Sweet Baby Gifts

This is going to be long, so bear with me

Today was my cousin/good friend/bridesmaids baby shower that I was asked to help out with. I live a few hours away from her and her husband so we came down the night before and stayed at their house to help put together the party. She and her husband had to work so i babysat her other kid, baked and made a custom frosting for cupcakes, put together the party favors, and decorated. I came down a couple weeks ago to help her go price check and look around to pick out what she wanted to do to. My fiance came with me and is helping her husband remodel their baby and their daughter’s room.

She insisted on planning her own baby shower and got some of her husbands family pissed off because they wanted to give her a surprise party but she didnt think they would do it the way she wanted. Then she complained about having so much stress trying to plan the party and asked me for help. Since she is a bridesmaid in the wedding I was really excited to help. I spent hourse designing games on my computer with cool borders and graphics only for her to turn to me and say she thought it was too hard and that if only i had made them matching, instead of fill in the blanks we could use it. I came to discover all she wanted was reassurence that her ideas were awesome, not real help.

She facebooked offensive stuff and pissed off her sister in law so bad, her , her girlfriend, and her daughter not only stopped planning the surprise party but refused to come to shower.

The shower came today and it was so small! Because she did things her way, we played four games that lasted 15 minutes, and they were all stupid. Shes like 33 and so all the guests were older and they kept rolling their eyes at how dumb the games were and all she kept bragging about is how much i helped her. We basically spent four hours watching the food network and talking.. what a fun baby shower.

She didnt want to listen to any ideas for food and spent money on sandwich items people only picked at, and bought grocery store pasta salad that made every sick.. but she bragged about how yummy it was!
Now after everything is done and over with (were still at her house, my fiance is helping to finish the baby room) she is bitching and screaming at her busband about how cheap his disabled eldery mother is and how she only gave $30 gift card. She is pissed because no one bought anything off her registry. People brought her things she needed, clothes, diapers ect. This is her second child and first boy so she felt that entitled her to a full shower. She has been crying all night because the one thing she really want ( a $160 crib set with this particular aquatic theme) she didnt get. It HAS to be from baby’s r us, it HAS to be this exact set, and it will RUIN the whole room if she doesnt get it. My fiance just lost his job so all we could afford was 4 onesies, 2 pairs of pants and a package of diapers. I feel so awful because I couldnt do more but as it is my mom and I had to go in on the gift together.
Her own husband (who is the one i am related to and is also in the wedding) said he wouldnt pay that much for a crib set. He had no idea what she put on there and says she is being ridiculous.

To make up for my lack of present, I have been on the computer for hours trying to find a cheaper crib set or one similar. I found one brand new on craigslist that is very similar, but was originally $300 and only costs $40 and she doesnt want it because it doesnt have the EXACT same design on it. The one she wants has bubbles and this one doesnt. I found her the one she wants for $50 cheaper and doesnt want to get it because its not from babies r us.
She wont use her daughter’s crib set even though it is not a gender specific set because it doesnt match the new theme she wants.
She just flipped out and said her husbands family hates and her and have something against her and just want to piss her off thats why they didnt come and buy her this expensive set. His mother lives alone, is disabled, widowed, and on a fixed income and this baby is like her 20th grand child. and she says who cares its a baby she can afford it. Her own mother only spent a few bucks and her dad didnt even come!!

I feel soooo bad I wanted to do more , but it just wasnt possible. I am starting to feel like it was a mistake asking her to be a bridesmaid. She already refuses to wear any of the styles of dresses I like and after seeing her behavior with this baby shower I am scared for my wedding.
Am I being ridiculous?

Nothing I saw calms her down and any advice I give her goes in one ear and out the other. I care about her but the more she goes on about how she got such crappy gifts and how cheap everyone is the worse I feel. If the grandma’s $30 gift card was crappy to her, my measly $25 gift was terrible.
How would You be feeling?

Are YOU acting like a big jerk? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Is SHE???? ABSOLUTELY, 100% YES YES YES!!! Yes, it’s probably hormones, yes, pregnancy is hard, but that still doesn’t give her the right to act the way she’s acting, and being all upset because she didn’t get particular crib sets. Since this is her 2nd baby, people don’t give as much stuff, since they figure you have stuff from baby #1. Yes, even if baby #1 is a girl, and baby #2 is a boy. That happened to me, I probably got 3 times as much stuff when my daughter was born than when my son was born. And most of the stuff I got when he was born was boy clothes and diapers and stuff. I didn’t even have a shower when he was born, so she ought to be grateful people were willing to show up when she did the rudest thing of all…throw herself a shower!!!

