Posts by shadowcrane91

So, here’s my deal... back about seven years ago, I popped out twins naturally without much of a fight. But then, about six months ago (back in November 2015), I dealt with this endless bleeding and ended up seeing my OBGYN—everything had been totally fine until then. He basically told me my ovaries weren't producing any eggs at all, nothing, not even immature ones. So, he put me on Duphastone for three months just to get my period back under control...
By the third month, I started on Clomiphene because I really want another baby. During my follicle tracking in the fourth month, the doctor said I responded amazingly to the Clomiphene; apparently, I had two mature follicles on each ovary, with one being the dominant one.
He told me exactly when my ovulation would hit so we could time things perfectly, and he wrote me another two boxes of Clomiphene just in case I don't conceive this time. He also mentioned that the first month I took the Clomiphene (which was actually that third month) doesn't really count toward the timeline—it only starts counting from month four.
I’ve been taking them from day 5 to day 9 of my cycle.
I’ve been reading around online that most people take them from days 2–5 or 3–6...
Has anyone else actually taken them from day 5 to 9??? I'm hoping my doctor knows what he's doing and didn't mess up the timing.
Anyway...
My period finally showed up today (it was 5 days late). I took a test yesterday and it was negative, but my period seems weirdly light right from the start? Did you guys experience that too? It’s also pretty dark, almost like it’s already at the end stage.
I’m honestly so confused!!! Is this kind of thing normal while you're on Clomiphene?

Kate Allen said:So, I’m heading to this baptism today for a kid I barely even know, and—surprise, surprise—I haven't even picked out a gift yet. Honestly, I was pretty blindsided by the invite in the first place; I actually tried to back out, but then his mom started tearing up because I wanted to cancel. Now I'm stuck. Even though I'm not the godmother or anything, there's still that unspoken rule that you have to show up with something. ☕ My plan is to hit up Microsoft and grab some cologne and maybe a book if I can find one that doesn't suck. The perfume should cost me about $83. I’m just reaching my limit here—I’ve got six weddings lined up in June for people I actually care about, and I really can't afford to drop $250 on every single one of them. Not that I mind paying for those, since they're my maid of honor and my first cousin, but still. Does this sound okay for a baptism? Since I don't really know the kid, I'm banking on the fact that it'll be his first nice cologne and he'll actually like it.

That sounds fine... or maybe just get a gift card—but who knows, it might not be his first cologne (my brothers have been spraying themselves with scents since they were like 12 or 13... thinking they're such big shots... haha)

Aaron Diaz84 said:A golden rule for parents, I guess... you just have to give back exactly what your child gives to you.

That's just plain wrong...
It would be awesome if we could all step up (and look, I know people feel like they have to—I definitely feel that pressure myself), but what happens when you just... can't?
I mean, if you're "ordering a gift"—that’s a whole different ballgame...
Look, I got a massive pile of high-value gifts when my kids were born. I know we’re talking about the crisis here, but hey, giving is giving—the occasion doesn't really matter, regardless of what you said. But honestly? I won't be able to pay it forward like that. Especially not for the ones in the family who are expecting soon; I've got a few of them coming, but things are just way too tight with money right now.
So... what am I even supposed to do about it?

Maybe one day I'll get my revenge on the rest of you—depends entirely on when everyone decides to start having kids. 😁

fadedcrane36 said:I was wondering, does the best man usually bring the cake?
I’ve heard conflicting things—some people say he can, but it’s not a requirement, while others insist the godparents handle the cake and the best man just focuses on the gifts..😁

It doesn't even matter—we'll be there regardless, even if he's the godfather and not me. 😁 But hey, it’s totally optional.

