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Original poster

To be miffed at "Gift list for mother of the baby" enclosed in *Baby naming ceremony* invitation?

992 replies

doubleshotespresso · 12/06/2013 23:38

So some close friends (who married in church), but now claim to be atheist are holding a naming ceremony for their 8 month old first baby in an hotel.....

The invitation is beautiful with a map, timings "event closes at 11pm"?

The gift list ranges from £30-to £300, all items for the mother, cosmetics, trinkets, jewellery, pampering breaks, personalised hand-bound stationery and photo albums...

Anybody know the drill for these naming ceremonies? Are we supposed to guess a gift for the baby? Or just congratulate the mother for deciding on a name?

I have read this a dozen times and am staggered beyond belief-DP read it and fell into hysterics....

My gut tells me to go along with Jo Malone scented nappies or something.

Somebody please tell me this is not normal?!?!?!

OP posts:
Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 24/06/2013 15:09

Wow! More lovely messages thank-you all..... Am still absolutely floating on air and had a visit today that brought me to uncontrollable tears but in a nice way iyswim....

DP was widowed before we got together years ago and his late wife left behind my twin DSS and DSD, but also her parents, grandparents to DSC who are still very much involved in their lives..... They have been very accepting of me from the start but today brought the BIGGEST EVER bouquet of flowers I have ever seen, Champagne and a bracelet I will cherish forever.... The words in the card though sent me into a sobbing fit I thought would never end.

I am utterly blindsided at such kindness from people who must have such sadness attached to our great news. They could not have been more sincere and generous and said the most beautiful things... The relief I feel that they are happy for us is indescribable,....

So I have not been very productive work-wist today but really haven't felt a pang of guilt, will just have to gear up when I hit the office tomorrow....

They will wait and see DSD when they get in from school and spend some time with them which is lovely.....

Oh and for those of you wondering....... Friends sister IS still coming to the naming ceremony- would not miss it for the world apparently! That will be interesting..... Confused

OP posts:
DumSpiroSpero · 24/06/2013 12:50

Congratulations! Thanks Grin

I was telling my 75 yo Dad about this thread yesterday and had to phone him at silly o'clock last night took tell him the latest!

Tooawesomeforausername · 24/06/2013 12:49

Wow, just read the whole of this thread in one go, wish I had a friend like you OP!
Congratulations Flowers
Hope all of have a fab christening and the baby enjoys your beautiful gifts.

Foogirl · 24/06/2013 11:34

Not only am I de-lurking, I'm not even a MN regular but wanted to post to say what a fabulous thread. It's really cheered up my Monday. Congratulations Double on your engagement. Who'd have thought being a ball buster was the thing that would spur Mr Double-to-be on to pop the question?

I fully expect your next update to be about how you have fired Assad and negotiated peace in Syria.

Now, how do I go about organising a MN whip round for a wedding gift? I've seen a fabulous monogrammed currency wallet I think you'd really love. Very reasonably priced too.....

ViviPru · 24/06/2013 09:23

In fact, get this all down in a manuscript and off to Random House NOW before some other beggar does!

ViviPru · 24/06/2013 09:22

This is a Sophie Kinsella isn't it.... The narrative arc is just far too perfect to be real life.

Seriously though OP, what an incredible tale. And proof that doing the right thing (for no other reason than because the goodness of your heart compels you to) can reap huge unexpected reward. You deserve every happiness. Congratulations! Thanks

AlwaysReadyForABlether · 24/06/2013 09:00

Started reading this thread but jumped to the end when I saw how long it was. Then I realised I'd missed something massive so went back to the beginning and read it right through in one go. Should have been up an hour and a half ago!
Brilliant, brilliant thread and fantastic outcome. Although I don't know you OP I am so delighted for you. And I wish I had a friend like you in my life.

archfiend · 24/06/2013 08:04

Have just read the entire thing. Bloody brilliant OP! Flowers and Wine for you for being such a lovely friend and huge congratulations on the engagement!

