Did you guys see the list? It was like five items that were 6 bucks and a tree. Don't feel bad, otter. I sent you something and I don't feel bad. I have no doubt that you'll pay it forward in the future someday.
Did I click the wrong link? There are $242.74 worth of plastic toys on the "Otter Christmas" list I opened.
I also enjoyed choosing something my kids loved off your list, Otter. My parents buy so many toys that I'm not getting my sons anything this year. I've now had the joy of picking toys for a baby's first Christmas I hope it's lovely no matter what presents there are.
Did you guys see the list? It was like five items that were 6 bucks and a tree. Don't feel bad, otter. I sent you something and I don't feel bad. I have no doubt that you'll pay it forward in the future someday.
Did I click the wrong link? There are $242.74 worth of plastic toys on the "Otter Christmas" list I opened.
It was asked that I add more items, so I did. I do not expect that everything would be purchased and just wanted a variety.
Did you guys see the list? It was like five items that were 6 bucks and a tree. Don't feel bad, otter. I sent you something and I don't feel bad. I have no doubt that you'll pay it forward in the future someday.
Did I click the wrong link? There are $242.74 worth of plastic toys on the "Otter Christmas" list I opened.
Did you guys see the list? It was like five items that were 6 bucks and a tree. Don't feel bad, otter. I sent you something and I don't feel bad. I have no doubt that you'll pay it forward in the future someday.
Did I click the wrong link? There are $242.74 worth of plastic toys on the "Otter Christmas" list I opened.
You are late. She added these items at everyone else's request and after the items she initially added to the list were purchased.
I have all the books I could need, and what more could I need than books? I shall only engage in commerce if books are the coin. -- Catherynne M. Valente
The first year DD was a baby we decided to do a little plug-in, table-top tree that has colored lights. It was a practical decision - and the right one. When I got a little tug in my heart that she wouldn't have a great big tree for her first Christmas, I thought, "Well, we can use this tree this year ... then the little tree can become "DD's Christmas Tree" ... and I can put it in her room each year and put one gift under it, so she'll always have one 'first' gift to open in her room ... and as she gets older, I'll always be able to say that was YOUR very first tree ...". And that's what we've done.
The nice thing about Christmas is that you can spin just about anything into a really great tradition and/or fuzzy memory.
We did the same exact thing. We were in the middle of a cross country relo for DD's second Christmas. DH felt bad for DD not having a Christmas, so we bought a $10 table top tree complete with lights from Wal-Mart and placed in her room. That crazy tree is going on year 3 and served as her night light for most of year 1 and 2! We have now spent more on light bubs than the tree!
As the others have said, it is what you make of it and you can make tradition you wish. I share in the spirit that you can see the big, perfect tree is no more special than a small (LED, twirling) tree.
Did I click the wrong link? There are $242.74 worth of plastic toys on the "Otter Christmas" list I opened.
So?
I thought it was worth mentioning.
We're talking about a 2 month old here - interests including pooping her pants, listening to her mama's voice, and making vegetative noises. The whole deal about wanting a "real" Christmas has far more to do with mom and dad than baby, which is totally fine -- they've been waiting a long time to have a baby and people get very sentimental around the holidays.
I think the offers to fulfill @ottermama's original Christmas "wishes" were really sweet. However, when did "I want to bake cookies with my baby in Christmas pajamas" turn into $250 worth of plastic a 2-month old wouldn't know what to do with?
It's sweet that people are offering, but I think there comes a point where an adult has the responsibility to gracefully thank others for their charity but tell them that they've all been generous enough, instead of continuing to ask for more (which is what a "wish list" is).
Post by amberlyrose on Nov 21, 2013 18:07:26 GMT -5
Wow. I'm glad we can piss all over someone who is already anxious and stressed.
I'm very happy to buy Rosie a small gift and DH agreed. After everything you've been through, I think you guys deserve a nice Christmas. My parents were poor growing up and went without basic needs for us to have a good Christmas and I appreciate it. I wish no one would have to make those decisions.
Merry Christmas, Otter Family!
ETA: I added in DH's opinion because I told him the story and he's sitting next to me. I can spend $10 the way I want and Otter can take presents from strangers without permission from her husband.
I swear there is some sort of condescension bat signal that attracts tacom to posts.
Anyway, I hope you guys and Rosie have a wonderful first Christmas. There is no one that could go through the hell that was your adoption process, come home to a job loss, and adjust to a newborn all at the same time without needing to talk about and anyone trying to say they are too prideful for that is just being silly. This thread got weird and obviously was a lesson on where the line is for ML generosity but I hope you don't feel badly for reaching out.
Post by hopecounts on Nov 21, 2013 18:14:12 GMT -5
Yay for the ML group helping Rosie have an awesome first Christmas! How is this any different then adopting an angel tree baby/kid? It's freaking Christmas and if people want to help Otter out and be very generous why not? The Scrooges need to chill.
Post by gretchenindisguise on Nov 21, 2013 18:16:58 GMT -5
Fuck, this post pisses me off.
I'm pretty sure that most of us had more bought for us for baby showers. Before the kid was even born. And you know what? We made those fucking lists too. And asked for the stuff.
She's had a rough go of it. People wanted to help make her life easier. Nay, requested that they be allowed to make her life easier. And then they did. And you fucking people are skeeved out by it?
