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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Hey everyone! I hope you all are doing great and having a good weekend! I woke up this morning in beautiful Colorado to a gorgeous blanket of snow! It snowed pretty much the whole afternoon. I just love this weather. Well, we took Elizabeth to the ER today. Being a Saturday, there weren't any Dr. offices open and I didn't want to wait until Monday to get her seen by a physician. My sweetie has her first ear infection and not in just one ear... she has a double ear infection. Last night, she woke up at 2 am crying for 15 minutes and we couldn't get her to settle down. I felt so helpless! Then, today when she got up from her nap she did the same thing. That's when I said Okay... let's go! She's now on her first antibiotic. The doctor couldn't believe that she was 15 months and has never been on an antibiotic. I guess we've been pretty lucky! On another note, Elizabeth began walking everywhere on Thursday. She took her first steps a few weeks ago, but crawling was still her primary transportation. Now, she walks for the sake of walking. She loves it, it's something new and exciting. She's almost running now. Lookout Forest Gump! She also likes to kick her little ball around. Wonder if soccor is in her future. WOW! In just 3 days, she's walking, running and playing soccor! I better watch her like a hawk. I'm not looking forward to the first big fall! Yikes. Okay... enough about us already!! On to the personals. I'm going to warn you now: since I haven't posted in a week, then my posts may be a little outdated and long. Sorry, but that's just the way it is! :) DIANE, Elizabeth has a wooden puzzle and loves it. I plan on getting her more soon. They are classics! She also loves Barney. Santa might bring her a purple dinasour. Pigtails sound so cute and fun. Elizabeth's hair is still a bit short and too fine for putting up yet, but it's growing fast. Angel and Elizabeth sound like they are about the same size. Elizabeth is 21 pounds 7 1/2 ounces and 31 inches. Oh, Elizabeth's bedtime is around 10pm and usually wakes at 8:30 am. Glad the MMR went well! SARAH M, Elizabeth climbs everywhere and on anything too. We had a big, old heavy chest that we used as the coffee table. It's new home is behind the couch. Isn't motherhood the greatest thing in the world! I can sit and watch Elizabeth all day long and not get bored! Kids (especially our own) are the sweetest, most beautiful gifts from God!! Elizabeth amazes me everyday and I still get teary-eyed just thinking that she's my daughter! LOUISE, My dr. told us to go cold turkey on the bottle. I was going to do that this weekend, but since Elizabeth is sick, I'm going to hold off until later. How is your uncle doing? JULIANNE, How is Colton's double ear infection! I can now say I understand what you are going through! Isn't it the worst when are kids are sick! Colton sounds adorable hiding under the table. He sounds like a barrel of laughs! Elizabeth sticks her tongue out when we ask her where her tongue is... it's so cute! The triplets sound like they are doing great! That is so good to hear! A Biker-tike sounds like an adorable costume for Colton! Judy, How are you feeling?? So sorry to hear that Elijah got bit at daycare again! I have never heard of acidophilis being used for ear infections but I have heard of them being used for yeast infections. Hmmm... let me know if you hear anything further on it being used for ear infections. SHELLY, Yes, that is weird that whatever you craved while pregnant, your kids just love that food! Hey, Thanks for sharing your story about Taylor and potty training. I have always wanted Elizabeth to potty train when she's good and ready and you've just reinforced that! I am going to get a potty chair so she will get used to it being around now though. BIRDIE, Noah walking at 10 months! WOW, that's great! I hope you have a great time this weekend. I know what you mean about missing Noah! LISA B, Do you have the book "What to Expect during the Toddler years"? If so, they have a couple of pages all about how to get a child to like baths again. Hmmm... I don't know what to tell you about washing Max's hair, except good luck. I usually wash Elizabeth's hair first and then the rest of her body and let her play. So, now she knows that play time is after washing. I hope it get's easier for you! KAHNE, Dh & I both laughed about your professor that said, "punishement causes permanent psychological damage". What a crock! She's about to find out what parenting is all about. How did your mid-terms go? HELEN, Congrats on Hannah being off the bottle! I am going to start working on that with Elizabeth soon. BETH, What an adorable idea for a costume! Okay, Elizabeth and Allison must be chatting at night to each other. They sound so much alike. Didn't you say Allison really didn't take off walking until 15 months? Elizabeth's 15 month b-day is when she really started to get up and go. Now, all she does is walk! RITA, Murphey's Law: All potty-training accidents must occur while DH is gone. LOL! Good for you for getting some Christmas shopping out of the way. I need to get my rear in gear! SARAH W, How are you feeling? I hope you get to feeling better! My mother always told me: "This too shall pass". Elizabeth began cow's milk right at a year. I breastfed for 6 months and then used formula. But, when I switched her to cow's milk, I mixed the formula & milk and gradually (over about 7 or 8 days) reduced the amount of formula. MARY C, How's Elijah's diaper rash and diarrhea? Poor little guy! I always use A&D ointment and change Elizabeth's diaper VERY frequently. WELCOME To Darleen and Nolan! LISAMARIE, Congrats on your pregnancy. It seems that there are several ladies on here who are pregnant. When are you due? By the way, I love your daughters name! :) LEANNE, WHOA... TWINS! WOW! Okay, let me pick my jaw up off the floor now. Let us know when you know for sure! What did DH say about this new and exciting news? Hey, how's Romaine doing? SARAH G, Isaac sounds SOOOO cute carving his own pumpkin! Determined little boy, isn't he!? PATTY, My goodness girl! When it rains, it pours! I hope you get to feeling better! I was going to ask about your manly voice but that seems to be on the mend. Poor Jarin! I hope you guys get better soon!!! Do you have to give him a nebulizer with saline and albuterol? I have a nephew who had to be on a nebulizer for a couple years. Didn't DD have to have breathing treatments too? I'm SO sorry to hear about your MIL! I hope she's on a quick road to recovery. Glad it wasn't more serious! Good luck at the TMJ specialist! I hope you get that resolved soon too! Okay, did I miss anything? I am sending Get Well thoughts your way! Take care! BECKY, Well.... How'd the meeting go with your bio mom? I'll be looking forward to hearing back from you! CRYSTAL, I hope you get to feeling better! Take care of yourself. MEGAN, Isn't it hard when are babies fall and bump their little head! Luckily, little ones are SOOO resiliant and tough. I have a boo-boo bunny (Bunny that holds an ice pack) that I keep in the freezer and give to Elizabeth whenever she get's hurt. Although, it usually never stays in the spot where she got hurt because she is usually hugging it, it brings smiles to her face which makes me feel better. Cynthia, HI!!! SO glad to hear from you! WOW, I can't believe Adam is almost TWO!!! Well, I need to get to bed. I am sure Elizabeth will wake up a time or two during the night and I need all the rest I need. I hope you guys have a good weekend! Take care! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 months!!! email: rkncs@aol.com Sunday, October 17, 1999 at 00:43:12 (MDT)) WOW... Sorry I took up so much room! I didn't realize that I wrote a such a long novel! No wonder my fingers feel like Jello. Kelli & Elizabeth AGAIN!! Sunday, October 17, 1999 at 00:47:09 (MDT)) Hi, Louise here. It's a beautiful Autumn morning here, really crisp and sunny. Always cheers me up when the weather's like this. Firstly, I wanted to say thank you to all of you for passsing on your sympathies re. my Uncle. That is really kind of you and much appreciated. It really feels like such a special community! My Mum is coping pretty well but she is naturally very upset - they had a real twin closeness. And I think we all feel it most for my Grandma - it seems so terrible to get towards the end of your life and then watch your son pass away. I guess whatever age they are, they will always be our babies. Anyway, thanks again, and I promise I'll try not to depress anyone again! Having just said that, I had quite a teary day yesterday, just because we went out and bought James a whole load of new toys and more winter clothes. A lot of his toys are too young for him now, and although it was great to see him playing with new ones, I felt really emotional when I was packing away 'old' things. How am I going to feel when he has to go to school?!! He'll be the only one in the class with his Mum sitting right there with him!!! Isn't it awful to think we will probably be embarrassing them all in a few years! JULIANNE - hope you're feeling better about the daycare situation and have managed to talk to the Director. That's a hard situation. CYNTHIA - nice to see you back! LISA B - I'd love to see photos of Max! I have this idea in my head of what you and all your babies look like - I'm probably completely wrong. MARYC - hope Elijah's rash is clearing up BECKY - can't wait to hear about the meeting. I really hope it was all OK. CRYSTAL - hope you're feeling better. I'm also (slightly) asthmatic and am prone to lots of sinus and allergy trouble. PATTY - you're having a great time aren't you! I hope Jarin is OK and that you're feeling better. KELLI - I'm so jealous that you have snow. We usually get quite a bit of snow but never before Christmas - can't remember the last time we had a white one. I hope Elizabeth's ears are getting better - I can imagine that's really distressing, not to say tiring! James is still doing the 'take a feww steps at a time' routine but hasn't really taken off yet. Talk more tomorrow, hope you all have a great Sunday. Louise & James email: rnash78035@aol.com Sunday, October 17, 1999 at 03:16:55 (MDT)) Hi everyone! Went out for a girlfriends afternoon out, I went to see the Story of Us and then supper without our little ones. Felt a little weird. Angel started combining words today. She was upstairs with me and she had ate all her cheerios and her bowl was empty. She went over to the top of the stairs dh was in the livingroom(only 5 stairs away). She held the bowl and said , " All gone daddy". I couldnt believe it!! She is growing up too fast!!!!! Kelli- Angel is getting talking barney for christmas , she will love it. I am curious how long is Elizabeth's nap? I hope Elizabeth gets better soon. Angel has not been on any antibiotics either ( knock on wood). Actually I dont believe she has had any colds either just teething with runny noses. I am getting the potty from sis-in-law this week and I am going to introduce Angel to it and see what happens, no pressure. Well that is all for tonight. Have a great week!!! Diane and Angel -15 months DONT FORGET IF YOU WANT TO SEND A PIC TO ME OF YOUR LITTLE ONE I WOULD LOVE THAT!!!!! Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Sunday, October 17, 1999 at 21:53:56 (MDT)) Hello all, Kahne here, Midterms went well. I am doing pretty good in my classes, carrying a b average. I have missed all of you SO MUCH! It is kinda funny being in school, carrying a backpack, doing homework, studying, I feel like a teenager again! Thank you ALL for the well wishes, I am sure they helped! BOY since my psych teacher got preggo, she has become the mega bitch. I have to drive 45 minutes to get to class, and I have her at 8. She started locking her door at 8:05, to stop tardiness. I cornered her and told her, I have a 10 month old and a husband to get ready EVERY MORNING, and sometimes i am a few minutes late, no matter HOW early I wake up. She said it is not her problem. I just laughed to myself, and said wait till her baby comes, then she will see. I think I am going to tell her about the PT board, so she can get rid of some of her agression. LOL! I know all of you are dying for a CAT update, hehe. She is stnding for longer periods of time alone, without holding on, i mean. She has started saying something that resembled "thank you". She knows objects now. She can point now, and when you ask her "Where is___" she will point it out. She knows "bring it to me", and "time for a nap" or "time to eat". She is getting clever, like waiting for your back to be turned, then doing something she is not supposed to! She has three teeth now. Her top left, bottom left, and bottom canine. Dont ask me, she has always done her own thing, LOL. She is in a really good schedule, bed at 10, up at 6:30-6:45, nap at noon till 3, nap at 6 til 7. B fast at 7, lunch at 11, snack at 4, dinner at 7. It is really nice knowing EXACTLY when things are going to happen. I study after she is in bed, and I get home at 12:30, so I have till 3 to get my homework done and the majority of my studying. She is extremely active when awake, and has a one track mind. Once she is decided, there is NO changing her mind. I have missed all of you so much, and I have been trying to keep up with the posts. Crystal, I do hope you feel better soon, In all aspects of your life. And everyone else, I am glad to see our babies are growing up healthy, smart and strong. We are very lucky to have what we do, and I just wanted to remind you ALL of that (not that you needed to be reminded, hehe). I have to run to bed, I will do personals tomorrow, FALL BREAK YEAH! I love you and miss you all...... Kahne and Cat 10 months soon! email: skcx2@fnbop.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 01:05:36 (MDT)) Hello from Helen & Amanda!! Just a quick hello-- no personals- I need to catch up on everyone's posts. We had a wedding on Fri. night-- went well- DH was in the wedding- we rented a limo with 3 other couples so nobody had to be the designated driver and worry about having too much to drink!! I had a little bit of a headache the next day, a combination of too much to drink and not enough sleep!! We also had the rehersal the night before and of course 2 hockey games over the weekend. Today I have to return the tux and do some errands. Hopefully I'll get a chance to check in later. Welcome new mom's- I noticed a new name or two while scanning--hope all the babies are doing well--LATER!!!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Monday, October 18, 1999 at 07:31:58 (MDT)) Good morning ladies! SARAH here. I missed you guys! I had a great day off on Friday, though. HANNAH is just about walking. She's up to about 10 steps. We finally moved the coffee table so she has more room. Had a good weekend. Friday, I took HANNAH to bowling (my mom's in a league). I used to take her every Friday when I was on mat. leave. Those ladies haven't seen her since last March and couldn't believe how big she was. She was in SUCH a good mood, too. She kept clapping when she heard other people, blowing everyone kisses, kept yelling grandma's name as loud as she could, etc. We had a lot of fun. Then we went over to my sister's and hung out with her and her 2 boys + my cousin and her 1 year old. Saturday, just hung out...it snowed all day. Then Sunday went to the Bronco game (WE WON!!!) yea! It's so amazing to look at HANNAH as a "little girl" now instead of a baby. I just love her sooo much!!! Well, I could go on and on about HANNAH...but I won't. :) LEANNE - Oh my gosh!!!! I bet you're going crazy not knowing!!! SARAH G. - Good to hear from you! MARY C. - How's ELIJAH's diaper rash? PATTY - How's JARIN feeling?? Poor little guy! How is your MIL doing?? LOUISE - I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. I know it's sad, but like you said, it is kind of a relief too knowing he's not in any more pain!!! My condolences to you and your family! JAMES is just now throwing tantrums??? You're lucky! HANNAH has been for months now! CYNTHIA - Your story about ADAM undressing himself cracked me up! :) MEGAN - Hey girl!! You know I love ya!!!!! It's almost the big day!!! :) KATY - What do you plan on going to grad school for? LISA - Butterfly kisses are when you flap eyelashes with someone else. HANNAH has a bumble ball too. KELLI - How's ELIZABETH feeling? Wow, first time on antibiotics? HANNAH's been on amoxicillan a ton of times for ear infections! YEA for ELIZABETH walking!!! CHANDI - We had the same problem for a while, and then one day she just started napping in her crib with no problem. JULIANNE - I'm glad to hear your friend's triplets are home (or almost home)!! You're probably posting as I'm typing!! LOL BECKY - GOOD to hear from you!!!! How did your meeting go??? DIANE - HANNAH usually goes to be between 8:30 and 9:00. Closer to 8:30. Sounds like you had fun the other day with your girlfrieds! We sure NEED days like that, don't we?? KAHNE - Good to hear from you! WOW, she's sure doing alot, huh??? Growing up WAY too fast! :( OK, that's all for now. I'll probably hop on later! Sarah and Hannah (13 1/2 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 07:45:45 (MDT)) I talked to the director Friday when I picked Colton up from daycare. She said that since Colton is the youngest in the toddler room he gets moved into the baby room when the toddler room is busy. Thursdays are their busiest day but he does not spend the entire day there. I also told her that I would no longer be bringing his lunch. I want him to learn to eat what the others kids do and I think that bringing the foods I know he likes is holding him back. She did try to assure me that they feed him with the other kids. I will have to see how it goes this week. The pumpkin train ride was lots of fun. The entertainment was weak, but I had brought a bag full of toys and books. Colton did really good. He loved getting a balloon. He crawled around the pumpkin patch. I got some really great pictures. We took pictures by the train too. I have to draw faces on the pumpkins yet--no carving for me! Dh & I had fun watching Colton play in front of the mirror yesterday. He would stick his tonge out at himself, play peek-a-boo, kiss himself in the mirror and jabber to his reflection. It was just adorable. I take Colton in this afternoon for his 15 month check-up and his ear infection re-check. I am excited to see how tall he is. DH & I were just commenting yesterday that he seems to have grown the last few weeks. Becky: I hope all went well with your bio mother meeting this weekend. Sorry to hear about your back--I have had back trouble in the past --OUCH. Diane: Colton has his bath around 7:00 and goes to sleep between 8 & 9 pm. I spoil him by putting him in bed once he has fallen asleep. However, if he wakes up I do not get him back out of bed. Great job Angel on combining her words. Crystal: Here is some healthy vibes going your way~~~~~~~~~~~ Patty: You poor girl--everything happens at once. I'm glad your MIL is OK after her heart attack. I hope Jarin feels better and doesn't need tubes in his ears. Kelli: Wow, ear infections must be going around with so many of our toddlers sick with them. I hope Elizabeth feels better soon. Colton too likes to kick the ball around--even hits at them with the plastic kid's golf club I bought him. Louise: I packed away Colton's baby toys and stored them under his crib so I have them available when babies visit. Saturday I was putting away Colton's clothes and saw him crawl under his crib, retrieve the box, open it and start playing with all those toys. Everytime I tried to put them away he got mad at me! Kahne: Yeah, half way through this semester. Enjoy your fall break. I hope your teacher's pg hormones get under control soon. Cat is on a great schedule. Sure is growing up fast! Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 07:48:33 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. The sitter told Max this morning that he has to go home with HER next weekend - LOL! He fell on a toy Saturday morning and got a big bruise on one cheek and then fell a kitchen chair at my MIL later that day and has a big bump and nasty bruise on his forehead, right between his eyes. He's looking pretty rough, but didn't cry hardly any with either boo boo. Last night Max was sticking his hand under the faucet as DH ran his bath. After bathtime DH was using the bathroom and I guess Max wanted to continue to play - he stuck his hand in DH's urine stream. GROSS! All I heard was "don't tell Mommy what you did!" and I had to ask DH several times before he told me what Max had done (probably just told me to get me to shut up - LOL)!!! OLD TIMERS: Rremember Charline from BT? Her son Hayden has to go to the doctor next week - his head circumfence didn't increase any between appointments and his soft spot closed prematurely. He might have to have surgery to open up his skull enough for his brain to continue growing. Needless to say she's all stressed out over this and worried, so please post at BT and give her your support. RE. POTTY TRAINING: My younger sister is starting to potty train her 3 1/2 year old DD (the girl wanted to train before but Bre wouldn't let her as the timing wasn't "convenient" for her). Anyway, my niece decided she's potty trained now because she wears pull-ups and generally ignores the potty chair (but she went once yesterday). Bre's other DD, almost 2, keeps trying to pull her diaper off and sit on the potty but Bre WON'T LET HER because the oldest has to be potty trained first. UGH! I figure if the girl is ready let her train - get them both at of diapers at the same time (plus big sister will be more likely to use the potty if she sees little sister doing it and getting praised for it). Sorry to ramble but I needed to vent. BECKY: I hope your Mommy meeting went well. CRYSTAL: I was also in speech therapy for years. I got into roach poison at my grandmother's house when I was 2. I quite talking immediately after that. I started talking again when I was 4 but it was so jumbled noone could understand me. I went to private speech therapy before I started school and then was in therapy through the school until I started high school and refused to go anymore. My speech is pretty easy to understand now (I still have to CONSCIENOUSLY think when I pronounce Rs and Ws to get the right sound out) but everyone thinks I have a British or Eastern coast accent. DIANE: Max goes to sleep between 8:30-9:00 pm and gets up at 5:30-6:00 am. He takes about a hour nap in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. PATTY: I'm sorry about your MIL but am glad it wasn't more serious. Poor Jarin; I hope he doesn't have asthma like Jaime :-( KELLI: Boo on the ear infection and YEAH on the walking! Max also had the boo-boo bear but unfortunately it was at home when he got his BIG boo-boo at my MIL. He refused to let me put ice on it so I just held him and gave him some Tylenol for the pain. JUDY: Max either bit himself or another kid bit him at daycare Friday. Regardless, he didn't even cry. The sitter was in the kitchen washing bottles and Max had teeth marks on his arm when she came back. He's teething again and sucks/chews on his arm. Plus, he and the 20 month old have playpens for when the sitter is in another room, changing a diaper, etc. They are just close enough that Max and Matthew can hold hands and hand toys back and forth so Matthew could have bitten Max. KAHNE: What an odd teacher! When I was in college the professors didn't care if you were late or even if you skipped class - as long as you showed up for tests. She gets paid the same regardless and I really doubt that you are disrupting the whole class coming in a few minutes late. I would talk to the director of the department the professor is in and explain the situation if she continues to lock you out. LOUISE & DIANE: I'm sending photos to you as soon as I post this message. They are pretty old but they'll give you an idea as to what Max and I look like. LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 08:08:23 (MDT)) OOPS - I forgot to mention Max's latest stunt. I sat out my dress clothes for church yesterday but then just put on jeans to wear before church (I skip Sunday school as church is hard enough with a toddler). Anyway, I was getting dressed and one shoe was gone. I always sit my shoes at the end of the dresser and Max likes to play with them (esp. trying to put them on my feet!). I looked under the bed, in the dresser, in the clothes hamper, in the window seat, all over the house, etc. - and STILL can't find my other shoe. Thankfully it wasn't a pair I wear a lot but it's just driving me nuts trying to figure out where the little stinker hid it at!!! LisaB Monday, October 18, 1999 at 08:51:00 (MDT)) Hello all, Katy here. Sarah- going to grad school to get my masters in English and then I can teach at either the high school or college level. Liam is doing well. Yesterday he stood on his own for about 45 seconds. I was so proud!! He has also learnt to clap, though he doesn't make any sound yet. It's so cute!! Hope everyone is doing well. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 09:48:23 (MDT)) Hi Mommies, it's Judy!! Today is my first official day of maternity leave. It feels so good to NOT be at work!! I have tons of stuff I want to get done today, but there's no way I can get all of it done. I am going to treat myself to a hair cut at 1:00 today and then go shopping for rocking chair cushions. I'm preparing our room for this little guy, who is due on next Monday!! I have some thorough cleaning to do in preparation for putting up the bassinet. I will be off work until the new year. It seems so many of our children have double ear infections. Elijah just finished another antibiotic called Ceftin to get rid of his. His next appt is on 11/1/99, and if it's not gone, they may want to put tubes in. We'll do whatever is necessary. Can chronic ear infections lead to deafness? Elijah is beginning to talk more. David and I are trying to expand his vocabulary and on the way to KinderCare this morning, he was repeating after David. It was so great to hear his little voice making words. He brings me such joy I never knew was possible. Well, I'll be getting off here for now since I have lots to do!! Here are my personals: Birdie and Noah - Our house is 100+ years old and we had to have Elijah tested for lead also. Being pregnant and emotional at that time, I knew I couldn't handle the trauma of having his blood drawn, so David took him for that appt. It's a good thing I wasn't there because they couldn't find a vein in his arm and had to prick his finger. He's been over the 95th percentile since birth and his arms were too pudgy to find a vein. I hated to think about how painful it was to have his finger pricked. All the nerve endings in the fingers and toes make them more sensitive than other parts of the body. It was a mandatory test and for his own good, so even though it's hard, you should have it done. My heart goes out to you for when you have it done. Sarah W. and Alex - We transitioned from breast milk to formula and then from formula to cow's milk by mixing the two in increasing quantities. Our pediatrician suggested using more of the formula than cows milk and waiting for any adverse reactions. We waited until he was over a year for the cow's milk. Elijah showed no adverse affects, so we gradually used less formula and more cow's milk. He's been on all cow's milk for months now and loves to drink it out of a bottle. Mary C. and Elijah - Our Elijah recently had the same thing happen, but we think it was from the Bactrim antibiotic he was on. Our ped said to use anti-fungal cream. I just went to E's room to find the tube for the brand name, but it's not in his room!! Oh well. She also said to allow air to his butt as much as possible, so for a weekend, he ran around without a diaper and mommy was running around with cleaner and paper towels!! I use Desitin on his butt all the time and it keeps him clear. I didn't use the wipes during that time, just warm water and paper towels that I dabbed rather than wiped. Louise and James - I'm sorry about your uncle. Elijah was being screechy at Giant last week and I ended up feeding him a banana, a cup of yogurt, and a pieces of a fruit salad-all while shopping. I had just picked him up from daycare and he was hungry. It wasn't as embarrassing as I thought it would be. Maybe I'm getting more relaxed about what other people think. Julianne and Colton - KinderCare will usually switch a baby out of the baby room and into the toddler room about 16 months, but they sometimes will do it sooner, depending on the child. Maybe Colton is ready to be in the toddler room full time. I know what you mean about having misgivings when you leave him at daycare. I felt that way when he was at Mary's, his ex-babysitter. So far, I've been 100% pleased with KinderCare. Is yours a KinderCare? Where do you live? Maybe there's another facility in your area with an opening. Patty and Jarin - I hope your MIL recovers quickly. Diane and Angel - Wow, a complete sentence!! That's so exciting. David and I have been playing with Elijah by asking him if he can say… and then he repeats the words. He's doing very well and it gives me that warm mommy fuzzy to hear his little voice forming words. I can't imagine how I'll feel when I hear him say a sentence. I'll probably cry!! Lisa B. and Max - I guess that one will forever be a mystery!! Since he didn't cry, he's either got a high pain tolerance or very hungry!! Judy and Elijah (17 months) and Baby #2 due on Monday!! email: jhintz@manu.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 09:50:36 (MDT)) Hi gals! I just sent some pictures of HANNAH out to some of you. LISA and LOUISE - When I sent to you guys, I got a message back saying "Service Unavailable". Sorry! Sarah again Monday, October 18, 1999 at 11:21:14 (MDT)) Hello from Rita We had a good weekend with the pumpkin patch visit on Saturday and a birthday party yesterday. Maddy's cousin's DD was turning five and had a "Baby Spice" come to the party. It was so funny! Maddy was out dancing with all of the older kids. She was the most into it and was actually trying to follow the motions of the entertainer. (I know, not my choice) Larry and I used both cameras and must have shot three rolls this weekend. Everyone was telling us how we need to get her into dancing! Kahne - Keep up the good work! My hat is off to you and Katy going to school while having little ones. Amy is not standing alone yet, but loves to stand up with assistance. She'll be 10 months on the fourth. Judy - You have too much energy! Are you in the pre-baby flurry? Could this little one be on its way earlier than Monday? I hope you get some time to rest up - it is different with two little ones! Julianne - I think I am addicted to scrapping. I felt like a fiend shooting all the pictures this weekend. I am trying to get as many pictures as I can to make pages for the grandmas. I am going to a crop on Friday night for the first time. Lisa B - Max is sure a trooper. I guess not much phases him. LOL at the pee story. Glad it's a guy thing, though. I never get any privacy in the bathroom with Miss M. I don't discourage her since I want to get her trained. We are backing off a little since she is even having accidents at daycare. Patty - You guys need some better things happening soon. Glad to hear that your MIL seems to be okay. I'll send you some ++++ and healthy vibes, okay? Becky - Hope the meeting with your bio mom went well. We can still get together. We should stake out a weekend soon and meet. It would be great if Sarah G could join us. Gotta get some work done! Hope all the little ones are feeling better. Take care! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 11:36:25 (MDT)) Dear Moms, Our research group is developing a questionnaire to help us understand parents' attitudes, preferences, and practices concerning their children's health and health care. This questionnaire is available on-line. If you'd like to help us out by providing your input, please logon at: http://healthresearch.as.ua.edu Click on the link to PTA Parents. This little research project is sponsored, and fully approved, by the Department of Psychology at the University of Alabama. Thanks. James C. Hamilton, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 348-0189 jchamilt@bama.ua.edu Dr. Jim Hamilton email: jchamilt@bama.ua.edu Monday, October 18, 1999 at 11:42:14 (MDT)) Hello again from Helen&Amanda!! Amanda is still napping- but sure to wake any minute-LOL!!! I've been doing laundry and cleaning upstairs- so thats enough for today, now if Amanda would wake we could do errands and be home before the kids are. Amanda usually gets up at 7:00- naps around 11:00 for 2-3hrs and to bed about 8-9:00 at night. But when we have to go out she will fall asleep in the car and it messes up her day. Amanda is still not having a bottle- only has woke up twice at night and I have given her one then-- none during the day-- So its day 10!!! She has been having a sippy cup since 6mos old so she was used to having it. The other day she said 'birdie'--- boy dee---- and 'airplane'---A-pwein. So cute!! She buzzes around the house saying mum-mee and da-dee, arent their little voices the sweetest to listen to!!? I think she said 'no'this AM- sounded like it--- and the one she loves to say the most is dat??????( that).. LEANNE- Amanda goes up and down the stairs now- apparently DD showed her how- holds on to the ballisters w/both hands and walks down sideways! Makes me cringe!! BIRDIE-- DS had a lead test b/f starting kindergarten- a routine test, he cried his head off!!Good luck!!! DARLEEN-- DS was a binky baby--DD had her thumb-- and Amanda has a binky- they say to get it away when they are 6mos or so b/f they are attached. They also say to only use it in their crib if they need it to sleep- that way they are not used to having it all day long. Amanda has it a lot of the time. It will be hard to take it when its time. With DS we took it at 26mos and we had 2 days of hell and he was over it(bottle too) but no naps after that!! SARAHW--The doc told us to start Amanda on regular milk at her 10month visit- she hated it so I mixed it w/formula until 12mos then she would finally drink it without mixing. MEGAN-- Missed you!!! MARYC--DS would get diaper rashes and I would lather on desitin-the thick creamy one- and use corn starch-- worked every time-- and change that little bottom often until it clears up. LOUISE--So sorry about your uncle- hope you and your family are doing OK.. LISAB-- Thats terrible about the poisoning when you were little!! :O( Check all the trash cans before you empty them. DD threw our camera away when she was little and we never found it!! They go through a phase that they are fascinated watching us throw things away and want to do it too. JUDY--Congrats on being done work- hope you deliver early!! (Amanda is going to be a lady bug for halloween and stay home w/daddy to give out candy.) Well thats enough for today--take care all LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Monday, October 18, 1999 at 11:59:39 (MDT)) Hey there ladies. I bet that you all thought that I had fallen off the face of the Earth or something huh? Well I have not but I have just been very busy with the three kiddos and with everything else that has been going on. Well it seems that my brother and SIL are going to get a divorce which is going to be very hard for all of us because I loved her like a sister and my parents loved her very much also. So far I guess that everyone is taking it alright but with the holidays rolling around I think that it is going to be really hard on us then. Things are going really well with TNT and Dillon and I guess that you can say that Blake is doing alright also. He is doing well in school and not being to much of a pain in the rear so that is a plus for me. I haven't beaten any of them lately ha ha just kiudding, I could never do that to my children although they do make me very mad at times. Anyway, I am here at the church typing this so I really need to get off this computer but I want all of you to know that I love you all very much and hope that you all are doing well. Tracey and Dillon 16 months today Monday, October 18, 1999 at 12:50:57 (MDT)) Good afternoon all! This week should be a FUN week, tomorrow I turn 28yrs. old, Thursday is my 4th yr. wedding anniversary, and Friday we head down to N.C. to spend the weekend with my parents!!!!!!! I should be excited about my anniversary the most, however I'm more excited about once we get to N.C., because my mom and I are going to do some "power shopping" for Ryan! I plan to leave DH at my parents house, toddlersitting R.J. while mom,Raquel and I go to lunch and then shopping. I would get excited about the anniversary, however every year that I do, DH always says or does SOMEHTING that ruins it for me. Also HIS mother (#@%!) is the one that picked out my present this year, and I just know I'm gonna hate it! DH and I got some pictures back that we took a long time ago when Raque was about 5 months old. And they gave us a new roll of film free. So we've been snapping pictures all over the place this weekend of the kids. Raquel crawled onto the living room table, propped her feet up in the air and began to watch T.V., she was only wearing her diaper, because for some reason it's just been humid around here. Well, when R.J. sees her, he crawls up there too and he's only wearing his white underwear. So DH stands behind them and snaps their picture. I'm soooo anxious to see how they turn out. I can't beleive how much Raquel has grown. And she blows kisses at you now. Before if you ask her for a kiss she would run over to me or her brother or father and puker her lips and give you a kiss. Also after she coughs (for whatever reason) and you ask her if she's okay, she'll shake her head no and say "um-umh". And R.J.'s thing is that if he calls DH for something, but DH is too rapped up in the computer or something and I answer for DH, R.J. will turn to me and say, "I'm talking to DA-DA". Where do they get this from?!!! Oh well, supervisor just walked back in from his meeting will talk to you later this week to let you all know what DH's mother picked out for me:( Tonya w/ R.J.(36months),Raquel(13 months)& Ryan(30weeks,internally) email: tbyette@aol.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 12:56:33 (MDT)) Hi, this is Birdie. Just a quick hello. Noah is napping. I am soooo stressed out now after hearing about Noah's lead test. It is in the arm and does need to be done before he turns one. He's always so happy and the thought of taking him to be hurt just breaks my heart. I know it's over quick and hopefully he won't remember it but still. Maybe I should have DH take him...I don't know. Should he have his mommy there to comfort him? It's just a blood test. Why do I have myself so worked up over it? My stomoach is in knots every time i think about him going there, all happy and excited to be out and seeing people and then pain. Maybe I just need to go right now and get it over with. I don't know. Thanks to everyone who responded. Welcome new mommies. Becky- Thanks MaryC- A&D is all we use. Noah has only had one diaper rash ever and it was gone within 24 hours. Good luck. Judy- I may have DH take him Crystal- It's in the arm and they take a vial of blood. I am not looking forward to it. Helen- I'm dreading it. Louise- It's in the arm Julianne- See above Megan- See above LisaB- same Kelli- We had a wonderful weekend. Thank you. On a nicer note...our romantic getaway weekend was sooo nice. Very relaxing, fun, romantic, etc... Talk again soon. Birdie and Noah (10+ months) Monday, October 18, 1999 at 12:59:19 (MDT)) Hi from Cathy and Alison! Well, we had a great time at my parents' house and got back yesterday afternoon. They love the kids so much, it was worth the long flights to see their eyes light up. My old caregiver has said that she can't take the kids in January, so I have started the quest for a new one. Wish me good luck!! One of my neighbors looks after her grand-daughter, who just turned 1. We would go to the park together and over the summer they invited us to their pool a lot. We became quite friendly. Well, last weekend, she had a stroke, and is paralysed on the left side. I am just in shock, and I found out today that she had breast cancer 2 years ago. I just can't believe that someone can have such bad luck, it does't seem fair. Emma, my 5 year old is very sad and wants to go visit her, so I will call her husband and see how she is doing and whether she'd like to see us. I made a few notes, so here are some personals: Helen - Yes, I am going back to my old job, which is great because it is a good job, with interesting work and no overtime. However, the two BIG bosses are different since I left, so I don't know if the atmosphere has changed. The poopy-face sounded really bad. Touch wood, but it hasn't happened to me yet. Alison stopped the bottles herself, so I didn't have problems. Hope it continues to go okay. Moriah - a belated birthday to Alex. His party sounded great. I'm glad he enjoyed the cake. LisaB - I hope you find your shoe. What a monkey Max is. Alison hated baths for about 2 weeks, then it passed. We just did them as quickly as possible, and got her out. Have you tried one of those visors that keep the water out of the eyes? The only time Alison stays at a sitter is when I go to the gym, for 1 1/2 hours. It will be very traumatic for her to be away from me. Stacey - congratulations on baby Alexa (what a pretty name) and an