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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Lello!!!! OMG. Take a couple of days off and it takes me 1 hour just to read the posts. Of course it would go a lot faster if I didn't need to stop and laugh my a$$ off every little bit. We could all be stand up comedians. Jerry Seinfeld, watch out!!!!!! Riley is doing better. He is coughing alot, but I think it is breaking up and if he doesn't cough, how's it going to come out? My oldest sis is determined to make it worse than it is. She says, I'll listen to him and then I'm probably going to tell you to call back the dr. She thinks he's not taking enough medication. This from the queen of, Give my kids drugs for anything. I hate giving medication but I will do it when needed. She takes her kids to the dr. for little things and they are always sick it seems. Anyway! Spending time with my exdh has brought back a whole array of emotions. I could never make him love or want me. I detached myself once and tried to get over the pain. Not that I think I'm beautiful or sexy or whatever. But, I could never understand why other men found me attractive, but Jim refused. So I have this bad little part of me who has a horrible need to feel wanted and loved by this man. What can I do? Our relationship is "friends". He hugs me from time to time but no kissing or anything else. I know that time is of the essence right now and that he needs to heal, but I feel like one of these days I'm going to do or say something that will expose my true thoughts. I can;t stand rejection or feeling vunerable. Ok, I need a head shrink! That much, we all know and agree on!!!!!!! I've been trying to get Riley to say I love you for months now. Yestersday while we were still in bed, I asked him if he loved his mommy. He looks at me and says, plain as day, I love Jim. The first time he says it and it is about Jim??!!! Oh well. He later did say it to me and his brothers. I love hearing that little voice say I love you. Patty***Please send snow my way. I'm desperate. We haven't had any yet. Romaine***I wouldn't trade these rough and tumble bunch of boys for nothing! I know you feel the same about your girls. Moriah***Sending love your way! My hair turned out much shorter than I'd thought. But I like it and it's so much easier to take care of. Tam didn't like it, Mom did. Jim never said. Most everyone else loves it. How's lil Zandy doing today? Sara***Did you say you lived between Sac and Marysville? I lived in Auburn. Where are you? Rocklin, Lincoln, Olivehurst? I lived out off of Wise road. I loved that area. But I love it here too. I'm much farther North now. Close to the OR border. Sorry that I don't have a post for everyone today. I do, however, have another Gydesen household story. Jess walks into my bathroom yesterday and burps. Well, in this house, if you do not say excuse me, it leads to the "look" or if your with in reach, a smack on the back of the head. So Jess immediatly says excuse me. Riley, who was watching the whole time, makes a fake burp and says "ecmuse" me. So now, he walks around doing it consantly because everyone laughs hysterically. Oh where did I go wrong!LOL Shelly & Riley 21 months Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 16:10:04 (EST)) Hi mommies. Jarin just settled down for his nap. He has been so happy and funny today. I have to use saline nasal drops because my nose is so dry in the winter (lovely picture, I know). Anyway, Jarin picks up a bottle and puts the lid by his nose and makes a "snorting" noise. It was so funny, he just cracks me up. So I got out his drops (which he hates) and said, "Does Jarin want some nose drops?" Of course, then he starts shaking his head and saying "No, no, no". LOL. He is too cute for words. =) **LuCynda: WHERE ARE YOU?????? **Julianne: Good luck with the job. Sounds like everything went well so far. I hope we don't have any more snow days - I hate making them up in the summer. We got two more inches of snow yesterday, so I think we are up to about nine now. And it is so cold that none of it is melting. If the wind starts up, we'll be in real trouble as it will be blowing and drifting everywhere. **Kelli: Oh, you poor girl. I hope you are feeling better soon. I know this will sound terrible now, but lemon drops really helped me a lot with the nausea. Of course, I never actually got sick this time around. I was sick all morning when I was pg with Jaime. Sounds like another girl. =) I'd guess you're right about the Augmentin causing diarrhea - jarin had it terribly when he was on that. **Leanne: Good to hear from you again! I wish I would've known that an apple before bed would help heartburn. I had it so bad with Jarin that I spent most nights in the recliner. Yay for Alexis and Cynthia loving their new room! **Sarahg: Good luck getting into that full class. **Michelle: "I Yuv Oo". How precious is that? I'm sure your hear DID just melt. I think sometimes that I can't wait to hear Jarin say that, and then I think, No because it will just mean he's growing up even faster. =( Glad your haircut was a success. My dh would be thrilled. He's always after me to get it cut shorter and shorter. Good luck this afternoon with the ex and dealing with the 14 year old stepdaughter. I'm dealing with a 16 year old daughter (my dh's stepdaughter). My ex is no help whatsoever, as he only sees her about once a month. You're right - this is DEFINITELY NOT a fun stage. **Jennifer: Good to hear from you too. **Take care everyone. Love to those beautiful, wonderful, cuddly, precious, adorable, little miracles of all of ours. =) Patty and Jarin - almost 17 months!!! email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 16:54:51 (EST)) Hi, my name is Kaery and I am writing all of you because like many of you I feel like I am not doing enough for my children. I have two boys. Markus 17 months and Travis 7 weeks. I love both of them but sometimes I feel like i need to do more. I was hoping to get my oldest son into a play group but I don't know where to start. Sometimes I feel like moving back to a small town where I know everyone and where I feel like I can control their environment. Any way If you are going to email please write the subject BABY. That way I don't delete you because I think you are passing a virus. Thank you. Kaery email: jriverak@aol.com Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 23:54:09 (EST)) Hi its a more rational and sane Lynda here today. Just to fill you in on what happened when DH got home the other night (after going out when he should have been home). Well I was in bed and after he had played with the TV for about 10 minutes trying to get it to work, he came into the bedroom and stood at the doorway with a big grin on his face. It cracked me up and I couldn't help but laugh - not a word passed between us but we both knew what the other was thinking. Anyway... Dh was very appologetic about not comming home - he claims to have forgotten I wanted to go running - I gave the TV cable back the next day he came home early so I could go for a run and all is well between us. Just one personal today. Jennifer: There is no way I would want my child watching the wrestling either. My nephew is 10 years old and up until recently was right into the wrestling. He had the dolls, knew all the characters and watched it all the time....until he tried one of the manouevers (sp?) (a headlock) on one of the kids at school. Needless to say, my SIL and BIL have now banned him from watching it. If DH doesn't have a problem with the wrestling and is really stubborn about it, maybe you could distract Adam with something to do that he is more interested in??? - assuming you are home at that time? Good Luck. Lynda & Ella email: ljpjyoung@ozemail.com.au Monday, January 24, 2000 at 00:40:26 (EST)) Christi here Hi everyone, I have been gone for a few days, and have decided catching up would take too long, so I will start fresh. I have skimmed the posts, so kind of know what is going on. Sorry everyone. Big news here today is that Caleb peed in his potty! Okay, I know you are all thinking it is a big fluke, and it probably is, but I am still proud of him. Every morning when he gets up I put him on, and he ususally wants off right away, well, this a.m. he "said" he wasn't done, so I let him go, finally about 10 minutes later he said he was finished and got up and looked in, and was so proud of himself. I tried to make a big deal of it, but he was really uninterested quickly. So, we will keep going and see. DD was trained before 2, maybe I could luck out and go 2 for 2. We played in the snow again this week-end, Caleb has so much fun, forget his little pull sled, he went down with Alexis on the big sled. We have asmall hill in our back yard, so I wasn't worried about him getting hurt.we haven't had snowman building snow yet, but I hope for it before winter is over. Okay, I have one personal, but I don't remember for who. Someone said they wished DH would offer a massage once a week instead of jumping her bones-- I wish DH would jump my bones, at a time we both have the want and the energy! I have to say (sadly) once a month is just not enough! I had to tell you I giggled when I read that!! See you all soon, I hope! Christi & Caleb 14 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 11:03:02 (EST)) Happy Monday to everyone from Julianne & Colton. Yeah, DH comes homes tonight. Colton will be so happy. Everytime we come in the driveway Colton would see DH's plow truck and start chanting "da-da". That was about the only time he cried for DH so it wasn't too bad. Colton is starting to get an attachment to receiving blankets. We call them "nite-nites". Lately he will hollar for his nite-nite and I have to get him a blanket. I am hoping this is just a phase due to missing daddy. Usually the only time I get out a blanket is when it is time to snuggle before bed. LisaB: Colton likes to stand on my knees, hug me, and yell "mummie-mummie" when I am drying him off after bathtime. I just love those moments. You have a great outlook and plan for working and then being a SAHM mom later. It does make work easier when you know you have an out. Kelli: I know I shouldn't be laughing reading your post as you must be just miserable, BUT ... Elizabeth's surprise for you seemed just right to top off your yucky day. Hope your stomach settles down soon so you can enjoy a salad! Leanne: Yeah for the girls adjusting so well to their new room. Michells: Great 1st sentence from Riley. Thanks for your reassurance on Colton's heart murmur. Jennifer: We are in a similar situation--we aren't really trying to get PG, but aren't using any protection either. It took us 3 yrs to conceive Colton and figure it will take us a while for the next one too. I am w/ you on not using the Cheerio in the toilet trick. Colton would be fishing them out instead of trying to pee on them. Shelly: How cute of Riley showing off his burping skills--Makes a mom proud. LOL At least he says excuse me after. Patty: You had me LOL picturing Jarin snorting when pretending to use your nasel spray. Too bad he didn't think it was fun anymore when you got his out. Kaery: Welcome. I too wish I had my son more involved in play groups. However, working full time doesn't leave me extra time to make such arrangements. There are several moms on here who are involved in such groups so hopefully they can be more helpful. Lynda: Glad your DH was such a good sport about the cable. I have a fun day planned. I am going to go tan again and them meet my friend who had the triplets for lunch. Julianne & Colton 18 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 11:29:32 (EST)) Happy Monday (yuck!) from Sue and Cameron. I'm sitting here wishing I were at home curled up in bed. I have giant head cold #3 of the season. Started last night with an annoying stuffy nose, and I woke up this morning looking and feeling like crud. We're so busy due to being short-staffed that I don't dare miss a day unless there's no other choice. You can add me to the "Bad Mommy" list with LISAB on the main page after this weekend. Cam is usually pretty happy and easy going, but was a complete bear all weekend. He was clingy and whiny and only wanted mommy. Although that's flattering, I really needed a break from him by the time last night rolled around. I don't know how you single moms do it without having someone else around to give you some relief! Then I checked in his mouth after his bath and saw he had cut three new teeth! I felt SOOO bad about starting to lose patience with him. Poor kid. Nothing else major is going on around here. My friend/coworker did well during her surgery on Friday (thanks for your + thoughts). She now has to wait for the lab results to see whether the tumor was benign or malignant. Hopefully we'll hear something in the next couple of days. KELLI - hang in there! Hopefully your All-Day Sickness will pass very quickly. Try to rest as best you can. Hope everyone has a terrific day! Sue and Cameron email: sbarry@key.org Monday, January 24, 2000 at 12:04:59 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. I'm trying to finish up my big project today and the prognosis looks good!!! Unfortunately, I only had time to skim the posts. I spent the weekend at my folks and told them all that we are expecting. My younger sister was there with her 2 girls, 2 and 3 1/2. I hate to say it but my sister is an awful Mom sometimes. Everytime the girls get in trouble they whine "I'm sad, I'm sad". You HAVE to wonder where they picked that up from. The oldest is always starting something that the youngest gets a spanking for - and then the oldest, after she doesn't get into any trouble, walks around grinning like a monkey while her sister cries. Then my sister has decided that the oldest HAS to eat a good meal at every meal. This has turned every meal into a battle of wills and the poor girl now dreads each meal. She got 5 whacks (not REAL hard) on her bottom yesterday because she wouldn't start eating - but she also had a horrible cold and couldn't hardly breathe and therefore probably didn't have ANY appetite. We got a little snow last night and all the traffic was melting it so there was slush and patches of ice all over. I drove on that crap most of the way home from my parents last night (my total drive is usually 4 hours and it took 6 to get home). I got about a hour from home and was going about 45 mph in a 65 mph zone as the roads were slick. I saw the traffic all slowing down so I slowed down to 35 - and hit a patch of ice. I slid all over both sides of the road, went thru the median, and ended up with the nose of the car on the opposite side of the road (was on a 4 lane). Thankfully there was no traffic around at the time and I hit the one spot where the median is level (most is gullies or cliffs). I got the car out on the second try and Max, the car, and I were all ok - but it literally scared the crap out of me. Cars were off the road all over, several were overturned, etc. and I drove 20-30 mph the rest of the way home. JULIANNE: I hope the job comes thru for you. KELLY: I hope you feel better soon. I've been there and know how miserable it is ... and I didn't have a toddler to deal with also. If you go longer than one day without fluids, SEE YOUR DOCTOR. You can get dehydrated easily and a couple of hours with an IV will make you feel like a new woman. MICHELLE and SHELLY: Congrats on the "I love you"!!! JENNIFER: I would drop the wrestling issue until it is really an issue (i.e., when Adam is up when wrestling is on). In the meantime, I would mention ANY instance you hear about violence at schools, etc. - esp. if they hint it was due to violence from tv, movies, wrestling, etc. Who knows, maybe DH will change HIS mind on his own (with a little behind-the-scenes couching from you) before Adam is old enuf to even see wrestling. CHRISTI: Yeah on Caleeb using the potty. PATTY: Too funny about Jarin and the nasal spray. LisaB & Max (16 mo) .. and BB#2 (6 wks in belly) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 12:17:02 (EST)) Hi, Louise here. Hope you all had good weekends. We had a tiring day yesterday, driving to see friends who live miles out in the country, then got stuck in traffic on the way home and James whined for most of it! Fun! Then last night, we were having our kisses and cuddles when I dried him after his bath (JULIANNE, sounds like our boys do the same thing!) when all of a sudden he put his head down and bit me - hard! - on the leg. It really hurt so I gasped involuntarily which he thought was hilarious so he promptly then bit me on the arm. I looked into his eyes and told him firmly 'no biting' but he kept laughing. I suppose I'll just have to keep doing that or put him in time out or something (I can't bear the thought of biting back, and I can't see the point, although I'm sure some of you will disagree with me) - I know this mustn't become a habit, even if he doesn't do it in anger yet. Besides which, it hurt! Little monster. Not much else new! JULIANNE - good luck with the new job! And enjoy having DH home again! BTW - I'm with you on the cheerios/potty issue - James would probably pee on them and then eat them! KELLI - Sending +++++ vibes that the sickness stops. I feel for you. LEANNE -nice to hear from you all! MICHELLE - Riley made my heart melt too when you told me what you said! JENNIFER - So James and Adam have a lot in common then?! Also, James is at that stage of giving up his morning nap - it makes life a bit unpredictable as he's getting out of synch with his naps. I wouldn't want James watching wrestling either - I agree with Lynda that if you're in the room, distract him, and maybe try making negative comments about it (which I guess will really annoy DH!) so Adam gets the feeling it's not a good thing? And keep up with your campaign! PATTY - I can just picture Jarin with the nose drops, what a little actor! LYNDA - I loved your story about DH and the cable - I'll have to remember that one! SUE - I'm still thinking of your friend, hope her results are good. Hope you shake that cold off. LISAB - Sorry to hear about your journey from hell. That must have been terrifying - thankfully you must have quick reflexes. Were your family excited about your pregnancy? Louise & James (14 months) email: rnash78035@aol.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 12:55:48 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! I will try and not delete this post today b/f I'm finished!!! Amanda went for her 18month dr. visit today-32 3/4" tall and 23.13 lbs. She hardly grew at all the past couple visits, ( was 30 1/4 " and 22.2lbs @ 10mos.) The doc not to worry, she is still growing and she would see how she is growing at the next visit at 24mos. She has a cold and come to find out the beginning of an ear infection, good thing we had a doc app today!! I thought she was just crabby w/a cold and cutting teeth! Well last week I joined weight watchers- I have packed on about 10lbs since after having Amanda and losing almost all the baby fat, so now its mommy fat! I went w/my neighbour that 'claims' to lose 4+ lbs each time she goes- should keep me motivated! Well, sorry I didn't take any notes so not much for responses----- LISAB-- sorry your sis is so annoying- I know how you feel! MORIAH--Some doctors are so impersonal at times- sorry the visit was so terrible- hope little Alex is doing better! Sure come over for a swim anytime! :O) KELLI- Hope the morning sickness goes away soon, and they call it 'morning sickness'!!?? PATTY-- So cute w/the nasal spray! Thats all for now- I'll check in later and do better with taking notes! Helen&Amanda@17mos email: mhim27@hotmail.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 13:27:54 (EST)) Hello from Rita It is raining cats and dogs out here. We need it, but I always get a little concerned when it rains constantly for several days in a row since we have a creek behind our house. It hasn't flooded since 1950, but all it will take is for some dunderhead up stream to throw in some branches. Well, one major source of stress has been eliminated. For the past several weeks I have been feeling PG. We were worried that Larry's vasectomy had maybe reversed itself. I had a blood test when I went to the MD that was neg, but she had said that it was possibly too early to be accurate. Of course, AF was late two days and dragged out the suspense. And she is pretty much the worst she has ever been. Lisa B - So glad that you and Max are unscathed after your ice mishap. I am not used to driving in snow/ice and would probably have freaked. Lynda - Glad that your DH took the cable incident so well. My DH and I had a chuckle over it this AM. I don't think that I could get behind our entertainment armoire to disconnect anything... Well, I had better get to work since it took me such a long time to get here this AM. Take care everyone! Rita & Amy email: ritad@home.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 14:14:39 (EST)) Good morning ladies, SARAH here. I hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was okay. DH worked Friday and Saturday night, then yesterday watched football and smoked a chicken. HANNAH was fussy yesterday. I wish those darn incisors would COME IN!!!! She woke up screaming around midnight. DH got her and couldn't calm her down, so I came down to get her from him, and she immediately stopped crying when I picked her up. :) Made me feel good. I brought her back in bed with me and then DH moved her to the crib when he came to bed. Poor thing!! :( Not much else new so..... SUE - I hear ya on the teething!!!!!! How was your date?? Good news on your co-worker, now hopefully it's benign! BETH - How was your trip? LISA - Scary drive home!!! Glad you and MAX are okay!! JULIANNE - The job sounds awesome! I'll bet you're excited for DH to get home! :) KELLI - Honey, I'm so sorry to hear you're so sick!! I agree with LISA and the dehydration!! I wish I could come help you out!!! LEANNE - Good to hear from you! I'm glad the girls' loved their room. MICHELLE - Cute "I wuv oo"! Talk about your heart melting!!!!! SHELLY - I'm glad RILEY is feeling better! When HANNAH burps, she thinks it's so funny, and then she sits there and tries to push more burps out and just laughs! :) It's pretty funny. PATTY - Funny story about the nose drops! KAERY - Why do you feel like you don't do enough? Don't be so hard on yourself. LYNDA - Cute story about the way you and DH made up. CHRISTI - YEA for CALEB peeing in the potty!!! :) HELEN - Good thing AMANDA had a dr. appt. and caught the ear infection. Well, I guess that's about it for today. I'll "talk" to you all tomorrow. Give the little munchkin's kisses!!!!!! :) Sarah and Hannah (16 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 14:21:48 (EST)) Katy here Moriah- So good to hear from you. Don't you hate it when doctors are so impersonal? Liam's 1st pedatrician was like that. He couldn't even remember that I was the mom!!! Now we are lucky that he has one of the doctors who cared for him when he was in the hospital as his pediatrician. Thanks for wanting to take my money woes away. Who knows, maybe Publisher's Clearing house will show up at my door next Sunday!!! Sorry to everyone else that it's been so long since i've posted. Our phone company cut us off because we sent the payment in on the day it was due, but they didn't cash the check til four days later. So now I have to post from school. Liam is doing well. he's walking more and more everyday. Now I'm just waiting for the first words. he says mama, dada, no and his two favorite phrases from teletubbies, what's that (sounds more like whassat) and uh oh. He almost has dog , but it comes out like doh. he can't get the g yet. hope everyone is doing well. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 14:24:23 (EST)) Rebecca here... Today is another beautiful day! For anyone who has ever been to Vancouver you know how rare that is. I am definately taking Paige to the park again today (we went yesterday too!). I have skimmed the posts briefly but you all just post too much! LOL Moriah - You showed way more restraint than I would have with that dr. How dare he treat you like that. I know Alex will prove him wrong!!! LisaB - I was thinking of you this weekend. I think Max has been talking to Paige. She somehow got her Diaper Genie open and was shoving a clean diaper in it. When I walked into the room she gave me this big smile like see what I can do?! Your icy driving sounds pretty petrifying. I always make DH drive when hte weather is bad (he is the professional after all!). Kelli - I hope you feel better really soon. Okay, so don't hate me, but that's all I wrote down. I know, bad Rebecca, bad Rebecca. There are just soo many posts in a day, much less a week! I hope all of you are feeling wonderful and that your little ones are being perfect angels. Oh, I did have a question. Paige is 14 months now and still isn't saying any real words. We have Ma, Da, Ba, and Ta but that's about it. Should I be worried? I kind of think that she'll talk when she does, and she definately babbles and tried to communicate in other ways (pointing, dragging you towards something, etc). Well, I can hear babbling coming from her room so I better go get her. Hugs and Kisses to you all!!! Rebecca & Paige 14months email: burn@canadawired.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 15:39:01 (EST)) Hi again. I just wanted to share this with some of you "oldies". I emailed JOY/JOSH on Friday, and just got this: Things are well on this side of the computer. I had the baby (a girl) two weeks ago. Her name is Brianna. My labor was two hours from start to finish so I can't complain. Joshua is doing really well. He had his surgery about four months ago (to fix his kidney) and now he is like new! Just thought you gals might want to know!! :) See ya! Sarah again! Monday, January 24, 2000 at 16:15:05 (EST)) Hi mommies. I just got my nails done. Love doing that! =) Jarin is napping again. Glad everyone got a kick out of the nasal spray story. He is so cute. This morning I left for work before he woke up, so he didn't nurse. Can I tell you all how full I was when I got home around 12:30????? Thank heaven he wasn't taking his nap yet! I also tried to teach this morning without my Mountain Dew. FORGET IT!!! I was way too grumpy, so tomorrow I go back to having my morning caffeine. It's the only time I drink pop with caffeine, so I'm not going to feel too guilty. =) **Shelly: The snow was fun for a while, but it's so cold we can't even enjoy it. You can have it now. "Ecmuse me" - how cute is that??? The "I love Jim" cracked me up too. =) **Kaery: Welcome to you, Markus, and Travis. **Lynda: Glad you and DH worked everything out. =) **Jennifer: My DS watches wrestling. I know, I know - bad mommy. But he knows he is only allowed to wrestle his big stuffed Ernie and NEVER to do any moves on anybody. We also constantly remind him that it is all fake. **Christi: Yay for Caleb peeing in the potty! =) Hey, I'll trade you - once a month WOULD BE enough for me! **Julianne: Yay for DH coming home today. I'msure you and Colton are both happy about that. **Sue: Wow, 3 new teeth? No wonder he was fussy. Hope your cold is feeling better quickly. **LisaB: Yay! We all knew you'd finish your project in time. =) Your poor nieces! I'm glad you and Max made it home safe. I'm sure that scared the h*ll out of you! **Louise: OUCH! I hope James stops biting!! **Helen: Good luck with the Weight Watchers. Sounds like Amanda is doing ok. Jarin didn't grow hardly at all between his 12 and 15 month check ups - from 30 1/2 inches to 31 and from 18 lbs to 19lbs 8 oz. **Rita: Glad you're not pregnant and that stress is gone for you. **Sarah: Hope Hannah's teeth come in soon. Poor little girl. I'm sure you're loving having to give her extra cuddles. =) **Katy: Glad to hear Liam is doing ok. Hope everything gets better for you soon. **Rebecca: Jarin says hardly anything yet either. I think they'll talk when they're ready. You sound better today! =) Hope you keep feeling good. **Take care all. Gotta go pick up Jesse. Patty and Jarin - almost 17 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 16:27:20 (EST)) Hi everyone, I finally just go tmy "demon child" to sleep. I gave him a cookie from mcdonalds with his milk during his quiet time before bed, and he was taking forever to eat the darn thing. Once I ealized that he was using the cookie as a procrastination tactic, I eased the cookie out of his hand. I swear, the kid looked like something out of the exorcist......I was just waiting for his head to spin around! He grabbed my cheek with his hand and just about pulled it off. I have marks there now. He gets that part of his personality from his father! Adam is deathly afraid of our smoke detectors on the ceiling. They have never gone off, but all of a sudden a few days ago, he keeps running to them staring at them and then he runs away crying and patting himself on the head. We figure he thinks they are going to fall and hit him in the head. I have to tell the smoke detectors "no, no, no, don't hurt my baby Adam!!" Then he feels better. Thanks to all who responded to my wrestling comment, at this moment I am sitting here forced to watch it because my DH wanted me to tape it until he gets home. I HATE IT! I feel like its on every night. Some way, every night, some channel has some kind of wrestling on and DH always has to watch it. It makes me sick to my stomach! Darnnit, Adam is up again. Lately he hasn't been able to get to sleep peacfully and has been waking up alot. It's driving me nuts! Well, I'd better go see to him. Sorry no personals tonight ladies ;) Jennifer and Adam 17mo email: ddock@gte.net Monday, January 24, 2000 at 22:36:07 (EST)) Hi Everyone Darleen here! Well......we are finally back to normal health wise for now. Nolan's eye infection cleared up, and so far for the past few days I have been feeling fine. I decided to go back on my birth control to avoid an accident, and if I have the same symptoms, I will go off of them. I got some disturbing news today. We were at a wedding in October, and one of the guys we were sitting with at the table was killed last night in a snowmobile accident, he hit a cement culver. He was 33. He was suppose to get married New Year's Eve of 2000, but he backed out of his wedding, and split up with his wife to be. Not sure of the whole circumstance. We don't know him well enough to go to the Funeral, but it is upsetting when you do know a person, a friend of mine said he might have committed suiside. She said he has been depressed since New Year's. I hope that is not the situation. Sorry to depress you all. Nolan is doing great. He is quite the entertainer these days. When we laugh at him for something to do, he laughs so hard he almost gets sick. He is now into throwing things. He threw a play phone at Dh tonight, he was not the least bit impressed, but it was cute, I told Nolan he hurt daddy, and he went over and gave him a kiss and a hug. He was forgiven. He is also into climbing on all of our furniture. Well......we are offically off to the Toronto area as of Feb 29th, maybe sooner. Dh got a job with Ontario Hydro as a Senior Financial Analyst. We are both excited about his new position, and our move. We are calling around to moving companies to get quotes on how much it will cost to move us. I am not packing anything. Our new e-mail address is j7smith@hotmail.com It is in effect now, so is the j7smith@ciaccess.com until the end of February. Personels: Christi: YAH for Caleb going pee in the potty. I try Nolan before I put him in the tub. He likes to sit, but hasn't done anything yet. Welcome to all the new people that have joined TT. I just skimmed over the postings, so I'm not sure who said what. Sorry! Have a good night everyone! Darleen & Nolan14mths email: j7smith@hotmail.com Monday, January 24, 2000 at 22:36:33 (EST)) Lello! How is everyone tonight? Riley is feeling better and has not had to take albuterral for 2 days now. He still is a little on the grumpy side. He did, however, have a great day at DC. He never cried when I left or when she got out the nap mats. He slept for 1 hour and 15 min. The other boy at DC, his Mom was married to the man who molested little girls and went to jail for 30 years, makes it easier to leave Riley. His Mom, my friend Terry, was sledding yesterday and she went off an embankment. She shattered her wrist and had to go into surgery today. I swear, she has the hardest life right now of anyone I know. She didn't know her husband was molesting their DD and her best friends DD. When she found out, she took all the right steps. So now he's out of the pic and she is left raising the 2 kiddos and having to learn a skill to feed them. She goes to college. But now, she has to wear one of those contraptions that hold the pins in her arm. I feel so abd for her. Please keep her in your thoughts. I know a lot of people around here think she should have known or that she was guilty by association. But she is the sweetest person. Ouch! I just fell off my soapbox again!!!! Anyway......My job is going good. It feels so nice to talk to adults and see different people. Plus, when my boss leaves and I've finished my work, I get to thumb through a lot of books. I've been reading a book by Phsycic Sylvia Brown. I don't know if I believe this stuff or not, but she tells an interesting story. Once, when Monte and I were going thru the court thing, I had a mental melt down. I called physic hotline. It cost me 400.00 to hear that they thought Monte would try for custody and that I should keep my house clean incase a court investigator came. Money well spent!!!!!!LOL. They did say, however, that Jim would come back, a changed man. He would come through my front door in a year. Well, that I felt, was hogwash. But, I called last Feb. and here he is a year later. Ok, that's weird. Well, onto personal. Kelli***try coke for nasuea. Some people swear it works. I hope you feel better soon. Mine always stopped exactly on the 12th week. Christi***exdh and I never agreed on sex. Once a month was enough for him, but not me. I have the sex drive of a 16 year old. It caused a lot of problems. Sue***Being a sngle mom has taught me more patience. I still get frustrated and yell, but I realize no one else is going to help so I have to change my attitude. It works and when it doesn't, I get in the shower and cry!!!!! LisaB***Wow!!! It is a well known fact, that forcing your kids to eat has bad effects later on in their lives. I know exactly what it's like to always get the spanking for something you SIS DID!!!! My sis was the biggest brat growing up and I can already see little Alex following in her footsteps!!!!!!!!LOL. Bad Rebecca***Hi!!! Helen***I want to join WW's too. I think I'm going to try Xenical too. Let me know how your doing! Little Bratty Sis***I was just kidding about Alex. He's much cuter and sweeter than you ever were!!!LOL Does anyone know anyone else on Xenical? I'de be interested in hearing experiences. Shelly & Burrrrp, scume, Riley Monday, January 24, 2000 at 23:56:23 (EST)) Hi! Sarah g here. Just a quick hello before I go do my homework, but like SARAH said the other day, priorities!! :) I had a terrible weekend. I've been feeling stressed lately because of the problems dh and I are having. We took the kids to his mom and dad's Sat. night to go out on a nice date. We had a super dinner at our favorite sushi restaurant and then it was too late to see a movie, so we went to a club. I am so ashamed, I just don't know where my head went. Long story short, I think I nearly had alcohol poisoning all day yesterday. Isaac ended up with a fever out of no where, thank god for my IL's. I can't even believe I'm saying that, most times they make me insane! They helped take care of the kids, along with dh while I slept and threw up all day. So a much humbler me, signing off for now. Hope to catch up on personals next time! Take care everyone! Sarah g and Isaac Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 01:29:47 (EST)) Good morning Ladies Leanne Here Wow I actually got on the board in a fairly resonable time frame! So lucky you guys get some personal posts - what a shocker eh? I am finding the PT board soooo busy as some of you newly pregnant ladies are finding! It is so hard to keep up. So I deceided to start a Journal on The Labors of Love website! So excited about it. Whether anyone reads it or not is fine with me but I think it would be so neat to read back on it after I have the baby and see how I had felt. The bonus is just to share it with others. I really enjoyed reading others pregnancy journals so it should be up by the end of the week. I will let you guys know if you are interested and give you the link up or look up www.thelaborsoflove.com (?) Veronica is talking so much now! I dont remember the other girls saying this many words at this age. She says at least 20 or so (no kidding) Like Michelle Veronica loves say "I wov you" before she goes to bed at night. And she is very good at repeating words. Always says "ta ta" or "please" when you give her something. So much fun. Alexis is so excited today as she does not have kindergarten and Cynthia is staying at my moms so I said that we can have a "special day" and we are going to go to "Tons of Fun" the ball place. DH and I always call it "rent a desease" as it seems every time we go there the girls come back with a cold. But she has been asking all winter to go so.... SaraG: Thanks for the support, heres hoping Veronica will be that easy to put in her bed. Michelle: So cute about the "i love you thing" Veronica is doing the same. Hey I just got my haircut too. Got about 5in. off but it feels great and much easier to care for just above my shoulders. It makes you feel like a new person dosent it. Jennifer: I would not worry about the big bed yet! You have lots of time. I would keep Veronica in her crib till she is at least 2 if we were not expecting another baby! But I figure 20 months is still pretty good. I agree with everyone else about the wrestling thing. Tell him to tape it or only watch when he is not up. ShellY:I wrote someting down about Riley but I cant read my messy writing LOL sorry - hope all is well. Patty: LOL about Jarin snorting his bottle! Christi: Congrats on Caleb peeeing in the potty. Wow now that is young. I really hope but not count on it happing with Veronica before the baby is born as I dont think I have the energy right now to potty train her unless she really wants to. Especially since we have just finished with Cynthia that is the furtherest from my mind. Julian: Cynthia loved her receiving blankets. It was great as she always had her blanket and soother and when I took away the soother she still had her blanket to sleep with. She now does not sleep with anything. Nice that Colton enjoys it. Sue: Dont worry about the hole stress thing! Believe me that has happend many a times with me too. one of the girls would be so cranky and then I would find out the next day they are sick or teething, sometimes it is just hard to know. I remember this one time Alexis said that her stomach hurt (which she says A LOT) she is always pretending she is sick - anyways, I sort of brushed it off and then 5min later she threw up! I felt SOOOO bad! Guilt galor! Now I always ask if she is sick I guess she cant eat candy? If she says she can then I know she is just pretending LOL Louise: My 2nd and 3rd DD have done the biting thing. Veronica does it more when you are playing and she does not realize it. She starts off givning a kiss but then she bits! It hurts like made. Thankfully I think it is just a thing they do a couple of times and that is it. Helen: HI!! Rita: Wow on the opps preg. especially if DH had gotten an "v". After this baby is born DH is getting an "v" and beleive me that would not be fun if something like that happened. Glad you are feeling better. Sarah: Hi girl glad Hannah is doing so great. Rebecca: I love Vancouver. My dh lived there for a couple of years in White Rock. I did not realize you are my Canadian BUD! I am from Calgary. Got to go feed the kiddies. Have a great day ladies. Leanne with Cynthia 33mon, Veronica 17mon Babe intum (24weeks) and Big girl Alexis email: 01631583@3web.net Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 10:33:37 (EST)) Julianne here. I was changing Colton last night and Tequila started barking and jumping all around with so much excitement that I knew DH must have pulled in the driveway. Colton was very happy to see DH, but acted kind of shy. I was on my way out to Bible Study so I figured DH & Colton could have some good bonding time. Dh said that he was playing on the floor w/ Colton when the next thing he knew Colton was touching his face calling out "da-da." Dh had fallen asleep!!! Poor Colton. DH felt so bad and really worried about what could have happened if Colton hadn't woken him up right away. I bought Colton a potty chair last night. He had more fun trying to play in it. I was kind of dissapointed in the lack of pee shield. I guess I didn't look at the picture very good. I hope we don't have too many messes. I go back for a second interview to meet the rest of the HR Dept and the VP & MGR of MFG tomorrow from 8 to 11 am. 3 HOURS!!!! Wish me lots of luck. I just wish I felt better. My jaw has been acting up so now my ear is infected. It hurts so bad. Now I know what Colton goes through. I was hoping my drops would clear it up, but so far it just seems to be getting worse. Won't the DR just get a kick out of mommy having an ear infection for a change! Christi: Yeah for Caleb going potty for the 1st time. Hope it continues to go good. Sue: Sorry you are sick again. Poor Cam cutting 3 teeth and you not knowing it. Lisa: I hope your sister comes to realize that forcing someone to eat just leads to eating problems later. So glad nobody was hurt when your car slid off the road. I am a white knuckle driver when it comes to ice. Louise: Those surprise bites sure do hurt. I have found that telling Colton he is not being nice, setting him aside roughly, and promptly leaving the room works. Unfortunatly, our yelps make them think they did a funny. Helen: Hope WW works for you. Amanda and Colton are real close in size. Glad you caught the ear infection in time. Rita: Glad AF came, but sorry she is being so mean. Sarah: Hope Hannah's teeth come in soon. I never imagined teething caused so much pain. Thanks for the update on Joy & Josh. It's good to hear that he is doing so well after his surgery. Katy: Glad to hear all is well with you and Liam and that he is talking more and more now. Rebecca: I can't wait until the weather is nice so I can take Colton to the park again. Winter sure lasts too long. Although I am trying to plan a ski outing for some of my girlfriends so it can't go away too fast! I wouldn't be worried about Elizabeth not talking to much yet. Colton always did in streaks. He would learn several new words then nothing for a few weeks. Patty: Did you get your Caffeine today! Jennifer: Too funny about Adam's fear of the smoke detector. Darleen: Sorry to hear about the snowmobile accident. I always worry about that when DH is on an outing. Nolan sounds cute making up to his daddy w/ hugs and kisses. Shelly: I will pray for your friend. SarahG: Sorry you got sick from your date. Could it have been some bad sushi? You couldn't get me near that stuff. Leanne: Yeah for Veronica talking up a storm. Have fun w/ Alexis at the play house--hope she doesn't catch a cold. One more thing, there is some really bad stuff going on with my younger brother and he and my family could use your prayers. I can't go into the details right now. Thanks. Julianne & Colton 18 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 14:23:43 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. Wouldn't you just know it - I'm still trying to finish up my project today. I had a mistake in a spreadsheet formula that took FOREVER to find - but I'll definitely finish it today! The bad news is that morning sickness has hit BIG time. No vomiting but severe nausea. I had to lay down right after dinner last night and breakfast this morning to keep anything down and I feel just "on the edge" of losing it all every single second. Man, oh man, I was REALLY hoping I would miss this joy during this pregnancy - I had enough m/s with Max to last a lifetime. DH even felt sorry for me and let me go to bed early ... while he loaded the dishwasher, paid the bills, packed the diaper bag, etc.!!! Max is turning into a read-a-holic. Last night we sat and read books for 30 minutes straight after we got home. It was tiring but really nice to have that extra cuddle time!!! LOUISE: Yes, my family is pretty excited. RITA: I'm glad you aren't pregnant. REBECCA: Max only has a few words he says consistently. Each kid is different - my 14 month old niece has 20+ words she says all the time (while Max is still content to grunt). SARAH: Thanks for the update on Joy. Her and Josh are frequently in my thoughts. JENNIFER: I'm sorry Adam isn't sleeping well. The smoke alarms are too funny! DARLEEN: I'm sorry to hear about the guy's death. Max started throwing toys a few weeks ago as part of his "Drama King Temper Tantrums". SHELLY: Molesters are very sneaky. The guy who introduced Tom and I ended up being a molestor and his wife and close friends (including Tom and I) NEVER suspected it. This guy is a CPA, quiet, and considered really nice and kinda timid - not the sterotypical molestor type. The kids were scared to tell their Mom or anyone due to the nature of the threats the dad made if they ever did tell (I'll disown you, Mom won't believe you and will hate you, you'll go to an orphanage and never see your sibling again, etc.). SARAH G: Don't be ashamed - with all the stress you've been under you needed a release ... and at least you found it in alcohol versus violence or another means. Us Moms don't ALWAYS have to the responsible person ... we have the right to kick back and be wild and crazy occasionally also!!!! LEANNE: TaTa!!!!! JULIANNE: Yeah on the second interview. It was smart of Colton to wake DH up. Good luck with your brother. LisaB & Max (16 months), and BB#2 at 6 wks in oven email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 14:53:02 (EST)) hi all Christi here. Not much going on here, I think that is good. Caleb has gotten his bottom "eye teeth" for a new total of 16, 2 year molars, then we are done--Yippy! He has had a better time with these last two, thank goodness. SHELLY*** That is the same situation here, DH has never been super interested, (boy that says a lot about me huh!) He is really goofy, has all these rules, no DTD if he has to be at work early in the morning etc. Oh well I guess. SARAH G.*** Hope you are feeling better LEANNE*** Good for you and your diary! I love my Preschooler diary for Alexis, and would love to have one for Caleb. It will just be so nice to have them in the end. With Alexis' I put in lots of pictures and art work, so when it is printed it will all be there. Enjoy it! LISA B.