Toddlers Today - MomsTalk Archive

Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive
Febuary, 2000 (Part 1)

Hi everyone. I'm new in posting here, although I have been lurking here for about a month or so. My name is Melissa and I'm the single mother of Molly, 2 yrs., 2 weeks., and 3 days, (but who's counting?!). I say that because the past 2 nights have been h*ll. She's been screaming all night; it's that CONTROL thing. It's so hard to walk away from her crying for me, but I finally had to MAKE myself wait 15 minutes tonight. Well, she's asleep now---(thank God for Jay Leno's Headlines!!--LOL!!!) I vowed not to go to her until they were over....and she finally cried herself to sleep. The real catch here is that she has always gone to bed without ANY problems. She even asks for her music to be turned on, her pacis (yes, I'm still working on breaking that habit -- only at bedtime now, though), and says nite nite Mama. So this new screaming has me baffled.

Anyway, sorry to introduce myself when I need to vent, but that's one of the best things I have found out about y'all (I'm from Texas)------when someone needs to vent----you all (y'all) listen. Also sorry about rambling on----as I said, I'm a single mother and even though Molly and I live with my parents, I really feel the need to communicate with other Mommies. (I'm also going to be 40 in March!!)

Even though I have been reading here for a while, and have even been taking notes, I'm not sure it's OK to start out with personal messages. But I am following what's going on with all of you, and wish the best of luck (and also prayers) as may be the case for everyone.

I have gotten into the "spirited toddler" chat board, but it's not really about problems and solutions. I'm not sure if Molly qualifies as "spirited", but she's DEFINATELY strong-willed. She's very bright and talks full sentances. Even strangers can understand her, and for the most part, carry on a conversation. She's very opinionated also; she knows EXACTLY what she does and does NOT want. It's wonderful to have a little one (she's my first and probably my only) with whom you can communicate, but she's into this control thing; knowing what we want her to do, and her being determined NOT to do it!

If anyone has any suggestions as to how to nip this control issue in the bud early on, please let me know. I have "popped" her leg a few times, but prefer to ignore the tantrums, and to use time outs and firm, calm and quiet talking when necessary. I also know that "this too shall pass", but getting through it is another story. If anyone knows what I'm talking about, I say the Serinity Prayer MANY MANY times during the day. I work part-time and am very lucky to have wonderful (part-time) daycare and also my parents to help out. Probably most of it is that she's trying to play one against the other -- much like Mom against Dad. I'm grateful that my parents DO agree with my parenting ways, and I have the final say.

OK---I just re-read and I've spilled my guts to you guys. I hope I haven't turned anyone away. I really would like to become a part of this board, as I have gotten many good suggestions just from lurking.

Thanks for "listening" to me...

Melissa and Molly (2 yrs.)

Melissa
email: molsmom98@hotmail.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 01:45:32 (EST))

Hey everyone! I hope you all are doing great! I have missed so much here lately and I don't know if I'll ever catch up. Well, as you know from an update from LISAB, I've had terrible m/s and I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired. I have absolutely NO energy. My diet has been consisting of saltines, lemon drops, ginger ale and lemonade! (Thanks to Patty for the lemon drops idea!)

Elizabeth has been doing good. She has a cold right now and I think she's working on getting some more teeth. She's been a very busy and active little bee lately! I feel so bad for her because I know I haven't been able to give her the attention she needs. I can't wait until I feel better! She's been doing so many new things that I don't know where to begin. Oh, if you ask her where her baby is, she'll come and lift up my shirt and point to my already protruding belly. It's so cute. Her vocabulary is growing and growing. It's so amazing how fast she's learning and growing. She's just too darn cute and I love her so much!

I haven't had a chance to read the posts, just skimmed and I noticed TRACEY is back! Welcome back and it's good to see you back! Also, MORIAH, I checked out your ZANDYCARDS! You guys did a great job on the website! I sent an e-mail to all my friends and family to go check out your website. Oh, and welcome to MELISSA... sorry, I can't help you just yet, but I'm sure someone on here will have some words of wisdom. Good luck!

My DH has this really strong "feeling" that I'm having twins, and he's very serious about it! I told him not to even joke about it... I'm not ready for twins with a toddler!!! Plus, the nearest family is over 12 hours away and I'd have no help!! I guess we'll find out at my ultrasound next week.

Oh, one more update: I just got an e-mail from Amanda and she sent me a big package of pictures this morning so I should be receiving them soon! YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well guys, I will try better to keep up! I'm so sorry for my long absence! Have a great week everyone!
Kelli & Elizabeth, 18 1/2 months
email: rkncs@aol.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 02:03:56 (EST))

I ended up taking Colton with me to Bible study last night. I wanted to drop off some flowers for one of the ladies who just finished radiation treatment and was encouraged to stay. Colton was OK, but hit his head on the table twice and ran around a little bit. I felt like I should not have stayed because one of the other ladies has had her 2nd miscarriage and is trying so hard to conceive that I felt bad "showing off" Colton.

Sarah, thanks for reminding me about the pictures. We had our first professional family pictures taken Saturday at Sears. They really rushed us through and I didn't get to look at the pictures really well before going on to the next one. She did some horizontal switch w/ the camera and it stretched our faces by about 5 inches! I sure was glad she did one the right way. Colton was really good this time and smiled easy. Yeah!!

Afterwards we went couch shopping and found a really neat sectional that we might get. I hope so as our old couch is getting really bad--you can feel the bottom through the cushions.

Sarah: Yeah for a fun date night. Sounds like Hannah is getting ready for p/t.

Louise: Being the mother of a boy I too am offended by what your co-worker said. Maybe you need to copy her on some of the bragging going on here about us mothers with cute little boys.

Patty: Wow, another snowday. It sure is hard to believe that a haircut can change the look of your little boy so much isn't it?

Lisa: Thanks for your reassurance that being the first interviewed isn't always such a bad thing.

Michelle: Hope you are enjoying your kid-free day and get lots of scrapbooking done. Sounds like you had lots of fun skating yesterday. Happy 17 months to Riley.

Melissa: Welcome. I am a sucker for the control thing too. It is hard for me to be stern and not give in to my son's pleas or goofy grins--whichever works at the time. Good luck.

Kelli: How cute that Elizabeth knows where the baby is. Sorry the m/s is still getting the best of you. Wow, your u/s is next week already. You have got to be so excited. I remember I went home and watched the tape of Colton over and over as I was so amazed at what was inside me.

Colton learned 2 new words this weekend: "Cool"--and he says it with such attitude too. "Fumble"--he even got into the game. If we were shouting he would try to copy us. It was really funny when we were yelling "go-go-go" when they were running for a touchdown, Colton would be yelling right there with us.
Julianne & Colton 18 mo
email: jjones@batts.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 10:01:59 (EST))

Hi, Louise here. Not much new here, exccept that James had his first really MAJOR tantrum last night because he dodn't want to get out of the bath. He lay on the floor really yelling, I think he ended up scaring himself because he was in such a state, he ended up cuddling and sobbing on my lap, poor baby. Mind you, I won't be saying that if he keeps it up, LOL!

MELISSA - welcome to you and Molly! Feel free to vent - I certainly do! Molly is older than my son, but he is quite 'spirited' too, and I don't seem to winning any battles either so I'm afraid I can't help much.

KELLI - sorry the m/s hasn't let up yet. You must be sooo tired. Even the concept of twins freaks me out! Elizabeth sounds adorable, pointing to your tummy!

MICHELLE - enjoy your day, I'm sure you will. It's a great idea. Your family day out sounds great - wherabouts in the States do you live?

ROMAINE - hope you don't have another night from hell and Saba keeps up the good work!

LISAB - yeah, I hope she has a boy too!

PATTY - you guys certainly get snow! Is it like that most years? We rarely get any, although I remember freezing winters when I was a very young child and we lived in Scotland. So your baby is growing up fast huh?! The first haircut is so bittersweet!

CHRISTI - I'm in the middle of our tax returns too, I've GOT to get them finished for Friday. I hate doing them. Glad you enjoyed your baptism. I always seem to post at exactly the same time as you so sometimes miss your post first time round!

JULIANNE - I feel like showing my co-worker photos of all our boys!

Hi to everyone else,

Louise & James (14 months)
email: rnash78035@aol.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 11:20:59 (EST))

Hello from Rita

Finally a bit of sun out here. We do need the rain, but it's nice to see the sun again.

We are planning to take the girls to play in the snow in a few weeks and getting all of the gear together is crazy. I can't seem to find small enough boots for Amy. I guess they don't expect babies with such small feet to be walking. We did find some bib overalls at a second hand store in her size.

Romaine - Thanks for the wonderful pictures of Saba and Mya. The laundry basket picture was so precious.

Lisa B - Yes, I just made the deadline to get a refund for my class. I think that DH is actually relieved that I will be home, since I am really trying to re-inforce the dinnertime routines that
slipped when I was in school.

Kelli - Good to see you posting. Sorry that the morning sickness (or should I say round-the-clock sickness) is so bad this time. I never had it quite that bad with Maddy and didn't have any with Amy since I had other things going on in my first trimester. It's so cute that Elizabeth already knows where "her" baby is. Maddy was oblivious until the laat trimester.

Julianne/Michelle - I have actually started work on Maddy's alphabet book. I think that she needs a lot of my attention and making a special scrapbook just for her will help a bit - she is already talking about it. Since I am not in class, I will be able to do a few crops again. My BD is coming soon, so I get to make a list of supplies that I would like and send DH shopping. Goody!

Melissa - Welcome former lurker! Your scenario sounds all too familiar. My 3 year old is/was much the same way. We give time outs, etc. One thing that I think helps with the overall control issue is to give your DD a sense that she does have some control, by giving her some choices in other areas, such as choosing her snack from several options, etc. (Sleeping, of course, is not one of the things that she should be able to choose!) I have found Dr Sears' Discipline Book very useful and am constantly rereading sections of it. I think that both of my DDs probably qualify as "spirited children." It takes a bit more energy and understanding to parent them, but the rewards are great.

Moriah - The web site looks great. I'll send as much business your way as I can. I love the "logo!"

Well, I had better get to work. Take care everyone!

Rita & Amy
email: ritad@home.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 14:15:34 (EST))

Hello from Helen & Amanda!!
Well its been a few days- we've been busy, sleepovers, shopping, driving and chauffeuring around- the usual!

Well my 'day off' on Friday was nice- Amanda and i stayed in all day, cleaned the house and had leftovers for supper- nothing exciting.On Saturday a friend and I went for our annual 'superbowl shopping day'. That was nice, I got a couple things for Florida when we go in 3 wks. Then we had friends over and ordered out. We went to our neighbours for the superbowl- I really don't care too much about it- not a sports person at all. Amanda and DD and I left early to get a start on getting to bed-- I won the 2nd half of the game's squares we bet on-- you sports fans know what I mean-- so exciting, I don't usually win. ($50!).

We also had another snow day yesterday- any more and we will be making them up at the end of the school year- so far we've used three.

Moriah-- Good news about little Rachel! I checked-out Zandycards- looks great! Love the colors- font, and especially little Alex!! Good luck with it!!! Congrats on the noises around the house!

Patty-- Amanda and I have to go in the 'crying room' at church- he's an old bitter priest, doesn't like kids interrupting! Cute about the hand-shaking!

Christi--Happy 15mos to Caleb!

Birdie- Hope things get better with your friends and relatives. :O(

JUlianne- Glad Colton had fun with your friends kids- thats our house every day! (12&14 this month).
Shelly- Happy 22mos to Riley!

Melissa and Molly- Welcome!

CathyG- Happy 18mos to Alison!

Amanda has 2 new teeth- one eye tooth and one molar. Her new thing is to pull the kitchen chair over to the counter and get up on it to reach what she wants! She is such a monkey! Speaking of spirited children- add her to the list!
Well should go--Later!
Helen&Amanda@18mos-Yesterday(#3)
email: mhim27@hotmail.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 14:29:05 (EST))

Hello from Chrsiti. Finally it is nap time! Not really much going on here, Caleb is in a better mood today--he is getting so silly! We have a book called "Shake a Leg" and it says things like honk your nose, flap your elbows, rub your tummy--and he is getting so good at them, it surprises me when I am trying to get the older kids to do something and there he is doing it. Well.....

