CAMP HUMPHREYS -- There was nothing to cry about April 20 when the Army Community Service New Parent Support Program hosted its annual Garrison Baby Shower event in the Humphreys Community Fitness Center. New Parent Support was joined by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in hosting the event.
The event opened with a welcome from Roynell Frank Luo, the New Parent Support Program manager, and was followed by a class on "Breathing Emergencies," basic CPR, and what to do if a baby is choking by Ebony Bradley, from Red Cross. This was followed by Chief Warrant Officer 3Unsuk Carlton conducting an entertaining introduction to the Korean language.
The shower was not only an event filled with creative games, but it was also very informative. There were tables of information for the moms-to-be, including Relocation and Military Life Consultants, New Parent Support Programs, Employment Readiness, EDIS, WIC Overseas, Legal Services, the OB Clinic, Health Promotion and Financial Readiness.
The games included a diaper changing race, where baby dolls were placed on the table with a "dirty diaper" courtesy of French's Classic Yellow Mustard. The first person who properly cleansed and correctly placed a diaper on the newborn, won the event. There was also a table were men could wear a suit that helped them understand what it was like to be seven or eight months pregnant. "I think the event was really fun" said Addie Jurgens, a mother of two. "I've never been to an event like this, so it is different."
"It's like that family away from home, that gives you that love and support while you are overseas," said Staff Sgt. Chelsea Gallaway, assigned to B Company 532nd Military Intelligence Battalion, who is a married, active duty Soldier and soon-to-be mom of twins. "I think it's a very good opportunity for parents just starting out, new parents, and parents that have kids."
But the Baby Shower wasn't just for the ladies. There were plenty of activities for the men to get involved as well. "It's good information," said 1st Lt. Mark Anderson, assigned to D Company 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion. "It's crazy to see stuff that we never learned for the first one (child). This information is even good for second time parents."
There were "Rules of Engagement" as participants were informed on how they could earn blue tickets. The blue tickets could be turned in to get gifts. Everyone who registered received a red ticket, which was entered into a raffle. Items that parents could trade in their blue tickets for were baby bibs, bottles and baby clothes. The big ticket items included a baby playpen, strollers, breast pumps and diaper cakes.
"Our goal was for every attendee to leave here with a gift for their newborn," said Jaynene Smith, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Asian Specific state director. "We also wanted them to receive the information that is available to them in Area III. We tailor each baby shower we participate in to the specific community and that is why we partner with the local ACS."
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