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Toddlers Today's MomsTalk Archive Katy here Hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday. Liam was interested in opening presents for a little while but got bored quickly and wanted to play or get into everyone else's presents. He made out like a bandit. Santa wasn't to stingy to me and DH either. But Liam gave me the best Christmas present I could have ever hoped for. I was sitting on teh floor with some food, an afternoon snack, and he took several small steps towards me!!! I was sooooooo happy. Now if only he'd do that all the time!! LOL! Happy birthday Cat. Good wishes to everyone. Katy and Liam email: princess__bride@hotmail.com Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 20:32:45 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. We had a Merry Christmas. I kidnapped my brother's computer so I don't have much time to post. I just wanted to tell everyone that I got an e-mail from Crystal. She, Doug, and Darrel are doing fine. They are changing phone companies and temporarily had their phone cut off in the process. She e-mailed me from her parents & hopes to get the new phone connected soon so she can post. She said "Merry Christmas" to everyone. Her and Doug celebrated their 2nd anniversary during her absence. She didn't say if she's pregnant or not (last I heard she thought it might have been a phanom pregnancy). I need to go socialize with the family. I'm off work tomorrow so I won't be back until Tuesday. "See" you then!!!! LisaB & Max (15 3/4 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 20:53:25 (EST)) Whew!!!!!! Glad Christmas is over!!!! This is the first time in 10 yrs that I did not take down the tree and undecorate the house. I just don't have the energy for it! Maybe tomorrow. I had promised to take Tay and Jess to Medford to spend their gift cert., but only if they did their chores. It's dark and there are no chores finished!!! Oh Darn! Riley was so fun C-morning. He started unwrapping presents and then wanted to stop and play with what ever it was instead of finishing. Tay and Jess were nuts. Usually we hand out the gifts and then go around the room opening one at a time. This year they just started ripping. Oh well, as long as they had fun, I didn't really care how they were opened. The ex called me C-Eve and asked if he could spend the night. So I gave him my bed and slept on the couch. I was happy he wanted to be a part of the family again. We had a long talk about how things turned out for us. We both agree that our marriage, as far as everyone elses goes, was basically not that bad. We just were too busy trying to hurt each other. I used to look around me and think that all these friends had these wonderful marriages. And then there was me.....stuck with this horrible relationship. But after it ended, I started looking around and listening to my friends and I realized that they had just as many hurts, wants and disappointments. I'm better off by myself, because I like "me" better when I don't have someone putting me down. But I do miss Jim and I do still love him. If he lived in his house and I lived in mine, we could have a really good marriage! But, that's not what marriage is about. He said that he still "thinks about things and feels certain feelings" I was afraid to ask him to elaborate, even though I felt he was trying to get me to ask. Because if he would have been talking about his GF, I would have been crushed. Anyway, enough of that happy horsesh*t!!!! Baby Alex is sick right now. Geoff went back to Cresent City to fish. Moriah did get to get out and shop today. She had a lot of fun with her SIL, while her MIL babysat. Riley is saying so many new words. He came out of the kitchen crying, saying bump. He was rubbing his head. I guess the cabinet had gotten him. C-Eve day, he spent with his Auntie. She wouldn't let me have him. Tay and Jess were with their dad, so I had a whole day to myself. It was so nice. Well, Riley is getting cranky, he's got a cold or a sinus infection. No fever, but a runny nose and grumpiness! Bye for now! Shelly & Riley Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 21:39:12 (EST)) So how was everyone's christmas?? What toys did Santa leave? Which ones did they really like and which ones didnt go over as well as you hoped?? Diane Diane Morgan email: jadimorgan@home.com Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 22:59:56 (EST)) Well Christmas was nice, and we all got what we wanted. Cat got really good at opening gifts, lol! Santa was really nice this year! Well the job search is over. I start this week at a Personal Care home. I am glad to be getting back with patients, however, I am still trying to figure out how I am going to play so many different roles. I am glad Cat is still little and wont notice I am gone so much. She has to go to the doctor tomorrow and get her one year shots, that makes me so sad!!!!!!! Thank you to all for the B day wishes, and Hope the holiday letdown isnt too bad! Bye All XXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Kahne and Cat 1(hehe) email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Monday, December 27, 1999 at 02:04:24 (EST)) Hello fromHelen&Amanda!! Well its all over for another year!! How did the big day go for you all- anyone kill any relatives or slap anyone?? Just joking of course, can you tell my inlaws and DH's side are annoying!! LOL! We had a good Christmas- a little boring since we were alone and everyone had their own relatives to visit- X-mas eve is enough of DH's side so we are by ourselves on Christmas Day each year- sort of depressing. I got my sewing machine, that I wanted-- DH didn't do as well as I expected with all the shopping but thats OK. So now I have to set it up and try and figure it out. The kids were surprised with their things- the best were the lava lamps and DD got skiis and DS got a snow board- he was walking around in the boots all day!! Amanda got a few outfits, big 'angel fish rocker' (by step2), huge stuffed moose,blocks, ride on toy,tape player,play food, $$, two dolls, etc, etc. My brother's things didn't come yet- he mailed them late but thats ok-the kids will love getting more things!! Amanda was a little overwhelmed with everyone trying to get her to open the gifts so the kids had to do it for her- next year I guess!! She likes her tape player, likes blowing and breathing hard into the microphone- hope this doesn't carry on into adulthood-LOL!!!!!( prank phonecalls).!!! I think the huge moose was the fav. thing, she carries it around and lays on it since its bigger than she is. She also liked the dog's bed- and he won't lay init- go figure! Well Amanda is awake- I can hear her bouncing around in the crib above me- By the way- does anyone want to go for liposuction with me after all this eating????? I'll check in later!!! Helen&Amanda@16 3/4mos(#3) Monday, December 27, 1999 at 08:38:08 (EST)) Hi everyone, Christi here What a week-end! Looks like everyone had a good holiday. We slept in until 7:45 (ahhh) then did the whole open gift thing, Caleb did well, but got bored quickly. His favorites were his Jack-in-the-box, and Little People things. He also got a V-Tech baby basketball thing, make lots of noise etc, he loves it too. He HATES his Cabbage Patch Doll the DD picked out for him. We figured since he loved to take hers away this would be good, I guess he just likes to be mean to her. He will not go anywhere near the doll. BOYS Hmph! It was an interseting day at my parents house with two new kids. Eveybody kept saying Lexi was getting her nose out of joint because she was not the center of attention, this kind of upset me. I know she was confused, but if new cousins would have started out as babies, not a 4 year old, it would have been different. She adjusted very well to Caleb, and her baby nephews (DH's side). Anyway, how do they expect a child to act when suddenly her grandma is playing with this little girl, she only got 1/2 of the gifts Ashley did, and her favorite Aunt is now a mommy and doesnt have time for her? Am I over reacting? I would never dream of saying anything to my sister, I just kept quiet. KATY*** Yippy! for Liam walking!!! LISA B.*** Glad you hada nice holiday, thanks for the update on Crystal, I have been wondering. SHELLEY*** Glad your family got to spend Christmas morning togeter. KAHNE***Glad you found a job! HELEN*** Caleb loves to the same thing with DD's tape player! It is so funny, we tell him to sing, and he goes on and on. Well, DH isn't working today (I hate this when I have DC kids!) Time for me to get going, as he will monopolize the computer today! Christi & Caleb 14 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Monday, December 27, 1999 at 11:48:36 (EST)) Hello ladies!!! SARAH here. WOW, it's good to chat with you all again! I tried to skim posts, but there were soooo many so this will probably be a very selfish post. But, first thing is first: MORIAH - YES!!!!! I am soooo happy for you guys! That's the best Christmas present you could have asked for!! Great news!!! Well, I had a terrific week off last week. It was real busy. Did all of my shopping and wrapping. Yes, I guess you could say I'm a procrastinator!!! LOL Had a great time spending it with HANNAH every day. She really became attached to me last week (as me with her, too). She was just an absolute angel all week! I loved being a SAHM (even it was only for a week)! She got lots of toys and some outfits. She loves everything. So far, I think her favorite thing is a Teletubby book she got from my mom. I think I've read it about 50 times in the last 2 days!! Holy moly! She got a little bike/car, a beanbag, a Tweety phone...well, lots of stuff!!! DH did good with my gifts!! And I know he liked mine to him. My MIL gave my diamond earrings!!!! And she gave my DH a smoker!! She went all out. My mom gave us some money + gifts!!! It was a good day! But, I'm kind of glad it's over. I was really stressing myself out this year!!! Now I have to stress out about a trip to Green Bay in February. We're both in a wedding, and we have to pay for EVERYTHING!! Ugh! Oh well. I guess that's all about my week in a nutshell. I hope everyone had a great holiday!!! Anyone have big plans for New Year's Eve??? Talk to you all later! Sarah and Hannah (15 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Monday, December 27, 1999 at 12:56:24 (EST)) Hello fromHelen&Amanda! Well we went to the f**^%$ing mall again!! Today is DH's b-day-36!! So I had to be creative and shop again for things he doesn't need but is a big baby about presents- always says he gets ripped-off w/his b-day right after X-mas. I got him jeans, bar set for mixed drinks,knife sharpener,coffee beans and coffee mill,lighter for the fireplace,and a fork that reads the temp of meats on the grill- digital- our neighbour got one and he was eyeing it. He was pleased with his gifts.Amanda was sleeping when we returned so Iwent grocery shopping, so now its time to start thinking for supper and all I feel like doing is putting my feet up. Well I keep telling DD to turn down the TV-- DH has surround sound in the fam rm and it really amplifies the 'noise'. I would rather hear nothingand Amanda is trying to sleep!!AHHH!!!! DH all X-mas day was watching his DVD movies we got him for X-mas so loud I thought my head was going to pop!! MEN!!! Wow-- I am sounding really stresses aren't I!!!!!???? LOL! Good thing I bought a blow-up pillow for the tub today- I guess I should use it! And soon!! ##LUCYNDA-- Hope you and DH work things out- communication is the main solution to trying to work things out-- talk-talk- talk!!!!! Good luck!!! ##LISAB-- Hope you get to keep the puppy-- was it a stray?? ###BIRDIE-- Hope your Christmas was good- are you still baking?? I am so sick of baking at this point, I don't even feel like cooking meals. ###BETH-- The pics were adorable- thanks!! ###CHRISTI-- Thanksfor the nice card- loved the verse! ##MORIAH--Loved the poem!! ##SARAH--The card was so cute!! ##JULIANNE-Loved the angel! ##REBECCA--Hopeyour doing well!! ##PATTY- A car!! how nice- how is the driving going?? I'm dreading DS getting his licence in 2.5yrs!! Is Jarin sleeping better?? DH is home and we're cleaning out the garage--LATER!!! Helen&Amanda Monday, December 27, 1999 at 16:39:43 (EST)) Hi everyone, hope you had a great Xmas....our's could've been better. I had to laugh at the second sentence of Helen's post, because yes some relatives DID try to kill each other on Xmas! No