As far as her being your bridesmaid, I guess it would depend on when the baby is due in relation to your wedding. Will she still be pregnant at the wedding, or will she have just given birth and have a newborn? Maybe you need to give her an out here. Say something like "I know you’re going to be busy with the baby/not feeling well since your pregnant/etc. and was wondering if you’re still up to being in the wedding. Please don’t feel you have to do it still, I completely understand if you’ve changed your mind."

She needs to grow up, and be thankful you did everything you did for her, as well as give her a gift.

I’d think twice before helping her out again. Good luck!

My sister is "hosting" the shower, but since she’s not in the best economical situation at the moment [surprise IRS bill--go figure] I’m in the position that, if I want to have the shower go according to the original plan, I’ve got to foot the bill for the food, the game prizes and game supplies, the plastic plates/flatware, and the party favors. I’m a very thrifty spender, so it’s not as if I’m spending hundreds of dollars on these things, but it still bothers me that no one else attending has offered to contribute [with the exception of providing baby gifts].
I’m also making the food/desserts. I purchased the custom invitations [less than $15 w/ a coupon I had] and sought out the venue.

My sister’s friend was supposed to have provided game ideas/supplies, but is now not going to because of a recent financial "crisis," which wouldn’t necessarily preclude her actually helping me with planning these things–she just copped-out of the obligation.

Now, I don’t want to seem like a spoiled brat about this, because I understand my sister’s situation and I don’t really mind helping some financially, but this has gotten out of hand totally. I don’t have that many people who are supportive [no close relatives, orphaned, etc.] so it was left up to her…
I feel badly for being so bloody annoyed–should I?
You’re right, Cav. It is about the baby, and I am receiving gifts for her. Thanks for putting it into better perspective.
I hope I’m forgiven, though, if I still feel a little overwhelmed.

If that is the case(that really does suck). I would opt for a cheap shower. Don’t go fancy. Go simple. So you can save as much money as possible for your baby. Just have a dessert shower. Cake/punch. Simple games that you can print off the computer. Get prizes at the dollar store etc.

My friend is 30 years old and just got pregnant for the first time. She has been wanting to be a mother for some time now and she was married last year and it finally has happened. Although she is only 1 month along she is already ordering custom baby shower invites, noting that she is registered at 2 stores but "cash" would be the preferred gift option. I have only known her for about a year but it seems to me that this is a bit tacky. She also seems to be caught up in the value of an item based on how "expensive" it was. If she knows something she received was from a chic little baby store she squeals with delight, if it was something from a chain store she just says…oh. I am aprehensive to think what her shower will be like if she reacts that way in front of guests. Yikes. I know this is delicate…don’t even know if I can bring it up with her.

it is beyond rude and not acceptable.

if I ever got an invitaion from someone and it read that, I would either not go.. if I did.. they would get a gift I knew they needed or a gift card. you dont ask for money.. it shows little class, little manners, and little dignity.

Also with something like that.. it will be remembered forever that this person asked for money. it is one of those acts that people just dont forget and you will be remembered in a negative way that you did this, and that quite frankly is embarrassing.

just my opinion..

Of other religions or of any religions? In some places their customs usually dictate what their beliefs will be, and customs are a peoples identity. How does a God distribute his gift of life among the babies born right this very second, into all those worldly households of various beliefs, knowing that only one of those beliefs will do them any good? In all fairness, how can that be fair?

Nobody can dictate what you believe.

Matthew 6:5-6
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

We’re having a baby in September and thinking about starting to stock up on baby things! I’m not sure who exactly in our family and friends is planning to buy things for us yet (if any of them lol)!!

We already have quite a few things left over from when my son was a baby (albeit many are the wrong colour now as we’re having a girl!!!) and I’ve managed to get together quite a few little things so I don’t especially need things like babygros, little outfits, cuddly toys etc (which is pretty much all we got given last time!!!) I have way too many cuddly toys as it is and really don’t want anymore of them!!!

I’ve made a list of things we do need - its mainly things like bedding, a change mat, a baby bath, muslin squares, a playgym and so forth and also a few smaller bits and pieces for the nursery.

Would it be rude to make a "wish list" so that people could see what we actually need if they want to buy us a gift? And if its not considered totally socially unacceptable to do so is there anywhere online you can do it and send the link to people so they can select something from the list?

We’re not having a "baby shower" - its not really the custom where I live and also a lot of family and friends live too far away to attend anyway, so I’m thinking more of just the usual little presents people tend to turn up with when they come to see the baby for the first time!

no, it makes sense
people make wedding lists
so i don’t see whats wrong with it
it makes sense, so people don’t buy you the same things.

I am writing a research paper on the country Armenia. My thesis is: Armenia is a country with a unique culture and life ways, but can still be compared to that of the United States.

