Again, you can do anything you like, as long as it coordinates with what couple wants. If you will be host, take this opportunity to use your imagination, borrow ideas, and allow creative juices to flow. You want baby shower to be enjoyable, full of laughter, and a memorable occasional regardless of theme. The following are a few popular recommendations:

SUPPERTIME

Typically, a baby shower consists of games, food, and presents. However, why not take idea one-step further by including frozen dinners, preferably homemade. If couple has room, have each guest bring something that can be frozen or is already frozen.

Whether shower is before or after birth of baby, this means couple does not have to spend tired nights trying to cook. Instead, they can simply pull out one of frozen dinners, pop it in oven or microwave, and in a short time, have a nutritious homemade meal.

You would be amazed at how much this sentiment is appreciated. Just be sure everyone labels food with name, date, and any cooking instructions. Finally, if possible, try to provide some meal ideas for guests so they know what types of food couple enjoys. By offering a little guidance, this will also help reduce chance of duplication.

IOU

This theme baby shower is not only fun but also a tremendous help to both expectant mother and father. With this, every guest would bring a handwritten, signed, and dated IOU that would provide a service after birth of baby. Similar to task coupons, mother can call upon IOU when needed and family member of friend complies. Some of things you would expect to see include:

Send postcards from everywhere. It makes younger children look forward to your next trip and reminds your spouse that you are thinking of him or her.

Use your frequent flier miles for family. My family knows that long trips mean many miles to apply to great summer vacations. This helps them see positive side of my time away.

Be home when you are home. When I had a non-traveling job, I would leave for office at 6am and return at 11pm . The funny thing is that I called that 'being home'. When I started traveling, I knew a change was needed. I scheduled breakfast with each of my two children each week at our favorite bagel shop. It was great one-on-one time and ensured that they did not get lost in post-trip paperwork. I actually spend more high-value time with family now than I did before.

Don't whine! Your family doesn't want to hear about your delayed flights and bad hotels and you don't need to rerun it in your mind. Tell them about good stuff and you'll all feel better about it, too.

Marry right person. Gina and I have been married for over 25 years and her friends think she's nuts for 'letting me do all that travel'. Fortunately, Gina is an independent type who enjoys her time alone and takes advantage of my time away.

Bring a little home with you. I have my favorite picture of family on background in my laptop. Every time I turn it on, they are there.