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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Hello everyone. I am posting from where we are housesitting for september and feeling kind of depressed about it. We moved back in August and have stayed with family since. All of our stuff is in storage. I can't wait until October to have my own place once again. Josh gets up so early now because of the hospital routine. I am hoping to break him of his 6:30am habit. Sarah* Hi! of course I remember you. And thanks for the email. Julianne* i can totally relate to you story about dh watching t.v. and having to remind him to play with his child!! My dh will come home from work, spend five minutes with Josh and then watch t.v. or play on the computer. I have to tell him to do everything. What is it with men? Do we have such a greater capacity for playing and caring then them or are they just universally lazy? Megan* Ben has no teeth? He must be adorable. i haven't seen him in so long please send me a pic. I have been brainstorming ideas for Josh's first b-day too. Let me know if you think of anything. LisaB*thanks for the inivitation to stay. I was hoping someone would offer. Thats great about Max walking! Patty* HI. so are you back to school yet? How is that going? Moriah* 8 teeth wow. your vacation sounds like it will be a blast. Got to go change a smelly, gag inducing diaper. talk to you all later Joy Joy and Josh email: stan.kita@sympatico.ca Sunday, September 12, 1999 at 05:54:42 (MDT)) Hello Ladies, Kahne here, Things are finally starting to calm down a bit,, I actually mopped and cleaned today. I have some micro to study later, but for the most part we are having a quiet Sunday afternoon. Cat is really standing on her own now, and I am sure will be walking any day. She is still toothless, I will hate to see that little gummy smile go:0(. She now shakes her head NO. It is so cute, she really acts like she knows what she is doing, what a funny girl! She is still quiet, only speaks when she has something to say. I am looking forward to leaving her at a daycare, where she has interaction with other babies and toddlers. I think she is the way she is because she is around adults ALL OF THE TIME. I mean she has NO childish interaction. She is so serious, I tell her all the time to lighten up, lol. Thank all of you for the well wishes! I appreciate them so. No pics yet, but we should have them by thursday. CANT WAIT!!! Crystal** I am sorry to hear that your parents are giving you so much crap. Mine are good at that, too. Mt father did not even bother to show up at my wedding. My mom is really uptight, and I am really laid back, and that is our whole problem. She did lay off of us when I went back to school, so perhaps that will help. I hope so. E mail me if you need to chat. Cat does that where she drags toys around in her mouth, too cute. Gotta go make my butt fatter, hehe. I am hungry. Love all of you. Kahne and Cat 8 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Sunday, September 12, 1999 at 14:23:01 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Well, I just survived a four hour party with 17 teenagers. LOL. Jaime had a pool party at the ILs for her sixteenth birthday which is this Friday. It makes me feel so old. I was telling DH that I remember when I was 15 and was at his house swimming!!! And now it's my DAUGHTER having a pool party there! Jarin is doing a little better - still very whiney and not eating much. He did eat some yogurt tonight. I hope he starts eating better soon. Jesse is also doing better. He had his first flag football game yesterday. So cute. He caught an interception and then turned around and threw it back to the other team. Guess he got a little too excited. =) **Sarahg: Isaac sounds so sweet waking up singing. Jarin always wakes up screaming. LOL. Thanks for the encouragement on nursing. I needed it as pretty much what I hear around here is that he's getting too old to be nursed. He just turned one, for heaven's sake! **Moriah: 8 teeth? Gees! Jarin still only has seven! I was LOL at your comments about your IL not believing how good Alex is since Geoff was a monster child. My IL said the same things about Jesse because he was such a little angel and Tom was a monster child too. Now they all laugh and say that Jarin acts just like Tom did. Your trip to Disneyland sounds like fun. We've gone to Disneyworld three times as a family (but not since Jarin's been here). I absolutely love it! I'll bet Alex will make an ADORABLE little ring bearer. Oh, my God - 25 sticks for an IV? I would've had a heart attack. Poor little guy. That breaks my heart. We were fortunate that the best pediatric nurse did Jarin's and got it in on the first try. =) You are right about love and prayers - they do wonders. The urologists told us that Jesse's kidney and bladder wouldn't heal without surgery and the reflux went away. The doctors said there was only about a 10% chance that would happen. I know it was because of all the prayers. =) **LisaM: Thanks for the TLC sent my way. It helped! =) =) **Crystal: Sounds like you and your parents definitely clash. Hope you can come to some sort of compromise that's best for everyone. **Joy: Yes, I am back to school. It is going ok, except that when jarin got sick I had to miss a day already. Now, since he couldn't be in day care for a week, he will have to get used to the sitter again. UGH! I hope he is ok. We'll find out tomorrow. Hey, how's the book????? **Kahne: That is so cute that Cat shakes her head no. Think that means you may be in trouble later. LOL **Ok, better go put my angel to bed so I can get some sleep too. Back to work tomorrow! Patty and Jarin - 12 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Sunday, September 12, 1999 at 20:58:21 (MDT)) Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend! On Saturday, we went to my DH's company get-together at Six Flags in Denver. We rode the carousel w/ Elizabeth. She LOVED it! The first time, she really didn't know quite what to think. By the 3rd time, she was holding onto the bar and when it was time to get off, she wouldn't let go and threw a little fit when I made her get off. During the company cook-out, we won a $30 gift certificate to Bath & Body Works. I think I will go shopping this week! Elizabeth is still cute. Imagine me saying that! LOL! Today, we went to Estes Park and she did NOT want to ride in the car at all. She fussed and fussed. It took DH and I to sing 99 bottles of milk on the wall... and we sang down to 1 bottle of milk!! She loves for us to sing to her. I don't have a clue why... neither of us can carry a tune! LOL! She is such a hoot! JOY, HI!! So glad to see you back!!! You moved, huh? Where is your home town? What kind of church are you starting up? I am sure thinking about Josh! I hope everything turns out just fabulous! How are YOU feeling? SarahM, HI! Julianne, How was the open house? Any new news on your friend w/ the triplets? Becky, I'd LOVE to see pictures of Harley! Please send some my way! Megan, For Elizabeth's 1st b-day, because she LOVES to read, we got her several board books. Those are her all time favorite toys. We also blew up about 40 to 50 balloons and she LOVED to play amongst them. Plus, it made for great pictures! None of the balloons popped to my suprise. We had to pop them about a week later... they were in my way!! :) Of course, you have to be careful and make sure you pick up all the pieces. I'd love to see a new picture of Ben! I also liked Moriah's idea about the picture invitations. That is something you can look at in 10, 15, 20 years and cherish! LISAB: Hip, hip horray! Max is walking!! LOOKOUT WORLD! Elizabeth STILL isn't walking, but on her way! So, was your weekend pretty wild with a walker on your hands? Crystal, Okay girl... it sound like you and your parents need to sit down and have a heart-to-heart. I'd arrange for someone to watch the little guy so you won't have any interuptions so they know you mean business! Tell them exactly what you told us about how you feel. Tell them that you are an adult now and a resposible one at that! Gosh... you are only 20 years old and have already gone through so much! I really hope you and your parents can resolve some serious issues so ALL of you can have a good, healhy relationship for Darrell's sake. You don't want him to look back one day and remember only the negative! And as far as your dad's little comments, I'd shrug it off and not worry about it... You are Darrell's mom and know what's best for him. If it bugged you that much, tell him! I know alot of this is easier said than done, but something needs to be done or it will come to a blow-out one day! Oh, and don't sweat the small stuff! SarahG, Isaac waking and singing is TOO CUTE!!! Elizabeth wakes up pretty happy most every morning, but isn't singing yet. I look forward for that day! Moriah, MAN>>> 8 TEETH in less than 2 months!!! WOW! ELizabeth began teething at about 7 or 8 months and at 14 months, she only has 6 teeth! WAY TO GO ALEX! That is so so sweet that Alex is going to be a ring-bearer! I hope you have an enjoyable vacation! LisaM, your kids' bedrooms sound ADORABLE!! That is cool that your aunt and you will have children close to the same age! They will be so close to each other and have a blast growing up! Patty, I LOL about Jesse throwing the football to the other team! That's so cute! Gosh... you have a 16 year old... wow! LOL! Just kidding! That is pretty cool that you and Jaime had pool parties at the same place! I hope Jarin get's back into the babysitter routine easily! Have a great week! Well, I hope you guys have a good Monday! Take care everyone! Kelli &Elizabeth, 14 months this week email: Rkncs@aol.com Sunday, September 12, 1999 at 23:18:16 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. I know, I know, I should be sleeping. That's what I thought, too, but apparantly, Darrel doesn't think so. He woke up throwing up and crying. I don't know what's wrong with him. He used to never throw up, until a few days before his birthday. If Darrel throws up again before 8:30 or is running a high fever by then, I'm not going in to work, even though I really need the money. Okay, I need for everyone to pray for my best friend, Ruth. She's in town for a visit until Friday. She was raped her first week here, and she thinks she might be pregnant. Her and her husband would keep the baby if she is, but they'd both rather her not be. Her husband doesn't want a child right now but would accept the baby. Ruth wants a baby, but she doesn't want to have a child like this. Please send -----thoughts her way. Well, Darrel took his first steps yesterday evening. I'm happy but also sad. It was a bittersweet moment. Darrel is growing so fast, and everytime I look, he learns a new skill. I love him so much. Darrel acctually just kind of shuffled along one or two steps, but he did it alone. I knew it would be soon. He's been showing some signs that it could come anyday. He does the crab walk, is constantly cruising, is constantly walking with push toys and using lightwieght objects for push toys, such as his activity table, bar stools, and his high chair. Today, he even stood up completely on his own a few times; didn't have anything for balance and rose up alone. It's so cute when they first start walking and their steps are so tentative. Kahne: Darrel also shakes his head "no" and he nods his "yes". When he was Cat's age, all of my friends though it was so amazing. They all wanted to know how I got him to do that. Darrel taught one of his friends how to do it, and it made her daddy unhappy. She was in her walking and got real fussy, so daddy gave her a bottle and told her to say "dada". She shook her head no and said "mama". Well, Darrel likes to throw things. It's funny when he does. Except, I can't go to one particular friend's house until he has decided he's satisfied with his throwing ability and quits practicing so much. She yells at him when he throws, and she nearly spanked him once for throwing. I told her flat out that I don't spank Darrel. It's not that I don't believe in spanking because I do. I just feel that Darrel is too young to be spanked, especially for practicing a new skill. Plus, Darrel is a sensitive child. It won't do any good until he's more verbal and starts to understand right and wrong. I'd rather use other discipline tchniques right now that gets the point across but doesn't hurt his feelings as much. Just being told "no" is hard enough on him. He looks at me with puppy dog eyes and looks as though he had just been slapped. So, if I can find a way to rephrase his "no"'s, I do. Like if Darrel is going to a room that he's not wanted in, I have to ask him where he's going and tell him to come to me. He listens. Darrel listens very well for being so young and curious. I can tell, though, that there are times that he doesn't want to listen, even though he does. How did I get so lucky to have such a good child? Well, that's it for now. Talk more later. Crystal and Darrel 12 1/2 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 02:30:47 (MDT)) Hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours went by way too fast. I rented a video tape of Thomas the Train for Colton. That is one of his favorite books. He really liked the tape. He would only sit for about 10 minutes to watch--which is good. He would snuggle in my lap and point at the trains and grin. Too bad it has to be returned Wednesday. The open house went good. We had great weather and a good turnout. Lots of food left. We had ordered 3 6-ft Subway subs. We had 1 left. I cut it all up and gave quite a bit away, still have plenty for us though. Sunday I was working on taking pictures for my ABC book I will be putting together this weekend. We went to MIL's house to get a picture of their horse, Ocha, for the letter "O". Colton had so much fun petting the horse. He ends up poking at the eyes, and sticking his fingers in Ocha's nose. The horse didn't mind at all. He also got to play with a kitty there. He just loves animals. Last night he was so tired but refused to be put to bed. Sunday's are always the hardest because he has so much fun playing with both mommy & daddy all day. He would grab his bottle and blankie and go sit in his rocking chair. If I went anywhere near him to try to rock him to sleep he would just scream and run to DH. Finally he tired himself out enough so I could put him to sleep. Becky: Thanks for the pictures of Harley--great smile, a cutie. I have the same blue Graco pattern on Colton's baby-swing & stroller as your playpen! Helen: Poor Amanda & not being able to go outside because of the rain--lol. Megan: Sure hope Ben gets some teeth soon. Colton gagged on chunky foods for quite a while. He still does once in a while--unless it's a cookie! I think it is more the taste than the texture. Also, his dr has said that he has a really quick gag reflex. I would love to see pictures of Ben. LisaB: Yeah for Max walking. Watch out! Once they start they run all over and quick. It is so cute to see them run into your arms from across the room. Enjoy this milestone. Crystal: I will be keeping your friend Ruth in my prayers. That must be a very difficult situation for her. I will also be keeping you in my prayers. It must be difficult for you being a single mom with your Dh away and having to deal with your family. It seems like you feel good about what you are doing with your life and have set goals and plans for yourself. It must be hard to be your own person and still live with your parents. I really hope you can find a place of your own soon. Good thing DH is coming home to you in a few weeks. Hang in there. Yeah for Darrel walking. Have fun playing chase now! Moriah: The wedding and Disneyland weekend sounds like lots of fun. 8 teeth already! Wow, way to go Alex. Colton still has just 4. My friend Carrie is not going to breast feed. Her drs advised her against it. They felt that it would take too much of her energy away. LisaM: Good job on only gaining 20#s so far. The rooms sound so cute. Kelly: What a fun weekend you and your family had. Colton loves to hear us sing too. He even dances with his hands to me now. Time to get to work. Have a great day everyone. Julianne & Colton 14 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 07:47:11 (MDT)) Good morning everyone. It's Sarah g. Hope you all enjoyed your weekends. We had a pretty nice time. Saturday my kids and I and my mom went to San Leandro for my great aunt's 80th birthday party. (Thought of you, Rita; I think I was in your neck of the woods!) It was pretty fun. Isaac definately had the most fun of anyone in the building! He was dancing wildly, spinning in circles, and head-butting me while he danced!! There was a mariachi (sp?) group. It was a blast to watch Isaac. He ate a ton of food, almost a whole tamale, rice and beans, and then cake! I think my little guy is gonna be a party animal!! We visited the IL's yesterday. It went pretty well. I tried not to worry too much about things that bug me about them. We even left the kids with them for about an hour so we could go do some errands. Of course Sofie was screaming crying when we came back because MIL just forgot that she will take a pacifier! She is pretty loopy at times. They are (including SIL & BIL who are totally nuts) the kind of people who don't have fulfillment from their own lives, so they are totally starved for postive things. They seem to just take energy from my kids, rather than give. It's really pathetic. Well, now that I've totally analyzed their problem, I suppose I have nothing else to gripe about!!! Sorry to vent all over this lovely board! Gotta go- motherly duties call! Post some personals later. Take care everyone! Sarah g & Isaac email: gat_men@hotmail.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 09:32:54 (MDT)) This will be real quick... Becky, I just check my mail and received 3 pictures of Harley... What a CUTIE!