easy delivery. Dianne - Too bad about the molars. Hope she's doing better. I am getting Alison on of those cushy small chairs, with the Teletubbies on it and also a small broom (she loves it when I get out the big one). I haven't thought up anything else yet. Crystal - Congratulations on moving, I hope you settle in soon. Be patient with DH - it will take some work for both of you. Patty - I know how you feel about the late hours - it is so nice to have time to myself that I can't be bothered to go to bed until after 11 or 12. I'll have to change my ways when I go back to work. Beth - I think Allison will be a cute chicken. I got Alison an angel costume today, which of course she isn't, but it will lok adorable. Louise - I am sorry about your uncle. Lisamarie - I live in Ottawa, in the east end near Cynthia. Cynthia - Hi! Is your caregiver through Gloucester Childcare? I found a great one through them before, so I hope this time will be the same. Kelli - I can't believe Elizabeth is having her first ear infection. Alison has had 6! I find that the triaminic infant drops work well for stuffiness. I hope you both feel better soon. cathyg and Alsion (14 months) email: davidalan.pratt@sympatico.ca Monday, October 18, 1999 at 13:03:59 (MDT)) Wow, busy day here today!! Tons of new posts each time I check back. We had a great weekend. Took Allison to the pumpkin patch on Sat. and got lots of great pictures. They also had a petting zoo there and she absolutely squeeled with delight while the donkey was eating corn from her hand. Too cute. Then on Sunday I felt like I spent the whole day in Wal-mart!! We have a one with a grocery store in it too so I had to do my monthly grocery shopping and it seemed to take forever!! I absolutely hate that place, but I love it at the same time too. LOL! Tracey - so good to hear from you!! Can't wait for you to get reconnected so we can hear about all your adventures! Lisa B - I hope you find your shoe soon! I agree with Helen, check the garbage carefully. Allison loves to throw stuff away now too. Kahne - hope your instructors hormones settle soon. I would talk to the head of the dept. as well if she keeps being such a big bit- -. Kelli - wow, snow! Its in the mid 50's here and that's pretty chilly. Was 80 on Saturday. we don't generally get snow until after Christmas. Sarah M - glad to had such a fun weekend visiting family etc. Rebecca - so how did the meeting with you mom go? We are all anxious to know! Louise - so sorry to hear about your uncle. I know it must be really hard on your mother and grandmother. Losing a child could never be easy even if they are adults. Glad he is no longer suffering however. Katy - good luck on going back to graduate school Rita - Maddy sounds so cute dancing to baby spice. She's going to be quite the little entertainer it sounds like!! Patty - hope Jarin feels better soon! Crystal - hope those allergies clear up soon! Julianne, Judy, Sarah G, Helen - HI!! Well, I'm sorry for anyone I missed, but I didn't take notes and did this all from memory and now I can't remember what anyone else posted. Hope you all have a nice day. Kiss those little ones for me and Allison. Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 13:20:47 (MDT)) Good afternoon everyone...it's Cynthia, The boss isn't here today, and even better is that his boss isn't here either so the atmosphere is pretty relaxed today. Good thing since it's Monday and nobody feels like working. It was a pretty uneventful weekend except for the 300 loads of laundry I did. I swear these kids change 5 times a day!!!! For Halloween, I think Adam will be a little red devil (not far from the truth sometimes!!!!!) I have this red plush suit with the little tail and a hat with the horns. He'll actually look more like a little red teddy bear than a devil. It's super warm and even has mitts attached to it. KELLI: Did you say snow???!!! Man, I am NOT ready for that yet. It is geting quite cool here now, but the snow can stay away for awhile. I hope your little Elizabeth is feeling better (and you too). Adam woke up yesterday with a runny nose (the yukky green kind), so I hope nothing worse is around the corner. One of the girls at my sitter's has the chicken pox. Still no sign yet from Adam. I hope not. CATHY: Yes I hired my sitter through Gloucester Childcare services. I think I've had about 4 or 5 sitters through them and this lady is absolutely the best. Too bad she doesn't have any spaces available. She treats the kids like they are her own. Gee, Adam LOVES to sweep with a broom too. I was thinkimg of geting him his own Adam-sized broom too. He also LOVES Teletubbies, but calls them all Laa-Laas. On Saturday and Sunday mornings he looks at the TV and says "where Laa-Laas go?" I have to hunt throught the channels just to find it somewhere. So I think he'll be getting a Teletubbies Video for Christmas (or his birthday, since they are so close together). I also got him a back pack. Every morning when he sees his two brothers with there back packs he tries to put them on. I got it for $5 at Loblaws of all places. I'm so surprised I haven't run into you near Henry Munro. I think I've been there almost everyday for the past few weeks it seems...Jordan is a very forgetful child!!! And to all the babies who are sick, I hope you all get better real soon. Hugs, kisses and healthy vibes to you all. Cynthia and Adam @22 months email: cynthia.howard@nrc.ca Monday, October 18, 1999 at 13:59:58 (MDT)) Wow! Lots of posts! I was home Friday (sick) so I had an extra day to catch up with. Thanks to everyone for the advice about mixing milk and bottles. It looks like Alex is going to wean, I just don't have as much milk as he wants anymore. He gets frustrated with my slow letdown, then finishes the milk and crys for more. I've started nursing him, then giving him extra cow's milk from a bottle if he's still hungry. He seems to like it if its warmed up a bit. Megan: I was also worried about Alex bumping his head all the time, it seemed we was always falling or something when he was learning to walk. Now he has started intentionally bumping his head against things: leaning forward in his highchair, then swinging back; purposefully falling backwards while sitting... He seems to do it fairly gently, and I assume that if he hurts himself he'll stop, now he seems to think its funny! Strange child! LisaB: Alex did sleep through the night from 3-6 mos, but when I went back to work, he started waking more. Now he's been waking once or twice to nurse, but as I said above, there's very little milk. We've taken to keeping a cup of water by the bed, I nurse him, then give him the water if he wants more. It seems to work. Hope everyone is having a good day, where's Moriah, haven't heard from her in ages. I always look forward to updates on Alex, hope things are going well with the trach. Talk to you later, SarahW, Alex (13mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 14:21:06 (MDT)) Hello, from Shelly and Riley. Riley went back to daycare today, after a week off. He walked in the door and started playing with his buddy. No crying or guilt. Boy was I proud. Then when I pulled up to get him, he was waving out the screendoor. He knows Mommy's truck. You are all talking about how your little ones are growing up. Just wait until their fourth b-day. I went off the deep end when my first turned four. He wasn't a baby or a toddler, he was a little boy-man. I went off the pill the next day and spent the next 6 months trying to get preggers without my dh knowing. His parents thought it was their job to tell him how many kids to have. Their opinion was, one. Maybe, deep down in their hearts, they knew what kind of Dad he would turn out to be. Who knows! But since they wanted him to only have one, then Jim wanted only one. So I sneaked Jesse in. But what was funny was, I thought I might be preggo but didn't say a word to dh about it. We were sitting in a Orthepedics office, waiting to hear his findings on dh's back problems. While waiting, Jim kept looking at me and he said," if you were preggo right now, we'de have another baby before next year." Right out of the blue. I still kept quiet until I had taken a test and knew for sure. It was really bizarre! He was so happy when I told him I was preggers. The first thing he did was call his parents. Men!Can't live with them, can't bury them under the house! Anyway, the big four is hard to take! No personals today. Riley woke up in a grumpy mood. I can only type so long one handed. See you all tomorrow. SHELLY & RILEY 18 months Monday, October 18, 1999 at 16:04:36 (MDT)) Hi everyone! It's Moriah & Alex. How are you all doing? We've been pretty busy & kinda blue so I haven't been very good about posting as often as I'd like to. Lately I've ben trying to read but when I'm done playing catch up I don't always have time to write. I see that you still like Megan so I'm hoping you'll still like us too LOL LOL LOL!! Anyway sorry!!! This whole trach thing is frustrating! Who knew it's be such a process? The Dr of course made it sound like that one night in the hospital & boom it's be gone - WRONG. Here's the scoop. See they put a smaller trach in & want us to plug it up & let Alex breath "around" it. BUT even the smaller one still takes up 50% - how's he supposed to breath with only 50%? He totally panicks & starts coughing which then clogs up his remaining 50% with mucous. UGH> Also lately he's been coughing lots therefore it makes him throw up. So now the Dr's bright idea is that if they leave in this small trach & we can get Alex to put on some quick pounds then his airway will get bigger thus making it easier. Well how can he gain weight if he's barfing all the time? Holy vicious circle! I want to scream. Plus Geoff & I are about to kill each other. Major $$ stress. My apparent job is not one seeing how the lady will not return my calls so we have no $ coming in from me. Therefore he has to fish all the time just to make ends meet. We have not had money problems really since we've been married. Since both of us always had good jobs. This is a very hard area to make it on only 1 income. But of course we both agree that I MUST be home with Alex so I just have to keep looking for a home based job. It's just not easy. Everyone always says "Gee you have a computer why can't you find a job" HELLO - like there are a million jobs just floating around. Thanks Birdie for that packet of info! I've been reading it at night after Alex goes down. I bet you guys are happy to hear from me! All I'm doing is complaining. Sorry! I'm also in the process right now if getting my airbag shut off in my car so I can use it again. Since Alex has to be constantly monitored we qualify for a medical exception & it's legal for it to be disconnected. It will be so much better for me to use my car. I've been driving Geoff's giant truck around (4WD Dodge V-10) & that's a huge pain. It's hard to hoist Alex in & out of it & I hate putting my stroller in the back. We did decide to change Alex over to his "big boy" car seat (still rear facing though as he's only about 14lbs). I did some research & found that the Critax carseat was better than the one we had. We felt like since it's not the safest thing for Alex to be in the front than we should have the best carseat available. We went with the Britax Roundabout. Well no personals because Alex is crying so I've got to jet. Chat again later. Thanks for listening to my ranting! Moriah & Alex (1 year) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 16:47:58 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Warning - this will be a monster post as it has taken me all day to catch up. Jarin went to the ENT specialist today and he has to get tubes in his ears. I am not happy about this at all. Birdie, I'm thinking of you - Noah with the blood test - and Jarin will be taken out of my arms to go be put under anesthesia. =( He gets the tubes next Thursday. I also went to the TMJ specialist who referred me to an oral surgeon. He said there really wasn't anything he could do and I need to have arthoscropic (sp?) surgery on my right jaw. We'll see what the oral surgeon says - I'm not convinced I want to put myself through that. Thanks to all of you for sending healthy vibes to my family. Jarin is still on breathing treatments and antibiotics and I still have my lovely manly voice. MIL had the heart catheterization today. They found one blocked artery so did an angioplast and expect everything to be fine now. She should get to go home within 24-48 hours. On a plus side, Jarin is soooooo adorable. He was so happy today. At the ENT, the nurse said how adorable he was and how beautiful his eyes are. I had to agree. =) Then he picked up a phone (not connected) and just sat on the floor blabbering away into it. It was so cute. He is just doing so many new things all the time now. He constantly amazes me, the little monster. =) **Kelli: Snow? I am definitely not ready for that yet. I can't believe that is Elizabeth's first ear infection. You are so lucky. Yes, DD also takes breathing treatments twice every day. Hopefully Jarin will be done after these ten days. **Louise: You will NOT be the only mom crying when you send James to school, trust me. I teach Kindergarten and there are always a few moms who cry - even at Round up! **Kahne: Glad school is going well. Sounds like Cat is learning new things every day too. **Helen: Sounds like you had fun in the limo and at the wedding. "Dat" is also Jarin's favorite word. He points to everything and says "dat", but he also chases the cat everywhere saying "dat". In his Goodnight Moon book he points to all the pictures of the kittens and says "dat, dat, dat". **Sarah: Thanks for the pictures of Hannah. What a cutie she is. Sounds like she had lots of fun at the bowling alley! =) **Julianne: Hope Colton's ears are better. I'm glad you got to talk to the director at your daycare. Colton sounds too cute with his reflection in the mirror. **LisaB: Poor Max and all his booboos. Too gross about him sticking his hand in DH's urine! I remember Charline. I've often wondered about her and Hayden. She was a teacher too. I'll have to send her an email. What is with your sister and potty training? I've never heard of anyone NOT letting their kid be trained! I agree with everyone else - check your wastebaskets. Jarin throws everything away now. I found a picture of SIL in the wastebasket yesterday! LOL **Judy: Enjoy your maternity leave. Sounds like the old "nesting" is setting in. I hope Elijah's ear infection clears up so he doesn't end up with tubes too. I think ear infections can cause deafness IF they go untreated. **Rita: Maddy sounds too sweet dancing away. Thanks for the healthy vibes. **Tracy: Sorry to hear about your SIL and brother, but glad you and your family are all ok. It's great to hear from you! **Tonya: Great to hear from you too, girl! The picture of RJ and Raquel will be adorable. I could just picture it from your description. What a Kodak moment. LOL at you knowing you will hate your gift if MIL picked it out! heehee. I can't wait to hear what it was. **Birdie: Glad you had a fun and romantic (what's that?) weekend with DH. I know just how you feel about the whole bloodtest thing. It was no fun when they were putting Jarin's IV in when he was in the hospital. =( **Cathy: Sounds like you had a great time at your parents. Hope you find a new caregiver and you love her. Yes, I am a night owl. Here it is - 11:15PM and I'm typing on here instead of being in bed. Come 6:45 I'll be sorry! **Beth: You mean I'm not the only one who only goes to the grocery once a month? I HATE that place! LOL I'm impressed you did all the posts without notes! I can't even remember my name without a note. heehee **Cynthia: I know how you feel about laundry. I swear it multiplies when we're not looking. **Ok, so ends the novel for the day. Take care everyone. I must get myself to bed for a little sleep. Thanks for all the well wishes and thoughts. You gals are the best! Patty and Jarin - almost 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 22:18:01 (MDT)) Boy, you guys were quite busy today! It was great cuddle weather here today! I think the high only made it to 36 here. Elizabeth and I are doing good. She's as feisty as ever! Nothing really new with us so I'll get on to the mountain of personals: LOUISE, Give James 2 to 3 weeks and he'll be walking all over. Elizabeth took her first steps about 4 weeks ago and last week is when she really took off. How old is James? DIANE, It sounds like you had a nice afternoon out this weekend. Doesn't it feel strange to be out without a diaper bag, stroller, juice cup, toy, your purse,oh and the kid?! The first time I left without Elizabeth, I felt like I was really forgetting something. Elizabeth usually takes a 2-2 1/2 hour nap around noonish and then about a 30 minute to hour nap at around 4:30 or 5pm. KAHNE, Sounds like school is going great for you! Congrats! MAN, your psych teacher is a real &%$*#@!! When I went to school, none of my professors really cared if we showed up or not. It sounds like Cat is doing great and growing fast! HELEN, How's your headache? It sounds like you had fun! I think I need one of those days!! Amanda sounds so cute talking! SARAH M, Glad you had a good weekend! I bet the bowling ladies were shocked at how much Hannah has grown if they hadn't seen her since March. JULIANNE, Elizabeth looks at her reflections in the oven door, like Colton does in the mirror. She will stick out her tongue and pull her ears up and jabber away. Isn't it the cutest thing in the world!? LISA B, I had to LOL about Max playing w/ BOTH leaking faucets! Too funny! Goodness, Max had a rough weekend with all his bumps and bruises. What a tough little guy. Have you found your shoe yet? What a little monkey you have! :) JUDY, HaPPY maternity leave!!! YEA! Do you have the "nesting" bug? Hmmm... wonder when the new arrival will make it's debut? Are you having any labor signs yet? I'm excited for you! I'll be anxiously awaiting to hear back from you! RITA, Yes, your probably do need to get Maddy into dancing! She sounds to adorable! TRACEY, HI! Glad you all are doing good! Too bad about your brother and SIL, but if its for the best, then it's probably best! When will you get your phone line back? TONYA, HAPPY 28th Birthday!!! HAPPY 4th Anniversary! I hope you have fun this week & weekend! R.J. and Racquel sound like they are growing fast. That is way too cute about them in their diaper and underwear on the coffee table! I'm glad you checked back in... I was thinking about you! BIRDIE, I think the sooner you have the blood test done, the better. There's no since in you getting worked up for it for a long time... get it over with. I know it's not easy for you!!! Maybe both you and DH can go. We'll be thinking of you! Glad to hear you had a great weekend! CATHY G, Hi! I'm glad you are back safe and sound! So sorry to hear about your neighbor's stroke! My FIL had a brain anurism (spelling?) and stroke 9 years ago. That left him paralyzed on the left side and he also has a little damage to the brain which impairs his thinking process. He can't remember alot. He had to re-learn alot to get where he is today. He's not near what he used to be and can't think for himself sometimes. It's such a sad situation. But, he's happy today and we're so blessed to have him still with us. I don't go to bed until 11 or 12 at night either. Elizabeth goes to bed at 10 and I really enjoy those 2 hours of quiet time! BETH, What a fun time you guys had at the pumpkin patch and petting zoo. We need to take Elizabeth somewhere like that. She'd go bizerk! (sp) CYNTHIA, I can't believe your little devil is almost 2! December, right? Did Adam have the chix pox vaccination? I hope he doesn't get the chicken pox from daycare! SARAH W, Eliabeth will only take her milk warmed. Sorry you were sick Friday! Hope you're better. MORIAH, Hi. I am so sorry to hear that about Alex's trach! I hope your situation with the job and $$ get better. We've been in yours and dh's boat (no punt intended). It's no fun! Try not to take it out on each other. Hey, since you like to do scrap books, what about selling Creative Memory stuff? I don't know anything about it, or even if any money can be made... but it might be fun. CRYSTAL, I hope you are feeling better. SHELLEY, Riley sounds SO big just walking right on in to daycare! Too cute! Well, I better go... It's nice a quiet and I just got my new Reader's Digest. I haven't read anything but Elizabeth's books in awhile. Ya'll take care and have a great week! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 months email: rkncs@aol.