To be absolutely stupid with excitement?!

[Thisnamechanger]

I come from a tiny family. The last baby in our family was me, 31 years ago.

Today is SILs due date. My wonderful DM died shortly after their wedding in 2016 and this feels like the first good thing to happen to our family since.

Help me out MN! I'm child free and I'm not sure I've ever ever held a baby on my life but I'm STUPIDLY excited about becoming and Auntie!!

Have text SIL and DBro and said I totally understand they may want days or weeks alone with DNorN before inviting visitors but that I've kept the diary clear for potential visits in January.

AM. so. EXCITED.

What shall I bring baby? And more importantly SIL?? Any idea for a nice present for a new Mum??

Arrrrrggghhhh!

[TotHappy]

I love this thread!

[How2Help]

Aww this was me 10 years ago. Being an Auntie is amazing, I treasure it and my nephew (and subsequent nieces and nephews) are so special.

I also had/have no children and the first time I visited I was honest and said that I wanted to do it right and please would they tell me if I did something wrong. My SiL recently told me that meant a lot as she could tell me eg don’t hold his head like that etc without being awkward and so she then had no qualms about me holding him etc.

We bought a nursing/rocking chair. It’s still there now and it’s known as my chair. I sit in it and it’s where DNephew/Nieces come and cuddle up and tell me their news, let me read to them, make plans etc. My DN recently said she wanted to talk to me but it was very important so I needed to be in The Auntie Chair (the news was she had been given an award in school ).

Enjoy x

[FeelingFlat]

I can't wait for your update on your first meeting your niece or nephew. My sister has a wonderful bond with my daughter it's magic to watch. Wishing your family all the best x

[TinselAngel]

It is impossible to have too many maternity sanitary towels. Maybe have them delivered after the birth though...

[shallichangemyname]

When I got home my SIL sent me a tin of goodies from Beverley Hills Bakery (they have a website). It was great to have nice things to nibble on and also to offer first visitors. I've always remembered that gift. Everyone bought stuff for the baby and I think she was the only one who got something for me.

[Thisnamechanger]

how2help honest I'm petrified I'll do something wrong!

I'm one of those people who had known for ever that having DC is not for them (much as I appreciate and admire my friends for having DC). So I'm a bit scared!

I was thinking about this earlier...I know this sounds mad but I dont think I've ever even met a baby properly before! I've just hovered on the outskirts of the group smiling and nodding but never actually held a baby before! Very scary! So excited though! A brand new tiny little human...
Imagine that!

[Matilda15]

This is such a lovely read.

I wish you were my SIL!

Great ideas above, definitely agree with buying 3-6 or even 6-9 months outfits. We got so many 0-3 most went unworn! Plus when they ge5 into the bigger clothes tend to coincide with MAT pay kicking in so it’s nice to have a few ‘nicer’ bits to put them in.

Wishing your brother and SIL all the best for the new arrival xx

[BuilderEtiquette]

Haven’t read the full thread but another vote for freezer meals. I’ve made 10-12 freezable meals for each of the last few people in my life who have had babies, and every single one said it was the best present they received. I put them in a hamper with bits and pieces like chocolate. People usually get stuff for the baby and don’t think to pamper the mum/support with practical stuff.

Being auntie is amazing. I want kids but I’m actually a bit worried about having them now because I can’t imagine loving another human being any more than I love my niece. She’s nearly 2 and still getting cuter. When she sees me at the door she shouts my name and RUNS towards me. (And I still get 8 hours sleep every night). It’s ace! Enjoy!

[Thetigerwhocameto]

@teatimeted we live sophie!!

Op my brother and SIL were exactly the same as you when DD was born.

Unfortunately she was prem so we had a long hospital stay so they bought us fresh fruit and snacks for the hospital, and then some nice toiletries for me. They also bought DD some prem clothes from mothercare which had Velcro along them so they could go on around the wires when she was allowed them on 😊

When we got home the gifts carried on flooding in. They got DD a load of bath toys, towels, shampoo etc (they had seen how many clothes she had been bought so took ‘bathtime’ as their theme. For us they bought lunch over 😍 and a few bottles of our favourite wines etc. Oh and they bought DD a sophie la giraffe and a blanket with her name on too. ❤️

[zebrapig]

You sound lovely! So thoughtful! There's some great ideas here. We had friends visit who offered to go to the supermarket and pick up anything we needed which was really thoughtful.

