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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Good morning to all. Candance and Tanner here. Hope everyone had a great turkey day - it sounds like you guys did. We did to. Ate lots and felt miserable. Then Saturday we decided we would drive to Chattanooga, Tenn. and stay the night. Well that wasn't the greatest idea. Tanner decided to HATE his car seat. It's only about 2 to 2.5 hours away but he was so unhappy. Anyway it took us about 4 hours to get there but we made it. We checked in our hotel and he absolutely love the hotel. It was so funny. He kept walking around everywhere checking everything out. Then we went to dinner and left the next morning during Tanner's nap time. So we didn't really get to visit the city much but at least we got away for a night. He's been the perfect little angel since we've been home. Patti: I know I must have missed something about your surgery but I'm glad to hear it went OK. Darleen: We got Tanner a Rocking Elmo for Christmas to, aren't they adorable. I am so tempted to give it to him now and just wrap the box for Christmas but DH said no. :-) Well gotta run for now I hear my little one back there, he must me awake. Candance and Tanner - 13 months email: henke3@mciworld.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 09:23:12 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! A quick hello to let you all know we made it safely back from our weekend. Had a good trip and it was nice to see everyone. Of course its nice to be back home and to get things back to normal again- enough eating and staying up late!!LOL! Hope everyone is well- I will try and catch up on posts later today BYEEEEEEE!!!!! Helen&Amanda@almost 16mos(#3) Monday, November 29, 1999 at 10:00:24 (EST)) I just loved the long 4-day weekend. Colton and I had lots of play time together. I bought him a few new video's--thanks for the suggestions from everyone. However he only wants to see his "toot toot" one (Thomas the Tank Engine). We watched it 4 times one day! Thanksgiving went OK. Colton didn't want to eat and decided that his new thing for the weekend would be to squeal like a fussy pig when he wasn't getting his way. I called him pig-boy all weekend. My IL's came home Friday evening and we saw them last night. They gave Colton a dancing Santa. He loves to press the button and dance along. He does some sort of stomping dance. It is very funny. This morning he was bending down giving Santa kisses too. We got a Christmas tree and decorated it. So far Colton has been really good about not touching and pulling on it. You will never guess what we used as a tree topper. DH is not a Christmas person, in fact he went in the bedroom to watch TV while Colton & I decorated it. When I mentioned that I would have to buy a tree topper he said he had something. He put a baseball cap w/ our business logo on the top of the tree. Looks pretty corny, but at least he was excited about it!! Sarah: I also feel that I am failing at everything some days. I joke that I am not superwoman, but it still bothers me. Glad you called your sister and had a good chat. Just hearing you question if you are a good mommie shows you are. Good that you and Dh talked and made up too. Hope you had a great holiday. Birdie: Noah's party with his friends turned out great. How fun. Cute idea making a cake for each kid and Noah's big cake. Hope his other party went just as well. Loved the message from Noah. Katy: Great picture of Liam in the album. He looks like a real sweetie. Beth: Hope Allison is feeling better. Patty: Yeah, you made it through your surgery. Too funny about Jarin putting on lotion. Makes you wonder what else they can mimmick. Darleen: Hope Nolan's teeth come in soon. Colton is teething again too. He refuses to eat and is very crabby. He also gets a cough and cold each time. Less sleep for me!! Crystal: I hope Darrel gets to move up the the toddler room soon. At least you know what goes on there so you can work with him at home so he won't get so behind. Christi: Yeah for Caleb blowing kisses! Talk you later. Have a great week everyone. Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 10:39:40 (EST)) Well hello once again ladies and I hope that this post of mine finds all of you happy and healthy like we are here. Taylor and Dillon have a runny nose again but I guess it is just their allergies acting up again. I have been giving them some medicine and they are doing fine with that so I am not even going to take them to the doctor about that. Dillon is with his dad sleeping right now and Tay and I are over at the church doing some work. It seems that I spend most oif my time here now but I am not going to complain about that since I am doing the work of the Lord. I had to come over and find some lyrics for the songs in our Christmas play so I can put them on transparencies where everyone can sing them. Well Jay will be working allot more now since it is Christmas time and he does work for the USPS. I would love to send all of you Christmas cards so if you all could e-mail me and let me have your addresses and last names it would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully I will have the kids Chrismas pictures in with them. I love you all very much and hope that all the little ones are doing well. Please give them all a kiss for me. Tracey and Dillon 17 months email: ttelger@hotmail.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 13:07:08 (EST)) Hello from Rita We had a nice and low-key Thanksgiving with just my MIL and one of my sisters with her husband. The girls had a wonderful time playing with Grandma and their aunt. Amy loved all of the food, but was a little surprised by the taste of my cranberry relish. :-0 We went to a family party on Saturday and the girls had a great time with their cousins. Amy was a little hesitant at first, but warmed up after a hour and was off with various aunts, uncles and older cousins the whole time. We went to a tree-trimming party at my friends' restaurant yesterday where Maddy got to be a big kid for the first time and make her own pizza. Amy surprised me this morning with two new upper teeth coming in. She is determined to catch up with Maddy, I guess. Her cruising has really taken off and everyone is commenting how she'll likely be walking at Christmas. How can such a wee thing be walking around? LuCynda - Thanks for doing such a wonderful job on the web site! It's great to see the little ones all in one place. Julianne - Colton sounds so cute with his dancin' Santa. I put out my nutcracker collection and a few other decorations the other night and Amy's eyes got so big watching me put out all of the "new" things. Maddy is really excited about all of the lights our neighbors already have up. This year is going to be so fun! Well, I will have to check back in later after I get some more work done. Take care everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy email: ritad@home.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 13:35:13 (EST)) Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Allison was feeling much better by Thursday since the antibiotics had kicked in and was in a pretty good mood for grandma's. She ate like a HORSE!! I was glad since she hadn't really eaten since Monday because her throat hurt so bad from the strep. I guess she was just making up for lost time. Not too much to report here right now. Just getting ready for Christmas. Started putting the tree up last night and will finish that tonight. Allison was really amazed that we brought a tree into the house. She just kept pointing to it going "tree, tree". Should be fun trying to keep her from pulling it over for 3 weeks. Rita - Amy sounds too cute with looking at all the decorations in your house. Sounds like she'll be walking before too long! Patty - glad your surgery went well. Hope you're feeling better today! Tracey - so good to hear from you. I sent you some pictures in the e-mail! Candance - good to hear from you too!! Hope you will continue to be a regular with us! Lucynda - the sight looks great! I need to get my pictures to you. Will try to do that in the next couple of days. Thanks again for all your hard work. Crystal - don't worry too much about Darrel's walking. Allison was over 15 months as well when she started walking. Now I can't keep up with her! Allison is very verbal as well and I have read that children at this age are either verbal or mobile, but they can't do both well so they choose. Our babies just chose to be verbal! He'll walk soon enough, but I know its hard not to worry from a mother that's been there! Well, that's all for now. Talk to you ladies later. HOpefully I won't get so far behind again. Beth and Allison (18 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 17:06:57 (EST)) Hi Mom's and Todds! HAPPY MONDAY! I hope everybody is full from there Thanksgiving Turkey! I am Canadian, so unfortunately we didn't get any this week-end. Oh well! Christmas is coming it will be turkey time again. Nolan has started waving bye-bye and blowing kisses on demand. It is so funny to watch him blow kisses to everybody. He is also getting more teeth. My mom felt around in his mouth, and she said they are all coming up at once. Great! Nolan has 8 teeth so far. 4 top, 4 bottom. Has anybody heard of the all KIDS Mall some place in the U.S.? I think it's around Detroit somewhere. If anybody knows could you please let me know . Thanks. I have a job interview on Wednesday for part-time. I get excited when I mail out resumes, but I get nervous and don't want to work when they call me for an interview. I enjoy being a stay home mom, but I also miss the pay checks around this time of year. Oh well. Well that is all the chattin for today, I have to go wake Nolan up from his nap, and pick up my DH from work. Have a great week! Darleen & Nolan (12 months) email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 17:37:30 (EST)) Hi this is Birdie, mother of one year old Noah. Wow! What a party. 