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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Diane, Sounds like that one kid is really strong!! Where were his parents??? I just got Adam shoes last week and he wears a size 6 wide!! Big feet! I'm 5'2" and he is half of my body length already. (Daddy is 6'1") He also just got his first haircut the other day and he sat through the whole thing and didn't say a word, I was so amazed!! About the hitting, daddy and I hold his hands down and he gets quite upset with us, I don't know if it is working yet. He tries to climb onto our table and I found that giving him a 5 minute time out in his crib does the trick for that! Around other babies and kids, he is really good, generous and loving. My friend has an 11 mth old girl (his future wife...we have prearranged it already hehehe) and he gives her hugs and shares toys with her really well. She isn't walking real well yet, I think that confuses him a little. my brothers kids are ages 4,6 and 9 and he loves playing with them and trying to be a "big boy". He understands things so well and is really good at analyzing situations to where he figures things out without my help. He also has an incredible memory. It scares me sometimes! I think you will agree, this is such a fun age (Very trying, but fun) he's my little buddy. I just wonder where he got his personality from. He has his own little mind, so unlike mine or my dh's. Well, I gotta get to sleep, I am so tired!! TTFN! Jennifer and Adam email: ddock@gte.net Sunday, November 07, 1999 at 01:50:13 (EST)) Rebecca here... Before I hopped into a bubble bath and read my book (am I making you all jealous?) I thought I would stop in. It sure takes a long time to load this page. Well, DH and I went on our date last night. We did really good, we didn't talk about Paige most of the night. It's not like we could avoid the subject completely (LOL), but it was nice to have a conversation about something more than diapers, bottles, and naps. We went for dinner, wandered around downtown Vancouver, stopped in a bookstore (and bought a book for Paige), and then went to see Three To Tango. It was really funny, I recommend it. We did have a disagreement on our way to the car, but DH stopped at a park and we sat on a bench until I felt better (it was totally my PPD). Kahne was talking the other day about doing something for yourself, and I agree. I feel refreshed, and I can't wait for Paige to come home from her grandparents. Now, onto a couple of personals... Julianne - Paige has been enjoying bubble baths for a couple of months. We use Mr. Bubble because it is so mild. I find it helps on those days where she's extra sticky!!! Diane - PPD (post partum depression) meetings are a support group I started last week. I've been on anti depressants for awhile, but I felt I needed to do more to recover. It's nice to sit in a room and talk to other woman who are feeling the same as you. The mother's set the goals to help them remember who they are. Most days I'm a mother, a wife, a housekeeper, a cook, but not Rebecca. Well, I'm off for my bath. Hope all of you had a good weekend! Rebecca & Paige (6 days to 1!) email: burn@canadawired.com Sunday, November 07, 1999 at 12:59:28 (EST)) Birdie here. Just a quick hello because...I AM HOME ALONE!!!! DH took Noah to his moms in NH for the evening and I have a few hours to be alone, read, clean, nap, whatever. I'm so excited I can't even decide what to do with myself. DH and I saw THE STORY OF US last night. Personally I thought it was pretty stressful. It was all yelling from beginning to end. The couple would be yelling and then they would flash back to other times they were yelling. I had a major headache but it was still fun to have another date night. Chinese food, a movie, and then out for coffee. Okay neither of us had coffee, we had doughnuts! Great big sugary ones. Coffee just sounds more romantic and date like. Thanks to everyone for the advice on my accident. I meet with my Attorney on Wednesday so I'll keep you all posted. Moriah- If I win big I will definately visit, or fly you guys here for a ski vacation! Becky- I wrote down an email which I believe is yours. Any idea why??? I didn't take very good notes Sorry. Debbie- Party sounds nice. Hope it went well. Patty- Sorry, I don't know a thing about the tubes, just wanted to say hello. LisaB- Glad Max is feeling better. Take care. Birdie and Noah (11 months++) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Sunday, November 07, 1999 at 17:18:33 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda-- Please archive this site?????!!!!! Please-- its so slow--THANKS!!! :O):O):O):O):O):O):O) I've been reading and will post tomorrow--hope alls well!! LATER!!! Helen Sunday, November 07, 1999 at 19:17:32 (EST)) Hi mommies. I've been gone for three days again and I hate trying to catch up. I just spent THREE HOURS at Kmart with my mom and sisters doing shopping. It was family day and since Jaime works there, we got 20% off all regular priced stuff. (Of course, not sale stuff and not electronics, but it was still a pretty good deal.) Jarin is doing well. He now covers his face with his hands to play peek-a-boo. It is SOOOO cute! He is such a little sweetheart. =) **Diane: Glad to hear that Angel is on the mend. Yes, Jury Duty was definitely a waste of my time. The kid at the birthday party sounds like he was kind of a brat! **Helen: I hope you don't have any problems with your citizenship. It seems like you shouldn't if you've already been here for 15 years! **Heather: I bet you just melted when Alex said I love you. =) **Rebeca: Hope you are doing ok. Feel free to email any time. **Sarah: What's going on at BT? I'm sure you don't want to write it all, but if you have a chance email me and let me know all the gory details. LOL. I remember Jenni and Nicholas. Tll her "hi" for me. I remember Nicholas's pictures on the newsletter Shanna made. (Actually I still have them) He is adorable! **Julianne: I use Tigger bubble bath with Jarin. We've never had any problems and he LOVES it. **Debbie: I'm so sad my ecard wouldn't open for you! **Kelli: Ok, girl, you tell your computer it is not allowed to crash any more. We missed you! I hope your knee is ok. I'm going to have surgery on my jaw on November 23rd and I'm not looking forward to that either! **Crystal: Too cute about the "wuv oo". =) **Jennifer and Adam: My Jarin should have trouble as his middle name too. He doesn't hit so I don't have any advice there, but when he does do something wrong (like he loves to pull my hair) I always tell him "no" and then put him down. It usually works. **Hope to see you all tomorrow. Patty and Jarin - 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Sunday, November 07, 1999 at 20:42:23 (EST)) Hi guys, Hope everyone's weekend is going ok. My life is just one big stress ball these past few weeks. DH and rest of family are bugging me to get a job... we need the money but i've never been anything but an at home mom, and i would hate to work at mcDonalds or something...Oh well i'll figure it out... Diane** Alex was due the 9th but i had major bp probs too and almost had him at 36 weeks due to an accident (tummy hit the wheel) He was Frank Breech so the doc didn't want to take the chance of me going into labor. Kelli** Ouch.. sory about the knee. Goodluck at the doctor. Wow, Sound like your little one is talking up a storm. Wish mine would hurry up... Crystal** PG??? Wow i hope so congrats!! And as to not being able to afford a new addition.. YOu know what the say "If you wait till you can pay for them, you'll never hove em." Good luck.. Oh yeah Great Ploy over the doll you tell 'im. Jennifer** WELCOME!! I'm new here too. Your right they are growing sooooo quick. I'm having the same trouble with Alex right now He's hitting,Pinching and Climbing on the kitchen table... Not only hitting others but himself when he's frustrated. don't know what to do about it yet though. i try to stop him and tell him "NO! That hurts" but not much success yet. Let me know if you come up with anything else that works.. Rebecca** I fought PPD HARD!! myself glad to hear you found a Support Group to help..the antidepressants didn't do much for me either. Dont get discouraged it WILL get better with time and patience. GOOD LUCK let me know if you need a friendly "Invisible" ear.. Well night ya'll just rented 10 Things I Hate About You... gonna go watch it see ya tomarrow Heather an Alex (16months) email: hjohnson@hotmail.com Sunday, November 07, 1999 at 22:24:53 (EST)) Hi all, Pretty slow weekend, but we did get a new e mail address it is kahneandsteve@hotmail.com so all of you mommies, change it in the address book! Got some more stuff for Cats birthday this weekend, but besides that nothing much! I agree with Helen, the first post on the board is from October 1st! It takes me almost 5 minutes to load! What happened to the "once a week archive"??? Well, nothing much to say tonight, but welcome to all the new additions! Glad to see ya! How is AD and Andrew, shouldnt she be over here soon too?? Bye yall, I have three big tests this week! Kahne and Cat 10 months email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Sunday, November 07, 1999 at 23:07:31 (EST)) Hi it's Moriah. Long time no post! Sorry! This working thing blows! How do you guys do it??? I'm completely discomberated! Hee Hee! (Like I was ever comberated!) I just need to get into a routine & reset these priorities. I'll get there. ***Warning - this next paragraph may be strange but I have to vent this to some one & I know you guys will understand the need that I have to type this because I'd never make it through it all to someone in person!!*** I have to share with you guys the amazing things going on in our house. Baby sounds! This has totally changed our whole life. I guess when you have no choice you just accept things & sweep "what could have been" under the rug. But with the PMV Alex is a whole new baby. Hell Geoff & I are whole new parents. No longer is our son silent & our house sad. We marvel every day at each coo, giggle & cry. Nothing escapes my ears. I get less done because just to sit here & marvel in the noise takes up so much of my day. Alex seems so happy within himself too. Just like that psychic lady told me - he was frustrated. His communication is frantic at times like he has to get it all out before he looses it again. He's doing so many new things. It's like he now understands us so much better. He's starting to turn the pages of the book when we read, he know's what the word splash means, he can find my nose and he & Geoff have a language all their own. Last night I watched for the 1st time ever as my husband & son had a conversation. It brought back so many memories of the last year & touched me so deeply to see that Geoff is finally free of all the anger he had. As I watched Alex smile & talk to his daddy I for a few moments was able to revel in that magic & forget the words that broke my heart - deaf, blind & retarded. On to the personals! Helen - maybe youbetter get a female dog! LOL! Amanda sounds so cute! How come you weren't automatically a citizen by marrying your husband? Or is that only in the movies? Debbie - Happy birthday Emilee! Welcome back! Rita - Time is flying - I can;t beleive Amy is 10 months. Some storm we're having huh? Hope you weren't huddled in a tent during it! Crystal - your test worked! LOL LOL LOL! I'm just teasing. I cracked up when I saw that. Plese take a PG test - you're keeping me in suspense & I hate that. LOL Lisa B - Alex falls asleep in mid bite all the time. Like all the sudden the batteries run out. It always cracks me up. Hey hows that TTC BB#2 coming along? Nothing like a noisy friend! Heather - welcome! Obviously we have the same great taste in names! Kelli - HI! I was wondering why my email had been so quite lately! I thought maybe you were on vacation. Glad you're back - sorry about your computer though! Birdie - Big surgery donuts?? Are you sure we were not twins separated at birth? I LOVE donuts. In fact I'm starting to resemble on these days! LOL. I don't know how to ski - but what the hell I'll learn! Sarah - Holy Moly on the BT board. What's up with the whole notion that all of us that have now moved over to TT were the bitchy competitive ones? Geez - I guess they don't miss us over there LOL! I think if everyone just ignored the anonomous pouter she'd go away. She's getting lots of attention now & probably feels very important! One more thing - I need all you guys to put in some prayers. There's another baby in the hospital with some of the same problems as Alex. Her name is Rachel. She's 4 months old. The nurses introduced me to her mom when Alex was in the hospital over night last month. Her poor mom! The baby is having nothing but problems. They seem to be experincing so many of the awful things that we did. We have the same Dr's & everything - very dejavu! Right now she's on a ventilator & she coded twice yesterday. They're trying to make it til Tuesday so she can get surgery to help her make her better. If that surgery isn't successful she'll probably get trached. I call her mom every day to give her any help & support that I can as she is having such a hard time. Please say a special prayer for Baby Rachel that she hangs on until Tuesday & her surgery is successful. Thanks! Geez I'm just a barrel of laughs tonight huh? My sappy post & now this! LOL! Love you guys - you really are the best! Moriah & Alex (13 months old today) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 02:50:08 (EST)) Hi this is Birdie. Had to talk to Charline about our New Eng meeting over at BT. Couldn't resist posting just a little note. Anyway. Nothing new or exciting here. New Englanders please e-mail me if you want to be in on the big meeting next Saturday. (LJU777@AOL.COM) Moriah- yipee, yipee, yipee!!!!! I have no words to respond to your post. As you know, there really are none to describe what you are feeling. I know of a child...okay can't even write this without crying...who was unable to speak until the age of two when they removed all of his tubes etc. His first words were "hi mommy". He had been able to speak all along just like Alex. He was just waiting for the opportunity. I am so overjoyed for you guys. What a wonderful experience. And turning pages and understanding things. He's growing up so fast. What's cool is that he's had these abilities all along, just didn't have the opportunity to share with you guys. I am soooo happy for you all. I can't remember who posted about their little sweety getting pushed by the big mean bully and not being allowed to play with the other kids toys but it reminded of something i read about being a mommy. You know you're a mommy when you are willing to take out a contract on a five year old kid who broke your childs favorite toy. Okay, I know we wouldn't really do that, I'm just saying don't mess with our babies. I know a large group of mommy's from all around the world and it wouldn't take much to round them all up so if you need any help you know where to write. Birdie and Noah (one in 17 days!!!!) Monday, November 08, 1999 at 08:59:53 (EST)) Good morning ladies! Here we go again, huh?? Boy, I sure don't like Monday's. It's too hard to get up! We had a great weekend...weather wise. It was in the 80's all weekend. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! We had a great weekend...as a family, too. Didn't do much. Just had some friends over Saturday night, and watched football yesterday. HANNAH was a complete angel all weekend. She has a molar coming in and her gums were all bloody, she got a somewhat bad diaper rash, and you NEVER would have known she had either one of these. Her new thing is to walk around with a towel (or a t-shirt, my bra, my underwear, etc) on her head. It's so funny. I used to do that all of the time when I was little. She's so adorable, I love her soooo much!! :) Anyway, on to personals: MORIAH - Your post was so touching!! I am so happy for you and GEOFF. Oh, and ALEX too!! :) Baby RACHEL and her family will be in my prayers! Yes, one of the ladies did make us sound like we never get along! DIANE - Did the benadryl work? Happy 16 month Birthday to ANGEL yesterday!! DEBBIE - Did EMILEE get her card? KELLI - Sorry about your knee!!! I was wondering where you were. CRYSTAL - So...were you unable to bring up the site on Saturday??? LOL LOL JENNIFER and ADAM - WELCOME!! HANNAH doesn't hit, but she does bite! :( REBECCA - How was your bath??? Your date with DH sounds like fun. BIRDIE - So, what did you do with your time last night???? PATTY - HANNAH has been playing peek-a-boo, too. She'll cover her face and then "peek-a-boo". KAHNE - Good luck with your tests this week! Well, that's all for now. I hope you all have a great Monday. May it GO BY FAST!!!!!! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 09:02:54 (EST)) Happy Monday everyone from Julianne. I am so glad to have DH back. We had to pick him up from the airport at 9pm on Saturday. Colton had fallen alseep on the ride there and woke up when we got to the waiting area. Boy was he crabby. He was so upset that the TV screens they had on did not work. They just showed a picture of a plane on them. He kept walking over to them, pointing, and crying. Ok, I think my kid watches too much TV!! DH missed us lots, even showed off Colton's pictures to anyone who would see them! He had lots of great stories to tell. He bought us each some presents too. What a sweetie. Colton is his happy self now that DH is home. Sunday he was such a spazz. He didn't want to nap because he was so happy to play with DH. DH taught him to roar like a dinosaur. He about falls over he roars so hard. I think he is going through a growth spurt. He drank 7 bottles yesterday. I try to give him the sippy cup, but he throws a fit until he gets his bottle. I told DH, why are we trying to make him grow up so fast? As far as I am concerned he is still my baby and if he wants his bottle he can have it. I'm not going to push changing over until he is 2. I will keep giving him the sippy, but not withhold his bottle. Beth: Thanks for the pictures. I loved the chicken costume--it was soooo cute. Great family picture. We need to take some more family ones as we only have a few. The pumpkin patch one was precious. Debbie: Wow, Emilee's 1st haircut. I think Colton needs his 2nd. The other day he was playing and I saw him blow his bangs out of his way!! I just hate to get it cut again, since his baby curls did not come back after the 1st one. I want to buy a hair scissors and cut it myself this time. Kelli: Welcome back stranger. LOL. I was really starting to wonder where you were. What a nightmare having your hard drive crash. I don't have anything backed up by disk either and would lose everything too. I had better make some backups before Y2K-just in case. Ouch, your poor knee. Hope it heals fast and the surgery fixes it. Yeah for Elizabeth learning her ABC's. Crystal: Too sweet about Darrel saying "wuv oo". I can't wait to hear that from Colton for the 1st time. Colton has started to pat us on the back when we pick him up. Those love pats just melt my heart. Good luck deciding when to take the pg test. I can understand your apprehension. Just know that we are all in suspense with you. Jennifer: Welcome to you and Adam. Colton has a tendency to hit also. I usually hold his hands and his smile changes into a frown and he tries to squirm away. I have also just started using his play pen for "time-out". However, yesterday, whenever we said he was doing a no-no and mentioned time out he would walk over to his play pen and try to climb in! Rebecca: Yes, I'm jealous of your bubble bath. What a fun date night. We are going to try to see the new James Bond movie this weekend. A new mall and 20 screen theatre just opened last week so we thought we would try it out. Heather: Good luck finding a job. Moriah: I am so very happy for you and Geoff enjoying the new wonders and discoveries Alex is making. It is so great to hear about his progress. I agree with you it is fun to just sit back and watch your child. It is the best thing after a tough day! I will keep baby Rachel in my prayers. It is good that you are able to give her parents support in this difficult time. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 09:26:49 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. I had an unexpected day off on Friday as the sitter had pinkeye. I was glad for the extra time at home as we spent most of Saturday at a wedding. The ceremony went well (Max was quiet, sitting on my lap eating animal crackers). He was a monster at the reception through. We were there 90 minutes before they started serving food, the tables were so close together that I was right against the person at the next table when I held Max on my lap, and there was no room inside for little ones to get down (and there were tons of kids at the reception). I took Max outside to play but that didn't work long as he was picking up cig. butts and trying to eat them. I had a pounding headache by the time we got out of there due to my bored and restless little guy. I also had a horrible mommy moment there. I decided to change Max's diaper after the wedding and before the reception. I figured it would be crowded inside so I changed him in the bucket seat of the truck. It was crowded and he was squirming all over - and I had to TELL DH to quit yakking and come over to help. Max's outfit unsnapped at the crotch by had the solid ankle bands; I only took one off to change him. When we finally got in line to get food at the reception I felt something bulky by Max's ankle. I felt his butt and sure enough ... no diaper! I headed for the bathroom but this 70+ year old coot refused to move (I guess he thought I was trying to butt in the food line, even after I explained I needed to take my son to the restroom). I finally bulldozed my way through, laid Max on the counter with his head up against the wall and his feet in the sink (poor little guy) and changed him. With all the squirming, me probably not getting the diaper on well, etc. one tab had come lose and the whole diaper had slid off. Thank god he didn't pee (or worse - he had 3 nasty diapers earlier that day) as HE had a change of clothes but I didn't!!!! Remember how I bragged about Max putting his diapers in the Diaper Genie? I never should had said anything! Now he wants the diaper but he wants to carry it around and play with it. He throws a tantrum if you make him put it in the Genie, if you take it away and put it in the Genie yourself, etc. This child has tons of toys (I buy them cheap at rummage sales) but yet his fav thing in the entire world is a used diaper - sigh :-( I got my photo disk back. There's one kinda decent pic of me and several of Max. I have meetings all afternoon, pre-op doctor appointments for 3 hours tomorrow, etc. but I'll try to e-mail some out this week. JULIANNE: I hate it when DH is gone. It's so much harder to get ready in the morning as I have no help with Max and as Max tends to be clingy when daddy is gone. It's normal for kids to throw food off their high chair - that cause and effect thing. I'm not sure at what age thru it starts being pure orney behavior!!! We have a small tv on top of the fridge that DH likes to watch as we eat. Last night Max crawled up on the couch, leaned against me, and stared at the tv for several minutes - a true couch potato already!!! BETH: Thanks for the photos! Your family is so attractive. Allison was an adorable chicken!!!! HEATHER: Welcome! Congrats on the "I love you, Mommy". Max was blabbering up a storm this weekend but I couldn't make out any actual words. I think he speaks a language of his own - LOL! SHELLY: I would forget the principal - he has limited authority. Go to the superintendent and/or the school board. You might even want to talk to your State Elementary Education department as they may have standards for what 1st graders are supposed to be taught. I was a size 20 pre-pregnancy. I got down to 16 (mainly due to being such a sicko while pg) but they are getting tight now ... OOPS! We have too many snack days here at work and I have little will power. KELLI: Welcome back. I was started to get a little upset and peeved, thinking you had dumped us for your new "in real life" friend. Then I felt bad, thinking maybe you or DH or Elizabeth had been hurt somehow and thinking I was selfish to only think about me. Anyway, I'm glad you're back and that everyone is ok (except the computer). I also saved my PT and BT posts and now TT. I try to print them out at least once a month just in case the computer crashes. I'm sorry about your knee and possible surgery. I'm sure it's hard with Elizabeth as she's used to you carrying her, playing with her, etc. I have nasal surgery this Thursday and am dreading it as I realize this weekend how often Max bumps my nose (plus I won't be able to pick him up for 4+ days). Yeah on Elizabeth learning her A, B, Cs! CRYSTAL: Congrats on Darrel saying "love you"! How sweet! JENNIFER: Welcome! I also hold Max's hands down when he hits (generally only hits when he's tired and then he smacks me in the face - OUCH). If he tries to hit again I put him down for a minute or so. MORIAH: I'm so glad your home is happy and that Geoff is over his depression. You guys have been through so much and seem to have always had a positive attitude ... but I can only imagine how much excitement, joy, and wonder you are experiencing now that Alex can "talk" to you! I know I didn't talk for about 2 years (ages 2-4) as I got in roach poison at my grandma's and damaged my vocal cords. Mom said the most wonderful sound ever was when I started talking again ... except for the fact that I've never shut up since - LOL!!!! You're a great person helping Rachel's family. I'm sure you are a big help to them as you've been in their shoes (and that Alex is a big inspiration to them). I'll keep Rachel in my prayers. PATTY: How's your MIL doing? BETH: Did you ever find out if your lumps were just milk ducts? LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 13:35:47 (EST)) PATTY: The big stir at BT is that an anonymous person posted that everyone brags about how perfect their children are, the expensive halloween costumes they had, etc. ... stating people should realize that not everyone has such a perfect life. I agree with her that some people tend to paint a rosy picture all the time but a lot of people post about their problems and I have found these boards to be a great source of support. Someone else posted that the board had improved since several people had moved to TT as "we" were very competitive with our children. Like someone else said, I guess we are not missed at all. Just another case of raging hormones - LOL!! LisaB Monday, November 08, 1999 at 13:42:04 (EST)) Rebecca here... Well my bath was wonderful. I'd forgotten how nice clean can feel (LOL). My parents brought Paige home around noon. She was so happy to see me (and she was an angel with my parents). It was so cute, she was pointing into the bathroom and saying UH (my daughter is an UH baby!) and when I took her in she reached for the shower curtain and pulled it back to look for daddy (when he showers, he plays peekaboo with her). When he wasn't there she started to babble dada and then started to cry a little. DH was out for the day and Paige kept looking for him. She's really tired though. I don't think my parents let her nap all that much. I'm going to the Tom Jones concert tomorrow night. My girlfriend called me and said she had an extra ticket and would I like to go, no charge. I, of course, said yes (more for the night out than the concert). Now my only problem is what to wear!LOL Sarah - as I said above my bath was wonderful. A truly relaxing bath can only be achieved when there's no baby (or husband) around to disturb you. LisaB - I had to laugh as you were talking about Max and the diaper. We give Paige a clean diaper to play with when we change her. We have to distract her somehow, otherwise she cries. That's all for now. My little one should be waking up soon. Oh, I'll have pics of her this week so let me know if you are interested. Rebecca & Paige (5 days left to 1) email: burn@canadawired.