Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

So DH and I would like to have a sprinkle with close friends and family to celebrate #2, since we tried for almost 3 years to be blessed with another child.

Here is my dilemma-

Only my family and best friend know part of what we went though to have #2. I'm worried that people will think that we're being pretentious and just want money/gifts since we're having the same sex as #1. However there will be almost 4 years between kids.

How would you handle this situation?

Sprinkle or no? If yes, how would you word the invite?


ETA:

Thanks for all the responses, maybe I worded it wrong;

It wouldn't be so much a sprinkle (smaller baby shower), but more of a celebration of being able to have another baby.

But like I said not EVERYONE we would invite would be aware of what we went through to have #2.

I REALLY like the idea that a PP suggested we make it more of an arts and crafts party to make things for the new baby.

DH and I are just so ecstatic that we are able to have another child that we want to shout it from the rooftops!!

Message edited 11/18/2010 12:56:38 PM.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

I personally am not a fan of 'sprinkles' - I think, as you said, they are pretentious and seem like the couple is 'looking for gifts" -

However, part of the reason I feel this way is b/c in my family and circle of friends we always bring the baby / Mommy a gift when the baby is born and we go to meet him/her - There are HUGE Baptism celebrations and 1st Brithdays - so, in our circle, a 'sprinkle' is just overkill

I think it really depends on your invite list - You'll get completely mixed opinions on this

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

We are not having a sprinkle nor are we registering for baby #2. I've learned from LIF that MANY people do not view sprinkles positively.

Personally I would love to attend a sprinkle and give gifts. I love celebrating new babies.

In our culture, there are a few celebrations in infanthood so we'll have a party a few months after the baby is born.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

I never understand people being offended or thinking it tacky bc they were invited to a Sprinkle. I dont care if there is 10 months between kids or 10 years, I would always be more than happy to celebrate the birth of a child with a friend. I would also be more than happy to bring a gift for them.....these are my FRIENDS. I consider it sharing in their joy. I celebrate their birthday and give them a gift for it every year.....I find that far less important that the birth of a child and I do it. Sprinkle or not, Id give them a gift anyway, so I dont seem the harm.

I say invite them, maybe put "your presence will be gift enough" on it for those that would be offended and dont want to bring a gift.

Message edited 11/17/2010 3:34:35 PM.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Just being honest....hate the idea of a sprinkle......

What if you just had a small party with close friends and family instead?

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

my "sprinkle" was simply a brunch with my closest friends & immediate family. It was all of 7 people and perfect.

you could hold off on the party and have a celebration once the baby arrives...

Message edited 11/17/2010 3:39:53 PM.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

I'm not a fan of sprinkles either as I see it as a bid for gifts (unless there was an extenuating circumstance - 5+ year gap between children, any issues with the first child, etc)

However, if I received an invite to a sprinkle and with a no gift (your presence is the greatest gift we could hope for)...I'd be happy to attend & probably bring a gift anyway.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

I never knew that sprinkles were viewed negatively!

But I am not one to care what people think so if/when we have another child or children, we will have sprinkles.

I view it as a gathering to celebrate the life that is about to come into this world, not as a way to get presents.

Most shower invitations reference a registry. I just wouldn't make reference to a registry or gifts. And if people call to ask, say that their presence is enough.

If people are going to roll their eyes at you having a sprinkle, then they shouldn't be there anyway!!!!!

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

personally, I'm not a fan of sprinkles. Mainly because I visit the babies at the hospital and at your house and usually bring a gift with me.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

speaking as a 2nd child myself, parents hardly do anything for the 2nd child as babies! (speaking from personal experience here) I see NOTHING wrong in celebrating the birth of another life. maybe I would say gifts not needed. but its not the idea of having a party to have gifts. its to say...hey!! i created a life here! lets get excited!!!

btw...don't forget to take as many pictures of the 2nd!

and congrats on all you went through to have your 2nd child!

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Message edited 11/17/2010 3:49:42 PM.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

I think sprinkles are fine but I would never throw one for myself.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Every time people post about sprinkles people say every child should be celebrated... but I think those of us who don't necessarily care for sprinkles don't view that as the purpose of a shower/sprinkle.. they are to prepare for the baby as in being showered with gifts (car seat, high chair, bottles, etc.) THAT's why people get annoyed when you have a shower and a sprinkle back to back because it seems like you just want new stuff when you just got all this stuff a very short while ago...

I do think every child should be celebrated and I (happily) buy gifts for my friends and family every time they have a child, whether it be their first or fourth.

But my DH's cousin who had irish twins? I definitely when I got the second shower invite because she shouldn't have NEEDED anything. I sent her a gift though..

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

look, time has proven this is one of those threads where you are going to have either supporters or non-supporters.

even though you wanted honest opinions, do what *YOU* want to do. If people want to come, they will.

don't let any of the pro or anti-sprinkle people sway you.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Posted by eroxgirl

Every time people post about sprinkles people say every child should be celebrated... but I think those of us who don't necessarily care for sprinkles don't view that as the purpose of a shower/sprinkle.. they are to prepare for the baby as in being showered with gifts (car seat, high chair, bottles, etc.) THAT's why people get annoyed when you have a shower and a sprinkle back to back because it seems like you just want new stuff when you just got all this stuff a very short while ago...

I do think every child should be celebrated and I (happily) buy gifts for my friends and family every time they have a child, whether it be their first or fourth.

But my DH's cousin who had irish twins? I definitely when I got the second shower invite because she shouldn't have NEEDED anything. I sent her a gift though..

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Posted by Salason

Posted by eroxgirl

Every time people post about sprinkles people say every child should be celebrated... but I think those of us who don't necessarily care for sprinkles don't view that as the purpose of a shower/sprinkle.. they are to prepare for the baby as in being showered with gifts (car seat, high chair, bottles, etc.) THAT's why people get annoyed when you have a shower and a sprinkle back to back because it seems like you just want new stuff when you just got all this stuff a very short while ago...

I do think every child should be celebrated and I (happily) buy gifts for my friends and family every time they have a child, whether it be their first or fourth.

But my DH's cousin who had irish twins? I definitely when I got the second shower invite because she shouldn't have NEEDED anything. I sent her a gift though..

I agree with this. In my family, babies are all celebrated and everyone buys gifts, goes to visit and has big christenings etc. I guess the view is that the shower is to get YOU started with all the gear you need to have babieS, not just that first baby. I've actually only ever been invited to one sprinkle and that was for someone with 6yrs between their two and even then I heard some comments about it.

Re: Need HONSET opinions-Sprinkle question

Not a fan. Especially if you're throwing it for yourself.