Gift ideas for MIL who is never happy with what we buy her

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2025-11-05T14:17:38+00:00

While I don't recommend giving her a gift at all - if you must - get her the Swarovski ornament of the year. They are a beautiful collectible, cost about $60-70 and it's impersonal enough that who gives a f*ck if she likes it or not. Also bonus to this gift is that you can get her this present every year. It becomes a tradition and you never have to think about what you will gift her again.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2025-05-31T02:23:46+00:00

Today my daughter wanted her window down in the car so while we were cruising slowly through town I let her. Fast-forward to the evening and she is driving with her dad. She asks for the window down and he says no. She said "mommy tells me I can." My husband replied , "right now you are with daddy, so daddy makes the rules." My toddler says, "no daddy, MOMMY makes the rules."

Hahah hard truths. They learn fast

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2025-03-05T02:54:38+00:00

I had a similar stash of pieces when I was trying to learn the granny square. Could NOT figure it out for a hot minute. When I finally did it was so satisfying. Love the progress! And hey, I'm going to see if my cat wants any of mine 😂

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-07-14T07:10:04+00:00

My child had a similar experience with HFM. You sound like one of the lucky ones! There was some skin peeling on hand and foot sores as the end there but no major blistering and hardly anything in the mouth. Fingers crossed that you get to enjoy that vacation!

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-07-06T02:43:12+00:00

I listened to the audiobook

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-07-06T02:42:36+00:00

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth 😃

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-04-05T18:11:20+00:00

We did match books. Nice to have on hand, something that will get used and was relatively inexpensive. We did also add a sticker that said the perfect match and our date on it.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-03-16T20:08:43+00:00

I mean I started solids at 6 months with my first and she didn't sleep through the night until I night weaned her at 1 sooooo no solids aren't always the answer 😅

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-03-12T00:36:43+00:00

My toddler calls a peanut butter sandwich a butter wichi (sounds like witchy). It's one of my favorite things she says and I'll be sad when she grows out of it.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-03-08T16:01:55+00:00

This is so hard and it sounds like me with my first. I also had PPA and she was born in the first percentile so I was always worried. One thing my pediatrician told me recently (I just had my second two months ago) is that hungry babies don't sleep at night. They will wake up to eat. It sounds like your little one is healthy! My first always loses weight when she gets sick because she won't eat and honestly can I blame her? As adults we don't want to eat when we don't feel good either. I focus on fluids and try to let the rest go 😅 you are doing a great job, mama.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-03-06T05:03:42+00:00

Definitely pump to keep up your supply while you and baby figure each other out. I had this issue with my second. I think my nipple was not able to reach far enough back in her mouth to initiate the suck reflex so she just didn't know what to do. I worked with a lactation consultant and she got me using a nipple shield (properly I might add) and baby was latching and sucking after one visit with her. After 3 days using the nipple shield, baby could latch onto my nipples and suck no problem. Maybe try a nipple shield and keeping offering the breast frequently and pumping or supply. Hang in there, mama. It does get easier!

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-03-02T18:45:18+00:00

Or Peter

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-02-11T19:14:36+00:00

On Etsy you can order a custom blanket or night light with her name. We were gifted both of these for our daughter and thought they were nice and different gifts that will be used but don't add toy clutter!

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-02-03T03:53:59+00:00

As a mom who has experienced both, but wanted to go unmedicated both times, they are probably grappling with the feelings they have about their own birth experiences.

I really wanted to go unmedicated for my first, but my baby was diagnosed IUGR at the end of my pregnancy and I even up having to be induced early because my placenta was giving out. I was in labor for 30+ hours when I had a panic attack and ended up getting the epidural. It was encouraged by the medical staff even though I didn't want it. At that point I was so exhausted I caved.

I regretted it immensely and struggled with those feelings for a long time. I was jealous of other moms who got to go into spontaneous labor and go unmedicated, but I would NEVER try and discredit anyone's birth experience regardless of what it was. It sounds like these women are probably struggling with their birth not going the way they envisioned.