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 13:58:21 (EST)) Hello everyone! Christi here, what a week-end! It is no fun to have to catch up with this board after almost 3 days! Saturday we went to a different Sears to gt pictures re-done, everything was wonderful!! We even got one pic. of Caleb sucking his thumb and holding his blanket "Linus style". Yesturday we went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese--the nearest one is an hour away! Caleb had fun pretending to play the kiddie games, he behaved so well, I almost wondered if he was ill :o) PLus out of town family was here, so all together it was a long weekend. Moriah+++ I am so happy for you and your DH! I was not around in the beginning, but whatever Alex has overcome seems great! to imagine hearing his first sounds, it must have been wonderful and indescribable(sp?) I am praying for baby Rachel, and your family too! Well, girls, i am making a BIG dinner tonight--not sure why, but DH better appreciate it! :o) Ham, scalloped potatoes, rolls, etc etc and a pumpkin pie to boot--- a homemade one! Guess i better get the rest of the house clean! Christi & Caleb 12 months Monday, November 08, 1999 at 14:02:05 (EST)) Hello from Helen &Amanda!! Well its been a wet week here- last week the washer was off balance and 'walked' out from the wall and the drain hose got loose- so the water was comming out of the back, all over the floor seeped down the baseboard and onto the garage ceiling! Then yesterday DH decided to have a bath in the whirlpool tub- overfilled it and the drain was never sealed and the water leaked out and was pouring down from the garage ceiling like a fountain!!!!! I was so disguisted! I put a cooler on the motorcycle seat to collect the water and ran upstairs to tell DH the wonderful mess that awaited him!! Needless to say we're still ironing out the new house wrinkles! Thank God the washer and bath are above the garage, so the ceiling just needs paint- imagine if it was over a carpeted room! So hopefully thats enough 'fun' for a while. Amanda now yells 'mum' really loud- I think she is calling me when I go out of the room- so cute! Another one of her 'tricks' -- she picks the lint out of her toes! I ask her-'where's the baby toe jam'???? and she grabs her foot and pulls apart her toes looking! ( I know- thats a really classy trick! LOL!!) PATTY-MORIAH-- When you marry someone from here you get a green card but have to apply to be a citizen no matter how long your here unfortunately. Thanks for the good luck wishes! CRYSTAL-- Darrel sounds so cute telling you he loves you!!!! Hope the test turns out the way you want it to. KELLI- Glad your back!--Hope your knee gets better soon! PATTY- Sorry to hear your getting surgery on your jaw. :O( MORIAH-- SO-SO-SO-SO-SO- HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!! JULIANNE- I agree with wanting our babies to grow up too fast- the only thing is when you wait too long and they ask for a bottle its usually too late and they become really attached. They have a period that they go through that they don't demand it as much and take cups with little or no coaxing- thats when we're supposed to get rid of it- usually about 10mos to 14 or so. I say this from experience- my first hadhis until 2.4yrs old and would have it all thetime and was really attached- it was so hard to see him crying for it when I took it away. :O( Good luck with whichever way you choose- maybe he'll be easy when the time comes.:O) LATER!! Helen&Amanda@15mos(#3) Monday, November 08, 1999 at 14:09:36 (EST)) Hello from Rita We're back home, safe and sound. We had a great time and took the girls to the ocean. The surf was wild with all of the wind. We were quite cozy in the trailer although I was sure that the wind would rip off the tented end that I was sleeping in. The rain hit us on the way home. Poor Larry - it tooks us more than seven hours to get home and it was so nerve wracking with the trailer and the logging trucks. The girls were champs in the car. Heather & Alex and Jennifer & Adam - Welcome aboard. Patty - Yes my hair is much darker, too. I started out life as a blonde and now have dark brunette hair that really shows the grey. DH told me the other day that he likes the lighter red shade that I had done last time. Diane - Maddy is 34 months and quite spirited. Parenting her keeps us on our toes and we wouldn't trade a moment of it! Julianne - Unfortunately we often eat with the TV on. We do a lot better when the TV is off and we are sitting at the diningroom table together. I have read that this works well for picky eaters and Maddy certainly qualifies. It just always seems that we are on the run and have a quick dinner with the TV on. Kelli - Ouch ouch. I hope that you get some relief soon. We were worried about you. I am also in the bum knee club and am waiting for the day it finally gives out. Beth - I haven't checked my e-mail at home yet, but if you haven't sent me the pictures, please send them my way. Moriah - What a beautiful paragraph you have written, not strange at all. Isn't it wonderful when the experts are so very very wrong? I can't wait for Spring when we can maybe get the babies, I mean toddlers, together. Birdie - The RR on the BT board makes me uncomfortable especially since she is proportedly a regular poster. I have seriously considered not posting there any more since I am sure that she is not comfortable with the fact that I generally post good things about my girls and am really jazzed about being lucky enough to be a mom. I hate all the bad feelings that are stirred up when someone writes "anonomously." Ugh. Well, gotta get some work done today although I wish that we were still on vacation. Take care everyone! Rita & Maddy email: ritad@home.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 14:14:40 (EST)) Happy Monday all. Hope you all had a good weekend. Webmaster, please archive this sight!!!!!!!! Okay, now that that is out of the way, I had a good weekend here. The weather was absolutely gorgeous (70-75 for highs!!) and We took Allison to a park near our house. She loved going down the slide! But then she discovered the mulch and dirt around the bottom of the slide and how much fun that was!! That girl loves to play in dirt! She was filthy by the time we left, but at least she had fun! Kelli – WOW! What a rough time you’ve been having. Sorry to hear about your knee and about all the stuff you lost when your computer crashed. BUMMER! Hope you don’t have any more mishaps! How are you making it at home by yourself right now being on crutches and having to watch Elizabeth too?? I bet that’s no easy task. Lisa B – too funny about Max and the dirty diapers. Allison loves to play with nasty wet dishrags which is sometime worse than a dirty diaper!! Thanks for asking about my lumps. They have disappeared since my last post about them. I was going to make the appt and got to feeling for them this past weekend (in the morning!!) and they were GONE! I’m going to wait and see if they reappear at the time of my period this month, but I felt weird making an appt for the dr. to check out something that he couldn’t’ feel. “Uh, well, you see I have these lumps, but they’re not there now and when I did have them they were only there in the morning, could you feel where they used to be and tell me if it’s something to be concerned about?” I’m no longer as concerned as I was since I can’t seem to find them anymore. Moriah – I am so excited and happy for you and your family!! I’m so glad that Geoff is doing so much better with Alex now too! I will be praying for little baby Rachel. We can only hope that she does as well as Alex has done! Birdie – I’m so jealous that you guys get to meet other moms! I would love to be able to meet some of the ladies on this sight! Rita – so how was camping this weekend? Good I hope Sarah – poor Hannah and her molar. Hopefully it will come in soon for her! Patty – Jarin sounds too cute playing pee-a –boo! Christi – what time is dinner?? I’ll be over soon sounds yummy! LOL Helen – too funny about Amanda and her toe jam! I was laughing when I read about that! Julianne – good luck with the bottle. I wasn’t going to force Allison either, but right around 14 months or so she just started taking the sippy cup much better and I stopped offering the bottle and eventually she was totally weaned from it. It was actually a pretty easy process. The secret for me was to not let her see a bottle. If she never saw one then she was fine. When she would see one then she would want it. Good luck! Heather – have you considered looking into a job at a daycare where you could take your son with you? As a mother you are more than qualified and it would pay just as good if not better than a fast food position. Plus, you wouldn’t have to find childcare either! Good luck Rebecca – now you’ve got me wanting to go home and take a bubble bath! I may have to do that tonight after Allison has gone to bed. Jennifer – funny you should ask about hitting since Allison just started with that this weekend. Dh and I have been trying time outs for now. They will work for a while then the next day she will be back to smacking us in the face again. I’m trying to be patient as I know it’s not going to be a miracle process, but it’s hard! Let me know if you come up with anything that works good! Crystal – your testing posts cracked me up!! So, quit keeping us all in suspense and take a test already LOL! Well, gotta get back to work. Hope they archive this board soon so it won’t take so long to load. I can’t even get on at home anymore, because I can’t wait that long for it to load there. Talk to you ladies tomorrow! Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 14:40:12 (EST)) Hi this is Birdie. Let me start right off by telling all of you that I LOVE TO BRAG ABOUT NOAH AND I REALLY LOVE IT WHEN ALL OF YOU BRAG!!!! I hope all of you feel free to brag all you want and share all of the bad stuff too. If you are uncomfortable bragging to us as a group you could just brag to me personally or you can even e-mail me and brag away. I get so excited to hear about all of yiour babies. I feel like i know all of them. I am excited when a baby says "WUV ooo" and when another "talks" for the first time. I am so happy for the crawlers and walkers and the babies who made it through another series of shots. I also feel for all of you when you are having troubles and feel bad that I am always full of more questions than advice. I hope you all feel nice and comfy here. Not that I'm the official hostess here or anything. If I were you'd all be eating cake right now. That's all. Just so you don't think everything with me is just one big chocolatey piece of cake (with major frosting i might add) I would like to share a little problem I am having. I'm sure it's going to make me sound very superficial but it is affecting my life in a negative way and i'd love to hear your thoughts. I know I joke constantly about my stretch marks. That's how I cope. However, they really have become a major problem for me. I know this sounds way too stupid but why stop now. I believe i truly have more than the average person. (Not one mom on Baby Story has the same road map as I do.) I have so many I can't even believe it. They completely cover my belly and one goes almost to my right boob. They are still very purple and i am sure they are stretching even more. I have talked to many people about them looking for advice or even assurance. All the moms I talk to say things like..."I love them. They remind me of what I went through to have this beautiful baby", "I look at mine and feel proud that I have them because i was pregnant with my precious baby" blah blah blah. Is that how you all really feel about them? Do any of you have a ton and can't stand them? Am I the only person who wishes they would go away? Are all these mom's lying to me? I used to love flashing DH every day in the window as he drove off for work. Now, unfortunately, in order to see the boobs you must follow the map with so many different roads and routes to choose from. I know this sounds so superficial and obviously if i had to chose between Noah and stretch marks i would gladly cover my entire body with them. I just want to know if you really do all love them and look at them with pride? I have tried every cream and massage to no avail. hey, I'm a big girl to begin with and I've got a lot going against me so these are no help!!! Sorry to ramble but this really is discouraging to me. DH has not seen my belly since i gave birth. Their really is something wrong here. I'd love to hear your words of wisdom. Birdie and Noah (almost one) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Monday, November 08, 1999 at 16:12:44 (EST)) Hi this is Birdie. Let me start right off by telling all of you that I LOVE TO BRAG ABOUT NOAH AND I REALLY LOVE IT WHEN ALL OF YOU BRAG!!!! I hope all of you feel free to brag all you want and share all of the bad stuff too. If you are uncomfortable bragging to us as a group you could just brag to me personally or you can even e-mail me and brag away. I get so excited to hear about all of yiour babies. I feel like i know all of them. I am excited when a baby says "WUV ooo" and when another "talks" for the first time. I am so happy for the crawlers and walkers and the babies who made it through another series of shots. I also feel for all of you when you are having troubles and feel bad that I am always full of more questions than advice. I hope you all feel nice and comfy here. Not that I'm the official hostess here or anything. If I were you'd all be eating cake right now. That's all. Just so you don't think everything with me is just one big chocolatey piece of cake (with major frosting i might add) I would like to share a little problem I am having. I'm sure it's going to make me sound very superficial but it is affecting my life in a negative way and i'd love to hear your thoughts. I know I joke constantly about my stretch marks. That's how I cope. However, they really have become a major problem for me. I know this sounds way too stupid but why stop now. I believe i truly have more than the average person. (Not one mom on Baby Story has the same road map as I do.) I have so many I can't even believe it. They completely cover my belly and one goes almost to my right boob. They are still very purple and i am sure they are stretching even more. I have talked to many people about them looking for advice or even assurance. All the moms I talk to say things like..."I love them. They remind me of what I went through to have this beautiful baby", "I look at mine and feel proud that I have them because i was pregnant with my precious baby" blah blah blah. Is that how you all really feel about them? Do any of you have a ton and can't stand them? Am I the only person who wishes they would go away? Are all these mom's lying to me? I used to love flashing DH every day in the window as he drove off for work. Now, unfortunately, in order to see the boobs you must follow the map with so many different roads and routes to choose from. I know this sounds so superficial and obviously if i had to chose between Noah and stretch marks i would gladly cover my entire body with them. I just want to know if you really do all love them and look at them with pride? I have tried every cream and massage to no avail. hey, I'm a big girl to begin with and I've got a lot going against me so these are no help!!! Sorry to ramble but this really is discouraging to me. DH has not seen my belly since i gave birth. Their really is something wrong here. I'd love to hear your words of wisdom. Also...NEW ENGLAND MOMMIES we are meeting at 1:30 not one. My mistake. I will still be there around one anyway. Kelli- Sorry about your knee Rita- Glad you had fun. I totally agree. Beth- How far away are you? Sarah- I am picturing Hannah with the bra on her head. Very cute. Julianne- Thankyou. For what you ask. For your note on the bottle vs the sippy cup. I love it that Noah still has a bottle. I BF for so long that he hasn't really had the bottle that long. I occasionally try the sippy cup but he just doesn't like it. LisaB- Good luck with your appt. How did you get all of your PT and BT posts. I'd love to try that if it's not too late. Take care all. Birdie and Noah (almost one) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Monday, November 08, 1999 at 16:20:45 (EST)) Hi again from LisaB. I didn't get to Max's photos today. I'll try to send them out tomorrow ... if not, I PROMISE I will Weds. REBECCA: Photos please. RITA: I'm glad you enjoyed your vacation. KELLI: PT has archives for May 1998 thru August 1999. You can go into the archives, hit "Ctrl" & "f" at the same time, and type in "Kelli". The cursor will then highlight everytime your name is in the archives. Use the mouse to highlight text (left mouse click and drag to highlight - or left mouse click and use the arrow keys to highlight). Once you have the text highlighted hit "copy" and then go into your word processor and hit "paste". If you have the hard drive space (I don't at work) you can just download the entire archived section into your word processor and it's quicker and easier to delete the posts from other people. Unfortunately BT and TT don't archive so those will be lost :-( BIRDIE: See above post to Kelli on PT, BT, and TT posts. I go through about once a week and download my posts. I save them in Word and edit out all the comments that aren't specific to me, Max, etc. I used to keep a journal but don't have time for it anymore. I'm always posting so I figure my posts can serve as a journal until I find more time. Plus, it's interesting to look back at what Max was doing day by day (as I'm also WAY behind on his baby book). I had pre-pg stretch mark and only got a few more during pregnancy (all the last month, after I thought I had escaped them). Luckily mine fade quick and are silver and don't bother me. DH is rather big and has some of the purple stretch marks on his stomach. At first I thought they were kinda gross but now I'm used to them (and if you EVER meet him don't tell him I told you this or he'll fall over from embarrassment - LOL)! I hope you find a solution soon so you can feel good about yourself ... and get a tatto on your belly as your body rejects the naval rings! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 17:35:05 (EST)) Stetch marks?!!! When I was preggers with my 1st, my stomache stretched so far that my skin split and bled. Right above my pubic bone I have scares 1/2 inch wide. My tummy is not flattering in any way. The only person who has ever commented on it was Monte. He asked me if the scars were from my C-section. I said yes and from stretching too. He said it just made me look more like a woman to him. I think he was lying!!!!!LOL Yes, Birdie, they will fade. Mine are silvery. I don't even think they can fix them surgically. It's just the cross we have to bare. I hope your dh doesn't make mean comments like my ex does. after all, it's their boys we were stretching to accomadate. I'm sure your marks are not that bad. We all have the tendency to be too hard on ourselves. Mr. Riley is quite the comedian. He says a new word almost everyday. But if I try to get him to say it for other people, he just looks at my like I'm out of my mind. I think friends are starting to think of me as a pathological lier. His new thing is to take his bros toys and run through the house mimicing their protests. I think he's gearing up to be a major teaser. He also started putting his hands up to his face like fish fins and making his mouth move up and down. What a goofus :0)!!! Well, I better get some work done before he wakes up and makes new messes. Shelly & Riley 19 months Monday, November 08, 1999 at 18:01:37 (EST)) Hi mommies. Well, I had to go see what all the hoopla was over on BT. Since all we do is brag, let me tell you that Jarin learned to crawl down the stairs today. Would anyone like to compete with me on that one? LOL LOL LOL. I think some people just like to stir up trouble. Anyway, not much new here, so... **Birdie: AMEN, girl. You said just what I was thinking. My DH and I would also end up eating donuts and not drinking coffee. I have stretch marks all over my butt from when I had Jaime 16 years ago. I do NOT think they are wonderful. I hate them and I don't like to wear bathing suits because they show down my leg. However, I've kind of gotten used to them after this long. I don't know how to get rid of them, but they do fade after a while. Hey, it's ok to be superficial once in a while. I know I am. **Moriah: So glad to hear your happy news. We love your sappy posts. Dont' you know by now that we feel like Alex is "our baby" too? =) I also got all curious and had to go read BT. I will be saying a prayer for Baby Rachel. Happy 13 month birthday to Alex! **Sarah: Too cute about Hannah with the underwear on her head. I'm sure this will really surprise you - guess what Jarin also likes to run around with on his head? **Julianne: That is so cute about Colton roaring and falling over. I can just picture it. **LisaB: I have some extra used diapers, would you like me to send them over for Max to play with? LOL Sounds like the wedding was NOT fun. I remember doing something similar when Jesse was about the same age. I thought by the time we could leave the reception I might jump down someone's throat. MIL is doing ok, thanks for asking. She just wants to feel better faster. **Rebecca: Would love to see the pics when you get them. Now I want a bubble bath too! **Christi: Can I come over for supper? **Helen: Sorry to hear about your wet house. That does not sound like any fun at all. I was cracking up picturing Amanda pulling out baby toe jam. Definite class act. LOL **Rita: DH keeps telling me he sees auburn in my hair now. I'm trying to decide whether to leave it this dark or get some highlights again. **Beth: Too cute about Allison playing in the dirt. Isn't it amazing how babies are so happy with such little things? **Gotta get dinner on the table. Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 18:11:42 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Yes Birdie--- all we do is brag and bitch here and I love it!!LOL!!!Maybe 'she' should get her own web site and scan people before they post so its not so annoying to her! YES- I also have lovely stretch marks- on my butt-boobs- and stomach- a few on my upper thigh. And I agree with you- they were all worth it!Now at 20+ lbs heavier than when we married- DH still loves it when I wear a thong! Thats the main thing. PATTY- Amanda is also doing good on the stairs- DD showed her how to walk down holding on to the ballisters and now she is up and down in a flash. Good luck- puts your mind to rest knowing they know how to go up and down as long as they are careful. LISAB- Amanda used to also chew on diapers when she was smaller, dropped that habit, sometimes I would roll up a clean one and let her have it- soothed her gums I guess!??? OK-- I didn't take notes and thats it I guess-- I posted my e-mail if anyone would like to send photos???? I have been to the store twice and still have to drop off the negatives to be done- will take 7-days they said- then I will have photos to send out and feel like one of the gang and have a face for everyone!! LATER!!!! Helen&Amanda@15mos(#3) email: mhim27@hotmail.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 19:07:16 (EST)) Well, since you all came over to BT I had to see what was happening over here like I used to in the past. Not anymore. Gosh, you all make it "so inviting" for us moms from BT to come over. No wonder so few of us want to graduation over here. Thanks for making us feel "so welcome". Now why don't you all stay on your own board. Regular Reader from BT Monday, November 08, 1999 at 19:50:36 (EST)) Crystal and Darrel here. I wasn't going to post tonight; rather tired from work. However that last post from RR really upset me. First of all, when we left BT, weren't we told to come back and visit? and second of all, what right does she have telling us who can and can't go to BT. She's not the webmaster. And she's certainly not God. I love my son and will brag about him as much as I want, but I know that he's not the perfect child. If he was, I wouldn't need TT and wouldn't have needed BT. Guess that just shows who our true friends are. Well, that's it right now. I'm furious and need to calm down Sorry if I offended any of you, but I needed to get it off my chest, and who better to turn to than my friends? My true friends at that. I've posted several times after graduating over here, and I felt very unwelcomed there, so I quit posting. I haven't even mentioned that Darrel has started taking steps. Crystal and Darrel 14 1/2 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Monday, November 08, 1999 at 22:02:21 (EST)) Hello again everyone, Christi here. Wow, things are really heating up here and on BT. I guess I just don't get it. I post almost all of the good things Caleb does, if I posted how nuts he drives me you would all think I am crazy! He is getting 2 molars, has learned how to walk, and scream for things he wants, put it all together and he is a barrel of joy! :) But on the bright side, now he can kind of tell me what he wants, he shakes his head yes and no when I ask him questions or offer him something. Anyway, I never think you are all braging or think your kids are better. I do have to say if anything I feel left out, I have not been around very long and you all know each other so well. But I just keep posting, I will get there eventually. Dinner was wonderful tonight! Yah me--DH,DD, and Caleb all ate to their hearts content. The pumpkin pie was yummy too, my first ever(well, not from a box). Well, sorry I didn't take notes to do personals with, Lisa B (and anyone else)I am looking forward to any pictures you can send out!! Have I ever told you guys I have a diary on Preschoolers Today? How can I save that on the PC so I can keep it forever? I would take any advice!! Christi & Caleb 12 + months Monday, November 08, 1999 at 23:10:12 (EST)) Hi all, Kahne here, I was laughing my a** off while reading the posts today, until I got to the "REGULAR READER" post. YOU know what REGULAR READER...go take a flying leap off the Mississippi River Bridge. I would say something worse, but this IS a mommy board. SO WHAT if we brag? What else do you have kids for? SO WHAT if we bitch? What else is having a husband for? SO THERE REGULAR READER< YOU COWARD!*sticks out her tongue*. Like I said you guys made me LMAO today, nothing like a little controversey to spice up the board, YUMMY, lol. Cat is doing nothing new, besides get into ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING and DRIVE ME INSANE! I cant wait for this stage to be over, you know the one the I-DO-UNDERSTAND-YOU-BUT-IM-GONNA-PRETEND-THAT-I-DONT stage? Any of you heard of it, and please tell me it lasts a month, not years like I believe........... Ok, got pics developed today.....but scanner is at mil's, Mommy Brain, you say? ok here is my funny for today....DH had just left for MIL"S this morn(to drop off Cat), and I was finishing getting dressed for school. Well all of a sudden, someone knocks on the front door, and back door at the same time. I looked out the window and saw no one. So I ignored it. I continued to dress, and I hear..."COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP (no joke).. WE HAVE A WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST...WE ARE AUTHORIZED TO BREAK THE DOOR DOWN,etc., etc. So I run to the door, and see (hehe) several uniformed officers and their cruisers, a mean man holding warrants, and one of those wicked door smasher things! So, what do I do? Give the man attitude, LOL. I wanted to know WHAT THE HELL they thought they were doing, and who were they looking for. Turns out they wanted the man who lived here before us! I was MAD MAD MAD! As soon as I got my ID, and they proved that I was NOT his wife, they left. ONLY ME!!!!! onto personals....... MORIAH... Tears came to my eyes, what an absolute Joy for you! How wonderful, delightful, and all other great things I am leaving out! I am so happy for you and Geoff! It takes special people to face all of the problems you have been dealt, and GOD chose the right ones. ALEX is a very lucky little boy to have parents like the two of you! Reap the rewards of your bravery and love, you deserve every bit of it! JULIANNE...I can just see him turning red in te face, with veins bulging, falling over roaring...lol! LISA B...Your whole post had me giggling, and DH too! CHRISTI...Wonder woman, how Do you find the time, hey can you e mail me a plate? HELEN...With your leaky garage, and the Baby toe Jam, I thought I was gonna have an accident! CRYSTAL...I hope you are alright, e mail me please! BIRDIE...STRETCH MARKS, honey you are not alone! LUCKILY, all mine are below the waistline, and no there is nothing to be done about them. I am not happy bout them, and it is the one part of me, besides my 38E breasts I am slef concious about...on the bright side, I have GREAT legs. LOL! OK goin to bed, LIL FART went to bed early, so she will be up early...darn, hehe NIGHT LADIES! I think I'm gonna reply to RR on the baby board.... Kahne and Cat 10 months email: skcx2@fnbop.