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing them with me! Kelli & Elizabeth Monday, September 13, 1999 at 10:38:31 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Beautiful here today! DH and I went out for the day on saturday to a 'seafood festival in NH- Had a good time- SIL watched the kids for the day. A bunch of us went up on our motorcycles. I have to respond to CRYSTAL and your parents..................... CRYSTAL- Your living with them, they know all Doug has put you through in the past, you were thinking of divorcing him- he then 'made up' with you and you've decided to work things out and give it another try--- well he didn't 'make up' with your parents and they still think( it sounds like) he is a schmuck!! Of course your their 'baby' and someone has hurt you which they are having a hard time forgiving. Your living with them and they are taking care of you and Darrel- not the man you married that got you PG and then married you--they sound as though they are having a hard time having any respect for him-- he did leave you both behind b/c of his job, instead of trying to keep you all together and make the marriage stronge and bond with his infant son. Forgive me- but I think any parent may be a little stressed over this- of course your parents may be equally annoying and opinionated in which case you need to be on your own taking care of things yourself with the help of DH providing for you both so you can be an adult and not have to answer to them. I hope I don't come across as a b**ch- I'm just wondering what your all thinking??!! Also-- sorry to hear about your girlfriend- thats terrible- hope she is not PG- it would definately be for the best> :O( Thats all for now---- LATER!!!!! Helen&Amanda@13mos(#3) Monday, September 13, 1999 at 11:04:57 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Work is extremely crazy (just implemented a new accounting system statewide that is an absolute nightmare) and lucky me (NOT) has been temporarily reassigned as a "floater" to help everyone through this crisis. All that means if I know have a gazillion "bosses" who all want me drop everything everyone else has given me and make their project a priority - UGH! Thank God for this board - I check in every chance I get just to help retain my saniety. We got a new camcorder Friday. They exchanged the old one - the new one is an updated model with more features but was the same price! We got home and DH put the "Max" tape in it to transfer to a regular tape and the 8mm camcorder tape broke. I was all upset thinking we had lost almost an entire year of his life on tape - but DH was able to splice it together and save most of it. It's now on a regular tape & DH promised to "save" the tape more often from now on. Max was all over this weekend walking. It's so much fun to watch him. I decided to forget the work I took home this weekend, ignore the kitchen floor that desparately needs to be mopped, etc. and just sat in his bedroom playing with him for a hour last night. It was soooo much fun! DANA: Birdie from BT asked me to tell you "hi"! Her little Noah is 9 1/2 months so she'll be moving over here before very long. CRYSTAL: First of all, big congrats on Darrel walking! Isn't it one of the coolest things EVER???!!!!! I think it's great that you have your priorities straight and recognize that your family (Doug and Darrel) are the important thing ... not the material things your mom and brother seem to worship. How awful that they discourage you from going to church :-) It sounds like your problems with them are deeprooted and existed long before Doug came into the picture. I STILL think, however, that you should make an effort to have Darrel around them and just leave as soon as they act the least bit disrespectful to you, Doug, or Darrel. Your friend who has the hissy fit over throwing obviously doesn't have kids and doesn't realize that ALL 1 year olds like to throw (after all - they are still experimenting with cause and effect). I'll be thinking of Ruth; keep us posted. PATTY: LOL at Jesse throwing to the wrong team - I did that at a junior high basketball game once and everyone YELLED at me. I was so humilated. It sounds like everyone was kinder to Jesse :-) I bet you really feel old now that Jaime is 16 - and a little scared knowing what you, me, and everyone else was doing at that age! Jarin is not too old to nurse and don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. I hope my comments haven't made you feel that way. Max is being weaned but it's been entirely initiated by him (I think he's trying to give up his bedtime nursing now - the one I REALLY enjoy). I figure I'll let him do whatever he wants until he's 18 months and then I'll CONSIDER weaning him if he hasn't given it up yet. Everyone else - have a GREAT day and thanks for being my free therapy! LisaB & Max (12 1/2 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 11:43:55 (MDT)) CRYSTAL: Please delete the :-) behind my church comment and insert an :-( LisaB Monday, September 13, 1999 at 11:46:46 (MDT)) It's LisaB - AGAIN (I swear I have no memory anymore). I asked the babysitter last week how she gets Max down for a nap. I used to nurse him to sleep for naps but he's given up his daytime feedings. We now hold him tight in our arms so he can't move and he cries, generally more of a whimper, for 2-5 minutes and then goes to sleep (if we just put him in his crib he SCREAMS for 10 plus minutes). The sitter said she just holds him for about 5 minutes - he lays there and watches her, no crying, no fussing, etc. - and drifts off to sleep. WHY IS THIS? Does he just feel like he's going to "miss out" on more at home, does he feel more comfortable with us so he shows his true feelings, is something about the sitter or her home more relaxing than mom or dad, etc.? I'm just at a loss as to why it's so easy for her to get him to sleep and such a battle for us. Saturday he was fussy and wouldn't take an afternoon nap - I held him on my lap for 15 minutes for "quiet time" and all he did was fuss and squirm so I gave up and let him down. He was playing on the floor around 6pm and was so tired he laid his head down and went to sleep on his own. What a stinker! LisaB Monday, September 13, 1999 at 11:54:13 (MDT)) Good morning from Rita. I was off on Friday because I took Amy to UC Berkeley for the study she was in. We went up to visit my sister after that. On Saturday we walked over to our town's Fall Festival. Maddy wanted to go in the bouncy house like all of the big kids. She had fun for about the first ten seconds until she fell and couldn't get back up. All the big kids jumping close to her also scared her. We let her try the ping pong ball toss knowing that she couldn't possibly win a goldfish. Well, they gave her one anyway. So, we had to go out and get a tank, etc. All for a free fish! There was no way that we could not keep "Mr. Chips". I went out for a proper tea yesterday with one of my closest friends. It felt like I hadn't done anything like that in sooooo long. Larry was a good sport about watching the girls. At least they were much better behaved for him than they were for me on Saturday. Dana - It is soooo good to hear from you. Sounds like Derek is thriving. I am glad that you were able to recognize what kind of problem you were having. I wish you and DH the best. Sarah g - You were in San Leandro and you didn't tell me? Tisk tisk. Julianne - The alphabet books are cute. I don't know that I have enough time to do one of those in addition to what I am currently working on. I would also like to do book based on quilt patterns. There was a Creative Memories person at the festival. She has the crop parties once a month. I am not sure about going since I don't use their stuff. Becky - Please send me Harley's pictures. I'll have to email you so we can set up a place to meet for the Ren Faire. Moriah - Eight teeth? Wow. I think that Amy might finally be teething. The wedding (and honeymoon, LOL) sound great. Have fun in Disneyland. Lisa B - Congratulations on your little walker. I give him a week before he starts to run! Megan - Careful with balloons for the first birthday. We got this mylar Winnie the Pooh balloon attached to a basket so it looks like a hot air balloon. I used it for a center piece. Well, the darn thing won't deflate. Here it is almost two years later taking up space on Maddy's dresser. Of course, we couldn't get rid of it without upsetting her. I find it somewhat sinister that it is still around. Gotta get back to work. Take care everyone. Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 12:01:09 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. We're getting lovely weather here in Ft. Worth. It's been raining on and off the past week and is cooling down quite a bit. It feels great, and it's cool enough for jeans now. LisaB- You're right, the problems with my parents started long before Doug. They've just gotten worse with Doug around. It all started after I pressed charges against my ex-stepdad when I was 12. My mom blamed me for the divorce, for him being put in jail, and for tearing the family up. After Darrel was born, she told me flat out that she'd rather I have a child and not be married than to be married and have a child. I've become a disappointment to my parents because I'm not who they want me to be, because I didn't do things "right". I didn't plan on getting married and having a child so soon, but plans are subject to change. I know what I want from life, and I will get what I want. I have different values than my parents, and they have a hard time accepting that. They always have. When I got married, that was the end of the line. My parents hated all the guys I've ever dated. My mom blames herself that I was molested as a child, and she sees a lot of the same personality traits in my husband that her ex-husband has. Doug never yells, and it takes a lot for him to get mad. Doug listens to the same music he did, and Doug always seems calm. I think that scares my mom. Doug would never abuse me or Darrel or any other child we have in the future, even if he has some of the same personality traits. I know that it wasn't those things that caused the abuse in my past. Plus, my mom married her ex-husband at my age and had two kids (me and my younger brother) before she got married. She married him to get out of her parents' house and so that my brother and I can have a dad. Of course, her choice wasn't the greatest. I thinkk that my mom may be afraid that I could be making the same mistakes she made at my age, but she doesn't know Doug. Another thing that gets my mom is that Doug is a mechanic. My ex-stepdad was a mechanic as well. Helen: I don't think you were being a b----h. But all the problems actually started before Doug even came into the picture. Read my post to LisaB for more info. Well, that's all for now. I have to check the progress on the hurricanes because Doug has another two weeks before he'll be here. I'm not worried about Gert because he'll be here by the time Gert's course is known. Floyd, on the other hand, is too close and too dangerous. I don't want dh around NC if it heads there. Crystal and Darrel 12 3/4 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 16:09:20 (MDT)) Good Afternoon ladies, Becky here. I hate Mondays. I had so much fun with Harley this weekend that I just hate it when I have to go back to work. Yesterday, I was giving my maltese dog, Jesse a flea bath in the bathtub and Harley was "helping" me, (more like taunting the dog and laughing at him). Well I was scrubbing the dog and Harley was right next to me, and before I knew it, SPLASH. Harley was face down in the tub. I snatched him up, sputtering and I think he was as surprised as I was. I dried him off and he didn't even cry, and when DH came in the house (working on the car) he "told" DH all about the extra bath he had. It was pretty cute. Kind of scary though. Harley is really getting into pointing at things and going Huh? like he wants the name for whatever he is pointing at. He still isn't really talking but jabbers up a storm. Lisanne-LOL at milk flying everywhere. Rita-I can't wait to meet you at the Rin Faire. I sent you some pics of Harley. How is your new fish doing? Lisa B-What would they do at work without you. Sorry about the nightmare accounting system, but at least you know you are needed. Hooray for Max walking, Look out world here he comes! Helen-I am so jealous, I love seafood. It has also been a couple of years since DH and I have been able to ride the bike since someone hit him when I was pregnant and broke his leg and the bike. Getting the bike fixed is on our to do list (after changing diapers, feeding the boy, etc.) Kelli-I'm glad you received the pictures okay. I'm glad you all had fun at 6 flags. Neat that you won the $30 gift certificate. Sarah G-My aunt lives in San Leandro too! Do you live in California? I forgot. I live in Fairfield. So sweet that Isaac woke up singing, I love it when Harley wakes up in a good mood. Julianne-It's great that the open house went good. I think your ABC book sounds really neat. I know what you mean about Sundays and wanting to play, what is sleep? Harley took zero naps last Sunday. Patty-I'm glad that Jarin is doing better, and that you survived the birthday party. Kahne-Harley doesn't get much time with other babies either, but when he does see them he goes crazy. He loves to see other babies. I have more personals but It is time to go home now and kiss my little guy. I'll post more in the am. Love you guys. Becky & Harley- 1 year and 1month today email: bsmisek@scfair.org Monday, September 13, 1999 at 17:22:33 (MDT)) LisaM here...Took a ride to Newport today on a mission to buy a toy called Woodkins as this is the only place I can buy them... We get into the store(after walking about 12 minutes) and I am trying to look quickly when Katie starts fussing,crying, pulling at me,etc.. which she does now because she wants OUT!!!! I am trying to keep my patience and not really paying attention when she starts saying "Mommy OOOH OOOH OOH" and hitting her chest. I look next to her and there is this huge black gorilla staring her in the face I felt HORRIBLE!! I pay for my things and leave and my SIL and I decide we'll let the girls run around and eat lunch before we head home. I order lunch, and realize i have left my wallet at the store because I felt so bad with Katie. I start coughing and wet my pants (love being pregnant twice in a year) thank goodness I had on a dress!! Kelli-does Elizabeth fuss often in the car? We survive with Raffi since Katie has hated being in the car since we brought her home. We are going to Florida in March, wish us luck!(by plane) Julianne-The ABC book sounds great! Are you a journalist? LisaB- Have fun with the new camcorder! Katie loves watching herself on TV. I would have cried if any of the tape was lost..all of their preciousness!! It sounds as though Max has 2 different routines for sleeping-we know how much they thrive on routines! Also, he didn't want to give up Mommy on Sunday as he knows how proud you are of his walking! Sometimes they are so dependent(chuckle chuckle!) Crystal- How hard for your friend.. please keep us posted for thoughts and prayers as you will need them also. Take care! LisaM Monday, September 13, 1999 at 18:43:08 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Jarin did pretty well at the sitter's today. She said he only cried for a few minutes and he ate really well for her. Yay! Tomorrow is his recheck at the dr. I hope everything is ok. **I forgot to tell you guys!! For some of you "old" posters (heehee) who remember Mary and Jewel from Australia - she had her baby!!! She had a little boy on Friday night, but as far as I know they don't have a name yet. Her DH sent me a video (on email) of him at 5 minutes old. So sweet. Makes me want another one. **Kelli: LOL at you and DH singing 99 bottles of milk. Didn't it used to be beer? LOL. Keep thinking of my baby going to the sitter. I'm never sure what he's going to do when he gets there. **Crystal: Keep us informed about your friend, Ruth. That is so awful. Darrell is walking! Yay! **Julianne: Thomas the Tank Engine? He used to be Jesse's ultimate favorite. I remember watching all those videos over and over. He even still has all the little trains. =) **Sarahg: I bet all the guests enjoyed watching Isaac dancing around. What's cuter than a toddler dancing? **LisaB: Hope things settle down at work for you soon. See what happens when you're so smart? You're in demand everywhere. LOL. Yes, people were kind to Jesse - he wasn't the only one on his team who did that. hee hee. Obviously, they are beginners. =) I am definitely scared at having a 16 year old! I keep thinking that when I was 17, I was pregnant with her!!!!!! Very scary, except that cheerleading keeps her so busy and she is still pretty immature. She is so little that guys look at her as a little sister, not as a date. So, no dating yet. Darn. (Hear the sarcasm?) Your comments on weaning haven't bothered me at all. I know Max is initiating the weaning. I just wonder if Jarin ever will. For some strange reason, he is kind of attached to me. (quite literally, too!) I don't know why Max goes to sleep so much easier for the sitter. Maybe he just wants to be with you more, so he stays awake. **Rita: LOL at your experience with Mr. Chips. That is so funny. **Ok, little one crying at my leg. Gotta go. Patty and Jarin - 12 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 19:24:39 (MDT)) Hey Guys..... Hope your weekend was nice....Finally got a little rain here in Tennessee. Not much though, we could use a whole lot more.... But the temp has cooled down a whole lot. Its kinda chilly in the morning. Dusty has had one of those days today. I was expecting the terrible two's to happen after he is two....LOL....He is now trying to see how far a temper tantrum will get him....:\ gesh,,,,, between him and his daddy I don't know who has the worst temper. Dusty thinks his puppy is something to sit on. I'm trying so hard to make him be gentle. Any suggestions??? I am running out of ideas. Well gotta go. God Bless Love Ya Missy & Dusty (22 months) email: terrym@safeconnect.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 19:25:06 (MDT)) Okay, I just had this big post and LOST IT!!! UGHHH! I hate that. Anyway, I've only had time to scan the posts so this will be a bit selfish today. Had a nice weekend. Allison decided on Friday night that she would really start walking everywhere. Before then she would walk about 5 or 6 steps at a time but now she is really going everywhere. She still hates to walk with shoes on, however. In fact, she pretty much refuses to do it. I try to make her wear shoes a little bit each day to get her used to them, but it's a major fight everytime I try to put them on her. She has a tendency to roll her ankles inward and the shoes keep her from doing this and she's not used to having her feet confined like that. Any suggestions about this? I can't let her go barefoot for the rest of her life and winter's coming soon! :-) Lisa B - that new accounting system wouldn't happen to be called MARS would it? Kentucky just implemented that system and it's AWFUL! So awful in fact that my department opted to discontinue its use after about 2 months and use our old in house system. Moriah - so good to see you and Alex over here. Its good to have the old group back together. Joy - good to hear from you as well. Glad to hear that your pregnancy seem to be doing okay. Kelli - I just sent the pictures off to Candance last Thursday. Speaking of pictures. I just got mine back, but have yet to see Candance's (which I think we determined were lost), Patty's or Sarah M.'s anybody know where these are?? I hope they are just out of order and not lost forever. LEt me know. Sarah M - I thought of you tonight. Allison pooped in the tub AGAIN! So gross having to take all the toys out and clean them, etc etc. Oh well, such is the life of a parent. Crystal - I will be praying for your friend, and her husband. That would be an awful situation to be in. Patty - glad to hear that Jarin seems to be doing well at the sitter's. It makes going to work each day much easier knowing that they are happy. Well, I must be off here since this is actually my second post of the night. Hope you all have a great night. Hug those babies (or should I say toddlers now LOL!) for me and Allison. Beth and Allison (15 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 20:01:13 (MDT)) Hi from CathyG- Wow, I am so far behind, so much for my wish to stay caught up here. Our weekend in Toronto was a lot of fun. The girls were great in the car, so was the traffic, so we made good time. We had a fun visit with my SIL's family. We went to Wonderland on Friday, and went on the little kid rides. Alison and I went on the swan boats, and DH took her on the merry-go-round. She enjoyed herself. On Saturday, DH and SIL's DH golfed in the am and then my SIL and I took off for the afternoon, looking in some of the small towns around her town. It was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I got a cold on the Sunday, which I still have now, over 1 week later. Alison is saying a few things, UP is her favorite word right now and she also says ARA for her friend Sarah on our street. She also does a sort of WOO for what does a doggy say. I'm getting her one year pictures taken this Friday, a little late. Since we were away for her birthday, we are celebrating this Sunday with DH's family (it is also DH's birthday this Friday). DH and I are going out to dinner Friday to celebrate ourselves. Well, I made a few notes when I started reading, but most of them became out-of-date by the time I read more. So here are a few comments: Crystal - It sounds like your Doug is a good man, and that you do need to come to some understanding with your parents. Boy they sure are rough on you, but you don't have to take it and your son shouldn't be subjected to it. Surely for his sake, they can let it go?? Megan - My doctor said vitamins are not too useful that they just pee them out. However, I gave them to Emma when she was little on the advice of my Dr at the time. Who knows? It certainly couldn't hurt. Cynthia - Hi and too bad about the poison ivy. Where did you camp? I'm with you about the restaurant part, but I don't think I could sleep in a tent. You are brave! Lisa B - I'm the other accountant. I'm a CA (canadian equivalent of CPA). I worked for 11 years for one of the big 8 (I think it must be down to 4 or 5 by now) and then went into government for a saner lifestyle, and also because the benefits are better for having children. It's why I'm able to stay home and still have a job to go back to. Julianne - I was at my DH's niece's B-day party on Saturday (she turned 5) and there was a boy named Colton there! I hadn't heard the name before reading your posts, and now here's another one. BTW, he was a gorgeous boy, with curly blonde hair) Patty - I'm so glad Jarin is OK. It must have been so difficult for you. Dana - Hi! You sound like you have been pushing yourself, and while you have always sounded like an extremely high energy person too, it is no wonder that you just reached the boiling point. I wish you and your hubby all the best in coming through this. Hope Derek's birthday is great. Kelli - I know how you feel about Elizabeth and Daddy. Alison gets this amazing smile when DH comes home, and she knows that he is DADA, (I never get mama). But I agree that it is probably just the change of faces. Moriah - you will already be or have been to Disney by now, so hope it was fun. Alex sounds like he is doing great. Well that's it for me. Hope everyone else is well, and toddlers too. Cathy G and Alison (13 months) email: davidalan.pratt@sympatico.ca Monday, September 13, 1999 at 20:52:37 (MDT)) Hi from Cathy - Beth - I just read your post, it came on while I was typing my epic. I would let Alison get really comfortable walking without shoes for a while and don't push the shoes. If you