41 people total. 3 22lb turkeys and 1 ham etc etc etc. Noah was right on high. He did all of his tricks for everyone. Blew kisses, did the entire patty cake, did his spinning and dancing and jumping said doggy, etc... We were quite proud. We now need an addition to our home. I cannot believe the amount of stuff he got. We are moving my desk out of my office tonight so he'll have more room. It's unreal. Anyway, still recovering. Hope you all had a great T-day. Thanks so much for all of the well wishes and cards. You all are soooo sweet!!!! Take care!!! Birdie and ONE YEAR OLD NOAH email: LJU777@AOL.COM Monday, November 29, 1999 at 17:55:43 (EST)) Hi all!! Shelly and Riley here. I've been gone since Wed., so I had a lot of catching up to do. Well, there will be no extra lbs. from TG on my rumpus!!! I had the flu! My Mom made TG dinner Wed., so we could have it with my Uncle. I canceled my plans with my extended fam and went to Moms. That a.m., Jesse woke up and threw up on the carpet. But then he was better. He didn't eat a whole lot and was a little whinny. Then, him and Tay went to their dads. Tay threw up that night and then he felt better. Thur. I woke up feeling awful. Pretty soon I was throwing up too and I had a rash that looked like the chicken pox. Since the boys had felt better after vomiting, I thought I would too. Wrong!!! I did it all day and my head felt like it was going to explode. everytime I took something for the headache, it made me more sick. Thank God, I had stayed out at my Moms. She took care of me and Riley. He has not gotten sick or the rash. But myself and the other two boys have bumps. The boys were to their dads from wed. night to Sun. afternoon, so Riley and I just stayed with my Mom. I'm cured of my pumpkin pie fetish! That was the last thing I ate before getting sick. Yuck!!!!! Sat. I felt a lot better and my Mom and I took Riley to the holiday parade. It was fun. Riley is saying a lot of words now. I don't know why I was so worried. He now will say peese and tang yu. I was singing bye, bye baby and then he started singing it too. everytime I use the toilet now, he comes in and wants me to take off his diaper so he can sit on his little potty. He hasn't done anything again but at least he is sitting there. Can I e-mail or scan any of you our kitten?! He is turning out to be a huge pain in the ^$$! I want him to be outside most of the time, so he sits by the door and screams. everytime I think he is over his cold, it comes back. I always worry about germs from sick animals. I wish I had not told the boys they could keep him. I'm afraid that he will always be sickly, because of the starvation thing. Anyway, I'm done whinning! (for now)LOL Debbie**I live in Montague CA. We are about 90 miles from Redding and 30 miles from the OR border. Yreka is the closest city, but it is small. I can't say fudge. the way Riley misspronounces words it would probably sound like Oh F#*$ when he repeated it!LOL Helen**Riley once started yelling "look" at everything in Wal-mart one day. Only, the way he said it was "LOOOOOOOOK". Everybody was staring at him and cracking up. It sounded so funny! Jennifer**Yay! going to work PT. I'm starting a Pt job in Jan. I'm only working the hours that my boys are in school. 4 days a week 9:30 to 2:00. That way, Riley won't be in daycare for too long. Jennifer & Sammy**All 3 of my boys have been thru this stage. Just hang in, he'll regain his independance again soon. I think if you make too big a deal, he'll just keep it up longer. Sarah**Hell Yes!!! I have those days when I feel exactly how you described. Usually, when I have pms. It always seems that all the truly stressful stuff happens the weekend before I actually get my period and the pms does not help me cope. I don't know if yours were hormones or not, but I sure hate it when I feel that way. Noah**Happy Birthday Baby!!!! Well, better get going on my laundry again. Tommorrow! p.s. Tracey- I'll e-mail you so that you don't feel unloved!LOL SHELLY & RILEY 19 months Monday, November 29, 1999 at 19:29:02 (EST)) Hi ladies. It's Crystal and Darrel here. I'm typing and Darrel is sitting next to me playing with pennies. I know, I know, pennies are a choking hazard, but Darrel does real well about not putting small things in his mouth very often. He's more into stacking things up and putting small objects into bigger ones. He wants to know how things work. If he was still putting things into his mouth all the time, I wouldn't let him play with the pennies. But he seems to know what he can and can't put in his mouth. I still keep an eye on him, but I allow him to play with small things as long as he's supervised. Just thought I'd clerify that real quick before I start getting lectures about what a choking hazard it is to allow Darrel to play with pennies. That aside, I have a concern. No, it's not about Darrel for once. It's work related. You see, we have a child in the two year old room (which is joined in with my class, so I get the 2's when their teacher isn't there) who is very mean. He will just walk up to a child a bite for no apparent reason. Now when I have him, I do the best I can, but kids still get bit, pushed, and scrathed by this one child. We got a new teacher today who has a child in his class, and I just happened to of had the 2's. The new kid got bit on the face three times this afternoon by that one child. He usually does when I can't keep a very close eye on him, such as when I'm changing diapers or tending to another child in some way. Well, the new teacher basically said that it was my fault that her child got bit today because I should have separated him from the other kids because he's so mean. My hands are tied in this situation because there's not much I can do legally. When Darrel bites, I pop him in the mouth. I can't do that to the kids in my care at work. Plus, I have other duties than making sure one child in particular does not hurt another. If that was all I had to do, then the biting rate would go way down. Also, I take this remark very personally because it's like saying that it's my fault that Darrel bites if I allow him to be around other kids so I should keep him isolated. It really bothers me. I started crying while driving home tonight because it really bothered me. So, I told my boss that if I'm unable to drop what I'm doing and stop this kid from hurting another child, then I'll just put him into the high chair until I'm able to keep that close of an eye on him. This is the part that I ask your opinions. First of all, if your child got bit repeatedly by a problem child and you knew the teacher couldn't do much more to prevent the problem, what would you do? And second, if your child was constantly hurting other children even under close supervision, short of having his/her hand held and having to go wherever the teacher went for the rest of the day, and keepig the child in a safe place for him or her and for the other kids in the same class was the only option left to prevent another child from being biten repeatedly, how would you react? Crystal and Darrel 15 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 20:53:09 (EST)) Hi mommies. Wow, still pretty slow here today. It was kinda nice being able to catch up so quickly. Jarin had his 15 month check up today. He was 30 1/2 inches long and weighed 19 lbs. 8oz. I think that's pretty small compared to most of your babes, right? He was 25th%for height and 7th% for weight. When the Dr. looked in his throat, Jarin screamed his head off, but I got to see that he has two top molars coming in! Maybe that explains all the crankiness. Yay! On the bad side, I told him about Jarin coughing every night going on six weeks