Random thread- for all things random.

jnnfrrose6

bullybutt said:

jnnfrrose6 said:

@bullybutt  So exciting.  Fingers crossed the offer gets accepted!

For the DCP, would she enjoy a massage/manicure/pedicure (not necessarily all three)?  Something to treat her with?

That's what I'm thinking.  She is always doing her nails while the kids play.  Maybe that and a gift card to a local restaurant.  That would be lazy easy for me.

I'm all about the lazy easy options.

My brother asked if we could stop doing gifts for each other now that we both have kids and just get gifts for our kids.  One less person/couple on my list?  Yes please.

bullybutt

jnnfrrose6 said:

bullybutt said:

jnnfrrose6 said:

@bullybutt  So exciting.  Fingers crossed the offer gets accepted!

For the DCP, would she enjoy a massage/manicure/pedicure (not necessarily all three)?  Something to treat her with?

That's what I'm thinking.  She is always doing her nails while the kids play.  Maybe that and a gift card to a local restaurant.  That would be lazy easy for me.

I'm all about the lazy easy options.

My brother asked if we could stop doing gifts for each other now that we both have kids and just get gifts for our kids.  One less person/couple on my list?  Yes please.

Oh hell yes!  I don't buy presents for anyone but the kids. Everyone in my family knows this.  Don't buy for me, I don't buy for you!

darkangel42

Apparently DD2 hates tummy time so much that she will roll FTB just to escape such torture. She's 6 months at Christmas but has something against tummy time and also rolling until just now.

Also, experienced something new on a train while BFing. A man was actively trying to see boob (he couldn't because layers) but it was weird and made me uncomfortable. He didn't stop even when I did my best face-melting glare.

Soon2BMrsN

DH wants Scotch for Christmas. I've never had it (more of a red wine girl). Can anyone rec a good, mid-range brand?

[Deleted User]

Soon2BMrsN said:

DH wants Scotch for Christmas. I've never had it (more of a red wine girl). Can anyone rec a good, mid-range brand?

Per my husband who drinks scotch:
Macallan 12 yr
Anything Balvenie
Oban (a little mossy compared to others)

These are all "highland" scotches because apparently there are different types... :-/

jnnfrrose6

Soon2BMrsN said:

DH wants Scotch for Christmas. I've never had it (more of a red wine girl). Can anyone rec a good, mid-range brand?

Just asked DH for you (he's more of a bourbon guy, but spent some time traveling in Scotland and has an appreciation for Scotch as well).  He said:

Well, I saw a single bottle of Royal Lochnegar at Greens (local liquor store for us) the other day.  It’s a little more (90 bucks), but almost impossible to find in the states. 

 After that, just pick up a 12yr Maccallan.  (sp?)  should be $40-50 bucks.  

[Deleted User]

Husbands for the win :-)

Soon2BMrsN

Thanks, ladies. I appreciate your help.

Soon2BMrsN

Okay, wait. Is the 12 year Maccallan hard to find locally? Google seems to say so. Can I buy liquor on Amazon? Partially kidding.

[Deleted User]

Soon2BMrsN said:

Okay, wait. Is the 12 year Maccallan hard to find locally? Google seems to say so. Can I buy liquor on Amazon? Partially kidding.

You can but it depends on your state. Maccallan is very popular so you shouldn't have a hard time finding it at all!

jnnfrrose6

Maccallan's shouldn't be difficult to find.  The other one my DH suggested would be harder to locate, but probably not impossible.  

nolemomma14

Just got a call that my stepmom is being taken by ambulance to the hospital. They think she had a heart attack. I'm trying to stay calm as I head to the hospital. If you ladies could please send some thoughts and prayers this way it would be greatly appreciated.

jnnfrrose6

@nolemomma14 Lots of thoughts and prayers for your stepmom!

bullybutt

nolemomma14 said:

Just got a call that my stepmom is being taken by ambulance to the hospital. They think she had a heart attack. I'm trying to stay calm as I head to the hospital. If you ladies could please send some thoughts and prayers this way it would be greatly appreciated.

Prayers for your family and stepmom!  Hope she makes a full recovery.

Soon2BMrsN

@nolemomma14‌ : T&P!

I made a few calls and found the Maccallen. Whew! Gonna go pick it up later this week.

