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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Katy here We had a WIC appointment yesterday, Liam weighs 24 pounds 9 ounces and is 31 inches long. it seems like he should weigh so much more than that cause he feels heavy. But he's growing well and that's all the matters. hope everyone is doing well. I can't do any personals this morning because i have a spanish quiz to study for. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 06:02:02 (MDT)) Are you sure it is Friday and not Monday? I was running late again when I dropped Colton off to daycare. I was almost out their driveway when I realized I had not put Colton's bottle and lunch in the fridge. I quick ran back inside to take care of it. I think I really need a weekend! I started giving Colton baths without his bathring this week. He loves his new freedom. The first time he was scared for a few minutes then he was off exploring the drain and faucet. Last night he figured out how to open and close the drain. Everytime I tried to let the water go out he would shut the drain. When the water was all out he still wanted to sit and play in the empty tub! Judy: Sorry to hear that Elijah was bitten at Kindercare. Colton was bit too, but he tried to take a toy from the other boy and the boy bit him to get him to let go. They gave the toy to Colton to show the boy it was wrong to bite. I told them if Colton tries to take a toy away to not let him have it no matter what. I think I have a little bully on my hands some days. I was in nursery last Sunday and Coton shoved 2 kids both bigger than him when they were in his way! Kelli: Elizabeth sounds so cute with her new words and doing the motions to the spider song. Colton gets mad if I play a song tape now. He runs to the TV and expects to see something and when the screen is blank he fusses, hits at it, and looks at me like something is wrong. Patty: Yeah, you are back. I sure hope Jarin gets over his cold soon. When Colton first started at daycare at 6 mo he had colds off an on for the next 3 months. I think exposure to so many kids and people tends to do that. However, I feel that he needed to build up his immune system before he starts pre-school. Crystal: Sorry to hear that your DH is late and hasn't called. I hope you hear from him soon, better yet, see his face at your front door soon. Joy: I hope Josh's surgery went well. Have a great weekend Mommies and Babies. Julianne & Colton 14 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 07:25:10 (MDT)) Hi this the guilt ridden Birdie here. Thanks to everyone who responded about Noah's fingers. I am feeling much better. He doesn't even know it happened. he's been chewing on his fingers and playing without any problems. I just felt so bad for him. I have baby proofed my house, so i thought. I watch him constantly. I took pride in the fact that we have had no boo boos and then this. So I"m not the perfect mom??? When did that happen because I really thought I was? I thought they didn't make any better than me. I have really learned my lesson. Gotta get ready for Gymboree. Take care everyone. I'll sneak over again soon I'm sure. Birdie and Noah (10 + months) Friday, October 01, 1999 at 07:32:45 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Max was an absolute monster last night. Max and I went shopping and he started crying louding. I held him for awhile and he started screaming wanting down. I let him down but he would not stand or hold my hand but rather tried to crawl all over the store. I picked him back up and held a kicking and screaming toddler - our first public temper tantrum (have you noticed baby books don't list that on their pages of firsts?!). I was getting stuff for a baby shower so I was holding Max, trying to push the cart, trying to read the registry list, trying to find the items, and trying to mark the items I got off the registry list. A store clerk walked by and told me Max was an adorable baby (yeah, real adorable with tear streaks down his face and his face all scrunched up with his mouth wide open screaming - she MUST be a fellow mother!). Then Max was thrashing around in his high chair and wouldn't eat so I caved and held him while DH fed him. Then he was up at 1:30 this morning. UGH! Hopefully this weekend we'll be able to get everything back to normal. BIRDIE: Poor Noah :-( Don't beat yourself up - we ALL have less than perfect parenting moments. MaryC: Max eats breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner all at about the same time each day. Eli probably gets plenty of food with his snacks so I wouldn't worry (unless loses weight or decreases number of wet diapers). Hopefully he'll start eating meals before he goes to pre-school or kindergarten! JULIANNE: Backhoe operator, huh?! Colton obviously loves his Grandma; I'm so glad she can watch him. JUDY: I'm sorry Eli got bit ... but like you siad kids will be kids. DH snores also and I HATE it. We leave Max's diaper on while the tub fills. He often pees in the tub as soon as he gets in and I just let him go in the water (and make sure he doesn't stick his head in the water during the bath!). 17 years of continuous nursing? That lady deserves a medal! CHRISTIE: Max LOVES ice cream! KELLI: Congrats on Elizabeth's first sentence(s). PATTY: Welcome back! I'm sorry Jarin is sick again. CRYSTAL: I hope DH calls soon. I wouldn't put up with that crap from my DH either - you deserve more consideration than that :-( LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 07:37:45 (MDT)) Good morning ladies!! SARAH here! HAPPY, HAPPY FRIDAY!! :) :) I missed you all yesterday. I only worked until 10:00am and then had to go to (another) funeral. So I didn't have time to post. Not much planned this weekend. DH has a couple classes, so it looks like the girls are gonna hang out. I'm kind of bummed, though. I had a ticket to the Bronco game, and I can't find a sitter. Oh well. KATY - Welcome!!!! I can't remember if I told you, but Happy Birthday to LIAM!!! :) Good luck on your Spanish quiz! KELLI - HANNAH loves BARNEY too. I know what you mean about watching how much they love the shows. I used to HATE BARNEY, and now I don't mind watching it cause I see how much HANNAH loves it! :) My sister has Veggie Tales for her boys. I've seen the one with Miss Blueberry (I think). How cute!!! HANNAH also does the finger motion with Itsy Bitsy Spider. I used to sing it to her all of the time and do the motions. Then I hadn't sung it to her in a week or so, and the next time I did, she was doing the motions!!! Amazing! I know, I know....you're not the only one who thinks I'm crazy for not skiing. I hear that all of the time!!! BIRDIE - You are a WONDERFUL mommy!!! That happens to all of us! SARAH G. - Sorry to hear about the food poisoning. Hope you're feeling better. JULIANNE - Such a cute story about COLTON and your grandma!!! PATTY - Welcome back! We missed you! Sorry to hear JARIN's sick! I hope he feels better soon! CRYSTAL - Hope you hear from DH soon. Man, when I don't hear from my DH if he's an HOUR late, I'm pissed! Good luck!!! LISA - Holy cow, I know about those tantrums!!!!! RITA - Sounds like you had a fun night! OK, better get some work done. If I don't get a chance to get back on today, I hope everyone has a great, safe weekend!!! :) :) Sarah and Hannah (1 year) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 08:30:12 (MDT)) Katy again, Okay, i just had to vent real quick before running some errands. i called the head start people to see if Liam needed anything special for Monday, because that's when it started. Well guess what they told me, It doesn't start on Monady! The building is STILL not finished and the new projected start date is November 1. the way this is going we won't need him in head start because school will be over!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! okay, i feel better now. Back to your regularly scheduled toddler board. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 09:01:44 (MDT)) Hi Everyone! I have 3 coupons for Huggies Diapers, each are $1.50 off. I only use Pampers and have plenty of Pampers coupons but I thought if someone wanted these Huggies coupons I could send them to you. They all expire on November 30th, 1999. They all are for $1.50 off on ONE jumbo pkg or larger, OR on two any other sizes. One is exclusive to Huggies Supreme only but the other two are for any Huggies. E-MAIL me if you are interested. I'll take the first e-mail (or highest bidder-hahaha!) See ya! Kelli & Elizabeth, 14 1/2 months email: rkncs@aol.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 10:38:33 (MDT)) Hi it's Moriah. Fortunatley my week has improved since Tuesday! No more posts filled with profanity (sorry!). Alex had the cutest day yesterday. He's just the best thing in the whole world. I of course got very little done because of all the playing we did. He did something very exciting though - he rolled all the way on his tummy (he hardley ever does that because being on his tummy is uncomfortable due to the trach) then he schooched about 1 foot over to get a blanket. SUPER EXCITING! He's never moved to get something before. Could mobileness be right around the corner? I hope so. He also was so funny last night when Geoff came home. Geoff had been gone for about 36 hours fishing (his job) & the night before Alex really seemed to be looking for him (especially in bed). So last night when Geoff got home Alex gave him the cold shoulder - literally! He usually gets super excited when Geoff comes near him but last night he kept turning away from him - we were cracking up. Then after he had finished eating I was going to give him to Geoff for a cuddle. Geoff was laying on the couch & Alex was sort of hanging over him he looked right down at Geoff & let out a HUGE burp. I almost peed my pants laughing. Alex hardley ever burps (he's more of a farty guy). But this morning he seems to have forgiven daddy because all is back to normal. Sorry guys but I have the cutest kid! I'm having a little issue over our weekend plans. We're invited to a 1st BD party for another baby (obviously) born right before Alex. The couple who is throwing the party have been very supportive of us & our situation & are always saying nice things about Alex. They are careful not to compare & we have a good time with them. BUT there will be several people there with babies all about the same age (there were 9 baby boys born in our social circle last year & Alex is the only one with any problems). Most of these babies are really big so Alex is seriously 1/2 the size of them & not to mention not doing anything that they are. One couple in particular (my husbands childhood BF) has a son 2 weeks younger than Alex & she drank her whole pregnancy (not to mention other unhealthy stuff) & they of course had a perfect baby. I just feel a little insecure because I feel like everyone is going to stare at us (most have never seen Alex because due to the germs we've been hermits this last year) & probably pity us. Which drives me nuts. We love Alex & while we know that things aren't prefect we don't want anyones pity. We want to go because we feel like constantly avoiding our friends is giving people the impression that we're not happy. We feel like they need to see that we're doing fine & how cute Alex is. But it's that initial 5 minutes of awkardness that I always dread. Sorry for rambling - I needed to vent to someone because if I bring up to Geoff that I'm nervous then he won't want to go. On to the personals: Sally - hi! I checked out parenthood.com - pretty cool! Welcome! Julianne - I'm glad to here the triplets are doing better. Is she going to have help at home? I tell you when we had Alex the nicest thing people did for us was bring food. There was so much stress that cooking was out of the question. Birdie - no I haven't started my job yet - I've tried twice but the lady is a flake so now I don't know what's going to happen :(. I sorry to hear of Noah's little accident! I'm glad he's feeling better. You are NOT a bad mom. Things just happen! Do you have anything like Print Shop or Adobe Photo Deluxe? I could send you different file formats rather than JPEG is that would help. I want you to see the pcis of Alex! Rita HI!! Beth HI!! Katy - bummer about HS! I'm trying to get Alex occupational therapy through a similar program but they're a nightmare. While they say he definately needs it he's too normal to meet their requirements. So they had to stretch it to get us in then we had to be given a low priority & will be on a long waiting list. Yet every month he gets further behind. I'm doing the best I can but I wish he could get professional help. Judy - WOW I can't believe your sister has been nursing for so long! Good for her. Patty - I'm so glad to see you back! Lisa B - Max Monster huh? I sure can wait for those tantrum days. Although I'm sure my sweet angle will never have any! LOL LOL LOL The feeding specialist already told me (jokingly) that Alex is a brat. It's not that he can't drink liquids - it's that he doesn't WANT to. BRAT! Well enough of my monster post. Alex has a ped appointment this afternoon. But I'm going over early to stop by the Right Start store - Alex needs another sippy cup that only they sell. Chat again later! PS I'm sure there's a million typos but I don't have time to proof read - SORRY! Moriah & Alex (less than a week!) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 12:10:12 (MDT)) Hey again... I just wanted to let you know that the coupons have been spoken for. Sorry!! Thanks! Kelli Friday, October 01, 1999 at 12:38:39 (MDT)) Hello from Rita. Larry made it home earlier last night, thank goodness, 'cause it was bath night. Amy is so funny. As soon as she heard the bath water running she took off scooting down the hallway, chattering with excitement. Ever since we put Maddy and Amy together for baths, they've both really enjoyed their baths alot more. If only I didn't get a "bath" at the same time! Patty - So glad that you are back! Sorry to hear that Jarin is sick.:-( Maddy seemed to have the same types of problems when we first had her in daycare with Larry's niece. Her children were always sick and passing things to Maddy. Both girls have been really healthy with our neighbor. Moriah - Hi to you, too. Alex sounds like he is doing so well! The timing would be so perfect for him to have the trach removed since he is so mobile these days. I guess that Geoff will have to work hard to stay on Alex' good side. LOL. Let us know if you are still going to be in the East Bay at the end of the month. We are all back to being healthy, knock wood. Lisa B - You could always start a scrapbook for Max and have an exclusive tantrum page. LOL. We have always joked about making number signs and rating Maddy's tantrums like an Olympic event. She's a little too savvy these days, though, and certainly wouldn't appreciate it. Well, I ve got to get going. Have a great weekend everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 13:13:36 (MDT)) I thought I would get another post in today so my post on Monday wouldn't be so long! You all seem to be very busy on here on the weekends. Not that I don't mind starting my Monday with lots of TT board reading! I can't wait--only a few more minutes and I get to see Colton. His daycare usually has him playing outside and when he sees my truck he comes running to the fence--even tries to climb up it! LisaB: What fun Max had embarrassing you shopping! Hope he turns back into Happy Max for you this weekend. Sarah: Sorry you couldn't find a sitter for the Bronco game. That is one thing I am still not used to doing. In fact, I am stopping at MIL's after supper tonight to see if she will watch Colton tomorrow night so DH and I can go out with another couple to the movies. If she says "no" I am in the dog house big time with DH for not planning ahead. Katy: How frustrating it must be for you finding out so late that the HS program is being delayed again. :( Moriah: WAY TO GOOOOO ALEX!!! I am so happy for you and Alex. Glad Alex forgave your DH--what a stinker. Good luck this weekend. Hopefully the other couples will see how sweet Alex is and focus on that, not comparing him to their children. He really has come a long way and they should feel extra lucky for their children. Too often we take our kid's health for granted. Yes, Carrie will have help when the triplets come home. They have a nurse coming to help the first month and then a support group will be helping. Rita: What you don't like getting soaked at bathtime? Colton has really discovered splashing with his toys lately. I have started sitting by the tub w/ a towel across my lap so help some. You must really need to watch out with 2. Time to go home. Yeah. See you all on Monday. Julianne & Colton email: jjones@batts.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 14:31:07 (MDT)) Judy & Elijah - yes, it is very hard to keep up between this board and the PT board. I'm being pulled way too thin. Thanks for being so understanding. Sometimes I think I should concentrate on one or the other, but I like both. I do have to admit that people seem to be more responsive on this board and everyone seems really nice and supportive. Kelli & Elizabeth - I was super amazed at your lunch schedule. If only I could get E to eat half as much. Does she really eat a whole sandwhich? Wow! I really hope I can get on a schedule in the next month or two. E is a very big boy, he weights 28 pds at 14 mths. So he is definately not shrinking any. Crystal & Darrel - I'm glad you're taking what DH is doing relatively calmly. When my DH was an hour late from work, I was nearly in hysterics. I'm pregnant so my hormones were definately in overdrive. I was imagining that I would have to raise 2 children on my own. Why do I always have to think the worst? Anyways, he will never do that again. So, how is everything going now? LisaB & Max - E is definately above average in the weight department. I'm thinking of getting him on vitamins to make sure he is getting all his nutrients. I plan on home schooling, so I only need to plan a schedule for my convenience alone. There is a group of home schoolers at my church that get together on a regular basis, so I will get alot of support. MaryC & Elijah Friday, October 01, 1999 at 17:08:55 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. First of all, I did hear from DH today. It's about time. I think the reason I have put up with so much b.s. from him is because I cannot stay mad at him. It's too hard. I have tried to even act mad after I have already forgiven him for things. It doesn't work. Actually, I can't stay mad at anyone for very long. A lot of times, but the time some one apologizes, I've already forgiven them. Anyway, Dh called me at work, and he'll be here tomorrow sometime. I'm real excited now. He was about half way here when he called. It's a 24 hour drive from my front door to where we lived together on base. I know because my dad and I drove straight thru and made it in 24 hours exactly. So, he'll be stopping 7 hours away, which will more than likely be somewhere in Louisiana. He'll be here in the late afternoon, early evening tomorrow. I'm very much looing forward to seeing him again. I can get mad at Doug all I want, but that does me no good. I'm just too forgiving. Well, I've become attached to the babies at the day care. There's a 4 month old, two 9 month olds, 2 12 month olds, and a 15 month old. One of the 9 month olds is a Down's baby, and I have fallen in love with her. With each new accomplishment, I beam with pride, as I would if she was my baby and "normal". She's done so many new things this past week that everyone is so proud of her. She holds her head up more, rolls completely over, scoots an inch or two when lying on her back, and she even held her bottle for the first time today. And she's such a happy little girl. She rarely cries and is always llaughing and smiling. In a way, it breaks my heart because of my baby brother who was a Down's baby and died shortly after birth. One of the 12 month olds was born prematurely, and her mom thins she's behind on her developement. She's actually ahead for being a preemie. She's not walking yet, but she's within the "normal" range for a child who was born at term. She pulls herself up, cruises, bends down to pick things up, crawls, sits up, and does everything that she should be doing if she was born at term. And she's huge. She's 25 pounds and looks as though she's just a little slower than the average but still normal. If she was born at term instead of prematurely, she'd be 10 months. She's fine, even though her mom thinks something is wrong with her developement. If something is wrong with her, then something is definitely wrong with Darrel, who was born the day after he was due. Moriah: I think you should go to the party. If it would make you feel better, you may even try to talk to your friend and see if she can tal to the others and tell them to not give you and Geoff pity because of Alex. If they start showing pity, try to reverse it on them. Like if they say "Poor baby" tell them that he gets to stay a baby longer, etc. Or, tell them how proud you and Geoff are of Alex for having had come so far in such a short amount of time. And yes, I think mobility is just around the corner for Alex. Better start childproofing now while there's time. Moriah and Kahne: Thanks for the e-mails. Well, that's it for now. I'll post again tomorrow to let everyone know that DH arrived safely. I probably won't be on much for a little while afterward, as we have 6 months worth of catching up to do. Talk some more later. Crystal and Darrel email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 19:41:53 (MDT)) Hello, it's Shelly. I haven't posted lately, I've been super busy. We've had an interesting week. First, my oldest son is supposed to go to outdoor school. 