have some soft slippers these would be okay. Kids need to get the feel of walking, and they can't do it with the thick soles and solid support of the shoes. I got alison some shoes after she'd been walking for about 3 weeks because we were going to a cottage and we broke them in over about a week. Now she is comfortable with the shoes, and walks quite easily in them as well as barefoot. Good luck. Cathy G and Alison email: davidalan.pratt@sympatico.ca Monday, September 13, 1999 at 20:57:55 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. Just a few quick replies before going to bed: Megan: Darrel is on vitamins. The dr. wanted him on it to see if there was something he was low on because that can cause a slight developmental delay. She also felt that if he won't eat baby food and always has to have regular food, then there's a chance that he may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs. About a week after Darrel started taking his vitamins, he started standing. I don't know if it was a coincidence or whether the vitamins actually helped. Darrel's not quite walking yet. He's just taking a few steps every once in a while. But, he's getting more confident on standing alone. There are times when all Darrel does is stand and he'll sometimes bounce on his bed without holding onto anything. He's just so funny. LisaB: Actually, my friend who gets mad at Darrel for throwing does have a child and is pregnant with her second. Her child is 9 months, so he doesn't throw yet. I feel sorry for him when he does start throwing, though. My friend has no problem with spanking a child so young. She wanted Darrel to get spanked for throwing. I told her flat out that I don't spank Darrel. It's not that I'm against spanking, because I'm not. However, I am against spanking a child who doesn't yet understand the difference between right and wrong and for practicing a new skill. Right now, I let Darrel throw to his heart's content as loong as he doesn't throw at anyone or hurt anyone with his throwing. Once he moves on to a different skill and only throws occasionally, then, I'll teach him the rules for throwing- like no throwing in the house and what he's allowed to throw. Well, gotta go. I have to get up for work in the morning. I'll post some more later. Crystal and Darrel 12 3/4 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Monday, September 13, 1999 at 21:55:54 (MDT)) Hi everyone, Joy here. can I just say how nice it is to be back into a routine where you guys are included in my morning. It is so nice to hear from all of you. We are doing fine here. Josh is much in need of a hair cut but I don't know where to go to get him one, he's so little. Do regular hair salons cut babies hair? Lately our newest battle is the car seat. He doesn't seem to like going in it anymore and is quite verbal in communicating that. When all else fails I just turn on the music and ignore his cries of protest. *Kahne* Cat stands on her own? Thats great, Josh still needs to be hanging on to something. *Patti*Did Jesse have something wrong with his kidneys as well? Oh the book is on hold until we have our own place again and I unpack the box in which DH packed my disc. UGH. I am just editing it now anyways but that is the most tedious thing and I wish I could be working on it now. Thanks for asking though. *Kelli* I live in Sarnia Ontaria, it is on Lake Huron and the ST.Clair River across from Port Huron Michigan. We are starting up a Pentecostal church. Dh and I will be working with the youth. *Crystal* Keeping your friend Ruth in my prayers. Congrats on Darrel walking. *LisaM* too funny about you wetting your pants! When is your baby due? How far apart will they be in age? I am due Jan. 12 and Josh and the new baby will be 14 and a half months apart. *LisaB* Hope your day goes better today Lisa I am sending postive prayers your way. Josh goes to sleep quicker and easier with other people too. We don't usually have a problem putting him to sleep(minimal crying) but any babysitter can do it with no crying at all. They tell me they just pick him up and he is asleep before they know it! That never happens with me, only when he was really sick. I think it is a combination of Max wanting to spend as much time with you as possible and knowing what he can get away with when Mommy has him. Talk to you later. Joy Joy and Josh email: stan.kita@sympatico.ca Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 06:01:30 (MDT)) Well, I'm up bright and early- ok, for me it is. Isaac wet the bed and dh helped out. He can't understand how to change a crib sheet, but that would be expecting too much-- ha ha! Isaac started his Tot class yesterday. It was pretty neat. There are about 25 2 yr olds with their moms. Got interesting at clean up times, but that's part of the deal, for 2 yr olds, right? I went to school last night. My class is pretty slow and boring, but it's a kick letting dh handle the kiddos, even bedtime, all by himself. He's getting better at it, it's great. Lisa B- Hey- I understand the nap thing. We went through that big time with Isaac. Day care had him sleeping on a cot, with no problem. He would scream to nap in his crib at home. I had also nursed Isaac to sleep as an infant. (With DD I haven't done that once.) Now Isaac naps on the couch. It's a nice comprimise and he goes to sleep on his own. Best wishes with Max. Routine (story books, etc) really help us. Rita- What kind of study was Amy in? Wow- a proper tea? How fancy!! Becky- We live aobut 45 min. north east of Sacramento. Glad Harley didn't get upset about his extra bath, sounds like he has a good sense of humor. Missy- I think kids love to sit on anything that can fit under them!! I don't have any suggestions- oops, sorry... Beth- Are Alison's feet flat? I only ask because Isaac's feet are totally flat- and he tends to roll his ankles in a little. She'll get used to the shoes pretty soon, I would guess. Good luck. That's all for now guys! Talk more later! Sarah g and Isaac (28 months today) email: gat_men@hotmail.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 07:17:47 (MDT)) Hi, some of you might remember me, I used to post for a while on the Babies Today board but I gave up because I just couldn't keep up. I shouldn't technically be on this board, but as I've only got 6 weeks to go until James is 1 and he's just taken a couple of steps so is 'almost' a toddler, do you mind if I join you over here? I'm currently working 2 days per week on a 6 month (renewable) contract basis for my old company, doing some marketing consultancy. I gave up 'permanent' work a couple of months back because James just wasn't settled at all at day care. He's in great shape at the moment though, I'm v. lucky that my Mum has him for the 2 days I work, and he is just such a happy little boy at the moment. Some of you may remember that he went through a phase of 'growling' when he's excited - well he still does it, I think I've got a bear cub instead of a baby! I've had a pretty lonely few weeks, as DH (he's a sound Engineer) has been working on a TV show which is broadcast live each evening so he's been going to work in the afternoon and coming home in the early hours of the morning which has been quite odd. Luckily the series finishes for a while from tomorrow so I'll get to know my husband again! A huge big 'Happy Birthday' to all the babies whose birthdays I've missed. I'm starting to plan James' birthday party, but I have a slight problem - although I love to cook, I am the worst cake baker in the world - I've never managed an edible one yet!! I don't know what I do wrong but I'm jinxed. I'm determined to bake him a birthday cake though - something in my subconscious must relate cake baking to being a good mother,(!) and I'm determined to prove I can do it! (DH gulped, said he felt sorry for James, and said he's going to buy one to put on standby!!) So if any of you have an idiotproof, easy, birthday cake recipe, then please let me know!! Kahne - your wedding sounds great! We also had a couple of 'disasters' on the day, but I still remember it as the happiest day of my life (before James came along!) At least you gave people things to remember! Lisa B - I have exactly the same problem with James napping. My Mum never has any problem with putting him down, nor do others who have looked after him - I have to hold his hand on the sofa and then transfer him to the cot when he's asleep! He just screams the place down if I put him the cot, even if he's half asleep. The funny thing is that he's brilliant at night - I can put him in his cot wide awake, and he often stands up for a final hug, then when I leave he lies down and goes to sleep! He just refuses to do it in the day though. Hopefully speak to you all again soon, Louise & James Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 07:45:03 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Thanks for all the nap advice. Yesterday Max got in his first fight - with the 18 month old at daycare. They both wanted the same toy and were both pulling on it at the same time. They ended up both falling down on their behinds, holding on to the toy for dear life, and crying. The sitter said she had to laugh it was so cute! Also, Max's other molars FINALLY broke the surface. The new problem is that it's turned cool - highs of already 70 each day. Max has "hot" clothes (shorts) and "cold" clothes (sweats and heavy outfits) but few in-between clothes. I may have to start sending him to daycare in his pajamas! CRYSTAL: I heard about Floyd. Too bad DH still has a few more weeks to go - he needs to "get the heck out of Dodge" and come home safely to you and Darrel. I agree completely with you on the throwing and spanking issue. LisaM: The gorilla, losing your wallet, and wetting yourself (one aspect of pregnancy I definitely don't miss - LOL) ... what a day! PATTY: Please pass my congrats along to Mary! BETH: Max's doctor recommends that he wears shoes about 2 hours every day just to get used to them. She said it's important for him to get lots of practice walking both with shoes on and shoes off. Our new accounting system is Advantage by AMS. It's statewide and everyone HAS to use it ... no opting out. It was implemented in July, even through it still had several bugs in it, as the new state fiscal year started and the old system was not Y2K compliant. CathyG: I'm a CPA but have only worked in government ... I couldn't handle the stress of the big 8 when I graduated from college. I think it's down to 5-6, the last I heard. JOY: Max got his first haircut about 2 months ago. I asked around work, daycare, etc. for recommendations and found a salon that did a great job. SarahG: We have a bedtime routine ... I'll try to implement one for naps and see how that works! Silly me, I never even thought about that!!!! LisaB & Max (12 1/2 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 07:55:37 (MDT)) Good morning from Rita. I think that Maddy must be heading for another growth spurt or something. She's been quite clumsy the past few days and she is quite "brittle" and bursts into tears for all kinds of reasons. Some days can be so exhausting with her. Her health seems okay, so I won't be taking her into the ped until her three year check in December. We didn't get into the gym class this session and she really needs that kind of interaction. I need to find something else for her to do on weekends. Missy - One of my older sisters reminded me when Maddy was fifteen months and having some major tantrums that the terribles twos do not start at two years of age, they start the second year of life! The adventure is just beginning... Louise - Welcome back to you and James. I usually buy birthday cakes since they have to feed so many people, so I can't be much help with a good recipe. Lisa B - The weather out here is always unpredictable, so I send all kinds of spare clothes for the girls. I have given Maddy her own backpack to carry her things in since I can't possibly fit all of Amy's baby necessitites and Maddy's things together. Maddy also likes to bring a video or books or toys. Beth - I agree with Cathy's advice on the shoes. Maddy wore "Padders" with suede soles when she was first starting to walk. We only had her in shoes if she were going to be outside. Sarah g - Amy was in a study for pre-crawlers where she got to "drive" a motorized cart that simulated some of the spatial changes a crawling baby would experience. She actually drove the cart and disconnected the motor cables, too! DH was so proud of her. I think we have a little engineer on our hands. She is more into figuring out how things work than Maddy was at the same age. Well, it's that time again - work. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 11:07:20 (MDT)) Good morning it's Moriah! UGH! This is a sucky week. Today was supposed to be my 1st day at work. I got up EARLY, got me ready, fed Alex (but had to skip his normal bath because I was short on time), got everything ready, loaded us in the truck & I got there & GUESS WHAT - the lady forgot I was coming! Now I'm starting in 2 weeks (because we'll be gone next week). Really that works out better because I'm very busy getting ready this week but it was just the point. Oh well. It makes me feel like at least the lady will be understanding with me when it comes to my schedule if she's so lax with hers. I invited my sister Shelly to join us. She has 3 boys, her youngest Riley was 1 in April. I'm hoping she will. She lives about 8 hours from here & I haven't seen her since Alex was born. We've always been SUPER close. So if she comes give her a big howdy! Well on to the personals! Kahne- Alex has no interaction with babies either & that worries me. We have to be so careful & not let him get sick so that's why he doesn't really have any playmates. :( I want him to see other babies because I think he'd learn a lot. Patty - HOLY MOLY a 16 year old. I was a cheerleader @ 16 too & boy was I BUSY. I didn't end up prego though (only because my mom was realistic & put me on the pill). Do you have an open realtionship with you daughter? I truly hope that when my children are teenagers that they'll feel like they can come to me about anything. It helped me so much that I had that kind of mom. Kelly - I LOVE Bath & Body Works. My newest fav scent is the White Gardenia . Have the shower cream, lotion & splash. I always spend too much $$ there! Plus I use their "Face" line for cleanser, toner, moisturizer & under eye cream + a mask. Julianne - What a cool idea for the ABC book. I think I'll have to steal it. I've gotten into scrapbooking lately. It's really fun. I have Alex's 1st year photos all arranged in chronological order & I'm going to start working on his album. Sarah G - you must be up around Auburn?? I lived there as a child (also in Meadow Vista). My sister also lived there later when she was an adult. Really pretty area!! Becky - thank for the cute Harley pics!! I love his hair! Lisa B - hope your job is going better. I laughed about the tape. SOunds so much like something Geoff would do & it sounds like me screaming & having a meltdown at him to fix it LOL!! Joy - I too grapple with the to cut or not to cut issue. Alex's hair is getting long but only in patches. My poor child has quite the head of UNRULY hair. Comes from Geoff. Louise - Welcome back - I snick over here early too. I had to LOL at the cake story. The year that we were engaged & had just moved into our house I wanted to throw Geoff a BD party. He LOVES carrot cake so I got this bright idea that I'd bake one. Hold Disaster! The cake had clumps of carrots & all the nuts sank to the bottom, plus the fosting sank into the cake because it was too runny. GROSS. I of course was in denial & still attempted to serve the cake to 30 people. How embarrassing. From now on it's either a bakery cake or a good old Duncan Hines mix for me. I think cookie baking is more a reflection on your mothering abilites. I of course make good cookies & I do make a mean pie. Think of it this way cookies are a staple for kids - cake is a celebration treat. Wouldn't you rather be good at a staple? LOL That's my theory! Well enough procratinating - I better clean the house up. Geoff is on his way home from fishing & he's going to take us to lunch. Chat again later! Moriah & Alex (23 more days...) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 11:52:11 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Amanda and I went to the garden shop today- I was getting withdrawls from all the plants I left behind in my old house!! I got 'mums' for the front step, another bleeding heart,a couple 'sedums' and 2-clematis'. Hope they all last the winter! Amanda had a ball splashing in the puddles from the plants dripping at the shop- pointing to the flowers and even picked a couple to show me! Now she is in bed for her nap- its after 2:00 and she is way past nap-time but was full of energy. I got one of those bubble cups that are spill-proof for Amanda-- they really work- tipped it-shook it and not a drop leaked out- must be magic! LOL! Amanda now can hold the container and is happy putting the bubble wand in and out of the cup and no spills.( can't get the idea of blowing yet!) LISAB- Congrats on Max walking! CRYSTAL- Congrats on Darrel too!!! Too bad your parents are being so difficult- once you get your own place it should be easier-just let them know that Darrel would be lost without them but if they can't be 'polite' to DH and hold their tongues- the visits will be few and far between- your mom made her mistakes and it seems as though she is,in a way blaming you for her life and pushing her opinions and ideas on you- sad! MORIAH- * teeth so quickly- wow! Busy little guy! So glad he is doing so well!!! KELLI- Have fun at the bath and body shop!! LISAM- DH does the same thing with the laundry- I pile it in his way and he goes over or around and says he didn't notice it!! RITA/MADDY- Amanda just got a mylar 'pooh' balloon over the weekend-I guess I better find a home for it if its going to be around for that long! LOL! BECKY/HARLEY- My butt was still hurting the day after the bike trip! Its a pain in the neck to go out on it with the kids... having to get a sitter and all, wish we could do it more often. Got a leather jacket the day after, it was really cold on the way home and my sweatshirt didn't help much! I really don't like the helmets- Your DH has a 'harley' too??. I hate the wind in my face and hate the 'goggles' I have to wear- my eyes water but they leave red rings around my eyes after I take them off- any suggestions???? Sounds lovely doesn't it!!!! BETH- I just put shoes on Amanda when she was walking and non-skid socks or slippers around the house-for shoes make sure they are soft and flexible and not too heavy. LOUISE/JAMES- Welcome!! LISAB--LOUISE-----Amanda is a good napper and sleeper, not hard to put to bed at all- DS was another story, had to be almost passed out to put him down or I would have to lay with him. Sometimes Amanda wants a bottle and sometimes she tries to get up and off of me to run around- but when I put her in her crib she just lays there and thats it- passes out, I'm lucky with this one!! Hope you find the trick, it seems as though every couple mos they change their preference of how they want things done- the only prob. is we can't read minds!!! Should go--- LATER!!!! Helen&Amanda@13mos(#3) Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 12:46:36 (MDT)) Good afternoon everyone. I felt so sick for soooo long, but I'm finally well enough to juggle work and posting at work:) I am now 25 weeks pregnant. R.J.(3yrs old on Thurs.) has started daycare. He's been there for about a month. It has been a tremendous adjustment, but he's so better off than aimlessly spending the day with his father, who works at night and doesn't have anytime to teach him things or prepare hot meals for him. Sometimes R.J. is a little hesistant about school, especially after the weekends, however once there he is fine. His favorite thing to say in the morning is,"Mommie, I got to go to school?" And I say yes of course, and he says, "No I'm NOT!" Raquel(1yr old on Thurs.) Is walking, almost running. She has been walking since 10 1/2 months. She is also babbling and pointing alot. Neither one of my sweeties can grasp the idea that Mommie is getting ready to give them ANOTHER sibling. DH and I are going through some interesting times, and I'll leave it at that:) Our lawsuit is still underway. As you know this baby was not suppose to be here. We consulted with several urologists and other men that have had the procedure done, and they all say that it only takes 3 to 4 weeks to clear. However it took my poor DH 8 MONTHS!!!!!!!!! And the funny thing is, I didn't become the pregnant the whole time before the doc gave us the "all clear". As soon as he told my husband, okay your clear, no need for protection... two weeks later I end up PREGNANT!!! I sure hope he settles out of court, that would speed up our needs for a new house and car. I will keep you all updated:) Nice to be able to talk to you all again. Only one personal for now: LOUISE- I know how you feel as far as the cake issue. I don't feel like I'm complete as a mother until I master baking biscuits:) Talk to you all tomorrow. Have a pleasant evening, and kiss the toddlers!!!! Tonya w/R.J.