now. He told me I need to give him breathing treatments at night and see if that helps. Yuck. I hope they DON'T help. Jaime has bad asthma. I really don't want Jarin to have it too. I'd rather just delude myself into thinking it's just a cold that is hanging on for a long time. =) My jaw is so sore today. It feels really swollen. I think being back at work, the stress of hearing my name 1000000 times, and talking all morning didn't help matters. Oh well, I hope that soon it will be so much better than before it won't matter that I was sore for a week. =) **Candance: I had surgery on my jaw to hopefully correct TMJ disorder. I think it's great to occasionally get away, even if it is for only one night. We went to Indianapolis a couple weeks ago for a cheerleading competition for Jaime. Jarin loved exploring the hotel room. **Julianne: LOL at you calling Colton pigboy. Jarin also started throwing tantrums this weekend. I'm thinking the "terrible twos" are going to be lots of fun. heehee **Rita: It is so funny to see such little people walking around. I'm sure it will seem strange when Amy starts too and I'm also sure it won't be long! **Beth: The Halloween picture was too funny. Too cute that Allison is so freaked out about the tree in the house. =) Jarin occasionally pull off an ornament, but he isn't too excited about the tree. **Darleen: Sorry, I haven't heard of the KIDS mall. **Birdie: Gees, Louise, if you have to move out your desk, Noah must've made a huge haul! LOL But after all, he does deserve it, right? =) **Shelly: Sorry to hear that you felt so awful all weekend. Hope you and the whole family are feeling better now. **Tracey: Sending email your way. **Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - 15 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 21:38:28 (EST)) Hello all, its Christi. Not too much going on here, had to take DD to Dr. , she has some kind of croup problem, nasty cough at night, fever once in a while etc. She is on ammoxil for a throught infection, fun. Caleb has done fairly well with our Christmas tree, better than I had thought! I put a large jingle bell on the bottom, so when he plays with it I can hear him! sneeky mommy :o) well, on to personals....... *PATTY* Jarin sounds so cute putting on lotion like mommy, funny what they pick up on huh? *REBECCA* Glad you and Paige are feeling better! *JULIANNE* busy week-end!! Colton sounds cute kissing Santa! *BETH* that is a very good point, Caleb is everywhere, but doesn't talk much at all, I often wish it werer the other way :o) (I am of course kidding, I love my boy just the way he is!) *DARLEEN* Good luck at your interview!! Nolan sounds cute kissing and waving bye-bye! *BIRDIE* Glad your party went so well, so much for having an office, LOL *CRYSTAL* If it were my child who was being bit, I would be upset, and want something done, a report in the office or something. If my child were doing it, I would be horrified! Of course I would want to know, because I think we are all the kinds of mommies (and daddies) who would work on it at home. As far as the high cahir, I think it is a resonable solution. Do not think you are a "bad provider" one person can only do so much, you only have 2 arms :) I know you can't leave the child in the high chair all day, but at changing time etc. it is a good solution, maybe give him so toys etc. Okay, sorry to ramble! See you all tomorrow! Christi & Caleb 13 months! email: plumbs@coiinc.com Monday, November 29, 1999 at 23:35:37 (EST)) Hi! Romaine and Saba here. I don't know if anyone remembers me. I posted back when this board first came up and was expecting #2. I had another beautiful little girl on Sept. 7- 8 days late!!! I have been trying to get on here for a couple of weeks, but this board always freezes up on my computer b4 I get to the bottom! Some details of me... I will be 32 (oh my gosh, am I really that old?!) next month. I have 2 gorgeous little girls. I have been deliriously happily married for 6 1/2 years. (Yah, you can gag!-LOL!) I live in Canada. I am currently on mat leave and am expecting to go back in March 2000-yuck. I did not read many posts, b/c I really did not think that I would be able to get on! I hope to pop in peridically-I am on BT as well, but would also like to talk to people experiencing toddlerhood. Are there others with older toddlers heading into 2? Saba adores DD2, but does hit occasioanly. It is usually out of jealousy (like when I am nursing) or excitement and she does not know what else to do. She loves to kiss DD2 and hold her hands. She squats down beside her and says "hi" to her. When she is laying on the floor, Saba likes to cover her, give her "Dolly" (her comfort toy) and stand books all around her for her to look at. She is a joy to me! She is also TOTALLY Daddy's girl when he is around. I do not exist. She is loving to watch herself on video. She gets so excited when she sees Dolly or DD2 on it. When she sees herself turn around on it , she does so here! She just discovered that she can hop like a bunny and hops and says hop as she goes! She adores her books and lies on ehr stomach to look at them. She has been in a bed full time for about a month now. 2 weeks ago we got the crib ready for DD2 and suddenly the last couple of nights she wants to go in it. Oh well. She was showing interest in potty training a few weeks ago, but no longer. I am not too worried though. However, she HATES getting her diaper changed! and b/c of that, I hate it too! Anyone else? Okay, I have bragged/talked enough. i hope to be able to check in-this board is very difficult for me to load for some reason! Oh-someone was concerned? that their child is not yet walking-Saba did not walk until 15 mos. she pretty much started to run from there! I know that it is hard when everyone else's children are reaching milestones earlier! I know 2 people wha have girls the same age as SAba and were walking at a year. I felt left out and like I was doing something wrong. Itry to provide an enriched environment w/out being controlling,so I feel like something is wrong if my girls don't reach milestones when I expect! It is SOOO hard to be a mommy! I get the guilts all the time! My girls are the center of my universe. I cannot remember what it was lik not to have them! They are the most delicious little things! Gee, I really ought to go-I am hogging the space! Hi to LuCynda, Rebecca, Birdie-and I know that there are a few others that I should know! So Hi to them (and all of you!) too! Good-night! Romaine and Saba 21 mos email: rrantry@yahoo.ca Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 01:00:16 (EST)) Hi everyone! It's long lost Moriah & Alex. We really haven't been doing a whole lot, yet it seems as though we're very busy. Must be that time of the year. Alex recovered nicely from his speckles (it wasn't Roseola according to my ped.). Anyway he gained 8oz in one week! For all who remember - that's a huge feat for my peanut. His new all time high weight is now 14lbs 3.5oz. Unfortunately his blissful period was short. Tuesday night he started running another 102 fever. But Thursday it was apparent that he had a cold :(. He looked pretty good Friday & conincendentally he had a normal checkup that day. Both the Dr & I thought he was going to kick this cold as well. WRONG! Saturday he was really lethargic & just in general not himself. When he's sick we always have an O2 sat. monitor on him so we know how his oxygen requirement is. Well sure enough - he needed some supplemental oxygen while sleeping. He had a pretty bad night Saturday night, up a lot. He was coughing so hard that he started coughing bloody mucous (common when people with trachs are sick.) That was hard for me to take! Sunday was another bad day. So this am I took him back to the Dr to check him out. He's really wheezing a lot so we're doing Albuterol treatments & he's now on oral steriods to help his lungs. He was doing so great this afternoon, but it looks like another rough night coming my way. :( To compound all this I caught the cold from him & feel crappy. AND Geoff is gone to fish out of another port for a few weeks. So no help in the night time. I'm so tired. Tomorrow I'm going to have to give in & take a nap. I try so hard not to nap during the day, as it generally zaps me & I get nothing done. How's that for complaining??? Sorry! Alex has been doing some cool things in the midst of all the sickness. He's really getting this waving thing going. So CUTE! He made all kinds of points at Thanksgiving with his smiles & waves. My SIL & I are getting a crash course in web design (sort of!). We're trying desparately to get out website for zandycards up & running. We even registered our domain name. Can anyone tell me if 10MG is enough space??? We learned the hard way that we signed up with the wrong hosting service & now we finally got that rectified. We