The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[gottalovethem]

This is why I wanted to have several children. I always wished I had at least one more sibling for support. I've got a brother who lives on the other side of the country and that's it. It's so sad. I really hope that my kids are always close to one another. Hopefully, my house will be busting out the seams with kids and grandkids some day.

Do you know, that is EXACTLY how I feel. I was always envious of my cousins who were three on both sides of the family. I always wanted to be close to my brother and as hard as I tried for years, that never ever happened. Just the other day I reminded myself as the kids were running all over the place and making such a rukus that this is exactly the atmosphere I had hoped for. BTW - It's just going to be our immediate family for Thanksgiving.

I will try to catch up more later. Thinking of all of ladies!

Zalanksy You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[justhat]

We're back and I haven't read the 20 or so pages I'm behind on yet but plan to cause I missed talking to you ladies!

Zalansky, just read your post on this page about your dad and without knowing the rest of the story it doesn't seem like he's doing so well. I'm really sorry to hear that and hope that you get some better news on the situation today. Lots of prayers to you and your family.

Our Disney trip was good. Some highlights-really liked Vero Beach, saw the new Nemo show in AK in a preview and thought it was very cute, ditto on the new Nemo ride at Epcot, christening was overall okay, great view at CR, kids and I got HFM in WDW (not really a highlight I guess). I think I might actually do a trip report for the first time ever since it was Henry's first trip and I need to document that somehow since he was not in too many pictures. I'll definitely post a link when I do. And I'll get some photos up too.

 

[Alice28]

Loretta- I am glad that your father made it to the hospital without too much of a struggle. But, I am sorry that the problem is what you thought. I am glad your FIL is able to watch the kids- how long will your sisters be in town? I wish there was something else I could be doing for you.

Justine- so glad you are back! I do hope you will be able to write a trip report. I'm over in that section often lately, trying to get a Disney fix.

SL-Enjoy your day off! Yes, let's hope your boss will be so relieved you are staying that she will give you a nice bulky raise!

Alisa- your closet sounds great to me! We also just have teeny closets. It's a pain.

I came up with a new solution to our housing issues. We have talked about finishing the basement in the next few months, and we were just going to make it a family room and an office. I said to DH, "Why don't we make it a family room and another bedroom? The bedroom the boy's share is so small, they need a bigger bedroom, and then it will be like their own level of the house down there. Then we use their old bedroom as an office and move the armoire out of the kitchen for more space in there." He though it was a great idea. I mean, our basement has to be at least 600 sq feet. More than enough room for a decent sized bedroom and rec room. I'm still just nervous because we will have to move out of the house for at least a week because we will have to jack our house up a foot to add more room to the basement and repour the foundation. Anyone have experience in that kind of a thing? Cost isn't too much of an issue, as we should have $70K+ to play with for all of our projects, so if 30-40K goes to the basement, that will work. The thought of it gives me a headache though. I told DH I want to start the ball rolling, because maybe we can work it where a lot of the major work is done while we are in Florida. (so we don't have to move in with my parents for a week or two!). But we're thinking a nice spiral staircase to go down to the basement- wouldn't that be neat?

DH had lunch with his former boss yesterday, and I guess the boss 'flips' rental homes all the time, so he told DH he knows a ton of really reputable and fair contractors, and that we can get supplies at cost using his account. That was really nice of him. So, I think we will sit down and talk the next week or two and get that line of equity so we can hire an architecht and start this massive undertaking probably in February or March.

I need to get ready, as I have to take the car in for an oil change in an hour. Check back soon-

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Good morning all! It's another gray and rainy day up here--Celeste was so excited because she wanted to walk outside inthe rain with an umbrella. So, we went to the mailbox and back! Oh well, some day it won't be so cheap and easy to please her.

Loretta--So sorry about your father. It certainly doesn't sound promising. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Fab--your DH's Vienna trip sounds lovely...for him! Gotta stink for you, though.

justthat--Welcome back! I hope you had a lovely time. I had been hoping to get a "Christmas card shot" while at WDW, but really didn't have any choices--Luke was hardly in any of the photos! It makes sense if you think about it, the characters really can't hold little ones, unless they're face characters. He got plenty of attention while in my arms, including a kiss from Snow White, but only Aladdin and a pirate (Jack Sparrow's sidekick) actually held him. Oh well.

