Comments on: Cutting the cord – You people are so wrong

By: beagooddad

beagooddad — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:35:30 +0000

Wookie, Thanks for the tips. We’re still trying to figure out how to get the tank set up. There is currently a 10 gallon tank in the spot where the new 45 gallon tank is going to go. I’m probably going to have to set up a temporary tank to move everybody into right before Christmas and then set up the big tank on Christmas Eve and then we’ll put the stuff into the tank on Christmas day and move the fish back into the tank a week later.

Because we already have fish, we probably need to stay away from the cichlids. I am looking forward to getting a little school of some kind of fish in the bigger tank, though.

We do have on of those Pythons. I love that thing and am looking forward to using it on a tank that will take less than 2 minutes to do the 20% water change. It is almost too strong for our little tank.

I’ll post some pictures when everything gets set up.

By: wookie

wookie — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:05:31 +0000

My kids LOVE our fishtank (5 and 2). They are fabulous presents. I highly reccommend getting some Cichilids rather than boring regular tropical fish though. They are colourful and more entertaining (they are territorial so they fight a fair bit more) than brain-dead angelfish, tetras and gouramis.
Here is an idea… get the tank, set it up, put a couple of cheap fish in there until the tank “cycles”. Then as the Christmas present, let each kid pick out a couple of things for the tank and their very own fish.
Also, the “Python” tank cleaner that hooks up to your tap to do the water siphoning… also worth the cost.

By: beagooddad

beagooddad — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:16:49 +0000

Jaynee, the thought of giving money to kids gets me right here (in case you can’t see, I’m pointing at my heart). I’ll tell you why in the post when the poll is done.

Rob, thanks for actually describing what it feels like to cut the umbilical cord and, thereby, reinforce that I won’t be doing it. Eww.

As for The Squeaker, she has pretty good test and anytime you need somebody to babysit her over night, let me know a couple days in advance so I can update my Netflix queue.

Bec, you’re not the only one looking forward to Christmas. Geetle had a page in a toy catalog where she literally circled every item on the page. Sleeping bags and indoor tents. Fortunately, she’s more distracted by Halloween and waiting for the baby right now.

Everybody else, thanks for your input. In this particular instance there are no right or wrong answers. I know our reasons for how we buy presents are different for each kid but at this point come out to the same result. Keep your thoughts coming.

By: How About Two?

How About Two? — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:04:06 +0000

Oh yeah, one big present.

The Squeaker’s getting a 1080i hi-def, flat screen television. I think she’ll be very excited.

By: How About Two?

How About Two? — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:01:43 +0000

I’m actually going to comment on cutting the cord (since I missed the original post) – I say yes, but you’re right; it’s not that big of a deal. I mean it is a big deal, but it’s not, really.

If you want the same experience in the comfort of your own home, cut an uncooked sausage with a pair of basic scissors.

I’m glad I did it for the twins, but I probably won’t do it again. I felt more like I was in the way than anything.

By: Bec

Bec — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:59:26 +0000

Doh! I thought you were asking because you didn’t know what you wanted to do – my bad.

I’m so looking forward to christmas this year!

By: Modified mummy

Modified mummy — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:38:22 +0000

I love buying/making/getting lots of little cheap toys for Callum, and letting him run riot with them. He loves the opening of the present more than the actual present, so untill he’s a bit older I’m not going to splurge on a big present for him. Anyway, with 6 grandparents that tend to want to spoil the kids, buy them big/expensive things we couldn’t afford anyway! lol.

We’re not a family of much money as you can maybe tell, but after years of practise I’m good at finding bargins I think I’d still be the same even if we did have extra money.

Maybe if we bought him just one ‘larger’ present, he would focus his attention on that rather than his limited attention span being spread out over more items… but I doubt it. He seems as fickle as I am, and would appreciate something else when his attention wanes…

sorry, I’m talking in circles. I only got 3 hours sleep last night and I’m a bit muddled now it’s almost midnight. (it was my own fault, I was catching up on internet drama and stumbling… hence the lack of sleep! )

By: Jaynee

Jaynee — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:32:47 +0000

Right now, since they are young (4 and 3), we get our kids lots of medium presents because half the thrill for them is OPENING THE PRESENTS. Imagine how disappointed they’d be to only open ONE big present. They’d be crestfallen.

I can’t wait for the day that I can just hand my daughter a $100 giftcard to her favorite store and be done with it. Because you know once she reaches 14 years old she won’t want anything I could possibly come up with on my own. =)

By: Romie

Romie — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:23:16 +0000

I think it depends on the age more than anything else. I would do more presents when they are younger and as they get older they get fewer but bigger presents.