tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606344474284472385.post4532714796017164294..comments2024-03-25T01:33:42.074-06:00Comments on saskmom.com: Gifts or No Gifts?Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}http://www.blogger.com/profile/12706083398582338811noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606344474284472385.post-73213929386606155782010-04-22T20:18:16.873-06:002010-04-22T20:18:16.873-06:00Happy belated birthday to Kara and to you! You hav...Happy belated birthday to Kara and to you! You have a 2 year old now! :) <br /><br />I know what you mean about desiring "a little more edge" and a little less worry about everyone else's feelings. I think that, as new parents, we must be closer to finding that balance than ever before. You can mess with me, but don't mess with my kid! <br /><br />There is a fine line there with extended family members. Some of my fondest memories of my grandparents were things that they let me do that Mom and Dad didn't necessarily let me do. I don't want to rob my son or his grandparents of those special things...unless it truly endangers his physical or emotional health. I think you're right: communication is the answer! <br /><br />I'm so glad to hear you are enjoying my blog. I think you should start one, too!Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}https://www.blogger.com/profile/12706083398582338811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606344474284472385.post-9056813084073041962010-04-20T11:47:50.475-06:002010-04-20T11:47:50.475-06:00I have so much catching up to do. I don't even...I have so much catching up to do. I don't even live by you, but I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! You worry and wonder and appreciate so many of the same things I do. Our children are only 7 months apart so the stages are right on the money. <br /><br />I think you were fine to ask people not to bring presents. Parents deserve to have these special moments (and moments in general) be the way they want them to be. My in-laws totally want to spoil my girls and Ty and I have a major issue with it. We are always finding gentle ways to guide them so they can still be the grandparents they want to be without compromising our values. It's not easy! Kara's 2nd birthday was yesterday and I asked gram and gramps to keep it simple. In the way of bubbles. A book. We bought her a tricycle and helmet and wanted that to be her "big ticket" item. (At Christmas, even Santa was trumped by them in both quality and quantity - it was a nightmare). In the end, people are usually happy to accommodate and feel good about respecting your wishes. Letting people know what your wishes are is the only way they can do that. The ones that don’t? Well, there’s a learning curve. There will be opportunities to talk about it between now and next year. <br /><br />All said, sometimes I wish I had a little more edge to me. I know moms with an "Oh he-- NO!" attitude and they seem never to get ruffled by what other people are doing or not doing. They say it like it is and disregard any emotional fallout. I get a little too caught up in trying to avoid hurt feelings. There is a balance in there somewhere. I keep trying to find it.Amy K.noreply@blogger.com