SL--I hear you on the power loss. We lost power the other night--I only noticed because I was feeding Luke, then opened my eyes and the clock was blinking 12:01. So, I poked DH so he wouldn't be late for work--we're both so overtired these days, we would have slept until noon, unless Celeste woke us up!

Kim--We're firm believers in reading here--a lifetime love of books was our #1 thing with our kids, and I think we're there. Of course, the down side is, there are books in the bathroom, all over the floor, on the kitchen table...but hey, at least my kids love to read! In fact, the biggest problem we have is that the kids are so far ahead in reading, they get bored--not with the books, but the lessons. But, that's the price they pay, and I just have no understanding of how people can NOT read to their kids. By the time they get to high school age, it's real late in the game. And you're right--there are few careers that don't require reading and comprehension. I just don't get it.

Oh, I've got one for you ladies--I mentioned that Jocelyn got her MP3 player last week, and put some of her music on it. Well, apparently, she's listening to the lyrics for the first time on some songs, because she came to me last night and said, "Mom, have you heard what it says in the song 'My Humps'? It's DISGUSTING!" Which it is, I just had no idea she had the song. It's on her "NOW 21" CD. I'm just that I let the stupid thing into my house! I mean, I know I can't shield her forever, but Yikes!

Oops, the Golden Hour is over. I promised Celeste that she and Luke could do the "butt dance"

 

[nucpharm29]

Morning all! I only have a minute as my part time job of babysitting will start here in a few--the dad works for the railroad so he only knows his schedule like a day in advance--he has today off, but they own a gym as well and needs to go there, so I only have the baby for about 4 hours today. Hmm, this job is getting better and better--this week I'll make $60 for watching him for 4 hours! They pay me whether he's here or not--pretty cool. I did make it to Walgreen's yesterday, and did some more training--Man, what I have to do to work every 3rd weekend is amazing! I've been there a total of 10 hours and the computer training is still not complete!

Loretta--Sending lots of Prayers and hugs your way! I'm glad you got your dad to the hospital, and now you are getting some answers, allbeit not good ones. So glad that your FIL can help you out with the kids w/o having to worry about your MIL. Let me know if you need anything!

Alice--thanks for the heads up on the Target coke coupons!

Okay, well I think they are here--time to go! Chat later-I hope!

 

[DisKim]

I sent my exchange package out yesterday !

Z - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's condition but I'm glad you were able to get him to the hospital for treatment .

Robin - I think your house plans sound great!

Justhat - Welcome back. I can't wait to hear all about your trip.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to take tomorrow off. It will be a long day since we have a faculty meeting after school and they frustrate me beyond belief. It's basically a laundry list of all the things that we do wrong. It's like getting scolded for an hour. My friends want to take off and go shopping. They are so bad. I was thinking more along the lines of getting some things done in my house before the holidays. I have 2 more closets to clean. I might try and do mine tonight and go shopping tomorrow. My friends are such a bad influence on me .

Well, I better get some grading done!

 

[dizagain]

Hey everyone...crazy goings on around here but I have a minute to breathe finally! DH called yesterday and said he got hurt yet again playing basketball. He hurt his ankle - this is his worst injury to date and trust me, we've been to emergency for stitches, sprains, and the like too many times to count over the years. He calls me from the train station which is about 2 miles down the road last night and says to please come get him as he can't drive.....duh, that's what had told him earlier but he never listens. I find him curled up in the back seat of his car like a homeless person about to pass out from all the walking he had to do and the hour train ride.....idiot. Anyway, he decided not to go to the doctor until this morning since we have the kids and all so he moans on the couch all night long calling for help to the bathroom, etc. I just spent three hours carting him to the doctor, radiology, the medical supply store, etc. We don't have his results back yet, so we don't know what's wrong, but they think it's more than a sprain as it's swollen on both sides - I swear it's the size of a softball at least. You watch, if it's only a sprain the "boy" will be back on the court in a week. GRRRRRRRRRR You would be proud of me, though, I've been all sweetness and light even though I really don't feel sorry for a 38-year-old man who plays serious basketball 5 days a week. I mean the ambulance has to come at least once a month.....ok. Rant over for now.