& Raquel,&? email: tbyette@aol.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 15:22:50 (MDT)) Becky's back. Here are the rest of my personals. Crystal-Yeah for first steps. Sorry to hear about your friend Ruth. That is a really hard situation. Do you use cloth diapers? Joy-Welcome back! I'm glad Josh is home now and doing better. I probably should get Harley's hair cut too as it is pretty long, but he's got curls so I don't really want to cut it. I think I'll hold out a little longer. He can be my little hippie boy. Moriah-I bet Alex is an adorable ring bearer. Have fun at Disneyland. Missy-Harley loves to sit on our cat too. Whenever he touches the animals I always take his hand and gently touch the animals and say "pet nicely harley, pet nicely" It works about 80% of the time. Lisa M.-Your babies room sound so cute. I am ashamed to say that I am still working on Harley's room. Hopefully it will be finished by the time he graduates from High School, ha ha. Sorry that Katie was scared by the gorilla. Patty-I have TMJ too. NOT FUN! Good luck on Jarin's recheck. Beth-Harley doesn't like shoes either. Sometimes he tries to put them on though because he associates shoes with going outside, which he loves. Cathy G. -Sorry about your cold but I'm glad that you had fun in Toranto. Sarah G.-The tot class sounds really neat. I got a coupon in the mail the other day for Gymboree so I think we are going to check it out. Louise-I remember you and your growling little bear boy. Welcome, please stay and continue to post. I agree that the BT board was hard to keep up with. Lisa B.-LOL at Max's first fight. It is so funny how persistant little people can be. Rita-Amy sounds cute in the motor cart. About the terrible two's, DH was just saying last night how they start the second year not after they turn 2. Do you have a bug in my house? Helen-Ahh I remember those sore butt days. I hate helmets too. I mean how can you see or hear anything with those things on, and if you get hit on the highway the only thing those helmets are good for is to pull teeth out of to identify the body. On the goggles issue, I guess you know that sunglasses are out of the question, as they blow right off. If you put a thin coat of vasaline on the part of the goggle that touches your face, it reduces the red rings around your eyes. Yes DH has a 1974 Harley. He likes to brag about his new 1998 "Harley" our boy too. Okay I have a question for you ladies. I was adopted at birth and get along really good with my parents. About 2 years ago my biological mother contacted me and we have talked on the phone a couple of times. After she first called me, she started sending a lot of letters and cards and I felt she was getting kind of pushy about wanting to be a part of my life. She was very young (16) when she had me, and I thanked her for having the strength to give me to a couple who was mature and really wanted kids. She lives in Florida and next month she will be in California and wants to meet me in person. I really would prefer not to meet her as she is literally a stranger to me. She doesn't even know Harley's name because when I told her she must have heard me wrong. She sent him a tent for his birthday addressed to Hardy (Hardy Har Har). Anyway my adoptive mom thinks that we should meet her (I insisted that she come with me) and part of me thinks I should. What do you ladies think? Thanks Becky & Harley - 13 months old email: bsmisek@scfair.org Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 15:38:49 (MDT)) Rita again. Tonya - Welcome back! We have been thinking of you. What a great week to see you, Dana, Louise and Joy back! Helen and Becky - Since helmuts are required, we always wear them. Larry had a room mate when I met him who was involved in a serious bike accident. The helmut literally saved his life. Larry is adamant about always wearing proper gear. I had to get leathers and boots to ride with him. I have to respect his wishes in this area since his prior wife was killed on a motorcycle. He had his days of riding without helmuts and only goggles and will now only wear a full-face helmut. I hate how tangled my hair gets when riding and of course, the dreaded helmut hair! I sure hope that we can get out on the bike once Amy is weaned. Maddy already has a fascination for motorcycles. Uh-oh. Gotta go! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 16:09:20 (MDT)) Good evening Ladies- Sounds like all is well! Not much going on in this end! Joy- I am due November 10th, Katie and Jack will be 17months apart. My brother and I are 14months apart-it was nice growing up because we had each other. How nice it will be for your two-do you know what you are having? Becky- What a decision..you are lucky for the support. Hopefully by meeting her you can have some closure..Excuse me for being assuming, I have a friend who would like to meet her biological Mom for some closure. Go with your gut,it is always right! GOOD LUCK! Rita-Your Dr. doesn't require a yearly checkup? Beth-Barefoot is best! Katie never gave us a hard time. The slippers are a good idea for indoors and shoes for when you leave the house. We bought Katie her shoes right around when she started to stand- Out of curiosity, did you have her professionally fit? Stride Rite, Jumpin Jacks,Elefanton are great shoes. Maybe they are not comfy on her feet? Let me know. Have a great night! LisaM LisaM Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 17:31:14 (MDT)) Hey there ladies! I miss you all so much! I hope that you all miss me also. I am so glad to see that everyone is doing well, or at least it seems that way. I didn't get to read all the posts so I guess I could just be saying that. I hope that everyone is doing well anyway. We are all doing fine here. I was Baptized on Sunday and it was so great except for when I slipped going down into the water. Those steps were really slippery. Well I have no funny stories to tell about Taylor except for at the Baptism she yelled out THAT IS MOMMY! It was funny but it is a small church so everyone just laughed. Dillon is being a real stinker now and you would think he was 2 instead of just 1. Today when we woke up he had his diaper off and had peed and pooped in his bed and was smiling at us and was so proud of himself. Blake is doing great in school also and my throat is all healed up now and tomorrow I go to the ENT to get the all clear. I still have fever but that is all so I know that all is fine. Well I am going to go gfor now and will talk to you all later. I love you all and miss you all so much. Tracey and Dillon 15 months on Saturday Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 18:08:53 (MDT)) Hi Mommies, it's Judy. I haven't posted in about a week. I got busy with the PT board, Elijah's ear infection, and worst of all, my friend's granddaughter's funeral. She was battling cancer for 3 months and lost. She was 9. It was too sad to see her laying in that coffin with no hair. I just looked briefly and all I could think of was how much pain she had gone through with the kemo treatments. She was a beautiful little girl. Like my friend keeps saying, "Give those babies lots of hugs and kisses." Settlement is this Friday for our Cumberland house. I'm excited about it. We're going to rent a truck and take a load of furniture up with us. I was going to work a ½ day on Friday, but now I have another glucola test scheduled for Friday morning. My doc wants me tested again because of all the sugar I'm spilling in my urine. So much for work on Friday!! This is the 2nd night in a row that I've put Elijah to bed-awake. I'm trying the suggestion in What To Expect The Toddler Years. I want him to be able to put himself to sleep by the time the baby comes or I'll be tearing my hair out trying to get E to sleep and trying to nurse the baby. Yikes!! And there's another huge irritant. I just answered the phone and it's David's ex-wife. It's 9:30 at night and she's not back from the "back to school" night. David is watching the 2 younger boys for her. I won't even go into it because I'm tired, but I've asked David several times to tell her not to call after 8:00 because I put Elijah to bed then. Right after I answered it, David answered it. The next thing I know, it's ringing again and guess who? She makes me so mad. I've missed being here for a week, but I appreciate all the support about the difficulties I have with Davids boys. We talked about it at our therapy session last week and she gave us some tools and "homework" to help us deal with them. I'm encouraged. Ok, time for bed, so here are some personals: Lisa B. and Max - You hit on my exact fear-that E and this baby will learn the behavior from David's boys that I don't like. On the other hand, they can learn bad behavior from peers at KinderCare too. And as they grow older, they can learn it from other kids at school. Sometimes I feel like I'm singling out David's boys. Even though they come by the same genes from their father, my influence on E and this baby will be a positive one. The boys' mother is negative and selfish and they're learning that every day just by living with her. Kelli and Elizabeth - David doesn't exactly allow the behavior, but doesn't know how to stop it when he only has them every other weekend. I think he's much too tolerant of it, but their his boys, not mine, and I don't have the emotional attachment to them that he does. It's easy for me to hate them because I see their mother when I look at them. Hate is a strong word. I should say "really dislike them" instead. I promise to try and do something nice for myself!! I enjoy those funny emails. Keep telling Elizabeth that you don't like it when she hits. I'm doing the same with E and I figure eventually, he'll learn what I'm saying by my tone of voice and my disappointed look. It was "the look" that always got me when my mom did it to me. Sarah and Hannah - Thanx and yes, I'm feeling better. Probably because we haven't had the boys here!! Cynthia and Adam - The ex swears she doesn't bad mouth David to the boys but we don't believe it. According to the divorce agreement, each of them is supposed to foster love and support about the other parent to the boys, but there have been numerous occasions where she's done exactly the opposite. We figure that one day when the boys are late teens or in their 20's, they'll have a better idea of the truth. The 12-year-old is already showing signs of seeing his mom as she really is. Kahne and Cat - You have a great attitude about all the mishaps at your wedding. Congratulations!! Sarah g. and Issac - Thanx for your support about E adjusting to daycare. He's doing very well this week and I'm so happy about it. I don't know if you know, but I'm 8 months pg now, so the extra hormones have probably played a role in my worry for him. Beth and Allison - I got lucky with Elijah and shoes. He took to it very well. I think I read some good advice in What To Expect, The Toddler Years about introducing shoes. Mom and I took him to a children's shoe store. He was already wearing a pair of socks and they were the thickness that he would be wearing with shoes. The shoe lady recommended a first walker's shoe, which is flexible. She suggested waiting on sneakers until he's over 2 because they're not as flexible. After we got the shoes on him, we were prepared with bribe cookies and lots of encouragement to get him to walk towards the cookie. He stumbled and fell a few times in the store. We left them on the rest of the day. Oh yeah, we didn't go until he had a good nap and some food. Judy and Elijah (16 months) email: jhintz@manu.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 19:37:56 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. Not much is new here. Darrel's being silly as usual. He now takes naps at day care every once in a while. I haven't been feeling so well. But I think that a lot of it has to do with the the hurricane and me being so worried about my husband and my brother. It wouldn't do much good if I was in NC with my husband because he would have sent me and Darrel down when the last hurricane came. That's the way he is. If I wouldn't have been sent to Texas with the last one, I'd diffenitely would have been sent with this one. Even though he can't guarrentee his safety, he does not want me and Darrel to be in danger. In a way it kind of hurts to know that he cares enough to make sure that Darrel and I are as safe as possible. No other guy has ever cared enough about me to think about my safety. It just takes some getting used to, I guess. I'm not used to being loved. It's a good hurt, though. I know that it may seem like I've been talking a lot about me and Darrel and my husband lately, and I'm sorry if I come across as being selfish. I'm just so worried about Doug. I worried about the last hurricane, and it turned out to be nothing. but this one is big. I've been in denial saying that it won't go up to NC, but I know it will, whether I want it to or not. I just can't stand the thought of something happening to Doug or explaining to Darrel in a few years why he doesn't have a daddy and why he'll never see his father. I'd feel much better if he was here with me. Even if I was there with him, at least I'd know what was going on. My brother is in Georgia and also in the projected path of the hurricane. He's also military and can't leave base during a hurricane. He's the only brother I have left. I had an older half brother who died 6 years ago and a baby brother who died soon after birth 5 years ago. The one I have left, Joey, and I have always been very close. He's exactly 14 months younger than I am. We grew up as best friends. He's still one of my best friends to this day. It's bad enough that I lost a brother I barely knew (he lived with his mom) and one who died the day he was born. If something happened to Joey, I don't know what I'd do. I have to go. This is too much for me. But before I go, Tracey: It was good to hear from you. I did miss you. I hope that you can check in again soon. Crystal and Darrel 12 3/4 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 20:01:59 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Jarin had his recheck today from the hospital incident and our ped. says he is doing just fine. She says we need to "fatten him up". She wants me to give him Boost, yogurt, lots of butter, etc. Wouldn't it be great if the doctors told us mothers that???She also keeps telling me that I need to quit nursing. I almost feel like I should lie and say I'm not anymore. How do I quit when jarin puts himself in the cradle position and looks at me and goes "uh uh uh" or starts screaming until I feed him? Now he also won't go to sleep without my boob in his mouth. And since we've been home from the hospital he is waking up at 4:30AM again. UGH. **Becky: Ok, what do you do for the TMJ? My dentist told me to take ibuprofen which I'm doing, and it is not helping at all. I really don't want to have to go the braces, break the jaw route. I think if you want to meet your biological mom, you should. It would probably be more comfortable for you with your mom there too (adopted). If you don't want to meet her, then I don't think you should. i'm a real big help, aren't I? LOL **Tracey: Glad to hear all is well with you and the family. We miss you on here! **Judy: So sorry to hear about the little girl who died from cancer. That is so awful. Good luck on your glucose test. I hope everything is ok. **Beth: Jarin also hates shoes. If we put them on him (so he can get used to them), he just sits on the ground and pulls at them and cries. He won't even attempt to walk in them. I am also starting to worry about it getting colder and the fact that he won't be able to go barefoot anymore. I think my pictures are lost along with Candance's. No one seems to know where they are. I don't think SarahM was in it, was she? **CathyG: Glad you had fun on your trip. I also need to get Jarin's one year pics done. **Joy: Jarin isn't close to needing a haircut yet. LOL. Jesse had all these curls when he was a baby - I didn't cut his hair until he was about 2 and people kept telling me what a pretty girl he was. He had hydronephrosis when he was born. His one kidney is misshapen, but is growing at the same rate as the other, so they seem to think he will be ok. He also has a diverticulum on his bladder. At birth, he had reflux, but at his one year tests, it had disappeared. Doctors gave him only a 10% chance of outgrowing it. I know that our prayers and those of everyone around us had to make the difference. He was released from urology 2 years ago. They seem to hink he will be just fine now. **Louise: Welcome back! I can't help with the cake. I bought Jarin's. LOL. **LisaB: Sorry to hear Max had his first fight already. I'm sure it was pretty funny to watch. Yay for those molars coming through! **Moriah: Sorry to hear about your first day at work not really being your first day! I think DD and I have a pretty open relationship. (Then again, my mom probably thought that too.) She is still pretty naive, so I don't have to worry about the sex thing yet - especially since she doesn't date yet. heehee **Helen: I am LOL at your description of you on the motorcycle. You are making yourself sound so beautiful! **Tonya: WELCOME BACK!! I have been wondering about you for so long. I am glad you are doing ok and that Raquel and RJ are ok too. Sorry to hear that you and DH are having "interesting" times. I hope things get better soon. Best of luck on the lawsuit. Keep us informed. **Gotta get to bed. Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - 12 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Tuesday, September 14, 1999 at 21:26:12 (MDT)) HI everyone! Elizabeth is showing her true colors! She really dislikes it when I changer her clothes and diapers. Tonight after her bath, I struggled with getting her dressed and diapered and DH had to come over and hold her and "tell her how it was going to be"! Earlier in the evening, I began blowing bubbles w/ a wand and Elizabeth absolutely loved it. She kept saying, "OH WOW" and would try to catch them. She thought they were the coolest thing ever! When it was time to put them away (carpet was getting too wet- we usually do this outside but it was too cool at the moment) Elizabeth threw a major fit! Man oh man! She would come up to me and pinch me and cry. I would tell her VERY firmly NO and then I would try to ignore her fit. She would go over to her bookshelf and pull every book off the shelf and throw them and then look at me like, "What are you going to do now?" She also started throwing her blocks hard... and one hit me. I had had enough! I took her away from her toys and told her "No! That's not nice!" She went right back to her books and started tossing them. As soon as she started it again, I swatted her little hand, told her "no" and took her away from the situation. She looked at me w/ this shocked look and all of the sudden, she just stopped. She then began pointing at things calmly asking, "what's this?" or "this?". I think she knew that I meant business and wasn't going to give in and she decided to "change the subject". Everything was normal after that. Gosh, is this just the beginning!?? :) This is so hard, Elizabeth is way too cute and sweet to act like this... but way to smart for MY own good too!! Onto the personals... I have missed a couple days and quickly skimmed through, so please forgive me if I have forgotten you. LisaB, I hope work slows down for you soon! That is probably unlikely at the moment w/ your line of work and y2k arising. I hope work doesn't stress you out too much. I laughed so hard at Max in his first fight! I can just imagine a 1 year old holding his ground over a bully 18 mo.old! Way to go Max! LOL! Becky, Elizabeth also points to EVERYTHING and says, "This?" I think she has learned the concept that everything has a name. She is such a curious little girl and wants to know what everything is. About meeting your biological mom, I think if you want to then do it! I would take your mom along to meet her... it would make you more comfortable and show your biol. mom that your adoptive mom is a really big part of your life and you love her very much. But, what's in your heart? Do you want to meet your biol. mom? I would follow what your heart is telling you. Keep us updated! I think it's great that you are presented with the opportunity... even if you decide not to meet her. LisaM, Elizabeth has always been a great traveler in her carseat except for lately! I too am taking a plane trip soon... over Christmas. It will be a 3 hour plane ride. I plan on asking my dr. what, if anything I can give Elizabeth to calm her and make her drowsy. My