*** Hope your M/S doesn't last long, I had like you, no actual vomiting, but sometimes I think it would make you feel better. It should be over soon! :-) See you all later Christi & Caleb 15 months (on Fri) Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 16:47:41 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! The kids are home from school today and DH is out plowing. I just went out to McD's for the kids to make them happy- they could eat there every day! I just finished a cucumber- sounds yummy-I know! Amanda seems to be happier today, I guess the medicine for her ear is taking effect. DS brought her out on her sled and on the way home she wanted to be carried, DS said she was humming like when I rock her! Too cute! I got her undressed and brought her to bed and she was snoozing in less than a minute! I guess the fresh air did her good. Well I should go- no notes today, sorry! The kids are going skating so I should go and help them get ready, or should I say,to help them to get out of the house b/f waking Amanda! :O)LATER! Helen&Amanda@17mos email: mhim27@hotmail.com Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 17:39:56 (EST)) Hi mommies. Jarin just woke up from his nap and MAN, WAS HE EVER A HUGE GRUMP!! He finally nursed to his heart's content and got over it. He's been going from Mr. Happy today to Mr. Grouchy. I don't know what's up with that. I think the new teeth must be trying to come through. I hope it happens quickly. **Sarah: Thanks for the update on Joy and Josh. I can't believe that she already had her baby!! I'm also glad that Josh is doing so well after the surgery. **Jennifer: LOL at picturing Adam as the demon child. **Darleen: Hope you find some movers. Packing everything sucks. We had people move our boxes and it was a God-send, but I still had to do all the packing. Yuck. Sorry to hear about the guy from your friend's wedding. Nolan sounds so cute giving DH kisses and hugs to be forgiven for throwing the phone. **Shelly: Your poor friend! =( **Sarahg: I know I shouldn't, but I was LOL at your post. Sounds like you let loose a little, huh? =) **Leanne: Your pregnancy journal sounds neat. I'm sure you'll be glad to have it after the baby is born. Sounds like Veronica is talking up a storm. I'm sure you love to hear that little voice. =) Have a good time with Alexa at "rent a disease." **Julianne: Poor Colton with DH falling asleep on him. I'll bet DH couldn't have asked for a cuter way to wake up though. =) Definitely had my Mountain Dew this morning and my day went MUCH better! I'll say a prayer for your brother. **LisaB: Sorry to hear about the m/s. Yuck,I was nauseous all the time with Jarin. Try the lemon drops - they worked wonders for me. Jarin has also decided he wants to read forever lately. I think we read like 15 books this afternoon. **Christi: Yay for Caleb's new teeth. =) **Helen: Sounds like Amanda enjoyed the fresh air so much she wore herself out! **Take care all. I need to go fix dinner. Patty and Jarin - 17 months in 2 days email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 19:56:43 (EST)) Hi everyone, from Stacey. I wish I had more time to keep up more frequently...if not for "Out of the Box" (or as Franchesca starts asking for the moment she wakes up "Oubox") I would have no time at all. We have taped about 20 episodes and when we want to get something done we pop the tape in and let Vivian and Tony babysit. I know, I know, I should not let her watch much TV until she is two, but this show is pretty educational, and I would rather have her watching it for a while than trying to sit on her sister or climb on top of the kitchen counters or something. She has been really into pushing her dolls around in this tiny carriage lately. She shares her pacifiers with them, and gives them hugs before they go to sleep. It is pretty cute. She also loves to help me burp Alexa. I don;t know if she is trying to be helpful or she just likes the excuse to be able to hit her sister in the back... I am starting to design a web page for them, I will let you all know when it is up and running. DH offered to help me, so we will see how long it takes... I am starting to think about making a big change. I am teaching a class on technical support for cable modems, and there are some trainers visiting from out of state, and they were talking about how inexpensive it is where they live and how many job opportunities there are right now in that area, and the training manager has hinted that she would welcome me there. I love my boss, and I love the company, but I am not real happy in the location I am at, and I keep thinking that a change might be good. Neither DH or I have family real close by, but leaving California would be a big change for me. We have also talked about moving to Mexico, so who knows what will happen. It is so frustrating not knowing what you want to do with your future. I have two kids and will turn 30 this year, and I feel like I should know all this by now... I didn't really take notes, so my personals will be quick: Kelli---Sorry to hear about the morning sickness. I swear by anything lemon; lemonade, water with lemon, and especially lemon flavored jolly ranchers or hard candy. They got me through my first few months of pregnancy with Franchesca... Lisa B---See my advice above to Kelli. I hope you feel better soon too. Rita---glad to hear you are not PG. I got the Depo shot at my six week post partum visit, but I still worry every time I get tired, or nauseous, etc. since I got pregnant on the pill last time. Sarah---Hi to you and Hannah. I am glad to hear that Joy and Josh and Briana are doing well. I had been wanting to email her but lost her address. Well, Alexa is stirring and the Oubox tape just ran out, so I guess that is it for me. Hi to everyone that I missed!! Stacey, Franchesca (17 mos) and Alexa (3.999 mos) Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 00:26:32 (EST)) Hi, Romaine here. Funny story-Saba was making cookies with her dad. They had just put the flour in and she turned the mixer on FULL BLAST! Flour everywhere! Saba is crying b/c she had flour on her slippers! We howled over this! (BAD Mommy and Daddy!-LOL!) Thanks to Lisa B, Patty, Julianne, Sarahg for the sleep thoughts. Send them HARDER! LOL! Last night, DD2 was up every 1.5 hours!!!! AAAAAAAA! She went for her shots and the nurse said that it is likely b/c it has been cold and very dry, so she is thirsty. They had been receiving lots of calls about frequently waking babes lately. If anyone is interested, I have pics of my girls scanned. Let me know if you would like a peek. Lisa B and Kelli-UGH! you poor things!!! I was fortunate to have NOT had m/s when pg, just the occasional bout of nausea. Lisa, glad that you are not vomitting-or would it feel better if you did? I have heard lemon works as well as ginger (ale, tea, drops, etc.) Julianne-You are not a bad mother! i don't know that I would press the doctor either at this point if he is not concerned. I would likely feel a sense of releif that it is ok and trust his judgement for now. You can always press when things show up. Kelli-Eew on the poop! Like it helps the m/s! Thank-goodness for your DH! Michelle-How cute I yuv oo!! Saba does not say it and you would think she would as I am saying it to her all the time! Melty heart! Shelly-Cute-ecuse me!!! Christi-Yah Caleb on potty and the teeth coming in! Julianne, Louise, Lisa B-Saba is an after bath cuddler too!!! It's like she is hoping to get us all wet as she flings herself b4 the towel is ready! That is one of the few times that she cuddles-she is not really a cuddler. I LOVE those times!!!!!!! Helen-good luck w/ the WW thing! Rita-Glad that you are not pg! Glad that DH's v held up:) Rebecca-Don't worry about the words. Like Lisa B said, different for different kids. That is a hard thing to remind yourself when it is your first! I am a first-class worry-wart even when I know better! Darleen-How tragic! Gald that you are feeling better. Moriah-I cannot imagine what a horrifying experience that must have been! I feel pretty wimpy about stones compared to the obstacles that Alex has overcome, but thank-you for your kind thoughts! Because I am comparatively new here, would it be intrusive for me to ask what Alex's history has been? He sounds like one tough cookie! Prayers to little Rachel as well. Sarah-lol on Hannah's bye-bye to toilet stuff! Stacey-How cute!! Saba likes to put soothers into Dolly's mouth and push her in her stroller as well. I love watching how she treats Dolly (LOTS of love and kisses-Daddy and I get but few compared to Dolly!) b/c it is a reflection of how we treat her and DD2. I too am ready for some sort of change. I want to leave the town I am in and move closer to home-possibly with a slight change in career. I have 2 mos left b4 work and I need to work on my resume as I would like to send some out for the fall. This is long, so good-night moms and tots! Romaine and Saba22mos email: rrantry@yahoo.ca Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 01:46:35 (EST)) Hi ladies, Sorry I told yall Cat was sick, and then left yall hanging. Well she had roseola virus, but it is all cleared up now. I am bringing her with me to school tomorrow, cause I dont have a sitter, and MIL is still out of town. This will be an adventure. I hope to be able to catch up soon, and post more when I have some time. I DO lurk, so dont talk bad about me, hehe. Miss and Love you guys! Kahne and Cat 1 email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 03:54:00 (EST)) Uh, hi guys! Sarah g here. Ok, I guess I've gotten over my dumb self!! Sorry about the downer the other day. (Glad it made you laugh-Patty!! And thanks for the support Lisa B- too cool!! Julianne- the sushi was the best part, believe me!!) Sofie had a rotten accident today. While I was folding laundry, she was standing and holding on to the laundry basket and jerked down really fast. She bumped her chin so hard on the edge of the basket and bit her toungue. She has this horrible slice in her toungue and a cut on her gum where a tooth is about to come in. Amazingly, the dr said she'll be fine, but she has to go back to plain baby food, which she hates. I didn't get into the awesome PhotoShop class I wanted on Sat., but I guess I'll try again next semester. Just a few personals- it's gettin' late! yikes! Shelly- Wow! You really know this area! I'm actually pretty close to Wise Rd, just the other end of it. We're in Sheridan, just past Lincoln. I lived in Humbolt county briefly and had way too much fun!! (pre-family, pre-kiddos), but really did enjoy the amazing nature up there. Do you like all the rain? That part was hard for me. Kaery- Welcome! Lynda- Glad things have smoothed out for you and dh! Christi- Congrats on Caleb's potty success! Julianne- Glad Colton survived ok without his daddy!! Breaks your heart, doesn't it how genuine our little guys are? Break a leg at your 3 hr interview!!! :o) Lisa B- Glad you all are ok after your terrible ice slide!! My goodness! I can't imagine- I get worried to drive in the heavy rain. I think Mom's and babies get special miracles quite a bit! Louise- Ouch! Sorry to hear about your little chomper! I remember Isaac used to always bite me between the neck and the shoulder. Hope James' interest soon passes! Sarah- Hope Hannah is sleeping well! Katy- Welcome back! Hope to hear back from you soon. Rita- Are you all staying dry? Our roads flooded last night, but luckily we had no rain today. Jennifer- No way with "demon child"!! I was (sorry) cracking up when I read that you were waiting for Adam's head to spin!!!! Darleen- Glad you are all feeling better. So sorry to hear about your friend's accident. Congratulations on "not moving anything!" That's great! Enjoy! Romaine- Here's some more zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's for dd#2!! Forgive me, but what's her name? I'm sure you've posted it after she was born, but I've forgotten. Goodnight all! Sarah g and Isaac and Sofia email: gat_men@hotmail.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 03:54:44 (EST)) Well guess what ladies??????? I AM BACK!! We got all moved into the new house and now we are up and running on the internet so I can pester you ladies all the time. We are all doing well here and thank goodness we don't have any ice down here and I don't think that we will but it would be nice for us to have just a bit of snow but that only happens every once in a blue moon. I know that all of you that are snowed in would be willing to give me all that I want. Well Dillon is getting too big now and he is into everything. I hate to even think about him being 2. He acts like he is 2 already and he gets into and climbs everything that he can and some that you would think that he couldn't. He is about 26 pounds now and about 32 inches. He is so cute though and I love him so much. I need to take him to get a hair cut today and I think that I just may do that. I want to get him one of those bowl cuts because his hair is so thick. Well Taylor is not doing the things that she used to do so I don't really have much to say about her right now. She is just in that "no" stae right now or the " I don't want to" stage and it just drives me crazy. And right now her favorite thing is " WHY?" and I told her the next time she says that when I tell her to do something that I will whip her little butt, but she knows that isn't true so she just keeps doing it. Blake is going to be 7 in one week and he is just getting too big and growing up too fast. It is like he doesn't even need me to take care of him anymore. Where did my baby go? Oh well, it isn't like I don't have others to take care of and I know that he needs me. So, I see that a few of you have been very busy while I was away. CONRATS to KELLI and LISA!!! I am very sorry that you all are sick though. Nothing ever hepled me except for the Phenigran(sp?) and it is safe for the baby but does make you a bit tired which could be a problem for the two of you since you have two little ones to take care of already and I know that Lisa has a job to go to. So where is BETH? I didn't see her name lately? Patty- How are you doing and how is the fa,ily? Any snow for you all? Kahne- I am sorry to hear that Cat was sick but glad to know that she is feeling better now. Did you have your tonsils out? How is school going for you? Sarah- How are you and Hannah doing? I hope that you all aren't too cold. Okay, I know that I am missing a lot of you but I will check in later today and I will start being a regular again. Oh yeah, I am so excited, I am getting a new washer, dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher and new cabinets and a new dining table. Talk to you all later. Tracey and Dillon 19 months email: ttelger@hotmail.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 09:34:49 (EST)) Okay guys, a really ticked off Christi here, bear with me, please! Remember the contract I told you all about? For my Day Care? It said if you cancel with out a 48 hour notice you pay me, unless your kid is sick. I just got a call, the little girl is sick, I can tell the dad is lying, then the 3 year old picks up the phone and says "Hi Christi, I am going to Grandma's!" The dad says you are not. lie! I am SOOOOOOO MAD! And unfortunatly, you ladies are the ones who have to "listen" to me. Should I ask to be paid for the day? This is the same family who calls me on Sunday and says that Monday starts their one week vacation, no pay :-) I plan on getting rid of them in August, as she is pregnant, and I do not want to take another baby right now, but do not want to fill a gap for such a short time,a long story, but it is filled in August. Okay, sorry to rant, I have to go, Caleb is done with breakfast, I will be back soon. Christi & Caleb Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 09:37:16 (EST)) Good morning ladies...SARAH here. Hope everyone is doing well. Well, HANNAH was finally in a better mood yesterday. Poor thing's gums are soooo swollen!! :( She's hanging in there, though. She's been getting up 3 times the last 3 nights, though. Not fun!! I feel like I did when she was born. She is driving me NUTS with her books. That's ALL she wants to do. I know, I know, that's real good, but it just gets old. My smart little girl. The other day I looked over at her, and she was trying to dress herself. I couldn't believe it. She was trying to get her legs in the pants. Sometimes she just amazes me!!!!!!!! On to personals: SARAH g. -Don't feel ashamed!! Believe me, I've done that!!!!! In fact, I'm going out with my girlfriends tonite. :) I'm sorry SOPHIE bit her tongue. Poor thing!! That hurts like sh#%!! As I said above, HANNAH hasn't been sleeping that great lately! :( LEANNE - Sounds like you all are doing great!!! I love hearing about your girls!! :) JULIANNE - Good luck with the interview today! Cute how COLTON woke up DH. LISA - I used to get night sickness pretty bad. Never threw up, just VERY nauseous! I drank 7-up with Bitters in it. It helped alot. The Bitters soothes your tummy! HANNAH's the same way with books. CHRISTI - Sorry about the guy calling and cancelling. Jerk! I'm glad CALEB got his "eye teeth" in. That's what HANNAH's having such a hard time with now. HELEN - I'm glad AMANDA's feeling better! PATTY - I know what you mean about JOY having the baby already. Time sure does fly!! STACEY - HANNAH likes Out of the Box, too. It is a good show for kids to watch. E-mail me if you want JOY's email address. ROMAINE - I would LOVE to see pictures!!! Send some my way, please! KAHNE - HANNAH had Roseola, too. It sucked!!!! I'm glad CAT's getting better! Good luck taking her to school. If I did that with HANNAH, she wouldn't sit still for a second!!!! TRACEY - Good to hear from you! Glad you all are doing well. Other than getting her "eye teeth" in, HANNAH's doing great!! She's turned in to a little girl overnight!!! BETH is still around, just hasn't posted for a couple of days. Well ladies, that's all for now! Hope you all have a great day. All you East Coast mommies, stay warm!!! We're supposed to get it today. :( Sarah and Hannah (16 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 10:07:41 (EST)) Good morning everyone, from CathyG - Well, DH came home and we were all glad to see him. He even took Monday off, which ended up being a godsend. I had an ultrasound scheduled as follow-up to my gyn. app't in December. I have fibroids, and was having 2 weeks in betweem periods. So I am on hormones to try and stretch the cylce, and she requested an ultrasound to determine whether they are in a position to zap them out with laser. Anyway, I had to do the drinking water thing, which was bad enough, then it was freezing out and I had to wait 15 minutes after the appointment. The actual ultrasound was about 15 minutes, and she pushed so hard I thought I would die. What a relief to pee!! I can't imagine if I would have had to take Alison with me. Alison has started saying I love you too. Of course, only I can recognize it, and only because it sounds like the Barney song, but she is so proud and she is so cute. My best friend had a baby on Friday. But her jerk of a husband (also one of my closest friends) left her in November after having an affair fo a year. He confesses this to her last March/April, they were seeing counsellors and then she got pregnant! (I still can't believe how they could do this). Anyway, he never stopped the affair. This is her 3rd child, and I just can't imagine how the next few months will be for her. I'm going to go see her on the weekend. Sue - colds seem constant this time of the year. Alison has another one. How was your date? BEth - hope you had a great weekend. LisaB - I feel bad for you having to get up at 5, and now to have morning sickness. Hopefully it won't last so lng this time. You sure were lucky there was not traffic, I'm glad you're okay. Patty - We do feel rather smug up here about our winters, and how tough we are. It's just that we have so much experience with the winter being 6 months long!! How are Jarin's teeth doing? Julianne - Good luck with the follow-up interviews. Kelli - Are you sure you don't have the flu? Hope you are feeling better. HAve you tried gravol? Leanne - Wow - 4 kids! How old is your big girl? You live in Calgary? That's my home town, although I've lived away for 15 years now, I go back frequently, my parents are still there. What part of the city do you live in?? Jennifer - stand firm on your views re TV wrestling. Shelley - you've got a real comedian on your hands! How does he even know how to do the fake burps? Christi - Good for Caleb on the potty. Louise - Alison bites too, and I don't think biting back is right either. But my response hasn't sunk in yet. Time-outs may be the answer. Rita - big sigh of relief for you not to be pg. Rebecca - I wouldn't worry about Paige speaking yet, as long as she is babbling, and you can tell she is hearing you. Darleen - glad you are both feeling better. Also good news that your situation is now official. Where are you going to be in T.O.? SarahG - hope you are feeling better. Bye for now.. CathyG and Alison (17 months) Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 10:19:56 (EST)) Hi, SARAH again. KAHNE - I was checking out your homepage (great, by the way). One question, what "new" member are you adding to your family? Is there something you want to tell us???? :) Bye! Sarah again! Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 10:49:00 (EST)) Hello agian, I am much calmer now. I called the family back and told them how upset I was, she asured me (she was SUPPOSE to be at work)that the littel girl was not going to grandma's, and they were both infact sick. I will probably put up with their junk until summer, sorry to bug you all with it! Well, we are still going strong onthe poty front, much to my suprise! Caleb went again yesterday, and this morning went pee and poop! Of cousre he doesnt really understand, but that is okay, I just want him to get used to it. He is just so funny and cute. TRACEY*** HI! SARAH G.*** Hope Sofie is better soon--OUCH! KAHNE*** Glad Cat is feeling better! ROMAINE*** Funny cookie story! LOL Yes to pictures please STACEY*** Alexis loves Out of the Box too. Good luck about your big decision. I am So set it is almost scary to think my whole life is planned--well, as planned as one can I guess, we will never know what lies ahead. SARAH***I wish Caleb liked books, at least a little, but I bet it does get kind of old. CATHY G.***Yeah for Alison's I love you! Okay ladies, again, I am sorry for the first post I hope you all have fun days, east coasters, enjoy your snow! Christi & Caleb (15 mon on Fri) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 10:56:55 (EST)) Hi Ladies, Darleen here, HAPPY HUMP DAY! Well.....the sun is finally shining here in Ontario. It has been soooo cold here, I can't remember the last time I had Nolan outside. We haven't even be to the mall or anything this week yet. I am trying to get everything arranged for the move. Nolan is napping, that is rather unusual for him, he usuall naps all afternoon. We had the snowplow clearing out the parking lot beside us at 5:30am this morning, and I think it woke him up. That is ok with me that he is napping, I'm trying to get the house cleaned and laundry done. Dh will come home at night and say, what did you do today? My answer is usually nothing, I play with Nolan and watch T.V. with him all morning. He too is into reading books now. I love it, that's all we do for the first hour in the morning. Nolan is now into recognizing people in pictures. The other night before he went to bed, I asked him where Nanny and Papa were? He pointed to there picture, blew a kiss, and waved bye-bye goodnight. He was on his way to bed. Dh and I just laughed. Personels: Cathy- We are moving to Burlington, my Dh is working at Ontario Hydro downtown Toronto. Do you live in Canada? Christi- I would either tell them you don't need there services, or make them pay up. When you let it go once, they will start taking advantage of you, trust me, I've been there done that! The little girl I babysit was done Friday, and she actually had a cheque with her instead of me having to chase her down for it, which I thought I would have to do. Well I'm expecting a few phone calls, and my laundry is done so I should go. Have a great day everyone! Darleen & Nolan14mths email: j7smith@hotmail.