JULIANNE***Colton sounds cute holding the baby, maybe he is ready to be a big brother ;-)
I wouldn't feel bad about showing off Colton, the lady knows that kids exsist, and that you can't always hide them. My sister is infertile and for a long time I was worried to mention someone is pg or talk abut the kids, but she told me she knows other people have kids, and she is happy for them. Anyway, the point to all of that jabber is to say-- Don't feel bad!

LOUISE*** I think that woman needs a dose of parenting reality! I think you handled the situation much better than I would have.

PATTY*** A big milestone! I bet Jarin looks so cute!

LISA B.*** When I was pg with Caleb I was in nothing but maternity pants by 8 weeks! I thought it was crazy, but I guess not so uncommon.

MICHELLE*** I love your wap kids idea, I hope you enjoyed your day!

MELISSA*** WELCOME!!! please join us and share your personals! I wish you luck with Molly, DD slept wiht us (still does) and Caleb is not that old yet, good luck!

KELLI*** I hope you are feeling better soon! I am sure that Elizabeth is getting plenty of attention and love! Don't worry!

time for lunch and a soap!

Christi & Caleb 15 months
email: plumbs@coiinc.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 15:00:23 (EST))

Hi Everyone, Darleen here!

Nolan is doing great! He is very busy though. I felt bad this morning, I was on the phone and I could hear the VCR rewinding, and I blamed him. I was taping Barney and Sharon, Lois, & Bram for him so we don't have to keep watching the same video over and over again. I yelled at him and told him to leave things alone, i thought he had been playing with the buttons, but couldn't figure out how he could reach them. I called Dh at work and told him what happened and asked him what I should do, and he said he would look at it when he came home for lunch. Well........ needless to say the tape had ended, and it was rewinding on its own. I felt bad, and I did apologize to Nolan for yelling at him. He is so busy and always touching things. Actually I guess the word is, he is courious! He is napping now, and I am enjoying the peace and quiet.

I am not looking forward to next week, my Dh leaves for Toronto for the next three weeks, and we will only see him on week-ends. It will be hard on Nolan not seeing Dh at all for a week. I might go to my parents for a few days to get a sanity break.
I'm courious, Nolan is in a size 12-24mths pants depending on the make, some are short legged, long legged, and short in the inner leg. What size are your 14mths in? I hate putting him in clothes that are to big, and I hate putting pants on him when the dooms won't stay done up. They need to make half sizes. Nolan has short legs like his dad unfortunatley!

Personals:
Melissa- Welcome! Vent anytime, that is what we are here for. Single or married we all vent.

Well girls I guess that is all the chattin I am going to do for today. Have a great day and week.
Darleen & Nolan 14mths
email: j7smith@hotmail.com j7smith@ciaccess.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 15:50:23 (EST))

Good afternoon everyone! Allison continued to have bouts of diarrhea all weekend and I woke her up yesterday only to discover it all over her bed, her, bear, etc. I thought of you Kelli although I didn't have morning sickness to contend with!. I have a question for all you. Allison is really regressing in the self-feeding area. She has always been so independent and has fed herself since a very early age. Has even mastered the fork and spoon pretty well. Anyway, lately, she hasn't been self-feeding hardly at all. She will eat much better if I totally take the food off her tray and feed her myself. When I leave the food on her tray she just mushes it and plays with it. I have tried letting her play with it and feed her while she is doing this, but she won't eat while the food is on her tray! Weird, I know! Should I be too concerned about this, or is this just another stage? I don't care to feed her, I just worry that she'll become used to it and try to feed herself less and less. Any suggestions? Comments? Thanks!

Rita - your teacher doesn't sound as if s/he needs to be teaching. Esp programming where you need help when you are first learning the language, etc.

Moriah - Alex sounds so cute yelling. Good idea getting him to wake Daddy so you could get some more rest!

Christi - congrats on your Baptism. Caleb sounds cute at McD's

Patty - Jarin sounds too cute shaking hands at church. I bet all the little old ladies were just oohing and ahhing over him!!

Sarah - sounds like potty training could be in the near future for Hannah.

Julianne - Colton sounds too cute with the little baby. Perhaps he is trying to tell you that he is ready for a little brother/sister??

Louise - I have a girl, but I honestly didn't care whether I had a boy or a girl as long as the child was healthy, etc. Obviously that lady is a little scewed in her views. Boys are different from girls, but no less cute by any means.

Michelle - your trip to the lake/pond for ice skating sounds like fun.

Romaine - Can I have the pics of your little ones please. I would love to see them.

Melissa - Welcome! I think you are doing the right thing by not giving in to her crying. My little one will do this every once in a while even though she too is normally a great sleeper. If I don't give in she quickly figures it out and stops trying after a few days.

Kelli - I hope you feel better soon. Elizabeth sounds too cute pointing at your belly.

Helen - congrats on winning the Super Bowl pool. I never get lucky enough to win anything like that!

Moriah - the Zandy cards sight looks great!! Best of luck with the business. Are you still working for the cheesecake lady or has that fallen by the wayside?

Talk to you later.

Beth and Allison (20 months)
email: bobwite@msn.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 15:57:14 (EST))

Hello mommies. Melissa here. I'm much more calm today than I was when I posted last night. Thanks to all of you who have responded and welcomed us. Guess I owe an apology for such a "vented" introduction. Y'all might notice that I'm quite a talker, and the following personals are longer than most, but I hope it's OK. BTW, is there any way to get these margins back to the way they were? This going back and forth SUCKS!!

KELLI--Bless your heart--NO energy with a toddler AND being pg must be very tough. I can't remember if you are a SAHM, but is there a Mother's Day Out program (or similar) near you? Or do you have a friend who could help with Elizabeth so you could regain your strength? I hope the s/g goes well -- 2 hearts beating maybe???!!! Cute about her pointing to your tummy!!

JULIANNE--Too cute about Colton's COOL and FUMBLE!
Molly loves football, too! Don't think you were showing Colton off--you were just visiting a friend (in such a nice way, too). That's just life. I'm a sucker for Molly's little looks and comments, too!!!

RITA--It seems as if Maddy and Molly are posting somewhere else behind our backs!! LOL! Thanks for your suggestions. I do give her choices about most everything. She's articulate and strong-willed enough to let us know exactly WHICH tape, book, outfit, etc., that she wants. She did pull a rather cute one at naptime today. She started with the "no Mama", throwing her pacis, etc., and I told her Mama was going to take a nap, too. She looked at me and said, "But Mama, I "w"eally need you 'side me now."!!! Oh my aching heart. She went right to the main "button" on that one! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry! I took a deep breath and told her I'd be (be)'side her again when she got up. I think she knew (after last night) that I wasn't going to put up with her crap anymore! I'm glad you got your refund from school back. He shouldn't even be teaching with an attitude like that. The alphabet book for Maddy sounds great! Maybe I'll do something like that for Molly, as it's obvious that she needs a lot of my attention, too.

LOUISE--Thanks---I really needed to vent last night! I feel much better now. Sorry to hear about James' tantrum, but maybe he DID scare himself and won't do it again! LOL! Even though Molly is "spirited" (I think??), and there ARE times...(!!!!)...it's definately all worth it. I'm just having to pick my battles at this point!

HELEN--Wow--$50 and not even a sports person! Sounds like it's more clothes for the Florida trip! What's the ages of your older girls?

CATHY G--Yes, that coach from Tenn. IS very cute and sexy (remember--I'm single, so I CAN look--AND admit it!). I am keeping your FIL in my prayers.

CHRISTI--You said Caleb was a little booger the other day. It seems to be contagous! I hope his better mood continues. His doing the "Shake a Leg" book thing sounds just too cute! You'll be amazed---at this point; it's something new everyday! What could be more wonderful!!

Well, ladies, thanks again. I'll try not to be so long-winded next time. I guess I've been reading so long here that I feel I "know" y'all. And I'll admit--I'm quite lonely, too. But I'm glad I found you guys. Have a good afternoon.

Melissa and Molly (2years)
molsmom98@hotmail.com
Melissa and Molly (2 yrs.)
email: molsmom98@hotmail.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 17:31:56 (EST))

Ooops! I hope I get the hang of this thing soon! I now know I can sign off like a regular letter! I'm very computer-eze illiterate. I've just figured out on my own some of the things like "LOL"......but, while I'm here, what does the "D" stand for in DH, DS, and DD? Any others I may need to be aware of? I THINK I have figured out ROTFL.......!

Later

Melissa

Melissa
email: molsmom98@hotmail.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 17:39:18 (EST))

Hi from LisaB. My life has been pretty boring lately (work and sleep and play with Max!), except that I hit a deer on my way to work this morning. I swerved and almost missed it but did bang up the hood a little (you could walk by the car and not see it if you weren't looking for it). The deer was gone by the time I got completely stopped so I don't know if it survived or went off in the woods to die :-( Max was 1/2 asleep and never made a peep. We just barely bumped the deer so I guess he thought it was no big deal.

MICHELLE: I would LOVE a day to myself. I keep telling DH that someday when I'm not so busy at work he's taking Max to daycare and I'm having a day to catch up on all my little projects.

ROMAINE: I bleached the heck out of the clothes and salvaged all but one pair of shorts (and I haven't given up hope on them). I need to do a lot of mending thou - the hem is torn out of 2 pairs of pants, 1 has a tiny hole in the stomach (which will be covered by maternity tops but I need to fix it so it doesn't get bigger), etc.

MELISSA: Welcome! It's great that you and your parents have the same parenting outlook.

KELLY: I tell Max a baby is in my tummy and he (1) looks at me like I'm crazy or (2) lifts up his shirt and rubs his belly/pinches his belly button. He's still pretty clueless on all this - LOL!!! DH is also convinced that I'm going to have twins.

JULIANNE: How cool that Colton is saying cool!!!!

CHRISTI: Thanks so much. I feel better knowing someone else was in maternity clothes early. I haven't gained any weight yet but the waistbands of all my clothes are getting uncomfortably tight. I need to get my 2 bosses together sometime soon to tell them the news ... before I show up to work in maternity clothes!!!

DARLEEN: Max is wearing 18-24 months pants, depending on how they are made. He's like his daddy - all trunk with short stubby legs!!

LisaB & Max (17 months) & 7 weeks pg
email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 17:45:17 (EST))

Hi mommies. Well, ANOTHER SNOW DAY here today! DH even took the day off, so Jesse, Jarin, DH and I went to Fort Wayne. We went to the mall and took Jesse and Jarin to Chuck E. Cheese's. He had so much fun playing in the balls and riding the little cars. I had him ride the one car where it takes a picture of him in it with Chuck E. It didn't turn out the best, but cute all the same. If anyone wants to see it, let me know and I'll be glad to email it to you.

**Moriah: I checked out Zandycards and the site looks great. I loved the About Zandy part. What a cutie he is.
**Michelle: I hope you enjoyed your day alone today! Your day with your sisters and family sounds like lots of fun.
**Romaine: I can't wait to see your little girls. Sending more sleep vibes your way and hoping they work this time!
**Melissa: Welcome to you and Molly. I think you are doing the right thing by not going to her. That is so cute "I weally need you 'side me right now!" I would've just melted and probably took her to lay down with me, push-over that I am. =) The "D" stands for Dear (Dear husband, son, daughter, etc.) or sometimes for "damn", LOL.
**Kelli: I hope the lemon is helping! So cute that Elizabeth lifts your shirt to show "her" baby. You'll have to let us know what the ultrasound shows next week. Hey, when you get that bunch of pictures, let me know if I'm in there. I think mine are lost for good.
**Julianne: Hope your family picture turns out well. Colton sounds adorable yelling for the SuperBowl game. Sounds as if you may have another big football fan on your hands. =)
**Louise: Poor James scaring himself with the temper tantrum! Hope he doesn't keep doing that. We usually get quite a bit of snow, but it usually all happens at once a couple times during the winter.
**Helen: Congrats on winning the $50! Hey, that's almost enough to make you want to like sports, isn't it? LOL. We had another stupid snow day today too. If we use any more, we have to make them up in June. Yuck. Sorry to hear you have a bitter old priest - my priest is soooo wonderful. He helped me through my divorce, annulment, and remarriage. He's been so great to me and I just love him. All the kids love him too and are always lining up to hug him. =) Sounds like you are getting quite the little monkey on your hands. =)
**Christi: Caleb sounds precious doing the actions from that book. =)
**Beth: Jarin goes through stages where he will feed himself and then he wants nothing to do with feeding himself. I'm sure Allison will go back to feeding herself when she feels like it.
**LisaB: I'm glad to hear that you and Max are ok after your collision with the deer.