joke! We were at my DH's grandparents house (white trash rude, cold-hearted people, sorry, but they are) and an argument started between DH's grandmother and brother (no-job,toothless,pot-smoking loser) and it escalated into screaming obscenities and such, then DH's grandfather jumps out of his chair and starts telling the brother to get the hell out of his house, but grandfather would not get out of the doorway so brother could leave. Well, it ended up with grandfather going to get his rifle and running after DH brother threatening to "shoot him in two" (his words exactly) and the grandmother calling the police. DH took off in the car, but came back when the police got there. Through all of this, my DH was trying to calm everyone down, including his mom who was taking tranquilizers for her nerves and his little sister (3 years old) who kept saying "my mommy mad..my grandpa mad!" DH told the police everything that happened and the policeman accompianied DH brother back into the house to get his stuff. We took his mother and sister home with us for the night. I took Adam out to the car after the grandfather threatened DH brother with the gun. So, it was very interesting here for us on Saturday! About 5pm we went over my best freind's house for dinner and my parents were there so it wasn't all that bad of a day. Adam has the hang of opening presents now! I loved seeing his face when he woke up and saw his presents under the tree! He was such a good boy all weekend. I had to work yesterday until 6:30, but then my mom had a HUGE dinner waiting for me and family after I got there. It was wonderful. Well, I'm going to sign on later to catch up on personals, just thought you'd like to know how my Xmas went!! (or maybe not!) LOL Jennifer and Adam 16 mo email: ddock@gte.net Monday, December 27, 1999 at 17:27:06 (EST)) Hello from a sick as a dog Rita who is actually at work for a few hours today. Phew, glad that Christmas is done. It was way too much for us. We are all sick - DH and I are the worst. We had our little Christmas on Saturday at home and then went to DH's family thingee for a few hours. Too many gifts, too much chaos in a too small house. There were so many gifts for DH's family that Amy and I couldn't move at one point. Plus, all the cousins just tear into things with no semblance of order and they are jaded about all of the stuff. My MIL did really like the scrapbook we gave her - that was the best part of the day. Maddy was a monster that day when we got home. I think she had more goodies than I knew about. Sugar really affects her behavior. We went to my sister's yesterday. It would have been great except that Larry was out of it and had to nap, so I was in charge of both girls despite being sick, too. Maddy was on good behavior, though and learned to play with Playdough with her cousins. Once again, we got too many toys. I hope that we only get clothes and savings bonds for the BD! I am worse today, but there were issues that I couldn't handle at home, so I had to drag my but in. Good thing noone is in my part of the building because I am almost in pajamas! Amy is really walking a lot today! I think that the cold and teething were affecting her baance this last week. This morning she was walking all over the house. Well, I gotta get going. Take care everyone. I'll try to post some personals tomorrow if I am still among the living. Rita, Maddy & Amy email: ritad@home.com Monday, December 27, 1999 at 18:12:44 (EST)) Hi mommies. Well, so much for Jarin being happy. He has been so whiny yesterday and today! We were in the middle of opening presents at the ILs when Jaime said she didn't feel well. Ended up taking her to RediMed with 102.2 temp. She has respiratory influenza -really great on top of her asthma. And she was supposed to leave for Dallas last night for the big cheerleading competition. We ended up getting three different meds, plus theraflu and Tylenol and Dimetapp. She skipped practice and another mother drove her to the airport at 4AM today so she could sleep in her own bed last night instead of riding a bus to Indy. She called this afternoon and said she was feeling better, thank God. I was a nervous wreck - didn't know whether to send her or not, but she was going to go whether I let or not! Jarin's favorite gifts are his Rock&Roll Elmo, talking "cell phone", and musical Sesame Street toy. He got so many things that I can't even begin to list them all. **Katy: Yay for Liam taking steps! **LisaB: Thanks for the update on Crystal. **Shelly: Glad your kids had fun on Christmas and you got a day to yourself. What is THAT like? =) **Kahne: Good luck with Cat's shots tomorrow and congrats on the new job! **Helen: LOL at going for liposuction after all the food and about Amanda's heavy breathing. So, hey, did you not have fun at the mall today? heehee. Jarin slept really good last night, but he didn't have a full nap yesterday. Now that I said that, he will be up all night tonight. And I'm just sure he'll end up with what Jaime had, since she was holding him and coughing all over him before we knew she had the fever. UGH! She is thrilled with the car - it makes me a little nervous, but it will be so nice to not have to drive her everywhere or listen to her complain about walking. =) **Christi: I think it is only natural that Lexi would be confused. Poor thing. **Sarah: Glad you had a good Christmas and enjoyed your vacation with Hannah. **Jennifer: Ok, you win the most interesting family Christmas award so far. LOL. **Rita: I hope you guys feel better really soon. Ok, I have to tell you guys my exciting news! Some of you may remember Mary (from Australia) from the PT board. Well, we have been emailing each other for two years now. Anyway, last night she and her DH CALLED me and DH! How cool is that? We talked for about twenty minutes. It was so neat to hear a voice to go with the letters. I think it would be just as neat if we could all meet too. I was so wound up afterwards, I couldn't go to sleep for a while. Ireally need to get a life, don't I? LOL. Patty and Jarin - 16 months today! email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Monday, December 27, 1999 at 22:05:03 (EST)) Hello fromHelen&Amanda!! ##PATTY- Happy 16months to Jarin!!!! Hope Jamie is feeling better!! ##JENIFER--I had to LOL at the gun incident--Glad the rest of the day/ holidays went better!!!!!Each year we go to the in-laws and its the same-one doesn't eat- so she watches everyone and feels superior watching us all eat like pigs, the other is 350lbs+++ so everyone is watching her- the other is anorexic/bulemic so she is getting rid of whatever she eats- all the guys work together so they don't feel like looking at eachother at all!!! Then the SIL that doesn't eat anything, makes fun of what the kids get from the other brother saying that they are cheap, not to their face of course--and since I had such a HUGE baby at over 10lbs (and her DD is so petite and perfect), she bought Amanda an outfit thats a 4T!!! Now come on!! At birth she bought a 18month!!! Needless to say thats going to be in the closet a while! So every year its the same, not much to look forward to at that fam gathering. Oh-- SIL's boyfriend said to DH- do you have change for $100?? DH changed it and he said to the 4-boys- here-merry christmas!! Didn't give the 4 girls anything!! DH was in shock and said he wouldn't have changed it if he knew. What an odd-ball!!!To top it off we had to wait for themto open presents, they were late and showed up in jeans,not even dressed-up and half lit!! ##MORIAH-- Hope Alex is feeling better!!!! ##SHELLY-- Glad you had a good Christmas! Stupid question-you have 3 kids?? Sorry I don't remember much--which are the ex's- all of them?? Didn't you get the kids a dog?? Howdid that go?( sorry Ican't find my notes!) Well Amanda is awake again- she is jumping in her crib, DS is off to hockey, got a ride w/a friend so it saves me a trip. :O) OK gotta go- thanks for listening to the bitching- I feel much better!!LOL!! LATER!! Helen&Amanda@16 3/4mos(#3) Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 08:48:17 (EST)) Good morning from SARAH. Hope everyone had a good night! We did. HANNAH was such a nut last night...in a great mood!!! :) Not too much new on this end, so I'll jump in to a couple of personals: HELEN - SO.....how was the mall???LOL We have surround sound, too. DH is the same way with it. One day I came home from work and he'd been watching Saving Private Ryan with it BLASTING. Needless to say, he had a headache half way through!! :) JENNIFER - Holy cow!!! Never a dull moment, huh???LOL RITA - I sure hope you all feel better soon!! It sucks to be sick! PATTY - That's cool you talked to MARY! I would love to call some of you sometime!! I called KELLI once, but got the machine. :( Glad JAIME is feeling better! I hope JARIN stays healthy! Poor little thing has been sick alot lately (just like HANNAH!) Happy 16 month Birthday to JARIN yesterday. Well ladies, that's all from me for now. Hope you all have a great day!!! :) Sarah and Hannah (15 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 10:11:39 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. Well, Max has a puppy now as noone has claimed it. The stupid dog won't stay in his box but instead sits on the front porch, out in the open, with negative wind chills. Max doesn't like the dog "in person" as it jumps on him, etc. but loves to watch it out the window. He said "pup" twice yesterday!!! Christmas went well. DH got me a scanner (YEAH!). Max got tons of little toys - thankfully noone went REALLY overboard this year as I think a ton of gifts are too overwhelming. MIL gave him a Step2 desk for ages 3+. Max can't get in the chair by himself, can't see the top of the desk when he gets in the chair, etc. - but he LOVES to bang on it!!! He didn't take many naps with all the going-ons so yesterday, when it got back to "normal", he napped a total of 5 hours (after sleeping 11 hours the night before)! He still looked a little tired today. My niece is almost 14 months old. It was so hard not to compare her to Max. He runs all over and she's just starting to walk ... but she can talk circles around Max. The only words he normally says are Mom and dada (has about 10 others that uses infrequently). My niece says: what's that, no, moo, bubba (brother), dis (sister), Mom, Dad, etc. I can't wait until Max talks more as it'll be easier to communicate once we get past the "ughs" - LOL!!! And I figure he CAN'T make any more noise than he does now - it'll just be words instead of grunts!! JENNIFER: Thanks for the e-card! SHELLY: Riley must really idolize Jess! The kids sound adorable, getting so excited over Christmas. BECKY: Congrants on getting Harley's room made up. MORIAH & DEBBIE: Thanks for the cards. Your kids are adorable! Moriah, I love the ZandyCard!!! KAHNE: Happy belated birthday to Cat! LuCYNDIA: I'm glad to hear things are better. I figure I need to take all your complains about your DH (and all the complaints everyone else posts) with a grain of salt as (1) we only get one side of the story and (2) I know I try to assign all the blame to DH on here sometimes as I want to vent, not be reasonable and fair!! It sounds like Dave never learned how to have a close relationship and I'm sure it's also hard for you with your childhood. Yep, I used to live on a farm too. I remember butchering chickens, casterating hogs and calves, and other assorted gross things. The milk truck and mailman always ran over my cats and dogs. Dad even gave me a cow once and it got struck by lightening and died! CHRISTI: Your Santa things sound cool. My dad just to do stuff like that and I plan to start next year, when Max is old enough to realize what's going on. Yeah on sister giving those kids a stable and loving home environment for Christmas but BOO for your family expecting Lexi to accept these 2 strangers with open arms. KATY: Congrats on Liam taking steps!! MORIAH: I'm sorry to hear Alex is sick again. JENNIFER: What a Christmas with the in-laws! We had neighbors like that when I was young (hot-headed and drunk, not a good combination). I'm sure it was especially scaring with Adam there. RITA: I hope you feel better soon, before the Y2K "bug" hits you full-force. PATTY: I'm sorry Jaime got sick. Cool that Mary called you! LisaB & Max (16 months TODAY) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 13:25:06 (EST)) Christi here Today Caleb is 14 months old. I hate his monthly birthdays, they remind me he is not a baby anymore. He is still MY baby! With Lexi I was in a hurry to grow her up, but with Caleb, I want him to stay a baby, forever if he could please! Okay, sorry to ramble. I have to take him to the Dr today for his croup check up, I just know he is gonna get sick from sitting in the Dr's office. He has 2 new teeth for a total of 14--6 more to go!!