May 20, 2008 — The Westwood Family Resource Center is hosting a baby shower Wednesday, May 28 at 10:30a.m. and staff is asking the community to get involved. That’s because the first-time mom, Brandie Tucker, is having triplets. “The purpose of having a shower for this young mom is to get a lot of backing because with triplets it is three times the work,” said Elizabeth Krier, executive director for the WFRC.

The shower is part of the Mystery Baby Shower program where identity of the guest of honor is kept from those attending until she is introduced at the party. However, this time the new mom is being introduced in advance because she will need three of everything in most cases.

Gifts at these showers are given by community members and agencies to show care and support for the new mom and to give the child a good start in life.

Tucker said she wanted to be introduced in advance of the shower because she could use as much help as possible, having three babies.

“I figured I might even make some friends in the process. Someone to keep me company while I am at home taking care of the babies,” said Tucker.

Krier added that forming friendships with young moms is helpful because they can provide helpful hints on raising children.

Friends and family members have gathered around Tucker and given showers but many items are still needed. She plans to use a large crib for all three babies as newborns and does not yet have that piece of equipment. A changing table is another larger item she could use.

Although she has a dresser full of clothes, they are always useful and she could use baby socks and blankets. She has a few disposal diapers but will need many more. According to Krier, she discovered by doing a little Internet research, that triplets will go through 8,100 diapers in 36 months. The WFRC plans to do a diaper drive, placing collection boxes at various business locations and at the center office on Birch Street across from the Westwood Senior Center.

Krier said items such as baby shampoo or diaper wipes make good gifts as well.

Once the babies are born, Tucker and the father of the triplets, Pat Voboril, can take parenting classes through the WFRC. Also the center has a Thursday morning mom’s group that meet. Pathways, a Lassen County agency, offers home visits to help new parents with their parenting skills, said Krier.

Tucker said her doctor has said that her pregnancy is going well so far and she is taking good care of the babies, two boys and a girl. Although the triplets are not due until September, Tucker only has three to five weeks to prepare for their arrival. That is because she will spend the last few months of her pregnancy in a Reno hospital to help ensure the babies are not born too soon.

The shower will be held at the WFRC conference room located next to Fletcher Walker Elementary at 5th and Delwood streets. For more information contact the WFRC at 256-3706.