I have two today: 1. I don't think kids need over-the-top birthday parties each year. Sorry boys, but you're not getting bounce houses and bubble parties each year. Cake and pizza with family will do most years. 2. I drives me BATTY when people say their husband/father of their kids/partner will "watch" their kids for them to do something. Nope. They're just parenting.
@MRDCle I don’t think 2 is a UO. Also, I totally agree with the birthday thing. DH and I agreed to only do milestone birthdays. Otherwise, just family and cake!
My UO is that I love baths. I love them more than showers. It’s literally the only time I get to relax. Most people think it’s dirty, but I rinse off first, so idc. Lol
@midwestmommy90 I think I would enjoy baths more if our bathtub was bigger. I feel like I can't get enough of my body under water like, my shoulders and boobs are out. And it's not like I'm a tall/larger person.
@MRDCle that’s how I feel when ppl say a spouse will “babysit.” We use the word “watch” all the time though. I’ll tell ppl, “oh I’m watching E so husband can do xyz” and vice versa. I think it’s just colloquial? But I’m 100% with you on the fact that watching your kid is really just parenting!! We will also say “oh yeah, I’ve got the kid” or ask eachother, “whose watching him?! Am I or are you?!” Lol
@mrdcle 100% agree about the dad "babysitting" their own child. Nope. I was out on my own last weekend and a friend asked me where the kids were. At home with their father....? Another friend answered with "Oh that's nice of him." Um nope, that's his responsibility.
Me: 31 H: 36 L & N twin girls: 3yo. Born at 30 weeks. 2 month NICU stay BFP Aug 2018: EDD April 2019
I don't understand JoJo Bows. Or any big, obnoxious "the same size as your face" bows. My daughter wears bows and they're super cute...but there is a such thing as too much imo
Also, same on co-parenting. We use the word "watch" because it fits, but we both "watch" the kids. We basically use the words to transfer responsibility for their safety Like "I need to go pee. Are you watching xyz?" or "I need to stick laundry in the washer. Do you have the kids?"
@midwestmommy90 I love baths, but always drain the tub and do a quick shower rinse off afterwards. (i know, i know, the environment weeps for my horrible misuse of water) When i had lived somewhere with enough hot water to actually take a bath, they were few and far between.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
As a person who hates human interaction, I think it’s ridiculous that so many jobs are being replaced by computers. I don’t want to order my sandwich on a tablet at the actual establishment. I also don’t want to self checkout and bag my groceries. Even though I hate small talk with random people, I think it’s necessary. Plus my grocery stores hire a lot of mentally disabled people to bag the groceries and they are always in such a damn great mood that it makes me happy for the rest of the day.
Mobile orders at coffee shops should also be banned. Janet can wait like everyone else to get her 8 lattes for whatever she is doing.
@harveyisaboysname I actually love the mobile ordering and self checkout and all that. I don't mind talking to people but if i know exactly what i want or have 2 things to pick up it's great. I use the Panera app to do rapid pick up all the time. I also have used the tablets most of them have set up inside the restaurants now. Also the chick-fil-a near my work is a mad house at lunch time, and it's no nice to be able to order ahead of time and have it ready damn near when i get there vs waiting in line for 20 min and then however long for my order.
I don't know if it's because i've been a cashier and am super comfortable with register formats but i love them even if they are usually a bit slow. I'm also a huge techie.
Although it seriously annoys me when self checks have an item limit and people disregard it. Or don't read the signs that state what you cannot buy at them and try it anyways. Like duh you can't buy booze at self check, that's freaking common sense and it's posted all over, yet they still try.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
@thatbaintforbetty I love any mobile ordering or self check out that makes my life easier too. But I agree it’s so annoying when people have 20+ items for a 10/12 item limit, it’s just rude to the other customers imo.