(I will be glad when that part is over). PATTY*** that sound sreally neat to actually talk to Mary, I hope one day you get to meet her! Can I ask how old you are? You look so young in the picture you sent with your Christmas card!! LISA B.*** Happy 16 months Max! YOu mean Caleb isn't the only one who grunts when he wants something? That is kind of reassuring! Lexi was talking much better at 14 months than Caleb is now, like your neice, maybe it is a boy/girl thing. I have been trying to just not give Caleb what it is that he wants, instead I tell him the name of it several times and say can you say whatever? So far I am getting nowhere. Any suggestions? Time to get ready to go to the Dr. have a good day all! Christi & Caleb 14 months TODAY!! email: plumbs@coiinc.com Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 14:35:15 (EST)) Julianne here--Sounds like everyone had a good Christmas with a few wild ILs mixed in! We had a great holiday too. Colton had fun opening his gifts, but it was hard to keep his attention focused. He just wanted to play w/ his toys. We are still working on opening his presents in his stocking. I let him open 1 or 2 a day since he got so many toys for Christmas already. He loves the ride on hi-lo that Dh & I got him. He has learned to stand on it though. He will look at us and jump off. When he falls to the floor he says uh-oh and then it is back on to jump off again. What a funny little boy. It was nice having such a long time off from work, but w/ the business of the get-togethers I don't feel like I got to relax that much. Colton is doing better. He is back to eating and even his veggies! He has gained 2 pounds back so far. He is full of energy again and not going to bed until 9 - 10 pm. I have pages of voice-mails to return so I had better go. Jennifer: What a Christmas adventure you had w/ Grandpa & his gun. Rita: Maddy can't graduate to the preschool board. LOL. We still want to hear about her. LuCynda: I have come to realize that Walt Disney created the "happily ever after" marriage as the biggest joke on women! There is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Marriage is so much work and both husband & wife need to compromise. I know there are days that I wonder if I would be better off w/o my DH because he is being such a pig-headed jerk. I love him dearly though, and just thinking about being a single mom gets it out of my system and I start to feel better. Hope you and your DH can start communicating and find that "wow, I've fallen in love" feeling again. It is too bad that the stress of life gets to be so much that we forget what marriage and love is all about some times. Take care. Patty: So, did you get any snow? We are having another lovely downfall (1-5 inches today!) Thanks for your card & pictue. Dh thought you looked hot in your leather skirt! Moriah: Thanks for the cute card of Alex. Katy: Wow, Liam walking to you on Christmas was a great gift. Kahne: Congrats on the new job. Happy 1st birthday to Cat a little late. I know a few others sent me cards, but I left my list at home. Thanks so much for the Christmas cards. Colton had lots of fun looking at them and trying to take them down from where I had them taped on the dishwasher. Julianne & Colton 17 mo email: jjones@batts.com Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 15:02:14 (EST)) Hi, this is Birdie. Please send in the troops. I am trapped in this room full of books and toys and I can't find my way out. I dug out a little trail and founf the computer so I could at least say hello and call for assisstance. Unfortunately I can't find the chair so I am typing standing up. Noah really packed in the presents. Holy toledo. It'll be days before anyone finds me. I'll check back when I make my way out. Take care. LuCynda- Not sick at all. I care about what's going on with you!!!! Helen- Done baking for now. Pheww!!! Rita- Hope you feel better Moriah- Hope Alex is feeling okay. Birdie and Noah (13 months) email: LJU777@AOL.COM Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 15:35:53 (EST)) Hello to all on this gorgeous day. I don't know about where you all live, but it is warm and sunny here in N. Calif. The first X-mas in a long time without snow. I prefer snow, but this is ok too. It's really cold at night, but the days are in the fiftys. Go Figure! Here is a list of what my kids got. Taylor- Kynex Robot kit. It makes 8 robots that run on batteries. One red X-mas Furby and clothes. Jess bought him Frogger CDRom and Riley gave him a model. Jim bought him boots, coat, and Crafstmen workbench table. He got new tools and tool cabinet from Grandparents. My Mom gave him a CD walkman. My other sisters gave him science stuff. Jesse- Puppy (Petunia), Rescue Heroes Training Tower, Perry Medics and Cosmo the monkey. Clothes from me, Transforming Buzz Light Year, from Tay. Jim bought him, boots , coat, and Toy Story 2 CDRom. Tools and tool chest from Grandparents. My Mom gave him a Live Frog Habitat. Science stuff from my sisters. Riley-Stick horse, that makes gallping sounds and whinnies when you press it's ear. Singing Froggie Keyboard. Jammies from me, Little People truck from Tay and Tub Toys from Jess. My ILs gave him 2 new outfits. One sis gave him a telescope, we have to put that away for awhile, and his favorite Auntie gave him a FP truck thing. it dumps boulders into the truck and the trucks nose beeps, it is really cute. My Mom gave him hat and matching gloves and socks form Gymbore. Plus they all got smaller stuff here and there. It was really nice for Jims parents to buy for riley too. the outfits are really cute. I did a good job of keeping the pup hidden. I had a box all wrapped and ready and I was going to get up and put her in it in front of the tree. Jim got up and then I got up and before I knew it Jesse was in the living room scooping up the puppy. He was so excited. Tay loved his Furby. I can't figure that one out. We had a good time. Helen*** There isn't a big enough Lippo machine for what I need done!LOL The Puppy was a huge hit. Tay and Jess belong to Jim. Monte sent nothing for Riley. I ran into his mom in Raleys today. She looks at Riley and says he's getting so big. I wanted to be nasty!!!!!!!!!! But I didn't. Christi***Sounds like you all just need some adjustment time. It's normal to feel a little weird with that situation. Jim's Sis took in 2 kids one year. At x-mas Jim and I included them in the gift certificates to Toys R Us, but his sis acted weird about it. Sarah***I'm staying home NYE. Just in case the world falls apart.LOL I feel the need to be at home with my boys, seriously though. I don't really know why. Jennifer***Did you say your last name was Hatfield or McCoy????LOL I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. Lucynda***I used to bottle feed lambs and then they would be on our dinner table months later. All of our pigs, sheep and steers had names, besides Dinner, I mean! I'm giving Petunia her shots to save vet bills. Here for 7.95 you can buy the Parvo and 2 others mixed and give yourself. It's 18.00 if the vet gives it. Birdie***I'm dispatching the bulldozer right now. He'll be there to dig you out shortly. However, should he accidently, run you over in the process, No Sueing!!!!!!!LOL Well, now that my novel is ready to be published, I will sign off! Shelly & Riley Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 18:06:38 (EST)) Rebecca here... Kahne - Happy belated birthday Cat! Congrats on the job! Helen - I didn't go as far as killing any ILs, but I was muttering under my breath a whole lot! Christi - Paige got that same basketball thing for her birthday. It is really annoying after awhile!LOL Jennifer - Hearing about your ILs makes me feel grateful for mine!!! Patty - COOL! Birdie - I understand the toy dilemma! We had to take our tree down just to make room!!! Had a really busy few days. On Christmas eve we went to my FILs. To start, dinner was late (8pm). Paige was tired and cranky by then. We didn't leave until 11pm. Paige was exhausted. We went to my parents for the night. It was midnight by the time we settled down. Unfortunately I was on a roll a way and dh was on the couch. Neither of us slept much. Christmas morning Paige was so tired she went back to sleep before she had finished opening her stocking. She slept right through to lunch. She wasn't interested in opening any of her gifts. My parents opened the ones we bought and we opened the ones they bought. Let's just say that Paige was royally spoiled. We had to take our tree down so that we could fit all the toys into our apartment! Christmas night after dinner (at my parents) we went to my uncles. It was a mad house with tons of people. We left Paige with my parents for the night and went home to get a good nights sleep. It was wonderful. We of course went shopping and found some good bargains! Boxing day evening we went to my MILs for dinner. I don't know if it was just me or what but I had a really hard time being civil with her. I know that it isn't about giving, but I would have thought that she would have been a little more equal than she was. I got a cheap necklace and earring set (that's quite ugly too!) while DH, BIL, and BILs girlfriend all got 4 or 5 gifts. It seemed quite strange. It's not like she doesn't like me or anything. Maybe she just wasn't thinking. Anyhow, this post is huge! I'm doing not bad. Paige is well and so is DH. Hope all of you had a great Christmas and I hope your New Years is great! Rebecca & Paige 13 months email: burn@canadawired.com Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 19:16:35 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! A quick Hello since I should be in the shower, DS is at hockey-8:20game and DH brought him and I am picking him up, so Amanda is still in bed and it willbe a race against time! ##LISA--Glad your X-mas was nice- Ican't believe someone lost their puppy!! Max must love him though! Yeah for the scanner!!Happy 16mos to Max!! ##CHRISTI--Happy 14 mos to Caleb!! ##BIRDIE--Glad you all had a good Christmas! Hope you start posting soon- I miss readingabout you all- hope you find your chair soon!! ##SHELLY-- Sounds like the kids got lots of fun things- they must love the puppy!!( thanks for explaining for me!:O)) ##REBECCA-- Glad your doing well---what a busy couple days!! Well should go- check in later!! Helen&Amanda@almost 17mos(#3) Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 08:18:12 (EST)) Hi mommies from Sue and one-year-old Cameron. At some of my "not so great" moments during the past year, I never thought I'd make it to today. Now that Cam's first birthday is here, I can't imagine where the time went. I'm trying not to be too nostalgic and sentimental, but I do have to tell you guys this - Tom and I were told that we wouldn't be able to have children of our own after several years of infertility therapy. Even though we were disappointed with that, we weren't totally unhappy and didn't think we NEEDED children to feel fulfilled. Both of us have good jobs that we find rewarding, we have a strong marriage that has survived it's share of rough times, we enjoy great friends and supportive families, and we have been lucky enough to be healthy except for the usual bouts of colds and flu. We couldn't know what we were missing until Cameron was born. All of the good things in our lives are now wonderful, and the bad things in our lives aren't worth worrying about. After a rough day before we had Cam, it would take a couple of drinks, a nice dinner, and some cajoling from Tom for me to cheer up. Now, it only takes the flash of Cameron's smile. OK, enough mushy mommy stuff from me this morning. Hope everyone has a great day! Sue and Birthday Boy Cameron! email: sbarry@key.org Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 10:27:51 (EST)) Good morning. SARAH here. Just skimming posts. Don't have much time, but wanted to post one: SUE - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!!! :) Wow, your post brought tears to my eyes and kind of choked me up, because I know exactly how you feel...I feel the SAME WAY!!! Ok, I'll be back later! Sarah and Hannah (15 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 11:29:03 (EST)) Colton was a total spazz in the bath last night. He was jumping around, splashing, going on him tummy, slapping the bubbles and just giggling away. I had to shut the shower door and peek in because I was getting so wet. Of course he had to slip and fall so fun time was over with a big bang. When he was watching my DH plow our driveway yesterday he said "plow". He says his words so cute. I am supposed to have a vacation day today, but work is crazy so I came in for a half day and it is almost 2 pm already!! I am off to see my friend who just had a baby c-section yesterday. Rita: So how's it going in toyland?? Rebecca: Sorry MIL scrooged you. Sue: Thanks for the mush post. It sure puts things in perspective. I couldn't imagine life without my crazy little boy. Julianne & Colton 17 mo email: jjones@batts.