Here’s my essay so far:

Armenia is a country with a unique culture and life ways, but can still be compared to that of the United States.
Armenia is a federal republic government with its official name as the Republic of Armenia. It is located in southwestern Asia with Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the west. The basic unit of Armenian money is the dram. One U.S. dollar equals just under 550 drams. The capital and most populated city is Yerevan, but there are 27 cities, 31 towns, and 921 villages as well. As of 2009, there were 3.1 million people living in Armenia. Armenia is one of the earliest Christian civilizations with its first churches founded in the fourth century. Ninety four percent of the population belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church, with the other six percent being Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant, or Islamic. The average life expectancy of men is seventy years and the expectancy of women is seventy seven years.
Armenian customs and traditions are very distinctive and unique to their country. Weddings are not only important cultural events, but big holidays and excuses for elaborate parties. Many blessings and expensive gifts like jewelry and fabrics are given to the bride. Traditionally, Armenians have many children. A birth of a child is a happy event that is always welcome. For forty days after a baby’s birth, the child is not shown to anybody besides close family and relatives. Armenians are extremely hospitable, and whenever there is a guest, eating and drinking is a must. Today, Armenians wear ordinary clothes such as t-shirts, jeans, and tennis shoes, but traditional clothing for festivals and church celebrations.
Armenia is a country with a 1600 year old history of literacy. The education of Armenians has always been highly valued. Ninety-nine percent of them are able to read and write. Armenia’s first universities were founded in the tenth through the thirteenth centuries. Schools that include business, agriculture, and architecture require students to pass very difficult tests. Children attend school between the ages of six and sixteen and study science, math, history, economics, and social studies. The Armenian education system is very unique, but just like students in the United States, Armenians first attend primary school, and then high school. However, in the United States, most graduate high school at the age of seventeen or eighteen and go on to college; unlike Armenians who finish school at sixteen.
Armenian cuisine is a combination of various tastes and aromas, and like anywhere, the best food in Armenia is all homemade. Various spices, fruits, vegetables, and fish combine to make unique dishes. Even though their food served is mostly grilled meat, fruit, and vegetables, many desserts are also served at meals as well. Every family has a favorite sweet, and recipes for them are handed down through generations. Some family favorites include apricot yogurt cake, crunchy sugar cookies, and chewy sesame seed fudge. Their eating habits and dishes are very different from other countries, but they can still compare to the cuisine in the United States. American food is very diverse; everybody eats different foods. However, some enjoy grilled meat, fruit, and vegetables, and many enjoy dessert foods.
Armenians are very happy people that take pride in their history and culture. Although it is very big, Armenia is full of people that love their home country and their unique way of life.

I need help with a introduction — all I have is my thesis down.

There are many online web sites that offer you a list of colleges and universities, but most of them are paid.
Here is one web site that offer you to browse schools around the world for 100% free .
Just complete their questions and they will accept you.

Go to http://EduFinder.info

Hope that will help you

So, I mailed something to Canada from Wisconsin for the first time ever on March 2. When I went to the post office, the woman behind the desk told me that it would be able to be tracked via the customs number.

I found out today that the recipient has not received the package. I called the USPS line and was told that they could not use the customs number for tracking.

I called the post office that I sent the package out at, and was given a number to call for international packages. I called and the automated system said they could not track my package.

What do I do now? The package contained a quilt that was going to be used as a baby shower gift this weekend! I don’t want to let this person down!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

If there is a better place for this question, please tell me where!!!! I also posted in travel.

try this link:

http://www.usps.com/shipping/trackandconfirm.htm

not sure how you sent it but here:

http://www.usps.com/international/sendpackages.htm

did you insure the package?

hope you locate it! for what it is worth…it usually takes a looong time.

