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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Hi, Romaine here twice in a day! Yesterday Saba made a gingerbread house w/ DH. Icing was EVERYWHERE! Candies disappeared as fast as Dh got them on! (Not always eaten, sometimes collected-LOL!) Up until yesterday, she has not had candy. Today when she saw the house, she wanted the candy! DH had to hide it in the porch! She adores her knottie doll. One night she was upset b/c she had thrown both her doll and soother off the bed. DH got them for her, but she had dolly looking over the side of the bed saying "uh-oh". DH could not figure out what it was b/c she had everything. He did not realize until he looked that there was another soother there that she wanted! Kelli- It is terrible when kids are sick when away. Saba was getting cranky on our last trip home b/c her routine was broken although we tried to maintain it. I too felt bad and kept saying that she is normally not like this! Rita-Poor Maddy! Beth- Thanks! Jennifer- Not your fault! Was daddy not there? He is a parent and was to watch him-don't blame yourself (or let him blame you either!). It is not like you left him alone! Birdie- Holy smokes!!!!!!!!!!! Patty- Thanks! Her name is Mya Capri. Shelly-super! Actually, Saba will be 21 months on the 11th. Happy 20 months to Riley! We named her after a Caribbean island that we visited on our honeymoon. We have been told that it is also an Arabic name and that it was the name of an Aegean queen hundreds of years ago! I noticed that someone is a kindergarten teacher-I am also a teacher. I taught K for 3 years and have been teaching grade one the last several! Good-night ladies and tots! Romaine and Saba 21 mos email: rrantry@yahoo.ca Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 00:44:52 (EST)) Rebecca here... I scanned a couple of posts and have a few comments. Jennifer - It is NOT your fault. You asked DH to hold hime, he was the jerk (not that I'm passing judgement LOL). About the Christams tree, we don't have ours up yet, but we plan to put it in the playpen. My mom suggested it. Crystal - I'm sending a big hug and all my love to you. Some people just like to cause trouble. Who knows, it could actually be regular reader! Ignore the post, we all think that you are doing the best for you and your family. Friend of a Friend - exactly who's friend are you? Definately not mine! Please go away if you just want to cause trouble. I am too exhausted to deal with A**H***s like you. Well, enough of that. Paige and I are good. We're supposed to go visit Santa tomorrow. Hopefully Paige won't play strange. Work called me and has asked me to work every weekend this month. I said yes only to find out they had already scheduled me for 7 and 8 hour shifts! I guess that I shouldn't complain. There are many who would love to work. I just was expecting 4 hours or so. My feet are not used to standing so long. DH has been getting more shifts at work. I can't wait for his probation to end and for him to get a posting. Knowing when or if he's going to work would take so much stress away! I'm feeling much better. I don't know if it's the anti depressants or the support group but something is working. DH has been great about giving me time to myself. I'm starting to rediscover who Rebecca is. I'm actually more than a mommy and a wife! Who knew? I'm sorry I haven't kept up lately. Had a busy weekend and now that Paige is walking so much I'm constantly on the run. I love you all! XOXO Rebecca & Paige (12+ months) email: burn@canadawired.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 02:39:32 (EST)) Hi Everyone, it's Debbie. Friend of a Friend - You are NO friend. Get a life of your own. Crystal - Sorry you were attacked by this person. We are all your friends here. We had a really nice Thanksgiving day with dh's family and then with my family on Saturday. Emilee's favorite thing was pumpkin pie. She was a little piggy. Maddie liked it too, with lots of whipped cream. Add Emilee to the list of "The Molar Babies." I was feeding her cereal the other morning and kept seeing cereal in the back of her mouth that I thought wasn't going down. Duh, it was a molar. Poor Emilee, besides her molar coming in she has a tooth on bottom coming too. Molar #2 looks like it will be anyday now. Maddie told me she is getting married and needs a wedding dress. ???? I asked her who she's going to marry and she said "Daddy." I don't know where she got this from. She is so funny, sometimes she has me rolling on the floor. Candance - Happy Belated Birthday to Tanner. Glad you both are well. Emilee isn't talking that much either. She turned one on the 4th of this month. So glad you're back. I've been wondering about you and Tanner. Please send pictures. Tracey - Hi, glad to hear from you. Sounds like you've been pretty busy. Hugs & kisses to Blake, Taylor and Dillon. Katy - Hi, wow all four molars at once. Poor Liam. Sarah - Sorry about your dh's brother. I'm sure it's a very hard day for him. Are you enjoying the snow? I heard it has snowed in Mammoth Lakes, where we use to live. I don't miss it at all. Julianne - You know that rhyme, Five little monkeys jumping on the bed? Well I have two little monkeys jumping on the bed. LOL These are two wild and crazy girls. I love them so. Birdie - Happy Belated Birthday to Noah. Sounds like you might have to add on to your house. LOL Rita - Wow, Maddy's first bandaid? Sorry she cut her little fingers. My Maddie has gone through two boxes of Pooh bandaids. Every little boo boo and ouchie she gets, she has to have a bandaid. I know, I give in too much. You're not a dud. I like staying in too on that night. Too many crazies out there. Sounds like Amy will be walking before her birthday. Lisa - NYE, you got that right. Beth - Hi, hope Allison is better soon. Patty - I'm glad you survived. Thanks for the pictures. Maddie said "Jarin is messy with his cake". Like she's not. I think being at home on NYE will be the best place to be. Christi - Sounds like alot of babies are getting their molars. Shelly - You're way up there. It's so pretty in your area. Sorry you're feeling under the weather. Maddie mispronouces her words too, so that one I can't say too much either. Romaine - Congratulations on your little girl. What's her name? Saba sounds alot like my 2 1/2 year old Maddie. She is such a Daddy's Girl. Moriah - That's great Alex gained weight. Hope you're both better soon. Good luck with the cards. Lisa - Emilee's favorite thing to do is flush and then roll off TT. Oh yea, she likes to put her hand in too. Yuck. Helen - Thanks for remembering. I'll be waiting. Ok, I'm being really dumb. I can't bring up the site LuCynda did. Help. Thanks Time for bed, everyone take care and talk to you soon. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 02:47:26 (EST)) Hi to everyone, Candance and Tanner here. All of you guys are so supported of each other on here - it is so nice to be back. I wish I never left here for so long but things just got so overwhelmingly busy around here. I just wanted to tell you I think each and all of you are so caring, sweet and understanding. LisaB: I hope your decision works out about being a SAHM or not. You know I am a SAHM and I love and would hate to give it up - but it is sometimes hard and I sometimes miss getting out in the world and dealing with people on a level which makes you use your brain in that way. So I know it is a hard decision. Helen: I have a nephew just the same as you described your brothers kids. It's unbelievable. Kelli: Sorry to hear your trip didn't go too smoothly. How's Elziabeth feeling now? Better I hope. Jennifer: No, I don't think the head incident with Adam was your fault at all. Maybe DH felt bad and was looking to find relief which was to blame you. You did after all leave Adam in your DH's arms which should mean Adam is now HIS responsibility. About the Christmas tree thing, we are buying a smaller one this year and putting in on a table in the corner behind one sofa. I have a fear of Tanner choking on stuff and I was worried he would somehow find something off the tree and possibly choke on it. Patty: OUCH!!!!!!!!! Hit in the jaw. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Glad to hear you don't think it was asthma after all. Debbie: Thanks for the belated wish for Tanner. I'll be sure to tell him. :-) Happy belated birthday to Emilee to. Did she turn one on the 4th of October or will turn one Dec 4th? Pictures are on on there way. I would love to see some more of your angels to. Glad to be back to. Crystal: XOXOXXOX TAlk again soon!!! Candance and Tanner - 13 months email: henke3@mciworld.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 09:12:47 (EST)) Katy here Moriah-yeah for Alex gaining weight. That is so great. Boo for the fact that he's sick. I hope he gets better soon. "Friend"- How dare you come here and judge someone that you know only through her posts here. If you were truly a friend you would have the courage to sign your name. Lucynda-Amen to your post. Crystal- Don't listen to this "Friend". All of us are your true friends because we support you through your bad times. Congradulations on the new baby. I hope that everything turns out for you. Hope everyone has a good day. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 09:42:07 (EST)) Hello, this is Birdie coming to you live from gumball mountain. Just wanted to say hello. Noah and I are sick. I have strept throat, he is coughing and sneezing. Poor us. Tomorrow is my B-day. It snuck up on me and then bit me in the butt. 33...Holy smokes! DH and I are going out for romantic dinner and movies. I'm trying to take it easy today in hopes of recovering by then. I don't have time to be sick. Also, anyone who has acrylic nails...I ripped all of mine off the other night. Boy do my nails look pretty. I didn't have tips just acrylic over my real nails. What was I thinking. I just didn't like them anymore and they were getting so expensive. Now I have boy hands!!! Take care all and no fighting!!!! Birdie and Noah (one year old) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 10:05:20 (EST)) Colton was literally running circles around me last night. I was sitting in the middle of the living room and he was running round me just giggling. He would scream and get mad if I would try to grab him when he ran by. Pulling faces, roaring and yelling boo were OK and just made him giggle more!! I love it when we have fun playtime like that. Of course it was getting close to his bedtime and he had to get cranky and try to bite me. I just walked out of the room and started putting his books on the shelf in his bedroom. Meanwhile he tried dragging both baskets of toys into the bedroom. He still wanted to play. Wow, did he throw a temper when I put the baskets back in their corner. That was it, lights out, music on, bottle, and time to rock him to sleep. I am trying to stop the bottle feeding right before bedtime since I am afraid of ruining his teeth. I let him have just an ounce or so and then pulled it out of his mouth. He was half-asleep and did the search the air for the bottle thing and then just snuggled and went to sleep. Hopefully he will be off the bedtime bottle soon. LisaB: Great new tricks Max learned. Colton loves to climb up on the toilet and stand there. I undress him there for bath time. I think we all got jinxed with temper tantrums after the post about the Leeza show needing toddlers w/ temper tantrums. I know what you mean about the SAHM thing. Having a long weekend off had me really torn. It was great, but I think I would go a little crazy w/o the interaction and brain activity required for working. I think I would have to work at least part time. Have a good flight, we will miss you. Helen: Sorry to hear your brother’s kids were such monsters. I always say that I will never let my kids get that way. I think that once a parent loses control it is really hard to get it back. It sounds like they aren’t even trying though. That is sad. I hope you got your tree. This is only the 2nd tree I have ever had. We only had a tree once when I was really little growing up—cost too much $. My DH was just shocked. He felt really bad about refusing to get a tree the past several years. He said that I had never told him that I didn’t have Christmas trees growing up. I think he was just using selective listening that most DH’s have perfected. Kelli: Welcome back. Sorry the vacation was so trying. I hope Elizabeth starts feeling better soon. Rita: Yeah for Amy saying “Max” Poor Maddy and her cut hand. I too have not had to put a bandaid on Colton—just lots of scrapes and bruises. Jennifer: Good luck keeping Adam away from the tree. We have ours in a corner and the only opening to it is blocked by Colton’s rocking chair. My mom has helped to teach him to just point at the ornaments and wave to them. Of course he says bye bye to them when he waves! I think your DH was so mad at himself for letting Adam get hurt that he took it out on you. You shouldn’t feel bad for trying to get something done. Your DH was fully capable of watching Adam for those few minutes. LuCynda: Great post, AMEN. Birdie: I think asking for money is Ok instead of gifts. Just say that Noah doesn’t need any more toys and that you have set up a college fund for him and if they would like to make a contribution to that or maybe a bond instead you would appreciate it. I am sure you will still get gifts though. Grandparents just can resist! Patty: OUCH, that must have hurt when Jarin gave you a head butt. Hope your jaw feels better soon. Romaine: What fun making a gingerbread house w/ Saba. Rebecca: I hope you get a great picture of Paige w/ Santa. I can not believe that it is December already. I have given up on getting Christmas photos done for Colton this year. I do need to take him to see Santa yet. I haven’t even thought about Christmas cards. I always find myself behind at Christmas time. Debbie: You had be LOL about Maddie wanting a wedding dress. Their imaginations are so much fun. You never know what they are going to come up with next. Yeah for Emilee’s molar. Crystal: I e-mailed the webmaster to try to get the post from Friend of a Friend taken out before you could read it, but had forgotten to tell her which board on TT it was posted on. I am so sorry about what was said. I hope you know that you have many many true friends on here and we do love you. Friend of a Friend: Please do not use this board to bash someone. That is not what this board is for. Remember what you were taught as a child? If you do not have something nice to say don’t say anything. A great rule to live by don’t you think? Take care everyone. Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 10:22:32 (EST)) Hi Mom's and Toddlers! Nolan is napping so I thought I would check the board and see what was new. Friend of a friends- YOU ARE IGNORANT! I hope you don't treat your family and friends the way you treated Chrystal. If you were my friend and treated me that way, you'd be history. How do you treat your husband and children? Grow up, we are looking for friendships on TT NOT to be judged and critized! Mom's, I want to know if you are going to wrap all your children's Christmas presents? We only have Nolan and my DH says just put them under the tree not wrapped like Santa does. Santa doesn't have time to wrap every girls and boys toys. We won't put his under the tree until Christmas Eve. Nolan will be really excited when he sees Elmo. I have my job interview today, and I am extremely nervous. My DH says to go in there and relax and don't worry if I get the job or not because hopefully we will be moving to Toronto after Christmas. My DH goes for an interview in Toronto tomorrow. I hope he gets it. We don't like where we are living people here are klicky and snotty!! Well I guess I better go and get ready for my interview while Nolan is napping. Have a great day, week ,and week-end!! Darleen & Nolan (almost 13 months) email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 10:51:22 (EST)) HELLO!!! It's long lost SARAH here! Man, I didn't realize it's been a week since I last posted! Geez, it's REALLY a bummer to get on and come back to this AGAIN!!! I'm getting so tired of this. I just want to say....FRIEND of a FRIEND...MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!!!!!! I know alot of us, including myself, got preggo unexpectedly! I got preggo on the pill. DH and I weren't married yet (he had proposed to me a month before we found out), and definitely weren't financially ready to have a baby!!! If you HAPPENED to read one of my posts last week, you'd see how upset I was that DH and I have money problems, but you know what???????? that doesn't mean we love HANNAH any less!! Yes, I'd love to be able to get that little girl ANYTHING in this world...but can't. So, we give her lots of love, and that's alot more than some kids get who have everything!!!! Ugh!! I think we should just start ignoring those ignorant posts!!! CRYSTAL, please don't leave!!! Well, this will be a selfish post. I read through the posts, but if I respond, this will be a MONSTER post!!!! We had a great Thanksgiving. Just went to my MIL's in the morning. Then went to my parents around 2:00 and ate turkey over there. We were miserably stuffed!!!! Then on Friday, we headed up to the mountains to stay in a condo with the in-laws. I was so nervous about how HANNAH was going to act. Well, I was totally stressed out over NOTHING. She was an absolute angel!!! She was great on the drive up. Didn't sleep, just talked and played with toys, and laughed at herself. Then was just perfect at the condo. Slept great. Took her naps, etc. Then slept on the ride home!! I was soooo proud of her! We came back on Sunday. I took Monday off. We decorated and put up our Christmas tree. HANNAH loves all of the lights. She says, "see" to all of the decorations. She's real good about not messing with the tree and ornaments. When we say no, she stops! She surprised me last night. She loves to look at candles. I was showing her a candle last night, and when we walked away, she said "bye bye candle". She amazes me every day! I have some new pictures of her, so as soon as I get them scanned, if you want to see let me know. Well, it seems like I had alot more to tell you gals, but that F of a F post threw me off this morning!!! Hope you all have great days!!! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 11:08:59 (EST)) Sorry to cause more trouble but I somewhat agree with Friend. I too will not post my name because of the way you responded to Friend. I think we are all entitled to our own opinions. No we should not judge people but we have a right to disagree with choices people make and to tell you the truth I think this was a mistake. Crystal did tell us she was TTC only a few weeks after DH returned. She is not in a stable environment or relationship and they are in need of assistance. If she had not been TTC and it had happened I would feel sorry for her but she told us she was TTC. I am only looking at this as a mother and how hard it will be for them all, especially the baby. If we were the true friends that we all claim to be wouldn't we have told her when she was talking about TTC that we did not think it was a good idea? Did you all honestly think she should go for it when you were wishing her luck? I don't want Crystal to leave and hope she does not feel like she's being attacked but so far she is the only one who has dared to share her troubles so she's the one we respond to. I find it hard to believe that you all think she is in a good situation. I feel so sorry for her and wish there was a way to help. We are all entitled to our opinions but perhaps friend was a little harsh. I just wanted to say that someone else agrees with her and I'm just surprised she had the balls to share what I think many of you were probably thinking. Another Friend Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 12:59:36 (EST)) Good morning it's Moriah. Hope all is well! Alex had a much better night last night (night before was hell!) and thank God for that otherwise he'd have to go into the hospital today per Dr orders. BUT I think the steriods are finally kicking in so maybe we're on the road to mending! Please cross your fingers for us. This is exactly why we needed to keep the trach until the spring. If he didn't have it this would have for sure been a hospital stay. SCARY! My SIL was nice enough to come & stay with us last night so that I didn't have to feel alone & be scared if he was really sick again. I have to do something nice for her because she took night duty & had to get up to work today. Poor Geoff is not having a good time! He went to a different port to fish crabs for awile because it was supposed to be a huge season there (although we really don't need the money as I can just go pick it from the tree in the backyard LOL!). Well there's all kind of politcal BS going on & now they're on strike. BUT he can't just come home (by car) until the strike settles because there's constant threat of people breaking it & once 1 boat goes they all have to go. So he's sitting there on the boat with nothing to do. He's miserable because he hates being away from us, being uncomfortable & all the crap going on plays hell with his nerves! I hope they settle soon. That's it - I'm with Rita I do not want to respond to anymore anonmous people! (although - seems we're most chatty when there's an issue LOL)! Crystal - As far as your pregnancy goes - that's YOUR business! We all make different choices in this life & what suits you may not suit me & vice versa. So while I'm sure it's hard - let this role off your back. At least you got to read how many people came to your defense - that must somehow make it better? You have friends here. :) Candance - Hi! I'm glad to see you back! My SIL & I are trying to start a business doing custom baby announcements, holiday cards, invitations etc. We're doing to 2 part ones with the vellum that ties on with a ribbon. If you email me your address I'll send you a Xmas card & you can see what I mean. That goes for everyone - I'll send cards to whoever sends me their snail mail! Julianne - I'd love to see a pic of Colton. Lisa B - UGH tantrums! The terrible 2's have begun. Max always was advanced ... LOL! I can totally understand your decision to continue working. Being a SAHM is great but sometimes the $ struggles are so hard. If you have the best of both worlds (which it sounds like you do because you love your care provider) then why have to choose? You've obviously worked very hard to get where you are & you should be proud. Helen - I think you've just caught a glimpse of my future! LOL We always joke what a monster Alex will be. The developement lady asked me if he gets mad when I tell him NO - I told her I had no idea as Alex never hears that word :). The other thing is both Geoff & I have major potty mouths! I've already prepared my mom that there will be no spanking Alex when he asks for a "f%^king cookie"! LOL! Really I did get a message from your post that we need to be careful not to let his medical problems interfer with disipline! Romaine - Alex still has his trach as we decided it was just to risky to take it out in the begininng of the cold & flu season. See above! Kelli - welcome back! Sorry your vacation was anything but! Crabby Rita - Maddy's 1st bandaid - you are wonder mom! Amy is already a chatter box? Too cute! Hope you have a better day. Jennifer - I'd be pretty pissy at DH for that manuver! And to blame you on top of it MEN! Geoff has done things like that in the past & I get so mad! Like I'll tell him that Alex wants to be played with & he needs to do it so I can start dinner, then sure enough 5 mintues later Alex starts to fuss & Geoff's calling me saying he wants me - UGH! I have to admit Geoff hunts (but he's not a poacher or anything) but I though your turtle story was touching! Birdie - I know EXACTLY how you feel! I finally had to make the no more big toy rule! We have a HUGE wagon that takes up Alex's whole room! Like we needed that now? When people ask about Chrismas ideas maybe suggest savings bonds as it's not like cash but it saves for his future! Alex has quite a few (thanks guys!) because people realized that in our little house we do not have room for every toy under the sun! I'm excited for him to have them in his future, becuase in just his 1st year alone he has almost $2000. If he waits to cash them in until he's 18 that will be a nice chunk of change! I have nails too! Mine are fiberglass. You know the major reason I keep them (besides I've had them for most of the last 14 years..) is that they're dull so I do not scratch Alex. I took them off while he was in the hospital last time & I scratched him a bunch so I put them back on. I know it's expensive & frivilous but I really like them. LuCynda - I LOVE the site! Thanks for all your hard work! Did you all go check it out?? Everyone should! Patty - My ped told me that the Albuterol (breathing treatments) actually makes the coughing - but that's good because by coughing they further clear their lungs. She also told me it's way too early for an asthma diagnosis, as that's a chronic thing that needs to develope a pattern. He can also only have asthma that is associated with colds (I think Taylor has this - right Shelly?) Hope he feels better soon! Alex is funny with his breathing treatments - he takes the hose & trys to point it at me instead. Hi Shelly! Katy - so how are things going? You need to brag a little girl - your posts are too short! LOL! Sarah - please email me some pics of Miss Genius Hannah! Oaky it's taken over an hour with interruptions to write this monster post! Chat again later! Moriah & ALex (13 3/4 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 13:39:17 (EST)) Hi everyone, LuCynda here. Decided I had better get my butt in gear and start posting here more often. You all remember a while back when I had a really bad throat infection, well, last night at our church Christmas party I started to feel and irritating tickle right at the back of my nose passage, two hours later it's full blown pain. I think I have a sinus infection now. Argh. I never get sick, well, extremely rarely anyway and this is TWICE during this pregnancy. Must be related to pregnancy somehow. Anyway, Cody is ALMOST a full our walker now. He has been able to get to a standing position in the middle of the floor for a long time but could only manage about three steps after that. Now he can get just about the whole living room, but he sure does look drunk! LOL! He just can't calm himself enough to try to attempt little, slow steps, they are more like giant steps and a lot of the time he over steps SOOOO far, he ends up on his bum. It's pretty funny. I'm pretty worried about some stuff pregnancy related that my DH keeps telling me I shouldn't worry about. You tell me. I'm four months now, in my 17th week. I have not gained a single pound and in fact, lost a few pounds last time I weighed myself. When I say lost a few, I mean SINCE I got over morning sickness, when I thought I would start gaining. That is weird for me. I usually have gained TOOOO much by now. Like about 15 or 20. The other thing is that I cannot feel any movement. I know it is common between 16 to 20 weeks and if this were a first baby I wouldn't worry, but it's my fourth and I have ALWAYS felt them before even sixteen weeks. Even Jasmine, my first baby. I'm convinced there is no baby in there. Well, not really convinced coz I have heard the heartbeat once, but I am worried something is wrong. Everything just feels different and weird. I know every pregnancy is different. I've told ALOT of worried mom's to be the same thing, and I keep trying to tell myself the same but I lay there every morning when I wake up for about an hour trying to feel some little kicks, I do the same thing while trying to fall asleep, I sleep with my hands on my bare tummy and every time I get up to go pee I lay there for about a half hour or more trying to feel something. A few weeks ago I was SURE I was feeling movement but now there is nothing. Anyway, some personals. ************************************************** Sarah and Hannah If I have a girl I'm naming her Hannah. I think it is such a sweet and pure sounding name. Maybe I'm just trying really really hard to keep my kids from being a rebel like I was and cannot imagine any girl with the name Hannah do any of the things I did. He he. I wish. By the way, have you thought about sending some pictures for the web site? I'd love to see some pics and if you send them to me anyway, I would be happy to put them up. Let me know. Oh yeah, I sure wish I could keep Cody (and the dog) from destroying the tree. They both seem to delight in it. Of course, can't blame Cody. Half my ornaments and gold bulbs and cherubs and tassles and amongst them I have little wooden toy type ornaments. He just wants to play with them. Can't figure the dog out though. She walks up casually to the tree, lightly takes hold of a peice of tinsel garland and turns around and walks away with it. I have to watch her just as closely as Cody. Darleen and Nolan I always wrap all the presents. In fact, I try to wrap as much a possible, even the small things because I have found in my experiences with three kids and nine younger brothers and sisters that kids are MUCH more interested in the process of unwrapping and ripping the paper off the stuff than they are even playing with the toys. It never ceases to amaze me. They get through one and I think they will just be stunned by the wonderful gift they recieve and what do they do? They toss it aside with hardly a glance and rush to rip the paper off the next one. Of course, it does depend on age, but toddlers definatly REALLY enjoy opening gifts. Not that they have the slightest clue what is really going on. Well, they might to a point, but well, you know what I mean. For the little ones I just use a tiny amount of tape, so the wrapping paper is barely on as it is. That way they can get is off easy. If Nolan is 13 months he will probably love the paper and bows and boxes more than the toys. Weird how that is. Good luck on your job interview. I hope it all works out. I have a friend who lives in Toronto. Never been there myself though. I live WAY in Southern Alberta. Julianne I kinda think temper tantrums (at times) are funny. At least Cody's are. Maybe its coz they aren't related to me or DH yet. I just find it hillarious when he gets mad at Jasmine or Cam. I dunno, it kinda fascinates me that he is starting to try to hold his own with them now. Cam is just such a tease, he does things just to make Cody scream. And scream he does. Higher than any girl I've ever heard, and I must be a bad mom but all I can do is sit there and laugh my head off. Of course, I don't allow Cam to tease him to the point of tears, where Cody is really getting upset, just the scream thing. Birdie I hear ya on being sick. Argh. I was just sitting here horking and snorting like a man. Sick isn't it. But what else can I do? DH always says "How attractive, that ruined my mood." but I know he is teasing because I try so hard to always be proper that way, even around him. So he teases me alot when I absolutly HAVE to sound gross for a second. And he certainly never gives up if a little pop of wind HAPPENS to escape, which I have sucessfully held in for the ten years we have been so close with only TWO accidental tiny, wee little almost not audible pops. You do know what I am talking about right? Katy and Liam How did you come up with your e-mail address. Do you love the movie. I like it and my DH LOVES it. Candace and Tanner Have you seen the web site? There are a bunch of pics of the babes up there. www.geocities.com/cyber_tots We'de love to have you. Debbie Okay, the problem COULD be your modemn. It depends on how old it is. If it is a newer on, AT LEAST 28bps then you SHOULD be fine. However, considering the site is EXTREMELY graphic intensive you may have a problem even with a 28 modemn. But, that may not be the problem at all. Let me know exactly what happens when you try. Do you get a geocities page saying the page you have requested cannot be found? If so, double check what you are typing in the the URL address. Or, hit your back button and try again. I get that message a whole lot and I'm not sure why. If you get a different page than that, it is probably your modemn or connection speed. Are you on a regular phone dial up. Do you know the connection speed? If you are using a PC and Windows 98 or 95 there will be a little icon of two computers down on the tool bar at the bottom of your screen. I can't say exactly what it looks like as there are a bunch of different ones, but it should look somehow like two computers connected and little lights flashing to indicate that info is being sent and recieved. Double click on that and it will tell you the connection speed. Give me all that info and I should be able to tell you what is wrong. Rebecca and Paige Here ya on the anti depressants. My doctor now won't allow me to be on them while I'm pregnant and it hasn't been too bad til lately, but I'm kinda going through some tough times again. For some dumb reason every time I am on an up I think it will never happen again, but it always does. To me anyway. Is it post partumn? I get it really bad. Kinda double since I usually am battling depression as it is. It is all a hormone thing. Same as my breast feeding problems and how I ovulate like four weeks after I have a baby and then get pregnant. Doctor is going to try me on some hormone stuff after this baby is born to see if it helps. It really sucks to suffer depression, especially with not much of a support group. My family keeps telling me to stop living in the past, to just forget it and move on. It's mind over matter. I wish. And I don't even think about my past, or blame it, although my childhood does have something to do with it. They just don't want to admit it. They are kinda in denial that our childhood wasn't great. Not related to my parents much. To other stuff that my parents didn't even know about. I don't know. My family is the greatest but they really don't understand this aspect of my life and it is hard sometimes. Anyway, enough of that. I am so so glad you are feeling better. It is a great feeling to finally be able to function normally. I wish I could get there and get my stupid house completely cleaned. Argh. Romaine How absolutly fun to make a gingerbread house. I cannot imagine my DH even attempting it. Did you have your camera out. How did you get your name Romaine and Leanne get Leanne. They are really different. Your name, and the ones you have chosen for your kids sound so exotic. Speaking of exotic. Anyone remember Kiwi?????????????????????????????????????????????? I'm putting a zillion question marks behind that because I have asked a few times and no one has responded. If you do, do you have any IDEA where she went or why she quit posting???? She posted the comment about all of our lives sounding so exotic to her and that was the last thing she ever posted. She was pretty regular poster. Oh! Cody's awake I had better go get dressed and get some breakfast. How terrible of me. It is 10:30 and we haven't had breakfast yet. Just feeling to crappy to want to be on the stick. Take care all. LuCynda and Cody email: lucyndah@telusplanet.net Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 13:41:49 (EST)) Hello from a somewhat less crabby Rita **Cease and desist! Please stop posting anonomously, whoever you are!** We picked up the girls' Halloween and Christmas portraits yesterday. As soon as DH gets then scanned I will let you all know. We were also out at a computer store and Amy started saying "look" and pointing at all of the children's games and acessories. I think that we have a potential chatterbox on our hands. On a yuckier note; we had to call the doctor again about Maddy's withholding. We had to use a suppository last night. She was in a much better mood this AM, to say the least. We are adding all kings of fruit and fiber to her diet which we already thought was pretty good. Rebecca - We have always known that you are more than just a mom and a wife! You sound so good. I just sent your finger food info and recipes out to another friend. Thanks again for it. Debbie - I think we have a couple of those same kinds of monkeys at our house, too. We read the Five Ugly Monsters version of the rhyme and also the Ten Little Dinosaurs version (It's one of those books with the wiggly eyes). We have put up Maddy's play house/tent in the livingroom and I walked by one day and heard a lot of giggling. I peeked in to see Maddy and Amy "having tea" together. I wasn't expecting them to play this way yet. Of course, we still have major battles over toys and Maddy doesn't always win. LOL Julianne - I don't think that the Leeza Show offer jinxed anyone. A lot of the toddlers on the board are just at the right age for tantrums to start. We used to say that our sweet Maddy changed at fifteen months because that's when we first got the tantrums. I think that Amy will be earlier. She is already swinging her arms at me and throwing toys when she gets mad. I am catching her little hands and looking her in the eyes and telling her "no" already. Birdie - Happy Birthday to you! I wouldn't mind being thirty three again...I always keep short nails since I like to cook and do all kinds of crafts, plus I would always break them when I played sports. I rarely polish them and when I do for special occasions, people are always shocked. Darleen - Good luck on the interview! Crystal - Keep your head up and hang in there! Gotta go ladies! Have a good one and take care! Rita, Maddy and Amy email: ritad@home.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 13:48:06 (EST)) Friend of a friend of a friend of a friend or whoever you are. You know what. The point wasn't whether or not anyone agrees or disagrees, it was cruel and mean. That was problem number one, problem number two is that it just isn't really right to so bodly state an opinion. She could have ASKED or gently suggested. However, the issue was deeper than just her being pregnant, it was also very much sounded like a bash against mom's wanting children who are on WIC or social services or whatever. It was very judgemental and not said in anyway like a friend who would talk to someone as a friend. Okay. That was the problem. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions but everyone also needs to try very hard to share those feelings with compassion, not cruelty. And I STILL think that there is a time when it just isn't appropriate to share the opinion at all. If there really is a problem, which I cannot judge, I'm sure Crystal has ALOT of people in her life that she interacts with on a day to day basis, in person. I have problems too and I DO share mine here. I get a lot of grief from the intimate people in my life. This board is a sanctuary for me, to share and explore. Kinda like a journal but one that talks back to me. I appreciate the support even when I at times have issues someone should kick my butt for. However, I get butt kickings at home. I recognize my problems all on my own without anyone here telling me what they are. This place is where I get the encouragement and the strength to overcome the weakness I got kicked in the butt for at home. I certainly hope that makes sense. Crystal is definatly not a bad person and none of us really know enough to judge her situation and we choose to be supportive and encouraging to help her, and any one else who may need it, find themselves and become better and stronger. We all need that you know. We all make mistakes and all have weaknesses and we all need to be talked through the hard times. So let us do it k. Let's just NOT share our negative opinions. At least not like that. It is possible to share feelings without being mean about it. I am also curios why this didn't come up WAY back when when Crystal first said she was pregnant. I read WAY WAY back and it was a long time ago. I also didn't find a whole heck of a lot to get such a big fuss. Sorry guys who have the strength to ignore these posts. I am incapable of it. I try but man. I just want to point out that to some of us this is the only haven we've got. Aside from DH that is. Like me. I don't have anyone but him. I do have my family, but they are very different from me and I need the support here. I don't want to feel like it may be necessary to act as though things are perfect all the time and that I am perfect. I don't want anyone else to feel that way either. Let's all just be unconditional and bite our tongues if we can't be. LuCynda email: lucyndah@telusplanet.net Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 13:59:32 (EST)) Hey everyone! This little note is to just let all my good buddies on here know that I will be back when all this hatefullness on here is over and done with and things start sounding more "jolly"! I'll check back in over the weekend. I am really in the Christmas spirit and I'm not going to let anything get in my way. Oh, btw, I have the greatest CD playing right now: Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas. I really recommend it! I love it! I've been decorating and will do some baking later in the week! Elizabeth and I are doing great, except she still has her rotten cold! I really hope you all are doing good! Please e-mail me if something important happens! Ya'll take care!! Kelli & Elizabeth, 16 1/2 months email: rkncs@aol.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 14:17:24 (EST)) HOLY RAGING HORMONES, BATMAN! Well, nothing like an anonymous post to bring everyone out of the woodwork! I guess I need to write my take on the whole situation. F of a F is entitled to her opinion, however, she was just plain mean in the way she stated it. I tend to agree with her that you are going to have a hard time, Crystal, but she was very WRONG to presume that you got pregnant to trap your DH, or that you wanted to have another baby so that you could stay at home (and live on welfare I guess is what she was getting at). I truly hope things work out for you. It's not going to be an easy road that you have chosen, but no one's life is easy anyway. Keep your head up and keep coming here for support. I know you are probably shy about posting the details of your life since this is the second slam you've gotten, but the rest of us like hearing from you and don't want you to leave. That said, I got up this morning and our Christmas tree was leaning precariously to one side. Not sure how it got that way, but DH wasn't there this morning and straightening it is going to be a 2 person job (one holding the top, one underneath fixing the stand). So, I left it leaning. I only hope that it won't be in the floor when I get home tonight. That will be a joy since DH isn't supposed to be home until later and I'm not sure what I will do with it in the meantime. I'll update you tomorrow! Rita - I would like some pictures once you get them scanned please! Lucynda - I hope your throat is better soon. Strep is no fun!! Moriah - I hope things are better for your DH soon and he can come home! Sarah - so glad that Hannah was an angel this weekend on you trip! That's always nice when they are so good for you. Darleen - I agree with whoever it was that said that half the fun is opening the paper for a little one. I plan to wrap Allison's this year. Julianne - Colton sounds too cute running circles around you! I love those happy playful times as well. Birdie - I was LOL at your gumball mountain comment. I don't think it would be tacky to ask for money or savings bonds since his birthday is SO close to Christmas you probably already got most of the stuff he really NEEDS anyway. Debbie - I was LOL at Maddy wanting a wedding dress too. DH said that he doesn't ever want Allison to get married and I told him that she would go through a stage where she wanted to marry him as all little girls do. He was fine with that idea! Rebecca - I'm so glad that your medicine or counseling is working for you!! that's super! Romaine - Saba sounds too cute making the gingerbread house. You'll have to let us know how you do it. I would love to do that with Allison NEXT year, though!! Shelly - happy 20 months to Riley! too cute about him saying vacuum! Patty - OUCH! on the head butt! Lisa B - I know what you mean about working vs SAHM. I think I would love to stay at home, but when I was at home all last week, I was about to go crazy!!! Plus I too have a WONDERFUL sitter that just loves Allison and Allison loves her. I think part time would be a good compromise if you could find it. My problem is that I can't find it in my field! Jennifer - Adam falling wasn't your fault. You did ask DH to watch him afterall. I wanted to let you guys know that I have been e-mailing Cynthia (with Adam) and she wanted me to let you guys know that she and Adam are doing great. She tries to read nearly everyday, but never has time to post anymore. Adam is turning 2 in a couple of weeks, has started peeing in the potty (only when asked) as is as cute as ever. She says hi! Well, I should really get back to work! Have a great day and be nice to one another!! Beth and Allison (18 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 14:48:52 (EST)) Hello everyone, Jennifer and Adam here... My poor son woke up this morning drenched in pee. My MIL thought she's be helpful and got 4 (big) packages of those generic diapers from Albertson's (she works there) for us. I HATE those diapers!! They are like paper and do not hold in pee very well. We had to use them so we didn't hurt her feelings (it also is saving us a little bit of money) but I usually use Luvs because they are the best for Adam. Oh well, I'm done venting. Someone said they got PG while on the pill? How does that happen, and if it does, is it bad for the baby because you are taking pills and don't know you're PG? I just started the pill again and we have had sex, and now I'm scared!! Personals: Debbie- How funny about Maddie!! My niece did the same thing and told my brother (her daddy) that she wanted to marry him! Kids! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRDIE Julianne- You also rock Colton to sleep? I've been rocking Adam since birth and I am so afraid of him being 5 yrs old and still needing to be rocked to sleep! Have you heard anything on when you should wean a child from "the rocking chair"? LOL Darleen- I like to keep some gifts unwrapped because my parents used to do that for me and I LOVED it!! It was so exciting to come downstairs and immediately see what santa had left! LuCynda- Has your doctor checked you recently? I would call and make an appt ASAP! Oh, and your posts responding to "Friend of whoever" were great, you are right on target! By the way girls, where is Crystal? I hope she hasn't decided to leave us!! Well, I hear my little one chattering in his crib.....guess I'd better go do a pee check! XXOO take care all! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 14:52:44 (EST)) Hey girls. Birdie again. How sick is this??? I couldn't decide between THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL or coming back on here to see what is going down. You guys won!!! Who needs soaps when you can be part of one on line! Big storm coming tonight. 4-6 inches of snow!!! Gotta go, I'm afarid gumball mountain may be ready to erupt. It is now full of 4 giant teletubbys, 3 board books, 2 elmo cars and Barney in a wagon. Take care Birdie and Noah (one) Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 16:30:27 (EST)) Birdie I forgot to say Happy Birthday! I too have been checking in on "As the Diaper Fills" today! Too funny = I thought the same thing about the soap opera! Keeps me interested though - I'm embarrassed to admit! LOL Moriah Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 16:37:18 (EST)) Leanne Here, Wow I have missed alot! I just cant seem to get on this computer lately! I finished my xmas cards yesterday and dont the shopping too (except for stocking stuffers) so maybe I will be better. We are decorating the house today SOOOO excited! I love doing this. I cant wait for dh to get home so we can do the tree! Everything else is done in the house I love that feeling ! Now I just need SNOW! Yes, snow I cant have xmas without. We took Alexis to see Toy Story 2 last night just me and dh and she loved it! It was really nice to do something with just her. Veronica and Cynthia were at my moms and dads. I hope we can do it again. She really has been such a good girl. Ok Veronica (brag) is getting so smart. She is talking so much latley, and actually understands things I ask her to do. She always takes her socks off after a nap and I asked her to go and get them and bring them to me. She did and sat on the floor and put her foot up so I could put them on! Then you ask her a question and she nods and head and says YEAH!! So much fun. OK big question for you ladies I NEED HELP!!! Cynthia (my 31 month old) has been waking up constantly at night and coming into our room!! This has been going on for a week. First she did not want to go to bed ( she saw something scary) and that is done with ..hopefully but now she gets up and comes into our room wanting water, or sleep in our bed, or whatever.... we take her back put her in her bed and say go to sleep! Last night it happend 5 times! I am sure she barley got 4 hours of sleep! WHAT SHOULD I DO!!! She has always been such a good sleeper.. I dont think that she is scared anymore and we dont let her sleep with us.. maybe I will turn off her night light maybe that keeps her up?? Any suggestions would be great! Patty: Glad that Jarin is better! I think the fussy ness can just be a faze. Veronica has had a pretty bad cold the last week and has been harder to get to bed and stay asleep but we figured now that it is her teeth as she has been better the last couple of nights! LisaB: Wow 6 yrs old and still diapers. That is pathetic! She is getting better though. I think some of it is out of rebellion with Veronica, she can be so good somedays with peeing in the toliet then she will go and pee on her floor if we get mad at her and send her to her room! Go figure! Happy Belated BD to NOAH!! Hi Romaine! Cant open the card!! or the girls pictures! Maybe you can do it when you come down? Lucynda! Did you get my email? Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Have a great day ladies Leanne With Cynthia 31mon, Veronica 15mon etc.. etc. Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 17:28:03 (EST)) Hi to all, Crystal - please come back, we love you here!!! LuCynda: loved your second post to 'Friend'. Don't worry too much about your weight or the baby moving, but you might as well call the docs to see what they say. I've finally gained 1 lb!! Last time I'd gained at least 10 by now... My doc said not to worry, m/s tends to be worse with second ones cause you're too busy to eat properly, and probably for you, you're so busy running after your 3 you're getting piles of excercise as well! You're only likely to feel movement early if you're very thin (says my book) so for the rest of us its wait and see! I have felt very light ones twice now, lying on my back after eating a bedtime snack- but I don't feel them every night, and haven't at other times. Darlene: our Christmas tradition is that the stocking comes from Santa, so those gifts are not wrapped. You get the little stuff that fits in the stocking and is useful (toothbrush, underwear, etc) and usually something more fun but still fairly small. These gifts were enough to keep my brother and I occupied on Christmas morning until my parents had their coffee and were ready to move on the the bigger stuff. Presents from each other were labelled and wrapped. Take care everyone, hope the 'friends' leave soon! SarahW, Alex (15mo) & ??(-5mo) email: swellman@knightpiesold.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 17:56:01 (EST)) Hello everyone, from Stacey. Well, I was able to catch up last night on all the posts, and had started to post myself. I was in the course of saying what a good baby Alexa is and how she almost never cries, and wham, she let loose. She calmed down very quickly, but she must have had gas because I have neer heard her cry like that before. Of course, Franchesca picks that very moment to pee on my couch (courtesy of Daddy who still has the bad habit of taking her diaper off and then going to get another one while she waits in her birthday suit.) Needless to say, my post never made it on here. I always like to come on here when we start stressing over something that is going on with Franchesca, because someone else is usually going through the same thing. She has been throwing MAJOR tantrums in the past week (last week she even made herself throw up at one point). I am praying that it is just due to the stress of going to my parents house last week and the break in routine and the fact she is cutting four molars right now... Other than that, she is doing great. She continues to talk right and left. She loves to dance and sing (her favorite song is the theme from this Mexican soap opera--we turn the TV on just so she can dance to it). She is learning all kinds of new words every day, has taken to calling me "Stacey" instead of "Mommy", and has stopped trying to hit the baby, thank goodness. On to the personals: Jennifer w/ Adam--Yes, you can get pregnant while on the pill. That is how we ended up having Alexa just 13 1/2 months after Franchesca was born. I was nursing, and on the mini-pill, and I still got pregnant. They say you should use a backup method if you are vomiting or have diarrhea, and also if you are on antibiotics as they may take away the pill's effectiveness. I was on vacation in Mexico and got bronchitis, and took antibiotics, and got a wonderful albeit unexpected souvenir that came nine months later. I decided to go with the Depo-provera shot this time in hopes of avoiding a repeat. Also, I continued to take the pill for the first three months of my pregnancy since I didn't know I was pregnant again. My OB said it would not affect the baby, and she is perfectly healthy... Rita--very cool that Amy and Maddy were having tea together. While I am in no hurry for them to grow up, I do look forward to the day when my girls are able to play together like that. LuCynda--I agree that you should probably see your Dr. when you get a chance. By the way, the web site is wonderful. You are doing a beautiful job with it. I am going to try and get some photos to you when I get a chance. Moriah--My thoughts are with you and Geoff and Alex. Glad to hear Alex had a better night last night. I am also glad to hear things are coming along with zandycards. 10 Mb should be more than enough webspace for you. Sarah--That is great that Hannah did so well over the weekend. What an angel you have. I would love to see pictures when you get a chance. Julianne--Colton sounds so cute running circles around you. Don't you wish they could be happy like that all the time! Birdie--Happy Birthday one day early! I hope you have a wonderful day. My mom called last night and asked what she should buy the girls for Christmas. After reading your post I am definitely going to ask her to avoid the gumball mountain thing! Debbie--Too funny about Maddie and the wedding dress. Pumpkin pie w/ whipped cream was a huge hit w/ Franchesca too. I think she may have liked it more than her green beans, which stole the day for her. Romaine--That is great that you have been able to keep Saba away from candy for so long. I always cringe when we go to the bank or somewhere and they try to give Franchesca a sucker or a chocolate. Obviously these are not people with small children... Helen--I am sorry to hear about your nephews. My niece is the same way. Her parents are both very young (Mom is 20 and Dad is 22, she is 4) and no matter what she does they just say "Well, she is just a little girl". A few days before they moved out of our house, my niece got mad at me because I would not give Franchesca a bath with her, and she called me a bitch. Her mom was right there and did nothing. The next day I told her in front of her parents that I felt she owed me an apology. Their response? She is just a little girl. I feel guilty saying that I was relieved to see them go, but it is hard to be around someone like that, even if they are only a child. I tried my best to dowhat I could with her, but it doesn't do much good if the parents don't reinforce it. As for the Friend of a Friend thing, I am going to keep my opinion to myself. I do think that true friends are what Crystal really needs right now, and I would like you to know, Crystal, that you can add me to the list. True friends may not always agree with everything you do, but they are there for you and love you anyway, and are able to listen without judging. It is apparent that you have lots of true friends here. Lisa B.--Hope you have a great trip. We will miss you while you are gone. Patty--I will keep my fingers crossed for Jarin, that it is not asthma. Well, I guess that is all for now. Boy, if I were talking instead of typing I think I would have lost my voice by now... Take care all---- Stacey, Franchesca (15 months) and Alexa (2 months) email: stacey.romero@home.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 18:54:28 (EST)) Hi Everyone, This is my first time posting on this board. I use to post on pregnancy today, but not on a regular basis. So I am sure that none of you even remember me. Anyway, let me tell you all a little about myself. I am 26, DH is 39, we have been married for 2 years and we have a 10 month old son. (Yes I know that this is the Toddlers board, but he is already walking, so I assumed it would be ok to post on here.) And I am pregnant with number 2. My due date is April 5,2000, the day befor my birthday. I am currently working part time, but have decided to resign and be a SAHM. I unfortunatly have to log off of here, but will be back tomorrow. I hope all you Mommy's have a great evening with your little ones. I can't wait to get home and receive that lovely hug from my little Nicholas. Michele&Nicholas email: shelajaji@yahoo.