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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Crystal and Darrel here on this slow Sunday afternoon. Not much new is going on here. I do have a question, though. Darrel has about 10 welts on his back just above his diaper, and this morning I saw a new one on his leg. Doesn't look like chicken pox, ringworm, measles, misquito bites, or ant bites. The welts are red and there is not a head on them. Does anyone have any idea as to what they may be? I've thought that they could be hives, but he hasn't been exposed to anything new that he could be allergic to. Any ideas? Crystal and Darrel 14 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Sunday, October 24, 1999 at 11:16:00 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Jarin is in the bathtub right now and Jaime and Jesse are playing together. That is a huge miracle that they are not fighting. It only happens about once a year. LOL. DH and I went out to dinner ALONE last night! It was the first time since Jarin was born. How pathetic is that? Anyway, we had a really nice time just the two of us. I even drank a strawberry daquiri - my first alcoholic drink in 22 months! We even did a little making out in the car after dinner. It was so funny - we were kissing in our parking space by the restaurant and two kids on bikes went by and totally stared at us. I told dH they were probably thinking "ooh, old people making out!" LOL. It was really nice to have that time together. **Mary: I remember Manon on Pt. She was due the same day I was due for Jarin. I don't know what happened to her though. I hope Elijah's diarrhea continues to get better. Not sure what to tell you about the big bed,but I think having it up so E can get used to seeing it is a good start. **Diane: Hope Angel is feeling better soon. Thanks for the pic. She is a doll. **Kahne: Sorry you and DH had a blowout, but I was LOL at your comment about he could be "so MALE". Too funny. Must've been date night out last night, huh? **Crystal: Dont' know about the welts, but I hope Darrel is ok. **Better go get Jarin out of the tub. Take care all. Patty and Jarin email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Sunday, October 24, 1999 at 19:29:46 (MDT)) Hi everyone--Christi and Caleb here. Well, the big party is over--thank heavens!! What was I thinking?? We had 8 kids there and about 10 adults, it was to say the least a mess! One kid got sicked and projectile (sp?)vomited all over, the pinata didn't open how it was suppost to, my DD got a fork stuck in her teeth (don't ask how)and I cried! (the tears are my MIL's fault--another LONG story). But, it is over now! Caleb had a blast with his cake, but he could have cared less about the gifts. Well, on to personals. PATTY***Jarin sounds too cute dancing with his daddy!! Hope you had a nice time at dinner with DH. kids are great, but grown up dinners are wonderful!! Good for you, now I want to! MARY***can't be of any help with the one you are looking for, good luck CRYSTAL***I have no idea about Darrel's spots, could it maybe be dry skin? Caleb gets "blobs" on his legs from dryness. Hope he is okay! Hope you all had a great week-end!! Christi & Caleb 11 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Sunday, October 24, 1999 at 20:34:11 (MDT)) Happy Sunday! It's Moriah. Did you all have a nice weekend? We were pretty boring! Yesterday Geoff's aunt had a garage sale & I took some stuff over. I ended up making $180 so that made it worth it! Pretty cool. Alex has been such a cutie patutie lately. So happy! He actually gained some weight this week (we have a nurse that comes once a week to weigh him). Anyway he's up to an all time high of 13lbs 12.5oz. I tell you though - he's been 13lbs forever. I can't wait to finally see that scale turn over to 14. He's been throwing up less. I think that the Dr was right that Alex had some sort of weird little infection & that was contributing to the coughing. After the antibiotics kicked in he's doing much better again. Still waiting on the Passy Muir valve I'm going to call tomorrow to see if the Dr know's when it will be here. Hey any one a cat expert? My cat is having a freak out! She's always just been an indoor cat & very spoiled. We've tried very hard to make her happy since Alex has been home & she really seems to love him. She always wants to "kiss" him or lay near him (never on him though) Anyway lately she's been scratching herself until she's bloody. She's scratched a huge sore on her head behind her ear & another one on her neck. She did this once a long time ago & the vet said I was changing her food too often (I though she need variety). But now she's been on the same food for like 4 years. I don't really have $200 for a vet visit so does anyone have any ideas? On to the personals! Lisa B - holy genius child with the diapers! Can't believe that one! Thanks for posting that little blurb about BF benefits. I like to hear things like that to prove that I didn't exclusively pump for 11 months for nothing! Sarah - I'd love to see new pics of Hannah!. You are so cute the way you post about Hannah. It's so obvious that she's the light of your life. Sometimes it's so nice during a still moment to be thankful for our husbands & our children! Christi - I hope that your AF troubles are getting over with! YUCK! Sorry Caleb's party was hectic. Too gross about the kid barfing! That's pretty gross when it's not your kid. I'd love to see the pics if you have them scanned! DeeDee - hi! I hope that you have a ++++ experience! Patty AKA wild party woman. Geez you have a strawberry daquiri & you're making out in the car like a teenager?LOL!! You go girl! Beth - bummer that you're getting spied on! Geez what do they think that you're actually supposed to be working? LOL! Hope you can post from home. Rita - Hey I'd love to be part of your little school! That sounds like so much fun! I've been scrapbooking like a mad woman. I'm about 1/2 way through Alex's 1st year. Julianne - Happy Borthday! How was your "surprise" party? Helen - I'd love to see your email pics! You never post your email address so I haven't sent you any of us. I'll send you one if you email me. Katy - Charm the panties off a nun? That's one cute kid! Becky - I was so happy to read your post. I thought about you all day. Glad that things went well. It made me all teary thinking of you as a baby in the nursery & your grandma "sneaking" in to see you. People who give babies up for adoption sure have a lot of courage to do the right thing! Mary - I LOVED Manon! But boy could she stir things up! She was a neat person. I know that she had a boy via c-section like 2 weeks late. But I don't think she ever posted the details. I wish she'd post here sometime but I don't think she had internet access at home. Diane - I hope that Angel feels better soon! Alex had his MMR shot about 10 days ago so I'm watching for the dreaded reaction! Alrighty I'm sure this is a monster post! I'll be chattin again soon! Moriah & Alex 12 1/2 months email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Sunday, October 24, 1999 at 22:31:43 (MDT)) Good morning everyone! Ugh....Monday! SARAH here. We had such a great weekend. Didn't do much, but HANNAH was an absolute angel all weekend, and DH and I didn't get in one argument!!! :) The weather was in the high 70's....everything was perfect!! Which makes it that much harder to come back to work today!! :( HANNAH is almost walking all of the time now. It's so weird to see her WALK in to the room. She just gets sooo excited that she's walking. Her eyes light up. Man I love that little girl!!! CHRISTI - Your cuddle story was so sweet. HANNAH has never been much of a cuddler either. Then about a month ago, she was sick with Roseola and one time just cuddled up to me and fell asleep in my arms. I hated she was sick, but sure loved the cuddling!!! The party sounded like it was pretty hectic. I'll send some pictures. BECKY - I'm glad your meeting went so good. I'm so happy for you! :) JULIANNE - HAPPY (late) BIRTHDAY!!! Did you have a surprise party??? MARY C. - I'm glad the diarrhea slowed down, and the rash cleared up!! DIANE - How's ANGEL feeling?? I'll send some pictures! KAHNE - HAPPY 10 month BIRTHDAY to CAT yesterday! I'll send some pictures. I think you should mention something to your teacher. CRYSTAL - Have DARREL's welts gone away??? PATTY - Sounds like you had a great night!! First drink in 22 months??? Wow! MORIAH - I'm glad ALEX is doing better!!! :) Great that he gained some weight! I'll send some pictures. Yes, HANNAH is the light of my life!!! KELLI - Okay, okay.... I won't say anything about the games this weekend! :) That's all for now. Hope everyone has a great Monday! Sarah and Hannah (13 3/4 mo) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 07:03:35 (MDT)) What a weekend I had. DH did throw me a surprise party. He had me really believing that we were going on a bus/scavenger trip or something. I almost was bumming at dinner, but then decided that whatever he did would be fine. He had rented a hall and there was a DJ and lots of food and drink. Everyone was quite merry if you know what I mean. I got some fun gag gifts and a couple of great gift certificates--yeah I get to go shopping again. Then they brought out the blow up doll--he was hung quite well! We had lots of fun partying with him. I can't wait to see the pictures. It was a great time until we had to leave and move the party to our pole barn. We had disignated drivers driving the impaired people. When I got home a couple of guys rushed over and told me to go to DH because he was sick the entire ride home. (Sound familiar Kahne!) He was really bad and still getting sick so he was hanging his head out the window and it was freezing outside. We finally convinced him to go inside and 2 guys helped me. His brother freaked out on me saying that DH was really sick because he was ice-cold, clammy, shaking, and couldn't even lift his own head. He insisted we call 911. I was not thinking clearly enough to override this decision so 15 min later there was about 10 EMT guys walking through our house and then on to the hospital we went. It was my first ride in an ambulance. I sobered up really quick. I was so embarrassed. Talk about a bad ending to a good party. Luckily my IL's had Colton overnight. We never got back home until 6 am and I was up at 8 am to get Colton. Colton took a 2 hr nap later so I got a whole 4 hrs of sleep! DH stayed in bed most of the day. He wasn't that drunk, the blood test showed 1.3, but he has a history of stomach problems and really shouldn't party anymore--too old!! Luckily we don't party like this very often. I almost forgot, he gave me a beautiful diamond and gold bangle-bracelet. Sorry this was such a long story. Beth: Too unfair being monitored for your internet usage. :( Christi: Great cuddle time. Sorry the party was full of mishaps! Becky: I'm so glad that your meeting w/ your bio-mom went so well. At least the waitress helped break some of the tension and uneasiness! How funny. Patty: What a late night little party boy you have. Too cute him dancing and DH singing. You had me LOL at your old people making out comment. MaryC: Glad Elijah's rash is getting better. Colton loves his yogurt too. Kahne: I like your plan to talk to your prof and explain your situation. It is better to try to deal with her first than going over her head to the department dean. She should be more likely to be understanding. Do you and my DH want to hang out? HA HA. My DH leaves for Vegas this week Saturday and he said that he won't be drinking! Happy 10 months to Cat--wow time flies! Moriah: Yeah for Alex gaining weight and feeling better. Hope the other tube comes in soon. OK, my novel is done. Have a great Monday everyone. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 07:14:22 (MDT)) Hi, happy Monday(?!) to everyone, sorry IO haven't posted for a few days, I was having a nightmare week, I did lurk a couple of times but couldn't get time to post. We had my SIL and her 3 year old to stay for a few days as she is going through a bit of a messy divorce. It was hard enough having 2 toddlers in the house, but SIL wanted to stay up all night and talk, she needs a lot of ewmotional support and I was just exhausted! Then DH and I had a mssive row because I felt like I was doing everything, supporting his sister, looking after James etc. Also we are permanently broke (who isn't when they have a child?) and never seem to see each other these days. Sorry for the rant - just a week to forget really! James has been such a sweetie lately though - he is now walking all over, and is just so delighted with himself! I LOVE this age! He can point out ducks and other animals in his picture books now and is obsessed, for some reason, with Baa Baa Black Sheep - I have to sing it over and over, while he points to the picture of the black sheep in his book and giggles. Having said that, he was a nightmare last night - he is usually such a good sleeper, but last night was up at 2.00, 3.30 and then at 5.00 - and wouldn't go back to sleep. He seems fine - no fever or anything, and I can't feel any new teeth coming through, so I just don't know what it was all about, but I'm SOOOO tired - it reminded me of those early months. So all in all I'm feeling particularly Monday-ish today. LISAB - finally openend the photos - what a sweetie!! I was so glad to see them at last. Thanmks so much for sending them - now I can really visualise little Max ( I won't let you call him a monster - way too sweet) Cynthi - got your pics too - Adam is also GORGEOUS! I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner but just didn't get a chance. Thanks so much. I'm getting some photos of James scanned in so will send them out if anyone is interested. KAHNE - can't believe your prof. - I really think you need to put her stratight about the dyslexia - not that she should have reacted like that anyway! I don't know how you manage with all the studying and looking after Cat. Happy 10 month birthday to her! CRYSTAL - glad to see you back. I love hearing about your job, you are abviously so committed. I also think that James is going to be a leftie, though everyone tells me it's too soon to tell. PATTY & HELEN - Can James please join your monster club?!!! PATTY - I can't believe you & KAHNE - making me fel old or what - party girls!!! Glad you had a good time! I bet that daiquiri tasted good! I know you've had some problems with Jarin settling at the sitters, but she sounds really good and like she's making so much effort with him - you may remember that I had real problems with James when he went to a sitter, and the main problem was that she didn't seem to put any committment into helping him to settle. So at least you can feel happy that he's obviously in such good hands. DEEDEE & EDWARD - good luck - hope you have good news! JULIANNE - belated happy 30th! So glad you had your surprise party - sorry about how it ended up! I think now that we're all parents, we all obviously grab any opportunity to relax and overdo it, like teenagers! Hope DH is feeling better. CHRISTI & CALEB - the party sounds fun - in parts! BECKY - So glad it worked out OK meeting your bio Mum, I had been wondering how you got on. How did your (adopted) Mum find it? MORIAH - One of my cats is prone to getting really raw patches on her neck and head which she then scratches raw. Our Vet told us it was a form of Eczema which can flare up at any time - we just give her some ointment which is on sale at the Vets, we don't need a prescription for it. I'll dig it out tonight and look up the name and key ingredients (as it might be marketed under a different brand name over here) - it's just a soothing cream so I don't think it could do any harm if that wasn't the cause, but obviously check when you buy it if you are able to. Also, I know you're keen to do some work from home - I thought of you the other day as my SIL does some proof reading from home. She does all sorts - official documents, company reports, resumes etc - she did a very short correspondence course to learn the basics and understand the terminology, then wrote to a number of local publishing firms. I'm not sure what you did before Alex or if this would interest you, but though it may be worth mentioning. Sorry for the monster post! Louise & James email: rnash78035@aol.