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 11:24:42 (EST)) Hi, Louise here. Well, I haven't been bitten again for a day or so so I'm feeling less bruised! Thanks for all the advice I've had from you all. James has been a little sweetheart - yesterday DH and I were laughing about something, and when he saw us laughing he started giggling too, came over and hugged us both and kept laughing. It was soooo cute. He has also started putting his arms behind his back and pushing his tummy out - I couldn't think what he was doing until I was watching the Teletubbies with him and it clicked - he's doing what they do when the screen lights up on their tummies! Funny boy. Well, not much else to report: JULIANNE: Good luck with the (long!) interview! Glad DH is back for you and Colton - I think that was very clever of Colton to wake him up. SARAHG: I think we've all done that once in a while - and we need to! I've just arranged a night out with all my girlfriends, I haven't been out with or without DH for months, we are going to leave the kids with our respective DH's and stay over at my friend's who's got a large house - it will be like being 12 again! LISAB: So sorry to hear about the sickness. I know everyone's said it already, but lemon & ginger really helped me. That's horrific about that molester you knew. I'm really naive about stuff like that - it NEVER occurs to me that people would do things like that and then stories like that really pull me up short. STACEY: I know what you mean about thinking you would have got life sorted out by now. I'm older than you and it feels like DH and I are still always making 'life' decisions like where to live, should we relocate, change our lifestyles etc .... it never gets any easier! ROMAINE: Sorry you're not getting much sleep.That's nice that Saba loves her cuddle time after baths - couldn't you just eat those little naked babies?!! PATTY - hope Jarin is in a better mood! It takes James ages to 'come round' after a nap, he's always teary so we have to have snacks and cuddles (of course, I never spoil my boy!!!) TRACEY - Welcome back, I remember you and Dillon from way back (when I used to lurk before I started posting!) and from your diaries. Glad you're all well! Dillon sounds gorgeous - I've also got an active little boy! CHRISTI - sorry to hear about that situation. You feel so powerless and frustrated when you KNOW you're being lied to. I don't know what to say - I've always thought it must be so hard for people in your jobs because your gripes are with the parents, not the kids, but you can't be walked over. Good luck with whatever you decide. SARAH - sorry about Hannah's teething/sleeping. James hasn't even got to the molar stage yet - I've got all this to look forward to! Apologies to anyone I've missed - I took really useless notes so sorry. Talk later, Louise & James (14 months) email: rnash78035@aol.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 11:55:56 (EST)) Sorry, Louise again, I must have been posting at the same time as some others so just wanted to add: CHRISTI - glad you're feeling better about the situation! That's great about Caleb and the potty! CATHYG: Thanks for telling me about Alison and the biting DARLEEN - hope the weather lets up for you and ROMAINE - I forgot to say - I would also love to see photos! That's it! Louise & James (14 months) email: rnash78035@aol.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 12:04:11 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. The nauseau is a little better, but not much. Thanks for all the m/s advice. I was on Phenergan for most of my last pg due to severe m/s and I'm really trying to avoid that this time around. My project is FINALLY done so hopefully I'll be better in posting and responding to everyone. STACEY & ROMAINE: Franchesca and Saba sound adorable caring for their baby dolls. Good luck with your job/home decisions. ROMAINE: Too funny on the flour incident! I would love photos. I'm scared to death to vomit, even if it would make me feel better. I had severe m/s and vomiting with Max and ended up getting IV fluids 5 times, getting a feeding tube for several weeks, and losing 20 lb while pg. I now have this irrational fear that if I ever start vomiting I'll never be able to quit. SarahG: I'm sorry about Sofie's accident. TRACEY: Welcome back! Do you still live in the same town/area? CHRISTI: I would be ticked also - who knows what the truth is?! I would let it go this time as they'll only be there a few more months. If it happens again, however, tell them to pay up or you're giving them "notice" that you'll no longer watch their kids. CathyG: Yeah on the I love you!! PATTY: Give Grumpy boy a kiss for me! SARAH: I hope Hannah gets their teeth soon so you can sleep. LOUISE: How smart of James to imitate the teletubbies! Beth, Moriah, etc. - Where are you guys????!!!! LisaB & Max (16 months) & BB#2 (6 weeks) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 12:19:56 (EST)) KAHNE: So who is the new family member? A little brother or sister for Cat? A new pet? The suspense is killing me!!!!! LisaB Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 14:13:08 (EST)) Hello from Rita Amy is back to her usual sleeping pattern which means that I get up at least once to give her a binky. We are doing well with only letting her have it at night and during naps. Hopefully within six months or so we can lose it forever. She is walking/running everywhere. I got her a little pair of boots since it has been so cold and wet. She looks so gown up when she is wearing them and the parka that used to be Maddy's. She is truly a toddler and not a baby, boo hoo. Romaine - Saba sounds a lot like Maddy - very sensitive. We never know when she will be upset about a particular incident, even if it seems very minor. Please send me the pictures. Kahne - I am relieved to hear that it was roseola and not something more serious. Do tell about the comment on your web site... Sarah g - Poor Sofia! Ouch. I, too, lived in Humboldt County once upon a time. DH and I love the north coast and would move in a second if we could find good jobs. We are going to be in Wiemar in a couple weeks staying with DH's cousin and hopefully taking the girls to the snow from there. Tracey - Welcome back, girl! We have certainly missed you. Dill pickle sure has grown. Sounds like Taylor and Maddy still have a lot in common. I was going to send you a New Years Card, but will need your new address. Julianne - Good luck with your second round of interviews! I have been hoping that this job I have been hearing about will open up soon. As it is, I am feeling rather stupid that I turned one down just before Christmas because I was waiting for this one that may never come to pass. Christi - I wish that Caleb could teach Maddy about using the potty. We are having problems with her withholding once again and we aren't even trying to get her to train right now. DH took her to the doctor again this AM to make sure there were no blockages. My sister runs a daycare and I hear many of the things that you describe from her. Once her DD starts full-time school next year, she is going to look for work outside of the home. She has become so frustrated with the actions of her clients - and some of them are personal friends! Lisa B - Yah for getting the project done! I am dreading the new program management duties I have these days. Just putting together a schedule for the software development project with all of the battling groups is a headache. Well, I had better get back to work. Take care everyone! Rita & Amy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 14:29:58 (EST)) katy here No time for personals, just wanted to relate this cute story. this morning when I dropped Liam off at daycare. He showed how independent he is. I had just barely taken his coat off and hung it up when he starts to walk away to go to the play area. I hadn't even taken his hat off yet. And when I did, he just kept walking and didn't even blink when I said bye. I almost cried. How quickly they grow up. =( Anyway, have a good day everyone and those of you caught in the storm in the east, STAY SAFE!! Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 15:32:05 (EST)) Hey everyone! I am still around, lurking and reading. I just haven't had much time to post lately as I've been pretty busy here at work. I've been keeping up with the reading by skimming, but I haven't really been able to take notes at all. Everyone here is doing great. Allison is still talking up a storm. Her words are getting much clearer now so that other's besides DH and I can understand what she is saying. She is esp good with words that have a "K" sound in the middle like buckle, chicken, turkey, tickle, etc. Potty training is moving forward nicely right now. She is only peeing in her diaper during naps and at night and has had 3 BM's in the potty since Sunday. We are really excited at the prospect of abandoning diapers save for naps and bed. I think I'm going to buy her some little training undies to wear while she is at home with us and if she does good in them with us I will start to send them to the sitter's. They don't make pull-ups small enough for her (she only weighs 22 lbs and the smallest size starts at 30lbs.)so those won't even be an option! They'd fall right off her little butt! Rita - Amy sounds cute in her little boots! Lisa B- hope you get over the nausea soon! Knock wood, but at least you aren't throwing up yet. Louise - James sounds too cute sticking out his belly like a telly tubby! Christi - WOW!!! Good for you on getting Caleb to go potty at just 15 months! Hopefully he will be an easy one to train like your DD was. Good luck! CathyG - Alison sounds too cute with her I LOVE You. I can't get Allison to say that yet, but she will repeat stuff I don't want her to say (Like SH*T). Isn't that always the way! Sarah - hope Hannah's teeth are better soon. Tracey - WELCOME BACK GIRL!!! I sure have missed you being a regular on here. Glad you're back with us for good! Sarah g - hope Sofie's tongue gets better soon! Kahne - I too am curious about the additional family member you will be adding! Please fill us in. Romaine - Saba sounds too cute cooking with Daddy! Stacey - I was LOL at you comment about Franchesca burping Alexa just so she could hit her sister on the back. Your posts have been cracking me up lately! Patty - Allison will go from laughing one minute to screaming the next. Most times we can't even figure out what set her off. I guess that's just one of the joys of having a toddler. Hopefully with Allison it's not an indication of pubescent hormonal rages to come later. Helen - Amanda sounds too cute singing while DS was carrying her. You're very lucky that your older ones get along so well with her. Julianne - too cute about Colton waking DH up. Good thing he did though. No telling what Colton could have gotten into!! Leanne - let us know when you start your journal. I would love to read it. Shelly - I was LOL at your pyschic story. At least you have a sense of humor about everything! Darleen - glad Nolan's eye is doing better. Jennifer - I was LOL at your description of Adam as a demon child and you waiting for his head to spin around. I'm sure it wasn't funny to you at the time, but you sure gave me a good laugh! Well, sorry if I missed anyone. I need to get back to work. Have a great day! Beth and Allison (20 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 15:34:17 (EST)) Hey Girlys!! How's everyone doing??? It's Moriah & Alex. Rachel Update: She's having the open heart surgery today. It turns out that they were able to get the good surgeon today (one of the best in the whole country!!). So we're all praying like mad here. I just know that she's going to come through it well & make a great recovery. She just needs to come home & be a baby! The Dr's were pretty optimistic that the surgery was going to really change her life. Lori is holding up really well - she's an amazingly strong person! Things with us are good. Alex is talking up a storm! His favorite word is DaDa - wouldn't you know it. Momma is now old hat! I merely entertain him with mindless drivil in the hours when DaDa is away. WHAT? How does this happen? I've been totally replaced! Geoff on the other hand is thrilled & reminds me every 5 minutes that he's the favorite! LOL Alex is doing good with sitting up. He still conks over but for the most part will sit for quite a length of time. He's also starting to bear weight on his legs a little bit. He continues to amaze us everyday with some new little thing. He's just so sweet! BUT this sleeping business - UGH! He's on this horrible pattern right now of falling fast asleep about 3:00 pm & not waking until 10:30 then awake until 2:00 am & down until 5:30. Mommy is DEAD tired! I try to wake him up at about 6-7 but he just screams - I think tonight I might put up with the screaming for awhile to see maybe if I can break this pattern. Onto the personals! Cathy G - Alex will not sleep under covers either & to top it off he will not wear feeted PJ's. He sleeps in between us & I usually can sneak a small blanket over his legs. But he's such a warm natured little bug - he never seems cold. Sue - how's Cam feeling? Any news on your co-worker?? Hope all is well. Julianne - Any job news yet? Kelli - hope you guys are feeling better! Kind of sounds like maybe you have the flu on top of your m/s?? Awful! Yest Augmenting is hard on the tummy. Alex is on it quite often & sometimes I'll change 12+ diapers a day. :( Michelle - how was the meeting with the ex? Hope all is well. Your kids sound awfully cute! Christi - yea! for Caleb on the potty. I swear being a DCP is the HARDEST job there is. Several of my friends have done it & it seems like they are in constant battles with the parents. I just do not get this attitude! I tell you that if anyone was taking care of Alex then I'd want them to be happy with me so that he got the best care. My hat's off to you! Lisa B - Thank God you're okay! That sounded so scary. We never have ice or snow here so I dont even know how to drive in those conditions. I hope your m/s gets better soon. I understand why you're so nervous based on your pregnancy with Max. BTW - I have a great idea for your pregnancy announcements - take Max to a movie theatre while nothing is playing, take his picture in a seat with a bucket of pop corn, some candy & a drink & then we'll announce your "Coming Attraction"! Just a thought! Helen - I'm joining Weight Watchers on Saturday! I've got to get some control here. I was so successful on it before (lost 40 lbs) Rita - whoa! Close call! I bet you were sweating it. I'm glad that things were ---! At least it's sunny today! Last weekend sure droaned on with all that rain. Sarah - so how'd the chicken stay lit?? LOL LOL Thanks for the Joy update. Boy am I jealous about your night out! Geoff's mom mentioned that maybe all the girls (SIL, MIL & AIL + friends) might go to Las Vegas in the spring. Oh! I'm so ready. Not to mention that I'll be setting up a "nanny cam" to catch Geoff's reaction to a tub full of poopy or some other priceless mom moment! LOL Sarah G - okay the real question is did you throw up on DH? Sounds like maybe he deserves it? LOL! Seriously - glad you're feeling better. Everyone needs to let their hair down every once & a while! I'm in some serious need - and it's gonna be a bruiser! Stacey - WOW sounds like you guys are contemplating some big decisions. What would you do in Mexico? What state are your thinking about going to here in the US? I know it's so expensive in CA now - it's discouraging. Romaine - I don't mind at all that you ask about Alex's history. Basic rundown: born with TEF (esphogus & trachea connected & esphogus not connect to the stomach), Choanal Atresia (nose passages blocked by bone), Coloboma - eye defect, cleft lip, sub mucous cleft palate, ASD (hole in his heart)- totally random occurence - not because of us & not chromosomal. 1st surgery (TEF) @ 24 hours, ext one at 3 weeks (nose) Hospitalized 1st 7 weeks, then in & out for next 3 months. Then while awaiting another nose surgery in February + cleft work catches cold & is hospitalized, recovers then has the surgery & in March while recovering (still in hospital) catches RSV, goes into respiratory arrest & requires a ventilator for 5 weeks. Unable to resume breathing on his own so he got a trach. Finally we brought him home in May. He's been home ever since (except for a couple overnight scheduled procedure stays). But he was basically "born" when he came home in May. That's it in a nut shell but really doesn't even begin to tell the 1/2 of it. BTW - please send me some pics. Kahne - SOOOOOOOOOOO! Tell us please! Tracey - welcome back! Beth - LOL at the vision of the pull-ups falling right off of Allison! Okay once again I've monster posted you guys! Sorry if I missed anyone! BTW - Zandy Cards is really taking off! We got our 1st "out of the blue" call this weekend for shower invitations! Website is 99% done - I'll let you know when you can view it. Moriah & Alex (15.75 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 20:40:28 (EST)) Rebecca here... I took notes! Aren't you all proud of me? Thank you everyone for your input on Paige talking. It doesn't usually bother me, but Paige has a friend who is 6 weeks older and talking in sentences (I know, really advanced!). It can be really hard not to compare, though I do try. Leanne - I know that there are a couple of other Canadians, but I think we're the only ones in the west (there is also one or two on BT). Julianne - good luck on the interview. I know what you mean about an ear infection. I think I may be getting one (though to be honest I've never had one, so I don't know what it feels like). Kahne - So, how was Cat at school today? Oh, and who is the addition? LisaB - I always found saltine crackers helped my m/s. There were days where that was all I ate!LOL Rita - I SOOO understand about Amy not being a little baby anymore. I look at Paige and wonder what happened to the tiny infant I held a year ago. I can't even imagine her in school, or as a teenager!!! It happens too fast! Paige did something last night that was either really smart, or pure fluke. First I should tell you that because of her teething (she cut her first molar) she has a nasty diaper rash. It's been almost a week and last night after her shower (the bath hurts her bum) we let her have naked time. Well, as you can probably guess she peed on the carpet. It was just a little and I quickly cleaned her up. Well just a couple of minutes later I notice she's squatting and when she stands up she keeps looking down. She was on the other side of the end table so I jumped up to see what she was doing. She had squatted over one of her plastic pots and had peed in it (not getting any on the carpet). I was truly surprised. Of course, she then grabed the pot and tried to run around the house with it. She was just so fascinated with her pee! Definately worth a laugh. Well, that's all for me, I need to start dinner. Ta ta for now! Rebecca & Paige ( 14 months) email: burn@canadawired.com Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 20:50:14 (EST)) Howdy all. My boys are running back and forth through the living room and kitchen and halls chasing each other and screaming at the top of their lungs! BOYS!!! SIGH. It's almost bedtime thank goodness. At least they aren't fighting. PATTY, Jarin sounds so cute with the nose drops. He sounds like a real little character. Good luck with your 16 year old. Fun stuff huh? KAERY, Check with the community centres in your area and with the churches for a playgroup, that's where most of ours are. Good luck and Welcome. CHRISTI, Caleb went on the potty! WOW. Maybe we should trade dh's for a while so you can get jumped and I won't have to. LOL! LISA B. That sounded like a scary trip. I'm glad you guys are ok. Hope you got your project all done. LOUISE. Most likely James will forget about the biting after a while. It's usually a pretty short phase. I'm with you... don't bite him back. Personally I don't agree with that. It would be like hitting back?? Leanne - Gotta love the "I wuv you"s. I'm glad you like your haircut. Romaine - Poor Sabba, did you get the flour off her slippers? LOL. I swear if we each video'd these cute little guys and put it all together it would be hilarious. Moriah, I'm waiting patiently to see your website. So you've been replace huh? Alex loves his Daddy more? I actually like it when the kids are in that stage. I'm praying for Rachel, let us know. OH GREAT - I can hear all the toy bins being dumped!! Waa Waa Waa. Oh well, they needed sorting anyways. I swear, this never ends with boys. I actually cleaned and child proofed the basement and set up a toy area and reading area with lots of pillows so the boys can have a change of scenery. They love to play down there but I usually have to watch them so carefully. Well, I guess I should go put them to bed now before they get out of control. Take care everyone. Michelle, Evan and Riley email: mwells@telusplanet.net Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 22:21:05 (EST)) Hi everyone, from Stacey! I am so excited to be here two days in a row! I may actualy have time to post to everyone I want to...in fact I think I will skip the "me" stuff and go straight to personals... Romaine--Cute story about Saba and the flour. Aren't they so fun to watch with the dolls, maybe it is because they both have baby sisters and they imitate how they see us behave with babies. I would love pictures of both Saba and Mya. Kahne--I too am waiting anxiously to hear your news... Sarah G--Sorry about Sofie's accident. Hope she is ok. Tracey--Welcome back! I was thinking about you just before I logged on, wondering how you were... Christi--I don;t blame you for being mad. Feel free to vent with us, that is what we are here for. It always helps to vent so you can get it out of your system and not take it out on the kids... Sarah--Hannah sounds so cute with her books. Franchesca is the same way. She is pretty good about sitting down and trying to read them to herself, too. CathyG--What a hard situation for your friend. I have a friend whose ex is due in about three weeks. Even though they are split up he has been going to all her Lamaze classes etc, but he says it's hard knowing they are not together and the baby will be here so soon... Darleen--good luck with your move...keep us posted on how it goes. Louise--Thanks, I am glad to know I am not the only one who is not totally settled. Too cute about James and the Teletubbies... LisaB--glad to hear you are feeling a bit better. I will keep my fingers crossed for you that it doesn't get worse... Rita--Sorry you are getting up so much with Amy-at least it sounds like you are all finally felling better though... Beth--Giving up diapers?? I am so jealous! I was just counting how much money I spend on diapers each year with these two girls...it adds up! I am glad you are finding humor in my situation with Franchesca--I try to also, as it is the only way to keep sane. Speaking of which, she was sitting in her high chair eating Cocoa Crispies, and I just turned around to discover that the little stinker was throwing them at the TV the whole time...what can I say... Moriah--Sounds like a good idea to try to wake Alex up at 6 or 7. Do what you can to try to get a good night's sleep. We are actually thinking of moving to Texas, which would be a HUGE change from Santa Barbara, but I feel like we will never be able to afford a home here, even though we are bringing in decent money. If we went to Mexico we would open a bilingual preschool and offer parenting and computer classes. DH felt that this would be the quickest way to be able to buy a decent home, and still spend time with the girls as we would have them enrolled in the school. But on further contemplation, I am not completely ready to give up on the US just because California is so ridiculously expensive...BTW, congrats on the Zandycards order. Let me know when the site is up. Rebecca--Too cute about Paige and her peeing story. It seems like Franchesca just waits till the diaper comes off at bath time to relieve her bladder... Michelle--You and your boys comments made me smile. I was just thinking the same thing about girls...I guess it is kids in general. Gotta run, DH needs to be picked up from work. Hi to everyone that I missed... Stacey, Franchesca (17 months) and Alexa (3.999 mos) Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 23:53:56 (EST)) Hello to each and every one of you here. I am the mommy of three, but they are above toddler age. I just thought I would invite any or all of you to view a sight that might interest you, or if you know of anyone who is experiencing some problems with marriage/separation/divorce/childrearing. You