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 14:54:44 (EST)) Christi here! Caleb got a good check up from the Dr yesterday, he weighed in at 23# 4 oz. That is up exactly a pound in 6 weeks. I guess he is eating okay. Dr. W said croup season should be done until spring, so hopefully Caleb listened to him and won't get sick again this winter :-) JULIANNE*** Glad Colton is feeling better and gaining weight! BIRDIE*** LOL! You are too funny! SHELLEY*** SOunds like your kids had a good Christmas! REBECCA*** MIL's who understands them? NOT ME! SUE*** Happy Birthday Cameron! What a beautiful post! I am so thankful for my kids, they are truley gifts from God! My infertility Dr's told us we couldn't have any more natural kids after DD was born, well, they don't know everything, Caleb is here, and he definatly came out of my body, I was there! Our snow is melting, boo hoo! I love winter and snow, and all of that fun stuff. See you all later Christ & Caleb 14 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 16:04:37 (EST)) Help! Help! The temper tantrums have started in earnest. Max decided he doesn't like the Gerber meat sticks anymore ... his standard "snack" while we get dinner on the table. He screamed and threw the meat stick on the floor. Then this morning he was ticked cause DH was taking too long making his oatmeal so he threw his washcloth, cup, and pooh toy on the floor. Nothing calmed him down last night (over stimulated as sitter's Mom and Grandmother were both at her house yesterday so he got spoiled rotten). This morning I grabbed his hands, looked him straight in the eyes, and said sternly "little boys don't act like that". I guess it startled him as he calmed right down - LOL!!! We gave gifts to the sitter, the sitter's Mom (the sitter watches the kids at her house so we generally see her for a few minutes each day), and 4 kids at the sitters. We got a grand total of 2 thank you - from the sitter and her daughter. I was upset (I sent thank yous to everyone). I can see skipping written thank yous if you do verbals but I didn't even get that (each kid took their loot home to open so the sitter didn't have to track who got what, from whom, etc.). BIRDIE: Maybe you should ask for a new house or a detached garage for YOUR birthday so you have room for Noah's loot - LOL! JULIANNE: I'm glad Colton is gaining again. He must feel better, the way he was playing in the tub! REBECCA: Poor Paige. Christmas isn't much fun when you're exhausted. I'm sorry MIL wasn't more fair with her gifts. I also try to be somewhat equitable - both in number of gifts and amounts spent. HELEN: I expect someone just dumped the pup - that's common in our rural area. People are too cheap to fix their pets and don't want to take the baby critters to the humane society or try to give them away ... so they either shoot their "excess" animals or dump them on some country road, relying on a homeowner to either take it the critter or "dispose" of it. SUE: Happy birthday to the Cam Man!!!! I loved your post ... and am so glad you got your "miracle" baby (and you too, Christi). LisaB & Max (16 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 17:14:07 (EST)) Beth here. Out of touch as usual lately. Man, I used to be so good about getting on here and posting everyday now I really suck at it. I guess I have a good excuse this time. My grandmother died on Christmas day very unexpectedly. She was in the hospital for broken ribs. My mom had gone up to see her just before lunch on Christmas and the Dr. told Mom that Memie (my g-ma) was out of the woods and would be going home soon. Great news. Mom stayed for a few more minutes and left so that Memie could get her rest.(about 11:30). My uncle came in soon after and g-ma was snoring away so he decided not to wake her. The nurse came in with lunch and they were never able to wake her up. She just passed in her sleep:-(. Up until she broke her ribs she was active, still driving, living on her own, etc. Not sick at all. They think she must have had a heart attack in her sleep. The only good thing is that she WAS still so active. She never had a chance to get feeble and sit and waste away in a nursing home for years or anything. I guess going in your sleep is the way that all of us hope to go. I will miss her, but I'm not really sad about her death as it was so peaceful and she is with my g-pa and God now. It's time for me to leave now. I will catch up tomorrow and hopefully not get behind again. Happy belated Christmas to all and an early Happy New Year. Talk at ya'll later. Beth and Allison (18 months) email: bobwite@msn.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 17:32:37 (EST)) Hi mommies. I knew if I told you that Jarin slept well, it would be over. =( Last night he went to bed at 11:30 and was up about 6 and the night before he went to bed about 10:30 and was up from 2:30-5. UGH! I did manage to not nurse him during that 2 1/2 hours, but he screamed every time I laid him down. He is running a fever today - about 101.5 and we are up to three breathing treatments a day right now. I have a feeling he is getting what Jaime had. I hope it is short lived and he feels better tomorrow. Thanks for all the comments on my phone call from Mary. I'm still in shock. It was so neat. I know it would be so cool if we could ALL get together. **Helen: I wrote down SIL and I know there was something strange about her, but now I don't remember what it was! So, hi! **Sarah: Thanks for the New Year's card. How is Hannah doing? **LisaB: Max sounds funny liking the puppy from a distance. Jarin LOVES his meat sticks. Yay for getting a scanner for Christmas! Now we get to see more of little Maxwell. Jarin also does the "mmm" talk and points to what he wants. Happy 16 month birthday to Max yesterday! **Christi: Happy 14 month birthday to Caleb yesterday. Thanks for the christmas card. Your kids are adorable. I am 34, but thanks for saying I look young. =) I know what you mean about wanting to keep Caleb little. I'm the same way since Jarin is my last. I can't believe Caleb has 14 teeth!!! **Julianne: So glad that Colton is feeling better. We got about, maybe 1/2 inch of snow. Colton sounds like he was having a lot of fun in the tub until the big bang. Tell DH thanks for the compliment on my skirt. LOL **Rebecca: Thanks for the Christmas card. Shame on your MIL. **Birdie: Hey, did Noah get too many presents by any chance? LOL **Shelly: Glad Jess likes his puppy so much. Sounds like your kids did well! That's neat that the boys' grandparents also bought for Riley. My mom does that for my nephew's brother (who isnot my brother's son) **Sue: Happy Birthday to Cameron!!! =) =) Loved your post. It makes us all rethink how lucky we are to have our little guys. **Beth: Sorry to hear about your grandma, but glad she went peacefully. **Take care everyone. Patty and Jarin - 16 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 23:02:19 (EST)) Hello from LauraB - We had a very nice Christmas and the only drawback was that DH had the flu. He was a trooper about it and did his best to enjoy Christmas with us. Shane was spoiled and typical of a toddler preferred playing with daddy's golf clubs after we opened all of his presents. We actually had to open them for him as he lost interest very early on in the process. He got a couple of trucks and Sesame Street cars and really enjoys playing with those. He also got a bench to hammer on and a See N Say that he enjoys having one of us play for him. Poor little guy is fighting through a cold now and actually has yucky stuff sticking his eyes closed. I guess it is part of the cold but if it's not better by tomorrow then I'm going to call the pediatrician and see if I need to take him in to be checked. Well I need to get on to personals. STACEY - Shane loves that show Out of the Box. I guess he loves watching the kids. JENNIFER - Sorry about your SIL problems. BIRDIE - Goodluck finding your way out. CHRISTI - Shane's first pediatrician had a sick side and well side. It was really nice especially when he was really young and needed to go for well baby check ups. I don't know why more doctors don't do that, especially with kids. Unfortuantely we moved and now have to contend with sick kids coughing on Shane when he goes for his regular check ups. SUE - How beautiful your post was, my life is so much more now that I have my little boy. Happy Birthday Cam. BETH - Sorry about your Grandma. My father passed away in his sleep at the hospital after a long illness and I have to say that I felt some comfort knowing that he didn't suffer. Love to all and your babies. LauraB@Shane 13months email: xxbryant@aol.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 23:08:51 (EST)) It's Christi again, I forgot a really cute story and just couldn't wait to tell you all...... Last night we went to my moms to say goodbye to my sister and the kids (Lexi ended up loving this little girl). Anyway, Ashley was calling for Lexi from the kitchen and Caleb walked in and looked at Lexi and said "HEY" and waved his hand like come here. Then he was really excited cause she did and we all laughed at him. Tonight he was throwing a major fit and we couldn't figure out why, finally he pointed at the TV and said "Elmo" and took DH the remote. Finally, maybe he will begin to talk a little. The whole point and grunt thing is frustrating! BETH*** I am so sorry for your loss, but what a peaceful way to end life. I will be praying for you and your family. LISA B.*** Don't you hate no thank-you's! I am getting usd to it, but I still send them out! SARAH*** Thank you for the NYE card!! Well, time for me to go to bed, I need my beauty rest--okay, I need everybody's beauty rest, but will have to make do. Christi & Caleb 14 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 23:43:24 (EST)) Hi all, Kahne here, Glad to hear you all had a good Christmas, seems all of the kids got spoiled! With Cat's birthday the Day before, you can only imagine. lol. The new job is going well, 13 paitents are in my care from the time I get there till the time I leave. I am glad to be back at work, but I miss cat dreadfully while I am gone. She is going to the sitter for the first time tommorrow. Thank goodness I found her, but I am lucky she is a friend of mine, and only charging me $15 per day. School starts on the 10th, so I will be even busier (is that a word?). Oh well, I am getting paid $50 per day to work. When I am a RN, I will be getting paid that amount to work 2 hours, LOL!!!!!! I guess it DOES pay to finish school. I have to run, it is midnight, and I have to be at work for 7.....and I still havent taken my shower!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for the selfish post, as for the millenium, DH and I are going to turn the puter on, and see if it crashes, have a good one, hug all our babies for me, Kahne and Cat 1 email: kahneandsteve@hotmail.