Baby Registry

So yesterday I set out to create my baby registry since baby shower season is on the horizon. Let me just say that I have an "issue" with showers and registries in the first place, so much so that this event that is supposed to be "fun," can actually be a major source of stress in my life.

I just don't feel comfortable having people throw parties for me where the sole purpose of the party is to get the attendees to bring me a gift. I just feel awkward that I made a decision in my life (i.e. get married, or have a baby), and in return there is going to be a party for me so that you all can help to cover the cost of my decision. I know that the average shower attendee doesn't think this way, but that's how I feel as the person who the party is for. Don't get me wrong, I love attending showers for other people, but for some reason when the focus is on me, I am very uncomfortable.

I have been fortunate enough to have enough people want to throw a shower for me that I have 5 being planned. Yes, I said 5. Can you imagine my stress levels? Luckily some of them are more of luncheons, not gift giving fiestas, so that will be a little better.

Along with the shower thing comes the stress of registering. I feel awkward enough you all are bringing me gifts, why don't I just go out and pick them all out for you as well? Some of you may remember my wedding registry. Jef f and I registered at 2 places, yet we still got a lot of slack from family about our registries. Our families were "embarrassed" about the size of our registries.....not that they were big, but too small and didn't offer a good variety of gifts. I didn't feel comfortable putting a lot of big ticket items on our registry, so I just opted for the smaller things. Apparently that's offensive to people......I'm in the twighlight zone.

Yesterday my mom and I set out to Babies 'R Us to get the foundation of the registry layed out. Jeff (who any of you who know him know he definately has an opinion in this sort of matter) stayed home to work on a presentation he is really stressing about. I figured with my mom's help, I could create what some might view as a "well-rounded" registry. Holy cow! It was so stressful. Jeff and I need everything. We decided this go around we would wait to buy stuff (we had a ton of stuff before we got married which also limited the items we registered for), so that we can put more options on the registry. Afterwards we'll go and swoop up what we didn't get. There is so much stuff out there though! I consider myself a well-informed shopper (due to my internet capabilities of course), but I was a lost puppy in the store yesterday. Add on to the fact that I didn't have Mr. Opinion with me, and it was rough going. It was hard for me to scan most of the items since I'd say 80% of the registry is over $50, and there are many items "big ticket." I think I even started having a panic attack at one point. My mom had to tell me I was working myself up over nothing. :)

Anyway...I came home, and Jeff and I reviewed the registry, and picked out the last few items I couldn't make a decision on without him. I think it turned out okay. Please don't judge me by it though.....feel free to check it out online at Babies 'R Us. I still have items outside of that store that I plan to get, so if anyone is looking for other ideas, let me know. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to that list!