On with your regularly scheduled bumping, ladies... Thanks again.

jnnfrrose6

I have no idea what to get my mother for Christmas.  My parents are the type who have everything they need/want and if they don't, they can get it for themselves.  They just finished a major home renovation/addition, so she's all set with new home decor.  My fall back has been salt & pepper shakers (she's collected them for 30+) years, but that collection is no joke and I've decided I'm not enabling that any more because whenever my parents go (hopefully a day far from today), I'm going to have to deal with them all.  Any suggestions?  We got my father some really neat outdoor art glass sculpture at a local craft show/festival, but I'm coming up short on ideas for mom.

[Deleted User]

Hugs @nolemomma14

[Deleted User]

jnnfrrose6 said:

I have no idea what to get my mother for Christmas.  My parents are the type who have everything they need/want and if they don't, they can get it for themselves.  They just finished a major home renovation/addition, so she's all set with new home decor.  My fall back has been salt & pepper shakers (she's collected them for 30+) years, but that collection is no joke and I've decided I'm not enabling that any more because whenever my parents go (hopefully a day far from today), I'm going to have to deal with them all.  Any suggestions?  We got my father some really neat outdoor art glass sculpture at a local craft show/festival, but I'm coming up short on ideas for mom.

Do you live close by? You could get tickets to something you could do as a family? Like Zoo passes? Or a mani/pedi gift certificate type thing?

jnnfrrose6

@iheartmyshiba We do live nearby, so that could be an option.  She gets manis/pedis regularly on her own, so while I could get her a gift certificate to cover it one time, it wouldn't really be anything "special."

She's not usually the one hard to shop for, but for some reason this year she is.  

nolemomma14

Thanks for all of the support. They don't think it was a heart attack, but are still running test to try and find the cause of the blood pressure spike. She's never had anything like that so the dr would really like to try and narrow it down. They're going to keep her for observation but she should be able to go home tomorrow. It is such a relief that she is ok!

A little humor in the midst of all of this. I got to the hospital with DS and left him in the waiting room with my brother while I went to see my stepmom. I get a text from my brother that reads "Poop everywhere, please come back"! I couldn't stop laughing. I went to the waiting room and DS had probably his biggest poosplosion so far. Out of the diaper, on his car seat and blanket. So I spent the next 20 minutes getting him cleaned up. My brothers face was priceless though!

bullybutt

jnnfrrose6 said:

I have no idea what to get my mother for Christmas.  My parents are the type who have everything they need/want and if they don't, they can get it for themselves.  They just finished a major home renovation/addition, so she's all set with new home decor.  My fall back has been salt & pepper shakers (she's collected them for 30+) years, but that collection is no joke and I've decided I'm not enabling that any more because whenever my parents go (hopefully a day far from today), I'm going to have to deal with them all.  Any suggestions?  We got my father some really neat outdoor art glass sculpture at a local craft show/festival, but I'm coming up short on ideas for mom.

Canvas pictures of your babeh!

honeybee434

I haven't been around very much because my father passed away earlier this month. I'm having a harder time than I thought I would (he's had cancer and he took a sudden turn for the worse at the end of October), and it's making me not really want to do much for Christmas which makes me extra sad since its LO's first. He was one of my best friends, so It just feels empty to not have him around. We aren't even decorating the tree this year because there hasn't been any time. Every other week for the last month I've had to make the 5 hour drive to my parents house, and then when I'm home I'm trying to play catchup on work, etc. So, now I have all of my Christmas shopping still to do. I'm hoping I can find it all on Amazon.

Is there a what did you get your LO for Christmas thread that I can't find? I need to get her some toys and I don't even know where to start. I was thinking about some blocks and baby Stella doll. She has no toys for her next growth stage so I need to get her some things to entertain her with.

jnnfrrose6

@bullybutt I think I'm going to do a custom phone case with pictures of the kids on it.  Honestly, I don't think she has anywhere to put a canvas/bigger picture of the babehs at this point.  

@honeybee434 If you have 30 min, go to target and pick up a few things in the baby/toy section  and call your self done.  If you aren't doing BLW or making your own food, get some baby food (you're going to need it anyways and your LO won't know the difference).  Get some teethers, some balls and books, and anything else that looks good while you're there.  DD is also getting some more pacifiers now that we know the brand she prefers.

For everyone else, head over to the gift card section and make it easy on yourself.  They've got a pretty good selection of gift cards for restaurants and things.  No need to add pressure to an already difficult holiday.  

nolemomma14

@honeybee434‌ I'm so sorry for your loss. T&Ps to you and your family.

We got DS a stacking toy (it has 5 rings to stack), some bowls , spoons and forks, a couple of teething toys.
You could also get some books. Agreed with PP that gift cards for everyone else will be quick and easy to get! Hope this helps.

