m papa's Profile

We've used wristbands made by Tig Tagz, which are those laminated paper bracelets you stick on for one-time use. They are easy to throw in the diaper bag so I have some on hand when we arrive at crowded locations. I don't know if I would remember to grab three necklaces or bracelets for my kids before every outing otherwise.

Tip: Register for a GoogleVoice number. That way, your bracelet/necklace or whatever will always be valid, even if you change cell phone carriers, move, or what not. Just remember to keep your GoogleVoice account linked to your current numbers!

My three year old wants a bunkbed. If I could get him one with a slide, I would be his hero! I'm a worrier, but safety never crossed my mind--they look pretty safe to me. The sick kids point, that I can't argue with.

Sheesh people. If you click through to the original post, you'll find the kid is eating in front of the tv because mom is sick. I love the paint job on the stool. Ours is used every day, but not as a table--my three toddlers fight over who gets to stand on it to help me cook. When my oldest was about 18 months he started to eat every meal standing on this stool at the counter. We couldn't get him to eat anywhere else.

The bed and bookcase are amazing! Talented hubby.

Here's another option: freeze puree in glass casserole pan. Once frozen, take it out and let it sit for 15-20 min. Then cut up the softened puree and throw the cubes into a plastic bag or other container. Easy peasy.

My mom loves to spoil my kids. I've followed suggestions above, such as setting a limit for number of gifts, reminding her our space is limited, and offering suggestions for what is needed. She still goes crazy with gifts. She says we can get rid of them, but it hurts her feelings when we do.

I usually wait for the heat of the moment to pass (sometimes several months) and then let her know my feelings. I have had to tell her several times that by giving huge or numerous presents that she robs me of some of MY joy in giving gifts. It's no fun to put thought and money into a present for your kid, just to have go unnoticed because he has gift fatigue.

I've also expressed to her why she should not give us more of the same type of gifts: "You know we love books, but when you give us magnet books, or books with puzzle pieces, they are quickly lost. Why don't we save those types of books until he's older?"

The photo of grandpa holding mom as a baby? So, so sweet. The rest is not my style, even if I could afford it.

@ek76: My twins just turned one. We only had a family party and requested no gifts, but had someone given them a combined present like blocks, I would have been more than happy.

We're also on an Ikea budget, and I'm considering the Poang chair for my twins' existing nursery. I LOVE the catchall bag. Don't suppose you have a link to a tutorial?

Thanks everyone! I'm sold on the the I am Baker cake. Thanks for the link, RachieP, and the review, avimom!