@MRDCle ugh probably one of my biggest pet peeves when spouses say they are “babysitting”. DH doesn’t use it but I swear everyone in his family does. Even when I go to work they say “oh is DH babysitting tonight” Umm no he’s staying home with the kids like a parent does
I don't like ordering things on tablets because so many people touch them. It's just eww to me. I also don't do a lot of mobile ordering because I don't think it saves time. I do, however, use Walmart Grocery Pickup. That's the $h!t
@mrdcle sorry kids, you aren’t getting bounce houses for a birthday party ever. But you can choose what we’re having for dinner and the type/flavor of dessert.
@mariposa_767s ha, we also use “watch/have” as words to transfer responsibility for safety!
@harveyisaboysname agreed on self check out. But I really like working through my options on the tablet at Wawa...just saying. And it is way more frequently accurate than when I say “no mayo” anywhere else.
I looooooove ordering online. I'm not a regular coffee drinker, but on a morning when I'm exhausted and running late, being able to order Starbucks on my phone while I'm dropping my son off at daycare, then swing through and pick it up on my way to work has been such a freaking lifesaver. If I had to wait in line I'd miss teaching, and since I only get coffee on days when I'm really desperate, my students would definitely suffer on those days. I have also made liberal use of ordering groceries online. Stuff like that is a working-mom's savior.
Ok, this isn't a UO but a pet peeve (spurred by check-out comments). Why, oh why, are there SO many check outs dedicated to 15 items or less and like 1 or 2 regular check outs at the grocery store? So I have to wait in one line only with a ton of stuff behind everyone else that has a ton of stuff - meanwhile the 15 items or less check outs are empty. And then there are the instances when the person working the 15 items or less check out tells me to come to hers and I feel guilty because what if someone with the correct amount of items comes to wait in line behind me? I'll get the stink eye, but I swear, they TOLD me to go into that aisle! It's funny more than anything, but it still drives me bonkers!
@harveyisaboysname I kinda agree- the only ordering apps I use are things like seamless/grubhub, where I would call in instead (and maybe be misheard in the process). But for a coffee? Hell naw. Self checkouts should max out at like 3 items.
I hate hate hate department stores. Too many crummy choices, no consistency, and they’re usually *so* disorganized and chaotic. They can be helpful when you want to try on a lot of brands (hello bra shopping) but the experience is generally hellish. The only one I can really stand is Nordstrom, but they’re pretty expensive so I rarely go in
I agree with the big birthday parties. We were talking about parties at my in laws and my SIL asked what we wanted to do for the baby’s first birthday. 1) this child hasn’t even been born yet?? 2) we are going to go out to dinner and maybe have a cake. That’s it. We’d rather save that money for a fun day as a family instead of spending it all on other people’s entertainment.
Oh man, I love self check-outs. I feel guilty about it sometimes, but seriously they are the best.
DD didn't have a birthday party until her 5th, and even then it was just a glorified playdate with friends & snacks. Before that we just went to a museum or the zoo for a special day trip. I love celebrating & making her feel special on her birthday, but big parties are probably not going to happen here, tbh. We are low-key people.
I think I talked about this before. But my son is having his 4th birthday party soon and I’m so excited! He gets to have 2 friends from school plus all our families are coming. I’m getting really excited for it! We are having a donut “cake” and snacks and a huge cheese and charcuterie plate for the adults. I think I’m going to call this week about a bounce house just for fun. I'm not usually much of a party person but I’m actually getting excited to do this for him!
@professormama I remember you mentioning that once before and thinking it sounded like the best party ever! Especially the charcuterie board, haha.
aww thanks! It's going to be fun and EASY! I magically snagged a free wheel of Mt. Tam cheese from cowgirl creamery too, which is my favorite cheese in the world. It's going to be front and center of that cheese board. I might have spent more time planning my cheese board than anything else about the party...