mom used to do the same for me and my bro. and sister. CathyG, HI! Glad you are back and that you had a fun, safe trip! Joy, That is very neat that you will be working w/ the youth at the new church. About Josh not liking car seats... he's not alone anymore. Recently, Elizabeth has been allergic to them also. She arches her back and does everything not to cooperate! Louise, Of course we don't mind if you join us! Good luck on the cake! Let us know how it turns out! I think it's wonderful that your mom can watch James while you work! Crystal, I also agree w/ you on the spanking and throwing issue. Elizabeth has begun to throw things on purpose, even when we ask her not to and she does it anyway... knowing good and well what we mean. I had to swat her hand and it worked! See my comments above. Hey... I KNOW just how you feel about Hurricaine Floyd. My mom, brother, sister, stepdad and lots of friends are south of Atlanta and my aunt and uncle just evacuted from their home on an island in South Caroline. I have been keeping a VERY close eye on it. Where is your bro. stationed? We just need to pray that everyone remains safe and smart. I know it's hard to sit back and watch... I am constantly calling my mom throught the day. I continue to pray throughout the day that the hurricane would take a different course off into the Atlantic. Let's hope for the best! Moriah, I went shopping today and got some great Bath and Body Works stuff! I got DH some of his favorite shower gel and I got the Joyful Garden's Moonlight Path's shower cream and splash. I also had to get my favorite Freesia body cream. I got Elizabeth a frog Bath pal. She loves it. I hope your sister can joine you! That would be so nice and I know you would really enjoy seeing her! Hey, how was lunch w/ Geoff the other day? Tonya, HI!! I remember you quite well and I have really been thinking about you and wondering about how you were. When you left, you were none to happy about your pregnancy and were very angry. I was worried about you! I am so glad you are back! Racquel and RJ sound like they are doing great! Hey, do they have the same birthday- exactly 2 years apart? Cool! Do you know what this new little baby is yet? Any R names picked out? Are you getting excited? I think I am getting the baby fever! I have had 2 friends that have had babies in the last 2 weeks. I wish you all the luck in the world! I am sure R.J. and Racquel will be a great brother and sister and they will all be close one day! Tracey, I'm glad you posted! I have been wondering about you! A big congratulations on being baptized. That is so special! And Taylor saying, "That is Mommy" is too cute! That can only be expected from you little TNT! Judy, I am sitting her crying about your friend's granddaughter! That really hits home. I used to babysit a little boy, David, who died of leukemia. He was the same age as my little sister (9) when he died 5 years ago. He was such a beautiful little boy. It is so tragic when a child dies. The most amazing thing is that when little David was in his last moments, he was in the hospital and he asked his mom and dad to lay beside him. Which of course they did. He then said, "I wanted to spend my last times close to you". Aren't children just amazing and so so precious!? On a happier note: Yea for getting ready to move into your new home! Don't over do it and be careful! I am thinking of you and your family with the situation you all are going through w/ David and his boys and the lovely ex-wife! I do believe that as the boys grow older, they will see the truth about their mother. WEll, gang... I need to get to bed! I have to get up early tomorrow and clean. My mom & family are supposed to arrive on Thurs. morning, but it looks doubtful w/ the hurricane. You all take care and God Bless! Kelli & Elizabeth, 14 months TOMORROW! (15th) email: rkncs@aol.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 00:08:38 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!!! Everyone is still in bed so thought I would check in! Got my plants planted last night with the help of DS. Need a couple more for the spot I put them in so it looks right! BECKY- I agree- go with your gut feeling. I think bringing your Mom along is a good idea. RITA--BECKY- Thanks for the info on biking!! We always wear helmets but I hate the "HD" helmets and would rather a full face one even though I'll look like a freak-- not the HD look at all!! DH just bought me a new one- I picked the biggest one they had w/a zip out lining and all, so my hair will tuck up under, but I REALLY hate the permanent smile and temporary face lift the highway wind gives me!!LOL!! TRACEY- Welcome back!!Congrats on the baptism! KELLI- Elizabeth and Amanda seem to be hitting those terrible two's early!! We may have little 'scrappers' on our hands!! Amanda likes to kick and scream, kick the dog, hit him, throw things, and do things in spite even though I've just said NO!!! Patience I keep telling myself!! Tonya- Sorry the 3rd was a big accident but I believe things happen for a reason and even though it may have seemed like a disaster at first- its a blessing!!! I'm sure everything will work out in the end- So-- congrats on #3 and hope everything is going well so far!!! :O) Better get the kids up for school--LATER!!!! Helen&Amanda@13mos(#3) Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 05:32:11 (MDT)) Good morning ladies! Long time, no "talk"! SARAH here. I took Monday and Tuesday off. HANNAH has been real sick. I took her to the dr on Saturday, and she had an ear infection + molars coming in. Well, she just didn't seem to be getting better, and then broke out in a rash on Monday. So, I took her back to the dr on Tuesday, and it turns out she has Roseolla (sp?) Does anyone know exactly what that is. I know it's some sort of Herpes Virus???? Does anyone know more about it?? I asked but didn't get much of an answer. She (dr) seemed to be in a hurry. :( I haven't read any posts since Friday, so it'll take me a while to get caught up today. ANY answers would be GREATLY appreciated!!!! Talk to you all soon! Sarah and Hannah ( 1year) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 06:41:50 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Max was grumpy bear last night and this morning - clingy and spitting up. I don't know if it's still teeth or something new. If he's not better by tomorrow morning I'll call the doc. LOUISE: Hi! Please join us here! RITA: I always send a change of clothes - it's just that Max is either too big or too small for most of his "cool" weather clothes. Amy is pretty smart figuring the cart out! MORIAH: I can't believe the lady forgot! Did she act embarrassed about it? That would just make me wonder how serious she is about this job, but like you said after that she should be understanding about you needing a flexible schedule. I hope Shelly joins us - the more the merrier! RITA/HELEN: I use a sewing needle to prick helium ballons at the back, right above the tube part. They then deflate quickly and I they look nice enough to keep if I want or I can just pitch them. TONYA: Hi, stranger! I can understand the lawsuit as DH was given the "all clear" and as you guys didn't want any more children. I just wonder how baby #3 is going to perceive this when (s)he is older - my parents didn't want me at all and therefore sued the doctor because they got pregnant with me, etc. I'm not trying to be harsh or judgmental but I worry about the effect this will have on your baby. My niece's parents went through a real rough period, separated several times, and filed for divorce twice before working things out. My niece was around 10 years old at the time this was all going on and figured out then that her Mom was pregnant when her parents got married. She then felt highly responsible for all their problems - they never loved each other, they only got married because of me, my younger siblings wouldn't be going through all this if it wasn't for me, etc. BECKY: Don't hold it against your bio mom that she got Harley's name wrong - after all it's an unusual name (that I happen to LOVE)! I can't imagine being in your situation but think I would rather meet her than always wonder what would have happened if I opted out of a meeting. I would, however, meet in a very public place (like a restuarant) for a set period of time (one hour) with support with you (like your adoptive mother). I would make it VERY clear from the start that you are meeting with her but at this point do not feel comfortable having her be a big part of your life and that YOU will dictate how much, if any, future contact is made. TRACEY: It was nice to hear from you. JUDY: I'm so sorry to hear about the 9 year old. That is so sad and makes me so thankful for my Max Monster. My MIL ALWAYS calls around 8:30. I tell her and tell her that 8:30 is Max's bedtime but she still calls - UGH! CRYSTAL: Of course you are worried about Doug and the hurricane. You aren't selfish to voice your concerns her - we are your friends and friends support each other, through good times and bad! PATTY: Tell your ped to take a flying leap! Or better yet, print out the article on the front page of this site on the benefits of extended nursing and give it to her (decreasing your risk of breast cancer, increasing Jarin's immunity - really important with his recent illness, etc.). Just a warning - parents thought me and my friends were pretty naive and were "ok" as we didn't date ... but we did A LOT of things I'm not very proud of. There's always a few free moments before a game, after a band concert, etc. - esp. once Jaime starts driving. I also lived in a small town and some stuff I did got back to my parents, but not everything (esp. stuff involving boys). I'm not trying to worry you but I really think you should have a "grown-up" discussion with Jaime about sex, birth control, drugs, alcohol, smoking, peer pressure, etc. now. If she's not "into" any of this stuff now you'll just be openning the lines of communication so she knows these are "ok" topics to discuss once the issues come up in her life. Let's see - if I ONLY have boys can I force DH to do all these little talks and escape them myself? LOL!!! KELLI: I'm sorry Elizabeth is being such a pill. Max throws temper tantrums also, but generally only when I say "all gone" (such as when his egg was all gone this morning - he wanted more and refused to accept the fact that it wasn't going to happen). Actually Max was the bully, not Matthew (the 18 month old). Matthew gives Max toys each day and Max just sits and plays with those - allowing Matthew to pick the toys HE wants. Well, I guess Max got tired of that setup and decided to walk over and just steal a toy he wanted from Matthew. I guess I have a little bruiser on my hands already, don't I?! LisaB & Max (12 1/2 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 07:59:12 (MDT)) Wow, I took yesterday off as a vacation day and this board was really busy! I enjoyed my day off with Colton. He is so much fun to play with. I went with my sister and her kids to a Nature Center. We took a nice walk through the trails. We were very disappointed at the Center though. There were no animals for the kids to pet. They only do that if there is a school group visiting. I agreed to watch my sister's 4 yr old since she was watching Colton later. We were playing outside and I was getting toys out of the garage. I told her not to let Colton go near the pool. Next thing I hear is "Anty Juli Colton's in the pool!" There he is shoes and all in the pool laying his head on the slide. I got all wet just trying to get him out. I must take the pool down this weekend. Lots of personals: Megan: Thanks for the picture of Ben--very cute. LisaB: So glad your Dh saved the video. I just cringe thinking about losing any pictures or tapes since they are so precious. We need to convert the small tapes to one regular video tape soon. I was thinking this would be a great Christmas present for the grandparents. Yeah for fun time with Max. Rita: How is Mr. Chips doing? Colton loves fish. He will sit in a chair and watch the fish in the tank at my sister's house. I wish I had time for one, but I am afraid all the fish would die from starvation or dirty water! By the way, Colton has been playing with two mylar baloons I gave my Dh when we were dating--8 yrs ago!! LisaM: Poor Katie and the gorilla scare. Colton has a stuffed "Andy the Ape" and just loves it. He giggles when he sees it. My mom thinks it is horrible and ugly and always hides it at the bottom of his toybox when she watches him. Maybe she had a similar Katie incident when she was little. CathyG: Sounds like you had a good weekend in Toronto. Sorry about the cold, hope you feel better soon. Colton is a blondie too, not very many curls though. Crystal: I agree with you about not spanking when Darrel throws toys. Colton has been throwing balls and toys for many months now. He has quite the arm. If he hits someone then I try to sress "be nice" but never discipline him for the throwing. I will be praying for your DH and brother's safety with the hurricane. I was glad it missed Florida, but worried for you when I heard that it is headed for the Carolina's. Joy: We had Colton's hair cut at the barbar shop that cuts my Dh's hair. My salon cuts children's hair too, but Dh's place is just a few minutes from our house. They had Colton sit in Dh's lap and it went really good. Make sure to bring a baggie to collect those locks. Louise: Welcome. Good luck on the cake. I cheated and used a Betty Crocker cake mix and frosting. Moriah: At least you got a trial run and getting ready for work in the morning. I am starting to arrive later and later these past few weeks. I think I need to start getting up a snooze earlier. Becky: My suggestion is to agree to meet your bioligical mother, but bring your mom. Make sure to explain your feeling about her seeming pushy. You just don't want to regret not taking her up on the offer and then never getting to meet her in person. Good luck with your decision. Tracey: Yes, you have been missed. Glad to hear that everything is going well with your family.. Sounds like your baptism was a "splash". Judy: I'll give Colton an extra hug and kiss for your friend's g-daughter. Hearing about sick children just tears my heart out. Hope your sugar test turns out OK. Kelli: Colton has the same difficulties with daiper and clothes changes. Sometimes it takes both DH and me to make it happen. What a temper too! Good thing he is so cute. Sarah: I think Roseolla is also called the German Measles. I had them when I was a toddler. Did she have a measles vaccine yet? Hope she feels better soon. Have a great day everyone. Julianne & Colton 14 mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 08:11:28 (MDT)) Hi moms from Sue and Cameron. I know I've still got a few months of Cam being a baby before officially posting here, but it seems I "know" more of you guys than all the new mommies on BT. Wanted to give you the update that I was finally able to see someone for my suspected PPD yesterday after waiting nearly 3 months for an appointment. I told myself I'd just be matter-of-fact and rationally discuss my symptoms with the doc, but only got out about 2 words before totally losing it and bawling for about 45 minutes. How embarassing! Anyways, the doc confirmed my self-diagnosis of PPD and started me on Zoloft as well as something to help me sleep. She said she wished I hadn't waited so long and suffered with this unnecessarily, but how was I to know? It'll be 2-4 weeks before I feel any effects from the medication, but I do feel a bit better already knowing that it wasn't "just me" weirding out. Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement and great advise. Although I haven't been posting here, I have been trying to keep up with all of your goings on and the progress of all the cuties. I've noticed that a few more moms "over here" are New Englanders like myself - nice to have some cooler weather, but what a bummer that foliage season is coming so early! I posted a really nice poem on BT that some of you might enjoy. Take a trip over if you get a chance. Hope all continues to go great for you and your families. Take care! Sue and Cameron (sneaking up on 1..) email: sbarry@key.org Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 10:22:06 (MDT)) Hello again from Helen&Amanda!! Been cleaning today, vacuumed out my SUV-(car/truck-what the heck do you call them anyway??)and now cleaning the house. Amanda is sleeping and now its starting to rain, one of those 'sleepy' days. TONYA- I re-read your post after reading the one LisaB posted to you--Did I read correct- you hope this lawsuit settles so you can get the house and car you want-??????? Hope I read it wrong- if not-- no comment.Its very sad the things people sue for these days especially a miracle from God. LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@13mos(#3) Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 10:52:44 (MDT)) OK, I'm back...finally!! :) You ladies were busy the last 4 days!!! Do any of your little one's have MAJOR tempers??? HANNAH sure does. It drives me crazy. Sometimes I don't know how to react! Well, I pretty much told you what's been going on with us in a previous post.....so: KELLI - Thank you so much for the email on Roseola!! HANNAH throws a fit when I change her too! LOUISE - Hey there! I've been wondering where you were! The last time I talked to you, I told you my mom was going to London. Well, she had a great time! MORIAH - I can't believe the lady forgot about you coming. Oh well, I'm glad it works out better for you. TONYA - Man, I've been thinking about you alot, too. Wow, 3 "oldies" posting in 1 week! That's awesome!! :) BECKY - Thanks for the pictures! He is just so adorable!!! :) No one can tell you what to do. You need to do what you want to do. Just ask yourself if you'll regret meeting/not meeting her and go with that. Good luck! JUDY - I'm so sorry about your friend's granddaughter! How awful!! I just went to my little 4 year old cousin's funeral a couple of months ago! :( I know what you mean about seeing them in the coffin. Very SAD!!! CRYSTAL - I hope DOUG is safe! My SIL is in NC on business right now. PATTY - I have TMJ too. Thanks for the pictures of JARIN!!! Love him!!! :) TRACEY - So good to hear from you! Congrats on being baptized!! SUE - I'm glad to hear you went to the Doctor. EVERYONE - As I told CRYSTAL, my SIL is in NC right now. Please keep her in your prayers that she's safe! Thanks!! Well, taataa for now!! :) Sarah and Hannah email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 11:02:44 (MDT)) Hey everyone. Hope all is going well and everyone and their families are safely away from Hurricane Floyd's path. Crystal, I can relate to your feelings as we have a very good friend that lives just south of Myrtle Beach. They are now predicting Floyd to hit land around that area sometime tonight or early Thursday morning. I only hope that he was able to evacuate as he lives pretty much right on the beach. Thanks to everyone for the input on the shoe issue. I usually let her go barefoot in the house and reserve shoes for outside, but I picked her up at the sitter's yesterday and she had her shoes on and was walking around fine in them. Little stinker :-). Wouldn't do it for her mommy, but will for the sitter. Just like a kid I guess. I now have another question for all you wise mommies. Allison HATES to have her fingernails or toenails cut and screams like I am cutting off her toes or fingers instead of just the nails whenever I try to do it. I avoid it until they get so long that I can't anymore then we have a major fight if I even go NEAR her with the clippers. I have never cut her with them so she has no reason to be afraid because of that. Just wondering if you guys have any suggestions to make this an easier process. Last night I got all her fingernails and the big toenail on one foot and that was it!! She was hitting me, trying to bite me, pinching me, etc to get me off her. It's horrible! I'm tempted to just let them grow and grow until they curl around under her feet! LOL. Help if you can. Kelli - I was crying at your post about the little boy. I just can't even imagine how hard it would be to lose a child. Judy - I will be praying for your friend. It must be a very difficult time for them. Crystal - hope Doug is okay in the hurricane. I'm sure they make them stay on the base if it's not a safe place for them. I don't think the marines would do anything to put their men in any undo jeaopardy. Tonya - Hi! So good to hear from you. Sorry to hear that you were so sick at the beginning of your pregnancy but glad things are better now. Glad RJ is liking school so much. Stick around. We love hearing from you. Lisa - our accounting system was developed by AMS as well so I bet they are probably pretty similar. Everyone here hates the new one. Our old system wasn't Y2K compliant either. That's why they got the new one, but when the new one