3 days sleepover camp with his 6th grade class. It's in the valley where we used to live. I found out that the ex's girlfriend is cooking for the camp. We've had so many problems with her. She has verbally abused me, my boys and physically abused the ex in front of our boys. I think she has no business working w/kids. She abuses her own (I know for a true fact) and she was in danger of losing one of them a couple of months ago. I have a court order that says Jim cannot leave our boys with her or any of her family members. It's not a matter of me not likig her. It's a matter of SHE SCARES ME TO DEATH. The last conversation I had with her, she told me I was stupid for letting my boys be around her and the ex. She ended the convo with "You and your kids better watch out". I went to school today and told the Principle that if she is working there than Tay cannot go. He promises to call the camp director and try to resolve this issue. Am I being too anal? I can't help but listen to the news about weirdos going nuts and hurting kids. I do not condone drugs or domestic voilence. Yet this is what my children have been subjected to, thanks to their #@* hole father. Please let me know your thoughts. I feel like my life is riducules with all this crap going on. I went to town with my Mom today. While she ran into a medical suply store, Riley and I waited in her car. Well who happens by but Monte (Rileys uninvolved father) He stops when he realizes it's me in the car. Looks up and down the street (for spies) and starts talking to me. He stared at his son the whole time and then told me that I had a beautiful boy. The whole process was twilight zone! This was the first time he has seen Riley since he was 8 weeks old. I'm still not sure how to feel about it. Oh well.... Birdie- a couple of months ago, I was curling my hair. Riley likes to sit on the bathroom counter. Anyway, I looked away for a second and he grabbed the curling iron. I tried to put ice on his hand but he was screaming. So I gave him tylenol and held his hand in a cup of icewater. He fell asleep and a couple hours later, I got a good look. His whole hand was blistered. I felt horrible. We have all had these accidents in one way or another. You sound like a great Mom to me. Rita- Riley and I used to take a bath together everynight. I would wait until he was busy playing, sneak into the bathroom and run the tub. I'de close the shower curtain. Pretty soon, he'd realize I was missing, either that or hear the tub. He'd get in there quick and stand beside the tub pulling that curtain open. We both would be cracking up. It was really fun. I haven't done it for about 3months. But last night I tried to sneak away for a soak and pretty soon he was in the room. He remembered the game. It was really cute. Moriah- Go and have fun. Even if Alex didn't have the set backs, people still would sit around comparing all the babies. Hold your head high baby sister!! Not only is he adorable, he is a baby to be proud of. Everyone compares their children. You know your nephs are far from perfect, when comparing goes on, I just focus on the good attributes of my guys. Alex is one in a million!!!! Shelly & Riley Friday, October 01, 1999 at 21:28:43 (MDT)) Hi guys- Sarah g here. I need to vent a little- hope you don't mind. Scroll through as needed! :o) DH is driving me up the wall. He absolutely needs to get another job or I really think I'm going to tell him he has to go. (He earns extrememly low wages-- and loves his job making coffee at a giant computer company) We are living with my parents for financial reasons. I had to quit my part time job when DD was born, because my wages literally covered 3 days at daycare a week, for Isaac only, but had to keep the job till DD was born for the medical coverage. DH had no job for 6 months of my pregnancy with Isaac, got this crappy job AFTER I went back to work after 5 1/2 wks leave with a c-section; and hasn't hardly looked for a different job since. A week ago I told him that it was getting close to the point of "go live at your mom's" if he wouldn't find another job. All week, not one glance in the paper... nothing. He spends his day (11 hrs!!) at an enormous computer company- he sees no opportunity, I guess. I've never experienced separation, and I really don't want to subject my kids to it, but where do I draw the line? Sorry guys- it's a sad mess. Some personals-- Thanks everyone for the well wishes w/ food poisoning. I'm doing much better, in that area! Patty- Sorry Jarin is not feeling well. Have you ever tried very small amounts of vitamin C for colds? It seemed to help Isaac out with his last cold. Best wishes! Julianne- Enjoy your much needed weekend! Glad to hear your friend's triplets are doing pretty well! Moriah- Sounds like you have a strength that most of us have not had to call upon. You'll be teaching and showing Alex that strength as well, as he grows older. Go for it at the party! Be proud. Kelli- How nice Elizabeth is up walking around so much! Sarah (Hannah's mom)- Sorry you're missing a Bronco's game. So you've seen one before?? WOW! Goodnight ladies- talk to you all later! Sarah g and Isaac email: gat_men@hotmail.com Friday, October 01, 1999 at 23:33:45 (MDT)) Oh- I forgot I wanted to post this... onehotmama.com a nifty link with a great sense of humor and some cool shopping too! Hope the link works- otherwise you'll have to type the address in the old fashioned way!!! lol Sarah g Friday, October 01, 1999 at 23:41:14 (MDT)) Hi mommies. I can't believe I'm the first one to post here today! Jarin is so funny. I can tell he must be feeling a little better. He's been smiling and laughing a lot more. When I tell him it's time to take his medicine, he goes running across the room. He does the same thing when I try to change his diaper, but he runs just close enough for me to grab him and then he laughs. He has also figured out that we put the paper for recycling in one of our cupboards. the other night I was grading papers. Jarin came by, picked up a stack of them, opened the cupboard, and put them in the sack for recycling papers. What a riot! I was cracking up. **Kelli: So you have a little tornado at your house too? I swear Jarin is nonstop action. He also loves the Itsy Bitsy Spider song, but hasn't attempted to do the motions yet. **Katy: Sorry to hear about the problem with Head Start. Liam sounds good size to me - Jarin is only about 19 1/2 pounds and 30 inches. **Julianne: Thanks for the welcome. I hope jarin builds his immune system soon. I'm glad to hear that it may get better after a few months. LOL at Colton with the TV screen. They sure learn fast, don't they? **LisaB: I'm sorry, but I was LOL at Max's temper tantrum in the store. I'm sure that the lady had to be a fellow mom. I always smile at kids having tantrums too. I usually end up carrying Jarin, pushing the cart, and doing all that too. If I put him down, he takes off running and then pulls EVERYTHING off of the shelves. It takes me longer to pick up after him than it does to do the shopping! **Sarah: Ok, girl, I am starting to love Fridays as much as you do!!! **Moriah: Alex is so funny being mad at Geoff. I could just picture it as you described it. I hope you have fun at the party. If everyone sees how much you enjoy Alex, how could they possibly pity you? He is such a great kid, they'll have to see that right away. =) **Rita: I hope this immune system thing gets built up quickly! I was LOL at you guys rating Maddy's tantrums. Jarin also comes running when he hears the bath water. Can't wait to get naked. heehee **Shelly: If your ex's girlfriend is anything like my ex's wife, I can understand how you feel. Although my ex's wife hasn't abused my daughter physically, she sure puts her through enough emotional hell. I don't think you are overreacting if she's that psycho. It definitely sounds like a Twilight Zone incident with Riley's father. **Sarahg: I hope DH finds a better job soon. I don't have any advice for you, but I do hope things improve for you and your family. I haven't tried Vitamin C yet as Jarin doesn't take any vitamins yet. May be worth a shot though, huh? Thanks for the advice. **Take care of all of those toddlers. They are so much fun!!! Patty and Jarin - 13 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Saturday, October 02, 1999 at 14:45:07 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!!!! Well Patty-- we're the only ones here today--slow day I guess!! DH is sleeping on the sofa- fell asleep watching the Bruins game-boring I guess?? DS has a hockey game tomorrow AM-- his first on the new team he was up-graded to-- the "A" team-- he is so happy( they usually have A-C teams). DH went to his 1st practice thurs. PM and said he is the smallest on the team- wil be 14 in Feb. and not 5' yet-- keeps asking-"when will I grow???" Poor kid. He will be taller than me in no time but he is not growing fast enough compared to the rest of the guys his age!!! Well,I am in the middle of filling another filing cabinet- what will Amanda do while I'm on here?? I have so much papers and the kids 'stuff' I keep in files that its such a mess-- also got curtain rods for in here and new curtains for the formal living rm and am in the process of switching and hanging curtains in this rm and the other- I will never be done, and when I am I'll be sick of everything and want something different!! PATTY-- Jarin sounds SOOOO cute recycling for you!! Amanda puts things in the trash when I tell her to-- her new thing is to pull on me and push me to the direction she wants me to go then points and "talks" telling me what she wants. SARAHG--PATTY---Vitamins sound like a good ides- Amanda is so fussy about what she eats- now she only eats microwave 'aunt jemima' pancakes, raisins, cheese slices and 'goldfish' crackers, she doesn't like veggies or much fruit, have to get some to balance things out. KELLI-- That tornado has hit here in the last few wks too!! LISAB- Oh yes-- the kicking, screaming, stiff body, tears-- Welcome to toddlerhood!! No, I guess that '1st" is not in the books is it- can't imagine why not-- maybe those moms that put them together would rather forget. LOL! MORIAH-- Have fun at the party-- Alex has come a long way and we're all very happy for the 3 of you, if people don't seem to understand at first it will be b/c of not knowing what you all have been through and will be amazed at the long road you've all been down- chin up and be proud-- Have a great time!! :) :) :) SHELLY- Your not being paranoid or anal- this is your son your supposed to protect and I would do the same thing-- be sure 'she' is not there when your son is- people can be so sick. SARAHG-- Hope DH gets a better job soon and things work out. :O) CRYSTAL- Hope DH gets there soon-- don't put up with too much BS-- you deserve better than that--don't 'settle' with less than you deserve- you seem like a very nice person- men play on that sometimes unfortunately. Hope your reunion is a happy one and soon!!!!! LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Saturday, October 02, 1999 at 19:52:16 (MDT)) Hi I just found this board so I will introduce myself, I am Diane and my dd is almost 15 months old. I am having problems with the napping , timing of naps?? Anyone care to give me advice?? She is very active walking and getting into everything, she keeps you on your toes. Also she has 10 teeth and 2 more comign in , the stomach teeth. Her molars have really been bothering her too but havent come through yet. Well that is all for now I will be sure to check back tomorrow. I look forward to getting to know you all!! =) Diane diane email: jadimorgan@home.com Saturday, October 02, 1999 at 20:16:06 (MDT)) Sarah G & Isaac - it sounds as if you're dh needs a good swift kick in the pants to get him out of that job and into a better one. Maybe temporarily sending him to his mothers will jolt him into the reality of the situation. I know that in today's world, men are not usually the only providers for the family, but there should be that instinct there. I really hope things change for you shortly as you must be under a lot of stress. Please keep us posted! MaryC & Elijah Sunday, October 03, 1999 at 07:06:19 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. DH has arrived. He made it here yesterday evening. So far, things have been going pretty good here. Last night when we were in bed, I started crying because I had missed him so much and was so glad he is back. I almost woke Darrel up crying. He doesn't have any friends here yet, so I don't have to worry about him not spending time with me and Darrel. Sarah G: I thin you should tell your dh that even though he loves his job, he needs to find something ellse because it's not paying the bills. who knows, he may find another job he likes. He'll never know unless he looks. Tell him that he needs to put in so many applications a week and have a better paying job by a certain date. Otherwise, a separation may be what he needs. I know it will be hard if it comes down to separation, but it may be the best thing until he finds something better. Sometimes, a woman has to put her foot down no matter how mad the husband may be before he'll listen. Tell him that once he can find a job that will pay the bills, then he can mmove back. I hope that everything works out for you. Good luck. That's it for now. Talk somme more later. Crystal and Darrel 13 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Sunday, October 03, 1999 at 11:46:15 (MDT)) Hi ladies, Riley, his older bros and I are spending a quiet day at home. That's usually how I like my Sundays. We just came back from riding the horse. Riley wants to sit in the saddle and be led around, but boy does he get mad if I try to hold on to him. Like, I'm really going to put him up there without holding on to him. So I have to have Tay lead the horse while I pretend NOT to be holding on to Riley. LOL. If he could, he'd probably jump up there and head out at a full gallup. On to the personals. SarahG- If you don't mind my two cents. Take it from one who made threats for 13 years. If you don't mean it, don't say it. The minute a threat is out of your mouth, if you don't stand up and follow through, any seriousness for the situation is lost. I wish I had known this years ago. It would not have saved my marriage, but would have saved me alot of heartache. I feel for you. Good luck! Kelli- Every morning, without fail, the first thing Riley does is sit on my stomach for the Itsy Bitsy Spider song. I click my tongue two times at the end of the song and now Riley has started doing it too. LOL. Most of the time I'm still asleep when Riley plops his 24lb butt on me, but I wouldn't trade these times for the world. Helen-My oldest is short for his age too. He'll be 12 this month and he is one of the shortest in 6th grade. Some of the boys are even younger then he is, but he's still shorter. His dad is 6', he has an uncle who is 6'2, but my family is way short. I'm the tallest at barely 5'4. I just hope that Tay will be a solid 5'9. Any shorter isn't good on mens self esteems. (in my opinion, I should add). Your son may get a serious growth spurt soon. The kind where your buying clothes weekly. Diane- welcome! I have trouble with naps too. Sometimes I'm pulling my hair out because Riley refuses to lay down. If he naps after 3 watch out! When he wakes up, what a grouch! Both of my older boys were done with naps after their second b-days. Yet, I have friends whose 6 year olds still need them, Go figure! Shelly & Riley Sunday, October 03, 1999 at 17:36:17 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Another slow day here, huh? It is raining again today and very cold - only 43. I had to turn the heat on here already. Yuck, I am not ready for this weather. Jarin woke up so stuffy this morning. He wanted to nurse, but couldn't because he couldn't breathe. Poor thing. Last night I took him to church with me again. What a monster I have. He was up, down, throwing the books out of the pew, and talking the whole time. Then Jesse and I went to the video store - never again! Jarin pulled tons of videos off the shelves. Then I'd try to pick him up and he'd straighten himself all up. Then he'd lay flat on the floor. Where did that come from? LOL. He is such a little monster when we go out. LisaB, can you relate? **Helen: My 16 year old (granted, she's a girl) is only 4'9" and they don't thinkshe'll grow much more. I am 5'0 and DH is only 5'7 although her dad is 5'10. Jesse and Jarin are both going to be way short too. I love picturing Amanda pushing you through the house talking to you. What a riot. Jarin is also a very picky eater. It is so hard to get him to eat some days and others he eats everything in sight. **Diane: Welcome. Sorry no advice on napping. Jarin's pretty good at it. What is your DD's name? **Crystal: Glad DH finally made it home. I'm sure you're thrilled to have him with you and Darrel. **Shelly: Riley sounds so cute riding the horse and not wanting any help. We all seem to have little independent kids, don't we? **Take care everyone. I'm so tired after sleeping in the recliner from 5AM on, so Jarin could sleep half sitting up. I hope he can breathe better tonight. Our humidifier sounds like it's dying, so I suppose we'll be getting a new one soon. See you all tomorrow, hopefully! Patty and Jarin - 13 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Sunday, October 03, 1999 at 18:13:57 (MDT)) Hi everyone, Louise here. Well it's been quite a week - I feel like ten years have passed since I last posted instead of a few days! We've had guests staying for a long weekend, and dear friends though they are, they're childless and I think they got quite a shock! I think they found it a bit odd that you can't even finish a sentence, let alone a whole converstaion, when you have a toddler standing on your lap and shouting in your face because he thinks he's being ignored! Oh well, they're thinking of starting a family so maybe we gave them a bit of a reality check! Added to that, James has had a nasty cold and cough so has been just a little demanding, shall we say! Thanks to all of you who gave me such understanding comments regarding my Uncle. We drove up to see him yesterday when our visitors left and he is failing fast - it sounds dreadful but I really hope it's not too prolonged for his sake. Mum and I had a long talk - she is coping with a lot and being very strong and I do understand her need to be with James, and she appreciates the need to respect his schedule and keep us informed of what she's doing with him if she takes him for a while. But I am glad he gives her comfort. MARY C - I'm glad you decided to continue posting. I think a lot of people find it hard to keep up - I often have to take a couple of days break! - write as much or as little as you can or want to. LISA B - congratulations on the decision to try for a sister or brother for Max! Great news! I'm very envious of you for having made the decision - I keep wavering about what would be the best time/age gap etc. Go for it! BETH - thanks for the advice on the cake - I'm going to give it a go. It's become such an issue now - I know it's only a cake, bit I'll master it if it kills me! You'll probably all hear the shrieks and curses as I bake it across the Atlantic - or maybe there will just be deadly silence when everyone takes a bite! JUDY - just to reassure you, I have a friend with a little boy who only had about 2 words until he was 2. She was starting to panic, but around his second birthday there was an explosion and he went straight to 'proper' talking too. KELLI - Elizabeth sounds so adorable at the moment. Please send me a picture if you have any! MORIAH - I really understood what you were saying about going to the birthday party. I am really sure, though, that no-one pities you. I know a couple who have a 2 year old girl who was severely brain damaged at birth. I don't know them well, but whenever I run into them socially I don't feel pity - although I do sympathise with what they've gone through - I just feel really impressed and quite humble because it sort of puts little things into perspective. I am also knocked out at how great and happy their little one is after all she's gone through (lots of surgery). I just feel awe and I love being around her. I think if people are a bit awkward or hesitant around you, it may be that they don't want to sound patronising in any way? Sorry I'm rambling a bit and not being very articulate - as your sister said - you go and hold your head up! PATTY - I can so relate to your stories about Jarin's activity level - living with James is like having a whirlwind in the house. I don't know where he gets the energy from. He is also very 'intense' - either the happiest baby in the world or the most upset - no inbetween! CRYSTAL - congratulations on having Doug home. Enjoy! Louise & James email: rnash78035@aol.