I bought my bff a mini christmas tree from target with all of the fixings on their first christmas out of town. Because she told me all the stuff that otter posted about here (sans child). And it made me feel good and absolutely made her day when she received it.
It's nice. People wanted to do something nice. Without knowing what she wanted/how to get it to her, they couldn't do it. They asked. She responded.
Otter has been totally honest with the board. She has not requested anyone send her gifts - she merely responded to people asking her to put together a wishlist. Fuck, people. I've sent people shit for far less - some people just like to give gifts to other people. If someone wants to give - who cares?! She's not twisting arms or lying to anyone to gain sympathy.
If this became a pattern, maybe - but since @cse1960 has met her and we know she's not full of shit - I don't see the issue here.
Hugs otter.
I've met Otter too. So have ElizabethBennet and open24hours. She is not trying to scam anyone. I know for a FACT that she is extremely generous and would purchase a gift if this was someone else's situation.
Remember when everyone was SO proud of polka the other day because she did something nice for her H's secretary? She ran all over town getting cake and shit for a kid she didn't know. But people send some $8 gifts for a baby and it's weird? Whatever.
We're talking about a 2 month old here - interests including pooping her pants, listening to her mama's voice, and making vegetative noises. The whole deal about wanting a "real" Christmas has far more to do with mom and dad than baby, which is totally fine -- they've been waiting a long time to have a baby and people get very sentimental around the holidays.
I think the offers to fulfill @ottermama's original Christmas "wishes" were really sweet. However, when did "I want to bake cookies with my baby in Christmas pajamas" turn into $250 worth of plastic a 2-month old wouldn't know what to do with?
It's sweet that people are offering, but I think there comes a point where an adult has the responsibility to gracefully thank others for their charity but tell them that they've all been generous enough, instead of continuing to ask for more (which is what a "wish list" is).
It's the season of giving, people asked and Otter complied. Is it necessary no, but buying one of those gifts is a chance for me to feel the spirit of Christmas and hurts no one. We're taking DD to shop for our Angel Tree Kid Saturday we'll be buying a lot more then one gift and spending a good bit and I can't wait there is nothing,I enjoy more at Christmas then giving to others and helping them have a happy Christmas.
Listen. We didn't have a pot to piss in for Will's first Christmas (he was 4 months old for his first Christmas). DH and I were skipping meals so we could afford diapers.
Call it being stubborn or too much pride or whatever, but there was not *one* person in our lives who knew we were struggling as badly as we were.
So, I completely get how otter feels. But I certainly wouldn't have been talking about it to anyone. If that makes me an asshole, so be it.
You win the martyr award. I'd give you a trophy but, you know. Kind of defeats the point.
This has nothing to do with me being a martyr, but now that I reread, it wreaks of martyrdom. Things were the way they were and we rolled with it and it was fine.
her post made me squicky. That's all. And I'm clearly not the only one.
You win the martyr award. I'd give you a trophy but, you know. Kind of defeats the point.
This has nothing to do with me being a martyr, but now that I reread, it wreaks of martyrdom. Things were the way they were and we rolled with it and it was fine.
her post made me squicky. That's all. And I'm clearly not the only one.
And all of y'all need to grow a heart and shut up. If you don't care to participate fine but let the rest of us have fun.
Tacom thanks for showing up to mom-shame people again. Super helpful. Really.
Is this the 23/24 year old from MM?
I think what ML did was sweet. I would absolutely feel different if otter was here saying "can you guys give us gifts" but she didn't. ML offered and asked.
Post by underwaterrhymes on Nov 21, 2013 18:44:12 GMT -5
otter - big hugs to you. We sent along something K adores. Rosie won't be into it for a few months yet, but get ready for loads of fun for her (although you might be tempted to hide it after she's played with it a few times.
Post by sunshineluv on Nov 21, 2013 18:44:28 GMT -5
I left work feeling all warm and fuzzy after reading about people being so sweet to otter, then I come back and am very disappointed in some of the post.
I mean do you have to be the most needy to be willing to accept people's generosity? Seems skewed to me.
Remember when everyone was SO proud of polka the other day because she did something nice for her H's secretary? She ran all over town getting cake and shit for a kid she didn't know. But people send some $8 gifts for a baby and it's weird? Whatever.
I know her and her son.
Sorry? Lol. I don't know what to say to this.
Yes, I enjoy helping people, and I love seeing others doing the same. So I hope Otter is very grateful for ML's generosity, and will pay it forward when she can :-)
I love this. Otter, I'm sorry about your situation, but I hope this eases your worries about Christmas at least.
And can I buy Nugget a gift as well? Just for making so much sense?
Some of you are just being straight up assholes. Feel "squicky" about the generosity of others? The red x at the top of the post will take care of that for you.
Remember when everyone was SO proud of polka the other day because she did something nice for her H's secretary? She ran all over town getting cake and shit for a kid she didn't know. But people send some $8 gifts for a baby and it's weird? Whatever.
Sorry? Lol. I don't know what to say to this.
I do enjoy helping people, and I love seeing others doing the same. And I do believe that Otter is very grateful for ML's generosity, and will pay it forward when she can :-)
No, what you did was great. What I meant was generosity is generosity and there's no negative side to any of it.