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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Good morning, Birdie here. I have said my goodbyes at BT and have made the big move. BTW New England mommies are meeting on the 13th in Mass so anyone interested let me know (LJU777@AOL.COM)Halloween was fun. Noah was an adoarable Lion. We did trick or treating at the mall and at a local nursing home. I felt much safer in those places than in the city. (No, it's not New York or anything but there are lots of scary people...year round) I had a little accident last Thursday which made the weekend kind of rough. I was at a local department store putting stuff on lay away. They were unloading a shipment. A woman was pushing a large flat bed loaded too high with huge boxes. I moved way over to the side to get by her but she couldn't hang on any longer and the cart ran over me, knocking me into 2 clothing racks and then the boxes crashed down on top of me. Imagine this fat chick going under this huge cart and then being buried by clothes and hangers and boxes. I'm sure they'll watch the surveillance tapes at their annual christmas party and get a big laugh. Anyway, I was hurt and no one tried to help me. I asked to see a MGR and asked to document it somehow since I was hurt. She was mad but let me fill out an accident report. Then I went to my DR and had x-rays etc... I skinned my knee and elbow and hurt my back in 3 locations. I couldn't move all weekend. Now they are telling me they threw away my accident report but it was really just a memo anyway. Nothing official. In the meantime I couldn't take Noah to Gymboree I couldn't go hiking with him this weekend etc... Sorry to whine but i'm so mad and disappointed and in pain. I am talking to my lawyer today. Katy- What do you think? Aren't you going through a law suit right now? What should I do? Beth- Hey, anytime for a friend. Patty- Thanks. I think we'll wait a little bit. Right now I want Noah all to myself. I need to stop watching Baby Story!!!! Take care. Birdie and Noah ( 11 months) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Monday, November 01, 1999 at 06:22:10 (MST)) Good morning from Sarah g. I hope everyone had a happy Halloween! We spent the evening in town making the rounds to my family and James' family. SIL cooked dinner for us, it was sweet of her, but I missed seeing my niece over at my aunt's because of it...(I just hate how holidays get so scheduled!!! and this is only the beginning...sorry to be a little "grinchy" already) I made Isaac's cosume, he was a purple kitty, as requested; I just loved how he looked. Sofia was a pink bunny, didn't make that one though, and was awfully cute!(mommy brag!) Talk to you all more soon - some personals first - Sorry- couldn't read all the posts, though. Katy- I wish you the best of luck fighting your settlement! $$ matters are a big hassle for us right now, also. Hang in there. Lisa B- thank you for Max's pictures!! He's adorable. Beth- as a former and now current BFing mom, I can say I've noticed similar raised bumps, like you were mentioning. They never concerned me, though; motherhood brought SOOOOO many unexpected changes in my body that I just sort of blew that one off-- I think they were about gone after I weaned Isaac and became more prominent after I became pg with Sofia. I'm hoping all goes well for you at your dr appt. Dr Pepper sounds great!! Helen- happy belated birthday!! Chrisi- happy belated birthday to Caleb!! Being an at home daycare provider must be quite a challenge. I hope things will get a little more positive for you! Kelli- thanks for the advice on Blair Witch Project! (Sorry it was bothering you so much, though!!) I've been wondering, but I usually regret seeing a really disturbing movie. Crystal- I really think dolls are fine for kids, boy or girl. Sometimes the harder parts of parenting are sharing it, don't you think? goodluck! bye ladies!! Sarah g & Isaac & Sofia email: gat_men@hotmail.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 08:28:07 (MST)) Hi from LisaB. This weekend SUCKED. Max was congested Friday night, like when his allergies bother him, and fussy. I gave him some Dimetapp and he seemed to sleep fine (DH said he coughed some but I slept through it). He still sounded congested Saturday morning so we gave him more Dimetapp. He was fine until about 4 pm - fussy, barky cough, and weazing as he breathed in. I consulted my baby books and figured out he probably had croup. About 5 he started crying unconsolably and had a sudden fever of 102. The doctor's office was closed and my HMO doesn't have an urgent care facility in my area so the nurse on call sent us to the emergency room. Ends up Max has croup and bronchitis. By the time we got out of the ER and got his prescriptions and made the 1 hour trek home it was 10:30 pm. DH was setting up the super-quiet humidifer we got for Max's room. He filled the water tank and then set it on the dining room table (mind you the tank did not have a single flat surface on it). The tank crashed to the floor - shattered pieces and 2.5 gallon of water EVERYWHERE. I had to clean up that mess and then we set the BIG and LOUD humidifer up at the end of the hall, just outside Max's room. I put Max in his crib but couldn't hear him over the humidifer and I was worried because he still wasn't breathing well. I tried the baby monitor but it only picked up the humidifer. So DH, Max, and I slept together Sat. and Sun. night. Max wasn't sleeping well and keep thrashing around - hitting me and kicking me in his sleep. I shelling out $40 for another quiet humidifer today so I can actually get some sleep tonight. Max is on a steroid and an antibotic. He did fine with the medicine until this morning and now fights taking the nasty tasting steroid ... of course, still DH left this morning for the week due to work. UGH! Max goes to his regular doctor Weds. morning for a follow-up checkup (the reception couldn't get him in until next Thursday so I asked to talk to a nurse who agreed we couldn't wait that long!). Oh - just to let you know I'm now officially a "bitch", according to DH, as I had the nerve to complain to him about his bone-headed stunt breaking the humidifier (yes, accidents happen and it was late and he was tired but ANYONE knows you don't prop an odd shaped thing up on a stack of papers and junk). RITA: I hope you find another job soon where you are more appreciated. CRYSTAL: I hope you have time to sleep with all the hours you are working! I agree with Kahne - Darrel is probably reacting to all the changes (Daddy being around, new home, missing Grandma and Grandpa, and being in daycare more). I know you take him to daycare with you but he's used to one-on-one time and he's not getting that right now. He's not old enough to tell you what's wrong so he's being aggressive as that is the only way he has to demand your attention (if my opinion as I don't have any pysch background). Hopefully he'll adapt soon. Until then I would try spending more one-on-one time with him. Also, try a mini-time out. If he misbehaves sit him down somewhere and say "TIME OUT" in a stern voice. Then ignore him for about 30 seconds - hopefully he'll soon learn that "time out" is bad and try to avoid that (at least this is what I'm trying with Max). Max has a little doll and DH threw a fit about it. He got over it when Max started dragging the doll around by the arm - like a little caveman! If DH protests too much I would try letting Darrel play with dolls at daycare or secretly ask a member of DH's family to give Darrel some sort of doll for Christmas (probably less likely to protest a gift from a relative). PATTY: We had 3 trick-or-treaters ... Max's cousins! One of the benefits of living in the boonies, although I do enjoy seeing all the little kids dressed up. I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one with no good options for a guardian - I almost feel like something is wrong if I can't find at least one relative or friend I trust with my child. I wouldn't mind the babysitter as she's great with Max and he's attached to her and as she can't have any more kids (has a DD and a step-son) but DH refuses, saying we have to use family. :-( BIRDIE: I'm sorry to hear about your accident. Was Noah with you at the time? If so, I bet it really scared him. If it's a chain store I would contact the head office and complain about the shaby treatment and threaten a lawsuit. The store likely has liability insurance to cover such accidents and the insurance company will probably suggest a settlement as that's cheaper for them than a lawsuit (and avoids the negative PR). Well, I best get my butt in gear and get some work done. Everyone have a great day! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 08:31:41 (MST)) Birdie- My goodness! Hope you're ok!! Sarah g again Monday, November 01, 1999 at 08:32:33 (MST)) Hello everyone from Colton & Julianne. I am surviving being a single mommie OK so far. I actually can get ready faster in the AM since DH is such a bathroom hog. I miss him lots though. It was hard getting up at 5am to bring him to the airport. We had to get Colton up and change his diaper. He didn't even wake up! He was so cute running around the airport in his snowman pj's. The entire waiting area breathed a big sigh of relief after Colton walked to a stranger and handed him a book. When I apologized the stranger said "NO, that's OK, let him run around now before he gets on the plane" and I replied "Oh, he's not going!" Colton loved watching the airplanes take off. Halloween was lots of fun. Colton looked great in his Harley Davidson outfit. I brought him to the firestation. It was geared more for kids not toddlers so we didn't stay very long. I then had to show him off to SIL, MIL, and our neighbor. I met my sister and her family and we went trick-or-treating together by her SIL's. We were only out for about an hour but that was good enough. Colton had fun and the weather was perfect! I bring Colton to bed w/ me when he gets up between 3:30 & 5:30. Sunday he woke up, rolled over, smiled a big grin at me, & gave me a "noser noser". It was so sweet. He then started feeling the bed for DH and saying "da da". He got out of bed and started looking for him. I started crying I felt so bad for him wanting his Daddy. He has been pretty good about it since. Crystal: What a busy week you had working at both daycare places. Darrel has certainly had quite a few major life changes lately and that is going to affect his behavior. I agree w/ the others about making special Darrel & Mommy time every day. Also, has he been to see his grandparents lately? He may be missing them too. Hopefully he will come around with your TLC. I would try to avoid the crib as a place of punishment. I have decided to set up Colton's playpen for his time-out area. Try to find a place that is not associated w/ anything else. Colton got his first doll about a month ago and even though DH didn't like the idea he knew deep down that 1 doll versus ooddles of trucks is OK. Patty: What a busy week you had and then to see over 150 trick-or-treaters! Did Jarin get to help hand out candy and answer the door? Beth: Great costume! Christi: You should call Sears and ask for re-takes. They are usually good about doing that especially if you were that dissatisfied. Make sure to ask for the MGR, no need to even waste time talking to the person who took them, they will just be defensive about it. Yeah for Lexi's Dorothy costume winning 2nd place. Kahne: Sorry Kat missed Halloween. My sister's husband wouldn't let her ask for candy for her 5 month old who was with us. However, I took Colton last year and he was only 3.5 months. I did go with 2 other older kids. Colton loves suckers too. Watch out though. Colton chewed through the stick of a Dum Dum once and I had to fish the round ball out of his mouth while driving down the road!! Birdie: Sorry to hear about your mishap at the store. Did you get a copy of the accident report? I would make sure to contact somebody in charge and talk to them how you were treated. They are responsible. Glad you were able to still have fun trick-or-treating w/ Noah the lion. SarahG: Sorry Halloween go so hectic for you. I am really dreading Thanksgiving and Christmas just for the stress of making everyone's family happy. What about my own little family? LisaB: Wow, you win for the bad weekend. I hope Max is feeling better and you get some much needed sleep tonight. You know darn well that if it had been you that had allowed the humidifier to break your DH would have chewed you out worse than what you did him. My DH is allowed to have accidents, but not me. I always should have known better. Gets my goat every time! Since things have been slow on this board lately I think I tried to make up for it with this huge post! Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 10:54:43 (MST)) Hi again from LisaB. I used my 1/2 hour lunch to run to K-Mart for a replacement humidifer ... and they were out. Now I have to go to Wal-Mart after work and before I pick up Max (and that place is always a jungle so it takes forever). The GREAT news thou is that K-Mart is running a special this week. Get the K-Mart processing, 4" prints and they give you a free photo disk. I had to ask the photo desk for a coupon as it wasn't in the ad circular. So expect pictures of my little pumpkin the end of this week - just let me know who wants them! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 11:38:00 (MST)) Hey, Beth here. Not much time for personals. Will try to post more in a little while just wanted to say thanks to Lisa B for letting me know about the special at K-mart with the photo disk. I have 3 rolls of film to be developed at home right now and will be taking them to K-mart tomorrow. I called and they are running the special at our K-mart as well so I too will have pictures by the end of the week. I'm really excited since I don't have a scanner and this will be the first time I get to send out pictures!! I'll let you know when I get them back! Talk to you ladies later! Beth and Allison email: bobwite@msn.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 13:03:40 (MST)) Birdie again. Thanks to those of you mentioning my little mishap at the store. The plot thickens... This was the first time I have ever been there without Noah thank God. Those boxes would have crushed him. As far as the accident report I filled out...it no longer exists. I called that evening and asked them to fax a copy to me and they said they didn't own a fax machine and I could pick one up the next day. The next day my boss went to pick it up and they said their copier was broken. then I called and was told it was no longer available. That they called their insurance company and read it to them and then discarded it. It was less than 24 hours later. I was told that even though it said accident/injury report on the top that it was really just a memo and nothing official. Does this sound suspicious or what? In the meantime my back is killing me. I can't roll around on the floor with Noah, I haven't been to Gymboree, we haven't taken our nightly walks with his wagon etc... I am getting really angry now. They said their insurance co would call within 72 hours of the accident...they didn't. I have finally spoken with the lawyer from my office and he will meet with me tomorrow. Sorry to ramble but I am so discouraged. Noah is the one suffering. Sarah, Julianne, LisaB -Thanks LisaB- Sorry you had a rough weekend. Hope Max feels better soon. I would love to see pictures!!!!! (Since I am assuming I will probably never see the ones we all mailed out back when our babies were newborns. It's only been almost a year. maybe they'll turn up) Noah is still napping. Over 3 hours. It's a record for him. It's hard for me not to go wake him. Maybe I'll finally shower. It's only 3:30 in the afternoon. I'll get it done earlier than usual. Birdie and Noah (11 months) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Monday, November 01, 1999 at 13:37:11 (MST)) Welcome to Novmeber...wow it is almost 2000. It is Christi, does this page take a long time to load, or is it just my computer? I cleaned my entire desk off in the time it took. Halloween was fun! Our entire family got "into it". DD was Dorothy, Caleb was a munchkin, DH was "The Magnificent Oz" (he wore all black, shaved his head and painted it green), and I was Aunite Em(everybody thought i was Amish). We had a good time and were out trick-or-treating for almost 5 hours! We started early, and had to stop to eat dinner. I have so much candy, I hate to go in the kitchen, I am trying to loose some weight, this doesn't help! About the Sears pictures, I called the customer service line and they told me to return everything I paid for and they would mail out coupons for 5 free sheets and 1 free setting fee-- I made her promise me 2 sitting fees since I had paid for them, she said ok, but now I can't get her to call me back. It is better than nothing, I am just disappointed I am very particular about getting pictures ON birthdays or within a week, now they will be late, and I may as well get Christmas photos done.ok, enough whining. BIRDIE***I hope you are OK! I agree with the others, and try to get to the "top" of the company. Good luck. SARAH G.*** Thanks for the positve thoughts, I need them, this week is going better. LISA B.