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 02:10:23 (EST)) Good morning ladies! Happy Thursday!!! :) SARAH here. Today is like my Friday!!! YEA!! We went to the zoo last night. It's all lit up with Christmas lights and figures. It was sooo cool. Of course HANNAH was more interested in just getting out of her stroller and walking. Couldn't let her though. The place was PACKED!!!!! She was a good girl, though. Is anyone going out for NYE?? It turns out one of my friends is willing to babysit, but for some reason, I don't have a good feeling about going out. My DH has to work until about 9 or 10 (Manager at a restaurant), so a couple of my friends and I were thinking about going down there until he gets off and then coming back to the house. I don't know what to do!! LISA - MAX just started temper tantrums?????? HANNAH has been throwing those kinds for months now!! Consider yourself lucky! LOL Happy 16 month Birthday to MAX yesterday. BETH - Sorry to hear about your Grandma. It is sort of a comfort knowing how peacefully she went, huh? PATTY - How is JARIN feeling today? HANNAH is doing good!! Hasn't been sick for...wow...a little over a week!!! :) :) :) You are very welcome for the card! CHRISTI - Happy 14 month Birthday to CALEB yesterday! Cute story about him signaling to his sister. You a welcome for the card!! LAURA B. - Sorry DH had the flu!! Hope he's feeling better! How is SHANE feeling today? Well ladies, that's all for now. I don't know if I'll be back on until Monday (hopefully not longer than that..due to Y2K)! I hope you all have a wonderful NYE!!!! Please, be safe and give your angels a kiss from HANNAH and I. Sarah and Hannah (15 months) email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 10:50:36 (EST)) Hi guys! I enjoyed reading about everyone's Christmas celebrations. Some of you guys had me cracking up! We had a nice Christmas, but like so many others have mentioned- it was too much! (for Isaac.) Sofie hung in there ok- she's not rattled by a lack of routine; however Isaac,......he was thrashed by all the chaos. We visited 4 families in 2 days, the kids got so many presents it's just not even right. Christmas morning Isaac had diarrhea from eating basically just cookies for dinner the night before. It took him a good 2 days to recover emotionally- Can you imagine! That sounds ridiculous- recovering from being overwhelmed with too many presents and no routine. I really think next year I should stay home with my kids and not go anywhere and if people want to buy presents - insist on clothes and books. I don't know- when I was a kid I didn't grow up getting massive amounts of presents. What about you guys? I almost feel like it can't be good for a person's character to be swamped with so many gifts you don't even want to open them all or even remember what you got? Well - I want to thank Rita, Rebecca, Christy, Debbie, Lisa B for the Christmas cards. (I hope I didn't forget anyone!!!!) It was a treat to get cards from you all. Kids will be up soon- so I'd better go. Sorry no personals! Happy new year every one!!!! BE SAFE! Sarah g and Isaac and Sofia email: gat_men@hotmail.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 11:34:17 (EST)) Good Morning Everyone, Wow I recognize so many names from the pregnancy board. Moriah, Lisa B, Lynda, Birdie, LuCynda, it is great to see that you are all still chatting. I just found out about this site from someone on the babies today site. I feel so out of touch, I just came off of mat leave 1 month ago and did not have access to the internet. But I am glad to be back. Congratulations to you all on your babies, (toddlers). I had a son Oct 22, 98. Caelen Thomas, 7lbs 14oz. I am sorry but I haven't yet had a chance to read all of the posts. But I will soon. Must go for now, will talk to you soon, Paula, Mommy of Caelen and Kyla Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 13:18:13 (EST)) Yeah, this week is almost over. Julianne here, and work is still too busy today! We have tomorrow off so HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. Our neighbor is having a NYE party and we are going to bring Colton with us. My parents offered to watch him and have him stay over. They live about 20 min away, but with all the hype I just didn't feel right about not being w/ him for Y2K!! Colton is just starting to say 2 word sentences now. This week he has said: uh-oh puppy, bye bye da da, and bye bye pooh. Sometimes he includes some gibberish after his mini sentences. It is so cute to listen to him. Well, I don't know when I will be back on this site. Since our plant is expected to be completely shut down by the end of January they stopped their Y2K preparations and our system is expected to crash. We have our major stuff backed up on a new network, but the internet and e-mail system is still up in the air. Hopefully it won't be for too long. I go through TT w/drawel just over the weekends! Christi: I sure hope Caleb stays healthy all winter now. Yeah for Caleb starting to talk more. Lisa: How cute that your "motherly chat" w/ Max got him to settle down. Beth: Sorry to hear about your Grandma's passing. It is great that you got to enjoy her for so long since she was in such good health. Patty: I hope Jarin will start sleeping better for you. Colton has been ending up in our bed for two weeks now. I hope that quits soon. I have to start letting him cry himself back to sleep again I guess. Laura B: I hope Shane starts to feel better soon and that his eyes clear up. Sometimes kids get colds in their eyes from a virus and that causes the stickies. Kahne: So glad that your job is going well. Good luck on your next semester at school. Sarah: Way too cool, getting to go to the zoo at Christmas time. They close ours down. I too want Colton to be with us on NYE. SarahG: I think next Christmas I am going to tell everyone to get just 1 present for Colton. Too many is way too confusing for little children. Plus they really don't need that many new toys. I feel kind of guilty about Colton's stash. Have a great time tommorrow night everyone. Hopefully the world won't go too bezerk on us. Julianne & Colton 17 mo email: jjones@batts.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 14:09:19 (EST)) Hello from Helen&Amanda!! JULIANNE-- I know what you mean about the guilt and all the mounds of toys- I keeptelling everyone-she doesn't NEED anything so they go easy on the clothes and toys- I think a trip to good-will is comming soon.:O) LISAB-- Congrats on Max holding out for so long w/the tantrums!! When I tellAmanda- 'hey, thats enough out of you Missy!!' She curls her lip and hold out her arms and begins to cry- of course I melt!! OK---- BIG NEWS-- Amanda officially says NO now!!!! Not the best thing to be one of the 1st words I know!! Its so cute- her 'no' rhymes with 'moo' and sounds so cute!!! She shakes her head and says 'no' to just about everything now. She also kissed her dolly last night and made the 'kissing' sound for the 1st time- so cute! Then I kept asking for a 'noisy' kiss too. We are going to BIL's for NY Eve-- it will be the same sh**t as X-mas eve so we really don't wantto go but will for an hour or so to make an appearance, thenhead home,put Amanda to bed and let the kids stay up if they want to-- maybe even turn on the computer and see what happens!!! What a barrel of fun us 'thirtysomethings' are!LOL!! Amanda seems to be getting DH's cold- has a bit of a runny nose and a bit cranky- woke up twice last night to be rocked and snuggled- I love it though! :O) I really can't complain since she has only been sick twice so far.Hopefully its not the flu since its going around! She has been teething for close to 2-mos!! She had nothing at first and now huge bumps on all 4 gums are forming- really hurts at times! Poor thing! :O( Well should go-- Hope all our computers work after the new year, the lady at the bank said it shouldn't be a problem with computers that are only a few yrs old since they were made to roll over into the year 2000- she said 9/9/99 was more of a worry for them but the media didn't pick up on it- I guess computers think it means to shut down?? We'll see. :O) LATER!!! Helen&Amanda@17mos tomorrow!!!! email: mhim27@hotmail.com USAThursday, December 30, 1999 at 15:04:36 (EST)) Hi - I've been reading the board for a couple of months now, but finally decided to join in the conversation. We live in San Francisco and my daughter, Becca, is 15 mos. old. She attends an infant care center 4 days/week while I work as a bank relationship manager (DH is in the computer biz). Becca talks up a blue streak, and just started walking about 3 weeks ago. We've been pretty successful of breaking her of some of the "baby" habits, eg. bottle, pacifier during the day. However, at night, she cries in her crib and points to the drawer where we keep the "binkies" until we give her one to go to sleep. Same problem at nap time. For some reason, she doesn't make the same demand at daycare. Has anyone read anything about whether pacifiers effect tooth/mouth development, or whether I should even care that she still wants one? Thanks, and happy New Year to you all. hayley and rebecca, 15 mos. email: hayley.thompson@citicorp.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 15:15:12 (EST)) Hi again, This board doesn't seem to be near as busy as the pt was. But now we are busy chasing after toddlers vs carrying them around in our bellies. My son has been having tantrums for months now.. In his case I think it may have something to do with spoiled baby syndrome. (lol) And I 'm not even going to attempt to take away his sucky just yet!! My daughter had hers until she was 2, so I'll probably try around the same age with him. I'm one of those parents who will be leaving their children with a sitter this NYE. I feel guilty, but I'll not be too far away at a house party, also it is my birthday tomorrow and I could really use a good time. Is anyone else still rocking their baby to sleep?? Or has anyone managed to wein their baby from this habit, and if so how did you do it? My son starts daycare on Jan 4th and I am a little concerned about his naptime. He is so used to being rocked to sleep, and so far we have only had family babysit, and they have always enjoyed rocking him. Another thing to make me feel guilty (daycare). Must rush off, talk later Paula, Caelen 14months Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 15:30:15 (EST)) Hello everyone! Thanks for all your sympathy about my grandma. I feel bad that I am not more sad about it. I going to really miss her and everything, but I honestly think death is more sad for the people left behind than for those that have died. Esp. when you know that person went to heaven. Anyway, are you guys all prepared for the possible power outages etc. that may be occuring tomorrow night? I'm not and now I'm wondering if I should be more prepared. I plan on going to the grocery tonight, but I needed to get stuff from there anyway. One good tip I heard is to fill up your bathtub with water late Fri night (after all the showers, but before midnight). That way you will have water available to flush your toilet with should you need it. Apparently the Red Cross is telling everyone that we should have 3-4 gallons of water per person just to be safe. DH has a big camping water cooler. I guess I'll fill that up just to be on the safe side. Paula, and Hayley, Welcome! Glad to have you as part of our community. Helen - 9999 is the universal programming code to shut down or end a program. That's why 9/9/99 was such a potential problem. Julianne -we will miss you if you aren't able to get on for a few days. Hope it's not too long. Sarah - the zoo sounds pretty and like so much fun! Kahne - happy belated b-day to Cat!! Christi- Caleb sounds too cute motioning for his sister. Laura B - Shane sounds like a typical toddler!! You spend all this money on new toys on he wants to play with something that's not even a toy. Patty - I hope Jarin sleeps better for you soon. Allison has been waking in the middle of the night lately. I let her cry it out last night. She has been coming to our bed for about a week and a half now during the middle of the night and I definietly don't want it to become a habit!! Well, I'd better get back to work! My program is stuck in this infinite loop and never ends!! Should be fun trying to figure out what I've screwed up :-). Talk to you ladies after the New Year. Hopefully everything will go off without a hitch. Beth and Allison email: bobwite@msn.