**Gotta go watch Party of Five. Take care all.
Patty and Jarin - 17 months
email: tematheny@ctlnet.com
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 22:41:13 (EST))

Hello! I am new to this site, really to the internet. My name is Jennifer B.,23 in May.Been married little over 2 yrs. My husband is 32.I am also a SAHM of a soon-to-be 2 year old girl named Shiloh(named after a civil war battlefield not the dog!). We just moved into our first home in a pretty much quiet neighborhood, but everybody works so I am lonely during the day(husband works 3rds). Anyways, I would love to chat w/other moms 'cause I do need some advice on potty training and also thinking about having a 2nd child.
Jennifer B.
email: jdsbryan@mindspring.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 01:00:09 (EST))

Hello everyone! It was kind of quiet here today. Not much going on here today. I've been after DH to get all my maturnity clothes out and he's been putting it off. Pretty soon, he won't have a choice! Elizabeth is doing pretty good. Whenever she bumps her head or stubs her toe, she gets angry and doesn't really know how to express her emotions, so she will hit me or dh. She doesn't really cry, just puckers that bottom lip. I keep telling her NO hitting, but she's still at it. I don't know what to do. Other than that, she's doing as happy as can be.

Julianne, That is so cute about Colton saying "Cool" and "fumble"! He is just one of the guys isn't he? Hope you get the couch you want!

Louise, Well, congratulations on James' first real tantrum! LOL!! Did you laugh? I remember Elizabeth's first tantrum and I cracked up and it just made her even more mad. Are you from Scotland since you lived there as a girl? My DH's family is from Scotland.

Rita, Sounds like you all will have a blast when you have your "snow play day"! Hope you find some boots for Amy!

Helen, Yeah for winning $50! Have fun spending it!

Christi, Caleb is so cute and smart for "acting" out the book! I'm sure he just makes you so proud!

Darleen, Your Dh is going to be gone for 3 weeks? Yep, I'd go stay with your mom!

Beth, Don't know what to tell you about Allison's feeding stage. Sorry! I'm sure Patty is right and she'll start feeding herself again soon.

Melissa, Sorry, I should have given you an intro about myself: I'm 25, SAHM of Elizabeth (DOB- 7/15/98), married for 4 1/2 years, live in Fort Collins, CO. but born and lived in Okla. Also lived in GA for quite some time. So, you're from Texas,huh? I have several friends in the Lone Star State. What part of Tx are you from? Oh my... Molly sounds so SWEET!!!! I would have just MELTED like chocolate when she said, "mama... need you now..." Glad you're here!

LisaB, SO glad you and Max are okay from the run in with the deer!! Elizabeth is pretty clueless about this baby thing too. She's just been trained by DH on where the baby is. What's up with these DH's of ours thinking we're pregnant with twins! LOL! How are you feeling?

Patty, Another snow day, huh! Sounds like you guys had a fun day! I'd love to see a pix of Jarin at Chuck E. Cheese! I haven't watched PO5 in several months... I need to get back into the groove. SO, did Kirsten ever get pregnant?

Jennifer B., Welcome to you and Shiloh!!

Bye guys! Have a good hump day!

Kelli & Elizabeth, 18 1/2 mo. & baby#2, edd: 9/00
email: rkncs@aol.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 01:48:21 (EST))

Hello--again. It's Melissa----again! I hope y'all aren't getting too sick of me already. I WILL slow down, but I've been keeping close track of the posts today. It's my day off, so I could keep checking often. *****NEWS FLASH***** Molly went right to bed tonight---she TRIED to start "IT" up again, but I firmly told her if she threw her pacis out (she has to have one in the mouth and one in the hand, and she changes them out--don't know what that's all about!!), then she would have to sleep without them---like last night, and that I was NOT coming back in to pick them up. So let's hope things will get back to normal around here!!!! I also was very careful (and put my parents on alert also) to NOT talk about last night's ordeal in front of her. She KNOWS it bothered us, and that she got (more) attention by doing it. At least until I waited the 15 minutes and didn't go back in her room.

Well, so much for here......now on to personals.

DARLEEN--Going to your parents' might just be the break you and Nolan BOTH need. I'm sure you'll both miss DH. Hope the weekend visits go real well, though.

BETH--I have read that when toddlers are learning something new, they sometimes regress in others things they have "mastered". I agree with Patty, I'm sure she'll start up again when she's ready. Sounds like the potty-training is going GREAT, and that is probably her main focus right now.

PATTY--Thanks for the words of support. How old is Jesse? Sounds like you guys had a fun snow day.

LISA B--Someone above must be watching out for you (and your car). First the ice and now a deer! So glad that you and Max are OK. Hope your m/s is better. Maybe twins for you, too, huh?!?! Did you and Kelli drink the same water (or go to the same party?!?!) LOL!

JENNIFER B--Welcome to you and Shiloh. (I love that name!) Everyone has welcomed me with open arms so I'm sure you'll get the same! You said DH works 3rd shift? I'm off work on Tues., Thurs., and Fridays all this month. I'm usually on the computer around 1:30 PM or 2:00 until Molly gets up from her nap (usually 3:30-ish.) I'm also here late at night (10 PM - 11:30-ish). I'd be more than happy to visit with you. You can e-mail me also if you want to. I'm going to be starting potty training too, so I'll be looking for advice/support also!

KELLI--Thanks for the personal info. I live in North Central TX -- Gainesville -- about 60 miles North of Dallas. (Basically ON the Red River!) Molly IS sweet, but I KNEW she was trying to get to me! I hope none of y'all think I was being mean, but I knew to just re-assure her (calmly) that I'd be 'side her after her nap. She's always coming up with the cutest phrases and expressions. This AM she followed me into the bathroom (I don't even shut the door anymore!!). I asked where her Tubbie houseshoes were. She turned her little hands up, looked down, cocked her head to one side and said, "Hmmmmm. I don't see 'em!" I know it's hard to believe, but she REALLY does talk that plainly and that much (you see where she gets it from!!). It's almost scary that she's so advanced. But she didn't walk until 14 mos, either!! Who knows----I don't compare babies. They're all their own little individuals......mine just is a little more strong-willed than most!! But the wonderful times more than outweigh the trying times!!

I'm so glad to have a place and people where I can talk about the joys and trials of raising Molly. She's the light of my life---and her grandparents kinda' like her, too!!! She's got her Papa (my dad) wrapped around her finger....and they BOTH know it!

Bye for now. I AM going to bed. I'll try to post tomorrow nite after work.

Melissa and Molly (2 years)
email: molsmom98@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 03:08:22 (EST))

Hi!
I just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone before I head off to bed. With school back on, it's hard to find TT time!!! I've been lurking when I can grab a minute :)

Hope you preggo ladies (Kelli and Lisa B) are feeling well!

Welcome to Melissa and Molly and Jennifer B.

Moriah- I checked out Zandy Cards. It looks great! I think that's exciting! Hope it goes well for you!

Sarah g and Isaac
email: gat_men@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 03:40:08 (EST))

Good morning from CathyG-

What a bad weekend Alison had she woke up on Sunday screaming and she had a poopy diaper that had been there for some time. Well, you know the problems we've been having with ther skin down there - this put us right back to the worst it's ever been. She was just in agony all day, and then she had diarrhea on top of it, so the situation didn't get any better. The diarrhea stopeed on Monday, and the latest cream I tried must have done some good, because now she sill let me change her, ad it looks a whole lot better. I will have to make a real effort to get her on the potty, I think it's the only solution for her skin!!

We went to the Dr. on Monday, and Alison is 25 pounds 10 ounces and 2 feet 9 inches, 85th percentile for both. She was so good for her shot, and didn't seem bothered by it at all. We went to visit my friend with the new baby and Alison was quite interested in her, especially when I was holding her. She is a tiny little sweetheart, and made me wish, only for a minute of how nice it would be...

Okay - a lot of personals today, so:

Rita - I think the instructor was a real loser, why bother wasting your time.

Moriah - I am anxious to check out your web site. Glad Alex is sleeping better.

Christi - Congratulations on your baptism. I am impressed you have got your taxes done - super organized.

Patty - Jarin sounded so cute doing the sign of peace at Church. Does he run all over during mass? Wow - Paris and London, sounds wonderful!

Birdie - you sure are having a string of bad news. I am so sad for your friend and her son.

Darleen - I hope you get the townhouse. Renting for a year isn't so bad - it will take you a while to find out where you want to live for good. If you come to Kanata, maybe we can meet! Good luck while your DH is away. I think it would be good to go to your parents for a while.

Julianne - you had a bad start to the week, I hope it gets better.

Louise - I would have been quite a bit more snarky to the lady after her comments. I can't believe that people actually care about the gender, let alone say something about it.

Sarah - glad you had a nice weekend. Hannah sounds so cute being your little helper.

LisaB - Playing in the snow is a bit of a touch and go thing for us too. I can't get Alsion to keep her mitts on, which doesn't help. You were lucky with the deer - I'm glad you're both OK. Won't you be glad when witner is over!!

Michelle - I hope you enjoy your day off. Skating in mountains on a frozen pond sounds so idyllic.

Shelley - I hope Riley is OK.

Melissa - Welcome. I'm turning 40 this year as well. We obviously have good taste! My eldest (5 years old) was also very verbal early on, and also a real negotiator, but never had any problems with going to bed (like her daddy she will do anything for sleep). Good luck.

Kelli - Hope you get over the MS soon.

Helen - I'm jealous about the trip to FLA. This will be the first year in a long time we're not going and I'm feeling sorry for myself. Where do you go?

Beth - poor Allison! Is she feeling better? I don't know if there might be a connection between her not feeling well and not wanting to eat? Anyway, I would not feed her, offer her a variety of food, and let her eat what she wants.

Jennifer - Hi, what a pretty name for your little one!

Bye for now

CathyG and Alison (18 months)
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 11:57:57 (EST))

Colton must be getting teeth again because all he wants is to drink his bottles and throw his food. Yesterday he had 5 or 6 bottles--I lost count!

Do any of you have trouble keeping your toddlers sitting during mealtimes? Colton prefers to sit on the table w/ his feet in his booster chair, or crawling over the table, or even sitting under the table. Trying to get him to sit in his seat results in lots of tears and DH always gives in! I try to be firm and tell him he has to sit in his seat or he will be put down and supper is over. Any suggestions? Or are we being way too lenient w/ him?

Louise: Yes, that first tantrum is cute. So James loves his bathtime too.

Rita: I agree, it is hard to find good snow boots for toddlers. The first pair I bought for Colton got too small before there was any real snow and his new ones just fall off. Luckily he doesn't spend much time actually playing in the snow. Have fun working on Maddy's ABC Book.

Helen: Yeah for a winning S/B square. Have fun shopping. Wow, you really have to watch it w/ Amanda being able to climb up on the counter. She sure is resourceful already.

Christi: Sounds like Caleb is having lots of fun learing along w/ the book.

Darleen: At 18mo, Colton is just growing out of his 18mo pants. As he is on the short side, all his 24mo pants need to be rolled up.

Beth: Maybe Allison has just become "bored" with the spoon and fork and is into learning something else new.

Melissa: No need to apologize for venting, that happens alot here. So cute about Molly wanting you beside her! I am a sucker for Coltons pleading voice & eyes. Yeah for her progress last night.

LisaB: Too cute about Max looking for the baby in his bellybutton. Wow, between the deer and the ice you have been having quite the advertures driving lately.

Patty: I am so jealous of all the fun you're having w/ these snowdays. I'd love to see the fun pictures. My mom will love it if Colton becomes a football fan. She drove me crazy growing up yelling directions at the players and coaches on the TV set---like they could hear!

JenniferB: Welcome to you and Shiloh-- great name.

Kelli: I bet Elizabeth's bottom-lip pucker is simply irresistible!!!

SarahG: Hi to you and Isaac. Sorry to hear that school is keeping you so busy. I am signing up for a 10-wk night class that will prepare me for an exam to obtain a Professorship in HR certificate. I just found out that orientation is tonight!

Take care everyone. Dh should be here any minute to take me to lunch!!

