L-r: Jonathan (brother), me (uncle), Tom and Paula, someone else, DJ (Stu and Joyce's foster son), Dad (soon-to-be great-grandpa), Benjamin (brother), Stu (soon-to-be-grandpa).

This afternoon I attended my first baby shower. Yes, a co-ed baby shower.

It was for Paula Merkle, my niece (my brother Stu's daughter). She's a bit on the unconventional side, at least thinking-wise, and evidently didn't want to exclude her three brothers. They're all close, and I'm sure she figured any event is more fun when her brothers are involved. As it turned out, oldest brother Curt had to work, but Ben and Jonathan were there. And, of course, her supremely beloved Uncle Steve.

Tom and Paula were married two years ago, and live near Convoy, Ohio. Tom is an electrician in Van Wert, and Paula manages "The Bridge," a Christian bookstore in Van Wert. Paula is a very aggressive volleyball player. Tom is...tall.

I, of course, held certain reservations about attending a baby shower. Like: games. Or, as women who attend baby showers normally say, "stupid games" or "silly games." While these games may ultimately produce some laughs, I deeply doubt that women head off to baby showers excited about the games. I'm certain Pam doesn't. The games are something they must endure. Something they mindlessly feel must be done, else it's not a real baby shower.

I suspect that husband Tom, Stu, or the collective brothers vetoed the games. "If I have to play silly games, I'm not coming," I can see any of them threatening. On the other hand, I don't see Paula being particularly excited about games, either. And she would be one to question tradition. "Is there anything in the Bible that demands that you have games at a baby shower?" she might ask.

So there were eight guys at this shower. I don't know if we ruined the event for the ladies. Or maybe, without the games, they too found it tolerable and less stressful.

Actually, since Paula's having a boy, guys SHOULD be there. Don't you think?

In fact, perhaps the whole baby shower concept needs a remake with a male twist. If guys were in charge of planning a baby shower, it would look something like this:

• No games.
• More food, but nothing homemade. Instead: lots of pizza delivered.
• Money, instead of gifts. Except maybe for a super-soaker, for when the kid is 7.
• No Hallmark cards. Absolutely not.
  
• A televised football game playing in the corner.
• Okay, the women can bring dessert. We need dessert.
• Random burping and grunting.
• Nothing pink or baby blue in sight.
• In fact, no decorations whatsoever.
• Boisterousness.

Would that be so bad?