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 05:41:39 (MDT)) It is so cold here in Michigan! Yuck, I am not ready for this kind of weather. I have been at work an hour & I think they just finally figured out how to get the heat on. I hope we get an Indian Summer, otherwise, it will be freezing out for halloween. I still have not figured out what Colton will be dressed as. Any good ideas? Dh and I saw the movie Double Jeopardy this weekend. It was really good. When they were showing a part about the mom and son fishing I looked at DH and said I missed Colton. He said he was just thinking the same thing. Colton had a great time with DH's parents though. They pointed out that he never sits still. I think he really tired them out. He had a lot of fun playing with a baby doll that they had there. He would yell "baby, baby, baby" and have to run over to it and hug it. I told Dh that I should ask my sister for one of her daughter's dolls for Colton to play with. DH said "no, he has plenty of trucks to play with." Typical male response--I just laughed. Shelly: I think you were right going to the Principal with your concers. I hope things work out. Wow, what a surprise running into Monte like that. It was nice of him to come over and talk to you and see Riley instead of running the other way. SarahG: I have a friend who was in a very similar situation with her husband. He was lazy and called in sick to work all the time and had lots of problems handling money. She finally got some counseling and slowly got him to go also. She let him know how serious the problem was and that if he didn't clean up his act she was going to leave him. He did start improving and has held down a better job for almost 2 years now. Good luck. Patty: Makes you wonder how many other things our toddlers watch us do. It is so cute seeing them imitate us. Diane: Welcome. Crystal: Yeah, DH made it home. Louise: Glad you and your mum had a chance to sit down and talk. Julianne & Colton 14mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 07:12:24 (MDT)) Hi this is Birdie. Just a quick hello. It's pouring and freezing here in Maine but boy are the leaves pretty. Had a busy weekend in NH. Santa's Village etc... Noah had so much fun. His fingers have no trace of his burns now!!! YEAH!!!! Shelly- Thank you so much for sharing your story. It made me feel better. Moriah- I am soooo excited about Alex's progress. Get on your hands and knees now and crawl around your house and start baby proofing before it's too late! That is so awesome about him getting onto his belly considering the fact that the trach is in the way. He must really want to get going. I hope you had fun at the party. I am quite certain that with the amount of pride that you have for Alex that it all just bubbled right over onto everyone else. how could it not? BTW, I have finally put together some stuff for you about working at home. Just some interesting articles and info on a book that I am currently reading about working at home. I had to sort through all of my dangers of day care stuff and took out just the stuff on working at home. I hope this job works out for you. I don't know what I have to retrieve pictures. I'll find out. When you first sent them after he was only a couple month old (X-Mas) it worked, but i haven't been able to retieve them since. It's such a bummer. I can't wait to see him. I will mail a picture of Noah along with the stuff. Take care! Almost the big ONE for Alex. Boy did that go by fast. Wasn't it just yesterday you were singing You are my sunshine and I was sitting on speakers??? Birdie and Noah (10+ months) Monday, October 04, 1999 at 07:40:21 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Lets all hug our little ones a little tighter today. My friends(my maid of honor and the one we stay with when we go to Canada) has a sister, we grew up together, she was pg with her 2nd baby, I gave her all my pg clothes when we saw her a couple visits ago, she is a teacher, has a 2yr old little boy-- had her baby- a girl on tuesday- 6.3lbs, 18" with downs. They are all so sad- the father freaked out in the delivery room, the mother knew something was wrong when she looked in her eyes- she could tell.The whole family is so sad.The good news is she has a strong heart, seems to hear, is startled by the pots and pans, but will have a hearing test in 2wks-- the beginning of many I'm sure. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers- they'll need them. ON to a few personals........... Patty/Shelly----Thanks on the hope that DS will have a growth spurt-LOL!! I tell him of course you'll grow more-relax!!Of course I remember my boobs not growing and being called a 'flatsy'- remember those dolls?????LOL!!! CRYSTAL- Hope you and DH are catching up and getting the apt all ready to move into-- or did you move already? Sorry brain dead! Check in later-its nap tome for my grumpy girl! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Monday, October 04, 1999 at 08:28:23 (MDT)) Good morning ladies!!! Another dreaded Monday! OK, I'm really not THAT depressed today!! :) You've probably all guessed.....SARAH here! We had a good weekend. Didn't really do much. Just met SIL for lunch Saturday. OK let me just say it used to be soooo easy to take HANNAH out to eat, and now it's sooo hard. All she wants to do is get down and move around. FRUSTRATING!!! We went to The Rainforest Cafe. Have you guys ever heard of it or been? Pretty cool! Then, DH and I had a date night on Saturday......at home!! :) We had fun, though! Just got some beer and played cards. Pretty funny! We both got pretty darn loopy!!! Then just watched football, football, and more football on Sunday.....while doing laundry and cleaning up. DH made a pot of chili. It was so good. HANNAH was a GREAT girl on Sunday!! We had alot of fun! And to all of you who follow football......I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE BRONCOS!!!!!!!LOL Now I'm actually glad I didn't go to the game! HANNAH is 13 months today!! She's getting another molar and a bottom tooth in. On to personals: MORIAH - How was the party? Man, if those people only knew how far ALEX has come and how strong and loving you and GEOFF are!!! I really admire you!!! You ARE superwoman (in my eyes!) :) :) Good luck tomorrow!! I'll be thinking of you guys! JULIANNE - It's actually very rare that we can't find a babysitter. Both of our families are here. And we have this one friend who always will come over to our house and watch HANNAH, which is very nice!! Glad you enjoyed the movie! SHELLY - NO, NO, NO....you ARE NOT being anal!! I would be the exact same way!!!! ANYTHING to protect our children!!! HANNAH's the same way when she hears the shower. She'll come open the shower door and then just stand there and get soaked, and love it!!! When we won't let her in the bathroom, she FREAKS!!!!!!!!! SARAH G. - Sorry about DH!! Hope you guys work things out! Yes, I've been to TONS of Bronco games. My mom has had season tickets for 30 years! I've been going since I was about 13 or 14. DIANE - WELCOME!!! Sorry I can't help you out with naps! I'm sure someone on here will. I sometimes have the same problem with HANNAH. HELEN - I will be praying for your friend. I don't think I have ever told you guys, but my little nephew (8 years old) has acondroplasia...which is a sort of dwarfism. When we all first found out, we were devastated!!!! I'll tell ya, that little boy is the HAPPIEST boy I have EVER known. I know alot of that comes from the love he gets from his parents! God never gives someone something they can't handle. I guess my SIL and brother were/are strong enough to handle that. Sometimes it just gets to me, because I know how mean little kids are to each other, and I HATE the thought of him getting teased!! I always tell him if anyone bothers him, tell me and I'll go beat them up!! :) LOL He's a doll!! CRYSTAL - How's it going with DH? PATTY - How's JARIN feeling today? Well, better go gals!! Talk to you all later!~ Sarah and Hannah (13 months today!) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 09:03:00 (MDT)) WARNING! WARNING! Monster post ahead - from LisaB. Right after I posted Friday I got a call from the sitter. I could hear Max SCREAMING in the background. He wouldn't play, wouldn't eat, was crying, and wanted to curl up in the fetal position on her lap (and he's never much of a cuddler). I got him and we camped out at the doctor's office for 2 hours until they got him in. I got him to eat and put him to sleep but he would cry out in his sleep every 5 minutes or so and wake up. It was kinda funny - the really young and really old people talked to him, smiled at him, etc. when he was fussy but the ones around my age (30s) and 2 guys around 60 just sat and glared at him (go to a general practitioner). We just ignored them :-) Anyway, the doctor agreed that Max didn't look good and wasn't acting like himself but she couldn't find anything wrong with him. She said he might be coming down with something or just have a minor bug that was dragging him down. I was glad as the other little boy at daycare was sick all the prior week with the flu and I was afraid Max had that ... but was also disappointed that we couldn't find anything wrong so I could treat the problem and make my angel happy again. He weighed around 25-26 pounds (was so fussy he wouldn't lay still on the scales). Max was clingy and fussy all weekend but never acted sick. He also didn't sleep well so starting tonight we'll have to let him cry it at at 1 am - joy, joy - NOT. He's gotten in the habit of getting up to nurse and come into our bed for the rest of the night and I want to nip that in the bud as I'm getting NO sleep. The good news is that Max went down for both of his naps yesterday with NO TEARS. He cuddled up against me, laid his head on my shoulder, and let me sick to him as I walked around - and he was sound asleep within 5 minutes both times! Max was very clumbsy all weekend (doc checked his ears and they were clear on Friday). He fell on a table and has a little red bump on one eyebrow. Then he fell and skidded on the sidewalk and has a nasty scab about the size of the tip of my finger on the side of his nose and 3 little scrapes running down the bridge of his nose. The sitter probably thinks I'm abusing him - LOL! One question - what shoes can you buy that actually go on quickly and without a fit? Max wears size 4 wide baby shoes. He also has a thick foot and curls up his toes the second you try to get shoes on him. We've tried canvas (worked the best), velco, sneakers, slip ons, etc. and nothing works well. You have to fight for 5 minutes to get his toes in the shoe and get them fastened. Someone needs to invent shoes where the whole top comes off, you stick the foot in right on the sole, and then fold the top over and fasten it. Poor Max went to daycare without shoes today as I didn't have time to fight with him to get them on. I had my CT scan today. It was better than I expected. About 5-10 minutes of laying on my belly with my arms and upper body strapped to a table and with my head between 2 supports and strapped down. The table and the circle-machine part both moved and the machine was noisy - rather an odd feeling! Also, my nose itched, I felt like I needed to sneeze, I felt like I needed to cough, etc. - all because I KNEW I couldn't move. I see the ENT guy on Thursday to evaluate the CT scan and schedule surgery. I'm dreading the surgery but looking forward to it being over so we can conceive #2 (we practiced on the couch last night as part of DH's birthday present - a new place for us but VERY fun!) MORIAH: Big congrats on Alex rolling all the way over. Sounds like he'll be doing the army/commando crawl thing any day now!!! RITA: Rate tamtrums? That will be one way to relieve stress - "I give you a 5. Want to try for a six?"!!!! SHELLY: Good for you complaining about the psycho lady. You hear all these stories where there were warning signs (the kids making the video about shooting up the school before Columbine, etc.) and tragedies happen because people didn't take the signs seriously or didn't take any action. You just cannot be too safe these days. I'm glad Monte saw Riley. Maybe he'll be more involved now that he has seen what a great kid Riley is and what all he's missing out on. It's easy to put someone out of your mind when you don't have that mental picture of them. SARAH G: Do you have education or training where you could make more than DH? If so, maybe he needs to be the stay-at-home parent and you need to work. Does he have the background to find a better job? Have you tried clipping jobs from the paper that you think he's qualified for? Maybe he likes the people where he is now - anyway to check and see if there are better paying jobs there he could get? I know it's easy to criticize him for not working 2+ jobs but please remember he wants to have time to see you and the kids. Good luck!!! PATTY: OOPS - papers in the trash/recycle bin. I can see kids using that as an excuse for not turning in homework but am not sure it would work for a teacher to explain not grading papers!!!! I'm glad to hear Max isn't the only monster child in public. What happen to this "they are good in public and then noone believes how ornery they are at home" stuff you always hear?! DIANE: Welcome! CRYSTAL: I'm so glad DH is home. It's so obvious you love your work. You're in the right field for you! JULIANNE: Max also thinks it's a game to let water out of the tub. I open the drain and then he closes it, I open, he closes, I sigh, he giggles - LOL! It takes a good 5 minutes to drain the tub and then he wants me to pull him around the tub as his naked butt slides so easily on the bottom of the wet tub (we have the pitted surface versus the stick-on non-skid things). Max has a baby doll. DH threw a fit when I brought it home but got over it quickly. Max was going to be a pumpkin for Halloween (as I always call him my little pumpkin) but I pulled out the pumpkin sleeper and I think it's too small - so I need to create something FAST! HELEN: I'm sorry your friend had a Downs baby and I'm sure it was a shock. I hope they soon realize however that EVERY child is a blessing and are able to be happy. Reading Crystal's post about the Downs baby at daycare shows how normal these kids can be and all they can do. I truly believe that to a certain extent all kids live up to the expectations of their parents so the parents need to stay positive (for example, I believe the reason Alex is doing so good is because no matter how bad things got Geoff and Moriah never gave up hope and kept working with on his development). Well, this is the end of this novel. Everyone have a great day (if that's possible on a Monday - LOL)! BTW, it's also cold here and we had to turn on the furnance. It seems like we skipped fall - straight from summer to winter. :-( LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 09:34:39 (MDT)) Hi ladies, it's Megan Well, I didn't manage to get back on here last week. We have been trying to do some fall cleaning around this place. I'm surprised at how much junk we've accumulated in this tiny house. I was ruthless and gave things I haven't used or will never use to charity. I'm such a "saver" so it was hard for me. Anyway, I'm still not finished so this week will be busy for me as well. I wish I could get on here all the time. I really miss my old friends. I think Ben is officially a toddler one month early! He is getting so strong willed and difficult. Diaper changes are a major battle now. He always wants to turn on his tummy and he's so strong! He did a major poop yesterday while my dad was visiting and it took me, DH, and my dad all team working it to change him! Pretty funny. Ben had a little cold last week and seems better today but he still has a stuffy nose. I think he may FINALLY be getting a tooth because his gums look swollen. The thing is, his gums are white but it's the top left corner of his mouth. Is this unusual? I just don't see anything in the lower middle but it's hard to get in his mouth to look. Any other really late teethers around here? I think I remember Rita said Maddy was closer to one year before she started. Last night was pretty bad for sleeping. Ben was awake all night being fussy, standing in his crib, talking, etc... DH finally gave him a bottle around 4 am and he went back to sleep. Ugh! So is he teething, growth spurting or what? I wish I knew. On a lighter note, Ben is pulling up and standing quite well now. We have limited safe places for him to practice walking which bothers me. I think if our living room was bigger, he would be walking around the furniture by now. He will walk around all sides of his play yard but that's it. I think he may be walking close to his first b-day if he can get more practice. Ben's first birthday is October 29th! I still haven't quite decided on what I'm going to do but my mom said she would help me this week. I just want to keep it very simple and fun. Also, I still don't have a costume idea for Halloween. We won't be taking him out but want him to help answer the door for trick or treaters. Any easy inexpensive, last minute ideas? We have also made some progress on the chunky food front. Ben ate four small bites of my pancake a while back without gagging! For those of you who know the trouble we've been having with Ben eating chunky foods, this was a major accomplishment. However, he still gags when we try to give him the chunky baby foods from a jar. Oh well, I'll take this small victory for now! My sister got back into town last night so I'm going to call her and see what info she can give me on the chicken pox vaccine. I would like it if she could come up here and post on the board. She lives about 50 minutes away and is very busy during the week but I'll see what she can do. Anyway, I'm sure she has tons of literature from Merck she can give me and I can relay the info. If anyone has any specific questions, e-mail me and I'll ask her. This will be a selfish post today with no personals. I just wanted to let you guys know how we are doing and check in. I'll get back here as soon as I can. I hope you are all well and your angels are healthy and happy. Love you guys, Megan and Benjamin (11 months) email: dtandmm@slkc.uswest.net Monday, October 04, 1999 at 11:01:49 (MDT)) Hi Everyone, it's sleepy Judy on Monday morning!! Elijah's bite mark faded away and he's ok. This is the first of many scuffles he'll be in throughout his life. I wish I could have been there to "kiss it better." He likes me to do that now when he bumps himself. Julianne mentioned Halloween costumes. My mom is making E a pumpkin costume. This baby is due 10/25 so, if he's not late, I could have him home for Halloween. The neatest thing happened. I was going through hand-me-down baby clothes from my sister and there was a newborn sleeper with a pumpkin on it. It's absolutely perfect for the new baby. They can both be pumpkins this year!! I can't wait to take pics. Here are my personals: Kelli and Elizabeth - You have Elizabeth on a similar schedule as KinderCare does for Elijah. I think you have the harder job as a SAHM than I do as working outside of the home. The laundry somehow gets done on the weekends, and the cleaning and dishes somehow get done every couple of days. I didn't get to the new laundry this past weekend because I was putting away the clothes from last weekend. The closer I get to my due date, the further behind I'm getting because I'm so tired. Julianne and Colton - I thought E was the bully too because he bit a kid at Gymboree a few months ago. They were fighting over a ball. They spied it at the same time so it was a tough call. I told E "No biting" very firmly. I was glad he wasn't the biter this time. I'm not a bully type at all and I'd have a hard time of it if E turns out that way. I wouldn't hesitate at all to get on him with that behavior though. At this age, he's typical in thinking all toys are his to play with. Does Colton like to play with the washcloth too? E loves the drain plug. Lisa B. and Max - Those public tantrums are so embarrassing. E's only been one really bad one. The others haven't been as intense. Maybe I'm getting better at heading him off with humor. Age probably has a lot to do with it. Moriah and Alex - I came on here too late to really know about Alex's medical condition, but I hope you all went to the party. Be open with other people about his progress and your pride and love for him. If they see you and DH are not ashamed of or sorry about his condition, they won't have to feel that way either. Shelly and Riley - I'm not sure I followed your story correctly, but if the psycho woman is cooking for the kids, she could put something in the food. I wouldn't take any chances if she's the nut you say she is. Sarah G. and Issac - I'm sorry you're in financial straits. I don't know where you draw the line. That's a decision you must come to on your own. Going back to work after only 5 ½ weeks from a c-section is unfair to you. It took me 5 weeks to the day after my c-section to feel normal again. I'm sorry things are so rough for you right now. Diane w/DD - Elijah takes a nap between noon and 3:00 everyday at KinderCare and I try to keep him on that same schedule on the weekends. He'll usually sleep about 2 hours. He gets tired at mid morning but the activity of the other kids keeps him going. Sometimes he will fall asleep about 10 am on the weekends. I let him sleep because it gives me time to get things done. Even if getting things done means a nap for me too!! I'm due in 3 weeks and I'm tired all the time. Louise and James - When you see a loved one suffering and you know its terminal, I agree that it's better for them to not hang on and suffer. Megan and Ben - Elijah was a little late getting his first tooth. I think he was 9 months. His first tooth was the top left-all by itself. Then, at the end of the 9th months, he got the two bottom centers. He's now 17 months and has four on top and three on the bottom. A lateral incisor popped down from the top left and he's working on more because he's always chewing on his finger. My coworkers baby also turns one on 10/29!! Judy and Elijah (17 months) email: jhintz@manu.