Soon2BMrsN

honeybee434 said:

I haven't been around very much because my father passed away earlier this month. I'm having a harder time than I thought I would (he's had cancer and he took a sudden turn for the worse at the end of October), and it's making me not really want to do much for Christmas which makes me extra sad since its LO's first. He was one of my best friends, so It just feels empty to not have him around. We aren't even decorating the tree this year because there hasn't been any time. Every other week for the last month I've had to make the 5 hour drive to my parents house, and then when I'm home I'm trying to play catchup on work, etc. So, now I have all of my Christmas shopping still to do. I'm hoping I can find it all on Amazon.

Is there a what did you get your LO for Christmas thread that I can't find? I need to get her some toys and I don't even know where to start. I was thinking about some blocks and baby Stella doll. She has no toys for her next growth stage so I need to get her some things to entertain her with.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I cannot imagine losing someone so close to me right before the holidays. Big hugs.

Amazon has been a lifesaver for me this year. It's impossible to get out to shop as a SAHM of three. We got DD the fisher price laugh & learn tea set, Lamaze frank the hanky whale, and we are also planning to get a soft baby doll (Stella is one possibility), some Minnie Mouse Robeez, some new clothes, etc. Another toy that DD has loved lately is the leap frog spin & sing alphabet zoo - all of our kids have liked it from about 5 months on.

[Deleted User]

@honeybee434 I'm sorry for your loss. *hugs*

JLHV1909

honeybee434 said:

I haven't been around very much because my father passed away earlier this month. I'm having a harder time than I thought I would (he's had cancer and he took a sudden turn for the worse at the end of October), and it's making me not really want to do much for Christmas which makes me extra sad since its LO's first. He was one of my best friends, so It just feels empty to not have him around. We aren't even decorating the tree this year because there hasn't been any time. Every other week for the last month I've had to make the 5 hour drive to my parents house, and then when I'm home I'm trying to play catchup on work, etc. So, now I have all of my Christmas shopping still to do. I'm hoping I can find it all on Amazon. Is there a what did you get your LO for Christmas thread that I can't find? I need to get her some toys and I don't even know where to start. I was thinking about some blocks and baby Stella doll. She has no toys for her next growth stage so I need to get her some things to entertain her with.

@honeybee434  I am so very about your loss.  I can't even imagine, but at the same time my Granddaddy passed away on Christmas Eve in 2011.  If you don't have Amazon prime, signup for a trial membership and you can get the free two-day shipping.  

LO is getting an activity table, stride-and-ride elephant, fisher price swing, jammies, walker, and a life-time hunting and fishing license**.

**In NC, infants can get a much reduced rate on a lifetime hunting and fishing license.  After LO turns one the amount for the license increases significantly ($275 to $450).

honeybee434

Thanks ladies! I'm putting some of these ideas in my Amazon cart right now!

littlemissmarla

@Nolemomma14 T's and P's for your stepmom and family!

@honeybee434 I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard this is and it being the holidays, I hope you can find comfort and peace and remember all the beautiful memories you made with your dad.

huggabunch

@honeybee344 so sorry for your loss.

darkangel42

@honeybee344 sorry for your loss. 

For LO, how about a teether toothbrush? You get them wherever you'd buy a normal toothbrush and both DDs loved them. Made it easier to convince the big one to let me brush her teeth too. 

@nolemomma14 bit late to the ball but fingers crossed they figure out what happened and a way to make it not happen again.

Edit: you use the toothbrush like a teether/toy rather than like a toothbrush at first, in case it wasn't obvious.

Soon2BMrsN

babybell22 said:

mamalacy21 said:

I'm not usually the stabby rage type, but tonight at infant baptism class I thought I might lose it.



The teacher turned what could have been an informative 45 minute class into a 2 hour drone about his life story while the three babies in attendance took turns crying.
(Eta formatting)

Yuck! Our teacher drug it out as well... when we did ours it was during lo's bedtime so I was trying to get her to sleep and the teacher called me out on my patting of her butt ( at that time that's how she calmed down). I gave her my best stfu look as LO proceeded to fall asleep. Uh hello! I know how to put my child to bed, way to be judgy at church.

I'm confused...why would anyone call someone out for patting a baby's butt???

jnnfrrose6

Can someone explain to me an infant baptism class?  We just told the priest we'd like to baptize our DD and he gave us the next available date to do it.  We met with him for a few minutes since we were (relatively) new to the church, and then again prior to the service so everyone knew where to stand, but why do you need a full on class?