have gotten our 1st order through word of mouth. SO that's exciting. Well not much else is new. I don't have any personals. But I hope everyone is doing good! Moriah & Alex (13 3/4 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 04:04:10 (EST)) Hi there, Candance and Tanner here. I almost have my Christmas shopping done. Just a few more little odds and end things and that's it. Good thing because we don't have much money left. The only bad thing is DH hasn't started his shopping yet which means I might not get anything since I spent all the money. LOL Just kidding. At least I'd better get something! LOL Tanner has really been a trooper running Christmas errands all the time Beth: Thanks, I hope to stay and try to keep caught up here. :) Glad to hear Allison is feeling better. I know what you mean about eating like a horse. Tanner amazes me about what he can eat at one time. They say babies won't overeat but I'm beginning to wonder. LOL Darleen: Isn't is wonderful when they start blowing kisses. I just can't get enough. Good luck on you job decisions. Birdie: I can only imagine how many presents you got from 41 guests. WOW You should rewrap some and use them as Christmas gifts. LOL Shelly: Geez, glad you are all feeling better. Patty: I hope your jaw starts feeling better more and more every day. You are right, it was nice to get away for a night. It was hilarious Tanner exploring the room, I guess boys will be boys, marking their territory. LOL Romaine: Sounds like you have a joyous life. It is always so nice to hear such happy stories. I hope to see you here more, or should I say I hope your computer doesn't keep freezing up on you. :-) Moriah: I just don't know how you do it ALL with so little sleep. I guess I missed something, are you designing your on cards? Well that's it for now. I wish everyone a happy day. Candance and Tanner - 13 months email: henke3@mciworld.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 09:05:06 (EST)) Not too much going on with Colton so on to the personals... Tracey: Hello, it is great to hear from you. Glad things are going well for you and your family. Rita: What alot of family fun you had. Sure must be time for teeth to come in! Seems like there are quite a few of our little ones teething now. Just in time to be cranky for the holidays!! Beth: So, Allison found out what Thanksgiving dinner was for--stuffing herself. How cute. Darleen: Good luck on your job interview. I am have made some calls with some shopper friends to see if they know about the Kids Mall you are talking about since I live in MI. I have never heard of it, but hopefully one of them has. I will let you know what I find out. Birdie: What a great boy you have, showing off all his tricks for everyone! How ever did you get him to do that? Glad the party went so well for you. Shelly: Sorry you had the flu for TG. Hope kitty gets better soon so you can keep him. Crystal: Regarding the biter: If I was his mom I would want to know. I think your daycare manager needs to meet with the parent(s) and discuss the problem. It needs to be dealt w/ at home and at daycare. Teachers need to work together w/ parents; they can not correct a child on their own w/o the support of the parents. If the parents aren't willing to work this out then the daycare needs to decide if keeping the child there is fair to the other kids. If I were the parents of the other kids I would expect a letter indicating there is a problem and what steps are being taken to correct it & keep my child "safe". I think that your idea of a highchair or perhaps a playpen is a good one for when you are busy with another child. The child needs to be put in "time out" and talked to each time he bites so he understands what is wrong. As for the comment the other teacher made, why don't you ask her if she is willing to watch him for you when you are changing diapers and so forth. Maybe she will get the message that you can't be everywhere at once. Don't stress over it, she is new and she will learn soon enough!! Patty: Hope your jaw feels better. Colton always gets a cough that hangs on and on when he teeths. Have you noticed any similar circumstances happening when Jarin comes down with his coughs? It had us really worried for some time. Romaine: Welcome back and congrats on baby girl #2. Sounds like Saba is adjusting to her little sister very well and liking the roll of big sister. Moriah: Sorry to hear Alex is sick. Hope he clears up quickly for you. Lack of sleep really is draining. Yeah for his weight gain and your 1st Zandycard order. Good luck w/ the website. Oh, I almost forgot, I had a roll of film developed over the weekend and a copy of the pictures was sent to our e-mail account. DH hasn't figured out how to send them to me yet. Hopefully when I go to the shop tonight I can get them forwarded to my work e-mail and then out to all of you!! Keep your fingers crossed. Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 10:21:46 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. Geez, I NEVER should leave this board for 5 days. I didn't think I would ever get caught up! Oh no, my trip will take me away for another 4 days and with no holiday I'm sure the board will be hopping! Max had 2 firsts this weekend - he can now flush the toilet and turn off light switches (of course, you have to hold him up for that trick!). He also started giving kisses again after "forgetting" that trick for several weeks. He fell and banged up his head and has started playing with his Pluto (has a remote to make him walk, bark, wag his tail, and shake his head - with a long cord so you have to constantly watch when Max is playing with it). He also started BIG time on temper tantrums. Before he would them only ocassionally. He threw big ones Friday morning (at 8 in the hotel - NOT fun), Friday afternoon, several on Saturday, and one on Sunday. He didn't have any yesterday so hopefully he's over it (yeah, right - I know better than that) as he saw they didn't get him anything. DH and I talked yesterday. I think I won't become a SAHM until Max starts school (and then I might just work part-time, during school hours). With my big raise I can't afford NOT to work (the extra $ can pay off the house, buy a minivan, start college funds, etc.) plus 2 moms at the sitters are becoming SAHM so she'll have opennings (as I want Max and future siblings to be together). Of course, we may change our minds again when I get pregnant. Part of me wants to be a SAHM but I also enjoy getting a break and think daycare is great for Max so I'm still conflicted over this issue. PATTY: I'm glad the surgery went well and hope you are 100% again soon. It's great that DH was so helpful. Jarin sounds adorable with the lotion. Kids are like little sponges, aren't they?! DARLEEN: I live in the country, near a "blink" town. It's a pain having to drive to the store, etc. but don't miss living in a bigger city at all. NOAH: I LOVED your post. Max thinks I'm pretty sappy also! KATY, SARAH W, JENNIFER, CHRISTIE, JULIANNE, & PATTY: Good luck with the teething! LEANNE: My nephew is 6 and STILL wears a diaper at night (just because BIL & SIL are too lazy to work on potty training him overnight and to clean up any messes). CRYSTAL: We'll ocassionally blow bubbles in the bath and Max LOVES it (except he tries to chase them and I'm afraid he'll slip!). In Missouri the state childcare licensing laws state by age what group (infant, toddler, etc.) a kid MUST be in and the curriculum they must follow. Does Texas have similar laws? Regarding the biting - as a parent with a child in daycare I realize kids bite. Max got bit once and I didn't think much of it at all as it was an isolated incident and the sitter told me about it. I think the key is to tell the parents of the biter and the bitten what happened and to try to prevent future occurances. My sitter puts the bigger kids in their own playpens when she's changing a diaper, answering the door, getting lunches ready, etc. to prevent such problems and I have no problem with that as Max will happily sit there and play. The new teacher needs to get a clue. You CAN'T 100% prevent biting unless you only have 2 kids and therefore can always closely watch them and keep them separated. CHRISTIE: Yeah on Caleb blowing kisses and finding body parts! I like the bell idea and might just have to steal it!!!!! LuCYNDIA: I need to check out the web site. Thanks for all your work!!! JULIANNE: The tree topper is TOO funny! Mom has a dancing/singing Santa that Max had a ball playing with over Thanksgiving! BETH: K-Mart has the free photo disk again this week. I'm taking in 2 rolls today so expect pictures next week, everyone! BIRDIE: 41 people - WOW! SHELLY: I'm sorry you were all so sick. My Grandfather and Aunt live in Redding and we hope to visit them in the spring (was planning for fall but fell through). I'll e-mail you in the spring and maybe we can meet up! MORIAH: Yeah of the big weight gain and your first order! I'm sorry you and Alex are sick. It sucks when DH is gone a few nights ... I can't imagine several weeks. Better get to work. Last day at my "old" job and tons of stuff to tie up. I leave for training tomorrow afternoon so I'll TRY to post before my flight. LisaB & Max (15 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 12:29:37 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! My little one is sleeping and I've unpacked the groceries and am enjoying my coffee!! My visit went well w/my friends and family-- OK bitching ahead-------- My brother and wife are completely spineless when it comes to their kids, ages 5&9yrs. They were both preemies, in the hospital for a while after being born, very sickly kids, one only has one kidney, and the mother gets flashbacks of the whole ordeal still- some guilt too I suppose. The kids are OUT OF CONTROL!!! Loud and annoying in restaurants- staring at others eating- right beside the table-- blowing bubbles in their drinks- spilling it and sweeping their hands in it trying to splash eachother and our kids w/it!!!!!! Opening emergency exit doors!!Trying to poke DS w/a fork in the face and laughing!!