DH and I are part of a group of couples who are good friends and one way or another have known each over a decade. All bar one couple, (who have waited to have children) we all have children, most under 5.
The couple without children are now expecting and we are all delighted for them. But we found out that neither of thier parents have offered to buy anything for the baby, although it is the first grandchild.
The pregnant wife has asked one of us to accompany her to an second hand sale recently to help her spot things she might need, she also bought some things from a second hand shop. We dont have anything against getting stuff second hand as we all do it in our group, but we're surprised that she has done it for thier first baby, especailly with things like newborn clothes. As I guess like most mums the rest of us were all a bit prescious with the first, especially in the first few weeks and months, and wanted to get as much as possible new.
The PG wife also said her budget for the sale was proceeds from other stuff they have sold
We've told them, when they asked what things we feel were essential, such as a bed, travel and changing stuff etc. But at the sale the DW spent more money on toys etc and apparently did'nt really look at the other sort of stuff. But we just put this down to her being abit overwhelmed and unsure.
Anyway, we all felt sorry for them as we did'nt realise money was so tight. And so we've have given them a few bits we no longer need, and have made further offers of travel systems, bouncy chairs and moses baskets, sterillisers, linen and towels etc. And once baby arrives I am sure a load of clothes will also be offered from whomever has the same sex baby.
But talking amongst ourselves we have found out the the DH has just been away for the weekend clubbing with other friends. And the DW is having a jewellery party?!
Now we cant help feel a bit funny that all our offers of stuff, which were made because we thought they were a bit hard up are being accepted and yet they are still spending money on other things that are really not the sort of stuff you should be worrying about when a baby is on the way and money is an issue.
In truth, most of us cold actually keep what we have and sell it to raise money for our own families which we would use to buy more stuff we need. Or in some of our cases keep the things in case we have another baby
AWBU?!