Zalansky - Still keeping you guys in my prayers.

nucpharm - sounds like a GREAT babysitting gig! Also sounds much easier than Walgreens!

diskim - go shopping...have fun!

BnB - Aack about the song lyrics! It's so hard at this age since they're trying to grow up but just aren't there yet. Hayley still mostly listens to musical soundtracks and RadioDisney so far, but I'm sure more is coming soon especially once the Ipod arrives at Christmas.

robin - thanks for the Target coupon info! - I'll be using them! I have ALWAYS wanted one of those iron spiral staircases - great idea!

lissawynn - can't wait to see pictures of your big closet! Mine is like tiny so it sounds wonderful to me!

justhat - welcome home!!! Glad Henry had a fun first visit to WDW and a nice christening. I know you're exhausted after your "vacation"!!!

sl - sorry about the power mess...I HATE that!

ginamarie - sounds like a nice day, yesterday! It's wonderful that you're so physically AND emotionally close to your family!!!

HELLO TO EVERYONE!!!! You miss one day around here and you miss alot!

 

[floridafam]

Loretta,

I'm so sorry about your Dad. Maybe they will be able to give you some more answers today. I'm thinking and praying for all of you. We are here if you need to talk. Please update us when you can.



dizagain,

Tell you DH to take it easy. DH came down wrong on his ankle 2 years ago and it was so swollen. He's injured it before. Is your DH keeping ice on it?
Keep us posted on what the Doctor says.

I just had a chuckle because DH hurt his when I was pregnant with Kona and had just had a root canal. Then, we lost power. That was a fun night!


Somebody come here and tie my hands behind my back so I can't do any more shopping.

Disneyshopping is having a great sale so I bought the Mickey Desk and swivel chair today and got great deals on them both.

Then, I bought the Santa satchel from www.thesak.com Isn't it cute??

http://www.thesak.com/product-exec/last_cat/2664/product_id/917


DisKim,

Take tomorrow off and have fun!!!

I've gotta go get the kids. I'll be back in a bit to get caught up on everyone's posts.

 

[lissawynn]

I will attempt to tell you what each of these pics represents in the house. I'm not so sure myself about some of them.

This is the front of the house. We are going to put a small window in the middle above the two windows we have to break up the siding a bit.

I think this is part of our closet. The window is facing our backyard, so I must make sure I'm not dancing about w/o clothes!

This is one of the kid's rooms and is the front of the house where you saw the outside pic.

This is the other kid room.

I "think" this is the view from the closet, through what will be our bathroom, then into one of the kid rooms.

They have the floor installed, but we're still waiting on better weather so the roof and chimney can be done. After that I don't know what's next on the list. I'm sure DH will be taking more pics as the progress continues.

Z - I'm glad your dad went to the hospital. I know how difficult this is for you. I'll be thinking of you!

I have to copy my test for tomorrow. I'll see you all later!

 

[Alice28]

Wow, lissawynn, your house is really coming along! That's so neat!

FF- you crack me up with your seasonal purses! They're so cute! And wtg on the desk and chair! I'm jealous! I look forward to buying some new furniture pieces when we get the basement done- I will need a new sofa and chair for our living room, as we will move the current ones into the basement. And I will want a desk for downstairs too, or a table or something.

Diz- Oh NO about your DH's ankle! We're the opposite in our family- DH has never been hospitilized or done any major injury. It's me with the gall bladder surgery, kidney stone problems, bum knee, etc.

BNB- yikes about the music! I do not look forward to that. Sam is almost getting to that age- he told me the other day he no longer wants clothes from Gymboree cause it's 'too baby.'

Fab- Wow, DH gets to go to Vienna now!? Vienna seems like such a romantic city. Too bad you can't go....I hope he gets that raise you mentioned ASAP.

nucpharm- that babysitting job sounds so sweet! I need something like that.

Anyone else intrigued with the WPASADI game posted? I applied to participate. What the heck. I need something to do lately, and the grand prize is a Disney Cruise and I think the 1st prize is a week's vacation at WDW! I will try anything for a prize like that!

Ugh, Molly is doing this daily- she acts so tired and crabby around 12:30, lay her down for a nap, and then she plays for a half hour, and then starts screaming. We start the whole thing over at 2 and then she really goes to sleep.

