Making a fuss

Lately I've been feeling a little blue about the lack of fuss that my pregnancy has, and will, receive.  Don't get me wrong.  Ross makes me feel loved all the time.  My parents and other relatives are very excited about this baby.  There are friends of mine on Facebook that "like" every pregnancy-related status update or picture I post.  I know people care.  And I appreciate that.  I REALLY do.  I guess what I really mean is (and I fully accept that this is bratty)... I won't have a baby shower.  And that bums me out.


I know some people don't like when a fuss is made over them, but I maintain that- at certain times- everyone needs a good fuss makin'.  I think when people make a fuss over you, it reminds you how loved you are.  I talked about all the love that was shown to me (and Ross) by our friends in the lead up to our wedding and on the big day itself.  That love is one of the best feelings in the world.  It's a different feeling than the love that is on constant tap from your friends and family, even your husband.  It's a special outpouring of love.  Just for you.  For a special purpose.  To celebrate your birthday.  To celebrate your wedding.  To celebrate your pregnancy.


To minimize my brattiness, it's really not about the presents.  I mean they are really nice.  And I sure hope we get some.  Because, man, babies need a lot of stuff.  Stuff that's expensive.  (Ok, so it's partly about the presents...)  It's mostly about that fuss.  The people caring enough to throw you a party.  To send out invitations and make yummy food and ooh & aah as I unwrap tiny, adorable outfits and baby gear.  I'm sure I'd be having at least 2 showers if we were in the US- one from the ladies at church and one from my girl friends and probably even a 3rd from my office.  But we're not.  So I'm throwing a tiny pity party and then getting over it.

An interesting cultural difference between the UK and the US is that they don't do baby registries and the idea of baby showers is only just starting to be known here in England.  So, even if I had made lots of friends or if Ross' female relatives were still alive, I still wouldn't be having a shower.  Apparently it's similar for wedding showers.  And they call is a "Wedding List" rather than a registry.

I guess it makes sense as a cultural difference.  My American is showing with this desire for a fuss.  It's not really a British ideal, is it?  In the land of "Keep Calm and Carry On", it seems appropriate that they wouldn't focus on shouting "Hooray!" for things like we vulgar Yanks do.  The other day, we spoke to an older woman who is a cousin (of some sort, by marriage) of Ross'.  She said that they'd love to come "view" the baby after he arrives.  I think that's the extent of the fuss I'm getting.

Do you like to have a fuss made over you?
Did anyone else miss out on a fuss because you were far away from friends and family?
If so, how did you deal?