It's time to party!

If ever there was a time to celebrate it's now, for one you are growing an actual human – it's amazing!!! There may be a number of ways you want to celebrate with those around you over the next few months, here we take a look at the most popular reasons. Baby Shower Although now seems a very America ritual, a baby shower dates back to Victorian England, when women would keep their pregnancies a secret (imagine that!) and then celebrate with other women once baby was born. Today however, a baby shower is usually enjoyed before the arrival of baby, an opportunity to celebrate motherhood and a chance to talk, play games and gain insightful tips and advice from friends and family who have children already. Some mums like to organise their own so they know exactly what will happen and who will be there, others leave it up to a close friend or loved one, while some choose not to have one at all. During the Baby Shower you could play games, like; guess the birth date, baby bingo and design your own babygrow. You can offer snacks or go all out with a delicious afternoon tea and mocktails, check out Pinterest for loads of food and decoration inspiration. It is also a lovely time to ask those who have babies for any advice – even if you do not ask, it is likely advice alongside ‘birth stories’ (yay) will be discussed. No doubt there will also be plenty of gifts for both you and baby so it may be an idea to get a gift list put together or at least share a baby shopping list so you are not inundated with the same item. The Baby Wish List, is the perfect way to share your wish list with friends and family and items can be ticked off to avoid duplication. Gender Reveal Party Some parents-to-be have started to host gender reveal parties which can be an exciting way to tell your family and friends whether you are having a boy or girl. There are plenty of different ways to do this with the most common being: Balloons – pink or blue confetti Cannons – pink or blue confetti Cakes – pink or blue coloured sponge inside an iced cake Some parents-to-be may not even know the gender of their baby and may have asked the sonographer at the 20-week scan to write it in an envelope and arrange for the cake baker or a friend to arrange so the reveal party is a surprise for them too! There is no pressure to host a big party and each family is different, as for some this will be the last thing they want to do. Enjoy your pregnancy in any way you choose whether that is with a party with family and friends or a more quiet affair with TOH over a nice meal or even a babymoon. However, you choose to celebrate, enjoy this special time!