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 16:12:33 (EST)) Just a quick note, Has anyone heard from Barbara (mommy of Stephen)? Moriah, where are you, how are you?? I have thought about you alot over the passed year. Bye for now Paula&Caelen Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 16:42:07 (EST)) Hello again- Just checking in again-- Amanda is still napping-over 3-hrs- must be catching up from getting up last night! DD went to sleep over at a friends house, DS is at a party and DH is working. PAULA--HALEY-- Welcome both!! PAULA-- Happy birthday tomorrow- hope the party is fun!! I still rock Amanda to sleep , sometimes only for a minute or two, sometimes not at all, sometimes until I get my baby fill. She stillhas a binky- I don't think it has much to do with their teeth-- DS had one until 2 1/2 and DD had her thumb- she was the one looking like bugs bunny! I think its just a comfort thing and as they get older slowly take it away- not having it during the day and only at naptime and bedtime is the 1st step I've recently read. I figure there's more impt things to worry about. Moriah is still around and little Alex is doing great- making tons of progress-( see past posts). Barbara has dissappeared as far as I know unless she is keeping in touch with someone- I remember her since she lives in Boston- not far from me. BETH&ALLISON- Glad your back again! So sorry about your Grandmother- comforting to know she died peaceful though isn't it.:O( Speakingof rocking Amanda- when I rock her to sleepI've always hummed'rock-a-bye-baby', for the past few wks she starts humming too- its so cute! Better go and thing about supper--take care all! Helen&Amanda@17mos tomorrow(#3) email: mhim27@hotmail.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 17:30:00 (EST)) Hi from LisaB. 2 minutes until quitting time so this will be quick - LOL! KAHNE and others - I've read that you SHOULD NOT use your phone, the internet, turn on all your lights, etc. right around midnight on 12/31/99 as that could overload the circuits (if a lot of people all did this at the same time). Just a thought! I'll post from home on Saturday or Sunday (unless the Y2K bug hits - LOL!). HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! LisaB & Max (16 months) email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 18:37:00 (EST)) Hi mommies. DH took Jarin to the doctor today as he was up in the middle of the night with fever. She said he basically just has what's going around and to keep giving him the Motrin and Dimetapp and breathing treatments. But he's not wheezing and his ears and throat look good, so that's good news for us. Now, if he'd just stop being so whiny! LOL **LauraB: Sounds like Shane made out about as well as Jarin at Christmas. Hope he feels better soon. **Christi: Too cute with Caleb and the "hey". =) **Kahne: Glad to hear work is going well. I'm sure you do miss Cat. I miss Jarin too, but normally I'm so busy with my Kindergartners that I don't have too much time to think about it. **Sarah: I am just going to a small gathering at a friend's house and Jarin's going with me. DH has to work and Jesse is going to spend the night with a friend. Not sure what Jaime is doing yet. Jarin is ok, see above. Yay for Hannah being healthy for a whole week! **Sarahg: I know what you mean about the many gifts. My kids have always been spoiled rotten. **Paula: Welcome to you, Caelen, and Kyla. My son Jesse was going to be a Kyla if he had been a girl. I still rock Jarin to sleep at night and for naps. Barbara posted for a while on BT, but we haven't heard from her in ages. **Julianne: Isn't gibberish the cutest? I love it when Jarin does all that "talk". Hope you get back on here soon and don't have any problems with the Y2K thing. I've got to start letting Jarin cry himself back to sleep again too. I hate it though. =( **Helen: Speaking of trips to Goodwill - on Christmas Day I dropped some stuff off in their little collection shed and I think I accidentally dropped Jesse and DH's Christmas $$ from my dad inside. Now we're out $150!!!! So cute that Amanda is giving kisses and saying "no". Jarin kisses his Po that he got for Christmas and has also started saying "no". His sounds like "Doe". He only says it when I ask him questions though - so cute. Happy 17 month birthday to Amanda tomorrow!!! Hope those teeth come in soon. **Hayley: Welcome to you and Becca. My son, Jesse, had his pacifier until he was almost 3. I don't think it will harm her teeth any, especially if it's just at bedtime and naptime. **Beth: I'm not too worried about the whole Y2K thing either and now I think maybe I should be a lot more worried. I like the bathtub idea though. I'll have to remember to do that tomorrow night. I hope Jarin starts sleeping better! **Take care everyone and if I don't make it here tomorrow - Happy New Year!!!! Happy Millenium!!! Patty and Jarin - 16 months email: tematheny@ctlnet.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 18:53:26 (EST)) Hi everyone!! I hope I am catching you all before you leave work for the New Year. I figure if things do crash we will all come back when we can, hope it doesnt happen though. My parents are prepared enough for 6 families--shelves of food, gallons upon gallons of water etc. I should have done more, but why when they are only a block away! I bought extra diapers and wipes, some extra groceries. I have watched "The Best of Elmo 3 times today, I am sick of it! Caleb has started yelling and basically throwing a fit if it isn't on. I tried other Sesame Street, but it doesn't work. I guess he will have to get over it. LAURA*** I love the idea of sick/well sides, that would be great! Hope Shane is feeling well. SARAH G.*** THe kids got so much stuff (none of it needed) I made them put 1/2 of the gofts away in the closet to be taken out of the boxes later--maybe a few months since their B-day's are in Oct. PAULA*** HI! Nice to meet you!:-) JULIANNE*** HOpe you make it back very soon!! I'll miss you and Colton! HAYLEY***Welcome to you and Becca!I can't be of any help with the binkie problem, Caleb is a thumb sucker. speaking of HELEN*** you have me scared to death! Your DD's teeth looking like Bugs Bunny! AHHHH! Caleb is loosing his blanket on Monday--he only sucks his thumb when he has it. Do you think bed time will still be ok? Okay, now if I can ask all of you who have kids in daycare a few questions....For the new Year I am typing up an agreement for my "parents" to sign. Here is what the 'demands' are please tell me if they are reasonable. Thanks! 1) Hourly or weekly rates will be paid at the end of the calander week, the last day care is provided. 2) When a child does not come a scheduled day and 48 hours notice is not given the day is paid for. You dont pay if your kid is sick, but if you are and you keep your child home, you pay. 3) If I need a day off 5 days notice is given unless an emergency arises. The day is not paid for. 4) If you are taking vacation I ask for 2 weeks notice or you pay 1/2 your avarage. It is worded much nicer, but this is the just of it. What do you think? Sorry ti bug you all with it, but I dont want to ask for anyhting outragious. I am sure I will get here at least one more time before 2000, see you all later! Christi & Caleb 14 months email: plumbs@coiinc.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 19:16:23 (EST)) Hi to all. Riley is running around the house with his big bros Silly Puddy. He calls it TayTay's pop pop. I don't know why. I forgot to tell you our cute story for the week. I told Riley that the puppy's name was Petunia. All he heard was Tuna (his favorite lunch), Well he went hauling hynie into the kitchen yelling Tuna, Tuna. I put him up onto the cabinet and he opened the door and grabbed a can of tuna out. I had to make him some and he sat in his high chair and ate like a porker! We cracked up. Now he calls the pup Tuna. Oh and he is also good at blaming everyone else for the mess in his diaper. I say did you poop and he says no Nauntie poo pood. He laughs like crazy, especially if she is here and hears him say it. He says TayTay (Taylor) Nauntie (Auntie) and Cody. But he will not say Jesse, Grammy or Travis. It's like he's teasing them. Even though Jesse is his favorite person he won't call him anything. Riley pooped in the potty yesterday. He started in his diaper and was a little contstipated, so I said lets go on the potty. He did and was so proud. But he didn't want me to flush it down. I think he will just start doing it more often without any pushing. He loves to sit on his potty with his bros in the bathroom with him.? I have no clue!!!! Moriah***I'm calmed down now. I'm just going to refuse to let Jim take the boys to the Valley. I called Sue and told her about it. When I do that, then they seem to understand my feelings a little bit better. I also reminded her of her statement to me about listening to Jims warning. Paula***I rock Riley some nights. Other times we get in bed and lay down together, he sleeps with me. He also will lay down on the floor and drift off too. I like having my choice. Moriah, my sister, is doing great. Alex is excelling. On X-mas he pushed himself into a sitting postion. The Occapational Therapist didn't really believe Mo until she turned on the vidoe of it. He's very vocal now too. They are truly blessed. With Geoff fishing away from home, I think she has less time to post right now. But usually checks in every few days. Haylee***My oldest, 12 now, sucked his pacifer until 3. His teeth are perfectly straight. Beth***I am so sorry for your family. You are right, it was better to be able to remember her active and young. Well, Riley has moved on from silly puddy to getting into the candy. better go head him off at the pass. Shelly & Riley alomost 21 months Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 20:43:15 (EST)) Hi all! It's Moriah. Sorry I've been absent as of late. Lots going on. Christmas was GREAT! We got a video camera from Geoff's parents. WAY COOL! It's digital so I think eventually I might be able to send movies (or probably just make a website would be a better option). Anyway be prepared because when Alex crawls & takes those 1st steps I'll want to share it with all of you. :) We also got extremely spoiled by the IL's. In addition to the VC they got us like (no exxageration) 20 presents each. My MIL LOVES Christmas so she has always really spoiled us. Okay - that doesn't even mention Alex's millions of presents! Baby Gap - Sold Out! Right Start.com - Sold Out! We have no room in our house for everything! (Shades of Birdies Gumball Mountain!) Right now the presents are stacked sky high in my dining room. NYE - We're going to a party @ friends for a couple of hours while MIL watches Alex. Then we're going there for midnight. At midnight we're going to video us so that Alex can see what he was doing at the millenuim. I'm excited to go to the party though we'll see people we haven't in months. Then NYD we're hosting Geoff's family for lasagna at our house. Personally I do not beleive the whole power outage/ world meltdown rumors. Especially in the area that we live as we're right on top of Silicon Valley. Just a couple of personals: Hayley - hey neighbor! I live down near Half Moon Bay & Rita lives in Castro Valley! Welcome to our group! Paula - HI!! OMG! I've thought about you too this whole year! I think you left before I had Alex right?? Well there was a lot wrong with him & we've had the year from hell (although he's an ANGEL sent straight from HEAVEN!). If you are clueless about the whole stroy email me & I'll tell you the whole thing. Anyway I'm so HAPPY to see you. I hope you post often. Well now to all my pals - as this year closes I just want to tell you all that you mean the world to me. Most of you have been there through every shed tear & happy moment that we've had this past 15 months. Your support & kindness has touched me & was far above what we received from some of our IRL friends. You never shied away from us when things were bad & you even sent us a generous gift at one of our lowest points. I think that at the end of this year we should all be thankful for our blessings! And I count each of you as one of mine! HUGS! Moriah & Alex (14.75 months) email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 21:54:24 (EST)) Hi Ladies, Kahne here, I am so upset, I havent been this sad in a long time. Let me start in from the beginning. I went to work this morning, and one of my patients had been left "dirty" all night long. No one even checked on her. Well...that ticked me off. I left my cigarettes (yes, i smoke) at home, and after three hours of being at work, I was ready for one. I called Dh at work, and was told by the secretary that he did not come to work this morning, which was odd, so i called home. As it turns out, my sitters sister went into labor and called late this morning, and said that she could not watch Cat, so he had no choice but to stay at home and watch her. Since that was under control, I bummed a smoke off a co worker, and went outside. Well the owner of the home saw me and screamed at me to get off my f_____g a--, and handle my work. I am sorry, but I work 10 hour shifts with no break, I deserve 5 minutes every now and again. Well I went to deal with my patient, and i found myself being mean to her, fussing at her, etc. I told myself that was not fair to the patient, and told my boss that I had to go, b/c my sitter had cancelled (it WAS true). But, really I did not want to take my anger out on my patients. So I came home. Well DH and I argued most of the day over stupid crap, and he went to take a nap around three or so, right after Cat had been put down. I sat and looked at TV for a while, and dozed off myself. Well when we all woke up at SEVEN (no kidding), there was no dinner no nothing. Well MIL left to go on a visit to Steve's brother, and made a huge pot roast. She told me to go get it, because it would go bad before she got home. well I ran over to her house and got the roast, so at least we had dinner. Well, now to the really bad part. I hope yall don't think bad of me after you hear this. Here goes.... The phone rang, and it was MIL. She was acting wierd, and asked to speak to DH. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me "LET STEVE TELL YOU". How odd is that? I kept insisting she tell me what was wrong, but she wouldnt budge. Well she got on the phone with DH, and asked him if he had seen the paper today. He said no, and the longer she talked the paler he got. I was really getting upset, then he told me what was wrong. Let me give you some background on me first. My mom kicked me out at 17, and I had no where to go, so I moved in with DH and his family. Well DH's friend's mom (did you follow that?) took in little lost kids, and made them her own, and she took me in, kinda. I spent a lot of time with her. Well one of the kids she took in went to jail for murder, and over the years I had been writing to him and talking to him on the phone. we became very close, and I even drove hours to visit him. He is very black, and I am very white, but he still called me his little sister. I cared a lot about him. I even spent three days writing his appeal papers! Well, now that you have a little background, let me finish the sory. MIL had seen in the paper where six prisoners in Angola (where David is)had taken three guards hostage, and killed one of them in an escape attempt. Guess what, David was one of them. I have never been more disappointed in all my life. I thought he really had and wanted to change! I thought he really wanted to make a better life for his son! They are going to put him to death now, if the other gaurds dont kill him first. So now I get to wait for the call to come that he is dead, cause I have no doubt that they will take revenge somehow. I called my "foster" mom, and she was devestated. For the whole time he was in prison, she went up there and took him clothes and money,etc. HOW COULD HE DO THIS TO US?????????????????????? I am so sorry guys for venting, but all of these people are calling for death, and I feel SO BAD for the guard, like if I had talked to David more about his feelings, or been there for him more, this would not have happened. I know I cant blame myself for this, that David has a mind of his own, he is a grown man. But, I am really confused, and i honestly dont know if I will accept that call if he is ever allowed to use the phone again. I have cruised the net, and the story is all over CNN, and nola.com. I find myself trying to defend him, and i know it is a natural brother/sister type reaction. What would you do if you were me? Thank you for bearing with my monster post, I usually try to be really upbeat, but today i just cant. Love you guys. Kahne and Cat 1 Friday, December 31, 1999 at 03:36:30 (EST)) Hi all. Just wanted to check in quick. It is two a.m. so I don't have time to read any of the previous posts although Kahne's caught my eye seeing as it is at the bottom. I'll get to that in a minute. First, try not to worry too much about the Y2K thing, k. The potential problems have been known about for a whole lot of years. More than you might think and for most places, definately the US and Canada, things will be fine. Especially for the larger corporations. They keep their computers updated anyway. Probably more than mine and mine has been thoroughly tested. It also goes up to the year 3000. I honestly do not think that any corporation who is responsible for so many people will allow anything to happen. If it were a bigger emergency, we would be hearing about it WAY more. On the news here in Canada we get many many reports about all the different companies who want to reassure everyone they have everything under control. They all say the same thing. They have been prepared for years and it is just a matter of a simple upgrade. No biggy. Second. Sorry about my really really negative post. I have such a difficult time sometimes. I just needed to get all those feelings off my chest whether or not they were truly legitimate or just in the moment of frustration. Kind of like a journal. You know. Just writing and writing and writing, not cencoring anything, not really thinking about if those feelings are ALWAYS true, or just a spaz of self pity, or anger, or whatever. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for allowing me a space on this message board to let it all out once in awhile, and I really really thank you all for understanding enough to KNOW to "take it with a grain of salt" (Lisa B.) That really ment the world to me. The e-mails and the posts that expressed the listening ear but still understood that things really are okay and I was just really upset. I certainly don't want anyone to think my DH is a jerk. He is the most incredible man I know and he smells so dang good all the time I can't stand it. Honestly. I still have my complaints and some of them are legitimate, but who doesn't have complaints. Right? And most of the time I just thank God for him and try my hardest to be loving and accepting instead of demanding that he give everything I think I should have. I have weaknesses to, but he NEVER demands change in me. If it happens because I noticed it needed to happen he just tells me he is proud of me. I wish I could be more like him. Just be loving and accepting enough to silently encourage him to be the best he can be so HE finds his weaknesses. That way the change is for real. Not attempts to appease me, which never lasts and just causes resentments in both of us. You guys, the last week has been wonderful. We never had any deep heart to heart. We never figured anything new out. I guess I was just reminded of how much I need to appreciate him and that critisism NEVER helps someone better themselves. How can it. Critisism hurts and it hurts bad enough to cripple someone's ability to see clearly and feel safely loved enough to be confident in their ability to change. I was crushing my sweet husbands ability to feel like he was worth anything. I made him feel like a lazy looser and I had no right to do that. He would never do that to me, even if it were true. I am learning that the best way to encourage change is to focus on those things you love and appreciate. That automatically causes the loved one to feel uplifted, energetic, ready to conquer the world, AND more aware of their faults. ALL BY THEMSELVES. Then the change happens from their heart. I guess I always knew that though. My x critisized me all the time and instead of taking his word for needing to change somethings, I just got mad and stubborn. My DH now never ever critisizes me and I am painfully aware sometimes of my wrong doings. I guess I don't feel good enough for him. I know that isn't true, but sometimes I feel like he is so good. He loves so easily, he is so unconditional, he is so patient, he is so forgiving, and I feel like the worst person in the world. No, it isn't him who makes me feel that way, it is because I realize those are my weaknesses when I see those strengths in him. I don't beat myself up about because I do recognize them and I am working hard to change them, but I look to him as my example of those things. Maybe, when I can stop being bitter and angry and depressed and really get a grip, he will start looking to me to learn my strengths. It is kinda funny because our strengths and weaknesses are exact opposite. Although he is so patient and stuff, he really lacks ambition and drive. I am awsome at that, but I am mad all the time. So, I hope as we figure marriage out that we can learn from each other, and balance each other out a bit. And truthfully, I see it happening at times. But, it is a process and we both have very bad pasts to contend with. That doesn't help the relationship. I slip back into my previous marriage a lot, just because I got into certain habits. So I know logically that NOTHING from then applies now, but tell my heart that when I get riled up. I'm learning though. anyway, long story. I just love him so much and things have been so wonderful lately. Kahne I feel for you. Nothing anyone says will ease the pain really. Life is like that. No one can take the hurt away, but they can share the burden. We are all here to share it with you and hurt with you and for you. We can't change it or tell you how to feel, but we love you and please don't ever think any of us would ever think less of you. All of us have a past. All of us probably worry that if the rest really knew our pasts we would all think less of each other, but that just isn't true. There isn't anything ANYONE here could say that would make me think less of them or care less for them. My xx husband. Yes, my first one, not the second or the third, the first. He has been in trouble with the law since I met him. We were married when I was sixteen and him seventeen. I loved him so very much inspite of his problems. When he was good, he was very very good, but when he was bad he was awful. (a poem) So I alternated from hatred to love. He is an alcoholic and a drug addict. I understand you saying you cared so much for David inspite of his actions. I still care and love (as someone in my life) Lane very much. It has never mattered what he has done wrong or how bad the crime he commited, somewhere in his heart he is a good good person. A lot of people really do not understand that concept. They think if someone can do the things they do then the just must be pure evil, but it isn't true. It just isn't. Lane can be the most fun and loving person in the world. I am very glad I was smart enough to divorce him but I check up on him once in awhile and he is still one of the most loyal people I know, and he still looks out for me. I know I can't explain it, but I know I don't need to to you. You know what I mean. My second husband on the otherhand. He was never in trouble with the law but I don't even like him. He is honestly NOT a good person deep in his heart. He doesn't care a speck for anyone but himself. He thinks he is a god. No joke. He has no morals. Lane did have morals even though he was lacking a lot of them in a lot of areas. The point being. Everytime I heard he was in jail again I would ache inside for him. I KNOW his potential. I KNOW how much those who really know him love him. I KNOW how much he loves his family and those he calls friends, and I KNOW he is very very very mixed up and lost. Recently he was stabbed 24 times and it wasn't a bar fight or anything like that. It was a for real attempted murder. It freaked me out and I rushed to his side in the hospital the minute I could get there. I want desparatly for him to have his chance to change his life and find his happiness. He may never be able to do so in this life, but everytime his life has almost come to an end - and it has been many - it hurts me so very much. I pray all the time that he will find the strength to find something that will help him change. But change is so so so hard. There have been times his mother has wished he would die. Not in anger because to her he is her sweet little boy, but because she is so scared that his quality of life will always be what it is now. She wants him to have peace and at times she wonders if it would only be in death. I don't think so. I believe fully that at some point, even if he is eighty years old, he will change. He doesn't have a cold heart. And you know, something is keeping him alive. I know that. He has survived the most dreadful things. All those times that he has lived have been miracles declared by doctors themselves. When he was stabbed this last time, the prognosis wasn't good, they had to re-do a surgery he had (from getting the crap beat out of him where he was pronounced dead) and they said he likely wouldn't