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 21:20:32 (EST)) Just so you all know: I am really really ill. Ick. So I have decided to put off the web site for awhile and recoup. I am really sorry, I know there have been some of you waiting for awhile now for me to get your pics up. I swear I will do it ASAP. Just need a few days. Thanks you guys for being so great and understanding. Chow for now. I probably will post still though. Oh, I had better mention this too. You can still visit the site. I'm just not going to work on it for a while. Also, the guestbook is being weird and I have lost all the entries. I haven't even been able to set up a new one. Keep checking it though coz I would appreciate it if you would all sign it again as soon as it is working. Thanks. LuCynda and Cody email: lucyndah@telusplanet.net Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 22:53:14 (EST)) Hello to all of you brave enough to use your real names!!!!! If I ever decide to be mean to someone, I'm signing my name "Raging Lunatic".LOL Anyway.. Riley turned 20 months today. I like this first of the month stuff, I don't have to stop and count on my fingers when people ask. Does anyone else (besides my sis) tell their left from their right with their wedding rings? Since I don't wear one anymore I feel like an idiot! The dr. asked for my left hand the other day and I was stumped! I'm not even blond!LOL We are getting our x-mas tree tomorrow. Fake of course! Pink, with that beautiful flocking. You know the kind, looks like a poodle??!! I love decorating the tree, but it does make me a little melancholy. Remembering the good times Jim and I had at X-mas. Putting the Santa gifts out by myself is kinda sad too. I always buy my boys one big thing fom Santa and a few smaller things. I don't wrap them. although one year I did. I went and bought different paper and hid it, then wrapped all their S/C gifts. I like leaving them unwrapped now though. We get up X-mas day and unwrap everything. I think it will be a lot of fun with Riley this year. Moriah**Yes Tay only has asthma as a secondary problem. I was hoping you were paying close attention to the "brat" problem. I will personally slap you upside the head, if you let Alex be a monster!!!LOL. Can't wait til Alex is five and tells Mom "My Dad says your a bitch!"LOL She'll love that! Lucynda**With my 2nd pregnancy, I lost 10 lbs the first 3 months due to Morning sickness. After that, I still didn't gain any weight for a few months. I was still wearing my jeans at 5 months. Go see your dr. to put your mind at ease. It will make you feel better. Are you schedualed for an ultrasound soon? Jennifer**I knew a girl who was pg and didn't know it for 6 months. She took the pill all that time. Their daughter was born huge. I heard that the hormones from the pill would make a girl baby bigger than normal. But both parents were tall, big boned people anyway. So who knows. Birdie**Happy Birthday!!! Is this 33 for you? I'll be 33 on the 6th of Jan. Man, we're old!LOL Stacey**Do you like the Depo shot? I've heard pros and cons. One of these days I might need to use something and it's always good to hear comments. Michelle**Welcome to the looney bin, OOPS, I meant Toddler Board!LOL Good night to all! Shelly & Riley 20 months! Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 23:40:46 (EST)) Hi mommies. Jarin is doing great. He had his 15 month shots today. He screamed when he laid down on the table and screamed while he got the shots, but has been wonderful ever since. He's just been happy and smiley all day. I only gave him Tylenol once and I can hardly believe how good he has been. =) **Julianne: Thanks for the pictures. You have a great looking family! Colton and Caleb are cuties and you and DH look great. Colton sounds adorable running in circles and playing with you. Jarin loves to do that too, but he cracks up when I catch him. He was also trying to bite today. Not fun. Jarin also does the "search the air" when he starts falling asleep, only he is searching for the breast instead of the bottle. **Julianne and Jennifer: I also still rock Jarin, but sometimes put him in his bed when he is not quite asleep. Not only am I afraid I'll be rocking him at 5, I'm afraid he'll stillbe nursing! LOL **Shelly: Happy 20 month birthday to Riley! **Romaine: So, you're a fellow Kindergarten/First grade teacher, huh? I taught sixth grade for four years and then moved to Kindergarten where I've been for six. **Rebecca: Good luck with the pictures of Santa. Jarin would NEVER do it. I'm glad you are feeling so much better. =) **Debbie: I want to see the girls pumpkin and Christmas pics when you get them. So cute that Maddy wants to marry daddy. My DH was so jealous when he read that. He really wanted jarin to be a girl and wants that daddy/daughter bond so badly. **Candance: My jaw is still REALLY sore today. I saw the Dr again and he said it may be for a while. I even canceled the physical therapy because the idea of someone touching me almost made me sick. I loved being a SAHM last year and I would do it again in a second, but we need the money. **Birdie: Happy 33rd Birthday tomorrow! I'll be 34 next week. LOL at you having boy hands. What a riot. **Darleen: I am wrapping all of Jarin's gifts. DH wouldn't allow me to do it any other way. **Sarah: I think you've got the right idea on ignoring all the anonymous posts. I'm glad Hannah was so good for you on your Thanksgiving visit. **Moriah: I hope Geoff can come home soon. What a bummer. I'm sending you my snail mail address so I can see these cards you're making. =) **LuCynda: I would call your Dr just for your own peace of mind. Cody sounds too funny walking around like he's drunk. I love that stage. LOL at your "pop of wind" story. I agree with you on this place being a sanctuary. My family also totally doesn't get the whole depression thing. My sister asks me if I'm still on my "psycho medicine". So understanding. Did you get the pictures of Jarin I sent? We were having trouble with the server, so I just wanted to double check. **leanne: I hope Cynthia starts sleeping again for you. Sorry I don't have any advice, just hope it gets better. **Stacey: Glad to hear that Franchesca has decided to stop hitting Alexa. That is so funny that she is calling you "Stacey" now. Sounds like she's 20. Patty and Jarin - 15 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 23:46:39 (EST)) Rebecca here... I actually got a chance to read the posts and made notes! Aren't you all proud of me? LOL Another Friend - let me just ask what you've been reading!?! Most of us share our problems. Please have the decency to sign your name or just GO AWAY! LuCynda - I agree, if you're worried about the baby, call the doctor. I understand about the depression. When DH found out that I would be one the pills for 6months to a year he almost fainted. I guess he thought they were like antibiotics! LOL! My childhood probably has attributed to my probles. Now that I think of it, I did go through depression a couple of times when I was a teen (and not just the normal stuff). My support group has been my savior. I was surprised how many other mother's have this problem. I'm sending you a big hug! (It always makes me feel good) Rita - thankyou! I love how all of you gals are so supportive and loving. Leanne - Okay, I am so totally jealous of you. Finished your shopping! I've barely started. I wish I was that organized!!! Michelle - Welcome. Of course you can be here if Nicholas is only 10 months. I believe a couple of us slipped over before the one year mark. Well, Paige was really good with Santa. I'm not sure how the pic will turn out since the photographer was a moron! She kept trying to get Paige to sit still and smile. I would have been happy with near Santa!LOL The pics will be ready this weekend but I don't think I'll have time to pick them up until next week. This weekend we have a dinner dance to go to (my MIL bought us the tickets). I really don't want to go, but I have no choice. I'm currently quite mad at DH husband (NOT dear!). I went out for seven and a half hours with Paige so that he could enjoy his day off and get some stuff done. He was the one that told me that he would clean the bathroom, do the kitty litter, and try to get to the vacuuming. I get home and he hasn't even moved off the couch! When I said something he got up and did some of it, but slammed doors and stamped his feet. Hello?!? I'm not his mother and I don't think that I should have to deal with his temper tantrums. I stayed home from my PPD support group tonight to spend time with him and now I don't want to talk to him. AARRGGHH!!! It's just so frustrating. I've complained and babbled enough. I think I'll go to bed early and get a good nights sleep. Sweet dreams! Rebecca & Paige (12+) email: burn@canadawired.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 01:13:36 (EST)) I just wanted to let yall know, I dont know how much longer I will be posting here either. I cant deal with someone bashing someone else. I guess I am a drain on society as well, concidering the fact that I was on Medicaid and WIC, and food stamps too. We are supposed to be mature responsible adults here, and parents besides. I cant tell yall my problems anymore, cause I have a good idea who the Friend is, and I dont feel like getting bashed. I have come to care about all of you over the past year, and unfortunatley I cannot censor who reads my posts. And because of that fact, I cant trust that person to respect me. I am going to take a while off, to let things cool down. WHY do you INSIST on picking on ONE particular person? YOU SUCK, and you have ruined this board for me, CONGRATULATIONS. I hope you are proud of yourself. You have made several people feel like crap. I suppose you are perfect? What does the bible say....Let tose who have no sin cast the first stone? Have you ever heard that? Obviously not, because if your parents would have thought to instill any values in you AT ALL you wouldnt act the way you do. I am sorry guys, but Tracy has gotten off for the most part, and now Crystal is leaving......who are two of the nicest people I know but you wouldnt care about that now would you. I hate you Friend of a Friend, you too Regular Reader and Concerned as well. You three (or one) all suck. Kahne and Cat 11 months email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 01:53:25 (EST)) By the way, for all of you friendly people, My AOL Im screen name is CATSMOM21 or skcx2000 ( I use both), and my Yahoo Pager name is Mississippi_Queen_21. Hope to see yall online sometime. Kahne Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 01:57:32 (EST)) Katy here Moriah- I really should brag more, but there's nothing to brag about at the moment. Liam is still teething and not just the molars. He woke up this morning very cranky and he hasn't stopped crying and being cranky. I am going crazy with him being sick and me not being able to do anything. I could really use some encouragement from you guys. You always make me feel better. One thing I can brag about is that my high school football team is going to the state championship this Saturday, first time ever. My sister loves this because she is in the band and they are playing in Canton where the new Cleveland Browns played their first game. My sister is a HUGE Browns fan. Birdie- Happy belated b-day Noah!! I too love the soap operas!! Especially Guiding Light and As The World Turns. Lucynda- Yeah that's where I got my e-mail. I love the movie and got the video for Christmas last year. Hope everyone is doing well. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 09:21:04 (EST)) I don't know who got wetter last night at bathtime, Colton or me. He has figured out how to squeeze the water out of his squirty toys and I got soaked! I love how his imagination is developing when he plays in the water now. He grabs the toys, makes cute noises and plays pretend. When he wants to get out he tries to climb over the edge but can't yet. I tell him he has to help me pick up the toys first and he will hand them to me one by one. He insists on splashing around untill ALL the water has drained though. I am going to a creative memory workshop tonight. I am so far behind. I have not worked on my scrapbooks for months!! Hopefully I will get lots done tonight. Let's see, DH will most likely make some excuse to go visit him mom so she can help watch Cotlon... Birdie: Happy Birthday. Hope you are feeling better for your night out. I used to get the gel nails, then tried the fiberglass and now have neither. I really want to start again. I miss having my nails done. It always made me feel better about myself. Darleen: I will wrap all of Colton's toys except the big one. I usually don't wrap the stocking items either. Sarah: Yeah for a great weekend and Hannah being such a sweetie for you w/ the ILs. Moriah: How nice of your SIL to help and stay overnight w/ you and Alex. It is so much scarier handling problems w/ your child when your by yourself. Sorry your Dh's fishing trip is not going so well, hope the strike ends soon. You had me LOL at your name for the TT soap. LuCynda: I was sick with colds the 1st 5 months of my pg w/ Colton. Every few weeks one would hit. No morning sickness, but I was plenty miserable. LOL When is you next OB appointment? If it is more than a week away I would call your doctor's office and let them know about your concerns. Rita: I can't wait to see the pictures. Kelli: Hello, glad you are back. Beth: Thanks for the Cynthia/Adam update. Hope your Christmas tree problem straightens out. HA HA Jennifer: I would use the Luvs at night and the generic diapers during the day. You hate to not use them, but leaky diapers at night are not worth it. As for rocking Colton to sleep, I am trying to shorten how long I rock him. Usually now it is just enough to get him calmed down and eyes shutting. Then I just sit really still with him and let him snuggle w/ me and a blanket. I think once he is 2 I am going to try to put him in bed awake more and "wean" him off the nightly rockings. Leanne: It is great that Veronica lifts her feet to help you get her socks on. Colton hates getting dressed. Doesn't like to sit still and prefers to be nude!! Undressing goes so much easier. Stacey: Alexa was just trying to make sure we heard her say "hello". LOL It sure seems like it is temper time. I wonder if the kids can tell that we are more stressed out--do the holidays and being busier than usual. Michele: Welcome. Shelly: A pink Christmas tree?? I would love to see that. Patty: Glad Jarin recovered quickly from the shots! Sorry to hear your jaw may take a while to feel better. Rebecca: Sometimes our Dh's just need a good kick in the pants! I swear, it takes mine anywhere from 6mo - 1 yr to fix something in the house I am complaining about. What do you think he would say if it took me that long to fix his dinner or wash his clothes?? Kahne: Sorry to see you go. We will miss you. Enjoy your holidays and your break from school. Katy: Hope Liam feels better soon. I sent out pictures of Colton to several of you yesterday. If I missed you and you would like to see them let me know. Tomorrow is Friday. Yeah!! Julianne & Colton 16 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 10:57:28 (EST)) WELL... Miss one day and see what happens!!Its Christi. I was suppose to have a Dr. appt for my depression yesterday, but i cancelled it--kind of a long story, but i decided to have more faith in God to help me, if I am not feeling better in a month I will go. So anyway, my sister called, and said since you arent working why not come down and bake cookies with me--sounded good so we left Tues. evening and came home last night. Quick trip but fun! To get the friend thing over with...we all have opinions, if we said we didnt we wouldnt be honest. That doesn't mean we are right, or we have the right to judge others and make them feel bad. Crystal--it is your life-you be happy! maybe I wouldnt make the same choices as you, but I am not you. Also, the idea of just getting pg is out of my range of how things happen. It is impossible for me so I cant grasp it---I know it happens, I just cant imagine waking up pg one day. Actually it would be wonderful! So that said, I hope we can be friendly. God made us out of love and wants us to love each other. MORIAH*** I am so sorry that Alex is sick, I hope he bounces back soon. Great on the weight gain! LISA B.*** You have to do what is right for you. How about a SAHD(dad)? If you like your DCP, and feel comfy, stay at work, just be happy! Any news on meeting in Chicago?? This is only 90 minutes away, a real doable thing for me. HELEN*** Sounds like your family gatherings should be a blast. They are doing their kids no favors! KELLI*** Sorry your vacation wasn't much of one, hope Elizabeth feels better! RITA*** poor Maddy, I hope her finger is all better, and you are not so crabby, those days are no fun. JENNIFER***Isn't it terrible when they are looking at you while they are doing something, Caleb will even shake his head no while he is doing it, and look at me with the cutest angel face. Don't feel guilty, Adam was in DH's care! BIRDIE*** Money is fine to ask for, maybe ask for savings bonds or something like it, then they know it will go to them, and wont be spent on silly things. REBECCA*** gald you are feeling better! DARLEEN*** We wrap all of our stuff. Santa has his own wrap each year, the kids never see it, and only Santa presents are wrapped in it. Sorry the interview didnt go so well! LU CYNDA*** I lost for the first 5 months with Caleb (my 2nd) and since I am so overweight the Dr was very pleased that I only gained 4 pounds. If you are worried GO TO THE DR!!!! Thats what they are there for and you are paying them plenty! MICHELE*** WELCOME!! :o) KAHNE*** I will miss you, I hope you will change your mind. I will keep up with your diary! See you there! JULIANNE*** Thanks for the pics, I havent been thru all of them yet, but I will soon! Thanks again! SHELLY*** Yes I use my WR all of the time to tell my left from right, I would be lost without it! Before that I used another ring on my right hand, worth a try. Well ladies, I am finally done, I hope I got all of the personals right, my paper was pretty messy. Hope you all have a great day! Christi & Caleb 13 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 11:36:08 (EST)) Good morning ladies! SARAH here. Man, am I sick! I went to the doctor yesterday, and have a sinus infection...LOVELY! I forgot to tell you ladies that HANNAH went swimming for the first time in the mountains. She got in the first time with DH and wasn't sure if she should laugh or cry. Ended up getting out. After a while, she wanted to get back in and LOVED it! She kept putting her face in the water, by herself!! And guess what??? I FORGOT MY CAMERA!!!!!!!! Not much new here, so..... MORIAH - I'm glad ALEX is feeling better! I'll email you my address! I will definitely send some pictures. JULIANNE - HANNAH's been throwing tantrums for a couple of months now! :( GREAT PICTURES!!! LUCYNDA - I know what you mean about the name HANNAH!!! I will send some pictures for the website!! Hope you feel better! JENNIFER - I was the one who said I got preggo on the pill. As soon as I found out I was preggo, I stopped taking them. I think it can cause problems, but thank God HANNAH was okay. BIRDIE - HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!! STACEY - I know there's a greater chance of getting preggo when you're on antibiotics. The pill isn't as effective. MICHELE and NICHOLAS - WELCOME!!!!!!! PATTY - Hi! How is the jaw? Well, I'll be going home soon so I hope you all have a wonderful evening! Sarah and Hannah (14 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 13:19:09 (EST)) Hi Leanne Here Wow 2 days in row! This must be a record. Well we have the Christmas tree up !! I love it! The girls had a great time decorate