Question for all the mommies

Ok, one of my best friends is prego! She was supposed to be one of my BMs and her husband was supposed to be the Best Man, but they are due two weeks before the wedding and live in MD so, they wont even be able to come

But, I am so excited about their baby and I wanted to make something for the baby's room. My friend had mentioned wanting to do a Noah's Ark theme if they have a boy. After being unable to determine the sex of the baby when they had a sonogram done, they decided NOT to find out the sex.

My question is - Is a Noah's Ark theme only for boys? I found a really cute cross stick kit with an ark and a bunch of cute baby animals and a space to cross stich the baby's name and date of birth. Would this still be cute in a little girl's room? It doesn't really look male or female to me, but I have NEVER though about a baby's room before.

Any mom's who have an opinion on this???

I would never have thought of Noahs Ark as a male only theme if you hadnt asked. And still I cant see it as a male only theme. But it does work for a boy obviously. Maybe she wants to do something very girly if it's a girl?

Can't the Noahs Ark cross stitch work no matter what she does? I don't know how fanatical people are about themes, I've never been a fan of the theme in the sense that 'everything has to be' Noahs Ark (or Pooh or whatever).

I think it's a beautiful idea, I love handmade gifts. I've done them for my nephews and nieces. I did a cross stitch for Luke while I was PG with bears and stars. In fact, I'd love to do one for a friend who's PG now but I definitely don't have the time for one

HTH

Personally, I have always thought of the Noah's Ark theme as appropriate for twins...the whole 'two by two' with the animals...but, that's just my view. I guess not everyone thinks of that when they see something w/Noah's Ark.

But similarly, you could make a simple baby animals themed cross stitch, which is unisex if it's blended with the right colors.

Again personally, I don't know if I'd use a gift that had too much of a theme. Perhaps you can wait until your friend starts to set up the room and then make something specific that will complement the decor.

When Paul was born, my friend made him a set of ceramic decorations - the sun, moon and stars. I don't care for that as a theme, per se. But, now that I've chosen the design for his mural, I think I know how I will make them 'fit' with the room and I'm so happy! Otherwise, I'm not sure I would have been able to use them and it would be a shame, since they were made especially for him.

My nephew's room was Noah's Ark and was very cute. The colors in the set were very vibrate. It would have worked for a boy or girl room. It is all a matter of personal taste. Some people love teddy bears, others like sports, others like fairy theme rooms.

And since I do make gifts for my friends and family when they have a baby I think it is a beautiful gesture that you want to spend your time cross stitching a birth announcement for your friend. My grandmother made one for me when I was born and I still have it today. It shows that you wanted to take your time and show your love, not just run to the store and wrap up something. I don't think you need to have a Noah's Ark theme room to apprecaite the cross stitch at all. But I don't know your friend so she might be someone who just will not use something if it doesn't fit in perfectly with what she wants in the room. You should decide if you think she will like or not.

Thank you all for your input!

Claud, that is exactly what I am afraid of - putting her in a position where she feels like she has to incorporate it somehow.

I think I might make it anyway and see what happens. It is soooo cute and despite my numerous posts on the NWR board that reveal my reality TV addiction, I would rather spend my time reading or doing something productive rather than being glued to the boob tube.

I have four months, so I think I will make it and feel her out as it gets closer. I am sure I will find a use for it either way.

Thanks again, ladies!

Since I am the friend who made Claud's stars/moon/sun plaque I guess I can comment. I feel that it is up to the parent to use or not use the gift. If someone doesn't want to use it that is also fine. When you make something for someone you hope that they like it, but if they don't then that is the chance you take. You cannot do more than try to make something you think they will like and put your best effort forth.

Claud made me a beautiful hat box wedding cake and I proudly display it in my dinning room. It doesn't have to match perfectly for me to use it. It makes me happy when I see it to think that one of my friends spent so much time making it for me.

The thing is, Becky, I am sure your friend will appreciate every ounce of love that you put into making whatever design you choose. The design is not important really....and I don't think that you'd be forcing her into anything.

Since I am setting up my son's room for the first time, I can tell you what my experience is. I am hiring someone to paint a mural on Paul's walls, and I want it to look nice for a long time to come. I am very excited that I have a handmade gift from one of my friends to accent the design. To me, it gives the room warmth b/c it's filled with love. I have another handmade gift that one of my best friends made for Paul - it's a cross-stitched birth announcement in a frame. I probably won't hang it on the wall, but it will be placed on the shelving about his dresser.

But, there's a lot of 'store bought' gifts that I received when Paul was born that will likely never be on display. It does not mean that I don't cherish them, b/c IMO, they were given with the same love and happiness as the handmade gifts. I just simply cannot have everything out all the time - it's just not possible.

I am sure your friend will love and appreciate your gift no matter what you choose to do. What's most important is that you made it with love! Good luck and best wishes to your friend for a healthy rest of her pregnancy!