I think I talked about this before. But my son is having his 4th birthday party soon and I’m so excited! He gets to have 2 friends from school plus all our families are coming. I’m getting really excited for it! We are having a donut “cake” and snacks and a huge cheese and charcuterie plate for the adults. I think I’m going to call this week about a bounce house just for fun. I'm not usually much of a party person but I’m actually getting excited to do this for him!
See this doesn't seem like exactly what I mean. Family and he picks two friends isn't like WHOA. We got invited to a birthday party last weekend for a kid I have met once (her second birthday). I have seen her mom (a not-so-close-anymore friend) once in the past year and we may text every 6 weeks or so IF THAT. I don't know, maybe I'm just tired of being invited to parties for kids I have very little relationship with haha.
@wildcosmiclove I always take DS1s birthday off and we go to a museum or the zoo and get a special breakfast out, so we do celebrate and it's really nice to have that one on one time with him. I'm actually a little worried because I'm going to be HUGE pregnant this year so I'm not sure exactly what we'll do, but thankfully it's a Saturday so I'll make sure DH gets that day off so we can do something as a fam.
Also - mobile ordering/online ordering is great. By the time I can get DS1 out of bed in the mornings and dropped off, I have a very limited window of time to make it to pick up Starbs (on the rare occasion I get it) so if I had to wait in line or the drive-thru I would never make it to work on time. Same thing with lunch orders - we only get 30 minutes for lunch, so waiting for my Panera or Chipotle would eat up my entire lunch break.
I remember my UO that I’d forgotten as soon as I saw the thread. I can’t stand all the grey/hyper-neutral and minimalist nurseries that I see in catalogs right now. Like... it’s a kid’s room, why do you want it to be a full extension of an impractical and 100% adult-focused style? I get not wanting to paint a room a day-glo color or turn it into Nickelodeon themes, but... give the baby/toddler some cheery colors and something interesting to look at. Such a blah trend.
@professormama, I did have a big party for my son's first, and since then, we've just done something small for the 3 of us (he's an only child). but for his 4th a couple months ago, he kept asking for a party, so I had to make some last minute plans (& spend a ridiculous amount of $ on cheap decorations) to fulfill his expectation. b/c we don't have friends w/ kids, we just invited one of his friends from his soccer team, and a few of our adult friends. but he had a blast, and I'm glad that we did it, b/c I'm pretty sure this is the first birthday party he'll actually remember. and I'm glad that I was able to give him that memory.
+1 to cheese board! I love that DD is still young enough that parties are still as much about the adults as the kids. We always do a champagne cocktail bar and it's my favorite thing to plan, mostly because I'm not that great at cake.
My UO is that I think blue jeans are weird. I basically woke up one morning and was like, "Blue does NOT actually go with everything, and that fabric is stiff and uncomfortable." Then I imagined how insane the future is going to think the past 50 years of fashion are, when everyone wore weird ugly farm pants. I've kind of never been able to unsee it since. :P
I might be the minority here, but I love throwing birthday parties for my son. We never do anything super expensive, we either host at our house or have a party at the gymnastics center where I work (hello, free things!). I went to school for baking and pastry arts, so I love making a cake or cupcakes in whatever theme my son picks that year. Our family is also huge, so most of the time it ends up being mostly my family and a few friends with kids his age.
Also, props to the cheese board and champagne ideas. Those are parties I would want to go to.
I'm actually stressing about DS's birthday this year because my due date is five days before DS's 5th birthday. I don't want the baby to eclipse him or make him feel forgotten, so I'm trying to decide if we do something a month early (and hope I don't go early!) or wait and do it after babe is here. Any suggestions, mamas?
Yeah I meant more like, huge blow-outs parties with live entertainment and stuff. Like, reptile shows and inviting every person you ever did meet. They just end up seeming more about how much money/time you can spend on it than actually enjoying time with your kid and family/close friends.
Except these champagne and cheese parties. Those I will attend even if I've never met your kid.