though Veronica just kept on batting the branches and pulling the decorations off! ARRRGGG Thank good ness we decided to buy a fake tree last year! I cant imagine dealing with the mess if it was a real tree! I do miss the smell though ( of the tree :) ) Well Cynthia finally slept through the night last night! She woke up 3 times at about midnight complaining of first a stomach ache then a sore bum - we think she woke up b/c of a bad dream.. Anyways I gave her a dimettabe for her cold and told her that this would help her sleep and would give her happy dreams! Well it worked! The only thing was that my DH and I could not get back to sleep so we ended up watching TV till 1:30 YIKES! I hope that I am not starting something with her though - guess I might have to buy some sort of pretend "medicine" to get her to sleep though - I guess we will wait and see! OK I must have grown over night (tummy wise) as this morning all maternity clothes that felt still big fit great! And I am only 17 weeks! YIKES I hate to think what I will look like in a couple more months. I have so far only 2 lbs but my next appoinment is next Tuesday so we will see if I had a "Weight SPIRT" HEHEHEHE. I was lucky with the other 3 girls and only gained 22 lbs with each so it made it easy to lose the weight. I hope I will be as lucky this time XXXXX fingers. Jullianne: LOL about the undress part! The only time Veronica likes to get udressed is when it is bath time! She loves to take baths with her sisters. Though it is becoming quite a tight squeeze with 3 kids in the tub at a time. Rebecca: You make me feel so GOOD! Orgainized! HA I wish! Thanks it is nice to be thought that way. I really dont know how I managed it this time. I guess b/c it is so hard to find the time to go out shopping the days that I managed to go I made sure to buy buy buy! Patty: Thanks for the sleeping wishes for Cynthia it worked! I hope that it continues... please, please please! LuCynda: Hopeing you are feeling better soon. I would not worry to much about the weight thing! It is hard to gain weight with 3 kids isnt it? As for the baby moving it felt it way back at 12 weeks but so far have only feel that odd one here and there if I am lucky! We just dont get the chance to sit for to long to charish that.... Michelle: Welcome! and Congrats. I am expecting my 4th on May 14 and already have 3 girls - 5, 21/2 and 15 months. You are welcome to post here! Walking at 10 months!! WOW I cant imagine! Got to go ladies have fun! :) Leanne w/Cynthia and Veronica and ??in utero Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 13:23:01 (EST)) Hello fromHelen&Amanda!! WELL---WELL----WELL---- The sh**T is flying again!!! Ladies- get off the board if you have nothing nice to say!!! **CRYSTAL-- Hope your still here reading and begin posting again soon!!! I know its easy for me to say but ignore all the s**it and keep posting-- we'll miss you if youleave- we're on your side!! :O) :O) My computer wouldn't let me get onhere yesterdayand I've been going nuts!! I guess I'm not the only one with out of control kids in the family!! Glad to hear that! BIRDIE--Glad the party went well- all the gifts- cancel X-mas at your house-LOL!! I had acrylic overlay and also picked and ripped them off- was sick of going for repairs- did it just b/f our TT meeting- now I have lovely little gnawed on stubs!! PATTY-- Thanks for the 16month wishes! SHELLY- Happy 20 months to Riley!!!! MORIAH--Had to laugh over the F*%$*ing cookie!!!!!! JENNIFER--The accident wasn't your fault- it happens as much as we try to prevent it. The turtle necklace sounds like a nice momento of the poor thing. :O( JULIANNE-- Get a tree the last day b/f X-mas- they are cheaper so they can get rid of them-- we used to go out in the woods and cut one- usually a Charlie Brown tree, no money to buy one either growing up. Thanks for the pics!! DARLEEN- Hope the interview goes well!! SARAH&HANNAH--Send pics my way!! BETH-- Our tree was leaning and fell twice one year- we nailed it to the wall from that time on!!! We're taking no chances!LOL!! Did it fall??Thanks for making me feel better about the deer!!! MICHELE&NICHOLAS--WELCOME!! Congrats on becomming a SAHM!! LUCYNDA-- Hope your feeling better soon!! KELLI-- Now you need a rest from vacation!! The kids have a 1/2 day today and no school tomorrow- parent-teacher meetings, and tomorrow's have been cancelled b/c of the teachers funeral-- I guess everyone is very upset about it, everyone loved him and he was so friendly!! :O( Yesterday was our 15th anniversary. SIL called to offer her babysitting services so we went out to eat at a nice restaurant DH really likes, stopped for a drink on the way home and were home b/f 10:00-- we're getting old!! Amanda likes to squat when pooping now, also grabs her butt when asked-"where is the poopy bum"????? So cute!! Should go and get Amanda changed and eat lunch--LATER!! Helen&Amanda@16mos(#3) Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 13:41:46 (EST)) Hi, Romaine and an absent SAba here. DH took Saba on a car ride to do an errand and DD2 is asleep. I thought that I would creep on! I felt so bad-Iwent to move Saba last night b/c she was at the edge of the bed and her fron was SOAKED! I woke her up so that I could change her. I covered the wey spot on the bed b/c she was so upset I woke her up and I did not want to drag it out. I think the diaper size is too big. We will have to go back a size. She likes to sleep w/ her bum in the air, so I think that when she peed, it just ran up and out. The diaper itself was not very wet. Rebecca-Go Paige! Stacey-Were you on PT? I see Alexa is 2 mos! Debbie-Thanks. Her name is Mya Capri. Does it get easier? (the Dady girl thing). Sometimes I feel so rejected when he is around!:) A big get well to all of you that are sick!!!:):):):) Darleen-DH likes to wrap all including stocking stuffers! Moriah-Sounds like it was a good idea to keep it in then. When do you hope to have it removed? LuCynda-When is your next appt? Your Dr. will likely relive your worries! Like Leanne said, you don't have time to enjoy it all the same! I know that it was like that w/ this second one! I did not worry like I did w/ Saba b/c I did not have time! (I worried TONS, b/c I had 2 m/cs b4 her). I love the site! I hope to contribute! I took a little video of Saba, but she stops what she is doing when she sees the camera b/c she wants to wach it! Thank-you! I was named after my great g-ma (her middle name). I'm not sure how Mom chose Leanne's. Saba is named after a Caribbean island we visisted on our honeymoon (correction-Saba was an ancient queen of YEMEN not the Aegean like I said b4!). Mya we found and liked. Capri is after Caprice (DH's sister). I really liked the name, but did not like how it sounded w/ Mya 'til I shortened it. Beth- The house was DH's project! He was the brave one! She dumped the ingredients during the making. He assembled, etc. after she was put to bed. He dapped the icing and she put some of the candy on. Patty-Grade 6!!! I taught grade 4 and did not like it! I prefer the primary grades. I would love to go back to teaching K, but everyone here is not too willing to leave their positions! I only switched b/c at that time I was teaching part K at one school and part grade 4/5 at another. (K enrolment was low for a couple of years). I jumped at the chance to get one grade full time! Now I am in a position to do p/t and no K is available! Wah! I taught grade 2 for a year and one for the past 4, this will be my 5th. I hope to take an Electronic Bussing position here when I go back. (Home school support via the internet). Julianne- Saba likes to wait for the water to drain too! Helen- How awful about the teacher!! Happy belated anniversary-15 years!!!! Talk to you all later! Romaine and Saba 21 mos email: rrantry@yahoo.ca Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 15:47:43 (EST)) Hello from Rita Things are busier at work these days, so I don't have as much time to catch up or post. I just got a boatload of new responsibilities (and not with more pay). I am still looking for other positions within the company, but with Y2K looming, I think that everyone is waiting before filling positions. DH e-mailed me the pictures last night, but my home e-mail wasn't working, so I will hopefully have the images to resize and send out tonight. Maddy is freaked out by anything that comes near her cuts. She cried because we had to put on a new bandaid after her bath last night. She is so sensitive these days. (I sometimes wonder how soon a female can be considered hormonal - LOL) I haven't read all of Raising a Spirited Child, but I find that she is developing more and more of the traits. Amy is so surprising. Last night she was pointing at the computer screen and saying "that". Her DCP told me that she was saying "what's that" yesterday. I just don't know what she'll say next. Kahne - I don't want to see another person drop off the board because of an insensitive no-name. I hope that you will stay with us, because you do have support here. Sarah - Yuck. I remember my sinus infection post-Amy all too clearly. I hope you get better soon. Julianne - I am going to a scrapping midnight madness tomorrow where we work from 7PM-12AM. I need to get more pages done for my mom's and MIL's albums. I'd love to see your stuff and vice versa if I ever get a scanner. Well, I had better go out and grab a bite before I head out to a meeting. Take care everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy email: ritad@home.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 15:48:12 (EST)) HI all! WOW 2 days in a row. Well Alex definately seems better. So hopefully it keeps going that way. He's pretty happy. I'm also feeling better. Just to clarify for everyone who doesn't know us - Geoff is a commercial fisherman by trade, so he's not just on a vacation type thing. I thought about it after I posted & realized some of you my wonder why the hell my hubby would go & be so selfish for a month away from us LOL! But since it's his job & our main source of income he had to go. Nothing is decided yet so he's still on strike, there's supposed to be a another meeting again today that will hopefully give info one way or another. I'm sick of waiting. Not much else new. I'm just happy that we can get back to our routine a little! Helen - I wrote your name down & now I can't remember why - duh! Hi anyway! Sarah - Hannah sounds so cute swimming! When we went to Disneyland I wanted so badly to take Alex to the pool! That's something that I'm really excited for when he gets his trach out. I want him to take lessons early if possible. Christie - Christmas Baking! I'm so jealous. As Shelly posted last week that was our big tradition. I'm so sad that we never get to do it anymore. Maybe next year... Katy - Does Tylenol or Advil work with the teething? Or even the Ambesol gel? It's so hard when you can't comfort them. Sorry I'm not full of advice on the teething subject I just don't have much experience there. Sending hugs to you guys though! Michele - Hi! Welcome! Of course it's fine for you to post here. Lots of people posted before their baby was one (myself included). One note about Alex. He has now mastered peek-a-boo. OMG - cutest thing ever! He even giggles. Melts my heart. He's also trying really hard to get up on all fours but just doesn't quite have the strength in his arms. So I help him by putting my hand under his chest for support. He's so cute though because you can just see his wheels turning about all the things he could get into if could only crawl. I'm hoping he'll learn in the next few months. We're so ready for him to be mobile. I know - what am I wishing for???? But we're constantly impressed by the progress he's making. It may be slow but it's steady & that's what counts. Chat again later! Moriah & Alex (13 3/4 months old) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 16:00:05 (EST)) Happy Thursday all. Hope all is well. Well, the tree was still standing when I got home, luckily. Hopefully we won’t have anymore mishaps like that one. I felt so horrible last night. I picked up Allison and was spinning around with her in my arms. Then, I sat her down on the floor (knowing she’d be dizzy, but she loved the spinning). Anyway, she tried to stand up and ended up falling flat on her face and busting her bottom lip wide open. I felt horrible that I was the one who caused her dizziness, but I used to do it to kids at the daycare all the time that were about her age and they would beg for me to do it more so I thought she would like it. Poor thing had a big fat lip when she woke up this morning :-( Jennifer – I use the cheap diapers during the day and use Pampers or Luvs during the night time. This way you can save a little money and not wake up to a wet little one in the morning. It’s a good compromise. Birdie and Moriah – I was LOL at your soap opera comments! Moriah – congrats on Alex almost crawling. Won’t be long until you’re chasing him everywhere. Birdie – Happy Birthday! Leanne – you could try putting a gate at her door or maybe putting a thing on your outside door knob or her inside door knob so that she cant open it. That way you won’t have to worry about her getting to you. Although you may have a screaming child on your hands when she realizes she can’t get out of her room! Stacey – I took the Depo shot for 9 months (3 shots) after Allison was born and loved it. Had no ill side effects, but I hear that irregular bleeding and weight gain are very common. I went off it because I have also heard that it can mess up future efforts of trying to conceive if you take it for too long. Michele and Nicholas – welcome. We are happy to have you here! Lucynda – Get better right now!! Shelly – I too use my wedding ring and yes, I’m blonde ( but I’ll excuse the blonde crack you made LOL!). Another good trick since you no longer have a ring is to form your hands into an “L” shape. Your left hand will have the “L” facing the correct way. The right hand will be backward. You just have to remember “L” for left!! My DH says he is going to have to teach Allison her left from her right since I still don’t know it! LOL Kahne – I hope you will reconsider and not leave us. You are like a breath of fresh air with all you antics! Katy – hang in there with the teething. Allison likes to chew on a cold, wet washrag. Just get one wet and put it in the freezer for a few minutes. Also invest in LOTS of baby oragel and Motrin. Julianne – too funny about Colton and his squirty toys. Allison loves for me to squirt her with her ducks (They have holes in the bottom) Christi – baking cookies with your sister sounds like fun. Sarah – Hannah sounds too cute swimming. Bad Mommy for not having your camera ready. Helen – Happy Anniversary. Rita – I was LOL at your comment about Maddy having hormones already. The teenage years should be blast around your house if she’s starting already! Crystal – hope to see you back on here soon. Don’t let one person run you off! Well, talk to you ladies later. Have a great evening. Beth and Allison (18 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 16:45:09 (EST)) Hey there, Candance here. Boy this place really makes me nervous about what I write in fear that someone will jump on me for what I say so I want to correct something I said yesterday to Lisa B. Nobody made a negative comment about it or anything I just wanted to make sure it was clear as to what I meant. I mistakenly said I would love and hate to give up being a SAHM but what I meant to say is I love being a SAHM and would hate to give it up but I will also say that sometimes it is hard staying at home all the time. Only because I miss the interaction with adults that's all. So anyway I just wanted to make sure nobody got the wrong idea. Money is tight for us but I feel fortunate to be able to stay at home and I would hate to give it up. That said, I hope you guys have a great day. Tanner and I are off to do some more Christmas shopping. Candance and Tanner - 13 months email: henke3@mciworld.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 17:33:05 (EST)) Hi Everyone, Thanks for making me feel so welcome.... I have a couple of questions that I am hoping some of you can help me with. The first one is : POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION - How do you know if you have it? When I was pregnant with Nicholas I was VERY happy, but I had a terrible birth experience, and a terrible 2 months after I had him. I barely even remeber those 1st 2 months after I had him, because they were so awful. Anyway, I just have not felt like myself since I had him. I have some days that are good, meaning days where I don't cry all the time, or don't become a nasty crazy woman, like today, I actually feel human. But then there are those days when all I want to do is lay in bed and cry. But I can't because I have a 10 month old to take care of. As I said in my other post, I am also 22 weeks pregnant, so I don't know if I am feeling like this because of my pregnant hormones. Do any of you suffer from PPD or have in the past? How did you cope? Do you think I sound PPD? Thanks for any help you can give me on this. Some days I am just at my wits end. The second one is : How do I change my son without him screaming bloody murder? My son absolutely HATES to have his diaper changed and clothes changed. He throws a fit everytime. He crys so much that he will actually start to hyper-ventilate (sp?). I just don't know what to do about it. It is driving me CRAZY. If you have any advice I will truly appreciate it. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my problemos.... I am really glad that I have found this board, and hope that I can help some of you with any issues that you have. I can't remember who it was, but someone asked about teething pain. Nicholas popped his first 2 teeth at 6 months, and now has 8 teeth. HE is ALWAYS teething, and ALWAYS in pain. I use the Baby Oragel Night Time teething gel. It really seems to work. And since it is the night time formula, it lasts a bit longer. If he is having a really bad day with his teeth, (crying and crabby, and sucking on his little fists), I will also give him some infants tylenol. I really HATE giving him medicine, but my doctor has reasured me that both the Oragel and Tylenol are safe. I hope that this helps you... I feel so bad for him, I wish I could take away his pain. It really is not fair that some kids suffer so much while teething. Anyway, I have rambled on long enough. I will not be posting everyday, but will check in as much as I can. Thanks Again... Michele and Nicholas & Baby#2 Michele&Nicholas email: shelajaji@yahoo.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 18:46:06 (EST)) Okay ladies what is going on here? I quit posting awhile back because of the ugly words of regular reader and now I check back in to see if things have gotten nicer and see all this Friend of a Friend crap. Please stop this craziness. This is the holiday season and we should have good will for one another. I will be back when things are good again. I wish you all a merry christmas. Crystal congratulations, I am very happy for you and your family. Becky & Harley email: bsmisek@scfair.org Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 19:06:06 (EST)) Katy here Moriah- Tyelenol is my friend!!!!! LOL! I don't what I would have done without it. My mom bought those homeopathic teething tablets from Wal-Mart and they seem to work. We also bought some generic baby NyQuil for when he had his fever. I hate to drug him up, but if it helps him, I'm all for it. Congrats on Alex playing peekaboo. Liam has a new phrase. He loves to say "Whassat?" I think he's trying to say What's that and that he picked it up from Tellytubbies. It's so cute the way he points and says it. That's all for now. going to enjoy my dinner while Liam is quiet. Hugs to all. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 20:03:15 (EST)) Don't worry, I have not left, nor am I intending to. I just haven't gotten back on until today. Yes, it's Crystal here. First of all, I want to thank my true friends for all of thier support and encouragement. You guys are the main reasons I keep coming back to this board even after being attacked so many times. And I'm sure that I'll be attacked many more times. Now, to A Friend of a Friend, I'm glad you know so much about me, more than I do about myself. Maybe you can tell me more that I don't know. Also, you spelled my name wrong. That goes to show that you don't pay much attention. Yes DH and I do fight and we did have problems. But you know what? We got things straightened out. Also, we were planning on having another child within the next year. And I'm lucky that my husband chose to stay with me after we've been separated for so long? Bull crap. He's lucky that I chose to give him one more chance to make our marriage work. And no, I did not use Darrel to get my husband to marry me. We were already making our wedding plans when I got pg. Get your facts straight, bitch. And that's what you are. And for you're info, we are not eligible for WIC or any other social services. We make too much money to qualify. Sure, I'd love to be a SAHM, but you know what, I know damn well that we cannot afford it. Sorry, but I'm not lazy enough to stay home when we cannot afford it. And I know you're not one of my friends because my friends never talk to me like that. And they know me a hell of a lot better than you think you do. I'm not trapping my husband. Now, for the other "Friend", thank you for sharing your opinion, and I appreciate you being a lot nicer than the other person. However, you didn't have your facts completely straight. Dh and I weren't trying to conceive. We were going to start TTC in May or June. Once again, I'd like to thank my friends, and these are my true friends. You all know who you are, and I know who you are because you've been there for me in the past. I appreciate your help and sticking beside me through these difficult times, and I''m sure you know a hell of a lot better than these other "friends" Thank you, and I love all of you very much, even though I've never said it before. Kahne and any of my other friends thinking of leaving, please don't. I know these posts bother you guys, they do me, too. But together, we can all get through this. And, judging from the responses, I feel like our so called "friend" wasn't attacking just me, but 99.9% of us. I think that my name was tagged onto the post because I'm an "easy target" . I don't know. But that doesn't matter to me. We're all people, and we all have problems. Thanks for your support. Crystal Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 22:07:42 (EST)) Hi, this is going to be a mini post before I post to everyone. Before I make notes, I want to address this to one special mom in particular: CRYSTAL--I just want you to know that I admire you for your last post. I think you handled a difficult situation with courage, guts, and grace and I applaud you for sticking it out on here with us! :) Stacey, Franchesca, and Alexa Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 22:21:39 (EST)) Just a quick hello from birdie. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and birthday wishes my way. You are all so sweet. I had a great birthday. Out to lunch with Noah and my Grandfather. (Gumball Mountain man) and I had the day off. DH and I went to see Sleepy Hollow. I really liked it a lot. pretty cool and creepy. One scene really bothered me but it was over quickly and hopefully I won't think about it. If you see it you mommies will know the one I mean. (The little boy...) Anyway, good movie. We also went to a very nice romantic restaurant. DH gave me the sweetest card. I cried during dinner. He also gave me some beautiful diamond earrings. he is such a sweety!!! Very romantic evening. On Saturday my family is having a little get together to celebrate my b-day. Am i the only grown up out there who still gets a party with cake for their birthday????? (Moriah, I'm counting on you to back me up on this one) No balloons or anything. Just food and a couple presents. We do the same for my parents and brother and SIL. We are party people!!! We are also taking Noah to sesame Street Live on saturday. I can't wait. Noah will love it. (Okay me too) Take care!! Birdie and Noah (one) Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 23:21:00 (EST)) Hi Gals- Jayme here- I skimmed through to see if anyone has a toddler aroud Bubby's age- I am attempting to potty train him and it's not moving as smothly as it did with Ethan. All I did was bribe Ethan with 1 single M&M and he was as good as trained! Any advice? Most of you that I reconize from the baby board all have kids who aren't at that point, but some have older kids too, so I was just hoping! Thanks! Jayme and Evan(Bubby) 23 months email: JPahucki@aol.com Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 23:49:03 (EST)) It's Crystal again. Dh is out tonight. It's his night yo go out with his friends to shoot pool. h goes out every other Thursday. That's fine with me. A big improvement from a year ago when he went out two or three times during the week and every weekend. I have a few more things to say that I had forgotten to say and then I want to thank each person individually who posted concerning this situation. A Friend to a Friend: I really hope that things are better for you financially than for me. Also, I hope you don't ever reveal you who really are, seeing as how you upset quite a few people. It would be a real shame if you were some one we all trusted. And your falso accusations were definitely not appreciated. I personally have no problem with people being on social services if they need it. And I don't think anyone should be ashamed to say they are receiving any kind of help. I practically grew up on it. You may think poorly of me for saying this, but it looks like you already do. So, I don't have insurance of any kind. Maybe that's because I can't get insurance where I work, and Dh hasn't been on the job long enough to receive it where he works. You have the right to have your opinions, but you don't have the right to offend practically everyone on this board, as you just did. Another Friend: I'm sorry if I sounded bitchy towards you. I didn't mean it like that. I was not offended by what you said. I was just clearifying some information. I would like to know who are, but if you don't want to tell us, that's fine. You can e-mail me if you want. I won't attack you. Now, I want to thank my friends who posted concerning this. SarahW, LisaB, LuCynda, Shelly, Jennifer, Rebecca, Debbie, Candace, Katy, Julianne, Darleen, Sarah, Moriah, Rita, Beth, Stacey, Kahne, Christi, Helen, and Becky: Thank you very much for your suppport. You all responded before I even knew what was going on. You are my true friends. Now, from now on, if anyone wants to attack me anonimously, don't waste your time. I won't respond, and I won't read it. If you reveal your name, I may end up hurt, but it would be easier to get things resolved. Thank you. Now, I'm going to bed, and I'll come back on Saturday when DH is at work and after I get off work. Have a nice night and a great Friday, and I hope the Sleep Fairy visits everyone tonight. Crystal again Friday, December 03, 1999 at 00:06:03 (EST)) Just a short post here to say we took Adam for his portraits today and they came out sooo cute! We also took a family one and ordered a disk for the puter so hopefully I can get pics to all of you soon so you can finally see who Jennifer and Adam are! Also, to Crystal--I also admire you for the cool, mature way you handles the "Friend" situation. I don't think I would've been as nice as you were about it all. And, don't worry about not having insurance, my close friend didn't have any with her last baby and had Medicaid which wokred out just great for her. I'm so glad you are not leaving us!! XXOO Well, personals coming tomorrow, but for now I'm sleepy so nite nite all! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Friday, December 03, 1999 at 01:13:43 (EST)) Kahne here, I am sorry I overreacted yesterday. I got my period this morning, so that could explain why I got so upset about the FOF thing. But, as fate would have it, I need yall's help. Cat has been acting strange the past 2 days. She won't eat. She is constipated, and very fussy. She pooped two days ago, and it was yellow. The Doc had me wean her, so she is on whole milk for the past week, could this be the problem? She hasn't fussed, or had gas, but she has no appetite. She loves her milk, and is now drinking out of a cup with a straw, off the bottle almost completely. I still give her a bottle at night when we have cuddle time. I dont know what the problem is. The first few days with the milk were great, for the first time ever she had a bm everyday, now this. I am at a loss. I had a terrible migrane tonight, so I took a lortab 10 and passed out for two hours, luckily Cat went to bed at 8, so dh had time to himself, lol. I was SO sick with this one, I think it is the stress of finals coming up next week. I am really scared of them. Anyway, When I woke up this morning (sorry I am about to get graphic) I had blood down to both ankles, through underwear and shorts. I have been having terrible cramps, and bleeding like a stuck hog. I know I should be on some type of Birth Control to control my period, but I have had 3 miscarriages on the pill, and the shot, ha I gained 30 lbs. on that bastard. All in all, my day really sucked. I did get my christmas tree up, a real one, my house smells GREAT, that was the only real highlight of my day. But I have one more thing to say...... Crystal: You are a better person than me. You have grace and style, but I would have told them to shove it, lol. LuCynda: You are a wonderful addition to our board. When I opened my mail, your letter really cheered me, and I thank you. And to all of you that posted to me today, thank you, I never realized that so many people cared, and that helped my day too! I did have something to offer about teething. Cat is cutting molars right now, and the homeopathic teething tabs work wonders, and if tylenol dosent work, try 1/2 tsp. of Children's motrin. If THAT dosent work, or if it knocks the little one out, wrap an ice cube in a washcloth, and secure it in a rubber band, and give it to them to chew on. Another idea is frozen yogurt, that helped Cat a ton! And there is Baby ZILACTIN, it is stronger than oragel, and lasts longer. Can you tell Cat has been teething FOREVER. ok, I gotta run class at 8! Love you guys and thank you, Kahne and Cat 11 months email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 02:45:01 (EST)) Julianne here, happy it is Friday!! The weather for this weekend is going to be great 40s & 50s. I almost didn't wear a coat today. It is so unusual for there to be no snow here is Michigan this time of year. OK by me as long as we get some in time for Christmas!! Nothing much new happening w/ my family. Colton is still a sweet cuddle-bug unless he is being pigboy! His mood sure can change fast some days. Good thing as a woman I am used to that. LisaB & Christi: I am also interested in the meeting in Chicago. If anyone hears any details please post them ASAP. Sarah: Sorry you forgot your camera for Hannah's swimming fun. It is so cute when they splash and stick their head in the water. We are going to a hotel that has a pool for my IL's side for Christmas. I can't wait to see how Colton does in the pool. He was just starting to really enjoy swimming at the end of summer. Leanne: Yeah for Cynthia sleeping. The happy dream medicine was a good idea. Maybe in the future you could use a children's multi-vitamin. Helen: Happy Anniversary (late). 10:00 pm on a weekday is not too bad for us oldies. LOL Cute that Amanda knows where pooh pooh comes from. By the way, I really am a brunette, just prefer to be a fake blonde! Romaine: Oops for the wet diaper, sure not fun during the night. Rita: I got 7 pages done last night at the crop. That only got me caught up through August though! Would love to share--always looking for new ideas. Sure hope Maddy's cuts heal soon. Colton just started to say "dat" too. Most of the time I have no idea what he is asking about though. Loved the pictures. Amy the bear is so so so adorable!! What a good Christmas one of the two girls. Love Maddy's curls. Moriah: Glad Alex is starting to feel better. We too supported Colton's chest to help him get the idea of crawling. He hated being on his stomach. Alex will be mobile before you know it. Gotta love those giggles. Hope you hear lots of them this weekend. Beth: Ouch for Allison's lip, what a mean mommie. JUST KIDDING!! I hate it when Colton gets hurt during our rough-housing, but he loves it so much I'll never give it up. Michele: My son also hates changing time. The strap on the changing table is worthless when it comes to a kicking screaming toddler!! I make sure he has a toy or two with him. As soon as the diaper is on I let him stand up and play with the lamp, picture, and whatever else is in reach. Pants usually go back on in the living room! Becky: Good to hear from you. Hopefully things will clear up soon so that you can join us again. Hope your family has a great holiday season. Crystal: Loved your post! If anything, this board has helped you stick up for yourself. You have really grown more sure of yourself. :) Birdie: Diamond earings for your b-day--good DH. I am still hoping my DH will pick up on the hints I have been leaving him, but it's been over a year because I was hoping for them last Christmas!! We used to celebrate all the adult b-days in my family but so many complaints (mainly from my DH) changed it to children only. We still sneak one in here and there though!! Jennifer: Yeah for getting great pictures of Adam. I would love to see them when they come in. Kahne: Have you tried prunes for Cat's constipation. I still keep the prune babyfood on hand for just such occasions. It mixes in with other food real easy. If it keeps up call your doctor on Monday. AF sure can be mean. Hope she eases up on you soon. I can only lay on my stomach during the nights w/ heavy flow otherwise it's a yucky surprise. Yeah for getting the Christmas tree. Have a great weekend everyone. Julianne & Colton email: jjones@batts.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 10:39:35 (EST)) Good morning.....HAPPY FRIDAY!!! :) :) :) SARAH here. As if you all couldn't guess. LOL It's snowing like CRAZY here this morning. It's gonna take me forever to get home this afternoon. I'm feeling much better today. The antibiotics are starting to kick in. The newest thing HANNAH is doing now is when I'm about to put on her jammies for bed, I ask her if we should change her diaper and put on her jammies. So she tries to take off her diaper. And then when I do change it and lay out her sleeper, she lays on top of it (like she's trying to put it on). Another thing she has been doing is when I ask her to bring me something, she does. Like last night I asked her to bring mommy the phone, and she did!!! That kid amazes me with something new every day!!!! RITA - Thank you for the pictures! Your girls are adorable!!! Thanks for the get well wishes. I remember when you were so sick last year. MORIAH - I know what you mean about swim lessons. I want to get HANNAH in them as soon as possible. Yea, for ALEX getting closer to crawling!! Aren't you just so proud of him??!! BETH - I'm sorry about ALLISON's lip! Hope she's better today! MICHELE - HANNAH went through the same thing with changing her diaper at about that age. I always sing to her (Itsy Bitsy Spider), or I give her pictures to look at, or I give her something to drink. She's still not wild about me changing her, but not as bad as she used to be. Good luck! KATY - HANNAH has started saying "Whassat?" too. Isn't it the cutest thing? CRYSTAL - I'm glad we didn't loose you!!! I'm proud of you handling the situation with such cooth!! BIRDIE - We (the big kids) still get birthday parties, too. :) Like you said, just cake and a few presents. KAHNE - Hope you feel better!!! I'm glad you're staying, too!!! Well, that's all for now. If I don't get back on, I hope everyone has a great, safe weekend!!!!! Sarah and Hannah (15 months tomorrow!) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 10:48:45 (EST)) Hello from Rita TGIF! I so look forward to weekends these days. I have had more meetings this week than I care to count. It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow, so we are planning to take the girls on BART (our local rapid transit) to San Francisco to see some of the decorations. DH took Maddy to see Toy Story 2 last night, so Amy and I had some quality time together. She is launching herself forward between objects like between the couch and the loveseat. She hasn't gotten more than one lurching step, but it's only a matter of time now. She is absolutely fearless. If I missed anyone with the pictures, please let me know because I haven't updated my e-mail address book in a while. Speaking of things like that, should we do an overall Xmas card list? I could collect snail mail addresses for those who want to participate and send out lists to the participants. And we wouldn't have to wait for a year to have things returned! Kahne - Glad that you are staying. Yucky AF! I find that things are certainly worse since having the girls. Do your migraines coincide with AF? I find that I have a lot more regular headaches around that time. Crystal - Good for you! How are you feeling, by the way? I was pretty tired when I was PG and chasing Maddy around, too. Beth - Poor little girl. I always feel so bad when our roughhousing goes awry. I am glad to know that I am not the only mom who gets down on the floor to play hard. I can never remember my mom doing anything like that, but then I had plenty of older siblings to fit the bill, I guess. I am assuming that our house will be mighty interesting when puberty arrives! Julianne - Seven pages in one night? I bow to you, oh super scrapper! During the last midnight madness I only got one two-page layout done and cropped pictures for another. I have no clear idea of what I will work on tonight. I always leverage the work I do on my album to make similar layouts for the grandmas. I got one of my co-workers hooked and we scrap at lunch once a month. Jayme - Hello! We still have not gotten Maddy fully trained at 35 months. She has developed withholding problems, so we have stopped for the time being. I don't know what to tell you since we are not yet a success story. Well, I had better get ready for the next meeting. Take care everyone! Rita, Maddy & Amy(11 mos tomorrow) email: ritad@home.