turned out to be so horrible it ended up being easier to make the old system compliant than trying to fix all the bugs in the new one. Patty - your Dr. is nuts! I would just ignore her about the weaning thing. You know what's best for Jarin right now and esp. with you just starting back to work he probably needs that extra security. Don't worry about it. Tracey - hey girl!! glad to hear you are doing well after your operation. We miss you around here. Too funny about Taylor yelling while you were getting baptised. I guess she was pround of here mommy!! Check back in soon. We miss you. Becky - I agree with the advice of all the other ladies. Go with your gut about this one. You may regret never meeting her, but make it clear that you don't really want her to be pushy about being a part of your life since you already have a mom, etc. Make sure she does realize that you appreciate her selflessness in giving you away (even though you already told her once, it couldn't hurt to emphasize the fact)and that you had a great life with your adoptive mom, etc. Good luck! Helen - funny, I never pictured you as the motorcycle type, but I guess I was wrong ;-). I have a friend that you wouldn't guess rode them either, but her and her husband went to Sturgess this year for the biker thing they have there. Some interesting video to say the least LOL! Moriah- hope Shelley is able to join us. That would be way cool! Louise - I remember you as well! Don't you live in England?? sorry, I'm not much for cakes either. I just buy a box mix usually and add the eggs and oil and take the easy way out. Better yet, I will usually just buy one from the bakery, MUCH EASIER! Well, I'd better get off here and do something productive at work. Funny, I have internet at home and still hardly ever post from there. Too much to do at home. I have more goof off time here at work, but don't tell my boss that! LOL. See you guys later. Have a great day! Beth and Allison (almost 16 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 11:11:35 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. My brother is now out of the projected hurricane path. It changed last night, so he's safe. He's located near Augusta, Georgia, at Fort Gordon. This morning at work, I got a call from my mom. Doug called while I was working. He's headed out to Memphis and said that he'd call this evening. I feel so much better. I haven't been able to eat or sleep that past few days because I've been so worried, but I feel so much better. I stayed up all night praying for my husband and my brother and watching the weather channel. I didn't go to sleep until about 1:00 this morning. Even if Doug doesn't call tonight as he said he would, I won't be mad at him as I usually do. I'm just glad that he will be safe. That's the most important thing right now. Now, I have a different prayer request. I'm trying to quit smoking. Doug and my brother are safe, so I'm not nearly as stressed. I was doing good until Floyd made his appearance. Doug quit last month, and he wants me to quit by the time he gets here, within the next 10-16 days. I've been trying to quit for the past two years and have succeeded at short period of not smoking. This time will be perminent. Thanks for everyone's support. I'm picking up Darrel's 1 year pictures today, so I'll be back on later. Crystal and Darrel 12 3/4 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 12:20:15 (MDT)) Good afternoon ladies, sorry that I'm posting so late, my supervisor had one thing after another for me to do this morning. However, I'm glad because I had lots to read during lunch. On to personals: KELLI-I forgot you had Elizabeth the day before I had Raquel. Yes, I know that this baby will be a boy, and so far it looks like his name will be Ryan Hayden. So that will be Ronald Howard(R.J.), Raquel Hailey, and Ryan Hayden. I want the kids to have DH's initials. And I am VERY excited:)!!!!!! HELEN-Thank you. I agree, this one is truly a gift from God. No, maybe in my rush yesterday I didn't properly word the reason that we are suing. Actually I think that all young married persons should consider how many children they want to have, considering the decline in moral standards and the economic hardships that persons undergo now. And that is exactly what my husband and I were considering whenever we decided to only have two children. We live in a two bedroom apartment. We own one car. Because of my husbands bad money management before we were married, we struggle constantly to make ends meet(more so than alot of others). Children are not asked to be born, and my husband and I thought it would be unfair to have more children and not be able to adequately provide for them. And in essence the settlement will be for whatever it takes to provide for this child from birth to at least 18yrs of age. We now NEED a house, for renting a three bedroom is too expensive. We now need ANOTHER car. My husband and I can't afford those things now. It would be at least a couple of more years before we are able to. In the meantime, how would you feel if you had to find room for three young children in a two bedroom apartment, and in the backseat of your car have two carseats and a booster seat. You'd probably borrow from family members or take out a loan at the bank to be able to afford better means, however we're not in a position to do that, and that is why there is such a thing as malpractice insurance:) LISA-I'm sorry to hear about all that you had to go through as a young child and even to this day. However we have a 3yr. old, 1yr. old, and hopefully our lawsuit will be settled way before any of them are of age to suspect what had happened. We have NO intentions of sitting either one of them down to explain to them why the amount in their savings is what it is. Well, just as I thought the bossman has more changes to his memo...this makes the 10th time he's come back to me today with changes to the same document. GOSH! I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL I FINISH SCHOOL!!!!!!! Will post probably tomorrow. Have a good evening and kiss the beautiful ones! Tonya,R.J.& Raquel, &? email: tbyette@aol.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 12:36:40 (MDT)) Hey Mo, I finally made it. I had to argue with my pc for 30 minutes to get here. It kept on freezing up. Your favorite 11 year old came home with detention. I'm trying hard not to have a coronary. Jess is over at the neighbors and Riley is playing legos with Tay. I'll write more next time. Riley is trying to help me type. Shelly Shelly email: Shellyvance@hotmail.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 17:19:15 (MDT)) Good evening from Rita. Amy and I were busy at Berkeley again today. Lisa B - Maddy was fighting her three year old cousin for toys when she was just a year. I didn't see it, but I understand that she held her own. That was one of our first indications of how strong and self-sufficient she would be. Becky - I didn't get Harley's pictures. I am hoping that I will get to ride with Larry this weekend. We are going to an event without the girls (only our second time)and all this talk about riding has made me wistful. Sue - I am so glad that you were able to see your doctor for the PPD. Hope that things get better. Tracey - Hey Girl! Congratulations on your Baptism. Glad to hear that your throat is feeling better. Can't wait for you to come back. Sarah M - I'm sure that Kelli sent you info that Roseola is not too serious. It's really just something that just needs to run its course. Rubella is the other name for the German Measles. I hope that Hannah is back to her old self soon. Kelli - Your tale sounds all too familiar! Maddy was and is much the same way. I am reading Dr Sear's Discipline Book and it has some good suggestions for dealing with little ones. Crystal - I am happy to hear that your Dh and brother are out of harm's way. Good luck with the smoking. Shelly - Welcome! Well, it's time to fold laundry and tuck two little girls into bed. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 20:42:20 (MDT)) Howdy!! It's Moriah. Alex & I had to run our last minute pre-vacation errands today. Geoff needed shorts - sure the man who would NEVER wear shorts said last week "You bought me some shorts for Disneyland right?!". Well now everything in the stores is fall. Speaking of I have to laugh because all the stores are stocked with sweaters & parkas. Gimme a break!! This is CA it doesn't really get very cold here - it's not like we live in Buffalo or something. So anyway I spent my afternoon searching the clearance racks for shorts that I'd been seen with (not to mention the right size). I finally found some. 1 pair for $9.99 then another for $45 - those are going back unless he really likes them! MEN! Alex has started clapping. He doesn't open up his hands though. It's so cute. He's starting to do so many new things. I worry sometimes that I'm not interacting with him in the right ways. I have to be careful that I'm teaching him things. I'm just so used to him being a newborn because after the last hospital stay it was like he was born all over again. Plus it's hard because he doesn't make any noise. on to the personals! Tonya - if only everyone could be so responsible about the decision to have children. It pains me to see people who just pop out kids with no thought. I always want to ask them if they know how lucky they are when those kids come out healthy. Having a child is a HUGE decision. I hope that your lawsuit works out. I agree that your kids are so little that you'd never have to explain. I would make sure though that your families do not make a joke of it & bring it up later. Judy - I was so sad when I read how you feel about your stepsons. You said 2 things that were really crucial #1 you don't have the same bond with them that you have with you children. Obviously because you didn't have them as babies. #2 when you look at them you see their mother & that bothers you. I can understand that while their behavior may not be ideal they still are your husbands children - just like the 2 you have with him. Wouldn't it kill you to know that someone felt this way about your 2 babies someday down the road? My dad married a complete bitch when all 4 of his daughters where grown & out of the house. Yet since we weren't her children we were treated as unwelcome intruders to my their relationship. She has since ruined the bulk of the relationship that my dad has with his children & all because it kills her to think that my dad loved someone before her. I only say this to you because maybe you've never known someone who was on the other end of the spectrum. I don't want to make an enemy of you but please think of it from the standpoint of how your babies would be in the same situation. Patty - did your Dr give you any reason for weaning Jarin? I always heard that it was the absolute best. I still feel so guilty for weaning ALex (2 weeks ago). I say nurse for as long as you want (okay maybe not in front of his prom date LOL). Kelli - lunch was fun - thanks for asking. Elizabeth sounds like she's really testing your limits. Hope it gets easier soon :) Lisa B - the lady did seem embarrassed. SHe kept saying that she had a "really bad weekend". I don't know maybe something awful happened. I too had that same worry about maybe she's gonna flake on me. Hopefully not!! Julianne - I'm a snooze button ADDICT! Geoff gets so frustrated with me because I set my alarm like 1/2 hour before I actually need to get up just so I can hit the snooze & feel like I'm getting away with it. LOL Beth - Alex is quite a little nail grower too. I hate the way he scratches up his face. I cut his nails when he's in very deep sleep. Have you tried that? Also I prefer the scissors rather than clippers because you can see more plus you have more control. Shelly - YEA!! You made it. My poor Taylor - I'm sure he didn't deserve that detention (must be a mean teacher right??). After all you were such an ANGEL as a child how could he possibly be any thing else. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! Seriously- tell that little booger that Iah said to shape up! I need new pics of your boys. Especially Riley. Mom only shows me snap shots that are less than stellar. Next time you get your film developed get the picture CD so you can email me some! Alright I've gotta go. My 2 babies (Geoff & Alex) are snoring in the living room. Geoff "cooked" dinner tonight - translation drove through at McDonalds. I ate way too much seeing how I hadn't eating since my cereal this morning. Then while at the mall I let myself have a double mocha with caffeine (which I haven't had any caffeine since I found out I was prego with Alex). So by 7:30 tonight I had a headache & the shakes so I wolfed down that McD's plus some of Geoff's fries too. Should do wonders for that bridesmaid dress this weekend! See ya ... Moriah & Alex (not much longer!) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 22:54:18 (MDT)) Hi everyone! I hope everyone and their friends and family are safe and away from Hurricane Floyd. I just learned that my Aunt, Uncle & cousin who live right on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC don't have insurance; no one would insure them because of their house's location. I am really praying that God would spare their home!! My uncle just had a liver transplant not too long ago, so his health isn't the greatest. They evacuated to Union, SC... so atleast they aren't in harm's way right now. Elizabeth and I are doing great. She's becoming such a strong-willed child. Rita, do you know anything about this? LOL! Maddy has been talking to Elizabeth while I'm asleep, hasn't she? :) I am SOOOO excited! My mom, sister and stepdad are coming tomorrow!! Yippy! They haven't seen Elizabeth in nearly 6 months. They live in Atlanta and I in Colorado, so it's not that easy to see each other often. Patty, Okay, I have to agree w/ LisaB and Beth. Your pediatrician needs to get real. Hey, isn't she a friend of yours anyway? You know, Jarin and Elizabeth are about the same size. I told Elizbeth's dr. that I was concerned about her weight because she was so tiny (the 5 to 10%)and his response was that Elizabeth was one of his healthiest babies and that she has such a high metabolism and activitly level and NOT TO WORRY AT ALL unless she wasn't gaining weight or wasn't eating. He also said, a fat baby isn't necessarily a healthy baby. He said out of his 5 children, 1 was in the 5th % and one would stay in the 95th% and they were both very healthy. From the pictures that you just sent, you need not to worry! Okay, did I get too preachy? I hope Jarin quits waking at 4:30am! Helen, Yes... I believe that we are entering the terrible two's too early! I'm sure glad Elizabeth isn't the only 'scrapper'. LisaB, How's the grumpy bear doing? I sure hope he's just teething! So, Max is a bully, huh. He may just live up to his initals: MOB! :) LOL! Julianne, You didn't know you were going swimming when you got Colton out of the pool today, did you? I had to LOL about that! Sue, I am so glad that you got help for ppd! I hope the meds work for you!! Just remember that we are always here! SarahM, I am thinking about your SIL in NC! Hey, how is your family doing w/ the death of your 4 year old cousin? I still think about you dealing with that! Beth, So you have to deal with a monster getting her nails clipped, too huh? I also put cutting Elizabeth's nails!! In fact, I HAVE got to do it first thing tomorrow morning!!!!! I was going to do it tonight. I usually sit on the couch with her in my lap and I put in a Veggie Tale video and make sure she's into it.. and then... I try to hurry as fast as I safely can!! I also have been known to give her a graham cracker and she usually eats that and watches her video while I work on one hand. If you come up w/ anything else that works, please let me know. It's an act of congress to cut E's nails! GOOD LUCK!!! Crystal, Have you tried the patches to help you quit smoking. I used to work in a pharmacy and one of my pharmacist used them and swears by them. Ask your doctor, though. There is also an RX for patches called Habitrol. Come to think of it... that may have been moved to over the counter. Also, ask your pharmacist. Oh... and their are a couple of RX's in pill form. One is called Zyban and the other is Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is also used as an anti-depressant. GOOD LUCK! I have never smoked, but after working in the pharmacy, I know that it must be a challenge to quit. Tonya, I really like the name Ryan and Hayden. Your kids have such cute names!! Rita, I am going to have to check out that Dr. Sears book!! Thanks! Well, gang... I better go... I have to get up early and it's already 11:30pm here. I am going to be so exhausted! You all take care and have a good Thursday! Kelli & Elizbeth, 15 months today! email: rkncs@aol.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 23:24:15 (MDT)) Moriah... you were posting at the same time as me... WHAT? you didn't buy at heavy coat? I had to LOL about Parka's and such in Cali!! Okay girl... YOU are interacting GREAT w/ Alex, so don't worry your little head off! I can tell by the way you post that you are a wonderful mom and of course the best mom that ALex could ever dream of! Alex sounds SO adorable clapping w/ his hands shut! Elizabeth used to do that! I sure hope you have a great time this weekend! Take care! Kelli & Elizabeth again email: rkncs@aol.com Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 23:34:19 (MDT)) Good morning from Helen&Amanda!! Its a lovely rainy day here today, we're supposed to get wind tonight into tomorrow but nothing like the storm was at the beginning-40 or so mph winds. Amanda was playing with DH last night- he would ask her for something and she would give it to him-- just as he would try and take it --she would pull it away and laugh!! Then I caught her feeding the dog raisins right out of the container- pulling it away and laughing her head off- got this on video- so cute!! CRYSTAL- Glad to hear your brother and DH are safe in the storm. BETH- No- I'm not the 'harley chick' type- no offense to anyone who is!! I always thought they had tatoos, missing teeth, etc and now DH bought one and I'm riding on one!I'm usually in blue jeans and keds with my hair sprayed in place!! MORIAH- Have fun in Disney!!!DH does the same thing- usually the day before lets me know that nothing fits! TONYA- Yes I was in an apt w/one bedroom-when our 1st was born- only a bed and tv in our apt when we got married- 2nd came along and she slept in the closet in a portable playpen b/c DS was still in the crib-- we had a car for me to use only b/c DH had a company van and $10-$20 to spend on entertainment when the weekends came around. Now after years of moving, building,and moving again and again and DH working his butt off we can afford extras that I used to only dream of-- the bottom line is that getting $$ from suing is getting you the things you WANT not NEED that all our insurance premiums are paying for b/c of everyone suing eachother for the easy way to make money. We know of a couple people that have $$ b/c of lawsuits- which disguisted me when I found out. Yes, it will be an extra expense, but the child will find out one day what a burden on the family his parents had to prove he would be, and severe strain in every way, people do find these things out whether they're teenagers or in their 50's and will feel very unwanted. Sorry- had to voice my opinion even though you may not care what 'I' think- don't blame you-- just what 'I' think. :O) So-- they are increasing the wind warning to up to 80+ mph winds and DH says he is bringing home one of their generators from work-- grocery stores will be packed!! LATER!!!!! Helen&Amanda@13mos(#3) Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 06:06:40 (MDT)) Good morning everyone. I am kind of sleepy this morning. Colton wanted to be awake from 12-1am this morning. We tried to let him cry himself back to sleep. But he had such a screaming fit he threw up--just a little, but still needed some bedding changed. I then had to rub his back for almost 20 min before he would fall asleep again. I get no sympathy from the ladies at work anymore because they know I have spoiled him so much when it comes to sleeping. I never put him in his crib awake and let him fall asleep on his own when he was smaller. I have certainly learned what not to do when we have another baby! Colton is really into playing with water. He will throw his toys into the bathtub when there is no water in there and just laugh. However, yesterday when I went into the bathroom I saw him trying to stuff the toilet seat cover into the toilet water! Two days ago I found him throwing my oven mits into the tub--full of water! What's next? Sue: I am glad you finally go to see the Dr and that she is helping you feel better. Sarah: Oops, I was thinking rubella, not roseola when I posted to you yesterday. How is Hannah