----Demanding food and demanding to leave when the last bite is off the fork-- and they say everything from the F-word to s**IT-- damn--piss---- you get the idea!!!!! I actually said a couple visits ago-- 'you have to get them under control- its only going to get worse!!' They respond w/ I know and what can we do they're wild and thats how boys are!!!!So every time we visit- its the big discussion on my brothers kids and how they need a good boot in the butt- along with the parents.It just amazes me- the way they let them act!! The youngest started kindergarten in sept. and only goes when he feels like it and leaves early some days!! GEE--- who are the parents?????? Needless to say- I am usually frazzled when we return- as much as I love my brother and wife- they need councelling or something! So the night we got home I used the jaccuzzi!!! SO relaxing!!!!!! SO-- enough of them-- Amanda says some words now, and tries to repeat the different sounds. She loves to get out her wipes and washthe walls and furniture for me. She is still a fussy eater. At her last visit theped. gave me vitamins and fluride combined in a chewable- she loves them! DH is supposed to get our tree today- I'll beleive it when I see it! I went out to Home Depot last night and got more lights and extension cords-- I just love Christmas- everything is so pretty,the snow-- the smellof baking, everyone seems friendlier- shopping for everyone for that something special!!!!Just love it!! Yesterday I got up and when I was comming downstairs something caught my eye-- a deer walking across our lawn towards the wood outback-- the I noticed he was limping. :O( :O( So I called our neighbour to come over and maybe shoot it if he thought it was bad, not home- called another to watch if it went in her yard- then DH called to say a hunter was comming over to go in our back yard and look for it- he apparently shot at it- missed(?) and it ran in the road and got hit.:O( :O( So I waited for him and told him where he went but he came outabout an hour later without it. So the poor deer is all I've been thinking about- I just hope someone spotted it and did put it out of its misery. :O( AND-- A new teacher at DD&DS's school- very friendly and the kids loved him- died- apparently fainted or passed out at home, hitting his head and died-- he was 27.The teachers were calling yesterdayand telling the parents so the kids would know before school today when they announced it. They are having all the councellors in the district available for the kids if they need them. Very sad. I guess my post today is not the happiest- sorry. DEBBIE- I haven't forgotten you- I will try to get the pics out this week. PATTY- EWEEEE!! The tube!!! I'm a wimp for pain. Glad the surgery went well- hope your feeling better soon!! SHELLY- RE: gift idesa for 12yr old-- DS is 13- 14 in Feb. a few thing he likes are- of course video games- also the hand held ones- electronic dart board- safe and in Penny's--sports clothes--videos- theater passes for his stocking to see a movie--stilts- they have a ball w/them--'finger boards'- they're mini skateboards and he plays w/ them all the time- also can get ramps and jumps for them--the game by 'disney' its a trivea game--also the game gesstures- like charrades but easy and lots of fun- let me know if you need more ideas. :O) CRYSTAL-- I think if a child is biting ALL the time the parents should be met with and the child kept home if it continues- the others shouldn't be subjected to that kind of a child. I agree it does take a lot of attention for kids at this age but the kids need to be better behaved also- its not the caregivers responsibility for the actions of the kids.You can do only so much- and like you said- Darrel gets a swat, and gets the message its wrong- you can't do that with the others-- seems to be a biting epidemic going around there!! LOL!! MY novel is long enough---- LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@16mos today!!!!!!!!!(#3) Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 12:49:40 (EST)) Hi, Romaine here. Saba went for a walk w/ Daddy and DD2, so I thought that I would ttry to sneak on! DD did not want to go at first, but when she saw her daddy going out the door w/out her, she changed her mind. Moriah-Poor you and Alex! I hope that he gets over his cold soon! Is his trach now out? Candance-Thank-you! :) Julianne-Thank-you! :) Lisa B-Tantrums are the worst! They are sooo embarassing in a public place! You feel so out of control and i worry that my parenting skills are being judged by that moment in time! Stay firm!:) Helen-6 and 9????? That sounds like baby behaviour-and it is excusable (sort of) then! Insane! They are not doing themselves or their children any favours! The youngest CHOOSES when to go to kindergarten? I don't know about there, but here a child could possibly be held back if too much school is missed! I know a child that missed almost all school 'til Christmas and when told that the child may have to stay back b/c of missed skills, the attendance improved greatly! They sound neglectful to me! I hope that I have not ofended you-it is something that I feel very strongly about and I do not mean to be offensive. I hope to check in tomorrow!:) Oh-Hi to Leanne (my sister!!!) and big kisses to those little girls! Saba gets excited when she sees Cynthia on the tape! She is looking forward to playing with the girls in a few weeks!!!! Romaine and Saba 21 mos email: rrantry@yahoo.ca Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 15:15:57 (EST)) Hey everyone! Remember me? We just got back late last night from our Thanksgiving "holiday vacation" in Oklahoma. I don't know why I say it was a vacation because it sure wasn't! Elizabeth was sick almost the entire 11 days we were gone! She had diarrhea from last Monday to Thanksgiving day and then got a Terrible cold and still has it. Her nose runs so bad that in the mornings when I get her up, she has snot all over her face and the sheets. Yuck! Poor thing! Anyway, The whole trip, she whined and wanted me or dh and wouldn't even look at anyone else. Now, the whole family probably thinks that I have a brat child, which is far from the case! So, needless to say, I'm so glad to be home and "whine" to you guys! Haha! Aren't you glad I'm back!? LOL! I sure missed everyone! There's no way I can catch up, so I'll start from here. I hope ya'll had a good T'giving. Kelli & Elizabeth, 16 1/2 months email: rkncs@aol.