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 11:57:38 (MDT)) MORIAH: Best of luck with Alex's surgery tomorrow. I hope the trach can come out and your little boy will able to gurgle and coo to you soon! Please post as soon as you can and let us know how everything goes. :-) LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 13:44:11 (MDT)) Hello from Rita Wow, there were some monster posts this morning.If this keeps up I'll wean myself from the BT board. I am starting to feel like such an oldster there, anyway. We had a pretty good weekend just hanging around the house and running a few errands. Larry gets a bit overwrought when we have social obligations every weekend, so he really likes to take it easy. So, I even baked a cake this weekend. (Not from scratch, Louise) Sarah g and Helen - We have been giving Maddy vitamins since she was about 15 months old. Once she turned into a picky eater and refused vegetables, we knew that we had to do something. She still eats salad, though and I made a big batch of pasta sauce for the freezer this weekend that had grated zucchini and carrots in it. What she doesn't know won't hurt her. He he! Crystal - Glad to hear that Doug made it safely. No more worries! Shelly - There's no way that I would let that woman be near my children or anyone else's! I loved your horse story. Maddy rode on a pony for the first time last weekend. We live in a community that is still very "horsey" despite being a suburb. We have talked about Maddy taking some riding lessons in the future. Once she relaxed, she loved riding the pony and she is mad about animals of all kinds. Julianna - Colton could have a "My Buddy" doll. This is the age where children love to mimic what their parents do and caring for dolls is a big part of that. Maddy is not into dolls as much as her girl cousins are, but she does like to tuck them in at night and I have even heard her giving them a "time out." LOL Megan - Maddy got her first teeth at eleven months. I was sure that she would be toothless forever. Once they started, they came in several at a time. Amy already has two teeth and cannot keep from biting me. We are weaning. :-( Well, I have to get ready for a meeting. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 13:54:55 (MDT)) This post will be followed by a colossol sized scream. Please turn your volumne controls way down!!! The principal has talked to the "head man". According to him, there is nothing they can do about the deranged girlfriend being there. She will be there 3 to 4 times during the three day stay. I told the principal about the voilence, the threats, and general BS that Allison has reeked upon my family. There is nothing more I can do. Last night I was sticking my nose into one of you ladies posts, about lazy Dhs. I said don't make a threat unless you are prepared to carry through. Well, I said on Fri. that Tay would not go if she was going to be there. So.... He's not going. Suprisingly, my son is taking it great. He understands the true reasoning for my fear. The feeling I get from the school staff, is that they are not taking me seriously. My neighbore is on the school board. She says the best way to let them know the seriuosness, is to keep Tay home. Helen-How funny that you should mention the Flatsies. I was just thinking about them the other day. Our 2 older sisters used to tease Moriah about being flat. Now she has the biggest, nicest boobs of us all. ( she's going to kill me for saying that) LisaB-Payless shoes are really wide. I have to buy Rileys there. They carry lots of wide baby shoes. I feel the same way about Monte having seen his son. If there is a face with the name, it's harder to ignore. Judy- I made each of my boys pumpkin costumes for their first halloweens. I didn't have one made for Riley last year, because there was so much going on in our family. But this year I will sew one. That way they each will have a little pupmkin costume to keep when they are older. This will be his first time to trick-or-treat. Rita-Definatly foster your childs interest in horses. Get her riding lessons, english and western. It will teach her balance, grace and control! I love riding more than anyother activity. Hopefully next spring I will be able to buy myself a horse. Do you remember those Cheerio comercials, the whole family is riding off on horses. I used to watch those and knew when I grew up, my kids and I would ride. When Tay and I each had a horse we used to ride every night. Well, here goes that scream of frustation!!! Shelly & Riley 18months Monday, October 04, 1999 at 18:56:13 (MDT)) Hi mommies. I have to tell you all Jarin's newest thing. He is so precious. I say, "Where's your tummy?" He lifts his shirt and tries to see it. He also points to his "Piggies", his ears, and his hair. So adorable! **Louise: I am glad to hear I am not the only one with an intense whirlwind. LOL **Julianne: I am freezing here too. I am so not ready for this weather! **Helen: Sorry to hear that your friends have a little girl with Down's. We have some really good friends who have a six year old son with Down's. He had lots of surgeries as a baby,but had a bowel obstruction, hole in his heart, etc. He is a very sweet kid. I agree with LisaB - I'm sure it is such a shock, but every child is a blessing. **Sarah: Out to eat? DH and I swore never again with Jarin until he's older. LOL Jarin is being quite the funny boy today. I guess he's feeling better. Yay! DH works nights all week, so he gets to stay home and no daycare this week. Hopefully that will help him get over his cold. **LisaB: What are you doing to my poor Max? LOL. I hope he is feeling bettet today, the poor little guy. =( Jarin, quite all of a sudden, decided he loves his shoes. Now he can't wait to get them on and if he doesn't have his own on, he puts someone else's on. Sounds like you are having fun "practicing" for #2. I think my DH would like to practice, even if we aren't having another one. LOL. Glad your CT wasn't too bad. I've also had to have those for my sinuses. **Megan: LOL at your "team changing" for Ben. Jarin got a Pooh snowsuit last year after they went on Clearance at the Disney store. I'm just dressing him up as that for Halloween. **Judy: Putting your two angels in pumpkin costumes together sounds so cute. I'm sure they will be precious together (if the new one gets here in time!) **Gotta go. Take care all! Patty and Jarin - 13 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 19:12:44 (MDT)) Hi it's Moriah! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. We did. We were really busy though. We did end up going to the party - thanks to everyone for the encouragement. We had a good time. There was one old bity there that kept staring at me. I was really annoyed. I wanted to just snap at her but I did my best to ignore her. Remember the girl I told you that drank through her pregnancy - well she's prego again! I can't believe it. Also her baby was there he's 2 weeks younger than Alex & he wears size 3T - he's HUGE. Geoff & I took Alex for his pre-op appointments today. They went pretty well. The ENT Dr said that he feels really good about Alex's chances of getting rid of the trach. Please cross your fingers for us! He also cracked up because Alex is such a spitter. He makes "razzberries" all the time. But either outcome we should only be in there over night. Amen to that! Lisa B - the couch is a DANGEROUS place. (plug your ears Shelly LOL). That's were we made Alex. We always joke about that. Helen - I'm so sorry for your friend. Did they have any idea? No US or amnio? The shock of something like that just knocks you off your feet. I hope that they have a strong marriage & family support system to get them through this rough time. Thank God for her strong heart. I know thatit's a big concern. There was a Downs baby in the NICU when Alex was there. They were unsure at 1st because the mother was very unusual looking & had very wide set eyes so they thought maybe he just looked like her. So they had to do the test & wait 2 weeks - sure enough. I was so sad for them. I do believe in perservering though & not labeling a child. There are differing degrees of Downs. I hope that they'll pull together as a family for the sake of their sweet baby. I'm sure it's hard on you because you don't know what to say but the best thing you can do is not avoid them. Also it's nice to bring food because they need such basic things right now when all their energy is probably taken up by grief. Judy - basic rundow: Alex was born with birth defects (not chromosomal though like Downs). He's had several surgeries. He spent the 1st 7 weeks of his life in the NICU then 3 months in the spring while he was sick with RSV. He has a feding tube & a trach (hopefully not for much longer). He's the best thing that's ever happened to us but we've a hellish year. Well I better go. My SIL is coming over to scrapbook. I need to re-channel this nervous energy. I'll post as soon as I can. Or better yet - I'll call Shelly tomorrow night & she can post to give you all an update. Thanks in advance for all your prayers. Moriah & Alex (3 more days) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 19:17:27 (MDT)) Hi everyone, it's me Debbie. I'am so thankful these last two weeks are over, what a stressful move this was. Thank goodness it's over. 98% of everything is put away, or thrown away. This is one small house. We are all doing well. Maddie & Emilee are "getting use to" sharing a room. Maddie loves her new home. They have a big yard with lots of shade trees over their swing set. Emilee is now walking. Just a couple of weeks ago she started taking steps, and now my little angel is walking. I'll try to catch up later, just wanted to let you all know that we made it. Hannah - Happy 13 month Birthday! Amy - Happy 9 month Birthday! Take care everyone, talk to you soon. Hugs & kisses to all the little ones. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Monday, October 04, 1999 at 22:50:43 (MDT)) I have such a medicine head this morning. I had a bad sore throat and was sneezing & coughing yesterday. After supper I took Colton to the store to by cold medicine for both of us. It really seems to have helped, now if I can only get rid of this fog in my head. I stopped at the used clothing store to look for a halloween costume but bought a new snowsuit and boots instead. They sell some new clothes there too, but cheaper then the other stores. DH didn't think the snowsuit I bought at the garage sale--though the suit wasn't "cool" enough looking for his son. This one he approved of. It has the attached mittens and footies too. The boots almost come up to his knees. He looked so cute wandering around the store in them. Colton discovered a new thing in the bathtub last night. He looked at me with this really naughty look in his eyes and then got on all four. He then bent down and put his face into the water with his mouth open. He would sit up as soon as the water went into his mouth and just giggle. I was rolling on the floor laughing. He kept doing it over and over. When the water was almost out of the tub he realized that he didn't need to be on his knees when he did it so he flopped down on his stomach and crawled all over the tub. He was a very funny boy last night. Helen: I will keep your friend family in my thoughts and prayers. Sarah: Sounds like you had a great weekend. Colton doesn't like eating in a restaurant either. There is too much going on that he tries to stand in the highchair to look at everyone. LisaB: Sorry to hear Max isn't feeling well. Ouch! What a bunch of boo-boos all at once. Glad you made it through the CT w/o sneezing! Megan: Diaper changes sure are a challenge now. Quite often I need DH help me keep Colton still. Ben has the same birthday as me! Wow, except I turn 30! Judy: 2 little pumpkins for Halloween--how cute. Colton loves to play with the washcloth in the tub. His favorite is one with a Gerber baby on it. He will kiss the baby and just grin. Moriah: I am praying for a great dr visit today. Sending positive thoughts for Alex to get the trach out++++++++++++++++. Shelly: I think you are making the right decision to keep Tay home. Sorry the principal did not show more concern. Patty: Yeah for Jarin learning his body parts. Colton like poking eyes but nothing else yet. Debbie: Yeah for Emilee walking. Julianne & Colton 14 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 07:01:24 (MDT)) Good morning ladies and toddlers!!! SARAH here. Hope everyone had a good night. I have a couple of questions. First, HANNAH has been taking 4 steps at a time for a couple of weeks now, and stands just fine on her own, but still isn't walking. Will it come soon?? And second, I still am just not very interested in sex. I used to LOVE sex and now I'll be interested once in a great while, but not very often and I think DH is getting annoyed. I think he thinks I'm just not interested in him anymore, and that's not it. Sometimes I just don't want to be touched!!! Should I talk to my doctor about this??? HELP!! MORIAH - Thoughts and prayers to you all today!!! I can't believe that girl is preggo again and that her son wears 3T!!!!!!!! I also can't believe ALEX is gonna be 1 on Thursday!!! HAPPY early BIRTHDAY ALEX!! :) LISA - How's MAX doing today??? MEGAN - Good to hear from you!!! How's BEN feeling? That's great he's standing and pulling up! Don't worry about no teeth yet. They'll come, and when they do, they'll come fast! Yea BEN for eating chunky food!! :) JUDY - Sorry you're so tired! I feel for you. I was EXHAUSTED during my pregnancy!!!! SHELLY - HOLY COW GIRL!!! You've got some lungs!:) Sorry about the bad news! I would keep TAY home, too. PATTY - That is sooo cute about JARIN finding his tummy!!! HANNAH can point to her nose now! Too cute! I hope DH staying home this week will make JARIN feel better!!! DEBBIE - I was just thinking about you! I'm glad you're all moved in! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to EMILEE, too - HANNAH's fellow birthday buddy. RITA - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to AMY, too. HANNAH's other birthday buddy!! Well, talk to you ladies later!!! Thanks for any advice on the above!! Sarah and Hannah (13 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 07:21:33 (MDT)) Good (?) morning from LisaB. After 2 weeks of Max waking at 2 am and nursing and sleeping with us I told DH last night we were breaking Max of this habit. Max woke up at 2 am and was crying pretty hard so I got him and rocked him for about 20 minutes. I was right by the crib, laying him down, when DH started snoring REALLY loud and woke him up. I patted Max's back and he was almost asleep so I put the rail up and went back to bed. After about 5 minutes DH got up and got Max to "put him to sleep". Max was not even crying, just whimpering to see if anyone would come "rescue" him, and would have been asleep in another 5 minutes or so. Instead DH was up with him for a hour. Max was so tired by this point that DH would get him to sleep but Max would wake up and scream as soon as he went back in the crib. I then got up and gave Max Myclicon drops (was farting up a storm) and walked around with him for a while. By 4 he was asleep in his crib ... and I got an entire one hour of additional sleep before my alarm went off. Then DH had the nerve to call me a bitch this morning because I commented on him getting Max up when he was almost asleep and that the whole point of this was to get Max to put himself to sleep in his crib. He can sure ditch out the "constructive" criticism but he can't take it very well. Anyway, I'm 1/2 asleep and have so far managed to stab my tongue with the toothbrush and shut my thumb in the car door (scrapped off a lot of skin but no major damage). SHELLY: I would consider telling other parents about this psycho lady (only the facts you can prove so she can't sue you for slander). If enough people boycott the trip the school will have to address the issue. Also, I would save any futher documentation of threats you receive (letters, notes you take during conversations as to date & time & what she said, etc.) to show to the school. People like her should not work around kids. Even if she was just "trying to scare you" most people won't make a comment unless there is at least a grain of truth to it. PATTY: Yeah for Jarin learning his body parts. Max knows his head and that's it (from a Barney book he has that says "pat your head" - somehow that's the only body part in the book he's picked up on so far - LOL!). Can Jarin call Max and tell him how much fun shoes are?! DEBBIE: Welcome back! Congrats on Emily walking! JULIANNE: Colton sounds so cute crawling around the tub! SARAH: Max took a few steps here and there for about 1-2 weeks and then one morning he just TOOK OFF! It'll happen much faster than you think!!! To be perfectly honest I haven't been real interested in sex since Max was born. At first I was "touched out" from nursing and then it just felt like a chore (one more thing to do when all I really wanted was to sleep!). Sunday night on the couch though really got me interested again. I wore lingerie for the first time since pregnancy, I "propositioned" DH instead of him begging me, and it was a new place so it felt more exciting. Basically I think I just needed sometime to get me out of the "Max is asleep so let's go roll around in the bed really quick before he wakes up or your family pops in and forget foreplay because we only have time to do the 'deed'" rut. It just felt romantic and I felt we were actually MAKING LOVE versus just HAVING SEX (i.e., we actually connected emotionally rather than just physically). This may be more detail than you wanted but I wanted to know you aren't abnormal for your decreased sex drive. LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 08:11:54 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. Yes, it is great to have dh home at last. We move Saturday, so I won't be able to get on here for a little while until we get our internet connection. I do have a problem, though. I'm so used to doing everything for Darrel, and it's hard to see dh changing diapers, feeding him, and playing with him. I'm used to taking Darrel everywhere I go, and now my car seems so empty because dh is staying home with him until he gets a job. So, I go in my car alone. Yesterday, dh said that Darrel took a few steps while I was at work. That's not fair. I'm the one who has taken sole responsibility for him the past few months. Why should Dh get to see Darrel walk and not me? Darrel hardly even knows his dad. He'd rather have me than anyone else, so why would he go and walk for daddy and not me. And it feels so strange having dh around after so long. It feels strange waing up in the morning with some oone else in my bed. It feels strange coming home after work and seeing him. And now that dh is here, I feel like I never see Darrel. I've spent everyday since the beginning of March wiith Darrel practically by my side all day, and now I spend 8 hours a day away from him. It's so hard. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel a little better now. On the brighter side of things, dh and I will start TTC#2 this coming summer. Darrel will be almost 3 when the baby is born, so it will be perfect for us. He'll be out of his crib and hopefully potty trained. And, I plan to give breastfeeding another try. This tiime,, I won't be in the Navy, so I will hopefully be able to pump. But, I'm starting to get my body ready for the second baby, and hopefullly I won't have so much morning sicness, back pain, sciatic nerve pain, or round ligatment pain. We even have names picked out already. If it's a boy, I want either Nathanial Malachi or Niholas Raftis, and if it's a girl, I want Nicole Raftis, or Rebecca Nicole. Well, that's it for now. I'll try to keep up, but it's been hard. I'll talk some more later. Crystal and Darrel 13 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 08:52:30 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! DH will be home for lunch so this will be short-- Amanda was playing with my BC pills yesterday and now I can't find them!! Had to get another refill, click to where I was on the old pkg and hope I find the others!! Amanda is waking up at niht- what is this!?!??? RITA- bought carrots and zucchini this AM grocery shopping- have to put them in the sauce and we'll all get our fill of veggies! Thanks! SHELLY-- Glad you went with your instinct- someone like that is unpredictable and doesn't belong around kids! DEBBIE- Glad the move is over- hope the girls like being roomies! LISA-- You made me laugh with your awful morning!!! Hope you get more sleep tonight!! MORIAH- Hope Alex's operation goes well today!!!!! My friend has her parents there for a week or so, they had no idea- 30 yrs old and no history of any birth defects at all- they were in shock, plus not knowing what to expect with this baby and its special needs- they live in the middle of nowhere and she was supposed to go back to work in a few months. Its going to be a big adjustment but she is a wonderful person and mother and what better parent for little 'Chantal' to be born to! She told her sister, 'she's just beautiful', so they are already in love!!! LISAB- Amanda wears anything on her feet- Payless-I agree is a good place to go- also I go to 'marshalls' and TJMaxx- get shoes for 10-15$$ Good luck!! Lunch time--LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 10:06:46 (MDT)) Hey all! Long time no write! I had to leave work early on Friday as my sitter called and they were rushing her mother in for open heart surgery and she needed me to come pick up Allison right then. Then yesterday, she was still in intensive care so my sitter cancelled out on my so I got an unexpected day at home with my sweetie! On Saturday I took Allison to an Amusement park called Kings Island that is just north of Cincinnati. We went with some friend that have a little boy that is 18 days younger than Allison. They were so cute and were great all day long. DH missed it though as he had already planned a trip to go fishing in Michigan this weekend when the other couple asked us if we wanted to go. The tickets were free so Allison and I went without him. A few personals! Sarah M - don't worry about Hannah's walking. Allison did that taking a few steps and then dropping to crawl for quite some time. Then one day it was just like a light turned on and she decided that she would walk everywhere. As someone else said it was a very quick transformation, literally overnight. Lisa B - my MIL taught me a trick to keep the kids from balling their toes up. If you grab them by the achilles heel and lightly squeeze (not hard at all) while holding their leg out straight in front of them and slightly raised (the knee can't be bent) then they are not able to ball up their toes in this position. It really works too. Moriah - I am praying for Alex today and sending positive thoughts that the trach will be out and you'll be able to hear your babies beautiful voice.:-) Patty - sorry to hear Jarin has been sick. We have our humidifier on constantly now as well. It seems to help some. Debbie - glad to hear that you got moved in and the girls like their new big yard!! Helen - It's good to know that Allison isn't the only picky eater in the group. At least she will eat vegetables I just have to know which one is her vegetable of choice this week! Lately she will only eat peas, a couple of weeks ago it was brocolli. It's always a challenge to guess which she will want this week! LOL Shelly - I bet it was weird seeing Monte. It was probably just as weird for him though knowing he has a son out there that he never sees. Kelli - HI! How's Elizabeth doing? Well, I didn't take notes so that's the best I can do on the personals today. Talk to you ladies tomorrow. Have a great night. Beth and Allison (16 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 14:12:42 (MDT)) Hello from Rita. What a day this has been! I got in a little late this AM since Amy got me up with her teething last night and I walked into a big mess of a problem. I have hardly been out of my office all day. Ugh! Debbie - Glad to hear that the moving trauma is almost all done. If Maddie likes the new home, it must be fine even if it is smaller. How are the girls doing in the room together? Congrats on Emilee (and Happy belated 11 month BD to her) walking. chasing after two must be fun. I can hardly wait... Beth - Sounds like you girls had a great time this weekend. Who would choose fishing over that? Lisa B - On the couch? We can't do much of that kind of thing anymore since Miss Maddy can open her door these days. Even our weekend morning trysts are hard to come by, so we've had to improvise in the evenings to get our "quality time." Maddy's feet used to be quite pudgy prior to this last growth spurt and we did find her alot of shoes at Payless. Since she grows so fast we stopped buying Stride Rite shoes at 18 months. Gotta go. Take care ladies. Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 16:03:43 (MDT)) I cannot tell you how happy I am posting this message!!!! Alex came out of surgery with flying colours. They plugged the smaller trache for a minute and Moriah thought she heard him make a crying sound. We are all so happy!!!! Mo thinks they will be home tomorrow. Riley too has found his body parts. Yesterday, his bro was being silly, and told him there was a fly on his buns. So Riley started turning circles trying to see the fly. He reminded me of a dog chasing its tail. We cracked up. We have a Little Tykes slide that Riley insists on keeping in the livingroom. He has started putting his bean bag on the floor underneath and JUMPING of the top onto the bag. Talk about gray hair. He is Evil Kenevil all over again. When they are 15, 10 and 5, I will be posting from a rubber room!! No personals tonight! Except, Moriah I already knew about the couch thing. That's why, when I come to your house, I plan on sitting on the floor. If you like the couch, try the recliner!!!!! SHELLY & RILEY Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 21:03:23 (MDT)) I had to quick read the posts the AM before I head off to an all day seminar. I bought Colton his first doll yesterday. I was at Toys R Us buying shower gifts. I looked for the My Buddy doll, but didn't see it. They had a Toys R Us Kid doll that sings the jingle and asks you to find certain colors and shapes on her clothes. Colton just loves her. He jabbers right back to her. My mom laughed and called him a caveman when he started dragging her around by her hair. DH was not too happy about it, but understands he should be allowed to play with dolls and trucks. Last night was the shower for my friend with the triplets. One might get to come home this weekend and they all should be home by next weekend. She is really excited, but nervous. Sarah: Hannah should take off at any time now. All of a sudden they realize they can walk and that it is faster than crawling and bingo you are chasing them all over! It seems terrible to admit, but I often choose going to bed early rather than sex too. I'd rather have some real romance than just a quickie but there never seems to be enough time. LisaB: Bad DH! You tell him no more fun ont he couch if he can't be nice to you. I hope Max slept better for you last night. Crystal: It must be difficult for you to suddenly have to share your time with Darrel with Doug. Try to focus on how good it is for Darrel to be bonding with his dad rather than on what you are missing out on. Beth: What a fun weekend. Where in MI did your DH go fishing. Moriah: I am so happy to hear that the surgery went to well. Yeah Alex! Shelly: Too cute Riley turning circles to see the fly. Thanks for the update on Alex. Have a great Wednesday everyone. Julianne & Colton 14 mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 06:41:36 (MDT)) Hi, this is Birdie and Noah. Just a quick hello. I wanted to check in on Alex and his progress. Also...ATTENTION EAST COAST MOMMIES We are getting together!!!! Charline from BT is making the arrangements. We have decided to meet in Mass since it's about half way for the people from Canada and the people from CT and NJ etc... We are meeting at a mall. I don't know which one yet.I have lost Charline's e-mail address for the moment so I guess you could just e-mail me and let me know if you are interested. LJU777@AOL.COM We figured a mall would be good so no one would be worried about meeting...lot's of people around etc... in case you think we are some kind of weird stalkers or something. Weird yes, stalker no. Take care. Birdie and Noah (10 + months) Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 07:24:46 (MDT)) Good morning ladies!! Halfway to Friday! :) SARAH here. Not too much to report here so: LISA - Believe me, we've tried the different places, but I haven't done lingerie and initiated it in a long time. I was all ready to last night. My DH had a basketball game, and then I was planning on "seducing" him when he got home. Well, he called on his way home and asked if it was okay to stop by his friend's house (cause he's going out of town Thursday). So by the time he got home, I was already in bed! HIS LOSS! LOL CRYSTAL - I agree with JULIANNE. I know it's hard, but do keep in mind how wonderful it is that DARREL and daddy are getting to know each other! :) We'll probably TTC #2 this summer or next fall. BETH - Thanks for the response on HANNAH walking! Good to hear from you!! :) MORIAH - CONGRATS!!!! I'm so happy for you and your family!!! :) :) :) :) SHELLY - Thanks for the update on ALEX! Your beanbag story reminded me of when I was young my older sister and I were playing around with our beanbag. We were taking turns jumping on it. Well, one time I went to jump on it, and she pulled it from underneath me. I ended up slamming right in to the chair...blood all over! ICK!!! JULIANNE - That doll sounds cute. I'm sure COLTON loves it! :) That's great news about your friend and her babies!!!! BIRDIE - I'm jealous you guys are meeting! I still can't believe I haven't met KELLI and ELIZABETH yet!!!! We only live about 45 min. to an hour from each other!! KELLI - What's up with that???? LOL Just wanted to remind everyone to keep SHANNA and ANNIE from BT in your thoughts and prayers today because ANNIE's having surgery. OK, that's it for now! Talk to you all soon. HEY - Where's BECKY and HARLEY???? And hopefully STACEY is a new mommy!! ++++++++++ BYE!! Sarah and Hannah (13 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 07:54:35 (MDT)) Hello everyone!! Just a note to say hello- my friend in Canada is doing much better- or should I say her DH and parents are. I guess the baby is just beautiful and the best baby ever, so good natured. The shock has worn off and everyone is counting their blessings! MORIAH-- YEAH-ALEX!!!!!!! So happy for you all!! LISAB- Are you rested today?? I put the bumper pads back on Amanda's crib and she slept all night. Maybe she likes the 'cave' effect they give her when lying down?? Also her binky doesn't get lost as easily on the floor.Who knows!! She is getting quite the little personality and temper!!Guess it inevitable unfortunately! Later!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 09:30:37 (MDT)) katy here moriah- my prayers are with you and Alex today. i hope all goes well!!! Well I get to see the doctor today. Get to have a physical and get a new prescripton for the "anti-sibling" pill. (What we jokingly call the BC pill). Hope everyone else is doing we4ll, I have to go and type up stuff for classes. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 10:03:20 (MDT)) Hi there, moms! I want to take a moment to share some exciting news with you all: iParenting has a new family member! Children Today is our newest site, geared toward parents of kids ages 6 - 9. Some of you have kids in that age group and some of you have a few years to go before you get there, but feel free to stop in and check our latest addition and meet other parents. http://childrentoday.com Tara, Toddlers Today Assistant Editor email: tara@iparenting.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 10:58:15 (MDT)) Hi everyone, I am jumping over from BT (and PT) to ask another question...this one is more personal though. If any one is "done" having kids can you tell me how you knew you didnt want anymore? I go back and forth about 10 times a day, and if we are going to have more I want them closer together than the first 2.....any suggestions? Thanks for your help! Christi email: mama9598@yahoo.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 13:36:25 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Jarin is being funny again today. I think he is finally feeling better. Tomorrow he has to go to daycare since DH got called in to work. So, he will probably be sick again after that. LOL (I hope not!) He has been quite the little whirlwind the past two days and everything he does cracks me up. DH's mom watched him for a while yesterday and all she could say was how much he is just like DH was when he was a baby - a monster! heehee **Moriah: I am so glad to hear that the surgery went well!!! You guys really deserve the best news possible. Hooray for Alex. What a little champ. And Happy Birthday tomorrow, Alex!!!! **Debbie: Glad to see that you got all moved in. **Julianne: Colton sounds so cute in the tub. Reminds me of Jarin, except he always swallows the water and then chokes. Duh! **Sarah: Hannah will be walking before you know it. I am exactly the same as you when it comes to sex and I KNOW my DH is ready for me to get out of this mood. I only wish I knew how to get back to how it used to be. **LisaB: Sorry you had the morning from hell. I sure hope Max starts sleeping better for you again. jarin loves his shoes. I'll tell him to have a chat with Max. **Beth: We've been to King's Island several times. I'm glad you had fun there with Allison. I love going with adults so we can hit all the roller coasters. =) It is about 3 1/2 -4 hours from us. **Birdie: I'm so jealous you guys are going to meet. Who all is coming? I can't wait to hear all about it. Tell Shanna I'm thinking of her and Annie and tell Charline hi for me too. I hope Hayden is still doing well. **Katy: Good to hear from you again! Is that Liam in the Toddlers Today album? **Take care everyone. Much love, Patty and Jarin - 13 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 13:45:13 (MDT)) Happy hump day everyone. Hope all are doing well! Allison was in such a good mood last night. Just giggling and in the best mood! We played and had the best time. I love it when she's like that. Tried a new food with her yesterday. I peeled and chopped a sweet potato into small pieces and boiled them until soft. I gave them to Allison with nothing on them and she ate them like they were the best things in the world. I guess since she doesn't know how good they taste with marshmallows and brown sugar so she didn't know the difference! Moriah - I am so happy for you and Alex!! I hope he can get the smaller one out soon now! Patty - did you know that they are building a new roller coaster at Kings Island called Son of Beast. It's a wooden roller coaster that's supposed to be taller, faster, and longer than the Beast and the worlds only looping wooden roller coaster. It is under construction right now. I will definitely have to go back next year to ride it once its done. The line will probably be 3 hours long though! Julianne - Dh went to Baldwin MI and fished on the Pere Marquette River for King Salmon. He brought back lots of good stuff to eat! YUM Shelly - too cute about Riley turning around trying to see his buns. Where's the video camera when you need it?? Rita - I hope you have a better day today. You definitely need it! Birdie - that is so cool that you guys get to meet. I wish I lived closer so I could meet with you guys. Speaking of meeting, us midwestern/southern moms should try to get together somewhere in a central location. Patty, Lisa B, and Mimii (I heard from her yesterday by the way, she e-mailed me and said that Koda is getting close to walking and the Bradii is talking up a storm as usual. She wanted me to tell you guys hi!) all live fairly close to me. Any other Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri girls on the sight I don't know about?? I would love to meet some of you ladies since we have been talking for almost 2 years now and it looks like we can still talk until our kids turn 9 or so with the new sight!! Now all they need is a pre-teen today and a teenagers today! LOL Talk to all yo ladies later! Beth and Allison (16 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 14:06:51 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Rather slow here today, isn't it? Max was up for about a hour last night, starting at 1. He had really bad gas, the same as Monday night. I'm nursing him before he goes to bed and I've been having gas in the evenings also. I guess I need to figure out what the culprit is for me so Max will sleep better. CRYSTAL: I'm sure it's hard - this is a big adjustment. It's almost like getting married all over again. Try not to be upset about Darrel taking his first steps for Doug and just be happy he's walking. Remember you saw a ton of firsts that Doug missed so now his turn to experience that joy. Also, it's good for Darrel and you to spend some time apart so he gets used to different authority figures. It's also important for Doug and Darrel to bond. Hand in there :-) Also, big congrats on plans for #2. Your names are beautiful. Is Raftis a family name? HELEN: Amanda didn't eat the pills, did she :-0 It's great your friend has adjusted so well to Chantal's problems. MEGAN: If you clear out some more stuff will Ben have more safe places to walk? I think it's really important for kids to be able to get down and move and explore on their own, but that's hard to do when you have to keep an eye on them for safety reasons! SHELLY: Thanks for the Alex update - I noted his good news on the babies today board for all Moriah's friends over thre. JULIANNE: Give Caveman Colton a kiss for me! BETH: I almost groaned when I saw about the Children Today site - man, I'm going to be addicted for at least another 8 years! A meeting sounds great. We can see how all is interested and where they live (I'm in central Missouri) and then choose a central location. Personnally, somewhere near Patty would be perfect for me as DH has a lot of relatives in that area so that way DH can't bitch and moan about me driving somewhere to meet all my "hormonal sisters" who he thinks I talk to only so I can complain about him and get validation that whatever I think is best when we disagree about anything related to Max (where DOES he get these ideas?!) - LOL! LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 14:45:01 (MDT)) Hello to all you ladies. You dont even really know me , well,,,,,,but i know you.lol. i have a VERY special request i want to ask of all of you and i realize you dont all even know her, but please do me a favor and pitch all in like you did when Moriah was so down and help Mimii out. NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO $$$$$!!! I do not mean MONEY at all. She is fine on that. I mean SUPPORT! She and Jimmy have an anniversary on the 12th. Please all of you send them a card and let HIM KNOW HOW SPECIAL SHE IS!!!!! I am not trying to scare or be critical or critisize in ANY way, I just know Mimii brags on Jimmy when she SHOULD kick the )(*(&*&^%&*&&^^ where it counts. She NEVER ever says anything negative about him, and he is such an ASS to her! He is a good father, and he does write her poems, but he puts all his employees and friends above her all the time. I really feel for her! Please do NOT even tell her i said to write , or even reveal yourselves if you have to...just tell Jimmy he has a JEWEL and he should be proud, etc.....I really think it mite wake him up!!! Oh, and if any of you want to know a story, ask Kay who lost her baby...I read her printouts one day when i was trying to help her run HIS business..and saw that she had told Kay aaabout the baby dying and what REALLY happened!! Her address is: Jimmy and Mimii' Walton 4999 Burlington Pike Burlington KY 41005 Thank YOU , YOU GUYS!! Barbie, her client...and please dont tell her i wrote!!!!! Barbie Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 16:01:25 (MDT)) Good Afternoon Mommies & Babies, it's Debbie. Hope you all are having a great day. I forgot to tell you all something the other day, and that is that I really missed talking to all of you while I was away moving. I thought about you and your little angels everyday. I just had to get that in before I continued. Maddie is talking up a storm, something new comes out of that precious little mouth everyday. Emilee will not stay still one minute. I guess she was non mobile for so long and is now making up for it. She is such a little doll. I love these two babies so much. Julianne - Colton sounded too funny in the tub. Thanks, now I've got two to chase after. Sarah - Oh how I've missed your "Happy Friday". Hannah may or may not walk soon. You know that "every baby is different"... yeah yeah yeah. I bet she will be walking very soon. Emilee started a couple of weeks ago, and won't stay still for a moment. LisaB - Hi, missed your good advise. Glad to be back. How is Max doing? Helen - I'am glad it's over too. I hope they like being roomies too. They have to. Beth - Glad to be back. How is Allison doing? Rita - The house will be ok. It was a terrible mess and very negelected. We worked on it for almost two weeks before we moved it. I can't believe someone could live like that. At nap time, I put Emilee in the porta crib in my room. I usually read to Maddie before her nap. Night time is going ok. First I put Emilee to bed, then Maddie. Emilee as a new built in alarm clock. She's been waking up around 3:30 every morning and wants to eat. And of course she wakes up Maddie, so guess who she sleeps with then? You're right. I hope we can put an end to this midnight madness soon. I just want them to get use to their new home. Yes, two is so much fun to chase after.... Moriah - So happy to hear about Alex's surgery. Happy Birthday to Alex too! Hurry home. Patty - Hi, how is Jarin? And how's work? Glad to be back, really missed you all. Better go, still a hundred things to do. Take care everyone, talk to you soon. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 17:39:03 (MDT)) Hi again everyone this is Diane. I am confused I posted last Sat and then I kept checking to see if the board was updated and today when I checked I had posts from last Friday till today. Does that happen often? I am Canadian whoelse here is? Also what is BT? My little girl's name is Angel by the way. Thank you so much for all the welcomes. ****Louise&Crystal- I am trying to figure out the best age to start trying for number 2. I was thinking in the spring or summer Crystal so Angel will almost be 3 too. ****Sarah&Lisa B. - I too have not had very much sex drive either since giving birth. I hope it returns soon though and doesnt feel like such a chore . I think it feels that way when you have had a long day and sleep sounds so much better. Sad sad to think I used to love having sex! ****Lisa B. - the think with the shoes I have a trick that I hope helps you when you put on their shoes any type pull up the cuff of there socks while you are putting their foot in . this stops them from curling their toes. ****Judy- good luck and let us know how it goes. **** Rita- I am curious what kind of vitamins . I was thinking of putting Angel on vitamins too. ****Annie good luck with surgery! OKay that is all for now. Napping by the way is getting better. I have been putting her to bed every night at 7:30 and she is getting up btw 8 and 8:30. Then going down for at least an hour and a half nap. I hope this contines ( fingers crossed) Diane and Angel - 15 months tomorrow Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 20:57:10 (MDT)) Hi it's Moriah. Yes things went well. The scope showed that Alex's trachea is growing & not developing scar tissue & has only minimal collapse - good news all the way around!! His nose has started to develope scar tissue though so they put back in nasal stints to keep the holes open. Thankfully the stints are coming out on Monday. Alex still has his trach. What happened is they put in a smaller trach & plugged it. He did let out a cry (what a joyous sound that was!!) but he turned blue & desated. So we have to work with him on weaning him off the trach (this is still all good news!). There are a few things holding him back #1 even this trach still takes up 50% of his airway so breathing around it is hard. #2 - He panicks because it's a struggle & it scares him (totally breaks my heart). He just had to learn to relax & breath easier. So we have lots of goals for the next few weeks, we need him to GROW to get more room around that trach & we'll be putting the plug in often to keep giving him trials. It didn't go "perfectly" that's for sure. BUT it's a big step in the right direction so Geoff & I are so very pleased. We finally feel like we're getting a break. Tomorrow is Alex's birthday. I just can't believe it. Like I said before I've never cried as many tears or been so happy all in 1 year. I'm glad to get this year done with. But I'd go through it again a million times for Alex. We're going to have a little celebration (just cake) with some family & close friends. Thanks to everyone for worry & praying for us! Sorry no personals for tonight. Moriah & Alex (the big day is tomorrow) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 21:03:58 (MDT)) Remember me? Kahne here! It has been so long since my last post, I am not even on the board. Feels like I have been reading forever! My goodness yall have been some busy ladies since I have been gone. We finally have the puter at our house! Just moved it tonight. I have missed all of you ssoooooo much! I couldnt help but holler at the screen at some of the posts I read, like Moriah, YOU GO GIRL to the darn party anyway, the hell with em! LOL. Cat had her nine month appt last week. 17 and 1/2 lbs, and GET THIS 27 and 3/4 inches long!!! She is so tall! Still not walking yet, but that is ok, not in a big hurry for her to grow up, :o). She is finally adjusting to the new homeand then what do we do, throw something else at the poor kid, a dog! We got a little female choco lab puppy. Really adorable! Her name is coco. hehe, I wanted it to be easy for Cat to pronounce. I really missed you guys!! I would keep posting, but it is getting late! I will be on tomorrow, and have lots to tell and play catch up! Hey Crystal, hang in there ok? Thinking about you! Love you all, and welcome to all of the new people! Kahne and Cat 9 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Wednesday, October 06, 1999 at 22:14:43 (MDT)) Poor little Colton had very gunky eyes this morning. His eyes were leaking yellow junk all day yesterday, but they are not red--white as can be. He has a cold--cough & runny nose--so I think it is just a cold in his eyes too. I will call the dr today just to see what they think. I felt so bad when he could hardly open his eyes this moring. :( Moriah: HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY ALEX!!! Have a great family celebration. I am glad things went well at the dr visit. Sounds like he has made some good progress and has new goals to tackle. He is so very lucky to have such great parents. Your love for him shows through so much in your posts even with the difficulties you have had to deal with. Birdie: How cool--getting together with some of the mommies and kids. Wish I lived closer! Beth: Wow, the Pierre Marquette River in Baldwin is where we canoe! It is just a few hours from where I live in Michigan. You can add me to the list of mommies from the mid/southern states that would like to get together. Kahne: Welcome back! I can just see Cat crawling after her new puppy. What fun. Diane: Just in case you haven't figured it out--the new posts are added to the bottom and the board is archieved about every other week. Take care everyone & yeah tomorrow is Friday! Julianne & Colton 14 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 06:58:17 (MDT)) Good morning ladies....SARAH here! I had so much fun with HANNAH last night. She was in the best mood. She's still taking about 4 steps at a time, but still doesn't seem close to walking...does that make sense??? MORIAH - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!! :) Great news for ALEX. I agree with JULIANNE, your love for ALEX definitely show through your posts!! :) :) PATTY - HI!! At least I'm not the only one who feels that way about sex. I'm gonna mention it to my doctor. BETH - Sounds like we both had GREAT nights with our daughter's last night!! I'm glad you heard from MIMII'. I've been wondering about her. I've sent her several emails, and haven't heard a word back. BABIE - Thanks for the info. I hope it was nothing terrible about the baby! DEBBIE - Hey girl!! I can't believe EMILEE is walking. Wasn't she just born yesterday?!?! LOL DIANE M. - WELCOME! BT is Babies Today...another site on here (newborn - 1year). KAHNE - Good to hear from you!!! Your doggie sounds cute!!! HANNAH absolutely LOVES dogs!! Can't get enough of them!!! :) JULIANNE - I sure hope COLTON feels better soon!! I hear ya on tomorrow being FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! :) Talk to you ladies soon! Hope everyone has a great day! Sarah and Hannah (13 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 07:18:47 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Major happy dances - Max slept ALL night last night (first time in about 2 weeks). Also, my sister's hernia operation went well and she's home - but her 11 month old DD cannot understand why Mommy can't hold her. My MIL called last night with bad news though. My 5 year old nephew/monkey climbed up on their bathroom vaniety and pulled on the mirror. He managed to pull the mirror (heavy and screwed to the wall) off, fell on the floor, and the mirror fell on him. I don't have all the details but I guess his leg was cut real bad, they had to operate to reattach some tendons, and he has a cast from mid-calf to hip. He refuses to use the crutches so he has a "baby walker". Poor little guy :-( BARBIE: I miss Mimii' posts. She was always so thoughtful to everyone else and encouraging so I hate to think her DH is taking her for granted. I'll buy a card tonight and send it anonymously to remind Jimmy of just how lucky he is. DEB: I missed you too! DIANE: BT is BabiesToday.com. Thanks for the shoe advice. The archilles tendon trick is working for now but a backup is always appreciated! MORIAH: Great news on Alex. He's such a fighter I'm sure he'll be off the trach before you know it. I'm sure his first birthday is really emotional for you considering all you guys have been through the past year. Little Alex couldn't have asked for better parents than you and Geoff :-) KAHNE: Hi and welcome back! JULIANNE: I hope Colton's eyes clear up soon! I would love to meet you and Colton, Beth and Allison, Mimii' and her kids, and Patty and Jarin. I really hope we can work something out! I just met a lady on BT that lives close to me and we hope to meet soon (she has a 3 year old and a one-month old). LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 07:30:09 (MDT)) SARAH: Mimii' posted something on BT that she lost a baby. If I remember right she went into labor early and the baby died soon after birth. She never gave the details but suggested that for some reason Jimmy didn't get her to the hospital quick enough and that if they had gotten there sooner the baby might have survived. She had said it was still too painful to talk about. And I guess her marriage before Jimmy was abusive and the abuse was bad enough that she now periodically has seizures. The poor lady has had a hard life :-( LisaB Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 07:44:46 (MDT)) Hi LISA! Yes, I do remember that. What an awful story!! :( I was just wondering cause the way BARBIE made it sound, it was more awful than MIMII' was telling us (totally understandable!) BTW, I'm so glad to hear MAX slept through the night last night!!! :) :) Bye! Sarah Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 08:12:41 (MDT)) SARAH: Barbie's comments kinda backed up what I thought Mimii' was implying - that she blames Jimmy for the baby dying as he was too busy with work to take her to the hosptial and by the time he "had time for her" it was too late. Then again, maybe I was reading things into Mimii' comments. LisaB Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 08:36:05 (MDT)) Hi moms and moms-to-be, More exciting news... iParenting is proud to announce that Dr. William and Martha Sears are the most recent additions to our expert panel! Dr. Sears, physician and author, is known around the world for his philosophies regarding attachment parenting. He'll be writing a monthly column for iParenting and answering questions from you. Comes take a look at this month's column. http://iparenting.com/sears/index.htm Tara, Toddlers Today Assistant Editor email: tara@iparenting.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 09:38:43 (MDT)) Good morning from Rita Things have slowed down a little bit at work, but only a little... Larry flew out early yesterday morning to Las Vegas on business and I had to do all of the drop-off, pick-up and dinnertime duties yesterday. Luckily he caught an earlier flight back and was home to tuck in the girls. I truly appreciate all that he does on a daily basis - I don't know how I could do it without him. (Shelly, you must be amazing!) He brought Amy a pair of fuzzy dice. (There weren't many things appropriate for babies at the airport) She was giggling as she rubbed them on her face this AM - kind of like the kitties, I guess. Maddy has been complaining that her eyes hurt in the morning. We thought that it might just be the light in her eyes. Last night I saw her blinking as if to clear her eyes and straining to watch her favorite show, the Rugrats. I am afaid that we will need to have her eyes checked. Poor thing - I have probably not only given her those lovely blue eyes but also passed along vision problems. Moriah - You guys deserve a break and I am sending you positive vibes so that it happens. Happy Birthday to your most amazing baby! Kahne - Hello! I love chocolate colored dogs. I'm sure that Coco will be much loved. Maddy adores our dogs and tells us that our Belgian is her best friend. Amy is really into our cats and her first word has been "kitty cat." Julianne - Colton sounds like he has the same problem that Amy had. I am convinced that it wasn't pinkeye since it just took time to run its course. That seems to be another lovely thing that I have passed to my DDs. I am getting together with my sisters this Sunday to help them make scrapbook pages. We are going to do an album for my mom for Christmas. Lisa B - Yah for Max sleeping! Sorry to hear about your nephew/monkey. Glad that he is okay. That sounds like a pretty serious injury. My former boss' DD climbed up a bookcase before she was a year old and fell down, breaking her leg. She was in a serious cast for quite awhile and had to delay walking. She is still a daredevil, but they have channelled it into ice skating these days. I remember that Mimii's baby came around five months because she had had a seizure and that her DH didn't come home right away after it happened. Well, I had better get back to work. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 10:40:34 (MDT)) Hi everyone, I've been lurking for a while, so I feel I already know everyone (a lot of you I remember from PT!) My son Alex is 12 1/2 months old now, and has just started walking! He's so wonderful. I've also recently found out I'm pregnant again with #2! About 10 weeks along, so we'll have a 20 mo spacing! I'm tired already just thinking about it! This wasn't planned, I'm nursing Alex, so hadn't started monthly visits again. Anyone else nursing older babies, or ever tandem nursed? We'll see how it goes, but Alex just isn't ready to wean, and I don't want to wean him early because of the pregnancy. DianeM-Welcome! I'm also Canadian, from Vancouver BC. As I said, we're already on the way to #2, so I can't give you any advice on spacing. We did kind of want them close because I've been told that they may have more things in common, and be closer friends. But its more work for mom at first with two in diapers! You sleeping schedule sounds perfect! Alex goes down at about 9:30PM, then wakes around 8-8:30AM. He's also down to one afternoon nap, between 1-2 hours. Moriah-Congratulations!!!!! I remember you from the PT board, you were always so cheerful and supportive. My Alex was born in mid Sept, so I lost touch, but when I read about your Alex, I was in tears. I'm very glad everything has turned out so well, and you have such a terrific son! He sounds so strong and determined. Happy Birthday to one special (and very loved) little boy! Sarah-regarding Hannah's walking, Alex just started last week. He went for about two weeks taking a couple of steps between furniture, or if we tried to get him to walk between us, then one day he just let go! I think it helped him to be around other walking babies - he didn't want to get left behind! He still needs to climb something to get into a standing position, and never spend much time standing before starting to walk. Don't rush her too much - Alex is a lot harder to keep track of now! LOL! Take care everyone, talk to you later. SarahW and Alex (12mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 11:51:06 (MDT)) Yeah, tomorrow is Friday!! No, it's not Sarah, it's Beth! LOL! Don't know what was wrong with the sight this morning but I wasn't able to connect for about 3 hours after I got here, but was able to get other places on the internet. For a while I was worried that my bosses had discovered my TT addiction and had fixed my computer so that I could no longer access the site. LOL! I was starting to go through withdrawals! luckily I was able to access right before I went to lunch so I was able to get my fix to get me through the afternoon :-) Moriah - happy birthday to Alex. Hopefully you guys will be able to wean him off the trach soon and get him breathing without it. I will be praying for you guys! Lisa B - glad to hear the achilles thing is working. It was a lifesaver for me when I started trying to get shoes on Allison. I struggled for 15 min one day and my MIL just comes over and plops the shoes right on her like it was nothing. I guess IL's can be good for something at times LOL! Kahne - so good to hear from you. Glad you are all settled into your new place. It will be nice for you to be away from MIL and on your own now. Sarah W - welcome to you and little Alex. Julianne - DH loved it up in Baldwin. Said it was very beautiful. The pictures are lovely too! It was a 10 hour drive from where we are. How far south are you from there (I'm assuming south, but maybe you are north). Well, sorry no more personals. The board has been kinda slow the past couple of days. Hope all our regulars are back soon. Talk to you ladies later. Beth and Allison (16 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 14:11:26 (MDT)) Hello again from Helen & Amanda!! The first time today she shut off the computer!! She tried again, smiling and laughing that devilish look!! BETH-- So nice to be able to keep up isn't it???!!! MORIAH- HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PATTY-- Glad Jarin is feeling better! LISAB- No- Amanda didn't eat any pills- impossible to turn and push out- she put them in the trash-- found them yesterday. BARBIE-- Thats sad about Mimii- hope things improve for her! :O( KAHNE-- Dog sounds so cute- I'm sure Cat wil love having a playmate!! Cute name- we knew someone w/a choc. lab and called her 'Tootsie"- isn't that cute!! She did eventually start looking like a large tootsie roll-got chubby! JULIANNE--Hope Colton is better soon. LISAB- Glad your sis's op. went well! OK-Amanda is screaming and trying to pull me off the chair! LATER!!! Helen&Amanda @14mos(#3) Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 14:32:44 (MDT)) Hi I feel so silly most boards start with their most recent and go from there. Now I know how this board works! Thanks for all the help and all the warm welcomes. I look so forward to getting to know you all. You all make it feel like family here and are so helpful and supportful. Angel was so cute today she started walking on her tip toes. She was watching me jump today and just laughing she was bending her body and trying too. She also in the last week has become quite a chatter box. Most of the words I have no idea but she has a really big vocabulary for her age. She also says thank you and I love you. So sweet!!! Moriah: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALEX! After reading all the posts from you I can see Alex is lucky to have you! Sarah W.: I live in Ontario. Well that is all for tonight. There is a new board on TT called spirited children take a look ! Diane M. and Angel - 15months today!!!! diane morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 19:33:12 (MDT)) Hey everyone, we have survived surgery. It went very well and now he is completely healed. The surgery itself was 3 hours and he was in recovery for two and half because he wouldn't wake up. We left the hospital with a tube draining blood from his kidney into a bag I had to change every four hours but now he is bag free and very happy. We have to go back to the hospital in a month to make sure his kidney is healing but the doctor is confident that they saved it! It is nice to have a normal life again with a happy, healthy baby with no tubes coming out of him. he is quite back to himself now and one would never know he had been sick. God is so good! All my love moms and tots. Goodnight Joy JOy and Josh Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 19:46:21 (MDT)) Good Evening from Megan Maybe one of these days I'll actually have time to read posts and see what's going on with your lives! For now, I just wanted to tell you I talked with my sis and she is swamped with work. That means I probably won't see her for a while to get chicken pox vaccine info. She did tell me the CDC should have info on their web site. It's www.cdc.gov We went for a lovely fall walk this evening. The colors are beautiful here in the mountains of Northern Utah. Time to put Ben to bed. I'll see if I can't get on here this weekend and get caught up. Hopefully! Happy Birthday Alex!