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 08:23:08 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!!! Well there was a little too much partying going on around here over the weekend!!! We also had a party at our neighbours- over 200 people comming and going from 2-midnight. We only got to bed at 2:00am. Was very tired the next day and went back to bed when Amanda did. No puking though!!!! A little slow thats all--LOL!!! It was so cold out-- Amanda was in her snow suit and hat- wish I had one!!There were tons of kids there and everyone had a ball!! Amanda had her 15month dr. visit this morning. Had two shots-:( :( :(. She cried but its for the best and they need them. She is fine now- The doctor said to take her binky away during the day- leave it in her crib for naps only- only water in her bottle during the night, and when she doesn't listen- baby time outs!! Yeah right! Hold her in the corner for a minute or so , so she will learn what 'no' means and will listen when spoken to. That will be a challenge!!! Amanda is levelling off and not off the charts anymore. She was 23.9lbs and 32" tall. (22.2 and 30 1/2" @ 10mos).The doc. said she was still growing at an arch on the chart and doing fine. She gave me a prescription for fluride with vitamins- chewable. MARYC- Yes I was there when Manon was there- all I know is she had a boy and didn't think she would be posting at home b/c of no computer. ( like someone already said). KAHNE-- Glad you had a good time at the camp- sorry you don't know your limit--LOL!! Hope your feeling better!! :O) CRYSTAL-- Our friends years ago noticed little bumps on their toddler- on his back where his shirt would go up and couldn't figure it out--- They later discovered the people living above had cats and it was flea bites!! They had the place exterminated. Could that be a possibility?? I know it sounds gross!! JULIANNE-- Hope DH is feeling better!!! Hope you had a good time before the chaos!! Wow what a night! Gotta go--LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@almost 15mos(#3) Monday, October 25, 1999 at 08:26:24 (MDT)) Hi, moms! What are your toddler's favorite books? What are your favorite parenting books that help you "understand* your toddler a little better? We are compiling a recommended books list and want your input. Send me a message telling me books you'd recommend to other parents and why. Also, parents are always sharing tips, hints and ideas on ways to make life a little easier. Maybe you have a great idea for how to ease the transition back to work or how to get your toddler to share. Mail me your best tips and we'll pass them on to other moms in our new Tip of the Week feature! Tara, Toddlers Today Assistant Editor email: tara@iparenting.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 11:12:48 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Max is learning his body parts. He has a barney book and follows along and touches the right parts (head, nose, toes, arms, feet, ears, tummy, and eyes) at the right time! His fav is his nose - he'll poke it at day if you keep saying "nose"!!! KAHNE: Thanks for the photos. Cat is a doll! I would definitely go tell the department head. I used to work for a college professor grading tests and would have been fired if I pulled a stunt like that. It's rude and inconsiderate and the teacher's supervisor needs to know. You are, in effect, being discriminated against due to your learning disability. If the lady is basically calling you stupid via your test I don't think speaking out could hurt much - she's already prejudiced against you and will not give you a break. Plus I would think that she has to keep a copy of the test until the end of the semester in case any grades are disputed so it's likely still around if her supervisor would request to see it. CRYSTAL: I'm glad to see you are back and doing better. Darrel sounds so cute with all his new "tricks". The welts sound like hives to me. If they haven't gone away yet and are still spreading please see a doctor. He could be allergic to ANYTHING - something he got into at daycare you aren't even aware of, etc. I had a severe allergic reaction to an antibotic when I was in middle school. The only initial symptoms were excessive tiredness and hives - the doc said if my Mom wouldn't have sought medical treatment as quickly as she did I might have had severe complications or even died. I'm not trying to scare you but I figure any "mystery" symptoms, such as hives, should be checked out - better safe than sorry. DeeDee: HI!!!!! It's so nice to hear from you again. I was so worried about you after your miscarriage as I knew how much you and DH wanted a baby. +++ thoughts to you for a successful pregnancy. DH will be so excited to become a biological father :-) :-) BETH: I hope you can still post regularly. I keep worrying they will start "sniffing" here but with several hundred employees I don't think they have the time. HELEN: My diaper genie was a shower present. I stock up on refills when they are on sale. Please send me a photo of your family! CHRISTI: I was VERY emotional when Max turned one. BECKY: I'm glad the meeting went so well. I probably would have been crying, nervous, scared, excited, etc. if I was you - an emotional wreck! It's great that you also got to meet your Grandmother! HELEN, SARAH, & PATTY: Max was up at 1:30 this morning. DH got up with him and thinks he had gas or bad dreams - he would be sound asleep and then jerk real hard, cry, and wake up. I'm afraid he might have an ear infection. He's only had 1 before but he was real clumbsy all weekend, fussy, and pulled at his ears some (but no fever). If he's not better by tomorrow I'll try to get him in the doctor. I figure I've only taken him twice when they couldn't find anything wrong with him in almost 14 months so I'm being TOO big of a pain for the doctor! MaryC: I think Manon posted once after her baby was born (or maybe she e-mailed Dana and Dana posted an update on her). If I remember right the birth went well, she was trying to BF but having some problems, and her Mom (and possibly inlaws) were visiting for a month or so after the birth and were driving her nuts. MORIAH: One of my mother's cats was diagnosed by a vet as having a nervous breakdown. The cat had recently had kittens and just completely lost it (kinda like some of us humans, huh?!). She was scratching herself until she bleed and pulling hair out by the mouthfull. I can't remember exactly what Mom did but I think she tried to keep the cat calm by isolating her from the other cats and shutting her up whenever company came over. Mom also tried to spend extra time with the cat petting her, etc. JULIANNE: You'll NEVER forget this birthday, will you?! LisaB & Max (14 months on Thursday) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 11:43:31 (MDT)) Hi mommies and little ones, Christi here. We are back to normal, daycare kids and all. We have dinner tonight with my FIL and step MIL, guess I should clean at least a little bit, ICK! Actually I love to have my FIL over for dinner, he always brings it with him! :o) Reading everyones posts I guess I am very lucky to have a good sleeper! Caleb has slept all night (at least 7 hours) since he was 6 weeks old. I guess I was due, my DD still sleeps with us at times (ok about 3 times a week--shame on me!) MORIAH*** Glad to hear that Alex is gaining weight!! Good for him!! Hope your neew tube comes in soon! SARAH***Thanks for the pics of Hannah, she is beautiful!! Sounds like you had a nice week-end JULIANNE***Happy belated birthday!! Hope you enjoyed the first part of your party, and DH is feeling better. LISA B.***Max is adorable, are his eyes green? You said something about being a pain to the Dr., well, I win for that!! Ours is the family Dr., in 2 weeks I called his nurses at least 4 times. They were all legit calls, but...all I have to do is say hi and they know who it is :o) HELEN***Have you tried the "baby time outs"? Let me know if it works!! Sometimes Dr's are funny! Well, I am mad at myself, I forgot the camera for the party! Caleb had cake from top to bottom, what a picture I missed, hopefully my girlfiends turned out! I will give him more on Thursday and take pics then, I guess then it will be his "birthday". Bye for now Christi & Caleb (1 in 3 days!!) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 13:14:54 (MDT)) Hello, this is Birdie checking in. Hope everyone is well. I cannot believe Noah is 11 months old today. Wow!!! Marie osmond is on oprah talking about PPD. I've gotten myself into the horrible habit of watching Baby Story again. Now I spend an hour a day crying. I just love that show. I watched the whole time I was pregnant. I don't know why I'm watching it now. Patty and christi- Thank you. Debbie- Hello, I've missed you. LisaB- yay Max the genius!!!! Too cute. I also saw that study. Very encouraging. Julianne- Sweet story. Crystal- Glad things are getting better. we're all here for you. DeeDee- So glad to hear from you. keep us posted on everything!!!!!++++++++++++++!!!!!!!!!!! Becky- Glad the meeting went so well. next time should be even better. You won't have that fear of the unknown. That's great too that you were able to get some medical history and also to meet the other relatives. MaryC- I remember Manon. OOHHH Manon. She had some stories. It was always something with her. Never a dull moment. It would be neat if she would post on here. I heard the same info as the above people. Sorry, nothing new. Moriah- Oh yah!!! never met anyone more whiny and snobby than you. We girls get on here when we know you're not around and just say "oh that Moriah, whine, whine, whine." Please. You are not even close. I'm glad to hear such good things about Alex. Why didn't they try that valve in the first place? It sounds like it should do the trick hopefully. Makes sense to me anyway. Glad you're working. Have you ever thought about doing medical transcription? You already know all the terminology and you can certinly use the computer. As far as getting a job that you can work from the toilet I really think all you need is a good lap top and a cordless phone. I will not be trying the latest weight loss fads as they do not make diapers big enough for this big ole booty. I believe i can top your lenses story and feel free to share this with geoff so he can see that stepping on those is really not so bad. My DH, for some unknown reason decided to cut his toenails into the bathtub. i was not aware of this until I laid in the tub for my soothing and relaxing bath and began to feel little pricks in my butt. I stood up and pulled out all of the little slivers which ended up being Dh's toenails. Way too gross. Take care. Birdie and Noah (11 months today!!!) Monday, October 25, 1999 at 14:16:54 (MDT)) Hi ladies, It's Charline & Hayden from the BT board. I just wanted to come over and thank LisaB, Helen, Sarah, Moriah, Patty, and Julianne for all of your prayers and good wishes for Hayden. The appointment with the neurosurgeon went well. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my heart. He doesn't think that he will need surgery. Hayden still needs to have a CAT scan in a couple of weeks to make sure everything is ok. But, he said that his head looked fine and that he didn't have the typical signs for craniosyntosis. He said that even if some of his sutures in his head did close prematurely that that wouldn't affect his brain development. They usually do the surgery because the babies head becomes deformed, which Hayden's isn't. So, we will have the CAT scan in a couple of weeks and then Hayden's head size will be more closely monitored. Again, thanks for all of your support!! You guys are the best! Charline & Hayden email: charline@mediaone.net Monday, October 25, 1999 at 16:21:20 (MDT)) Good Lord!!!! Never again will I wait 5 days to post again. It took me over an hour to catch up. Riley has a cold and it's spreading to his brothers. They all were home today. Which was fine, because their school was crawling with plainclothes cops today. There is a person who drops off her kids and then tries to stay at the school all day causing problems. She scares other kids, yells at officials, has approached kids wanting to take their pics, etc. It's been going on for quite sometime, well finally, the school obtained a restaining order. It was served on Fri. so they were a little worried about retaliation. And no, this is not the same woman my ex dates!!!LOL (probably a distant cousin though) I have a "precious moment" to share. Last night, Riley stood in front of the toilet. He lifted up his shirt and was holding onto his belly button. I think he was imitating his older brothers peeing. On to personals. Cynthia***Yay!!!! Someone who has children with 2 different men. Sorry!!But sometimes I feel like a weirdo. My boys are, Taylor 12 tomorrow, Jestin (Jesse) 6 and Riley 18 months. I love having boys. I really wanted a girl, but oh well! How did you find the man of your dreams? All I seem to find are the ones in my nightmares. Moriah***Wedding planner!! You would be great at it. Your story about contacts sticking to Geoffs feet reminded me of another time, when we had problems with things sticking to body parts. I sat here laughing so hard that tears were dripping. The boys thought that I had gone mad. I thought about going on that new diet pill to catch a man. But could you imagine being somewhere with a new man and not being able to control bodily functions?! Does Kitty need a flea bath? Beth***I washed my pill down the sink everynight. He thought I was still taking them, because, there they were, sitting on the counter. I confessed 3 months into my pregnancy. He blamed it on where I grew up. A small town. He says that we were taught in school, how to trap a man. But he never trusted me after that. So if you do, DON'T CONFESS!!! Patty***Good luck with the ear tubes on Thursday. Julianne*** Riley can't sleep very good at night with his stuffy nose. His poor nose has a sore from constant leaking. Lets hope they get over it quick. Crystal***My thoughts are with you. Might the welts be spider bites? Helen*** I know exactly what you mean about the terrible 2's. Riley is also well on his way. He runs this house and his Aunties house too. If we have the radio on and I turn it off he goes nuts. If the boys won't let him have his way, stand back.. My other two seemed to be way more mild mannered at this age. So, I'm starting to get scared!!LOL Christi***I had to have hormone help to start my peroid one time too. I was just under so much stress, the ex and I were still together and always fighting, that I just coudn't start on my own. This was before he had gotten the viasectomy so I was scared to death that I was preggers. What a stress!!! Kahne***What nerve that Prof. has. No way could I ever go in there and be civil to her again. I admire you for going to college. I need to but am too scared to do it. Sarah***I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who cries about what she has. I'm so lucky to have my boys. Marcy***Riley was born on April Fools day. One of these days, when he's older, he probably will hate me for doing that. I had a choice, but didn't want to wait even one more day. I was too miserable. Katy***I didn't realize Nuns wore panties. I thought they were naked under there, just like judges and their black robes!!!!LOL LisaB***I had a momma cat go crazy after she had babies. She would hide under the furniture and when I walked by, she would scream and moan. Jim did away with her, because we were worried she might attack the boys. Luckily, it didn't get bad until the kittens were old enough to care for themselves. Well, I have learned my lesson on wiating too long to post. Not only did it take me forever to read, but now I have typed the longest post in history!!! BYE! SHELLY & RILEY 18 months email: shellyvance@hotmail.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 17:16:50 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. Not much is new today. The welts have gotten smaller, but they haven't gone away. My mom thought theycould be ringworm and told me that if they continue spreading and don't stat going away, then they more than likely are. Friday night, we went out to a bar and grill for dinner, and the bar tender gave Darrel a free virgin strawberry daquiri. He loved. If it is hives, I think it may be from the daquiri because he has reacted to strawberries before in the past. But, he's had strawberries since and hasn't reacted. But at keast the welts have decreased in size. I think that's a good sign. Oh, I may be pregnant again. AF is due to visit any day now, but her visits have always been irregular. I can go two or three months without a visit and still not be pregnant. Dh and I have mixed feelings about whether or not we want another baby right now. We were planning on having another baby within the next year or so, so it's not like we don't want another baby. Dh wants to get to know Darrel before having another child. PLus, we want Darrel in a toddler bed and would like for him to be potty trained before having another child. If I am pregnant, DH wants to get back into the military so that we won't have to worry about insurance. I'd rather him not, but I can see his point. He doesn't want ,e on Medicaid unless that's the only option. It would make him feel like he can't take care of his family. Well, that's all for now. Crystal and Darrel 14 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 18:13:23 (MDT)) Just a quick note to say thank you so much for sending me pics of your little sweeties! If you havent I would love to see them!!!!!1 Okay I am sick now so Angel and I both have the flu so no personals tonight. Diane and Angel Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 19:25:48 (MDT)) Hi from Rita. I was in class today and couldn't get to the board sooner. Wow, so much to catch up on. Birdie - Amy weaned herself this weekend. :-( I am not leaking, but boy am I tingling! I wanted to get to a year, but little Miss A is having none of it. Becky - Glad to hear that your visit with your bio mom went well. What a sweet bio grandmother you have. Moriah - Go Alex! I was a scrappin fool this weekend making five pages for my MIL. Now I have to make some more for my mom. I am not even going to do a first year album for each girl, unless I really go crazy... Helen and Diane - My older sis would always remind me (when I started talking about how Maddy changed at 15 months) that the terrible twos start the second year of life, not at the age of two. Well, gotta go and do my homework for tomorrow. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 20:36:23 (MDT)) Hi, Birdie again. Just a quick hello before bed. I'm trying to stay ahead of things on this board so I don't spend an hour catching up. Rita- Amy and Noah sound like they are kindered spirits. All of their milestones are around the same time and all of the things they have done have been so similar. Now the early weaning from mom's who hoped to go a year. My leaking now only occurs when I am very emotional which isn't very often. usually at night while i rock Noah to sleep and sometimes while watching a baby story on TLC. I wouldn't call it leaking really, more like a little drip here and there. Noah is walking everywhere now...sounds like Amy is well on her way. Maybe they'll meet up at Harvard some day. If he decides to backpack across Europe that's okay too. DH and I will take a lovely cruise around the world maybe and spend all of his college fund. See ya. Birdie and Noah (11 months today) Monday, October 25, 1999 at 21:02:49 (MDT)) Hi mommies. Jarin is in bed early tonight. My little angel has begun to say "ba ba" when he waves. It is soooo precious! I just love him so much. He was all smiles when I came home from work today. As soon as I walk in the door I pick him up and we dance around. Then he starts pulling at my shirt and smiling/"eh eh"ing at me. Think he's figured out the whole nursing thing? LOL **Rita: Thanks for the pics. Amy and Maddy are adorable. They sure look alike! I love those blonde curls! **Christi: Hope you get your night out soon. Sounds like you had quite the mess at the party! Yuck. I'm glad Caleb enjoyed his cake. =) **Moriah: Gees, girl, $180 at the garage sale? I haven't made that much at one in a LONG time. Can't help you on the cat ("dat" as Jarin would say) problem. Glad to hear that Alex is gaining weight! =) Party woman? I think we can give that title to Julianne! LOL **Julianne: Sorry to hear DH didn't do so well at the party. I'm thinking my little strawberry daquiri doesn't compare to you party animals. LOL! The bracelet sounds beautiful. **Sarah: Glad you had such a perfect weekend. I also get shocked watching Jarin walk around and he's been walking for almost 4 months. =( He's such a short little thing walking around the house! =) **Louise: Sorry you had such a bad week. I hope you are able to get some sleep now. I don't function well without enough sleep. Sure, James can be in the monster club! I know that Jarin is in good hands. I have thought about trying to find a sitter with less children, but I love my sitter, so I keep Jarin there. I had to call her the other day to ask her if she loved Jarin because I picked up my sister's baby at her babysitters and the sitter kept talking about how wonderful her baby was. (Hope that made sense) Anyway, I called my sitter and she was laughing at me. She said, "Patty, look at your baby. How could anyone NOT love him?" She's so great! **Helen: 200 people at a party? Ok, you and Julianne have to share the party woman title. Hope Amanda feels better from her shots tomorrow. **LisaB: It is so cute when they point to their body parts. LOL at Max poking at his nose. If I ask Jarin where his nose is, he leans into me to give me an Eskimo kiss. I can't get him to POINT to it! Sounds like little Max has an ear infection. I hope I'm wrong! **Birdie: What is Baby Story? I was watching that same Oprah show today. Way too gross about the toenails in the bathtub. LOL **Shelly: Too cute about Riley "peeing". =) Thanks for the good luck wishes on the tubes. We had to postpone the surgery until November 11th because DH couldn't switch his schedule for work. **Diane; Hope you and Angel are feeling better. *Gotta get to bed. Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, October 25, 1999 at 21:38:21 (MDT)) Hi, Louise here - feeling much happier as James went back to sleeping last night and I feel like I can face the world again! Sorry for moaning so much yesterday - when I see his gorgeous little face I feel like my heart is going to just explode and I am the luckiest person in the world! I just wanted to ask a v. quick question - and it's not even related to babies!! Did any of you see the Blair Witch Project? It's just about to be released over here - with all the hype, DH and most of my friends want to go and see it - is it really THAT scary? I am a complete baby when it comes to scary films - really bad! - and I don't know if I can handle it - pathetic or what?! So let me know your judgements!! Talk later, Louise & James email: rnash78035@aol.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 03:27:58 (MDT)) Good morning ladies! SARAH here. Nothing new on this end, so... JULIANNE - I just want to know how DH's head felt on Sunday?? LOL Your bracelet sounds beautiful! LOUISE - I haven't seen Blair Witch Project for the same reason. I've heard both...it's very scary and it wasn't that bad. My DH works 3 nights a week and HANNAH and I are alone. I'm freaked out enough as it is without seeing that movie. I just heard that your imagination takes over (in the movie) and it's pretty freaky. It just came out on video over here. HELEN - Hope AMANDA has recovered from her shots. LISA B. - HANNAH only knows where her (and everyone else's) nose is, so far. CHRISTI - Thanks for the compliments on HANNAH. BIRDIE - Happy 11 month Birthday to NOAH yesterday! YUCK on the toenail story!! :) SHELLY - Sorry all of your boys' are sick! Hope you all are healthy soon!! WACKO lady at school!!! DIANE - Hope you and ANGEL are healthy soon, too! RITA - I emailed you last week, but I would LOVE to see pictures!! Did any of you watch DATELINE last night??? What a sad story!!! :( OK, hope you all have a great day! We're having a Halloween Potluck at work today! YUM, YUM! Sarah and Hannah (13 1/2 mo) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 06:55:45 (MDT)) Hi, SARAH again! I forgot to tell you guys that yesterday my nephew (11 months) fell down the stairs. They have 15 stairs!!! He fell from the top all the way down. He knows how to crawl, but not go up and down stairs yet. My sister put him in his room and then had to run downstairs. She wasn't gone more that 30 seconds, and he crawled down the hall to the stairs and fell. My sister called me up crying so hard. I felt SOOO bad for her, cause I know how I'd feel. She felt AWFUL!!! He was okay, though. Just a couple of bumps and bruises. Poor little guys has an ear infection on top of that, so needless to say, he was a handful yesterday. Anyway, just watch your little one's. I always take for granted HANNAH will be careful (she's been going up and down stairs for about 3 months now), but all it takes is a second and they could loose their balance. OK, that' all!! Sarah again Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 07:16:35 (MDT)) Thanks to everyone who shared what little info. they had on Manon. I think I remembered her so well was due to all the controversy going on at the time. I tell you the PT Board is no where near as interesting now as it was then. It could use a little stir every now and then. Anyone heard of the Flip N Flush childs toilet seat that connects to your toilet just like the big seat? I saw it on the CBS morning news show and thought it was the coolest thing. I don't want to have to keep washing out a little toilet when I get to the potty training stage. This way all you have to do is flip the small seat down everytime your toddler needs to go the bathroom. If anyone is interested, all you have to do is go to www.cbs.com and click on the Kids Stuff section on the main homepage. Bye for now! MaryC & Elijah (15mths) Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 08:01:13 (MDT)) CORRECTION: To read about the flip n flush toilet seat, go to www.flipnflush.com MaryC & Elijah Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 08:19:28 (MDT)) Just another quick note to say I am feeling a bit better today! Also if you would like to see pics of my Angel just let me know and I will e-mail them to you. Have a great day adn I will post personals later!!!!! Diane Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 08:30:27 (MDT)) Okay, to heck with this sniffer stuff. My boss is currently trying to get together another project for me to complete as I have finished all the other ones. I think I get done with them too fast and she's not ready when I turn them in, but if they would let me get on the internet and goof off more that wouldn't happen! LOL! DH says that I get 1/2 hour each day to do what I want anyway since they have to give you 2 15 min. breaks by law so what can they say if I tell them I was on during my break time. It's not like I'm looking at porn or anything. Just talking to all my mommy friends! Allison will now tell me when she has dirtied her diaper and will nod her head that she wants to sit on the potty if I catch her in the middle of going. We haven't actually gone in the potty yet, but I'm not going to push it and let her go at her own pace. I think I am really going to start sitting her on the potty next month. Seems like 18 months is a pretty good time to start girls from other mommies I have been talking to. Hopefully she won't be too strong willed like Maddy (rita!) or Taylor (Tracey) and will train easily! Yeah right! Diane - please send pictures my way. I don't have any recent ones of Allison as I don't have a scanner so I can't send you any. Sarah M - I hope your nephew is okay! I bet your sister felt terrible. I know I would. Allison fell off the one step up to the back stoop once I felt like a bad mommy then. Louise - glad James is sleeping better for you. I haven't seen Blair Witch either. You mean you can actually get to a movie theatre with a toddler? I haven't been in ages! Patty - Jarin sounds too cute with his 'ba ba'. A baby story is on in the afternoon (about 2:00 eastern time) on The Learning Channel (TLC). They follow a couple thru most of their pregnancy and then film the birth live (very G rated, however)and show the parents' actual reactions after the birth etc. Very emotional most of the time. Good show. Birdie - I love to watch a Baby Story when I'm at home sick or off with Allison sick. I bawl as well. I esp bawl when the woman has natural birth with no pain killers and she gets to the intense part because I had Allison all natural and I can sympathize with them more. I find the births with epidurals are not as emotional for me (not putting down people who get them at all) the woman is always so calm and just like "okay I'll push now" and you can tell she's not feeling ANYTHING. Give me a good birth with lots of screaming and that was me with Allison! LOL! Rita - all my friends say that the 3's are much worse than the 2's in their opinion so you have something to look forward to! LOL Crystal - sounds like an allergic reaction to me. May have been something in the daquari that did it! Shelly - I could never really deceive my DH about taking my pills, I'm just going to have to wear him out over the next couple of years so he will agree to another one when I'm ready for it (not really ready yet, so I have a while to change his mind!) Charline - good news about Hayden. Hope it just continues to get better. Keep us posted. christi - Too bad you forgot about the camera for the party. I ran out of film at Allison's party. Luckily a friend took pictures for us. Lisa B - funny story about body parts. When we took Allison in for her 15 month check. The Dr. asked her where her toes were and since we hadn't taught that to her she just looked at her like she was crazy. Well, DH being the proud daddy that he is couldn't take that she didn't do it for the Dr. so when she went out of the room he gave Allison a quick lesson on her toes. When the Dr. came back DH quickly said "Allison where are your toes?" and like a good little girl she pointed right to them!! DH was so proud! LOL! Since then she knows pretty much all of them since we decided we needed to teach them to her after that. Helen, Julianne, and Kahne - aka "Party Girls". You all sound like you know how to have a good time! Moriah - the new valve sounds like a great idea! Hope it ends up working for you. Your contact story was too funny. I think I am the only person in the world that still wears hard contacts so I have to clean my every day that I wear them. I got tired of it so mostly I wear my glasses now. Need to wear my contacts more as I look better in them, but who am I trying to impress now anyway?? LOL! Well, I think I have just about used up my allotted break time writing this monster post. I just can't find the time to log on from home as i have too much to do when I get there etc. I'll just have to take my chances from here and hope for the best. Talk to you later Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 11:33:50 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Today has been real hectic here at work. I read through the posts over lunch but now don't have time to post personals before my next meeting - UGH! Max got up at 2 again last night but no more fussing, ear pulling, etc. so we'll skipping the doc for today at least. He colored his first picture yesterday at the sitters. She was holding the crayon and he would then hold her hand. She had a rhyme she would say (something about a bee and then she would go "buzz, buzz" when they actually scrimbled on the paper). She said he got to where he would giggle as soon as he saw a crayon - LOL! Of course she did MOST of the work but the picture is still in the "place of honor" on the fridge and will go in his baby book. The sad thing is I had planned to introduce him to crayons last weekend but got busy and didn't get around to it - another first missed. :-( We get family Christmas photos taken tonight. Hopefully by the time they come back in a month or so I'll have some way to scan them to send them out. If not, I may just borrow Moriah's idea and snail mail them with Christmas cards to anyone who wants them! Everyone have a great day and expect a monster post from me tomorrow with all my personals! LisaB & Max (13 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 11:54:02 (MDT)) Good afternoon mommies, its Christi. I had a bad mommy moment today, I let Caleb play in the kitchen--I don't even know why, and he pinched his finger in the one door that is not baby proof. He screamed like I have never heard him before, I felt SOOOO bad! What was I thinking?? His poor little finger turned purple right away, but he is using the finger just fine. I gave him Tylenol and let him be. I am feeling awful today, just a basic cold, but I hate being sick (like anyone enjoys it). Tommorrow is my 26th birthday, but no wild party for me :o) (Julianne) my biggest goal for tommorrow is getting a long bath by MYSELF!!! BIRDIE*** I lol for a long time about your toenail story!! Too funny SARAH*** What story was on dateline last night? I missed it. Glad your nephew is ok, I feel bad for your sister, we moms always beat ourselves up. DIANE*** Glad you are feeling better BETH*** I am addicted to Baby Story too! I thnk the same way you do about the births--the unmedicated ones are better, you "feel" it more. Both of mine were without drugs so I relate better. Hope you all have a great day!! Thanks to everyone for the pics, I love to see the kids!! They are all so cute!! Christi & Caleb 11 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 13:06:14 (MDT)) I know this is supposed to be a toddler board, but I have to brag about my oldest. Taylor is 12 today. I can't get over it. I'm crying as I post this, isn't that silly!? He is such a good child. He gets in and out of trouble all the time, but not serious. He is so loving and sometimes I feel I push him to the side for the younger two. My Dad, and oldest sis went in with me to buy him a printer for the computer. Ours broke and it never bothered me, because I don't do much on it. But he has been wanting one for a long time. We are having a pizza party tonight for family and then the HAUNTED BIRTHDAY sat. night. My sis and I went halloween shopping today for costumes. Riley is going to be a devil. I'm getting a red sweatsuit and I found a little tail. I know he won't wear horns, but his curly hair sticks out like horns. We'll put gel in it. Everybody is getting excited over the party. Anyone who has pictures to send of their little ones can e-mail them my way. I'de love to see the faces of all the cuties I hear about. I don't have a digital camera or scanner yet. But I plan on getting a cd made with my next roll of film. I hope to get a scanner for xmas. Beth*** it's good not to deceive your dh. It causes problems. Maybe had I not done so much of it, things would v'e been better. I do have a friend who made a deal with her dh. She had 2 boys, and really wanted to try for a girl. But he was having no part of it. Pretty soon he started talking about buying a bass boat. So Theresa decided that he could buy a boat only if he promised a third baby. She had her 3rd little boy 2 weeks ago. No girl for her either. We all worked at Penneys together. At one time, there was 6 girls preggers at the same time. Customers used to tease us about drinking the water in the break room. 3 of us had boys and 3 had girls. I think its funner if the guy is in on the planning. Well, thats all the time I have today. Have a good one Ladies!!! SHELLY & RILEY 18 months email: shellyvance@hotmail.