Julianne & Colton 18mo
email: jjones@batts.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 12:27:52 (EST))

Hi everyone - ok, I've calmed down since my last post (I was so excited about my day off I couldn't hold it in!). Today I'm babysitting my 19 month old niece and things are going surprisingly well! My house looks like a tornadoe hit in here but OH WELL. I decided to just expect that and write off the day as far as keeping organized goes. Evan is out playing in the back yard - he's shovelling the deck! He looks so cute.
Anyways - I had a great day scrapbooking yesterday - those of you who do not do it probably wouldn't understand but it is very rewarding and I got 6 pages done. I'm just so happy that I'm getting caught up.
KELLI - so sorry you aren't feeling well. I know how that is. It's so hard when you have a toddler that is still so much a baby. I felt like Evan was getting ripped off when I was pregnant with Riley because I just didn't have the energy to play. Hopefully things will get better for you. GOOD LUCK with your Ultrasound. Let us know if there's "two"!
LOUISE - Poor James scaring himself with his tantrum. It's cute now but LOOK OUT! LOL. I actually live in Canada (Alberta) not in the States.
RITA - Good Luck with your Alphabet scrapbook. I'm still working on the regular ones but hope to do that someday. Do you have a scanner? Could you send me a page so I can see?
CHRISTI - The kid swap was great! You're sure you don't want to swap dh's? LOL
Mellisa - Welcome, I think you've come to the right place. Sorry about your night time struggles with Molly, I'm glad last night was better. One thing you might want to take into consideration is whether she naps in the day - she might be trying to phase out her nap. I know that happened with Evan, he went to bed soooo well and then one day - he just rebelled. LOL (laughing out loud) (or lots of laughs). Good luck, hope tonight goes well for you. by the way -dh is dear hubby or damn hubby depending on the day lol. dd is dear daughter and I too am stumped with ds.
Lisa - you hit a deer! That must have been scary! Thank goodness you barely got it and you are not hurt. You should try hard to get yourself a day off. It was absolutely wonderful and I came back loving the boys and my dh even more. lol.
Jennifer B. Welcome to you too.
OK, he#* is breaking loose around here - must go.
Bye for now.
michelle and riley
email: mwells@telusplanet.net
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 14:06:10 (EST))

Hey! It's Christi Things are going pretty well today, I even had a chance to make a pan of brownies--really yummy, bad for my 'diet'(like I stick to one)
Caleb's fingernail fell off last night--you should have seen us, I told you all I had this weird phobia type thing about it, well, so does DH, we were so relieved when we finally got it off! It is nothing like I imagined it would be, nice and dry and half a nail growth already. Caleb just kept looking at us like c'mon I got this thing hanging off my finger, take it off!
On to personals....

DARLEEN*** Caleb wears a 18 month pant well. He is a little shorty compared to my nephews, they are in a 2T and size 8 shoes (they are 6 weeks older than Caleb)

BETH*** My vote is it's a stage, good luck

MELISSA*** Glad Molly slept better for you at nap and bed time yesterday!

PATTY*** Hope you had a good snow day--I think you have had enough now! :-)

JENNIFER B.*** Welcome to you and Shiloh!!

SARAH G.*** HI!

CATHY G.*** Hope Alison's bottom is better soon!

JULIANNE*** Caleb is still in a high chair, sory no help.

MICHELLE*** LOL!!! You are cracking me up! NO, I finally 'got some' and now am terrified I may be pg, probably not, but if I did get then we would be due 10/21---a very bad week! I have already called the Dr to get birth control!
DS means Dear Son.

Well I guess that is enough yaking for me, see you tomorrow!

Christi & Caleb 15 months
email: plumbs@coiinc.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 16:10:49 (EST))

Happy hump day everyone. Thanks for the encouragement on Allison's eating. I would just let her not feed herself and forget about it, but she eats SO LITTLE as it is that I worry she's not getting enough and if she'll eat with me feeding her then I'm willing to try anything! Dh has his MRI on his shoulder today. The Dr. is going to read it Friday so we'll know for sure then what the diagnosis for his shoulder will be. I just know he's going to need surgery.

Lisa B - if you just barely bumped the deer then she probably lived (I'm assuming it was a doe). They are actually pretty resilient creatures. DH works for fish and game and has seen deer with old bullet and arrow wounds that have healed over.
Glad you weren't hurt.

Patty - Chuck E. Cheese sounds like lots of fun! Glad you are enjoying all your days off.

Jennifer B - welcome! great to have you as part of our group.

Kelli - Elizabeth sounds too cute pointing to her baby! Let us know how the US goes.

Melissa - glad Molly slept better for you last night. I hope the trend continues. Her and Allison sound SOOOO much alike. Allison is an early talker and was a late walker as well (nearly 15 months old)

Cathy G - wow, your Alison is huge compared to mine. At 20 months my Allison still just tops the scale at a little over 22 lbs.

Julianne - we still have Allison in her high chair. Maybe you could bring Colton's back out and if he refuses to sit nicely put him in the high chair and let him know that he will stay there unless he can sit at the table like a big boy. I think a few times of this and he will get the picture. Good Luck!

Michelle - glad your kid swap day went well. Sounds like it was very productive for you!

Christi - Mmmmmm! Can you e-mail me some brownies??

Well, I'd better go. They are in the process of switching us over to a proxy server here at work so that they can more closely monitor our internet usage. I figure I can still spend about 30 minutes/day on here though as I don't usually take my breaks and they have to give them to me by law. I'll just have to keep a close watch on how long I'm on here and be sure not to go over my "limit". Talk to you later

Beth and Allison (20 months)
email: bobwite@msn.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 17:20:36 (EST))

Hayley here. Spent the last week skiing in Banff & Lake Louise in Canada with the family. Becca did great on the flight and with her babysitters at the hotel and at the mountain's day care. I really was shocked at how flexible she was. DH and I got 5(!) days of skiing in, and even managed to get out for a private dinner one night. Her main problem was that we kept her up too late, and by about 9:30, she'd have a total meltdown wherever we were - we finally learned by about the 4th night that the evening had to end earlier.

Coming back after a week off is crazy at work, so I could only skim the postings. Hope everyone's healthy.

Becca's talking like a little parrot and keeps coming up with expressions she must be picking up at day care. When I finished her diaper change this a.m., she said "all done!" - I didn't teach her that!

Question - how did you break your kids of the pacifier? If I don't give it to her at naptime/bedtime, she just points at the drawer where it's kept and screams. Should I just put up with a couple hellish nights? Any suggestions?

hayley and becca (16 mos.)
email: hayley.thompson@citicorp.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 19:13:02 (EST))

G R E A T N E W S ! ! ! ! !

I just got a big package of pictures in the mail from Amanda! YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!! (Thanks Amanda!)

They included pictures of: Mimii and Co., Birdie, Dana, Katy, and LisaB. Mine were in there also. We all have such beautiful families. I wonder how much they've changed in the last year? It's been that long since we've started the picture circulations, hasn't it? Anyway... I was just so thrilled to put names with faces! Everyone has such cute babies (now toddlers). Although I've seen much more recent pictures via e-mail of your kids, it's still nice to see how cute they were when they were infants.

Anyway, I don't have much time right now to write a full post... I just thought I'd let everyone know the status of the pictures. Sorry, Patty... you pix weren't in the bunch. :(

I will send them off to LisaB later in the week unless anyone wants me to send your picts to you directly (since it's been so long.) Let me know.
Kelli
email: rkncs@aol.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 20:15:09 (EST))

Sorry...
I meant that I will send the pictures to BIRDIE later in the week since she's the next on my list. (Unless I'm notified otherwise)
Sorry for the confusion!
Kelli... again!
email: rkncs@aol.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 20:32:40 (EST))

Rebecca here...

Okay, I guess the overwhelming response was to go to the specialist! LOL

Louise - thankyou for sharing your experience, I'm actually still on the anti-depressant.

Melissa and Jennifer - WELCOME!

Well, I can't say I've had the best few days of my life, but at least they didn't cause me to revert. My weekend was exhausting looking after a teething Paige (molar #2 is in, and #3 is on it's way) and a pitiful husband. Bonkers was fun (though the birthday boy was cranky). I didn't have to up in the tubes afterall, my girlfriend was at the party too, and she took over child care duties. It was nice just watching the kids play. Sunday I took off to a couple of used book stores so I didn't have to watch the superbowl. Monday was day 1 of stress. DH, Paige, MIL, and myself all went to the mall to get Paige's pic taken with her playmate (the 1 year old birthday boy). I have never been so disgusted with a photographer. I actually insisted on her supervisors name and number so I could complain. The little boy is very shy around strangers and despite me telling her 3 times she kept shoving toys in his face to make him smile. Needless to say all he did was cry, which set Paige off. My friend had a large sum of money to spend that day for pictures and she ended up with 3 poses (2 which really suck), and a really bad attitude from this lady. We had been there for 20 minutes and she tells us that she's going to stop the session since she has other customers and obviously our kids aren't going to cooperate. There were plenty of good shots, she was just too stupid to take them! To make that day worse I was with my MIL, which gives me a headache and indigestion just thinking about it!!! Yesterday Paige was Miss Cranky of the Universe. I know it was her teeth, but it's hard to stay soothing and calm when you're being hit and screamed at! LOL Today I find out that my friend's husband (who started a new job last week) is laid off already. They don't know what they're going to do. The news couldn't be any worse for them. I feel so bad, I want to help but I don't know what I can do other than listen to her. I finally got Paige down for her nap (2 hours later than normal) after I took her for a walk. Tonight is my PPD support group (where I am still the only member!LOL) so I get to vent there too. I should probably go cook dinner. Thankyou for listening to me! XOXO to all of you!
Rebecca & Paige 14+months
email: burn@canadawired.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 22:04:12 (EST))

Hi, Romaine and a cheerful, singing, shouting, parading Saba here!

Sleep has become a luxury. The last 2 nights have been crap.

DD2 was up every 1.5 hours the other night. Last night she was great, it was every 3 hours, but Saba had to make up for it by waking up in between for no apparent reason and stayed actively awake for about 1.5 hours- 3:30-5?
My head is aching today.

Both girls are in great spirits, but mommy is not in a great mood to enjoy it.

Saba is saying more and more and being more and more intelligible. I cannot get over the vocabulary that she has developed over the last few weeks!

She has been keeping me in stitches w/ Dolly's antics. "Dolly push button, Dolly eat...Dolly upside-down..." you get the picture.

Melissa-Welcome! Saba still has a paci as well and some nights it is a game as she throws Dolly and/or the paci behind the bed. I used to leave it, but my girls now share a room and the last thing I need is for her cries of despair to waken DD2 (she is 5 mos).

Kelli-You poor thing! Did you have m/s w/ Elizabeth? When is your u/s next week? Lucky you to have one so early!

Julianne-Colton is a little man!:)

Louise-Tantrum times are horrid! Cuddles sure can make up for it! BTW the comment here b/c we have to girls is "Are you going to be trying for a boy?"! As if we do not enjoy our girls! People are so rude and presumptuous!

Rita-Glad that you liked pics!

Helen-Congrats winning 50 dollars! Happy 18 mos to Amanda! I see that you write #3. Is she your 3rd child? How old are your others?

Darleen- Thai is the pits about DH. I hate it when my Dh is away.

Christi-How fun that Caleb does the actions! He must look so cute doing them!

Lisa B-Glad that you were able to salvage your clothes! Holy smokes! What a close call! Glad that you and Max are ok!

Patty- Thanks for sleep vibes! As you can see, I still need them! Did I send the pics?

Jennifer B-Welcome! I think that Shiloh is a pretty name!

Cathy G-Saba gets a raw bum periodically too. They usually last a day. I use penaten and a bath w/ epsom salts. The epsom salts seem to help a lot.

Julianne-Stay firm about the table! Talk to DH about your feelings on this issue. Sometimes I have to w/ DH b/c he tends to be more of a softy and we need to be a united front. I remind him that it makes it easier in the long run-good luck!

Beth-eew! Poor Allison and poor you for having to clean it up!