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you all, Megan and Benjamin (11 months +) email: dtandmm@slkc.uswest.net Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 20:40:49 (MDT)) Hi everyone, it's Cathy. Sorry to have been a stranger, DH has been away a lot, and things have just been busy. We are doing well. Alison has had a rash on her face for a few weeks, the Dr. says it is due to her increased drooling with her molars coming in. It comes and goes, but some days she looks like a PIZZA, poor little thing. The good thing is it doesn't seem to bother her, only when I try to put some cream on it or pat it dry. We have this huge pine tree in the front yard, and it's been dropping pine cones for a while. I've picked them with Alison for about a month, well now she is just obsessed with pine cones, and goes into a state when she sees one anywhere. It is so funny. I've decided to go back to work part time in January. The timing seems right to me - Alison will be almost 18 months, and I think she will do well to be away from me for a while. Now I must begin my quest for the perfect caregiver!! Well, we are off to visit my parents next week, so it will be a while until I get the chance to visit again, I hope you are all doing well, and MORIAH, I am so glad things are going well for Alex and you. Bye for now all... CathyG and Alison (14 months) email: davidalan.pratt@sympatico Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 21:28:22 (MDT)) Oh - I just wanted to wish all the other Canadians a Happy Thanksgiving!! CathyG Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 21:29:59 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Max slept all night again - YES!!!! He started going "uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh" this morning (actually DH said he was doing it Weds. night in his crib but I slept through it). He also started turning himself around in small circles while standing up. RITA: Emily and her fuzzy dice sound so cute! I hope Maddy's eye is better soon. SarahW: I nurse Max twice a day - first thing in the morning and last thing at night. JOY: I'm so happy Josh is recovering so well :-) :-) :-) I agree with Beth - this board has been awfully slow lately. I'm addicted and check it at every break and there generally aren't any new posts :-( If anyone is lurking - please join us!!! LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 08:19:05 (MDT)) OOPS - Hit "post" too soon. I saw the ENT doc yesterday. No sinus surgery - just nasal to correct the bone/cartledge center piece that is caving in. Also, I have developed a sinus caviety in my nose that needs to be removed. That should cure my sinus problems! I have to call today to schedule outpatient surgery so hopefully within a month or so we can start working on making Baby Butler #2 (BB2). :-) LisaB Friday, October 08, 1999 at 08:21:25 (MDT)) Good morning ladies!!!! HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! :) :) Yep, you've guessed it...SARAH here! :) My mom said HANNAH took 5 steps yesterday!! That's the most she's taken so far (and I missed it). Oh well, at least Grandma saw! :) I went out with some of my girlfriends last night. I got to be 2 hours later than usual and then kept waking up. Then I had to get up at 5 am!! I'm exhausted! On to personals: SARAH W. - WELCOME!!! It's weird to see SARAH W. That's what I was before I was SARAH M. :) Thanks for your input on walking. DIANE - HANNAH walks on her tiptoes, too! She also says thank you (and I think I've heard I love you) among MANY other things. JOY - I have been thinking about you guys. I was worried when we didn't hear from you. In fact I was going to post this and then send you an email. Glad surgery went well. Please give JOSH a kiss from HANNAH and I. MEGAN - HI!!! BETH - Glad you got on yesterday!! :) (Hey, are you making fun of me???) :) :) :) CATHY G. - Congrats on your decision! Good luck finding a daycare person!!! Well, hope you all have a WONDERFUL Friday!!! If I don't get back on, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!! :) Sarah and Hannah (13 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 08:27:56 (MDT)) HEY everyone! Okay, this is my 4th attempt to post. Last night I tried 3 times, each time typing a novel and wham... it disappeared!!! I have no clue what happened or why, but I am going to write the webmaster today about it. That's just so irritating. ANYWAY... On Wed. we drove down to Colo. Springs for Elizabeth's 15th mo. check up and my lovely annual pap. I just love our doctors down there and sure wish they would move up here! Elizabeth is doing great! The doctor said she's a very healthy, beautiful little girl. She got 3 vaccinations: MMR, DTP and oral polio. My poor baby! The past couple days, she's been very whiney and clingy. Yesterday, she would just start crying hard for no reason! I've been giving her Tylenol every 4 hours. I just wish I could take any pain she had away! The doc told us to watch for rare reactions from the MMR in 8 to 10 days. Apparently, one of the VERY RARE side-effect are constant seizures & to call 911 immediantly. But he told us we shouldn't have to worry, that he's only seen 2 cases and both of those children had a history of always being sick. On the positive side: Elizabeth is done with her shots until 4 or 5 years old! YEA! I elected to go ahead and get the 2 shots and 1 oral over with now instead of coming back to get another shot in 3 months. I am very pro-vaccinations, BUT I am SOOOO glad to have these shots done with for awhile! Elizabeth is one growing little girl! She now weighs 21 pounds 7 1/4 ounces (25th %tile) and is 31 inches long (75th %tile). This is the first time that she's about the 10th %tile in weight! At our 12 month visit, she weighted 18 1/2 pounds, so she's gained 3 pounds! Okay... enough about us. On with a few short personals. Joy, I was so happy to hear back from you! And even happier that Josh had such success on his surgery! Yes, God is Great! How are you feeling? Beth, Glad to see that your boss didn't ban you from TT!! So, Allison has a love for sweet potatoes, huh? Last night, Elizabeth had steak (chopped very finely), sweet potatoes and green beans for dinner. She loves sweet potatoes! I think that was the first solid I gave her besides cereal when she was 5 months. LisaB, Your poor nephew! How is he doing? What a terrible way to learn a lesson. I bet he won't climb the bathroom counter again. Well, then again, he is a curious 5 year old boy, so he probably will. That is just so terrible! Glad Max has been sleeping at night! Now, if he would just sleep through the night during the weekends so you can get all the sleep you need. Sarah, I know, I know... it's terrible that we haven't met yet! One day we will! I wish we had more moms on here who lived closer so we can all meet too. I'm feeling left out now, aren't you? :-) You know, I woke up atleast a dozen times last night too. Hope you get some sleep this weekend! How about this weather! I sure wants some snow, though! I really like fall weather with the temps in the 50's and 60's! (good soup & chili weather!) What's up with these 80's? Julianne, How are Colton's eyes? Poor little guy! I hope he's better soon! Moriah, Happy Birthday to You, happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear ALEX! Happy Birthday to you!! And many more!!! I am SO happy to hear that Alex is doing so well! Debbie, HI! I have been wondering about you and how the move was going! Glad to see you back! Patty, I hope Jarin stays healthy! Well gang... sorry if I missed you. We've been busy... which brings me to another topic. My mil may be coming for a visit soon. Probably 2 weeks from today but not quite sure. I am already stressing out big time about her visit and I know when she get's here my stress level will be sky high! When I get really stressed, I get terrible stomach pains, sometimes they get so severe that I think I need to go to the er to get some morphine or something. Beth, you know what I'm talking about since your dh has the same condition! Anyway, I am really trying not to get all worked up, but, it's awfully hard. I am already worked up over visiting her house over Thanksgiving! Okay. Enough of my belly-aching! Sorry, but thanks for letting me vent for a minute. (As if you had a choice-lol!) Have a super Friday everyone and a great weekend! Take care! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 months on the 15th. email: Rkcns@aol.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 09:22:06 (MDT)) Crystal here. Just wanted to check in real quick before heading off to work. Happy Birthday to Alex. We're moving tomorrow so it may be a while before I can get back on. I'll miss everyone. Oh, for the midwest/south moms, Tracey and I are both in Texas. Glad the surgeries went well for Alex and Josh. Gotta go. I'll have severe withdrawals. Crystal and Darrel 13 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 09:58:02 (MDT)) Hello from Helen & Amanda!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!! We are usually in Canada this weekend- the 1st in years- but are going up in Nov- for ours instead this year. Sems wierd not to be going- so we have 2 thanksgivings each year. Well I'm sure Amanda will be up any second, she seems to wake just as I get on here each time-DH walks in or something happens. Amanda also has a rash on her cheeks- on both sides even w/her nose- not sure from what, not drooling, maybe b/c the weather is getting colder?? JOY/JOSH- So happy the op. went well!!!!! CATHYG- Are yoy getting your old job back? Good luck finding someone to care for Allison!! DIANEM-- My older two kids are 24mos apart- I thought that was a good space, give or take a few mos-- too much farther apart and they don't play together well at diff. points in their life, they seem to be at diff. stages of interest in their development. Of course some will disagree. I've been reading lately in numerous articles that the chance of miscarriage lessens the closer to the 2 year mark a woman waits to conceive a second time around- guess our bodies need a break. :O) KAHNE/CAT- You'll find this funny- my 'monster baby' was 18lbs and 27.5" at 6months!! I guess thats what happens when you start out at 10.3lbs!! She is the same size or smaller than others now at 14mos- apx 25lbs or less and who knows how tall! Our pediatrician does 10 month visits and then we have to wait until 15months old- I can't wait until the end of the month to see how much she weighs and her height. Of course I can wait for the shots! My kids have a 1/2 day of school today and Mon. off. We have a hockey tournament every day until Monday- its going to be a long weekend! I have to have DH take DS to the games b/c Amanda fals asleep at odd times driving and it messes up her sleep. Have a good weekend all!! LATER!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Friday, October 08, 1999 at 10:05:11 (MDT)) I just re-read my post. I meant, "this is the first time that Elizabeth is ABOVE the 10th % in weight" Not About. Kelli & Elizabeth Friday, October 08, 1999 at 10:39:04 (MDT)) Hey all! SARAH again. Two questions. One is directed towards PATTY. Because she's my fellow PO5 fan. Did you watch it Tuesday? If so, what happened? Also, did anyone watch Friends last night? If so, what happened? OK, that's all! :) Sarah again Friday, October 08, 1999 at 10:49:07 (MDT)) Good morning all, Happy Friday, and Happy Thanksgiving (and LONG WEEKEND!) to all Canadians! I don't know how we managed it, but we've been invited to three different houses for three turkey dinners on the three days! AHHH, three NOT baby proofed houses with a recently walking toddler!!! I think I'll just put everything up out of the way. I don't want him breaking any of my grandparents valubles, nor do I want to have to watch him every second! Kelli - Good to hear from you, Elizabeth sounds great! How do the shots work in the states? Alex had a one year set, then we go back at 18 mo. It that it for a while? For some reason I thought this went on forever with new shots every 6 mo. I'll be very happy if we're done at 18 mo! He didn't mind the first couple, but cried when he got the last one, guess he's just more aware all round then at 6 mo! Joy - Congratulations on a successful operation for Josh, thats wonderful news! Have a good day everyone, Sarah and Alex PS: SARAH, I was a Sarah P, so I'm still trying to get used to the W after 3 years! SarahW and Alex (12mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 10:49:55 (MDT)) Hey all! Kahne and cat here, She is about to wake up and I just wnted to say really quick, Happy B day Alex, sorry I am late! I will post more later! Kahne and Cat 9 months Friday, October 08, 1999 at 11:25:02 (MDT)) Happy Friday everyone!! I just love the weekends as I get to spend the whole time with my little angel! She's been in the best mood lately which makes spending time together even better (if that's possible!). I just love this age. She learns something new everyday, says something new everyday, and is continually surprising me with how much she knows and understands of what Dh and I say to her. It's really incredible! Crystal - Unfortunately I think you and Tracey will be too far away for a meeting with us. We all live in the Ky, In, Oh, vicinity. Probably a little too north for you guys :-( Hope moving goes well. We'll miss you. Helen - all I can say is that I am SOO GLAD that you opted to start using your real name instead of "Sarah". With all the "new" Sarah's joining our group it could have gotten pretty confusing around here! Sarah M - Allison's first steps were for my dad so I know how you feel! Not too much happened on Friends. (non-Friends fans, scroll through the next part as necessary! LOL) Rachel is still looking for a place to live. She was going to move in with Ross then thought that wouldn't be a good idea because of their "history". Then Joey tried to get her to move in with him, but he said that they could do "naked Thursday" together and of course she didn't go for that LOL! She asked Phoebe to move in with her, but Phoebe made up this fictious roommate because she didn't want her there. Joey wants a female roommate so he is interviewing all these girls etc. Ross still hasn't told Rachel that he didn't get the anullment and Phoebe keeps telling him how's he's in love with Rachel (which he obviously is). Anyway, that's pretty much it in a nutshell. I don't watch PO5 so I can't help you out there. Sarah W - wow, 3 thanksgivings. You probably won't be able to walk after this weekend from being so stuffed with good food. Kelli - how do you get Elizabeth to eat so much?? Allison eats like a bird! Lisa B - good news about your surgery!! Good luck TTC BB#2! Joy - so glad to hear that Josh's surgery went well and that he is back to himself now. Great news!! Cathy G - good luck on your job hunt. You are very fortunate to have been off this long! Megan - great to hear from you too. Glad to know you and Ben are doing okay. Okay, one last question before I go. Do any of your little ones still eat baby food? Allison started refusing baby food at about 10 months old and has been on table food ever since. Just wondering if this was pretty much the norm or if she has just been an especially picky eater even from the beginning. Talk to you ladies later. Beth Beth & Allison (16 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 11:40:52 (MDT)) Sorry about the double name. I haven't done that since I first starting posting!! LOL! I'm just glad it's Friday. I think my brain needs a break. Beth Friday, October 08, 1999 at 11:43:25 (MDT)) Good morning. Alex had the best birthday!!!! He amazed us. I didn't think he'd really be interested in the cake but he really was. He squished it & smushed it. Then of course he loved sucking it off his fingers. He was so tired though he fell asleep practically face down in the cake. I have the cutest pics - I'll send them out to every one today. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes! Thanks to Hannah & Max for sending the cards! I even got an email from Mimii! You guys always make us feel so special. I really do not know what I'd do with out you all. I don't know if I've ever told you how much it means to me that you treat me like "one of the girls". No one makes me feel like an outsider because Alex has problems. It's not always easy for people to not be taken aback by the intensity of our situation. Anyway (sniff sniff) you guys mean more to me than you'll ever know! WOW did Alex make out in the wardrobe department. Baby Gap must be empty. He got some really cute t-shirts, not to mention 2 pairs of jeans, 2 vests, some shoes. TONS aof cute stuff. Wait until you see the family pic I'm going to take for Christmas. Speaking of I'd like to add you guys to my real Christmas Card list. If you feel comfortable please email me your snail mail address. Poor Shelly! She's so sick! She got her flu shot the other day & probably coincidence but now she's sick. She's supposed to fly to Disneyland tomorrow with her 2 older boys & their cousins. But now she doesn't think she can make it due to her sickness. :( On to the personals: Kahne - we went to the party & had a great time. Just my insecurities! Lisa B - your poor nephew! As always made me a little teary with your not to Alex! TTC BB#2! Woo Hoo! I'm telling you the couch makes pretty good kids! Rita - Poor Maddy with her eyes! The eye Dr suggested that Alex should wear glasses when he starts to walk but I can't imagine how he'd ever keep them on! Welcome to Diane & Sarah W!! Another Alex! Joy - Yea Josh! Isn't it amazing how fast they recover (how fast are you recovering? It always takes ME longer) When is the new baby due? Crystal - Happy Moving! I hope that you guys get settled in your own place so that you can get to work on being a family. How's it going with Doug? Sarah - I like PO5 too. I watched some of it the other night. Charley & Kirsten finally got married (after problems planning the wedding). She got in a big fight right before with her parents & told them not to come. He mom showed up in the end & they made up.Bailey & Sarah were late for the ceremony because they were having sex at home. I know there was more but I can't remember maybe Patty can fill in the gaps. Next week looked good but now they scheduled it oposite Will & Grace wich is a super favorite of mine :( Well I gotta go. I'll email the pics out, If you want one & don't get it - send me an email! Moriah & Alex (1 whole year!) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 13:08:01 (MDT)) Hi! I think Elizabeth has been feeling better today. She's down for a nap right now and will hopefully sleep a couple hours. SarahM, Beth pretty much summed up Friends, as did Moriah w/ P05. Oh, also on P05, Claudia's new boyfriend has been pressuring her for sex and then she caught him kissing another girl. Julia is transferring to a liberal arts college to solely work on a writing career. Daphne is trying to get used to watching Diana on her own while Kirsten & Charley are on their honeymoon. Oh, and Charley is still as cute as ever! SarahW, Elizabeth has had to have 3 DTP shots, 4 HIB shots, 3 polio vaccinations, 1 MMR and 1 Varicella (chicken pox). I think these are the correct numbers... I don't have her shot record in front of me. I think the DTP shots had to be like 6 months apart, as well as the HIB shots. So, she's done with shots until before she goes to school, and then she gets 1 or 2 shots that are required by law before entering school. Beth, what can I say, Elizabeth just loves food and loves to eat! She piles it in so fast we have to remind her to slow down and take a drink. Yet, she still is really petite. She hasn't eaten jarred baby food since about 11 months. One think she does really like are the Gerber Graduates fruits and the microwave meals (White turkey w/rice, chicken stew w/ vegitables, chicken & broccoli w/ cheese). She also likes the Gerber Graduates chicken and turkey sticks. I still cut those up, though. She usually just eats what ever we eat except when it's spicy or something like that. Then, I resort to the Gerber Graduate meals. I also buy the little 6-pack Yoplait yogurt. It's like 4 or 6 oz. yogurt cups. She loves those!! She's also big into grapes, banana's, cheese, graham crackers and animal crackers. But her all time favorite snack is Cheerios. And her all time favorite dinner is any kind of chicken and BREAD! My kid LOVES bread! Okay, I got off on a tangent... sorry! Moriah, So happy that Alex's B-day went so well! How cute that he nearly fell asleap in his cake! Yes, when you get the pics scanned, I'd love to see some! I have pictures of me falling asleep in my high chair face down in food! Mom said I'd always fall asleep in my food! A couple questions: When should a child be able to eat with a spoon? I still feed Elizabeth with a spoon. She eats with her fingers at every meal, but if it's yogurt of ice cream, I feed her. I give her a spoon every now and then and she knows the concept and concentrates and tries to eat, but the food never makes it to her mouth. I am sure that's to be expected w/ learning a new task. But, for the sake of not making a huge mess, I usually end up feeding her myself. I know that I should really let her do it. Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 mos. next week email: rkncs@aol.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 13:40:30 (MDT)) Hi, it's Birdie and Noah. Just a quick hello. Moriah- happy B-day Alex. (Yesterday) I finally sent you a pkg of stuff and a picture of binky boy. We have way to many pictures of Noah with his binky. He doesn't really use it that much now so i don't know why we have so many photos of him with it. Oh well. Glad everything went well. Take care. Birdie and Noah (10 + months) Friday, October 08, 1999 at 13:48:30 (MDT)) Hello from Rita I started to post earlier, but ended up on an impromtu conference call. Hey this work stuff is interfering with my keeping up on the board. So now I am eating as I type. Joy - I am so relieved to hear that things went well for Josh. We will keep him in our prayers to make sure that this solves all of the problems. How's your other wee one? Megan - Hi! Your walk sounds wonderful. We don't really have fall out here. Crystal - Good luck with the move. Moriah - Sounds like Alex had a super birthday. He may be the best dressed tot on this board! Let me know if you don't have my snail mail address. Lisa B - That's great news about your surgery. Lookout - here comes BB#2! Shelly - I hope that you feel better soon! Larry is talking about getting the flu shot. I will pass since we are still BF at least once a day. Gotta run, as usual. Take care everyone! Happy Thanksgiving to the Canadian Moms. Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 14:22:25 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Monday is a State Holiday (Columbus Day) so I won't be back until Tuesday. SARAH: Congrats on Hannah taking so many steps. She'll be running before you know it! KELLI: I saw my nephew last night. He's pretty glum because he's so active and is now basically immobilized. CathyG: Has Allison ever been to a sitter before? BETH: Max eats Gerber Graduates Fruit and Veggie Dices at the sitters and some of the chunkier Gerber #3 (veggie stew, turkey with veggies, etc.). At home he primarily eats table food but loves the Gerber Graduate Turkey and Chicken Sticks (just like Elizabeth!). I still buy some of the Gerber 3 fruits that I mix in with his cereal. He eats off my breakfast plate (toast, waffles, etc.) and also has his baby cereal. MORIAH: Thanks for the photos and I hope Shelly feels better soon. I also opted out on the shot this year as I'm BF twice a day. LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 14:55:57 (MDT)) Hi everyone, have a great weekend! Moriah, thanks for the pictures, he's a real sweetheart. Kelli: I was wondering about the spoon thing myself. Alex happily eats with his hands most of the time. If we load the spoon and give it to him, it will usually end up in his mouth - if he wants it that is, otherwise its straight on the floor! But we haven't given him one of his own yet. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what kind? Short handle, flat bowl, rounded handle? What works best? Talk to you on Monday, TTFN SarahW and Alex (12mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 17:10:01 (MDT)) katy here moriah- Happy birthday Alex!! Sounds like the party was wonderful. I don't think I got a picture, I'd like to have one. Liam smeared cake all over his face at his party last week. I'll e-mail you my snail mail address later. Hope everyone else is doing well. have to go rescue Liam from getting into the kitchen. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 18:08:05 (MDT)) Hello again from Helen&Amanda!! DH&DS&DD are all gone to hockey--Happy dance!!! Amanda just went to bed so I can post in peace and quiet!!What WILL I do with myself for the next couple hours!!!!!????? Amanda is being a major fuss-bug the last few days- wish I could see teeth to make it all worth while! I was changing her today and unstuck her diaper-got the wipes ready- as I lifted her legs to wipe w/the diaper, followed by the bum wipes- she grabbed the front of the diaper and whisked it in a split second through her legs and in her face- FULL OF POOP!!!!! So it was off to the tub for the second time today- that WON'T happen again, thats for sure!! BETH- Yes there are a lot of Sarah's here, its times like this that I'm thankful for an odd name! Amanda also eats like a bird, I load up her tray w/a little of everything and the dog ends up wearing it- today he had spaghetti sauce on him - the other day it was yogurt! She won't eat baby food but still likes baby cereal- go figure. KELLI- Glad its your MIL and not mine- I would be stressed too, try not to get too crazy over her and just clean the rooms she will be in the most, that should cut back some. Its been cool here too, I've made chili, stew, spaghetti sauce- all in the crock pot but tonight it was McD's, my night off. SARAH W& KELLI--- Amanda eats w/her hands and sometimes uses her spoon quite well, I noticed the big spoons vs the baby spoons seem to work better for her, usually they end up on the floor though!! She will not let me feed her and screams if I try so I've given up on that. I have just about every type of baby spoon and I guess its just trial and error as to which works best-Good Luck!! OK- has anyone's baby been taken off the bottle- my 1st was on it until 2 1/2 and I had to take it away- pure hell for the first couple days, DD wasn't too interested in hers so at about 13mos I took hers but this time I don't want to rush things but don't want her to start getting really attached- which they do. She only has one at night and one during the day sometimes but she gets a few extra ozs. of milk at night that she wouldnt get otherwise without a bedtime bottle- should I try and go without it and have a drink in a cup before bed and thats it????? I should go and try to have some quality time by myself-LOL!!! LATER!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Friday, October 08, 1999 at 18:12:27 (MDT)) Me again!! MORIAH- Happy Alex's party went great, Amanda also loves cake. Don't you just love getting all those clothes!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!!!!!!! Helen&Amanda Friday, October 08, 1999 at 18:20:35 (MDT)) Hi everyone, from Stacey! Long time no talk. Well, I finally had my little one, on September 28. I was induced, but once they got things going I went incredibly fast. My water broke and I was 5 cm at 4:15PM and she was born at 4:37. I only had to push 3 times. The labor nurse almost delivered her since the head was out before the Dr. got there. She weighed 7 lb 9 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. She is the best baby! She rarely cries and goes 4 hours between feedings at night. She had her first Dr. appt today and is up to 8 lbs, but she has an eye infection. Franchesca seems to be doing pretty well, all things considered. She gets excited around the baby and likes to give her kisses. Her eyes light up when Alexa coos. She is a little upset with me though. She visited me quite a bit in the hospital, but when I came home she would not come near me and would try to hit me if I picked her up. She is having a hard time dealing with not having her needs attended to right away if I am nursing the baby. But I am glad that she is not mad at the baby, I would much rather have her upset with me, and she seems to be adjusting a little bit more. She likes to help throw away diapers and get clean ones for the baby. I am sorry I do not have more time to catch up on personals, I am at my husband's office waiting for him to get off work. It has been hard since he started working a second job this week, and I haven't seen him much. He is working 9-5 Mon-Fri at his regular job, and 6-11 plus Saturdays at the new job. It is a temp job but they offered him double what he is earning at his regular job and the possibility of full time after a month, so it is a sacrifice worth making even if it is hard being home with two babies alone so much. Well, it looks like he is ready to go, so I will say goodbye for now. Hugs to all the toddlers out there... Stacey, Franchesca (14 mos) and Alexa (10 days old) Friday, October 08, 1999 at 18:28:25 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Hope everyone enjoyed their Friday and is ready for a great week-end. I always have to laugh when you guys talk about how slow it is here - it takes me so long to keep up! But I can't connect until I get home, and then only once a day, so I suppose that's the difference. Jarin is just waking from an hour nap (at 9PM!) His new thing is to take a nap in the evenings - not good. At 11, he is still Mr. Happy and let's play! LOL. He was so sweet today (as if he's not every day.) I was laying in bed and he just laid there next to me. He kept putting his nose on my nose and giving me Eskimo kisses. Then he would just jabber away. Of course, I have no idea what he said, but it was adorable anyway. He is babbling more now - finally. He now says "Dat" and chases the cat around the house. He LOVES the cat and can't get enough of him. Fortunately, our cat is so mellow that he just lets him do whatever he wants to him. **Beth: I love it when they are in those fun moods. Jarin is like that after his "evening" nap now. I'm sure there will be a huge line if there is a new roller coaster. There always is. I would love for all of us to meet! That would be so fun. I was just joking to DH that there could be a Teenagers Today. Except there we may not all be talking about what angels we have. LOL. Jarin refused baby food before too, but now he will eat ONLY baby food at the babysitter's house. Here he eats a lot of the gerber Graduate veggies and fruits and he also loves the meat sticks (like Elizabeth and Max) **LisaB: Your sinus surgery scares me. LOL. I had a small "growth" removed from inside my right nostril a couple years ago. They had to give me a numbing shot in the piece of skin between your nostrils (sorry, I don't know what it's called.) Anyway, I have never had such bad pain. Any time DH wants to give me the chills, he talks about it. He thinks he is so funny. I swear having a baby was easier. heehee. The Dr accidentally hit a nerve in my nose. When I got home, I passed out on the bathroom floor - scared my DD to death. Aren't you glad I told you all of that? LOL. So glad Max is sleeping again!!! Jarin has been doing great the past week or so. (Knock on wood!) Sorry to hear about your nephew. I hope he is back to his monkey self soon. **Debbie: Jarin is doing fine. He had a recheck for his ear infectionyesterday and the Dr. said he looks great. I can tell he is feeling much better as he is so much happier. Work is also ok, thanks for asking. I can't believe Emilee is getting so big already! **Moriah: I am so thankful Alex did so well with surgery. I've been praying for you guys and am glad things are working out. I hope Alex gets used to being "plugged" soon so he can get that trach out. The pictures were soooooo cute! Sorry to hear that Shelly is sick. I'm supposed to decide whether or not to get that flu shot. I can't decide. I love Will & Grace. Karen and Jack crack me up. =) I know what you mean about thinking everyone here are such great friends. DH teases me that you guys are closer to me than my real life friends. And you know, he's probably right!!!!! **Kahne: Glad to see you back! **Julianne: I hope Colton's eyes are better soon. I'm sure it was sad to see him having a hard time opening them. =( **Sarah: Let me know what your Dr. says about the sex thing. I sure would like to know what my problem is! I was going to tell you about PO5 and Friends. but Kelli and Beth beat me to it. **Rita: I hope everything is ok with Maddy's eyes. **SarahW: I am still nursing Jarin and he is 13 1/2 months old. He also shows no interest in weaning. He nurses in the AM, at nap time, in the evening, and at bedtime. How often does Alex still nurse? **Joy: Yay for you and Josh too! I have also been praying for you guys and for Shanna and Annie, who I think was also having kidney surgery. I am so glad that everything went well and Josh is home "tube free" now. **CathyG: Too cute about the pine cones. DS and I used to collect acorns. He still talks about it sometimes, melts my heart as he is now 8! **Kelli: Sounds like you have a healthy little girl there. Yes, Charlie is cute as ever! I love him!!! Jarin also loves cheese and bread, as well as those meat sticks. I also feed him because it's easier than the mess. Now he won't eat for the sitter either unless SHE feeds him. **Helen: I know what you mean about Amanda always waking when you get on the computer. Jarin always decides its fussy time when I decide to eat. Too yucky about the diaper face. Poor little Amanda. =) Jarin tries to "feed" our cat. The other day the cat wouldn't eat part of Jarin's cookie, so he put it in the fur on his back. He is so funny. **Stacey: CONGRATULATIONS ON ALEXA FINALLY BEING BORN! I am so glad that she is a good baby for you and Franchesca is getting used to having a sister and sharing mommy. Good to see you back! **I think I am finally caught up, so I will shut up now. Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - 13 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 20:37:53 (MDT)) Rita again. Stacey - Congratulations. Sounds like a great birthing experience! Maddy behaved pretty much the same way. It took several days for her to get over feeling that I had abandoned her by staying in the hospital for two days. She has always been loving toward Amy. It's wonderful to see the two of them togther these days. Moriah - Thanks for the wonderful pictures. I love the sleepy one. Kelli/Sarah W - It takes until almost age two to develop good spoon and fork skills. Keep giving your babies the chance to practice. I found those curved handled self-feeders to be useless. When we got Maddy a set from One Step Ahead (Like the current Easy Grip Feeders in the catalog) she really went to town. Now she uses regular silver ware. Helen - We phased the bottle out by thirteen months and replaced it with a sippy cup. I was glad we did it early since I found myself PG two months after that. By the time Amy was born, Maddy had forgotten about bottles. Since the girls are finally quiet I should probably think of heading that way myself. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Friday, October 08, 1999 at 22:47:33 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! I actually like the board being slow- being a SAHM- I don't have time to take notes and post for very long periods of time- its quite nice to be caught up and actually read everyone's post and not be skimming and missing things. OK-- Amanda is awake again- what did I tell you!!!! Anyway-- thanks for the responds so far on Amanda and her bottle- none so far today, even went for a nap without one- just rocked her, its a start! The weather is beautiful here today, makes me want to go to a craft fair on this nice Autumn day, but none this weekend that I know of. Take care all---LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Saturday, October 09, 1999 at 11:18:24 (MDT)) Hi Ladies Leanne here! It has been so long since I have posted that I cant even find my last post.!! SO SORRY! First of good news!!! Cynthia is potty trained!!! WOO HOO Last week she had at least 3 poop accidents and 2 pee accidents but the peeing ones were always after a nap and I did not get to her in time. Well today she pooped twice on the potty!! BY HERSELF and has had no peeing accidents for a week! I am so proud of her! I had her call my mom to give her the big news about the pooping! I thought that I would have at least another couple of weeks before she had the pooping! She will be 30 months on the 12th of this month so pretty darn proud! Veronica now knows how to crawl done the stairs - thank goodness. She could never figure out that she had to turn around before she went down. As for me and baby #4 we are doing much better now. The heartburn has actually hit already! ARRGGG!! SO soon. I already had to go out and buy my first of many bottles of tums! I should buy stock from them I go through so many! I was really hoping this pregnancy I would not have that problem. Oh well as problems go that ones is not that bad. My first drs. appointment is Tuesday and I cant wait!!! It seemed to take to long to get here. But technically it is the typical 4 weeks but I am really hoping to hear the heartbeat - which I doubt as I will only be in my 9th week. I will let you guys know. Sorry I did not read all the posts so will not do any personals will have to go back to do it! Have fun ladies! Leanne w/Alexis 5, Cynthia 2, Veronica almost 14mon.& 8 weeks prego! Saturday, October 09, 1999 at 16:01:09 (MDT)) Well hello ladies. I am here listening to Blake crying in my ear. What fun it is to have three kids and have them all pester the heck out of each other all the time. Well I really miss you all and I mst say that I spoke too soon when I said that we were not sick and have not been for a while. Now we all had a virus and it was not fun at all. I just finished building a web page for the church and it turned out pretty well. if any of you would like to see it then you can go to www.geocities.com/centralemm/ Well Dillon is just fine and is getting too big and is really saying allot of words now so I guess that I do not have to be worried about his talking anymore. He says Thank you, Uh oh, mama, dada, tee tee and he thinks that word is so funny. When he sees me of Jay going to the bathroom he says Tee Tee really loud and it is just too cute. Well I hope that all of you are doing alright. I can't wait until we get our phone turned on and I can be back on the internet again. Time to get the kiddos home and put them to bed and get things ready for church in the morning. I love you all so much and miss you more than you will ever know. Talk to you all later. Tracey and Dillon email: ttelger@yahoo.com Saturday, October 09, 1999 at 18:00:56 (MDT)) Hi an awesome day today, we went to a breakfast to celebrate octoberfest! Monday we will go to the octoberfest parade. Also just think busy weekend we are celebrating thanksgiving on monday. Today I asked Angel if she was hungry and she said yes hotdogs. I couldnt believe it so I went upstairs and got her some hotdogs she was all smiles! Just a quick note. I love reading about all of you. Diane and Angel -15 months A question for you all what are you getting the darlings for christmas?? Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Saturday, October 09, 1999 at 21:21:29 (MDT)) Good evening everybody!Just wanted to drop in and say hello, trying to keep up with BT, TT, and PT. Soon enough I will be "forced" out of BT. Caleb is getting so big, I can't stand it! Talking up a storm, and ready but so afraid to walk. This past year has went by so fast, he will be a year on the 28th. On to a few personals ~~~~~Moriah, thanks for the pics of Alex, he is a doll! Hope he had a great birthday!! ~~~~~Helen, I took my DD off of bottls at 11 months, but she could have cared less, I have Caleb down to one night time bottle, but I think I will let him keep it for a while, don't want to grow him up too fast!! ~~~~~Stacey, CONGRATS!!! I give you a lot of credit for having 2 so close together and being a "single" mom. It will be worth it if DH gets the postion he wants. Hope you all have a great week-end, hope to get back here by Monday. Bye Christi, Alexis(4) and Caleb 11+months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Saturday, October 09, 1999 at 22:21:36 (MDT)) HI everyone! Elizabeth can throw some pretty good fits now! The past two days, she's been using her lungs quite well. She first screams and then starts crying like it's the end of the world. Since Elizabeth is my first and she's been such a wonderful, easy little girl... up til now, I really don't know how to handle it. Any suggestions? I think I am just going to try and ignore her little fits and act like it doens't bother me. DH and I have been going to her and making her look at us and saying, "NO!". If she doesn't get her way, OH man... plug your ears! I told my mother this and all she said was, "You're paying for your raising!" Some help she is! LOL! But, on the flip side, Elizabeth can be the sweetest, cutest, smartest, most adorable little girl I know (when she's not throwing a tantrum.) I just love her SOO much! I can't take my eyes off of her when she plays. I just love watching her every move, especially when she doesn't know anyone is watching. STACEY, CONGRATULATIONS on a your sweet new baby girl, Alexa!!! I am sure she's just a living doll! WOW... WHAT a fast L&D!!! Hope my 2nd goes that fast. Elizabeth was a short L&D... 7 hours start to finish. Glad all went well! Take care and I'll be looking forward to your next post! LisaB, I hope you enjoy your 3 day weekend! take care! Helen, YUCK... Amanda and her poopy diaper! Ick! I am going to TRY and take Elizabeth off the bottle in about 2 weeks. I just asked her pediatrician about when to take her off the bottle and he said no later than 18 months so it won't rot her teeth. He told me to do it cold turkey... that way she will only be irritable for a couple days and if I wean her slowly, she'll be hard to deal with for a lot longer. I'm not looking forward to taking her off the bottle... that's just one more think that will remind me she's not a baby anymore. Boo hoo. She only takes 2, 9 oz. bottles a day now. Patty, That is SO SO adorable about Jarin giving you eskimo kisses! HOw sweet! He's growing fast, isn't he? Rita, I'm going to have to look for those spoons in One-step! Thanks for the advice! Leanne, I've been wondering about you! First, CONGRATS on Cynthina being potty trained! Yippy! Second: I feel for you about your heartburn! Boy, you are getting it early, aren't you! I'd have to say that heartburn was the most uncomfortable feeling while being pregnant! Good luck at your dr. appt. this week! Take care! Tracey, Are you guys over that virus yet? I hope so! I'm so glad you are able to check in every now and then until you get your phone connection back. It sounds like Dillon is growing fast!! He sure is saying alot more, isn't he? Diane, When was your Angel born? Elizabeth's DOB is July 15th, 1998. She will be 15 months next friday. For Christmas, I think we are going to get Elizabeth a little tent. My mom is going to get her one of those kitchens and I am going to get her some play box foods and a grocery cart. It should be so much fun this year!! Do you have any idea what you are going to get Angel? Kelli & Elizabeth, almost 15 months email: rkncs@aol.com Saturday, October 09, 1999 at 23:26:02 (MDT)) |