About 7 months ago, my nephew’s best friend and his (best friend’s) girlfriend found themselves unexpectedly pregnant. They weren’t happy about this. I’ve known Chris (the friend) for many years. I told them that if they dediced they didn’t want the baby, I’d be glad to raise it. I know - this sounds sort of strange, but I’ve known Chris (the friend) for several years, through my nephew. He knows how I helped raise my niece and nephew, although I have no kids of my own. And though it sounds funny, we’re both animal lovers and he knows how I care for my animals and knows I’d take care of a child just as well, I guess. For months Chris and Amanda were planning on me as a backup, because neither of them felt ready to be a parent.
When the ultrasound came and they found out the baby was a boy, they started to get excited. I guess he felt real to them at that point. Then the baby’s grandparents started getting excited, too. It was the first boy grandchild on both sides. I continued to make it known that I was there for them if they needed me, but no pressure - whatever they chose to do was okay.
The baby was born last week. He’s still in the hospital - he was born severely anemic (Amanda had a problem with anemia throughout her pregnancy) and he’s had to have several transfusions. I never counted on having this baby, although I’d’ve loved and cared for him if I did. I can’t say I had my hopes set on it - it was just something I was ready for in case it happened. Chris and Amanda love him, which is most important. It’s clear now that they intend to keep him and I find myself faced with a bit of a sense of loss. I just feel sort of strange.
So - what should I buy as a baby present?
StG
Wow. Considering that you still might end up raising the child and the investment you have in this I’d suggest setting up a savings account for college.
That would show that you are still commited to the child and his future.
And congrats!
I’m not great on gift advice, but it would be nice for you to let them know that you are still there for them, and that you’d be willing to baby-sit anytime! As first-time parents, I’m sure they’d appreciate that as much as any gift.
Winston: The kids? We treat 'em like dogs.
SmithWife: We treat the dogs really good, though.
heh. sorry.
I think that’s pretty cool of you. I’ve got friends that have a similar arrangement. Family is more than blood, as far as I’m concerned. slight hijack: I grew up in a pretty big family where my uncles were like fathers to me, and my aunts and granny were like mothers. Of course, I already had a mother and father, so what it really amounted to was there were about 10 people always at the ready to tan my ass when I misbehaved! 
good luck! And as far as a gift? A nice blankie might be welcome. And of course you can *never]/i] have enough onesies.
Good luck!
winston
Our usual gift for newborns is a bundle of two dozen white washcloths. My brother and his wife had twins. They got four dozen.
StGermain Yes, that must feel strange. It’s very nice of you to make that offer and I’m sure they’ll continue to appreciate your friendship. You sound like a very nice person.
One of my favorite baby gifts is a gift certificate to a nice restaurant accompanied by an offer to baby-sit while the new parents go out. It’s a nice way to give the new parents some couple time since that disappears when kids enter the picture. I usually throw in an inexpensive something for baby too.
Not quite sure about the gifts, because I’m sure they’ve already got a crib and baby chair, and that the excited grandparents bought everything else they’re going to need months ago. I do like the idea of the savings plan. Not to sound too untrustworthy, though, if it’s a bond or something that can’t be used for a few years, that’s probably best.
Congratulations, by the way. Offering to raise this kid was a great and wonderfuly selfless thing to do. It’s nice to know people still do stuff like that these days. you’re a good man, Charlie Brown.