ETA I can understand a class for people getting baptized at older ages since you're declaring your intent to follow Jesus and all that and they want to be sure you get that, but for an infant?  What's the purpose?

nolemomma14

@jnnfrrose6‌ I was wondering the same thing! DS's baptism is this Sunday and we just asked the pastor if we could do it that day because family will be in town anyways for the holidays. Maybe it depends on the religion? We attend a Lutheran church.

Update on my stepmom: she was discharged this morning after they were able to stabilize her blood pressure. They still aren't sure what caused it, so she has to follow up with her primary doc for some more test, but she's doing just fine now! Thank you for all of the T&Ps and good vibes. You ladies are the best!

jnnfrrose6

mamalacy21 said:

jnnfrrose6 said:

Can someone explain to me an infant baptism class?  We just told the priest we'd like to baptize our DD and he gave us the next available date to do it.  We met with him for a few minutes since we were (relatively) new to the church, and then again prior to the service so everyone knew where to stand, but why do you need a full on class?

ETA I can understand a class for people getting baptized at older ages since you're declaring your intent to follow Jesus and all that and they want to be sure you get that, but for an infant?  What's the purpose?

It was basically a class where you learn about the meaning of all the rituals: anointing oils, blessing the water, spoken declarations... I am not Catholic so it was very informative for me. Also, godparents have to take the class to confirm that they are fully initiated into the Catholic church via baptism, confirmation, first communion, and marriage.If they are not, they can't be "official" godparents. At the end we got a certificate signed by the deacon with a fancy raised watermark. 

It is very different than the Protestant churches I was raised in, but important for us to raise DS with an understanding and sensitivity to Christianity as well as other beliefs. 

Hmmm... I'm the godmother to my cousin and she's Catholic and I didn't attend any classes  :-?

I was baptized Catholic, but raised Episcopalian after maybe going to Catholic church my first 5 years.

SuperTinkerham

honeybee434 said:

I haven't been around very much because my father passed away earlier this month. I'm having a harder time than I thought I would (he's had cancer and he took a sudden turn for the worse at the end of October), and it's making me not really want to do much for Christmas which makes me extra sad since its LO's first. He was one of my best friends, so It just feels empty to not have him around. We aren't even decorating the tree this year because there hasn't been any time. Every other week for the last month I've had to make the 5 hour drive to my parents house, and then when I'm home I'm trying to play catchup on work, etc. So, now I have all of my Christmas shopping still to do. I'm hoping I can find it all on Amazon. Is there a what did you get your LO for Christmas thread that I can't find? I need to get her some toys and I don't even know where to start. I was thinking about some blocks and baby Stella doll. She has no toys for her next growth stage so I need to get her some things to entertain her with.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

abundancenow

stellabunny said:

@nolemomma14‌ - good thoughts your way! @honeybee434 - I'm sorry for your loss.

Thinking of you both and hoping the holidays and your babies bring you joy while dealing with your situations. 

TexasGirl81

@honeybee434‌
I'm so very sorry about your father.

jnnfrrose6

mamalacy21 said:

@jnnfrrose6‌ Hmmm... I'm the godmother to my cousin and she's Catholic and I didn't attend any classes  :-?

I was baptized Catholic, but raised Episcopalian after maybe going to Catholic church my first 5 years.

************************************** It has to do with Canon Law. In official catholic terms (as far as I understand) you would be considered a representative for that child. A godparents role in the church is to help the child become a good catholic. That's why they are required to have all of the sacraments. As an episcopalian, I'm sure the rules are slightly different. Honestly it's waaay too political for my taste, but I knew what I was marrying in to. DHs parents don't actually consider our marriage to be blessed by god bc our ceremony was performed by a Protestant minister

+broken quote box+

I get that there are rules in the Catholic church for it.  I'm confused because I'm godmother to my Catholic cousin (because I was baptized Catholic even though I now go to an Episcopalian church) and it was done in her Catholic church, yet no classes were needed.  That's what's throwing me off with the whole class thing.

bullybutt

So my offer on the house was accepted and we close on January 14th.  I am going to eventually get a guard dog of sorts since my bulldog is 9+ and halfway deaf/blind.  Would it be best to find an older rescue and hope that he/she is good with kids or get a puppy that will grow with the kids? 

 

Still no word on what happened to Noah.  Ex is taking it to the grave.  My heart still hurts because that dog was the best, even considering that snapping incident.  He was such a good dog and had all the qualities that I'm now currently looking for.