If you decide to buy clothes in bigger sizes please take into consideration when they're likely to be worn. E.g. Buying a 3-6 month snowsuit might seem like a lovely thought but chances are by the time baby fits in it the weather will probably be too warm to need one. It's the one thing that drove me nuts in the first year, people just didn't think and so much stuff had to be changed or given away and after a c-section it wasn't easy for me to get to the shops.

[peachgreen]

Having now had my own baby, whenever I visit a new mum I do the following:

• Bring coffee
• Bring a frozen home-cooked dinner
• If I'm there long enough and know them well, do a quick clean of a room or two while I'm there (usually bathroom and kitchen)
• Ask if they'd prefer me to hold the baby while they have a break OR do something around the house for them that they haven't been able to get to
• Don't pressure them to express happiness - acknowledge that it must be difficult and that it's okay if they're having any struggles
• Bring a gift for baby and a gift for mum (something indulgent like a nice candle, bubble bath, new fluffy socks etc) and put them away once they've been unwrapped
• Male the tea AND wash up

[peachgreen]

Also for really close friends and family I do a supermarket order with easy ready meals, treats you can't have when you're pregnant, snacks etc and have it delivered to them for about 3 days after they get home from hospital. Helps counteract the baby blues a bit.

[pallisers]

I remember when my nephew was born 26 years ago. I remember thinking "I can't believe WE get to have a baby in our family". It was brilliant.

For presents:

Dinners or vouchers to local takeaways
nice things for sil
nappies to save them money

[LarkDescending]

Ahhh I remember the wonderful summer’s morning when I was woken up by a phone call to say I was an auntie for the first time! Such very special times ahead - you are right to be excited. Keep us posted!

[IamFrauBlucher]

Not BU at all. How exciting for you and the family.

I was watching a film earlier and when I saw a newborn stretch his tiny little fingers I burst into tears.

I'm never broody and don't want another baby at my age, but I'd love to hold a little family newborn so I guess it's all down to one of my nieces/nephews now.

[jessstan2]

I posted on this thread earlier but want to reiterate - what an amazing auntie you are going to be (as long as you are just doting and not interfering).

I do not have any nieces or nephews (one child who is, of course, adored but now very adult), would have loved them!!!

Please keep us up to date with developments. This is such a good thread, a real 'feel good' thread. Apropos of nothing I loved Aliaz on 'Strictly' announcing he was a proud uncle. Lovely man.

x 2 for you and for your sister in law. You're smashing, make sure you post lots!

[bakingdemon]

A super practical gift is food - either loads of easy to eat and reheat stuff you've made yourself, or a lovely big order from somewhere like Cook, if they have the fridge and freezer space. Do not send flowers!

My DS is 4 days old and we've been so touched by literally every gift - they'll know whatever you give will have been chosen with love xoxo

(One tip, if baby hasn't yet arrived, don't keep messaging them every day to ask how they are/ what's happening - they will tell people when there's news. I was a week overdue and got so annoyed with people doing this!)

[Purpleartichoke]

Just another idea for food to deliver. I was a big fan of cut up food with dd. Cheese cubes, fruit, veggies, small crackers. Things I could eat with one hand.

[rainbowstardrops]

Aww this is just the loveliest thread! You sound like you're going to be an amazing auntie!
I can still remember the phone call from my brother after my niece was born - nearly 32 years ago. I was at my college placement and as I answered he just said, 'Hello auntie'. I was over the moon! and may have just teared up a little remembering that.
Oh and I'm sorry but I did have a little chuckle about your naughty bunnies!
Hope the baby arrives soon

[SheDancesOnTheSand]

Congratulations!

100% food! It makes such a difference.
I'd also suggest a gift for the dad - they often get forgotten about. Even if its just a bar of chocolate!
Avoid flowers! Lovely to get them but a pain in the bum when they're past their best as you literally do not have the time to get rid, wash vase etc.

When you do arrive, make the parents sit down, you put the kettle on and hold the baby so they can both drink a hot drink at the same time.

[Loveweekends10]

Bless you op. You sound like you will make a lovely aunt.

[Zoflorabore]

This will be one very lucky baby op :)

What a beautiful thread.

[notsodimwit]

Lovely thread and what a great auntie you will be

[Gina2012]

Oh my goodness

This has brought tears to my eyes

What an absolutely LOVELY person you are , @Thisnamechanger

Enjoy your lovely N or N xxx

[Chocolateteapotferryservices]

Lovely thread. Don't forget to introduce SIL to mumsnet if she's not already aware! I came to mn when DD was almost 2, would have been so useful when she was a baby.