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 13:13:36 (EST)) Hi everyone, from Stacey. I had intended to get back on last night and post, but it got kind of crazy. Yesterday was not the best day. First of all, one of my new hires came to me yesterday because he was late for work, and he will be leaving early today. It appears that his 9 year old daughter was hospitalized after being molested by her stepfather. She lives five hours from here, so he is flying back and forth to be with her and is going to try to get custody so she can come live with him. He was in tears. I feel so bad for them. The stepfather has been taken into custody, but I guess the mother is in denial and says there is no way he could have done it, even though the Dr's can confirm it happened. I hope they lock that guy up for life. Ok, changing subjects, I would just like to nominate my spouse for DH of the week (D meaning dumb in this case). I had just posted about how he let Franchesca pee on the couch a few days ago, but he outdid himself this time. After I posted my message to Crystal last night, Franchesca was kind of whining so I picked her up and sat her on my lap. I was still wearing my good clothes from work. DH left right when I got home to meet with a client of his. Well, she is on my lap for a few minutes and suddenly I notice my leg feels wet. I have never had a problem with her diapers leaking, so I am thinking that he must not have changed her all day. So I go to change her diaper. I unsnap her overalls and then unsnap her little turtleneck at the crotch so I can take her diaper off, but SHE WAS NOT WEARING ONE! DUH! I don't know how he could get her dressed and snap all her clothes without remembering the diaper. Apparently she was without one for two hours. And now my good pants have a lovely pee stain on them, so it's off to the cleaners. MEN! On the semi bright side, it appears that DH is going to be offered a full time job by the client he went to see last night. He had quit his job to work from home (he is a freelance digital designer), but the money they are offering him is too good to pass up. The lady said it is not official yet, but she has his office ready for him and has ordered his computer. I am happy about the money since we are trying to save for a house and we want to start our own business, but this means that we are back to square one for childcare. I am going to try to find someone to come watch the girls at our home. Anyway, on to the personals: Michele and Nicholas--Welcome. We are glad to have you join us on here! LuCynda--Sorry to hear you are ill. Take care of yurself and the baby on the way! Shelly--I was going to tell you the left hand makes an "L" trick, but it looks like someone beat me to it! I only got the shot about three weeks ago, and they say you have irregular bleeding for the first 3-6 months, and that seems to be true so far. Supposedly most people stop having their period after about a year on it, and when you stop taking it, it takes about 8 months for everything to leave your system, so if you plan to try to get pregnant again it could take a while. I don't plan to, so that doesn't bother me. The other thing is that I have started to gain weight since I got it. Patty--Poor Jarin. I hate shot day. Franchesca got hers on Tuesday. They did the chicken pox, and then a TB test and they did a blood count on her. She screamed the whole time. Alexa behaved much better (these were her first) Kahne--I am glad you changed your mind and decided to stay... Katy--I hope Liam starts to feel better soon... Julianne--I would love to do the Creative Memories thing if I had time for it. I went to a couple of workshops last year but could not keep up with it. Good for you for doing it! Sarah--I am glad Hannah had so much fun swimming. What a bummer that you didn't get pics. I hope you start feeling better soon... Romaine--I posted on PT when I was pregnant with Franchesca, and then pretty much just stayed at Babies Today after that, even after I was pregnant with Alexa. I wanted to try, but it is so hard to keep up on two boards, and I felt like I already knew everyone who was on BT and is now here, so this is where I spent most of my time. Isn't it fun having a baby again (not to mention a lot of work). I love both of your girls' names they are so unique. Well, I know I have more people I want to psot to, but I need to run, so I will try to finish later. Hi to everyone that I missed! Stacey, Franchesca, and Alexa email: stacey.romero@home.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 13:37:29 (EST)) Happy Friday to everyone! Hi it's Moriah & Alex. Things are way better at our house! YAH! Alex is even off oxygen :) Tomorrow is our anniversary (6 years). Although it will be a bummer because Geoff is away. Same thing last year! But I'm celebrating by getting the Christmas tree. I can't wait. Now that the sickness is past I'm ready to get the holiday spirit going! I had MIL stop by Nordstrom today to pick up a new stocking for Alex. I know - total outrageous but they had the best ones. I have this thing about I want him to have a stocking to keep forever. This one is so nice. I just HAD to have it! Zandy Cards officially has a website! www.zandycards.com It's still under construction, but we're working on it. You can at least see our logo & stuff. If you know anyone prego & considering birth announcements - please send them our way! On to the personals! Beth - sorry for Allison's fat lip! I know you didn't mean it & it must have felt awful to feel responsible! Hope today is better. Candance (& everyone else!)- Please don't ever feel like you need to censor your posts like that! I will NEVER censor what I post here. The day I feel like I have to sugar coat everything will be the day I stop posting. We all have our issues & wether it's trivial to someone else or not you have right to talk about them! I really feel that we need to make a pact with everyone that anoyomous posts will no longer be addressed. If everyone TOTALLY IGNORED them & never even mentioned them I bet this little rash of them would clear up. I know that it would be hard if they were directed at me personally but I think that the drama is what this person is after. So let's try to not give them their way! Michele - my son has a trach & every day I have to change to ties that go around his neck. If he's not still then it's easy to pinch his chubby chin. SO what we did was there's a shelf over his changing table & toys hang from the bottom. There's one of those animals that you pull & it plays music. I NEVER give him that one unless he's getting his ties changed. That way it's a treat. Maybe try that with something that he loves? It really works for Alex. Crystal - welcome back! Birdie - I love celebrating birthdays! I always like a little fuss made over mine (coming up on the 12th BTW). At least a cake or out to dinner & the more the merrier! In Geoff's family we usually do something for everyone's birthday - at least cake & presents together. Sarah - glad you're feeling better! Rita - cute pics! Amy in the bear suit was a crack up. Maddy looks like an older girl to me. She's going to be quite the heartbreaker with that curly hair & those dimples. You're in for it!!! Stacey - okay your DH definately wins an award for that one. No diaper? What was he thinking? I'm guilty of taking Alex's diaper off & waiting a coule minutes before replacing it sometimes. I like his little naked hiney. Once we were in bed & he pooped so I took the diaper off & plopped naked Alex on top of my down comforter next to Geoff. Geoff kept telling em to get a diaper on him but I was like "shut up - he just went" Well 2 seconds later Alex decides to poop this huge squirty poop all over Geoff & the comforter. Boy did I get in trouble! But if was worth the mess to see Geoff's disgust at poop everywhere. Too funny! Where's Lisa??? Alrighty girls I must get my Christmas cards printed. Chat again soon! Moriah & Alex (13.99 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 16:18:23 (EST)) YIPPEE! It's Friday! I have so much to do at home from shopping to cleaning to taking pictures for Christmas cards that I really need a break from work even though I was just off all last week! This is such a busy time of year, but I love it! Especially with Allison being the age that she is now. Christmas will be so much fun with her this year. Last night Dh was holding Allison while he was talking on the phone (I was in the potty) anyway, he didn't have a shirt on and Allison just leaned right over and bit him HARD on the nipple. Needless to say he freaked out, screamed and smacked her bottom. He says it's a wonder his nipple wasn't hanging by just a small thread of skin! I was LOL at him, but he scared Allison so bad when she did it that I don't think she'll be doing it anymore. At least not for a while anyway. Crystal - glad that you haven't left us. Good response. Very eloquent. Kahne - glad you decided to come back. About constipation. Allison has only been constipated once, but I took the tip of a rectal thermometer and pushed it into her bum and held it there for about 5-10 seconds. This will produce a BM within just a few minutes or seconds. Have a diaper ready though. When I did it with Allison it happened IMMEDIATELY and was a big huge explosion. GROSS! Michele - I usually have a special toy near the changing table that Allison loves but only plays with while being changed so it is something "new" to her. Change the toy every few days. Things that worked well with her were "nontraditional" toys like her shoes, my car keys, a clean bulb syringe, one of my hair barretts, etc. Jennifer - please send pics my way when you get them. Birdie - DH's parents do a party for him, me and all his siblings with cake, presents etc. Candance - don't worry about stepping on toes here. I don't think most of us are THAT picky! Sarah - Hannah sounds too cute with all her new tricks! Julianne - We are having nice weather here in KY too. Supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow! I too would love to meet in Chicago. It's a 6 hour drive for me. Hope we get more details soon. Stacey - sorry, but I was LOL at your no diaper story. Men, how in the world could he forget to put a diaper on a year old child! Did he just think she was miraculously potty trained or what! Rita - have fun looking at the decorations this weekend. Hope you have nice weather. Well, I will try to get on from home this weekend, but you all know how that goes. It's very unlikely that it will happen so I will probably talk to you all again on Monday. Have a great weekend. Beth and Allison (18 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 16:35:06 (EST)) Hello to all! First I'de like to say that, I was only kidding!!! About the pink tree. Ours is green and looks normal. The boys and I always crack up at those different coloured trees and all the flocking. I realized later that I'de forgotten to mention that it was a joke. Anyway... You are reading the post of a Self Serving person. My Mom took in our great-great uncle. He has Azltheimers. Well, I think it is more than she bargained for and she has not been happy in a long time. He fights her about everything now and since he wears Depends, Well, heck, why get up and go to the bathroom at all??!! She is not set up to take care of him in his advancing state. Yesterday she told me that after the first of the year, she will ask the courts to put him in a home. Here in CA, they have to be in a locked place, its the law. So I was telling my best friend about it. She is on this holier than thou kick that is pissing me off. She thinks it's horrible to put loved ones in homes and that I'm self centered for agreeing with my Mom. The way I look at it is, my Mom is suffering, mentally and physically. I want my old Mom back. Even if he goes into a home, she still has to go visit him at least 3 times a week. It will be her job to make sure the staff is taking proper care of him. The court allows her to draw a salary for doing this. Plus she keeps his financial matters in order. He has a lot of money. So, I guess I'm a bad person to want things back to normal. Oh well! I don't think I'll be spending any time soon with Jackie, seeing how I do nothing right in her eyes now. I don't attend church, I have a relationship with someone she does not approve of, and I celebrate Halloween!!!! HELL, here I come!LOL. Ok, I'm done ranting. Riley brought home a finger painting from daycare today. I'm so proud. He's passed out on the couch right now. Last night he went to bed at 7. It was really nice for a change. He has a cold and has been a tad cranky. Does anyone have any ornament making ideas? Every year, I buy Hallmark ornaments for each boy. Something that reminds me of them. Then when they are grown up, they'll have this nice collection. But this year, they don't have any cute ones that I've seen. The boys love crafts, so I was looking for ideas to let them make their own this year. As long as we can date them, I'de rather do that then buy what's out there this year. Let me know. Well, I'de better get the dishes done!! No personals today, sorry!! Oh, and once again, MY TREE IS NOT PINK!LOL Shelly & Riley 20 months Friday, December 03, 1999 at 17:05:18 (EST)) Hi! I took Adam to the Dr today for his 15 mth check up.....he got 4 shots and we BOTH cried when he got them! It was horrible! My poor baby. Well, for my personals (as promised): Kahne- Glad you came back! Did you slowly ease Cat into whole milk or just start her on it cold turkey? Sometimes I've heard if you don't adjust them to it slowly (half milk-half formula for a few weeks) it can cause stomach problems. You may want to do the half-and-half thing for a few days and see if it helps any. Also, Beechnut brand baby food has a Prune Puree that really helped Adam when he was constipated! Hope you get to feeling better, chin up! Rita and Julianne- Adam says something that sounds like "dat" all the time. I guess he's saying "that" I dunno. its cute though! Michele- Adam hates to have his diaper and/or clothes changed too. I think it forces him to be still for too long. I try to give him a wet wipe or some toy to keep his attention. When all else fails, I have to pin his arms down with my legs! Stacey- LOL about DH forgetting the diaper!! Shelly- Good luck with your mom. Oh, I remembered what I wanted to post today.....I took Adam over my friend's house today for a visit. (she has a one-year old girl) I was so horrified, he hit her like 10 times! Everytime he'd pick up a toy, of course she would go over to take it form him, but instead of walking away or dropping it, he smacked her on the forehead! He is about 4 inches taller than her and she just started walking recently. My friend didn't get mad and her daughter never cried from it, but I felt so bad. I can't smack Adam's hand in response because that is just telling him that hitting is ok, so I hold his hands down and tell him sternly "no, we don't hit". I asked the Dr why he does that because we don't smack him, and he said it is out of frustration that he does that because he can't talk and that what I'm doing is good. If it's good, why isn't it working??? Argh! Well, I'd better go, I'm getting way to addicted to this internet thing! Jennifer and Adam 15mths email: ddock@gte.net Friday, December 03, 1999 at 19:32:07 (EST)) Rebecca here... Michele - PPD can occur anytime in the first 3 years. I was like you sound. Weepy, cranky, no energy. There are support groups, or if needed medication (some are safe while pregnant). Talk to your doctor. If you don't feel satisfied with the answer, try someone else. Please e-mail me anytime. I've been on anti-depressants for 8 weeks and in a support group for a month. Both have really helped. Oh, and the idea about the toy is the only way I can get Paige to stay still when changing her. Also, letting her stand up as much as possible helps! Stacey - LOL! DH is a twit! Went shopping today with DH and Paige. It was a nice day. I wish we could have more family days. Well, have a good weekend! Rebecca & Paige (12+) email: burn@canadawired.com Friday, December 03, 1999 at 22:58:59 (EST)) Hi everyone, Christi here, I did take notes, but DD threw them away, she was trying to help me pick up, so I cant be upset. I guess to her my scribbles look like trash :o) We went to a Christmas walk tonight downtown, it was a little warmer than usual (like 50) so we took our time and looked at lots. Caleb was really good, sat in his stroller, didn't scream, smiled at everyone etc. What a good boy I have. Okay, I am not sure how many of you are religious, but...I have a prayer request for you, my mom has breast cancer (she has been cancer free for 4 years). Today her Dr told her there was a spot on the X-ray of her leg. Of Course they didn't schedule a bone scan until Monday, results not til Tuesday (my dad is furious). At any rate, we would appreciate all prayers!!Thanks ladies! I am kind of a mess right now, so I will see you all tomorrow (I hope). Have a great week-end! Christi & Caleb 13 months Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 01:18:55 (EST)) Hi everybody, Kahne here, Well AF did ease up, but I have been initiated into the poop in the tub club. I was so frustrated with Cat being constipated and crying, I gave her a suppository. It worked. Well, we took my grandmother out to eat, and I gave her a suppository before we left. She was fine at the restaurant, but got sleepy on the way back to MIL's. I undressed her, to give her a bath, in case she fell asleep on the way home. Well she wasnt in the bath two minutes, and she stood up, groaned, screamed, and let loose with the biggest poop I have ever seen. No Kidding, it looked like something my rottweiler would pass. She cried and cried, it was heartbreaking. Really. I was so relieved. She wasnt given milk cold turkey, she has been getting a little in her bottles since about a month ago. I forgot to take notes, (what's new?) so forvive me for not using names: On the nursing home issue, I worked in the Mentally Disabled ward at a nursing home for a while. It is difficult imagining anyone having someone like that in the home. I know it sounds cruel, but they are a danger to themselves and others. They are famous for leaving stoves, irons, and other appliances on, because they cant figure them out. They wander, get lost, and it is like taking care of an extremely strong small child. It is not an easy job. Do a favor to your mother AND your uncle, and put him somewhere where he can be regulated and taken care of with more ease, and somewhere where they are equipped to handle that type of person. I am sorry if I sound heartless, but it is much easier on everyone involved. DOUG.............GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU GO BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, thank you to everyone again for your support, and do me a favor, if you dont have something nice to say, e mail it privatley. Kahne and Cat 11 months email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 01:47:15 (EST)) Hi!! Sarah g here. I haven't been here in forever, it seems like. I've had just all sorts of things going on, school, (Kahne- like you a killer migraine, it's been years since it was this bad), my grandma passed away 2 weeks ago completely unexpected; but things work out anyway, even if we don't think they will. We just got Isaac put to bed a little while ago. Sofie has a cold, she really didn't feel well and went to bed early. James and I had our 3rd anniversary at the end of October and I just turned 26 last Monday. We took a combined weekend trip last weekend to celebrate. Stayed in town at a nice hotel, IL's watched the kids. It was really nice, had a great time, forgot our problems for 24 hrs :) Been back in reality all week... dh still doesn't have a "good" job and I've given him a deadline of Jan 31 to take care of things, or adios. a few personals-although I didn't take notes... Hello to all the new people I haven't "met" yet. Julianne- thanks for the e mails! It's nice to still feel connected to you guys on the bd. Leanne- congrats again on your new one on the way! Glad to hear Cynthia is sleeping through the night. Rita- How exciting Amy is on her way to walking! Quality time with the second child is a special (rare) thing around here!! btw- I was pretty surprised at all the negativity going around on the board. bye bye for now! Sarah g, Isaac 31 mo, Sofie 8 mo email: gat_men@hotmail.