Congratulations!!!!! What joyous news!!!!! My mother did not react with enthusiasm to the news of #3. She made a sound that I can't describe, then said , "Oh honey, I'm sorry!" I think she just couldn't imagine anyone being happy about a late in life baby. She got over it and loves the baby.

I had youngest when I was 43.5! One year in, here is what I can tell you. I have difficult pregnancies, but this was my easiest pregnancy. The energy issue is physically harder, but emotionally easier. I have a much greater sense that the really physically draining part is for a season, and the older I get, the faster time seems to fly by. Older DS adores younger (they are nine years apart), and watching their relationship blossom has been a peak experience in my life. DD doesn't like babies and small children very much. She loves the baby but isn't very involved with him. I think she will take an interest in him when he is four or five, and she will be like a spoiling aunt. Logistics can be challenging, sometimes I feel pulled in different directions, and like no one is getting their fair share of me. That's how it feels on a really bad day. Mostly, it's like we have a cuddly, full time comedian at all of our activities and events. Youngest is precious, and our family did not feel complete without him. I did not expect him to be like either of his siblings, and I did not expect to feel the way I felt in my twenties and thirties. Youngest brings his own special joy (and mayhem!). I don't know if I will homeschool youngest. We will cross that bridge when we come to it.

We use Master for young boys. I used to love being Mrs. Hisfirstname Hislastname, now I prefer Ms. Myfirstname Hislastname. Sometimes, I fantasize about taking my last name back, but I don't want to have a different name than my children. Children often call me Miss Myfirstname because our last name is long and a bit tricky.

Congratulations! My son goes to a primitive skills school once a week, he is going to be very impressed!

Was the doll wearing yoga pants?

The coordinator sounds controlling. Kid B should keep and enjoy his *gift* with a clear conscience. I would politely, but firmly, tell coordinator that manager gave the gift with full knowledge of Kid B's unfinished project, and that I would be very rude indeed to interfere. The implication, of course, is that coordinator would also be rude to interfere. If you can raise one eyebrow, this would be a great time to deploy it.

This is beyond shocking! Your poor mama!

Elderberry syrup, then orange juice with as much minced, raw garlic as I can stand. It's not AS horrifying as it sounds.

Prayed for Frank, Elaine, and your whole family.

First, thank you all so much for your great advice. I decided to go for the layers! I froze the cake while I shopped, cut three 4" layers, then crumb coated (!!!!!!). I snuck back into the kitchen later to finish frosting. I don't think I let the Greek yogurt drain quite long enough; the frosting was a bit runny, but not fatally so. Everyone LOVED the little cake thought it was adorable. The baby ate about half the cake! Everyone was cheerful, delighted, and delightful to host, even the 20% that aren't usually like that. It was fun! But how did my tiny baby turn into a one year old? Thanks for the class recommendations, they are on my wish list!

I have wanted to take a cake decorating class forever, it is definitely on the to do list! Right now I'm waiting for LO to stop nursing so I can make a last minute grocery run & finish up his cake. I'm leaning heavily towards the smaller, layered smash cake. We are three hours and fifteen minutes from guest arrival. Guest composition as follows: 60% Happy, cheerful, appreciative no matter what 20% Unpredictable 20% Crabby, disapproving, and all knowing

That's life changing. Oh. My. Goodness!

I'd never even heard of smash cakes until my caboose came along! Back in ancient times with DD and DS 1 they just had a slice. Actually, DD was so long ago that cake hadn't been invented. She had to walk uphill both ways to her party and eat whatever game her cave daddy smashed😉

Oh, freezing! Yes! I've bought frozen layers before, but totally didn't realize I had the power of freezing. Kind of a ruby slippers thing! ETA: Crumb coat? What is this crumb coat of which you speak?

If it tastes half as good as the aroma wafting through my house, it will be delicious! Let me know how yours turns out! I think I really like the idea of the smash cake, I just fear cutting the layer, I don't know why.

I've just baked this first birthday cake from the hellobee blog: http://www.hellobee.com/2013/04/29/diy-healthy-smash-cake/ I didn't have the 5" pans, and didn't buy them as intended (time SHRUNK, really). I baked it in a single round layer, 8" or 9", who can say? It looks and smells lovely. For my next feat of last minute hostessing, should I use a cutter to make little rounds, ending up with a petite layer cake as in the blog? It won't be 5", but I don't think the baby needs 5". I could frost the leftover bits like petits fours so that guests could also try Baby's cake. I do like the look of the small cake. So adorable! I could also make a second large layer and just serve baby a slice. There is another cake, chocolate of course, for everyone else. I've had two grandparents and one parent in the hospital this last week, I haven't slept in a year, and I am like a deer in the headlights with this cake! I need the Hive to rescue me from indecision!

Many compliments that come my way are immediately followed by "for a mom," or, "for your age." 😉

Bear in the Big Blue House and bribery. We are strict with screen time, but around this age we allowed Bear, and the potty episode is amazing. If you can get your hands on a few episodes (so it's not like a broken record) it's a big help. DD wanted a particular item (I won't name it to protect her privacy). She was an unusual little 2.5 year old, and she understood that if she consistently pooped in the potty, she'd get that item. DS received M&Ms to "celebrate." He was also 2.5. I stuck to positivity, encouragement, and no pressure. I tried to make pooping in a pull up a total non event. Your dd reminds me of another little girl I knew years ago. One day she asked her mother to take her to the store for panties. She said she was ready for pottying and would no longer use pull ups. They bought panties, and that was it! She was under 3, but I think older than 2.5.

I'm usually at least halfway finished by this time. This year? Not one gift. I blame homeschooling with a baby.

I'm changing my vote. Now that I see it, and it's not really a Victorian, I think you could probably be happy in this house. Where is the primary happiness suck for you? The kitchen?

(((Sheryl))) I am so sorry for your loss.

Prayed for all of you.

Does the indulgence constitute a gift? Does your acceptance of said gift constitute an obligation? Would the answer change if the indulgence had been a BOGO? Who can say? I have no trouble politely declining a marketing ploy, and it doesn't create an etiquette dilemma for me. Maybe imperviousness to marketing is my superpower. I'd rather have flying, or mind control, or Alchemy. Oh, well.

Someone upthread advised refinishing. Refinishing diminishes antique values substantially. I wouldn't touch it until you know what you have. As for what to do with it, since it isn't something you use or want, I would definitely donate it.

DS9 can be like that. He does lots of sports and outdoors stuff, but nothing fights the button pushing tendencies like swimming.