all sound like such a concerned friends. WOW I am so jeaoulous. A friend recommended this site to me, David and Kerrie, only i think they go to Babytoday? I dont know how I got onto this one. Anyhow, Check me out , if you know anyone who could use some freends, and help in couple ways. katrina@webwide.com Katrina@geocities.com/raphamm Katrina email: Katrina@twobecomeone.com/rahpha Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 01:20:01 (EST)) Hi its Lynda here. Nothing exciting happening here - except Ella is now 100% better - yeah!!! So onto some personals: Sarah G - glad you found an outlet and let your hair down. Sounds like you paid a price the next day though with the throwing up etc - Poor thing. Julianne - Good luck with the 3hr interview. That sounds exhausting! Congrats on getting Colton to use the potty. Lisa B - can't really recomend anything for morning sickness - I used to eat when I felt nauseous - I wouldn't recommend that strategy though. Someone suggested Ginger - I have used that for motion sickness and it worked really well. Its great that Max likes books - Ella does as well and I know what you mean about it getting old. We visit the library from time to time to get some new books or I'd go mad. Kahne - glad to hear Cat is okay. Christi - Glad you vented and it helped you feel better. Try not to let the parents get away with not following the rules. At Ella's dc we pay if she is away sick or holidays irrespective of any notice period, so I think your requests are quite reasonable. Sarah - Hannah is a readaholic like Max hey - thats excellent. As I said to Lisa B - the library has helped save me from book boredom. Rebecca - poor Paige. Mummy doesn't offer her the potty so she has to go in one of her cups!!LOL!! Isn't nappy free time difficult though. When Ella had bad excema I was trying to give her as much time as possible with her nappy off - most of our house is non-carpeted ie floorboards or tiles, but it seemed that whenever Ella went it was on the carpet!!! I have the steam cleaner coming next week to clean the carpet!! Cathy G - so sad to hear about your friend having her third child after splitting from her DH. Not a great start in life for the baby. Louise - enjoy your slumber party! I imagine there may be more alchohol involved than at your average 12 year old sleep over though!! Rita - glad to hear Amy is sleeping better. She is really growing up. Heaps of teeth, sprinting around - wow! Ella still looks like a baby to me - no hair, only 2 teeth and still crawling (on the verge of walking). Hard to believe she and Amy are the same age. Beth - Allison also soumds like she is taking a step up on the growing up ladder. Lots of talking and moving out of nappies - do you miss your baby? Or are you excited by the thought of less nappy changes ? (something I hate doing with my Miss wrigglepuss) Moriah - its great that Alex is sleeping so long - but they aren't exactly socially acceptable hours are they? I wasn't aware of Alex's history and that you guys had been through so much. Thanks for sharing that and congrats on having such a positive attitude and such a resilient little boy. Hi to anyone else I missed. Lynda & Ella (12 mths) email: ljpjyoung@ozemail.com.au Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 06:38:00 (EST)) HI from Christi & Caleb First I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you for your input in my bad morning. I know I shouldn't let them get away wiht it, but sometimes it is easier than turning your life into a soap opera. I did catch them in another lie yesterday, and I just let it go, knowing that when the DH got home his DW would probably clober him on the head, and now THEY have to face me knowing THEY lied. Anyway, thank you for letting me vent here, I just needed to get it all out. You guys are great! RITA*** I can understand why your sister went "back" to work, I plan on it when Caleb gets in school. MORIAH*** Caleb feels the same about his daddy, eat it up!!! You may be able to pee or shower all by yourself without being in a hurry or listening out the door :-) I am praying for baby Rachel, hope she is doing well! MICHELLE*** LOL!!! YOu really made me giggle with that one! But I think I will keep DH, the kids like him ;-) LYNDA*** Glad Ella is feeling better! KAHNE*** what home page is everyone talking about? Does anyone else have the remote control Pluto for your kids? Caleb has it and loves it, it is so cute, it is his new favorite toy. Time to get DD ready for shcool, bye! Christi & Caleb 15 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 10:21:54 (EST)) Hi from CathyG - Another cold day here, spoke to my parents yesterday who are in Hawaii, and we got so jealous. Alison was a real whiner yesterday, starting when we got home. I picked them up at the caregivers, and we got in the house. She knows her blamket is in the diaper bag, and she asked for it as soon as we got in the door. I wouldn't give it to her - it is only for bedtime. Well, that did it, she just wouldn't let up until dinner, and then she started again after she'd eaten. Then cried for 10 minutes before she went to sleep. But she had an excellent sleep and seems to be in a good mood again this morning. Darleen - we live in Ottawa and my SIL lives in Milton, so we visit regularly. DH is in Toronto once a week it seems for work. Louise - too cute about James and his Tubby impression. LisaB - Glad the project is done. Hope you are feeling better. Katy - It sort of tugs at your heart to see the little ones so independent, doesn't it. Alison just runs off as soon as she gets her snowsuit off, and I don't even have a chance to give her a kiss. Beth - Allison is making good progress on the potty. Even if you could get rid of the poopy diapers it would be a thrill. Moriah - I am praying for Rachel. I think you should wake Alex around 6. What if you gave him some food - would he still cry?? Rebecca - cute about Paige squatting and peeing. Lynda - Glad Ella is better. Tracey - Good to hear from you. Did you move to a new town, or just a new house in the same town. Yay for all the new appliances!! Sarah - be glad Hannah likes the books. Hopefully she will love them for ever. Well, I am having a French lesson today. I saw the teacher to ask her a question about an e-mail I received in French, and she said I could come back for lessons, informally. I thought that since I am just working part-time I couldn't, but she said it is fine with her. So au revoir mes amis! CathyG and Alison (18 months tomorrow) Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 11:28:42 (EST)) Julianne here--it took me almost all morning just to catch up. Everyone had lots to say! My interviewes yesterday lasted from 8 am to 12:30--4 1/2 hrs. I was so tired by the last one I was worried I made a bad impression. The good news is that I "am a very strong candidate for the position." The bad news is that I am the first person they have interviewed. He just started getting responses to the ad and wants to interview a "good pool" of candidates. He will let me know the week of Feb 7 where I stand. OK, 2 more weeks! I can't stand the pressure of not knowing and worrying about not finding a job. Colton was sleeping and eating so well while DH was gone and now I can't get him to sit still long enough to even eat breakfast. I told DH I was going to try to eat supper w/ Colton before he comes home tonight and see if that makes a difference. What a roller-coaster ride this eating thing has been. Lisa: Sorry you are having so much m/s trouble. Yeah for fun reading time w/ Max. Colton has a toy that he sits on that has an activity center on the dash. He sits on it by his bookshelf and reads the books one-by-one. He jabbers outloud too. I tried to video it but he stopped when he saw me. Christi: Yeah for Caleb's eye teeth coming in. I would explain to the parents that in order to be a valid sick day they need to bring in a dr's note. The only time I keep Colton home from DC is when he is sick enough to need to see the dr. Helen: Glad Amanda's feeling better. Patty: How is Mr. Grouchy today? Colton has been waking up very grumpy lately too. Nothing suits him. So, I let him lay on the floor and fuss for a few minutes and try again. I think he is still sleepy. Stacey: How cute of Franchesca playing mommy to her dolls. Sometimes a big change is what you need to get refreshed and find more direction in your life. Kahne: Glad Cat is feeling better and that you found out what was wrong. Ok, you know how you felt wondering what was going on w/ her and the not knowing part was "killing you". Well, you are doing that to us!! LOL What's your news???? Romaine: Hope you get a good night's sleep soon. Please send pictures. SarahG: Poor Sofie bitting her tongue so bad. How scary for you. Tracey: Welcome back!! Good luck on the haircut. Are you still in Texas? Aren't the "why's" so much fun. I forget how old my brother was when we took a trip out west w/ my grandparents (7 of us) in a motor home for 3 wks. We about left him in YellowStone because he would say "but why" for miles and miles to us all and we couldn't get away from it! Sarah: Wow, Hannah trying to dress herself. How sweet. I find myself buying new books for Colton just so I have new ones to read. CathyG: Aren't ultrasounds a blast! I could not believe how bad I had to pee and how long I had to wait when they did Colton's. They finally let me go potty, just a cup full before. I still had so much water that they made me go twice before they could get a clear picture! I certainly won't worry about drinking enough water the next time. Then there's the time I had one to check on some cysts. She couldn't find my ovaries so she said we would have to use a "probe" instead of going on the outside. Probe my A**, that thing was horse size! Good thing DH wasn't there for that one. Rita: This job search is getting to me. I don't want to count on this one so I am back to sending out resume's and answering ads. Katy: There was a new girl in DC today and that was all Colton cared about. They were flirting and he was following her all around. He didn't even care that I left. Moriah: I hope and pray all went well with Rachel's surgery. Hope you get some good sleep soon too. Since DH is Alex's favorite now let him stay up and play with him in the middle of the night. Great movie picture idea for the annoucements. Very Creative! Hope you get your trip to Vegas w/ the girls. It's nice to have something to look forward to. Rebecca: Too funny about Paige peeing in the pot. Ok, I have said enough to last a week. Julianne & Colton 18 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 12:23:45 (EST)) Hello from Helen &Amanda!!! I'm stranded home today until the cord of wood we ordered arrives- who knows when that will be! Amanda is napping. Nothing new going on here- boring!!! Last week Amanda and I went to the library and just by chance the story time was about to begin, so we stayed. There was another little girl- 20mos- with tons of hair!!! Amanda seemed very interested in another 'little person'. She was busy taking books off the shelf and wouldn't sit to listen. I asked the mother of the little girl if there was any play groups in the area and there is one nearby at a church- we'll have to drop in next week when her snotty nose is gone. :O) The pediatrician said this is the age to begin getting her together with others her age.So we'll give it a try! BETH-- The kids still love Amanda to pieces- there is so much of an age difference that I think jealousy is not an issue-- of course it may be b/c they are too busy fighting with eachother! :O) MORIAH-- I am keeping Rachel in my prayers! Poor little thing.:O( Maybe Alex is thinking he is sleeping at night and its afternoon- cut his naps short each day until he is having an afternoon nap- up around supper time and back to bed around 7-8??????Might work. Good luck at WW this week!!! I lost 3.4 lbs this week, my jeans are not cutting off my circulation now- still 15 to go. REBECCA--So cute about Paige and the plastic pot!! LISAB- Hope the M/S passes soon! LYNDA- Glad Ella is better! Where is Lucynda??? Birdie?? Diane?? Has anyone heard from Amanda and Sloane?? Are they still around somewhere?? Well better go- take care all!! Helen&Amanda@17mos email: mhim27@hotmail.com Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 13:51:58 (EST)) Quick hello from Sue and Cameron. I'm VERY swamped at work, so not alot of time to chat with everyone. Maybe I'll treat myself to a little "mental health break" tomorrow and catch up on all the posts! Just wanted to share two things: 1) My coworker is doing pretty well. I talked to her yesterday and although she's still in alot of pain, she's starting to feel better. Turns out she had a rare type of BENIGN tumor. Good news! Thanks for all your thoughts and concerns. 2) Had a major mommy meltdown this morning. DH, Cameron, and I all really like our daycare person. I've never really felt horrible leaving Cam off in the mornings because he usually seems pretty happy to be there. He only had a handful of separation anxiety mornings about 2 months ago, but I knew it was a stage he'd outgrow soon. This morning near KILLED me though. The older kids (two 3 year olds) often go to the window to wave goodbye to me when I leave. This morning, I got in my car, looked in the window and saw Cam's little face there! First I was surprised, then I was heartbroken to see him waving "Ba Bye" to me. I was all teary-eyed all the way to work and that picture of him has been on my mind all day. I know he probably was happy as a clam two seconds after I backed out of the driveway, but I feel lousy nonetheless. Sorry no time for personals. Hope today finds everyone happy and healthy and well-rested (hope!). Will try to catch up Friday! Sue and Cameron email: sbarry@key.org Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 14:24:53 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. The m/s is better today - think it might be a cold as I also had diarhea for several days, a low grade fever, and overall achiness. I even stayed up until 9:30 last night (compared to my 8:30 bedtime, as of late). Max had 2 new words yesterday - clock and Nana (the babysitter's mother's name; the sitter watches the kids at her mom's house). Nana also gave Max an afghan that she had made as Max was always going over and "petting" it. That kid is spoiled rotten!!! BETH: 22 lb? Man, she is tiny!!! Yeah on such big words. MORIAH: Yep. Max has also changed from a Mommy boy to a Daddy's boy. He even cried last night when I made him get off Daddy's lap so I could put him in bed (and he used to scream if DH took him from me). I'll be thinking of Rachel and hope it all goes well. I agree - get Alex up around 6 and feed him, bathe him, undress him, etc. - anything to wake him up. BEST OF LUCK!!! I love you pg announcement idea ... I'll have to call the threater and see if I can do that! REBECCA: Pagie is so funny and smart, peeing in the "potty" - LOL!!!! CHRISTI: Max LOVES his "Pluto dog". He also has a "Snoopy dog" - one of the old ones with a pull string and four wheels that creak when you pull it and the tail on a spring. The first thing Max wants each morning is Snoopy. This morning he was playing with Snoopy and decided he wanted Pluto. I got Pluto down and gave it to him (keep it on his dresser so he doesn't get tangled up in the cord) and Max threw a fit until I "replaced" Pluto's empty spot with Snoopy - LOL!!!! JULIANNE: My day care provider won't keep any kid with a temperature of 100+ degrees - so there are several times a kid will be home (minor cold, teething, etc.) when they don't really need to see a doctor. SUE: Great news on your co-worker! LisaB & Max (16 mo.) & fetus (6 wks) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 15:57:49 (EST)) Hello from Rita Well, we sure discovered a good way to lose your appetite last night at dinner. Maddy has been having troubles and withholding again. Larry took her to the doctor yesterday and was told to start giving her mineral oil three times a day. We gave it to her mixed with OJ. She hated it, but we told her that the only other alternative was to take it plain. She said she wasn't hungry for dinner. We had her sit with us at the table, anyway. Well, she did not like being made to sit and made herself upset and proceeded to lose the juice all over the dinner table. Needless to say, we didn't eat much last night. When she was calmed down, we did get her to take more juice and eat a waffle. I know that she makes herself sick as well as makes herself withhold BMs. I got out my book on spirited children again last night... What a struggle it is these days and little Miss Amy is already asserting herself with some good tantrums. I wonder if my being in class two nights a week has something to do with the escalation of these behavior problems. The joys of having two little spirited individuals in the same family... Lynda - Amy doesn't have much hair either. I can't even use a barette. Maddy had more hair at the same age and it was already curling. Everyone is a bit disappointed that Amy's hair is not following the same pattern. I don't know that I would want to do two tangled curly heads every morning. Moriah - Glad to hear that things are okay with the exception of Alex' sleeping patterns. I would probably do the same thing and try to tough out a few nights of screaming to get to a more reasonable sleeping pattern. Don't worry, Alex will get back to saying Mama soon. Little Rachel is in our prayers. Keep us informed... Well, I had best get back to work. Take care everyone! Rebecca - How clever Paige is! That is just too cute. Rita & Amy email: ritad@home.com Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 16:09:53 (EST)) Hi everyone, Louise here. Not a lot going on here, except we've had beautiful sunny weather for the first time in months and despite the cold James and I have been walking for miles along the river path. Really is good to get out in the winter. Onto personals: PATTY - I'm having such trouble with e-mail at home, first we weren;t picking any up for days, then we got a whole batch in (including a couple from you) and although I've now read them, for some reason I can't reply. DH says he'll sort it out tomorrow or the weekend - in the meantime, I hope you see this or you'll think I'm really bad not replying! I'm not familiar with the name of the company who lease the apartments, although I'll look into it, but I know Kensington Church Street really well - it's a fantastic area. It's central, but sort of villagey at the same time with some great antique shops. I often go there, not that I can afford to buy much!! I certainly can't imagine that any accomdation in that area would be poor, all the apartments and houses around there are beautiful. I'll talk more when the e-mail is sorted, sorry for boring everyone else! RITA - I feel for you, having two such spirited kids (although I know the up-sides must be great too!). Good luck with the pacifier - we've managed to get James to use it just for sleep, but can't wean him entirely yet. BETH - Allison is doing so well with the potty! She sounds so mature in all respects. I hear you on the complete changes of mood - the raging hormones of adolescence have nothing on toddlerhood! MRIAH - I'm praying for Rachel. So glad the news seems a little more upbeat. I know everyone has said it already, but I would try waking Alex and putting up with the yells - James used to do the same thing and I found that major distraction, usually food, would calm him, sometimes I'd even take him out for a walk even if it was dark out just to keep him awake. Then he'd usually last unitl about 8.00 but sleep so much better at night. I appreiate you may not want to take Alex out in the winter evenings, but maybe try food? Let us know. BTW - I loved the Zandy Cards idea for Lisa too, I'll be in touch whenever we need anything so you can have an overseas order, I know I'd have to pay more postage but I'd rather go through a friend! REBECCA - I know what you mean about the talking thing. I know you shouldn't compare, but I have a friend with a daughter the same age as James and she is soooo articulate, whereas my little caveman just grunts most of the time! MICHELLE - Yur last post made me laugh - I'm convinced I'm in for more boys, much as I love them I sometimes think HELP! STACEY- I can relate to your wanting to maybe relocate. Obviously I don't know anything about property prices within the different states in the US, but from what you say I imagine CA is expensive. We live near London as we've always worked there, and although salaries are higher here the house prices are amazingly high. We love the town we live in, we have a really pretty old house, but it's not a family house, and although we'd sell for a profit, we couldn't afford anything else round here so will probably have to move away. It feels wrong! LYNDA - Glad Ella is better. You're probably right about the amount of alcohol at the sleepover - sadly, instead of talking about men, we'll probably swap baby pictures!! CATHYG - Good luck with the French! I lived in France for 2 years when I was younger - I'm not a professional, but if you ever need any help, I can speak it pretty well. JULIANNE - Wow, what a long interview! Sorry about the long wait, but I'm sure you impressed them. SUE - glad to hear about your co-worker, Sorry about Cam and the daycare - I know that's hard. That's it for now, hi to anyone else I've missed, Louise & James (14 months) email: rnash78035@aol.com Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 18:36:45 (EST)) Well hello everyone! Can you all believe that I am here again today? I missed you ladies so much. I hope that you all are doing very well. Like I said yesterday, we are all doing great. I just finished writing Blake's teacher a nice letter for some work that he did and he had to get it signed by me or Jay and it is the worst work that I have ever seen. It is a fill in the blank thing and there are several words that would fit from his list or choices and so he made a 64. That is the only work that he has any trouble with and I know that if I were 6 years old I would feel the same way about what to fill in the blanks with. There are too many words that fit in and make complete sense. What do you all think that I should do. It is not the fact that he is not making a good grade on it but it is the fact that there are more than one answer that can fit perfectly well.. Well today it is a cold and rainy day here and I don't even want to go outside but I did have to go up to the church and do the bulletins for Sunday and type up some letters for the visitors that we have been having and make up some new envelopes and a few other things. I am now the church secretary and I am so glad that I can go and do it whenever I have the time and I don't have to worry about getting anyone to watch the kids because I can take them up there with me if I need to. I was up there almost the whole time today though and I hardly got to see Jay at all. Oh well, Dillon and Taylor are taking a nap since they think that they must wake up at the crack of dawn every morning. It is nice that I have this time to talk to you all but I know that they will not go to bed at 7:00 pm like they usually do. Okay, those of you that were asking, we still live in the same town we lived in before, this is just a house and it is only two blocks over from where we lived before. We are renting our other house out to my brother right now, that way we know that it will not get torn up at all. I think that I am going to get the kids pictures made next week since I will actually have plenty of money to buy them. I will get them on the disk and e-mail them to you all if you want to see them. They really have changed allot since the last pics. Oh, I do have their Christmas pics that I took of them though if any of you would like to see them, I can scan them and e-mail them to you all. Christi- I wouldn't worried about trying to get paid for yesterday, after all, you don't really have any proof