Yes ! it is blessing from God to have babies, people rejoice and are happy you are having a baby. But let us get one thing clear, it’s your baby, not ours! When did all this madness start?
Back in the day , one of the ladies would volunteer to bake a cake. Which was a must. Another would make snacks, and it would all be washed down with tea and lots of tea. The venue would be someone’s house, which meant it would be free.
We would sit around giggling and sharing horror stories of the labor ward and theater. We would tell you what to expect after the baby came. What hospital you should book. How soon the rest of us had sex again (if you were a first-time mum).
Then we ate, and ate some more. And the laughs, those were some great laughs. Then we gave you what we each brought, and promised to come see you and your new addition in hospital. We ate more and went back to our homes. and life continues without harassment or bankruptcy or debt.
I don’t know when the craziness started. These days you just find yourself added to some WhatsApp group, by a stranger, of course. The introduction usually goes like, “Welcome to Jane’s Baby’s baby shower group. Please add anyone we have not added. Let us make this a success for her! She deserves it.”
First, I know we don’t all know each other am not in the habit of just adding people to groups. Second, (what’s with the emotional blackmail? We all deserve success, do we always get it? No. Then it is usually followed by preliminary instructions).
“We shall hold the shower at Bla Bla Gardens. Each guest to confirm attendance by sending [to] M-Pesa three thousand shillings. This will cover the venue, snacks, decoration and photography. Drinks will be sold separately. Please remember to include withdrawing fee as you M-Pesa. (This is just bad manners) Colour scheme is Catalina and Chestnut.” These are supposed to be colours.
Later that day she posts the endless list of the requirements that the expectant mother requires. As if we are the ones planning for the baby’s future and not the parents of the child.
This is where i say enough is enough, do not force people into your financial budget for the year probably the baby’s parents do not know this is happening but most baby showers now are robbery pits.
There are already other institutions harassing us without like VAT tax, impossible boss, insane landlord and dealing with this insane world of ours. I cannot do much about them, but I can do something about these modern-day baby showers. I am resisting and lefting. I will come to see you in hospital, with my packet of diapers.