***I am sorry to hear about Max, hope you both re-coup well. Hope you sleep better tonight! JULIANNE***cute story about the "sigh of relief" from all of the passangers. Good luck as a single parent this week. Well, I look forward to everyone's new pictures!!See you tomorrow! Christi & Caleb 12 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 13:39:05 (MST)) Hi mommies. I'm here early today since I had the day off! Yay - fall break!!! Jarin and I got to snuggle in bed this morning and between nursings, he slept until almost 11AM. Can you all guess how excited I was about that? =) I love to be snuggling with my angel. DD got her Driver's License today. UGH! Everyone stay off the road! Ok, here's my question for the day : What do you guys think about the tubes in the ears? I talked with a friend of my mom's who is a pediatric nurse practitioner and she said that now the trend is toward NOT putting the tubes in so much. She suggested trying a double dose of antibiotic and having jarin's ears tested before we go to tubes. I would need to go ask my doctor and I'm not sure they would agree. But, I don't know. If that's what would be better for Jarin, then I'd rather do that. If tubes would be better, then we'll do that. (Make sense?) Anyway, what do YOU GUYS think? **Crystal: I agree with everyone else. I think that there have been lots of changes in Darrel's life lately and he is probably reacting the only way he knows how. I liked Kahne's idea about extra mommy time with Darrel and I also agree with Christi. I also wouldn't use the bed as punishment. Then Darrel will start associating the crib with being in trouble instead of a calm place to go to sleep. About the doll - DS had Elmo, beanie animals, and a HUGE stuffed Ernie. He still "Plays" with it - by WRESTLING! Maybe that would make DH feel better. LOL **Christi: Sorry to hear you had a bad picture time at Sears. I took Jarin to get his one year photos at Kmart and he wouldn't smile for anything. So... no one year pictures for us! And YES this site takes FOREVER to load!!!! **Kahne: Jarin got some bites of chocolate from all of our candy. I think he is going to be just like his parents and be a chocoholic! **Birdie: Hey, let us know how your meeting goes with all the other mommies. Sorry to hear about the incident at the store. I think it sounds pretty fishy that they can't find the report after less than 24 hours. Hope you hear good news from your lawyer. Let me be the first to "Officially" welcome to you TT! LOL. I would probably want another baby right now too if I could get that Baby Story program. Good thing I can't. heehee **LisaB: Sorry to hear about your bad weekend. Jarin is also getting all congested again, but not croupy. Hope Max is feeling better. I liked your idea of having the sitter be the guardian - I think that's a great idea. Can't believe DH wouldn't go for it. after all, Max sees her every day, so you know he'd be comfortable there. Send pics of Max my way when you get the disk. Ok, bitch, I'll let you go now. (LOL LOL LOL - Just had to mention something about that now that DH has officially labeled you as one!) =) Don't worry. We still love you. **Julianne: I bet your heart just melted when Colton leaned over and gave you the "noser". Jarin also ends up in our bed between 3:30-5:30 every morning. Glad I'm not the only one. That is so cute that he was looking for his daddy. Yes, Jarin helped answer the door for trick or treaters. He thought it was pretty neat. He just kept going to the door every time the doorbell rang and stared at all the people. Of course, all the trick or treaters thought that Jarin was adorable! (As if we didn't already know that, LOL) **Beth: Can't wait to see Allison again too when you get your pics done! **Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - fourteen months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 14:25:29 (MST)) Hello from LauraB - Shane celebrated his 1st birthday on Saturday so now I can join the rest of you toddlers. Shane has also gone of the bottle without a fight. Someone told me that if you catch them at the right time it is easier and I guess I caught Shane at the right time. He is getting to be such a big boy it makes me a little sad. He is really starting to explore the outside world and loves to watch the birds flying in the sky. We go to our 12 month check up tomorrow and I am not looking forward to his getting shots. Hopefully they will go smoothly like all of his previous ones but you know I have to worry until they are over and done with. Well I need to end for now but I'll try to check in tomorrow. LauraB@Shane 12months email: xxbryant@aol.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 15:42:35 (MST)) Hi it's Moriah! You guys I have the best news! We received our Passy Muir valve on Friday & Alex is now making total normal noise. Babbles & crying! Oh what an emotional weekend. Geoff had gone out for a walk & I discovered that the box had been left on the front proch by UPS. So it was kind of nice because I got to hear the 1st sounds from Alex in over 8 months all by myself. It was just him & I. I snapped it on & he immediately started cooing like he was saying "see mom I've been waiting for you to hear me". Then later Geoff came home & my inlaws happened by & we all sat here & sobbed when Alex let out his 1st big cry. He can only wear it when he's awake & sometimes he gusses so we have to take it off & give him a break. But it's the best thing ever. I told Geoff I don't need another present ever again because nothing could ever top hearing Alex's voice! Alex was a Doctor for Halloween. So cute! Pretty funny too considering our last year. My MIL made him little "scrubs" & a surgeon hat. Then I scanned in the Kaiser logo (our insurance & hospital logo) and a pic of Alex & made him a badge. The best part was his "title". He was a "BiPap Specialist"> Okay -you're not getting it are you? Well BiPap is the machine that the Dr's told us that Alex would HAVE to live on for at least 2 years to make him be able to breath on his own. Well that was in May & now he's nearly got his trach out let alone no where near needing a machine 24 hours a day. So this was a little screw you aimed at the Dr's. I of course made up extra badges to send them all for their bulliten boards. Geez Lisa maybe your husband could add me to that official Bitch list! LOL Okay on to the personals! Patty - I know that Alex's situation is diferent but I WHOLEHEARTDLY reccomend the tubes. They have made things so much easier for ALex. He has very chronic ear infections & with the tubes he doesn't cry or anything. All the build up just drains right out & he's happy. Birdie - You were so lucky not to have been holding Noah. The store sounds like their trying to pull a fast one over on you. Hey if you get million how about a trip west to see us? I'd love that! Lisa B - Poor Max with croup! I remember when Taylor (Shelly's oldest) had croup it was so awful. The guardian thing was easy for us. But of course we still don't have a will. We would want Geoff's sister to take Alex. The biggest concern for us is that Alex remain in the area to continue his medical care. Plus she knows how to care for his needs. Plus she really loves him to death. Our biggest concern though is to set him up with an income - We would never want Alex to be a financial burden to her & her new husband (plus of course future children). Plus if possible we would not want ALex in a daycare situation anytime in the immediate future. Shelly - how was the party????? Katy - I hope it works out for you guys. I know that you were counting on that settlement. I wish you'd win the lotto! Beth - I'm sorry I ruined parmesan cheese for you! LOL Rita - there are so many colds going around already that we're already being prety careful. Alex goes in on Wednesday for his 1st RSV vaccination & I know that they are going to give me info then on what we should be doing to protect him. Louise - thanks! I'll look for that ointment. Poor Kitty is just miserable. Crystal - what happened with the pregnancy test? Happy Birthday Shane!!!!! Alright I've got to go. My car needs a service so I have to go drop it off at the dealer for an overnight stay. :( Moriah & Alex (12 1/2 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 16:51:28 (MST)) Good Afternoon, it's Debbie. Wow, it's been too long. I can't catch up with all thats going on. Hope everyone is doing well and all your little angels are great. I have been pretty busy working with Healthy Start & Head Start trying to get a program started for our little ones. I couldn't believe there isn't anything here in this area. I have a meeting tomorrow night and next week I am going to a meeting with the different agencies. They want my input on this. I am really excited about it. We took Maddie & Emilee trick or treating last night. They both were pumpkin's. They looked so cute. Maddie is so shy, she wouldn't say a word, just held out her bag. Emilee was along for the fun of it. Next year I think they'll be into it more. I can't believe Emilee will be a year old Thursday. At times, I still can't beleive I have this beautiful little baby. We are having her birthday party on Sunday. It will be in the park by the river. It's a really pretty park. Mountains all around, the trees are changing colors and the river is right next to us. My parents, dh's mom and her husband and a few other relatives and a few friends will be there. We are going to order pizza's, then have cake & homemade ice cream. Of course balloons and all the decorations too. I have this feeling I am going to cry, did you guys feel this too? I know I've missed some birthday's and other special occasions. So Happy Birthday to everyone I've missed. Megan & Ben - Happy 1st Birthday Ben. Megan, I've emailed you, no reply. Maybe you didn't get it? I have a new address. LauraB & Shane - Happy 1st Birthday Shane! Rita - Hi, we don't have any in the near future plans to come up your way. We will have the holidays with my parents & dh's. How's Maddy & Amy? We are having a hell of a hard time with this one bedroom thing. Maddie gets up and goes into the living room and sleeps on the futon. She better get over this soon, we are selling it. I still have Emilee sleeping in my room at nap time. Is Maddy potty trained yet? Or should I say for you? LOL Patty, Sarah, Lisa, Birdie, Moriah, Katy, Kelli, Beth and everyone else I've missed HELLO & I MISS YOU ALL VERY MUCH. And I miss hearing about your lives and your little angels. I hope to get on more often. Take care & talk to you all soon. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee - 1 in 3 days! email: debngreg@qnet.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 17:01:26 (MST)) Crystal and Darrel here. We had a fun weekend. Saturday, I decided to have a Halloween party, but only one of my friends showed up. So, we went trick or treating at a nearby mall. We had a lot of fun anyway. Then, last night, dh and I went to two Halloween parties and then took Darrel trick or treating with our friend, her daughter, and her SIL. Darrel was so funny and had a lot of fun at one of the Halloween parties. Well, I gave Darrel one of my dolls I had as a child. It's a Cabbage Patch Kid. I still have all of mine. Dh was against it, but Darrel grabbed a hold of her as soon as he saw her and started trying to chew on her head. Dh hasn't said anything about it since. Darrel was walking quite a bit yesterday. That's all he wanted to do. Most of it was cruising, but he walked alone quite a bit yesterday, too. As for his aggressive behavior, Darrel does see his grandparents frequently. We go over every weekend to do laundry. He loves it there because he has toys there that he won't get to play with otherwise. Plus, my parents have cats and a dog. And Darrel loves animals. Even at day care, I give him a lot of one on one attention. I rock him, tickle him, hold him, read to him, and do pretty much everything I'd be doing if we were at home. Even the discipline is the same. After all, I get paid to take care of him, too. I don't give him so much attention that I neglect the other babies, but I don't give the others so much that I leave Darrel out. I have found a balance between it all. But, Darrel does get some special previleges, such as playing outside when I have the two year olds, playing in the two year old room when they are napping and all the babies are fussy, and "helping" me clean the rooms. We have special time together just before work, and I still change his diaper most of the time. I put him in his high chair and give him his food and drinks, put him to bed at night, put him down for his naps, etc. I didn't take a pg test this weekend as planned. However, next week, I will be going to the health department for one. I really think that I could be pregnant. Otherwise, why would I be throwing up? There are only three times that I throw up. They are when I'm pregnant, have a migraine, and have the stomach flu. I haven't had a migraine bad enough to throw up since March. I don't have the stomach flu. If I'm not pregnant, then something else is wrong. But, if I am pregnant, I'm only about 3 weeks. As for tubes, I had them twice as a child. I believe they helped me in some ways, but they also held me back in others. I couldn't learn to swim at a young age because of them. Therefore, I'm not a good swimmer. I refuse to swim with my head under water because I grew up with dr. orders to not submerge my head underwater. However, had I not gotten tubes, I could have had more permanant hearing loss than I did. My cousin had tubes and hadn't had problems since. Dh had tubes, and nothing changed. So, he got his adenoids and tonsils out. He hasn't had an ear infection since. Hope this helps. Well, that's it for tonight. I'll post some more tommorrow. Thanks for the advice on Darrel's aggressiveness. Crystal and Darrel 14 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Monday, November 01, 1999 at 20:29:34 (MST)) I think Colton has more teeth coming in again. He is just drooling away and kind of cranky. Last night he woke up screaming and drenched in sweat. It took me a half hr to calm him down. I really missed not having DH there to help and comfort him. I let him sleep w/ me the rest of the night. This morning when he woke up he looked over at the other side of the bed and felt the pillows asking for Da Da again. DH is having a riot out in Las Vegas. He went 4-wheeling out by Hoover Dam yesterday. He has been really good about calling me every day--usually twice. He really misses Colton. I am glad that we decided for me to stay home though. I think Colton would have been so sad w/ both of us gone. He is quieter than usual so I am trying to give him extra rough-housing and chase time. Last night he got to play and my IL's house and had lots of fun. He even said "grandpa" for the first time on the ride over. Grandpa has really been hitting the garage sales for toys. They have a whole room full of toys now. Colton loves to go in there and see what's new. I have a question for you mommies. Do you wake your toddlers up if they are napping too long or just let them go? Sunday Colton took a 2.5 hr nap and I wasn't sure what to do so I finally started making noise instead of worrying about waking him and he woke up after a few minutes. I had to leave and he needed to eat lunch before we went away otherwise I think I would have just let him continue sleeping. Lisa: Please send new pictures of Max when you get them. Birdie: Hopefully the store will see you are serious once a lawyer is involved. Hang in there. Christi: Glad that Sears worked something out with you over the pictures. It's better to have pictures you like. Patty: You might want to ask your doctor about other options for tubes just to reassure yourself that you are doing the right thing. LauraB: Welcome and happy 1st birthday to Shane. That first year sure does fly by fast. This age of discovery is so much fun--enjoy. Moriah: I was crying tears of joy for you and Alex when I read your post. I am so glad that the tube arrived and you can hear your little angel now. What a special moment you had. Great costume idea. You have a great sense of humor! Debbie: The birthday plans for Emilee sound great. Hope you have the perfect day. Crystal: Good for you giving Darrel the doll. Have a great day everyone. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 06:57:10 (MST)) Katy here Moriah- Alex sounds so cute as a Dr!!! I wish we could win the lotto too!! The money would be very helpful. Birdie- I would definately get a lawyer. Go back and get another accident report, go to the store manager if you have to. Get the lawyers to try and get the video surveilence tape, if there is one. you definately have a case, I would say. Liam has started the stage where he wants to play with his food more than eat it. I knew this was coming, but it's still unsettling because I want him to be eating. But then I remind myself it's just a stage and he'll get enough to eat. Hope everyone is doing well. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 07:13:59 (MST)) Good morning ladies! SARAH here. Wow, it's been forever (it seems like). Hope everyone had a great weekend. Sounds like everyone had a good Halloween. We only got 2 trick or treaters. DH and I went to the Bronco game and didn't get home until about 7:00. We had some friends come over and watch HANNAH and they didn't turn on the front porch light. Figures!! Now I have all this candy (oh darn!!LOL) HANNAH's just been as cute as ever. She's practically running now!LOL Her other molar is almost in. She didn't wake up last night, either! :) CRYSTAL - I think all of them go through the biting stage. HANNAH's definitely in that stage now! :( LISA - Sorry you had such a sucky weekend!! How is MAX feeling? I want pictures when you get them. BIRDIE - Damn girl!! I hope you're feeling better today! I wouldn't give up on that fight!!! That's ridiculous they claim to have "lost" the accident report!!! Makes me mad!! Oh, and welcome!! :) JULIANNE - NO!! I try not to wake up HANNAH. If I do, she's pissed and let's me know about it the rest of the day!!!! If I absolutely have to, I do it the same way you did. That's so sweet, yet heartbreaking, the way COLTON looks for DH. HANNAH does the same thing. She'll go to the window and say "daddy?" PATTY - I agree with getting the tubes, also. My nephew had them, and they really helped him! Have a good break with your angel! CHRISTI - This site usually loads within a couple of minutes here at work. When I'm at home, it usually takes about 10 minutes!! That's why I post at work!! :) BETH - I want to see pictures when you get them!! LAURA and SHANE - WELCOME!!! Glad you're over here now!! :) MORIAH - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) I'm so happy for you!!! I think all of us on this board feel the same way. We've "been" with you since the beginning, and we rejoice when ALEX makes progress, and our hearts break when something doesn't go right! Must have been the best thing you've heard...ever!!! DEBBIE - So good to hear from you!! I can't believe EMILEE's going to be 1 on Thursday!!! The party sounds like fun! Well, that's all for now. Talk to you ladies a little later! Sarah and Hannah (14 mo in 2 days) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 08:40:37 (MST)) Hi from LisaB. I set the vaporizer up in Max's room last night and he slept in his crib from 9pm until 4:30 (he's still a little off from the time change). I think we BOTH are happier after getting a good night's sleep. The "stridor" (rasping sound when breathing in) is the same as gone now and he has more of just a bad regular cough than the bark he had before. I expect to get a good report at the doctor tomorrow - YEAH! BETH: I would love to see your pictures when you get them back. The only ones I saw were from Christmas LAST YEAR and I'm sure Allison has changed a bunch since then! BIRDIE: I'm also very disgusted that these pictures are still circulating after about a year. Thankfully I have copies of the ones I sent out but I'm disappointed that there were several pictures I never got. CHRISTIE: 5 hours trick or treating? Wow, you have more energy than many. You better have better self control than me or you'll be huge eating all that stuff - LOL! PATTY: So how scared are you knowing Jaime can legally drive now? Or are you just relieved that you no longer have to play chauffer?! I would call your doctor today and ask about the double dose of antibotics. You have a week to try that before the tubes are scheduled and it just might work. I've also heard of keeping kids on a constant low dose of antibotics to prevent infections. Have you researched ear infections on the web? DH is against using the sitter as a guardian as he feels it would upset our families (it might but I think we have to ignore that and do what is best for Max). Also he has this opinion that she is our employee and not a friend and is uncomfortable that she and her Mom are always buying Max presents for Halloween, his birthday, Christmas, etc. I think it's great that they love Max so much and it just shows what good care he is receiving. I just want to make a decision and get it in writing (in MO at least if it's not in writing the court decides where the kids go as there is no proof of decisions communicated verbally). LauraB: Welcome! I remember you and Shane! Happy belated birthday to your little toddler! MORIAH: How great that the valve is working so well and that Alex can communicate. I bet it shocked him the first time he was able to get a sound out, didn't it?! That had to be the best sound you've ever heard :-) Hey, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only bitch on this site - LOL! I cracked up over you sending those badges to the know-it-all doctors! DEBBIE: Welcome back! CRYSTAL: I guess Darrel decided that he wanted a doll, regardless of what Daddy thought! JULIANNE: We let Max decide when to take a nap - we don't force him to take "scheduled" naps but put him down for a nap when he's clearly tired and fussy. He usually sleeps for 1 hour in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. If he sleeps much longer than that we generally get him up unless we know he needs to sleep longer - up late the night before, didn't sleep well the prior night, missed a nap, etc. If he doesn't wake up when we get him up or if he acts like he's still really tired we let him go back to sleep. My DH is also gone all week. Last night Max & I were playing on the floor and I sat the cordless phone in the recliner as I knew DH would call anytime. Max kept picking up the phone and saying "dada"! Of course once DH called Max would listen to him for about 10 seconds, without making a sound, and then push the phone away - LOL! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 09:46:34 (MST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! We've been busy here and only had time for reading and no posting. I went for a flu shot last tues. and on fri. started feling 'funny' and now have a runny nose, headache, sore throat-and glands, and felt a little feverish last night-- I don't know if its a coincidence or if its from the shot?? LISAB- Wow- your weekend was crappy!! Hope yoy got the replacement humidifier and things are going better!! MORIAH-- Well I had tears in my eyes-- what a wonderful thing- to find the box finally at the door!!!!!! And Alex's little noises and cries-How wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CRYSTAL-- DITTO on what Patty said. BIRDIE-- DH will be away on the weekend we are meeting so I have to find someone to take the older kids- I'll keep you informed. It sounds as though the store is trying to sweep the whole thing under the rug!!!! How annoying!!! Keep after them- they were wrong and should be kissing your feet since you were hurt in their store--- A letter to the editor of your town newspaper would get them going! Ther's nothing worse than bad publicity! CHRISTIE-PATTY-- yes its taking me forever to get on here to read and post- 3+ minutes at each. LAURAB-Shane-- Happy Birthday!!!!! ( Thanks for the additional belated b-day wishes)!!! We had a good Halloween- close to 100 kids. I only had 6 pieces of candy left. Amanda lasted about 15min in her costume and was getting uncomfortable- so that was off and she had fun greeting trick or treaters at the door without the costume. Well should go and get some housework done--LATER!!!! Helen&Amanda@15mos(#3) Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 10:15:30 (MST)) Rebecca here... Well, I'm here to stay. Had a good weekend, though Paige still has a cold. Went trick or treating around my parents house. Paige was so happy to see people. We only did about 6 houses. Went for her 1year/Christmas photos yesterday. It was a bit of a nightmare. I got lost trying to get there, then they made me wait almost an hour (they were running a little behind, yeah right!), and then Paige was tired and cranky so it took forever to get a couple of decent shots. I think we might go back in January when it isn't so busy. My depression is starting to get better. The anti depressents seem to be helping. Got my flu shot yesterday and boy does my arm hurt. Moriah - I have this huge smile on my face for you and Alex. I am so happy for you! Julianne - I don't wake Paige up unless I really need to get her ready, otherwise she is very cranky. Well that's all for personals. I'm going to try to do some housework before Paige wakes up. Talk to you later. Rebecca & Paige 11days to 1 email: burn@canadawired.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 11:24:54 (MST)) Hi Mommies, Becky here. Well we really had a good halloween. I had borrowed the cutest tiger costume for Harley with a headpiece and a tail and everything, but Harley hated it and cried every time I put it on him. So needless to say Harley was Batman for Halloween. I took him trick or treating to all the houses in our court and a few on our cross street. He had fun except when we walked up to one house there was a talking skeleton on the front porch which scared him. He didn't cry, but whimpered and mommy had to hold him up to all the houses after that. Afterward we passed out candy and I was talking to him about trick or treating and he went around the house knocking on all our doors. He loved M&M's. I got some cute pictures of him with chocolate all over his face. Back on Harley's first birthday my bio mom, Sherri, sent him an infantino play tent. I thought he was still way to young for it, but last weekend he was being fussy/bored so I set it up in the living room for him. HE LOVED IT. I highly recommend them as play areas. We call it his fort, and he puts all his toys in there and walks in and out and just loves it. He even got DH to go inside it with him and play. He had his first finger squashing in a door last weekend while DH was watching him, he put his fingers in the backside of his bedroom door and DH didn't see and closed the door. Poor DH cried harder than the baby. He is okay though, just two of his fingers are a little purple. It's amazing how quick they bounce back. I am getting concerned though about Harley not talking. He babbles all the time, but doesn't say any words. He doesn't even say mama or dada anymore. I try not to worry, and I know they all are different, I just can't wait for him to start talking. I try to label everything and talk to him all the time and read etc. You may remember that he walked really early, so I guess he's just going to talk a little later then most. He also doesn't understand waving bye bye, but we are working on it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Megan-We miss you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH!!!!!!!!!!!! ATTN: ALL LADIES WITH PICTURES, I would love to see them. My e-mail address is below. Moriah-I am doing major happy dances for you and your family!!! Hearing Alex must be the most beautiful sound in the world. Does he get excited when he hears his own voice? He sounds so cute in the doctor costume. Did you take any pictures? Helen-I hope you feel better soon. Harley wouldn't wear his costume either. Lisa B-I'm glad to hear that Max is doing better. I would love to see the pictures. Sarah-What a shame all that left over candy, whatever will you do with it? HA HA! The kids almost wiped us out. Don't you all just hate it when teenagers come trick or treating with no costume or anything and look like they are 18 or 19 years old. Usually DH and I give them packets of Taco Bell hot sauce, but we didn't have any this year. Katy-Harley plays with his food too. Eventually some of it makes it into his mouth, sometimes. Thank goodness for the dogs. I think dogs are the best under the high chair picker uppers ever invented. Julianne-How neat that your IL have toys for Colten at their house. We very rarely wake Harley from his nap. Why? Because although Harley sleeps good at night, He fights naps like crazy and often does without. He is afraid he will miss something. Sometimes he gets cranky when he doesn't get one so we let him sleep as long as we can when he does crash. I bet Colten was a cute little biker. Crystal-Darrel sounds cute with his cabbage patch doll. Harley has a La La Teletubby doll. He loves that show. I don't think I'd every get any housework done without the help of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, La La and Poe. I think it is a good show though and is never negative. Debbie-Maddie & Emily sound like cute pumkins. Early Birthday wishes for Emily. I hardly stopped crying at Harley's birthday. They grow up so fast. Beth-I would love to see your pictures. Rita-Sorry work is such a drag. I would also love to see the pics. Christi-How neat that your whole family got into the spirit and were charachters from the Wizard of Oz. Patty-My nephew got tubes in his ear, but he was a lot older 7 or 8 years old. They did help the infections a lot and he has really put on weight and blossomed since then. Birdie-Definately do not let the store get away with that crap. Which store is it anyway? Take care ladies. Talk to you later. Becky & Harley 14 months email: bsmisek@scfair.org Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 12:00:52 (MST)) HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAIGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rebecca-I'm glad the medication is working for you. I just bought some St. Johns Wort and I am going to start taking it tomorrow. Becky Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 12:10:01 (MST)) Hello from Rita Things are still a bit crazy here at work, so it's hard to keep up. We are all still healthy. Amy had her 10 month check-up and she's heavier than I thought! She is still kind of short (27"), but what a sturdy package! We are going to take the trailer out one last time this weekend. We are going to head up north to the redwoods. This will be my last chance at a getaway since we are getting no vacations at work until the Y2K change is done. (I am even on-call during the traditional CHristmas break.) Debbie - Hello to you. Too bad you aren't coming up this way. Happy Birthday to Emilee a little bit early. The party sounds perfect. I am sure that I will feel the same way about Amy's first BD. Maddy is still only half trained. Yesterday she told Denise that she didn't need to go potty there because she would use her diaper at home. We need to stop this! I sit her down on the potty at home for quite a while and she does nothing. Once she's off and in a diaper (because it's dinner time, etc.), she will go. I just can't keep an eye on her while I am feeding Amy and cooking dinner. I think that I am going to move the potty out into the kitchen. Moriah - That must be the best package that you have ever received! I am so glad that you can finally hear Alex. Good for you making those badges and sending them to the doom and gloom doctors! Birdie - Ouch! What an awful thing to happen. I think that Helen has a good idea. I have found that mentioning the local paper's interest in such situations often brings good results. I am so relieved that Noah wasn't with you. This is the time to be a real B*@$h! Lisa B - I am glad that things are getting better after the weekend that you had. I don't think that any of my nieces or nephews has ever had croup, so I am not too familiar with it. It must be more common in colder climes. Rebecca - Boy, do I feel lonely on BT now that you are over here. Amy's one of the oldest babies now. It hardly seems possible. Laura B - Happy Belated Birthday to Shane! Well, I have to get back to work. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 12:22:34 (MST)) Hi! Christi here. Not much is going on today. Caleb has started walking almost full time now, it is his favorite new activity. He also has a rocking horse that he just started using, I never showed him how to use it, but he does it all on his own. Where do they learn these things? I can't believe the difference in my parenting style with Caleb, I was all over my DD all of the time--I probably drove her crazy. With Caleb I just let him do and rest assured he will do whatever in his own time. Amazingly they are have reached milestones at about the same age. MORIAH***I am SO happy for your family!!What an amazing sound that must have been, I am thrilled for you! LAURA B.***Happy birthday to Shane! Caleb has just given up his last bottle too, it is kind of like he just forgot about it, I was really worried it would be a struggle DEBBIE***Happy birthday to Emilee!Calebs b-day was last Thurs. and I am still weepy. Good luck! Her party plans sound wonderful, such a beautiful setting! JULIANNE***Let them sleep!:o) Caleb takes a 2.5 to 3 hour nap each day, and sleeps 10.5 hours each night--if he doesnt get this much, he is one big crab! If you have to wake them it is different. (nap-time is my saving grace that lets me become a normal person again each day--without it I would be a perminant member of the B club!) Hope you all have a wonderful day! Christi & Caleb 12 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 13:23:39 (MST)) Hello from LauraB - Thank you all for the birthday wishes and welcomes. Shane was a good boy at the dr today and didn't cry as much as I thought he would with the shots. He was walking everywhere while waiting for the doctor to come in and then when the doctor wanted to see him walk he only wanted me to hold him. I am looking forward to taking Shane off formula and on to regular milk. At $3 a can formula really makes that grocery bill climb. Shane weighs 24lbs and is 32 inches tall. That 24lbs is really building up my arm muscles. Did I mention that Shane loves having his car seat facing forward. I think that is the funnest experience he had for his birthday. It's like he's thinking "Wow I didn't know that mom and dad are actually driving this thing." Well just a few post as Shane just woke. Birdie - I have worked in retail for 7 years, call the corporate office. Nothing makes the local store jump faster than a call from corporate. I think that if you let them know you have a lawyer they will also be quick to respond. It sounds as if they are totally at fault and know it and are hoping that you won't proceed further. Moriah - Congrats on the beautiful sounds of your son. Today while we were waiting for the dr Shane was chattering away and I never realized until reading your post how beautiful that sound actually is and should be appreciated. Thanks again mommies for all the B-day wishes. LauraB@Shane 12months email: xxbryant@aol.