We really don't expect this out of you, but we have also appreciated the opportunity to support friends and family, and we've felt our own relief knowing how to do so for others in a welcome and desired way. So this is here if this is something you want to do.
(That's right y'all, we're going by love languages...)
We would absolutely love some notes of encouragement. At our in-person baby shower, we'll be inviting people to write down any or all the following and invite the same from any of you who are far. We'll even mail you paper and a stamp if you want, or you can submit them via form: send us your affirmations or your address here.
We'd love some nice words to read:
as affirmations to hang up or read aloud in the birthing room (for both of us!).
We also welcome colors and drawings and images from kiddos or adults.
encouraging us as new parents in general
on our baby's first birthday
We have a registry on Babylist, but we are also very open to your pre-loved or excess items and other meaningful gifts. Clothes, books, bottles, nursing gear, burp cloths... There are so many things we're just going to have to try and see what sticks, and we're happy to try what worked for you (or at least reduce some consumption/waste).
Alternatively, we'd be so honored if you made a donation to a diaper bank or family shelter. Some of our local ones include WeeCycle and The Gathering Place, if you'd like to support our kiddo's neighbors, or support your own.
Our Babylist has a little "coupon" to sign up to help us with chores/errands, which might be things like dishes, tidying up the place, picking up a Target order, assembling furniture, etc.
We'd love to see you at our in-person or online shower or, if that doesn't work, set up another time for a phone call, walk or hangout these next few months!
Once the baby's born, we will spend the first several weeks focusing on this new being, feeling out our own rhythms, and protecting our sweet babe's immune system, so I hope you understand if we don't respond to texts or feel super up for seeing people or introducing our kiddo right away. Don't be afraid to reach out but know that we might not be in the space to follow up right away. We have no idea how we'll feel, but it'll mean a lot to know that people are thinking of us and excited for us!
I know that's some of you. Go ahead and do the pool.
(Thanks to Tom's parents for pointing us to this pool tool!)