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 02:01:10 (EST)) UGH! Okay Crystal I was totally in support of you with this whole mess. BUT I have to say that the message your husband posted was way too much. NOW do not get me wrong I understand his sentiment but the language was appalling. And I'm no church mouse - but I'd never post that kind of thing here. It was sweet of him to defend you honor but the language honestly made him come off as a buffoon! I hope we can still be friends. Is everyone in agreement that we need to clean things up around here? I've been posting with some of you guys for going 21 months now & I feel like we're old friends so let's not let our board sink to this level. Have a great night! Moriah & Alex Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 02:10:42 (EST)) Okay gang, I told you in my last post that I would be gone for a few days and would check back in over the weekend and hopefully things will be back to normal and respectful. Well, I see it's not. Why can't we all just drop the subject. I understand that Crystal was hurt, and for very good reason. Friend of a Friend wasn't very tactful and nice and should have personally e-mailed Crystal her thoughts. But, I have to say that Doug offended me more. He has a reason to be upset, but there are more responsible and considerate ways to express his feelings. Okay, I'd love to come back and take part in sharing my up's and downs like I have been here for the past 2 years, since I found out I was pregnant. SO... can we please get on with what this board is about and try and forget about all the rudeness on here?? I can watch "As the stomach turns" on my TV set... I don't want to read an episode on here. Kelli & Elizabeth email: rkncs@aol.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 02:37:47 (EST)) Crystal and Darrel here. First of all, I'd like to appologize for my husband's language. I didn't expect him to say the things he did when I told him what was going on. He gets real upset when people attack me like that. I figured it would be best if I told him instead of him finding out on his own as he likes to read the posts also. So, if I hadn't told him, he would have found out anyway when he got on to read. He read the responses this morning and told me to tell everyone that he was sorry for offending anyone the next time I post. Now that that's over with, Moriah, yes, as far as I'm concerned, we can still be friends. Thanks for those who responded concerning the day care bully. My classroom is separated and I share it with one other teacher. When she's not there, I have the whole room, so I've started to keep the child safety gate up when the other child is there and have that child on the other side by himself. That way he can still interact with the other kids and have toys to play with. Of course, he can still bite and hit other kids at the child safety gate, but he has yet to do it. As for time outs, we're not allowed to give a child under three timeouts. If Darrel's in my class, I can't even spank him or give him time outs even if I do that at home. However, I can take Darrel into the bathroom or somewhere else away from the other kids and spank him. There's another child that I really worry about at times. The other teachers have given up on him, but I haven't. He's four and is out of control. His language is obscene in more than one way and he just runs around, throws toys, jumps off the couch, runs in and out of the school and refuses to listen. The way he talks, though, really concerns me. He knows more than a four year old should know. Now, I don't want to butt into something when there's nothing, but I am concerned. He's a great child when he chooses to behave. In fact, he's always the first to volenteer to be a helper. Being a small, privately owned day care, everyboday knows everybody, and all the teachers know the kids' parents, whether they're in our class or not. This child is often sent into my class when his teacher has had enough of him. Yesterday, he said some things that were rather disturbing. He told me "I don't want to be in an F*****G baby class with a stupid teacher who won't even listen to me." When he said that, I asked him flat out if there's anything that he would like to talk about. He said no and walked to a window and peered through the closed blinds, so I asked him if he wanted to look outside and opened the blinds for him. I told him flat out that if he ever needs to talk to some one about anything, then I'll be more than happy to listen. I told him that he'd have to tell me that he needed to talk so I don't just brush it aside because I get very busy watching my kids and playing with them. I told him that it doesn't matter what I'm doing, that if he told me that he needed to talk, I'd drop whatever it is. I have very few problems with him, normally, but he also hates having me as a teacher because, according to him, I'm mean. When I have to take over his class to give his teacher a break, I make the class sit down at the tables with their heads down if they don't listen. But I usually have complete control over the class if I'm in there all day because I don't let them get so out of control that they can't calm down. Well, while he was in my class, he saw things differently. While at the window, I asked if he had snack yet, and he said that he hadn't and was hungry. So, I told him to sit at the table with the other kids and I'd get him some snack. He saw that the two year olds never once got up but how they grabbed food from each other and held their sippy cups upside down and shook them and played with the juice that spilled onto the table. He also saw how I took all the cups away and excused each child from the table. And he looked up at me and said, "You mean it's not just my class that you are mean in?" I told him that I don't like to be 'mean' as he puts it, but that sometimes I have to. I told him that I perfer to be called strict and that I'm only strict because I love the kids and want the best for them. He was like, "So that means you love me, too?" I told him that of course I did. That there's times when I may loose my patience with him and every other child in the day care, but that it didn't mean I don't love any child I take care of. Then, I asked him to be my helper, and of course, he was very happy about that. He swept and picked up the toys and helped me keep an eye on the two year olds. The funny thing is, for the longest time, I couldn't stand him because of his actions and words, but after the conversation we had yesterday, I suddenly started to be concerned about him and am determined to not give up on him as the other teachers have. But I also got a new satisfaction from my job yesterday, and a new light has shined on my job. You see, I've always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I've realized that I'm in the right place right now for it. Through my job, I can make a difference one child at a time. Gee, that sounds like a song. I never thought I'd get so much satisfaction in a day care. But, I've also always wanted to teach and have even thought of being a pediatrician or a child psychologist. I've always wanted to work with children. I ruled being a pediatrician out because I don't think I could handle it. However, I can run a day care center aimed toward the low income families and families with troubled children. True, people would think I'm crazy, but not all children who are troubled are violent and out of control. There are plenty who are also very quiet and too good to be true. Others are depressed. I was depressed as a child and didn't have anyone who reached out to me until I was 13 years old. I think that if a lot of these kids are given the love they need, it would make a big difference. That's not to say they have parents who don't love them. Many do. But the kids need some one to reach out to them and who won't give up on them. That said, I have to go. I'm working today. Crystal and Darrel 15 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 11:14:50 (EST)) Hi everyone, You'll notice we removed a few offensive posts from the board. This was done at the request of several members of the iParenting community. If you would like to discuss the reason we removed the posts we did, I invite you to email me privately. If you have personal comments for each other, please take those to email as well; anything posted to the board should be of interest to everyone. I -- and the rest of the iParenting.com staff -- hope you continue to enjoy the site and use it as a resource. And now back to your regularly scheduled postings! Abbi Perets, iParenting Assistant Editor email: abbi@iparenting.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 14:54:10 (EST)) Hi everyone, from Stacey! I think we all owe Abbi a thank you for removing the posts, and I hope everyone follows her advice and lets things go back to normal around here. We hit a major milestone here with the girls last night. We finally decided to go out and leave them with a babysitter. I was really worried about how Franchesca would do since she usually cries when I leave for work and she stays with her daddy. So we shortened her naps yesterday, and I spent about an hour playing hide and seek with her when I got home from work, and we gave her a nice long bath. She was so tired she did not even cry when we left, she just sat on the babysitter's lap with her milk watching her Baby Einstein video. It was so weird to be out in the company of adults with no kids around! We went to my company's Christmas party. It was a lot of fun. The only bad part is that we didn't get to bed till 1:00AM and of course the girls were still up at 6AM, so I am pretty tired today. It was worth it though. Franchesca has started taking realy good care of Alexa. If Alexa cries, she goes running to her and says "Baby baby, shh" and tries to give her a pacifier. It is really cute. I think we are going to try to take her to the zoo for a while today, since she has pretty much been inside all week. By the way, I have scanned pictures of both girls if anyone is interested. Shelly--I am sorry to hear about what your mom is going through. Taking care of elderly relatives is such a delicate situation. My grandmother is 89 and is unable to move anymore. She sleeps most of the time and has very few moments of clarity anymore. My aunt moved in with her and my uncle to take care of her last April, and has been sleeping on the living room sofa with all her belongings on the dining room table. She missed Thanksgiving for the first time this year. She has aged so much in these last months since she has been taking care of my grandmother, and almost everyone except my uncle and my dad think that it is time for her to go to a nursing home. It doesn't mean you don't love them anymore, but that kind of intense care is too much for any one person. I hope your family makes the right decision, whatever it might be... Moriah--I am so happy to hear that Alex is better. Let's hope things start looking up for Geoff's work situation as well... Jennifer--We just went through the hitting phase with Franchesca. She was hitting the baby on the head. Keep doing what you are doing, and evetually it will sink in... Christi--I will keep your mom in my prayers. Well,so much for having both kids napping. Gotta run! Stacey, Franchesca (16 mos today), and Alexa (2 months) email: stacey.romero@home.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 17:34:17 (EST)) Hi mommies. I've missed you for the past two days! Jarin has the runniest nose ever and his cough!!! OMG, I think it is never going away. We brought him into our bed this morning around 7 and he coughed until almost 9! (And that was AFTER he had had his cough medicine!) Poor little guy. I hope he gets over this really soon. Prepare for monstrous postings as I have a whole page of notes! **Rebecca: I hope things are going better with your DH today. =) **Katy: Hope Liam's teeth come in soon. I think Jarin is still working on his molars as well and he's been pretty miserable this past week. =( **Julianne: Colton and Jarin could be one in the same in the bathtub. LOL. Jarin hasn't figured out how to squirt toys yet, but he loves to play with everything and stay in there until the water is cold. I also used to get my nails done. I really miss it too. **Christi: Santa uses different Christmas wrap at our house too. I'll say a prayer for your mom. I hope everything is ok. **Sarah: Hope your sinus infection is feeling better. I get those all the time too. So NOT fun. Hannah sounds adorable swimming. Jarin was like that at the lake this summer. The jaw is..well, so-so. Had Physical Therapy yesterday and my mouth opens wider now than it did pre-op, so that's good. It's not snowing here yet, a pretty nice weekend - almost 60. Too cute about Hannah trying to put on her diaper. Jarin only tries to take OFF his diaper! **Leanne: Yay for Cynthia sleeping through the night. I'll keep sending those sleep thoughts your way. Good luck with the weight gain. I gained less with Jarin as after the first two I learned that it doesn't just "fall off" after the baby is born. LOL **Helen: Happy late 15th anniversary!! So funny about Amanda pointing to "Where is the poopy bum?" **Romaine: Yuck - 1/2 day Kindergarten and half day part4/5. I'd want one class too! I moved to Kindergarten the year Jesse was born so I could be home half day with him. I had a WONDERFUL principal who really went to bat for me so I could get my Kindergarten endorsement and teach K the same year. That way I got to be home with my one year old part time. Plus that same year I had the worst sixth grade class in the history of the world and I wanted OUT of that grade! I've never heard of Electronic Bussing? **Rita: The pics were adorable. I love Amy's bear outfit! I really like the overall Christmas list idea. I'd love to be part of it. **Moriah: Yay for Alex getting off oxygen and playing peek-a-boo. I'm glad he is making such steady progress. Happy late 6th Anniversary - sorry Geoff can't be there with you. I agree with you - I think we should all just IGNORE the anonymous posts. That's pretty much what I try to do. **Beth: I am calling DCF right now! LOL Hope Allison's lip is better. I've accidentally hurt Jarin several times and then I feel like the worst mother in the history of the world. Fortunately, he still loves me. =) I teach that L trick in Kindergarten. heehee. I also had to LOL at Allison biting DH's nipple. I'm sure it wasn't so funny to him. **Michelle: You sound like I used to be before I was diagnosed with PPD. I take Zoloft and have for the past 6 years. I took it throughout my pregnancy with Jarin and I am still breastfeeding him. My dr assures me that many tests have been done on it and there are no side effects in the babies. Jarin is a perfectly healthy little guy and I am much better off with the medicine than I was with the depression. Good luck. I was going to give you the same advice as everyone else on the diaper changing. **Becky: HI! I hope you come back soon. **Birdie: My mom still has parties for all of us kids and our spouses! Just cake, dinner, etc. but we do it for everyone, so you're not alone. **Jayme: No advice on the potty training, but good to see you here. The bribing worked well for us too. (M&Ms are the greatest for that!) **Crystal: Glad to see you back. I'm glad that you have pretty much resolved the issue of the biter at daycare. Sounds like that little four year old needs someone to pay attention to him. He'll probably end up loving you. **Kahne: Hope your migraine is better. I used to get them until they switched my bc. Good luck with your finals. Sounds like Cat's poop problem cleared itself up. We give Jarin applejuice when he starts acting constipated and so far have had pretty good luck with it. **Stacey: I also hope they lock that guy up. How can people be so sick? LOL at your DH not putting a diaper on Franchesca, but sorry to hear about your good pants. =( Good luck finding childcare. That is such a tough issue! Two girls getting shots at once? Gees, you must be a saint! **Shelly: AKA Self-serving woman: LOL I am with you and your mom. My friend's stepfather went through Alzheimer's and so did my grandma. It is an awful disease and there comes a point when you just can't do it alone. **Jennifer: The 15 month shots are awful aren't they? On the + side, we're done till Kindergarten! Yay! It sounds like you are doing the right thing regarding the hitting. **Sarahg: Good to see you back. I hope Isaac and sofie are ok. Happy belated birthday and anniversary. Well, I think that's it. I have a little monster boy crying at my let. I don't think he feels too well, so I'd better go cuddle him. =) Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - 15 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 17:43:13 (EST)) Crystal and Darrel here. I just got back from work. We had a fun day today. The owner's daughter had her 5th birthday party, which is why I was working. She normally takes the kids on Saturday's, but I took them today so that she can get the day care center ready for the party. Darrel had a blast at the party and was walking absolutely everywhere!!!! I'm serious, he hardly crawls now. :) Of course, I'm very happy about that. My boss and I are starting to become good friends now. I'm the only employee who is willing to do Saturdays and who will go to the day care on Sundays when something needs to be done to help out. Of course, I don't get paid for the Sundays, but that doesn't bother at all. If it did, I wouldn't do it. And if I ever end up having to leave the day care and find a job that makes more money and has more benifits, I will definitely keep Darrel there. No one else really likes her, but I do. Sure, there are times when she can be a major B****h, but that's okay. We all get like that sometimes. Well, that's it for now. Not too many posts, so I won't bother doing personals. Crystal and Darrel 15 months email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 20:02:23 (EST)) Hello everyone, Christi again. I am feeling better tonight, Thank you to all who said they would pray for my mom, the thought of going thru all of the chemo and radiation again is too much. Right now we are trusting God. Caleb has been in the best mood for the last week, I am starting to fear the downfall, I guess I better just enjoy it while it lasts! A question for all of you with kids in daycare---what do your DCP's give the kids for Christmas? I usually give a personalized ornament, but am getting very tired of doing those. Also, any ideas on what the older kids could make for their parents? I would love any suggestions! THANK YOU ABBI!!! STACEY***Good for you enjoying your night out!I am glad the girls were good! Yes, pictures please! MORIAH***I am glad Alex is better! Well, guess it is time for me to go, hope yo uall have a nice Sunday! Christi & Caleb 13 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 23:33:37 (EST)) |