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 14:54:32 (MST)) Sorry guys I havent posted much but Angel has really been under the weather the last two days. She has a cold but has soo much mucuous that she keeps throwing up. I am taking her to the doctor tomorrow to see what he reccommends. she has had this cold for 2 weeks. Let you knwo how it goes WEll I just found out about a contest you all might be interested in. It is called the Holiday Treasure Hunt and runs the whole month of Nov. There are over 400.00 worht of prizes to be one. I have won something from this site before so I knwo it is legit. Check it out here is the link http://www.carolinababy.com/treasure_hunt/treasure_hunt.htm Diane sorry about no personals right now I have no time! =) I do miss you guys though Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Tuesday, November 02, 1999 at 19:49:51 (MST)) hi ladies! Just had to drop by and "try" to stay current on the posts. Yesterday I dropped the kids off at MIL's after Isaac's Tot class, so I could go to school early to finish my homework. None of the clocks were set back, and I don't wear a watch, I really just rely on my own sense of time; well, I was racing to finish a webpage and upload it at 5 min to 6:00. Turned out, I had the extra hour before my class started. It was kind of a kick to have such free time to read and eat dinner! My mom watched Isaac for me for a short time tonight while I went to a parent meeting for the tot class. They had a good time and played 5 little monkeys jumping off the bed. He was cracking me up when I got home, the way he'd say "no more monkeys jumping on the bed!" A few quick personals: Rita- Enjoy your time at the coast (of course you will!) It sounds wonderful!! Lisa B- Hope Max is doing well! Sorry to hear about your rough weekend. Julianne- Glad you're doing ok with dh in Las Vegas. I think it's amazing how our little guys really become so attached to their daddy's. Sometimes, in our family, it's not so obvious; guys just relate to eachother differently. On another note..."Flaming Bag of POO" was hilariously out of control!!! DH was so entertained by it!! Debbie- nice to hear from you! I'd love to hear about how you're helping set up Healthy Start in your area. That sounds exciting. Moriah- Big Congratulations on Max's progress!! I know we're not too familiar with one another, but it's always great to hear good news! Where's Kelli been? Miss hearing from you. I'm sure I've left some personals out, but it's time for sleep! good night! Sarah g and Isaac and Sofia email: gat_men@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 00:58:06 (MST)) Hi ladies. SARAH here. I feel awful this morning. I've been feeling like I'm coming down with something since Saturday. And today, I really feel awful. I did come in to work though...for as long as I can. I have a dr appt today (ob/gyn)yuck! I may have to cancel it. I wanted to talk to him about my lack of interest in sex. :( Well, I do have a couple of personals: REBECCA - HEY!! Welcome over here! Glad to have you and PAIGE. BECKY - Sorry HARLEY smashed his fingers. HANNAH did that about a week ago. It sucks! We almost got her one of those tents for her b-day. I think it will probably be a Christmas present. RITA - Your weekend sounds like fun. DIANE - Good to hear from you. I sure hope ANGEL gets to feeling better soon. Let us know what the dr. says. SARAH g - I enjoyed reading your survey. PATTY - Yes, it does sound like we're so much alike!! :) LISA - How's MAX feeling? OK that's all for now. I'll talk to you ladies later this week. If I feel the same way tomorrow, I won't be coming to work. Sarah and Hannah (14 mo. tomorrow!) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 07:14:01 (MST)) Good morning all. I tried to get on here and post yesterday afternoon but by the time I got through all my e-mail (62 messages!!!) and read all the new posts, Allison woke up from her nap. Oh, I had a half day off yesterday due to it being election day so I was at home after lunch. Anyway, I’m trying to play catch up now. Busy day on here yesterday. I guess everyone just decided to post all at once. Allison’s been really whiny lately. She’s cutting her eye teeth and they seem to be bothering her quite a bit. Hopefully they will pop through soon and she’ll get happier. We’ve had a nice break from this teeth thing. These are the first since way back in July so I guess I should just count my blessing in that way. This will make 14 teeth once these come in!! And think she only got her first back in Feb and they’ve been coming in like gang busters ever since! Well, onto a few personals. Patty – my cousins had tubes in their ears and they really seemed to cut down on the number of infections they had. I have trouble with so many antibiotics being given. I just think that it is the reason there are so many antibiotice resistant strains of bacteria popping up all over these days. Did you know medical professionals think that at least half of all ear infections are now resistant to amoxicillan, the most prescribed antibiotic for ear infections? That’s pretty scary! You probably already know this, but the reason little ones get so many ear infections is because their eustacian tubes are pretty much horizontal until they grow. For this reason, the fluid just stays trapped in them rather than draining as it does in an adult. The tubes will help the fluid drain right out. I am not a medical professional by any means, but I would think that a double dose of antibiotics would knock out this paticular infection, but wouldn’t keep new ones from happening since the fluid will still be able to build up later. Just one woman’s humble opinion. Moriah – congrats on the valve!! What a great sounds Alex’s voice must have been! Lisa B – Sorry to hear you had such a terrible weekend, but glad that Max seems to be getting better now. Thanks again for letting me know about the free disk offer. I’m really excited to be getting my pictures back! Debbie – happy b-day to Emilee a day early. Hope your party goes well! Birdie – I agree with others. Sounds as if the store knows it’s at fault and is trying to give you the brush off. I would definitely pursue it. Katy had a good idea about the surveillence tape. Good luck! Julianne – I say let them sleep!! I only wake Allison if it’s a situation like you were in where you have to go, otherwise I don’t bother her! Katy – Allison does more playing than eating now as well. I just have to trust that she will eat if she is hungry and just keep offering it to her. It gets very frustrating however. Sarah – Darn! All that candy just sitting around your house. Whatever will you find to do with all that??LOL! Helen – sounds like a reaction to the shot to me. I read that many people will get light flu like symptoms from the shot, but it wouldn’t be as bad as if you got the full blown flu. Rebecca – welcome! Becky – I wouldn’t worry about the talking. My friend’s son didn’t talk much until he was 2 and then it was just like a light went on one day and now you can’t shut him up! Rita – good luck looking for another job. Why are you on call during Christmas when you’re not even a programmer? We’re not on call. But I guess that’s the difference between private industry and gov’t work. I would never go private after having such an easy job here! Laura B – welcome to you and Shane! Diane – thanks for the pictures of Angel. She’s a cutie. Sarah g – The time thing messes me up too. I get sleepy at 8:00 now and hate that it gets dark so early! I don’t know why we have to do the time change thing anyway. I really hate it! Well, I guess I should get off here. Will talk to all you ladies later! Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 07:32:32 (MST)) Hey, Beth again. Just a quick note. I don't know if you guys noticed but they have a new sight up this week, Preteenagers Today for ages 10, 11, and 12. So funny that we used to joke about them having a sight like that way back when our babies were first born and now they really do have it. I wonder if we had anything to do with that?? Looks like we can fuel our addiction for MANY years to come! LOL. Beth Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 08:12:27 (MST)) What a morning I have had. Colton had me up early so I had time to play with him and read him some stories. He managed to unplug my hairdryer from the wall and was walking around the house with it. The bad thing was that he kept putting the cord around his neck. He was really pissy when I finally took it away from him. Then when I was getting dressed I heard him make a wierd yucky spitty noise. I froze and thought what did he just put in his mouth. He had taken a bite out of my Sure deodorant! I quick fished the pieces out and tried to rinse his mouth out. I called the phone number on the back to double check. Their first aid line was very helpful. Then in my way to work I realized that I had left the pictures from my b-day party out where my mom and grandma could see them. I quickly did a u-turn and went back home to get them. I didn't want them seeing me and my friends drinking and being entertained by the male blow-up doll! Luckily my boss had been at my party so she understood why I was late. Colton said "bubble" for the first time in the bath tub last night. He has so much fun playing in there that it is hard to get him out even when the water has drained. He learned to take the Pooh faucet protecter off and he holds it up over his head so water falls out on him. He would just laugh and shake his body. I kept wiping his eyes. It was very entertaining. LisaB: Glad Max is feeling better and you were able to get some sleep. Colton does the same thing with the phone. He will jabber away w/ it unless there is someone really there. Then he is real quiet and will push the phone away or start pushing the buttons. Helen: Hope you feel better soon. My MIL watched Colton on Monday and came down with the flu Tuesday AM. I sure hope neither Colton or I caught it. Rebecca: I always have a hard time with pictures too. Colton just doesn't like to smile for the camera. I made DH go with me last time. I haven't decided about Christmas photos--better do so soon though. Becky: What fun Harley had playing trick-or-treat at home. Colton jabbers mostly. He will say new words about once a week, but doesn't say them all very often. It is usually just ma ma and da da that we hear everyday--oh and "side" for going outdoors. I am sure Harley will start talking when he is ready and will just surprise you one day soon. Rita: Have a great end-of-summer camping weekend. LauraB: Great check-up Shane! Diane: Hope Angel feels better soon. SarahG: Wouldn't it be great to "find" an extra hr during the day more often! What luck. Glad your dh enjoyed the Poo Joke. Time to get some work done. Have a great Wednesday everybody. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 08:25:59 (MST)) Where is everyone today? Yesterday a millon and one people posted and today it's just Julianne and me. It always seems to work this way with me! When I have time no one posts, when I don't everyone posts! Oh well! beth Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 11:18:38 (MST)) Hi from LisaB. I decided I better post quickly before BETH gets too bored at work - LOL! I took Max in for his follow-up checkup. His neck glands are still a little swollen but he's pretty much over the croup and bronchitis ... although he is now coming down with a cold. He weighs 24 lb. - down a little from 12 months but I expected that as he's started walking and generally goes non-stop. I ran him by the office to show him off before taking him back to the sitters. I'm quite the proud Mommy, esp. when everyone says how cute and sweet he is! :-) REBECCA: Welcome! BECKY: How funny, Harley knocking on all the doors! RITA and BETH: My husband works on the WAN for the state courts system. He's already been told that he has to be at work on 1/1/00 so they can hopefully identify any problems and get them fixed before the 3rd when everyone goes back to work. He's not a programmer so I'm not really sure exactly what they expect HIM to be able to do if there are any problems. We never do anything for New Year's Eve anyway so it's not that big of a deal that he has to work. DIANE: I hope Angel feels better soon. SARAH: Get well soon. BETH: I just heard on NPR or in the paper or somewhere that the main purpose of daylight savings is to decrease the number of automobile accidents and to decrease electrical usage. They gave some statistics on this and I don't remember any of them but it was really surprising to me what a difference that 1 hour has made over the years. LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 12:03:39 (MST)) I forgot to mention that Max started coughing and sneezing a lot last night (from the onset of his cold). It took 1/2 hour to get him to stay and his crib and fall sound asleep ... and then he was up around 1:30 crying. I rocked him to sleep but he woke up crying as soon as I put him in the crib. I laid him in bed with me and he would sleep awhile and then cough or sneeze, wake up, and fuss and cry. He finally got sound asleep around 5 - 1/2 hour before my alarm went off. I'm exhausted today as I only got about 4 hours of good sleep. I'm way too old for this ... and here I am wanting ANOTHER one. Am I crazy or what?!? LisaB Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 12:09:37 (MST)) Hi guys, only have time for a quick quick post. I am on my way to Hammond, LA to get guess what.......... MY NAVEL PIERCED, LOL! I have been wanting to get it back ever since I had Cat, now I have finally got into a shape (somewhat) that it will look alright. BY THE WAY, I finally talked to the psyc teacher today, and guess what, her DH is dyslexic! She apologized for the comments, and said that she would be more careful in the future, as not to offend anyone else. Cat ALMOST walked today. I was holding my breath as she tried to make her way from the recliner to the sofa. She would let go, aand lean forward and pick one foot up, then she would get scared and grab the recliner again! Wish me luck with my soon to be toddler! I have to run! I will send out pics of my new navel, LOL LOL! Kahne and Cat 10 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 13:08:52 (MST)) Rebecca here... Well Paige has cut yet another tooth. They seem to be cutting faster than I can keep track! I am starting to go frantic with Paige's birthday party. I have 10 days left and I haven't started to clean or prepare. My MIL called today and asked if her friend could come to the party with her two kids. I had to say yes but I don't know how I'm going to fit everyone in my tiny apartment! I'm almost hoping that some people can't make it. I'm going to my first PPD support group tonight. Part of me is looking forward to this, but part of me wants to stay home in bed. I guess I just have to face this head on. I just wish it would go away. Well, I guess I should go do some dishes. Sorry about no personals. Talk to you later. Rebecca & Paige (10 days to 1) email: burn@canadawired.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 13:17:56 (MST)) Rita here. I had to post since Beth is so lonely today. Beth - I am in software sustaining/support and I coordinate all of the escalated support requests and assign them to the engineers. If our customer service organization can't solve a customer's problem then I am the point of contact to bring in our backline engineers. We all have to be no more than two hours away from work at all times. Good thing I am planning the girls' party for 1/9 instead of 12/31 or 1/4. Sorry this is short, but I have a meeting coming up. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 14:48:13 (MST)) I received a phone call on Sat. But I couldn't here a word my sis was saying because ALEX WAS TOO LOUD!!!!!!!!!! It took me a full 3 seconds to realize what I was hearing. It was absolutly wonderful!!!!! We had the best Halloween. Riley rode in his stroller at first, but then he got out and started walking up to the doors with his bros and cousins. He carried his own little pumpkin bucket. I dressed him as a lil' devil. (not as in Satan) Everyone throw a fit over how cute he was.(brag, brag) Every house, of course, had pumpkins. He is fascinated with patting them. Riley was yelling "yay" and clapping his hands. My older sis took pics. I'll try to send them to Mo and maybe she will scan them for me. I will never brag about my oldest son again. Here, I was telling all of you how great he was and yesterday he comes home with two detentions. He burped out loud during a test and then sassed his teacher. He's grounded from FUN. And when he comes home from school all he can do is chores. I made him appoligize to his teacher. BRAT!!!!!!!! I'm also a bitch!! I went to school today and requested my 1st grader be moved into a different room or I would transfer schools. He is in a K-1 split. His teacher is sweet, but has no control and the 1st graders are doing kindergarten work. They spend most of the day building blocks and colouring. I have a friend who teaches 1st and her students are reading ALOT and doing addition. How can Jess be prepared for 2nd doing kindergarten work. My friend gave me some of her worksheets and Jess loved doing them. I think he is bored in Mrs. Herrs class. I volenteer every Wed. so I've seen it first hand. Any teachers out there?! Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Ok, enough whinning! LisaB-Talk to your cousin about your concerns. She probably would make it very easy for your fam to see your child no matter how far she lived. I know it is a hard thing to think about, but don't leave it undone. God Forbid, if something happened, you'd want to know everything was in order. Either that, or never go anywhere together again. Ex and I considered that in our many discussions about guardianship. It might have helped our relationship too. LOL. I do know, that you never leave your children to both people. In case they ever divorce. Leave them to the one you are related to or are friends with. SHELLY & RILEY 19 months Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 15:05:18 (MST)) oops!!! Sorry I was typing away and my nephew knocked on the door with some dirty little girl. He is supposed to be waiting in the office for my sis to get done teaching her Gate PE class. No one was watching him so he was out wandering around. He will have one sore butt tonight, I took him back to the school, found my Sis and sat his hindend down. She had smoke coming out her ears. Anyway... Beth- I pay $2.50 an hour for daycare here. CA has a program for licsensed daycares. They give you $ for nutritius food. That way, they know kids are being fed proper diets in daycare. My sitter, is really good. Riley is very happy there. Crystal- The aggression thing is normal. I know it's hard to take. When my boys went through it, and riley is starting it now, I put them down and tell them No playing until they can be gentle. I know this sounds hokey, but it works. My guys have always gotten upset when I wouldn't pick them up or play. Riley has turned into quite the pincher ans sometimes slapps at my face. The look he gets on his face when he starts being mean is not good. But it will get better. I've been thru it two times, so I know it will change. Hang in there!!! Birdie-I fell in Safeway when i was 7 months preggers with my oldest. There was water on the floor. I hurt my arm and back. When I told the check-out person, she was rude. I went home and told my dh and family. They convinced me to file a report the next day. Pretty soon Safeways head office was calling me. When I mentioned I was preggers they offered my $500.00 to cover my dr bill. If I were you, I'de call the head office and mention my Lawyer, if that doesn't get their attention, then a letter from said lawyer might do the trick. Good luck!!!! I'm glad you weren't hurt worse, you were lucky!! Christi- I did a whole sink full of dishes in the time it took to load this page. I hope they cut it down soon. Patty-exdh should've had tubes. He had ear infections constanly. But his parents never took the time to get them. He has a hearing loss and always complains about ringing in his ears. I hope this doesn't make you mad at me, but I just wanted to let you know what could happen without the tubes. Kahne-Will there be maching nipple rings too? LOL. If I had a nice flat tummy I would have a naval ring too. I think it's kind've sexy. I also would like a small tatoo on my butt or ankle. but when you have a body like mine, better not to draw attention!!! Moriah-Do not go ballistic over the above statement. You know I hate pain too much to actually do it. If I did get a tattoo on my butt it would say "I love Moriah" :) Aren't I a great big sis!!!???? I was talking to a little girl the other day who told me that her big sis beats up anyone who messes with her. I told her, I used to do the same for you. I bet her big sis wouldn't tattoo that little girls name on her butt!!!!!!LOL SHELLY & RILEY Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 15:45:03 (MST)) Hi everyone what a waste of time to take Angel to the doctor! I went all the way across town about an hour away to find out nothing is wrong. I called for that reason and thought they could ask me questions to see if I needed to take her in. Well my doc was away so I saw one of his partners. He checked her ears nothing, throat nothing and chest is clear too he said. Basically if she doesnt develop a fever not to worry about it and if she has no tears then worry about dehydration and just dont worry about food just feed her popsicles and mr.freezies. Okay all this stuff you could have told me over the phone! So anyway she is still really congested and has lots of mucous so we will see what happens. She seems a lot happier today so maybe she is on the mend after 3 weeks of this. Diane Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 19:34:23 (MST)) Hi mommies. Wow, I read ALL my email and this site finally loaded. Last night I got ready to post, but couldn't get thru. ARGH! Jarin went to the dr. today. He just has an upper respiratory infection. At least there is no ear infection. He is getting so funny. Last night he went into the pantry and brought me a jar of baby food and siad "eh, eh, eh". So I opened it up and he ate the whole thing. He is just too cute and too smart. He had a great day at the sitter today. She told me she wished she had had a video camera since he was walking around, singing, playing, and having a great time. Yay!!! You guys will never guess what I get to do tomorrow? Give up? LOL. JURY DUTY!! How fun does that sound? Like they are ever going to pick me when I'm married to a cop. **Julianne, Moriah, Crystal, Sarah, Becky, Beth, LisaB, and Shelly: Thanks for the advice on the tubes in the ears. I asked my ped. about the other ideas today ( a different dr. than usual) and she pretty much has me talked into the tubes. I told DH I had to get all of your opinions on the subject, so now I can feel good about our decision. LOL **LauraB: Welcome back to you and Shane! Hard to believe Shane is already one year old!!! **Moriah: Yay for Alex making noise! I am so happy for you. I was thinking exactly what Sarah said - it seems like we've all been in this with you for so long we get so excited every time things go well with Alex. =) I got all teary-eyed just reading your post. I am just sure that Alex was the cutest Dr. ever on Halloween. =) **LisaB: Sorry to hear that Max had croup. Jaime got that too. She was even in the hospital with it when she was 12! I'm glad that Max is doing better now. About DD legally driving - I would like to quit playing chauffeur, but I also don't want to give up MY car for her to drive. Makes me too nervous. Sounds like your sitter gives Max lots of good care and love. I think it's great that she gets him stuff on holidays. Shows how much she cares about him. Yes, you are crazy thinking about having another one. LOL. Like I'm one to talk - I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Hey, I hate to tell you this, but this getting up stuff, it's EASY compared to the teenage years! Right, Shelly? **Debbie: Good luck with the agencies. It sounds like Emilee's party will be nice. I can't believe she will be one already either. **Julianne: I hope Colton feels better really soon. I let Jarin nap as long as he wants to, sometimes he sleeps for 3 hours. Way too funny about you having to hide the party pics from your mom. You don't think she'd appreciate you guys "dancing" with the well-hung blow up doll? **Sarah: Ok, girl, you are starting to scare me. You said EXACTLY what I was thinking to Moriah! Let me know what you find out about your lack of interest as I am experiencing the same thing. **Becky: Harley sounds too cute in his tent. I bet Jarin would love one too. I was LOL at you giving teenagers hot sauce for trick or treating. What a riot. Jarin loves the Teletubbies too. **Christi: I am also definitely more laid back with Jarin than I was with the other two. I think he is more adventurous because of it. **Diane: I hope Angel feels better soon. =( **Beth: I hope that Allison's teeth pop through soon too. I was thinking the same thing about the new site - it looks like I will be feeding my addiction for a long time too. **Kahne: Getting your navel pierced, huh? I'm with Shelly - if I had a flat stomach I might consider it, but since I have the lovely 3 children stomach, I think I'll pass. LOL I'm glad you talked with your Psych teacher. I think she owes you about 100 more apologies! **Shelly: Ok, here comes my humble Kindergarten teacher opinion. I think if your first grader is doing K work, you are probably right to want him in a first grade only room. Our school is VERY academic oriented and the first graders read a TON. My Kindergarteners, by the end of the year, are usually reading Easy Reader books and some of them can do pretty well. I'd say 80% read at least some words by the end of K. My Jesse in first grade read over 250 books and took tests on the computer. They say that the best way to learn is to read. Hope this helps! **Rebecca: I am emailing you. Good luck at your meeting. **Ending my novel now. Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 19:45:38 (MST)) Hi Mom's & Babes-HAPPY BELATED HALLOWE'EN!!!!! Nolan was a cow for Hallowe'en. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but it seemed like he was having fun. Mommy and Daddy got lots of candy. HAHA! What a week, I am planning Nolan'a 1st birthday party for this Sunday, so all of our friends and family can come since his actual birthday is next Tuesday. So far about 25-30 people are coming. My husband is upset with my sister and her husband, because we have been to both of her children's birthday party's ever since they were born, and they aren't coming to Nolan's birthday. They live 2 hours from us, there children are 6 and 7, and she says her husband doesn't want to drive that far for the day, but by the sounds of it, it is actually my sister that doesn't want to come, I have no idea why. She is supposedly having Christmas at her house, but my husband is refusing to go because they won't come to our house and visit for a week-end, or Nolan's 1st birthday. I was upset today(crying), because when Nolan woke up from his nap, our 80 year old neighbour was over visiting, and she has no children of her own, or family, they are all deceased, and he reached out to her and gave her a hug. Which is very unusual for him, but I cried because he doesn't do that with his own grandparents, but he will to somebody that he sees everyday, but is no relation. Both of our families are 1 hour away, and Nolan has not seen them since Thanksgiving, and if it wasn't for his birthday, he wouldn't seen them until we decide to go and visit them for the week-end. We do all the running, and nobody comes and visits us. We are both fed up, and would'nt care today if we had family or not. Tomorrow might be a different story, but for today we are both upset for the sake of Nolan. Nobody in our family is making an effort to bond with him. We don't understand why, and if we ask, "you guys always come home to visit or call so why should we visit or call," is what my parents (mom) would say. So needless to say I am alittle angry, upset, not sure what to do or think. All I want is for Nolan to know who his grandparents are, and have a relationship with them. Unfortunately my favorite grandparents were 2 hours from me when I grew up, and I only saw them twice a year. My other grandparents lived in the same town,and my grandma was not a nice lady. But oh well let bye gones be bye gones!!!!! Well I guess that is enough venting for the night! If anybody has any input, solutions, suggestions, anything. I would love to hear them. Have a good day, or night! talk to you soon! Darleen & Nolan (1 week to age #1) email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 19:55:07 (MST)) I just wanted to comment on the lovely women who think they are not sexy enough for a navel ring! ALL OF YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT!!!!!!!! My tummy is not as flat as I would like it to be, but it is getting there. If you want one, and you think it is sexy, GET ONE! No one has to know, just you and dh! This will be the third time mine has been done, and I am planning for more piercings in the future. I am by NO means a "freak" or "wierdo"! I love to decorate my body, and I feel that God created ALL people beautiful. It makes me feel sexy, and that flows out in my confidence in myself. I am not planning on getting my nipples pierced,......yet! LOL I wish all women,, large or small can do one little thing to make themselves feel sexy, and what better way than to decorate themselves. If you are not brave enough to get a tattoo or piercing, go buy a pretty piece of jewlery, it dosent have to be expensive. Or a sexy pair of underwear, just something that you wouldnt normally do for yourself, something out of the ordinary! As mommies, we often forget to do things that make US feel good. We are so worried about DH, or the kids. I hope all of you do something for yourselves, SOON! I will get off my soapbox now!, hehe. Love all of you! Kahne Kahne and Cat 10 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 21:25:20 (MST)) Christi Here, good morning! Things are going just fine here, nothing to report, or ramble about so I will go to personals KAHNE***I am glad that you talked to you Prof! You would think since her Dh has ths she would be more careful about what she says to people! Anyway..Good For You! Yeah for Cat almost walking!! It is so exciting to watch them learn REBECCA*** how did your PPD meeting go? DIANE***hope Angel fels better soon! DARLNE***I understand about the family! Kind of...my sister lives 3 hours away and comes up to see the kids a ton, and we go there about 3 times a year. However, my wonderful (sarcastic) MIL lives in the same town I do and has never seen Caleb! We have been to all of my neices/nephews B-days (they live in the next town about 15 min), but they didnt come to our kids' party this year. Whatever! As for MIL, she can bite my big white butt!! She does not like me because my neice didnt like that I made her behave when I sat for her. She even told my DH (the last time they spoke) that she had a lousy excuse of a DIL! She makes me so angry to mess with my kds how she does, but I will stop now, or this will become an entire book! Time to go, Caleb is hurt! Christi & Caleb 12months Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 07:24:16 (MST)) Hi from LisaB. Max slept good last night ... after he woke up crying and I put him in bed with me as I was too tired to deal with him (bad, bad Mommy!). He was sleepy yesterday eating the chicken nuggets I sent to the sitters for lunch. He ate 2 and then closed his eyes, not moving a muscle, with his mouth hanging open waiting for her to give him more food - LOL! Tuesday I realized after I left the sitters that I forgot to leave Max's sippy cup. I went back in to give it to her and she was changing Max's diaper. I was there maybe 2 seconds and didn't even talk to Max (to avoid upsetting him). After I left he sighed and said "Mom" real casually and then got up and started playing - like he was commenting on how absent minded I am anymore! DH and I are figuring out a guardian and starting a list to do a will this weekend - rather he wants to or not. I'm just afraid we'll keep putting it off until it's too late. A 17 year old girl died this week at the local high school. She felt bad and went to the doctor - who gave her an antibotic and sent her home to rest. Her dad stopped by the school so she could get her books and car and she collapsed by her locker. They think it was a blood clot in her lungs. She was young, healthy, a cheerleader, etc. - and her death made me realize that if SHE can die that suddenly than so can I (being middle-aged, only exercising when chasing my son, filling up on empty calories from Mtn. Dew to stay awake as I'm sleep deprived 1/2 the time, etc.). Sorry to be such a downer :-( KAHNE: I agree we all need to treat ourselves to feel beautiful and sexy. BUT I would never pierce my naval, even if I was a life-sized Barbie! I rarely remember to put my ear-rings in so why get another hole to deal with - LOL! My DH got me a gorgeous ruby ring for Christmas for losing 45 lbs (10 of which I've slowly gained back due to my snack addiction at work) and it made me feel more special than I ever thought a simple piece of jewerly could! Yeah on Cat trying to walk!!! Your pysch teacher's comments would have been rude to ANYONE (dyslexic or not) - I hope your conversation made her realize that. REBECCA: I would ask MIL if you can have the party at her house - bigger and you don't have to clean - esp. if she keeps inviting people. You can then have a "private party" at your place for just you, DH, and Paige. I hope your meeting went well. I bet everyone else felt the same as you - I want to go but would rather stay in bed. SHELLY: Detention for burping? I can see that if he burped several times but hey, we all accidentily burp at inappropriate times (in a big meeting with management, in the library, etc.) as they tend to "sneak up" on us. I agree 1st graders should not be in classroom with Kindergarters (or at least should not be doing the same work). PATTY: Jury duty? Yuck! DH was called a few months ago and tried to get out of it as he works for the state court system but the judge told him that didn't realize him of his civil duty. Thankfully he only went in for the orientation deal and no juries were needed during his "time". DARLEEN: I understand how you feel. My inlaws all live within 5 minutes of us while my family lives 4 hours away. At the same time I realize my family is very busy - they work more hours and do more hard, physical labor than me. My sisters have 2 and 3 kids, respectively, so it's hard for them to travel. Also DH and I have more money than all of them so it's less of a financial hardship for us to pay for gas, meals, hotels, etc. plus we have newer vehicles that are more up to the long trip (my parents farmed for years and there's little $ in that). They come visit ocassionally but it's generally just once a year or so; I drive up there to visit. It just works out better plus I CHOOSE to move 4 hours away from my family - knowing when I made the move that I would have to make several long trips to keep in touch. You and DH went to Nolan's cousins birthdays but you didn't have kids. It's harder to travel with a 6 and 7 year old - esp. on Sunday when they have school the next day (have to get to bed on time, have to get homework done, etc.). I know it hurts your feelings but try to understand where they are coming from. Skipping Christmas is only going to create hard feelings and separate the family more - and I know you want Nolan to see her cousins, Grandparents, etc. as frequently as possible. Also - it's common for young kids to "forget" people they don't see that often. Max only sees my MIL about once a week and it always takes 10-15 minutes before he warms back up to her (and 15-30 minutes with my parents who he sees about every 2-3 months). He loves the sitter's mom to pieces though and calls her Nana ... as he generally sees her for a few minutes 5 days a week. It doesn't bother me as I know that once he's a little older he'll be able to tell his grandparents from other people and will love them to pieces. E-mail me if you want to talk! Wow, what a monster post (so I bet Beth is busy today and doesn't have time to read posts - hehe)! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 07:50:35 (MST)) Please ignore all the typos in my last post ... and yes, Darleen, I realize Nolan is a boy and not a girl (a BIG typo there - LOL!). CHRISTIE: Sorry your MIL is such a witch. I hope Caleb wasn't hurt bad. LisaB Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 07:54:44 (MST)) I am liking having the bathroom to myself this week w/ DH gone! I have been able to relax and get ready in the morning so much easier. I'm sure I will be grouchy at DH next week for being such a bathroom hog!! Colton thought it would be fun to fingerpaint his food tray w/ the yogurt I was feeding him last night. He had more yogurt on him than in him. I finished the container so switched to his cereal & bannana mixture. It had a crushed up vitamin in it too. These pieces are so very small, but Mr. Colton had to gag on one and throw up on his tray!! I then had to try to grab both slippery yogurt covered hands and hold them in one hand while I cleaned his tray because he wanted to play in the vomit--yuck. I used time-out for the first time (twice) last night. The first time it wasn't so effective because I had to set the playpen up before I could put him in it--took away from the direct punishment. He just played in there for a few minutes then decided he wanted out. I let him fuss just a little before I would get him out. The second time he realized it was a punishment. Boy did he cry. I felt so bad, but he needs to learn that he can not throw his sippy cup at people or handfuls of food off his tray onto the floor. I will have to see if it makes any difference with his supper tonight. Debbie: Happy 1st Birthday to Emilee. Sarah: Hope you feel better soon. Beth: Wow, what a mouthful of teeth Allison has. Colton just got #5 & #6 the past couple of weeks. LisaB: It sure is fun to show off you toddler to the people at work. Thanks for the daylight savings info--I always thought it was about making it lighter for the kids getting on the school busses in the am! Kahne. Thanks for the "women after kids are still sexy" pep talk! Actually, I and a group of my friends were all going to get our navels pierced, but we chicken out. If I can find one of them to do it with me I will. Good for you. Let me know how it goes and how much it hurt!! Glad things turned out good w/ your prof. :) Rebecca: Hope things go well at your PPD meeting and that it helps. Moriah: Thanks for the pictures of Alex. I loved the dr costume--he looked great. The pumpkin one was so cute too. Shelly: Too cool you hearing a noisy Alex on the other end of the phone. Yeah for a fun Halloween. Good luck w/ the school situation. I think it is great that you are involved and concerned about your child's education. Patty: How did jury duty go? What a little smarty Jarin is to bring you his food and to eat it. Colton will go to the fridge and say "ba-ba" but when I open it and hand him a bottle he hits it away. He just likes to play in the fridge! I can hear myself already, "Colton, are you going to eat something or are you just going to stand there all day with the fridge wide open!" Darleen: Sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having w/ your relatives. I would tell them that you are sorry that they can not come because you were hoping to make Nolan's first b-day party special and have lots of family around to celebrate. The next time they invite you to make the trip out to see them just be open and say that you feel it is their turn to come see you. However, I think family is much too important to cause a big blow-out. It if means that you always have to go their way in order for Nolan to have a relationship w/ them then you need to consider doing just that. Keep inviting them and they might surprise you one of these days and show up!! See you all later. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 08:04:46 (MST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Well I tried to post yesterday and ended up clearing it- Amanda was all hands and I was not in the mood to deal with it. She is napping now-we had an app this AM in RI for me to have my fingerprints done for my citizenship, now I wait for them to be cleared by the FBI and I get notice of when to go for my interview and exam-- that will be nervewreking!!( I've applied for my US citozenship). So Amanda fell asleep on the way back and is in bed. I've been ironing and TRYING to get my curtains up right on the windows- they are the ones with the decorative pole and sheer swags draped and wrapped around the pole- the trick is to get it looking the right way! This will take days of passing by and re-arranging. Amanda loves to roll up in the curtains and try to pile them on the dog while I'm trying to iron them, so its been a slow process since I can only do it when she is sleeping. Amanda has a new passtime- grabbing the dog's 'weewee' and making him scream in pain!!!!!!! We had no idea what she did the other night-she knelt beside him and he screamed and ran off- she sat there innocently- then did it again and this time we saw where that little hand came from!!!!! Our poor dog- now were watching her constantly. PATTY- Amanda likes to say-uh-uh and pull on the fridge door and when I open it she opens the drawer and hands me the bananas pointing and seemingly telling me how much she would like one. They are so cute. Yesterday I put cookies in her pocket- later in the day I asked her where were the cookies-in Amanda's pocket?? She tugged on her overalls and came out with a cookie so happy- as though it was magic!! DEBBIE- Happy 1st birthday to Emilee!!!!! KAHNE-- Hope the navel ring goes in painlessly!! A friend wanted one but thought it might be an annoyance b/c of having to wear something low-cut until it healed. Her and her DH got tatoos instead- hers on her hip and his on his back shoulder- 'to each his own' they say.Just please don't get a ring in your nose or eyebrow!!LOL!! That looks so silly!!! Gotta go and do some housework!! LATER!!!! Helen&Amanda@15mos(#3) Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 09:42:14 (MST)) Hello from Rita We had another struggle with the potty training last night. I certainly don't want to have her develop any problems from withholding and I am so tired of the fact that she is trained at daycare and will only use diapers at home. Oh well, she will get her diapers this weekend while we are camping. Ugh! On a brighter note, Amy is ten months old today. Where did the time go? Helen - Oh, you are braver than me. Iron drapes? I have simple tab top panels which is about all I can stand to do. I have a sofa cover that I need to stitch up and I dread doing it. I am going to have to get it done before Thanksgiving. Kahne - Thanks for the words of encouragement, but I don't think I will be getting a navel piercing. With two little ones climbing all over me, my body still has not returned to being only mine. I have visions of someone tugging at it - ouch! DH has all the tattoos we need in this family. I think that I will get my hair colored again for my pick-me-up. Debbie - Happy Birthday to Emilee! Sarah - Happy Birthday to Amy's other BD buddy! Well, I have to get going. Have a good weekend everyone. I'll check in when we get back on Monday. Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 10:34:49 (MST)) Hello from LauraB - It is starting to get cold and Shane doesn't want to wear a cap on his head. I guess we will just keep putting it on him and eventually maybe he will give in. He is so funny sometimes. When I give him whole milk in his cup he takes a sip and then looks at me as if to tell me that I have given him the wrong cup. I didn't write down who's daughter was pulling on the dogs weewee but Shane is doing something similar to our dog Sam. He also just started trying to ride on her back which isn't good for a 13yr old dog. We are also starting on the time outs. It's really amazing how fast he is learning to misbehave. It's like one day he was this sweet innocent baby and the next he is a terror. All he has to do is give me one of those smiles though and I lose my anger at him. I think he knows that and is taking full advantage of it. It's amazing how much love I feel for him everyday. I never knew that being a mom would be such an emotional rollercoaster. One minute your ready to throttle them and the next you just want to scoop them up and give them kisses all over. Well I need to go for now. Sorry about the rambling. Christi - Sounds like Caleb is better off not knowing what a witch his grandma (your mil) is and this way she can't dissapoint him. Debbie - Happy Birthday Emilee!!! Julianne - funny story about the hamster. I really got a laugh out of that. Have a good afternoon mommies. LauraB@Shane 12months email: xxbryant@aol.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 11:25:19 (MST)) Quick question from LisaB related to any Moms out there who had c-sections. Tracey, a co-worker, had a c-section today. Tracey put in for 3 weeks maternity leave as that's all the leave she has and she can't afford to go on leave without pay. Sue, Tracey's fill-in during her maternity leave, has a daughter due with twins within a month (her doc says she's far enough along that if she goes into labor he won't stop her). Sue has promised her DD that she'll take off 2 weeks when the twins are first born to help her out. Anyway, Sue is now panicking that the Tracey wouldn't be back to work before the twins arrive (or will come back but not be able to do anything so Sue won't be able to take off). How long did your doctors tell you to take off after your c-section or before they "released" you to go back to work? I know most everyone takes the standard 6 weeks but was curious what your actual "recovery" time was. Thanks in advance. :-) LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 11:59:04 (MST)) Hi, this is Birdie. I have ton's of responses to do but the mochkin is waking up. Just a quick note to two of you and I'll do the rest later. Kahne- I had my BB pierced twice. I LOVED IT!!! However it did not love my. My body rejected both of the rings. I was so bummed and I really miss it a lot. It also left a scar which was irritating for a while but now with all of my stretch marks it just blends right in. I'd love to have it done again but I know it won't work so why bother wasting the money. i really miss it. LisaB- I had a c-sect. it hurt like hell for days and then itched beyond belief and then turned numb for almost a year. I was not cleared to drive until 5 weeks because so many muscles are severed it can be dangerous to drive and not be able to repond quickly with your feet. I would not have been cleared for work for 6 weeks. I had 12 off but Dr said nothing for at least 6. I felt pretty good around 5 weeks. I was climbing stairs bettr and had sex etc... She has to keep in mind that not only is she having a baby but also major surgery. Hope this info helps. Take care. Birdie and Noah 11 months Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 12:19:21 (MST)) Good afternoon all. I am going to go pick up my pictures in about 45 minutes (break time and K-mart is just right down the road). Do I should be sending them out tonight sometime. Let me know if you would like to get some. Don’t worry, I’m getting back 3 rolls, but I won’t send all 3 rolls out! LOL!! Hopefully there will be a decent picture of me somewhere in the bunch so that you guys can see what I look like as well. Onto the personals. LisaB – thanks for the explanation on daylight savings time. I like it in the spring, but I think the fall one stinks! Too cute about Max falling asleep eating his chicken nuggets! Kahne – good luck with your belly button ring. Thanks for the pep talk as well. Piercing is not “my thing” but I do like to get pretty jewelry for other parts of my body! Rita – thanks for thinking of lonely old me when you posted yesterday. I haven’t potty trained any of my own so you can just think I’m looney if you want and ignore what I’m about to say if you think it’s ridiculous, but I think you should just completely drop the whole potty thing for a while. Put her in training pants (not diapers since training pants will feel wet and yucky to her) and when she has an accident don’t say a word about it just clean it up like it’s no big deal and I think she will eventually come around to your way of thinking. Maddy sounds just spirited and determined enough that she is going to do something only because it is HER idea. If you act like you don’t care that she’s not trained then maybe it will have the opposite effect on her and make her want to use the potty since you don’t care. Does that make any sense?? Hope so. Good luck anyway! Shelly – I think you are right to have your son moved to a different classroom. I have a degree in elementary ed (though not working as a teacher now). And it sounds like he needs more intellectual stimulation than what he is getting in the K-1 classroom. Good luck! Diane – don’t you just hate going to the Dr. when you feel like it’s for nothing? I feel like they are just trying to get money out of my insurance by getting me to come in there when it’s something they could have told me over the phone. Allison had pink eye and was on oral antibiotics for an ear infection when it showed up. I called and asked if they needed to see her (told them all the circumstances, etc) and they said they did. I took her in and they looked at her, said yes, she has pinkeye (which I already knew) and that the antibiotics she was on should clear them up. Now, why couldn’t they tell me that over that phone?? I was a bit peeved to say the least! Patty – so glad that Jarin is doing better at the sitter’s!! Yay Jarin! Darleen – I agree with Lisa to a point on the visiting thing esp about you SIL with her kids.. My IL’s live 2 hours away and we always go up there too. My gripe with them is that it’s easier for them to come visit us as they don’t have to pack up a baby, diapers, extra clothes, snacks, sippy cups, etc etc. They can just hop in the car and come. Your mom should realize this as well or perhaps you could nicely point it out to her. Good luck! Julianne – I know what you mean about getting ready quicker when DH is gone. I always seem to get ready about 20 minutes earlier when my DH is away on business. I hate it when he’s gone, but love having the bathroom to myself in the morning! Helen – good luck on your US citizenship! I guess Sarah must be sick today since she hasn’t posted and she was feeling bad yesterday. Hope you feel better soon Sarah! Kelli – please come back and post with us again. We miss you!! Well, that’s all for now. I will be sending out pictures later. Let me know if would like them. Talk to you later Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 12:37:18 (MST)) HI! Christi again. Yep, Caleb is fine, took a tumble while walking over his toys, not even a bump. I sure hope these 2 molors come in soon, he is one grumpy baby! As far as the MIL thing goes, you are right, he is better off not knowing her, I know that, but my DD remembers her. At their b-day party MIL's gifts were sent over, and I put them up, but my Grandmother IL insisted we open them, I told Lexi they were from NaNa, and she said "You mean Nana is here???" then I had to tell her no. Also, she gets my DD lots of things (like 6 or 7) and gives Caleb 1 thing. She is just not playing fair. Next gift time (Christmas) I am keeping the gifts and opening them before the kids to make sure they are atleast half way even.I would perfer she just didn't get them anything. Caleb doesn't know the difference, but I do. OK, I feel better now, thanks for listening to me! ~~~Helen--your story about Amanda and the dog cracked me up! Poor puppy! ~~~Laura B.--YES! that is exactly what is going on with Caleb! It seems in a matter of a week he has turned into a maniac! I will be thinking of you and Shane, and sending you ++++ toughts! Bye (again), have a good day everyone--tomorrow is Friday--Yippy! Christi & Caleb 12 months Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 13:18:44 (MST)) Well Hello everybody. This is my very first trip to your page and i can garuntee it wont be the last. I am a Stay at home mom of 2 the little one is Alex and he's 16 months old now. Wow can't beleive it myself i also have an almost 7 yr old girl in first grade. Alex is walking and says very few words but gestures a lot. i 've read a few of the other posts and it looks like we have a real active group here. Alex was Winnie the Pooh for Trick or treating it was a blast he almost said it too.. well i'll keep on reading and post when i can. Hope all of your little ones continue to thrive. Yours in Mommyhood, Heather Heather an Alex (16months) email: hjohnson74@hotmail.