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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Hi! I am stepping over here to ask seek some advice about teething. Mary Beth has been so unhappy the last few days. I know she is teething because she chews on her fingers and pulls at her gums. And I can see the teeth coming in. My biggest concern is that she will not BF, take a bottle or a cup; however, she will eat her cereal and vegetables. Today I made her cereal extra milky to try to increase her fluids. When I lie her down to change her diaper or to attempt BF, she just cries. I have been giving her baby Tylenol and orajel as often as possible. I have not taken her temperature, but could this also be an ear infection? She has not BF in a little over 24 hours. She won't even try to latch on. Thanks for any advice you can give me. Martha & Mary Beth (8 months) email: eaufuldi@cub.kcnet.org Sunday, November 21, 1999 at 10:34:39 (EST)) Hi Mommies, Kahne here, Not much going on around here, same old smae old, hehe. Cat is doing well with the walking thing. I am pretty suprised, she never showed any interest in walking, now she is testing the water. Steve and a couple of friends of ours went to the French Quarter last night, we did not get in till 4 am! I am paying for it today, DH is sleeping on the sofa, lucky dog!!! I did not catch up on personals, AGAIN, I am terrible. BUT Moriah, I am so happy that Alex is doing so well! HORRAY!!! Crystal, I get a lot of crap from my SIL about Cat not walking until now, and about her not holding he own bottle. Hell with her, she thinks she is the worlds best mommy, I have bad news for her, she's NOT! Cat got first runner up in her pageant this weekend. The trophy is bigger than she is! Have to run, "talk" soon! Kahne and Cat 10 months email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Sunday, November 21, 1999 at 20:00:41 (EST)) Hi Everyone, it's Debbie. Just a quick note to let you all know where I've been and what's going on. Last Sunday, Emilee came down with this terrible cold. It's the first "cold" she's had. Then two days later my 1 1/2 year old sinus infection turned into a head cold. The next day Maddie has come down with this thing. Yep, dh got it the next day too. So, we are all pretty much a bunch of sickies. We took Emilee to her 1 year check up last Thursday. She is so small, she only gained 12 oz - for a total of 17 lb. 12 oz and is 29 1/2" long. I kept thinking she would be closer to 19 - 20 lbs, but I think since she's been sick she hasn't been eating as much. Other than that, the dr said is growing normal, just on the small side. And speaking of eating, we are having a battle with this. Emilee keeps batting/hitting the spoon when I try to feed her. She still doesn't like the thicker textured foods so she's still getting the baby foods, like stage 2. She will eat bites of turkey, cheese, eggs and other foods like that. Do you guys have any suggestions? I've tired to grind our foods fine for her but she spits them out? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Well, Maddie just woke up and wants to cuddle, so I better cuddle while she wants to. Talk to you all later. Take care everyone. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Sunday, November 21, 1999 at 20:24:52 (EST)) Hi from Stacey! Well, it is Sunday night, and back to work tomorrow. Weekends go by much too quickly. We really didn;t do much, but I had lots of time to cuddle with baby Alexa and her big sister, so that was a good thing. I bought Franchesca some new clips for her hair (the ones she had will not stay in) and she looks so cute with them in, more and more like a little girl. Earlier Alexa was crying and she started to try to comfort her, it was really cute. Ok, I have a question for you all on the birth control issue. As many of you know, Alexa came as a huge, unplanned surprise for us, although she certainly was welcomed once the idea sank in. I was breastfeeding and on the minipill at the time. Needless to say, I no longer trust the pill, and I had planned to get an IUD at my six week checkup, but I chickened out so I went for the Depo Provera injection. I got it a week and a half ago, and have been spotting for the past week. Has anyone else gotten the shot, and if so, what side effects did you find and how did you like it? Patty--I am so glad Jarin doesn't have a UTI. They are not fun... Kahne--I cannot believe anyone would give you grief that Cat just started walking at 10 months. You should introduce them to that little thing the rest of us so fondly know as "reality" Well, I have a screaming toddler on my hands, so I had best be on my way... Stacey, Franchesca, and Alexa Sunday, November 21, 1999 at 23:18:06 (EST)) This is Birdie. I am freaking a little about Noah turning one. I really can't believe it's been a year. I feel like I just had him. I remember every detail about my pregnancy and delivery. I have found myself reminiscing a lot this weekend. My back has been terrible. I just faxed an update to my lawyer. It makes me so angry. I have too much to do to be injured!!!!! I made two practice cakes this weekend. Good thing too because they looked ridiculous. I'm trying one more today and then I'm ordering from a bakery!!! It seemed much easier in my head. Noah used a sippy cup this weekend!!! Here I've been trying to get him to for so long and when he finally did it made me sad. I still do bottles in the morning and at bedtime. After all, he is still my baby. Shelly- I have not been to a Chirop. They scare me. I have an MRI on Sunday. All a result of my accident. The only time I remember ever having a backache was the week Noah was due. This is actually worse. Take care Birdie and Noah (one this Thursday) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Monday, November 22, 1999 at 10:23:32 (EST)) Hello everyone from Julianne & Colton. I had lots of fun shopping Saturday. I didn't buy much for me though, mainly for Colton and then some Christmas presents. I was so tired Sunday from all the walking. Colton didn't want an afternoon nap though so I'm still sleepy today. DH went to a toy show Saturday and bought more toys than I did!! Of course they are all collectibles and not for play. He did let Colton play w/ the big crane and bucket. Colton's eyes lit up when he saw it and he was pushing it all over the house going vroom vroom. He tried to ride on it but just it would tip over. Then he would say uh-oh over and over until one of us helped him pick it up. I took some pictures and video. Yeah, we caught 4 mice in our garage over the weekend. We will have to see if we hear Scratchy tonight!! Rita: Sorry to hear you and Maddy had the flu. Not fun when our kids get sick all over us! Yeah for Amy's first drawing and standing on her own. I keep trying Colton w/ the crayons, but he still eats the tips. Rebecca: Sounds like the hairplace that cut Paige's hair has a good set up for kids. It sure is easier when they sit still. Kind of a sad moment for mom watching those baby curls get cut though. Crystal: I know what you mean about missing the baby stage. It seems like when I talk to other moms they always say they enjoy the toddler stage so much. I really loved it when Colton was a baby. The toddler stage is lots of fun, but it lasts so much longer. There is just something so special about holding and caring for a baby. I would ask if Darryl could be in the toddler area for at least part of the day. Being around all the babies is just going to reinforce his crawling. He might feel safer crawling because he isn't interacting w/ other walking toddlers enough. Stacey: Too cute of Franchesca saying Chucho all the time. Glad your first week back to work went well. Hope Alexa's eyes clear up soon. Whenever my MIL watches Colton I have to bring him to her house. It is inconvenient for me and I hate it when Colton wakes up because of it. That is why I finally checked around to find a reliable babysitter. I sure hope the sitter will agree to watch at your house so you can enjoy a night out. Patty: What a fun weekend your family had. Ouch, poor Jarin cutting his eye. What a great mommie moment eating M&M's together. Kahne: Yeah for Cat doing so well at her 1st pageant. Debbie: I have struggled with the food issue too and still am. Colton's main source of food is still milk. He has started to eat lunch w/ the kids at daycare these past 2 wks. Otherwise I always sent yogurt with him. I am finding that trying different things helps. But most days it just gets thrown back at me! Have a great Monday everyone. I am taking a vacation day tomorrow to go w/ my sister and our kids to the new mall. Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 11:12:56 (EST)) Good morning ladies!!! I'm not too bummed it's Monday, cause I have Friday and next Monday off!! :) SARAH here. It's snowing like crazy here this morning. Only took me 1 1/2 hours to get to work!!! :( Well, so much for a healthy weekend. DH ended up with the virus this weekend. Man, I've NEVER seen someone so sick. He woke up about 4 am Sat, throwing up and it lasted until 3:30 pm Sat. Poor thing. He's feeling a little better. At least he's keeping things down. I just hope HANNAH and I don't get it again!!! HANNAH started walking backwards this weekend. Pretty exciting. She also has started to learn so many things so fast. She truly amazes me with something new every day!!! Another thing she has started doing is when you ask for a kiss, she'll kiss her hand and then put her hand on your cheek! She still gives "real" kisses too (my favorite!!) I can't wait to eat turkey. We are spending the day with my family, and then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we're going to the mountains (condo) with DH family. I sure hope we're all healthy by then!!! It will be the first time HANNAH has stayed anywhere but home (during the night). Should be interesting. JENNIFER - That's great ADAM cleans up! LEANNE - GREAT to hear from you!! Terrific you heard the heartbeat. How are you feeling? SHELLY - Too funny about the f idiot!!! :) :)LOL RITA - How is your family feeling? That's great AMY stood on her own! REBECCA - I bet PAIGE looks so cute with her haircut! The end of 90210 was just the baby being taken off the ventilator and JANET and STEVE holding her. VERY TOUCHING!!!!! CRYSTAL - Don't worry about DARREL not walking. He will when he's ready!!! STACEY - I know what you mean about them talking (new words) every day! Isn't it fun???? I was laughing cause you were making fun of you going to bed at 9. I try to every night!! :) PATTY - Glad it's not a UTI!! How is he feeling today? MARTHA - Could be an ear infection. When HANNAH gets them, she doesn't eat and it really hurts her to lay down. Look for tugging at the ear and a runny nose. KAHNE - Congrats on CAT's trophy! DEBBIE - I hope your family is feeling better! I can sympathize!!! BIRDIE - I'm so sorry about your back!! Hope it gets better soon. Bad timing, huh?? I know what you mean about reminicsing. I did all day when HANNAH turned 1. I kept calling my mom saying, "Okay, this is what was happening now..." I was doing it to DH, too, "Remember this...." JULIANNE - Don't you just LOVE when DH shows emotion over COLTON??? My DH turns into a big teddy bear when it comes to HANNAH! :) Well ladies, that's it for now. Hope you all have a great day! