I love babies. I think most of us do. Preparing for a baby is so exciting and such fun. My best friend just had a baby, and she's absolutely adorable. I was happy to be there for my friend, as she prepared to welcome her third child into the world. The only thing I didn't get to do was throw her a baby shower. And I really wanted to. My friend, however, insisted that she didn't NEED anything. Honestly, I don't know how we're such good friends - we're complete opposites. Bless her heart, she had this baby with no drugs. None. At all. In case you can't tell, that's NOT the way I chose to take on labor and delivery!

But she is my best friend, and I love her. If I HAD been able to throw her a baby shower, I would've done these 10 things:

1. Choose the date. Make it most convenient for as many as possible
2. Talk to the mommy about what she'd like in terms of theme, food, location.
3. Book location, if necessary, so there are no surprises down the line.
4. Gather list of family and friends, being sure to check with mom-to-be as to which ones she'd like to attend. Sometimes people get a little too gung-ho about these things when others would like something more intimate.
5. Consider the budget. This should be fun, not stressful.
6. Send gorgeous baby shower invitations, like the ones from Tiny Prints. Here's my favorite. Even though we're opposites, I think Mandy would like it, too, because it's simple and cute. Tiny Prints has so many great designs to choose from. 
7. Think of some fun games. Choose games that break the ice, but don't put anyone on the spot. No one likes those. It might be fun to ask attendees to bring a bit of advice or a small trinket for the guest of honor.
8. Choose food, if not being held at a restaurant. Go with simple things, and have a variety for all tastes and sensitivities.
9. Choose fun, useful favors. Something guests will want to take home.
10. Just have fun! It's easy to get caught up in all the planning and lose sight of the fact that it's a celebration.

I do LOVE Tiny Prints. I've written about them before, and I just ordered my business cards from Tiny Prints. Here they are. Aren't they nice?

I've always had good service from Tiny Prints. Can't wait to get these cards!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a Tiny Prints gift code worth $50, plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints greeting cards—a total gift value of $149.75! For more information on how you can participate, click here.