Good-night all!
Romaine and Saba 22 mos
email: rrantry@yahoo.ca
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 22:38:25 (EST))

Hi mommies. Believe it or not, I actually had to go to work (school) today!! I got a new student today too-what a treat. heehee. You get so used to your "own" bunch of kids, that sometimes it's hard to add a new one. Anyway, this one comes to me with ADD and ADHD, so lots of fun.=) I had some really sad news today too. My Dr. (not my pediatrician, but my general practitioner) was on call last night. He laid down at the hospital around 3:30 AM and when they went to wake him at 7, he was gone. He had died in his sleep. He was only 57 years old and he was the BEST doctor. He was one who REALLY listened to you, helped me a lot with the whole depression thing, etc. DH and I were just there 12/29 for my evaluation and his physical. It's just so sad. There are so many losers/weirdos walking the streets and here is a good man, a wonderful doctor, good Christian, father of seven (all grown, I think), grandfather, husband, etc. Not to mention I have no one I think I would be as comfortable talking about all my "problems" with. =(

**JenniferB: Welcome to you and Shiloh. =)
**Kelli: No, Kirsten never did get pregnant. Now Daphne wants to move to Texas with this guy she's seeing (who is really stable) and wants to take Diana with her. I am sending you a pic of Jarin on the little ride at Chuck E. Cheese's. I didn't figure my pictures were in your package. Mine were between Dana's and Katy's, so they must be gone for good.
**Melissa: Yay for Molly going right to bed! =) Jesse is 8 years old. My DD (Jaime) talked like your Molly - and she's never shut up since. LOL. She is 16 now. NOT a fun age - talk about tantrums!
**Sarahg: Good luck with your classes. Let us know how everything is going when you have a spare minute. How are things working out with dh?
**CathyG: Wow, that's great that Alison was so good with her shots! =) 85%ile, huh? What's that like? LOL. All my kids are so short and scrawny, we're lucky to hit the 10th %ile. LOL Hope Alison's rash gets better and STAYS better. Poor little girl. Jaime used to have diaper rash all the time too. Jarin is usually fairly good during Mass. He sometimes tries to get out of the pew, but I usually bring froot loops or something to keep him occupied. We aren't going anywhere for Spring Break this year either and we almost always do. But since we're having the big trip this summer, we have to save $$. Yes, I think Paris and London sound wonderful too. I'm really excited, since before I married DH, I had never been ANYWHERE. We went to Cancun for our honeymoon and that is the first and only time I've ever been out of the US - never even been to Canada. heehee
**Julianne: Jarin sits at the dinner table just like a perfect angel - what's wrong with Colton? LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL. Sorry, I couldn't resist. We try to put Jarin in his high chair and he stands up, puts his feet on the tray, or sits on the tray. He climbs on the table, on the chair behind me, or stands at my legs and screams. What a nightmare! If you figure out a way to keep them sitting at the table, let me know! I am sending you a pic of Jarin. LOL at your mom yelling at the TV - my DH still does that.
**Michelle: Glad you enjoyed your day. I don't do scrapbooking, but I think it sounds neat.
**Christi: LOL at you and dh and your reactions to Caleb's fingernail. I'm glad it is getting better now.
**Beth: Yes, I definitely have enjoyed my days off. It was very hard to go back today since I was getting used to being with my angel again. Let us know what you find out at DH's MRI.
**Hayley: Welcome back to you and Becca. Your week sounds wonderful. My son had his paci until he was almost 3, so I'm probably not the one to ask.

**Take care everyone.
Patty and Jarin - 17 months
email: tematheny@ctlnet.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 22:42:39 (EST))

Hi everyone---Melissa here. Molly did sleep all night and went to bed just fine (as is the norm) again tonight. (She always naps fine at DC, and she was there today.) She has now decided she's a kitty-cat and crawls around, meows, and wants to be scratched behind her ears!! We have to stay on our toes, as we never know what she'll come up with next! She announced this AM that she was going to Boston to visit (my sister), and that she'd see me 'yater! (She had gotten one of Mom's shopping bags with handles---that was her "wuggage"!) Go figure!!!

CATHY G--So sorry about Alison's rash....hope it gets better soon. I've found hydrocortisone to work well, unless it's a yeast in fection...Molly gets them real often---I use Monistat cream or something like that. YEAH to us (near) 40-year-old Moms of TODDLERS!!! We deserve a medal!!! I like that term "negotiate"....how true of Molly, too!

JULIANNE--I agree with Beth on the high chair. I also know that the more you and DH act like his behavior bothers you, the more he'll do it. I usually try to ignore that stuff----however, it's not real easy for my Dad to-----he's such a softie with Molly!

MICHELLE--Does it seem strange to have a little girl in the house? How old are Evan and Riley? (Riley is my Dad's name!). I guess I should add "DP" to the list----dear or DAMN PARENTS!!! Molly and I live with mine, and it's ok, but 2 adult women in the SAME house!!!!!! UUGGHH! (Sometimes!) But I AM very grateful TO them and FOR them.

CHRISTI--I'm glad Caleb's fingernail was already partly grown back!

BETH--Yes, Allison and Molly sound too much alike. At Molly's 2-year check-up, she was 30 1/2" and 21 lbs. VERY petite---wears 12-18 mos. (But I'm only 5'0"!!) I worry about her not eating much either, but the dr. doesn't seem to be worried. She's just petite---"dainty"...as she puts it! Allison DOES need to talk to Molly about p/t, though. I've thought about the little swimmers, and have also wondered about the absorption.?? But the pull-ups just fall off Molly, too.

HAYLEY--Becca still wanting a paci at 16 mos----DON'T WORRY! I think they just need something when they're sleeping. Molly still does. I did break her of it during the day by telling her I couldn't understand her with it in her mouth. Maybe that helped her talk earlier and clearer.....who knows?

ROMAINE--What's up with these kids being up all night???? I swear ALL of these toddlers have their own website and post when we're not looking!!! (You know, those REAL quiet times when you KNOW they're into something??!!) Lately, when I'll call out to Molly (she's into hiding--however, she calls out, "I'm hiding") and sometimes she'll come running out from a room saying, "I being good!" Funny thing is, she's usually right!! But I still hunt like a detective to be sure she hasn't done anything! Are you from Great Britian? Just wondered--you referred to Alison's "bum"....(rash).

KELLI-- I hope you're feeling better. Where are your friends in Texas? Are you familiar with the area I'm from? North Central---North of Dallas.

Well----I'm off to bed......talk to y'all 'yater!!

Melissa and Molly
email: molsmom98@hotmail.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 01:39:50 (EST))

Rebecca here...

Please, don't go into shock, I know twice in one day! LOL I actually had a quick (and dumb) question to ask. Does anyone know if the groundhog saw his shadow or not? I know, silly, I just wanted to know. Good night!
Rebecca & Paige
email: burn@canadawired.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 02:11:32 (EST))

Hi from Christi

I don't really have to much to say, except I went to bed at 8:30 last night right after Caleb, and boy do I feel better!

HAYLEY*** I am glad you hada nice vacation, I need me one of those, but perferably minus the litle ones :-) bad mommy, I know!

REBECCA*** Yes, the groundhog did, 6 more weeks ICK! That photographer should have been fired on the spot! Aren't most of her clients kids, she should know better!

PATTY*** Sorry to hear about your Dr. Sounds like a terrible loss to your community.

ROMAINE*** I am hoping ++++ you get at least 6 hours undisturbed sleep sometime in the near future!

MELISSA*** HEHEHE Molly reminds me of DD when she was that age, so full of goofiness. She talked well too, it was so funny to hear those big words coming out of such a litle person. She is still doing it now!

Guess that does it fo rme, i will probably check in later today!

Christi & Caleb 15 months
email: plumbs@coiinc.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 09:24:32 (EST))

Hi from CathyG-

I just e-mailed my boss that I want to keep working 3 days/week after end of March(fiscal year end). I am keeping my fingers crossed that he doesn't have a problem with it!

Julianne - we still have Alison in her highchair, and even in that she is squirming out of it by the time she feels she is done. Once she starts that, she is down, and she can't get back up. It hasn't changed her behaviour yet, but I try to be consistent.

Beth - you are getting the internet police!! Good luck with Allison's eating. Our caregiver tells me every couple days that she is amazed at how much Alison eats. She does have a good appetite, but she also comes by her size from my side of the family, at least in terms of height, My brothers are both quite tall, and I am too, as well as my grandfather. DH is sort of tall as well.

Hayley - what a nice holiday. I've skiied at both those places too. Where did you stay? Regarding the soother, I am not too concerned about taking them away until after age two. When my oldest was about 26 months, we took the soothers to the toy store and "exchanged" them for a special toy.

Rebecca - good for you for complaining, I always mean to, but never do.

Romaine - I will try epsom salts - I've tried everything else. She's had the rash since October, to varying degrees of redness/rawness, and we've seen a dermatologist a number of times, and tried a number of creams.

Patty - What a shock about your doctor. Glad you are back at work.

Melissa - I agree about the medal. I also have a difficult 5.5 year old, so mine should be gold!
CathyG and Alison (18 motnhs)
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 10:00:45 (EST))

Hello from Helen&Amanda!!

Well we went for our 1st playgroup yesterday and Amanda loved it! She took off right away calling 'mommy'-- mommy- over and over to look at everything she was checking out- we'll have to do it again. Not anyone that was the same age as Amanda or anyone that seemed 'normal'. I know thats awful---slap me! LOL! There's another one at the pre-school nearby, so we'll have to go there too and see how that is.

DH is off for the weekend snowmobiling w/the guys in Quebec. They are all so excited. The kids are going to want to eat out everyday and hang out at the mall- uhhh!

Went to Weight Watchers last night- stayed the same- better than gaining- she said that last week losing 3.4lbs was a lot for my size and thats probably why nothing this week- oh well.

Well my $50 went fast- owed DS $20-- owed each of the kids $10- allowance- and 10 for WW last night- its gone!

PATTY- Sorry about your doctor- hopefully you'll find another. :O(

LISAB-- Maybe you should put flashing lights on your car! LOL!!!! I hit a deer a few yrs ago-- gets your heart pumping doesn't it-- glad your both ok!

Romaine?? I think asked----- I have a son- 14( on the 26th) a daughter 12( on the 15th) and Amanda, married 15yrs, I am 35, DH is 36 and we live in MA.

Well I should go and get some errands done- promise I will take notes next time- take care all!
Helen&Amanda@18mos-(#3)
email: mhim27@hotmail.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 11:28:43 (EST))

Colton ate a little better at the table last night, but he kept fussing w/ his one eye--squinting and rubbing it. I think he may have got some salt in he eye from when he grabbed the salt shaker. Dh got so concerned we decided to just stop dinner and give Colton his bath. This am his eye was tearing just a little and Colton still seemed bothered by it. DH won't be happy unless I call the dr about it. We have a follow-up ear check next week so it figures that something would come up the week before!

CathyG: Hope Alison's bottom heals soon. Poor thing, that has got to hurt. Yeah for a great check-up. Sure hope your boss lets you keep working p/t.

Michelle: Good job on getting 6 pgs done.

Christi: You had me LOL picturing you and your DH turning Caleb and his hanging nail away saying no way, I'm not going to touch that thing! Glad it finally came off and wasn't as bad as you thought.

Beth: Good luck tomorrow w/ DH's dr visit. We have problems w/ Colton standing and getting out of his seat belt in the highchair. I would rather he fall out of the booster than the highchair. He ate his breakfast perfect for me this morning so maybe there is hope. I will try to be more firm and consistant though--with both
Colton and DH!!

Hayley: What a fun vacation. I've never skied before and I am planning a downhill ski outing in a couple weeks. Any tips?

Rebecca: Sorry to hear about the picture fiasco. Seems that some people at the pictue places just aren't very professional. Certainly complain in writing to the MGR. I will pray for your friend's husband.

Romaine: What a cutie Saba is w/ her dolly. Hope you get to sneak in a nap during the day.

Patty: Loved the Chuck E Cheese picture. I may have to convince DH to go their for some family fun. I bet Colton would have a blast and he loves to say "pissa" although he doesn't really eat it. Sorry to hear about your doctor.

Yeah, this week is flying--tomorrow is Friday!!!
Julianne & Colton
email: jjones@batts.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 12:02:56 (EST))

Hayley here. I forgot to tell you my bad mommy story. Our vacation was with a ski club that my DH belongs to. 65 people, mostly singles and couples between 25-50 (one other couple with a toddler), so lots of surrogate mommies to dote on Becca.

While we were at Chateau Lake Louise, we had a 1920's theme costume party/dinner dance. It was in a ballroom just 2 doors down from our hotel room, so when Becca got tired, I took her back to the room, put her in her portacrib, and waited about 1/2 hr. My DH and I agreed we'd go back to the party, and play tag to check on her every 15 minutes.