feeling today? Beth: The best place I have found to cut Colton's nails is in the bathtub. I still have him sit in the bath-ring and he splashes around while I cut. Crystal: Yeah for your brother and husband being safe from the storm. Good luck with quitting smoking. I have never smoked so I do not have any suggestions for you. Moriah: My DH is the same way. He always tells me he wants new shorts at the end of the summer season. He is not an easy size to buy for so I usually come home empty-handed. Yeah for Alex clapping. Kelli: Have a great visit with your family. Julianne & Colton 14 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 08:02:12 (MDT)) Hi Everyone, it's Judy-trying to keep dry!! This rain is so constant and the wind is beginning to pick up a bit. I made it in to work early (6:30 am) so I could avoid the traffic but hardly anyone was here at 8:00 and those who straggled in said traffic wasn't that bad. I guess lots of people decided to stay home today. Elijah is doing so well at KinderCare. He's happy to be there now. When I come to pick him up, he smiles and runs over to me with his arms raised to pick him up. We hug and kiss and then he wants to get down again and keep playing. Hooray!! Tomorrow is the big day!! David and I go to settlement on our Cumberland house. I'm so excited. Tomorrow is also another doc appt. She's concerned about the amount of sugar I've been spilling in my urine and wants to do another gestational diabetes test. Wish me luck. I'm supposed to call for the results on next Tuesday. Question for everyone: My mom watches Elijah on Fridays and has been all along. Last week when David came to pick up E from Moms, she was in the middle of giving him a tubby and told David she would bring him home in a little while. I know in my Mom's mind, she thinks she was doing us a favor. To David, she was being controlling. She is controlling in a lot of ways, but her intentions are always good. David says my Mom doesn't think he's capable of taking care of Elijah. I think he's right because I get that impression from her too. So, the question is, should we continue to have her babysit E on Fridays or have him go to KinderCare that day instead? What do you all think would be best for Elijah? Here are my personals: Kelli and Elizabeth - I understand your concern about Elizabeth's behavior when she doesn't get her way. I've had to be firm with Elijah too. And yes, I'm afraid it's only the beginning, but I truly believe if I'm consistent and firm with what is acceptable, he'll eventually learn the rules. That doesn't mean he won't continue to test his limits (and mine), but I always feel successful when he stops the behavior because of my firmness and I can turn the situation back around to being fun and peaceful again. Something else I read says to give your toddler a warning that the activity is going to stop soon, so they're not "surprised" by the stoppage of play. Elizabeth may not understand that concept yet, but if you start it early, she'll eventually learn it. Did your Mom and family make it to your house yet? Sarah and Hannah - I've never heard of that virus. Let us know what you find out. About tempers-Elijah definitely has one. Read my post to Kelli and Elizabeth. Good luck with your "little monster." Lisa B. and Max - Do you ever want to answer the phone when MIL calls at 8:30 and scream at her that "she just woke up Max and you'll have to start all over now!!" Maybe she'd stop calling that late. I felt like doing that with David's ex-wife the other night. She called at 9:30 to let him know she was on her way from "back-to-school" night to pick up the 2 younger boys. In a way, it was responsible of her, but I still hate her and found it more irritating than responsible. Julianne and Colton - I worry about when we move to Cumberland next door to my sister's pool. Their yard is fenced and they're not finished with the pool repairs yet, so there's no water in it, but that's just as bad. David and I have talked about making sure our yard is secure. I'll have to come up with a plan for when the kids are at her house so they don't go near the pool without an adult. I just read your latest post about Colton throwing things into the tub and toilet. Maybe he'll be an Olympic swimmer when he grows up!! Sue and Cameron - I'm glad you got the support you needed from your doc. I know some people who take Zoloft and they're living much happier lives because of it. I hope it works as well for you. Beth and Allison - Maybe you could let Allison "play" with her own clippers and try to use them on you (with your help) and pretend that you like it. Use lots of kisses and oohs and aahs. If she gets used to handling the clippers, maybe you'll be able to take turns cutting each other nails. I just thought of something-that would only work if you didn't have your nails done!! Good luck. Crystal and Darrel - I'm glad your brother and Doug are out of harms way. Smoking is a tough addiction to quit. I was able to quit when I got pg with Elijah, and so far, I haven't wanted to go back to it. I had been praying for the strength to quit for several months before I got pg. Maybe that was God's way of answering me. Ha!! Moriah and Alex - Thank you for making me think about having a step situation with my sons. If my 2 boys were ever in the same situation with David having another wife, it would be different because I wouldn't poison their minds with negativity toward their father. David is a good dad, and even when he and I have had bad fights, I've never doubted the love and caring he has for Elijah and this baby. I would also try very hard to develop a mature and respectful relationship with his new wife simply because she would have an impact on my boys. David's ex-wife doesn't foster positive feeling in her boys towards him. She is selfish and always will be. That's just the way she is. She hates David and has turned on him many times. She uses her boys as pawns and weapons to punish David for leaving her and "taking the best years of her life." That's a crock of shit because she's responsible for her own happiness, not David, nor are her boys for that matter. Sorry I've gone on so long about this. It definitely strikes a nerve with me!! Don't worry, I'm not upset with you. You've helped me to be open to looking at it from a different perspective. Judy and Elijah (16 months) email: jhintz@manu.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 09:51:49 (MDT)) Hello again from Helen&Amanda!!! Still raining here- their saying 70-ish mph winds now so I brought in my plants I have not planted yet and Amanda's outdoor toys in case they land in someone's yard! Some classes here are cancelled tonight and some PM kindergartens. So I'm inside cleaning again today. TONYA--I also like the name Ryan Hayden. MORIAH-- Alex sounds so cute clapping- just melts your heart doesn't it???!!!! Is he not able to make sounds b/c of the operation- sorry, this is new to me, will speech be a little delayed b/c of it?? JUDY- Sorry your having a hard time with the ex!!! They can be difficult I've heard! Sorry about your friends DD. Must have been so sad! :O( I think Elijah still should be with Grandma on fridays, its something they will both cherish. Even though she may be controlling at times, explain to DH that she is not always being this way and he needs to look at the things she does sometimes as a kind gesture: not trying to undermind his/your parenting. SUE- Glad you went to the doc. and were diagnosed. You must be so relieved! How long can you stay on medication?? I once read that it was a temporary remedy and one has to go off after a while of being on antidepressants?? SIL said once that she is very moody and it runs in the family- she cries and everything almost on a daily basis but thinks its something to just live with. I should go- my dirty floors await!! LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@13mos(#3) Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 11:12:51 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. This is my last post until next Thursday - the sitter is taking vacation so I am too! I'm trying to clear off my desk at work before I leave but got called into a 3 1/2 hour very unproductive meeting this morning :-( Just what I needed after Max Monster threw a temper tantrum this morning (crying, kicking, hitting, etc.) because I made him quit playing with his favorite dump truck so I could put his shoes on. This kid is smarter than I gave him credit for. After 5 minutes of fighting to get the shoes on so we could leave the house (DH is gone for work) I told him, "Hey, sit still and let Mama put your shoes on and Mama will let you take your dumptruck to daycare". Sure enough, he quit kicking and squirming (although he still cried). Maybe he didn't understand but it was a little eerie anyway! SUE: I hope the meds help your JPPD. PATTY: I forgot to thank you for the pictures of your attractive family! BETH: I hold Max while DH clips his nails (so he had both hands free to work with and can get done quick). If DH is gone I clip Max's nails while he sits in the highchair. Can your computer people talk to ours so AMS can get thrown out the window and I don't have to sit through another stupid meeting on how we can circumvent the system to get vendors paid?! CRYSTAL: Good luck with ceasing smoking. I'm glad to hear Doug is safe from Floyd. TONYA: The unwanted feelings were my niece ... not me. I wasn't anticipated but was a "pleasant surprise" according to my parents. SHELLY: Welcome! So, has Moriah ALWAYS been this perky? Yeah, she has a few bad moments due to Alex's problems but she generally seems so happy. Please tell me that she was a holy terror when she was a child so I can take off the pedestal she's on it my mind - LOL! RITA: So Max will be strong and self-sufficient versus a trouble-maker? YEAH! MORIAH: Max just started open-handed clapping a few weeks ago. KELLI: Enjoy your company! Max was less grumpy last night - but was a terror this morning! HELEN: I have to speak my mind also. I have a friend who sues everyone, trying to turn a minor inconvience into big bucks and it irritates the crap out of me. I think Tonya has a valid malpractice case, however, versus trying to just profit from her pregnancy. She and her DH made the very responsible decision of not having more children due to their financial position and he got snipped. Now, she's pregnant, has one more mouth to feed, one more body to cloth, etc. but no more money. She's working and is going to school to better herself. She's not going on welfare or public assistance, something we would all pay for. I'm sure Tonya and her DH want this baby, recognize it as a gift from God, and will cherish and love him forever ... but that DOESN'T change their financial position. I agree through that it's very unlikely that the baby will not someday find out about this but hopefully it will be when the child is old enough to understand. As far as needs versus wants, if you are in financial trouble a lot of times everything is a need. You need a dependable car to get to work and kids to sitters and the doctor, you need space for your kids to be able to play and have privacy, etc. I personally grew up pretty poor (we probably could have gone on welfare but my parents just cut corners everywhere instead) and can tell you that it caused me financial problems because once I made money I wanted subconscienously to buy everything I had been denied as a child - and I was an accountant and therefore had the financial background to know better. JULIANNE: You can buy toilet locks for about $5 at K-Mart or Target (and have seen them in catalogs ... One Step Ahead? Right Start?). JUDY: I would let your Mom continue to watch E but take every opportunity you can to show her that David is an excellant father (tell her, have David feed and change E when you visit your Mom, etc.). Yes, I probably would say something mean and nasty to my MIL if I ever got to answer the phone late at night - DH grabs it as he's afraid what I'll say (LOL!). I just mention it to my MIL later, when I've cooled off. Have a great week, weekend, etc. and I'll see you all in a week. Don't talk about me TOO much as I will try to read all the "old" posts when I get back on - LOL! LisaB & Max (12 1/2 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 12:19:00 (MDT)) Good Afternoon moms, Megan here. Long time no talk huh? Well, I STILL haven't taken a prego test. I'm so lazy. Anyway, I really don't think I am although my breasts are still tingling and aching sometimes. Maybe they still have some milk in them. It's been about 3 months since I stopped Breastfeeding. Ben is doing great. He is into everything though and won't hold still for 2 seconds. He is definately acting more like a toddler than a baby. He has been waving "bye-bye" for about 2 weeks now! He even says the word but sometimes it comes out "da-ba". So cute! We are having one problem however. Lately I have noticed that when I go to pick Ben off of the changing table and he is up in the air, he gets a frightened look on his face like he's afraid of falling or something. This has carried over to bedtime and naps as well. We usually give him a bottle before nap or bed and rock him to sleep. Anyway, when he's pretty much asleep, if his arm falls or moves, he jerks his whole body. For the past week or so, when we put him down in his crib, he will jerk and startle and sometimes wake up. Then, after sleeping for a couple of minutes he will wake up screaming and shaking and his little face has a look of terror on it. It usually takes us holding him, rubbing his back, and talking to him before he will fall asleep again. Sometimes he only does it once, but sometimes it happens more than once. Yesterday when I put him down for his nap, I stayed in the room to observe and sure enough, he did that startle reflex thing they do when they are newborns. If I hadn't of been there to touch him, he would have awoke and screamed. Ok, to make a long story short, I think soon after he falls asleep, he dreams about falling sometimes. Has any one heard of this at this age? It makes me so sad because the poor little thing really looks scared. Oh by the way, thanks everyone for your ideas for a first b-day party. Keep them coming! Well, I only went back to Tuesday night for personals so here it goes. Tonya- Welcome back! Glad to hear you're doing ok. Sorry for your situation with suing the doc and everything but glad to hear you are happy and wanting this baby. Becky- I agree with the others and think you should do what you feel in your heart. Maybe you should meet her just so you'll know what she looks like, what she has to say, etc... then you can decide if you want the relationship to go further or end right there. Good luck and we are here for you! Oh, by the way, Harley is very handsome! Thanks for the pics. Patty- Your doc needs to go back to medical school. You should definately keep nursing that beautiful little boy of yours! How much does he weigh now? As long as he is healthy, that's the most important part. Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein for little ones. We give Ben whole milk, unsweetened yogurt and add our own flavorings like fruits or veges. He may take a while to get used to the flavor but keep trying. Beth- Can't help you on the nail clipping issue. Ben has always been fascinated when getting his fingers and toes clipped and will sit there and watch DH do it with a look of amazement on his face! Moriah- Congrats on Alex clapping! It's so fun when they do new things. Judy- Does your mom really enjoy seeing E on Fridays? If so, I wouldn't take that away from the two of them. It's important that he have a relationship with his Grandma. However, I have a controlling mother too and I know how hard it can be. She is good intentioned like your mom and very sweet but sometimes, well you know! Julianne- I think comforting Colton at night is the right thing to do! You never know why they are waking up. It could be teething, a bad dream, etc... and it's always best to reassure them and let them know mommy is there. I don't believe in letting a baby cry it out to sleep and I wouldn't advise you doing it with a new baby either, especially one under 6 months. I got your email but no pics of Colton. Were they suppose to be attached? Lisa B.- Hi! How is MOB? Well, I'm down to one handed typing now cause monkey wants me to hold him so I'll wrap it up! Love to all, Megan and Benjamin (11 months on 9/29) email: dtandmm@slkc.uswest.net Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 12:24:46 (MDT)) It's Me again! Monkey let me put him down for a minute. I almost forgot to say hi to Sarah. I hope Hannah is feeling better!!!!! How is the rash? Bye again, Megan Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 12:36:44 (MDT)) Hi mommies. My little munchkin, Jarin, is asleep and I should be resting, but am I? No, of course not, I am feeding my addiction to this site instead! Tomorrow is Friday - thank heaven. I am really tired this week. **Kelli: Sorry to hear that Elizabeth is showing her "true colors". I had to LOL at her tantrum though. Everything I read says that they are testing their boundaries because they are just beginning to realize that not everyone agrees on everything and that they are separate people from their parents. Jarin is in the 5th% for weight, but I think otherwise he is pretty healthy. Yes, our ped. is a friend of ours. I think her main problem with continuing nursing (guessing here, not sure) is that she's afraid Jarin won't eat enough other food. She and one of the other partners are from India. The one partner who isn't Indian explained to me once that because they saw so much poverty and malnutrition in India, they really "push" food here so that the babies are healthy. So, in her defense, I think she is trying to do what she thinks is best for Jarin. I haven't exactly been rushing to wean him. LOL. (Like I haven't even tried!!) She also told me that the nursing may make me tired as well, since my body has to do extra work. **LisaB, Beth, and Moriah: See above on the nursing issue. Moriah - I was LOL picturing myself nursing Jarin before his prom. Too funny. **Sarah: Sorry to hear that Hannah is so sick. I hope she is better soon. I don't have any info to give you. =( **LisaB: I wouldn't hold my breath about DH giving Max all those "talks". LOL Jaime and I have had several of those "grown up" talks. I think she is pretty responsible. Also, I know she won't smoke or do any drug that has to be smoked because her asthma is so bad that she can't be around it. It's the other kinds I guess I'll have to worry about. Although so far, she says she is way too smart to do anything so dumb. Have a great vacation!!! **Julianne: I also don't put Jarin to bed awake, so I know just how you feel. And I, too, am a definite snooze -a holic. **Sue: Glad you got some medicine for your PPD. Zoloft is what I take. It will take a couple weeks for you to notice anything. It was funny because DH and DD noticed a difference in me before I noticed it. All of a sudden, DH was like "Wow, you are much calmer!" It does make you tired though. Just thought I'd warn you. **Beth: Jarin hates to have his fingernails cut too. **Tonya: HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAQUEL!!!! I like the name Ryan Hayden. Cute! =) **Moriah: Too cute with Alex clapping with his hands closed. I agree with you on people "popping kids out". We see so much at school. It is so sad when people keep having kids and don't even take care of the ones they already have! **Judy: Glad Elijah is doing so well at Kindercare. I know you have to feel so much better. **Megan: Yay for Ben waving and saying bye-bye. So cute. I don't have any advice on his startling. I'm sure it breaks your heart though. Jarin weighs 19 lbs 3 oz. I think he looks pretty healthy. I can't believe he's only in the 5th percentile! **Thanks for all your advice guys. I hope everyone who is in the path of the hurricane is ok. Take care all. Patty and Jarin - 12 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 13:28:57 (MDT)) AAA GGGHHHHHHHHHHH Cat has been up since 6am, and now it is almost 3pm!!! I need a mommy break!! LOL I got wedding pics back this afternoon, and for some ungodly reason, I look like a redhead. I am FAR from a redhead. Goodness, just one more thing to add to the list of wedding disasters. Cat looks ADORABLE though. I am hooking up my scanner, and should have pics to mail out this evening, bet yall cant wait :0). Gotta run and catch the fart, byyyeeeeeeeee! Kahne and Cat 8 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 13:48:22 (MDT)) Moriah I can't beleive Alex is clapping!! Where's the video camera? I will try to take pics of the boys this weekend and get the pic cd done. I hope I get a scanner fof Christmas. (hint, hint). LisaB Are you kidding?! Moriah was a snot when she was little. You know how the youngest is always the most spoiled? But we loved her and learned to except her Royal Highness attitudes LOL. Out of all our family, Mo and I were the closest. It's hard to live so far away. Bye for now, shelly shelly email: Shellyvance@hotmail.