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 15:09:10 (MDT)) Hi, this is my first post. Mikaela is nearly two, and I'm seven months pregnant with my second. Does anyone have any suggestions for making this transition from only child to older child easier for Mikaela? Meredith email: kozelchik@juno.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 16:19:57 (MDT)) Hi mommies. It's Patty. I went to see the oral surgeon today. He sent me for an MRI on my jaw. Now I have to go back next Tuesday to see whether or not he wants to do surgery for my TMJ disorder. Jarin is being his sweet little self today, but not much new to report, so... **Charline: I'm so glad you got good news at the neurosurgeon. I hope the CAT scan goes well too. **Louise: Glad you got some sleep. I haven't seen the movie either since I hate scary movies. But my DD did see it. She didn't think it was that scary, but she said it did make her sick - it is like a home video and you know how they jump around, kinda make you nauseous? Well, that whole movie is like that. Hope that made sense. **Sarah: Mmmmmm, potluck. Love them! I'm glad your nephew is ok. I'm sure your sis felt horrible. I know I did when Jarin fell off the bed. One time Jarin fell down 3 stairs and I felt awful. =( **Beth: I don't think we get the Learning Channel which may be why I haven't heard of Baby Story. I also had all natural this time around. OUCH! With Jaime and Jesse, I got Demerol in the IV, but have never had an epidural. **LisaB: Good luck with your photos tonight. I wanted to get Jarin's done, but he would have none of it. **Christi: I hope Caleb's finger feels better. I know how you feel when your little one is hurting. =( Happy Birthday tomorrow - by the time you read this, I'm sure it will be your birthday! **Take care everyone. Love those babies! Patty and Jarin - 14 months tomorrow email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 19:24:55 (MDT)) Hey everyone! Long time, no post! Sorry! Elizabeth and I have been very busy lately. I now have somewhat of a social life! LOL! We've been going out with another mom w/ a 20 month old little girl, Rylie (Or Rywie as Elizabeth calles her.) Anyway, no real news to tell except Elizabeth is growing big as well as her vocablulary. Oh, I just noticed... Elizabeth is on the front page of Babies Today. I don't know why... I submitted her picture for Toddler's Today about 3 months ago. Oh well. AND yes, Patty... that's Elizabeth as the flower girl in the toddler's album. I didn't even know she was in there until you asked. I also LOVE to watch the Baby Story on TLC! I bawl every time. But, I have to say, I had an epidural. LOVED IT!! I wanted to go all natural, but was having "irregular contractions" and NO rest time at all. I really admire those of you who had natural childbirth! I think that is so wonderful! Okay, sorry... no personals right now. I got all of 2 hours sleep last night and don't have time to read all the posts... SORRY! I do hope you guys are all doing well! Take care! Love you all! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 mo. email: rkncs@aol.com Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 19:32:25 (MDT)) Hello everyone, from a sick Julianne. I stayed home from work yesterday and since my mom was sick too I didn't get much of a chance to really rest since Colton is feeling better and was running around all day! DH went to the dr yesterday because he still wasn't feeling well. The dr got the full report from the hospital and found out that it was not the alcohol that made him sick at my party but the ranch dressing he had w/ dinner--food poisoning! Also, I just wanted to clarify his alcohol level: s/b .13 not 1.3! Also, my 30th b-day is actually this week Friday. Since DH leaves for Las Vegas really early Saturday morning he threw the party last week. Good thing! I will end up spending my b-day at the grocery store and playing w/ Colton, not to mention packing for DH. I told him since he was going w/o me he should do his own packing--didn't go over too well. Colton has learned to turn around in circles whenever we sing "ring around the rosie". It is so much fun. We are still working on the "all fall down" part yet. Tooth #6 came in today! I hope he starts eating now. The last few weeks he has been a very picky eater, mostly just drinking his bottle. Sarah: Yeah for such a great weekend. I agree, it is great to see the excitement in our toddler's eyes as they walk around and make fun discoveries. DH spent all of Sunday in bed. Monday he said he felt like he was still hung-over! I am so scared that Colton will fall down our steps--they are cement. When I am doing laundry he will sneek away and try to climb up them. Louise: Sorry you had such a rough week. Yeah for James walking. How cute w/ his baa baa blk sheep. Helen: My dr told me to start time outs now too. How do you do that at this age? He suggested putting him in the crib, but I want that to be a happy sleeping place, not a place for punishment. LisaB: Have you tried telling Max "nose" when he is just about to get into a no-no? Could be a secret weapon for distraction! Bridie: Toenails in the tub--LOL!!! Christi: So what did your FIL bring you for dinner? I usually have Colton sleep w/ us when his is sick. Sorry you missed the b-day cake pic's. Colton loves to open and close doors too and has managed to pinch himself only a couple times--nothing too bad though. Rita: Thanks for the pumpkin patch pictures. Your girls looked like they had a good time picking out their pumpkins. Shelly: How cute of Riley trying to pee. Have fun w/ the haunted b-day party. Diane: Hope you and Angel feel better soon. I would love to see some pictures. Patty: Jarin's welcome home dance sounds great after a hard days' work. :) LisaB: The last time Colton was in the church nursery he came home w/ crayon crumbs around his face and in his mouth! I do not let him play w/ them at home yet. His daycare sends home projects once a month and they are so cute. Time for me to get to work. Have a great day everyone. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 07:41:34 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!!! Today is my birthday---35!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yuck!!!Dh actually remembered today BEFORE leaving for work! The kids have hockey- play practice and I have a nail appointment- so nothing exciting will be going on. I did get a cake yesterday- SarahLee--- love those and ice cream. Amanda has been sleeping for the most part- but was up at 5:30 this AM- gave her a bottle and out until 7:45. Her shots didn't seem to bother her. Mine did!! I went for a flu vaccine yesterday and felt so wimpy compared to our little ones always getting them! The spot hurt for the day- But I'll live! Amanda started whining when the lady came at me w/the needle- must have thought it was for her since I hold her in my lap when she gets them now. I went to Home Depot this AM and got tons of tulip bulbs to plant this week, also 3 sets of shelving for the basement, so I'll be busy for a while. DEEDEE- Glad your back! Sorry about the miscarriage-- +++++++++++ thoughts your way!! BECKY- Glad your visit w/your 'mom' went well. LISAB- Hope Max is back to his old self. MORIAH-- Yeah for Alex gaining weight!!!! CHARLINE-- Good to hear Hayden's app went well- hope he can avoid surgery!! :O) SHELLY-- Riley holding his belly button peeing!!!! How funny!!! JULIANNE-- Now your sick-- hope your all back to normal soon!! The suprise party was nice of DH!!! Happy b-day in case I forgot!! I didn't try the time-outs yet-- DH threatened her with it a couple times!LOL!! She said to tell her no and if she doesn't listen, bring her to a corner and hold her there for a minute or so(I suppose a chair would work also), and say 'no' for her to get the idea. ??? Who knows if that will work- they are just beginning to understand simple commands- I think that might be a little much??? I've always read NEVER to use their crib/bed as a place of punishment- your right- find somewhere else. It will lead to sleep problems. So- I've taken the doctors advice and started putting Amanda to bed without rocking her- actually I like to rock her, but I suppose she will only get hooked on it and expect it. She is doing fine with it. Well better go- Amanda is emptying my sewing machine drawers!!! LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@almost15mos(#3) Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 08:42:16 (MDT)) HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY HELEN. Hope you have a great year! Julianne Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 10:55:18 (MDT)) Rebecca sneaking over from BT... I thought I'd try to see what was happening with all my old friends from BT. I'll be here really soon (that thought is so scary!) since Paige's bday is two and a half weeks away. Not much happening with us. Paige has a cold which seems to be on the mend. I'm trying to plan the birthday party (a small gathering). DH is getting lots of hours at his new job. I was wondering if any of the mother's here are still suffering from post partum and if you are taking any meds? I just started them recently and would like any info you guys feel like sharing. Gotta go get the dishes done as MIL is coming over tonight. Hope to be able to talk to you guys more often (it's hard to keep up with both boards!). Rebecca & Paige 11month+ email: burn@canadawired.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 10:55:24 (MDT)) Hello ladies. SARAH here. I decided to wait a little longer today to post, seein' as there weren't many posts' to respond to at 6:00 this morning! :) HANNAH is getting another molar in. She woke up several times last night. That probably had something to do with it. Other than that, she's been an angel!!! MARY C - That flip n flush toilet seat sounds neat. Thanks for the info. DIANE - Glad you're feeling better. Again, thanks for the pictures. ANGEL's adorable!!! BETH - My nephew is better. Thanks for asking. My sister felt terrible!! She still does! I had an epidural, but it definitely did not numb the pain. I know it wasn't as painful (nearly!!)as natural, but I still felt some! CHRISTI - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I didn't realize your's and CALEB's were so close together. That's neat!! His birthday is tomorrow, right?? HANNAH pinched her finger on Monday night. It was so sad! I HATE when she gets hurt!!! :( My nephew is fine, thanks for asking! DATELINE was about a girl (Kendra Webdale) who was about 28 and lived in NY. To make a long story short, she was pushed on to the subway tracks in front of the train, by a guy who had schizophrenia and had been in and out of 13 hospitals, and killed. It was sad!!! SHELLY - I'll send some pictures of HANNAH. Happy Birthday to TAYLOR yesterday! MEREDITH and MIKAELA - WELCOME and CONGRATS!! I'm not sure what to tell you. My sister had to do the same thing. I think you just be sure and include the older one with the baby and what you do with the baby. LISA B. - How did the pictures turn out? I want to do it too. PATTY - Yes, my sister felt like sh--!! I feel for her. KELLI - I'll have to check out BT. JULIANNE - Sorry you are sick!! I was wondering where you were yesterday. Also, sorry to hear DH had f.p. Hope he's better. Congrats on tooth number 6 COLTON! RITA - Thanks again for the pictures. Adorable little punkins you have!!! HELEN - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I got a flu shot a week ago. My arm was so sore the next day, too. OK, hope everyone has a great day. HALFWAY TO FRIDAY!!! :) :) Sarah and Hannah (13 3/4 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 11:11:19 (MDT)) Hello from Rita I am back at work today after my two-day class. Too bad I actually need to do some work today. :-( Helen - Happy Birthday to you! I don't dread my birthdays now that I am 35+, but they certainly are quiet. I don't think that I could keep up with all of the "party animals" on this board. LOL Birdie - Are you trying to set Amy up with Noah? I am afraid to say that she already has a few boyfriends and I fear that she will be a terrible flirt. I am not prepared for her to walk as early as Noah. I just can't picture such a tiny toddler. She's right on par with Maddy's milestones, so I expect her to start walking before the end of the year. Julianne - Were you asking about time-outs? We started by having Maddy sit in a particular time-out chair because we didn't want to her to associate her room or bed with time-outs. The chair is in our front room, so it is away from the TV and other distractions. I had to sit with her at first, but she soon learned to sit on her own. Well, I have to cut this off as I have just gotten some urgent requests. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 11:37:52 (MDT)) Rita again, briefly. Meredith - My two DDs are two years and four days apart. Maddy was really too little to understand about the baby coming, but we talked alot about babies in general and I took her to visit a friend with a new baby. We also purchased a newborn baby doll that I took with me to the hospital. When my DH brought Maddy to visit, she was given the doll so that she, too, had a baby that came from the hospital. We told her that the baby was a gift from Amy. My DH also had Maddy pick out a gift to bring to the baby. Vicki Lansky has written a short book with some good ideas. I also read a book called "From One Child to Two" that was useful. Good luck! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 12:28:01 (MDT)) Hi, this is Birdie. Just watched another Baby Story!! I'm supposed to be working. I never should have put a tv in my office. Noah had a Halloween party at Gymboree today. he looked quite adorable in his lion costume. I even got him to growl a little. We started practicing with the costume a while ago so it would'nt be ripped off immediately. He wore it all day long!! He is walking full time now. An occasional crawl when he wants to get somewhere fast. I have a few questions today for all you experts...What is your opinion on when to have a second baby??? We have always planned to have a second child but can't decide when would be a good time. I had always planned to have them close together but now that I have Noah I feel almost guilty about having another child. I love him so much and I just want to spoil him and I don't want him to ever feel sad but we also want to have more children. Is it better, in your opinions, to have them close together when they don't really understand what's going on and they haven't had you all to themselves for a really long time...or would it be better to wait until he's older and we can explain things to him and he can have more time being alone with us. And what about the second baby? They never really get to be alone with us at all. I really value your opinions. I told Dh before we discuss it any further let's ask the girls!!! My other question is about Noah. Yes, he does walk now but he isn't a total genius. We are having a really hard time introducing the sippy cup. He likes to take drinks out of our cups but hates the sippy cup. he loves his bottle. Any advice? Patty- Baby Story is on from 2-3 in the east and is on the learning channel. It's 2 half hour segments on couples having babies. It follows them fro about 35 weeks to delivery and then a month after the birth. You usually get to see them getting ready, showers, classes etc... Then they show the delivery. Louise- I thought the Blair Witch project was creepy. I wouldn't call it scary and it's not a hack and slash. it's just really creepy and they did a great job making it believable I think. It didn't really sound scripted. I'm glad I saw it. Now I know what everyone is talking about. I also saw the short "documentary" which leads up to the Blair Witch and I think it helped me enjoy the movie more even though this video was very cheesy. Beth- I love it when they cry. Especially the daddy. Rita- Okay, I guess the distance would be a little hard anyway for them. I was very surprised when Noah started walking and then our Ped told us that if the parents were early walkers the children usually are. Dh and I were both early walkers. Take care everyone. Birdie and Noah (11 months) Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 13:38:23 (MDT)) Hello everyone!! Thanks for all of the birthday wishes!! If I felt good I may even enjoy today, oh well, there is always next year right? A slow day here so..... Julianne***we ordered out from a little italian resturante, we had italian burgers, salads and pizza, YUMMY Helen***HAPPY BIRHTDAY to you!!Hope you are enjoying your day Sarah***Thanks! Yes, Calebs birhtday is tomorrow, I went in to be induced around 3pm on my birthday. I was really hoping to have him ON my birthday, but he missed it by 57 minutes. What a sad story on Dateline. Thanks for filling me in. Meredeth***I would tell her all you can, even what she won't really understand. Make sure she knows where she will be when you are in the hospital etc. Good Luck!! Rita***The doll idea is wonderful!! I wish I had thought of that when Caleb was born! Although we did get her baby supplies--diapers, a diaper bag food etc. so she could take care of her baby Birdie***There is no "perfect" time. Mine are 3 years and 8 days apart, and things have flowed smoothly, but if we could have they would have been 18 months apart or less. Lexi was asking Santa for a baby when she was just over 2, amazingly by Feb. I was pg, we were all very happy.I wish you luck!! Well girls, I better go get something done in the house before DH gets home. Bye! Christi & Caleb email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 14:14:25 (MDT)) Hi This is our first time visitng your discussion board. I'm Jennifer and Ashton is my soon to be 2yr old little boy. Well not so little anymore!! I also have a 3 month old daughter, Madison. Here's my dilema: Ashton does not listen to me ever!!!! He will listen to his stepdad, dad, godparents, grandparents, nanny, and probably any stranger who walks up to him on the street!