Source:http://www.wrybaby.com/fun_gifts.aspx
by Lincoln
Read more on Man Showers on Squidoo and eHow!
Liz's baby shower was on a sweltering hot 102 degree July afternoon with sickening humidity. It was not a coed shower. While all the fancily dressed ladies were having a lovely time, I was stuck with the unenviable task of hauling the take back to the apartment, alone. The shower was planned at a restaurant on the same block as my apartment. While this initially seemed like a good idea, after about 9 trips back and forth from the restaurant, up the stairs, back down again, all through the 102 degree heat, I could only think one thing: THIS BLOWS.
As the sweat was pouring down my face and drenching my shirt, the baby shower was coming to an end. Upon observing my laborious task, the ladies obviously neither offered to help nor did they even open the door for me (lest they let any of the cool A/C air out). Of course not! All I got were a few pat on the backs (I hope that sweat leaves a smell!!), laughs at my expense, "hey work faster" comments and giggles. UGH!
Of course I appreciated all the gifts we received as well as the efforts of everyone who planned. Liz had a great time and it was a beautiful shower by any measure. But there's no doubt about it: I felt left out. Aside from the Baby Shower, we had been having a steady stream of visitors and well wishers for Liz stop by, many of whom never even bothered to make eye-contact with me.
A few days later I was given the best surprise I could have been given at the time: A Man Shower. These days, the "Man Shower" is becoming popularized for wedding occasions where the groom celebrates opposite of the Bridal Shower. This is foolish in my opinion, does a man really need more then the Bachelor Party? I'd say it's someone's conspiracy to build a market!
One of my best friends ("BFF") had decided that I needed a little attention and planned a night of eating, drinking and some good clean fun. It was a night for good food, catching up with friends and gag gifts; just what a Dad-To-Be needs!
-The Man Shower should be something Dad would enjoy aside from the unadulterated out-of-control, debaucherous guys night out. No strip clubs, but rather a calm night out drinking. Or a poker night? A bbq? Something a man would enjoy. It's not an event to make Dad miss his freedom, because the kid is the real prison sentence, not the wedding (See Followup! Ahem, if you're married that this. Baby Arthur, I'm being facetious so don't cry when you're old enough to read this).
-Under no circumstances should there be any gifts provided for the baby, it's a Man Shower. A nice bottle of scotch or wine. Gag gifts on fatherhood like the awesomely funny book that the above cartoon is from (click on the picture if you want more details). A care package of pain killers perhaps?
-It need not be an all guys event either. Liz was present for my Man Shower. In fact, she was really happy my friends planned something for me.
This experience of having a baby is undoubtedly and rightfully all about the Mom. Let's not kid ourselves guys, she's doing all the work. But it takes two to tango and Dad plays a major role in any child's life.
Dads-to-be, have a "Man Shower", you deserve it!
Labels: baby shower
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