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 22:58:28 (MDT)) Two more things... PATTY: I'm so sorry to hear that Jarin has to have tubes put in his ears! Bummer! But, hopefully, that will do the trick. YIKES! Surgery on your jaw. I hope it doesn't come to that! Elizabeth loves her Goodnight Moon book! SARAH M: I didn't get a picture of Hannah! :( What did I do? Do you not like me anymore? Sniff, sniff!! Can I pleeeeeeaaaaaaaassse have a picure? Pretty please with a cherry on top? Kelli...AGAIN! email: rkncs@aol.com Monday, October 18, 1999 at 23:08:47 (MDT)) Hi everyone. I'm really enjoying reading about all the costumes you guys are thinking up for Halloween, they will all look so adorable. We don't do that much for Halloween over here - no trick or treating or anything like that! We occasionally have parties with apple bobbing etc for little kids but it's just not a big thing over here which is a shame. When we were last in the States a few years ago it was October and I loved seeing all the pumpkins for sale. Maybe I'll just have to dress James up anyway! LISAB - thanks for the e-mail - unfortunately for some reason I couldn't download the pictures of Max! I was SO frustrated I was nearly in tears!! I don't usually have any problems, I'm sure DH will be able to sort it out as he seems to think he's a computer genius(!), but he's away and not back until Wednesday. I'll just have to be patient but I'm really looking forward to seeing them. I thought I'd better let you know in case you thought I was being very rude not commenting. BTW - hope you find the shoe!! SARAH - thanks for trying with the photos of Hannah - disappointed I couldn't get them. Maybe we've got a problem our end as I couldn't download Lisa's photos although I got her e-mail. If you have the time and the patience, please try again as I'd love to see her. JUDY - thinking of you! We excpect daily updates until the little one arrives! DIANE - just remembered you asked about sleeping habits - James goes to bed between 7.00 and 7.30 and wakes about 7.00 am. He then sleeps for only about 45 minutes in the morning but does about 1 1/2 hours after lunch. TRACEY - sorry to hear about your Brother & SIL. That must be a hard situation. TONYA - your little gang sound so cute. I can't wait until James starts to talk! At the moment he just says Mama, Dada and 'Dat' as a generic term for everything! PATTY - I'm re-sending health vibes to you all. Really sorry to hear about Jarin but I'm sure he'll cope brilliantly - it will probably be harder on you. Also sorry about your MIL but glad she seems to be doing better. BETH - the petting zoo sounds great fun. I bet it was great to see Allison with all the animals. MORIAH - I'm sorry about the trach situation and can understand your frustration. It must feel like one step forward, 2 steps back, but then remember how far he's come .. as if you need me to tell you! KELLI - James is almost 1 (2 weeks to go!) - he's got loads of time to walk, it just that he started taking steps quite a long time ago but has 'stalled' slightly in terms of really taking off. I guess he just needs to build his confidence. Hi and sorry to anyone else I've missed - I was taking notes really quickly. Louise & James email: rnash78035&aol.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 04:00:11 (MDT)) Good morning ladies!! SARAH here. Hope everyone had a good night's sleep! HANNAH woke up about 3:30 and sat in her crib and talked until about 4:15. Kept me up, but was soooo cute!! :) She took a shower with me for the first time last night. It was fun. She seemed to enjoy it. (Kill two birds with one stone!) On to personals: JUDY - Have fun on maternity leave!!! I think ear infections can cause deafness if they go untreated. HELEN - Yea for AMANDA going without the bottle!! HANNAH points at things and says "dat" all of the time. She'll always say "dat, see dat" EVERY time. TRACEY - Good to hear from you!!! Sorry to hear about your brother and SIL!! TONYA - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Hope you have a good one...and a good 4th Anniversary...and fun in NC!:) BIRDIE - We all feel the same way about our little one's. HATE to see them in pain! CATHY - That's very sad about your neighbor. I hope she has a fast recovery!! BETH - The pumpkin patch sounds like fun!! I can't believe you remember all the posts by memory!!! RITA - Too cute about MADDY dancing! :) CYNTHIA - HI!! Good to hear from you! SARAH W. - Are you feeling better? SHELLY - HI!! You're too sneaky!! MORIAH - So sorry to hear about the trach! Girl, I hear ya about $$ problems!!!! It's stressful, huh?? PATTY - Sorry to hear JARIN has to get tubes!! I really won't be surprised if HANNAH has to get tubes. She's had 5 ear infections. (I hope not, though). I'm glad to hear your MIL is doing better. Glad you got the pictures. Thanks for the compliments!! KELLI - You know I'd NEVER leave you out...intentionally!!! I could have swore I sent you some, but you obviously didn't receive any. :( I'm sorry. I'll send some this morning!! We do have the best weather in the country, don't we? LOUISE - I will try again this morning!! Well, that's it. I'll talk you all later!! Sarah and Hannah (13 1/2 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 07:32:56 (MDT)) Colton did really good at his check-up yesterday. They were running an hour behind so he got to play at the shop with DH for a little while which was nice. He is 22.2 pounds (25%) and 30 3/4 inches (35%). He is growing good, but still on the small side, which is OK. He had to have 2 shots -OUCH. Only cried a little though. DH watched Colton while I went to Bible study. He was asleep 10 min after I left! Those shots really zonked him out. Of course, I already had him feed, changed, and bathed. Tonight will be a different story. I am going to a Pampered Chef party and didn't want to go home and then have to come back out by where I work. Especially since there is a mall a few minutes away. I am going to go shopping for ME! Yeah! My mom taught Colton how to "blow out the candle" yesterday. He has a Beauty & the Beast book and there are pictures of candles in there. She tries to teach him something new everyday. It is so sweet. Sarah: What a cute little cheerleader Hannah was. I'm sure your mom was thrilled to have her there. I would love to see Hannah's pictures too. LisaB: Thanks for the update on Charline's Hayden. I had to laugh with your DH's reaction to Max in the bathroom. It's usually me telling Colton "we better not let your daddy find out..." I hope your sister sees the obvious and lets her 2yr old p/t too. Katy: Yeah for Liam clapping & standing. Judy: Enjoy your maternity leave. Hopefully the baby will wait the full week! Colton attends a Daycare system called Loving Touch. I have considered switching, however, since I am losing my job at the end of the year I want to wait until I have a new job lined up before I switch. I would hate to have to switch twice--too hard on him. Rita: Maddy the dancer--how cute. DH always laughs when I am taking pictures and I say I need one more for his book. Enjoy the crop this weekend. I go to one on Thursday. Helen: Amanda must sound so cute with her new words. It always surprises me when Colton says something new. The other day he brought his book and opened it to the train and said "toot toot" then turned the page and DH & I both swore he said "tuck" for truck. Tracey: It was great to hear from you. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers with the upcoming divorce. Tonya: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I wouldn't want my MIL picking out my presents either. Maybe she will surprise you with something you like. Have fun shopping this weekend. Raquel blowing kisses--how precious. Birdie: I'd have DH go w/ you to get the blood test done. That way one can hold Noah and the other can be in front of him to comfort him. Get it done soon. I think shots/blood draw get harder as they get older. CathyG: Good luck finding a new caregiver for your kids. What a shock about your neighbor, it is so sweet of Emma to want to go see her. Moriah: My heart goes out to you with the new trach causing so much trouble and frustration. I hope he adjusts really soon for his sake and yours. I'll keep praying for the perfect at home job for you too. Take care and feel free to rant anytime. Patty: Sorry to hear Jarin needs tubes in his ears. When will he have this done? Surgery on your jaw sounds scary. I have TMJ also--too much gum chewing. I stopped chewing gum about 4 years ago and it has helped alot, before that I chewed gum everyday all day long, since jr high! I still have problems if I eat really chewy candy or well-done steak too often. Hello to everyone one else and their little ones. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 07:41:40 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Amanda went for an early nap today--9:00!! She is still in bed- woke up for a bottle last night, hope the waking at night comes to an end soon. PATTY-- Sorry to hear Jarin needs tubes in his ears.:O( My nephew had it done last year-about 5yrs old, apparently he was not hearing well as a result and has a speech impediment b/c of it. He would talk like he had a stuffed nose all the time and I guess he was hearing everything muffled-- sometimes I wonder about the doctors they have in Can. where I came from-- they are not too bright at times!!( they also removed his tonsils at the same time?? a related problem??). KAHNE-- Yes your teacher's 'tune' will change once she has the baby, I bet you can't wait!!LOL! TRACEY-- Sorry about your brother and SIL-- Thats sad. :O( MORIAH-- Sorry to hear about your $$ problems and the trach-- hopefully things will be back to normal in a short time-hang in there!! JULIANNE-- Have fun at the Pampered Chef party-- I bought their cork screw- sm. whisk, pizza cutter, garlic press, grapefruit knife-- they are all great and the quality is too- a little pricey though!!! JULIANNE&PATTY-- TMJ-- Isn't that when your jaw snaps all the time?? Sorry I missed the post on it-- mine snaps all the time--DH hates to eat near me when I have italian bread, subs etc.. he just looks at me- 'will you stop snapping your jaw'!!!!!!----Like I can stop it! I don't get headaches from it or anything-I'm lucky, it causes a lot of problems in some people-- Hope yours isn't too bad- an operation for it sounds serious. Well-- enough gabbing for now- I need to finish my grocery list so I'm ready when Peanut gets up-- too late- she is awake- must hear me typing--LOL!!!( grocery shopping once a month-I have a heaping cart each week- how do you do it???) LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 08:31:42 (MDT)) Hi this is the whimpy Birdie and her sweety Noah. Tonight is the noght. I've been psyching myself up for two days. DH will go with me. Thanks to everyone for your advice and thoughts about it. I never dreamed that I could be such a whimp. I worked for 5 years as an EMT for our cities rescue and before that i worked in the ER for 4 years. in the job I have now I see children everyday with tubes and painful medical conditions etc...but when it comes to my little guy having a needle in his arm I become a nut case. There are little ones on here going throught things that are so hard on them and i know I have no right to whine. I think of Alex and Jarin and then think what a loser I am. Anyway, tonights the night. This morning Noah and i went to story hour at our local library. He really enjoyed it. Lots of nursery rhymes and colorful picture books. This afternoon we have gymboree. At least most of the day is fun for him. Patty- I am thinking of Jarin and hope evrything goes really well. Moriah- Sorry to hear about the job stresses and also about Alex's trach. What was it you did before Alex was born. I have forgotten. I'm thinking of you guys. Kelli-I'm such a baby. Sarah- I know, I know. Julianne- Good advice. Tonights the night. Take care everyone. Birdie and Noah (10 ++ months) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 09:20:10 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. We got my computer hooked up at my other office but the screen is sooooo small. I can't get on the network but Internet works so I'm happy :-) I found my shoe last night. Max had openned a drawer on the big windowseat in our bedroom bay window and stuck it in there. I swear I looked there before but maybe I just thought about it and never did it (don't you love these mushy mommy brains we have?!). DH is gone all week for work. He forgot to call last night (working in a new facility and they don't have phones hooked up yet and by the time he thought about calling it was after 10). Max was bummed - running around with his toy phone saying "dada, dada, dada". DH was real upset when I told him that and PROMISED to call early tonight so he can talk to his little buddy. I complained about not enough posts and now here I can't keep up and post all the replies I want - LOL! MORIAH: We still you love you, sweetie. I don't know how you SAHM do it. I can only post at work during breaks. Even when I was preggo and had Internet access at home I couldn't manage to find time to post from home. Too bad about the trach. I know you want it out so he can work on talking. Just remember, it WILL happen - just not as quick as you like. I'm sure it's hard to watch him panick, gag, cough, vomit, etc. This isn't what you expected at all when you got pregnant, is it? :-( Just remember what a joy he is and that years from now he'll be "normal" and these days will be a distant memory. I feel for you on the $$ situation. That's a big stress and it doesn't help any that Geoff has to be gone so much as you need the $$ - he and Alex miss each other, you don't get a break from Alex, etc. I can't think of any SAHM jobs that wouldn't require you to be out in the public which wouldn't work with Geoff gone as Alex can't be out in cold season. I wish I could twitch my nose and fix all your problems. Since I can't I'll just keep you in my thoughts and prayers. PATTY: You poor woman, you. I hope you can avoid surgery - you have enough on your plate without that. I'm sorry to hear about the ear tubes but I "hear" it's not a major procedure and it really helps. Didn't Jaime or Jesse have them? I can't even imagine handing Max over to a doctor and admire you, Moriah, Birdie, and all the rest for your strength. My sister and potty training - she just has NO BRAINS! That's why she's struggling with the oldest, as she wouldn't let her train when her DD wanted and now the DD is being forced to when she's decided diapers are ok. PATTY, CATHY G, & KELLI: I'm in bed by 10 or I'm dragging the next day. Of course it doesn't help that I have to get up at 5 am due to it taking 90 minutes to drive into town, drop Max at the sitters, drop DH at his job, and then get to my office by 8. SARAH: Please try e-mailing Hannah's picture again. HELEN: I also go grocery shopping once a week - have a cart full and over $100 worth (go to Walmart Supercenter through so get groceries, cleaning supplies, and tons of misc. stuff). LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 09:29:20 (MDT)) HELEN: My DH calls me "pop jaw" as my jaw often pops when I yawn, chew food, etc. It drives him nuts!!!! BIRDIE: You are not a wimp - you are a strong woman. We ALL hate to see our kids get shots, neverlone get a blood draw. I hope everything goes well. LisaB Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 09:32:28 (MDT)) Hi everyone! Its my first time on this board!! My little girl is 16 months old... and a really picky eater. Goes without food at mealtimes some days. Anything to share about this?? Dipsie Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 10:42:41 (MDT)) Good Morning Everyone! Question for you: We're going on a plane trip to Ottawa on Friday (4 hr flight) Unfortunately it will be from 5-9 PM so there's little chance Alex will sleep. Any suggestions on keeping him occupied and out of the other passangers hair? Any toys that might keep his attention for more than 5 minutes? Thanks for your help! Moriah: Sorry to hear about the trouble with the trach, it must be so tough for you. As someone else mentioned, there are lots of companies you could sell stuff for: Discovery Toys, Children's books (I can't remember the name of the co.) even Avon or Tupperware! I think you need to have the mindset to do well, and I don't know how much people really earn, but its an option. Good luck. Have a good day everyone... SarahW, Alex (13mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 10:50:23 (MDT)) A quick question--They have a choice at the stores now if you want to get your photos on a disc-a floppy??--would I be able to get this and send out pictures to you all??If so, I hope it comes with instructions!!LOL!!!Thanks in advance!! Helen&Amanda Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 11:22:07 (MDT)) Hello everyone!! Well, I think I am here to stay now, Caleb will celebrate his 1st birthday on the 28th of this month. I can still remember the night he was born like it was just yesturday, where did the year go??? He is starting to walk a lot more, but still perfers to crawl if he is in a hurry. I didn't have time to read all of the posts (it would have taken days) :) but one did catch my eye ******Katy, have you ever tried putting your DS's diaper on backwards? I don't know if he may try to still take it off, but it is worth a try. ******Does anyone have a thumb sucker? Caleb has sucked his thumb since he was about 2 months old. Usually only if he is upset or tierd. He also has a blanket that he snuggles with---he looks like Linus! :o) I am concerned about when I should try to get him to stop, my ped says, don't worry yet--easy for him, I am the one who will have the orthodontist bills! It would be easier to help him stop if he didn't look so darn cute!!! I would appreciate any ideas! Bye for now!! Christi & Caleb (11++ months) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 12:02:59 (MDT)) Hello from Rita Boy, I thought that I could just zip on the board and read but there are so many posts this AM. Wonderful! Tracey - Hello! Hurry up and get that phone line, okay? I am sorry that your brother and SIL are going to divorce. You don't have to divorce your SIL, though. She has been a part of your life and should continue to be. As a divorce survivor, I can vouch for the fact that is really awful that people feel they have to choose who they will continue to see. I never heard from my ILs again and from some of the people that I thought were "our" friends. (It's been long enough now that all I would like is for him to pay me some of the $ he owes me.) Moriah - Sorry that things are so rough. You guys certainly don't need the added stresses on your plate these days. I am hoping and praying that some relief comes your way soon! Let me know if you want to get away for a few hours and we can scrap or something. Patty - Poor little Jarin. My nephew had the tubes done because he was constantly getting ear infections. According to my sis, things improved very quickly after that. There is supposed to be a vaccine out next year. Maddy was in the trial to test it. Unfortunately, she got the control substance and got three ear infections her first year! Luckily she has outgrown the propensity for ear infections. Amy hasn't had any. I hope that you don't need the surgery for the TMJ. Julianne - Larry loves it when I go to Pampered Chef parties since it usually means some new gadget that results in good food. Some of the stuff is expensive, but I do like the quality. Their stoneware is great for baking. Can you tell that this another one of my hobbies? Until I started scrapping, cooking was my only creative outlet post babies. Lisa B - Don't know what to say about your sis and potty training. It would seem that the younger one's wanting to train might spur on the older one. The younger sibling thing and potty training has worked for Larry's niece who has three children spaced fifteen months apart. It has also worked with reading, now that they are older. However, I am not going to let Maddy wait until Amy is ready! On another note, have you heard from Candance? She has been missing in action for quite awhile. Gotta go. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 13:01:42 (MDT)) Hi, it's me again. I just read through posts and saw RITA's asking about CANDANCE. I keep in touch with her, and her and TANNER are doing great!! OK, that's it! Talk to you all tomorrow! Sarah (w/Hannah) again! Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 13:20:44 (MDT)) Hi everyone from Cynthia, Nothing much new to report except that Adam's newest word is Goo-goos. I couldn't figure out what he was talking about until he kept pointing to his "boo-boos" and asking me to kiss them. Since then he's been finding lots of imaginary boo-boos. MORIAH: Feel free to vent any time you want. The setbacks can be so frustrating. My sister has a mentally and physically challenged daughter and sometimes it's been one step forward and two steps backwards. The rewards are looking into your litle boy's eyes and seeing what a miracle he is. I can't beleive that lady who was supposed to give you that job!!!! Makes you wonder if you even want to work for her. Would you qualify for any social assistance since you can't work outside the home right now? What about contacting an employment agency and asking them if they have any work that you can do at home. There's always telephone surveys or soliciting (while a pain in the butt for people on the receiving end, might bring money in for you)Just ideas. SHELLY: I know what you mean about our babies turning 4. It's like they really are not babies at all anymore. When Jesse turned four (and I thought he was my last) I was so depressed. Little did I know that I'd meet the man of my dreams and have another son, 5 years later. We have alot in common with our 3 boys each. My first two are from my first marriage and Adam is from my current partner. We are not married but have lived together more than 4 years. I also have a Jesse who is 9 years old and a son named Jordan who is 12 years old. PATTY: Sorry to hear about jarin and the tubes. I'm sure your little trooper will come through with flying colours. Probably so much better than Mommy will!!! LISA: I was going to tell you to look in the garbage also, but I see that you've already found the missing shoe. I think Adam and Max could be partners in crime. JUDY: Any day now eh? I hope it happens for you soon. RITA: Maddy could be the next Spice Girl. perhaps replacing the current baby Spice. She sounds so adorable. TONYA: Hope your week is a good one. Maybe MILs present will surprise you. Even if it's a totally yukky present, just keep remembering your power shopping you'll be doing later on this week. SHopping always cheers a girl up!!! KAHNE: I can't belive your teacher!!! Isn't it YOU who is paying to go to school??? I'd complain to the head of the department if I were you. After all, she's being paid to teach. Oh just think, what goes around, comes around. Justice will be done!!!! TRACEY: Hey girl, I sure hope you get re-connected soon. Glad to hear your little ones are doing fine. BETH: Your trip to the pumkin patch/petting zoo sound great. KELLI: I'm not even sure if we have a chicken pox vaccine here in Canada. I've never asked and never been offered one. Adam will be two on December 15. (boo hoo) LEANNE: I measured "large for dates" on all three of my pregnancies. But I darn near freaked when I saw those words on the paper. COuld be due to this being your 4th. Keep us posted. SARAH: I'd love to see a pic of Hannah LOUISE: Too bad about Halloween where you live. Perhaps we could all take pics of our little ones and send them to you. I'll try to send you a pic of Adam tomorrow. DIANE: Adam goes to bed between 7:00 and 8:00. Sleeps till about 6:30 or 7:00am. He has a 1 1/2 hour nao around 12:30. SARAH W: So your coming to my city!!!! Will yo be here for long? OK, here's a few suggestions: bring plenty of little snacks and drinks for him, let him sit next to the window so he can look outside, maybe get him a cardboard book about planes, bring his favourite teddy and blanket, buy a cheap colouring book and crayons and let him scribble. Hope these help. Cynthia and Adam @22 months email: cynthia.howard@nrc.ca Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 14:02:39 (MDT)) Hey everyone. Busy place around here lately. I LOVE IT!! It's hard to keep up, but I would much rather have lots of posts to read than just a few. Not really too much new here. Allison is doing great. Talking about everything and walking everywhere. And just as cute as ever!! so onto a few personals. Patty - good luck with Jarin having the tubes put in, I know that the anethestic has to be a scary prospect for you. I will be praying for you. Moriah - There is a lady in our town that calls herself the "bag lady" and what she does it prints advertising flyers for local businesses and put them in clear plastic bags then hangs them on people's doors in the neighborhood etc. If you have a computer and a good printer maybe this is an option. Do you play a musical instrument or sing?? Perhaps you could give lessons in your home. I gave piano lessons for a while and made pretty decent $$ at it. Or what about the party planner idea?? You would have to buy some advertising to get the word out or maybe you could get a friend to have a party for you to organize and show your stuff to others. Word of mouth is the best advertising there is. Good luck. Just know that God has a purpose for you not getting the last job. It may not seem so great now, but it will all work out in the end :-) Christi - happy b-day to Caleb a few days early. I was a thumb sucker when I was little and there it this stuff that you can paint on kids nails that tastes horrible and will stop them from putting their thumb in their mouth (it can be used for nail biters too) my mom used it on my when I was young only I sucked my thumb until I was 7! Helen - you can send picts through the e-mail with those disks! Hope you can figure it out I would love to get some pictures since you are such a big mystery to us all!LOL Dipsie - my Allison is also a picky eater. I just try to offer her food all the time and a large variety of things and hope that she is getting what she needs. Lisa B - dont you hate it when DH is gone. Mine is gone a lot as well and it's so hard to get anything done. Birdie - good luck with Noah's blood test. I'll be thinking about you. Julianne - I just hosted a Pampered Chef Party last Sat. It was fun and lots of good food to eat too!! Their chopper is the coolest thing ever. Great for Allison's food because it chops it into small pieces in no time flat. Sarah - I didn't get the pictures either. Please send them my way!! Let's see, 3:30 Colorado time is about 5:30 our time I think. I bet Hannah was talking to Allison as she was awake at the same time!! We're going to have to get on our girls for all that late night girl talk! LOL Louise - no Halloween! What a bummer. It's one of the most fun holidays we have. Shelly - so how did you manage to sneak another baby in? DH doesn't want anymore but I do (eventually) and I need some pointers. Cynthia - WOW 300 loads of laundry!! And I thought 10 was bad enough! I know what you mean about changing 5 times a day. I accuse my DH of the same thing. Well, I should be off here and end my novel for the day. Talk to you ladies later. Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 14:07:04 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers with Jarin getting tubes in his ears. He will be getting them next Thursday morning. Thanks to Cynthia, Beth, Helen, Birdie, Kelli, Louise, Julianne, LisaB, Rita, Sarah and anyone else I may have missed. My little angel was so cute this afternoon. He was sitting in his little Pooh recliner with his back against one of the arms and his feet propped up against the other arm looking through one of our magazines like he was reading it. Soooo cute! Of course I HAD to take a couple pictures. Hope they come out well and I will send them out. **Moriah: Sorry to hear that the trach is not going well. I know that it has to be hard on you guys. Also sorry to hear about the $$ stress. I know how not fun that is too. I hope something comes along for you soon. **Birdie: Good luck tonight with the blood test. You are not a whimp! I feel exactly the same way and then I, too, think of Moriah and all she's gone through with Alex and I feel terrible for being so worried about a "simple procedure" like getting tubes in Jarin's ears. **LisaB: Max had to be adorable blabbing on his phone. jarin does that too and it always makes me laugh. Jaime had tubes when she was little. I just remember them taking her away crying - I think that's the part I dread the most. That, and the fact that he can't have ANYTHING to eat or drink after midnight. And you know what he wants to do as soon as he wakes up, don't you? Holy Commute, Batman! A 90 minute drive every morning? I'd be falling asleep. Do you ever listen to those audio books? They are really good. My mom kind of got me hooked on them. I always thought I wouldn't enjoy listening to someone read, but they are really good. **Dipsie and Christi and Caleb: Welcome! **SarahW: I don't know if Alex likes books, but I took a bunch when Jesse was a baby and we went to California (3 1/2 hours flight for us). He did pretty well. We also gave him Dimetapp before the plane took off so that he wouldn't have the pressure in his ears. That helped to make him tired and he did sleep most of the flight. **Cynthia: Way TOO CUTE about the goo goos and finding imaginary ones for you to kiss. =) **Kelli: Hey, is the little flower girl in the Toddlers Today album Elizabeth? **Sarah: Sounds like Hannah may be a little night owl too. So cute that she was in there talking to herself. Yesterday I waited to get Jarin out of his crib after his nap. Usually he just cries, but I gave him a few extra minutes. When I went in, he was playing with his Winnie the Pooh (You pull it down and it plays music) and dancing in his crib. Too adorable. **Julianne: Colton sounds like he is about the same size as Jarin. Hey, enjoy shopping for you!!! I was a big time gum chewer too - all day every day since Jr. High. Now I haven't had any in about 4 months. But, still no relief. **Helen: Yes, you can email pics out from those disks. Do it - I'd love to see Amanda! I have that popping too - and every time I chew I can hear the "pop" in my ears. The right side of my jaw is sore all the time, gives me headaches, etc. I already sleep with a mouthpiece and that hasn't helped either. I'm waiting to hear what the oral surgeon says as far as "heal time" before I decide whether to do this surgery or now. I HAVE to be able to talk in order to teach Kindergarteners, so I really can't afford to be in that much pain for very long. **Hope you all have a wonderful evening. Kisses to all the babies! (oops, I mean toddlers!) Patty and Jarin - almost 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 16:53:26 (MDT)) Hello all , Kahne Here I had a monster post last night, and I dont see ti on the board?????? I got an e mail from Crystal, she wont be posting for a while. I am asking all of you personally to keep her in your prayers, and when she feels the time is right, and if she chooses, she can tell you what is going on. School was a you know what today! I hate lab day! Cat is too funny, she got a halloween flashlight, and learned how to make it work. She is starting to form words. Dont have much time, but I will be posting a diary on the main page, so look for it! I love you all Kahne and Cat 9 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 19:43:21 (MDT)) Quick hello to everybody!! I've been busy with homework and wild kiddos, but would love to post more another time. I've been reading to keep up with you all- thanks for the "hellos" from Beth and Sarah- hope I didn't forget anyone. Take care!! Sarah g and Isaac email: gat_men@hotmail.com Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 22:34:35 (MDT)) Good morning ladies! SARAH here. HALF WAY TO FRIDAY!!! :) HANNAH was a little grumpy butt last night. When I picked her up after work, I had to wake her from her nap....and we all know what that means!!! ARGH! JULIANNE - Did you receive the pictures? HELEN - Does AMANDA wake every night? HANNAH still does at least once during the night. When will this end??? I hope you can send pictures, I would LOVE to see AMANDA!!! BIRDIE - SOOOOO, how did it go?? LISA - Did you get the pictures? I'm glad you found your shoe! BETH - I guess the "girl talk" is already starting?? LOL I'll send some pictures. KAHNE - Thanks for the update on CRYSTAL. I'll keep her in my prayers. PATTY - Too cute about JARIN dancing in his crib!!! :) Oh, and also about him "lounging" in his chair "reading" his magazine.:) Good luck with the tubes next Thursday!! I've heard it's not that bad at all!!! My nephew had them. I have TMJ too. I have also chewed gum ALL OF THE TIME for years now...and still do. :( Just not as much. DIPSIE - WELCOME!! HANNAH is a picky eater, too. I do the same thing BETH said, and just set out a variety of things all of the time, and hope she gets what she needs. SARAH W. - Good luck with the trip to Ottawa!! CHRISTI and CALEB - CONGRATS, you've graduated! :) WELCOME! HANNAH never sucked her thumb or took a binky. Sorry, can't help you! CYNTHIA - That is SOOO cute about ADAM finding imaginary boo-boo's. I'll send some pictures. KELLI - Feeling better??? Well, that's all for now. Hope you all have great days!!! As I've always said, I'm sooooo jealous of you SAHM's!!!!! Sarah and Hannah (13 1/2 mo) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 07:11:39 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB! Max got another tooth - upper left hand side. Hard telling how long it's been there; I just "discovered" it last night. He was busy last night. First he figured out how to pull up and push down the antenna on his play radio - he saw me do it once and then he started, smiling really big like he was thinking "Wow, see what I can do!" Then he started tickling. Ok, he really just kinda runs his fingers over my chest and arms but he gets mischievous look on his face. I would start giggling and he would crack up with belly laughs! That was fun for awhile but after 1/2 hour of faking giggles I was glad when he moved on to another activity (I guess that knocks me out of the running for "Mother of the Year", doesn't it?!). Good thing Max was so adorable last night as he was a pill this morning. I could smell him before I even got in his room so he was ticked BIG time as I changed his very full and messy diaper before his morning nursing (gosh, Patty, I really feel for YOU. Max would be throwing a screaming fit from 5:30 on if he had to skip his morning feed). Then he threw a fit everytime we changed from one activity to another - when he stopped nursing and was put down to play, when he had to stop playing to eat, when he was done eating and put back down to play, etc. Then he was under foot ALL morning as I tried to get dressed, etc. It's rather hard to fix your hair and put on makeup when you can't even get close enough to see the mirror. I'll be sooo glad when DH gets home tomorrow night. DIPSIE: Welcome! Toddlers really don't need much food. Let her help cook or have her pick out her evening meal (PB and Jelly sandwich, grapes, slice of cheese, etc.). If she gets plenty of fluids and eats a somewhat balanced diet over the course of several days she'll probably be ok. My nephew was VERY picky (would only eat grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken nuggets for about 2 years straight) but he outgrew it when he started school. SARAH W: These are the "tricks" I use on the 5 hour drive to my folks - take several favorite books; take a photo album with pictures of your family & pets & house, etc. so you can point out familar things; take a favorite "lovey" - a blankie, stuffed animal, etc.; have an assortment of small toys - ones with mirrors, different textures, different shapes, etc. - that don't take up much room but offer variety; and take some toys that can be used for different things (Fisher Price little people - can chew on, bang together, and use to "talk" to one another; a puppet - can chew on, cuddle with, play peek-a-boo with, and use as a puppet; etc.). Also, take some snacks. CHRISTIE: I've heard thumb sucking doesn't cause damage until age 2-3 when perm. teeth start forming/coming in. Good luck breaking the habit! MORIAH: I have a few work at home ideas for you as I've been thinking along these lines for when I quit whenever we have baby #2. We MIGHT be afford for me not to work at all but I need structure to my life and would feel better if I was earning something. Anyway, I'll e-mail you so I don't clutter up the board. PATTY: I bet Jarin looked so grown-up reading in his chair! It takes about 1 hour to get from home into town (either directly to the sitter or directly to my job). The other 1/2 hour is from running into the sitters (I have to chat for 5 minutes or so before leaving), driving across town to drop DH off, and then doubling back some to get to my work. I've never tried books on tape as DH insists on listening to his favorite morning radio show (either thou he usually snores thru the whole thing) and as I pop in one of Max's little tapes if he gets fussy. SARAH: Nope ... no pictures :-( My e-mail is lisa_lab@hotmail.com if you want to try again. LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 07:56:07 (MDT)) I had soooo much fun shopping last night. I only bought clothes for ME. It was so nice not having to hurry and being able to try everything on without having to chase through the dressing rooms after Colton. DH had me worried though becuase I tried calling twice and got the answering machine both times. Driving home all I could think about is that something happened to Colton and I couldn't wait to see him. He was sleeping very nicely on the couch with DH. Dh had him out until 8pm leveling dirt with the back-hoe. Colton loved it. He would go "vroom vroom" and when DH lifted the bucket he would stop and go "OOHH". Colton coughed most of the night last night. Where did this come from? He was doing so well. He may be getting another tooth in on the bottom or he caught another cold. :( Not a fun night. He also has a big red spot on his leg where he got one of his shots. Has anyone else had a similar reaction? He received shots for HIB & DTaB. I did read on the info sheet the dr gave me that some children get a red sore spot and that it lasts 2-3 days. Still, I must worry! Sarah: Great pictures of Hannah. Colton has the same little chair. We have it in the living rm and he will go and sit in it to read or watch TV. Birdie: I hope Noah's bloodtest went OK. LisaB: Poor Dh & Max not getting to talk on the phone. Too cute w/ him on the toy phone. Sometimes when Colton hears the kitchen door squeek when it is opened he will run to the door saying "da-da". He is so disappointed when it was just me throwing some garbage away. Dipsie: Welcome. Colton is a picky eater also. I usually give him something I know he will eat to get him started then offer a large variety and hope he eats a little of each to get enough. I will feed him cereal w/ baby fruit in the bath tub if he has been really picky during the day. Sometimes I will carry him around and keep popping food in his mouth off his tray since he does not want to sit still long enough to eat much. SarahW: Good luck on the plane this weekend. I find that books, and toys with shapes that fit into holes keep Colton the busiest for the longest. Caleb's mom: Sorry, I forgot to write down your name. Welcome. Do you have any special plans for Caleb's 1st birthday? The time sure does go by fast. Rita: My DH's response to me telling him about the PC party was "Why are you bothering to go you don't cook for me now!" He is still missing those homemade cookies! And he might for a while longer with that attitude. Cynthia: Too cute about Adam & his boo-boos. Kahne: Thanks for the update on Crystal. Julianne & Colton 15mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 08:04:17 (MDT)) Well, here I am again-! Decided to try to squeeze another post in. Isaac must have heard me typing last week that he was being "so sweet," because he has been the absolute monster child for the last three days!!! No naps for three days and major confrontations and tantrums. I've always been reasonable and patient and ... blah blah... etc... but I have been totally challenged, to put it nicely. Eeeek! Please think of me - I need some positive parenting vibes- mine are wearing thin these days. On another note, dh is making progress to getting another job, ssssllllooooowwwwlllyyyy, but better than nothing. We went out to the most delicious sushi this weekend and even saw a movie "American Beauty." Have any of you seen this? It's great, only poor dh identified with Kevin Spacey's character way too much- especially the part where he quits his ad job to go work fast food..... At least we got LOVE.......not much else.....LOL I posted my birthstory for Sofia. Here's the URL if anyone wants to read my post partum rantings... hee hee http://www.birthstories.com/stories/442.htm I think I hear a kiddo- will have to sneak back another time for personals- I'm reading the posts almost daily- so I'm keepin' up with you guys!! bye bye Sarah g and Isaac and Sofia email: gat_men@hotmail.