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 00:12:57 (EST)) I posted the wrong e mail address, DUH!!!!!!!!!! Kahne and Cat email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 00:18:34 (EST)) ok, I know, IM BRAGGING, I posted on the baby board, HAHA oh, and Crystal......YOU GO GIRL **shaking her booty** Kahne..for the final time this evening email: kahneandseve@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 00:58:48 (EST)) Okay gang... I am SOOO sorry that I'm not able to respond to all of you. But, just know that you all are the greatest bunch of gals I know. Here's a brief update on Elizabeth and myself: Elizabeth was crabby today. She had diarrhea all weekend and still isn't her happy, 100% self. I went to the doctor today. Well, good news: I don't have to have surgery anytime soon. Bad news: I have a couple of really screwed up knee caps that are tilted and put alot of pressure on my knee's muscles and ligaments. I have to go to physical therapy twice a week, wear a full-leg metal knee brace (my new fashion statement), stay off my knee for a week, and sleep with a neoprene brace. My DH stayed home today and will most likely be home tomorrow and Wed. There is NO way I can look after a VERY active toddler by myself right now. I am scared to death when DH goes back to work. My knees (yes, BOTH of them) feel us unreliable to me right now. I get that sick to my stomach feeling when I think of holding Elizabeth and then collapsing because my knees gave out on me. Okay, I'll quit my complaining. Sorry! Please forgive me for not responding to your posts! DH and I both agree that a laptop would be so nice to have!!! Then, when I'm busted up, atleast I can relax on the couch and talk with all my buds at TT. LOL!! LisaB, Beth, Patty, Helen, Rita, Julianne, Birdie and anyone else I forgot: THANKS so much for the welcome back and for wondering about me! You all are the best! Oh, one last thing: I LOVE to brag about Elizabeth and will continue to do so on this board. Did I tell you guys that I have the smartest, sweetest, most beautiful little angel that I have ever known? Yes, I agree with Patty, I think some people like to stir things up and see if they get any responses. I say ignore RR and BRAG away!! Just remember we're her for both the ups and downs that life has to offer. I have been bringing more of the downs lately, but that's what we're all here for, right? I think beth once summed it up really well with her, "Holy raging hormones!" comment! Ya'll take care and God Bless!! Love ya guys! Kelli & Elizabeth email: rkncs@aol.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 01:00:36 (EST)) Julianne here. I really wish everyone would just stop this Regular Reader bashing. Obviously one of our friends is going through a tough time and it is difficult for her to read about the little things that are so important to us as mommies when she is going through this. I have to admit that I have been extremely lucky in life when it comes to major life problems. I tend to take these good things for granted. However, everytime I hear about the bad things going on in the lives of others it makes me take stock of the good things in mine and be thankful. I know things could change in an instant. Please lets stop attacking eachother and go back to being the great support system that is so very helpful and healthy. Regular Reader if you feel that you need someone to talk to and share what is going on with your life please feel free to e-mail me at jjones@batts.com. I am really sorry that you feel unwelcome but by posting anonymously everyone's mothering instinct was to attack rather than support. I really hope that everyone can just let this issue go. I can't stand reading about all these hurtful and angry feelings. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 09:20:22 (EST)) I know, I know, Nicholas is no where near a toddler, but I do read your board every day to see how some of my friends little ones are doing (Hi Sarah, Birdie, LisaB, Patty, Moriah, Crystal...)I was very upset when I read about RR posting over here too. I can't speak for all of BT but, I love to hear from you guys and love when you "lurk" over and share some wonderful news - BRAG all you want!!!!!!!! I never felt the competition that someone claims to have felt. We are all Mommies and all of our little ones are wonderful!! So, I hope you guys will continue to share with us and that we can share with you :0) Big Hugs to all those wonderful Toddlers and Mommies :0) Jenni & Nicholas(6 months - BT Board Escapee) email: njemtjen@aol.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 10:16:24 (EST)) Hey ladies. SARAH here. I need to catch up on posts, but was skimming them this morning and caught that our "friend" RR has decided to join us over here now. You know what, let's not even give RR our time or energy. I think RR is just getting their kicks out of stirring things up!! I'll be back later with personals! Sarah and Hannah Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 11:14:59 (EST)) HI! Christi here. Wow, talk about nice weather, my DD went to school today with a short sleeved T on and no coat!(In norhtern Illinois) Anyway it is beautiful! *Birdie~~~ I have lots of stretch marks! I was heavy to begin with when I got pg with Caleb, I only gained 4 pounds but got new marks like crazy!! I don't love them, but they don't bug me too bad. I have been heavy all my life, its not like I am gonna go to the beach in a bikni, DH doesn't seem to mind, so... *Kahne~~~yes, it is a long stage, atleast with Caleb so far. Talk about excitment--cops and all, the most exciting thing aroung here is hang up phone calls! Trust me dinners like those are few and far between! *Kelli~~~You will be in my prayers! I hope you get better soon! *Moriah~~~Let me get this straight, you and Shelly are sisters, right? Any news about Rachel? I am still praying for her and her family. Well, almost time to make lunch fo rthe little ones, have a good day everyone! Christi & Caleb 12 + months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 11:39:58 (EST)) OK..all caught up! SARAH here. I agree with KELLI, I'm gonna brag about my PERFECT ANGEL (okay, maybe not perfect all of the time!) all I want, and I want you guys to brag about your PERFECT ANGELS all you want too!!! I love hearing about all of the babies accomplishments! I look forward to hearing all of the new things they're all doing everyday! I NEVER feel like I'm being competed against!!!! When I got home from work yesterday, I took HANNAH to the park. We had such a good time. She loves to swing and go down the slide. She also thought it was pretty cool walking on the sand! Ever since I came back to work full time, DH has been staying home with her 2 days/week. They have really bonded. I just love watching the two of them play. I agree with what someone else wrote (somewhere), I have negative things going on in my life, but choose not to post them. BIRDIE - I've seen a picture of you, and you are beautiful!!! I can't help out with the stretch marks..sorry! Have you asked your doctor? REBECCA - I would love to see PAIGE, after all of these months!!! SHELLY - HI!!! LISA - HANNAH and MAX need to get together, and just play with diapers! Sounds like they'd stay entertained for hours!! I have a gross genie story. On Saturday, I was downstairs and HANNAH was upstairs playing in her room. Well, I heard her at the top of the stairs, so I walked over there, and she had a poopy wipey she was SUCKING ON!!!!! YUCK! I went to grab it from her and to see what else she had in store for me in her room. She pulled out a couple of diapers. One poopy, one not. She opened up the poopy one, but that's it. Could have been worse...I guess! PATTY - Yea, for JARIN climbing down the stairs!! So, were you trying to tell me JARIN is an "underwear head" too??? LOL Does he like to chew on poopy wipies???? LOL CHRISTI - I'm glad your dinner turned out!! Did you save some for me??? HANNAH has started to shake her head "no". HELEN - I'll send some pictures of HANNAH. They're a couple of months old. I definitely want pictures of AMANDA when you get them! KAHNE - Your story about the cops cracked me up!! Thanks for the "funnies" you emailed!!! KELLI - Glad you don't need surgery! Good luck getting around! How is E feeling today??? I know what you mean about bragging!! HANNAH is the BEST thing that ever happened to me...and I'm gonna brag, because I'm VERY, VERY PROUD OF HER!!!!!! JULIANNE - HI!! BETH - CUTE, CUTE pictures!!!!! Talk to you ladies later! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 11:57:32 (EST)) Hello from LauraB - **Warning bragging below** Shane was laying next to me in bed yesterday evening and was staring at his hands for the longest time and then all of a sudden he started clapping and then looked up at me to see if that was right. I was so excited so then we started singing "If your happy and you know it clap your hands". Now if he doesn't think I'm paying attention to him he claps. It's so much fun being in this toddler stage because everyday they are doing something new. Ofcourse most of the time it isn't something you want them to do, like digging through the trash, but never the less it's something new. Well I need to head to the grocery store so that's all the bragging for now. Kahne - You are one crazy girl!!! Crystal - Congrats on Darrel taking steps. I hope all is well with you. Birdie - Stretch marks suck. A friend of mine told me that since I wasn't a young pregnant woman (I was 32) that the skin doesn't have as much elasticity and they probably wouldn't go away. Mine have turned grey and cover my entire belly and I do not let dh see them as he would probably be really grossed out. I also have a nice c-section scar so I try to stay covered up below the breast line as much as possible. Kinda a funny trade God gives us huh? A beautiful baby and ugly stretch marks. I also want to know do they cover them up on the people on A Baby Story. They all seem to have beautiful smooth belly's?????? Christi - Pumpkin pie can be made without a box mix??? You are so much more ambitious than me I can't remember the last thing I baked. Love to all the mommies and Toddlers. LauraB@Shane 12 months email: xxbryant@aol.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 12:09:51 (EST)) Hello from Helen &Amanda!! A quick hello as usual- Amanda just went to bed and DH should be home any second for lunch. He works right here in our subdivision and pops in and out all day long. Thanks MORIAH for the adorable pictures of Alex!!!! What a cutie!! Love his costume- how creative- I was expecting you to be a blond????? You and DH are also pretty/handsome- beautiful family!! Yes you were the first to send photos! So exciting to see faces of everyone!! KELLI- Sorry to hear your knees are giving out on you!! LISAB-- Your slipping!! No post from you yet today-LOL!!! My BIL's wife's father died yesterday so we have his wake tomorrow night.:O( I haven't been to one in 20yrs- lucky, I know. He is the first of a parent to go on both sides of our families, so this is the beginning of more to come unfortunately since they are in their 60's and 70's.Its going to be so sad. DH wants to go to the wake and not the funeral- I think the opposite would be better but what do I know! He also wants to get there 15min before its over so he can get out quick!! MEN!! BIRDIE- Besides you in your thong and me pushing a red jogging stroller- who else are we looking for at the mall?? Lise?? Is that her name? And is Charline going too?? Anyone else??Are we the only ones who will be chasing toddlers around and trying to chat?? Bring extra bungy cords, we'll need them!!LOL!! ##REGULAR READER##--- I think you might be reading everything too seriously, you need to brag and bitch a little and join in with everyone- I know sometimes it may seem like competing with eachothers baby but usually for the most part its just 'telling' eachother their child's accomplishments. If someone is getting to you just skip over the post- they won't know, and you can just keep on posting to those you have something in common with. So since we don't know you, continue to post and hopefully we'll see you over here when you graduate to 'tt'. Chin up-- brag a little- and whine a little-- its a great stress releiver!!LOL!! TAKE CARE!!! :O) Well I've been TRYING to get my almost two years of photos into an album- they are all over the dining room table!! Maybe it will be done b/f Christmas! Speaking of which-- I have started and have a few things for Amanda- tape player/musical mats you walk on to play songs/ furry 'tigger' chair, and I am thinking of more creative things. My older kids have so much in their rooms and in the basement that she really needs nothing so I'm getting the things 'I' want!LOL!( I am a pack-rat and have saved all their toys throughout all the moving.) Well should go and get some cleaning done b/f the kids are home... LATER!!! Helen&Amanda @15mos(#3) Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 12:47:27 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. 3 hours this morning at the doctor's, lab, & surgery center for my nasal surgery on Thursday - YUCK! The good thing (other than Max, of course) about my horrible pregnancy is that blood draws no longer bother me. I didn't even flinch and I used to be major needle phobic. I won't be able to lift Max for 4 days and then only ocassionally for another 3 days. I'm really dreading it (and so is DH) as Max has been a real Mommy's boy for last couple of weeks - wants me to hold him on my lap, wants to roughhouse on the floor, etc. That will pretty much cease as the doctor said to avoid any bumps to the nose for at least a month. It may be harder on me than Max as he's taken to throwing little temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way (which will break my heart as I'll feel like I'm neglecting him and probably kill my head as I anticipate having a massive headache). The funny thing was the outpatient surgery nurse needed the name and relation of the "responsible party" that will drive me home. I told her DH and she said "a husband? responsible? Are you sure about that?" I about peed my pants laughing!!!! PATTY: Congrats on Jarin going down the stairs. I'll be thinking of my little surgery buddy on Thursday. Thanks for offering used diapers but Max generates more than enough - LOL!!! HELEN: Yuck on the wet house. I remember our contractors didn't knock out the drain thing for the washer, which sets above the finished basement. The carpet didn't get wet but we had a nasty stain on the ceiling the contractor had to fix. I was soooo ticked. CHRISTIE: See my post yesterday to Kelli and Birdie regarding copying posts. You could also just print out your diary pages. That would be great for a baby book! KAHNE: Men with guns and warrants? Ok, you win the prize for awful morning. Thank goodness Cat wasn't there as I imagine it was pretty frightening. You just brought a house didn't you? The police should have checked property records at the courthouse before trying to break your door down. I would have been majorally ticked also. On a lighter note, I'm glad I can provide comic relief for you and your hubby!!! KELLI: I'm glad you're avoiding surgery but the alternative sucks also, doesn't it? :-( I'm sure it's hard trying to keep up with Elizabeth, plus she doesn't understand why Mommy won't carry her, play with her, etc. I feel bad for being off-limits to Max for a few weeks - how long will it be until you can return 100% to "Mommy Duty"? JULIANNE: I agree with you on Regular Reader and tried to express that at BT. Yes, we all brag and that's ok. I think everyone should also feel free to discuss the negative aspects of parenthood also - lack of sleep, temper tantrums, lack of sex, PPD, etc. I know some people do but others always paint such a rosy picture of their lives. That is there option and doesn't bother me. I think, however, that it's also Regular Reader's option to post her opinion ... and considering the response she got I can understand why she's remaining anonymous. She took it too far bashing us on this board with her rude post - but I think she did bring up a legitimate point and that you and I were about the only ones to try to see things from her point of view. I hope I didn't offend anyone - but please do try to see RR's side of things. Enought said, I'm now dropping this RR stuff. SARAH: Hannah likes poopy wipes, huh? Max once ate cat puke (in my defense, the cat puked behind the couch while DH and I were at work and we didn't even know the pile was there until we saw Max chewing on something). I guess our gross little kids were meant for each other, weren't they? They would make a PERFECT couple! Everyone have a great day. Once again, I'll plan to get pictures sent out via e-mail either this afternoon or early tomorrow morning (yep, I'm just delaying sending them to build up suspense and make everyone BEG to see my little MOBster!). LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 12:57:28 (EST)) I'm really busy today and don't have time to post anything. I have to go be the snack person and mother's helper at Cam's preschool. I've actually been meaning to get over here for awhile. I am currently participating on the Expecting in May board and the BT board. I love them both, but I do miss my friends from WAY back on the Pregnancy Today board, so I am coming over here a wee bit early. I'm going to take the time to go through the posts tonight (I hope) so I can get some personals done, but for now I just want to paste in my post from BT about RR. ************************************************** To Everyone- The only thing I can think of to stop RR from the negative posts is to report her to the web mother. I read somewhere on the site that we are suppose to do so if there are offensive posts. Many of you have said exactly what I would say if I weren't so long winded with the other stuff I post, but it is becoming apparent that RR does not care how many of us tell her off, or try to be supportive, or whatever. So, let's all of us, individually, e-mail elisa@pregnancytoday.com Have a great day mom's! ************************************************** Well, see you all later tonight. Oh and Birdie I have stretch marks from my arm pits down to my ankles, no joke. I actually have very few on my tummy, but I don't show that off anyways. Oh why oh why couldn't I have gotten them there. My calves and thighs are covered. It really sucks. And I'm jealous a bunch of you got to meet yesterday. No one lives even close to my area. LuCynda and Cody (will be here later today) email: lucyndah@telusplanet.net Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 13:04:56 (EST)) Hello from Rita I have officially moved Amy over here since she is on the verge of toddlerhood anyway. Plus, I don't have the energy to keep up with two boards anymore when all the negativity is going on. 'Nuff said. Lisa B - I hope that I am on your picture list. If not, I guess that I will have to beg... Please, please please send me a picture of your little MOBster. Moriah - I loved Alex' new pictures! The pumpkin shot is so precious! Beth - Thanks for the pictures, too. I can't believe how grown up Alison looks. It was also good to see you all together. We still have the problem of getting all of us into a picture. My scrapbook has lots of pictures without me in them. Sarah - I will have to watch Amy with the diaper pail. She is into so much more than Maddy was at the same age. Thanks for the heads up - yuck! Helen - I will send you out my pumpkin patch pics when I get home. There won't be a picture of me, though. Amy is in the BT gallery this week - she's the one sitting in the big stockpot. Birdie - When I saw my stretch marks from Maddy for the first time I nearly screamed. They looked like big purple hand prints on my lower belly. They did fade before I got PG with Amy and Amy didn't add any new ones to my collection, thank goodness. I haven't planned to wear anything remotely skimpy when I am at this size, so I will live with 'em I guess. My derrier is way too flat to ever look good in a thong, so that's out too. As long as I don't start wearing the requisite frumpy black dress and develop the dark mustache of the stereotypical Italian mama, I think that DH will be happy with my appearance. LOL Well, I have to get back to work. Take care everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy(10 mos) email: ritad@home.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 13:46:12 (EST)) Hello all from Heather. ***Sorry this ones a long one, I found i had a lot to say today***** Alex cant type right now he's on his way to becoming the next Picaso.. I figured out a way to get his paper to stay still on the table. He has booster seat type high chair. The kind you stap to a chair? well i kind of cut the paper to fit the tray and tape it down. I give hime soft collor pencils instead of crayons (so i don't have to worry about him eating them) he just goes to town. i get at least 20 min of free time when he wants to draw. It's so nice now that he is sarting to communticate. not too much talking yet but but enough grunting and pointing to get his point across. He's just starting to copy words and says alot of things but its the kind of stuff only mom understands you know? Remarkably he says "tk oo"with out any prompting anymore when ever you hand him something he says it. it's so sweet. besides his "I LOVE YOU MOMMA" Most of everything else is baby babble. Our biggest problem is hitting. He not only hits others when he's mad (which i figured from reading about from so many of you it's a normal phase) but Alex hits himself too when he's frustrated or hurt. like if he bumps his head he'll look at you and smack himself in the face too. He also does it when he doesn't get his own way. I'm sooooo frustrated by it becasue in general WE DON'T HIT in my house. I don't spank him so i don't even know wherer it came from. uggg any advice?? NOw for my kinda Lenthy Personal Notes. Heck i filled up a whole sheet of paper front and back so i wouldn't forget who i wanted to post too... Beth~ Good advice on the JOb at a Daycare and it would pobably work except i haven't been able to find any professional daycares that take toddlers in our area. Only private day care providers. and they aren't usually looking for Help hehe. Birdie~ Absoolutly i Love to brag about Alex and be bragged to as well. Also about the stretch marks i think you can see from all the replies that most of us DO have them and DO NOT like them. THey might be a "badge of motherhood" but heck they sure are ugly. I got them horrible with Alex and They are just now starting to fade to silvery. The only thing that i have heard that may help even a little bit is Vitamin E capsuls break them open and rub them on. I think it's purer than the lotions are. I dont think that even this will be a lifesaver but it may help them begin to fade sooner. hope it helps. And don't worry I doubt even if your DH dislikes them noticeably he wouldn't say too much over them. Mine doesn't.... ~Patty Yeah whell my 6 month old reads the Bible hahah J/K.... Good for Jarin doing the stairs thing! Just watch him close my Alex fell down a whole flight after he first learned. talk about giving mom a heart attack. ~Lisa Alex like to Suck on the baby wipes.. I got so worried i had to check with my doctor to make sure which ones were non toxic and wouldn't make him sick... ~Crystal I feel the Same. Congratualations on those first step a true milestone to be proud of.. Brag away we're all ears. ~Christi Me Too! I didn't feel welcome when i posted to BT my "BABY" wasnt' a Baby andy more (almost made me cry) but the only thing i feel over here is love and support and i have to admit i'm a little jealsous over how close every one is. I hate coming into the middle of a movie hahah But your right we'll fit right in once everyone get s to know us... Would it help to say that Alex sometimes gets and extra nap whether he needs one or not. some days i'm so lost i cant handle him. But over all he's the greatest JOY in my life. ~Khane I know what you mean, I was havinga great time till that very sobering post... Maybe we can all get to gether and ask her nicely to drop the whole subjest? I' mean what ever point she meant to make has either been made or wasn't understood to just drop it? Oh and that stage you were discussing. SORRY it's still in full swing with my 7 yr old get used to it. OH MY GOD to the cops at the door. I wold have had a heart attack! Glad it worked out and they didn'tbreak in the door first and ask questions later huh? Me too on the bra size Hard as Hell to find a good one to fit with out spending $50 bucks... ~Moriah Wow!! So glad to hear your Joyous news. I wasn't around in the beginging so I don't know exactly what the problem is but i could feel the pain in your voice when you talked about it. I could also see it disapear when your baby could talk.. ~Kelli Glad to hear you don't need that surgery right now. Good luck with the Pysical therapy, I hope Elizabeth is feeling better. Does she have a nick name? I dont think Alex would know who i was talking to if i called him Alexander heheh. ~Juliane Yes you are right about our RR need ing help with some problem but Even after NOT being welcomed at BT i went over and read what was going on there and almost EVERYONE offed the same thing you did Help her out instead of judging but she didn't want the help and continued to post these mean comments I dont think she want to talk about them jsut wants us to talk about them for her. She has earned her spot now i think the best advice would be for everyone including RR to drop it. `Jenni Hi! and Thanks fo the support I hope to see you here permanently when your baby is officialy a Tot or Heck now i fyou wnt any advice from moms who have jsut recently been there. Hope to see you around Well thats the end of that..... tlak to ya'll later... Heather and Alex (16months) email: hjohnson74@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 14:09:03 (EST)) Julianne again. We had a great family night last night. I was playing outside with Colton because the weather here in Michigan is beautiful for November. Colton would look up, wave, and say bye-bye everytime a plane flew over. He then started playing with sticks in our yard. Some even bigger then he was. Tequila tried to play tug-of-war with him but she is too big and just ended up running away with the stick. That didn’t stop Colton he just found another one and brought it over to her. I was just laughing and grinning at what fun my silly boy was having. We have to be careful though because Tequila is starting to get jealous when DH comes home and runs over to Colton rather than petting and wrestling with her like he used to. She will run really fast at him and swerve barely missing Colton. She has knocked him down several times already. I try to tell DH to make sure he acknowledges the dog too. I would hate for her to ever snap at Colton because of this. So far she is great with him, even when eating or chewing on a bone, she never growls or tries to bite him. We have got to get back to letting Colton cry himself back to sleep so that he sleeps through the night again. Why am I such a wimp and pushover when it comes to him crying out “ma-ma” in the middle of the night???? Sarah: Colton loves to drag his towel from bathtime behind him as he runs naked through the house lately. Lisa: What an adventure you had at the wedding. At least you can laugh about it now!—can’t you, I did—lots. :) I hope Max gets through the playing with his used diaper phase quickly—YUCK. I hope everything goes well with your surgery on Thursday and that Max can be nice to your nose. Those toddler head butts can really hurt. OK, I am begging: Please Please Please send out the pictures of Max today!! Rebecca: How was the concert? Christi: What a fun weekend you had. I am glad the retakes went so well. Sounds like you got some great pictures this time. Reading about your yummy supper plans made my stomach growl the whole way home. I am in Michigan and am enjoying this lovely fall weather--in the 70's today. Helen: What a cute toe trick Amanda has learned. Sorry about all the water overflow at your house. That is excitement you can do without. Sorry to hear about the death in your family. Your family has my sympathies. Birdie: I would be lying if I said I don’t mind my stretch marks. I hate how my body has changed due to pg and giving birth, especially my saggy stretchmarked boobs! Most of my stretch marks have gone or faded really well so I don’t have any advice on your situation. All I know it that I have used lots of lotion these past 2 years. Kahne: What excitement, now you are a wanted criminal? Your story had me LOL. I would have freaked. Kelli: I hope your knee situation improves quickly and that they are always strong when you are carrying Elizabeth. LauraB: Yeah for Shane clapping. I agree that this is a very fun stage. Have a great day everyone and hugs to all your little ones. Julianne & Colton 15 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 14:49:13 (EST)) Happy Tuesday everyone. Beth here. Hope all is going well. DH has been out of town this week for business and this morning when Allison woke up and I brought her to my bedroom she pointed to the bathroom and said “daddy??”