make it. Not only did he make it, he was out of the hospital five days later. Vowing of course that he was a changed man. I hope that is true. I haven't spoken to him since I was at the hospital with him. But my point is, I understand your ache. I honestly do. I also understand the feelings of guilt. I wonder all the time if I had NOT divorced him if he would have smartened up. He was not all THAT bad until after I left him. He hadn't even done any jail time yet. Just caused some mischeif and got in a few fights. But within a week after I left him he was in jail. Even IF it had something to do with me, that was HIS decision, not mine. I did not make him do anything. He had a choice in how he dealt with his pain and he chose the hard way. But I do feel bad that I could not help him. I wish I could have been his miracle fix. I really do. But, no one can be that for a person except the person themselves. You know this, but change comes from within. One thing that I do take comfort in is that I know that although he has never conquered his habits and his lifestyle, I HAVE influenced him in some ways, and hopefully someday those influences will be stronger. Sometimes it just takes planting a seed, but they need to decide when to water it and let it grow. Please hang in there. Cry it out. Get angry. You have a right to feel betrayed, you have a right to cry and be upset. But keep praying for him. He needs it just as everyone else in this difficult world does. We love you Kahne. You have been there for me countless times as I have shared my struggles here. Lean on me, and the rest of us all you need to. LuCynda and Cody email: lucyndah@telusplanet.net Friday, December 31, 1999 at 05:56:20 (EST)) Hellofrom Helen&Amanda!! First of all-- Happy New Year all!!! (in case I don't get on here tomorrow!) Amanda is not feeling too bad- was up once last night for some snuggling and went back to sleep. She has a runny nose, slight cough and fever. So DH just told me we got out of BIL's party tonight- YAHOO!!! So we get to stay home and veg. by ourselves! ( he told him Amanda was REALLY sick and he was not feeling well either). KAHNE-- so sorry to hear about your close friend- but don't blame yourself for his problems- not to be cold-hearted but isn't he an adult and old enough to make his own choices- good or bad? He may have grown up with bad influences but as an adult we choose our path in life and know right from wrong- please don't blame yourself- being like a sister to him was a wonderful thing but he sounds like he had big issues that needed to be dealt with and he needs to help himself first before others can.:O( Sorry your day went so bad-- my SIL used to work in a retirement home and would go in for her shift and find her patients not cleaned up after either- she felt so bad and did the best she could but quit after a while-such a depressing place.:O( PATTY-- Sorry about the $$you tossed!!! I tossed DS's instructions for a flying bird- we figured it out though. Hope Jarin is better soon- How is Jamie feeling- better I hope?? OK-I can't find my notes so thats all for now-- LATER!! Helen&Amanda@17mos today!!(#3) Friday, December 31, 1999 at 12:37:07 (EST)) Good Morning Everyone, Happy New Year to all those who have already celebrated in different parts of the world. Moriah-So happy to hear from you. I did happen to peak into the posts back in June, while at a friends house. I wanted to write to you so badly, but was unable. I have however, in the last couple of days, gone back and read the archives, and the latest posts. I am so glad to hear that Alex is doing so well. I don't know if I will be able to post for much longer, as I start a new job next week, and I am not sure if there is internet access. We do have a computer at home now, but we have been hesitant to connect with the internet, as we are afraid that we will become addicted (lol). Kahne-Although you do not know me, I thought I would relay my opinion, in hopes that it will help. If your brother gets the chance to call, I think that you should accept it. After all at a time like this you must remember the old saying "innocent until proven guilty." All you are hearing is what the media is reporting, I would give him a chance to tell his side of the story. Sorry for what you are going through. Christi- I am assuming that you do daycare. I think your requests are more than reasonable. The daycare that my son is starting at next week has no flexibility in that respect. You pay for the whole month regardless of how many days you are there, or if your child is sick, even if you give them notice. Helen- Thank you for the birthday greetings. And thank you to all who welcomed me!! If I don't get back to post again today, Happy to New Year to everyone!! May the year 2000 bring peace & joy to you all. Bye for now, Paula&Caelen(#2) Friday, December 31, 1999 at 13:59:35 (EST)) Hi, It's me again. It is very quiet around here today. We are being let go at noon so only 1 more hour (westcoast). YEAH!!! Well the guilt that I was feeling for leaving my children this NY's was for nothing. It turns out that they will be coming with us. I have mixed emotions about this. As much as I would love to bring in the new millenium with my children, I would also like to get really drunk ( I know, not very mature ). But my younger cousin has said that she would watch them while we are at the party, so maybe I can get half drunk (LOL). A quick note to say thank goodness that the hostages on the Indian Air flight were released, and may they be speedily returned to their families. Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! PAULA Friday, December 31, 1999 at 15:07:08 (EST)) Hi All, Darleen here. A very tired Darleen and Dh as a matter of fact! We all survived Christmas, Nolan got spoiled rotten, and was very excited about his new toys. I have already taken his cozy coupe car away, because he was standing up in it, and I kept telling him to sit, and he would just laugh at me, so I took it away until we move. Well......we got the best news Christmas Eve day, my Dh got a job offer in Toronto, so we are moving to the Toronto area march 1st. We are both very excited, and I am very proud of my Dh for taking a job that doesn't pay very good and being patient until something he wants came along. Well..... we were up all night, we took Nolan to emerg at 6am because he was coughing all night, and very restless, well needless to say he has croup, and his first ear-infection so he is on antibiotics for the first time in 13mths for ten days. He is in a good mood, but very tired. He is also getting his last molar. He's got 12 teeth so far I think, it might be more. We are staying in for New Year's, and having our neighbour's and there 3 children ,and a friend of mine from my home town for supper. We might go to the Mall, they are having concerts and activities, depends how Nolan feels. They are having fireworks at midnight, but unfortunately when we have children we just can't pick up and go, and I refuse to wake nolan for something he won't remember. HAPPY 2000 EVERYONE! HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! TALK TO YOU NEXT YEAR! For Christmas my Dh bought me a Vcr, and a Shania Twain Cd. I bought him cologne, Detroit Red wings mug, and two belts. We got spoiled by both parents. Mine especially! Well I better go and get ready for the day, and finish my laundry before company comes. Have a great day, night, and week-end! Darleen & Nolan (13.5 mths) email: j7smith@ciaccess.com Friday, December 31, 1999 at 15:50:32 (EST)) Hi again, My official last post of this millenium, century, decade, year, etc. Darleen-Congratulations to you and your husband. I used to live in Toronto, and absolutely love it there. I'm so jealous. Hope that your little one feels better soon. Wow he has a lot of teeth. My son cut his very first tooth on his first birthday, and now I think that he has 5. Needless to say a lot of months of teething. Bye Again, Paula&Caelen Friday, December 31, 1999 at 15:55:05 (EST)) Hello from Rita Well, this has been a week. We had hoped to have some fun this week, plan for the girls' party, etc. No such luck. I have been very sick and am really only up and around for the first time today. Amy had a temp of 104+ this AM so we are off to the ped this afternoon. This Maddy's last official post on this board. One hour and ten minutes from now will officially mark her third birthday. Three years ago at this time I was in transition. Time has flown by. Larry has done a good job caring for me and the girls, but the house is an utter disaster. I have no idea where I am going to put all of the Christmas loot the girls received. We are staying in tonight, obviously since none of us are all that well. I don't even know that I will make it until midnight. So far, there are no Y2K problems noted through work and hopefully I won't get called at all. Take care everyone and Amy and I will see you in the next year! Rita, Maddy(one last time) & Amy email: ritad@home.com Friday, December 31, 1999 at 18:29:31 (EST)) Hi Everyone, Christi here. Happy Millenium all! Seems our world is not going to be effectd at all, good! Caleb got his hair cut today, so cute! But he looks so much older. Then we took Alexis to Toy Story 2, and Caleb had a sitter for the first time. (Really the 2nd, but he was too young the first) Anyway, a busy day. We are getting ready to go to a friends house--3 couples and kids, but I think we will come home a little early, am not sure why. totally forgot to take notes, so a quick selfish post, sorry all! Be back in the morning. Christi & Caleb 14 months Friday, December 31, 1999 at 20:15:38 (EST)) Okay guys this has to do with my new years resolution so please help. Happy new year all!! Please help me guys! I look to you guys for support. Okay enough said here it goes angel is 18months on jan 7 (that info is for the newbies) anyway she is not sleeping well. I need some help I am ready to pull out my hair. She goes down aabout 7:30-8:00 every night and gets up at 6 or 7 then I tell her it is the middle of the night and she goes back down for about an hourl. I think she just may listen to her tape. Anyway the last couple of days she either is teething or has yet another cold, who knows right. Okay that is not htat bad but then the nap comes and it is 1/2- to an hour of crying and then 20-40 min nap. When she wakes up she is really really cranky and whiny and crying . I feel she is not getting enough what do you all think? Also I can not put her down for another nap one is all i get so whatever she gets that is it!!!!!! What do i do ???? please help me Diane thanks inadvance diane email: jadimorgan@home.com Friday, December 31, 1999 at 23:08:38 (EST)) Happy New Year Everyone! Debbie here. Hope you all had a great Christmas. I had a ton of baking to do before, wrapping, and the whole Christmas thing. Just like the rest of you. I did manage to get on a couple of times and read posts. We had a nice Christmas. Of course, Maddie & Emilee got way too many presents. When we returned home Maddie came down with the flu. She had 105 temp, throwing up. This was the first time she has thrown up so it really freaked her out. We got the temp down and the vomiting under control. Now she has a eye infection. It's called paraorbaitis, not sure of the spelling. Her poor little was so swollen and red on the lid and underneath. It was also runny with green junk. It has been really hard keeping Emilee away from Maddie, not touching things Maddie has touched. Thank goodness Emilee hasn't got sick yet. It will be a miracle if she doesn't. We are staying in tonight. Rented 5 movies for the girls to watch. Thanks Rita, Lisa, Moriah, Christi, Patti and Rebecca for the cards. All the babies are beautiful. Patti - Happy Very Belated Birthday to you. Sorry I'm so late. Hope Jarin is doing better soon. Moriah - Sounds like you got the best Christmas present ever! I'm so happy for Alex. Loved your card. Rita - Thanks for answering Lynda's question on scrapbooking. It would have taken me forever to answer her. There are only a few times that I remember when we get snow here. When we do get it, it is usually gone the next day. There are alot of great places around to visit. I'll fill you in later. Sounds great. Hope you're feeling better soon, Maddy and Amy too. Ok, I'm tired and need to fix the girls dinner. Talk to you all next year! Have a great one. Debbie, Maddie & Emilee email: debngreg@qnet.com Friday, December 31, 1999 at 23:37:31 (EST)) |