Well, about 1 hr. into this, hubby and I are on the dancefloor with strobe lights flashing. Suddenly, I realize that it's not strobe lights, but a fire alarm. I bolt down the hall, realize all the fire doors are closed, the alarm's blaring - we couldn't hear it over the d.j. I get to our room, and Becca's standing up in her crib, screaming! :( Thankfully, it wasn't too long (I think), and none of the neighboring rooms complained. False alarm, too. Needless to say, after picturing the mounties arresting me for child abandonment, the party was over for me.

Cathy G - stayed at the Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise - the power of group discounts and the Canadian $$ vs. the US $$.

Julianne - I only started skiing in my late 20's. Try it on a sunny day, and don't let your DH teach you - sign up for an adults beginners class. Even today, DH and I don't ski together - we do the first run in the a.m., then I get a peck on the cheek and he's off with the boys. Same thing after lunch. Letting your DH teach you to ski is like letting him teach you to drive!
hayley and becca (16 mos.)
email: hayley.thompson@citicorp.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 14:06:51 (EST))

Hi from LisaB. The last 2 nights Max has been an absolute bear when we get home. He sleeps 30-45 minutes of the ride home and wakes when we pull in the garage. He starts howling the second we turn the car off. Then he sits on my lap for 30-60 minutes, cuddling with his blankie, and staring at the tv (Wheel of Fortune is generally on then, his favorite show). If I speak, move, put him down, etc. he screams. If DH comes into his sight or speaks, he screams. Other times he just screams for no apparent reason. He's also had gas bad during this time period but I can't figure out why - his diet/routine hasn't changed at all. We give him gas drops and I hold him until he calms down - all the while practicing my kegel exercises as I'm dying to go "potty" - LOL!!!! Hopefully these fits will pass quickly.

MELISSA: Molly is so smart and grown-up with her "need you 'side me". Be long-winded ... I love your stories about Molly's antics (acting like a cat, going bye-bye, etc). I'm glad she's sleeping better. I told DH after 3 close calls in 2 weeks I'm ready to quit driving all together - LOL!!! (The 3rd was last night - a guy cut thru the parking lot at work real fast and about took out the front passenger door).

RITA: I got Max snow boots at Payless Shoe Source - they are a size 5. Both sides have velcro so they are easy to put on and take off. They had boots starting at size 3. I've also seen some at Wal-mart. Of course, it's probably easier to find these things in the Mid-West than in CA!!!!

PATTY: I would love Jarin's photo. Bad me - I haven't even used the scanner I got for Christmas yet. I'm so sorry to hear about your doctor, but at least he went peacefully. You had me really confused for a minute - trying to figure out who Kirsten and Diana were - and then I remember Kelli had asked you about PO5 - LOL!!!!

JENNIFER B: Welcome to our little group!!!

KELLI: I feel pretty good. I'm tired but the m/s has passed. My tummy is sticking out so far that I'm having trouble finding clothes.

MORIAH: I love your Zandy card site!!! I'll be e-mailing you my pg announcement order once I get off my lazy rear and get Max's photo taken for it.

CATHY G: Poor Alison and her diaper rash :-(

JULIANNE: Max is still in his high chair so he HAS to sit fairly still. He wiggles from side-to-side and tries to crawl out - that's when dinner generally ends (but he doesn't move at all in the morning ... he wakes up too hungry!!!).

HAYLEY: I'm glad Becca did so well on the trip. How scary with the fire alarm. I bet your heart quit beating until you got to Becca.

REBECCA: I hope the rest of the week goes better for you. If not ... we're here to listen to you gripe and complain :-)

ROMAINE: I hope your 2 little angels/devils cooperate and let you sleep.

HELEN: I'm glad playgroup went well but hope you find out better suited for Amanda.

Well, I have a meeting with my 2 bosses in 45 minutes and I'm going to tell them I'm pregnant. I'll tell you their reaction tomorrow!!

LisaB & Max (17 mo.) & 7 weeks pg
email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 14:45:29 (EST))

Hi! Sarah g here.

My dad has the day off and took Isaac shopping for new flooring for the kitchen. Sofie is napping and I'm actually having some free time!! wow! And I'm not doing homework!! :)

Yesterday Isaac had a tired (growing alot) day, like he should have napped for 3+ hrs. Well, we had to go shopping for Sofie's shoes (she literally out grew her shoes by 2 sizes overnight!) So Isaac was extremely unrested by dinner time and, he was nearly out of control by bedtime. Jeez!! But we survived!!

Well it's past the 31st and I just didn't have it in me to cut things off w/dh. He actually had been looking for a job up until this week. I figure I'll really know when I feel like I've had enough. He just is so depressed, it's like he doesn't have a clue about how much he's needed as a father, husband, etc.! Anyway since he had seemed to be trying I told him I'd wait until the end of February. I guess I sound kind of wimpy, but I just have no idea how I would explain to Isaac about a separation. (Isaac is extremely aware of his environment) Honestly- it's looking like a separation is the last chance at "waking up" dh, or we just may not see him again. Either way, it would be an improvement on taking control of our situation. Any advice on what you tell your kids when this terrible stuff happens?

Well ladies, no time for personals today. I better go get busy. Have great weekends, and I hope I didn't bum you guys out!!

Sarah g and Isaac
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 15:03:48 (EST))

Hi mommies. Holy Snow Days, Batman! Guess who had ANOTHER day off today???? I think I could get used to these 1-2 day work weeks, if I didn't think I'd be making it up all summer! Jarin is starting to get used to having me around. heehee. He is so stinking funny, I can't believe all that he does. He certainly takes in everything we do, that's for sure. Today, he was "talking" (in some unknown language, of course) on a phone he has to play with. He just kept jabbering away for a few minutes, then he would laugh like he'd just said the funniest thing ever. It was so precious. He's also decided that after the water is out of the bathtub, that is the best time to play. I can hardly get him out of the tub. =) We took pizza to my ILs for dinner tonight. Jarin loves pizza. He even sat on MIL's lap and let her read to him. I'm sure that made her day. =) I could go on and on about his new little tricks, but I suppose I'll quit for now.

**Rebecca: Shame on that photographer! I'm sorry to hear about your friend being laid off. I hope everything works out ok for them. I also hope that Paige's molars come through soon. I know that teething is no fun.
**Romaine: Sorry my sleep vibes didn't work. I'll try them again. +++++++ Saba sounds too cute with all her new words. Thanks for the pictures. The girls are beautiful. I love the one with them in the basket. =)
**Melissa: Molly's "wuggage" story is too cute. She sounds like lots of fun. Glad she slept so well last night for you. I am also only 5'0", so all three of my kids are shrimpy. LOL
**Christi: Yes, it was a definite loss to our whole community. They even had a little tribute on our local news last night, which was pretty amazing as I've never seen them do that for a doctor before. The service is tomorrow and the funeral is Saturday. I can't even imagine how many people will be going to pay their respects.
**CathyG: I guess it was a fluke for me to be back at work yesterday. LOL.
**Helen: Glad that Amanda loved her play group, but sorry you couldn't find anyone normal. LOL. The $50 went about as fast as it would've here at our house. =)
**Julianne: Hope Colton's eye is ok. Jarin loves pizza!
**Hayley: I bet you were scared to death. Poor Becca screaming in her port-a-crib. =(
**LisaB: What's up with Max's fits in the evenings? I am sending the Chuck E pic now. Good luck with your bosses tomorrow.
**Sarahg: If you need to talk to the kids, I would just make sure you emphasize that you and DH both love them no matter what and that whatever happens, it is NOT their fault. I'm sure you've already thought of those things. I hope everything works out ok for you.
**Well, gals, I'd better get to bed, on the off chance that we don't get MORE snow and I might actually have to work tomorrow. LOL
Patty and Jarin - 17 months
email: tematheny@ctlnet.com
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 23:43:43 (EST))

Hi ladies, miss you all,

Cat got sick again! this time with sinus infection and PINK EYE, that was totally gross.

DH and I are going away this weekend (YES!), and I have four tests tomorrow, so I dont have much time. I miss you guys lots, and I will be back soon!

Kahne and Cat 13 months
email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 01:06:05 (EST))

Happy Friday everyone! I'm on here early today as DH has his Dr. appt at 8:00 and we usually ride together to work so he had to drop me off early to get there on time. I'm trying to get my post in before anyone else gets here today (he he). This way too, if they ask, I'll be able to point out that it was before working hours that I was on the internet. Anyway, Not too much new with Allison besides her talking up a storm and continuing to progress with with the potty training. Last night, I was the grossest thing!!! Her bowels are still pretty 'loose' since the diarrhea and aren't really back to normal yet. Anyway, I brought her in and put her on the potty and she went pee, but she had "leaked" a little bit of BM into her diaper and I was out of wipes. I had some in the car but hadn't brought them in yet so I let her run around without her diaper for the few seconds it took me to go to the car to grab them. I should have known better since the evidence was in her diaper already, but she pooped on the kitchen floor!! YUCK! Luckily it did happen in the kitchen and not a room with carpet so it wasn't too bad to clean up.

Hayley - your vacation sounds fun despite the almost disaster with the fire alarm. Glad it was just a false alarm and Becca was okay!

Kelli - I can't believe those pictures are still floating around! It has been a little over a year since we started it actually.

Rebecca - Sorry your pictures were bad. I would definitely talk to that ladies supervisor. Maybe she should be taken off "kid duty".

Romaine - you are making me question whether I want to have another child ever! LOL! I don't think I could deal with the sleep deprivation again, but I just LOVE little babies so maybe it will be worth it someday.

Patty - I'm so sorry about your Dr. How very sad! The other day on our local weather. They showed the satellite for our area and north into Indiana. It looked like In. was totally covered by clouds, but the weather man said that it was actually snow cover that the satellite was showing. Pretty neat to see, but not neat to be in, I'm sure!

Melissa - Molly's antics sounds so cute. Her and her 'wuggage' had me laughing.

Christi - congrats on getting lots of sleep. I love nights like that too.

Cathy - good luck on being able to continue working for 3 days a week.

Helen - glad your playgroup went fairly well, but I hope you find one that suits you and Amanda better.

Julianne - glad dinner went better with Colton last night. Sounds like you are doing the right thing by being conisistent.

Lisa B - Allison went through a clingy stage just like that when she was about Max's age. It passed within a couple of weeks. Hopefully yours will too.

Sarah g - Good luck with your DH. I can't even imagine how hard it must be for you. Perhaps your DH needs counseling for depression? You mentioned that he was depressed. I wouldn't know how to approach the subject, but maybe it will help him get motivated and get back into "life" again.

Kahne - I hope Cat is better soon. Have fun on your weekend trip.

Well, gotta go, It's past 8:00 and time to start work for real, I guess.

Beth and Allison (20 months)
email: bobwite@msn.com
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 09:11:34 (EST))

Hi, Louise here. We've had a horrible couple of days - just as we thought the worst of the winter germs were over, James & I have both come down with some sort of virus making me feel lousy with a sore throat and headache and James is a bear with a runny nose! I can just about cope with one of us feeling awful, but both of us is hell, and, of course, DH is away for a couple of days! Anyway, enough moaning, I had a whole load to catch up on so onto some quick personals:

BETH - James has also regressed with self-feeding, particularly if it's food he likes - I expect he realises I can get it in his mouth faster! Hopefully it's just a stage.

MELISSA - I LOVE your stories about Molly - she is such a character! I loved thinking of her going 'hmm - I don't see them!'' I can't wait for James to be talking like that, but I think it'll be some time - he followed the typical 'boy path' and was walking early, at 10 months, but is slow to talk.

LISAB - No more near accidents! I bet you'll be glad when the winter hazards are over. Good luck with telling your bosses about the pregnancy.

JENNIFER - welcome. I love your daughter's name.

KELLI - my family are from Scotland, the border district, near the English border (as if you couldn't have guessed that!!) but we moved to England, near London, when I was only 6, although we go back a lot for holidays. My husband's family are from Scotland too, Loch Lomond, although like me he was brought up mostly in England. Hope the MS is easing up!

JULIANNE - James is like Colton (and Jarin!) in the high chair. I'm terrified of him having an accident, I do use the booster seat sometimes but then he just whines if he can't get his hands on everything on the table. I need to be stricter too.