that she wasn't sick. I know that it is probably just some lie they made up but don't let it get to you. Good luck with the potty thing. I hope that Caleb keeps going for you. I HATE potty training. I don't even want to think about having to do it again before long! Sarah- So sorry to hear that Hannah is having such a hard time with her teeth. Is it her molars are did you say eye teeth? Thank goodness Dillon has all of his in now and we never did have much of a problem with him and he got all 4 molars at 1 time. I hope that you get some much needed sleep. Be glad that she likes books. It will get bad when she starts to school and does not want to read at all. Sounds like you have a smart little cookie on your hands with her trying to dress herself. I bet that she is just too cute doing that. CathyG-Sorry you had to go through the ultrasound thingy. For a minute, I thought that you were pregnant again. Seems that it is happening quite a bit on this sight lately. Alison sounds so cute. I feel for your friend. I can't imagine how I would feel if I were in her shoes. I hope that I never find out either. Glad to hear that Alison is in a better mood for you today. French lessons huh? I only speak southern and english! Darleen- Nolan sounds too cute if you ask me. Dillon hardly talks but I am not really concerned. He says stuff when he wants to. When are you moving? I just finished and can't say that I ever want to do it again. Louise- Does your son bite as well. Dillon bites all the time and he thinks that it is so funny when in fact it hurts like you know what. He bites me and Blake most of the time and just for no reason. I don't want to bite him back because what kind of message is that sending to him. I tell him not to bite and that it hurts and sometimes I even swat him but it still does no good. Of course I have to agree that Dillon is gorgeous. LisaB- I am glad that you are feeling a bit better. I was always sick the whole 9 months with all three of my pregnancies and with Blake I was in the hospital for 3 weeks I was so dehydrated and I couldn't even go out of my room at all so just make sure that you try to eat and drink. Well I see that you had the same problem that I had. I just hope that things are better for you this time around. Rita-I know what you mean about not being a baby anymore. That is how I feel about Dillon. He is getting so big and he is wearing 2T now and I just can't believe it. Where does the time go? He has some rubber boots that he wears and they are just too cute on him. My new address is the same except for the street address which is 206 7th Avenue now. Katy- Boy that Liam sounds like he is ready to start looking for a job huh? LOL He sounds so cute and grown up. Just be glad he doesn't scream his head off when you leave him there. That really breaks the heart. Beth- I can't believe that Allison is potty training already. I only wish that Dillon would do that, I still have to put a diaper on Taylor at night though or she really pees the bed good. Sorry to hear that you have been so busy but I am glad to know that you and the family are doing so well. Moriah-I hope that Rachel's surgery turns out well and all is better with her very fast. Alex sounds too cute. He has really come along ways. I knew that he was going to be a real fighter and overcome everything that he has gone through. I hope that he starts sleeping better for you. I think I would wake him and put up with the screaming. It will probably only last a few minutes and then he will get in a better mood. At least that is what Dillon does but I know that they are all different. Rebecca-Dillon is 19 months old and still doesn't speak very well at all. You know that Albert Einstein didn't talk until he was 3.b I bet that Paige is just so smart that she peed in that pot. What a smart little girl you have there. Michelle- I know what you mean about boys and the running and screaming. I so look forward to night time and their bed time. Aren't I just the worst mother ever?? Stacey- Thanks for thinking of me. I have been thinking about all of y'all also. How are the girls doing and what about you and the hubby? Lynda- So glad to hear that Ella is feeling so much better. I just hate it when they are feeling bad. Julianne- I sure hope that you get the job. I couldn't stand waiting for that long. I always clam up when it comes to interviews. I hope that Colton starts eating better for you. I don't really worry about Dillon eating, I figure that when he gets hungry, he will eat. I didn't get Dill's haircut yet but I am tomorrow. I hate the WHY'S. Your vacation story was so funny. Helen- So Amanda has a snotty nose too huh? Taylor and Dillon do and I know that they have had it for at least 3 months now. I hope that she does well in the play group. Sue- You made me want to cry with that story about Cameron but I am sure that he was just fine like you said. Blake used to cry when I was there dropping him off but one day I was still there and as soon as he got me out of his sight he was all smiles. Glad your friend is alright. Well I am finally finished with my novel. Take care and I will talk to you all later. Tracey and Dillon 19 months email: t.telger@worldnet.att.net Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 19:22:38 (EST)) Lello!!! Riley is busy "helping" Tay clean up his room. I think they are both doing more wrestling then cleaning. Tay is in big trouble at school. My son is 12 but he is on the socially imature side. He get's into trouble easily. One thing I'm thankful for is that it's never hurting anyone or destroying things that he get's detention for. But listening to the latest things from Tay and then 2 other kids in his class, I feel the teacher is picking on him a little. It upsets me. But I've made an appt. with our fam. therapist for him. I don't want his self esteem damaged and if he's going to get blamed for things that no one is sure he did, well then he might turn out worse. Now, all 3 are in the room. No cleaning whatsoever is being done. I love listening to them when they are goofing around. It makes me happy to see all three get along and play. Riley has learned to stick his tongue out now. He's so proud. He's repeating everything he hears. And saying sentences. I'm pretty proud, too! (not of the tongue business, though)LOL Well, on to the few personals I have and then the kitchen is waiting!!! Rita****I do not want to come off as a know it all. The dr had us give Tay mineral oil, probably at about the same age as your DH. It didn't help. He leaked orange ooze that stained everything. I can't prove this, but I feel that the mineral oil robbed Tay of important vitamins and maybe that is why he is so short. I don't know. It was a constant struggle with him. Nothing helped until we put him on Senekot. It's all natural and it gives them mild cramps, so there is warning to get him to the toilet. The thing about holding BM's is that it's a control issue. I wanted him to go and he knew it. I wouldn't leave the house until he went so if he wanted to stay home to play, well I was shit outta luck. It became a way to get everyone in the house to pay attention to him. But when I give him Senekot, he could not hold it. This is also something that any child will just stop or get over. Still, today at 12, once in a while, he has problems. One thing that I did along with the Senekot was to wrap a bunch of little things up and when he went in the potty he got to choose. I hope you get through it quicker then we have. And I hope that I have not upset you. Michele***I was reading your post about your boys running through your house. I was thinking, I don't remember writing this. It's sounds so familiar to me! It took me a few mintutes to realize that it was you!LOL Beth***Riley learned burping from Jesse. Shelly & Riley 21 months email: shelly@bobvance@.com Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 22:57:06 (EST)) Hi, Romaine here! Saba had a little friend over this eve. She gets so quiet when ohter people are around. She has been racing around the house today singing at the top of her lungs, but as soon as we have company, she gets all quiet and likes to watch. She was so upset that her little friend wanted to listen to her tape-recorder. She cried. I felt bad that she felt bad and that she was not wanting to share. Also, it was past her bedtime and she did not sleeep during her nap. She does need to be around children more so that she does not get so over-whelmed. I ahve known this for a while, but sometimes it is so hard to coordinate w/ others. My friends work. it has been hard to coordinate w/ those that don't b/c Saba normally naps in the pm and am well lets just say mommy is still in her pjs! (Whatever will I do when i go back to work!? I'll be up at 4 to get ready! LOL!) Now that she does not always sleep, i am more willing to get together w/ others. Only 2 more months for me-boohoo! Sarah g-DD2 is Mya. I tend not to use it here just for privacy sake. I do the same for Saba on BT. Louise-TOTALLY! YUM YUM! I just slurp all over DD2's face. I do the same to Saba as well when she lsets me!:) Lisa B-OMG! You do have awful pgs! I sure do hope that this one is better for you! My BF's sister is the same as you. She had her second in November. I don't think that you are being irrational about vomitting! Rita-Saba gets all twisted about "dirty" sometimes! Brth-Yeah Allison and pottying! Michelle-I agree-end to end of toddler antics would be hysterical! Rebecca-I am out west as well-North central BC. Leanne is my sister! Paige is awesome peeing in the pot! I'll pass on the soup at her dinner parties though! LOL! Stacey-I adore watching! Isn't it cute?? I'll need your e to send the pics. E me and I won't make mistakes in copying it. Julianne-EW, being first is not the best, is it? I was once told that you are best off being last in an interview b/c all the good attributes of the other candidates are attributed to you (real or not). At any rate, GOOD LUCK! Moriah-Alex sure has been through a lot! No wonder he is your miracle child! Sarah, Christi, Rita, Moriah, Julianne-pics are on way after I sign off here! Nighty-night! Please send the sleep fairy my way! Still getting up 1.5 to 2 hours! Romaine and Saba 22 mos email: rrantry@yahoo.ca Friday, January 28, 2000 at 01:57:16 (EST)) Rebecca here... First, I'm sorry about the double post. I swear I only hit the button once. Paige's rash is starting to get better. It's hard to see her little bum so red. This is her second major rash ever so I'm not really used to dealing with it. She had two visitors today. This afternoon her Nanny came over (MIL) and then this evening her FarFar (FIL). I was just grateful they weren't here at the same time (bitter divorce)! DH has hurt his back and stayed home today. It was so hard to have him here and not be able to ask him for help. Actually, I ended up having to take care of him too! He went to the dr and can return to work Monday if he feels up to it. It's just really bad timing since Saturday is one of Paige's playmates bday party and it's at Bonkers (huge indoor playground with tubes and slides and such). This of course means that mommy is going to have to climb through all the tubes with her! I am NOT looking forward to this. I don't mind the ball rooms but I'm not a fan of heights and some of those tubes are over a story and they have clear sections. I'd stay down but Paige loves it so much. I guess I'll just be looking forward and deep breathing alot! LOL Okay, I have to ask you girls an opinion. For the last couple of weeks I've been feeling much better and don't have any real down periods (even when I forget my anti-depressants). The dr has referred me to a specialist. The appointment is in mid February and it took almost a month to get it. I am feeling better and I'm starting to wonder if I should just cancel it. Part of me thinks I should go just to be told that I'm doing great and part of me wants to just put this PPD in my past. As many of you have guessed, I'm a Libra. Unfortunately I see both sides of everything which can make it difficult to make decisions. Should I cancel since things are going well, or should I keep the appointment so that someone with real experience (unlike my dr) can assess me? What to you all think? I have to call and confirm next Friday, so I need to decide. Romaine - I was ROTFL when I read your post to me. It took a second for the soup comment to click in, but it was definately worth a chuckle!!! Where in BC are you? Okay, this post is getting monster long. I'll talk to you all later! XOXO Rebecca & Paige 14months email: burn@canadawired.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 02:36:55 (EST)) OMG!!!!! I am NOT pregnant! My sister in law is due in three weeks! It is our FAMILY homepage!!!!! Hi, Kahne here. LOL.I MEANT that we were expecting a new NEPHEW soon!! I need to go and change that huh! I am SO embarrased. Sorry bout that guys! Had to clear it up, hehe, post all the details tomorrow. Kahne anjd Cat Friday, January 28, 2000 at 02:51:36 (EST)) Good morning from Helen&Amanda!! The kids are still getting ready for school so I thought I would catch up on posts! They have a 1/2 day today and are going skiing from 1-8:00 tonight--- what will I do with myself today??? Rebecca--I would keep the app and take it from there since you had to make it so far in advance- if you cancel you may regret it.Have fun at 'bonkers'! Hope dH's is feeling better today! Tracey---Rebecca----- DS only started talking up a storm about 22 mos, sentences and all and not much before that, don't worry, you'll wish they would stop once they start! LOL! Beth-- Great w/the potty!! Try the old fashioned training pants with plastic pants over- sounds uncomfortable , I know--- or what about the swim diapers??? Rita-- Will Maddy eat the fruits and veggies that are good for constipation?? Try sitting and reading to her?? Ask her why she holds it and how much better her tummy will feel if she goes potty??? Just a thought. Hope she stops holding it in. :O) Sue-- That little face in the window must have broke your heart. :O( I sent out pics to Louise--Christi-- and Shelly-- hope you got them-- if I missed anyone let me know and as usual send pics my way- thanks! Well should go and get everyone motivated--- Later!! Helen&Amanda@17mos email: mhim27@hotmail.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 08:30:51 (EST)) Colton was bieng a little flirt when I dropped him off at DC again today. I was trying to get his coat and hat off when a little girl started shyly coming over to us. Colton turned around, grabbed a toy and brought it over to her. Then he came back to me so I could finish undressing him. It was just so sweet. No wonder he likes DC to much now, he has discovered girls!!! I think I am in trouble ladies. LOL. Romaine: Thanks for the pictures of your two little girls. What cuties w/ such big eyes! The one w/ both of them in the laundry basket is great. There is something about pictures of babies on their tummies raised up by their arms that is so precious. Helen: Great ideat getting Amanda involved in a playgroup. Sue: Colton waves bye-bye in the window when my Mom watches him. I always feel bad if I don't see him as I'm going out the driveway. Lisa: Glad the m/s let up on you some. Yeah for Max's new words. My DC makes you keep your child home if they have a fever along w/ throwing up or the runs. Otherwise it is your own judgement. Rita: Hope things get better at your house. Isn't it lovely that kids can get so upset that they get sick? Colton's done that a couple of times lately when I put him to bed and he isn't quite asleep. He ends of throwing up over the side of the crib into his toy bins. What a joy for me to clean that mess up. Louise: Taking a walk by the river sounds wonderful. Tracey: I guess I would ask the teacher about what was taught in class regarding the assignment. Did she go over the specific uses of those words in the same context and Black was just not paying attention or is it just her judgement of the best use of the words. Remind her that it is good for kids to have creativity and that not everyone uses the same words in the same sentences. Let her know that you found the exercise difficult and confusing too. I would love to see some pictures. Shelly: Way to go Riley sticking out your tongue for your mom!! Rebecca: Have fun playing w/ Paige at Bonkers. I love those places, makes me feel like a kid again. Watch out for those clear sections! I would keep the appointment just so that the specialist can give you his perspective on your progress too. Kahne: Don't I feel silly for jumping to conclusions!! You sure made things exciting the last day or so w/ us all wondering. Helen: Did you pamper yourself nicely w/ your kid-free day? What's that like????? Have a great weekend everyone. I get to leave early for my yearly eye exam. Julianne & Colton 18 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 10:40:18 (EST)) HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!!! :) :) :) SARAH here. Man, I do love Fridays! :) Can you tell? LOL I stayed home from work yesterday, due to the weather. I would have taken me at least 2 hours to get to work, and then I would've had to leave early. Plus, I knew I didn't have anything important to do...so I took the day off. It was so much fun staying home with HANNAH and DH. Needless to say, it was hard to come back today. Oh well, at least it's Friday! :) HANNAH's getting back to her old self again! :) We had so much fun last night! She was in a great mood even though she was sooo tired! I had plans to go out with the "girls" on Wednesday night and DH was going to stay home with HANNAH. Well, the night out turned in to being a bunch of our friends, so my brother and SIL watched HANNAH, and DH joined us. We had such a great time!!! We actually have a babysitter on Saturday night, too. So, we get a date night again!! The last couple of date nights have been kind of disappointing, so hopefully this one is better! Any of you have preferences on who wins the Superbowl?? I don't know if any of you are "in to" sports/football. I LOVE IT!!!!! I think I'm leaning towards Tennessee, but I wouldn't be disappointed if St. Louis wins! It's hard to get real excited for it, cause it's not my Denver Broncos (who, by the way, have won it the past 2 years!!) LOL :) On to personals: BETH - I can't believe how good ALLISON is getting with the potty training!!! That's awesome! MORIAH - How did the surgery go??? I was LOL at your chicken comment. Vegas????? I love Vegas!!! That sounds like a lot of fun!! That's great how Zandy Cards is taking off! :) REBECCA - Funny story how PAIGE peed in the pot!! I was going to ask you how your PPD was and then I read your post from yesterday. I think you should keep the appt!! You may regret it if you don't. STACEY - HANNAH will sometimes read her books herself, too. But mostly wants mommy or daddy to do it. LISA - Glad the m/s is better! HANNAH calls her one grandma (DH mom) Nana. LYNDA - I've thought about bringing HANNAH to the library and just hang out and read books for about 2 hours. CATHY - I am very glad HANNAH loves to read books..don't get me wrong. JULIANNE - HANNAH has a ton of books!!! She got a lot of new books for Chrismas, too. I would HATE waiting 2 more weeks to find out!!! Good luck! SUE - Oh my gosh, your story about CAM waving bye-bye brought tears to my eyes. Good news on your co-worker!! TRACEY - I would love to see pictures!! She's getting her eye-teeth. She already has all of her molars. SHELLY - Sorry about the trouble TAY is having at school. ROMAINE - I never got any pictures. :( Could you send them my way again??? KAHNE - Thanks for clarifying!! HELEN - I would love to see pictures! Well ladies, that's all I have for now! If I don't get a chance to get back on, I hope you all have a great weekend!!!!! Sarah and Hannah (16 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 10:45:59 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. Max got a "preschool certificate" from the sitter yesterday for saying and identifying yellow, black, and purple and for distinguishing his left and right hands. Yes, I'm a proud Mom but I was somewhat skeptical that he actually could do these things ... so I tested him. He did say yellow and black - but only after I showed him the colors and named them. He had no response to the purple. I asked him which hand was his left and he held out his left hand. Then I asked for his right ... and he gave me his left again - LOL!!!! I think the sitter might be giving him more credit than he deserves but I'm still impressed with how much she is teaching him. One of DH's co-workers gave Max a fisher-price cell phone toy "just because" yesterday. He has been playing with the thing non-stop ever since. Last night he grabbed one of his Elmo books and took it to bed with him - LOL!! I got an e-mail from Kelli. It's hilarious that we are only a few days apart in our pregnancies but we both have the same symptoms, are almost in maternity clothes, etc. We both even "feel" like we are futher along and that our last AF was a fluke or that we are carrying twins - LOL!!! She just went for her 1st OB appointment and has an u/s in 2 weeks. She still has bad m/s with vomiting and is tired from chasing after Elizabeth so she hasn't felt up to posting lately. She said Elizabeth is doing great. RITA: Maddy has a definite personality, doesn't she?! I can imagine the trouble you'll have when puberty kicks in!!!! I see ocassional spirited behaviour in Max and I immediately think of you and your girls - LOL!!! TRACEY: I would try to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the teacher. Don't be accusatory or anything but state that you thought the exercise was a little confusing. Give specific examples of 2+ words that you think would fit in one slot. As the teacher she may just "know" the answer and therefore not realize how difficult/impossible the exercise really was. SHELLY: I feel for Tay. I went to a small school (30 in my graduating class) and some teachers were really bad about pegging kids as dumb, trouble-makers, etc. based on stories they heard from other teachers or based on a kid's siblings ... versus making their own opinion. Once you were labeled it was hard to get teachers to see beyond what they EXPECTED to see what you really were. Luckily I never had problems due to this but 2 of my siblings did. Yeah on Riley talking in sentences! REBECCA: Good luck at Bonkers. My brother hates heights and I know they make him uptight/nauseous so I really do feel for you. I would go to the specialist, if you have the time and money, just for the peace of mind. KAHNE: LOL!!!!! You really had us all wondering here. I wonder how many of your family and friends also "mis-interrupted" your comments. Watch for sly glances to your belly, etc.!!! HELEN & ROMAINE: I would love photos of your little angels. SARAH: As a Missourian, I'm OBLIGATED to cheer for the Rams. Actually, I'm not a huge sports fan so I don't care that much one way or the other. It would be extra nice for the Rams to win through, kinda in tribute to the Kansas City Chief who was in a bad car accident on his way to the NFL championship game and damaged his spinal cord (is currently paralysed but hopeful will recover - his best friend died in the accident). LisaB & Max (16.9999 mo.) at 6.9999 wk pg email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 14:28:52 (EST)) Hello- A quickie-- Lisa & Sarah-- the pics are the x-mas ones- I think I already sent them to you-When I get more I will definately not forget you. :O) Well so far I've been cleaning the house, Amanda is napping and no plans for my day off- I'm all shopped-out since it was just x-mas and really don't have anything to 'browse' for.We may go out for supper, don't know yet- DH didn't seem exited at the idea.OH--- I did do something exciting today- had my bangs trimmed and lip and eyebrows waxed- ouch!! Well better go b/f my little munchkin is awake-- have a great weekend!! Helen&Amanda@17mos Friday, January 28, 2000 at 14:46:46 (EST)) Julianne