[Mom2_4]

Your instincts are dead on about not exposing the kids to the massive gift giving at the shower. (I believe that subject was covered in our Prayers and Casseroles handout under the title “Mom and Dad are the source of all good stuff”.)

And to be totally serious, between the trips is the last free time you have in a very long time. Enjoy the party!

Not sure what in Germany is available for gift certificates but I know that I really appreciated and quickly used ones from Payless, Wal-Mart, and Target. I clothe my 4-some in mostly hand me downs but I do buy new underwear, shoes, socks, and winter boots for them all. These items do not generally get passed along in good enough condition to wear.

Also another gift I got that was really really appreciated is prepared meals brought to the house. One friend of my husband brought over 2 meals worth of Boston Chicken.

Another friend of mine bought me a personal chef that came over to my house and prepared some hot meals. If folks want sign up to make meals for you like some church groups do for new mothers – I’d say to say “Thank you very much!” Or in as they say in Polish “Dziękują bardzo" (jean koo yahe bardzoh)

One word of warning. People LOVE to buy big obnoxious toys for the “poor orphans”. First of all, they ain’t poor orphans any more, they’ve got you and you’ve got them. If people insist on buying “something for the kids”, ask for art supplies. Crayons, stickers, paper, kid scissors, craft sets. Or really basic things like balls of many sizes and shapes and textures.

The last thing they need is loud plastic “Śmieci” (smesh-she) (meaning garbage) that break easily and causes them to fight over it.

Hope this helps!