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 14:33:48 (MST)) Good afternoon, from Shelly and Riley. We've been busy today. This morning started with water arobics. My oldest sis teaches the class, so I take Riley with me into the pool. She holds him for part of the time and I have him some. He loves being in the water. Then Jesse was sick at school, but funny thing! When I got him home, he was fine. I think he is part bored and part jealous of the time I have with Ri. So I had to have a serious talk about going to school. I still have not heard anything from the principle. A friend told me when she requested her DH be moved from the same class, the principle drug his feet forever. Probably hoping she would just give up. Finally she went in and told him either move Bailey or she would pull all 3 kids from our school. alot of people have been telling me to stay and fight. I live 2 houses away from the school. If I move Jess, I would have to drive 8 miles into town. No big deal, really. But it is easier to have your kiddos walk out the door and be to school. They say I should find out the reqirements and then insist that the teacher follow them. But she is way unorganized and too quiet. I think even with the correct curriculm, she will have a hard time. Jess had her last year when we moved here. I took my children out of the top school in the county. Etna Elem. scored the highest on the testing every year. When I moved last Feb. the kindergarteners were just starting to take home readers. Well, this teacher here was not. So Jess finished the kindergarten year without very much reading experience at all. When I asked this teacher why no take home readers, she told me that kids lose things and if she sent home readers they would be lost. Taylor brought home a new reader every day in kindergarten. So already, I feel Jess is at a disadvantage. I feel that if I don't hear something by Monday, I should go ahead with the transfer. Is that being too bitchy and pushy ? I feel time is of the essence. I hate this kind of thing!!!! Anyway. Kahne--I did not mean to imply that you are a freak or anything like that. I was just trying to be funny. I'm sorry. But you are right, we are all beautiful. I do not feel happy with my weight. I was size 24 for 8 years. then I went down to 12 and I was so happy. I got preggers and now I'm size 20 again. So I'm going crazy... Diane--Of course the dr wants to check out your precious one. They can't charge you over the phone.LOL Darlene--Maybe your kiddo hugs strangers because your more relaxed with them. You might feel annoyed ans uptight around family because you have to do all the traveling.. I have a friend who never seems to call or make time for me. I get upset because I feel like she doesn't think that I'm important. But yesterday, I went to her work to say hi, and she sort of let me know what the problem is. She's way caught up in her religion right now and she's mad because I'm not living my life "right". Are your family members judging you and Dh for something? LisaB--The teacher says Tay burped intentionally. I also had a c-section with my first. I got up and started doing things a week later. I had to stay in the hosp. for 5 days because of an infection. Otherwise I would have been up sooner. Once I got home it was easier. I started driving myself around at 2 weeks. I think staying in bed is a misake. if she moves around soon after, her recovery will be quicker. Helen--I'de hate to be a dog in your house.LOL LauraB--you know how to cure your kiddo from riding the dog don't you. Buy a pony!! Heather--Welcome to the board. Well, I've been on line all afternoon. Type at you tomorrow. SHELLY & RILEY 19 months Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 16:10:01 (MST)) Hi mommies. I survived Jury Duty today. LOL. I had to sit and wait almost an hour. Then they called us in and the judge explained jury duty for about 10 minutes and gave us an oath. They called the first six prospective jurors and I was one of them. The prosecutor talked to us and asked questions for about 15 minutes and then the defense attorney did the same. Of course, then I was excused. LOL. Considering DH is a state police officer and the defense attorney works for FIL, I wasn't surprised. **Darleen: Maybe Nolan just hugs the neighbor lady because he sees her more often? **Christi: Sounds like you have the MIL from hell! LOL **LisaB: I know you hate to do it (me too), but isn't it kinda nice having Max in bed snuggled up to you? I love cuddling with Jarin in the early morning. =) Too cute about him saying "mom" to your absent mindedness. **Julianne: Hope the time outs work with Colton. I haven't tried them yet with Jarin. Jarin also LOVES to play in the refrigerator. **Helen: Good luck with your citizenship. I didn't realize you weren't a US citizen. What nationality are you? Amanda sounds so funny playing with the curtains. And what a riot with the dog!!! Jarin just lays all over our cat. I love the cookie story too. Amanda must have quite the sweet personality. =) **Rita: Good luck getting your hair colored. I've been thinking about going to get mine highlighted again as it seems to keep getting darker the older I get! **LauraB: I know what you mean about that smile getting them out of trouble. I tell Jarin "no" and he just grins at me. **Beth: I took Jarin to the sitter today and she was nursing her son. I nursed him a couple minutes and put him down by the couch and said I love you and I'll see you later. He didn't even cry!!!!! I was soooo happy. She said he was really good too. I got there after only 2 hours due to the jury duty so we got to spend most of the day together. **Welcome to Heather and Alex! **Shelly: I think you should do whatever you think is best for Jess. **Gotta go. Friends is on! Take care everyone! Patty and Jarin - 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 18:01:32 (MST)) Hi everyone! Well Angel is on the mend I think she is so much happier these past days after getting rid of all the mucous! So my fingers are crossed. I think she may start cutting the eye teeth or the stomach teeth though she had the telltale sign for her a diaper rash this week which she gets about a week before teeth break the gums. So I am on the watch!!!!!!! Now personals Darlene : I know it is difficult my parents that are 8 hours away from me see Angel more often than the relatives that live in this town. The first year my mil made an effort to see Angel about once a month or so . Now though that she is doing things and can interact more she is trying to see her a little more often. Fil doesnt even make an effort at all or my sil and her husband sad sad. I wish my family lived closer!!!!!!!!! Julianne: I can imagine Colton playing in the vomit. Angel doesnt want to play in hers this week she wants to clean it up. cute but you dont want her in it! I say no mommy will clean it up you dont have to. Kahne: we all need things to make us feel sexy especially after giving birth and I dont think weight has anything to do with it. I was really lucky and didnt gain much during my pregnancy soo I weigh about what I did at 16. I still dont feel that sexy although my husband tells me all the time!!!!!!! Patty: what a waste of time eh! Helen: Oh poor dog! Thanks for the laugh though. Rita: how old is Maddy?? Laura B.: I know what you mean Angel just has to laugh and the anger subsides not good! Beth: Yes I was very peeved about going all the way to the doc when they could have talked to me on the phone!!!!!!! I would love to have some pics. Heather: Hello and welcome. I was wondering when your little ones birthday is because Angel will be 16 months old on Nov. 7. Shelley: Actually my doc doesnt even have to see me to get paid! Well all have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Diane and Angel _ almost 16 months (NOV 7) Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 21:14:32 (MST)) Hello All. Kahne here! I want to say first, Moriah, the pics were GREAT! He is so cute dressed up as a lil doc! I wish I had that much imagination! The piercing went very well! I love it! I got a purple ring, with a rose quartz ball to hold it shut! Pretty Pretty! I hope all of you that want one go get it! I forgot to write notes, but I saw someone that mentioned that your body rejected it, there is a simple solution to that. Take a very good multi vitamin while the piercing is healing, that way, your body does not see it as an intrusion. AND when you get a piercing, ask to see photos of their work, and MOST IMPORTANT, make sure the piercer is gauntlet certified. My piercer gives you all the info, and then gives you a test (serious) on how to take care of the piercing. If you fail, she wont pierce you. NEVER Ever use peroxide on the piercing. I have done a LOT of research on piercings, and my piercer has educated me thoroughly! If ANY of you want more info, or are curious, e mail me, it will be secret, *wink wink*. HEHE! Cat has been eating like a hog, I think she is going through that almost-one-year-but-not-quite growth spurt. I dunno. Well I have a big ole test tomorrow, so I gotta run. If you want pics of my new pierce, let me know and I will send you some soon! Love you all! Kahne and Cat 10 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 21:39:37 (MST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Well I am pretty sick of coughing and blowing my nose-- don't think I'll get another flu shot next fall!! This is crazy!!On to personals---------- ====LAURAB-- Shane is like Amanda- our poor dogs- Max is almost 5yrs though and can take the abuse. Amanda is about eye level w/his back and his head is over hers- he's a Doberman. Yesterday I would lift his ear( we didn't have his ears clipped), and say 'hello' then Amanda would do the same trying to say hello too- such a cute age- as long as she stays away from his other end!! ===BIRDIE-- How are you feeling- any response from the store-K-mart was it? ===KELLI- Where are you????? ===HEATHER&ALEZ- Welcome! You'll be addicted in no time! ===CHRISTI-- Sorry your MIL is so mean- better to stay away and not have to deal with her moods and favortism! ===PATTY-- Glad to hear your off the hook w/jury duty- I hear it can be a real inconvenience. Glad Jarin is better at the sitter. I am a Canadian citizen and moved here after we were married almost 15yrs ago. To be entitled to DH's life insurance, profits of selling our house, any money he has if he was to die, I have to be a citizen or the gov't takes almost 80% of it- we just found this out so I filed right away. It will be nice since I will be able to vote at our town elections which now I cannot do, and at the mall the other day they were petitioning to stop greyhound racing- I couldn't sign- not a registered voter- how annoying.I'm not a political person at all and don't pay any attention to all that stuff so I have a lot of studying as far as the gov't sustem and who is in charge of what etc. etc.... ===RITA--Have fun with getting your hair colored!! ===DIANE---Glad Angel is getting better!! Well should go and get in the shower-Have a good weekend all!!! LATER!! Helen&Amanda@15mos(#3) Friday, November 05, 1999 at 06:35:08 (MST)) Happy Friday everyone. I actually got Colton to daycare at 7:45 this am. They looked at me in amazement. I usually am rushing in at 8 saying sorry I am so late. He went right to play on the slide. I know what we are getting him for his birthday next year -- swingset/slide combo. I will have to keep my eyes open now for a good deal. Do you mommies eat w/ the TV on or feed your toddlers w/ it on? We have a small TV on the kitchen table and usually watch while we eat. Colton is in the habit of eating breakfast to Arthur now. Last night he didn't want to eat supper but wanted to watch his Disney Animal Kingdom sing-a-long video instead. I ended up putting the food on the tray of his booster seat and letting him eat in the living room while watching. I know Very Bad Mommie! He ate so very good though I felt it was justified - almost. What do you think? I am so looking forward to DH coming home, although, this week went by much easier than I thought it would. I was so tired out I didn't have any trouble sleeping. DH had better not be full of jet lag though. He needs to spend lots of fun time w/ Colton so I can relax this weekend!! LisaB: I have brought Colton to bed w/ me every night w/ DH being gone. I just don't have the heart to let him cry it out by myself. Too cute of Max sleep eating! Helen: Good luck on getting your citizenship. I had to LOL w/ Amanda's new discovery--poor dog. LauraB: I think our little ones know their smiles melt away our anger in an instant because they use it every time. I found Colton a hat that has velcro straps. He can't take it off, it's much easier than trying to tie one on, and it keeps his ears covered and warm. Beth: I would love to see the pictures. I noticed where I get my film done that they do something w/ AOL users and sending pictures by e-mail. I am going to look into it next time since Dh's computer at work uses AOL. Shelly: I would meet with the principle again to let him know that you are serious. Make sure that you advise him you need to discuss how to transfer your children out of his school. Maybe he will move on things once he knows you are serious. Kahne: I would love to see the navel ring picture. I wish I had looked into it and got one while DH was away. What a surprise that would have been. Maybe I will be ready when he goes on his snowmobile trip this winter!! Have a super weekend everyone. Julianne & Colton 15mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, November 05, 1999 at 07:06:04 (MST)) test Webmaster email: webmaster@iparenting.com Friday, November 05, 1999 at 14:04:34 (EST)) Hi again every one and thanks for the welcome. Well another busy day for me. My 1st grader goes to school about 15 miles away for the same reasons your thinking of transfering Shelly.... If I were you i'd get your kid out NOW and get him into an enviroment that he can accel in. The Public school isn't going to change to help just one student with out a huge fight that could take a long time and who suffers but your child and his education. (just my opinion guys no daggers please :o) Anyhoo... I'm out the door LATE as usual (who'd a thought a 6 yr old needs That much time to do her hair.)by 8:45 (we were supposed to be gone by 8:30...) drop Kaila off by 9:00 Drive home Begging Alex to stay awake till we get home so i will get him to take a nap. If he falls asleep in the car i can kiss his ever shortening nap goodbye. Finally home by 9:30 and give Alex his Morning snack and we try out the new milk. Alex is Alergic and the Doc wants to try a lactase supplement... Hoping we don't spend the rest of the day cleaning up baby puke and changing the NASTIEST diapers you ever saw. That goes alright and i lay him down on his new bed. Blow him a kiss from the door and tell him i love him. He proceeds to blow me a kiss as well as my mind when he says for the VERY FIRST TIME "ILOVE YOU MAMA" Well there goes our nap time routine. I rushed over with tears in my eyes and hugged him tight and he says "Get up?" I tell him no and walk out so he can go to sleep. Luckily i get his door closed which means he'll go straight to sleep. I rush around the house cleaning up, piling his toys out side his door and pulling out the vaccum ....oooops i gotta wait till Alex is up to vaccum. so i'm sitting here now waiting for him to get up. Next we'll have to run out the door as soon as he's up to pick up the supplies for my Brownie troop's craft project tonight. THen i have to do a bunch of Girl Scouts paper work and call all the moms to tell them that there wont be a meeting next week unless they do it because i'm taking Kaila to the Disney's Little mermaid on Ice for her birthday which isn't until DEC but the show is in Seattle on the 12th. Also book the seats for the the girls to go to the Local Playhouse for the Best Christmas pagent ever in December. Then, with out any time to spare i'll run over to Kaila's school and wait in the Parent pick up line for 30 min for her to get out of school. Then it's off to pick up 4 other girls from 3 other schools for our meeting tonight. Figure out a way to get 13 6 yr olds through this craft project, instill in them a sence of duty to our community, and teach them the Girl Scout Law that they need to recite letter perfect by the time we have our next Meeting. Finally our meeting is over and i get the girls home by 8:00 and i'm home by 8:30 Get Kaila settled down with her homework and Alex fed and in bed by 9:00 and flop into a chair just as my DH walks through the door and says "Whats for dinner".... I'll stare at him for a second before throwing the keys at him. (barely missing his head) and tell him I don't want to see him again untill he goes and gets the dinner he promised to bring home with him. Dont you just love Fridays. Unlike most of you I long for my boring time dragging mondays.... Diane ~~ Alex's bday is July 1 1998 he was a joy a big 9lb 5oz guy put all with the 2 six pounders in the nursery he was huge!! Thank God for the C-section. Was your pregnant summer as horrible as mine? Juliane ~~ I don't think there is much wrong with letting him watch while eating but maybe only at the table unles you like cleaning your carpets ever 3 days that is Though there are some that say kids under 2 shouldn't even watch TV and that we should be limiting all of our kids TV time. I dont think there is any harm as long as he's watching age apprpriate stuff and has alot of other interaction too. My daughter loved to watch movies and stuff by age one but Alex still wont sit still long enough for one to start. so... to each their own and do what works for you.... Heather and Alex (16 months) email: hjohnson74@hotmail.com Friday, November 05, 1999 at 14:43:02 (EST)) Rebecca here... Patty - thankyou for the e-mail, it is nice to have people who care and are willing to share. Darleen - I know how hard it can be with family. I feel bad that my daughter spends lots of time with my parents and almost none with my FIL. Unless we go to his home, he never sees Paige. Even then he just sits and watches her. I don't understand not wanting to see and play with your grandchild as much as possible! Christi - the meeting was really good. I got to talk and not be judged (and ever other mother's head was nodding in agreement). LisaB - MIL lives in a tiny apartment, there's no room for a party there. I felt like I had to say yes, one they had already told the girls, and two this woman sent alot of clothes over for Paige. My meeting went good (see post to Christi above). LauraB - Paige will only wear a hat that can't be taken off (ties or snaps). Julianne - I had to laugh at your question since Paige is in her highchair eating in front of the tv as I post. We are a family that eats around the tv, and unfortunately it's what my daughter is used to. Heck, if I turn the tv off she'll walk over and turn it back on! I just make sure that it's on an appropriate channel (we have one that is preschool shows, no comercials all day). Well, as I said above, my PPD meeting went well. I'm glad I got out of bed and went. They encourage setting goals every week to do something for yourself. This week I plan to take a hot bath and read a good book (non baby related!LOL). DH is home today so I'm going to sign off and spend some time with him. Talk to you later. Rebecca & Paige (8 days to 1) email: burn@canadawired.com Friday, November 05, 1999 at 14:50:17 (EST)) TESTING! Sarah and Hannah Friday, November 05, 1999 at 14:55:56 (EST)) GEEZ!!!! FINALLY!