Im 24 yrs old…and married for the last 4yrs…we have a3yr old daughter,and well settled in Dubai.I have many issues in my marriage life,especially with my in laws..they are very much snubbing me treating me like nobody in their family and well shouting to me about my parents and telling rubbish to me so i just can’t stand them anymore..
Now i will tell everything in detail….from the third day after our wedding …My MIL told me that ur parents should bring some gifts(home Appliances) to their home as a tradition.but they didn’t do that,coz my parents thought that it is not fair for them to ask like that..and instead of home Appliances they gave me 10 sovereigns of gold ornaments.
Then after an year in got pregnant and their is some tradition in our family on the seventh month of pregnancy(the women’s family have to come to the Menes family then gve the preggey lady a gift(gold) and sweets which should be 7 items in number as concerned to the month of pregnancy)and u know what she demanded that the gold should be not less than 10 Sovereign.And i told my parents about this and they agreed,and before tow or three days of the function she (MIL) was talking to me in her bedroom in between the talks she told me that "YOUR PARENTS HAVE NOT DONE THE VERY FIRST TRADITION OF GIVING GIFTS AS HOME APPLIANCES SO THIS IS A CHANCE TO GIVE,SO TELL YOUR PARENTS TO BUY A CUPBOARD AND A INVERTER TOO WITH THE GOLD ORNAMENTS"i was really depressed of hearing this she only have to talk about money and gold,i felt sad about this and i told my mother about the talk and she told me tell her (MIL)to call her(my mother)to tell the items she want for her home.and without any shame she called my parents and told my mother that there is a pending tradition so u have to do that,then my mother lose the grip of her tongue and had a big argument with my(MIL)she was so ashamed of that incident and told me that tell you parents that don’t bring that home Appliances…i told my hus about this and he told that my mother would not have talk like that,yes i agree with him but she(MIL) is beyond my control..I CAN’T STAND HER ANYMORE..and the day of function came all the demands of my IN LAWS WERE SATISFIED TOO(11 AND HALF SOVEREIGN OF GOLD,SEVEN ITEMS OF SWEETS(SERVES 40),CUPBOARD,INVERTER)and the function went all fine and that eve in went to my parents place..(my home)
After two months…9 months they(my in laws)wants to come to see me according to their tradition they have to bring sweets and all when they visit me and it should be in 9 items too they bought only 5 or 4 which is not enough to share within the family…(its a custom)as of the seventh month.My parents kept quiet on this matter after they have left we went to a bakery and bought items 9 in number and share it to all family members…as if they(in laws)bought for me….
After 2 weeks i got deliverd with a beautiful baby girl(MASHA ALLAH).things went all fine.My hus came to see we both..he was happy and he went back to Dubai after a week.Then came the next issue is forming (I TOLD MY HUSBAND THT YOUR PARENTS SHOULD DO WELL ON THE DAY OF FUNTION AS IF THEY SHOULD GIFT THE BABY WELL WITH GOLD,DRESS DRESS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY) we have a costom(40th day bath)in that day everybody will be invited and they will give gift for the baby GOLD WHICH THEY GIFTED WERE FROM MY HUSBAND later i came to know about that..(like dress,gold,toys,dress for me)on that day she came so late and gift the baby gold,and dress(which were of poor quality)and dress for me and my mother only nobody else.i losse my temper and shouted to my hus that they haven’t done anythng for me as a costom but your parents want everything to be in the same coustom, and we all had a big argument for that matter
And now also my in laws are talking rubbish on my parents..saying that they havent gave me anythng more etc..they even don’t attened any function invited by my relatives but my parents should attened all the funtion of theirs.I JUST HATE THEM(in laws)
Last time when we were on vacction at our home town…i visited my in laws too and wished to stay with them for a month but after a week she started snubbing me..and after a while of peacefull talks she strted GETTING INTO MY NERVES and i too stared shouthing at her face,She was telling about my dowary,money mis behaviour and i too talked to her in the same tone.I CANT STAND HER ANYMORE…she was telling me tht u just get out from my home.
NOW I WANT TO KNOW FROM YOU ALL ……ONLY ONE THING……..she is comng to spend her vaccation with us here in Dubai..SHE WILL REPEAT THE SAME AS SHE DID BEFORE….SO WHAT ALL BOUNDARIES SHOULD I KEEP IN FRONT IN ORDER TO MOVE AWAY FROM HER…I UNDERSTOOD THT I CAN’T BE CLOSE TO HER ANYMORE I HATE HER A LOT…..PLZ HELP
PREM@i think u r mistaken…excuse me….ok i meant tht i parents too did gve gift for my daughter and well with their own earning and they have more than enough money and my hus to buy gold for 3 soveregin out of 5 to gift to their granddaughter…what the hell was that….
prem@i repeat my parents hve done everythng for me..and still my in laws just dont care for me they do care for MONEY……STUPID creeeps…now i have started doing like tht i too care for money in front of them,

talk to your husband and tell him to stop this. besides it none of her business, plain and simple, if she feels you need electronics hell why doesn’t she give them to you. next time she brings this up you tell her that, in front of your husband. I also hate my IL, but sadly they are not going any where, but neither am I.

My best friend is a huge Stevie Wonder fan. I found a website that has the most awesome Stevie Wonder prints and I can’t decide if a pillow or t-shirt would make a better gift (they even have baby tees!)…help!

Stevie Wonder Pillow: http://www.custom-kingdom.com/stwopi.html

Stevie Wonder T-Shirt: http://www.custom-kingdom.com/stwot.html

go for the t-shirt

If you needed a special quilt for your baby or as a gift, and you could pick fabrics or a theme or anything like that and order it and pay a pretty reasonable price, would you order a custom baby quilt and pay for it and have someone else make it for you?

i think hand made would be much more special than just buying one from somewhere.