@MRDCle, totally agree there. That Sweet Sixteen show on MTV used to make me ill. Why spend so much money on one freaking day when you could save it or buy something useful or donate to charities? Ick. I'm also the type of person that would rather spend money on a vacation or save it for emergencies than a one day wedding (our wedding was under 5 grand, thanks to some awesome connections).
@kangstadt Can you put another adult in charge of making sure the party happens whenever you schedule it, in case baby comes early? Someone your DS trusts? As far as timing, I would go super early on the party. Like February.
Also, it might become an issue every year that your children have birthdays at the same time. I've heard of celebrating half birthdays when the real birthday falls on Christmas or someone else's birthday. That won't help you this year, though.
I have tentative reservations in Santa Cruz for DDs bday next year. It's late July so hopefully we'll be able to do it, we really just have a plan to hang out at the beach the whole time and with proper shade and what not it shouldn't be too difficult with a 3 month old. I would much rather go do something fun then throw a big party, granted we don't have a ton of family so big parties aren't really a reality for us. My parents and sister usually end up coming when we do trips for her bday. Partly to celebrate and partly because it's a fun weekend or day away.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
My UO: I don't like flowy, billowy pregnancy clothes. That might be because I'm about 5 feet tall though. I like the body hugging under the bottom of the bump to show that it's really a baby bump and definition between bust and bump, so I'm not just a blob of shapeless fabric. Also, I've never been pregnant before this so I'm leaving my mind open to changing how I feel about clothing in the third trimester.
My UO: I don't like flowy, billowy pregnancy clothes. That might be because I'm about 5 feet tall though. I like the body hugging under the bottom of the bump to show that it's really a baby bump and definition between bust and bump, so I'm not just a blob of shapeless fabric. Also, I've never been pregnant before this so I'm leaving my mind open to changing how I feel about clothing in the third trimester.
I rarely wear anything flowy when pregnant, except like, a cardigan but that's with a fitted shirt underneath.
@kangstadt I agree with @loveanddatadriven and would have the party early. You never know how you might be feeling/healing after birth. Both of my kids are summer babies and I had my DS about 1 month before my DDs birthday party. It was a small/medium size party at a park with friends and family but I felt awful and just wanted to sit down the entire time and not have to entertain. The only amusing part of the whole party was watching H run around like a chicken with its head cut off im awful. My kids have joint birthday parties. It seems to work for now as they are only 3 and 6. We also don't do anything expensive. Usually pizza and cake, friends and family.
My UO is that I think blue jeans are weird. I basically woke up one morning and was like, "Blue does NOT actually go with everything, and that fabric is stiff and uncomfortable." Then I imagined how insane the future is going to think the past 50 years of fashion are, when everyone wore weird ugly farm pants. I've kind of never been able to unsee it since. :P
@loveanddatadriven and @snowhite12, thanks for the input! I'll see if I can find someone to help potentially take over some of it if I'm incapacitated, haha. February seems so early for an April birthday though! It would definitely mean having it at our house would be out, we don't have the entertaining space inside and usually host outside with a canopy.
Re: UO - 11/8
1. I don't think kids need over-the-top birthday parties each year. Sorry boys, but you're not getting bounce houses and bubble parties each year. Cake and pizza with family will do most years.
2. I drives me BATTY when people say their husband/father of their kids/partner will "watch" their kids for them to do something. Nope. They're just parenting.
My UO is that I love baths. I love them more than showers. It’s literally the only time I get to relax. Most people think it’s dirty, but I rinse off first, so idc. Lol
H: 36
L & N twin girls: 3yo. Born at 30 weeks. 2 month NICU stay
BFP Aug 2018: EDD April 2019
Also, same on co-parenting. We use the word "watch" because it fits, but we both "watch" the kids. We basically use the words to transfer responsibility for their safety
DS1 is 7. DD is 1. DS2 is coming in late April.
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Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
My ex-husband is currently 15-20k behind in child support yet I’m still forced to send my kids with him every other weekend.
