I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be pregnant, much less deliver a baby, with my husband putting his life on the line in some remote location far, far away. Any kind of support would be welcome. That’s why Operation Shower is such a phenomenal endeavor. Born from an idea by cleverparents.com and lenasnotebook.com, Operation Shower organizes baby showers at military bases around the country with the help of companies and individuals who believe this is an important and meaningful way to support our troops. The most recent baby shower was held this past Saturday, December 8 at Fort Hood, TX, where more than 40 mothers of the 61st Multi-medical Battalion of the 1st Medical Brigade received supplies and gifts for their newborns or yet-to-arrive bundles of joy.
The moms got baby carriers, Army-themed pajamas, teddy bears and other toys, baby clothes, baby care supplies, blankets, DVDs and CDs, nursery decor and necessities, bath products for babies, spa items for mom–all to make the absence of dad a little less distressing. 
Along with all the great gifts, the moms were greeted by a unique baby shower favor that will come in handy around the house. “About to Hatch” Kitchen Egg Timers The egg-shaped timer twists at the bottom to countdown any interval of time from one minute to 60 minutes. The timer gift box has charming details, including a “Grade A” sticker at the top, two hens protecting an egg that reads “About to Hatch” and a sheer organza ribbon.
Spc. Amanda Lockwood came with Cadence, 2, and a baby on the way, due December 26. She said this was the first baby shower of its kind on the post. “It’s a challenge being a mom in the Army and being deployed,” Lockwood said. She also said events such as Operation Shower make it easier.
Individuals and companies from more than 25 states contributed gifts to the shower to show their support. Lena Morrisey of lenasnotebook.com says that Operation Shower’s main goal is to say “thank you” to all the moms and families of servicemen and women who take care of the homelife all over the country.
And there is no shortage of cute clothing gifts for military babies. Camo is “in”, and even newborns can have that trendy “troop” look. Hats, bibs, booties and bodysuits are out there in stylish camouflage, ala carte or in gift sets.
If you want to do something worthwhile to support our troops, I urge you to visit Operation Shower’s Web site to see how you can help. Monetary donations are welcome, too, and more funding means more baby showers for military moms throughout the US. As Maya Angelou said, “How important it is for us to recognize our heroes and our she-roes!” Operation Shower is a way to do both! 