MICHELLE - sorry for the mistake, thinking you were in the US. I know a lot of you are from Canada, I just got my names confused! I have always wanted to visit Canada.

CHRISTI - Glad Caleb's finger nail is OK, I had to laugh at your story!

HAYLEY - your holiday sounds great, apart from the fire alarm panic!! James still uses a pacifier at night and for naps.

REBECCA - sorry about your photos. Good for you for complaining.

ROMAINE - I agree, sometimes people are really rude and presumptuous in what they say to strangers. I'm still sending you poitive sleep vibes!

PATTY - sorry to hear about your doctor. I love hearing about Jarin's new skills, he sounds so precious! Hopefully you may get to work again soon!

CATHYG - sorry about Alison's rash. Good luck with getting your 3 days a week continued.

HELEN - I know what you mean about 'normal' people at playgroups!! I go to a few with James, I have got to know people now, but at first I always spend most of the time trying to decide who I might be able to become friends with, and feeling quite lonely if they all seem different to me!!

SARAHG - I understand about wanting to give your DH every chance. I hope things work out for you both.

KAHNE - so sorry to hear Cat's been ill again. You've had quite a time of it lately.

That's it for now - I'm going to watch TV in bed, ER has just returned for a new series (we're way behind you, Carol hasn't had her babies yet!) so that's my evening sorted! Talk later,

Louise & James (14 months)
email: rnash78035@aol.com
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 10:03:00 (EST))

I am so glad it is Friday, Christi here, hello everyone!

Hey, I am sorry to bring it up again, but I am so proud of Caleb, he was dry ALL night last night (from 8pm to 7am), and he peed like crazy in the potty.
Okay, on to personals...

DARLEEN*** I changed your address in my book, are you getting my mail?

CATHY G.*** Hope your boss agrees to the 3 days!

HELEN*** Glad Amanda enjoyed the playgroup, good luck finding 'normal' people (I completly understand this thinking!)

JULIANNE*** I have the same luck with Dr's and seeing as ours is family pracitce I am always calling for one of us, especially this winter.

HAYLEY*** Oh NO! I would have freaked out! As I am sure you did! But, I would have done the same thing with checking on her like you did--infact we did when we went camping this last summer (family reunion style), don't feel bad

LISA B.*** Hope Max doesn't keep up his new routine! i htink I may stop driving for a while if I were you :-)

SARAH G.*** Good luck with the DH situation, I can see wanting to give him/your marrige any chance. Good luck.

PATTY*** Glad Jarin is doing so well, he sounds so cute with all of his new things, our babies are so exciting to watch grow!

BETH*** EEEWWWWW at least it was easily cleand up, the price of being a mom

LOUISE*** Hope you and James feel better soon, what luck for it to happen when Dh is out of town.

Okay, well, sorry for all of the typo's, Caleb is all over me--see you ladies later.

Christi & Caleb 15 months
email: plumbs@coiinc.com
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 11:36:20 (EST))

Hi everyone from Sue and Cameron (no, we didn't drop off the face of the earth - just been very, very busy).

It's only been about a week since I last posted, but Cam seems to have changed SO much during that time! His new phase is that he's a complete cuddlebug. I'm NOT complaining in the least. He gives big bear hugs and open-mouthed drooly kisses and wants to share everything with us. He's always offering his cup, toys, etc. I was spying on him the other day after I put him down for a nap, and he took his paci out of his mouth and "gave" it to his bear. It was too cute!

He's also becoming much more verbal and says Mama, Da, kiki (kitty), Ith ("Smith" is his bear's name), cup, up, and the dreaded "THAT!"

I thinking independent walking may be just around the corner. He'll use just about anything as a walker these days - chairs, toys, foot stool. He's also lighting quick! Maybe he's already in training for the 2020 Olympics...

Poor Cam does have another case of "fire butt" though. Probably getting ready to cut more teeth. The poor kid couldn't even sit in the bathtub last night his behind was so red and sore. I've found that lotrimin (the same stuff for jock itch) sealed in with a thick coat of Balmex works pretty good (maybe a thought for CATHYG). Also still no interest in self-feeding. I should look on the bright side and be thankful I won't have to worry about him regressing in this area since he never started. LOL!

I tried to read and catch up on all the personals, but you guys are too much for me to keep up with!

Welcomes to JENNIFER & SHILOH (neat name!) and MELISSA & MOLLY.

HELEN - Good luck with weight watchers! This was Week #1 of Slimfast for me. Desperate times call for desperate measures! I've gained twenty pounds in the last year. 99% of it from my chocolate cravings! I also live in MA and am soon to be 37 - yipes!

PATTY - sorry to hear about your Dr. My favorite doc moved away last year right after Cam was born and I really miss him. Sounds like your's will be missed by the entire community. BTW - share some of that snow and those snow days, will ya? I have such a long commute that I'm not really expected to make the trip when the roads are bad, but haven't been able to make use of that privelege yet this winter. I think you're hoarding it just to spend fun time with Jarin! Can you tell I'm jealous?

MORIAH - I loved your Zandy Cards site! We still haven't had Cameron christened (I know, bad mommy again!) and might enlist your services for when we do it this spring/early summer. I also loved that picture of Alex with the pumpkins! What a little dude in his denim jacket!

HAYLEY - poor Becca alone in the fire drill! Poor you for feeling so badly about it too!

BETH - Yuck about Allison pooping on the kitchen floor! It never fails that they do stuff like that during the split second their little tushes are uncovered. One of Cam's favorite tricks is peeing (on purpose!) when his diaper is off then trying to splash around in the puddle. What a thrill that is!

CHRISTI - HOORAY for Caleb staying dry all night and using the potty this morning! I bet you're so proud of him. I got a potty chair for a baby gift and remember thinking that potty training was soooo far away. Cam's only 13 months, but we may set it up in the next few months for him to start getting used to it.

LOUISE - hope both you and James feel better soon. It's so hard to be soothing and sympathetic to your little ones when you feel terrible yourself. Lots of rest and vitamin C!

LISAB - you should consider turning in your driver's license. LOL! You should be "set" for awhile now with near misses. How did it go telling your bosses you're pg with bb#2?

REBECCA - glad you decided to keep your appointment with the specialist. I now am just fine most of the time and have considered stopping counseling and taking the antidepressant. Just when I think I really don't need them anymore, though, I'll have a bout of feeling really down, overwhelmed, etc.

Nice to see other "almost 40" moms of toddlers out there! When I got pg with Cameron, I thought I'd be the only mom my age with such a little baby since most of our friends have teenagers (very conveninet for babysitting services!). The only tough part about having a little one at my age is the difficulty I have getting my creaky bones up off the floor after playing with Cam. Not an easy feat!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and gets lots of rest! Smiles to all!

Sue and Cameron (13 1/4 months)
email: sbarry@key.org
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 12:51:25 (EST))

Hello from Helen&Amanda!!

Well we just got back from my doctor app and shopping--- just love the sales this time of year!!!I did find a few things for Florida since my things from last summer give me that 'sausage' look- not attractive!LOL! I also bought Amanda a 'barney' video, clearance. The kids are going to 'thank' me for that! So that was my fun for the day, so relaxing, now its back to housework! OH-- I also went to a furniture store looking for a desk and kitchen table. I did find what I like, now to drag DH there to see it- he hates stores! They have a consession stand- type thing at the store, Amanda loved her cookie the lady gave her- sat in a chair, feet up on the arm of the chair and relaxed- what a sight. Gave the ladies a laugh!

The kids have skiing/snowboarding after school today again- if they could only do this all year long, they just love it!

PATTY-- Whats with all the snow your getting! Your school doesn't do 'delays'? Ours doesn't and sometimes they should. Your priest sounds nice- ours is scarry! The kids and adults are scared of him- the typical old catholic priest that you hear people joke about.

ROMAINE-- Could you send pics my way??

CATHYG-- We are going to Disney World, Sun- Fri. We are staying there but are renting a car since DH can only take so much of crowds. It will be Feb- vacation- a madhouse at the airport and Disney!

REBECCA-- What a great photographer for kids!scarcasm, of course! Hope the next sitting goes better.

SARAHG--Hope things work out for you and DH-- maybe you should talk to someone- he may really be depressed- men also get depression.

LISAB-- How did the meeting go???????

HAYLEY-- Glad it was a false alarm and Becca was OK!!

KAHNE--Hope Cat is better soon!

SUE--Amanda also loves the word--THAT!!!!!! It makes me nuts, repeating it over and over-- to give you an idea, say it loud over and over really fast- thats what she does when she gets really excited about something and wants me to tell her what it is.Sounds like an animal squocking-LOL!!

BETH-- Thank goodness it wasn't on carpet!

Amanda is getting another tooth- only had 8 for the longest time and now 2 this week and another trying to poke through!
Glad so many can relate to my 'normal' comment-LOL!

OK--- I am going to come out of the closet- so to speak- no I'm not gay-LOL! I'm also on antidepressants. After watching Oprah a few wks ago,E-mailing Patty, and picking her brain- thank you for that, reading Rebecca's post about getting more depressed sitting on the computer and needing to get out of the house and do things, I realized THATS ME!!!! I talked to my doctor and she put me on 'zoloft'. I am much more patient, not a raving lunatic, I don't fly off the handle anymore, don't bitch uncontrollably, complain, sit feeling overwhelmed at what needs to be done around the house and in everyday life--- I feel SO much better. I didn't tell DH yet- I guess I am waiting for the right moment- who knows when that will be- I am hoping he will notice a difference, I guess,a nd say something.I just wanted to tell you all that have talked about your own depression- THANK YOU!!
LATER!! Have a great weekend!
Helen&Amanda@18mos-(#3)
email: mhim27@hotmail.com
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 14:52:17 (EST))

Hey guys, Beth again. Sarah w/Hannah e-mailed me earlier and for some reason she can read the posts, but is unable to get on here to post herself. She just wanted me to let you guys know that she says "hi" and have a great weekend and that she and Hannah are doing great.

Also, I don't know if you guys noticed or not, but on the main page there is an icon to click on about a Parent and Child Expo that they are having in Arlington, Il. (a suburb of Chicago) on April 1-2. I wonder if this is the meeting they were talking about a few months ago? Anyone know anything about it? I couldn't access the link with more info about it for some reason.
Beth
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 15:56:35 (EST))

Hi, me again. You guys I feel so awful.....one of my DC kids just got here, and her mom asked if she had been in a lot of trouble lately, cause she stated crying and saying how mean I am to her. Yes, same family I complained about before, BUT I don't take things out on the kids. She came in laughing and smiling, and gave me a big hug etc. I am just...well..I guess freaked. Holy moly, now I am shaking and everything. I don't want any kids to come here and hate it. I have told this little girl she has to be nice to everyone, and she doesn't like it much, but I can't let her be mean to the others. I think I need to find a DCP board, so I don't bug you all about it all of the time. I am sorry!
Christi again
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 16:37:25 (EST))

Hello, it's Birdie. Can you believe it. Things are so crazy it's getting hard to keep up. Thanks so much to all the wll wishers. Your thoughts and concerns are so appreciated. Those of you who have been with me since the beginning know that not much brings me down. We're fine and doing well and just handling things as they come. Anyway, Noah is such a sweety. I love him so much. He is a big hugger now which I love and he has the funniest personality. He tries to be such a little comedianne. He does things just to get a laugh. He likes to put things on his head and walk around banging into things and he pretends to burp all the time to get people to laugh. I probably shouldn't encourage these habits but he's just so darn cute. Poor little munchkin is cutting two molars right now. He never even whimpered with his first teeth but these in the back are really bothering him. Temp of 102 and he's all hot and red. He tries to play but he's just so uncomfortable. Right now he's taking a huge nap. I've been using tylenol and baby orajel and popsicles and teething rings. Hope it's over soon. I hate to see him uncomfortable. Big weekend coming. Special Olympics state winter games. I will be dealing with the press and doing opening ceremonies etc...all that PR stuff. Noah and DH are coming too so that will be nice. We'll do some swimming and hottubbing and have a nice room so it'll be fine. Noah loves sledding so we'll bring it with us. Hope his mouth feels better. DH and I are going to scream 3 tomorrow. We love any movie a teenage would love. We are 30+++ teenagers. Florida in just a few short weeks. Can't wait. We are driving so I'll take any advice on Toddlers in moving vehicles strapped in car seats for long periods of time advice. Also. should I bring the portable crib? he's getting so big he's almost as long as the crib. Should I rely on the hotels to have one? Have any of you used the inflatable bed from One Step Ahead? I have ordered it. I don't know if he may be too young for sleeping in it instead of a crib. Advice from the experts please.