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 11:44:18 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. I haven't had time to read any posts but wanted to say "hi". I took Max to the doctor this morning - double ear infection and a bad cold. Him and DH are bumming at home now. Hopefully he's better by tomorrow as DH and I both need to go to work if at all possible. Max was up screaming from midnight to 6 am on Saturday morning. He acted a lot better both Saturday and Sunday mornings so we thought he was better ... but then he would get legarthic again, really sleepy, and fussy in the afternoon. He had a 102 fever at 1 am this morning. I gave him Tylenol and it went down but was back up to 103 at 6 so I said "forget this - he's going to the doctor". I'll be back this afternoon (hopefully) if I have some free time. LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 12:40:58 (EST)) Hello everyone, it is Christi. Been a while since I have posted, but really ther isnt too much new. Caleb is a mad man, into everything--the garbage, toilet, fridge, do I need to go on? We are enjoying a visit from my sister, who didn't believe Caleb was such a turd--she does now! I have a Dr. appt. on the first of Dec. to talk about my depression, it isnt getting any better, so as much as I hated to do it, I made an appt. We found the kids Christmas outfits this week-end (they always have to coordinate) suprisingly it didnt take us very long, first store we went to--and they were on sale!! This next week-end we will get their pics taken--hopefully it will go smooth. With Christmas coming my stomache is starting to turn, where will we get the money?? I love the season, and am glad for what we are celebrating, but it has become so comercialized (sp?) I can barely keep up. SIGH Well, to all of those I missed Happy Birhtday!!babies and mommies. I have a great forward about how being a mom changes your perspective on EVERYTHING, if you want a copy, e-mail me. Well, I hope to be able to post everyday again, and catch up on everyone, "see' you soon Christi & Caleb 12+ months email: plumbs@coiinc.om Monday, November 22, 1999 at 13:02:13 (EST)) Hello from Rita We are feeling better, but are still struggling with Maddy's constipation. I am worried that she may be withholding. She hates missing out on foods like bananas and cheese, too. We are increasing her fruit and juice intake. I really don't want to resort to children's Senokot or something. Time to call the advice nurse. Rebecca - I don't know how I would do if Maddy decided to cut her hair. We have still never cut it, although I think about it when we struggle with combing her hair every day. Amy is finally getting a bit more hair. Everyone's first qustion is "will it be curly too?" DH thinks so since he wants another curly headed blonde. LOL Kahne - Congratulations to Cat! I'll bet she was beautiful in her dress! We've had people telling us that we need to get Maddy into commercials or something. With as much trouble as we have just posing for a photo, I don't think that she has the disposition to do things like that. Debbie - Sorry to hear that you are all sick. I am wondering when colds will try to invade our house. So far, so good. We have stopped giving Amy any of the pureed baby foods. She does still get the whole grain cereals and yogurt everyday. We are now giving her bits of whatever we eat. It's messy, but she likes feeding herself. As long as she gets her required formula, I am not too worried about the other food - I have always followed Brazelton's advice that as long as toddlers got the necessary milk each day, they would be okay. Perhaps Emilee also doesn't like the spoon because she wants to feed herself as well. She may also just not like some of the Stage 2 foods. We skipped those with Maddy since she never liked the taste. Birdie - I hope that you can get some kind of relief soon. I went to a chiropractor when I was in great pain from a fall. It was really worth it. Not only did I recover, I also learned alot of good things to do to take better care of my body as a whole. My chiro also did deep tissue massage which really helped speed up my recovery. Don't stress over the cake at this time - buy one! Happy Early Birthday to Noah! Well, I had better get going. The boss is on vacation this week and I sure hope that it stays kind of quiet. No one had better have any major software problems this week! LOL. Take care everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy email: ritad@home.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 13:10:19 (EST)) Hi again from LisaB. Things slowed down some so I was able to "sneak in" to read the posts. I forgot to tell everyone - Max was 25 lb. 4 oz at the doctor's this morning. RITA: I'm sorry you were all sick. YEAH on Amy standing and coloring! CRYSTAL: Try not to be embarrassed or feel left out because Darrel isn't walking yet. I figure walking is like toilet training - kids will do it when they are ready and pushing them only makes them more determined not to do it. Max didn't start really walking until after his birthday. One of my nieces didn't walk much until she was 18 months old. A 21 month old at daycare has walked forever but doesn't say ANYTHING clear enough for anyone to understand except his parents and the sitter. Each kid develops at their own rate. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to discuss these feelings here. I know it's hard not to compare as I do it a lot reading posts (esp. with Jarin and the other kids who are within a week or so of Max's age). It'll be great if we can meet, even thou the Max Monster won't be there! STACEY: I'm glad work is going well. It's great that Franchesca is learning 2 languages! PATY: I'm sorry to hear about Jarin's boo-boo. I bet Jaime is pretty bummed about falling and I hope none of her fellow cheerleaders are blaming her for it. I was only a cheerleader one year but I remember how hard it was trying to always be "perfect". KAHNE: Congrats on Cat's trophy! BIRDIE: I would just buy a cake - esp. with your bad right now. Having said that thou, I made Max's cake because I felt "obligated" (SIL offered to make a cake and I HAD to "show her up"). I was also sad about Max's first birthday, him using a sippy cup, walking, etc. as I hate to see him grow up as he's becoming more independent each day and I know that before I know it he'll be 18 and moving out :-( DEBBIE: I'm sorry to hear your household was also sick. I'm starting to feel lucky that only Max was sick in the Butler household - LOL! Max won't use a spoon but tried a baby spoon yesterday. He prefers finger food - little pieces of veggies, pizza, Gerber graduate meat sticks, little pieces of chicken, etc. We mainly feed him whatever we eat and cut it up into little cubes he can pick up by himself and eat. SARAH: I'm sorry DH was sick. Hannah sounds adorable, kissing your hand! Max used to kiss me on the mouth but hasn't given me a kiss for over a week (but I got LOTS of hugs this weekend as he wasn't feeling good). Keep the snow - I'm not ready for it yet! So DH and Hannah are really close, huh? DH told me he wants another boy as he doesn't know what to do with a girl. I told him girls and boys aren't that different and he would figure it out - LOL! Actually, between my surgery and Max being sick we haven't fooled around in ages so #2 is still way off in the future! CHRISTIE: I agree - Christmas is way too commercialized anymore. Most everyone has lost sight of the true meaning of the holiday. Even if you aren't religious you should consider Christmas to be a time of sharing, good will, peace on Earth, etc. Anymore it's just a competition - who can spend the most on gifts, who has the best house decorations, who has the biggest tree, etc. It's really sad that everyone is putting up decorations and the stores are full of Christmas stuff and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. It seems like everyone only considers Thanksgiving to be the start of their Christmas shopping - not a time to reflect upon your good fortunes. Everyone is just so materialistic anymore. I hope everyone enjoys their afternoon and evenings and I'll "see" you again tomorrow (unless I have to stay home with Max). LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 14:09:52 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! Amanda is sleeping and thought I would check in. She has a stuffy nose and is very grumpy at times--Teething I think???? Nothing going on in her mouth that I can see though. No hockey this weekend!! So nice to have the weekend off-- DH&DS went to a 'Bruins' game though and later DH and I went out. Neighbours and us all went to a cancer benifit- then back to the neighbours -home at 2:30AM--We all slept in the next morning so it wasn't that bad. We are going to Canada this weekend for thanksgiving so I will be busy but try to keep up-- Don't chat too much while I'm away- OK!!??We're leaving on Wed- and back on Sun or Mon. I've been doing some decorating over the weekend- and X-mas shopping. Got the lights on the shrubs outside, the stairway done w/garland and lights. Its a start, I won't have so much to do after Thanksgiving and can deal with all the laundry and groceries--etc..etc.. when we get back. LISAB- Sorry to hear your going to be away from Max w/work.:O( CRYSTAL-- DARREL sounds completely normal-- relax, they do grow up and its just one stage after another to enjoy.I know what you mean though- I wish the baby and infant stage lasted a couple yrs so I could get my fill. Hope everything is going well! :O) BIRDIE-- Can't believe your back is giving you so much trouble- any news yet as far as the store owning-up to their mistake and carelessness???? Ive been looking for a top for my X-mas tree without any luck- been everywhere. Is it the new thing to throw a stuffed animal on top,or what?? I keep seeing that and its not the 'look' I want! I want a nice angel or star that lights and there's nothing!!! I am going downtown this afternoon when Amanda gets up and maybe get something there.( I have a wal-mart angel thats not big enough for our trees DH gets- 7-8ft.) OK-- I'm feeling really mean-infantile- whatever you want to call it-- DS was selling poinsettias and wreaths for school-- 3-wks ago got the orders and one neighbour ordered and didn't pay- no $$ on her?? so I called this AM and said it was due and I could pick it up- she said 'Oh- I'll drop it off later today,I have to go out'- well I am going by in 5-10min I will stop byand save you the trip- after moaning and groaning and her not knowing what to do I said -do you just want me to cross you off and forget about it- annoyed by now of course!! She said yes-do that and I said OK and hung up- couldn't believe I did that but she really annoyed me ordering something from a little kid saying to come back and then not wanting to be bothered paying-- at least I don't know her even though she is 5-doors down.UHHHHH- must be PMS!!!! ( and it was only $8.00!!!) OK enough of my complaining but had to get it off my chest! Well should go and finish my ironing. LATER!! Helen&Amanda@15.5mos(#3) Monday, November 22, 1999 at 14:17:45 (EST)) Hi from LisaB for the 3rd time. Check out some of the "born in boards" under the interact link - community discussion boards. Several of them, including January 1999, have been invited to a Babies Today sponsored trip to Chicago for a first birthday party for their little ones. I guess I shouldn't be upset but hey, remember all the work Patty did writing letters, mailing letters, etc. to try to get a similar gathering for Mom's Talk regulars on BT? I feel like they stole our idea to use for someone else's benefit. Anyway, I e-mailed Elise (the head of the PT/BT/TT, etc. boards) regarding my thoughts on this. Maybe if enough of us contact her they will consider doing a similar gathering for the group that came up with the whole idea! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 14:49:39 (EST)) Hey, SARAH here. LISA I saw your post, and went to check it out. That kind of ticks me off. I sent her an email, too. OK, that's it. Hope you all are having a great Monday. Sarah Monday, November 22, 1999 at 15:14:55 (EST)) Happy Monday to all…. We’ve had a very busy weekend. We were at a baseball game last summer, and won a free night’s stay in a nice local hotel. We went Saturday night. It was near the airport, so we went to a park to watch the planes take off and land – Alex loved that. Then for a quick swim in the pool at the hotel before meeting friends for dinner. We had a very nice dinner, though the service was slow and Alex was a little monster… Alex want to bed fairly early and we paid for one of the movies on tv – Notting Hill. I liked it, dh thought it was too sappy (we haven’t been out to a movie for forever, so this was actually really nice!). We had a nice breakfast, then went for another swim in the pool – Alex really liked swimming, we’ll have to start going to the local pool. It wasn’t quite a romantic getaway, but Alex won the room, so we couldn’t very well leave him with a babysitter! Crystal: I can sympathize with you about missing our babies when they were babies… I did that with Alex a bit too. I was so glad when he started doing new things, he grew up without me even noticing. Now I love it when he’s sleeping, or in a cuddly mood, because then he’s still my baby. No worries about Darrel walking, I know how you feel about him not being able to do as much at daycare, but it will come soon enough. I was looking forward to when Alex walked to we could play at the park, go down to the beach… but he still sits in every puddle, and puts everything in his mouth. I hope it will be better in the spring, when he’s good at walking, and a little more mature in other areas. My dh didn’t walk until 16 mo, so each baby is different! Martha: Sorry, it sounds like you’re doing just about everything for the teething – other suggestions I have heard are: frozen bananas, cold washcloths??? Maybe try BF in a more upright position? Sitting up in a sling? Maybe she does have an ear infection and lying down puts pressure on her ears. Sorry, Alex has never had one, so I don’t know how they react. I would give it one more day (though this is already Monday, so hopefully its resolved by now) then go to the doc. He can at least rule out everything but teething. Good luck Debbie: When Alex started that, I would give him small pieces on his tray. He was happier if he could eat the more solid foods by himself. A lot went on the floor, but he was trying new things… LisaB: Poor Max, a double ear infection sounds awful! I hope the doctor can help. Hope everyone has a good day, SarahW, Alex (14mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 15:23:19 (EST)) Rebecca here... I've got to keep it short. We're all sick still and Paige won't be happy for much longer. Right now she's crying because daddy isn't in bed (he's at work). Helen - where in Canada are you going? Okay, I've got to go. Sorry I wasn't able to keep up! Rebecca & Paige email: burn@canadawired.