I only worry about the butter being out of the fridge when it forms puddles. My cat is not interested in butter. However, when DH took he out of the big chair, my cat gave a yowl of the most pitying heartbroken, 'but I just had my dinner and it was time for a nap in the soft place' kind. DH is a sucker and put him back in the chair with soothing pets.

Yeah, Plei, for being home! Sorry about the fridge and freezer of doom. Hopefully things won't be too bad.

My current cube of butter lives on the counter. The rest of the box lives in the fridge and any other boxes bought on sale live in the freezer. I have varied this method those times when I lived somewhere hot, but those times have been few and far between.

horray for power - Kinda wondering what that storm is going to do down here

wrong thread

ok, need some help. One of my oldest friends recently had her first baby. Cute lil thing was born 5 weeks early. It's his first Christmas, and Darla's first as a Mom. I hardley see her. She is worn out from feeding every two hours, and they can't take lil William out for fear of him catching an infection.

So the question. What the heck do I get them for Christmas?? Is it cool to just get a boat load of toys and stuff for lil William? I was thinking they need a night out, but my nipples aren't made for milkin' and I really have no desire to change diapers (sorry, just being honest). Plus, I'm guessing he's still a bit fragile for Mom and Dad to go out with out him.

What to do????

I'd say you could get her something like books or DVDs that could entertain her while she's stuck at home. Or maybe fancy bath salts and lotions and stuff, so that she could pamper herself a bit.

I'm guessing that if they're still worried about infection, the parents might not be up to going out yet. Stuff is good, but if you wanted to offer a favor that doesn't include nursing, perhaps you could bring over a nice cooked meal. If you're close, you might even offer to clean, or a gift certificate for a massage or dinner or something else nice that they can do when it's convenient.

Omnis- how about xmas dinner - made by you or brought by you? or how about pizza every wednesday for the next four weeks. Or take all their laundry to the wash and fold place.

huh. Looks like the Storm that hit Plei and the rest of Seattle are going to miss us

What the heck do I get them for Christmas?? Is it cool to just get a boat load of toys and stuff for lil William?

Eh, you know with a new baby your house is filled to the brim with baby wrangling equipment. So lots of new stuff isn't always best.

I'd get one good symbolic book for the future - either a fine illustrated Robin Hood (say), or a cool board book (see Boynton recs above).

You know what helps, though? Any kind of housekeeping services you can offer or pay for. Like...paying to do the laundry. Or buying some easy-to-heat meals at Trader Joe's, or make a big lasagna. Because it's very hard to do the basic life maintenance stuff when you've got a breast limpet on you 24-7.

Also, just going over and holding the baby while Mom takes a shower is very nice and helpful.