DEAR ABBY: My husband and I just found out that we are expecting our third child. This pregnancy was unexpected. Our youngest is now 7. I gave all my baby stuff away to friends and family after our second daughter was born.
We are not in the poorhouse, but it would definitely be nice to have some help. To be honest, I am also excited about the idea of a shower because it has been so long since I have been pregnant.
I want to have a baby shower, but I'm not sure if it would be appropriate because this is our third baby. Are there any rules saying you should have a baby shower only with your first? Please help. -- EXPECTING IN OHIO
DEAR EXPECTING: According to Emily Post, "It is all right to give showers the second, or even third, time a couple has a baby. But only when the guest list is limited to close relatives and very close friends, and guests who didn't attend a shower for the first baby."
The shower should be hosted by a close friend of yours or a member of the family. Today people understand that every baby deserves to be celebrated, and that's a step forward from the "old days," when people felt that baby showers were "one to a customer."