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

[doubleshotespresso]

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?!?!?!

Arw double that's fabulous your fabulous

Awwwww, how very utterly lovely.

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

Congratulations OP - you're a star!

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.

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

Wow!! Congratulations

What a fantastic set of updates. So pleased for you

What a fantastic ending

And they all lived happily ever after except for evil sister

Aww lovely lovely thread. C

Congratulations and 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)

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

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.

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!

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

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.....

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

Congratulations!

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!

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.....

you so obviously deserve every word of it, double

when is the ceremony? you will post a report, won't you, please?

Bump to keep this fabulous thread on the first page for awhile longer I followed it at the beginning but then fell away from it; every so often I would see it and think "they're still at it?" So glad I got the chance to read through the whole saga today.

Shall we purchase a gift group for double? I'm thinking the Smythson currency case!

Why isn't this in Classics yet?

Bue many thanks but I cannot imagine ever needing a currency case, my life is far too painfully vanilla for that! And at that price I would be terrified to take it anywhere!!!

Leeltoo I might just put pen to paper and get all this story down, if only for my own memories and therapy..... Because you are all so right, it has been an amazing story and a bit like writing my own personal diary for you all....

ponders The ceremony will now be in September and yes I will let you all know how the day goes...

Oh and I will be having two Matron of Honours*

DSD and of course my lovely friend...... Though DSD is taller than friend who is already eyeing up "conealed platform shoes".....

Sorry concealed platform shoes !