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 15:20:12 (EST)) Hello from a crabby Rita Well, Amy is certainly teething. She woke me up several times last night. She decided to wake up at three and wouldn't go back to sleep until five. On a better note, when we let our dogs in last night, she got all excited and clearly said "Max", which is the name of our Belgian Shepherd. Maddy got her first bandaid last night. Hard to believe that we have gotten through almost three years with no blood. I have a really funky can opener that doesn't always open cans all the way. I opened a can of olives last night and had it up on the counter. I stepped away for a few moments and Maddy decided to help herself to some olives. I heard her screaming and she ran to me with the can stuck on her hand. It was awful! I had to try and pry out her hand. There was no way to do it without cutting her fingers. Luckily the cut wasn't too deep and we cleaned it. It took her a long time to calm down. Of course, DH was outside when it happened. I guess that Santa is going to have to get me one of those safe can openers since Maddy can use a stool and climb up to anything on our high counters. I let Larry know that I was not in a good mood this AM. It always feels so overwhelming when things like that happen combined with lack of sleep and the fact that I seem to be the only one doing the daily chores around the house. Moriah - Sorry to hear that you and Alex are sick. I really shouldn't complain, especially when I think about all that you do when Geoff is out to sea. I hope you both get better very soon. Hurray for Alex gaining half a pound in a week! Congrats on your first card order, too. With the way things are going, you may get an order from me. Shelly - Sounds like a nasty flu. I hope that you get better soon, too. Lisa B - We don't do well when you don't post for five days either. LOL. I hear you you on the SAHM issue. I would love to be in a financial position to stay home for a while, but it's out of the question. We need the retirement savings, college savings and health insurance that my job provides for us. This is what also prevents us from moving to a more rural area. Sometimes I really feel the pressure of the juggling act that I do with the girls and my job, but I really couldn't and wouldn't do it any other way. Well, I really must turn my attention back to some work. Take care everyone and stay healthy! Rita, Maddy(35 mos today) & Amy email: ritad@home.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 15:20:48 (EST)) Good afternoon all! All is well here, not much new with Allison. We rented the Blair Witch thing the other night. It was scary, but I knew going into it that the student ‘film makers’ were actually actors that were put out into the woods with a camera, some gear and very little instructions on what to do. They were given a GPS navigator to get around and were given certain drop points that would contain their instructions for what they were to do next, etc. and they played it from there. The directors would actually “mess” with them in the middle of the night by making strange noises around their tent etc. I know a LOT of people that think the whole thing is real, and were totally freaked out by it. I would have been too if I thought the kids actually disappeared and were killed. Not too bad if you know the history, just a really good scary movie. Now on to the personals. Romaine – welcome back and congrats on your new little one. Hope to see you around lots more! Crystal – about the biter, you can’t really tell the other parents which kid is doing it as they may have their kids not play with him, etc. Plus, I worked as a director of a daycare and we had a biter. One of the dad’s threatened to beat up the dad of the biter if he ever found out who it was. Extreme, I know, but people are weird these days. I like the time out idea while you are changing diapers. Maybe tell him that if he stops biting people he won’t have to sit in the chair while you are changing diapers, etc. and as he does good “wean” him off it gradually. If he bites, it’s right back to the chair. This way he learns there will be a consequence. You also could work something out with his parent’s as a reward type system. When a kid gets bitten you need to tell the parents that it happened and fill out an accident report, but NEVER reveal the biter! It could just lead to an ugly situation. Lisa B – sorry to hear about Max’s tantrums. Perhaps he was just doing it because he was in a strange place and was confused and wanted to be home. I know Allison needs her routine and if she’s somewhere strange or she gets away from it then all He** breaks loose. Maybe he will be much better now that he is at home and in familiar surroundings. Helen – try not to worry too much about the deer. They are really pretty resiliant animals. DH is a wildlife biologist for our state fish and wildlife dept. and has seen deer live through gunshots, being shot with a bow, being run over, etc. If the wound wasn’t mortal (which it doesn’t sound like it was) then he will probably live. He will be sore for a few days, but much wiser about cars and hunters from now on. Moriah – so sorry to hear that you and Alex are sick. Hope everyone gets better soon. Candance – Allison is not usually a good eater. Most of the time very picky, but I was glad she was such a hog at Thanksgiving! Kelli –sorry to hear the Elizabeth was sick over TG. No fun having a sick toddler on vacation! Rita – I know what you mean about being overwhelmed. DH is out of town a lot for work and I feel as if I have to do it all. He helps a lot when he’s around, but that seems like it’s hardly ever! Christi – good idea about the jingle bell. I’ll have to use that one on our tree! Birdie – glad the big party went so well. Sounds like Noah cleaned up! Patty – I hope Jarin’s cough gets better without the breathing treatments! Hopefully all that good mommy milk has helped him to avoid the asthma! Shelly – sorry you were sick at TG! Hopefully Riley will avoid the sickness. Darleen – too cute about Nolan waving on command! Well, I’d better go. Have a great day ladies! Beth and Allison (18 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 16:03:36 (EST)) Hi everyone! Jennifer and Adam here! This board sure goes dead over the weekend! But, I'm glad to see new postings! The holidays are already taking a toll on the ol' marriage here, DH has been so testy and cranky lately. We had an argument every day over the weekend. I told him he was an A**H***. What happened is that I was going back and forth to our car to get some boxes of my winter clothes out and bring them upstairs into the apt. On my second trip down, Adam started crying and didn't want me to leave. I asked DH to hold him while I left so he wouldn't throw such a fit. Of course he didn't, and halfway down the stairs I heard a "thump" and then screaming. When I came back in, DH was holding Adam who was screaming and crying and DH was looking at me as if I killed someone. Adam had gotten upset and slammed his head into the tile floor. DH said it was my fault for being selfish for having to go get my clothes out of the car instead of putting Adam to bed first. I told him I had asked him to hold him so that wouldn't happen, and if he were so concerned about Adam going to bed, then he could've put him to bed for once. He made me feel soooo bad about Adam's head. Does anyone think it was my fault? I have a question. What is everyone doing about keeping your Xmas trees safe from our little monsters this year? I can't seem to keep Adam away from the tree. He wants to touch and grab everything! Last year he was not as mobile, so I didn't have to worry about it. Time Out is not working, he goes over there on purpose while looking me directly in the eye while I'm saying "no". He's a little poot. Help! Patty- So funny about Jarin and the lotion. My mom somehow got Adam into doing that and he likes to put on lotion and baby powder on his cute little naked body when he gets out of a bath. I thought it was sooo cute the first time I saw him do it. About the crayons, Adam likes to try to eat them! Birdie- What a HUGE party!! Happy B-day to Noah! Hope you still have your sanity after a big party like that! Crystal- Wow, seems like you can't win for losing! I definitelty don't think it is your fault that you can't watch all the kids at once. I think maybe you should take that one kid when he bites and put him in a corner or something as a sort of time out. And DEFINITELY talk to this kid's parents. Maybe you could tell them that their kid is endangering other kids at the facility and it cannot continue. If Adam was consistently biting and acting that way......well, Adam wouldn't be like that because I will have hoped I have raised him right so far. Good Luck! Christi- Good idea about the bell!!! Hmmmmm........ Moriah- Poor Alex, thoughts coming your way ~~~~~~~~ Helen- I understand your frustration when it comes to other peoples mis-behavin' kids!! It drives me NUTS! Poor deer.....that is so sad. I am so against hunting for reasons just like that. Something a little like that happened to me when I was rollerblading a few years back. I came across a turtle that had been hit by a car. I lifted him out of the street and put him in the grass and he looked up at me, bleeding and gasping for air and looked as if he were trying to say "help me". Then he died. I was soooooo sad, I cried all the way down the trail and back.....and don't laugh, but I bought a turtle charm for my necklace in honor of him. Sorry for rambling, but I am an animal softie. Rita- So sorry to hear about Maddy's cut. That must've scared the crap out of you!! I know I probably would've been! Sorry for the monster post, I just haven't posted in a while!! 'Til next time! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 16:44:22 (EST)) Friend of a Friend: If you want to say nasty things about someone, and stick your nose in where it doesn't belong, at least email them privately! This board it not to be used for personal vendettas! Fine, you disagree with Crystal getting pg again, so what??? Its not your life, stay out of it! Or at least don't post such messages on this board. This board is for Mother's to get SUPPORT from each other!!! I couldn't believe it when I read this - and you're obviously here often enough to know Crystal's history and about RR. Having people like you post on this board makes me not want to. Please feel free to email me privately if you want to give me Sh*t for expressing my opinion. I would have sent this as an email had you posted your name or address. Sarah @ 15 wks w/ #2 email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 17:17:52 (EST)) Also: Crystal: I would like to appologize to you on behalf of everyone else on the board! Your life is yours to live, and NOBODY has the right to criticize your choices. We're here to give you support, and what little advice we can. Take care, please don't feel too bad about one person's opinion. Sorry, realized I posted as Sarah@15 wks, you guys know me better as SarahW, mom to Alex (14mo). Sarah @ 15 wks w/ #2 email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 17:21:07 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. I'm so mad I'm about ready to scream over the bitch's post (yes, I honestly feel whoever wrote it was going out of their way to be an opinionated bitchy nag). CRYSTAL: I don't know why everyone thinks they have to attack you. If I was you I would have given up on these boards a long time ago, considering all the abuse you have taken. Please, please, please stick it out through. 99.9% of us are here to support you and we like having you around. Don't let one spineless's person's insensitive remarks scare you off. Please e-mail me if you need to rant and rave over this latest slam. FRIEND: Please read the message at the bottom of the board stating "no flames". Abide by the rules or get your butt off the board. Who do you think you are - God? You act like it, trying to dictate how other people live their lives. People get pregnant on the pill - my mom did 4 times (honest to God - no accidents as had been married for years before ever got pregnant), a friend in high school did, etc. I remember several people at PT that were pregnant by accident. Grow up ... it happens. You attack Crystal for being pregnant. What do you want her to do - get an abortion? She wasn't trying to get pregnant this time or with Darrel - it just happened. She wasn't trying to trap her husband or get out of the services. If you remember, she stated before Doug ever got to Texas that they wanted to try to get pregnant again within a year or so. They wanted another ones - just not this quickly. Also, Medicaid, welfare, and WIC are providing for your children. Do you have any idea how many Moms on PT, BT, and TT are on WIC? My older sister was with my niece and my younger one is with both of her kids. I suppose you think only rich people are entitled to have kids? If so, I'm glad you were blessed. I grew up poor with free lunches at school - I guess in your opinion I should have went out in grazed in the football field like a cow rather than accept a "hand out", huh? Yes, you are lousy and spineless. If you have opinions like this e-mail them or shut your big mouth. We don't need or want this nastiness on our board and if you truly feel this way I don't want to correspond with you. KELLI: I'm sorry Elizabeth was/is sick and whiny. RITA: Sorry about Maddy's cut and Amy's teeth. My DH also is less than helpful - he cooks and gives Max a bath ... everything else seems to be my job. JENNIFER: No it wasn't your fault. You told DH to watch Adam. Max is a big Mommy's boy and I don't pick him up everytime he cries as that just teaches him to whine until Mommy pays attention to him. We are putting up the tree next weekend and I'm already dreading trying to keep both Max and the cats out of it. HELEN: My sister sounds like your brother. My niece and nephew calmed down and improved their manners, however, once they started school. The teacher enforced good behaviour and other kids ridiculed them for acting like babies (ah, the power of peer pressure). The teacher's death is so sad. LisaB & Max (15 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 18:16:53 (EST)) Hi this is Birdie. We just finished opening and putting together Noah's final present. Holy toledo. My Grandfather gave him this thing called a gumball playland mountain thing. Talk about being moved out of my office. I'm going to be moved out of my house. This thing is huge. Much bigger than it looks on the box. It's full of tons of balls. The thing is just massive. Noah absolutely loves it and so do the cats. Do you think there is anything wrong with asking people to give him college money instead of toys? I really need my kitchen and bathroom. This is crazy, and it's only his first birthday. What ever happened to a little jack in the box or a ball or a nice book? These toys are gigantic!!!!! Sorry, didn't have time to read the posts. Hope everyone is well. Back to the construction site!!! Take care. Birdie and Noah ( one year old) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 18:18:57 (EST)) Dear Crystal, It was mentioned to me today that there were some problems over here. I've been staying away from the boards lately, not for any real reason except that I have been feeling really, kinda, isolatory for some reason. Plus, running two web sites and participating on two boards is really time consuming. anyways, I don't even know your whole situation and I hate to admit that but I haven't been here long and haven't really gotten all that active yet. I am so sorry about what was said to you. It breaks my heart. I just want to let you know that regardless of what I do or don't know about you, I care and I know alot of others here do to. No one has the right to judge. No one. It really upsets me and saddens me when I see it happen to people who are trying just as hard as everyone else to make their lives worth something. No one has walked in your shoes and therefor cannot critisize or condemn you for things they do not understand first hand. Also, everyone has skeletons in their closets. To me it sounded pretty presumptuous for whoever that was to assume all your motives in life. No one has the right to say anything because NONE of us are without our own guilts. Not at all meaning that I believe anything she wrote, just stunned that someone would be so cruel when she is definatly NOT perfect herself. I just don't understand how people can be so blatantly hurtful. Not very Christlike, or compassionate. All of us struggle. Some financially, some emotionally, some mentally, some have marital problems, some have other family problems, etc etc. There is not a single person on this earth who is without trials, struggles and turmoils. Who in the world has the right to judge that yours are worse than anyone elses. Trials are all in the way they are handled. Turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones. I have marital problems. Who doesn't really. No one's marriage is garunteed. But I also know how much I love my husband and that we have commited to making it work. I also have problems with depression. That doesn't mean I shouldn't be a mother. I love my kids. In spite of my struggles I am a good mom and I know ALOT of mom's who do not have apparent problems, like money or whatever who are NOT good mothers. Really. Abuse, whatever. Money does not make the family. It really doesn't. Time, love, commitment, whatever makes the family. I grew up poor too. The oldest of ten kids and my parents always grew gardens and hunted to provide. Yeah, at times it upset me that we didn't live in luxury but I love my family. My siblings and I are so close we spend time together before we seek out other friends. And I have learned that in the end, what does money really matter anyway. You can't take a nice truck to heaven. You can't take a million dollars, you can't take anything material. All you can take is the knowledge you acquire in this lifetime, the experiences, and the love and memories of your family. I sure hope you are okay. I am really hurting for you. Most of us are unconditional and non judjemental, and I actually believe that most people in the general population are as well. Stick with us because there are many of us who care a whole heck of a lot and will back you up a hundred percent. What scares me is that whoever wrote such a cruel letter is someone we all care about just as much. I just really really don't understand how this continues to happen. Please whoever you are that wrote that letter to Crystal, search your heart and your soul and find some love there. Everyone needs it, no matter what they are going through. Even those who ARE doing wrong, they need love too. That