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Dinika Rooy who is expecting a baby boy, says she had already given up on the idea of having a baby shower after it was cancelled when lockdown restrictions were first imposed.
"My cancelled baby shower was going to be on the 4th of April. But because of lockdown, we had to cancel everything. At least we hadn't booked any venue as we had planned to have it at my friend's place," she says.
When they cancelled the baby shower, Dinika was devastated; however she planned on using all the decorations they bought for baby shower at the baby's christening.
"My mother had sewn a dress for me for the occasion, and I decided to put it away," she shares.
Unknown to Dinika, her sister, Danila Rooy and cousin, Minette Boucher, still wanted to go ahead and do something special for her.
They created virtual invitations and sent them to Dinika's friends, who were more than excited to surprise her with a baby shower.
On the day of the occasion, Dinika woke up with an urge to dress up and wear some makeup as she didn't want to stay in her pyjamas all day. Little did she know her family was planning a surprise for her.
"At around 2 o'clock, my mom came to me and told me to go outside. I was guessing she wanted me to get some fresh air," says Dinika.
It is then that she saw a convoy of cars hooting. "I was so shocked to see my friends coming out with gifts one by one. I could not hold myself, and I wanted to hug every one of them. But my sister kept on reminding me to keep my distance."
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The neighbours also came out in numbers to watch, each standing in front of their own houses and cheering on while others took pictures, in awe of the beautiful gesture by Dinika's friends.
"When I opened the gifts after they left, I was in tears. I couldn't believe how blessed I am. They were all so beautiful, and they thought of everything I'll need for the baby's arrival. They also wrote little messages for me, and they were all so heartwarming," says Dinika,
Among the gifts, the mom-to-be received baby bottles, baby baths, clothing, winter blankets, baby shoes, a nappy bucket, and chocolates for herself.
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"They also bought a few things for my mother to motivate her because she is going to be helping me as a new mother, " says Dinika.
"My family and friends outdid themselves, and I am so grateful."
Being pregnant during lockdown isn't always easy, she says.
"I am happy that I got early leave from work, but the downside is that I have to go to all my doctor's appointments alone. Partners are not allowed to come along."
She is nonetheless is looking forward to learning about motherhood from her mother and sisters.
How have you celebrated your special events during lockdown? Tell us here.
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