--But never to me!!!! Is this just terrible 2's?? He is sooooo smart so I know he understands "please don't do that(etc)" but if it comes from my mouth it's in one ear and out the other so to speak!! He will look right at me and defy any requests I make of him!!! I've done time outs for 1-2 minutes I've tried no TV, no toys, no favorite activities and yes even god forbid the spanking bit!!! I've talked until my face is beautiful shade of blue, and he just doesn't care!!! At this point I'm totally wiped out!!! I spent 1/2 of the day today trying and the other 1/2 crying because I just can't figure him out. If anyone has gone thru this any advice would be welcomed and appreciated. I'm near the point of giving up and letting him win all!!!!! Jennifer & Ashton (10-31-97) Jen & Ashton (10-31-97) email: Jen2Ashton@mindspring.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 18:15:07 (MDT)) Hello everyone I have read all your posts but it has been a rough week and just continues. Today Angel woke up with a rash allover her face which seems to come and go doctor said it is probably from the needle baby measles but they arent contagious just dont look nice. Also her poor nose is running like crazy poor thing. thank so much for all the pics of your sweeties! Diane Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 19:23:08 (MDT)) Crystal and Darrel here. Just skimmed the posts tonight but had to reply to Jen: My son is only 14 months, so I haven't been through it with him. However, I work with infants, twoyear olds and three year olds at two different day care centers. I have found that counting to three out loud works well. If the child doesn't start folloing through on the request by the time I get to "3", I personally get up to remove them from what they're not supposed to do. Normally, when I get up, they instantly follow through on my request. Also, if it started around the time the baby was born, he could be reacting to the birth of the baby, even if it started just before the baby was born. Hope this helps. Crystal and Darrel 14 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 19:25:24 (MDT)) HI! It's Moriah. We've had a couple okay days. Tuesday I went to work again. It went well BUT boy do I feel guilty! Alex just plays by himself the whole time. He's so used to getting more stimultaion plus he NEEDS me to be working on his motor skills. Yet if I work then he doesn't get the same attention. I think I need to work more days at shorter hours that way I can schedule it around his napes more. OOPS! Whining again! UGH! The valve still hasn't arrived. I called the Dr & he said it may take "a while". He couldn't define wether a while ment a few days or a few weeks. YUCK! Alex did however make some noise on his own the other day. It was a really great sound. Speaking of... I really should have been more emotional when I heard him cry. But it seems like after Alex's last hospital stay I can barely ever cry. Even at movies & stuff. I used to be a major cryer (just ask Shelly). Even when Geoff & I fight I don't cry. I feel like sometimes I'm too hard. On to the personals.... Louise - Ecxema - that's a really good thought. Please let me know what the name of the cream is. I'll try anything at this point. Birdie - Oh ya - you think you're DH is grosser than mine? Fat chance! Get this - during crab season Geoff's hands peel from constantly being wet. Well at night he peels off the skin & leaves little piles on the coffee table. Then I just come along & sweep it up when it's all dried up. GROSS! I'm so used to it but my friends have seen it before & had a cow. BTW Shelly - I wouldn't eat the parmesan cheese at our house! LOL One the 2nd kid thing. I'm a big believer in spacing the kids out at least 3 years. But you know I really belive it depends on how you were raised. Both Geoff & I come from families where there is space so it seems "right" to us. We have a LOT of friends who are having kids right now close together & quite a few are sorry they didn't wait longer. One friend in particular who's kids are exactly 2 years apart is having a really hard time because her 2 1/2 yo is quite difficult so she gets to devote less time to the baby than she'd like. I guess all the Baby Story viewing is throwing your clock back on huh? LOL! What ever you choose I'm sure you'll be happy@=! Crystal - just a question - why would your Dh go back into the military rather than get a job that would give you benefits? It seems like the last thing you guys need right now is to be separated because of the military again! Diane - please email me some pics! Rebecca - come on over! Sorry you're still feeling depressed! Happy Birthday to Helen, Christi & Julianne! Well I better go! Take care! Moriah & Alex (12 1/2 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 22:04:01 (MDT)) Good morning...a very sleepy SARAH here! :0 HANNAH woke up this morning around 4:30. I am soooo tired. I have a 30-40 minute drive in the morning, and it was so hard to keep my eyes open, in fact, it's real hard to keep my eyes open while I'm typing. I think I'll wake up a little bit, and have some coffee. When I feel a little more alert, I'll be back for some personals. I do have just one right now, though: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB!!!! :) :) :) Talk to you gals in a little bit! Sarah and Hannah (13 3/4 mo) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 06:35:37 (MDT)) Good morning everybody. Sorry I have a hard time keeping up with this board, but please consider me a part-timer!! Of course no time to post, but my best wishes to you all! Welcome Ashton and Madison's mom (sorry didn't take notes- just skimmed a little). My 2 kids are almost as closely spaced as yours (23 mo) and I have a "challenging" time with Isaac lately in the behavior dept. I've been reading "Positve Discipline from A to Z" and I find some good advice there. I'm thinking the more information on how these wild little munchkins tick, the better!!! lol! good luck! Ok ladies- I've heard talk of beautiful pictures going around- I'd love to see some. I'd be glad to send out our pic's as well! gotta go- kids will be up soon!! Sarah g and Isaac (almost 2 1/2) email: gat_men@hotmail.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 08:03:18 (MDT)) Hi all, Katy here. Forgive me, I need to vent for a while. Well, as you all know, we've been waititng to hear news about DH's settlement for his knee injury. Well we got a letter in the mail yesterday and got royally screwed. Ohio's Bureau of Workers Compensation says that DH's kneww is only 3% disablesd and that Mcdonalds has to pay him only $173.67 over 6 weeks. That's about $900. And then the lawyers get their 30% and on top of that we owe the lawyers about $600 in fees, which means we will either end up with $25 or owing $25. And because the payments are spread over the 6 weeks we may lose DH's Social Security and lose some of our food stamps. When we heard about this, we yelled and got so angry. There is no way his knee is only 3% disabled. It grinds all the time, he limps after being out for more than an hour, he has to wear a knee brace off and on, he had three surgeries, it affects our sex life sometimes and if he went back to work, which he'll have to, his knee wouldn't last more than 3 or 4 weeks. It's so frustrating, we were expecting at least 100 thousand, because that's the minimum that the lawyers said. DH is going to call the lawyers to challenge, but who knows how long that would take. Thanks for letting me vent. I hope everyone is doing well. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 08:25:13 (MDT)) Okay, I have found a way to cheat on posting from work. I get on, read the posts real quick and take notes at the same time. Then I get off the internet all together and open a Word document and write my post into that. Log back on to the sight very quickly cut and paste and VIOLA! A post with a mimimum amount of time spent actually online where they can track me. Okay serious question for all you breastfeeding and former breastfeeding moms out there (esp. the former BF ones.) As most of you know, I BF Allison for a little over 11 months and weaned her back in April of this year. Well, I now have these hard knots around one of my nipples. The knots are MUCH worse in the mornings and hardly detectable at all during the evening hours. I can move them around, they aren’t stationery and I can feel what feels like a little tube structure that seems to connect the knots to one another. To me it feels like swollen milk ducts. I can still express small drops of milk each morning if I try and when I do this the knots get more prominent to where I can even see them sticking up above the normal conture of my breast. Sometimes when I try to express I even get what feels like letdown and they are really prominent then. I am going to the Dr. next week ( it will be 7 –10 days after the start of my cycle, the best time to check your breasts for abnormalities) and have it checked out just to be on the safe side, but was just wondering if any of you have experienced anything similar or know of someone else that has. I have had these knots pretty much since I weaned and have waited this long only because I figured they were somehow related to the whole breastfeeding experience. Now that it has been over 6 months I am getting slightly worried about them. Anything you guys know would be a great help to me. Now for a few personals. Katy – I hope your settlement works out okay. My IL’s are trying to get a settlement for my MIL’s back and the insurance company tried to settle for about 10,000 total. She has had many surgeried as well and is still in constant pain after 3 years since the accident. They didn’t accept the settlement and are still fighting with them. Sarah – WAKE-UP!!!!! Aren’t molars horrible?? Their poor little gums just look awful while they are trying to come in. I feel so sorry for them. Moriah – okay, that paremsan cheese comment was totally gross! I don’t think I will ever be able to look at a container of it in the same way now! LOL Jen – I agree with someone else who said that Ashton’s behavior may be related to the new baby and the fact the he is not getting as much attention as before she was born. The only suggestion I have is to try to find him doing things GOOD and give him lots of extra praise and attention in these situations and ignore as much of the bad behavior as you can. He may be doing it to get attention from you even if it’s negative attention. This way if you accentuate the positive and ignore the negative (as long as he’s not hurting anything, or putting himself or anyone else in danger) he may see that he gets more attention for being good and try that as a way to get Mommy’s attention instead. Good luck! Let us know how it goes. Christi – happy b-day to you and Caleb. Birdie – Allison didn’t really like the sippy cup either. I just kept giving it to her and didn’t give her the bottle as an option at meals, snacks, etc. Finally she got thirsty enough that she decided since that’s all there was she would take it. Helen – happy b-day (a day late) Julianne – happy b-day to you as well. Sorry about the f. poisoning for Dh, at least it wasn’t from the alcohol though. Rebecca – can’t wait for you to join us on the Toddler side! Kelli – wow, you little socialite! Sounds fun getting together with another mommy! Patty – good luck on finding out about your surgery. I miss your big posts everyday. Can’t wait till summer break then we’ll have our old patty back!! LOL Shelly – the haunted b-day sounds fun! Taylor sounds like a great kid! Well, I’d better post this monster and get back to some actual work. Talk to you ladies later. Beth and Allison (17months) email: bobwite@msn.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 09:33:17 (MDT)) I hate it when I lose my post. I was one personal away and whammo: goodbye post. My morning has been crazy so I had to wait until my lunch break to get back on. Colton had a great time playing with Great Grandma yesterday. He only took 2 half hr naps. He was so tired. DH and him laid on the couch and watched TV together while I fixed dinner. Such a cute bonding moment. I visited w/ my SIL for a little while last night. Her daughter is 7 wks older than Colton and what a brute. She is built much bigger and whatever toy Colton had she would take it away from him or push him off it. He just backed away and found something else to play with. He never cried, screamed or fought back. I was kind of surprised that he was so nice about it. DH is going to watch Colton tonight while I get my hair cut and highlighted. I can't wait. Helen: Poor Amanda thinking she was getting a flu shot. You go girl--planting all those tulip bulbs. I love watching for the plants to peek up in the spring. I am not very lucky though. One yr I planted over 100 bulbs and only about 30 came up. I was so depressed, especially since it was pouring rain by the time I had finished planting them. Kelli: Great picture of Elizabeth on BT. Sarah: I sure hope Hannah's molar comes in quick and you get more sleep tonight. Rita: Do you remember how old Maddy was when you started her time outs? Also, what did you consider a punishable offense? Birdie: It's great that you were able to get Noah to growl in his lion suit--what fun. I am still have trouble switching Colton to the sippy cup. Since he is back to refusing solids I don't want to take his bottle away yet. Jen: Welcome. Colton has not gotten to the rebellious stage yet, so no advise for you. Hang in there and keep on trying. Diane: Thanks for the pictures of Angel. I love the froggie one! Moriah: It's hard to juggle work and toddler quality time. Try a few different schedules and you'll find one that works best for both you and Alex. Yeah for him making noises. :) Katy: Sorry to hear about the outcome of your lawsuit. Good luck with whatever you decide your next step is. I've got to check the lunch room to see if there is any more pie left so see ya everyone. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 09:57:43 (MDT)) Hey everyone. Although I don't have alot of time to check in as much as I would like, I thought I'd stop by and say hi! So, "HI!" I hope everyone is doing great! We are doing wonderful and ELizabeth is so much fun! She's full of energy and laughs! We watched The Blair Witch Project last night. I have a few comments: Hated it, freaked me out, don't recommend it, sorry I watched it. I kept waking up last night thinking about it. It's still getting to me. I'll try to get on later, but if I don't... ya'll have a good day! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 months email: rkncs@aol.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 11:12:50 (MDT)) OK, I'm back!! I'm a little more alert now. It's SARAH. Boy, when I wrote that post this morning I was in a fog!!!! JEN, ASHTON, and MADISON - WELCOME!!! I was going to say the same thing some of the other's said. Good luck!! CHRISTI - Did you get CALEB's card? DIANE - Poor ANGEL! Hope she gets better soon!!! MORIAH - I'm so glad ALEX made some noise. That's awesome!!! REBECCA - Sorry you're feeling down. You should come on over and join us!!! :) SARAH g. - I tried sending pictures, but couldn't. I'll try again! KATY - Sorry about the bad news on the settlement! BETH - Thank you for the WAKE UP call!!! That cracked me up!!! :) JULIANNE - Too cute about COLTON and DH "bonding" on the couch! Don't you love that???? I love it when HANNAH and I have bonding moments, but I love to see it happen with her and DH!! KELLI - Good to hear from you!! PATTY - Hey, did you watch "Time of Your Life" or whatever it's called...the spin-off of PO5?? Well, that's about all for now! I'll talk to you ladies tomorrow!!! Sarah again! Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 11:53:43 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. Max is 14 months today. It's amazing how it seems like I've had him FOREVER (hard to remember life without him) but at the same time it seems like he's growing up soooo fast. I had training yesterday & I really missed you guys (AKA - monster post ahead). Max refused to sleep Tuesday night. He was ALMOST asleep and the phone rang (noone there when we answered). I tried rocking him, nursing him, cuddling in my bed, etc. & then DH took over. DH sat by the crib in a dining room chair and Max sat up in his crib for a 1/2 hour watching DH before he laid down and went to sleep (SCREAMED if DH got out of eyesight). Then he was up from 2-4 with gas. He napped for 2 1/2 hours yesterday AND slept through last night - YEAH!! He keeps getting gas real bad at night and sleeps fretfully and his little belly is so hard and protudes (probably more from overeating than a medical problem - just like me!). I can poke on his belly and feel no knots and it doesn't cause him any pain (during the day when he's not fussy) so I plan to just mention it at his 15 month checkup. Plus I'm TRYING to cut out caffeniated soda again as that could be causing the gas (I nurse him to sleep) and I need to anyway as we'll be TTC in less than a month!!!! DH, Max, and I went to a halloween thing for the public at the Governor's mansion last night. They had storytellers, a hay maze, a magic show, kids games, and shows with Loony Tune characters. The governor and first lady were in Halloween costumes and we toured the first floor of the "haunted mansion". They had over-sized blown up pumpkins, a HUGE spider on the roof of the mansion, etc. It was really cool and Max got a free "Clifford's Halloween" book. Max wore his Devil outfit there but the sweatshirt (size 2 but used) was too small. The neck barely went over his melon head and the hood about strangled him until I managed to get it pulled down. So back to the drawing board for the party at the sitters today. I put him in a camoflauge t-shirt and pants and let him take his stuffed bear in - he's a bear hunter! Unfortunately I didn't have an orange hat to complete the ensemble - LOL!!! Do any of you have wills and have you named guardians for your little ones? DH and I don't want my sisters to get Max (one has a criminal record for embellzement and has stolen money from my parents, is in an abusive relationship, has 2 illegitimate kids, is a complusive lier, and refuses to let her 18-month DD start potty training as the 3 year old has to do it first ... the other over-indulges her kids, all of whom have behavioral problems as the parents are more concerned with being friends with than parents to their kids, and believes she was abused as a child as she had to SHARE with her sisters). My MIL is almost 70 and has little judgment (once let Max's cousins ride in the trunk of her car as they asked if they could and it was only a mile - not considering she could be in a wreck, she might forget they were there, that once they thought this was acceptable behavior they might be more suspectible to kidnappings, etc.). My parents just don't have the time or patience to raise Max. The only one left is my BIL and we really don't want him (him and his wife have had SERIOUS marital problems, they both play favorites with their kids, the kids are frequently left alone, and the kids are shipped out to someone else at ANY opportunity as they basically don't like to "deal" with them). I guess my 19-year old brother needs to mature real quick and find him a good wife so he can be the guardian - LOL! Well, I've written a novel already and haven't even gotten to the personnels so I'm just going to hit the "high" points of my notes (so sorry if I leave anyone out). CHRISTIE: Max has big bright blue eyes. They are like mine, however, in that they APPEAR to be different colors (blue, green, etc.) based on what he's wearing. BIRDIE: LOL on the toenails! We plan to start TTC #2 within a month so if "it" happened right away the kids would be 2 years apart. My 2 sisters and I were all 2 years apart and it worked well. We were close enough in age to play together and all but also far enough apart to have separate identities and friends once we started school. I was the 2nd child and never felt slighted as I never even considered what it would be like to have my parents "all to myself" until I was a teenager. Just think, in a way Noah was "slighted" as he didn't have a playmate who was always around! I think the key is to ensure that both you and DH have opportunities to spend one-on-one time with each kid so you can develop those individual bonds. CHRISTIE: What a cut (but tired) little boy you have! Thanks for the photos! RITA: Thanks for the adorable pictures!!! CHARLINE: Yeah for the good news. I just had a CAT scan of my sinuses and it took about 10 minutes. A coworker used to work in a hospital and said kids are generally sedated. I can see why. They strapped my arms and my head down. The table I laid on moved up and down and in and out of the x-ray tube thing. The x-ray tube thing moved around and buzzed and beeped. It would be scary for a little kid ... and impossible to hold still (I had trouble with that). I hope this helps you prepare mentally for the procedure and please let us know the results. SHELLY: Riley sounds adorable "peeing". I agree not to deceive your spouse. Having a kid is stressful enough when both parents WANT a baby. CRYSTAL: I agree with others - nix the military idea UNLESS you 2 can be together. If not, he can find another job and you can go on Medicaid if needed. Don't view it as a handout. Do you know they have withheld $$ from every paycheck you get to pay SPECIFICALLY for Medicaid? So actually you've been paying "premiums" for years ... so don't feel guilty if you need to use the "insurance" now. I know this is late but Max had ringworm. They were little red bumps (like mini-warts). The bump was oblong around a center that looked like regular skin - so it actually looks a worm is curled up just under the skin! The bumps gradually spread but are pretty small (Max's were smaller than the tip of my little finger). PATTY: Jarin gets his tubes the same day I get my nose operated on. Jarin has so many words - Max is down to "Mom" now (and he says it NON-STOP!). LOUISE: One of my sisters took her 8 year old DS to see the Blair Witch Project (another strike agst. her as a possible guardian) as he begged to see it. My nephew now will not go in the bathroom by himself (to shower, pee, etc.), can't sleep unless all the lights in his room are on, etc. DIANE: Thanks for the photo of Angel! I hope her rash improves soon. BETH: The lumps sound like milk glands to me. Allison will be potty trained in no time - YEAH!! MEREDITH: Welcome! Sorry, no advice! JENNIFER: I've discovered Max has learned who "means business" and who will be more wishy-washy (which may be why DS obeys everyone but you). Don't explain - say "do this" or "don't do that" and add "because that is the rule". End of discussion, no arguments accepted, etc. - just "this is the rule and you follow it". I know it's hard and you probably feel guilty as the new sibling is displacing DS but if you give up now he'll be walking all over you before you know it. Come here for support whenever you need this - these ladies are great and have helped me over MANY hurdles! MORIAH: Yeah on Alex making noise! KATY: I'm sorry the settlement isn't working out. Will DH be able to work? If not, I would try pursing permanent disability through social security. KELLI: Your new friend is really evil. She's a witch and your subconscience knows it ... that's why Blair Witch Project was so upsetting to you. Dump her and come back to us as we miss you. No really, I'm so glad you found a friend for you and a playmate for Elizabeth! I hope I'll be able to do the same after I become a SAHM! LisaB & Max (14 months TODAY!) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 12:15:18 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! OK-- now I'm ofically 'mid-thirties'. I remember seeing the show thirty-something years ago and thinking they were so old- huh- thats me now and I don't feel so old!! DH got me a bottle of wine and a electric knife-- I know- but I've wanted one for a while. I bought a turkey today so I can try it out soon. We ran a few errands this AM and Amanda is still sleeping- made it from the garage to bed! Imagine that! I just called wal-mart and am going to return Amanda's little 'step 2 buggy'. I bought it in May but the back wheels are splitting so back it goes! I'll have to get her something else- she just loves it!! BETH/SARAH-- I had 2 babies- felt TOO much and then an epidural with Amanda and didn't feel ANYTHING!! It was the best!! I did think I had a harder time pushing since I was not feeling any pressure and would have gotten her out a few pushes earlier if I did- or the 10 + lbs could have been the reason-LOL!! CHRISTI--Happy birthday!! MEREDITH-- My DS and DD are 24mos apart, my DS had a cabbage patch doll he would 'practice' on, change, feed, burp, walk in a stroller, he was fine w/ a new baby but I was careful to pay lots of attention to him and not talk about the baby all the time. We bought him a t-shirt at the hospital-'I'm the big brother' and he was so happy. Good Luck!! RITA-- Yes this B-day was not as big of a shock as I thought it would be-- I bet 40 will be!! BIRDIE-- I've been giving Amanda a cup since she was 6mos old so she would be used to having both and then the bottle less and less-- it will take time thats all- hang in there! CALEB--- Happy birthday!!! JEN&ASHTON-- I agree that some of the baby books are helpful with ideas of discipline- kids are all so different and there's so many ways to go about it- what may work for one, may not for another and some kids are very easy and some quite a challenge!! Good luck!! DIANE-- Hope Angel is better soon!! CRYSTAL-- I have to agree with Moriah-- Why would DH go back in the service if he just got out and its caused so much turmoil???????? Insurance is not a reason. You and Darrel need him home. KATY-- Sorry the lawsuit didn't go well- keep checking- it doesnt seem right with all the trouble DH is having with his knee! JULIANNE-- I planted 250+++ at our other house and I think they were planted too deep and only about 100 came up. With the cold and snow they have to be deep enough not to be damaged by the weather but if too deep they don't come up-- so I'm trying again and have another 250, so we'll see in the spring!!( your also supposed to sprinkle a little bone meal in each hole w/the bulbs.) OK- enough gabbing-- check in later! Thanks for all the birthday wishes!!!!!! Helen&Amanda@almost 15mos(#3) Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 12:39:38 (MDT)) Christ & Caleb here, birhtday boy is napping wonderfully now--Yippy! Besided that do you all mind if I whine a little..........good! I provide daycare for 3 families (4 kids) and AAAUUUGGGHHH Most of the time things go very smoothly, but this week has been terrible. I have felt bad (a nasty cold)but I don't call off, (where would all of the kids go?). I guess none of this is making sense, I just feel very under appreciated! Everyone says how expensive day care is, I work 60+ hours a week and only make $200. But, please don't take this wrong, I know if it weren't for these working moms I couldn't stay home. I just wish THEY would say anyhting positve once and a while. Okay, I am done, thank-you. JEN*** welocme! I have no advice for you, just keep plugging along, I know it is hard. DIANE***Hope your week gets better, and Angel too! MORIAH***YIPPY for Alex making noioses on his own!! I don't remember who you were asking, but for excema try Cetaphil cream. SARAH & HANNAH***Thanks for the card, Caleb liked it! KATY***Sorry about your DH's settlement, can you try to fight it? BIRDIE***As for Caleb taking cups, boy was it work! What finally worked was giving him spillable cups and getting very excited when he would take a drink on his own. With time I switched him over to sippy cups (Playtex). It took about a month, but now he doesnt use any thing but. No more bottles!!! LISA B.***Wow! I guess I am lucky, my sister and parents both would take our kids, and that would be fine with us (I would perfer my sister--she younger and they have none of their own--but want) Okay, I better quit before it turns into a novel--and naptime is almost over :( Also--another mom just called and said would you mind watching my 2 for a while, I say when, she says--10 minutes,I am on my way. Yep, I guess so. I need a vacation! Christi & Caleb 1 today!!!! :o) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 13:29:00 (MDT)) Okay, first sorry for all of the typos, second--Birdie, when I said spillable cups, I meant they had lids, but they would leak. Okay, Bye again! Christi & Caleb (Again) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 13:31:31 (MDT)) Rebecca here again... LisaB - We've talked about guardianship and I think have agreed that my brother is the only option. My BIL is floundering financially, single, and in no way ready for a kid. My MIL and FIL are divorced. MIL lives in a tiny apartment and is retiring this year. FIL lives with his girlfriend and they travel alot! My parents are an option, but they are older and I know that my dad's health isn't great. It's hard to say, but if he makes it to 60 without a heart attack I'll be shocked (that's 3 years). My brother owns a townhouse, is in a good job, has a steady girlfriend (who he was supposed to marry last month, but that's another story), and I think he would raise Paige close to the same way I would. We haven't drawn up any papers, but our family knows our wishes. Christi - Happy Birthday Caleb! Well that's all I snuck over to say! Talk to you soon. Rebecca & Paige - 11months+ email: burn@canadawired.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 13:56:40 (MDT)) Good afternoon everyone. I don't have time to say a lot today. (I know, most of you can't believe it!!!LOL) When I was married exdh and I wrestled with the guardianship issue too. My oldest sisters have their hands full, Moriah had just been married and my parents were not in positions to take my kids. I have a friend, who has been my best friend for 18 years. So Jim and I left our boys to her and her husband. Family members got their feelings hurt over it, but these were my kids. Now that we are divorced the liklihood of us both dying is slim. So I feel better knowing that the boys would be with their dad. But i have told Monte that I hope he would let my family raise Riley. That is the scariest part of it for me. So it doesn't have to be a sib or parents, if you all have friends or cousins that will love your babies and raise them similar to your plan, then there's your answer. Don't think of anyone but the babies. There!!!! There's my two cents plus about twenty bucks more!!!!!! Thanks for the pics of all the sweet babies. It's nice to put a face to the stories. Shelly & Riley Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 16:49:32 (MDT)) Hi from Rita What an awful day at work today. I don't even want to go into it. DH may be getting a promotion - not enough for me to stay home, though. :-( Moriah - Yah for Alex making sounds! When do you guys start your cold season quarantine? It would be nice for alex and Amy to meet, if possible. Jen - Welcome. Boy does that sound familiar. Maddy is two years older than Amy. We noticed more behavior problems a few months after Amy was born. Maddy seemed to take out any resentments that she had on me, rather than on Amy. This may be what you are experiencing with Ashton. The good news is that we have weathered through this phase and she is minding me again, at least as much as a spirited tot can. I like the Discipline Book by Doctor Sears. Julianne - We really started using the time-outs around 18 months. They became even more effective the more verbal she became - We would ask her why she was given a time out, etc. Well, dinner is served and my presence is requested. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 19:21:10 (MDT)) Hi, Louise here. Well I broke my resolution and missed a couple of days again! We have been busy looking at houses - we've decided to move further out from London as we figured that way we could afford more space, and since I'm doing freelance work from home and DH is self employed(Sound Engineer) and works all over, we don't need to be in an expensive commuter town any more. While I was working in London, it was a different story. So that's the plan - of course I got my expectations up and imagined us living in this huge, rambling house with gardens all around - I don't think the budget will stretch quite that far unfortunately!!! Hopefully we'll get something soon though. James continues to be a little monky but is so great - I love this stage when they seem to be learning something new all the time. Not much other news here, so onto a few personals: RITA - thanks for the pics - all I can say is BEAUTIFUL!!! I will scan some photos of James this weekend and send them out. MORIAH - Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. The ointment we use is called PANALOG ointment - manufactured by CIBA-GEIGY. It's for all kinds of dermatitis in cats and dogs, although apparently not to be used on anything that looks ulcerous or really infected. Good luck. SARAH - sorry to hear about your bad night, I'm DREADING James's molars coming through! I don't think he has a very high pain threshold - typical male!! KATY - Sorry to hear your news re. the settlement. Keep trying. CHRISTI- Belated Happy Birthday! Sorry to hear you're feeling under-appreciated - I do understand, but I'm sure you're not if you see what I mean. Those mothers and babies need you. JEN - welcome. I can't offer you any first hand advice, but all my friends who have two kids have noticed that the elder ones takes out the resentment on them, as the others have said. PATTY - glad to hear you got some news re. the surgery. I also have TMJ although it hasn't caused me much of a problem (other than jaw cracking!) for years luckily - I used to get bad neuralgia. KELLI - Glad to hear you have a new friend, but get back on here! Iloved LISAB's comments!! ELIZABETH - thanks for the advice re. Blair Witch - you've convinced me, as did PATTY & LISAB, that I really don't need to see this movie, I won't be the only one in the world!! LISAB - Belated Happy 14 month Birthday to Max! Re. Guardianship - my parents at the moment are (just about!) young enough to look after James so we haven't got the same problem, but my in-laws are dead and none of the sister/bothers/in laws are really suitable. At one stage we did consider having friends - I'm sure you'l do whatever you think is right. HELEN - belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! My 33rd is coming up soon - scary! Talk later,hi to anyone I've missed, Louise & James email: rnash78035@aol.