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 08:22:09 (MDT)) Hi this is Birdie the nut. The test is over and i cannot believe what a weenie I was. Noah was so happy to be out and seeing a new place. I was dreading it all the way there. When we got there they called some people in to help hold him down and it made me extremely worried. I don't know what I was expecting I just knew it would be bad. They put the tourn. around his arm and he played with it. When they put the needle in, which looked huge to me, he let out a tiny whimper and then...nothing. That was it. A whimper and it was over as if nothing had ever happened. I couldn't even believe it. I guess I thought they were actually going to cut his arm off and knock himover the head with it or something. I was soooo proud of him. What a big boy. We took him out for chinese after, his favorite. I worried for nothing. Now I can just spend the next 2 weeks worrying about the results. Thank you LisaB, Beth, Patty, Sarah, and julianne and anyone I may have missed, for your kind words and thoughts. Now I will go sit by the phone for the next 2 weeks and wait for the results so gotta go. (just kidding...sort of) Take care. Birdie and Noah (almost 11 months) Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 08:26:06 (MDT)) Me again!! LISA - OK, I've tried sending pictures with that email address about 5 times now, and keep getting "Service Unavailable". Sorry! I'll try again in the future! BIRDIE aka WEENIE - You crack me up!!! Don't feel bad, all us mommies are the same. :) :) That's it for now! Sarah (w/Hannah) again Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 10:20:05 (MDT)) SARAH: How odd that you get that message. I'm getting tons of e-mail from my sisters and just got one from Beth and one from a lady on the babies board. I WANT TO SEE YOUR SWEETIE :-( I would give you my work address but I just had our computer unit work with me on a virus I contacted thru an e-mail so I'm afraid they may be "watching me". LisaB email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 11:28:30 (MDT)) LISA - Unfortunately, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to give up. I just tried again, and got the same error message. It also says "Message size exceeds maximum limit". Weird! I've sent them out to a couple other people today, and had no problems. Sorry! BYE! Sarah Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 11:58:26 (MDT)) Sorry guys. This is the only way I can "talk" to LISA right now. Just skip through. LISA - I wonder if it would work if you send me an email and I respond to it with the pictures attached?? Try that. OK, that's REALLY it for today! Sarah AGAIN...last time :) Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 12:08:07 (MDT)) Hi from Rita. I am at home today, not sick, but just exhausted. Amy woke up last night, DH was snoring, etc. I am still lounging in my jammies and it's almost noon. Woo-hoo! Actually, I have done several loads of laundry already. Birdie - Glad to hear that it was not as bad as it could have been. I remember the first time they did a blood draw from Maddy that wasn't the foot stick. I was holding my breath the whole time! Sarah - The reason your mail probably won't go through is the size of the pictures. Do you have a program where you can downsize the pictures? If not, send them to me and I will try to reduce them and send them on to Lisa. Well, I really should go and take my shower so that I can go out and pick up the photos I need for the crop this Friday. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 12:24:02 (MDT)) Okay, what's the deal with the board being slow today??? You guys aren't allowed to slack up on me now!LOL! I put curlers in Allison's hair last night (what little she has) and she kept walking around shaking her head back and forth and clacking them together. It was too cute. She kept running into the kitchen to show daddy and laughing about it. She really thought she was something else! Cynthia - Adam and his Goo-goo's are too cute! Patty - Jarin sounds like such a little couch potato sitting in his recliner with his feet all popped up. Kahne - thanks for the update on Crystal. I'll be praying for her. Sarah M - Allison was in a bad mood for the most part last night as well. They must have gotten together yesterday at work and decided to be in a bad mood together!! We're really going to have to have a talk with them. Lisa B- congrats on Max's tooth! Julianne - Allison usually gets a small swollen red spot when she got her shots as well. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Sarah g- I read your both story and can relate so much to the feeling of feeling really disconnected and out of it. I had fully natural birth as well and was in a total fog by the end of labor. I think God planned it that way because if women were able to remember labor clearly they would never have any children after the first one! LOL! Birdie - glad the test wasn't as bad as you thought it was going to be. What a little trooper Noah is! Hope the results come out just as good. Well, gotta go, Have a great day Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 12:26:54 (MDT)) Sorry it took me so long to post again. I honestly did not think that so many people would respond to my last posting. I wanted to give everyone an update as to Elijah's diaper rash situation. I took him to the Dr. yesterday, because just when I thought it was clearing up, it got worse and nothing would work. He just kept having diarrhea diapers constantly and I couldn't stand to listen to him screaming everytime I changed his diaper. When my DH and I got to the Drs. office, E had diarrhea all over his pants and I forgot to bring a change of clothes. So I changed him and left him in his diaper in the waiting room with DH while I ran to K-mart next door to buy him some pants. After examining him, the Dr. concluded that E has the Rotor Virus (sp?) that is going around here. There is no medication to get rid of it, he just has to go through it for who knows how long. But we did get a prescription for some medicated ointment to put on his little sore bottom. It really cleared up his rash fast and has made diaper changing time much easier. We still don't use wipes right now. You're right Judy, diaper wipes just irritate his butt even more. I'm still not willing to let him go diaperless, I just make sure to dry his butt thoroughly after each change. I also picked up some Johnsons cornstarch baby powder and am planning on getting some Dove Soap (Becky) next time I'm in the store. I really appreciated seeing so many people showing their concern and giving advice for my little Elijah. He is a much happier boy now and mommy will be happier too once this diarrhea stops. I wish I could have more time to read everyone's posts and jump in this group here, but I have a real hard time keeping up with the PT board and this one. I will check back in from time to time and see how everyone is doing. Thanks again. MaryC & Elijah Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 12:33:03 (MDT)) I just reread my post and realized that I put that Hannah and Allison had a talk while they were at work, I meant to say while we were at work!! LOL! Obviously I know that toddlers don't go to work and I don't make Allison work for her keep!! Hehehehe! Okay, talk to you later! Beth Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 13:55:06 (MDT)) Hi, Birdie again. Noah is taking a little snooze. I have a meeting tonight which stinks because it's pouring and cold. However, I will be able to put on a suit and get out of these jammies i call work clothes and I will be able to discuss things that have nothing to do with Tinky Winkie, Elmo and Whimzie's house. Sarah- Weenie here, thank you. Rita- Thanks. I held my breath, cried, and felt nauseous. Glad it's over. Beth- Thanks. Now i just have to sit by the phone for 2 weeks and wait for the results. ARGHHH!! MaryC- Glad you finally got an answer. Hopefully Elijah will feel well soon. Take care. Birdie and Noah ( almost 11 months) Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 14:23:12 (MDT)) Hello all, To all of the mommies with ill babies you are not alone! I turned up sick overnight, and Cat is coming down with it too. She is terribly clingy and fussy, plus a new tooth coming in. I feel so sorry for her :o(. No word from Crystal in a few days, I hope she is alright. I send her supportive e mail, and pray all the time. If yall could drop her a note to let her know she is missed, it may help. I got a C on my psych mid term, and the teacher put a nasty little note on the bottom. I think I will be speaking with the department head. I may be graduating a semester early. I finally feel like pushing myself is paying off. Praise the Lord! I dont feel well, so I am going to sneak in a Mommy nap (hehe) while little bit is sleeping. Post this eve! Kahne and Cat 9 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 15:48:11 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Jarin looked at his little cousin, Miranda's, shirt today and it had a sheep on it. He said, "Beep". Of course, I thought he was a little genius. I'm not sure he knew what he said, but he did say it again. Too cute. I dropped him off at the sitter today (first time since last Friday) and he cried the WHOLE DAY! I HATE leaving him! If DH's schedule were normal, I suppose it would be easier on Jarin, but I don't want him to have to go to the sitter if he can spend the time with DH. My poor baby. I really hate it that he gets so upset there. My sitter just carries him around with her most of the day, but she said that he got so upset from crying that he fell asleep this morning. =( **Kahne: Sorry school is such a b&*^$% right now. Sounds like you need to have a talk with the dept. head. What is wrong with that lady? Sounds like she has no business being a professor - totally unprofessional! Sorry to hear that Cat is getting sick (you too). Hope you are both better soon! Keep us informed with Crystal. **Sarahg: Welcome back. I am sending some positive parenting vibes your way. I need some to deal with my teenager!!!! **Sarah: Jarin is also Mr. Grumpy if we wake him from his nap. I know the tubes aren't going to be that bad, I think it's the knowing it's coming that's the worst. Now DH has to work next Thursday and can't switch his schedule, so we will have to reschedule the surgery. ARGH! Hey, girl, do you think you could post a little more often? LOL LOL LOL LOL **LisaB: Too adorable about Max tickling you and belly laughing. Jarin is also underfoot the whole time I try to get ready, cook dinner, or anything else that is difficult to do with him there. That's when he always decides he needs attention! I also always stay at the sitter's at least 5 minutes in the morning. Then I leave my baby screaming. =( **Julianne: Yay for you going shopping and buying clothes for YOU! **Birdie: Glad to hear Noah was such a good boy. Jarin definitely wouldn't have been that good. He would've been a screaming mess as soon as someone touched him. We'll be anxiously awaiting the news of the results. **Rita: I'm so jealous of you lounging until noon today! **Beth: I bet Allison was too cute in her curlers. I have to disagree with you girl - I was relieved to see the board was slow today. I needed to get on and off here quickly! LOL **MaryC: Glad to hear that you got some med. to make Elijah's diaper rash better. I hope the diarrhea stops now too. Good luck! **Take care all of you. Patty and Jarin - almost 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 20:37:40 (MDT)) Good evening everyone! Now that everyone else is in bed, I can make my way to the computer. What a crazy day! My DD celebrated her 4th birthday today! Of course Caleb got a present too, not like he won't get plenty on Saturday! He is walking more and more each day, it was like someone just flicked a switch to the "walk" position. Ok, only a few personals, I hope I get to know you all better soon! *****Julianne, we are having a "joint" party for Caleb and my DD (Alexis). Their B-days are only 8 days apart, so it just seems easier! When they are older I don't think I will be allowed this luxery! *****Birdie, I am glad Noah's test was better than you were expecting! My thoughts are with you while you wait for the results! Have a great Thursday everyone! Christ & Caleb (11+ months) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 21:28:48 (MDT)) Hello, it's Debbie. Just a little post to let you all know that we are still here. Still very busy trying to get the rest of the things put away. This sure is a slow process, especially when Maddie or Emilee wants to help. I think I need a job away from home, so I can get some time here. Not really, I wouldn't give up my time with my girls for anything. But the thought has crossed my mind. They keep me busy 24 hours a day. I'll try to catch up on everything soon. Everyone take care. Miss all of you!!!! Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 23:16:58 (MDT)) Hi it's Moriah & Alex, We're doing better. Guess where I was today ?? WORK. Yes - amazing I know. The cheesecake lady called me Tuesday while I was gone taking Alex to his Dr appointment & apologized for standing me up. Basically she said that she'd had a family emergency that forced her to go out of town (not vacation like I was told) & then her computer crashed & she had to buy a new one. So anyway she still wanted me to work but she said her computer consultant was going to be 10 more days before getting her new computer out of the box & set up. I was like "HELLO!" I've done that many times so she was thrilled & while Geoff watched Alex this afternoon I went in & set up the computer. Then tomorrow Alex & I are going back to load software. So maybe the $ stuff I was so stressed about earlier in the week will get better now. I know Geoff was very happy that she called. Alex is still throwing up. :( SOmetimes it seems better then it get's worse again. Yesterday he went to see the ENT Dr (he's in "charge" of the trach). We're going to try some new stuff. #1: they put him on Augmentin, Robitussin & Dimetappe Drops all to help decrease & thin his secretions in the trach. #2 We're going to try what's called a Passy Muir Valve. It's a thing that snaps on the outside of the trach that only allows him to breath in through the trach & forces the air out through his mouth. This will make him vocal :)))) & train hoim further on breathing with out the trach but it's only 50% as hard as just plugging thr trach. Although he still may not tolerate that so we have to see. They ordered the device & hopefully it'll be here quick. #3 The Dr is trying to find a smaller trach to see if that would make any difference. Geez more medical terms to add to my vocabulary! Just what I needed. Thanks to everyone for listening to my ranting. I read my post & though I sounded like a baby on the $$ stuff. I know that everyone has money issues. And it's not like we've been rolling in money all this time & now I have to cut down to caviar (yuck) only once a week. LOL. Both Geoff & I panic sometimes when we see the balance in the checkbook in a downward spiral with no hopes of pulling it up. I know we'll make it. Being home with Alex is a precious luxury & I know that scarifices have to be made. So sorry if I sounded so snooty - I didn't mean to come off that way. Hey Lisa - what great ideas you have for home based work. I love some of them & am going to seriously explore my options. I never thought of the baby announcment idea. I love doing that sort of thing. I even made thank you notes with Alex's picture in his cake for his birthday. I've gotten a call from practically everyone thanking me for the thank you card - now that's a first. Thanks again you put a lot of time & effort into that email. I really appreciate your friendship. Kahne - I hate suspense! Hopefully Crystal will post soon. Is she okay like not in any physical danger or anything right? Sorry to hear about your midterm! I admire you for going back to school! Birdie - I missed somehow the reason that you're having Noah tested for lead. We have a old house & I am going to mention it to my Dr to see if she thinks Alex needs a test. All the blood work he's had though I wouldn't be surprised if they already did it. Babies really are pretty resilient and brave. I'm glad that Noah was strong for Mommie's sake LOL! Ya Weanie! Funny story - I wear contacts. I have the contacts that you are supposed to throw away every day. Then I watched a story on Dateline that you can clean them & they last a long time - way cheaper. So anyway I think that I switched the contacts around by accident (my eyes are different prescriptions). So anyway my eyes have been killing me today. Oh well time to get a new pair. Cleaning my contacts sucks! I the good old days I used to just get into bed, take out my contacts & throw them over board. Then at the end of the week I'd vacuum up all the little dried up contacts. Pretty cool. Geoff on the other hand was appalled because he'd always step right into the little pile if he'd walk over on my side. Then he'd scream "Moriah your contacts are stuck to my feet". Pretty funny. One more thing (seeing how it's 1 am here & Alex continues to roll around in his baby gym). Have you guys listened to the legal stuff at the end of that commercial for the new weightloss drug that blocks the absorbtion of fat??? OMG! It's says that it will "make bowel movements runny, increase the frequency to have them & you'll lose your ability to control the need to have them". Okay let me get this straight! You'll be very thin but you'll now have to wear Pampers? How frightening. I can just see it. I'll be thin but unable to leave my toilet. I wonder if I could get a job working from the toilet? LOL LOL LOL Just like that Propecia drug that "women who may potentially be pregnant" cannot touch a broken pill. Yah - please put some of that in my house. All these new drugs are crazy! Oaky I'm delirous & must get some sleep. Alex of course is turbo kid so I think some mommy cuddles in a dark room are in order. Take care! Chat again in a few hours. Moriah & ALex (1 year) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 02:15:41 (MDT)) Hi, Just a quick note, Moriah, Crystal is not in any physical harm, there is just a lot going on right now. I am sure she will be back soon. Glad to hear there is some good news on the horizon for Alex. Sounds precoius playing and keeping mommy up, LOL. I too have quirks that drive DH insane, it is fun to drive him mad! GERAT NEWS about the job. Debbie, I go to school 4 days a week in the morn. I find myself a more patient Mommy actually, cause, it sounds strange but, I value our time together more. DONT get me wrong I would LOVE to stay home with her, but going back to school has allowed me to have a 2 way conversation again. It drives me cazy, but helps me keep my sanity a little too. Talk soon! Kahne and Cat 9 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 03:19:53 (MDT)) Good morning! SARAH here, bright and early...too early!!! :0 HANNAH was such a good girl last night. We went to my parents for dinner (DH had to work) and she was just sooo happy all night. She's wanting to walk more and more. She loves it..I love it! :) RITA - Thanks for helping out with the pictures. Don't worry about the other 2. Thanks anyway!!:) LISA - Oh my gosh!!!! What an ordeal! LOL LOL :) Did you get the 2 from RITA? KELLI - Thanks for trying with the pictures, too! BETH - What?? You don't make ALLISON work??? :) KAHNE - How are you and CAT feeling? What did the note say?? What a ^$&#&!! SARAH g. - I read your birthstory!! I was great! PATTY - So what if I post 100 times??? LOL LOL I'm so sorry to hear JARIN cried at the sitters. :( How did he do today? Poor little guy! MARY C. - Glad you got ELIJAH on some medication. CHRISTI - I know what you mean about turning on a light switch!!! DEBBIE - So good to hear from you!! Glad you guys are doing good!! MORIAH - YEA!!! I'm glad you got your "job back". Your story about the contacts cracked me up. All I can say is, Bless ALEX's little heart!! JULIANNE - I'm glad you went shopping for YOURSELF!! One question, what's that like??? LOL Well, better start some work. :( Talk to you ladies later!! Sarah and Hannah (13 1/2 mo) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 07:00:12 (MDT)) Colton's cold is getting a little better. No fever, just coughing at bedtime, during sleep, and in AM. He was so miserable when I was trying to get him to sleep last night. Finally he squirmed out of my arms, crawled over to a pile of huge stuffed animals, crawled up in the teddy bear's lap (face forward) and fell to sleep. It was the cutest thing. Sad that teddy bear can comfort better than mommy though! I let him stay that way for a good 20 min then put him in his crib. He only got up once during the night so that wasn't too bad. LisaB: I think a 1/2 hr of fake giggling keeps you in the running. How fun! Colton likes to press DH's bellybutton for laughs--DH only last about 10 min. SarahG: Here are some patience vibes going your way~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hope Isaac turns back into your sweetie soon. Birdie: Mothering is just one worry to the next--with lost of love & kisses in-between. Glad the blood test went so well. Beth: Allison & her curlers--how cute. One of the things I miss out on since I have a boy! MaryC: I am so glad that Elijah's diaper rash is starting to get better. Kahne: I hope you get things worked out w/ your psych prof. Patty: Poor Jarin crying at daycare. I agree w/ you on feeling it is more important for him to spend extra time w/ Dh rather than stay on a daycare schedule. Do you have to pay even though Jarin is not at daycare? I have to pay the same out if Colton goes or if he stays home. Moriah: Yeah for you working yesterday and today. I was glad to see that Alex's dr is trying some different things to help. Hopefully together they will really start him breathing and talking! Please do not worry about your post coming off as snooty. It did not. You are entitled to worry about finances. We love you lots and are here to support you. You had me LOL at your contacts story! Sarah: Finally I posted before you--I think--I will have to check. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 07:08:44 (MDT)) Sarah you were miss speedy fingers this AM! However, I was interrupted several times between reading the posts and posting! :) Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 07:15:33 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB and my little man. I always start running his bath, we go in his room to take his clothes off, and then back to the bathroom where he gets his diaper off 2 seconds before going in the bath (to avoid accidents). Last night when I took the diaper off I foled it up and taped it real quick before putting Max in the tub. He reached for the diaper so I gave it to him, expecting it to go in the tub. He grabbed it, carried it into his room, and stood by the Diaper Genie. I openned the lid and he laid the diaper in. I pushed it down and sealed it and then he shut the lid. He then just turned around and walked back to the tub, like putting his own wet diaper up was no big deal! I was so impressed that he KNEW what to do with his diaper but also sad because it's futher proof that he's growing up. SARAH/RITA/KELLI: Thanks for all the work on sending me Hannah's pictures. I got 2 from Rita and they are simply adorable! What a cutie!!! KAHNE: I hope you and Cat feel better soon. I would take the test, with the nasty comment, and march straight into the division director's office. Tell him also about her locking the door. That is just ridiculous. BTW, I sent Crystal an e-mail the day I saw your post on her trouble but I haven't heard back from her either. PATTY: Beep! Beep! Ok, I guess maybe Max isn't quite the genius I think he is as Jarin is always one step ahead of him - LOL!!!! DH and I also usually keep Max at home with us versus taking him to the sitter if one of us is off. I wonder if part of Jarin's problem thou is just the lack of a routine - he doesn't go to the sitters that much so she's almost like a stranger. Would it be possible to take him there 3+ days a week, even if just for a hour with either you or DH there? I know it's unconvenient but that way he gets used to going. Max still cries some when I leave the sitters but quits by the time I get to the door as he's used to being there. Just an idea! BTW - The sitter said Max got fussy yesterday and was whining. Then he hung his head and started saying "Mom, Mom, mama, MOM!" in a sad little voice. She said it almost made her cry (and I felt HORRIBLE when she told me). MORIAH: I hope things work out with the Cheesy (oops - cheesecake) lady! No, you weren't whiny, snotty, babyish, etc. with your $$ posts. I've often wondered how you guys manage to make ends meet, especially as Geoff is self-employed so you can't get cheap insurance and don't have the other "standard" employment benefits. I hope some of my ideas work for you. The only reason I had so many ideas was because I'm thinking ahead to when I quit work after we have #2 - both to make some $$ and to have some focus to my life (I'm WAY too anal / type A personality to just be a SAHM ... I would drive me and the kids ALL nuts!). Great news on the possible value!!!! I know how much you long to hear Alex's sweet little voice. And the contacts on the floor ... too funny (and just one more example of how much things change once you have kids!). Well, I've rambled on long enough. Talk more later! LisaB & Boy Genius (AKA Max - 13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 08:10:02 (MDT)) OOPS - I hit post and then realized I had a note to Julianne on the back of my "notes" paper. JULIANNE: How sad that Mr. Teddy replaced you, at least temporarily. :-( Just one more example of how fast our babies (no, toddlers) are growing up. They can comfort themselves, walk, feed themselves (but still need us to clean up the mess!), etc. Don't you sometimes wish you could just stop the clock so you have more time to enjoy TODAY as you know Colton will have a new "trick" or discovery tomorrow that YOU aren't ready for?! Yep, you ladies guessed it. I'm just a big old emotional sentimental sap today. LisaB Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 08:13:15 (MDT)) It's me again - LisaB - completing with Sarah for the most posts in one day!!! I wanted to mention a news report I heard last night. I missed the beginning as I was feeding Max but some study of BF 2,500+ moms and babies was done. The rate of luekemia and Hodkins disease in the study's population was less than the "normal" rate for the general population - a slight decrease if baby was BF for a month and a much larger decrease if the baby was BF for at least 6 months. So, Patty, I, and any other Moms still BF have just one more reason to give busy bodies who are worried about us STILL BF (and Kelli, Rita, and others who BF for several months have one more reason to be proud of their accomplishment)!!! DISCLAIMER: I'm not trying to knock anyone who didn't BF or start a big argument as I realize we all have to do what works best for us and our babies. LisaB Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 08:19:24 (MDT)) I'm almost ashamed to put my name on here (it's LisaB) as you are all rolling your eyes thinking "shut up already"! I just wanted to say I just got an e-mail from Crystal. She's doing ok and is reading the board - she just isn't posting as she's not feeling up to it (and is understandably reluctant to post anything personal after being attacked for some of her posts on BT). Anyway, she's probably reading this so everyone say "hi", "hang in there", etc. to her via this board if you feel like it. And I really am going now as I HAVE to tackle these growing piles on my desk! LisaB Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 08:27:17 (MDT)) Great posts this morning! Nice to hear (so much) from you LisaB! (just kidding!) Glad to hear Crystal is oK - Crystal, come post, we promise we'll be nice... Moriah: you did not sound snotty! You sounded like a mom who's stressed out over her beautiful baby who's having a bad time, and like most of us, about money! We're on the way to #2, and I'd love to be able to stay home with both of them, but we made the mistake of buying a house when we were pg with Alex, and now I have to work, at least part-time. I don't know what I would do in your situation, you are an amazingly strong woman! To my cute story.. Last night I was in the bath with Alex and he discovered his squirting alligator (except we call it a frog because he'll never be able to say alligator...) Anyways, he realized he could squirt water, then he realized he could squirt it at me! He would squirt, I'd scream and duck, and he would laugh!!!! It was really too cute, We did this for at least 15 minutes (until he got bored). My wonderful little boy... Okay, better get to work this morning, Talk to you later. SarahW, Alex (13mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 09:29:33 (MDT)) Hello from Rita (Yes, I am at work today) Well, my house is in better shape since I stayed home yesterday. DH called me around 3:00PM to make sure that I had not been doing house work all day. I did sleep in and getting to sort through the photo album without busy little hands "helping" me was a treat. Christi - My DDs' BDs are four days apart, so we are having a joint 1st and third BD party in January. There's no way that I could expect people to come to two parties in the same week and so close to Christmas, too. I'm also sure that this will not be good enough in the future. Debbie - Good to hear from you! Are you coming up to the Bay Area for any of the holidays? We would love to see you guys. Moriah - Things sounds alot more positive - yah!!! Too funny about the contact lenses. I cannot see myself putting anything in my eyes, so it's been glasses since third grade for me. Your posts do not come off as being spoiled. I think that $$ is an issue for everyone. Sarah g - ++++++parenting vibes to you. Maddy takes so much energy to parent and it looks like Amy is going to be very determined as well. Sometimes I just need to hand things over to Larry for a few minutes so that I can keep calm. I try to take a little personal time, too. Crystal - Sorry to hear that things are rough for you right now. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers until you feel able to post again. Well, gotta go and get some work done. Take care everyone. Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 10:46:17 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! I've been lurking and only reading and taking notes- no time to post- even now-- my bucket and mop awaits!! Amanda is becomming quite a JOB!!!!! Who mentioned that their little one was 'trying at times-- well I have one too!! Terrible two's have hit early! Yesterday she put the dish towel in the dog's bowl and then drug it through the kitchen soaken wet: Shook her milk all over the foyer dark green rug: Threw food on the dog as usual- we're still picking crusty ketchup spots off him: etc,etc,etc..... When bed time comes I'm ready for it and wiped out!! Love her to death though! :O) BIRDIE--So glad the shot went well and turned out to be less painful than expected!! KAHNE-- Thanks for the update on crystal- hope everything is working out for her. MORIAH-- Look on the bright side-- you were able to stay at home w/Alex and have a nest-egg- even though its dwindling. :O) Alex is doing so well that things should be a little easier in the months to come-hang in there-- hope everything w/the trach works out. LISAB- I got rid of my diaper genie months ago- smelly and filling up too fast- your still using yours- what did I did I do wrong???? Max sounds like such a cutie!! What do you mean Crystal was getting bad vibes on BT????? Hope she comes back soon!!!!! Well my little cyclone is throwing all her books out of the book shelf- took all the paper out of the printer and scattered them everywhere-- LATER!!!!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 12:22:16 (MDT)) Gee, I was REALLY hoping there would be more posts so I wouldn't look so talkative. Yep, LisaB again. I'll be training all day tomorrow so I wanted to "catch up" before I left. SARAH W: The alligator/frog sounds adorable (but you'll have one confused kid when he's older and calls alligators frogs - LOL!). HELEN: Remember the post from "concerned" on BT attacking Crystal for posting about her marital problems - or maybe that was after you graduated to TT. I have a stick-up air freshner in the lid of the diaper genie. I dump it 1-2 times a week (but remember Max spends 5 days a week at day care). Have a great weekend! LisaB & Max email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 15:18:30 (MDT)) Hello from Christi and Caleb! Don't have a lot to say today, just wanted to check in. Today, I am Mrs. Hormonal! I have not had AF since May, and the Dr gave me a shot of pergesterone (sp?) to induce one, wow, this sucks! I don't usually have cramps, but I do now. (I am sure I am not pg, I have had 2 tests in the last month) Caleb has started shaking his head yes and no, where do they get this stuff? Anyway it is cute :-) Hope you all have a great day!! See you tomorrow Christi & Caleb 11 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 16:49:53 (MDT)) Hi guys, Kahne here, LISA B, glad to hear Crystal is talking to someone! Crystal, I am gald you are alright, come back soon! Well since a lot of you asked about the comment on the test, I will tell you. I am dyslexic, and I get things confused VERY easily. On the MID we had to draw a chart. On the last part of it, I got it confused, and wrote the answers opposite of what they should have been. Well underneath every wrong answer she wrote the word THINK underlined twice with many !!! after it. At the bottom of the paper she wrote CAN YOU THINK??? Well that pushed me over the edge. CAUSE sometimes I CANT. She took the test back up, and I would have to ask her for it, so basically it is my word against hers. And if the Department head asked to see it, all she would have to say is that it was lost. Basically a LOSE-LOSE situation dont you think?? Well all of my time was wasted waiting for the board to post, took almost 10 minutes. Did anyone else have this problem? Gotta study now, Bye all! Kahne and Cat 9 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 19:21:14 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. Yes, I'm okay. Dh and I had a major problem. I don't feel like giving the details right now. It still hurts too much to talk about. But, we've pretty much gotten everything worked out now, which is good and a relief. I've been real depressed for the past few days, which is why I haven't posted. I'm feeling a little better tonight so decided to post. I just haven't been real sociable.Not really even talking to the friends I see everyday also. Well, that's enough about it. I don't want to get real depressed again because of it. Darrel has been a real cutie the past few days. His appitite has picked up and is normal again. The other day at day care, Darrel and the two other toddlers in the infant room were given goldfish and sat on the floor with them. Darrel's was in front him, and one of the other kids' fish were beside Darrel. Instead of eating his own, Darrel ate from the bowl that was in front of him. Then, he scooted his bowl closer to him and ate his fish. Today, Darrel was using the toy xylophone as a vacuum and then started "playing" it with a block. Darrel is walking more often now. It's never more than just a few steps, but it's so hard to believe that his time has come. I think he'll be walking all the time within the next month. He looks so cute and grown up when he walks. I just want to thank Sara, Julianne, Kahne, and LisaB and anyone else I may have forgotten for their support in this difficult time. It helps to know that I have friends who are supportive. Well, it's getting late, so I'll get going. Sorry no personals. I'll post more in the morning. I promise. I won't stay a stranger for too long. And even though I kept up on the posts, I still missed everyone. Long-lost Crystal and Darrel 14 months on Saturday email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 20:36:10 (MDT)) Hi mommies. I just was almost finished posting when little Jarin monster decided to mess with the computer. UGH! He is so funny. He was Mr. Smiles all day and I can't believe how he just learns something new every day. However, he is such a monster child! **Debbie: I'm sure your girls are just a huge help moving things in and unpacking. LOL **Moriah: Glad to hear that the job may work out after all. I hope you are able to get the new instrument and it works out so you can HEAR Alex! You were not being snooty. I agree with Rita - I think $$ is an issue for all of us. I have to clean my contacts every night. Hate it. I really want that laser eye surgery. **Sarah: Jarin did better at the sitter's today. She said she put him down and just kept reassuring him everything was ok, but didn't hold him all day. She said he followed her around for about 35 minutes crying =(, but then he just stopped and started playing. Then for the rest of the day he was better. =) I bet you will have lots of fun with Hannah walking more and more now. **Julianne: I bet Colton was so sweet asleep on his bear's lap. =) No, we don't have to pay our sitter if Jarin isn't there. She's a friend of ours, so I think this might be special treatment. LOL **LisaB: Ok, you are the mother of the boy genius. heehee. Too cute about the diaper story. I think you are right about the sitter. I just need to go there on days that he isn't there, but I don't want her to feel like I'm bugging her. Ok, you gave me another reason to NOT feel guilty for still bfing. And hey, do you think you could post any more today? LOL LOL You beat Sarah hands down! LOL **Sarahg: That is so precious about Alex and the squirt toy. =) **Christi: I know - I'm constantly amazed at how every day they learn something new. **Kahne: That prof. is totally out of line! I think I would say something. She has no business teaching. **Crystal: Hope everything is ok. **Gotta type my newsletter to send home with the kiddos tomorrow, so I'd better go. Plus, I still have to put monster boy to bed. See ya! Patty and Jarin email: tematheny@ctlnet>com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 21:07:32 (MDT)) Hey everyone! It's DeeDee & Edward!!!!! I know it's stange to be hearing from me! It's been three months ago today since my miscarriage. I'm starting to feel better mostly because I think I may be PG again! I really hope so!!! I'll know next week. I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still alive and that Edward is doing wonderful!!!! He is cuter by the day!!!! I think of all you guys often and I would like to start posting again. I'll have to wait and see. It feels good to post with you all again and I hope everyone is doing great!!!! Lots of Love to all Mommies & Babies!!!! Love DeeDee :) DeeDee&Edward @ almost 8mths! email: DeeDee408@hotmail.com Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 23:25:02 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Checking in quick as usual--Amanda was trying to pull me off the chair but is 'reading' now and quiet!! We have a pig roast tomorrow so its off to the grocery store for something to make for it, and DS informed me this AM that at school its his turn to bring in snack for 'advisory'- nothing like the last minute!! Amanda went to bed last night at 7:15-- was just miserable, pulling on the fridge, in the cubbards, throwing her cup and food on the floor- and slept all night!! SARAH&HANNAH-- Amanda has woken up 4X in the last 2-wks. She gets up every few nights- was up twice 2 nights ago but goes right back to sleep- I give her a bottle at night b/c she is wide awake and at that hour I don't feel like experimenting whether or not she would go back to sleep without one. I will try it without one in the next week or so and see if rocking her and putting her back in her crib works. CRYSTAL-- Sorry things are not well there- glad your back!! PATTY-- There's a monster in my house too!!! Someone was saying their little one is shaking their head yes and no-- I realized I do this to Amanda-- never noticed it until she was doing it all the time to me-- they catch on quick don't they!!! Should hit the shower-- have a good weekend everyone-- LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Friday, October 22, 1999 at 06:35:15 (MDT)) Happy Friday everyone. It's Crystal this time!!! Work is going great. I'm not in the baby room right now, though, because we are so short on staff. They have me in the two year old room. I love the two year olds, but they are so rambunctious. I miss my babies. But I like the two year old room because they are old enough to do arts and crafts, aren't stuck in one room everyday all day, and they can talk, for the most part. However, it's hard on my patience. They are the meanest group of kids I know. They constantly hit, bite, throw toys, kick, hit with toys, push, and shove. I don't know what to do. Then, I also get the 4 year olds every once in a while for a couple of hours. They are afraid of me because I can be strict with them. Everytime I go in there, they get quiet and sit down as soon as they see me. Some of them will even start to cry. I donn't yell at them or anything like that. I just tell them like it is and enforce the rules of the day care and the class. They listen to me with no problem. I like doing the 4 year old class better than the two year old class because the 4's listen so much better. And it's easier to hold a conversation with them. Darrel's doing well. Two of his molars are just about completely in. So, Darrel has 6 top teeth and three bottom teeth. I'm thinking that Darrel may end up being left handed. I know that there's still time before it's easier to tell which the predominant hand will be, but I really think he will be a lefty. Ever since birth, Darrel has used his left hand for practically