(he’s usually taking a shower when she wakes up). I was so sad to tell her that he was gone. He hasn’t been gone in so long that I don’t think she understands him being gone this time. She looked really sad that he wasn’t there :-( Anway, I few personals. Christi and Heather – don’t feel so bad about all of us being so close over here. Most of us have been posting since we were pregnant so we have all known each other for a really long time. A little about myself to help you guys out. My name is Beth and Allison is mine and DH’s only child. Ilive in Kentucky and work full time as a computer programmer for our state’s retirement system. I am 28 and will be 29 on Dec. 7. Had Allison after a great and uneventful pregnancy in a totally natural, no drug delivery on May 24, 1998. Hope this helps. Christi – please post your e-mail address and I will send you pictures since you said you would like to receive some. Heather – wow, no commercial daycares in your area. Sounds like you need to open one!! Have you tried talking to your church or to other area churches about using their facility for a non-profit Christian based daycare offered at a low cost to the community. I used to be the director at a daycare such as this and we only charged enough to pay the workers, feed the children and have supplies for crafts, etc. We were always running close on money, but it was a good service. Sarah – YUCK!!! I was totally grossed out by the dirty wipe story! That just makes me about want to barf! Lisa – please please please send pictures of the mobster my way!! Was that enough begging?? Helen – so glad you posted your e-mail! Has your inbox been flooded from us mommies? Let me know if you didn’t get my e-mail. I sent you some pics this morning. Rita – thanks for the compliment. We had a friend take the family picture. I think we have that one and one other. It’s hard for us to all get into the picture as well. Glad you are joining us for good but am really sorry that it took such awful circumstances to get you over here. Birdie – I think those women on a baby story must be air brushed or something because I don’t know of anyone that has had a baby and doesn’t have stretch marks! I HATE mine as well. I still have a couple of really purple ones but most have faded to the silvery color. I got them horrible on my boobs because I’m really small (A cup) and swelled to nearly a D cup in pregnancy and BF. Made DH happy, but left me with some really nasty stretch marks. Kelli – hope you therapy goes well. I didn’t think you would be able to handle Elizabeth and be on crutches as well. How hard that has got to be. I’ll be praying for you. Where are Moriah and Shelly?? I really miss Tracey too. I wish she could get her phone back and join us again. Well, talk to you ladies later Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 15:28:52 (EST)) Oh and one last thing Kahne - you had me rolling reading about your police adventure this morning. I had to tell the lady that works next to me and she was rolling too. Thanks for a good laugh. I'm just glad no one was hurt. It reminds me of a commercial we have here where they are about to run the door in with one of those smasher things and they realize the 6 on the house number is really a 9 that has fallen. About that time this dude opens the door in his robe eating this big danish things and looks at them like "what are you guys doing here" and they quickly retreat with that big smasher thing without saying anything to him. I don't even know what it's a commercial for (doors maybe??), but your story reminded me of it. Too funny! I also love your little *shaking her booty* comments in your posts! You're a riot! Beth again Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 15:36:34 (EST)) Just sent an e-mail to the webmaster about archiving the sight. Hopefully it will help. Beth again!!! email: bobwite@msn.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 16:03:51 (EST)) Hi this is Birdie and Noah. Thanks to everyone who commented on my stretch marks. I can live with them. I just wanted to hear someone else say they didn't like them. I was so sick of being made to feel bad about hating them. All these moms telling me how proud they were of them and how much they liked them. I thought something was seriously wrong with me thinking they were about the ugliest things I'd ever seen. thank you!!!! LisaB- Maybe just one big giant tatoo. Then no one will see the SM. I'm thinking a big sunshine and the rays could follow each lovely SM. Shelly- Thanks. Luckily, DH would never say anything about them. It's all me!!! Patty- Thanks. I feel better already. Helen- Oh the thong. I'm so glad you mentioned that. I am way over weight and my DH loves a good thong. I think he's a little nutty but hey, whatever works. I'm thinking it'll be a little cold saturday so I'll probably just wear my mink coat. (LOL) Kahne- Thanks. What a story. Christi- I am a big girl too. Thanks. Sarah- Thanks. Maybe I need to stop with the expensive stuff and try the Vit e. Heather- Thanks. He doesn't care, fortunately. Helen- Again. Lise, Lynn, Charline, me and you and for some reason i think one more. LuCynda- You made me feel better. Join us here full time. Our little guys are almost one!!! Can you believe it?? LauraB- They must cover them! I have the c-sect scar too. Oh the joys... Julianne- Thank you. Take care. off to get my hair done. Birdie and Noah (almost one) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 16:26:25 (EST)) Riley was born reciting the Gettysburg address. At three months he was solving the most horrifying math equasions!!!! At nineteen months he is now studying to be the next Doogie Houser M.D. Good thing too, because my alimony is about to run out. If he gets a job, I won't have too......... Can anyone top that?????? You bunch of self centered braggy mommies!!!!!!!!!LOL In my eyes there is something weird about a mother who does not talk about her kids. The good things and the bad things. That is what this board is all about. I have only been posting here for 1 month or so. Never have you guys made me feel bad about my boys. It's helpful to know where everyone elses baby is in the development stage. I also appreciate that even though this is a toddler board, you all listen and give me support with my other two. THANK YOU!!!! If you don't have the guts to put your name next to your opinion, then what kind've person are you?? Help!!! I've fallen off my soapbox and I can't get up!!!!LOL Beth** Moriah and I used to make mud pies all the time. We would get filthy. Since I was 5 yrs older than her, Mom would blame me every time. Our older sisters were mean to us (jealous because we were cuter hehe) so when they walked out of the house we used to throw the mud pies at them. Man, could they scream!!! Christ** e-mail me some pie please!!! Sarah** Riley was outside playing, I was in the house folding clothes and staring at tv. He came in crying and gave me his hand, I kissed it. Right as I had it to my lips, I realized that he had been squishing dog poop with his hands. Imagine how fast I got to the bathroom to scrub my face with Dial soap!!!!! Laura**I was only twenty when I was preggers with my oldest, I got horrible stretch marks as you have read in the earlier posts. Some women stretch and some don't. I hate my scars, but there is nothing I can do. I won't let my lover see me in the light! Good thing he's not half cat, or I'de be in trouble!!LOL Birdie**I can ignore the stretch marks, what kills me are my boobs!!! They practically slap off my knee caps. I never took care of them when I was young. I used to ride my horse with no bra or just a tube top. Then nursing three babies!!! I need a rich man to give me a boob job for x-mas!!! Except that I'de be too chicken to get one.LOL Well ladies, have a good afternoon. Even you, Ms. Anomynis. (it's nice to wish grouchy people nice things, it makes them feel worse!):0) Shelly(not afraid to say her name!)& Riley Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 18:12:48 (EST)) Hello! It's Moriah. Things here are good. I've worked the last couple mornings so I haven't had time to post. Today I'm TAKING the time instead of folding laundry! Just throwin' my 2 cents in because this issue does enter in to my life a lot. Here's my thoughts. Just because things in my life have been very bad at times that in no way makes anyone elses problems any less important to them (ie: when Alex was in the hospital with RSV my friends newborn had a cold & she was pretty concerned. She then said to me that she shouldn't be so worried seeing what was going on in my life - NOWAY! I told her that of course she should be worried! Just thankful that Luke was not THAT sick). I never expect you guys to walk on egg shells around me. Just as you feel happy when Alex has a milestone - I feel happy when your babies do also. That's not to say that I do not get sad about our situation - it just doesn't have anything to do with you guys or your babies. I wish the RR would read a little deeper into some of the posts & see that most people have posted some stuff at one time or another that shows that their life is far from perfect! With that serious stuff said you will not some jokes through out my post as I have found this whole deal pretty humerous! Read on..... Thanks to everyone for your nice sentiments re: my post of Sunday night. Alex has truly touched a lot of people in his short life! On to the personals..... Bragin' Birdie: I nominate you Official Hostess - can I have some cake now?? My stretch marks are nasty too. The seemed to have parted the fat (much like the Red Sea) to make little canyons in my skin. PRETTY! It's a nice cheesey look on me. Sarah - YUCK! Hannah sucking on a poopy wipe. You must have about died! I can just see it. Too funny about her with your undies on her head. She sounds like a party girl already! Just wait til she's 16 & it's her own undies on her head as she dances on a car hood at a pep rally! LOL Beth - I would like a picture of you in a white wig to hang on my wall as our "Founding Mother"!! I pledge allegiance to Beth..... What a cute little chicken! Great pics! Thanks! I read yesterday but didn't get time to post. Shelly is busy with her kids but I talked to her today & she'll be posting any minute now! Cristi & Heather: Alex was born with 6 major birth defects (for an unknown reason). He has had about 10 surgeries this year & spent a total of 5 months in the hospital. When he was about 4 days old we were told he'd be deaf, blind & retarded. He is NONE of those things! We've had a hard year but he's been worth every second of it!!! Christi - yes Shelly & I are sisters! She is 5 years older than me but we've always been very close. Unfortunately due to the circumstances of this year I haven't seen her since Alex was born (she lives about 8 hours away). Helen - so you thought I'd be blonde - exactly what are you insinuating? LOL LOL LOL LOL!!! UMMM Baby toe jam! Amanda is learning all the good tricks - 1st the dog molester now this! LOL! Kelli - excuse me if you want to complain you have to go to the new sight complainerstalk.com. This site will soon be changing it's name to bitchybraggerstalk.com (Birdie is making the ingural cake, Alex is going to sing the song with Shane clapping for the beat & Beth is sewing the flag). LOL! Hope you & Elizabeth feel better soon. Laura B - to really freak Shane out maybe you should put your lights on Clappers. He'd think he controlled the world! LOL No word yet on Rachel I'll call in another couple of hours if I haven't heard. Thanks to all for putting her in your thoughts today! All right my post is done. I'm off to play with my super perfect precious kissy wissy angel genius baby now! Moriah & Alex (13 months today) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 18:25:23 (EST)) Yay for the archive!!!!Thank you Thank you Thank you! Hi mommies. Ok, Kahne, I was going to say I had the day from hell, but I think you beat me. LOL. My aide's son was sick today, so I had no help in my class. (Remember it's tough with my little guy in the wheelchair). Then I had to make two dishes for DD to take to an athletic banquet tonight. While I was doing that, Jarin was playing in the refrigerator and spilled Mountain Dew everywhere. I got that cleaned up and went to make brownies. I opened the bag (yes, boxed brownies!) and the mix went flying EVERYWHERE! I had it on me, Jarin, the counter, the sink, the floor, etc. UGH. Then little monster boy decided he needed to be the king of whining and be held. I think I have a pinched nerve in my arm from carrying him so much. He was up from 2-6 this morning and I'm tired! LOL LOL LOL Ok, are you all feeling sorry for me now? LOL On a positive note, Jesse has been entertaining Jarin for the past 30 minutes so I could catch up. They were playing hide and seek and Jarin was searching for Jesse in my pumps. Cracked me up!! I read from RR and started to get upset, but after reading all of your posts, I was laughing too hard to be mad. Moriah and Shelly - you are both way too funny. Crystal, Kelli, Sarah, Christi, and Kahne - I agree with all of you too. =) **Shelly: The fish face sounds too cute. I was LOL at you falling off your soap box. I about fell off my chair. You are a riot! **Helen: I am sending Jarin your way. Yes, I need to watch him on the stairs. He fell down a couple yesterday. What a good mommy I am. heehee. So your DH likes thongs too, huh? My rear end is so ugly with all my stretch marks, but DH still loves the thong look. Men, huh? Sorry to hear about BIL's wife's father. Funerals are definitely the worst. **Christi: Don't worry - soon you'll feel like you've been part of our little family forever. Our weather in Indiana has been beautiful the past couple days too. I'll send you pics of Jarin if you email me your address. =) **Kahne: AKA America's Most Wanted! I thought of the same commercial that Beth did. Jarin is also at that same lovely stage. Most of the time it makes me laugh, but sometimes... LOL A 38E? Gees, Louise! My little 34B's just wouldn't compare, would they? **Kelli: Hey, girl, you complain all you want. I think I did my share at the beginning of this post! I hope your knee is better soon. I'm sure you do worry about holding Elizabeth. =( **Jenni: Hey, BT Escapee! You come over any time. We can't wait to hear more about Mr. Nicholas and how he is doing! Glad to hear that not everyone over on BT dreads joining us "bitches" over here on TT. LOL **Sarah: I haven't had Jarin on a slide yet. If Hannah loves it, you know he probably will too. Yes, Jarin is an underwear head too, but he doesn't eat poopy wipes-at least not yet! GROSS! **LauraB: Yay for Shane clapping. He sounds so cute =). I agree, it's like they do something new every day. They are so much fun when they're not driving us nuts! **LisaB: LOL at having a responsible man. I have to have someone drive me home from my surgery too, but it's not until Nov. 23rd. I'll be thinking of you when Jarin is having his surgery. His is scheduled for 7 AM and we have to be there at 6. What time is yours? **Lucynda and Cody: Welcome! **Rita: Official welcome to Amy as a toddler! LOL at you looking like an Italian mama. I could just picture it the way you described it. **Heather: That sounds so sweet the way Alex is drawing. Isn't it great to have that 20 minutes to yourself? Yep, Jarin already took a little tumble on the steps. And you cracked me up with the six month old reading the Bible! What a riot! LOL LOL LOL **Julianne: Jarin has also decided to wake up at night again. UGH. I hope this stage passes quickly. Colton sounds funny geting sticks for the dog. You will have to get that on video. **Beth: That is so sweet that Allison was looking for daddy. I'm sure that will make his day when he hears about it. Here I thought I was the only one with small boobs. You even beat me. LOL!!! **Moriah: Let us know what you find out about baby Rachel. You also cracked me up with your post to Kelli about bitchybraggerstalk.com. Gees, you and Shelly must have terrific senses of humor. How's Mr. Alex today? **Better get since this is another HUGE post. Gotta give my little monster his bath. Soon he will look like a prune since he loves to be in there. Patty and Jarin - 14 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 20:39:15 (EST)) Hi Mom's and Babe's! Nolan is 1 today! He had a great day. We had a big family and friend birthday party for him on Sunday. It went really well, but I think he was really confused wondering why all these people were in his house when usually it is just mommy, daddy, & Nolan.He only stuck his fingers in his cake, he didn't muck in it at all unfortunately. We bought him a racecar bed,but we are not putting him into it until he is climbing out of his crib. We haven't come to that stage yet. THANKGOODNESS!! Birdie-You were complaining about stretch marks, I feel the same way. I also hate the fact I am having a hard time losing weight in my gut area. Nolan was a 10lb 4oz baby, so I lost my stomach weight,it's the gut area I almost cry over everyday. I was told vaseline, and vitamin E aloe cream would help for stretch marks. That is the least of my worries I want my old body back before i was married and had a baby, but unfortunately that will never happen. What are you mom's buying your Toddler's for Christmas this year? I need some ideas. Nolan loves Elmo. We bought him Rock N Roll Elmo for Christmas, but I'm not sure what else to get him age appropriate. He got trucks and bath toys for his birthday. Well that's all the yakin for tonight. Have a good night mom's! Talk to you later! Darleen & Nolan email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 21:46:48 (EST)) Hi everyone, sorry it took me so long to get back to the board. My computer freezes up almost every time I try to load this page and it drives me nuts!! I had a whole post ready last night and then when I went back to the board to check someone's name, I lost everything because the page froze. Does anyone else have that problem? It's probably just my stupid computer. Well, I don't really understand what is going on between this board and BT because I am new.... can someone fill me in? I agree that we all brag about our toddlers...why shouldn't we? How else are we going to know which experiences we share and how to help someone in need of advice? We all learn from one another! Also, our kids are the most important things in our lives (I know my son is) and we are all proud mothers.....we should share their acheivements. Well, I'll get off of the soapbox now and "brag" about my child before going on to personals. Adam is officially saying "mama" now. It's not very often, but it still melts my heart when he says it. "Duck" is the big word for him right now. Ever since my mom took him to the pond by her house, "duck" seems to be a very exciting word for him. I have found a cure to his climbing sydrome.....time out in his crib. 5 minutes seems to do the trick. The hitting thing is another story. I have come to a conclusion....the only times when my son is still is when he is strapped into his car seat or when he's sleeping. Every other moment of the day he's like a whirling dirvish-there's no stopping him! Boy have I got my hands full! Ok, on to personals: Julianne- Yep the time out thing works but today my mom was over and Adam started to show off by trying to climb up on the table again. I asked him if he wanted to go to "time out" and pointed at his room. He ran over to me and pointed at it too. My mom just laughed. Helen- I was laughing so hard about your daughter picking her "toe jam" that is so cute! We call Adam's feet "piggies" and he always laughs when we play "where are Adam's piggies" when we take his socks off. My kid has some huge feet!! Beth- I still can't figure out how to get Adam to stop hitting. Even if I hold his hands down that makes him even more angry and he hits again.....HELP! Birdie- I have terrible stretch marks on my abdomen. I carried really low during my pregnancy and now my tummy looks like a deflated beach ball with ridges on it. Long, huge, silver ridges. To say the least, it is disgusting. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight but as far as my figure, I don't think I'll ever get that back. Boo-hoo. If you hear of any miracle cures let me know!!!! Darleen- Happy 1st birthday to Nolan! Shelly- I am still wonderin how your son learned those math equations!!! I am still LOL! Oh yeah, I have one more question: I think it was Heather who said her son hits himself when he is mad...Adam does the same thing. He is really into banging his head on anything he can.....walls, floors, toys etc. Sometimes when I say no he throws himself onto the floor and proceeds to bang his forhead on the gound. The Dr said to just ignore him, but I'm afraid he will knock himself out!! Especially when he does it on our glass sliding door!! Any suggestions???? Well, take care mommies and warm wishes your toddlers........... Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 22:34:02 (EST)) Hi guys, Glad I was able to provide some comic relief! Well things have gotten quiet around here, thank the lord! Cat will be in her first pageant in 10 days, happy happy! CAUSE we all know my most BEAUTIFUL, CHEERFUL, HAPPY baby will WIN and blow all of those other Little Kiddies out of the water! k, anyway, dont have time to respond tonight, but thanx webmaster for archiving! Post personals tomorrow! Kahne and Cat 10 months email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 00:19:42 (EST)) Hi everyone, from CathyG and Alison - Remember us??? We have been busy as always. But here's the big new - I have a caregiver lined up, and will start my kids there in mid-December, to get ready to go back to work in January. I was at my office today, and I will be leading a new initiative to re-position one of our teams, and I am excited about it. I have got approval to work 3 days a week, which will be perfect, and I can increase to full time as I want. I am glad to have the details worked out. Let me bring you up to date on Alison - she still has her rash on face and bum, it gets worse and then goes away, comes back, etc., etc. (It's been 2 months and many creams) My family doctor was finally able to get her referred to a ped. dermatologist, but we don't go until Nov. 25. We had a fun Halloween. Emma was Esmerelda (from Hunchback) and Alison was an angel (of course!!). We went outside to get a picture of them by the pumpkin, and DH pulled the door shut (locked of course) behind him. We had no keys, and no other way to get in. I went off trick-or-treating and he called his parents to bring over a key. Alison liked walking around carrying her pumpkin, and she liked it if she got to pick the treat out of a bowl, but she didn't like it if someone gave her a treat in her pumpkin! She calls pumkins "nanas" for some strange reason. She is saying a few things - apple, hat, duck. Mostly she still just squeals, especially if she wants something. Moriah - I am so happy for you, your post about Alex communicating was lovely. I missed that you are working. What are you doing and how is it going?? Kelli - what happened to your knees? You are lucky your DH is able to help out. I hope you feel better and that the brace etc. helps. Helen - I can't believe I thought Emma was the only child in the world who did the toe jam thing. It really is funny isn't it? Birdie - I hate my stretch marks too. Mine from Emma had almost faded to where I could live with them when I got pregnant again (about 3 years!!) Lisa B - Good luck on your surgery and recovery. What exactly are you having done? I had cartilage removed from my nose years ago. Bye everyone and take care Cathy G and Alison (15 months) email: davidalan.pratt@sympatico.ca Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 00:20:50 (EST)) Hey everyone! Well, I think Elizabeth is going to live! LOL! Me, on the other hand, that's very questionable! LOL! Her diarrhea seems to be history (I hope!) and her appetite is back to normal... eating meals the size of a horse! Elizabeth has been quite clumsy today! She'll walk all over our living room with toys scattered everywhere and trip over them. I have to remind her to watch where she is going. It's cute sometimes... I'll say, "Elizabeth watch where you step" and she'll literally watch her feet and take these little baby steps. Helen, you will relate to the next "Elizabeth story". Ever since Elizabeth was a baby, I have always played with her feet and toes every time I take her socks off. I always say (in a playful tone) "here's Elizabeth's toe fuzz!" Well, just recently she started picking out her toe fuzz... and she get's so intense and concentrates so hard at it. It's so cute! Well, DH goes back to work tomorrow after taking care of Elizabeth and I and I am scared to death of my knees going out on me again. I am sure I'll be fine, but that helpless feeling isn't going away. DH was SO WONDERFUL taking care of us, waiting on me every second and changing the "diarrhea queen" this weekend. What did I ever do to deserve him?? Enough about me and on to the posts! Let me warn you now... they will probably be pretty long. Please forgive me if I forgot someone! -PATTY, What- you didn't make homemade brownies? How terrible! LOL! Man, you had quite the day, didn't you? I would have gone out of my mind with the Mt. Dew and brownie incidents and then no extra help at school? That is SO funny and cute about Jarin looking for Jesse in your pumps! Been watching too much Mary Poppins, huh? LOL! Goodness, I've been away too long... I didn't realize Jarin's surgery was coming up so soon! Please refresh my memory... He's having tubes put in?? I'm sorry, can't remember! YIKES... so you are going to have to have jaw surgery after all... ugh! Well, I will be thinking about you guys!! Yeah for Jarin figuring out how to climb down the stairs! I'm sure that eases your mind a little. -MORIAH, You were a barrel of laughs today!! Between you and Shelly, I'm sure your house growing up was a riot! I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall! I about died laughing when I read your post to Sarah about Hannah being 16. Are you working outside the home now? For the absent-minded lady? How's that going? HOW AWESOME to hear that Alex and his daddy can "chat"! I got goosebumps reading about your joy! I am SOOOOO thrilled for you all! Before you know it, Alex will be asking "WHY?" or "What's that?" all the time! Then the fun really begins!! LOL! -HELEN, I have a little toe jam picker too! Isn't it the cutest! I'm so sorry to hear about your bil's wife's dad! I know it's not easy! -CHRISTI, Please don't feel left out! Yes, there are a few of us who have been posting since pregnancy, but that doesn't mean we don't welcome you and enjoy hearing about your parenting adventures! I look forward to getting to know you! Thanks for the prayers! I need them right now! -KAHNE, you're a wanted woman with men knocking at your front and back door! WEll, I'm glad they weren't after you or your dh! What an interesting way to start your day! :) -SARAH, Elizabeth loves to swing at the park too! What a yucky diaper Genie/wipe story!! Yes, Elizabeth is feeling better today- thanks for asking! Ya know, we really do need to get together some day! Life for me is rather hectic at the moment, but hopefully it will settle down soon. Have you ever been to Ocean Journey? -LAURAB, Yea for Shane clapping! Isn't it the best when we see our kids do such new and cute things! Ahhh... makes a mamma proud, doesn't it!? -LISAB, WOW, your surgery is coming up VERY SOON! Boy, I have been gone way to long! I hope every thing goes well, which I'm sure it will! I'm not going to lie to you... it's hard not being able to do as much as you would like for and with your child! It kills me not being able to get down on the floor with Elizabeth and have our nightly "tickle-fest" or play chase. Okay, I think the cat puke story was an R rating! Yuck! Didn't anyone ever tell you this is only a PG-13 board? LOL! -RITA, you mean we get you full time now? YIPPY! Welcome to Amy! I don't know why I just welcomed Amy... she's been apart of this "family" since birth! -HEATHER, That is so great about Alex drawing! No, we don't have any specific nicknames for Elizabeth. I am sure when she starts school, she'll pick up a couple names short for Elizabeth. -JULIANNE, Elizabeth also says bye-bye to planes and trains. It's so cute to hear their little voices! Colton sounds adorable! -BETH, When will your DH get home? Allison is a little daddy's girl isn't she? Elizabeth sure is! MY GOODNESS girl! You went from a size a to d cup while pregnant? WHOA mamma! LOL! -BIRDIE, RE: stretch marks: yep, I have them and I hate them. I am not too worried about them, so I don't do anything about it. But, I have heard that vitamin E oil helps along with cocoa butter. There is also something that is over the counter that you can talk to your pharmacist about ordering. I can't remember the name... MothersCream??? i don't remember. -SHELLY and Doogie Hauser, Just one comment to you: You crack me up!! I LOL at your last post! -Darleen, HAPPY B-DAY NOLAN!!! Elizabeth will be 17 mos. at Christmas time and I think we are going to get her a little tent. Also, my mom is getting her a play kitchen so I think I am also going to get some play pots and pans and maybe some play boxed foods. Jennifer, Elizabeth hits her head when she gets frustrated or mad. I usually say in a really soft, nice tone, "Elizabeth, you can't hurt my baby, Don't hit yourself please!" and she usually stops. I think she does it mostly to see if I get mad. -CATHY G, SO good to hear that things are working out with you going back to work and the child care will hopefully work very smoothly! good to hear from you! Well, I gotta get... it's past midnight I'm tired! Ya'll take care! It's so nice to be back on here with all my great friends! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 months email: rkncs@aol.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 02:17:50 (EST)) Crystal here. Not much time to post, so have to make it quik. Where's Mimii, AD, DeeDee, Stacie, and some of the others? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Not quite how I wanted it, but it's okay. Can't really afford a +. Gotta go. Talk later. Crystal and Darrel Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 08:21:36 (EST)) Good morning everyone! Christi here. Everyday life is going along like normal here. Caleb has decided he doesn't need a nap any more, I highly disagree! He sleeps well from 8 pm to 6:30 am, but now takes no nap in between. Any suggestions on how to get him back into the nap routine? I have tried keeping him up, but by 8 pm he is a bear and I have had my fill of cranky boy! Thanks everyone for making me feel welcome, I know I will get to know you all better in no time. **Lisa B. Thanks for the pictures, Max is so cute! If I remember right from the last pics, doesn't he look like his daddy? Thanks too for the ideas on how to save this stuff! **Beth Thanks you for the recap, I will give you some info on me--I am 26, married for 6+ years, DH is Phillip, 27, 2 kids Alexis just turned 4 and Caleb just turned a year. I provide daycare for 3 families so I can be at home with my kids and still live. **Shelly I LOL for a long time about your boob comment, I feel the same! **Moriah What things Alex has overcome! I am sure you Thank God everyday that Dr.s are wrong! Thanks for bringing me up to date! Your posts are too funny! **Kahne boy, you sure did have a bad day! I think I would have been sitting in the corner crying! Hope this one is better Well all, another exciting day of kiddies is looming ahead, time fo rme to go! Christi & Caleb 12+ months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 09:11:26 (EST)) Good morning. SARAH here. Is it Friday yet???LOL Well, the last 3 nights, HANNAH has slept all night! :) Watch, I probably just jinxed it!!! Well, nothing new here so..... LAURA B. - Cute story about SHANE clapping! HELEN - Sorry to hear about your BIL wife's dad! I've been to my fair share of funeral's in my life. Don't like it!!!!!! Did you get HANNAH's pictures? LISA - I remember that story about MAX eating cat puke! Gross!! I saw I got pictures, haven't looked at them yet. Thanks though! LUCYNDA and CODY - WELCOME!!! RITA - Yea!! We have you all to ourselves now! :) JULIANNE - HANNAH loves airplanes, too. BETH - What a sweet story about ALLISON looking for DH. When will he be back? I was VERY fortunate, I didn't get any stretch marks. I'm sure they'll be there with the next one! SHELLY - GROSS dog poop story! :) MORIAH - Happy 13 month Birthday to ALEX yesterday!!! Oh my gosh girl, your story about HANNAH with panties on her head at 16 gave me about 5 gray hairs!!!!! PATTY - Hope your day is better today! :) :) Yes, I'm sure JARIN would love the slide. Just like you and I, they're the same! LOL DARLEEN - HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOLAN (yesterday)!! Sounds like he had a fun party! JENNIFER - HANNAH does the same thing, banging her head on the floor. I hate it, cause our kitchen is hardwood floors. :( CATHY G. - SOOOO good to hear from you! It's nice to hear what ALISON is doing!!! KELLI - No. I haven't been to Ocean Journey. We should meet there someday. We could some weekend, or I could take a day off. If not sooner, maybe we could get together after the first of the year! Very cute story about ELIZABETH and her toe jam! I've always played with HANNAH's feet, as well. And our thing is she'll stick her foot in my face and I go "pee-uuw"! Well, I'd better start some work. Hope you all have a wonderful day!!! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 09:20:54 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. I haven't read any posts yet but wanted to share an e-mail I just got from Mimii (I sent her photos of Max yesterday). Everyone please keep Mimii' in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Lisa, my heart is about to break into 2! please e-mail everyone you can think of and pray for a miracle for me. Jimmy sent me into the movie store Friday nite, thinking we were going out to eat with friends, etc our usual friday nite thing, and 10 minutes later when i came out , he was gone! The kids, the carseats, the diaperbag,.........I waited , but with all that gone, i just knew. The Waltons own half of Boone county and have so much pull! I dont know what to do! They said that he was their father and no custody battle was in line....so there hands were tied, but he had to have had that planned. They came and served papers on me....without my babies, I bout died this weekend. My heart hurt so bad. Coulnt eat or sleep or anything....Just bawled and cried and drove around. My sis and i drove past whre he went to...his truck was there...(a couple we just helped get aquitted of raping there daughter for 11 years!)an employee....I got them back Monday, but i am about to lose it! I still love him so much! he had takedn my name off all the accounts, etc........and woulnt put my name on anything of his......PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALING IN HIS HEART! IM ABOUT TO LOSE IT! The babies were so cross today, (not them!) and i took them to the DR...If his family would just stay out of this, we would be fine..........WHAT INTHE WORLD possesed him to do such a thing??I would NEVER have ripped the kids from him like that!ADD us to every prayer list around and KodaJamers is to be a year old this month, and Bradii , 3, soon after. Love you, Lisa. Sorry for the unloading. I m not one to do this. Please Please PRAY! Mimii', Bradii and KodaJamers LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 09:37:22 (EST)) Hi again from LisaB. I forgot to tell you all - Max peed on me yesterday morning when I changed his overnight diaper. First time he's done that in MONTHS so I was shocked and completely unprepared! The stinker woke up at midnight and slept with DH and I the rest of the night. I had a meeting after work and just got home in time to put Max to bed. I'm hoping he just wanted more "Mommy time" and hasn't decided to become a night owl again. Also, I found out yesterday that I get "nasal tampons" after surgery ... strings hanging out and all (won't Max have fun with those - NOT?!). They said the most painful thing is getting them removed the day after surgery as they are swollen from all the blood and gunk. Oh and more good news - ANOTHER person quit at work so lucky me, in my new position with duties still being assigned, get to pick up the slack. UGH!!! PATTY: I only make brownies from the box - quicker than home made and taste 100% better (at least compared to the one batch I tried from scratch). I have to be at the surgery center at 8, which worked well as we'll have to take Max to the sitter. KAHNE: Sorry, I have you beat. I was 44DD before pregnancy but after being sick and all I'm now down to 42D. DH loves them but then again he doesn't have to lug them around, does he? Of course I guess I NEED big boobs to help balance out my big guts, big hips (which grew more than I EVER expected while pg), big butt, and big thighs - LOL! Oh well, I have cute little sexy calves!!!! DARLEEN: Happy belated birthday to Nolan. I think we'll get Max some duplo blocks for Christmas (MIL has some and Max loves to play with them). We also plan to get him one of those wind up things that plays a song and has a moving picture, like a tv. He has an old one I got at a rummage sale but it got wet and the picture is all warped! CATHY G: I'm getting my deviated steptum fixed (will probably have to remove cartilage to straighten it out) and they are also removing an extra sinus cavity that has grown in one nostril. CHRISTIE: Yep ... Max is the spitting image of DH (minus the mustache, of course!). He's starting to look a little more like me now. If anyone wants pictures of Max that didn't get them, just let me know and I'll send some out to you. LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 10:13:10 (EST)) Hello from Rita I am checking in from home this AM since I have a class to go to later. Somehow it is still not a leisurely morning since I have already done dishes and laundry... The Divine Miss M (as we now sometimes call Maddy) had a wonderful surprise for me this AM. I heard her calling me and I went in to check on her. She told me that she had a poopy diaper. Not only was the diaper poopy, but she also had tell-tale signs on her hands that she had checked it first herself! It was so gross. (Tracey - where are you? This sounds like a Taylor episode!)She had been constipated this weekend and I guess everything has finally worked its way out. The joys of motherhood... Darleen - Happy Belated Birthday to Nolan. Amy will be one shortly after Christmas and we're getting her a little car to scoot around on. We already have a play kitchen that she loves. We gave Maddy the kitchen at one and some more advanced sorting toys, a wagon and her first doll. Kelli - The play kitchen should be a big hit. I am surprised that Amy is into it already. She loves to open the refridgerator and take out the play food, especially the corn on the cob and the carrot. We continue to add to the food and dishes. My sister even gave Maddy a toy espresso machine that lights up and makes steam sounds. Moriah - Your pep rally image was too much. Are you sure you haven't had some similar experience? LOL. You and Shelly must be a riot together! Larry is the only man in my family, with the exception of my brother, who can take all five of us sisters when we get together. And my SIL is just like us too! Well, this is it for now. I need to shower and get ready for class. Take care everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 10:48:03 (EST)) Rebecca here... Birdie - I know it's a little late to add my comments on the SM issue, but I have and hate them. I have them on my stomache, I have them on my breasts, I have them on my butt and legs, I have them on my arms! I did see on Oprah that you can have SM surgically improved, but they recommend doing in the first year. I remember saying something to females of my family one day about when the SM would fade and they all laughed for 20 minutes. I guess it isn't going to be soon! Julianne - The concert was really good. I'm actually surprised because I didn't think I would enjoy it so much! It was nice to hear a performer live who sounded the same as on the radio. Of course it was a little ridiculous watching grey haired ladies throwing underwear at him LOL! CathyG - Have you tried Aloe Vera on the rash? I know it sounds strange but a girlfriend of mine tried it on her daughter and it worked within a week. She used pure Aloe Vera from a plant. Just a thought. Crystal - I'm sorry you didn't get the result you wanted. Maybe next time? LauraB - COngrats on Shane clapping. Paige just learned last week. After trying to teach her for almost a year, my friend taught her in 5 minutes! LisaB - thankyou for posting Mimii's email. My heart goes out to her. Please send all of our love and support to her. PS - pic please. You all had me giggling over your bragging. I hate that this has gotten so out of control. I am now ignoring all posts signed anonymously. I know who my friends are, and they are all here!!! XOXO Paige has her one year dr appointment today. I totally forgot until last night and DH has the car at work! Looks like I'm going to be taking the bus in the rain with her (for the first time). Hopefully she won't be to cranky coming home. I know how much I used to love crying babies on the bus. I have three days left until Paige's bday party and I'm starting to think I was nuts ever trying to do this. I just don't have time!!! There's still almost all the cleaning and preparing to do and somehow in there I have to fit Paige! AAARRRGGGHHH! I'm actually not freaking too bad yet, but wait until Saturday morning. I think keeping slightly frantic is helping me forget that my baby is turning one. I'm off to shower and then to the drs. Tonight is my PPD group. Hopefully they'll help me mellow. I'm going to try to get pics out today. Let me know if I miss you! Rebecca & Paige (3 days to 1) email: burn@canadawired.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 11:32:23 (EST)) Hello from LauraB - Just wanted to post personals before Shane wakes up. Shelly & Moriah - You are two really crazy girls. You have the best sense of humor, it must get really interesting when you two get together at family functions. Kahne - I can't believe you had the nerve to smart talk the police. I would have been scared speechless. Interesting life you have... :-) Darleen - Happy Belated Birthday Nolan!!! Shane loves his legos and wooden blocks that he got for his birthday. He also has a Rock n Roll Elmo and loves it. We will be getting him a truck and large foam blocks for Christmas. CathyG - Locked out on Halloween! I bet your dh wasn't to happy about that. Kelli - Glad Elizabeth is back to normal. How fortunate for you to have a dh that doesn't mind dirty diapers. Maybe he could have a talk with mine?? Sarah - I have found it's best never to say out loud to anyone when the little one sleeps through the night. It never fails that if I mention it then that night Shane is up every two hours. I think they know somehow and don't want us to get to happy. Rita - Nice diaper story. It seems like I have been reading alot of posts lately about playing in poop. Is this a stage that Shane will be going through soon??? If so I hope it's one he skips. Well gotta go for now. Love to all. LauraB@Shane 12 months email: xxbryant@aol.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 11:55:00 (EST)) Hi Toddler moms from Sue and Cam. Couldn't resist popping over here to see what kinds of crud RR stirred up with you guys. She was nasty, as expected, but was a little more polite to you than she was with us on BT. Oh well, it takes all kinds. LOL! I enjoyed reading the posts from some of you I recognized from BT - LisaB, Moriah, Crystal, Helan, Birdie, Rita, etc. Glad to hear the kids (though I know you'll always think of them as your babies) are continuing to thrive. Rebecca - I noticed you also post here now and wanted to see how you're feeling with your PPD. Good to hear you've joined a support group. I found that medication did wonders for me, but some meetings with a counselor have really made a difference. Feel free to email me if you'd like to talk, complain, vent, etc. That's about it for now. Nothing too major to report, except that both Cameron and I are doing well. We'll be "graduating" in another month and a half - I can't believe it! Cam isn't yet crawling (let alone walking), feeding himself, talking, or crusing, but of course he's still a genius (brag, brag, brag...):-) Hugs to all! Sue and Cameron (sneaking over...) email: sbarry@key.org Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 11:59:53 (EST)) Hi mommies. I'm early today! I have to tell you what Jarin was doing last night after he finished playing in my pumps. I put him in the tub and he kept taking the washcloth, dipping it in the water, and then standing to watch and listen to the water drip off the cloth. When it was done dripping, he'd sit down and start over again. He thought it was the coolest thing ever. So funny. He also did GREAT at the babysitter's again today. I am so thankful. =) **Darleen: Happy Birthday to Nolan! **Jennifer: I'm sure you just love it when Adam says mama. Jarin bangs his head on the wall too, but not when he's mad. He does it and then laughs at himself. Thinks he's pretty hysterical. =) **CathyG: Good to hear from you! I'm glad Allison is doing well. Yay for you getting the job situation you want! =) **Kelli: Good luck without DH. I hope your knees are feeling better. So Amanda and Elizabeth are into toe fuzz, huh? LOL. Jarin gets his tubes tomorrow. We have to be at the surgery center at 6AM and I'm not allowed to feed him ANYTHING after midnight. That ought to be fun if he gets up again in the middle of the night tonight. My jaw surgery is scheduled for Nov. 23. They told me I'd have to take 5 days off work. This way I'll only have to take two, but I'll be missing all the yummy Thanksgiving food. =( **Crystal: Sorry about the -. I'm sure everything works out the way it's supposed to. **Christi: Can't give you any info on naps, but hope it gets better soon. Jarin goes through stages sometimes when he thinks he doesn't need them either. WRONG! **Sarah: Yep, you just jinxed Hannah sleeping. I was bragging to Jenni from BT about Jarin finally sleeping the other day. Ever since then he's been up every night!!! **LisaB: Thanks for the info on Mimii. How awful for her. I will be praying for her. Jarin peed on me the other night too. He thought it was so funny. **Rita; Too gross about the Divine Miss M exploring her poop! **Rebecca: I agree with you. We all know who our friends are and I think we should just all ignore anonymous posts. **Sue: I'm glad to hear from you! I'm also glad to hear that the meds are helping. How is Cam? Looking forward to seeing you over here soon. **Chat more later. I'll let you all know how the tube thing goes tomorrow. Take care. Say a quick prayer that everything goes well. You guys are the best. Patty and Jarin - 14 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 13:51:27 (EST)) Hi, SARAH here. Just 2 quick posts.... PATTY - Good luck with JARIN's tubes tomorrow!!! LISA - Good luck with the surgery tomorrow (it is tomorrow, right?) OK, 1 more..... REBECCA - I know I've said this a ton, but PAIGE is a DOLL!!!!!! :) :) Talk to you all tomorrow!!! Sarah and Hannah Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 14:24:45 (EST)) Hi Mom's and Babe's. What a dreary day here in Ontario!! Nolan is down for his pm nap so I thought I would chat. Thank-you to all the mom's that wished Nolan a happy birthday. We went to Wal-Mart this morning hoping to get some Christmas ideas, but he is only interested in Elmo, every time he sees Elmo he gets so excited. I know he will love getting Rock n Roll Elmo for Christmas. I looked at the Fisher Price Farm set, but people tell me to wait a year, I was also thinking of a slide/climber set, but people also tell me to wait a year, and my husband seems to listen to everybody but me, and what I want to buy. I also do part-time home child-care in my home, I am looking for 1-2 more children, but I haven't advertised because I thought we were moving to Toronto, but were not unfortunately. SO I guess I will start looking seriously for more children. Well I guess that is all I have to say for today. Have a good day. Ps: Happy 1st Birthday to any more November baby's ! Talk to you again soon! Darleen & Nolan email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 15:11:58 (EST)) Hi all, Katy here Moriah- So glad everything is working out for Alex. HAppy 13 month to him. It feels like he could be a brother to Liam because he's a day older and they were both in the hospital. Hugs to you and Alex. LisaB- Send my prayers to Mimii. I also have an envelope here addressed to you. I think it has pictures, whose I'm not sure, but they'll be on the way to you soon. Sorry if I've not been on in a while, but things have been really hectic. Liam was sick on Monday and we took him to the ER early Tuesday morning because he was having trouble breathing. He had a fever and they gave him some motrin. That made him happier and made it look like he wasn't sick. But the doctor examined him anyway. And guess what? Ear infection. We kept him home Tuesday. It would figure the week he starts day care, he gets sick. But he did go today, but there was some miscommunication. Because I didn't fill out some stupid paperwork, they could only keep him half the day. It was a good thing my afternoon class was cancelled or we would have been in a bind. Hopefully things will be better when we get that paperwrk in. Sorry for the monster post. Hope everyone else is doing well. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 15:30:48 (EST)) Hi mommies and babies!! We escaped from BT to say hi!! I just wanted to say that you girls were great to come over and support us with this regular reader crap!! You are all welcome to sneak over anytime to say hi and offer your expert advice to all of us "new" mommies!!! I want to clarify one thing RR said though..... although I never HEARD/READ anyone say that they didnt want to graduate to TT, the ONLY reason I dont want to is because I want my little sweetie to stay a baby!!!! :) I know, I know, she has to grow, so Im told!!! But I will be sad about it!! Well, she is calling me, so I must cut this short!! Good talking to you all!! Come visit often!! Hugs and kisses!!! Love, Lurking Lynn & Lexie 2+months email: pzas1@snet.net Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 15:34:04 (EST)) PS: any mommies with pictures, please send them my way!!! Rebecca~~thx for the pics! They came out great!! Paige is just adorable!! C'ya later chickies!! Lynn again!! Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 15:36:52 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. The surgery center just called - postponed operation from 8 to 9:30. YEAH - an extra 90 minutes of sleep (if Max Monster cooperates). The bad thing is I now have to go from midnight until probably noon or after without any food or liquids :-( I just wanted to tell everyone I'll be gone until Monday. Best of luck to Jarin with his tubes tomorrow and I hope the rest of you have fantastic weekends! Oh - I had my annual OB/GYN visit today and they started me on prenatal vitamins. I'm sooooo excited! Also, my division director approached me about a promotion that's pretty much in the bag for me ... and will likely be a $10,000+/year raise! I didn't tell her I might leave after a year or so (when baby #2 arrives) as I'ld like to bank extra money in prep for becoming a SAHM. The problem is that there are a lot of personnel issues in our division now, including with the person everyone thinks will get the job that would supervise the one I'm tagged for. I'll hear something in a week or two - until then I'm just envisioning the look on DH's face if I start making more money than him again - LOL!!!!! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 16:08:04 (EST)) Hi there ladies. Riley is taking a nice nap so I have time to spend with you. He's so considerate!! We went to the school today for a Patriotic Sing Along. A lot of schools all around the US are supposed to sing at the same time. Riley had such a good time. He danced and clapped. There is the cutest little girl in our town. She was there too. Curly blond hair, her name is Emily. I've pointed her out to Riley lots of times. This will be his wife. I believe in prearranged marriages!!! And chastity belts for young ladies!! Nothing like a good little virginal future daughter-in-law.LOL Anyway, the sing along was a little unorganized, but the kids had fun. I went in to talk to the principle and he told me he was waiting for a call from the union rep. I guess he has to make sure that he can't get into trouble transfering my kiddo. Either that or he's lying. But I know Jesse will start in a different 1st grade Monday morning. Since there are alot of new people on the board, I thought I might as well but up my stats too. I'm 32 and a single mother of 3 awesome boys. Taylor 12, Jesse 6 1/2 and Riley 19 months. I live in Northern CA. (thats as close as I'll say for right now, in case RR decides to go on a rampage)LOL. I just bought this house in April and we are pretty happy here. We live two houses away from the elementary school my boys attend. Anyway, so now you all know something about me. Moriah and I have been very close growing up and share the same warped since of humor. Unfortenatly, the last year has been difficult. Due to some very stupid and childish miscommunications, I have not seen my sis or my nephew since the day he was born. I went into the nursery to see him, scared, because I didn't know what to expect. But when I seen that tiny baby lying in the isolet, all I wanted to do was hold him. He has been on my mind and in my prayers EVERY day since then. Here's some personals; LisaB** my dad had nose surgery. He had to have the bone scraped. He's had allergies all his life and the bone was getting diseased from constant mucus. Anyway, when he came home they had stuffed his nose with so much cotton, he looked like they had transplanted a pig nose on his face. Everytime I went in to take care of him, I had to leave quick. I couldn't stop from laughing. I know he hurt and it was horrible of me, but damn, he looked funny. I hope your DH can keep a straight face!LOL Kahne** I could not stop cracking up at your cop story. If it would've been my house, I probably would have been bending over naked, trying to find my jeans in the dryer, when they busted down the door!!!! Lucky you were fully clothed. Although... you could have shown off your new navel ring!!!LOL Sue**Sneak over anytime!! Patty** I will keep Jarin in my thoughts during his ordeal. Good luck!!! Lurking Lynn** Riley is my last baby, it is hard every month when I realize he's one month closer to the big 2. But, on the other hand, it's great to watch him in his new discoveries too. I miss nursing him!!! Good luck with your sweet little girl. Hello to everyone else. Riley is awake now and playing Nintendo 64 with Jess. I guess I'de better go get him to study for his SAT's. LOL Shelly & Riley 19 months Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 16:29:50 (EST)) Rebecca here...(twice in one day!) Well, we're back from our trip to the doctors. Paige is 21 lbs and 30inches. She had to get her shots and man did she howl! I thought she would never stop crying. I felt so horrible. She fell asleep on me on the bus ride home (not very comfortable). Luckily the rain slowed down to a dribble. Sue - you are welcome here anytime! Question - I've been meaning to ask if any of you TT mommies are Canadian? If so, where are you from? I'm in Vancouver, BC. That's all for now! Rebecca & Paige email: burn@canadawired.