Kelli- OMG I can't believe the pictures are coming, the pictures are coming. I'll be checking my mail faithfully and I will be replacing my pictures with paper copies from staples so I will no longer need to stress out about them.

Picture people- Have no fear. I will send them off withing an hour of getting them.

I'm sure all of you have been getting lot's of e-mails that include urban legends. I usually just read and delete. However, I was thinking about them today and thought that by sending these out to so many people couldn't some nut say "hey, never thought of that" and end up doing the stuff we read about? Okay, am I just catching on here? Have you all worried about this all along? I guess I just never paid any attention but now I have given myself one more thing to worry about.

That's all. Sorry no personals. I will be gone until Tuesday so don't get pregnant, divorced, married, or have an affair until then and if you feel you must do one or all of the above please don't post it until Tuesday. I promise to do the same. thanks.

Birdie and Noah (14 months)
email: LJU777@AOL.COM
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 17:51:37 (EST))

Hello from Rita

Glad to see that the board is back to normal. I have been in a training class these past two days and the board didn't have any new entries since yesterday AM.

Amy was crying out in her sleep last night until I finally took her out to the livingroom to sleep with me - just like old times. Hopefully it's just teething or a growthspurt and not a new sleep pattern.

Lisa B - Glad to know that you and Max are okay after the deer incident. I am not so sure how well I would do driving in a more rural area all the time. We do have deer in the hills and canyons near us, but they usually keep clear of all the traffic.

(Amy just came in the room...Too cute - she has one of her boots in one hand and a photo of one of DH's motorcycles in the other. I never know what she will focus on next.)

Sue - Achy bones, creaky knees all come with the aging territory. All of my sisters had their children before thirty. I feel so ancient when my oldest niece is getting married and I still have babies in diapers.

Michelle - I have a scanner, but need some parts to hook it up. I am waiting on DH, the hardware support engineer in our house. when I have things ready, I'll let you, Julianne and Cathy know so maybe we can trade ideas for scrapbooks.

Well, both girls are in the room with me now and obviously want my full attention, so I had better go. Take care everyone!

Rita & Amy(13 mo)
email: ritad@home.com
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 21:47:36 (EST))

Hi everyone, from Stacey.

I am going to make this a quick one since I don;t have much time. I haven't finished catching up on what I have missed over the last few days, but I will try to do so this weekend if I can. I did want to say hi to everyone and let you all know I am still around.

I have been moving forward with the job, life, state or whatever you want to call the change we are thinking of making. I have been doing a lot of research about relocating on the internet, and I have formally submitted my resume to the Lubbock Texas cable system and notified my boss of my intentions. The training manager in TX now wants to fly me out to meet everyone and give a formal presentation (which is usually the last step in the interview process). I also asked my boss if she has any openings in San Diego, and she really wants me to transfer there. Either way, it looks like we will probably be leaving Santa Barbara in the near future.

My house is full of guests this week, relatives of DH from Mexico. It has been a bit tiring, especially since Franchesca is sick and Alexa is not too far behind.

By the way, I now have a "Franchesca and Alexa" website up and running. I did it at work and it was very rushed in putting it together as it was part of a technical training class, and it isn't much to brag about, but at least you all can see my girls. The URL is:

http://members.home.net/my2girlz

Well, gotta run. Sorry no personals, but hello to everyone...

Stacey,Franchesca, and Alexa
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 23:38:40 (EST))

Hello - HELP! I have a 2-1/2 daughter and a 3 month old baby boy. My daughter has gotten better with him, the only this, she is suddenly getting up at night Screaming at the top of you lungs for me or daddy, and does not stop until we get there. She refuses to get back into her crib, and will only sleep with us(a big mistake). I have tried to console her just by holding her, but nothing works. We thought maybe the crib is getting too small, so we are trying the new big girl bed. Well, now she can walk to our room screaming. I'm sure the transition to big girl bed is not a help, but we need to get baby into the crib. This has been going on for a couple weeks, and my husband and I can't go on. The baby is actually sleeping more than me daughter. We've tried staying in bed with her...she falls asleep, then wakes 1/2 hour later in our bed. She slept better on the sofa last night. What do I do!? I'm totally frustrated and stumped. Can someone help? Thanks.
Angela
email: Tweetyb711@aol.com
Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 08:00:58 (EST))

A quick post to Angela-----

Sounds like your daughter is wanting attention from you and DH, maybe feeling jealous of the baby?? Does she understand little things, tell her how big she is, that she has the new bed b/c she is your big girl, let her pick out bedding for it, if possible, maybe a new stuffed animal or doll for sleeping in the new bed, there are books on having new babies, feeling jealous and going to a 'big' bed- that may make her feel better.( My kids are- 12-14 and 18mos).When my 2nd was born- he was in the crib until 2.5- he did the same thing- would get out so we eventually had to put up a gate at night, told him we had to do this b/c it was bed time but we left the door open.Our daughter was in a portable playpen/crib until then- in our closet! He was so excited to get the bed, he 'helped' pick it out, and picked out sheets w/trucks and cars and sat in it a few times, still sleeping in the crib then eventually slept in it and 'gave' the crib to the baby.My son would get sick of hearing about the baby and I could tell he wanted attention 'alone' at times so I would only say something about her if he did 1st, eventually he came around and would give her toys and do things for he trying to be helpful-- they get overwhelmed with a new baby and getting less attention, she may be getting up at night just to be held and have your full attention?? If your patient with her and praise her and give little rewards, like a story read to her, watch a movie together she may start feeling like the big sister and be happy to give up the crib and content to be in her own bed without getting up ??? Good Luck!! I know how you feel- our 1st was our 'experiment' we did everything wrong with him and learned the hard way-LOL!
Helen&Amanda@18mos-(#3)
email: mhim27@hotmail.com
Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 09:01:20 (EST))

Hi Ladies, this is Liz,

I found you again. I just had a minute to do some surfing on the iParenting page and came across this link. Cool.

LisaB - How exciting! Congratz on your pregnancy!! I'm so happy for you.

I really didn't have time to read posts but just wanted to say hello. Forest and I have been surfering from this horrible flu. I've had it for over 3 weeks and Forest has had it for a week. It's dreadful. Now it's all in our head. We cough and are big time congested. Ugh! He wakes in the middle of the night crying cuz he has to cough so bad from the phlem. Awful stuff, can't wait till it's gone.

I've been out of work all week, except for Tuesday. I tried to go in and work and did, but fell back down. Ugh!

Anyway, don't mean to tell you all of my problems. Just wanted to say "hey" and I'll read up and see how everyone is doing.

Maybe I can peak in here once in awhile and post. It's hard to keep up as you know, but I'll try.

Big hugs to you all and the little sweeties. Forest is calling. Gotta go.
Love Liz and Forest :o)

Liz, mom to Forest, 13 months
email: ldowner@ssaq.sitix.com
Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 13:16:55 (EST))

Hi mommies. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who was having problems getting on here. I wrote a long post and then it wasn't there yesterday. Now, today, it is. Anyway, glad I could get back on here. DH & I went to my Dr.'s funeral service yesterday (showing?). It was very sad. We got there right when it started and it still took us almost 40 minutes to get through the line. Such a loss for our community. Guess what? I had to work yesterday! Can you believe it?

Jarin and I went to Jesse's basketball game this morning. Jesse made 4 points, but his team lost by like 25. LOL. Jarin was his little monster boy self and thought he should be able to be on the floor playing just like Jess. He is so much fun to "corral" by myself.

**Kahne: Hope you enjoy your weekend with DH. I'm glad Cat is feeling better.
**Beth: Yuck! Mothering can be such fun at times. Yes, we still have lots of snow - I'd guess about a foot on the ground now.
**Louise: I hope you and James feel better soon. I think we are now going to stay at the Lincoln House Hotel. Do you know anything about this one? =)
**Christi: Yay for Caleb waking up dry AND going on the potty! =) Don't feel bad about telling us about the DC problems. I'm sure it breaks your heart thinking someone calls you mean. =(
**Sue: Soooo precious that Cam was giving his bear his paci! =) Yes, I am having lots of fun being home with Jarin and I think he's getting used to it too. I am getting sick of the snow though, so I am sending it your way. Hope you now have an excuse to have to stay home for a day with Cam. =) LOL
**Helen: Good luck getting DH to go with you to look at the furniture. Amanda sounds adorable relaxing in the chair with her cookie. =) Yes, our school system has delays (supposedly 2,3, or 4 hours). However, our brilliant superintendent always calls a 2 hour delay and if that doesn't work, he goes right to cancelling it. I'm so glad you are feeling better! I was just getting ready to email you when I got off here to see how you were feeling, and there was your post. I'm glad you are feeling more able to handle everything. =)
**Birdie: Hope Noah gets those teeth through really soon. We always just let Jarin use a hotel crib, but most of the time he wakes up and ends up in bed with us.
**Stacey: I am going to check out your babies right now. Can't wait to see Franchesca and Alexa.
**Take care, girls.
Patty and Jarin - 17 months
email: tematheny@ctlnet.com
Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 13:24:24 (EST))

Hi, it's Michelle.
I guess I don't have to much to say at the moment. Oh, wait, Evan is potty trained. This is the 2nd official day! I know, I know, he's old but he just wouldn't make "ukkies" on the potty, just pee. Yesterday he told me he likes to make "ukkies" on the potty. I was so proud! Anyways - that's a zillion less diapers per month! It's tough having two in diapers. Seems that's all I do all day. LOL. Riley has actually started to tell me he has "ukkies". It's so cute, he says it and points to his diaper. People always laugh at him because he is such a little shrimp with impossibly short little legs and he can run so fast and talk so well. He's kinda like a little midget. LOL.

Anyways - on to personals.
Christie, I'm so glad Calebs nail is not grossing you out anymore. :o) I can't believe he is going on the potty. Here I am proud of a 2 1/2 year old. That's so great for you, geez, YOU have a right to be proud!
HALEY - you were asking about Becca's soother, we gave Evan's to the cows. He had more than one so I made him put them into a little baggie and we left them on the fence post for the cows. He was just starting to talk and if we asked where his soother was he'd say "Mooooo". He did really well and it worked for my sisters kids too. He only whined a couple of times. GOOD LUCK! Riley still has his, at 17 months. I think I'll probably wait until he is 2. It's a scary thought though. It almost makes me laugh because everyone I talk to says it is way easier than they thought and it even was for us yet it almost gives me a panic attack thinking of taking Riley's away. Hmmmm. I think it is harder on us than on them. Your skiing trip sounded wonderful by the way. We only live a couple of hours from Lake Louise and I used to go quite often. Unfortunately it's hard to get there with the kids. Your lucky you got to go!
Rebecca - sorry your pics didn't turn out. You gotta wonder where they find half these people that take them. I swear any of us would be better than some of them. AND it should be a prerequisite that you HAVE to have kids in order to take pictures of them. Otherwise - there is just no way to understand them. (and us). LOL
Patty - I wrote down your name and couldn't remember what I was going to say, I actually took the notes yesterday but didn't have a chance to post. SO SORRY. HI anyways.
MOLLY, funny you should ask about having a girl in the house. I always wanted a girl and was very disappointed when I had my first boy (SORRY LOUISE). But... when I had Riley I was ecstatic that he WAS a boy. Go figure. Boys are just soooo cute. BUT - whenever Kyla (my niece) is here I dress her up cute and do her hair in barrettes or whatever. SHe also gets spoiled by me cuz I LOVE to buy dresses and my dh would kill me if I put them on the boys. :o) Molly sounds like a sweetie, a mishevious little sweetie. I love her name.
HELEN, Amanda sounded so cute eating her cookie. What a laugh. Where do they come up with these things. Disney World. YAY - you lucky duck. We went there on our honeymoon and i LOVE it! I hope to get back some day but with the exchange rate it would cost a fortune. HAVE FUN!
BIRDIE, Ha Ha, ok, I'll wait to tell my news until Tuesday when you are back. LOL
RITA - Sharing Scrapbook info sounds great. Can't wait until you get your scanner.
Have a great night - or day everyone!
Michelle, Riley 17 mo and Evan 2 1/2
email: mwells@telusplanet.net
Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 23:44:58 (EST))