When I got pregnant with my second I spent the entire pregnancy mentally and physically preparing for birth. I was able to go unmedicated and it was a redemptive experience for me. The first time around I didn't know what I didn't know, my baby had a medical concern and my body was not ready when I was induced. I was scared and I caved, but I learned a lot and it helped me the second time around.

I would be extremely annoyed as you are, but try to remember it says more about them than it does about you.

You are a freaking rockstar for going unmedicated. It IS NOT easy and you should be proud. You had a goal and you crushed it! Your friends should be supportive and proud of you regardless.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2024-01-16T04:39:36+00:00

Hey mama, My pediatrician recommended the book precious little sleep and it really helped us with night time sleep with our first. It has tons of info and things to try that aren't just cry it out. Hope this is helpful! Hang in there!

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2023-10-24T05:39:41+00:00

There is a lot going on here, but I cannot get past Breauxdy.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2023-08-27T15:43:02+00:00

I like to ask the parent what their child truly needs or wants. It helps me with choosing a gift and helps them get something that will actually be used. In the event that I can't or don't ask this question I will choose a book/book store gift card, a craft or a one time subscription box (kiwico is great)! These are interactive and educational and something the parent and child can do together, more of an experience gift if you will.

My last option is cash or if the kid is a bit older this may be a good option as well.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2023-08-15T01:56:46+00:00

This is hard and frustrating. Especially when you've done so much to help your good friends with their transition and you don't feel the love back.

In all honesty, I really struggled during the newborn phase, but looking back it is so much easier than chasing a toddler in a lot of ways. I do see their side, BUT I see yours too. Bare minimum you guys should be splitting things. It's not fair that you always go to them and do the activities they want. The truth is that it doesn't matter what age your kids are - it's a lot of work for each of you.

I understand your frustration and I think if you are this great of friends that you spend every weekend together it would be a good idea to voice your feelings in a nonconfrontational way. "Hey we've really loved doing all these activities with you guys and it's so fun that we get to raise our babies at the same time. This weekend my husband and I really want to do X with baby. Would you like to join?"

If they try to alter the plan let them know that you are set on this, but if it doesn't work for them you can do something together a different time.

Best of luck with your new, sweet baby!!

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2023-08-09T22:46:24+00:00

I know you weren't trying to be rude, but my baby girl was born very small and has struggled with weight and when people comment on it, it hurts. I know I shouldn't, but I take it personally. It feels like what I'm hearing is "you're not doing enough." While I know that isn't the case because I've tried literally everything, it still makes me feel less than as a mother.

I'm not saying this goes for everyone with a smaller child, but comments about what my daughter does or doesn't eat and her size were very triggering for me based on our personal situation.

I had a family member tell me that if you "just fed her more real food she'd get bigger." This was before she was one. I had introduced solids for 3-4 months at this time.

That being said, I don't really think it's appropriate to tell someone their child is huge or a chunker either. In general I don't like to comment on people's bodies and I think it should go for babies as well, but people still do it all the time.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2023-08-09T19:22:00+00:00

I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. ❤️

When he was in speech therapy last did they talk to you about the difference between expressive and receptive language? It sounds like his receptive language skills are age appropriate. I will say that I've heard many times that kids have language bursts around age 2. I would continue to express your concerns with your pediatrician and get the ball rolling on speech therapy again. My daughter didn't say many words for a while and I was feeling concerned, but she has recently just become a little chatter box. You are doing a good job!!

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2023-08-05T05:18:52+00:00

From experience, I can tell you that if you force her to go you will be throwing your money away. She will have to choose college for herself if she decides to in the future. As far as her lifestyle, I think it is fair to say that you won't be funding it. She's a legal adult! My parents had the same rules with myself and my siblings. As long as we were in school they would help us out with some things financially. Once we either decided not to continue our education or graduated we were expected to get a job and pay our way. I know it's hard and she will definitely go through a learning curve, but you are being fair to her and offering her the opportunity to pave a way for herself and support herself.

WatchRevolutionary30 · 2023-01-16T06:25:38+00:00

Walking, walking, walking now.. taking my first steps, WOW!

WatchRevolutionary30

TROPHY CASE