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Mobile orders at coffee shops should also be banned. Janet can wait like everyone else to get her 8 lattes for whatever she is doing.
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
@MRDCle ugh probably one of my biggest pet peeves when spouses say they are “babysitting”. DH doesn’t use it but I swear everyone in his family does. Even when I go to work they say “oh is DH babysitting tonight” Umm no he’s staying home with the kids like a parent does
DS1 is 7. DD is 1. DS2 is coming in late April.
@mariposa_767s ha, we also use “watch/have” as words to transfer responsibility for safety!
@harveyisaboysname agreed on self check out. But I really like working through my options on the tablet at Wawa...just saying. And it is way more frequently accurate than when I say “no mayo” anywhere else.
DS1 is 7. DD is 1. DS2 is coming in late April.
I hate hate hate department stores. Too many crummy choices, no consistency, and they’re usually *so* disorganized and chaotic. They can be helpful when you want to try on a lot of brands (hello bra shopping) but the experience is generally hellish. The only one I can really stand is Nordstrom, but they’re pretty expensive so I rarely go in
DD didn't have a birthday party until her 5th, and even then it was just a glorified playdate with friends & snacks. Before that we just went to a museum or the zoo for a special day trip. I love celebrating & making her feel special on her birthday, but big parties are probably not going to happen here, tbh. We are low-key people.
I'm not usually much of a party person but I’m actually getting excited to do this for him!
@wildcosmiclove I always take DS1s birthday off and we go to a museum or the zoo and get a special breakfast out, so we do celebrate and it's really nice to have that one on one time with him. I'm actually a little worried because I'm going to be HUGE pregnant this year so I'm not sure exactly what we'll do, but thankfully it's a Saturday so I'll make sure DH gets that day off so we can do something as a fam.
Also - mobile ordering/online ordering is great. By the time I can get DS1 out of bed in the mornings and dropped off, I have a very limited window of time to make it to pick up Starbs (on the rare occasion I get it) so if I had to wait in line or the drive-thru I would never make it to work on time. Same thing with lunch orders - we only get 30 minutes for lunch, so waiting for my Panera or Chipotle would eat up my entire lunch break.
I remember my UO that I’d forgotten as soon as I saw the thread. I can’t stand all the grey/hyper-neutral and minimalist nurseries that I see in catalogs right now. Like... it’s a kid’s room, why do you want it to be a full extension of an impractical and 100% adult-focused style? I get not wanting to paint a room a day-glo color or turn it into Nickelodeon themes, but... give the baby/toddler some cheery colors and something interesting to look at. Such a blah trend.
My UO is that I think blue jeans are weird. I basically woke up one morning and was like, "Blue does NOT actually go with everything, and that fabric is stiff and uncomfortable." Then I imagined how insane the future is going to think the past 50 years of fashion are, when everyone wore weird ugly farm pants. I've kind of never been able to unsee it since. :P
Also, props to the cheese board and champagne ideas. Those are parties I would want to go to.
I'm actually stressing about DS's birthday this year because my due date is five days before DS's 5th birthday. I don't want the baby to eclipse him or make him feel forgotten, so I'm trying to decide if we do something a month early (and hope I don't go early!) or wait and do it after babe is here. Any suggestions, mamas?
Except these champagne and cheese parties. Those I will attend even if I've never met your kid.
Also, it might become an issue every year that your children have birthdays at the same time. I've heard of celebrating half birthdays when the real birthday falls on Christmas or someone else's birthday. That won't help you this year, though.
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Both of my kids are summer babies and I had my DS about 1 month before my DDs birthday party. It was a small/medium size party at a park with friends and family but I felt awful and just wanted to sit down the entire time and not have to entertain.
The only amusing part of the whole party was watching H run around like a chicken with its head cut off
My kids have joint birthday parties. It seems to work for now as they are only 3 and 6. We also don't do anything expensive. Usually pizza and cake, friends and family.