My close friends (and even relatives that are near-by) are too old to have children. I have one daughter left who isn't married but who knows!
Anyway, I always have a dear friend of mine who's amazing at knitting and crocheting make afghans for babies of people I encounter on a regular basis. Right now she is in the process of knitting or crocheting (I leave it up to her on which she does and give her some basic direction about color) an afghan. She has amazing taste and I feel like it would be like crushing her creativity to tell her what colors to make it. She often makes (i.e. crochets, knits, stuffed animals) that go with the afghan.
The one she's working on now is for a young woman who is a waitress at a restaurant my friend and I eat at often. That's the only time I see this young woman.
Normally, this friend who makes the afghans never meets the people she makes them for. However, the other day she got to meet the young woman. It was fun.
My friend just finished (and I mailed it off) an afghan for a friend of my daughter who is about to deliver any minute. My daughter lives in Denver. I've never met her friend.
As soon as the friend finishes the afghan I mail it out. By the time I've heard about the pregnancy the person is usually several months along and knows all is well. Maybe that's the difference between waiting until the baby is born and before.
I just love giving people things and these afghans serve a more than one purpose. My friend is ALWAYS creating something. She doesn't usually sell them because people don't want to pay for something that takes time (and money). I guess (she says) I way overpay her but as someone who used to do this, I know the work involved. So, this gives her some 'free' money. This is a gift of love to a dear baby who will always know it came from someone they'll probably never meet, and so on. After all, can you think of a better gift than one that comes from a stranger who has only good wishes for the baby the mom will love more than her life? Can ya'?
Now, as far as giving them early. A friend I've given 2 afghans to recently miscarried after 3 months. We hugged, cried and she said she'd wait a few months and try again. I haven't seen her in about 2 months but my guess is her plan is moving along. Ha! She'll have an afghan probably 6 or 7 months from now. She said she can't wait to see the colors....
If a gift is given with love (and I think it's after maybe 5 months or so) why not? I don't know how others think but by then you are starting to have so many 'what the hay did I do, I feel like a blimp, will I ever be thin again, how am I going to afford this' and on and on. Getting gifts for the baby helps a mom to look forward to meeting the baby.
There are so few times in a woman's life where SHE is the center of attention. Baby shower, wedding (and am I missing something) is about it. Why not go to them and share in the happiness? To each their own......
Phew! I've written a book here. My point is (like I said) having a baby is a wonderful time. If your heart is in the right place (as far as gifts) and it is far enough along when you AND the mom feels right, give the gosh darn gift. Give the woman something tangible that says, "I'm a goona be a mom and this is for MY baby"......
Blogs & Forums
