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Time has flown by since the baby shower for your friend's baby, and now it is time to have a shower for a second baby! A new, sweet spirit is about to join the world, and it's our job to say, "Welcome!"

Are we supposed to be excited? Are we supposed to throw a party? What kinds of gifts do you give the mother-to-be who already has a crib, changing table, and a diaper bag? How can we make this baby shower different from the first one?

The nice thing about a baby shower is that it is always a joyous celebration. A newborn is an affirmation of life and a rekindling of hope that will propel generations towards a better world. It does not matter whether it is the first time or the hundredth time you have seen a newborn baby, you always witness the magic of creation as if for the first time. This is the reason a second baby's shower is just as important as the firstborn's event.

The expectant mother probably has the essential baby care items already. The shower gifts for the second baby might require a bit more thought. If you are hosting a baby shower for a second baby, it would be helpful to provide guests with a list of items that the mother-to-be wants or needs. Ask the guest of honor to consider setting up a baby shower registry for the convenience of her shower guests.

Second baby gift ideas include (but are by no means limited to) the following:

• Books: have each guest bring a children's book to be the basis for the newborn's personal library.
• Diapers: you can never have too many diapers!
• Tree: assuming there is room to plant one in the baby's yard, this gift will definitely grow with the child.
• Savings Bond: it is never too soon to start saving for college.

A friend of the expectant mother generally hosts a baby shower, and the party takes place one to two months prior to the baby's birth or one to two months after the baby is born. Since the family has already started to grow, it would be appropriate to invite not only close female friends and relatives of the mother-to-be, but also their spouses and children to the party. The addition of families makes the second baby's shower that much more special.

By bringing together a group of people who already know each other well, you can focus less on baby shower games for entertainment, and simply enjoy each other's company in a relaxed atmosphere. Choose a venue that allows lots of room for the kids to play, for friends to discuss their mutual parenting challenges, and to toast their successes.

The birth of a child is magical. The wonder and excitement of a new beginning, and the peaceful feeling that all is right in the world seem to come together. We should always rejoice in a new life, whether it is the first or the second time.