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 16:17:06 (EST)) Hi mommies. Jarin had his recheck with the Dr. who put in the tubes today. He said the tubes look great. Meanwhile, Jarin is still running about 102 fever. The dr. said it is probably just something viral since there are no other symptoms and we should just wait it out a few more days. Jarin went back to the sitter for the first time in two weeks and she said he did great. I was so afraid he would really cry after being with us for so long. Yay! **Martha: Sounds like you are doing everything right. It could be an ear infection, or maybe Mary Beth has decided to wean herself? =( **Kahne: Yay for Cat being first runner up! =) **Debbie: Hope you and your sickie family are feeling better. Emilee is a little one, isn't she? Like I have a giant or something, LOL Jarin was 30 inches and 19 lbs at his one year check up, so they aren't that far off. **Stacey: Ahh, so cute that Franchesca tries to comfort Alexa. What a good big sister she is trying to be. **Birdie: I hope your back is better really soon. It sounds awful. I didn't even attempt to make a cake. I'm all for buying one. LOL **Julianne: Yay for catching 4 mice! I love picturing Colton pushing his truck around going "vroom, vroom". Too cute about him saying "uh-oh" until you fix it for him! **Sarah: Hope DH feels better soon and I hope that virus stays out west away from us! Sounds awful. Oh, and you had to mention turkey didn't you? I think you are trying to rub it in that I don't get any!! LOL **LisaB: Poor Max and his double ear infection. My nephew just went to the dr today and has the same thing. =( He's only 5 months. Max is getting so big! Jaime is ok about the whole cheerleading thing. She was disappointed, but the JV girls actually had more points than the Varsity did, so that kinda made up for things. I can't believe other people get to meet!!! We tried so hard! **Christi: Sounds like Jarin has a little mad man buddy. LOL. Good luck with the pictures this weekend and with the depression appointment. I hope you get some help. **Helen: I think it's pretty irresponsible for your neighbor to not buy the wreath. I hate it when stuff like that happens. **Jennifer: I want to see Notting Hill. I love Julia Roberts. I almost rented "Runaway Bride" this weekend in the hotel, but I couldn't bring myself to spend the $9! So, we watched The Negotiator on HBO instead. **Not sure when I'll post again. Tomorrow is the big surgery day. Don't talk too much while I'm gone. I hope to catch up soon. Give your toddlers hugs for me! Patty and Jarin - almost 15 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 17:50:20 (EST)) Hi to all. Riley has been "bottleless" for going n two days now. I got tired of it leaking everywhere. I had just been whinning about making him grow up to fast, but the bottle was becoming a pain. Sat. night, he laid it on my bed, well when we got done brushing our teeth and turning out lights, I lay down in a huge wet spot. Juice everywhere! I was so mad. So Sun. I just put them all away and he never asked. Last night he woke up 3 times, but I just sang him back to sleep. I had stayed up until 12 a.m. watching Boogie Nights, then had to stay awake to console him. I didn't get out of bed until 9:30 this morn. My boys are out of school for the week and I have no daycare either. Which is fine with me. I listened to Alex say what sounded like Mama on the phone. Moriah and I talked for over an hour the other day. We used to do that all the time. Sometimes we watched tv over the phone too. Christmas is hard without her, we used to have marathone x-mas cookie baking sessions. Now, I do it with the boys, but it's not the same. When you are used to doing something for so many years, it's hard. But hearing Alex is great!:0) Birdie**It's very normal to feel sad about birthdays. I do for every one of my boys. Your baby is growing up! I know I told you all before that I went nuts on Taylors 4th. It's ok to buy a cake too!! That's what I've always done. Here, Raleys, gives you 2 cakes. If you tell them it's a 1 st b-day, they give you a small cake for the baby to play in. It' great. Will a bakery do Teletubbies? Do you know a good message therapist? I have a great one. She keeps up on all the latest info and knows a lot of pain relief ideas. You might try that. We pay $30 an hour here, but someplaces are higher. Sarah**I cannot wait for Turkey too. Luckily, I'm going to spend Wed. night with my second family. I know I'll get yummy traditional eats there. As for Thurs., I'm at my Moms and God only knows what she'll make. Sometimes her idea of cooking scares me!LOL Christi**The $ issue is also troubling me. My kids are used to a huge amount of gifts. I've explained to them, that this year will be different. They don't seem to mind. As long as Jess gets the new Rescue Heroes Training Tower, he doesn't care! I already have it up in the closet. Tay is a little harder this year. What do you get 12 yr olds? Riley will be happy no matter what. How many kids do you have? Another thing I did, was to tell my family "If I'm not spending X-mas with you , I'm not buying gifts" Not to be mean, but it gets crazy mailing all those gifts back and forth. Plus, I can't buy for everyone. Do you have to buy a lot of family gifts? Debbie**All three of my boys stopped eating baby food at about 8 or 9 months. If they thought it came out of a jar, no way! I fed them off the table. They were healthy, chubby, babies. It was messy, but I put a splat matt down under the high chair, I fed them some and then let them practice feeding themselves. Helen**I always try to buy candy or what ever from the kids in my neighborhood. That way when I send Tay out to get sponsors for the swim team, I don't feel guilty. That was pretty crappy of your neighbore, I would've hung up too! Kahne**Yay!!! for little Miss America!! Patty** Good luck!! I'll be thinking of you! To everyone else, have a good evening! P.S. What do you buy a 12 year old?! Shelly & Riley 19 months Monday, November 22, 1999 at 19:56:14 (EST)) Hi! It's Martha. I called the dr. on call and he gave us a prescription for Mary Beth. He was not convinced she had an ear infection since she had no fever, but he thought it was worth a try incase it was not just teething. Very soon after we started giving her the medicine, she started eating better. Today she BF normally. The Dr. never looked at her ears, but I guess I have to assume it is an ear infection. Sarah & Hanna - thank you for the advice for Mary Beth. Hanna sounds so cute with her kisses and walking backwards. Sarah & Alex - thanks for the advice for Mary Beth. Sounds like you had a nice weekend getaway. It's hard to entertain the little ones at the restaurant, isn't it? Patty - thanks for the advice for Mary Beth. I hope Jarin starts to feel better soon. Martha & Mary Beth (8+months) email: eaufuldi@cub.kcnet.org Monday, November 22, 1999 at 20:01:20 (EST)) Good Afternoon, it's Debbie. Hope you all are doing well and having a great day. I think we all are feeling alittle better today. Just keep all your fingers crossed for us. I want everyone to be well for Thanksgiving. Jennifer - No, we don't have Elmopalooza, sounds like we'll have to get it. I love Shawn Colvin. Did you know she is a 1st time mom at 40+, just like me. Crystal - Congratulations, I am so happy for you. And Darrel walking too. My girls are 20 months apart, it's alittle hard at times now but I'am glad they are close in age. CathyG - Yes, they are emotional. I've got you beat. I'am 43. Christi - Yes, for years. I had two miscarriages. Never thought I'd have these two beautiful babies. Good luck to your sis. Helen - Do you have new pictures, please send them my way. Thanks! Kahne - Happy Belated Birthday. Hope it was a good one. Of course it was, Cat walked! Shelly - Where do you live? You stole my dh's nickname LOL. My favorite word use to be Oh shit. Then one day, Maddie started saying "shit, shit, shit...." I found a new one, Oh fudge. I haven't heard her say that yet. I might have to change that one too. Amanda - Glad to see you & Sloane back and doing well. Send pictures, please. Rita - I give Emilee mixed grains cereal & yogurt everyday also. Thanks for the advise. Amy coloring and standing, wow she's getting to be such a big girl. Hope you are feeling better and stay that way. Any new pictures? Lisa - Thanks for Max's adorable pictures. He's such a doll. Congratulations on your promotion. Hope Max is feeling better soon. Emilee prefers finger foods too. But it just seems like she's not eating enough. I haven't tired the meat sticks, I'll have to get some next trip to the store. Oh, that's it, I'am emailing Elise right now. This is not fair. Julianne - How much milk does Colton drink? Sarah - Your poor dh, that's what I had two weeks ago. Walking backwards, pretty talented! SarahW - I think more's on the floor than in Emilee's tummy. Thanks Patty - Jarin and Emilee are pretty close in size. Those little angels. Glad he's doing better. Good luck with your surgery, I'll be thinking about you. And when your get to feeling better, do you have any new pictures? LuCynda - What's the web page's address? Ok, anyone with new pictures, please send them my way. Thanks. I wish I had a scanner so I could send you pictures of my little angels. Take care everyone, talk to you later. One more thing. Has anyone heard from Megan? I've emailed her and haven't heard back. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Monday, November 22, 1999 at 20:10:20 (EST)) Hello everyone! A happier Christi today! I got a chance to go out with my sister (who I rarely see)last night, it was very nice to go out with no children! Then we came back to my house and she colored my hair (I am too chicken to do it myself) so I am blond again--yippy! Last night Caleb gave me like 8 kisses before I left! The kind where he actually sucked on my face (it sounds gross, but he is not a lovey baby)I ate it up!! Anyway, the love I have been feeling for him the past few days just blows my mind, there is nothing like it! ++Shelly I know what it is to miss your sis! Mine is only 3 hours away, but so different from 5 minutes away! As far as Christmas, we have 2 kids, and 13 family members to buy for. This is cut down from years past, so it seems small to us, but still costly. When I was a kid we always had a BIG Christmas, so I want to do the same for my kids. We will just do the best we can. ++Patty Good luck! ++Birdie Buy the cake! We have a lady that has made our family cakes since I was 4, we all look forward to birthdays cause we know it will be good! She makes us anything, stand up Barbie cakes, pizza cakes, Elmo, you think of it she can do it! Good luck! ++Kahne Yeah for Cat! I have always wanted to put my DD in one, but have been to chicken. Were the older (4&5's) all galmmed up? Will you put Cat in more? ++Debbie I am so happy for your family. To have children when you think you can't is an unbelievable feeling! We were told we couldnt have anymore after our DD, Caleb is proof that God knows moe than Dr.s! Eveyone is talking about how big the kiddies are, Caleb is 22# and 29 1/2", at 1 year, is that short, he seems it to me? Till later everyone! Christi & Caleb 12+ months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 10:04:24 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. I got an e-mail from Elise at I-Parenting and will paste part of it here: "What we have decided to do is open up the invitation to meet in Chicago for all of our lists and boards. We will have one international get-together and within that big meeting, each group will be able meet each other in person! We are planning lots of events, will have deep discounts on premier hotel and travel accomodations, etc. We are so excited about it! When I have more information, I would be thrilled to share it with you. We have a limited staff, but they are working hard to make this a reality." Here's hoping a lot of people will have the time and money to make it to Chicago. I'll have to go back to the "born in boards" as I don't even remember when they were planning the get together. Max is 100% better - no fever and only a slight runny nose this morning. DH has now termed me Madam Bitch. I guess I was a bitch to him last night but it burned me up that Max slept 6 of the 8 hours that he was home with DH and yet DH did not do ANYTHING except start dinner. This after he complained yesterday morning that he hadn't gotten anything done at home over the weekend as Max was sick. I was thinking of all the stuff I could have done in 6 hours - the handwashing, the ironing, dusting, unpacking more in the basement, etc. MEN!!!!!! PATTY: I hope your surgery goes well today. My sitter won't keep the kids if they have a fever of 100 or more. That's based either on state daycare laws or on "suggestions" of the state - I'm not sure which. MORIAH: I'm so happy to hear that Alex is saying Mama! Just one more thing to be thankful for at Thanksgiving!!!!! SHELLY: I live 4 hours from my family and it's really hard at the holidays. I gave my 12 year old niece a subscription to Teen People last year and am renewing it this year (after clearing it with her Mom). We used to draw names for the extended family but ceased that last year as their are just too many people and it's hard to buy for someone you only see once a year. Still, buying for parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, etc. adds up to 16 people - YIKES!! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 10:40:28 (EST)) It's LisaB again. DH and I are only TTC but I already have the forgetful "pregnancy brain" - LOL!!!! And nope, no chance of being pregnant as between surgery and a sick kid it's been over a month since we've been intimate (hey, maybe THAT'S why he calls me bitchy so much here lately!!). I forget to tell you about Max and his books. He's started pointing at pictures in his books and wanting me to name things. It now takes 5+ minutes to read "Goodnight Moon". He also has "Oh My, Oh My, Oh Dinosaurs" by Sandra Boyton. One page has musical notes and a short song. When we get to that page he grabs the book out of my hands, holds it like a hymnal, and "sings" along with me. I then have to do a solo (and sometimes DH has to do a solo, and then we have to do a duet) before Max will give the book back to me - inpatiently waiting for me to turn the page and continue the story! It's the funniest thing EVER!!!! Max also has a $5 or so nascar car DH and I gave him for his birthday. There's a button you push on the top of the car and then the front tires spin so it'll go on smooth floors. Last night DH was pushing the button and handing Max the car. The first few times Max would hold the car and feel the tires spin by his hand. Then he started grabbing the tires, holding on for dear life, and would walk over to a big cardboard box (his "playhouse"), set the car down, and watch the tires spin. He did this for about 5 minutes - and we NEVER showed him how to do it! It's so amazing how smart these little kids are!!!! Ok, enough bragging. To counteract - he was up at 1 this morning. After sleeping with us while he was sick he's having a hard time adjusting to being in his crib again. I caved and put him in bed with us and he woke up at 4:30 and wanted to play. UGH! Oh well, that's better than being sick. LisaB & Max (14 months) Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 10:54:17 (EST)) Good morning ladies. SARAH here. Hope you all had a good night! I'm a little ticked at DH, too. He stays home with HANNAH 2 days/week. I've asked him for over a week now to put the laundry away. I asked him again Sunday night if he could do it yesterday. Did he????? NO!!!! Unbelievable! Makes me so mad! I always give in and end up doing it for him. NOT THIS TIME!!! ARGH!!! :( I know you gals can understand. Anyway, we pretty much gave each other the silent treatment last night. Not fun! I hate fighting with him. HANNAH was so cute when I got home from work yesterday. She got so excited when she saw me, then I picked her up and she just layed her head on my shoulder and cuddled. I love that, cause she's not really a cuddler any more. She's always real clingy for about an hour after I get home, until she knows I'm not leaving her again. I read her books every night. She loves it. But now she's becoming picky! Huh, imagine that!! LOL Now, when I start to read her a book and it's not the one she wants, she shakes her head and pushes it away and picks the one she wants. Truly amazing! On to personals: CHRISTI a.k.a. BLONDIE - I'm glad you had a fun time last night with your sis! LISA - Believe me, DH would know what to do with a girl. My DH does great!! I got the same response from ELISA. I was going to print it, but you beat me to it. HELEN - How is AMANDA feeling? Did you find a top for your Christmas tree? REBECCA - How are you all feeling? PATTY - Good luck with surgery today!! We'll miss you! SHELLY - We'll need to get rid of HANNAH's bottles soon, too. I'm glad you talked to MORIAH and heard ALEX!! DEBBIE - I've emailed MEGAN, too. No response. And she's usually really good about responding. I hope everything is okay!! Well, I'm gonna start some work. I'll try and check back in later. Hope you all have a great day!! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 11:27:03 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! A quick hello and I have to get moving on my packing and x-mas wrapping for the presents I am bringing to my family. SARAH-- I ended up getting an angel at wal-mart, but a bigger one than I had-- I am going to keep looking though since its still not what I want. DEBBIE-- I think I did miss you on the pics I sent out and tried to send them last night and they wouldn't attach so I'll try it maybe when I get back next week. FYI----- The 1st batch of pics I sent out and some were sideways-- Well the guy at the store didn't give me the info sheet w/the disc-- the next disc was the same and some needed to be turned but w/the instruction sheet I managed to do it right- I don't feel so stupid now! LOL!! THANKS for letting me vent yesterday about the phone call- made me feel better- stillcan't believe I did that! LOL! Oh and someone asked where in Canada-REBECCA???--- In NB-- Moncton. Amanda has really started trying to say words this past week or so and makes diff. sounds and tries to repeat us. She also likes to look at books and yells--THAT-THAT-THAT----until I tell her what she is pointing to- does this in the stores too- makes me nuts at times, me trying to think and shop and her yelling THAT and saying it over and over louder and louder! DH finds this funny of course! Well I have been skimming quickly and not taking notes- hope the sick little ones are better soon and congrats on the little ones doing all those cute new 'tricks'. LATER!!! ( see you all on Mon.!! Have a great Thanksgiving!!!) Helen&Amanda@15.5mos(#3) Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 12:09:18 (EST)) Hey everyone, sorry it's been a while since I've posted....been kinda busy. Well, I have made my decision about working. I am quitting my full time job this week and going to work part time at a jewelry store that I used to work at for 2 years. My manager is so great, she's always been there for me whenever I've needed to come back and work. She has never said no. I love working there, the poeple are wonderful! I am so excited! Adam has a sick stomach. For the last few days he has had diareha and he won't eat hardly anything. But, he's not really cranky, just not eating. I went out in the pouring rain at 9p last night to get his Pedialyte. The things you do for your kids! We had a big family dinner at my mom's on Sunday and Adam was the entertainment. He was being such a corker, my necies and nephew thought he was the funniest thing! My DH hurt his back a while ago and it hurt him really bad for a few weeks. Guess what? Yesterday I did something and now MY back is killing me! I can't bend over or get up from sitting, it hurts like HELL! Now I feel bad for thinking that DH was full of it when he would complain and whine about his back. Well, I did plenty of that last night and now he thinks its payback time! My best friend's birthday dinner is tonight in a nice Italian restaurant, I am dreading it because Adam is so loud and boisterous, I don't know how that is all going to go! I had to share my excitement that on Dec 19 here in Dallas, I got tickets to see Billy Joel in concert. I've loved him and his music since I was five yrs old and he's been my inspiration because I've played piano since I was four. We got great seats (my mom and I) to the left of the stage really close. This is my mom's Xmas present to me.......the best one I've ever gotten. She surprised me with a ticket to his concert on 1994 on my birthday. My mom is the greatest! Well, I have to finish my laundry so I'd better get going. I will post again tonight with personals... Bye girls Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 13:58:36 (EST)) Rebecca here... Christi - sounds like Caleb and Paige are almost the exact same size. On November 11th she was 21lbs and 29 1/2". Dr thought it was normal. Are you or DH slim? I know my DH is! He's 6'1" and weighs maybe 145lbs (with clothes on!!!). Paige definately takes after him. Sarah - Thankyou fro asking how I'm feeling. Today is a little better. Just the stuffy nose that won't go away. Paige still has her cough, but it isn't as bad. I think sleeping 13 hours last night probably helped!LOL Well, I think that today will be another day home. It's quite cold and damp out and since Paige and I aren't fully recovered I think today will be a pajama day. Paige is getting so close to words! Every once in awhile she says something that I swear I understand, but it's usually a one time thing. She does seem to know dada pretty good (it's what she cries for when DH is at work). Last night she was crying until she saw dada and then every time he went out of her sight she'd start to cry again. Whatever happened to being attached to mommy? LOL She's walking a little more every day. She can make it across the front room on her own now (unless she trips over one of her toys!LOL). I have a million things to do, and I haven't started on anything so I should go. Hope all of you are well! Rebecca & Paige email: burn@canadawired.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 15:49:25 (EST)) Hello everyone - looking for some advice. My son has gotten extremely whiny lately - following me and his caretakers at daycare around whining. Nothing gets him to stop, other than picking him up. I've always been very good about not picking him up every time he whines, but nothing seems to be working lately. Any advice? I can barely be out of his sight! Nothing has changed at home or daycare, so I'm not sure what to do! Any help you can offer is appreciated. Thanks! Jennifer & Sammy (15 months) Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 16:00:42 (EST)) Hi mommies!! I have a question for anyone who might be able to help..... Im BFing, as some of you already know. Last week, I became VERY ill and spent from Wed to Sat in the hospital, unable to breastfeed.(I wont get into detail here about what happened, but I did post it on BT if anyone is interrested... not a pretty story, thats for sure!) Now Im trying to get her back to breastfeeding, and we're having some trouble. Im still producing, but is there anything I can do to increase my milk and is there anything I can do to make her want to nurse?? She wants to, but she gets so frustrated, ys know? Do you guys have any suggestions??? Anyone have a similar experience?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!! Hope to hear from you soon!!! :):):) Lynn & Lexie sneaking over from BT email: pzas1@snet.net Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 16:02:01 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. Just a few quick posts. Tomorrow will be really hectic so I might not get to post, and then I won't be back to work until Tuesday. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! JENNIFER: PT sounds great. That would be ideal for me now but can't find anything. I truly believe that the extra $ from full-time isn't worth it if you are tired, stressed, and all from the extra time spent at work. That's why I plan to quit after #2 arrives, hopefully in a year or so. I'll be in Dallas on Dec. 2nd. I know it's short notice but if you aren't busy maybe we can meet. Max whines some now, esp. when he's tired or just plain grumpy. I try to only pick him up as a last resort as I don't want him to see that whining will result in him getting his own way. I try to distract him with a favorite book or toy, ask him "where's Daddy?" or "where's kitty" so he'll start looking for them, etc. Sometimes, like when I'm doing dishes, I just say "Mommy's busy right now. You are fine. Just play for a few minutes and then Mommy will play with you". He might cry for a minute but then generally just finds sometime to do to accompy himself for awhile. CRYSTAL: I just reread your post. Unfortunately I fly in on the 1st and out of the 3rd so I won't be around on the 4th. I'm sorry it won't work out where we can meet :-( LYNN: I'm sorry to read about your ordeal on BT, you poor thing. You might want to try pumping in the morning when you have the most milk and then throughout the day to stimulate your supply. I know it's hard but really try to relax to encourage letdown - nurse in a quiet room, light some candles, put on some soft music, etc. You might want to take some time off and just stay in bed with your little angel, both of you naked, and just snuggle and let her nurse whenever she wants. Your supply is still there. I weaned Max about 11 days ago and this weekend, when he was sick and crying and I felt bad for him, I SOAKED 3 nightgowns in one night from leaking (the only time I've leaked since I weaned him). You just have to find the "key" to get the flow going again. I've heard that Fenugeek (spelling?) and Almonds will increase production. If all else fails, try to consult with a lactation consultant. It's possible that the latch on is wrong now due to using a bottle. Best of luck and please keep us updated. LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 16:58:57 (EST)) Lynn: I know what you mean! The only way I know to increase your milk is to nurse more frequently; but unfortunately, if there isn't much milk, its hard to encourage them to nurse! Do you have a pump? You could nurse her whenever possible, then pump in between. Does she sleep with you? Sometimes the best time to nurse is in the night when they're half asleep, they are less impatient, and if you can get her to latch on, and nurse for a long time, it would be great for your supply. Best of luck! Contact your local La Leche League group, or go to their website for more help (sorry, can't remember the URL, but you can find it by searching). SarahW, Alex (14mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 17:03:43 (EST)) Good afternoon everyone, from Stacey! I have my class of new hires taking an exam right now, so I am going to break my own "no internet" policy and get catch up with you all. It is so nice to be back as a regular again! Lynn--I also read about your ordeal on BT, and I am so sorry. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I agree that you should continue to nurse Lexie as much as possible, and pump in between. Also make sure you are eating enough and drink your liquids. Drink as much as you can, even if you are not thirsty! I am breastfeeding my baby too (coincidentally her nickname is Lex), and although I didn't go through anything like you did, now that I am back to work and not nursing her as often I sometimes feel like she is not getting full when I nurse her. Birdie--I know what you mean about reliving every moment of your delivery etc. I do the same thing, with both girls. Oddly enough, they were both born in the same hospital, on a Tuesday, between 4 and 5pm and most of the nurses were the same ones, the menus were exactly the same, the labor room etc. was the same, so I felt like I was reliving Franchesca's birth all over again with Alexa (although it was much quicker the second time around). Yeah for Noah taking a sippy cup. Franchesca doesn't really like sippy cups, she prefers to drink from a regular glass (i.e. insists on it) although she will take a sports bottle for water and juice. And when that kid is thirsty, watch out. She starts screaming "agua" until she gets what she wants. Julianne--I laughed about you not buying anything for you. Motherhood for me meant no more shopping for myself, it is all about my girls. I always feel guilty if I look at stuff for myself, even though I shouldn't. But baby clothes are so much cuter and so much more fun to shop for. Sarah w/ Hannah--Hope DH gets better in time for you to enjoy your weekend, and I hope you and Hannah both stay healthy... Christi--Good for you that you are going to go to someone to talk about your feelings. Remember that we are hear for you too. Rita--sorry to hear that Maddy is constipated. That happens frequently to Franchesca. It is so hard to watch them when they are trying to go and can't. My pediatrician said to just give her prune juice. HELLO! She refuses to drink the stuff. I have had good luck with white grape juice and apple juice, though, and she doesn't mind drinking either one. We are going to be in Pleasanton over Thanksgiving, in fact we are leaving today after I get off work. Lisa--Sorry to hear Max is not feeling well. Hope he gets better soon. I am also sorry your DH was not more helpful around the house. Mine has been really good since he started staying home with the girls. I feel like I really lucked out with him. Good luck! Helen--I would have felt the same way about your neighbor and the poinsettia. I think your reaction was perfectly normal! Sarah W.--I was the same way with Franchesca as you were with Alex. I was always in a hurry for her to do some new thing, especially since I got pregnant so soon after she was born and wanted Franchesca to be walking etc. before I had the baby. I still need to remind myself that even though she is a big sister, she still is a baby and not to make her grow up too fast. It's really hard. Patty--I hope Jarin gets over his virus soon. And I am glad he was ok at the sitter's. Shelly--Congrats on Riley going without the bottle. Franchesca kind of did the same thing this weekend. We would give her milk, which she normally will only drink warm, but she cries anytime she puts the bottle up to her milk. So it has been cold milk in a glass for the past few days, and she seems to be adjusting well. Debbie--glad to hear you are all starting to feel better. Hope you are all well by Thursday. Jennifer--Hope you have a wonderful time at your concert. It sounds like fun! Well, my students are starting to finish their tests, so I had better go. Talk to you all soon! Stacey, Franchesca, and Alexa email: stacey.romero@home.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 17:54:03 (EST)) Good Afternoon, its Debbie. Finally a few free minutes. Maddie & Emilee are both sleeping. The dishes are done, clothes are in the washer & dryer, so what else do I have to do but to talk to all of you. Hope you're having a good day. My little angel Emilee has her daddy's climbing legs. This baby can climb anything. And I thought Maddie was a climber. She doesn't even hold a candle to her little sis. Emilee's new thing is to climb on Maddie's toddler bed, stand up and run back and forth. She fell off last night and banged her head. So this morning she's up there again and this time she sits on her butt and lunges forward and flies off the bed. Crashes on the floor, but just laughs. What a wild bunch around here. Never a dull moment. Lisa - Emilee liked the chicken sticks. I never gave them to Maddie because she was a great eater. I kinda forgot about them. Thanks for the suggestion. It is amazing what they learn on their own. Lynn - Sorry to hear about your illness. Hope everything is back to normal soon. Sarah - I have Megan's address. I think I'll send her a card to see whats up. Cute story about Hannah reading her books. I don't like the silent treatment either, but they need it sometimes. Helen - Have a great visit with your family. Thanks, I would love to see pictures of Amanda. Jennifer - What a great Mom you have. Billy Joel, I love this music too. Wow, you are young. Get better soon Adam. Yea for part time. Rebecca - Hope you and Paige get well soon too. Jennifer & Sammy - Could he be teething? Sorry, no advise. Welcome. Stacey - Glad you're back full time. What a busy Mom you are. Have a great visit with your family. Hey, what do you gals have planned for the BIG NEW YEAR 2000? We haven't made any plans, probably staying home. Dh is a real dud sometimes. Everyone have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Talk to you all soon. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 20:03:01 (EST)) Hello everyone! I miss you all so much but it seems that I am just toooooo busy to even get on a computer anymore so it is almost impossible to post on here even though I do want to so much. WE are all doing really great here. No one is sick although we were all sick off and on for about a month and Dillon was in the hospital for a few days but is fine now and you can't tell that anything was ever wrong with him. He has all of his teeth in now and I am so pleased to have that over with. Today he is moving into a toddler bed and it is a race car bed that a lady at church gave us and they gave us one for Blake also so now all the kids have new beds and they are all excited about that. Well tomorrow we are supposed to put up our Christmas tree and I know that Christmas will be here before we know it. So I hope that all of you are doing well and that you all have a great Thanksgiving. We are going to my uncles and my parents and grandmother will be there as well as my brother and my grandmother and cousins that I have not seen in 6 years or so.I feel like I don't even know any of you anymore and that really upsets me. When I do have time to post I don't have time to read and know what is going on with all of you and it seems that I can't get any of you to e-mail me. Please e-mail me and let me know what is going on with all of you. I love you all and care about you all a great deal. I will try to get back on here in a few days. You all be careful and have a great holiday. Tracey and Dillon email: ttelger@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 22:04:40 (EST)) Hi Ladies, Kahne here, Cat and I are quite sick too, she had to go to the doctor today. She has an ear infection, resp. infection, runny nose, etc.,etc. I have the same, YUCK. I am on thanksgiving break right now, and I am loving it. I am going to take her and pick out a tree tomorrow, before all of the good ones are gone. I dont have much to say, since we rested most of the day, but Cat did weigh almost 19 lbs. today! About the one that asked if the kids were made up, NO. If the kids under 13 had make up on, they were disqualified, and, yes, I plan to put her in many many more. Cat is becoming quite the walking pro! ok,, Gotta run, I dont feel too good. Bye Yall! Kahne and Cat 10 months email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 22:20:49 (EST)) Hey you guys! Anybody remember us, Candance and Tanner. I wanted to pop on and wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!! I miss you guys. I've been trying to get some things going and this site is so addicting - that's why I've been away for so long. I hope to come back and check in here and there again, that is if you guys will have me. :-) I haven't really read a lot of the posts so I don't have much for responses but I hope all is well with everyone and I hope to catch up soon. Tanner and I are doing great. He is the light in my life. He turned 1 October 28th and went for his well check last week. He weighs 22 lbs. 1 oz. and is 30 inches long. He did great with all his shots to. He has been walking everywhere for a little while now. And let me tell you guys, he is one good eater. He amazes me sometimes about how much he wants to eat. I'm hoping this is a good thing. LOL I can't wait to see him eat Thanksgiving dinner. Although he only has 4 teeth yet so he is still a bit limited. My biggest concern is his speech. He still isn't saying words. He will say mama and dada but I don't think he knows what they mean. Sometimes I think he says other words to but I'm not sure. I try to talk with him all day and I read to him every night. Do you think I should be concerned? His doctor says not to until his 15 month well check. Other then that he is progressing right along. Oh, I have some pics if anybody would like to see some. It feels good to be back. I truly miss you guys. Candance and Tanner - 12 months / 3 weeks email: henke3@mciworld.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 08:57:13 (EST)) Hey, Katy here Hope that eveyone is doing well. I haven't gotten to read any of the posts lately, so I appologize for no personals. Liam is doing well. I get to be home alone for half a day while he's in daycare. I had to talk to several people just so he can stay all day next quarter. I hate paperwork!!! Next week is finals week, but thankfully I just have one. But it's on Friday at 8 in the morning. ICK!!! I just checked out the ToddlerFace album and Liam is there!!! So if anyone want to see him, check it out! Happy Thanksgiving to all, drive safely. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 10:00:20 (EST)) Good morning ladies! Almost "turkey day". Man, I should have gotten on here late yesterday afternoon. I really needed you gals. I was just having a hard day. Do you ever just get so totally overwhelmed with everything?? Well, I did yesterday!! BIG TIME! I just started thinking about money (not alot to spend on Christmas), HANNAH (how much I love her..and thinking "am I a good enough mommy?), DH (how I don't treat him so nice sometimes...and don't know why. Also asking myself.."am I a good enough wife?), etc. I couldn't stop crying for 2 hours. Finally I called my sister (DH was at work) and then I felt better. Then I went up to see DH for a little bit last night. Needless to say, DH and I "made up" :) when he got home from work (at 3 am!!) Anyway, just had to know if any of you ever feel that way. Also, it was funny yesterday cause HANNAH and I were watching Teletubbies at 3 pm. At the very beginning of the show it showed them sleeping. So, I looked at HANNAH and said "Look, the TT are night-night". She looked at me real excited and went up the stairs to her crib. Well, she is down to about 1 nap/day and I knew she already took one. She didn't seem the least bit tired, but I thought she must want to get in her crib. So I was just gonna put her in it and see what happens. She ended up sleeping for 2 1/2 hours!! :) Too funny. Also, she has been sleeping through the night the past couple of nights!!! YEA! The only thing is we're going out of town this weekend, so I'm sure she'll get all screwed up, and we'll have to start all over. :( OK, enough about us...... JENNIFER - HANNAH gets very whiny when I get home from work. She follows me around and wants me to pick her up. She's like this for about an hour. So I just make sure and give her the attention she needs, until she's secure that I'm not leaving her again. STACEY - HI!!! I love hearing about your girls! DEBBIE - HANNAH is a climber too. Cute story about EMILEE. We don't have any plans for NYE yet. We'll probably just have some friends over. It'll be too hard to find a sitter, plus DH's brother was killed 10 years ago in a car accident..on NYE. So, it's not his favorite!! TRACEY - SOOOOO good to hear from you!! I'll email you today! KAHNE - Hope you all get better soon!!!! CANDANCE - Hey girl!! Glad you posted!!! We miss you! I want to see pictures!!!! :) KATY - Good to hear from you. I saw LIAM's picture. What a cutie!!! Good luck with your final on Friday. Well ladies, I won't be back on until Tuesday. :( I'm gonna miss you all! Hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving!!! Eat lots, and have safe weekends!!! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 10:42:17 (EST)) Yeah, it's Friday--in the working week at least! I had so much fun on my day off. Colton got quite cranky w/ all the shopping though. The new mall is huge, but lots of fun. There is a carousel by the theater and the kids get to ride for free. Colton had a blast. They also have a kids play area with a tree house, slides, tunnels, and more. He did really well. He would play all by himself and be so adventurous. I had to run all over just to keep up with him. I bought some Christmas presents but lots for me! Paul Harris is my downfall. I had a 50% off coupon so I figured I could buy twice as much, right? Anyway, I did have a bit of excitement. When we were leaving I realized that I had left my purse at Sears! I helped my sister get the kids and packages in the truck (luckily the keys were in my pocket) and raced back there. After checking w/ several people I finally connected with the one who had found my purse and retrieved it from the office. I felt so bad for hurrying out of there, but my sister was getting really crabby about wanting to leave and I could just imagine what she was thinking in the truck w/ all the kids. I would like to send a small gift of my appreciation. Any idea? I thought a package of cookies & chocolates? Dh & I are finally settling on what we are doing tomorrow. We were waiting to see if his parents were coming back from their place in the UP where they have been deer hunting. They really wanted us to come up there but we did not want to do the 10 hr drive for such a short visit. DH hates to get together with my side because he can't stand my aunt and her two teenage daughters. We are going to go to my grandmas and try to escape as soon as possible. Birdie: Hope all goes well w/ Noah's birthday party. Have fun! Sarah: So precious about Hannah's hand kiss. Wow, a 1.5 hr drive to work because of the snow. Yuck. I am not ready for snow yet. That means I have to get up earlier to make it to work in time! Colton doesn't like it if we read to him we just have to talk about what is going on in the picture. Otherwise he will close the book & take it away from us! Lisa: Yeah for Max feeling better. Bad Dh, I think quite a few of our DH's are in the dog house this week. I told my DH that if he was going to be as crabby as he was yesterday to not bother coming home. Of course he threw back at me that I get crabby every month and it lasts for a week! So cute about the singing at storytime. Christi: Welcome back, blondie!! Gotta love those kisses. Helen: Great start on the Christmas decorations. I will try to put some up on Friday. My DH is a major Christmas humbug and hates all the decorations. I hang lights outside on the deck and am hoping for a tree! I had to laugh at Amanda's THAT demands. Too cute. SaraW: What a fun weekend getaway. I will have to take Colton to the airport park to watch the planes take off. My mom did that with us kids all the time and we loved it. Patty: Glad that everything looked good w/ Jarin's tubes. Hope his fever goes away soon. Hope your surgery went well yesterday. Enjoy your Thanksgiving anyway! Last year we went up the the IL's and she didn't feel like making a special dinner so we had hamburgers! Shelly: Yeah for Riley switching to the sippy cup so easily. I think it will be cold turkey for Colton too. I just haven't decided when, either at 18 mo or 2 yr. Martha: Glad mary Beth is starting to feel better. Wow, the dr gave a prescription w/o an office call. That doesn't happen often. I hate dragging Colton there just to have them confirm what I suspect. The time it takes bothers me about as much as paying for the office call. Debbie: Colton drinks about 5 8oz bottles of milk and 1 sippy cupful each day. What a bunch of monkeys jumping on the beds you have. The other day Colton was jumping on our bed and trying to see himself in the mirror at the same time. He was full of giggles. Jennifer: Yeah for getting to work p/t. Great Christmas present from your mom! Enjoy the concert. Rebecca: So Paige has turned into a Daddy's girl now! Colton also thinks he can walk all over his toys and then trips and falls. We try to tell him to walk around them, but it hasn't sunk in yet. Jennifer w/ Sammy: Welcome. Not sure what to suggest since you say that nothing has really changed to bring this whining on. Maybe make sure to spend some fun cuddle time with him every day so that he doesn't feel like you are rushed and not spending enough time one-on-one w/ him. Kahne: Hope you and Cat feel better soon. Candice: Welcome back. Don't worry about Tanner not talking too much yet. Most toddlers are full of baby talk w/ a few recognizable words mixed in. Often what words are said one day are not repeated for weeks. They are learning and words are forming, but the speaking thing comes little by little and then boom, just like walking, there is a flood of words. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. Eat too much and starve the rest of the week!! Food always tastes better on the holiday. Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 11:24:00 (EST)) Hi, its Christi, not much going on, I only have a few personals, but if I dont post them now , I will loose them! :o) ++kahne--hope you feel better soon ++Rebecca--HAHAHAHA no we are not slim people, but thanks for the giggle! Sometimes I for get you only about me what I tell you. ++Sarah--isn't it fun to "make up"!! I hope you are feeling much better today! I have those days too. ++Candance--Hi! I don't know you from before, I am kinda new here, but we have some in common--my son, Caleb, was born 10/28/98 too. Caleb is a walking mad man, but speaks very little! Dada is about it, for everything--except he has figured out if he grunts or screams loud enough someone will get him whatever he is wanting. Last night, Dh and I both heard him say "I did it", he was trying to climb in a chair and finally got there. I would love to see pictures of Tanner! ++Katy--I am going to go look up Liam right now! Well, ladies I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, we have 2 dinners in 4 hours, but atleast it is down from 3. Christi & Caleb 12+ months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 11:33:20 (EST)) Hi moms and toddlers! It's Sue and Cam checking in on everyone. Haven't been posting much anywhere, but are trying to keep up with everyone's lives and progress. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving tomorrow - we'll see how things go with Cameron and his first (hopefully only!) ear infection. He's been so good through it so far, but I'm concerned about how little he's eating. I'm sure he'll make up for it when he's feeling better. Crystal - I hear that congratulations are in order. Was a little surprised about your news, but happy for you nonetheless. NE moms - sorry I missed the get together a couple weekends ago. Love and kisses to all the little ones. Sue and Cameron email: sbarry@key.org Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 12:25:27 (EST)) Hi, it's Birdie. Noah's party at Gymboree went so well. We had nine babies.There were lot's of balloons and Teletubby decorations. The babies had so much fun on all of the equipment. When it was time for food we put down a huge parachute and put all of the food on it and the babies just went crazy. I made each of them a small cake that looked like tubby toast. They were all so messy. I brought lot's of disposable bibs for everyone. I also had bowls of cheerios and gold fish crackers that they dumped out and just ate off the parachute like puppies. It was so messy and so cute. As for the big cake I gave up on the teletubby and instead I made a round cake and frosted it in all white. Then I made yellow frosting and did a huge sun and had a picture of Noah enlarged and put his face in the center of the sun. It was really cute and much easier than drawing a teletubby. Now I just have tomorrow to worry about...39 people for Noah's official birthday party. What was I thinking. Sorry. no personals. I have so much cooking to do. Also last night my best frieend had a baby. She was induced on Monday afternoon and labored until 2:30 Tuesday. Then pushed until 9:00 PM before they gave her a c-section. It was so horrible but fortunately they are both doing really well. I was there until after midnight. What a crazy week. Take care and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Candance- Please stick around!!!! Birdie and Noah ( one tomorrow!!!!) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 13:10:02 (EST)) Hi Mommies! Who wants to be famous? The Leeza Gibbons show is looking for moms of kids who throw tantrums to be on an upcoming epidsode! Who knew tantrums could get you a free trip to sunny California? Leeza asked us to help her find some moms for the show. If you're willing to videotape your little one having a tantrum, they'll fly you to LA and put you up in a hotel for the taping. The taping is December 3, so if you're interested, email us right away. Just think -- you can do your holiday shopping on Rodeo Drive! As always, enjoy the site, and write to us with whatever's on your mind! See you on Leeza! Abbi Perets, iParenting Assistant Editor email: info@iparenting.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 14:30:57 (EST)) Hello from Rita I had Amy with me at work yesterday since it was a party day. She charmed everyone and even took a two hour nap in my cubicle. No one could believe that she could actually sleep there. We were successful in getting Maddy "unclogged" the other night. We were going to have to bring her in to the doctor otherwise. Once she was successful, I told her to go and tell DH. She told me that he would be mad. I don't know where she got that idea and we hope that is not what has been preventing her from pooping. No more potty training for the time being. Candance - Hello to you! I was wondering how you guys were doing. Please send me pictures - it has been a long time since we have seen Tanner. Sue - Good to hear from you too. I miss hearing about Cam since he's just a bit older than Amy - it always reminds me of what is coming next. Julianne - That sounds like a great place to take kids. I would probably never be able to tear Maddy away from the play areas. LOL Birdie - Sounds like Noah had a great party at Gymboree! I almost wish we were doing another party there this year, but most of Maddy's cousins are too old for that kind of thing. Good luck with the "official" party. Debbie - You made me laugh with your "DH can be a dud" comment. NYE is Maddy's BD and we haven't decided if we are going to celebrate her BD on that day with just us or wait until the big double party with all of the family. I suppose I am a dud because I like to stay in. There are so many crazies who like to shoot off guns and things on NYE that I prefer to celebrate at home. An elegant party with drinks and wonderful munchies would be neat to have if I ever had time...I had better stop reading Bon Appetit since I can never duplicate those types of fetes! I hope that everyone Stateside has a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. (I hope to sneak off early today to do some baking since I got the cranberry relish done last night.) Take care everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 15:00:16 (EST)) I just have a quick ??? Has anyone seen LuCynda? Maybe I missed something, I was just wondering. Time for me to stop cyber playing!! Bye Christi & Caleb email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 16:49:49 (EST)) Christi: LuCynda has been over at the Expecting in May board today, I'm sure she'll check in soon. Both kids are sick, Cam with the flu and Jasmine with strep throat, I think she's busy!!! SarahW, Alex (14mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 17:03:38 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. Nothing much going on here ... KAHNE: I'm so sorry you and Cat are sick. CANDANCE: Hi! I would love photos. Max is almost 15 months and mainly just says Mom, dada, and boom ... and a lot of things that sound like some foreign language! SARAH: Yes, I sometimes feel like a bad employee at work, a bad Mom, a bad wife, etc. I think we've all been there at some point. How funny that Hannah "requested" a nap - LOL!!! DEBBIE: No NYE plans as DH works on New Year's Day. We wouldn't do anything anyway probably, just maybe go to a friend's house. We aren't much into partying. I agree with Rita - too many crazies on NYE (and they are predicting this one will be really bad due to the lunatic fringe groups and all that figure anything they do will be excusable as everyone will blame Y2K instead of them). SUE: I hope Cameron's ears are better soon. BIRDIE: The party sounds great. The sun cake is a cute idea. I'll be back on Tuesday - have a great long weekend, everyone!! LisaB & Max (14 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 17:10:26 (EST)) Long lost Beth and Allison here. I haven't even had time to read ANY of the posts from the past weekend so this will be a very selfish post. Just wanted to let you guys know that I haven't fallen off the planet. Allison has been sick this week with strep throat and an ear infection so I have been off work and still am. I just haven't had any time to check in from home as when I am here I find too many "chores" that I need to get done while she is napping and then never have time to get on the computer. I just spent an hour going through my e-mail and haven't even looked at the posts yet!! SORRY! Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know that I got an e-mail from Candance. She and TAnner are doing great. About the pictures, she sent them; off to Joy almost as soon as she received them from me. THis is there last know whereabouts so if anyone has JOy's e-mail perhaps they could write her and see if she got them. I know she was expecting any time now and things may have gotten hectic with the arrival of the new little one. Anyway, that's all for now. I will try to read the posts and post my personals later. Beth and Allison (18 months today!) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 17:19:57 (EST)) BETH: I'm so sorry to hear that Allison is sick. I hope she's all better by the time I get back on Tuesday. LisaB Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 17:24:00 (EST)) Hi again, Candance and Tanner here. See I'm already addicted again. :-) Thanks all for the welcome back, it feels good to be back! Tanner is taking his nap and already I couldn't wait to get in here to write some more. I feel kind of bad today. I've been busy trying to get things ready for tomorrow's big dinner and making some pies and poor little Tanner has had a pretty boring day. Do you guys ever feel bad when there is stuff you have to get done but then realize you haven't played much with your little ones. I know there will always be days like that but I just think of what he may be thinking. Anyway... he's been a trooper though and has let me get a lot done. His absolute favorite thing to play with is all my Tupperware in the cabinet so we do pretty good in the kitchen together. Sarah: yes, I have the same exact feelings sometimes about not treating DH as good as he deserves sometimes and wonder about being a good mommy to. Hopefully they are normal feelings but if not at least someone else has the same feelings. LOL Julianne: Thanks for the mind easement on Tanner talking. It makes since. Christi: That is so cool that Caleb was born the same day as Tanner, what time was he born? Tanner was born 12:11 pm. Yep, Tanner has definitely got the little temper thing down pat. He knows it is one way to get our attention. That's great Caleb said "I did it." I think when I hear Tanner say something like that I will fall to the floor. I just can't imagine it, what a feeling it must be. Birdie: Noah's party at Gymboree sounded so adorable. I wish you luck with the big one. Happy Birthday wishes, hugs and kisses to Noah. Rita: Hello back!!! :-) Lisa B: Thanks! You made me smile with the lots of things that sound like a foreign language, I know the feeling on that one. LOL Hi Beth: Hi there, I'm back. When you last emailed me it made me really miss being here so I had to come . Thanks for letting everyone know about the pics. It was kind of funny reading about me. Heehee I'm sorry to hear Allison is sick, I hope she gets better real soon!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!1 Candance and Tanner - 12 months / 3 weeks email: henke3@mciworld.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 18:07:48 (EST)) Hi mommies. I survived my surgery! =) I had quite the big surprise when the anesthesiologist talked to me and informed me that he would be putting a tube down my nose and into my throat. I DIDN'T KNOW that was going to happen. The nurse laughed as she said my eyes were as big as saucers. Fortunately, I was put out BEFORE they did the tube thing. My throat is really raw from it though. I swear it hurts more than my jaw does. I've just been putting lots of ice on my face and doing tons of resting. I was so tired yesterday, slept from 12:30 when we got home until almost 4. Then again today I napped from about 1:30-4. Jarin went down at 1:30 and it is almost 5:30 and he's still asleep!! The Drs told me I shouldn't nurse him from the first batch of bm after the surgery. So at 4 yesterday, I tried to pump. Jarin was standing at my feet SCREAMING and pointing to my boobs. Finally, after pumping about 5 oz all together, I just let him nurse. Hasn't seemed to bother him at all. He is still really stuffy and running on/off fever. I wish he would get better quickly. The Dr. gave me some Tylenol with codeine, but I've only taken one as I really don't want Jarin to get the drugs in my bm. Dh has been wonderful! He took me to the surgery, waited there for me, and did all the work when we got home. He's taking such good care of me. =) **Thanks for the thoughts Shelly, LisaB, Sarah, Julianne, Debbie, and Christi. You guys are so sweet. **Shelly: That's so great that you get to hear Alex talk. I don't know what to buy a 12 year old boy - my nephew is just pretty into clothes. **Debbie: I will send the new pics I have. They aren't the greatest, but you'll get the idea. Jarin and Emilee could be climbers together. He is also always climbing on everything. We probably won't do much for NYE either. My DH will probably have to work. UGH. **Christi: Caleb's kisses sound so sweet. I love it when they do stuff like that. He is just about the same size as Jarin. **LisaB: Let us know when you find out more about the meeting. I'd love to be able to meet everyone! LOL at Max with his books. He is so funny. Jarin only likes Good night Moon at night and if he isn't inthe mood, he just pushes it away. I can't believe your DH calls you Madam Bitch. Maybe he is missing "something". LOL **Sarah: Jarin is also quite the cuddler when I first pick him up after work. I get that overwhelmed feeling too. I'm sure we all do. a 3 AM make up session? Your DH should REALLY love you now!LOL We went out of town last week and Jarin slept pretty well. He also was fine as soon as we got home. I hope Hannah does so well! **Jennifer: Sounds like you are excited about the concert! What a neat gift fromyour mom. Glad to hear you get to go part time. **Jennifer and Sammy: Hey, girl. I remember you! Jarin is also whiny a lot at the sitters and here. Sorry I don't have any advice - I tend to just carry him. I know the sitter just tells him he's ok and keeps doing whatever she's doing. But I also know she does pick him up quite a bit. **Lyn: Same advice as everyone else - just keep trying. Wish I could tell you more, but I don't know what else to say except drink lots of fluids. **Stacey: I am so glad you are getting to be a regular again. Love hearing about Franchesca and alexa. **Tracey: Great to hear from you! Glad you and all the kids are doing well. Sounds like they are pretty excited about the new beds. **Kahne and Cat: Feel better! =) **Candance: Welcome back, girl! Glad Tanner is doing great. Jarin doesn't say too much yet either, so I wouldn't worry. **Julianne; I LOVE Paul Harris. I just spent a ton of $$ there shopping with my mom (for my Christmas presents). That is my favorite store. Hamburgers for Thanksgiving? Yuck. **Birdie: The sun cake idea sounds so cute. I bet the babies loved that. Jarin loves that baby on TT. **Rita: Glad to hear that Maddy is officially "unclogged". LOL **Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Take care and hug those babies. You guys are the best. Patty and Jarin - 15months in 3 days email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 18:30:37 (EST)) Just wanted to let you all know that the following pics have been put up on the Cyber Tots Web site: Moriah's Alex Christi's Caleb Rita's Amy Sarah's Alex Leah's Max Check them out. Just follow the link that is usually my e-mail address. Chow for now. I'd write more but I have been hard at work all day and now need to finish with my housework. See ya and miss ya all. LuCynda and Cody email: www.geocities.com/cyber_tots/ USAWednesday, November 24, 1999 at 18:51:57 (EST)) LuCynda: Wow, that is fantastic, thank you so much! I don't know how you've managed with two sick kids! Take care, and get some rest yourself! SarahW, Alex (14mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 19:51:46 (EST)) Hi all! I have to start over, Nolan erased my first message I had almost typed. Oh well kids will be kids! Happy Thanksgiving to all our new American Friends! Nolan has had a week from ####!!!! He is teething again, we have had a few restless nights this week. Christi-You are right about Christmas, it is blown right out of this world every year. We didn't get Nolan a whole lot this year. We bought him rock n roll Elmo, a car mat, a little tykes coupe car, and a place mat with his name on it. We just have to buy stocking stuffers. My husband was suppose to go to the football game in Detroit tomorrow, but his friend unfortunately sold the extra ticket on him. So needless to say he is a little upset!! I would love to go to the Thanksgiving Parade some year when Nolan gets a little older. This week-end we are going to visit my parents, and go to the Santa Claus Parade. They live in Aylmer Ontario. Next week-end my husband's sister wants to take Nolan to her 15min home town Santa Claus Parade. It is blink town, but at least they have the spirit of Christmas. Well I'm going to go and put myself and Nolan to bed. Happy Thanksgiving! Darleen & Nolan 12 months email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 22:03:58 (EST)) Hi ladies, Kahne here, Well only one month to go till Cat's big one. I am kinda sad, but happy too. She is walking all over, too. I have actually stuck to my exercise routine, Can you believe it? I am going out of town till Sunday, where there is no puter, I will miss you guys So much! I am almost finished with my x mas shopping YAAY!!!! Just a few more things for Cat and DH. WOOOHOOOOOOO, and it isnt even thanksgiving yet! We are still sick, but Cat is getting better. Thank you to all of you that gave us well wishes, I hope they help! I have to go pack, it takes a lot to keep a baby and mommy sustained for four days! I WILL MISS ALL OF YOU! Kahne and Cat 11 months today email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Thursday, November 25, 1999 at 01:01:35 (EST)) Hi, this is Noah! It's my birthday. I will be one in 20 minutes. Thank you HANNAH, ALEX, and MAX for my cool birthday cards. I love them. If my mommy had any clue how to work a computer she would have sent all of you one too. She was pretty impressed. She couldn't write this morning because she's acting all mushy. I don't know what's wrong with her. Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I can't wait for my big party. I am pretty spoiled. Gotta go get more hugs and kisses. Bye Bye Noah (I am one today) Thursday, November 25, 1999 at 09:38:13 (EST)) Noah- HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY! Enjoy your day! HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! Tell Mommy to cheer up, it can only get better from here. I enjoy the age and stage Nolan is at now. He is very independent, and is always trying and learning new things. Darleen & Nolan 1 year email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Thursday, November 25, 1999 at 17:00:56 (EST)) Hello everyone! Its Christi, wow, a holiday sure does slow things down around here huh! I hope all of you (in the US) had a Thanksgiving, what a busy day for us. We had to go to my FIL's then to my folks, then to my grandma IL's, I made food to take to all of them in the morning, and we got home at 7pm. Caleb didnt take a nap all day, so when we got home we thought he would go right down--wrong, he was too tierd to get to sleep, until 10--but at least he slept till 7 :20 this morning :o) Tomorrow we go get their Christmas pics done, I know it will be a mad house on a Sat, but oh well. **Darleen** its nice your SIL wants to take Nolan to a parade! Arent aunts fun! **Kahne** Hope you have a nice visit, see you when youget back **NOAH** Happy birthday!!! How did the party go Birdie? I can't imagine 39 people! Hope you had fun! Well, have a couple of kids today, so time for me to run along! Bye everyone! Christi & Caleb email: plumbs@coiinc.com Friday, November 26, 1999 at 10:18:05 (EST)) I was trying to say , hope you all had a NICE Thanksgiving, I suppose you all had a Thanksgiving hehehe :o) Christi again Friday, November 26, 1999 at 10:20:08 (EST)) Katy here Well, yesterday was an interesting Thanksgiving. Liam was cranky and then we found out why. He's getting all four of his molars in!! I guess that it is good he's getting them all at once so we don't have to worry about them later. I hope everyone had a good holiday. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Friday, November 26, 1999 at 12:07:41 (EST)) Katy: Alex is also getting all four molars in at once, we've had good days and bad days... The worst was when he had a fever up to 103.5F! I took him to the doc, and he couldn't find anything wrong, it went away after about a day, so we think it must have been the teeth... He seems to be getting better now, after about a week, much less cranky. I was thinking the same as you, at least we get it all over with at once, and he should be all better for a great Christmas! Take care, use lots of Orajel!! SarahW, Alex (14mo) & ??(-6mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Friday, November 26, 1999 at 12:43:41 (EST)) Leanne Here! Hope all of you Americans had a great Thanksgiving! yes I am Canadian and had ours a month ago! I envy you and the left over Turkey Sandwhiches! YUM!! I am getting hungre (what else is new...) Baby is growing like crazy (tummy one) I am getting excited as we will hopefuly be able to find out what it is in the next couple of weeks at the u/s! Will definatly let you ladies know! Cynthia peed on the couch yesterday after her nap! She has been so good lately! I knew she had to go as she had not gone for acouple of hours and I asked her and she said no! I should have just made her go! Oh well... she has been great otherwise. Still need to put on a diaper at night though - she is good for a couple of nights then when I take it off she ends up peeing in her bed! I hate that! Alexis and her have bunk beds and do you know how hard it is to make those DAME things and plus being pregnant... not fun! Alexis gets her first report card today! I am excited to see what it will say. Veronica is starting to talk up a storm it is so cute! You ask her a question and she nods her head and says "yep" she listens really well too - I ask her to go and get the remote (tv of course) and she will get it for me. Pretty cool eh! I think her and Cynthia should be good helpers once the baby comes! I hope! NO more fighting please........ Julianne: Thanks, Alexis deserves it, actually I am really looking forward to seeing the movie myself. LOL Lisa B: Sorry Max is sick! 2 ear infections yuck but at least that medicine really works fast! Rita: LOL about Maddy and Amy! Veronican has become quit a tough cookie too! She definalty knows how to fight her own battles. Sorry your kids are sick now too. Hope they are all feeling better soon. Crystal: Dont worry about Darrel walking. Cynthia did not really walk untill she was 15 months too. Just think of it as a blessing! I know what you mean when you feel that you missed out on the baby thing. I think we all tend to do that with our first. We are always waiting for that next milstone rather than enjoying the moment. Veronica and this baby will be 21 months apart, so I would not worry to much about the spacing! Cynthia and Veronica are 16 months apart and at the beginning it was good but now they fight a fair amount but I know it will only get better. Stacey: Wow work already! You must be tired. Cute about Franchesca talking! Veronica is getting so good at it. I dont remember Alexis and Cynthia talking this much at this age. I guess with 2 older sisters she just wants to be heard LOL patty: Sorry about Jarin UTI Is he feeling any better? Birdie: Happy Belated Birthday to Noah! Time does go by so quickly dosent it? Sarah: SNOW!! I want some. It is so weird to be in Canada and not have tones of snow yet... I guess I should be thankfull. I am feeling great thanks! I love the middle trimester! You are showing a great tummy and you feel great and not to achy yet.... not looking foward to that part. When I was pregnant with Veronica I could barly walk 2 weeks before I had her my muscles were so lack! Lynn: As for the BF thing try to pump and nurse her as much as you can even if it is just for a little bit! It is frustrating I know but try to relax and stroke the other breast as you nurse and that should relax you more! (sorry so grafic) Have a great weekend ladies!! Leanne w/Alexis, Cynthia Veronica &16week (?) Friday, November 26, 1999 at 13:07:28 (EST)) Crystal and Darrel here. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We went to my parents, and Darrel was hamming it up big time. He was in a very good mood all day yesterday and was walking everywhere. Darrel has started to dance also. It is so cute to watch him dance. And, he is constantly jabberring away now. It sounds like he tries to hold real conversations in a foreign language. I love it, though I often wonder what he's trying to say. He's a silly little one. We brought one of his push toys over to my parents and Darrel was pushing it around everywhere. When he ran into the wall, he'd walk around to the other side and push it backwards. Then, he has a toy remote and a toy telephone that makes sounds when you push the buttons. Darrel would go get them and and them to me to play with. When I gave the remote back, he walked over and gave it to my dad and then walked back to me for the telephone, which he gave to my dad as well. Then, he took the remote and the phone and set them on the end table next to my dad. My dad kept pushing the buttons and so Darrel kept moving them farther away from him. What a silly little boy I have. But that's not all. My parents had to work yesterday, so my brother, DH and I had to get Thanksgiving dinner ready. When my parents got home, Darrel left me and walked to grandma and gave her a big hug and then started jabbering away. Then, while my dad was finishing getting dinner ready, Darrel stood right next to him, looked up at him, and started "talking" to grandpa. When grandpa wasn't talking to him or looking at him, Darrel started to yell at him. On Tuesday, Darrel got into trouble at day care. He bit another child. That was the first time he actually bit a child. I scolded him for it and then started to comfort the child that he bit. Darrel wanted me to pick him up while I was holding the baby he had bit, and he got so mad that I held this other child and not him. He threw a big tantrum and started hitting me and the child that he had bit. I told him that we do not hit and grabbed his hands and made him sit down next to me for time out. He got so mad. Such a big temper for being so little. Well, after the other child calmed down and decided to get down ( a few seconds after Darrel got time-out), Darrel decided that mommy should hold him now. I told him that I'm not going to hold him right now because he's in time-out for biting and hitting. He just fell to the floor and started screaming again. I felt bad but wouldn't budge. After Darrel finished his tantrum, I did finally pick him up and told him how much I love him, and we did cuddle for a little while and then I put Darrel's mat out because he was very tired, and he took a nap. Darrel's stats are now 25 lbs and 32 in. He is so heavy and if I carry him for too long, my arm goes to sleep and I get a charlie horse on my arm. He walks a lot more now, so he can just continue walking. Darrel loves bubbles. I bought a 6 pack of bubbles for my kids at day care for Xmas because they love bubbles. Well, since I have 12-18 month olds, I'm only allowed to have up to 5 kids, so I have one thing of bubbles extra. I was at a friends house the other night, and Darrel and her child got real cranky, so I pulled out the bubbles. At first they didn't know what to think of it but they soon started popping them and laughing about it. BTW, I talked with my boss about moving Darrel up since there are openings in my class and he should be in my class because of his age. She still won't let him move up until he's walking better, but one of the 12 month olds got moved down because she's a teacher's child and there's an opening in the baby room. Teacher's kids fill in the openings. The 12 month old is a competent walker so at least Darrel now has some one his age and at his level developmentally. She doesn't want to move Darrel up until he's walking better because she doesn't want him to get trampled by the other kids. I think that Darrel would greatly benefit being with the toddlers, but I can also see her point. Darrel will be moved up before the 12 month old gets moved back up. I still think it's unfair because Darrel is missing out on a lot more than just playing outside and going to musicals. Darrel doesn't get to do any of the curriculum that he would be doing. He has to eat in a high chair even though he can handle the picnic tables just fine. He's just missing out on so many things that he's capable of doing. But, at least Darrel has other friends outside of day care that he can hang out with so he won't lag behind in social skills. Plus, since I work at the day care, I make sure an extra copy of the curriculum is ran off and have Darrel do those things on the weekends. It's mostly just coloring, but that's an important skill for a child. But, starting in my classroom, they start teaching songs, leters, numbers, names of objects and animals, among other things. I don't want Darrel to be behind when he moves up. I know it's not as important at his age to know the colors and numbers, but the way I see it is it lays the foundation for self-esteem and for when he starts school. I'm rambling again aren't I? Sorry about that. I have to get going anyway. My brother just called. He wants to go see a mutual friend of ours but doesn't know where she lives. So, I told him that I'd go with him. It's always nice to see fellow mommies anyway. I'll talk more later. TTFN Crystal and Darrel 15 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Friday, November 26, 1999 at 13:18:27 (EST)) Sounds like all of our little ones are getting their molars!! Adam had a cranky past couple of days. He too is getting those nasty molars and he has diarreha real bad. Needless to say he didn't eat any turkey! Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. Just a couple of days until I start working again.....part time this time! Yeah! I have to go up to my old job today sometime and hand in all of my stuff. I'm a little nervous about the whole thing, I didn't give any notice. Oh well. I gotta go, I will write again soon, take care! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Friday, November 26, 1999 at 14:19:54 (EST)) Hello everyone, a very proud Christi here, prepare for bragging! My boy is so smart! Yesturday I told him to blow a kiss to his daddy and he did (after I showed him how)! Now of course he does it all of the time. He has also learned where his ear is, and he can find my nose, but not his--go figure. Anyway, I am so proud of him :o) Caleb is aslo getting molars in, he has 1 and 2 more are working their way in and I have seen no sign of the fourth. He was really grumpy for a while, but sems to be getting over it now. Anyway, I don't have much time today (do I ever?)Bye for now Christi & Caleb (13 months tomorrow) email: plumbs@coiinc.com Saturday, November 27, 1999 at 10:26:43 (EST)) Rebecca here... Just a quick note to tell all of you that I'm still here. Things have gotten pretty busy right now and I haven't been able to read to many posts. We are all feeling better. Just a little stuffy nose left. I'll try to get back here during the week. Hugs to all of you! Rebecca & Paige email: burn@canadawired.com Saturday, November 27, 1999 at 16:05:38 (EST)) Hi mommies. Major bragging ahead. Jarin is SOOO funny. This morning while I was getting ready, he opened my bottom drawer and got out my bottle of lotion. He watches me every day, so here's what he did... He pounded the bottle on his hand (didn't really get any), then rubbed his hands together, propped his leg on the drawer, and proceded to "rub"in the lotion on his leg. Then he "got some more", rubbed his hands, propped his other leg and did it again. Then he got lotion for his hair, his arms, and his tummy. He totally cracked me up. It was the cutest thing!! I gave him some crayons and put him in his high chair to color too. He thought it was pretty cool playing with the crayons. Didn't actually get much on the page, but still. Of course I had to take the pictures of his first masterpiece. **Lucynda: The site looks so good. I love going to it. I sent pics of Jarin and our family today. **Birdie: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NOAH! I am sooo sorry I didn't send you an ecard. My excuse is that my jaw is pretty sore, but still. I feel bad. Hope your party went well and Noah loved his cake. I know how you feel being all emotional. Jarin is probably my last, so I tend to get all emotional over everything he does. **Christi: So how did the pictures go? So cute about Caleb blowing kisses! **Katy and Sarah: I am wondering if Jarin may be getting molars too? He was up at 2, 4, and 7 last night. He is also being Mr. Fussy lately and wants to nurse constantly - which he usually does to comfort himself. **Leanne: Jesse has bunk beds too and yes, they are a HUGE pain to make! Thanks for the thoughts on jarin. He didn't actually have a UTI, they just tested for one. He sees the dr. for his 15 month check up on Monday, so we'll see if they can find anything wrong with him yet or if I just have to keep dealing with this fussiness! LOL **Crystal: Jarin also started throwing tantrums this weekend. Not fun. **Rebecca: Hope things get settled and we see you back here soon. **Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. See you later. Patty and Jarin - 15 months today! email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Saturday, November 27, 1999 at 16:51:16 (EST)) |