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 14:48:00 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. I finished my priority project with 10 minutes to spare so here I am! Man, oh man, am I looking forward to some time off :-) MEGAN: Max went through a stage where he seemed to be shared of heights, sudden movements, etc. Right after that he started pulling up and cruising - possibly was scared due to him impending increase in mobility?! Ben make just take off any day now!!! PATTY: You're right, DH probably will pass the "talks" off to me. He's ALREADY complaining about having to teach Max "how to pee standing up" when potty training time rolls around. I told him I don't have the proper "equipment" to teach THAT lesson - LOL! SHELLY: My younger sister was also a brat when we were kids ... unfortunately she never outgrew it like Moriah did! LisaB & Max (12 1/2 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 15:24:08 (MDT)) Hi everyone, did you think I had dissapeared off the face of the earth? I just wanted to let you know I still check in and read occassionally but so rarely do I find time for the personals that I feel bad posting. But... I'm going to anyways. If anyone ever feels like emailing me - I seems to have more time for that! LOL Riley had his first birthday 2 weeks ago and he took his first steps 2 days before. Now he is totally walking... everywhere. It's amazing how fast they learn! He has 12 teeth and he's in to everything he's not supposed to be. He's a real handful. Right now he's sitting on his Barned ride em toy beside me eating a cookie while singing. Not for long though, in a bout a second he'll be up the stairs! LOL. Evan is same ol same ol. He is talking like crazy and now telling stories about what happened "yeserday" He has no idea when "Yeserday" was but it's cute. I hope everyone is doing great. I miss you all. Oh, and we FINALLY got Riley's room unwallpapered and painted yellow. It looks great (thanks for everyones advice)!! Michelle, Riley and Evan email: mwells@telusplanet.net Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 15:58:13 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. Well, Darrel has been extremely cranky. I figured that it was due to teething, so I started rubbing his gums where he doesn't have teeth, or so I thought. I felt a little resistance on one side and decided to check it out. A part of a molar has broken through!!!! Darrel eats very little, has diarrhea, and is still throwing up occasionally. Well, I guess there's only a few more months left of this, for now. Darrel had been getting at least one tooth in a month since he was 8 months, but he skipped last month. Maybe he'll get two in this month? LisaB: Dh may pass the "talks" off to me, but he's actually looking forward to teaching Darrel to pee "like a man". I don't see why, though. When Dh was learning how, he zipped himself up, if you know what I mean. Happy Birthday to Raquel and Riley. Darrel's still being stubborn as usual. Though he is getting more and more daring about standing up. He'll stand for a few minutes at a time know. No more steps yet. Darrel's too busy learning other things. He still throws quite a bit but not as much as before. darrel is now getting into building "towers". He will put his french toast on his head and try to put his sippy cup on top of the toast. He tries to build towers with his blocks and can get the tower stacked two or three blocks high. Darrel is taking interest is learning to use utensils. He's also wanting to drink from an open cup without help. He takes his diaper off and is starting to wake up dry after having a nap, most of the time. It's not due too dehydration because he gets 12 oz. or milk, 8-16 oz. of heavily diluted juice, and 8-16 oz. of plain water a day. Darrel drinks milk only at meals, juice only at snacks, and water any other time he may be thirsty and before bed. Darrel is also now trying to undress himself. He can get the diaper, socks, and shoes no problem. He sometimes gets the shirt and the pants, depending on the style and the fit. I know that he's still rather young, but could it be possible that potty training is in the near future? The only time that Darrel takes his diaper off is when it's wet or dirty and isn't wearing jeans or any other peice of clothing that makes it hard. If he is, he will tug at his pants and cry. Darrel's vocabulary is greatly increasing, too. Darrel is constantly bringing me things, like clothes, toys, his sippy cup, balls, rubber bands, cat toys, dog toys, fuzzballs from the cats shedding, and asking me "This?" Darrel doesn't point. He'd rather bring things to me and ask. Darrel is now finally saying "mama". He also says "DarDar" "Gie", "here" "down" "house" "door" "mum" "Ibby" and "eneier". Most of the time, Darrel will try to repeat what I say to him. Darrel waves constantly. He waves at people, cars, dogs, cats, and even airplanes. It's just so funny and cute. Darrel is becoming quite the social butterfly. He's so gentle with animals that it's enough to make me cry. He's truely a special child. I hope and pray that he doesn't lose his sweetness and gentleness. Darrel has a kind heart, just as his namesake did, which is what Doug hoped for. Darrel is named for Doug's late grandfather, whom he was very close to. He died when Doug was 16, and Doug was right there. As torn apart as he was, he kept himself together for everyone else, including his grandfather. Doug had to do CPR, but it was too late. He didn't fall apart until after the paramedics arrived. But, Doug was hoping that Darrel would have some of the same qualities that made his grandfather such a special person. I didn't like the name but agreed to it because it was so important to Doug. Darrel also hits now. He will only hit himself, though. But sometimes, he'll grab my hand and use it to hit himself in the head. He'll grab a toy and nock himself up side of the head with it continuosly. Anyone else experience the same thing with their toddlers? Gotta go. Darrel still won't stop crying. Gonna try to take him for a walk. I'll post more later. Crystal and Darrel 12 3/4 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 17:38:19 (MDT)) Crystal here again. Well, Darrel did good on his walk and is now in bed. He also played outside for a while. It's cooled down quite a bit, so he can play outside for an hour or so in the evening. He loves it. He concentrates so hard on his play both inside and outside that it's not even funny. It's cute, though. Darrel does have a rather large attention span for his age. He'll play with the same toys for an hour or two at a time. After we got inside, Darrel started to get real fussy again, so I rubbed his gums. Either I missed it earlier, or they had just popped in. Darrel has a lateral incisor on the bottom that just came in. Meaning, it's just barely broke through the gums. Plus, he has another molar that has partially broken through. What a trooper! But, hopefully with his teeth coming through, his diarhea and vomiting will stop. Three teeth at once. Will, he's only got three to go-a bottom lateral incisors and two bottom molars. But, I have a feeling that Darrel will start trying to cut his second molars by about 18 months. He's been great through all his teething, though. But with the three teeth I found today that are not yet completely in, Darrel has 9 teeth. It seems rather amazing, considering that not even 5 months ago he had no teeth. Well, I have to go now. I'll "talk" some more tomorrow. Crystal and Darrel again email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Thursday, September 16, 1999 at 20:02:05 (MDT)) Julianne here doing happy dances. :) Colton did not cry when I dropped him off at daycare this morning. This is the first time in almost 2 months! I was so happy to see him smiling when I left. His daycare teachers also told me that he ate really well yesterday and was very very happy. This is one trend I hope lasts forever! The house is clean, laundry folded, dishes put away so I am ready for my weekend away. I have my Creative Memories scrapbook overnight to go to. DH is a little worried about being in charge of Colton solo for almost 48 hrs--no grandparents are in town to help him out either. I am looking forward to getting caught up on my favorite hobby, having a "sleep over"--at a hotel though, staying up all night--that will never happen, using the swimming pool, exercise room--really need to, and not having to worry about what my little boy is getting into. Last night we had a meeting at DH's IL's to discuss a family-tree quilt that we are having made for his g-ma for Christmas. While we were there Colton walked into their dog cage, shut the door and started jabbering. Everyone cracked up and said that this is a warning of what is to come. It certainly better not be. I was so surprised at how good he was there. He played with the other kids and was happy the whole time. Judy: Yeah for Elijah enjoying KinderCare so well. I suggest continuing to let your mom watch Elijah on Friday's. Try to talk to her about how she is making your DH feel though. Lisa: We tried the toilet lock and after 1 day it was in the trash. Colton could pull it apart and I had a tangle with it, lost, so I got mad at it and threw it out after part of it landed in the toilet!! Megan: Sorry to hear about Ben's startling awake and fear of falling. Do you play fun games with him in the air? This may help associate being up in the air as something not to be afraid of. Dh lets Colton touch the ceiling, we play airplane, we hold him upside-down and swing him onto the bed or couch... No, I did not send you any pictures of Colton. We have not figured out our scanner yet and the photos I had someone else scan for me were lost! Sorry. Michelle: Hello stranger! Sounds like you have been very busy. Yeah for Riley walking. Happy b-day to him late. Crystal: Too cute about Darrly building a tower out of his food and sippy. The only time Colton hits his head is when he has fluid in his ears. If he is hitting by his ears you might want to make sure he is getting a decongestant to help clear that up. Everyone have a fun and safe weekend. Julianne & Colton 14mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, September 17, 1999 at 07:44:02 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda! Well we've survived the wind and rain. Some places closed around here and some flooding but nothing severe. The news people just like to get everyone worked up over nothing. Amanda insisted on going outside this morning but didn't like the wind! She kept squinting her eyes and wanting to be picked up. Add me to the 'bad Mommy' list- Amanda stole a spoon out of the dishwasher this morning then a second later was crying- must of had it in her mouth and fell- so her tongue was bleeding and she has a sm. cut on it. :O( :O( :O( :O( CRYSTAL- Amanda points to things and says 'that?' This morning there were geese flying south and she was waving to them as they flew away! She waves to the dump trucks and tractors driving by our house( probably thinks daddy is in all of them)!! Aren't they the cutest with all these little things they do!!!!She grabbed my leg yesterday and brought me to the fridge- pulled on the door- then when I opened it jumped in and came out with a bunch of bananas! This is her new passtime- trying to open the fridge! JULIANNE- Isn't that the best feeling when the house is totally clean and in order!!!!Hopefully DH will keep it that way until your back-- have fun!!!YEAH for no crying this morning!!!!!! LISAB- I probably shouldn't have said anything to Tonya and stirred things up but when someone is suing it should be to help out with the financial burden of this unexpected child not a new house and car- they are wants not needs. Needs are food, shelter, and clothing-- along with good medical care and a few other things that don't come to mind at the moment- usually people say they will put it away for education-- sorry it just blew me away!! And I 'did' grow up on welfare, so I know what its like to be very poor---Is that why I also like to shop so much??? LOL! :O) LATER!!!! Helen&Amanda@13mos(#3) Friday, September 17, 1999 at 09:42:08 (MDT)) Hi everyone Joy here. Its almost time for Josh's nap so I don't have much time. I was reading the posts and I am sooo happy to see that I am not the only mom with a child who has a temper. I can't believe my sweet angel can already be showing signs of a temper. Ugh. today we went for a walk and stopped at the park to play. I let him crawl around for a little bit but when he started playing in dirt i picked him up and put him back in the stroller. Well, he had a fit crying (screaming) most of the way home. I did not give in and let him down again however much I wanted to stop the crying. he is such a good baby most of the time if he has his freedom. Lisab*thanks for the info on haircuts. Hope you have a great vacation. Enjoy yourself. Becky*Hi. Maybe I won't cut Josh's hair right away though he only has a few curls at the back. LisaM* I was told it was a girl but I am not banking on that info. I will find out for sure when I have my second ultra sound at 30 weeks. I had more posts planned but Josh really needs to have a nap. Sorry ladies I'll try to check in later. Joy Joy and Josh Friday, September 17, 1999 at 11:17:56 (MDT)) Good afternoon ladies!!! Man oh man. Our server was on the fritz at work today, so I couldn't log on at work. I had to wait until I got home. :( It was driving me nuts cause I didn't check in yesterday either. I missed you ladies! :) Well, I FINALLY (Oh, it's SARAH here!) have my sweet, sweet baby back. She's feeling so much better!! Thanks for all of the well wishes!! She's a happy girl again. Plus, her molar has poked through!! :) :) OK, I'm a little perturbed!!!! Don't get me wrong, my DH is wonderful and a wonderful daddy, but I've left him a note the last two days to please put laundry away (it's been sitting there for over a week, and he's been home) AND IT'S STILL NOT PUT AWAY!!!!! So, I'm gonna put HANNAH's and my clothes away, and leave his!! ARGH!!!!!! OK, I feel better :) On to personals: RITA - Yep, Kelli informed me what Roseola was and that it's not serious. She's feeling much better. Thanks for asking! MORIAH - Yea for ALEX clapping!!! KELLI - Is your family here yet? My cousin's family is not doing so good. It's VERY hard on them. Please pray for them. Thanks for asking! JULIANNE - HANNAH's feeling much better. Thanks for asking! Yea, for COLTON not crying at daycare today. JUDY - Roseola is just a virus. They get a high temp for 2-3 days, then the temp goes away and they break out in a rash for 4-5 days. VERY IRRITABLE!!!!! MEGAN - HI to you too!! :) HANNAH's much better. Thanks for asking! Hey, did your sis ever come to Denver?? MICHELLE - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to RILEY!!!!! When was his b-day? HANNAH's was Sept 4. JOY - OH MY GOSH, GIRL!!!! HANNAH's got a terrible temper!! Starting early. OK, I think I hear my punk upstairs jumping in her crib. Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!! Sarah and Hannah (1 year old) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, September 17, 1999 at 15:02:30 (MDT)) Good afternoon. This is Shelly the "new girl". Am I the only one who has older children too? I have three boys, Taylor 11, Jestin(Jesse) 6, and Riley 17 months. No girls. Being a single mom to three sooner or later will land me in the Looney Bin. Riley said a new word today. We could hear a plane flying over and he pointed up and said Yane. I'm so proud. He does not talk as much as my older two at this age. But I'm sure it's because he cannot get a word in edgewise. Plus, why talk when pointing and grunting gets you everything? LisaB&Max- Who said Moriah has grown out of it?!!! The entire family still referres to her as "The Queen of Everything". We've considered making a down payment on the crown jewels, but why encourage her?LOL Moriah&Alex- Hope you have a safe trip to DL. Bring us back a picture of Alex and Mickey! I love and Miss you daily! Shelly and Riley email: shellyvance@hotmail.com Friday, September 17, 1999 at 16:11:05 (MDT)) Hello I am going to put my personals first, before I forget :0). Helen and Amanda** Glad to hear you are ok! Shelly and Riley** Welcome, I am an escapee from the baby board! Moriah and Alex** Have a good time! Did somebody mention temper, tell Cat "no", and she gets PISSED.LOL GUESS WHAT GUYS>>>>>>>>>>> WE HAVE A TOOTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WWWWOOOOOOO HHHHHOOOOOOO! How many of yalls kids got their TOP tooth first, isnt that odd? I brought Cat over to see a friend of Mines daughter, and she had a really good time. Kaytlin is 3, but some child interaction is better than none at all. They actually did well together. I have to go get my DH something to eat, what I have no Idea...... Love you all Kahne and Cat email: skcx2@fnbop.com Friday, September 17, 1999 at 17:41:09 (MDT)) Hi ladies and tots. Crystal and Darrel here after a full day's work. I was in the 2-3 year old class today, and we all had so much fun. It was a day I don't want to forget. We learned so much and had a very exciting day. Then, during snack time, after nap, my class and I got real silly. It was fun. One of the mothers brought cake in for a snack, and I asked who's birthday it was. It wasn't. One of the kids started saying that it was their birthday. Soon, the other kids joined, and then I did, and we made a little skit out of arguing who's birthday it was. We all started laughing. It was a good day. I have now worked in all of the rooms at the day care, and I know all the children in all the classes. I have even formed a few close attachments to some of the kids. Of course, some of the children really try my patience, but I don't loose my temper over it. I can't. But I usually have a great time with the kids. Once I'm able to get a class of my own and not float around all the time, then I'll be able to get to know each of my kids on a more personal level and make the classes more interesting. Already, the owner is impressed with me. Some of the other teachers are, too, because I can keep control of a class without a lot of screaming and yelling. And, when I need help getting control, I ask another teacher to help me, especially during nap time. That is the worse. But, the more I see what other teachers do and how they react in certain situations, the easier it is for me the next time around. I may not do everything the same, but I take care of it just as efficiently. I love my job so much, and I love the children at the day care. The more I work at the ABC House, the clearer my goals of opening a child care facility become. They start to seem more attainable and I start to see what I need for my child care facility. I love my carreer very much, and the more I'm at work, the more at home I feel with my job. The more it seems like that's what I'm meant to do. My main goal in life is to make a difference in the lives of our children. If we can touch the children, then we can change the world. Crystal and Darrel 12 3/4 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Friday, September 17, 1999 at 18:23:35 (MDT)) Hey there everyone. I miss you all SO much! I will be so glad when our phone is back on and I can get on here everyday again instead of just once or twice a week. I can't believe how many new people are back on here again and how many new (old) ones are back and I must say that I am very glad to see you all back and know that you are doing good. Well we are over here at MIL's house and it is fun. We are all doing great and have been well. No sickos here and that is very unusual for us. It seems like someone is always sick around here. So please you all e-mail me and let me know what is going on so the next time I come back over here I can get on and check my e-mail and see what all is going on. Patty- What happened with Jarin? Is he alright? I sure do hope so. Beth- Glad that Allison is walking for you now. Kelli- I miss you and I hope that you an Elizabeth are doing great. Sarah- I am so sorry that Hannah has been sick. I hope that she is allot better now. Rita- How are you and the two girls doing? Crystal- How is work going and how is everything with you and Doug? LisaB- I hope that you and Max are doing well. What is this I hear about a fight??? Julianne- I hope that you and Colton are doing alright and that he is still keeping you on your toes. LOL Cynthia- How are you and Adam doing and how about the boys and Keith and Deanna? I hope that is her name. Tonya- So glad to see you back. Joy- Glad to see you back also and glad to hear that Josh is doing well. Everyone else, I love you all and miss you. E-mail me. Tracey and Dillon 15 months today! email: ttelger@yahoo.com Saturday, September 18, 1999 at 16:01:47 (MDT)) |