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 04:05:28 (MDT)) Katy here Thanks everyone for you concerns. We can fight the decision about the settlement but I don't know how long that would take. We could try for permanant disability with Social Security, but I don't know how that works. Not much else to say, see everyone later. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 05:44:15 (MDT)) Happy Friday everyone! DH had lots of fun playing w/ Colton last night while I got my hair done. His supper consisted of Fruit Loops though! It took me a while to get him to sleep. Finally he snuggled down in my arms with his blankie and bottle. He would open his eyes to peek at me and just grin. Made me feel so good! That's one big reason I always hold him until he falls asleep before I put him in his crib. I love the snuggling. I hope the weather holds out for Halloween here. It has been great this week. There are possible showers for Saturday but I am still hopeful. It is kind of confusing because some areas here are holding Trick-or-Treating on Sat and some on Sun. Sarah: Loved the Sarah driving id! Mine would include one had fishing under my seat for a thrown bottle and singing Old Mac Donald! LisaB: Wow, the coundown for TTC is getting close. Have you tried giving Max drops for gas before you put him down at night? What a fun Halloween party your family got to go to. We too are finding trouble picking out guardians and so we keep putting off making a will. DH doesn't like my sis and her husband--no good reason though. He wanted his bro and wife, but I don't--they have never even watched Colton by themselves. He honestly would prefer our neighbors. She loves Colton like her own son and her husband and two kids play w/ him all the time. I just worry about how family will feel if we make that kind of a decision. Helen: I agree w/ you on the age thing. It is all how you feel! Thanks for the bone meal tip for planting bulbs--I was not aware of that. Christi: As a busy working parent I know I rarely take the time to talk to Colton's daycare teachers other than to ask them about his day. Even though the parents don't come out and thank you, rest assured they really appreciate knowing their children are in such good hands. Rita: Sorry you had such a bad day yesterday. Have a great weekend. Louise: Have fun house hunting. Katy: You need a doctor to provide documentation that you DH has a permanent physical disability that prevents him from working. Usually SS turns you down at least once so you need to keep reapplying! Everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend. Mommies, don't eat too much of your kid's candy!!! Julianne & Colton 15mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 06:54:07 (MDT)) Good morning....HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! :) SARAH here. I got to sleep in an extra hour today. It felt so good, plus HANNAH slept GREAT last night!! :) I feel great this morning (alot better than yesterday!!) My sister and BIL are having a wine tasting party tonite. Should be fun. Too bad DH can't go, he's gotta work. And then my mom is going to babysit for us tomorrow night so we can go out. Then Sunday, we're going to the Bronco game (hopefully they can WIN!!!) Pretty busy weekend planned. MEGAN - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!!!! LISA - I've also thought about this before. DH and I have never discussed it, but I would want her to go to my sister. I would love my mom to have her, but her and my dad are getting older (only 60) and they've had their share of kids. My brother would be great, too, but they have 3 kids already and live in a small house. My sister has 2 boys, but they are very well off and they have a strong faith in God. I just think it would be a really good environment for her. DH's sister could also. The only thing is she's a single mom (not putting down single mom's at all!!) and she's dating a loser! His mom can't move around too well, and his brother....NO! I really hate even thinking about it though. OK, probably more info than you wanted to know! :) CHRISTI - I'm glad you/CALEB enjoyed the card. Just know, you're VERY appreciated here! :) I know what you mean, though! RITA - Hope you have a better day today! LOUISE - Good luck on the house hunting!! All I can say is, "molars suck"! JULIANNE - I knew you'd feel the exact same way on the driving id!!! :) :) Fruit loops for dinner? Try a hot dog for breakfast!!! LOL That's funny what you said about eating the candy. That's what I'll probably be caught doing..I love candy!! OK, hope everyone has a GREAT and SAFE weekend, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! Sarah and Hannah (13 3/4 mo) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 07:56:01 (MDT)) Hi from LisaB. This board sure is slow today :-( Max has another molar - I just "found" it last night. That explains the lack of sleep lately! He now has 12 teeth. He didn't nurse much last night - just a few minutes and then wanted to go in his crib (with me standing there until he fell asleep). I guess my baby is turning into a little boy, isn't he - weaning, going to bed on his own, etc. He finger painted for the first time at the sitters yesterday and she said he loved it! CHRISTIE: I ALWAYS make it a point to tell my sitter how much I appreciate her - generally via notes I put in the diaper bag (I tend to communicate via notes as we get to chatting in the morning and I forget to tell her something!). It would not be so easy for me to work if he didn't have a sitter that gives him lots of attention and that I know he loves. SHELLY: I don't have any friends I feel comfortable having raise Max. Most either don't have kids or are not raising their kids as I want Max raised. I have one cousin who I would love to name as guardian BUT she lives hours away from my family and my in-laws (I feel it's important for Max to stay close to family) and is very busy with 2 young kids of her own (and her DH is gone for months at a time thru the nat'l guard). What do you do when you really don't have ANYONE you feel comfortable naming as guardian? :-( JULIANNE: Yep - we've been giving Max gas drops before bed each night. Back to work. I swear if I get one more "special project" assigned to me I'm walking out of this joint! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 12:31:29 (MDT)) Julianne here, I think all you ladies are off enjoying the weekend already since the only ones who have posted today did so from work--not fair! LOL DH took me out to lunch today for my birthday. This is only the 3rd time in the 7 yrs I have worked here that he has had lunch w/ me! At lunch I realized that I have to get up tomorrow at 5am to be able to bring DH to the airport on time. That is earlier than when I get up for work and Sat is supposed to be my sleep in day. Colton had better take a big long nap later so I can too. Sarah: You can be the party girl this weekend. Have lots of fun. LisaB: Max sure has a mouthful of teeth. Maybe that has contributed to his nightly wakings lately. Is there any possbility of a couple from your church for guardian? Maybe you could try to develop a friendship with them to "feel them out." Good luck, it's a tough and important decision. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 13:19:35 (MDT)) Hi, this is Birdie. Thanks to everyone for your input on a second baby. I think it's a little soon for us right now but I don't want to wait to long. I'm getting up there you know. Christi- Thanks for your input on both of my problems. I'll keep working on the sippy cup. Happy B-day Caleb. Moriah- Okay, you topped me with that one. I'll need to really observe Dh's habits and see if I come up with anything. As far as Baby Stroy...why did I ever start watching that crazy show again??? Yay Alex on making sounds. COOL Beth- I'll keep trying. As far as your little bumps, I'll go check my boobs and get back to you. Nope, nothing bumpy. Check with your Dr. Mine are pretty saggy now though. Julianne- I just love giving him his bottle so it's hard for me too. LisaB- We have the works...will, life insurance, guardians. We arranged everything while I was prego. Thanks for your input on second babies. Helen- Thank you. I've been trying the sippy cup for months too but no luck yet. As far as the 30+ thing goes I feel the same way. My DH does too. He said the other day while watching TV "I think I'm getting old, I'm now attracted to the moms on the toothpaste commercials instead of the teenage daughters!!" Take care. Birdie and Noah (11 + months) Friday, October 29, 1999 at 13:38:28 (MDT)) Good afternoon from Christi & cranky Caleb :o) I have found a molar begining to break thru, that could explain the grumpiness. And, proud mama has to add he is walking everywhere! Actually he is doing laps, too cute. Thanks to everyone for cheering me up, sorry to gripe, but I feel better getting it off of my chest. I got to go to lunch with a girlfriend today (DH stays with kids duing nap time)and she told me is is expecting her first in May, I am so excited for her!! They have been trying for almost a year. Well.... LISA & JULIANNE Thanks for the birthday cards, Caleb loves to watch the computer MEGAN Happy birthday to Ben! We are going to get pics done of both kids at Sears tomorrow, I am hoping for an easy time, we will see. Be back sometime tomorrow or Sunday, Bye Christi & Caleb email: plumbs@coiinc.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 14:11:35 (MDT)) Happy Friday all. We had a costume contest here today at work. I dressed at a Dr. with scrubs and a lab coat. Then I pinned peppers all over my coat and was “Dr. Pepper”. I didn’t win any prizes, but it was fun anyway. Not too much else happening this way so on to the personals Birdie – thanks for checking the old boobs for me and giving me a status report! LOL! Mine are much saggier now as well Julianne – Allison has had Fruit Loops for supper before. She is such a picky eater that I figure they fortify those cereals with plenty of vitamins and it can’t be as bad as eating nothing which is what she would do if she doesn’t like what she’s getting. Lisa – Dh and I have talked about who the guardian would be and right now is something were to happen it would be my brother and his wife. They have two small boys of their own and have a good Christian home. Depending on what DH’s younger siblings end up doing with their lives we may switch it to one of them at a later time. Right now his brother just got out of high school and is attending night classes and working full time and his sister is still living at home without a steady job etc and she’s 25 (that’s a whole other story though!). I would hate to burden my brother with another child but right now he is our only logical choice. Sarah – the wine tasting sounds fun. Are we going to have more good stories of big partying on Monday? Louise – good luck finding another house. I would love to live in the country as well.. Maybe someday. Rita – congrats on DH’s promotion. A little extra money always helps. Christi- 4 kids/$200./week. Does that mean you only charge $50./kid/week?? Wow, you really should be charging more. Mine daycare is $60/week and I’m getting off REALLY cheap too. They should appreciate you for that kind of money and for the great care I’m sure you give their kids. Helen – man what a planting guru you are. DH takes care of all the landscaping around our house. I don’t have a green thumb at all. Well, it’s just about time for me to go pick up my little pumpkin. Talk to you ladies later Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 14:25:49 (MDT)) It's LisaB again. I just wanted to check in before I leave for the weekend. JULIANNE: Unfortunately I think DH and I are about the youngest couple at church ... the rest are in their 70s or so. BETH: What a cute costume idea! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 15:15:24 (MDT)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Hello all-- its been slow here today, well the usual- my SUV went in for new tires, DD had a orthodontist app. for her full set of braces, and DS had hockey- and I've been cleaning the house. Last night I returned Amanda's little 'car' and traded it for a fisher price trike-- she just loves it! Her legs won't reach the peddals but she pushes herself around with her feet on the ground. LISAB-- Wow Max has lots of teeth! Happy 14mos to him!! We had a will done just b/f I found out I was pg w/Amanda. DH's sister- 32yrs old is getting all of them and the dog. We didn't even consider my fam. since they are all in Canada and that would not be a good idea to move everyone out of the country to a strange place- DH's brothers have families and are not are our 1st pick for guardians- and the other sister- well lets say that I wouldn't even feel comfortable leaving her the dog!! SIL is not well off financially, feels the need to please others and buy gifts for every occasion, lives w/my inlaws in an apt. over the garage but loves them and thats what counts, also has the same beliefs, values, discipline , etc. MIL is the executor- so that means SIL has to go through her to spend$$ and that will be tough!! LOUISE-- Happy househunting!! SARAH- Happy your rested today!! JULIANNE-- I know what you mean about holding them when they fall asleep-- I still do sometimes even though I have orders not to!!LOL!! BETH--- DH hates to do yardwork and has a company do it- the mowing, leaf blowing/vacuuming etc...He is burnt out from doing house and yard 'stuff' all day at work. I like to plant things and see them come up- he really couldn't care. Well I should go and vac. all the crumbs Amanda dumped all over the floor-- Everyone have a happy and safe Halloween!!!!!! Helen&Amanda@almost 15mos(#3) Friday, October 29, 1999 at 16:18:51 (MDT)) Hi from Rita. Well, the day and I started out with the best of intentions to work together smoothly, but of course things went screwy again. I am really frustrated right now, not with my position per se, but with some of the things that are happening - and it won't go away until Y2K is under way. I bid on another job the other day and I must say that it looks mighty attractive to me right now. Enuf. It has been very quiet today. I hope that everyone is just getting prepped for this weekend. I am looking forward to the extra hour of sleep when we turn the clocks back! We have been really bad and have not gotten our will done yet. My younger sister and her DH are the people that we would want to raise Maddy and Amy and they also want us to raise their children should something happen. My older sibs are pretty much done with raising their kids, so I wouldn't want them to have to start over. DH's family are much older and his niece and nephew who are the right ages and have little ones, are still struggling and don't quite have the same values that we do. The will is on the must do list for the coming year. Well, I have a few issues to close out before I go home. Take care everyone and have a great weekend! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home Friday, October 29, 1999 at 16:55:03 (MDT)) Hi everyone! No, I haven't disappeared off the face of the Earth. I've just been really busy this week with work. Too tired to post after work. Oh, it's Crystal by the way. I've been working two jobs this week, so I've been toast by the time I get home. It's so draining but it's neccessary. I'm taking a pg test tomorrow, and I hope I'm not preggo even though I really want another child right now. We just can't afford it and don't have the space in our apartment. If I am, then we'll still keep the baby and love it as we love Darrel. As for working two jobs, the first day care I worked at called me and asked me if I would sub this week as most of their teachers have quit. Of course, I said yes because we need the money. It's hard on both me and Darrel working at two day care, but if it pays the bills and puts food on the table, what choice do I have? Dh is joining the National Guard as well so that we can have a little extra money. It's not much, but it's something. Plus, there's a place here that hires only members of the Guard. If DH can get on there, then he'd be making $9-$12 an hour. If they have insurance, then if I am pregnant, it's taken care of, depending on the cost. Right now, where dh works, the insurance is $300 a month. Dh is lucky if he makes that much in one week. He works strictly on comission. Right now, we're juggling our bills so we can pay them all. As for the guardian issue, dh and I are still not completely decided on that. We're debating on his mom and stepdad, his sister, my brother, and my best friend. However, MIL and her husband are practically deaf. SIL has two young children, but they are making ends meet. I haven't met her yet. My brother is only 19, but his future looks very bright. It promises stability and good money. My best friend doesn't think she's able to have children and really wants a child. But she has a lot of mental problems that she needs to get through as well. If she cannot have children, I'd like to give her the gift of a child if something should happen to both dh and I. We've been best friends for almost 7 years and know each other very well. She's been like a sister to me since the day we met. It's very rare to find such a friend, and we honostly feel as though we are sisters. She's one of the few friends I have who I can tell them that I love them. I love all my friends, and they all mean very much to me, but for me to be able to tell a friend that I love them, even out in public, that's something. I trust her with my life and therefore the life of my child. We also have a lot of the same views on childrearing. Well, that's it for now. I'll do some personals tomorrow. I am just too tired to do it tonight. Crystal and Darrel 14 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Friday, October 29, 1999 at 19:57:14 (MDT)) Crystal here. Where is everyone? No one has posted all day. Crystal and Darrel 14 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Saturday, October 30, 1999 at 18:11:36 (MDT)) Hi mommies. It's Patty and it's been four days since I last posted. What a LONG week at work. We had Harvest Parties on Friday, report cards to get ready to go home next week, lots of papers to grade, etc. etc. (Whine, whine, whine). Jarin slept awful for most of the last few nights, although last night he slept 8 hours. Thank God. I was so tired I thought I would fall asleep on my feet. DH has also been swamped at work, so we are quite the pair right now. LOL. Jarin has been his normal self, learning new things every day, crying at the sitter, getting into everything, etc. He is so much fun and I just love him so much! We've been answering the doorbell a lot tonight. We had almost 150 trick or treaters!!!!! Ok, I know I'll probably miss someone, so please forgive me, but here I go with the personals... **Kelli: Glad to hear you have found a social life. LOL. The closest I come is being surrounded by 17 five year olds all morning. heehee. Too cute with Elizabeth saying "Rywie". **Julianne: Hope you are feeling better. Colton must be so cute playing ring around the rosie. Saturday is also my sleep catch-up day and I am NOT happy when someone messes with it. I also love the snuggly part of tucking Jarin in. Probably why he still wants to nurse all the time! **Helen: Happy 35th a few days late. I'll be 34 next month, so I know pretty much how you feel. I don't feel that old either. Have fun planting all your tulips! **Birdie: Noah had to have been adorable in his little lion costume. DH and I felt just like you after we had Jesse. We wanted to give him all of our time and he was so much fun we didn't want to miss anything. Jesse turned 7 two months before Jarin was born, so obviously we waited quite a while before having another. Jarin also doesn't really like the sippy cups. He is getting better, but really doesn't drink too much ever except for nursing. **Jen & Ashton: Welcome. Hope you get some good advice to get Ashton listening to you. **Moriah: I hope you get your schedule worked out so it is best for you and Alex. That is way too gross about DH's hand peelings on your table!! He would probably just die if he knew you told us that! LOL **Sarah: Hannah and Jarin must be talking in the middle of the night. He is also doing that waking up thing again. I really hate it. I didn't get to see Time of Your Life as I had to drive DD to gymnastics that night. **Katy: I hope you get the settlement worked out so things are better for you. **Beth: I'm glad you miss my monster posts. Hope this one makes you feel better. LOL. Can't help you with the knots, but I hope your Dr. tells you everything is ok. Your Dr. Pepper outfit sounds really neat. **LisaB: Jarin, Max, and Hannah must all have the same nighttime ideas lately. Jarin also is waking every time I lay him down in the crib and screaming. I don't know what this is all about, but I really miss my sleep! I LOVE the book Clifford's Halloween! We read that in Kindergarten and the kids do their own ideas for what Clifford should be. Love all his stories. Sounds like November 11th is surgery day all around, huh? Oh, the will!!! DH and i have talked about it forever. My one sister is married to a jerk and lets her kid do anything, plus she just had another baby and they are so far in debt it's pathetic, my one brother is gay and the other is irresponsible. My parents are divorced and don't want to raise any more kids. DH's parents are too old, his one sister suffers from endless migraines, and his other two are in different states! We've talked about this a lot and still haven't come up with anything! LOL at you thinking Jarin has so many words. They consist of "mama, dada, dat, dess(Jesse), and baba" (bye-bye). That's it. **Christi: I could never be a daycare provider. I tell my sitter that all the time. Teaching in a school is one thing, but having them in your own home would drive me nuts. I'm sure parents appreciate you and I agree with someone else - you are probably underpaid. On a kinda funny note, my babysitter's name is Christi too! **Louise: Happy House Hunting. Hey, do you know of any nice place to stay in London for about 10 days that is reasonable and can keep 11 people? **Ok, monster post over. Hope this site lets me on again without having to wait four days. Take care everyone! Patty and Jarin - 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Saturday, October 30, 1999 at 21:13:16 (MDT)) Hello. Crystal and Darrel here. Darrel has suddenly become vicious! And it's not just towards me. He bites, hits, and pinches and pulls hair. He used to be so gentle with even the roughest of kids. Now, he's a little meanie. It all started within the past week or two. Fortunately, he has not bit another child. He's tried, but I was able to stop him before he actually bit. He bites me, though. He'll just come up to me and bite and then crawl off. He'll only try to bite another child if I'm around. If he looks like he's going to bite and I tell him "no biting" he won't bite. Last night, he was completely unwilling to share his toys with a friend. They were both playing at his activity table, and Darrel kept pushing her hands away from his table and hitting her. Then, he decided to pinch her stomach. When that didn't work, he decided to grab her arm and went to bite her. I felt so bad about the way darrel was treating my friends daughter, who's only 13 months. And, needless to say, I'm ashamed of Darrel's viscious behavior. I know it's "normal" for young children, but Darrel is the only biter in play group and in both of his day care classes. And he'll do it only when I'm around, which makes me believe that it has something to do with me. I give him plenty of attention, even at day care and when I'm with my friends who have babies. The amount of attention hasn't changed. I just feel bad about Darrel being a biter. I'm glad that he hasn't bit another child, but he would have if I would not have stopped him. And I don't like having to watch Darrel so closely around other kids just in case he decides to bite. Dh got here a month ago. We moved three weeks ago. I started a new job 5 weeks ago. I may be pregnant. Could all this be stressing Darrel out enough to become aggressive? He's also become more clingy towards me the past week or so and is going through separation anxiety ike never before. He has to be in the same room with me at all times. Otherwise, he'll scream his head off. He used to roam the apartment, but now he won't. I haven't left for any aamount of time and don't plan to. He goes pretty much everywhere I go. If I have to leave him with some one, it's usually my parents or a friend he knows very well and only for a short amount of time. If it's just me and him and dh, he's fine and isn't aggressive. But as soon as we go over to some one's house, day care, or some one comes over, he becomes aggresive. If there's not another child around, he's aggressive towards me. If there is a child around, he's aggresive towards that child. If anyone has any advice on what I can do, it would be very helpful. Also, isn't 14 months a bit early to become a biter? I always thought biting didn't start until closer to two. Also, the kids that Darrel tries to bite are kids he's known for quite a while. He's known most of the kids for 7 or 8 months. One kid is at day care that he's tried to bite. She's the nine month old with Downs. She was in the exerscauser, and he was playing with it. Her mom was right there when he tried to bite her. She was there when I first started working at the day care. So, he's known her since I started working there. Thanks again. Okay, I want opinions about two things. I want to get Darrel a doll. Dh says no way. He believes boys should play with trucks, cars, and tools. I don't see anything wrong with a boy playing with dolls. Dh thinks Darrel will turn out gay if we get him a doll. I think it would make him a better father in the long run. I even suggested My Buddy or the learning dolls with velcro, ties, and buttons. Dh still says no. The second thing is last night when Darrel started getting aggresive towards my friends daughter, dh put him to bed. Fifteen minutes later, I went in and Darrel was still awake, so I took him out of bed. Dh got mad about it saying that he put Darrel in bed because if he's going to hit and pinch and try to bite, then he doesn't need to be playing. I told him that bed is not for punishment, that we cannot put Darrel to bed as a punishment because either A) it will cause sleep problems, or B) Darrel will start associating aggresiveness with bed and become aggresive when he's tired so that he'll be put to bed. Darrel loves his crib even still, so I think he's more likely to become aggressive just to go to bed. Dh thinks that's very unlikely. But, Darrel knows that if I'm holding him and he bites or pulls my hair, he gets put down. So, if I'm holding him and wants down but I won't put him down, what does he do? He starts biting and pulling my hair so I'll put him down. But I don't put him down because there's a reason I didn't put him down in the first place. Dh disagrees with that as well. But I feel that if I put him down when I know he's biting me or pulling my hair just to get down, then he's going to use biting and hair pulling just to get what he wants. What do you ladies think, especially those who have older kids as well? Sorry for the monster post, but Darrel's aggression bothers me because it doesn't seem like him. He's always been so gentle with even animals, even as a baby. He's gentle by nature, and this sudden aggressiveness is such a shock. Until all this started happening within the past week or two, if anyone would have told me that Darrel would become aggressive, I wouldn't have believed him. He's always been so calm about everything and sensitive. It breaks his heart when I told him "no". He has always been a kickback and relax kind of kid. Very easygoing and happy-go-lucky. He has always been willing to share his toys. Now he refuses to unless it's with mommy and daddy. I hurts to see my son become so aggressive so suddenly. I know it's not a reflection on my parenting because he's only 14 months. He's a toddler, and toddlers normally become biters and hitters. But I didn't think Darrel would because he was always a sweetheart. Everyone has always been amazed by his gentle, kick back nature. He has always loved to cuddle. He loves hugs and kisses and gives hugs freely to everyone, but his kisses are reserved for mommy. I can't talk to dh about how bothered I am about Darrel's aggressiveness. He won't understand. He doesn't know what a sweetheart Darrel's been while we were separated. He doesn't know the sudden change. And if I told him about the sudden change, he would argue with me about it, pointing out that Darrel used to pull my hair all the time. But he quit by the time he was 6 months. Now, it's rare for him to pull hair. It's normally accidentally. Well, I have to go now. Darrel just woke up from his nap. I'll talk some more later. Crystal and Darrel 14 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Sunday, October 31, 1999 at 10:41:31 (MST)) Happy Halloween--from Christi & Caleb. I didn't have time to read all of the posts, I just skimmed them. Yestuday was a day from --well a bad place!! We went to Sears to get Calebs 1 year and Lexi's 4 year pictures taken, we were there for 3 hours! And the pictures are terrible to boot! I am getting ready to call them and fight! I want retakes and something (anything) free. The photographer used the vignette on all of the poses and they are all off center--it is nasty! Sorry to gripe. Time to get ready for Trick or Treat :o) DD won 2nd place in a parade yesturday, she makes the cutest Dorothy! BETH*** thanks!yes I am cheap!(That doesnt sound good) for 2 kids 9 hours a day 5 days a week I get $120. For one child 10 hours a day 5 days I get $70. I also provide milk, juice and food. I ask them to bring one lunch a week for all of the kids--let me tell you this is a fight! Oh well, it works the best for us, I love being home with my kids. LISA B.***I noticed you were talking about being the youngest couple at your church, my DH and I are too. We are in our mid 20's and everyone else is atleast 50. That is an entire generation. I guess I just thought I would throw that in :o) CRYSTAL*** In my opinion a doll will not make him gay! lot's of dads think that though. Try for a boy doll, or an Ernie or Elmo, something for him to love. That is the most important. Good luck with DH I better go! Christi & Caleb 12 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Sunday, October 31, 1999 at 13:12:44 (MST)) Hi guys, Kahne here! Well I am kinda sad, we missed out on trick or treaing. Cat is kinda little, and the friend of mine who we were going with was fighting with her DH, and I felt silly walking up to houses with a baby in my arms and saying "trick or treat", LOL. So next year she will be almost 2 and can say it for herself! I did let her have a taste of what halloween was all about, I gave her a sucker. She LOVED it! She was quie sticky by the end of it all, but hey, its Halloween. I am still waiting to get the Pumpkin Patch Pics back, but taking pics of her in a onesie is getting old! My MOM finally called me. She CLAIMED she did not get any of the THREE messages I left her with my phone number. YEAH RIGHT! I hope all of this crap with my mom will make me a better one in the long run. DH's mom is still in vegas. Looking forward to a night out when she gets back. I need some major MOMMY TIME! I love MOMMY TIME, HEHE. CRYSTAL~That dumb male attitude of boys and dolls is SOOOOOOO ignorant. I am giving you my opinion again, LOL. GET HIM THE DOLL, if it is just to prove a point with DH. YOU have been Darrel's main caregiver most of his life, and YOU know what is best for your son. Perhaps I am being an armchair psychologist (and we all know how I am doing in psych, lol), but I think the aggression is that all of a sudden Darrel is having to SHARE mommy. Daddy being there was a novelty, and now it has worn off. He wants the old way back, but Daddy is still there. I dont know if that is making any sense, is it? My suggestion is to spend more quality time with Darrel. Read him an extra book per day, build with blocks with him, just time with the two of you. Hell with work, dishes, laundry and DH! Have a specific time for JUST the two of you. Just like bathtime and bedtime. Gradually start having family time, a video or book or game. But Do NOT get rid of mommy time. That will be even more important if #2 is on the way. I am sorry if this made you mad, but try it,it may work. I try to have a special time with just me and Cat every day. ASIDE from the usual bedtime story or bath. Time in the middle of the day or evening, just the two of us. I find she is much calmer and independent afterward. She is more content to play alone, and leave me to dinner or whatever. I hope this works, please let me know if you try it and it does. I missed all of you mommies this weekend, I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween, and racked up! "SEE" you all tomorrow! Kahne and Cat 10 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Sunday, October 31, 1999 at 23:28:52 (MST)) |