everything, except he sucks his right thumb. But, for basically everything else, he always uses his left hand. Both dh and my dad are lefties, so it's very possible that Darrel is too. Moriah: That story about the contact lenses is too funny. I'm glad the dr. is thinking of other possibilities for helping Alex. LisaB: That's cute about Max taking the diaper and putting it in the diaper genie. Guess that means it's his responsiblity now, huh? LOL DeeDee: Glad to hear from you again! You're more than welcomed to stay over on this side. Here's some positive vibes being sent your way. +++++++++++++++++ Well, ladies, that's about it for right now. I'll post again later. Crystal and Darrel 14 months tomorrow email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 06:48:26 (MDT)) Good morning everyone! IT'S FRIDAY!!! YEA! :) Yep, it's SARAH and I'm so glad it's Friday!! HANNAH just wants to walk all of the time now. She still does some crawling, but is walking more and more. I love it!! :) She had like a 20 min nap all day yesterday my mom said, and I thought I was really in for it last night. She was SOOO good last night. So much fun!!! I laid in bed last night and cried because I'm SO lucky to have her, and such a wonderful DH! OK, that's all for the sappy stuff...... JULIANNE - I'm glad COLTON is feeling better. You made me LOL when you thought you posted before me yesterday, then got back on and said "no". :) The teddy bear story was so sweet!! LISA - Dang girl! You beat me with posts yesterday! :) Thanks for the compliments on HANNAH! SARAH W. - Your alligator aka frog story was too cute! HELEN - I know what you mean about our little one's being "trying"!! I (well DH) do the same thing with HANNAH at night when she gets up (usually just once). KAHNE - Heck no!!! I would still say something. Those little comments are absolutely ridiculous!! CRYSTAL - Glad to hear from you! You know you always have support here! Hang in there! Happy 14 month Birthday to DARREL tomorrow! PATTY - I'm glad JARIN did better yesterday. Yes, I'm excited for HANNAH to be walking!! Hey, is JARIN still waking in the night? DEEDEE - SOOOO good to hear from you!! I think of you and EDWARD alot!!! ++++++++ thoughts!!! :) Hi to KELLI, BETH, RITA, SARAH g.,and everyone else I've missed!!! Hope you all have a great,safe weekend!!! Sarah and Hannah (13 1/2 mo) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 06:55:23 (MDT)) It's Crystal again. Helen: Darrel also shakes his head yes and no. He started shaking his head yes at about 6 months, and everyone thought it was the cutest thing. Then, at about 9 months, he started shaking his head no. It was so funny. Now, he shakes his head yes and no whenever we do. If he's getting into something he's not supposed to be, he'll shake his head no while he's doing it. If Icall his name and shake my hed no, then he shakes his yes. Then I'll shake my head yes, and he'll shake his no. It will go on for two or three minutes and he'll forget about what he was doing and find something he's allowed to do. Crystal again Friday, October 22, 1999 at 07:02:39 (MDT)) Okay, I forgot one more thing; Julianne: That teddy bear story was so sweet. A couple of weeks ago after Dh got here, I had some errands to run before going to work. After my errands, I had 15 minutes left before I had to leave for work, so I went home real quick to see dh and Darrel. Darrel was passed out on the kitchen floor. Dh says that he didn't even cry. He just layed down and went right to sleep.He woke up, though, just as I had to leave for work. Okay, I'm really going now, as long as there isn't another post for me to respond to. LOL It' Crystal again!!!! Friday, October 22, 1999 at 07:11:41 (MDT)) Darrel is here waiting to type, so, I'll let him talk first. >Lhyyv vc fcb v |:Nb ['mrf =-.,m hj gft8[pojp;q!jmhjn 9\423 Crystal here now. 111111[ 69+++++++Darrel keeps trying to type around me. And let's not etorget that he /keeps tu\lnr\] l0hju Turning up the volume for the cd player. He's been a character his morning. Well, gotta go so we can go to work. 000f+++++ -I+'ll l e. t Dar rel333333 0000000030. say b+y*e +.- 9real quick-. \ jjj n j mlm,mk Marathon poster Crystal and Darrel email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 09:12:02 (MDT)) Hey, Beth here. This will be a quick post as they have put a "sniffer" on our server here at work and are monitoring all internet usage. I will try to post from home if I get a chance, but just wanted to let you all know that we are doing great and are still around. Have a great weekend if I don't get to talk to you any before Monday!! Beth and Allison (17months) email: bobwite@msn.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 10:30:57 (MDT)) Hello from Rita Woo hoo, it's Friday! Thank goodness. Work just gets in the way of my real life. Ha ha. We really don't have much planned for this weekend, but those are always the best weekends. We will have a guest for dinner tomorrow, but she is such a good friend that we don't have to worry about a totally spotless house or fancy menu. I am getting into the spirit of fall, even though it is still warm out here. I have gotten the Thanksgiving issues of my cooking magazines and I can't wait to try some of the new recipes this year. I will resize the pumpkin patch pictures this weekend, so send me an e-mail if you would like to see pictures of the girls. (None of me, as usual) DeeDee - Welcome back to you. We have missed you. You will have to let us know as soon as you know for sure. +++++++++ Crystal - Good to see you posting, too. Hang in there - I hope that your spirits improve soon. Your job sounds great. I would love to have my own cooking and craft school for kids. This would actually be my dream job if I didn't need to earn as much money as I do to live here in the SF Bay Area. Beth - What a drag! There's no way that my huge company could efficiently monitor all of us on internet usage. I don't feel so bad, so many people are looking at their stocks or playing fantasy football. I am doing something much more constructive. LOL Well, I had better get back to work. Have a great weekend everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 10:50:26 (MDT)) Julianne here posting really late today. I had a seminar to attend this AM. Kind of bummed me out, I had to cancel visiting my friend with her triplets because of the seminar. I think my DH is throwing me a surprise 30th b-day party on Sat. There have been several comments that have made me suspicious. I threw him one last year. I hope I am right because I will be disappointed otherwise & I can be a really big baby. Yes, I know that must just shock all of you. LOL LisaB: Good job Max for putting away his diaper. SarahW: Colton has just learned how to squeeze his bath toys that squirt water. He puts so much of his effort into it that it makes me laugh. Helen: Amanda sure is keeping you on your toes ...good luck keeping up! At lease she slept all night for ya. Crystal: Glad you worked things out w/ DH. Problems always seem to creep up in even the best of marriages. It is so important to be able to talk and work through them together. I know it can be very tough at times. Hang in there! Keep up the good job at daycare. Sounds like you are doing a great job w/ those 4 yr olds. Patty: I'm with you on wanting the laser eye surgery ...someday. DeeDee: So great to hear from you again. I will be thinking positive thoughts for you. Hugs to Edward. It sounds like he is growing fast and doing well. Stay in touch. Rita: I would love to see the pumpkin patch pictures. It is time for me to attempt to figure out our scanner once again. I just picked up Colton's pumpkin/train ride photos and there were some good ones. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 12:34:18 (MDT)) Hello again from Helen&Amanda!! Not much going on here today, did some baking and delivered it to DS at school-- Amanda is tearing the room apart as usual. :O) LISAB- I put a stick up and a diaper pail deoderizer in Amanda's diaper genie-- too stinky so now I use the supermarket brand food storage bags for the poopy diapers, tie it in a knot and it works well. I found the refills for the 'genie' really expensive compared to plastic bags, luckily the genie and 4-refills were lent to me. Have a good weekend!! My brother just sent me photos of the family by e-mail- I have to figure it out and do the same this week!! Oh--our neighbour is having the pig roast- I wasn't too clear in my earlier post. I will be cool but they have rented a huge tent and are only 3-doors down if it gets too chilly for Amanda. Well I should go- clean up this room now that its destroyed!! LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@14mos(#3) Friday, October 22, 1999 at 13:11:31 (MDT)) Happy Friday everyone, Christi Here, being thankful to have made it thru another week! I had the best mommy moment last night!! Everyone else was in bed--no that wasnt the moment :o) Seeing as I could not sleep I went into Calebs room to watch him sleep, and pray over him which I often do, but this time he was sitting up about 1/2 asleep. I decided to risk not getting him back to sleep and picked him up, we had the best cuddle ever! He has never been one to cuddle or even sleep in anyones arms, so this was really something for me! We just rocked in his room for about 1/2 hour, then I laid him back down, and he went right back to sleep. Did anyone else have a problem with their little one turning 1? My DD I was okay with, but since I think Caleb may be our last, it is killing me! Anyway! ~~~~~Crystal, you will be in my thoughts and prayers! Darrel sounds so cute shaking his head when he is doing a "no-no" ~~~~~Kahne, your prof was wrong to do what she did!If you think you have any chance I would take it to the department head, but if you think it may just backfire and make things worse for you, I would leave it alone. Good luck! ~~~~~Rita, I would love to see pics of your DD's!! Anyone else that has them too!! Thanks ! Well, we are going to celebrate Caleb's first birhtday tomorrow (it is actually Thursday the 28th). I have the cutest outfit for him to wear, it has a denim shirt with a brown vest, a real tie (not a clip on), and brown cords. I can't wait to see him in it! Hopefully I will have pics by Monday. Sorry to rattle for so long! Have a good weekend! Christi & Caleb 11 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 13:11:56 (MDT)) Katy here Sorry it's been so long since i posted but things have been hectic. School is crazy and then we lost the internet service at home because a stupid bill was like a day late. Liam has been driving me nuts, but what else is new, it's all worth it when he smiles. It's the kind of smile, as DH puts it, that would charm the panties off a nun. LOL Moriah- I don't think you are whining about the money thing. We are in the same boat. It feels like we are robbing Peter to pay Paul sometimes. hopefully DH's settlement from work will be coming in soon and all our debts will be paid off and we can afford to move into a bigger place. Good news about Alex, I'll keep my fingers crossed for him. Everyone else, i hope you are doing well. hugs all around. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 13:15:23 (MDT)) Hello Ladies, Becky here. Well the meeting last Saturday went really well with my biological mom. I was getting ready Saturday and started crying, and I really didn't know why. I pulled myself together and we went to the Peppermill in Concord to meet. My mom (who raised me)and her boyfriend where waiting in the lobby so I saw them first then Sherri's (bio mom)husband came up to us and asked if I was Becky and I said I was and he pointed accross the resturant to Sherri and said there she is. I walked over and shook her hand and then I gave her a hug. Of course it was pretty awkward but it got better after awhile. Our waitress was really rude, and we kept making jokes about it. I said it was part of her charm. Harley spilled a glass of water and we all used our cloth napkins to wipe it up. When the waitress returned we asked for some more napkins and gave her the wet ones. She brought back a stack of paper napkins threw them on the table and said here these go further. I thought it was such a hoot. DH went to the "top-man" in charge of the napkins (the bus boy) and got us some more cloth napkins. The waitress also carded my husband and he is 55 years old. It was a scream. Sherri kind of looks like me, and we had a really good lunch. Afterwards we went to her brothers house and I met her brother and her mother (my bio-grandmother) She was really nice and said that she snuck into the nursery when I was born to see me even though she wasn't suppose to. I found out a lot about the family's medical history and saw pictures of bio-grandfather who had passed on. Sherri gave me a photocopy of a picture from a yearbook of my bio dad who died when he was about 24. He and Sherri were only 18 when I was born. Sherri's brother told my mom that Sherri had spent all morning crying before the meeting. Kind of weird, huh? That we both were crying at the same time. Anyway, Harley got a T-shirt from Sherri and a truck and a stuffed horse from Great Grandma. It was a very good visit, and we plan to do it again someday. I hope everyone has a good weekend. Sorry no personals, I've been swamped here at work. I will do better next time. Love you all, and have a good weekend. Becky & Harley - 14 months email: bsmisek@scfair.org Friday, October 22, 1999 at 15:25:37 (MDT)) Hi mommies. DH is downstairs listening to his music and Jarin is dancing along, so I have a few minutes to myself. Of course, it's 11:00 PM, and Jarin is still going strong. I suppose "Love Shack", "Dream Police" and "Friends in Low Places" could be keeping him up. LOL. Can you tell DH has a wide variety of music? LOL LOL. Jarin has been in such a good mood all day. I had a Halloween sweatshirt on with Mickey Mouse dressed as a ghost. I said "Where's the ghost?" and Jarin would point to it. Then I kept saying "The ghost says 'boo'" and he would CRACK UP! It was so funny. =) **Crystal: You must've been posting when I was last night. Glad to see you back. **DeeDee: Hellooooo long lost pal! I can't believe that Edward is 8 months old!!!!! Sending +++++++++++++vibes your way. **Helen and Sarah: Well, Jarin has now joined your girls as last night he was awake from 3:45-4:15. I didn't feed him or go all the way into his room. I went to his door and told him it was ok and night night time. He still cried for about 20 minutes. That's the second time this week he was awake. He WAS doing pretty well. **Rita: If your pics of the girls aren't too large of a file, I would love to see them! **Julianne: I hope you get your surprise party. =) The laser surgery is yeah, someday. DH bought the van last summer, so I said the next time we spend money it gets to be on me. Gee, let's see, we only have a five year loan on the van, by then I'll be 38! AAAAHHHHH! (No offense to anyone who happens to be 38. LOL) **Christi: Your cuddle moment sounds so sweet. I love those times. I had a hard time with Jarin turning one - he's probably our last one too. =( **Becky: Glad your meeting went well with your biological mom, except for the waitress of course. What a jerk. It's hard to believe people like that can keep a job, but I guess since there are so many jobs right now it's hard to find good help! That is kinda weird that you and Sherri were crying at the same time. Kind of a twilight zone moment, huh? LOL **Ok, now that "Born to Run" is playing downstairs, I think it's about time for Jarin to get ready for bed. heehee. Good thing we get to sleep in tomorrow. You guys should really hear DH singing. ROTFL! =) Bye! Patty and Jarin email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Friday, October 22, 1999 at 22:10:25 (MDT)) I have a really strange question here. Is there anyone on this board who used to post on the PT Board when a person by the name of Manon was posting? I had to leave the board prematurely due to my job ending and lack of a computer at home. I read through the archives to hear about her baby's birth information and could not find it. I just wanted to know if everything went okay since I read that she went past her due date. If anyone can give me some information (LisaB. or Birdie?) I would greatly appreciate it. I really regretted not being to keep up with everyone and share my birth story. Thank you. Elijah's Update: Diarrhea is slowing down, and the rash is much much better. Whoever said about feeding E yogurt was certainly right on the nose. The Dr. said that we should go buy some so we did that day. E has always like yogurt so it was no problem getting him to eat it. I am due in April and E will be 20 mths old by then. I have a bed all set up for him and was wondering when would be a good time to move him into it. Before the baby arrives or after while the baby is in the bassinett for a few months? He is a big boy for his age, but I don't think he is quite ready yet. Or is he? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks again! MaryC & Elijah @ 14mths Saturday, October 23, 1999 at 07:23:40 (MDT)) Hi everyone!! I havent been around the last week or so rough week. Poor little Angel is sick with cold, flu, teeth and possible reaction to her mmr needle last week. Becky- glad the meeting went well Moriah- I hope Alex gets better!!! Birdie- good luck Sarah g.- rough last 3 days here too!! positive vibes your way Sarah- i didnt get any pics would love to see some of Hannah Lisa B.- it does feel good to earn at least a bit of money for the family. I work parttime in daycare supplying for a couple of centers when needed. At least I feel liek i am contributing not that looking after my daughter isnt contributing but makes me feel a lot better. I knwo how you feel about the tickling Angel tries to tickle under my chin and I just pretend laugh too. But when you do it to her she breaks out in hysterics. Helen- I feel the same way you do. I think Angel has hit the terrible twos early she is only 15 months soon to be 16 months on Nov 7th. If anyone wants to send me pics of their little ones I would love to see them. I am trying to get my scanner working so I can send you guys pics of my little one!! Well that is all hope you all have a great weekend!! Diane and Angel - 15 months Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Saturday, October 23, 1999 at 12:30:08 (MDT)) Hi ladies, Kahne here, DH and I just got into a blowout in front of his mother, HE CAN BE SO MALE SOMETIMES. Anyhow, giving a tooth update, we are up to six!! the bottom left and bottom canine also left, and the 4 top. ADORABLE smile! Had her x mas pics taken yesterday at wal mart. Wanted to take advantage of the special. I got a GREAT deal on a toaster oven yesterday! I had been wanting one for a while, but all of the ones I have looked at were 40+ dollars. We were walking by a display of them, and I commented to MIL how I wanted one. I looked at them, and noticed a clearance tag on one of them, $16.00 !!!! Needless to say, I have a new toaster oven! NAME BRAND TOO (Sunbeam). I love it when I get a good deal. Dh and I went out last night, Cat spent the night with MIL. We went to his co-workers family's fishing camp. I was with a bunch of drunk people I did not know. So, out of boredom, I drank too much. I made him pull over on the way home so I could you-know-what. How embarrasing. He was mad cause I got drunk, so what. I did not have the baby to worry about, and what else did I have to do? MEN AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I hate double standards. I still havent decided what to do about the nutty professor. I think I will calmly pull her aside and tell her about my problem, and let her feel bad for "making fun" of it. What do yall think? I am glad all of you liked the pics, if you did not get them, e mail me a skcx2@fnbop.com to get them, and yes it is the dress she wore to my wedding. She is too cute for her own good sometimes. She gives me these looks that make me feel guilty about fussing at her. Ok, onto personals, what a monster post I am giving today! Crystal--WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!! I am glad to hear you and DH are getting it together. I know it is rough, but I am here for you ANYTIME. Great that you are doing well at work! Patti--Have you name written down, dont remember why! DeeDee-- ++++++++++++Thoughts your way! Becky--I KNEW you would not regret it. You have been given a WONDERFUL gift, ENJOY it to the fullest, and give your bio mom an extra hug for me, you know why. OK, I am going to finish baking my pumkin pies, and then onto MIL's to help her find her luggage, she is off to Vegas this week. I hope she wins a million and buys us a house, LOL! Love you all! Kahne and Cat 10 months TOMORROW!!! email: skcx2@fnbop.com Saturday, October 23, 1999 at 14:53:47 (MDT)) |