The Baby Shower

My younger sister and her husband are expecting their first child. My first blood-related nephew!! I am so overjoyed!! I have been awaiting his arrival since November 21, 2005--the day she found out she was pregnant. Other than her husband, I was the first to know. I began buying baby outfits and blankets immediately. I just couldnt resist! Besides, its my job as the aunt. Another one of my jobs as the aunt and sister, is to plan the baby shower.

Along about a month ago, my mom and I began our preparations. My sister made her guest list and it ended up being quite large, in my opinion. Forty people. Neither my home nor my mother's is large enough to accomodate a baby shower of that size. So we went in search of someplace to rent. My sister made some calls and found the Church was booked, a reception hall in town was booked, and we were running out of ideas. My sister's friend, I'll call her "E", steps in and tells my sister that her Church was available for that day, and she would reserve it for us. That was nice of E to help out. Soon after she saved the shower (rolling eyes), she called my mom and offered her help. She would help with anything we needed, just ask. Well, being the over-protective sister I am, and a first-time aunt, I really didn't need help, other than from my mom. I wanted to take care of the shower.

My sister is a bit anal, and decided to buy, address, and mail her own invitaions. I expected as much from her and wasnt too hurt when she told me. My mom then calls me and we go over the menu and what each of us will make. She wraps up the call with a new bit of information. E wants to take care of the game portion of the shower. I fell silent. Now I'm annoyed. I tried to let it go, but couldn't. If E wants to throw a shower, she can do it for her own sister, if she has one. I will throw one for my sister. My sister.

I explain to my husband the situation and how I'm feeling. He listens; he is a good listener. He doesnt comment much. But he has a look on his face during my story. The look tells me he has a feeling I'm over-reacting. I just don't see it that way. Posssessive, maybe. Over-reacting.....nah.

Then comes the phone call. I get home from work last night to find a message on our answering machine. Its her. By her, I mean E. She wants me to call her to make more arrangements for the shower. Did I mention its a baby shower for MY SISTER?? I flew into a small fit. It makes me so angry! I didn't call her back. The shower is just over a week away. I wonder if I can avoid her for 9 more days?