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 16:42:28 (EST)) Hi, this is Birdie. Just to let you know I am now officially in the middle of a law suit. All I wanted was this cute blue suit and now look. Moriah- Chocolate, white, angel or spice. Let me know when the first meeting is. I need to be sure to have enough cheese and crackers and punch for everyone and gold fish crackers for the munchkins. Darleen- My pre preg body was pretty scary to begin with. Now it's out of control. I swear with a c-section you have a permanent flab of big belly hanging over the scar. No matter how many sit ups I do it just keeps flapping. Jennifer- I am on a quest for the miracle cure. I'll let you know. CathyG- 3 years. Good Lord. Kelli- Thank you. I'll try the Vit E oil Rebecca- I'll call Oprah. Katy- Glad to see a picture update. I was wondering where they were. LisaB- Thanks for posting Mimii's e-mail. I will be thinking of her. How horrible. Rita- Hello. LuCynda- I think your letter was fine. You're a mommy. Your kids will always come first. I would do anything to protect my baby, even if it meant pissing off family or friends. (Can I say possing off on this site? OOOPS!) Welcome newcomers and lurkers!!!!! Take care. Birdie and Noah (almost one) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 16:52:21 (EST)) Hello everyone, not much time right now so i'll just sketch out my day so far. Kaila is home for the rest of the week. can you beleive they're giving them a 5 day weekend 2 weeks away from thankgiving holiday? well it's for confrences so... Any ways i have to leave in a few to go to Kaila's first grade conferences. I plan on demanding extra homework. She is too bored at home now and has finished those stupid work books you buy in the store? Plus we need more reading time at school. oh well guess at least i can listen to someone else tell me how great my kid is.. Alex is Definitly used to having his days strictly to his mommy. He cried every time i was helping Kai with her reading. Then i forgot how messy Kaila is... Alex and I have a routine kind of. another piece in the works kinda fouled things up a bit. oh well... I forgot my notes but to the person from vancouver i don't live in canada but i do live about 1 hour from the Washington state border, so we got the same rain as you did today. we even lost power last night.. well i'll post all my personal stuff later talk to you all then! Heather and Alex email: hjohnson74@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 18:11:22 (EST)) Wow!!! I've been out of touch for far too long!!! Thankfully they archived, so I only caught up from Sunday. I've missed so much, all the RR contriversy, Crystal possibly being pg, Alex talking... you guys have been busy while I was gone! So here's my catch-up, for those who are interested: I went to Ottawa on Oct 23 for 5 days. It was a great trip, but tiring. We got back, and I had a conference to go to Oct 27-29. It was good, but on the Friday (29) I was feeling rotten (coughing endlessly) and ended up skipping out. Friday night we were going to my mothers for dinner and to carve pumpkins (I managed to get mine half done). Saturday I was running a fever all day. Sunday was Halloween, we invited my SIL over to man the door because I was too tired to stand for more than a few minutes at a time (still had the fever). Finally I got to the doctor on Monday and he said I had pnemonia! (I was kind of glad, if I felt that terrible from a normal cold, I was in trouble!) So I was off for the week. Wednesday was a prenatal appointment - all's well with the baby, but he set my due date back another two weeks to mid May - I'll have an ultrasound after my next app. I did get to hear the baby's heartbeat!!! Thats so cool the first time you hear it! I had another app. on Friday, my doc said the pnemonia was improving, but not better yet, so more antibiotics and another app. set up for today (Wed). I finally started to have a bit more energy, so decided to come in to work for a short day yesterday. My doc gave me a clean bill of health this morning, but I'm still supposed to take it easy for a while. Thankfully, my DH has been absolutely wonderful!!! He's totally taken care of Alex, all I've done it snuggle with him when he's sleepy, and read him books. DH has also been cooking all the meals, and even took a day off work to take care of me! I'm very lucky! And guess what?! Alex is sleeping through the night!!! He's stopped nursing - between the pregnancy and the pnemonia my milk dried up entirely, so we were just giving him water at night. I'd read an article on BabyCentre - How I got my baby to sleep throught the night. The method is to establish a bedtime ritual, ending with putting them awake, but sleepy in their crib. Then to stay with them, singing, talking, patting, etc. untill they fall asleep - it takes Alex between 15-30 min. If they wake at night, do the same thing, giving them water if they want but no milk or bottle. So we've gone from a baby who sleeps in our bed (taking up most of it, and kicking constantly) and wakes up 2-3 times a night, to a baby who's sleeping in his crib (still in our room for now) and sleeps the whole night through! On the weekend I did bring him in to our bed in the morning for a cuddle :-) And its only been 4 days so far! He woke once the first night, then has slept through for the past 3! I think it was important for him to sleep with us while he was nursing, but since he weaned, this is much easier on all of us - especially since I've been sick! Its very nice! Rebecca: I'm from Vancouver as well: Maple Ridge actually. Its great to have local company. We can bitch about the weather together... I was so proud of Alex this morning, I dropped him off at daycare later than usual because of my doc app., so he was wide awake (he usually is asleep, and sleeps for another hour after dropping him off). But he was happy, wandered off to check things out, then came to the door and said bye-bye (more like ba-ba) and waved! No tears, no death grip- totally happy! I've felt so bad when I've had to leave while he's screaming for me. (But my little baby is growing up... :-( ) As for the bragging/RR issue. I agree that we all like to brag about our babies, we're just so proud when they start doing something new. But I've never heard anyone do it competitively (oh yeah, well my baby does this....) Its really nice to see when different babies are doing different things. When Alex was born, I couldn't believe he'd ever be able to walk, or even sit on his own... It was nice to see that other babies did figure it out, and he probably would too! However, if he was seriously delayed, it might upset me to read about all these geniuses. Maybe RR is just upset because we have older babies, who are obviously doing more, and theoretically comparing them to the younger ones on BT. I don't know, but I don't think she's going to gain any friend by complaining about mommies bragging - do we do anything else? Okay, my two-cents, hope it made some sense. I loved all the posts, I was really cracking up over some of them (Shelly and Moriah). Thanks for brightening up my day. Now I'm off for the day, and won't be in until next Monday (catch up time again). Tomorrow is Rememberance day, and I've got Friday booked as a holiday, so a four-day weekend for us! Hope everyone has a great weekend, sorry I couldn't manage any personals, I think this post is plenty long as it is!!! SarahW, Alex (14mo) & ??(-6mo) Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 19:14:09 (EST)) Hey everyone! Elizabeth is so cute and smart! She seems to pick things up so fast! Tonight, DH and I sang "If you're happy and you know it..." and now at the appropriate places in the song, she will clap her hands, stomp her feet and shout "hurray!" She suprises me everyday! My knees seem to be hurting and aching more. I think I'm going to give my doc a call tomorrow! DH has been incredible! He came home at 3pm and started to vacuum the entire house, put some laundry in the washer and dryer, pick up toys and make a great dinner (grilled steak, baked potatoes, salad, bread). I've been pretty much out of commission and he has taken over. Hmmm.. I kinda like this "cripple" stuff! LOL! Other than that, not much is new with us. CHRISTI, HI! Don't really know what to tell you about Caleb not taking his nap. Maybe to give you a break, Caleb can start having "quiet Caleb time" and you can put him in his crib and tell him it's quiet time. I'd put a couple toys in there as well. Elizabeth LOVES her quiet times after she wakes up in the morning and after her naps. She will play for 15 to 20 mins. after her nap. SARAH, Yeah, maybe after the first of the year we can get together. Things are just so hectic right now. We are leaving for Okla. next Thurs. for 10 days and then flying to Georgia for 2 weeks over Christmas. I can't wait to finally meet you, though. How long have we been saying that anyway? A year? Too long! MIMII... I'm Thinking about you and your kids! You guys are in my prayers! Please let us know you are okay! LISAB, Thanks for the update on Mimii. Such a sad, sad situation. Sorry, I had to lol about the "nasal tampons". I can just imagine Max looking at your "strings" and laughing. Well, prenatal vitamins are a sure sign you are on your way to ttc#2! Now, YOU HAVE GOT to let us know when you have another turkey baking! WOW... a huge raise would be great! Congrats! That's wonderful! I hope your surgery went AWESOME and that you have barely any pain! I'm thinking about you!!! RITA, So, LIttle Miss Divine Maddy has found some modeling clay to play with, huh? I laugh now, but I know that in a year or so, the joke will be on me! REBECCA, Sounds like Paige got a clean bill of health! PATTY, I AM thinking about JARIN!!! How is he doing?? I'm anxiously awaiting to hear back from you! Man, too bad you will miss The Thanksgiving feasts! I sure need to be the one missing the feast! Maybe I won't eat just so you won't be alone.... Yeah, right! LOL! DARLENE, Elizabeth is 15 mo. and we got her a Fisher Price Main Street set and SHE LOVES IT and plays with it every day!!! I would get Nolan the farm set, he'd love it! Don't listen to everyone... if you think Nolan would enjoy it, get it! I think I may get Eliz. the farm set because she LOVES animals so much! KATY, SO Sorry to hear that Liam has an ear infection. Elizabeth just got over her first one about a week ago. It's miserable, isn't it? SHELLY, I lol about your plans for Riley's future wife! Sounds like a fun day at the school! BIRDIE, I think I missed info on a lawsuit. Okay, what are the gory details? SARAH W, YEA for ALex sleeping thru the night. I sure hope you feel better and get well very soon!! Well, since I see so many new names, here is a little about myself: I will be 25 on Dec. 24th and Elizabeth Morgan is our first child. Elizabeth was born very healthy on July 15th, 1998 I am a sahm at the time and we live in northern Colorado. We plan on having another child in about a year or so... I've already got baby fever, thanks to LisaB! Okay, anyone heard from Stacey or Judy? I am sure Judy had her baby... anyone know what and when? I know there are several others who haven't posted in awhile... where are the "oldies"? I hope you guys are doing great! Take care everyone! Kelli & Elizabeth, 15 months email: rkncs@aol.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 01:27:41 (EST)) I forgot to ask: Those of you with 17 or 18 mo. old children... what is the one toy that they absolutely love? I'm also trying to get some Christmas ideas. Thanks!! Kelli & Elizabeth Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 01:30:57 (EST)) Hi everyone, it's Debbie. Well Emilee's birthday party went very well. We were not too sure about the weather on Saturday, it looked like it was going to rain but it didn't. Sunday was a gorgeous day. There were about 30 people total at the party. The little ones were able to play, then we had pizza, pasta salad and green salad. After that Emilee sat on the grass (along with all the other kiddies who were opening her presents) and tried to open her presents. I was kinda upset because the parents were not controlling their children. Maybe I haven't gone to enough baby birthday parties. Emilee had her very own little cake, she wasn't sure what to do with it. She would stick her finger into it and then lick her finger. We were all waiting for her to dig into it, but she never did. She didn't even get to the cake, just ate the icing. Anyway, it turned out very nice. And I only made it through half of the happy birthday song. The tears were pouring. That night I woke up with a earache which kept me awake most of the night. Then the next night I woke up with the stomach flu. I haven't been that sick in a long time. Dh had to stay home with the girls yesterday. I got out of bed twice and could barely walk. I am just happy the girls haven't got it. Knock on wood. Birdie - Good luck with the attorney. The party was really nice. Thanks. I don't know how I didn't get stretch marks, cause I got as big as a cow. Maybe it's the old age. LOL Patty - It was the thought that counts. Good luck with Jarin's surgery. I'll be thinking about him. Moriah - I am so very happy for Alex, you and Geoff. What a wonderful gift it must be for you to hear your beautiful son cry, laugh, coo and all the other great baby sounds they make. Tears of joy are streaming down my cheeks. Thanks for the birthday wishes for Emilee. Prayers to Baby Rachel. Sarah - Yes, Emilee did get the card from Hannah and she loved it. She said to tell Hannah "thank you." Emilee does the same thing with underware around the neck. Once Maddie put about 8 pairs of dh's undies around her neck. We could barely see her little face. LOL Glad you're feeling better. Julianne - Glad you're dh's home. Those first haircuts are tear jerkers. LisaB - Sounds like you had a great time at the wedding. Please send Mimii my prayers, sounds like she needs them. Hey, have I missed something...prenatals? Rebecca - Good luck with your PPD group. Happy Birthday early to Paige. Rita - Where did you go? Still hoping for a trip to the Bay Area after the holidays. What a nice present Maddy left you! Welcome Amy! Kahne - You're too funny. Kelli - Glad you dont' have to have the surgery. Sorry about your knee problems. Welcome back. Darleen & Nolan - Happy Birthday Nolan. I got my 2 1/2 year old Maddie the rock n roll Elmo last week. She was rocking out with him at Toys R Us. SarahG - I am not starting Healthy Start, I am working with them to get the county to start a program for children 5 and under. Just a activity day/play day. I have a meeting with them next week. There is nothing for the little ones to do here. Regular Reader - If you can't sign your name, then don't post..... Please everyone who has pictures, please send them my way. Thanks. Time for bed, take care and talk to you soon. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 01:37:41 (EST)) WARNING - monster post from Moriah ahead! Hi all! Baby Rachel came through surgery very well!! She has been fairly stable for about the last 36 hours. They are decreasing her ventilator settings in an attempt to extubate her in the next couple of days. They have yet to try out her new g-tube (feeding tube) so the jury is still out there. But over all things are better. Lori (her mommy) says thanks for all the extra prayers. I told her how much you guys helped us with prayers for Alex & she was so grateful for the extra help! I'll keep you informed of her progress as Lori & I are quite good friends now. It's always nice to make a new friend. Question - are you brushing you little one's teeth?? Alex is not to fond of the tooth brush & I'm unsure of the protocol here. Oaky I'm pleased to announce the launch of my new business. Zandy Cards is now open! My SIL & I are going to be doing custom announcements, invitations & cards (like Christmas). Our standard product will be a scanned photo printed on matte paper with a vellum overlay with a message printed on it. The 2 pieces will be tied together with a ribbon bow. We made little business cards on my computer using the same concept - so cute! Eventually we're hoping to get big enough to afford a web site - who knows! We can dream big! But if you do know anyone looking for that type of thing do refer them to me - no problem working through mail/Fed Ex. Our business email is zandycards@yahoo.com Of couse Zandy is Alex's nickname so we are using an altered pic of him as our logo! (thanks Lisa B for the whole damn idea!) I'm really sad over Mimi's situation. I do hope that it all works out the way she wants. I have to say that he sounds pretty harsh & I feel sad for her. I can't imagine the pain she felt without her babies for the weekend :( Cool little item! My job is working for a company that makes gourmet cheesecakes & wedding cakes (I do admin work). We're talking seriously cool stuff - she sells some of her cheesecakes in Neiman Marcus catalog for like $200 for a cake for 12 people! But it's the whole artistry of it. Check out the website - www.elegantcheesecakes.com. Anyway - she may be on CBS This Morning w/Bryant Gumbel soon. I'll let you know! Patty - I'll say a little prayer for Jarin tomorrow for his surgery! Hope all goes well. Does he have to stay over night? What no brownies from scratch?? That's it you're not my friend! LOL - I've NEVER made brownies from scratch & I really LIKE to bake! Brownies are just a mix sort of thing! Happy Birthday Nolan! Cathy G - see above re: my job! Kelly - glad E is doing better! I'm sorry your knees are giving you so much trouble :( Feel better! Crystal - All in good time! Think of it this way maybe now you guys can get things lined up financially so that your DH could not have to go to the service again. Happy thoughts to you! Sarah - SORRY for causing gray hairs!! LOL Lisa B - Nasal Tampons?? UGH! I luv ya - but that's just not a pretty picture! LOL. I'll also be thinking of you in the AM - hope all goes well! Did I mention before that Max is completely adorable? His eyes are absolutely beautiful! Rita - EEEEEWWWWWWWWW! OMG - playing in the poop! Calgon take you away! LOL Katy - I was totally thinking of you today! I was wondering how you guys were making out after the whole lawsuit fiasco. Liam is Alex's inspiration in getting rid of his g-tube! Take care! Escapee's from BT - aren't you supposed to be on your own board??? LOL LOL LOL LOL!!!!!! Hi girlzzzzz! Happy to see you over here anytime! Lynn - I'm with you I want Alex to be a baby forever! Birdie - Chocolate please! So what are you suing for? Millions I hope! I feel like suing just because if anything would have happened to your hands thus impairing your ability to type - I'd have been seriously bereft! SarahW - Take care of yourself sweety! Rest Rest Rest! Sending warm healthy thoughts your way! Hugs! Debbie - I bet it was very emotional for you since Amy is truly a miracle baby! Speaking of I heard this through a friend of a friend! Apparently there is a couple in our town that is VERY well off. The wife was thought to not be able to have children. So they did invitro with a surrogate. The surrogate is prego with twins. Now the wife miraculously turned up prego also - you guessed it - TWINS! Surrogate is due in January - Wife due in March. How unbelievable is that one????? My stats for the new girls: I'm 27 (just one month shy of 28 :(), I've been married for almost 6 years to my HSSH (Geoff)- we've been dating since we were 15. We live on the coast south of San Francisco. Alex is our only baby. I lost all of my prego weight by the time Alex was 8 weeks old. Then when Alex went back into the hospital for 3 months I gained about 20lbs so now I'm QUITE pudgy! LOL Alrighty it's 1 am so I've got to wind this up & get some sleep! Tomorrow is a work day! Chat again later! Moriah & Alex (13 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 04:14:47 (EST)) Good morning, SARAH here!! Hope everyone is well this morning. We had a good night last night. DH was working, so it was a "girl's night". HANNAH was so good, but she kept looking for daddy. Every night she stands at the top of the stairs and yells "dada" and DH runs up the stairs and chases her. She gets so excited. Well, last night she kept doing it, but no one would come. :( I tried it with her, but it just wasn't the same. Then she carried around the cordless phone on her shoulder and "talked" to daddy for 1/2 hour. Too cute. OK, here's a little bit about myself for the new mommies. I am 28 years old. HANNAH TRACIE is our first. DH and I have been married for 17 months. HANNAH was a HUGE surprise.....but the BEST thing ever!!!!!!! I live in Denver, Colorado (a native). LISA - Thanks for the info on MIMII'. I sent her an email. Good luck today. Talk to you on Monday. LAURA - Well, I sort of jinxed HANNAH's sleeping. She went to be at 8:15 then woke up at 3:30 for about 2 minutes then will probably sleep until 8:00am. Should have known!! :) PATTY - See above! Good luck today. Can't wait to hear how it went. KATY - Sorry LIAM has an ear infection. Those aren't fun. HANNAH's had 5 or 6 already. You cracked me up with your "sorry about the monster post". (Wait until you see mine - then you'll see a monster post!!) SARAH W. - Damn girl!! Take care of yourself!! Sorry you were so sick. Glad DH was a big help!! Great news about ALEX sleeping through the night...guess what...you probably just jinxed it!! LOL LOL SOOOO cool about hearing the baby's heartbeat!!! I love that! REBECCA - Poor PAIGE and her shots!! :( :( KELLI - After the first of the year would be GREAT. We have to go to Green Bay at the end of February, but that's it. Cute story about ELIZABETH!! Glad you're DH has helped out alot!! I was just thinking about STACEY and JUDY the other day! I wish they'd check in! DEBBIE - Party sounds like fun! How are you feeling today?? Better, I hope!! You cracked me up when you said MADDIE put 8 pairs of underwear on her head!!!!! I can just picture that! LOL LOL MORIAH - I was wondering about the brushing teeth thing, too! I give HANNAH a toothbrush and let her "play" with it. I'm not sure what to do, either. Great news about RACHEL!! I've been praying for her and her family!! JULIANNE - HI!! I know you'll have a post right after mine. :) Well ladies, I get to leave early today. Nothing fun, though. I have my OB/GYN appt today. I was supposed to have it last week, but got sick. PATTY, I'll let you know what he says about the "sex thing". Hope you all have a great day!!!!!! Tomorrow is Friday!! :) :) :) :) :) Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 09:28:21 (EST)) Wow, you ladies just had your fingers flying yesterday, what a lot a posts to read. You all were too funny!! I got lots of laughs reading. I took the day off yesterday as a vacation day. No, I did not spend it with Colton. I spent my vacation entering all our business accounts payable info into the accounting program at our shop. I haven't worked that hard in a long time. I only stopped for a 1/2 lunch break!! What a slave driver DH is. I taught Colton the funniest thing this week. He says "poo poo" when he has a dirty. I was changing a dirty and he was not being very cooperative. So I pinched his nose and said "poo poos are stinky" and kind of shook his head no. Now when we ask him if poo poos are stinky he grabs our nose and shakes our head. Won't grab his own nose though. I had to cut his fingernails last night because my nose was getting scratched!! Rita: Welcome to Amy's official transfer over to TT. What a rude awakening you had w/ Maddy's poopy diaper. Heather: I always tape Colton's paper to the table since he has art time every night now. I have to watch him carefully because he like to bite the tips of the crayons and chew on them. Good idea using colored pencils. I might give them a try. Beth: That's the same thing Colton did when my DH was gone last week. Just breaks your heart doesn't it? Your e-mail to the webmaster worked. Thanks. Lisa: Hope you surgery went well. You will have us all wondering until we hear from you on Monday. I just giggled away at the thought of your nasel tampons. Congrats on the promotion, works perfect w/ your plan. Thanks for the pictures of Max. The close-up of him in the coat is adorable. I just wanted to reach in the computer and pinch his cheeks. Patty: What, all brownies don't come from a box??? I hope all went well with Jarin's ear tube surgery today. Darleen: Happy 1st birthday to Nolan (a little late--oops). Colton loves playing w/ the Fisher Price farm--both my IL's and my neighbor have one. Don't wait on your toy ideas. Buying them earlier just means that you and Nolan will get more use out of them. Jennifer: I too have a very active boy. Everyone comments on how he does not sit still for long. He is all boy and I love it!! CathyG: Great news about your job and the reduced hours. Dh sure got a "trick" on Halloween getting locked out of the house. I locked myself out last Saturday while DH was in a plane w/ the only other key. My neighbor picked the lock w/ a credit card!! Made me really glad that DH was coming home that night--not very safe--it took him less than a minute to get in!! Kelli: How cute of Elizabeth to pick out the toe fuzz and to clap and stomp her feet to the song. What a great DH you have to wait on you and help out so good. Katy: I hope Liam's ear infection clears up soon as well as the daycare situation. Never a dull moment in mommieland is there? Shelly: Yeah for Jesse moving to a new class next week. Rebecca: Good check-up Paige. Our little ones do fall asleep in some inconvenient places. Colton has fallen asleep on the way to the grocery store and continued to sleep on my shoulder while I push the cart one-handed throgh the store--not fun! SarahW: Yeah for hearing the baby's heartbeat. Rest & take care. Great job in getting Alex switched to the crib & sleeping through the night. Debbie: Sounds like Emilee's birthday party went well. Sorry you ended up w/ the flu. Moriah: Thanks for the baby Rachel update. I will keep her in my prayers. Colton loves brushing his teeth when we do. He even likes the tooth paste. He has been doing this for several months now. I wanted to introduce it to him early because we do not have city water. Great business idea and name. Yummy--cheesecake! Sarah: Poor Hannah missing her daddy. So cute of her talking to him on the phone. Mimii': Just in case you are lurking and not posting--please know you and your family are in my prayers. I can not begin to imagine how you must have felt coming out of the video store and realizing your babies were gone. I hope everything can be worked out sensibly and without any more of these type of antics. Take care everyone. Julianne & Colton 16 months today!! email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 11:53:21 (EST)) Good morning from Rita! Wow, lots of long posts! Good thing I can concentrate on this board these days! Warning: The following post may be interpreted as bragging. Please remove all readers from the audience who may find it offensive. Our updates - I don't want to jinx it, but we are still healthy. Maddy had at least three ear infections in her first year and Amy, knock wood, hasn't had one yet. Yipee! Maddy is wearing her panties at home (not on her head, though) until bedtime. No accidents, but she also hasn't used the potty yet, either. Amy has actually stood on her own for a few seconds until she realized it. She's starting to cruise and loves to stand more than anything else these days. She loves to stand in her crib while Larry reads stories to the girls. He has to sing one of the stories that Maddy likes best and Amy dances back and forth, looking like Joe Cocker. I really need to get the video camera out to capture this. Rebecca - Thank you for the pictures. Paige is really beautiful. And so are you - it's good to finally see you! Shelly - I've got a curly-haired blonde, but she's a little old for Riley. My co-worker's son is five months older than Amy and we joke that she will be his future wife. I've already asked him about his future prospects. Kelli - I believe in buying toys that are a little more advanced as long as they are safe. Amy will be getting those musical blocks that play Mozart, world music and sounds of the orchestra. She is so into music, that we thought it would great if she could make her own. Maddy is getting an easel and paints and a cool gear toy that I bought on sale months ago. Patty - Thinking of you and Jarin today. Hope all goes well. Lisa B - Thinking of you as well. Too funny about the nasal tampons. One step closer to BB#2. Debbie - We took the trailer out one last time and went up to Ferndale for the weekend. We may come down your way in the Spring. Larry wants to take a week long trip, spend a few days in Yosemite and go some other places. I would love to spend a day in your area, so maybe we can plan on something like that. The two Maddies and Emilee and Amy should definitely meet! Sarah W - Take good care of yourself! Moriah - We really started the using the toothbrush regularly at fourteen months or so. we still have to brush Maddy's teeth, but she gets a chance to do it herself, too. Boy, I have lots of ideas for your business! Some handmade paper (super easy to make) would add a neat touch as would using some punchart for a 3D-like effect. (Can you tell that I have immersed myself in the world of scrapping?) I am hoping to have a "Craft Tea" sometime after the holidays to get a group of women together to bring their work and I'll have to send you and your SIL an invite so that you can show your wares. Wow, I had better get back to work. Take care everyone. Rita, Maddy & Amy, too email: ritad@home.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 13:02:56 (EST)) Hi everyone.....didn't have time to post last night so I'll see if I can catch up. Julianne- That is funny, what Colton says. I always ask Adam if he is "making poo-poo" he just kinda squats and grunts and really concentrates on doing his business. I'm trying to get off on the right foot for potty training, that way he knows to tell me "poo-poo" when he goes or has to go. He doesn't say it yet, but I think he knows that it means. Debbie- Adam has a Rock-N-Roll Elmo my mom got through Avon last Xmas. He loves it!! He grabs Elmo by his eyes and dances in cirlces. He's figured out the button to push to make him go........sometimes I wished he hadn't!! Sarah and Debbie- Kids love underwear, I don't know why1 My son found a pair of mine that had just come out of the wash yesterday and wore it around his neck for a good hour or so. Then he tried Daddy's but my DH wears boxer briefs so they were a little tight, he couldn't get them on!! Sarah- That method really does work doesn't it? I was amazed when I tried it with Adam. For the first 4 months of his life he slept in his car seat because everytime I tried to lay him in the basinette he would wake up and fuss. Since then, I put him in there sleepy and within a few minutes he is sound asleep! Birdie- Hang in there, you will conquer all!!! (I just love your name, reminds me of Hope Floats...i love that movie..sigh) Well, I guess since I am kind of new here I should tell a little about myself...I live in Arlington, TX (about 30 min from Dallas) and my DH's name is David. I'm 22 and David is 25. I had a miscarriage and D&C on Sept 27 of this year and am hoping to be PG again soon. AF is still not here even though it has been 7 weeks and I have all the symptoms of pregnancy. But- the two tests came out negative so far. I am still crossing my fingers that they are wrong. Right now we both work full time with a little help from my parents on the issue of who watches Adam. I want to quit SO bad. That issue is still being discussed. I love this board and I love meeting new mommies with babies around the same age as Adam. I also hang out on the Pregnancy today board, trying to catch some of those concieving vibes from all of the expectant mommies! Well, I better go take my shower while Adam is napping and I have the chance. take care and talk to ya soon! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 13:35:31 (EST)) Hello from LauraB - I hope everyone is having a nice Veterans Day. To my Canadian friends hope you are also having a nice day. QUESTION - Shane has developed a terrible rash on his behind. He cries whenever he goes #2 lately and it has been runny. Do you think this could be due to his being on whole milk now? Also he has started drinking apple juice could this be irritating him? Any advice is greatly appreciated. This is new for me because luckily up until now he hasn't ever had diaper rash. Also I am looking for good snack ideas for daycare because right now he only eats crackers and I know that isn't exactly the healthiest option. Thanks ladies. LisaB - Goodluck to you on your surgery. Rebecca - Sorry to hear about the Paige's shots. That is the worst part of the doctors visits. Birdie - I have that same flap over my scar. Thanks for letting me know that this isn't at all unusual. SaraW - Isn't it funny how it hurts us when we leave them at daycare and they are crying, yet it also hurts us when they don't care if we leave? My stats are as follows. I am 33yrs old and have been married to Randy for 13 years. Shane is our first baby born on Oct 30th, 98 and is the joy of our lives. I am fortunate to be a SAHM and get a break 3 times a week by going to a gym for an hour. It hasn't really done any good to my figure but is great for stress relief. Talk to you ladies tomorrow. LauraB@Shane 12 months email: xxbryant@aol.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 13:49:41 (EST)) Hi! Christi here, hope you are all having a good day! So, I have to say, there is something going on, here at home and on this board--everyone is getting pg, or trying. Well, I have to tell you it is giving me the bug!!!! I know of 4 people here who are due within one week of each other. I really want #3, DH isn't so sure. We have a small house (3 bedrooms) and no $$ to revamp the basement for more room. Someone told me last night if you have 2 you may as well go for 3, there isn't much difference. So, moms of 3, what do you think? And, how do I talk DH into it? (It isn't like I can accidentaly end up pg, it took lots of drugs to get Caleb.) Toys for boys--Caleb loves his Rock-n- Roll Ernie, he also got the "happy Construction Crane" from FP for his B-day, he likes it, and the little electronic driving things that make a TON of noise. For Christmas he is getting little people things from my mom, and to be honest, I have nothing to buy for him, he doesn't need clothes, has too many toys already, so, what a new pair of shoes, an empty cardboard box? Well, no time for personals, Caleb is not napping again! Bye for now Christi & Caleb 12+ months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 15:16:44 (EST)) Rebecca here... Okay, to start since we are introducing ourselves again I'm 25, my DH (Simon) is 27. Paige is our first. We live in Vancouver, BC in a tiny apartment. I stay at home and DH drives a recycling truck. Heather - Where in Washington are you? SarahW - wow, you're not all that far! Maybe we can get together one day (probably in the new year). Heather is down in Washington and Cyndi from BT lives in Surrey. If the east coast moms can get together, so can the west coast!LOL Debbie - I'll send you the pics of Paige today. Moriah - I found that Paige will let me brush her teeth (for a minute), if I've just brushed mine. We also bought the flavored kids toothpaste. Well, my munchkin is waking up and I have a million things today before Saturday. If I don't post tomorrow you know I've gone insane preparing!LOL Talk to you soon! Rebecca & Paige (2 days to 1) email: burn@canadawired.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 16:29:48 (EST)) Hi all, Katy here Moriah- good to know Liam is an inspiration to Alex. Getting rid of the g-tube was easy, remember, he pulled it out!!! The button was a pain in the butt. As for the lawsuit, DH's lawyers have decided to fight for more money. That means waiting, but hopefully it will be worth it. Thanks to all for the sympathies with Liam's ear infection. He's better now the fever has gone. He's still a little stuffy in the chest, but back to his happy self. There really is never a dull moment in mommieland. Sorry if I missed everyone else, but I got to go no, Liam is getting into stuff!! Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 16:32:37 (EST)) Good Afternoon Girls!!!! I was LOL about all the undies on the heads. Riley doesn't wear any laundry on his head, but he does like to steal the freshly folded clothes off the couch. I find laundry in the stangest places. I know he thinks he's helping, but sometimes I fold the same load of clothes 3 or 4 times. He drives the laundry basket around and every time he passes the couch, he adds to it. Monster boy!!! Again today, he said a new word. We were cleaning the room and his bro gave him a block to put away and Riley said "block". But when I tried to get him to say it again, no way!!! He's teasing me. He did the same thing with walking. At nine and 3/4 months he stood up and took 5 steps to Taylor. We wer all hysterical. But from then on, if I watched he would not walk. I had to pretend to look the other way to see him walking. Do any other babies out there act like this, or do I just have a comedian on my hands??!!! On to personals. Debbie** I have had many b-day parties. (my oldest is 12) I can not believe how people let their kids act. After the first time of watching bratty kids rip gifts right out of the Birthday Boys hands, I learned. I now make all the kids sit down and I help my boys. This way, pictures can be taken, or at least, that is the reason I give. When I take my boys to other kid's parties. I make them sit down and watch. I remind them who's birthday it is. I've also had trouble with kids sticking their fingers in the cakes or blowing out the candles too soon. I'de smack my kid if he ever did that to someonelses cake. Birdie** I'm proud of you for taking it this far!!! Good for you, standing up to that stupid store. I bet they wished they would've treated you better. Julianne** Too cute with the poo poo story. Every morning, Riley sits on his potty. He lets out this big fart and then gets off and looks in. He always claps his hands and says yay. I'de love to get it on video, boy could I blackmail him later on!!LOL LauraB**Thank God you are a fellow "thirty's girl". I was beginng to think I was the oldest here. Everyone else seems to be in their twenties. I'll be 33 Jan. 6 Well, I'de better let my son and nephew on the computer before they die of boredom!! Chat at ya tomorrow!!! Shelly & Riley 19 months Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 19:06:12 (EST)) Hi all, It's 2 am and I wanted to share something, I HAVE RESOLVED TO LOSE 20 POUNDS BY CHRISTMAS! Here is a poem I wrote to cheer myself on....... FAT GIRL I walk across a room, and what do I see? A fat girl looking back at me, I narrow my eyes, She narrows hers, I tell the stupid mirror, up yours! Oh, I see the thin girls on TV, But those choco cookies are calling me! I sometimes think about a diet, but, I'd rather take my potato and fry it! They say eight glasses of water a day, I think, I gag, I say NO WAY! I want to do sit ups and push ups and run, but sitting at the puter is much much more fun, I ask my DH, do I look fat? He asks me WHY DO YOU ASK ME THAT! I say because my spirits are low, and look, my left boob is hitting my TOE! I look this way and turn around back, I look at my thighs, DID CHILDBIRTH DO THAT????? I'm gonna be thin,I swear it to God, I'm tired of lookin like a fat slob. I'm gonna run, jump and be free, I'm not gonna sit my ass in front the TV! So come on girls who's with me? Lets do it! I SWEAR this time I'm gonna stick to it! YEAH I'VE HEARD THAT BEFORE........ Ok, I am gon to bed now, my artistic moment is over, hehe!! Kahne and Cat, AKA Night Owl email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 02:24:18 (EST)) After last night with Colton I think I am in for it! After bathtime he loves to run around naked and I usually let him while I clean up his clothes and bathroom. I came out to find him naked riding his 3-wheel motorcycle through the house! When I told DH about it he asked Colton if he wanted to join Hells Angels!! I keep waiting to wake up with a head of grey hair each morning. Sarah: You were right, I posted after you yesterday as you predicted. I may have actually posted before you today!! Christi: Wow, great 1 year photos of Caleb. I can see why you like the one w/ his blankie. It makes him look more babyish and it is so hard for us mommies to so our little ones grow up. It goes so quick. Rita: Too cute about Amy dancing in her crib to DH's singing story. You better get that on video! Yeah for Maddie wearing her panties (in the right spot) at home. Hope she gets used to the potty too soon. Jennifer: Here are some positive thoughts going your way for TTC#2. ~~~~~~+++++++++~~~~~~ Sorry to hear about the miscarriage. LauraB: I sure hope Shane's rash clears up soon--sorry I have no advice as we have not had to deal with that yet. Here are a few snack ideas: yogurt covered raisins (cut in half), cheese cubes, cereal, and Gerber fruit snacks. Rebecca: Please e-mail me pictures of Paige. Shelly: Riley a comedian, yeah it fits--especially after reading about his AM ritual--way too funny. Kahne: I loved the fat poem. Thanks for the good laugh. Patty: How did Jarin's surgery go? Hope he is feeling OK and getting used to the tubes in his ears. Have a great weekend everyone. Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 09:37:38 (EST)) Good morning!!! SOOOO glad it's Friday!!!! :) :) SARAH here. I just love the weekends!!! The weather is so beautiful here in Colorado, too. It's supposed to be mid to high 70's all weekend! I have to babysit my brother's 3 kids all day tomorrow. Could be a GREAT day for the park! I know some of you watch ER. I do every week. I think that little boy (Dr. Benton's - maybe) is just so damn cute!!!! So sad last night. It makes me cry every week!!!! Have any of you seen that new show GREED??? RITA - I'm so glad to hear you all are still healthy. I remember last year you and AMY (I think) were sick alot. VERY CUTE about AMY dancing in her crib!!! JENNIFER - OK, so I don't have the only one who is infatuated with underwear?!?!! LOL LAURA - How is SHANE's rash? CHRISTI - VERY cute pictures of CALEB. Like I told you, I love the one with the blanket, too!!! I'm getting baby fever, too! I went to my doctor for my annual yesterday, and told them when I come back in next year, I may be preggo!! :) REBECCA - I usually don't have a chance to log on from home on the weekends so.......HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAIGE!!!!! :) :) :) :) SHELLY - HANNAH does the same with the laundry too. Actually, whatever I take out of the basket, she puts back in. Or, vice versa. BIRDIE - YOU GO GIRL!!!!!! How's NOAH?? KAHNE - Your poem cracked me up!!!! Good luck! You know I'll be your cheering section!!! :) PATTY - How did yesterday go? Oh, I asked about the "sex thing". He just said it's very normal, and to give it 6 more months. He offered to give me something yesterday, but I refused ( I don't HATE sex!!!) OK ladies, hope you all have a GREAT, SAFE weekend!!! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 10:54:29 (EST)) Hey everyone! IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!! That was for you Sarah! :) I have a hair appointment tomorrow for highlights and a cut. I haven't had highlights in forever and I'm looking forward to somewhat of a change. Elizabeth is doing great. She's into EVERYTHING that she's not supposed to be in. She's watching Elmo's world right now. We are leaving for Oklahoma next Thursday for Thanksgiving. We will be gone for 11 days and I'm so looking forward to getting away. Oh, and I begin my physical therapy on Monday. Oh joy! DEBBIE, Happy Belated Birthday to Emilee!! How are you feeling? I hope a lot better!! MORIAH, I'm so glad to hear that baby Rachel got through surgery okay. Her mother could definatly use a friend like you!!! I try to brush Elizabeth's teeth nightly, but we sometimes forget a night or two. She's really good about it (SOMETIMES!) I'll tell her to show me her teeth and I ask her how big her mouth is and she opens really wide. It sounds like you have a great idea with ZandyCards! GOOD luck and congrats!! You sound so excited! I'm going to have to go check out the cheesecake site. SARAH, THat was so sweet about Hannah carrying the cordless phone around talking to her daddy! Hey, I watch ER but last night I was on the phone while it was on and really didn't hear what went on... fill me in!! Is Dr. benton's little boy his? What disease does Gabe (alan Alda) have? Does he have Alzheimers? JULIANNE, Yuck... you took a day off from work and had to work?! That is so cute about your little Hell's Angel holding your nose when he has a dirty diaper! LAURAB, Whole milk could change the BM... but it should return to normal within a week. I do know apple juice does cause terrible diaper rashes. (because it's so acidic) I use A&D ointment for diaper rashes and change VERY frequently. I have also been known to use Pamper's Rash Care diapers when she's even the slightest bit red. Elizabeth's snack's usually consist of: Cheerio's, graham crackers, Gerber Graduates strawberry bars, fruit (bananas, apples, grapes and the jarred Gerber Graduates diced fruits. CHRISTI, I know what you mean about the baby bug! I have also been infected! I think DH and I are going to TTC#2 in about 8 months or so... maybe a year. JENNIFER, you're from Arlington, TX? One of my best friends who just had her first child a couple months ago lives in Euless. RITA, I have seen that Musical Baby Blocks that plays Mozart, etc. I've thought of getting that for Elizabeth. SHe loves music too. She loves to play her xylophone & I'd like to get her a play piano. That's just too cute about your little miss Joe Cocker! REBECCA, HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY TO PAIGE tomorrow! I'm sure it will be a wonderful day! SHELLY, No, you aren't the only one in your thirties. There are several on this board who are over 30: Patty, LisaB, Rita, Debbie. Of course, I'm not... I still have 5 years to go. LOL! :) Hey, do any of you "oldies" know anything about our pictures? I thought they would surely get back to us by now. I'm rather worried because Amanda (with Sloane) is the one who is supposed to send pictures to me and she hasn't been here in months!!! Also, I have a cousin who had cervicle cancer about 5 years ago after she had her first child. Well, she's cancer-free now, but they had to do a total hystorectomy (sp?) and of course she's not able to have more children. They have been trying to adopt for 3 to 4 years now. I feel just terrible for them because everytime they come close to having a baby, it falls through. THis last time, we were all excited because it looked so promising. The baby is due Nov. 20th and they were almost positive that they were to be new parents again! Well, it turns out that the bio-mom wants to keep the child after all. A little history on this mom: She's barely 20 years ago and this child is her 4th! She gave 2 of her children up for adoption and she has a 2 year old with her. She even told the adoption agency that if my cousins wanted the 2 year old along with the baby she's carrying that that would be great. Can you believe that???? Of course my cousins would love to take both children in a heartbeat! Now, they have to wait in agony again. Such a sad situation. ANyway, you might keep them in your prayers. Thanks! Kelli & Elizabeth, 16 months on Monday email: rkncs@aol.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 12:19:08 (EST)) Good morning from Rita. Happy Friday to everyone! I just wish the weekends were a bit longer. We take the girls for their first joint picture tomorrow. Hopefully, Maddy will cooperate. The last time we took her in she wouldn't do it and we ended up getting a picture of Amy that we hadn't planned on. Julianne - Naked time is so important! Maddy still likes to run through the house after her bath and our Belgian still likes to goose her. Are you going to get Colton one of those Power Wheels Harley Davidsons? Christi - Thanks for the adorable pictures of Caleb. What a sweetie he is! Kahne - Loved your poem. It went quite well with the Hershey's Kisses that I was eating. LOL Rebecca - Happy Birthday to Paige one day early. Kelli - My heart goes out to your cousin. I sure hope that they can adopt a baby soon. There was a mom out here who just kidnapped her baby from the hospital because it was born drug-addicted and the hospital wouldn't release the baby to her. She had already lost custody of her two other children because of her drug habit and didn't want to lose this baby. The baby is now back in a hospital and both parents are in custody. I have a hard time finding sympathy for her since the one way that she could have ensured keeping her baby was to get help while she was PG. I spent too much time working in the county jail system and saw many similar situations. There are so many people who can and want to take good care of these babies. Shelly - Yes, I am in the oldies, I mean thirties, club. I am 36+ For the newer members: I am 36, married to Larry, 39, for 3+ years. We have two DDs, Maddy (12/31/96) and Amy (1/4/99). We live in the SF Bay Area, about a hour across the bay from Moriah. I work full time outside of the home, but only until we win the lottery! Gotta go! Have a great weekend everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy email: ritad@home.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 12:53:37 (EST)) Hello everyone! I have a small question for everyone. I have a 22 month old (Korianna)and a 7wk old(Blayten). My 22-month old still takes a pacifier!! She calls it her pappy, and wants it contstantly. She will cry and fuss for hours with out it. PLEASE, if you have any ideas please let me know!! Amy Friday, November 12, 1999 at 13:12:59 (EST)) Me again!!! Kahne: I had to find that poem everyone was talking about!!! I loved it!! You are very artistic! I do good to make up stupid silly songs that entertain the kiddos! I too tell my self I'm going to lose weight and never do. oh well!! Have a great weekend everyone!!! Amy Friday, November 12, 1999 at 13:26:30 (EST)) Rebecca here (quickly)... Julianne - the pics are on their way! Sarah - Paige loved her card from Hannah (and you). She was in her highchair eating when I loaded it and she laughed! Thankyou everyone for Paige's bday greetings! I just wanted to check in real quick. Have a great weekend! Rebecca & Paige (1 day left) email: burn@canadawired.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 13:36:33 (EST)) Hi again....OUCH I just has a wisdom tooth pulled. The cotton in my mouth is driving me nuts! I can't talk very well either....good thing all I have to do is type on here! Adam was a little troublemaker today. He was being very obstinant and "tantrum-prone". I took him to my mom's (he cals her Ga-Ga) while I was at the dentist and when I came back, her house looked like a disaster area! He was only there one hour and what a mess he made!! DH and I went to Dillards last night to buy him some clothes and they had this little motorcycle-like thing that he can sit on and it vibrates and the screen looks like he's driving. He loved it! Letting him try it out was a big mistake because then he didn't want to get off. When we had to go he threw a big fit right there in the store! We have decided to go backl and get it for him for Xmas. Does anyone else's 15 month old throw tantrum fits already? Adam loves to let hjis legs go limp and throw himself onto the floor when he gets mad and then when I try to pick him up his whole body is like a wet noodle. Argh! This morning Adam did something so cute (look out, I'm about to brag....) we were watching Bear in the Big Blue House (I say WE because I LOVE that show!!) and Bear was reading a big book. Adam went up to the TV, pointed at it and said "book". Oh, I was so proud!! Ok, now on to personals: Christi- My brother has 3 kids ages 5,6 and 9 and they seem to love it. It makes for such a great "family atmosphere" I say go for it!! Shelly- Adam thinks he is quite the commedian too. When I tell him to say "mama" he says, very loudly, "dada!!" We can go back and forth for five minutes and the whole time he has this grin on his face. Julianne- Thx for the support, I'm still waiting to see what is going on with my body. Who knows, but I'm hoping I'm pregnant! Sarah- Dr. Benton's son is his and he is deaf. Most of the time I can't stand Dr. Benton he's so arrogant!! Kelli- Euless is right down the street from me...I live like right on the line between Arlington and Euless. Well, I'd better go now, I heard a cry from my little one waking up. Take care all, Bye! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Friday, November 12, 1999 at 14:03:04 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! No I didn't drop off the earth!! I've been busy- to put it very short, shopping for the funeral and wake- had nothing formal and very 'morbid' to wear, DD went to the doctors this AM and is now on amoxicillan(sp?) and at school feeling better and DH is off to Fla. w/the guys until tues. PM. So I will be the kids entertainment for the next few days and chauffeur!! Sit everyone---------- I have a disc of photos-- 5 of Amanda-( some with DS and DD) sorry the next will also be of me! PROMISE!! Ok-- the bad thing is I don't have a clue what to do with it!! I did put it in the computer and viewed all the pics but am not sure how to send them so I have my books out and am reading up on it- if anyone wants to give me any tips go right ahead- who knows when I will figure it out on my own-LOL!! Moriah-Beth-Sarahw/Hannah-LisaB-and Rita-- thanks for the pictures!!!! JULIANNE I got an e-mail from you but only the 'God' essay-- really cute I might add!! No photos?????? Our babies are just the cutest- yes Moriah yours were the first- had tears in my eyes when I saw Alex- just wanted to kiss him all over! What a doll-loved the costume! Oh-- I think I already told you I got them?? Anyway I thought you had lighter hair from the one on the wedding web site months ago,maybe the lighting.( the pumpkin photo turned out so good!)Happy belated 13mos to Alex!! Beth-- Our little ones could be sisters! SAME hair!! Loved the one in the pumpkin patch! Rita-- The girls are ADORABLE!!! Loved the pumpkin patch setting! LISAB-- Max is so HANDSOME--and so much hair!! I got Amanda the chair he has but w/tigger on it, for X-mas-- she loves sitting in them when we go to Penny's- try's them all out. Sarah-- That hair and little face!!!Hannah is SO cute!!!! Rebecca-- Paige is a doll! What a sweet little face! I think all our babies could win a contest- they are all so cute!! Please keep the pictures comming. I was showing them to Amanda and she was pointing and saying that--that-- she was pointing to Alex's teddybear! PATTY- How is Jarin doing on the stairs?? Hope everything is well with surgery!!! LISAB--Hope your OP goes well!Nasal tampons????? Amanda would love trying to grab at them- good luck with Max and keeping him from grabbing them!! Hope they come out painlessly. CRYSTAL-- Sorry to hear your disappointed- maybe its for the better with DH just getting back and Darrel showing aggression, etc.... doesn't make it easier though does it? SARAH- Congrats on Hannah sleeping- Amanda goes 2+wks now without waking but does occasionally- hope it keeps up! MIMII-- So sorry to hear the bad news!!I hope you have friends that will help you through this, how terrible for a husband to do this to his wife- the kids need their mother- I hope they are back soon!!! RITA--How helpful for Maddy to check her own diaper for you!!! DARLEEN---Happy belated b-day to Nolan!! OK- this seems very long- gotta go and try to figure this disc out!! Helen&Amanda@15mos(#3) email: mhim27@hotmail.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 14:23:02 (EST)) Four Score and seven months ago, I set forth on this site a new board, dedicated to bragging . . . .. .Oh, sorry, the “Founding Mother” was starting to creep out of me there for a minute. LOL! Moriah, I was really laughing at the image of me in a white wig sewing a big old TT flag for us to salute. You are a riot!! Well I gave Allison her first haircut the other night. She still doesn’t have too much on top, but the back was getting long and stringy looking. I kept her little blonde locks, a bit sad, but at least her hair looks a lot better now :-). Dh didn’t want me to cut it, but he now admits that it looks better too. It started curling up more when I cut it too. I have naturally curly hair (spend hours straightening it!!) so I kinda hope she doesn’t get it since I have hated it all my life, but little girls with curly hair are too cute (RITA, you should know that!!!) Shelly, if she ends up with blonde curly hair then maybe she could be a candidate for Riley’s future wife. LOL. On the subject of toys, since so many people are wondering about them. We got Allison a Little Tykes Kitchen set for Christmas as she loves the kitchen set at my sitters. My sitter says she also loves the “doll center”. Not really sure what you call it, but it has a high chair, and a changing table that plays music and she said Allison loves to play with that. I think it is made by Playskool. She also loves all the Fisher Price sets (barn, house, etc) so whoever it was that said everyone told them to wait a year, I wouldn’t. This age is the perfect time for those things in my opinion. We also got her a Magna Doodle and will probably get her a bunch of puzzles and things like that as well. Patty – thinking about you and Jarin’s tubes today! Hope all goes/went well. Lisa – hope your nose operation was successful as well. The image of you with nasal tampons with the strings hanging out was too funny!! Rebecca – Happy Birthday Paige, one day early! Good luck with the party. Kelli – I will be praying for your cousin. It’s really sad that people that would be wonderful parents have such a hard time yet irresponsible druggies, etc can pop babies out left and right. Sometimes things don’t seem quite fair. What will we do while you’re gone for 11 days?? We just got you back you can’t be leaving again so soon! Rita – good luck with the pictures. I hope the Divine Miss M acts simply divine for you!! Debbie – sorry the other kids were such brats at Amy’s party. I can’t believe how some parents let their kids act either. We had several couples over a few weeks ago and 2 of them have 3 year old boys. I thought they were going to break every one of Allison’s toys and their moms weren’t saying anything!!! Finally, I put my foot down and made them behave. I don’t know if the other moms liked me correcting their children, but having a background in elem ed and dealing with lots of unruly children, I’m not too shy about telling kids what to do, etc. I figure it was my house and Allison’s toys so they were going to follow my rules! Moriah – good luck with Zandy cards. Sounds like a great idea!! I have been brushing Allison’s teeth since she was about 14 months old. If I let her “brush” my teeth with my toothbrush then she will let me brush her teeth with her toothbrush. She hasn’t gotten down the spitting concept, but that will come in time. Juianne – too cute about your little Hell’s Angel! Watch out Sturgis here comes Colton! Kahne – your poem was too funny!! I was LOL! Shelly – Allison likes to “help” with the laundry as well. Mostly she just ends up putting the clean clothes all over the floor, but at least she’s trying. Yesterday, I did manage to get her to hand me the dirty clothes out of the basket as I sorted them into color piles. It took a bit longer, but she really felt like she was doing something and loved to be “helping” mommy out! She also hands me the stuff from the dishwasher so that I can put it away. You should just see her trying to lift a big 9 X 13 casserole dish. LOL! Birdie –good luck with your lawsuit. Maybe you’ll get millions of dollars and be able to fly us all out to your new estate in the country so you can have your cook fix us cake and be the hostess of a real party for us!! LOL Well, I’d better get back to work. Talk to you later. Have a great weekend if I don’t get to talk to you before Monday. Beth and Allison (17 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 14:30:48 (EST)) Hi, this is Birdie. My entire post from yesterday is gone. Hope I remember everything. If I miss anyone, sorry. New England girls!!!! Tomorrow is the day. 1:30 in front of Macy's. Woohoo!!! Looking forward to meeting everyone. I think I have somehow traumatized Noah. He has begun hiding when he "makes poopies". Why is he doing this? I've seen 2 and 3 year olds do this but not 11 month old babies. Sorry to share my bathroom habits but I always keep the door open when I go and Noah always comes in with me. I've never even done anything to make him feel ashamed of pooping. I have never even said you stink. Nothing like that. We usually cheer when he has poopies because it means things are working. What's up with the hiding? He goes under the dining room table or walks behind a chair and when he's done he comes out and I change him. Any ideas??? Also, my weight is out of control. It makes no sense to me at all. i swear i weigh more than I did at 9 months preg. After Noah i lost like 30 pounds but now i'm gaining like crazy. It doesn't make sense because I get more exercise than ever and I usually only get to eat once a day if that. I found out my mom, grandmother, and 2 cousins all have thyroid problems and that my weight could have something to do with it. Have any of you ever heard anything like this? I have a Dr appt Wednesday to find out. I think it's probably the tootsie rolls and doughnuts finally catching up with me. Also, this morning i found out that my "first" boyfriend who I dated for 4 years was killed last night. It's very strange to me. Kind of freaks me out. He has 4 little babies which is really sad. I'll do my personals tomorrow. Sorry. Helen- See you tomorrow. Birdie and Noah (almost one!!!) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Friday, November 12, 1999 at 15:58:29 (EST)) Almost time to go get Colton. I thought I would post some more personals since you all usually do lots of posting on the weekend and it takes me all morning on Mondays to post! *not a bad way to start my work week :) Sarah: A park day sounds great right now. I am hooked on the show greed--I want to get on there. I would have settled for the car last night!! Kelli: You just joined us after a long disappearance how dare you leave again for 11 days. LOL--we will miss you and go though Elizabeth withdrawal. Have a great trip & holiday. Sorry to hear about the problems your cousin is having w/ the adoption process. Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 16:24:21 (EST)) Julianne again--my computer crashed. Not allowed when I only have a few minutes left to finish my posting!! Rita: Good luck w/ the joint picture. Yes, DH has his eye on the PW Harley. Not for Christmas though--maybe his 2nd b-day. Rebecca: Thanks for the pic's. The mother/daughter one is great. I really wish I had a professional one taken of Colton and me when he was a baby. We need to get a family one taken soon. Paige has a great smile. Colton has the same chin dimple. Amy: Welcome. Sorry, I have no advice for the paci--Colton hated them. Jennifer: I hope you get rid of your cotton mouth soon. LOL. Yeah for Adam recognizing the book on TV. It's fun when our little ones surprise us like that. Helen: Sorry, no photos yet. Both DH & me are too stupid to figure out our scanner! I am going to have the photo place send my next roll to our AOL account. I am on pic #18 out of a roll of 24 so it shouldn't be too long now. Good luck w/ DH gone for a long weekend. Beth: Boo hoo for Allison's first hair cut. That was a hard one for me. Colton's curls are finally coming back--4 months later! Birdie: Have a great time meeting the NE mommies & kids tomorrow. Say hi from all of us on the TT board. One minute late--I better scoot. See ya on Monday. Julianne & Colton Friday, November 12, 1999 at 16:38:07 (EST)) Hi everyone. So, the long version of my day yesterday or the short one? It started on Tuesday. I was suppose to go get my learners license renewed so I can get my driver's license for once in my life. I told Jasmine and Cam they could play outside in the yard until I was ready to go. So I'm ready and they had vanished. I looked for them for an hour. I finally called DH and he came home from work. We found them at the neighbours. I had knocked on their door forever and no answer. I was MAD and I missed being able to renew my license. Shortly before this, our dog escaped. Being a Siberian Husky, that is not uncommon. She is also still a pup. Usually she comes home but she didn't. Jasmine (almost six) says "Mom, we should pray. When I can't find something I pray about it and then I can find it easier." So, we knelt down as a family and prayed we would find our puppy. I couldn't sleep all night. I WAS worried about the dog, but mostly I was worried about how the kids would handle it if we couldn't find her. I knew she had either gotten run over or stolen because she would have come home otherwise. She is a purebred and cost us a little bit of money, and she is the ONLY Husky in our area so theft was definatly a possibility. Jasmine and Cody are very attatched to her. She is so gentle with Cody it amazes me. He crawls all over her and she just lays there. They are like best friends. In the morning we decided to drive around town and look for her. Dave kept having a feeling about where she might be. The Native reserve is only two blocks away from our house. I'm not prejiduce at all but, just like all the drunken white people in the world, there are drunken natives too. And unfortunatly, here in Cardston there is a high number of alcoholics and drug addicts on the reserve. And a lot of violence. There is this pack of dogs that lives there and runs around town. Dave thought she might be with them. We drove onto the reserve and found the house with all the dogs. Sure enough, she was locked up in a kennel in the back yard. When we called her name from the window she just about went nuts. Crying and howling. We went home and called the police. Dave wasn't going to knock on the door for two reasons. All the dogs running all over and it was just plain ol' scary, we had no clue what kind of person was living there. The town police and the reserve police came and got Dave and they went and got our dog back. The guy said she "just showed up." I say "yeah, and she is gorgeous and you decided to lock her in her kennel." Our name, phone number and address was right on her tag. The cops said it was very smart of us not to try to get her back ourselves. Sephra, the dog, was so excited to see all of us. The cop goes "she is definatly your dog." coz she wouldn't stay in the back seat. She jumped through the window between the front and back seat of the cop car, right onto Dave's lap and snuggled down in his lap. Which, by the way, is difficult because she is almost full grown now and isn't a small dog. she is so sappy. More cuddly than any of my kids are. So, after we got her back we cleaned our yard. I raked the whole thing and now I am so sore I can hardly move. I also though my morning sickness was gone but it hit me again today. argh. Anyway, I guess for those of you who DON'T know me, I should introduce myself. LuCynda, mother of three, expecting number four in May. A few of the mommies here were on Mom's Talk Pregnancy Today at the same time as me. I'm not sure why I never posted on discussion boards after I had Cody. But here I am. Cody is turning one on the 17th. He is a happy little angel who rarely gets me riled up. That is a good thing since my little Cam (turning five Dec. 7th) gives me enough to be riled up about for a life time. Cody has been standing on his own for over two months but will not really try to walk. It's kinda funny coz I think HE thinks that when he takes ONE step and falls, that we are cheering for the fall. So that is what he does. He takes one step and falls down on purpose. He he. Silly boy. Cody is David's and my first baby together so it was almost like having a first baby all over again. A real neat and special experience. DH spoils him WAY too much though and he worries he will NEVER be able to love another baby as much as his little man. I tell him, I felt the same after I had Jasmine but I sure love all of my kids to death. Anyway, some personals: ************************************************** Birdie - You are putting on weight BECAUSE you are only eating once a day. I have the same problem. In fact, since I got pregnant this time and decided to start eating three meals a day I have lost weight. Not much and now I am gaining again. But, I am telling you that is the reason. Especially if you are only eating supper. This is why. Your body doesn't know when it is going to get calories so it stores everything you consume as fat, like you've almost fooled your body into thinking it is starving. And if you are eating at night, that is really bad because that is when your metabolism slows down. You HAVE to eat first thing in the morning to BOOST your metabolism and keep it running quickly throughout the day. And NEVER NEVER eat after eight or nine at night. If you do, you are dooming yourself. Anything you put in will just convert to fat. I really hate all these truths because I don't like making the time to eat, but they are truths. Eat three meals a day, or five smaller meals. Eat alot of fiber. Fiber doesn't have time to stick around and turn to fat, it just goes right through. It helps burn fat you have already accumulated as well. Anyway, I really cannot stress enough the importance of NOT starving yourself all day. Is Noah like completely walking? I though Cody would but nope. As for the pooping thing. I wouldn't worry about it. Kids are funny creatures. For some reason some of them feel the need for privacy even though others don't. And it's nothing you are doing or not doing, just his personality probably. ************************************************** I can't remember if I posted this before or not, but is anyone interest in putting up a web site and putting our babies pic's on it. A private one of course, not one where someone could find it with a search engine. But I think it would be fun. I see all these e-mails about sending pictures and I just can't keep up with them. I would be more than happy to be the site designer and publisher. All any of you would have to do is e-mail me the pictures and a little blurb about your babes personality traits. If your interested let me know. ************************************************** LuCynda and Cody (1 year in five days!!!) email: lucyndah@telusplanet.net Friday, November 12, 1999 at 18:55:08 (EST)) Good Afternoon, it's Debbie. Not alot going on here today. Feeling alittle better, still kinda weak. Glad that's over. Maddie & Emilee were playing last night and I hear Emilee just cracking up. I looked in on them and I see Maddie pulling Emilee by her feet. Emilee is on her tummy and Maddie is pulling her all over the place. When I put Emilee's pj's on, I see these rug burns on her wrist and ribs. Oh well, they had fun. Moriah - Great idea for the cards. I'll check it out. Emilee likes her toothbrush to chew on. I gave it to her several months ago. Our hygenists sp? said it is a good way to get them use to the toothbrush. Of course we don't use toothpaste yet. She gets pretty ticked when I take it from her. Hey, I have Emilee, not Amy. I know you knew that, it just slipped your mind. LOL That's a great story about the couple. Miracles do happen. I know you know that one too! Ok, I am jealous, I want to see a picture of Alex. If you mail me one, I promise to mail it back the next day. And I would even mail you one of Maddie & Emilee. I don't know why I can't receive your pictures. Darn it. Sarah - I didn't want to gross everyone out about dh's underware, but they were dirty. I jerked them off her head really fast. LOL Julianne - They learn the funniest things. Rita - Keeping fingers crossed for Maddy and the panties. Your trip here sounds great. I can show you a really nice grove of Giant Sequoias only about a hour from us. You'll have to go to Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Park too. It would be on your way from Yosemite. Maybe we can do a white water rafting trip too. We'll have to make some plans. I think we should meet too. Jennifer - +++ vibes your way. What is it about Elmo? He is kinda cute and has a funny little voice. LauraB - Sorry about Shane's diaper rash, it could be both the milk and apple juice. Do you dilute the juice with water? Let his bottom air out as much as possible. I use A & D with zinc on both girls and it works great. The girls love string cheese, oaties (cherrios), small bites of fruit. Christi - Thanks for the pictures, Caleb is a little doll. Katy - Hi, hope Liam's feeling better soon. Shelly - Great idea. I did have the kids sitting back, but they just kept closing in on us. Maddie loves to help "fold" the laundry too. Kahne - Thanks for the great poem. Rebecca - Thanks for the pictures of Paige. She is such a cutie. I think she looks more like you now than she did before. I really like the picture of you and her. Happy Birthday again. Kelli - Hi, thanks for the birthday wishes. Yes, I am feeling better. Good luck to your cousins. I kinda know what they're going through. Beth - I guess kids will be kids. But I am with you, when it's you're house, they do what you say. By the way, I have Emilee and Rita has Amy. Moriah did the same thing. LOL Bridie - Have a great visit with everyone. Let us know how it went. For you new moms, a update on myself. I am the old woman of us all. I am 43, Greg is 43 Monday. Married 20 years. Ok, lift your chin back up to your mouth. We adopted Madison when she was 3 months old, she now is 2 1/2. Became pg with Emilee (BIG SHOCK) and she just turned 1 year. I am very happy (most of the time) to be a stay at home mom. Maddie & Emilee are the love of our lives. Ok, I better get off here before the girls wake up. Everyone have a great and safe weekend. Talk to you all soon. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 21:07:47 (EST)) Hi mommies. I have finally made it back! Jarin's surgery went well. He woke up at 5 yesterday morning. Since I couldn't nurse him, he was very fussy. We had to try to distract him until we left at 6 for the hospital. Then we had to distract him again from 6:30-7:30 when they took him. It was so sad when they took him out of my arms. Poor guy - going with people he didn't know, to a place he didn't know, and having someone hold him down to put a mask on him. Before the surgery, he was crying, pointing to my boobs and lifting my shirt. Kinda funny. After the surgery (only took 10 minutes!) he was really strange coming out of the anesthesia. His head was really floppy and he cried for about 15 minutes. I couldn't calm him down or get him to latch on. Finally he did. By the time we got hom, he was back to his normal happy self. DH said today he was waving "bye-bye" when the Teletubbies were saying bye-bye. Too cute, and of course I had to miss it while I was at work. =( He is feeling really well today and has been happy all day. Yay! Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and good wishes - Sarah, Lisa, Shelly, Kelli, Debbie, Moriah, Julianne, Rita, Beth, and Helen. You guys really are the best! **LisaB: Hope your surgery went well too and good luck with the promotion. We'll be waiting to hear how everything went on Monday. **Katy: Glad to hear that Liam is feeling better today. **Lyn and Lexie: Welcome. I think we all hate to see our babies growing up so fast. **Rebecca: Sounds like Paige is just the right size. I hate shots! **SarahW: Yay for Alex sleeping through the night. Sorry to hear about the pneumonia - hope you are feeling lots better. **Kelli: Glad to hear that DH is being so wonderful. How exciting to have such a genius for a daughter. =) Ok, you are so sweet to miss your Thanksgiving feast for me. LOL. You are really making me feel old saying you still have five years before you're thirty! I think my pics are totally lost, so I've pretty much just given up on them. That is so sad about the biological mom and your cousins. If she said she would give up her two year old too, what kind of life does that poor kid have? =( **Debbie: So sad that you were crying on the birthday song. I know how you feel. I always make my kids stay away from the birthday child opening presents. What is wrong with those other parents? **Moriah: So glad to hear the Rachel update with good news. =) I think about brushing Jarin's teeth, but by nighttime, I always forget. Zandy cards sounds really neat. I wish you lots of luck with your new business. Four babies in two months? Ok, now that woman better get lots of sleep NOW! **Sarah: So, is Hannah a daddy's girl or what? What kind of advice is that from your dr? I want some more advice!!!! **Julianne: Too cute about the stinky poo poo! **Rita: Amy sounds so cute being Joe Cocker in her crib! =) Glad to hear that Maddy isn't having any accidents right now. **Laura: I'd say it's the apple juice causing the diarrhea. We only give Jarin White Grape Juice. You're about the same age as me and have been married almost the same too. **Shelly: Nope, add me to the thirty something group. I'm even older than you. **Kahne: LOL your fat girl poem. **Amy: My DS took his pacifier until he was almost three. The Easter bunny took it when he brought candy one year. Jesse was fine after that. **Helen: I said I was sending you pics and then forgot, so I will do it now. **Beth: LOL at your "four score" speech! **Birdie: Could be your thyroid. I also agree with Heather (I think) - I've read too many posts today. If I only eat once a day, I GAIN weight, but if I eat 3 or more times, I stay the same or even lose. Weird, but I think that's the way it works. **Lucynda: Glad you got your dog back. Katy's husband was going to make a website with all our kids at one time, but there didn't seem to be enough space or something. Not really sure what happened there. I still think it would be neat to have one of all our kids. I'd be up for sending you pics if we want to try again. About me: I am 33, 34 in December. I have been married to Tom for 11 1/2 years. We have two sons, Jesse (8) and Jarin (14 months) and I have a daughter, Jaime (16). I teach Kindergarten, half day and get to be home with Jarin the other half. We live in Huntington, Indiana. I think I have now finished my REALLY BIG MONSTER POST. Thanks again for all your good luck wishes and prayers. Obviously, they all worked. =) Patty and Jarin - 14 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 22:11:54 (EST)) Hi again (my second post today) I just had to share something my crazy son did tonight! I was in the kitchen making a pie and I heard all of this ruccus in the dining area. I turn around to find Adam and he was sitting IN his highchair smiling at me! How did he get in there? That thing is a good foot and a half taller than him and there really are no bars for him to climb on! He looked mighty proud of himself. Needless to say the highchair will now stay in our bedroom until mealtimes! I could just see him falling into our sliding glass door. he never ceases to amaze me. I'm watching a movie with Nicole Kidman and Michael Keaton where she has a baby and he's ill or something.....does anyone know the name of it? I started watching it in the middle. I hate that. Has anyone seen "The Bone Collector" with Denzel Washington? It was great!! Very tense and bone-chilling (haha no pun intended) and by the time the movie was over, I had the worst headache. But it was worth it, it was a great movie! Some personals: Birdie- So sorry to hear about your weight driving you crazy. I also feel as if I am gaining a hundred pounds by the day. I haven't been weighed lately but I am sure that I am at leat 15 lbs heavier than before I had Adam. I just can't seem to watch what I eat lately because I am so busy, I'll either pick up some fast food on the run or at my job's cafeteria, or eat whatever I can grab really fast in the kitchen while I feed Adam. I also find that around midnight or so I get a second wind for something edible. I know that's not good. I need to stop that. Also, my son goes into the corner when he poops. I think it has to do with his concentration because he is really intense when he goes. Maybe that is why your baby hides, he may be just making sure it comes out all right!!! Julianne- Well, I tossed the cotton long before I was supposed to. I feel so much better now. I laid down for a few minutes and after that I am feeling just fine. Now I just have 3 more wisdom teeth to go!! Ouch! LuCynda- I think a web site is a great idea!! Hopefully it will work out! Debbie- Do you guys have "Elmopalooza"? We bought it before Adam was born and we have been watching it since he was 3 months old. Now a days we are at about 5 times a day. There is a song sung by Shawn Colvin and Ernie :) on there and it is the sweetest song. I sing it to Adam before naps and bedtime. He loves it. It is a great video for kids and babies. Patty- You have great strength.....I admire you, I fall to pieces when Adam gets a shot at his check ups! May God and all prayers stay with you and Jarin.....I'm glad he did well during surgery. Well, I promise that is all for tonight....."see" all of you tomorrow! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Friday, November 12, 1999 at 22:51:59 (EST)) Crystal and Darrel here. ***Beware, there is bragging in this post*** First of, Darrel slept on a mat today at day care. It was the first time that he put himself to sleep on the mat. I bet you can imagine how happy I am about that. Darrel also colored a picture today for the first time. He's is such a sweety. I am so proud of my little boy. For the newcomers, Darrel is the first. I'm 20 and will be 21 at the beginning of the year. Dh (Doug) is 22. We will be married for two years on Christmas Eve. I live in Ft. Worth Texas. The actual town is North Richland Hills, but it's so small compared to the rest of TX that it's easier to just say Ft. Worth. Jennifer: We're practically neighbors!!!!!! I don't live that far from you! I live right across the stree from TCJC off 26 and by NRH2O. Being in NRH, we get discounts to the waterpark. :) We'll have to meet someday. We live to close to not meet. :) Glad to have another Texan here. Tracey is also from Texas (hasn't posted in quite a while) but is from Houston. Sorry, that's all the personals I have right now. Just had to respond to my "neighbor". Crystal and Big Boy Darrel 14 1/2 months email: cjeanmuprhy@yahoo.com Friday, November 12, 1999 at 23:15:42 (EST)) Hi from Cathy G- Alison has started going down the stairs. She is so cute, she gets started about 3 or 4 feet away on her tummy, and pushes herself along until she gets there. She is so proud of herself. We had a cold day today, so I put her in her snowsuit. I bought it late summer, it seemed to be quite roomy - it's an OshKosh size 2, and it is just right now!! There is no way it will last the winter. Alison is quite big - she is bigger than my nephew who turned 2 in October, and is as big as most of the 2 yr olds in playgroup. Funny, because she was quite average for size up until age 1. Lots of personals: Kelli - Another one who likes toes! Elizabeth sounds so cute watching her steps. Your DH sounds fabulous - I hope things go well when he's back at work. Enjoy your hair appointment - I always like mine - 2 hours of sitting reading magazines. LisaB - Good luck with your surgery. I had things in my nose too. They weren't too bad, and it felt really good when they came out so I could breathe. Congratulations on the promotion. I'd love pictures of Max. Rebecca - I don't have an aloe plant, but will try some gel. I live in Ottawa, but grew up in Calgary (I'm a westerner at heart.) Good luck tomorrow, and happy birthday to Paige. Patty - I'm glad Jarin did so well. I hope your surgery goes smoothly too. Sarah W - You were in Ottawa for a conference?? You should have called me!! Darlene - we had the farm set for Emma, and Alison loves playing with it. Debbie - Emilee's birthday sounded nice. It is emotional, isn't it? Moriah - your job sounds cool. Good luck with your company. Julianne - I'll have to try it with Alison, she is so uncooperative for poopy bums. Rita - tell me more about these musical blocks. I haven't heard of them but they sound neat. LauraB - apple juice can cause diarrhea, but if he's just having little bits, it shouldn't. Are you diluting it? Kahne - great poem Amy - I'd gradually reduce the time she can have her soother, like only in her room, only in bed. Then, offer her to trade it for a toy. We did this with Emma when she was about 26 months, and it worked like a charm. Jennifer - Alison has had tantrums, mostly about getting into the stroller or carseat. Beth - How did you get Allison to sit still for the haircut? LuCynda - I remember you from PT. I'm so glad you got your dog back. Well, a bit about me. I am 39 (I thought I was the oldest, I guess not). I have 2 girls - Emma is 5 and Alison is 15 months. Alison was an unplanned but much adored little one, and my DH had the big V last November, so no more babies for us. I've been home since Alison was born, and I've loved it but I'm going back to work in January, and I've surprised myself that I'm looking forward to it. If anyone has pictures, please send them to me!! Take care, everyone. CathyG and Alison (15 months) email: davidalan.pratt@sympatico.ca Saturday, November 13, 1999 at 00:35:08 (EST)) Hello everyone, it's Christi. Hope you are all having a great week-end. Caleb had his one year check up yesturday, he weighed in at 22# 4 oz. and 29 1/2". He did not triple his birth weight that is for sure! H would weigh 27lbs if he did! Well, I need your opinions on something.....when Caleb was born I went thru some PPD...went to the Dr., did what he suggested (exercise, out alone etc.) and felt much better once I stopped BFing, so I thought ok, that is over. Well, in the last week I have been having those same feelings again. My poor DH, it is good he is patient with me. I go thru very wild mood swings, want to cry at crazy things etc. Should I go back to the Dr. and maybe get some meds, or should I wait and see? I really feel...well confused. OK, on to personals *LuCynda* Glad you got your puppy back! That is really very sweet about your family praying together! by your earlier post did you mean you would set up a "home page" for us? I really want one, but am not that computer literate. *Debbie* I love your family story! Had you battled infertility before you adopted? My sister has been trying for 7 years to have a child, both fertility treatments and adoption, still no luck. *Jennifer* I love that song! We have a audio tape and just Ernie sings, and we have Elmoplaooza. It is such a sweet song! *Rebbeca (I hope)* did you send me pics of Paige? Someone sent pictures, but I wasnt sure who they were from. Well, I hope you are all doing well, see you later! Chrsiti & Caleb 12+ months email: mama9598@yahoo.com Saturday, November 13, 1999 at 17:14:30 (EST)) hello--i just sent out photos to julianne--lisab--birdie--patty--sarah&hannah--rita--moriah-crystal--and i think that was it for now-----i'll send more later on--the meeting went well today, we 'did lunch' at the food ct in the mall--babies were beautiful and Noah & Amanda hit it off right away- they were so cute- Noah kept hugging Amanda!! Birdie was so nice!!! Wishwe could ALL meet!! Hope we do it again--LATER!! Helen&Amanda email: mhim27@hotmail.com Saturday, November 13, 1999 at 19:40:22 (EST)) Hi mommies. My sweet little angel Jarin slept from 10:45 to 6:30 this morning. Then I brought him in bed with me, he nursed, and slept until 10:30!!!! Can you tell how excited I was? I was so tired and it was sooo wonderful to be able to get to sleep in. **Christi: Thank you for the feel better card for Jarin and for the adorable pics of Caleb. I loved the blankie one. Jarin didn't triple his birth weight at one year either, but I think he looks plenty healthy. I suffered from really severe PPD that wasn't caught and eventually just turned into depression. I know lots of ladies would disagree with me, but I take the meds and it does make a huge difference. I would highly recommend going back and asking your dr. about it. **Julianne: Thank you for the take care card for Jarin. That was so sweet of you. **Jennifer: I hate scary movies, so I probably won't see "The Bone Collector". My DH had his wisdom teeth removed one at a time too. Ouch! I had all four of mine done at once. Thanks for the thoughts. They are appreciated! **Crystal: Yay for Darrel falling asleep on the mat and coloring his first picture. =) **CathyG: Sounds like Allison is growing well. We put Jarin's snowsuit on him and he looked like the Goodyear Tire man wobbling around. It was so funny. DH and I were LOL at your statement that your DH had "the big V". My DH absolutely refuses. I am sending Jarin pics your way. **Helen: Thanks for the pics of Amanda. She's a doll. You and Birdie need to tell us more about the big meeting!! How was Charline? Who else was there? Can't wait to hear all about it. **Take care everyone. See you tomorrow. Patty and Jarin - 14 1/2 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Saturday, November 13, 1999 at 21:38:29 (EST)) |