of the baby than our fathers were.
Except for the massive outlay for decorations, food, and favors, I think these changes are positive.