~!!! I have posted 2 times today. The first time, it took and then when I checked in again, my post was GONE!!! So, I tried posting again and it didn't even take!! Very frustrating. Oh, SARAH here! :) Not too much on this end, so......BTW, HAPPY FRIDAY!! :) :) LISA - THanks for the get well wishes! KAHNE - I have had my bb pierced for almost 3 years. I even kept it in while I was preggo. Very unattractive, but now it's "sexy" again! I love mine!!! I'm glad you talked to your teacher. CAT will be walking soon, now! :) REBECCA - I'm glad the meeting went well! SHELLY - That's so great you heard ALEX!!! :) :) DIANE - How is ANGEL feeling? PATTY - We're so much alike, it's scary! :) Maybe we're long lost twins. DARLEEN - Good to hear from you! Sorry about the family problems!! JULIANNE - Thanks for the get well wishes! Count me in as a "bad mommy". We watch tv while we eat. It's usually ARTHUR that's on. HELEN - :) :) :) I was cracking up at AMANDA pulling on the dog's peepee! LOL RITA - Happy 10 month Birthday to AMY. I would have told you yesterday, but I was out sick. BETH - Thanks for the get well wishes! Also, thanks for noticing I was gone yesterday...it made me feel good! :) I want to see pictures. Like someone else said, I haven't seen ALLISON since the pictures were going around FOREVER ago!! HEATHER and ALEX - WELCOME!!! You'll love it here. It looks like there's some disagreeing going on over on BT. :( Have any of you read? I keep in touch with JEN (w/NICHOLAS) and she told me about it, so I checked it out. Well, that's all. I hope you all have a great, safe weekend!! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, November 05, 1999 at 15:05:06 (EST)) Hello, it's Julianne again. This afternoon is slow and my boss has left so I thought why not post again! I was thinking about something I was going to ask in my first post and forgot. Do you give your kids bubble baths? I usually don't for Colton, but he has started to say bubble when he sees the bubbles created when I wash his hair. I wanted to pick some up soon and wondered if there was any type you prefer over another or if for some reason it is not safe. Heather: How sweet of Alex to say "I love you Mama!" for the first time today. Typical naughty sweetheart though thinking it wuld get him out of taking a nap. :) What a hectic day you have planned. Hope you can relax some this weekend. Rebecca: I love your goal for the week. It has been forever since I read a book. I used to read a couple a week. My DH was always complaining about my nose being in a book!! I can't wait to pick Colton up and give him a big hug. I miss him so much on slow days. We have to quick stop at Kohl's before we go home because they have the little gold kid charms on sale and I need one for my Mom for Christmas. Then hopefully my neighbor is going to meet me for dinner. Being a single mom this week I have not eaten a decent dinner all week! Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, November 05, 1999 at 15:10:03 (EST)) Hi everyone!!!!!! Not much new just personals today! Julianne: Breakie is in the livingroom with the tv on, lunch depends but supper is in the kitchener with no tv! Family time really. I am too afraaid that Angel would be distracted and not eat well . Heather: Angel's due date was July 1 but she didnt come till July 7th. That was such a sweet story! I didnt have too bad of a pregnancy other than the heartburn at the end and the high blood pressure they thought they might have to take Angel on JUne 23 because my blood pressure was so high. Rebecca: what are ppd meetings?? sounds like good goals to me . I always say I am going to make more time for myself but it never happens! Sarah: thanks for asking about Angel. She is on the mend seems much happier still a lot of mucous but someone reccommended giving her Benadryl to dry her up so I hope it works! Well that is all for now take care everyone have a great weekend Diane and Angel -15 months soon 16 months though (Nov 7) Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Friday, November 05, 1999 at 22:32:25 (EST)) Hi everyone, it's Debbie. Thanks everyone for the Happy Birthday Wishes for Emilee. It was very thoughtful and sweet of all of you. Emilee got her first haircut Wednesday. I didn't want her to get a haircut before her 1st birthday, but it was so long she couldn't see. Rita - Happy Belated 10 month Birthday to Amy. Only 2 more months. Sarah - Happy Belated 14 month Birthday to Hannah. Lisa & Max - Thanks for the Birthday e card. That was really nice of you. Julianne & Colton - Thanks for the Birthday e card too. It was really special. Patty & Jarin - Sorry, for some reason I couldn't open yours. But the thought was there. Thanks. Talk to you all later, company coming tomorrow so I better get busy. Company's coming tomorrow, so I better get busy. Talk to you all later. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 00:41:48 (EST)) REMEMBER ME???? We have had some major computer problems... our hard drive CRASHED and burned!! I was so upset because I had ALL my pregnancy notes from PT saved along with my first year notes from BT. AND all my mailing address (e-mail and street), you name it, I had it on my pc. Now, it's all GONE! I had hundreds of great jokes and sweet little mother poems... Oh, I'm so upset! I missed you guys terribly, too! Fortunatly, our home pc comes from a pretty reputable company and they sent us a new hard drive free. Our 3 year warrenty goes out in 6 months, so We will probably get a new pc anyway. Nowadays, it's so hard to keep up with technology. We still don't have a clue as to why the stupid thing crashed! Oh, and today, I busted my knee up pretty good and am on crutches. Fun, fun! My knee cap popped out of place about 4 or 5 times. DH thinks I have torn cartiledge (sp?). I have always had a weak knee, but this is the first time I have twisted it in a few years. I am just SOOOOO thankful that I didn't have Elizabeth in my arms. I immediantly fell and couldn't get up for an hour. I was at home but I couldn't even get up to use our phone. Luckily, I had my cell phone on my hip and called DH (who was in a meeting). It looks like I will probably need to get surgery. Yippy! NOT! I am going to an orthopaedic on Monday. What a day On a much brighter note, Elizabeth is doing wonderfully and is such a happy little girl. Her vocab is growing and she says, " A, B, C, D E". I am adding a new letter every couple days. I need to go now... Gotta get my leg up, the darn thing is throbbing again. I am so glad to be back to cyber-mommyland! I sure missed you all! I hope I didn't miss anything. There is no way I can catch up, so PLEASE update me on all that I missed! Take care! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 1/2 mo. email: rkncs@aol.com Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 02:15:05 (EST)) ****WARNING: MONSTER POST AHEAD**** Crystal and Darrel here. No, I didn't drop off the face of the Earth. Just been real busy this week. Still working two jobs. Well, I still don't know for sure if I'm pregnant. Dh wants to wait. He's not ready to find out yet. We talked last night, and we share the same feelings about the possibility. We won't be disappointed if I am. We feel that we can handle having a second child now, well actually in about 8 months because if I am pregnant I'm no more than three or four weeks. We're not ready financially, but we'll find a way to make ends meet, as we've had to do with Darrel. Even though Dh doesn't want to know yet, I definitely do. Darrel is doing good. He's walking a lot more now. He's a sweetheart and a little meanie all at once. He bit Dh twice yesterday and tried to bite a little girl at day care again. I hope that this biting stage passes soon. Last night we had our friend over who has the 13 month old that Darrel tried to bite a week ago. He was so intent on building with his blocks, and she kept taking his blocks away as he built. He got so mad and frustrated with her, but he didn't hit or try to bite. Needless to say, I was very pleased with how he handled himself. He threw a fit but just flapped his arms and yelled at her. And then took his blocks back. One time, she started crying when Darrel took his block back, but she didn't try to take them again. When Darrel plays, he puts all his concentration into what he's doing. We even tried to call his name last night while he was playing with his blocks, and he ignored us!!! Didn't even glance up at us. :( :) He sure loves his blocks. But when he was done with the blocks (about two hours later), he tried to get into his room, so I put him to bed, and he was fast asleep. Darrel's been saying what sounds like "love you". It's so sweet. I'll be sitting on the couch holding him, and he'll just be laying back and cuddling with me. Then he look into my eyes and say "wov oo". Melts my heart every time. I hold him just a little tighter tell him that I love him too and give him a kiss. Then, he'll give me a hug and a kiss and tell me again "wov oo". I just love our special times together. And you know what, we have a "bye-bye" routine that we've been doing ever since he was a newborn. I'll put him in his car seat, tell him we're going bye-bye, tickle him, buckle him up, give him a kiss, tell him I love him, and then when I get in the car, I look over my seat at him and we play a few rounds of peek-a-boo before I buckle up and we take off. As for the family visiting thing-Darrel sees my parents at least once a week. We normally go to my parents as that's where we do our laundry. They live about twenty minutes away. My parents rarely come over. That's fine with me. My IL's, however, live in Oregon, so he rarely sees Dh's family. Neither of us have the money to visit. So, we send pictures, talk about the families in Oregon to Darrel, and let Darrel "talk" to them over the phone. Darrel has two cousins in Oregon who are also very young. One is about three months older than Darrel, and the other is almost four. MIL has Darrel's pictures where the girls can see them everytime they come over. The girls always ask her who the baby is, and she always tells them that he's Darrel, Uncle Doug's little boy. She tells them that he's their cousin and that they'll be able to meet him and play with him the next time they see Uncle Doug. The three year old knows who the picture of the baby is, but she likes to ask Nana. They talk about Darrel all the time so the girls will be used to the idea that they have a cousin who lives far away but will one day be able to meet and play with. We talk about the girls also and his aunt, Nana, and Papa. It's hard living so far away from the rest of the family because one side knows Darrel and the other doesn't. And one side knows the girls, but the rest of us don't. Dh hasn't seen the three year old niece since right after she was born, and we have yet to see the younger girl. I have met only his mom, but we talk all the time. We have toys at my parents for Darrel and toys at home. Oh, Dh brought up the doll issue again. He agreed to My Buddy and never wants to see Darrel with a Cabbage Patch Kid again. A lot of it is because I told him that if Darrel can't play with dolls because it's "for" girls, then if we have a daughter, she can't play with cars because it's "for" boys. That really got him because he loves cars. He's a mechanic. Darrel also found where we keep our tupperware. He loves to play with them. he likes them almost as much as he likes his blocks. The cutest thing is that when Darrel is done playing with the tupperware, he puts them back! And the are in the cabinet farthest from the stove, so Darrel can play while we're cooking as long as he stays there. And he does. Well, I've got to run now. I didn't realize what a novel this would be. Sorry so long. Crystal and Darrel 14 1/2 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 11:09:31 (EST)) testing Crystal and Darrel 14 1/2 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:10:29 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:21:37 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:40:54 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:41:36 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:41:56 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:09 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:09 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:11 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:11 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:12 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:12 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:13 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:14 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:14 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:15 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:15 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:16 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:16 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:17 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:17 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 15:42:18 (EST)) Hi all fellow mommies....I am new to this board but I have posted on the pregnancy on in the past and I found it to be a wonderful source of support. I was so happy when I found this one! My son is going to be 15mths on Nov 18. I feel like I am the mother of a 2 year old already. I have no idea where his "baby months" went. Does anyone else feel this way with their less-than-two year old? I have officially nick named him "Tarzan" because he loves climbing on things, and my kid doesn't walk, he runs everywhere he needs to be. He's very stubborn and independent and has a very unique and humorous personality. I knew from the time he started kicking me in pregnancy (and NEVER stopped until birth) that I would have a kid who's middle name is "trouble"! One problem my husband and I cannot quite figure out how to stop is hitting. If he doesn't like something we are saying (like "no") or if we ask for a kiss and he doesn't feel like giving one, he smacks (on our face!) hard with his hand. Then he smiles and laughs because he thinks it is funny. We don't know where he learned this, we do not resort to hitting him, we try to distract him but that doesn't always work either. Any suggestions? He certainly is one of a kind, and I love my little angel....he's just so darn cute! But, the hitting thing has got to stop. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts and meeting new mommies....take care and thanks! Jennifer and Adam email: ddock@gte.net Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 16:00:49 (EST)) testing crystal Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 18:48:21 (EST)) Hello Jennifer: Angel will be 16 months tomorrow actually! Time flies ! I feel just like you do that I have a two year old on my hands too. Angel is very independent already. Actually we are going to be introducing the potty this week hopefully. She is a little devil sometimes and she pinches instead of hitting . I too have no idea why or what to do . What I am doing right now is I hold her wrists and tell her no that hurts mommy!!!! She laughs but I hold her wrists till she stops laughing which is only a minute or two then she wants to move her hands and I tell her no more pinching!!!! We went to a birthday party today and there were some older children and a couple Angel's age. They were all so rough and running around all the time. They wouldnt let Angel play with any toys or anything. One kid who is a little over a month older slammed angel into a dooor. From that point she wanted to be around mom she sat like a big girl and just watched everyone! The little boy who slammed angel into the door also ripped off a closet door we all have no idea how. He was into the mom's bedroom and everywhere never sat still!!!!!!!! I was of course so proud of Angel being a big girl and just sitting there with mom! We stayed after the party and then Angel played with the birthday girl although at times the b-day girl took things away from Angel by the end they were sharing nicely! What a day! I almost forgot we got some new shoes for Angel too today. She is so funny though they are a size 5 and her runners we got in July are a 4 but you would think they were my shoes theh way she walks in them. They really arent that big. I bought them that way though because I figure we will wear them for dress in the winter and in the spring they will fit perfectly! Well that is all for now Diane Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Saturday, November 06, 1999 at 22:06:15 (EST)) |