Before William was born it was
suggested to me by both my father and my brother that I should have a Stork
Party.
For people who are unaware of
such a thing it is the male version of a Baby Shower and usually consists of “head
wetting” activities and pub crawls.
At the time, being 26, it seemed
like a great idea; that wouldn’t enjoy a pub crawl that resembled your Stag do
with your friends and family celebrating your impending step in to fatherhood?
I remember at the time enjoying
it but I did think the act was slightly archaic. I reflect back now and think
that I would have enjoyed something more laid back and centred on me and my
likes.
With this in mind and my oldest
friend expecting his first child this year I wanted to treat him to a
personalised Stork party of his own.
We are both incredibly geeky and
with that a night out on the town getting wasted would have been quite far from
what either us would have enjoyed. Instead I made a plan that would suit us and
was centred on him.
This last weekend we had the
opportunity to spend some time together. He works, is expecting a new baby and
him living now 200 miles away it has always been difficult to put that time
aside. Then work and having the Boys it limits my time too.
He turned up Thursday Evening and
rather than going full throttle we relaxed, chatted and enjoyed a nice
takeaway. The morning came and a day of activities were planned.
We started off with a classic
full English breakfast. To be honest it
felt like the manliest man activity planned!
We then went off to a fairly
local shopping complex, Bluewater. After
some general window shopping and gadget investigation we grabbed a quick coffee
at Costa and then went to go watch the new Star Wars Movie; The Force Awakens at the Showcase Cinema.Absolutely loved the film by the way and it was great to watch it with a good friend. We were lucky enough as well to get the Gallery seating and its extra bonus of snacks and drinks throughout.
After the film had ended we then went for our evening meal out at Wagamama where, again, we were treated to Sides, Main and Dessert.
After having a fully indulgent day we went home and relaxed.
This for us was spent playing
video games. Nothing exciting, just two guys relaxing.
I know my friend had an awesome few
days, just as much as I did. There was no binge drinking (although maybe
admittedly binge eating) but more activities that were centred on the person
and their likes and interests. Something that I hope he will remember after the
change that happens when tiny feet enter the world.
Dad’s did you do anything special
before your baby was born? What would a Stork day be like for you?
Mum’s do you like the idea that
the Dads have a day like this in a mirrored response to a Baby Shower?
(I was given this meal and experiences for free to review. My opinion, tastebuds, and glutton ways are my own and I am under no obligations to give a positive review. Please see my full disclosure at the bottom of my blog)
I have never heard of a stork party before! What a fantastic idea....Men should have some fun too. It sounds like you had a lovely day! It sounds like the sort of day my fella would love. x
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim. I think the idea of wetting the babies head for dad's go back a bit and is probably an outdated thing to do. Hence me wanting to take a modern and personal approach to it. It was a fab day thank you and we both enjoyed it.
DeleteThis sounds great Martyn, I think it's lovely to have something for the dads too! I much prefer the sound of what you did with your friend to anything manly and uproarious like a night on the tiles, at least you'll remember it all doing it your way and feel no unnecessary pain from it the next day. Nicola (@Nicola_84York and formerly Perfect Sloth).
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicola! I agree. The rougher form or wetting the babies head isn't something that I would be up for anymore. This seemed much more fun! That was exactly the idea!
DeleteI've never heard of a stork party but I think it's a great idea. What I am not happy about is you posting all these amazing food pics on here when I didn't have any of them!! I am particularly jealous about Wagamamma, my absolute favourite! I'm glad you enjoyed it and what a great treat for your friend.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I'm sorry Nat! You won't like us on #CBM16 either as we've got wagamama booked for that too. Best to stay away from social media then ;) it was fun and we really enjoyed it. Great day for 2 guys to get together and enjoy the things we love.
DeleteWhy haven't I heard of such a party when I had my child? When the mom's baby shower was going on I was stuck putting together a crib!
ReplyDeleteI don't know! It's quite an outdated idea. I don't know many people who still do it but it totally should happen more! Dads should have fun too especially when mom's get all the attention
DeleteIve never heard of a stork party either but why not eh!
ReplyDeleteThat's my thoughts exactly!
DeleteI think this is an awesome idea! Never heard of it being done but maybe it's been done more informally than the Baby Shower idea for women? I didn't have a Baby Shower not a Hen Do now that I think about it. Never felt it was needed.
ReplyDeleteAnyway! Sounds like a great couple of days. Film, video games and food... perfect!