again--just a quick post though as I am ready to leave work. I just talked to DH about what time our family pictures are scheduled for on Saturday and he started complaining about a big zit he has growing on the end of his nose. I think it would be just a hoot if I had to reschedule because of it!!! Sarah: Yeah for a fun snowday home w/ Hannah. We are going to a superbowl party at our neighbors. Tell you what, I'll root for St. Louis and we'll see which one of us chose the right team to scream for!! Lisa: It's great that your DCP is trying to teach Max like that. Bye again. Julianne & Colton 18 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 15:07:11 (EST)) Hello everyone. Had to leave work early yesterday as Allison threw up and had diarrhea at the sitter's yesterday morning. Once I got her home, however, she was fine. I think the little stinker just wanted to stay home with mommy for the day :-). Oh well, it was nice to have to afternoon off and at least it didn't appear to be anything serious. She's at my mom's today and appears to be doing just fine. Dh found out yesterday that he is probably going to have to have major surgery on his shoulder. It has dislocated twice in the past few years with the last time being just a couple of weeks ago. This time it hurts so bad that he can not lift Allison or even just his arm alone for that matter. He's really in a lot a pain and the Dr. seems to think he has a bone spur as well as rotator cuff problems. Just glad that we have good insurance! Cathy G- bonne chance avec votre classe de Francais. (I think this says good luck with your French class, but I haven't really studied it since my 4 years of high school. LOL!) Lynda - glad Ella seems to be feeling better. Julianne - there are pros and cons to being interviewed first. Pro is that now everyone else has to live up to the standard that you have set. Con is that the last person will be the freshest in their minds once they make their decision. Good luck! Colton sounds like he's going to be heartbreaker when he grows up. Remind me to keep Allison locked up if he ever comes around LOL!! Helen - thanks for the advice on the training pants with plastic covers. I have some of the swim diapers at home, but they don't really look like they would hold too much if we had a major accident. Not too much absorbency since they are made NOT to swell in the pool. Sue - Cameron sounds so sweet waving Bye out the window. Just breaks your heart to have to leave them sometimes. Lisa B - I am glad you seem to be feeling a little better. Lets hope the trend continues. Rebecca - I would go to the Dr. as everyone else said, you may regret not going if you cancel. Paige sounds too cute peeing in her little pot! Rita - I hope Maddy becomes more cooperative for you soon! She definitely sounds like a very headstrong little girl. Louise - your walk along the river sounds really nice!! Shelly - unfortunately I think SOME teachers ( not all or even most) have a tendency to look for things when a child has been a habitual problem or disruption. I know this happened with my BIL. He was 12 when I met DH and had been an easily distractable student all along and it did seem like many times he was being picked on. I think what happens it some teachers get into a control thing with kids and are determined to be "the boss" so they pick up every little thing that kid does when it may be no big deal with another kid. The only solution we found was that we had BIL really watch his P's and Q's so the teacher's couldn't find anything to pick on him about. If it continues I would go talk to the teacher, but this always seemed to make things worse for BIL as it made his teachers a little peeved that DH's mom said anything to them so they seemed to get on him even more. Hope it gets better for you. Romaine - hope the sleep fairy will make a nice long visit to your house. Sarah - have fun on your date Sat. Hope it's better than they last one! Tracey - Glad you like your job at the church! I remember you were looking for something when you stopped posting a while back.. Glad you found something where you can take the kids and that has flexible hours for you. Well, time to get to work! Talk to you later Beth and Allison (20 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 15:11:31 (EST)) Hi everyone from CathyG - I had lunch with a friend I haven't seen in a while, she left my organization and went to the private sector, where she has done REALLY well. She looked at the pictures of my 2 kids and told me I was so lucky and that she would give up everything to be in my position (she has no kids). Made me feel really lucky, although my career has really stalled compared to hers. My FIL may be ill - he has had some abnormal results on tests, and has seen a specialist who wants to wait 6 more weeks and then do a biopsy of his liver. Sounds scary, so please pray for him. Alison has her 18 month check-up and needle on Monday - I am anxious to see her weight - she sure feels heavy to me. Julianne - what a long interview. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Your story about the probe made me feel lucky. Sounds like you have a real ladies man on your hands!! Helen - I hate taking Alison with me to the library - she is just like at home, except there is more to mess up. I hope you and Amanda enjoy the playgroup - I really miss the one we used to go to. Sue - Good news re. your co-worker. I would have been teary-eyed too. LisaB - glad you are feeling better, let's hope it keeps up. Your sitter sounds really nice - I like the certificate, even if she was stretching it a bit - it is a sweet thing to do. Rita - such fun you are having. I have to make sure Emma eats bran or whole grains every day, it is easier than mineral oil. Louise - merci! I was supposed to be going on full-time language training in April, but my boss has postponed it because of some major initiatives at work. Tracey - I would talk to the teacher about your concerns. No I am not pregnant, and will not be ever again, or at least not with this DH!! Romaine - I hope you have a good sleep. Rebecca - My DH is a really bad patient too. I don't like the places like Bonkers because I get bruises on my knees from climbing through the tunnels. I think you should keep the appointment - it might be useful to talk with the specialist about what you did go through. Sarah - I thought the super bowl was next week! DH had the games on last week, and I thought the coach for Tennesse was quite cute, so I will cheer for him (oops) them. I hope you all have a good weekend. I hear it will be warming up here, so we will probably go skating!! Bye... CathyG and Alison (18 months today) Friday, January 28, 2000 at 15:33:42 (EST)) Hi again - just a quick note to Beth - I'm glad Allison is feeling better. Too bad about your DH. I hope he doesn't have to wait too long for surgery, so you don't have to do all the lifting and carrying Allison. CathyG and Alison Friday, January 28, 2000 at 15:37:57 (EST)) Hello from Rita Well, last night was really the last straw with my programming class. The instructor has been really ill prepared, doesn't know how to use the compiler in the lab, etc. Last night he told us that he hasn't been in the lab because we keep "bugging" him. Once I heard that, I decided to drop the class. I was doing well, but sure don't need an instructor with that kind of attitude. Plus, I really think that Maddy needs more attention and two nights a week without me at dinner is too much for her. I'll try again in the fall and pick a better school. Shelly - Don't worry, you have not offended me. We didn't give Maddy the oil last night since she had a massive blowout in the wee hours of the morning. I just want to get her back on track, whether or not she wears diapers until grade school. She is super sensitive and for some reason has decided that she will not poop in the toilet. Helen - Maddy won't eat many veggies these days. We can only get her to eat salad with lots of dressing. I sneak veggies into food. All of a sudden many foods that were fine before are now "gross." Cathy G - If I could only get Maddy to eat bran - raisin bran is now on the "out list." I am going to try making some muffins this weekend and see how it goes. We often get her to eat something and then she realizes that it is to "help" her and refuses to eat it again. Lisa B - Thanks for the update on Kelli. I am awfully glad that I will not be joining you guys on PT - I don't think that I could handle it very well given all the things going on in my house at this time. What a great DCP you have. Larry has been working with Maddy since she was a year old on right and left sides when he gets her ready in the AMs. Julianne - A ladies' man, huh? I'll have to make sure to warn Amy about him. ACtually, she is really a little scrapper and can handle Maddy, so I don't have too many concerns about her in the future. She probably isn't sweet enough for Colton, anyway. LOL Tracey - Sounds like things are going well with your job and all. I would probably want to talk with the teacher about the assignment. I have helped my neighbor a few times try to interpret some the assignments that her children have been given for homework and have been baffled myself. Stacey - I hear you on wanting a change. DH and I were talking with my friend about Colorado since my company has a campus there. Once we leave the Bay Area, I know that there is no way that we could ever afford to move back. Plus, all of our family are here, so it would be tough. Have you been reading the inforamtion on the new school rankings in CA? Of course, we live near the worst school in our district. Gotta get back to work. Take care everyone! Rita & Amy email: ritad@home.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 17:06:08 (EST)) Hey Girlys! It's Moriah! Rachel Update: The surgery went well although it took 7+ hours. They did discover some additional complications but overall things were a big success. They have not been able to close up her chest yet becuase she is so swollen & she's still on a temporary pacemaker plus heavily sedated & on a ventilator. She's doing well for this stage of recovery so now it's a "wait & see" period. They're hoping to get her chest closed sometime in the next couple of days, then after that they should be able to lighten up on her sedation & wean down the pacemaker to her heart function. Lori & Don are so strong! In the email update that I got this morning the last line said "After they close the chest, they will stop the paralyzing drug and start to reduce her sedation. At that point we will be able to start interacting with our little girl again." Does that break your heart or what?? Thanks to everyone who has prayed for Rachel though - I've never been a religious person but I really believe that it helps to have so much support! Alex continues to do great! He did have his 1st big bout of constipation :(. I think it was due to finishing up his 10 day course of Augmentin. Augmentin does a # on his little system the other way so maybe going off of it did the opposite??? One advantage of having the g-tube though is that I put pureed prunes directly into the tube as he HATES to eat them. So this afternoon we had one STINKY mess. He's also big into yelling now. Such a crack up. He screams at Geoff from across the room until he comes close enough to touch. And this morning at 4am when we were awake & daddy was blissfully sleeping Alex spied the beloved DaDa (okay after a little coaching I must admit :) & proceeded to scream DADA at the top of his lungs & pound his feet until Geoff woke up for some snuggles. At that time Mommy prompty snuggled down & went back to bed leaving the beloved Dada in the lurch! AHHHHHHHHH heaven! He also screams at the cat & various favorite toys. I can't beleive our house ws so quiet for all those months! This is SOOOOO much FUN! Thanks for everyones sleep advice. You all were totally right! I woke him up & fed him after the initial crying fit & things went fine. He has been up from like 6-10 everynight & sleeping until about 4 when he needs a diaper change. That's manageable - especially since Geoff gets early morning duty. Okay - it's certaintly not finished or final (the links don't work yet & it's only 1 page) but a preview of our site is up right now. www.zandycards.com We hope to get the final up by Monday. Boy this website thing is sure hard work! LuCynda - you are amazing! It has been such a time consuming project to design our web page. PS where are you?? Rebecca - I'm so happy for you that things are going better. I've noticed from the "tone" of your postings that you're feeling better! GOOD FOR YOU! BTW - the pee story was too funny. Helen - I'm going out tonight for my "last meal"! LOL! Tomorrow am is the big (and I do mean BIG) day. Pretty cute about Amanda being interested in another baby. I can't wait until Alex wants to play. Sue - OOH! My heart was breaking for you with the wave! :( Rita - UGH about the barfing at the table incident. Although I have to tell you on Tuesday Alex had an appointment out in Pleasant Hill so on my way back I stopped in Castro Valley for gas & then I was hungry so I went to Taco Bell. As I was standing there waiting for my order Alex lets out this giant burp & barfs all over the floor. This young guy next to me was mortified. Of course I was equally since I had to clean it up with napkins & no gloves. YUCK! What are you going to class for again? Louise - I'd be very happy to do an order for you! Romaine - your girls are adorable! Kahne - boy you had us all thinking! After a couple weeks ago the post about the argument you guys had over a 2nd baby. I thought maybe that was your way of announcing it. LOL LOL LOL Congratulations on your nephews impending arrival though! Julianne - so Colton is a flirt huh? Too funny. One of our friends stopped by with her 4 m/o baby girl last weekend & before we knew if Alex had her fingers in his mouth & then they sort of held hands. We cracked up. Especially since she already out weighs Alex by a couple pounds. We've decided he's "advanced". I was teasing Lori that Alex had already cheated on Rachel as Alex & Rachel already have been arranged in marraige. LOL Kelli - hope you feel better soon! Lisa B & Kelli - I'd LOVE it if you both have twins!! In fact if you do I'll do the announcements at 1/2 price! LOL Lisa B - Max sounds very advanced to me. hee hee. Right from left already? Maybe she is stretching it a tad? Maybe he needs to go to the "Ivy Sandbox" (reference to the TV show Providence from a couple weeks ago) Beth - Geoff also has rotator cuff problems. His comes from a football injury. He has had some serious pain from it due to the physical nature if his job. Accupuncture totally worked for him though (and I'm a TOTAL skeptic about that stuff). Poor DH not being able to pick up Allison. Hope he's better soon. Cathy G - I hope your FIL is okay! :) Okay girlys. I better go. I'm trying to get a hold of some friends to go out tonight. Geoff's mom offered to baby sit & we'd like to go out for a nice dinner. We have several friends that we rarely get to see so we thought this would be a nice opportunity. Have a great weekend! Moriah & Alex (15.75 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 20:25:10 (EST)) Hello ladies, it's Christi For the first time tonight we took Caleb to McDonald's and let him play in the ball pit. He had a blast! HE jumped, swam, and crawled all over. Then he cried when we left, surprise! We also played our first computer game today. We have Reader Rabbit's Toddler, and he sat on my lap while I showed him all the different games. I did let him try to play one, but we are not ready for that yet! The other kids had fun playing though. I have 2 older toddlers (21 months and 25 months) and they had a great time, maybe it is something I can work in daily. CATHY G.*** Happy 18 months to Alison JULIANNE*** +++ new job thoughts HELEN***Did you enjoy your easy day? SUE*** My DC kids LOVE my front window, they always watch for moms and dads to come and go, and every parent is greeted by ALL of the kids, even mine. Of Course this particular window is never clean. :-) LISA B.*** Cute about Max needing to replace Pluto's spot! Yeah for him learning so much at DC RITA*** EEEWWWWW! I hope poor Maddy is feeling better soon! Sorry your class didn't work out. SHELLY*** Yeah for Riley's talking taking off so well. ROMAINE*** BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!!! Thanks for the pictures. SARAH*** Wow, 2 nights out in one week, I am jealous! Good for you. MORIAH*** I will keep Rachel in my prayers, I am glad her parents are doing so well, I have been praying for them too! So glad to see Alex has been yelling at Geoff, that must be one sweet sound. Well, I have finally cought up again, time fo rbed! See you all soon! Christi & Caleb 15 months---TODAY :-) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Friday, January 28, 2000 at 23:47:02 (EST)) Hi mommies. Ok, didn't any of you miss me? LOL. It's Patty and I've been unable to get on here for five days!!! Good thing at least today was slow since it took me FOREVER to catch up. Jarin is doing great. He is so happy and I just can't believe how, literally every day, he is learning so many new things! My SIL watched him on Thursday for the first time and he did wonderfully. She said he only cried for about two minutes after I left. What a relief! Tonight at church, Jarin did the most hilarious thing. When we all did the sign of peace (shaking hands, for you non-Catholics), Jarin started walking around shaking everyone's hands and going "sssss" "ssss". It was a total crack up. And then, of course, he had to keep doing it through the rest of Mass. =) Ok, gals, beware of monster post ahead. Remember, I have five days to make up for! **Stacey: I've gotta see that "Out of the Box" show. I've never seen it and I've heard several of you talking about it. I can't wait to see your web page. Lemon worked wonders for my m/s too. **Romaine: Sending new sleeping vibes your way. I hope they work this time. Too funny about the flour on the slippers. I would LOVE to see Saba and Mya. Please send pics my way. **Kahne: I'm so glad Cat is ok. Thanks for clarifying that "new member" comment. LOL **Sarahg: Ouch! Poor Sofie's tongue! **Tracey: I can't even believe Dill is getting that close to two years old!! Glad to hear that Taylor and Blake are doing well, but sorry about the trouble at school. We are all doing fine. We have about a foot of snow here and we're supposed to get more this weekend. Tom was glad you were back so we could hear more from your family. LOL. I'd love to see new pics of the kids. Congrats on the new house and the job as church secretary - sounds like it is perfect for you. **Christi: Those people sound like they are very inconsiderate toward you. I think they should be much more appreciative to have good daycare! Yay for Caleb peeing and pooping on the potty! **Sarah: Do you really love Fridays? LOL. Me too. I love knowing I'm going to have two days off with my monster boy. =) Sorry to hear about poor Hannah's swollen gums. I think Jarin's bottom eye teeth are trying to make their way through as well. Jarin is also insane over his books here - can't get enough of them! Have fun on your date night. Hope it goes better than the last couple for you. **CathyG: UGH! Ultrasounds! My first one when I was pg with Jaime, was the worst thing ever. I swore after that I would NEVER drink as much water as they tell you too. I was bawling - I had to pee so bad! I was LOL at you Canadians being so tough/smug about the snow. I hope everything works out ok with your FIL. We will be going to Paris this summer when we go to London with the ILs, so I am also trying to brush up on my three years of high school French. I'm polishing up the phrase "Je parle francais un peu." (I speak very little French) heehee **Louise: Too cute that James pushes out his belly like the Teletubbies! Thanks for the info on the apartments. My MIL and FIL LOVE to shop for antiques, so I'm sure they will be thrilled to hear about that. I'm just sure that you would NEVER do anything to spoil your boy. LOL **LisaB: Hmm, let's see. I just might be persuaded to give Jarin a kiss for you. Yay for Max and his preschool certificate. Gees, I've got Kindergarteners who don't know left and right yet!!!You never know - your last AF could really have been a fluke. When I was pg with Jarin, my last one was and I ended up being a month farther along. Yay! Happy 17 month birthday Max! **Rita: It is so sad how fast our "babies" grow up. Jarin was sitting on a chair tonight and I just kept thinking how old he looked. =( Hope Maddy is able to start going regularly again soon. Sounds like she is quite "spirited". Too bad about your programming class. I hope you let them know WHY you were dropping. Sounds like that professor has no business teaching if his students were "bugging" him! **Katy: So cute that Liam was just too busy getting on his way to play. =) **Beth: Yay for Allison doing so well with potty training and talking. LOL at the hormonal rages you will have in a few years. Jarin also does the tantrums one minute and the smiling next. Sorry to hear about DH's shoulder. Hope everything works out ok. **Moriah: Hope you and Geoff have a good night out! Thanks for the update on baby Rachel. I hope they can close her chest soon. Her parents sounds wonderful. That was so cute about Alex waking up Da da to play in the early morning. Yay for Alex sitting up so well. I LOVE the idea for Lisa B's announcement cards. Too cute. **Rebecca: Glad to hear you are feeling so much better. I would keep the appt. just to tell him/her what you were going through before. LOL at Paige peeing in her pot and running through the house. Hope her rash gets better. Have fun crawling in those tubes. It always makes my knees hurt. **Michelle: No, teenagers are definitely NOT fun!! How did your meeting go about your 14 year old stepdaughter? My boys ARE fun. I always say, "Give me boys any day!" **Lynda: Glad to hear Ella is better! =) **Julianne: Good for you being a "strong candidate", but sorry you have to wait so long to find out for sure. Mr. Grouchy is being much happier lately, thank heaven. He is also on an eating roller coaster ride. One day he eats everything in sight, the next day, he eats nothing. Sounds like Colton is the little Day care Romeo. =) **Helen: I hope you and Amanda can find a playgroup. Wow, a whole seven hours to yourself. I don't know what I'd do -probably sleep. LOL. I get my eyebrows waxed every couple of weeks. It does hurt, but definitely better than plucking. heehee **Sue: Glad to hear the good news on your coworker. I'm sure it about broke your heart seeing Cam wave through the window. =( **Shelly: Hope everything works out with Tay at school. I bet those are wonderful sounds when the three boys are playing together. I also love to listen to Jesse and Jarin playing when they are upstairs and I'm downstairs. =) **Ok, my novel has come to an end. Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - 17 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 20:46:26 (EST)) Hi, this is Birdie and Noah. Just a quick note. Things are still nutty around here. My uncles aorta surgery went pretty well. He is still in intensive care. DH's grandpa just found out he has bone cancer and we just found out a close friend of the family has HIV and so does her son. Her husband left her and then called and said BTW I have AIDS so you should probably get checked out. Come to find out she did have it and so did her little boy. Very very sad. I had always heard that at some point everyone will know someone who has HIV. I didn't believe it. It kind of freaks me out. She said she didn't want to tell anyone because she was afraid no one would hug them any more or let her hold their babies. How sad is that? Also, my parents had a car accident on the way to the hospital the other day and totalled their car. They are fine thank goodness. DH had my kitchen in pieces as he is putting in a new countertop. We have been eating frozen dinners for a week. It's one of those jobs he said would be done in two days and now 8 days later it still isn't finished. Ughhh. So, that's all the good news I have for today. Thank God DH and Noah and I are all fine and healthy and happy. (KOW) Take care. Birdie and Noah (14 months) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 22:49:48 (EST)) Hi mommies. Wow, I'm the only one here today, so I guess I'll just respond to Birdie: I'm glad your uncle's surgery went well and that your parents are ok after their accident. Sorry to hear about DH's grandpa. I hope that he is ok. How awful about your friend - what a jerk her husband must be! My brother is gay and his "friend" is HIV+. It is a very scary thing, but he takes all the meds and everything has been under control for two years now. My brother still tests negative, so we are very thankful. It is amazing what the medicines can do now. They truly do work miracles. Hugs to you - sorry everything is so hard right now. Take care. Patty and Jarin - 17 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 20:30:40 (EST)) Hi All, Darleen here. A very tired Darleen as a matter of fact. Well........I think we found a place to live if we get approved. I am hoping. My mom and I went on Friday all day to look for a place. It is really nice, but very expensive. The closer you get to Toronto the more expensive it gets. We are going to rent a 3 bedroom townhouse for a year then buy, so my Dh says. I hope so I am sick of renting, and throwing our money away. Nolan is doing great. He had a daddy night last Thursday and did great. I went to my parents, and left Nolan with Daddy and his gradnparents while Dh went to work. I guess Nolan never cried at all. I find that hard to believe, but in-laws like to tell little white lies once in a while. I don't care, I missed him, but he was fine when I got home. That's all that matters. Not much to say, so I will go onto personals. Birdie-Sorry to hear about your bad luck you are having right now. I hope things get better for you. We had a 30 year old friend die 2 years ago of AIDS. His wife left him and took his little girl back to New Brunswick so he could never see her again. He never did see her before he died. His parents only talk to there grandaughter over the phone, the b**** won't let them see her. I am thinking about you, and hoping things get better for you soon. Take care of yourself and Noah. Cathy G.- We were thinking about moving to Milton, but the bus service and the go-train don't have a direct service to Toronto for Dh. Hopefully we will like Burlington. I haven't been to Ottawa since I was little. We have friends in Kanata. Hopefully we will get to see them this summer since we will be closer to Ottawa. If anybody wants to see a picture of Nolan that hasn't been sent one, let me know, and I will send one to you. I think he's cute. Modest Mom!! He is quite the entertainer. We were outside today for a while, and Nolan headed towards the road so I went and got him, and he tripped and fell face first into the slush and snow. Dh and I laughed, Nolan didn't think it was funny. He is not a winter boy at all. He is a bare naked boy if we would let him. Well girls that is all the chattin I'm doing tonight, I am heading to bed. Lack of sleep the last few nights. Have a good night, and a good week! Darleen & Nolan14mths email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 22:46:31 (EST)) Hey Girlys! It's Moriah! Okay this is a purely selfish post! I'm pleased to announce the birth (what was that - about 3 weeks of labor???) of www.zandycards.com Please come check us out! Also if you know anyone who maybe could use us please spread the word! Thanks! I'll come chat tomorrow! HUGS! Moriah & Alex (almost 16 months :() email: Geoffandmoriah@msn.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 01:42:56 (EST)) Good morning ladies. SARAH here. Hope you all had a nice weekend. We did. Our date was very nice (finally!) on Saturday night. We actually had another couple join us. We went out to a nice dinner, and then out for a few drinks after. It was alot of fun! Then just went to my mom and dad's to watch the Superbowl yesterday. HANNAH's been in a much better mood. Her teeth must be breaking through. She won't let me in her little mouth to see, though! Little stinker! I can't believe how much she's doing. Whenever I need something (phone, diaper, jammies, slippers, etc) I'll ask her to go get it, and she does!!! I like to ask different things each day, to challenge her. She amazes me! Before, when she was poopy, she'd come up to me and pull on her diaper. Now she's doing it when she pee's too. Another thing she has started doing, and loves, is spinning around in circles. It's cute, but it makes me nervous cause she's so dizzy when she's done (I guess that's the fun of it). Well, enough about me: LISA - How are you feeling? Well, the Rams won!! That's okay with me. I really like Kurt Warner (the quarterback). The KC Chief you were talking about is Derrick Thomas. HELEN - Thanks for clarifying the pictures. JULIANNE - Did you have the family pictures taken? BETH - How is ALLISON feeling? CATHY - Any news on your FIL? RITA - I would have dropped the class, too! MORIAH - Great news on RACHEL!! Any new news?? That's awesome about ALEX screaming!! Best thing you've ever heard, huh?? :) How was dinner with your friends? Hey, the website looks fantastic...especially "About ZandyCards"!!! :) CHRISTI - Yes, I couldn't believe I got to go out 2 times in 1 week, either!! VERY RARE!!! PATTY - Of course we missed you!!! I was wondering where you were and kept meaning to ask! Your church story was so funny!! :) Yes, this date was much better! BIRDIE - Man, it's been crazy around there!!! Sorry about your friend and child! That's real sad. The guy must be a real jerk!!! I'm glad your parents were okay! DARLEEN - I would love to see a picture! KELLI - Where are you??? How are you feeling??? Well, that's all for now. I hope you all have a nice Monday. Sarah and Hannah (16 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 11:39:50 (EST)) Colton had a riot at the Superbowl party our neighbor had last night. He has so much fun playing w/ her boys--ages 12 & 15. They got the bean bags out because she ran out of chairs and Colton would take a running leap to land on them. He even surprised the 12 year-old by jumping on him from behind. Also, there was a 3 month-old baby there. Colton just loves babies. We let him hold the baby and he had such a serious intent look on his face. He said "no" when our neighbor asked if she could hold the baby. But when the Dad asked for his baby back Colton tried to lift the baby and hold him out to the Dad. It was just adorable. DH is really pissing my off today. With the situation going on w/ my brother my mom wanted to watch Colton at her house today. DH had just a fit and started talking down about my family. That really bugs me when he does this. As his family is just as mixed up sometimes. So, it sounds like I will have to miss Bible study tonight because DH can't watch Colton and I'm not going to have MIL watch him. She has to watch SIL's girl almost all week because her DCP's son is in critical condition w/ RSV. I would rather keep Colton home and away from the germs. DH has to pull a motor from a car he sold and hates to have to come in all dirty and interrupt his work. I am having such a lovely Monday. To top it off the boiler at work broke over the weekend and after 3 hours it still is barely over 60 in here. Beth: Hope your DH gets his surgery soon and that the recovery time is short as men can be such babies about owies! How cute of Allison to get you out of work for some play time. CathyG: I will keep your FIL in my prayers. Hope Alison has a great check up today. I don't know what it is, but Colton always weighs less at the DR's and I always weigh more than what our scale says at home. I want to be weighed on the baby scale next time!! Rita: I think you made the right choice about the computer class. I am thinking about taking a 10 week course that prepares me for a professorship in HR exam. I just worry about how being away 1 night every week will affect Colton. Moriah: Thanks for the Rachel update. I will pray for her swelling to go down. What a sneaky mom you are w/ the prunes. You know that Alex will get you back for that trick. Birdie: Wow, you have lots going on. It breaks my heart to hear about your friend & little boy w/ the HIV. I will keep you and them in my prayers. Darleen: Hope you get approved for the townhouse. Sarah: My team won!!!!!! The last two qtrs were really exciting to watch. Hello to everyone else and I hope you are having a great start to your week. Julianne & Colton 18 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 12:23:15 (EST)) Hi everyone, Louise here. Hope you all had good weekends. We had a real family get-together which was nice, James just LOVED all the attention and needless to say was really whiny when it was just the 3 of us last night! I just had lunch with a few people from work - I was really offended by something a girl I work with said. She is TTC and we were talking about babies, and she said, 'the thing is, I hope you understand, but of course I want a girl - I'd be so disappointed if I had a boy, they're just not as cute!' It was just a stupid comment, but I felt really defensive, as though she was personally attacking James! I just told her that baby boys were great, but any child, whatever the sex, was a blessing, and changed the subject. I know I should just laugh it off, but to put it in context as you're all in North America (apart from Lynda in Oz), here in the UK there has been just so much press lately about how 3 out of 4 women want girls, boys are really unfashionable because they're more trouble, perform less well educationally, etc etc. It's so petty, I know we all have bigger and better things to worry about, but it really made me mad! All you mothers of girls, please don't be offended - I love little girls, I genuinely didn't mind whether I had a boy or girl with James, and I would love a girl next time so I can have a daughter too, but I feel very defensive about boys!! I guess it was the other way round a century ago, everyone wanted boys, so it's just a stupid fashion! Anyway sorry to rant, had to get that off my chest! REBECCA - That's great that you're feeling so much better. But, like everyone has said, do try and keep the appointment. One thing I didn't realise about PPD is that it can re-occur if there's added stress in your life - I thought I'd had a total recovery and was surprised to find I was really blue around James' birthday - my doctor said it was probably my subconscious recognising that it was the 'anniversary' of when I'd been ill before. It sounded weird at first to me but I think she was right, it did go away of its own accord within a couple of weeks so it wasn't a big deal, but I felt quite shocked that I was back in that state of mind for what seemed to be no reason. I'm not trying to scare you, or say that YOU will react like that, but I'd hate you to feel like it was all behind you and then feel disappointed if it did ever happen again. HELEN - thanks for the pics, what a sweetheart. I LOVE seeing all the kids! TRACEY - I'd love photos. LISAB - even if the sitter was exaggerating a little, that's fantastic that Max is in such a stimulating environment, he can't fail to flourish. BETH - I'm glad Allison seems OK, it is amazing how they perk up when they get what they want i.e Mummy! Sory to hear about DH needing surgery. CATHYG - I'll be praying for your FIL. I know what you mean about your career stalling in comparison to childless friends - occasionally it bothers me when I think what opportunities I could have taken, then whenever I speak to people who really have fast-tracked but either don't have kids or feel they never see them, I know I'm lucky. BTW - James is awful in the library too, he loves books, but loves racing around pulling them off the shelves even more! RITA - thanks for the photos. What an adorable family you have. Sorry about the programming class. I can really relate to you and STACEY re. moving out of the area - if we left the London area we could get a bigger house but could never afford to move back and my family are also nearby. MORIAH - I'm SO pleased to hear about Rachel. Please tell Lori and her husband how much we're all rooting for her. I was laughing at the thought of Alex driving you guys mad with all his babbling and shouting - definitely a blessing, but must sometimes seem like a mixed one! I checked out your website - it's great, well done. I definitely will place an order with you as soon as we need cards - might be soon if we do move - don't know how we'd work out the payment if you don't take cards yet but I'm sure my bank could do a banker's draft in dollars? Anyway we can discuss that later! PATTY - I missed you and wondered where you were - honest!! That is SO funny about Jarin in church - I can just imagine him, I bet he thought he was just the funniest! BIRDIE - Oh my God, what can I say, what awful news you've been having. Hug Noah tight, thinking of you (and I can REALLY relate to the DH 'quick kitchen job'!) DARLEEN - congrats on finding somewhere to live. Hi to anyone I've missed, Louise & James (14 months) email: rnash78035@aol.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 12:25:10 (EST)) Hello from a very tax prepared Christi! I just got done preparing our tax information to have it done, hopefully they will be all done by Friday, yippy! We got another 6" or so of snow--it was a surprise to me, I thought we were only getting a dusting. Of course when it started we were an hour from home, and the roads were terrible! But we made it home with no problems! Then yesterday afternoon I was baptized. It was a nice small service with just myself and one other being done. Caleb has been a little booger today! I am not sure what is wrong, he is just cranky, maybe his runny nose is turning into a cold, ick. PATTY*** I was wondering about you! Glad Jarin did so well at your sister's. DARLEEN*** Glad you may have found a place! Glad Nolan was good while you were gone. BIRDIE*** I hope things turn around for your family soon! MORIAH*** I loved you site! I really like the "About Zandy Cards" too. I didn't realize that is where you got the name---but now it seems to obvious! SARAH*** Hannah sounds so cute spinning! Glad she is feeling better! Well, ladies, my tax lady should be here any minute, see you all soon! Christi & Caleb 15 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 12:29:56 (EST)) Louise again - I just realise I was posting at the same time as SARAH and JULIANNE so just wanted to say hi! SARAH - glad your date was fun! HANNAH sounds so cute spinning round! JULIANNE - How adorable of Colton to be so sweet with the baby. Sorry you're having such a lousy Monday. I hate it when DH criticises my family too - I can, but no-one else can! That's it! Louise & James email: rnash78035@aol.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 12:32:24 (EST)) Hi mommies. Believe it or not, we got more snow, blowing and drifting, and they cancelled school AGAIN today! I just thought there was a delay and was all ready to walk out the door when Jaime came home and said there was no one at the high school. I swear, we will be going to school through June if this doesn't stop. Luckily, I think we still have three built in make-up days. We took Jarin for his first haircut today. =( You can't tell very much difference, since the front of his hair wasn't that long. She cut the back and the sides and from the back now he looks like a little boy instead of a baby. =( He did pretty well - wouldn't let her put the cape on and cried at first. But he sat on my lap and would lean his head on my chest so she could get one side at a time. And, of course, I saved some for the baby book. =) Darleen: I would love to see a picture of Nolan. **Moriah: On my way to check out Zandycards as soon as I finish posting. =) And if I need any type of announcement, you know where I'm going to get it, right? =) **Sarah: Thanks for missing me. =) Jarin also loves to do the dizzy thing. I always think he's going to slam his head into the fireplace or something, but he usually just falls on his rear. I also love to ask him to bring me things. I can't believe how much they understand. **Julianne: Colton sounds so sweet holding the baby. I don't think Jarin would be so kind. LOL. Sounds like you are having a lovely Monday - NOT. Hope it gets better. LOL at you wanting to be weighed on the baby scale. I am sure it is upsetting for DH to put your family down. I'm just like Louise - it's ok for me to say something bad about my family, but no one else better. =) **Louise: Thanks for missing me too. I think that was a really stupid comment that woman made. How can she know boys aren't as cute if she doesn't have any children? I know I'm a proud mommy, but I think my boy is just as cute as baby girls are. Yes, Jarin thought he was the coolest thing around shaking hands in church. LOL **Christi: Thanks for missing me too. Your Baptism sounds really nice. Good for you. I was baptized as ababy,so I don't remember it. (obviously). heehee **Wow, slow day here today. I guess that's it for now. Have a nice night everyone! Patty and Jarin - 17 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 17:20:47 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. Not much new with us. I took Max out to play in the snow yesterday and he wasn't very impressed. A few minutes and he was ready to go back in the house!!! BETH: I'm sorry Allison was/is so sick and hope DH's surgery goes well. JULIANNE: I've been on several interview panels and on most we hired the first person we interviewed. If the 1st person does good in the interview, they set a standard that you look for in the other candiates ... a benchmark, if you will. Anyone who doesn't "measure up" is automatically eliminated. Plus I tend to score the first people higher as by the time you listen to tons of people they all just seem to be saying the same things. CathyG: Your FIL is in my thoughts and prayers. RITA: I'm sorry the class didn't work out. Will they refund your tuition? MORIAH: I also "encourage" Max to wake DH so I can get a break - LOl! Yuck on the nasty mess at Taco Bell. Great news on Rachel!!! ROMAINE: Photos please - I would love to see your little angels. PATTY: Too funny on Jarin shaking hands at church. BIRDIE: I'm sorry everything is falling apart at once. SARAH: Yeah on Hannah letting you know when her diaper needs changed - p/t might be in your near future!!! The thing that ticks me off about Derrik T. is that 3 people were in the car. He's paralyzed and another guy died - neither of them had on seat belts. The 3rd person was belted in and only had minor injuries. LOUISE: Your TTC co-worker is nuts. I hope you has a boy just so she'll have to eat those words (as boys are ADORABLE!!!). CHRISTI: Congrats on your baptism. DARLEEN: I'm glad you found a tentative home. LisaB & Max (17 mo.) @ 7 weeks pg email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, January 31, 2000 at 18:13:10 (EST)) Hello all. I have to say - reading here sure brightens up my day. I got a lot of good laughs today from all of you. I don't have time for personals as Riley is up in his bed sqwauking. 2 more minutes and he'll be awake enough to be happy and I'll have to be up there within 60 seconds or he'll get grumpy. What a science huh. grin I'm so excited! I get the day off tomorrow (from the boys)my sister and I are trading kids a couple of days a month so that we can have a few days to ourselves! Tomorrow is the trial day to see if it works out. She's not sure how she'll do with my 2 toddlers all day but I know I'll be fine with her 19 mo old girl all day since I'm already used to my boys! LOL. I'm just antsy thinking of a day to myself. I think I am going to go scrapbooking ALL day and catch up. Oooohhh, I can hardly wait. It's almost like waiting for Christmas! LOL. Yesterday my whole family (3 sisters) and all of our children and my parents and our dh's took the kids out of the city for a hot dog roast and skating on a pond in the mountains. It was so much fun and absolutely beautiful weather. We all bundled up in hats, mitts, skipants etc. and had it all peeled off within an hour. We couldn't have asked for a better day! Riley even tried skating. He was a hoot. He was laughing and grinning constantly and didn't want us to help him. Huh, as if! He could stand up but one slight move and he was on his butt. Anyways. I should go get the little guy now. Have a great day everyone. Geez, I feel stupid I'm in such a good mood! HOpefully I didn't sound like an idiot, my rambling and all. LOL. Michelle and Riley 17 mo tomorrow! email: mwells@telusplanet.net Monday, January 31, 2000 at 19:51:46 (EST)) Ok, Whoever is hogging all the snow out there had better stop it!!!!!!!! Here it is 1-31 and we have not seen any snow. I'm very bummed. First you guys all get the girls and now the snow.LOL I just have a few minutes. Riley is grumpy. I could swear he had a fever at about 5 am. But when he woke up he was ok. I thought about it and ended up sending him to dc. I told her to call if there was anything wrong. But he was fine and didn't get another fever. Who knows?! I felt like a creep sending him off, though. My mom is redecorationg her room and she has a weird idea to hang grapesaround. Well, riley has been picking them and throwing them around. OOPS! Well, Riley is crying so I better go now. Sorry no personals. Shelly & Riley 22 months tomorrow! Monday, January 31, 2000 at 21:12:40 (EST)) Hi, Romaine and streaker Saba here! Thurs sleep was a write-off. I won't get into it. Last night was better. DD2 was up 12:30, 3:30 and 5:30 which is more reasonable! Thanks for all those sleep vibes! i get to sneak here b/c DH is doing bath duty! Sarah-Sorry about the pics, they bounced back! I'll try agiain! Glad that the date-night went so well! Dh and I could really use one! It's so funny when they learn to spin! Gald that Sarah is enjoying it!:) Kahne-Congrats on being an AUNTIE!:) Rebecca-I agree that you see your doctor anyway. It would be terible to cancel, have it return and have to wait. I live in a small town west of Prince George-Vanderhoof. Helen-I will get the pics out in the next day or 2! Julianne- So Colton is a heart-breaker already! Tummy pics are sweet! Thanks! Lisa B-I'll get those pics out to you shortly! Hope the m/s continues to hold off! Second time 'round you are so much bigger! Yours and Kelli's dates are not likely off. I wondered about twins b/c I was at 8 what I was at 16! and my frined that has premonitory dreams dreamt that was what it was. At 12 weeks, it was quite obvious that I was pg. It is so weird how the one stretching changes the next! It is so fun showing though, isn't it? Did you get the stains out of the clothes that your friend borrowed, or are you going to have to replace them all? Happy 17 mos to Max! Beth-Thanks for the sleep fairy! I hope that DH's surgery goes well! CathyG-Thanks for sleep thoughts! Prayers are there for FIL> Moriah-Thanks! (thoughts on girls) I visisted Zandy Cards-beautiful! I wish you much success! Rachel is in my prayers still. I cannot imagine what you parents of ill babies go through! You are all very strong! There are definite benefits when DS or DD prefers Daddy! Christi-Thanks for nice thoughts on my girls! Happy 15 mos. to Caleb! Patty-Cute of Jarin to shake hands! Thanks for the sleep vibes! Pics on way in day or 2! Birdie-Glad that your uncle's surgery went well. Prayers to you and your family. Darleen- I would like to see Nolan please!:) Louise-How rude! What will be her response if she conceives a boy???? 'Round here (my town), boys seem to be the thing! She does not sound like she has a very mature outlook to being a parent! Night-night ladies and toddlers! Romaine and Saba almost 23 mos! email: rrantry@yahoo.ca Monday, January 31, 2000 at 22:59:53 (EST)) |