Check this out, there's some killer stuff here for gifts
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Here are a few ideas if you want to lean into the religious side for the First Communion, but as for everything else, you guys can figure that out yourselves. 😉
I was browsing through some stuff online and stumbled upon this piece about First Communion gifts. Honestly, it’s a bit of a rabbit hole once you start looking into it. It’s one of those milestones that feels like a massive production in American families—everyone wants to find that perfect, meaningful thing to mark the occasion, but the pressure to pick something "just right" can be a headache. The article touches on how people approach these gifts, ranging from the classic religious keepsakes to more modern, personal items. It really makes you think about how much weight we put on these ceremonies. Whether it's jewelry or something more sentimental, it's all about capturing that specific moment in a kid's life. It’s definitely a lot to navigate if you're trying to stay traditional without being totally cliché.
I was checking out this piece on Verbum about walking through life with Jesus, and honestly, it really hits home. It’s one of those reflections that makes you stop and think about how much we try to carry everything on our own shoulders instead of just letting God take the lead. It talks about how life isn't just some smooth ride—it’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes feels like a total uphill battle. But the core message is that when you actually lean into that relationship, you aren't just surviving; you're being guided. It's about finding that sense of purpose even when things feel chaotic. I know some people might find this kind of stuff a bit "too much," but there’s something deeply grounding about the idea that we don't have to have all the answers figured out by ourselves. It’s an invitation to trust the process and trust Him. Definitely worth a read if you need a little perspective today.
Check this out: http://www.verbum.com/gifts/my-first-communion-2031/
Check out this silver gift set over at Verbum. It’s actually pretty stunning—looks like exactly the kind of thing you’d want for a big milestone like a First Communion or a Confirmation. Honestly, if you're looking for something that doesn't look cheap or tacky, this is a solid pick. It's got that classic, high-end vibe without trying too hard. Definitely worth a look if you need to step up your gifting game!
I checked out that link on Verbum about those silver gifts for girls, and honestly? It’s a bit much. I know people love their tradition, but some of these pieces feel like they belong in a museum rather than something a kid would actually want. I was reading what shadowcrane91 said earlier about jewelry, and I have to agree—it's all about whether it actually means something or if you're just throwing money at a shiny object. If you're looking for something for a First Communion or a Confirmation, you want it to be special, but let's not go overboard with stuff that's going to sit in a velvet box gathering dust for twenty years. Just my two cents.

There’s a little bit of everything... just Google VERBUM and you'll see they've already got all your religious gifts covered. 🙂

Oh, please, prayer books? (I haven't really noticed them handing those out for other types of books, either) — sure, kids get them for their First Communion...
but they don't get anything for Confirmation (at least I never saw that happening, and I did my Confirmation singing in a choir)
however, there are some awesome comics and little books out there that are actually hilarious but still religious—they're perfect for all ages, from toddlers all the way up until you're old and gray...

Do you still have that book, Honorable on a SKATEBOARD (or something like that)? I feel like it was pretty hilarious and witty...
ugh... nothing is coming to mind right now...
but they seriously have some really great books, both spiritual and funny🙂

So I grabbed this little book called God in the Subway for this girl tomorrow...
It’s actually pretty funny and an interesting read 🙂
I’m definitely gonna have to go for another walk later to review everything since my memory is a bit fuzzy 😁
Anyway, Confirmation isn't until May

And just so you know, my congrats are gonna be totally personalized 🙂

I mean, sure, returning a gift makes sense if they picked something out specifically based on what you asked for....
But if someone just decides to go rogue—without asking you first or checking what you actually wanted—and they end up overspending? Well, if you're short on cash, you aren't going to return it exactly as it was; you're just going to return whatever you can afford....
Take my brother, for example. When the guests finally left and he started opening everything, he realized one group had given him gold and $333 more besides....(Look, I know it’s fine to open gifts—even in front of people—but he wasn't some creep peeking inside envelopes while they were still sitting there....😁 ))
My family is heading to their little girl's First Communion now, and there is absolutely no way they can pay back that exact amount in cash....
So, what's gonna happen? They'll give her some gold jewelry and maybe an extra 200$100 in an envelope. With how things are right now, that's all they can swing....

I already sent Katty those messages for the congratulations 🙂
but I totally missed the window for this one tomorrow

- I just picked up some earrings for my daughter's First Communion tomorrow. I went with stainless steel since she loves wearing that stuff, and honestly, they look super fancy—like, totally high-end. I think they're perfect for her age, plus we'll be dropping some extra cash on the gift... + religious book
- For the next First Communion (a boy), we grabbed a baseball bat and a ball—that's what he really wants. We can't find a glove anywhere in all of Chicago, so he'll just have to go without one. I’m also planning to pick up a cool book (maybe a novel or a story) with some spiritual themes—not just strictly about God, because there are actually some really interesting and engaging ones out there
and more cash too
- For the third First Communion, I got a heart-shaped watch necklace (stainless steel again, and it's gorgeous) + cash... + religious book
And that's it... I'm officially broke this month...😁

That idea about using a gift card is actually pretty smart...

That being said, even if I'm trying to keep things simple, I always aim to include something spiritual, even if it's just a cool little book for ten bucks$6.75....(stores like Barnes & Noble have a great selection right now)
At the end of the day, it's a religious rite, and as such, we should show some respect with an appropriate gift... (or at least part of the gift should be)
I mean, it shouldn't all be purely material stuff; at least a portion of it should be something spiritual🙂....
Unless someone is sending a kid to these sacraments just for the sake of it...
And they don't know the first thing about faith... in which case, a gift like that wouldn't even mean much to them

What really got on my nerves... honestly, it was just way too much how everyone kept trying to poke and rub my belly... acting like they had to check exactly where one baby was versus the other... seriously, back off and get lost.
That kind of intimacy is strictly reserved for me and my husband... nobody else gets to lay a finger on me right now.