Jump to content

Menu

RioSamba

Members
  • Posts

    878
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by RioSamba

  1. 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.

    • Like 1
  2. 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.

    • Like 5
  3. 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!

    • Like 4
  4. 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

    • Like 1
  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. I was puzzled.

    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.

    • Like 1
  8. 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.

    • Like 3
×
×
  • Create New...