u/wantonyak

I am in the strange position of having more embryos than I needed. I had hoped to donate to them research, but that seems to no longer be an option. I also asked about donating them for practice, but was told that’s off the table as well. Donating to another person is not an option.

So now I am making peace with discarding these precious embryos and it is killing me. What actually happens? Are they thrown into a biohazard waste bin? Flushed down a drain? What is the actual process?

My five year old wants her ears pierced. I’d like to go to a licensed piercer, if any will take kids. But I’m open to other suggestions if that’s not an option.

Gaithersburg is ideal but willing to travel a little.

I am aware this is a fortunate problem to have and may be extremely sensitive for some. I wish all the luck in the world to you.

I have embryos I will not be using. My fertility (SGF) initially said we could donate them to research but now they do not facilitate that anymore. I am trying to find a lab that will take them. Does anyone know of anywhere accepting embryos, either for clinical research or for training purposes?

Please do not suggest donating them to another couple. That is not an option for us.

My eldest daughter is turning 5 in a few weeks and is a rising kindergartner. She has tons of art stuff, magnetiles, dress up, make believe toys, and dolls. She has a small trampoline, balance stuff. Puzzles. A million books.

My youngest is about to turn 1. And I think we basically have everything she needs as well! I’ve thought about getting her (or honestly them together) a pikler triangle set, but I’m not convinced it’s better than an all the random furniture they already climb on.

They both have plenty of clothing, unless I ask people to get winter clothes for six months from now, but those aren’t gifts that people enjoy giving.

All our family is asking what to get the girls and I’m totally stumped. I don’t want junk just for the sake of it. I’m avoiding toys with small choking hazard pieces. Personally I’d rather ask for experiences, but my husband says that’s too expensive for family and not as fun to give or receive.

Please suggest things for my kids before I go insane!

(And yes, I am so aware of how first world problem this is. I’m really trying not to give into the commercialism of stuff just for the sake of stuff and instead looking for toys that will last and provide real value).

I just received my new king Sterns and Foster Lux Estate. I LOVE it! However, the middle is noticably firmer. The outer two feet on each side are much softer. Getting to the middle feels a little like rolling uphill. Is this normal?

This is my first foray into smart watches. I think my needs are fairly simple? I'm not looking for another distraction. Instead, my goal is to be able to not have my phone out as much.

My phone is a Google pixel 5.

I'll start with the kicker: I don't want to spend over $200. I'm fine with a refurbished item. I don't need the latest and greatest.

**Here are my needs:**

- Either comes with or can be fitted with a fashion strap (for women). It has to look like a professional watch for work.

- Smart wake up - I really want this, as long as it actually works!

- basic fitness/calories burned tracker. I'm not an athlete, just a mom looking to get a little more fit. Exact accuracy isn't required, just "good enough" to show progress.

- links to Google wallet (for pay and metro pass)

- shows my Google calendar and Outlook calendar and provides reminders

- shows Teams notifications

**Nice to haves, but not required:**

- I'd like to be able to control Spotify and audible on it (basic play and pause, I can select what to listen to on my phone).

- I'd like to get FB Messenger alerts (that or be able to set it to only show messages from on person in the messages app)

- I'd like to see the weather

- can integrate with some kind of mindfulness/stretching reminder app (not picky here, just looking to take care of myself a little better)

- Bonus if I can connect it to provide notifications for Alexa's cry detection.

I don't think I really need it to make calls or send messages. I mostly just want alerts.

I feel like my needs are so simple, but I can't seem to find straight answers on which watches have which features, especially since Google bought Fitbit. And I know my budget is constraining.