is how they become better and stronger people, and I certainly don't think Crystal falls into that category. I am also worried that you know my history and are critisizing me as well. Do you feel anger toward me because my DH and I are on social assistance and are having our fourth baby. It wasn't an accident you know and we plan to have more. We are on assistance, we don't plan to be forever and we are working hard to get farther. Should I decide not to have children because my DH had a lot of struggles when he was younger and therefor does not have the education to get a job that pays a whole heck of a lot? I don't think so. He is working so hard now and it will be only four or five years until he has more than quadrupled the income he has now. He is in school and he loves us and nothing brings us greater joy than our little ones. Should we deprive ourselves of that happiness because we cannot give them all the luxuries most people would like to have? We have a happy home and to us that is what counts. It isn't happy ALL the time, no ones is, but we provide all the love and emotional and spiritual stability we can for our kids. You know, I don't know why in the world I always take it upon myself to try to make peace. I know it is pretty much pointless. But. . . Crystal, we all love you here. Stay with us okay and don't feel like you have to censor what you post. Just ignore the rude comments. I know how hard that is. I'm having a hard time posting at the Expecting In May board because someone hurt someone there I care about and I tried to help the hurter understand the hurtee a little better and it all just got to me so much I haven't gone back. So I can't even ignore the rude posts and they aren't directed at me. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. LuCynda and Cody email: lucyndah@telusplanet.net Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 19:54:14 (EST)) Hi mommies. DH just took Jarin to give him his breathing treatment. =( We tried it last night and he still woke up coughing and had to get the cough medicine. Maybe it won't be asthma after all! He was quite my little cuddle bug today. I loved it!! He was just playing and being so happy and then WHAM! he plowed his head right into my jaw. Can I tell you all how sore I am now? UGH. **Christi: I hope your DD is feeling better quickly. Yes, the whole lotion thing is so adorable. He just keeps doing it and I love it. **Romaine: I remember you! Congrats on the new baby girl. What's her name? You aren't old - I'll be 34 this month. Saba must be so cute trying to imitate herself on the video. **Moriah: Yay for Alex gaining weight, but booo for him being sick again. Poor little guy. I hope he is better 100% really, really soon. I also hope you get a nap today. Yay for your first Zandycard order. Once you get your website up,let us all know so we can visit. =) **Candance: LOL at the boys marking their territory. You are too funny. The jaw was doing ok until monsterboy hit it. LOL **Julianne: Thank you, thank you, thank you. You 've give me some hope that maybe this cough is just part of teething. I never paid attention to see if it happens every time, but I definitely will now. And, the top molar on one side is Not all the way through, so maybe that's still it. **LisaB: Welcome back! Don't tantrums suck? lol Jarin has also started kissing us (open mouthed, of course) I love it. It is so precious. Yep, our kiddos are definitely little sponges absorbing everything. My niece has that same Pluto. Jarin thinks it is a riot. **Helen: Those kids sound really out of control and 6 and 9 are old enough to know better. I teach Kindergarten and I just cringed reading it. I hope they are better when their parents aren't around! I can't believe she said "That's just how boys are!" My boys are better behaved than my girl. Too cute with Amanda helping you wipe walls. I can use help if she wants to hire herself out. LOL. The poor deer=( That is so sad about the teacher. I hope your kids are ok. Yes, the tube was definitely not fun. Fortunately, I was out of it, so don't remember it at all. Happy 16 month birthday to Amanda! =) **Kelli: Sorry to hear that Elizabeth was sick all of your vacation. Welcome back to you too! **Rita: Sorry to hear you are up several times. Jarin's been waking the past few nights too.=( Yay for Amy saying "Max". So sad about Maddy and the can opener. I'm glad she's ok. **Beth: I hope that mommy milk prevents the asthma!!!!! **Jennifer: I don't think it was your fault. You weren't even in the room. Your DH could've picked him up and taken care of him and that never would've happened. Jarin also tried to eat crayons. heehee **LuCynda: I hope you keep posting here. I loved your last post. Amen. **Take care, friends. I hope this negativity stops soon. It is such a bummer to get on here and read all that. Patty and Jarin -15 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 22:27:45 (EST)) Hi to all! I can't believe Riley is 20 months tomorrow. Where is the time going?! He has been both cute and monsterous these days. Does any one else have a little boss running around their house? Riley is so proud b/c he can say vacumn. Ok, ok, enough bragging. We are all responsible for bringing our children into this world. I can sit here and tell you all what a jack ass my ex is and how awful Monte is for not visiting his son. But, I play a role in it too. I was not careful with b-control and got pg with Tay. Both my Dad and Jim's Dad were adamant that he marry me. I wanted this, but he really didn't. I chose to ignore it then, but I see it plain as day now. We split up 3 or 4 times. When Tay turned 4, I did visit the Deep End! Even though Jim and I were wanting a divorce, I again, let myself get pg. I didn't want Tay to be the only child, AND I was looking for an excuse to hang on to Jim. Being a "stand up man" he stayed in the marriage and I further buried him. He is a jack ass, he is emotionally unstable at times, and thanks to me, he can't handle his responsibilities. Because, I forced them onto him. I've messed up Monte's life too. Not all by myself, he is an adult. I loved that man with all of my heart and soul! I made a concious decision to tie myself to him by having his child. I'm responsible. I have to now feed, clothe and care for 3 boys on my own. Yes, I get child support from Jim and Monte and I get spousal support too. Thank God Jim has money, because I don't know how I would do it. Having babies with men who are not really ready, and getting married b/c your pg are both risky ventures. I'm not saying that these relationships are doomed, I know at least 1 couple who have a good marriage. What I'm trying to convey is, Can you do it on your own if the relationship fails? I cannot judge anyone with the life that I have led, but I do try to let people know what may be in store for those who choose my same path. OUCH! Once again, I have fallen off my soap box.LOL Romaine**Riley is one month younger than your little girl. Where did you find her name? I'm always interested in unusual names. Riley started walking at about 10 months and has a mouth full of teeth, but just recently started talking. LisaB**I would love to meet with you! Redding has a lot of fun places to take kids. Helen**Thank you for the gift ideas. Rita**Calgone!!!! Take you away!!!!!!!!!!!LOL I'm sorry you are having a bad day. Jennifer**When my first son was little, we bought a prickly x-mas tree. It wasn't on purpose, but he touched it once and then that was it. My second never bothered it. Riley helped my Mom decorate hers last weekend. Everytime he put on a ornament he clapped and yelled yay. Then he tried and tried to blow out the lights. Maybe if you put some unbreakable ornaments down low your baby will be happy playing with them. Good night to everyone! Shelly & Riley 20 months tomorrow! Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 23:08:18 (EST)) "Friend" of a "Friend"-- How do you get off telling Crystal all of those horrible things and accusing her of using pregnancy to get her DH to stay? How cold and heartless, excuse me, but do you know Crystal personally? I think not. Even someone who does probably wouldn't say the rude things you did. You sure had no reservations on posting your "judgement" towards Crystal, but you were too chicken to use your real name or e-mail address....why was that? I hvae never seen such disrespect!! (Sorry girls, I am just really appauled) I really hope we never see you on this board again, we are here for support and friendship...things that you are not contributing! Crystal- Don't leave here because of this one posting. We are all behind you, as you can see from all of the support above......feel free to e-mail me if you need to....and remember, I'm close by if you need support!!! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 23:46:00 (EST)) |