IceNoSlice · 24/06/2013 07:51

Congratulations and Flowers for OP. I'm thinking there may be a few new MN catch phrases too for those 'in the know':

A bit vanilla
Will you be getting a wishing well?
Maybe you need Fronk to organise it for you? (Thinking of grabby bridezilla threads)

IceNoSlice · 24/06/2013 07:45

Aww lovely lovely thread. C

CadleCrap · 24/06/2013 07:38

What a fantastic ending

And they all lived happily ever after except for evil sister

Thanks
BanjoPlayingTiger · 24/06/2013 07:02

Wow!! Congratulations Grin

What a fantastic set of updates. So pleased for you Flowers

elvislives2012 · 24/06/2013 06:52

Just spent bloody ages reading this whole thread. Amazing! Congratulations double Grin

leelteloo · 24/06/2013 06:51

Amazing Double: everyone needs someone like you as a friend and i wish you all the very best. I really enjoyed reading your posts and I think you have fantastic writing skills. Have you ever considered becoming a writer. Smile

Wuldric · 24/06/2013 06:27

Congratulations OP - you're a star!

Tortoiseonthehalfshell · 24/06/2013 05:35

Awwwww, how very utterly lovely.

Your lovely sweet friend will be your MOH, yes? Yes?

bootsycollins · 24/06/2013 05:15

Arw double that's fabulous Thanks your fabulous Thanks

MumofWombat · 24/06/2013 04:54

Best. Thread. Ever!

Many many congratulations double, it's great when good stuff happens to good people.

GiraffesAndButterflies · 24/06/2013 03:52

Omg double, I am usually completely unsentimental about this nest of vipers MN, but I have tears running down my cheeks right now!

Congratulations to you and your DP. He has a wonderful sense of timing Grin

(Can't believe Sister's brazen cheek. But it's eclipsed by how happy I am for you and your DP. Flowers )

Best wishes for a very very happy marriage. Flowers

bolshieoldcow · 24/06/2013 01:19

Wow. doubleshot you are some gal! Hats off to you for being such an amazing friend, and massive congratulations to you and your future Mr Doubleshot! Flowers Wine Flowers

IloveJudgeJudy · 24/06/2013 00:55

I have been lurking on this thread from the beginning.

Doubleshotespresso What a fantastic friend you are. The whole thing has just been so heartwarming. Your new mother friend is so lucky to have you in her life as are all the people you know.

Congratulations on your engagement and on seeing through the whole saga to the end. Very well done and I really hope that you and yours will be very happy. You certainly deserve it.

YorkshireTeaDrinker · 24/06/2013 00:39

What a fantastic friend you are, double. Just stayed up far too late reading this thread. What a wonderful series of outcomes. All because you cared enough to take on a potentially awkward and uncomfortable discussion about the odd and uncharacteristic gift list. You deserve every happiness. God bless you.

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 24/06/2013 00:20

Well WHAT a day!!!

Am really overwhelmed with all the wonderful messages....

Yes wouldn't it be great if this were a film- I could watch it over and over.....
The last couple of weeks have been absolutely mental, but I would not change a second of it......

Have made no wedding plans as yet, vanilla or otherwise! Just unwinding with a cup of tea..... But one thing I can tell guarantee you.... There will be NO planner!

Thanks again for all the posts, I will re-read the whole thing again in the next few days...... ;-)

OP posts:
SpecialAgentTattooedQueen · 24/06/2013 00:17

God there's something in my eye!

This is the BEST MN thread EVER!!! FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers

Waimea · 24/06/2013 00:08

Wow
OP I think you have really made a huge impact on your friends lives
It could have all been so different and so awful
Imagining this horrible OTT ceremony/party and family fallings out and no-one helping this poor woman because they just thought she had turned into a materialistic christeningZilla

Good on you for having the original tough conversation with her and God Bless you for all the help and support you have shown her

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