I went to Target to get my soda and they had everything BUT regular Diet Coke! I bought 2 packs of the Coke Zero as DH said he thought it tasted better than Diet Coke. I will go to a different Target later this week to see if they have Diet Coke. That was all I was going to buy, but then I saw the Dollar Spot. I seriously got a ton of stocking stuffers for the kids- those Mickey color books were so cute, the pencils, the slinkies, the board books- all just perfect! And a lot of the stocking stuffer type candy was on sale too, so I threw some of that in the cart so I don't have to scramble later. It's just I meant to only spend $8 and spent $25. Not a big deal, but we are really trying to be accountable for every dollar right now- I am half-heartedly doing the Dave Ramsey financial control stuff. It's really making me anxious! I had our budget this week down to the dollar, and then DH went and debited $100 worth of stuff. He promised me he would no longer take any money out of our checking account, but that his Guard pay would be his walking around money every month. Works for me!

I wrote down the kid's Christmas items and what I have bought- I feel like a cheapie mom- I have only spent $75 per kid, but between myself, my MIL and my mom, we have bought everything on their lists and then some! So I should count my blessings that they still don't have expensive tastes and that we are saving some money this Christmas.

 

[DisKim]

I am sooooo loving this. Emily voluteered to watch Aidan in the basement playroom. He has been down there with her for 1/2 an hour. I'm not getting involved. I think it's about time that he lets her watch him.

Robin - I wish I was a cheapie mom. I get carried away and regret it every year. I can't help it though. My mom never made a big deal about the holidays when I was little so I'm kind of living my childhood over again.

FF - I'm right there with you. I need to staple my wallet shut! I love the Santa bag!

lissawynn - Wow, you are going to have so much space! I'm trying to picture the layout. Are all the bedrooms now going to be upstairs? What are you doing with the downstairs. I'm so jealous of your closet!

I'm trying to figure out what to make for dinner. I cooked for 2 nights in a row. I think that's about all I can handle. It seems like a good night for pizza.

 

[floridafam]

Robin,

Thanks for the tip on the Coke. I stocked up at Target today. I crack myself up, too. I feel like one of the society ladies down here with a purse for every season. I am about to buy another purse from Lands End. It's a black quilted one and it's only $29-well, I can get it for free with my Dad's AMEX Incentive card-that's how he pays me for doing paperwork for him on a monthly basis.

I found the cutest Christmas present for Kona at Target. It's like a band in a drum set. It's the Parents Magazine brand and pretty cute.

Your basement idea sounds great. I had a basment room growing up and it was nice to have an area of the house to myself. We had a walkout basement in Michigan, which was nice. Do they have those where you are?


lissawynn,

The house looks great. I can't believe how fast they are moving along. Is that your Tahoe in the picture? We also have a white one.

I was able to get the tire light fixed the other day. I did have a nail in the tire and it wasn't a sensor like we thought. I felt like such a dork. I'm glad I didn't go to the dealership and make a stink.

Be back later.

 

[Alice28]

Kim- have you decided whether or not to take tomorrow off? I think it's great Emmy is watching Aidan- occasionally I put the boys in charge of Molly while I work out or something. I think it's good for all of them.

I am fortunate in having giving parents so I don't have to go hog wild on the kids at Christmas- I know not everyone has that. They will easily be getting $300 worth of gifts. If they didn't have giving grandparents like they do, I would easily be spending $200 or so per kid. Who I want to spend more money on is Molly, but she needs the least! Plus her bday is basically 2+ months after Christmas, so soon enough it will be time to buy her some more gifts.

Hey, anyone have an opinion on this stroller? I think I want to buy it. I have one of the MONSTRO Graco numbers, that came with the carseat, etc. It's great for the mall, but it's so heavy and it takes up a lot of room in my car (and I do not have much storage space in my car). I want a lightweight stroller, but with a good storage area....this looks perfect, esp for WDW. Lugging around our big Graco on the busses was really hard- this looks much easier http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...-5773461?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000BZ6BAW

I just do NOT want to spend the money on it this week, but it's $20 off plus free shipping. I'm hoping it will still be on sale next week, when DH gets paid twice.

 

[Alice28]

Your basement idea sounds great. I had a basment room growing up and it was nice to have an area of the house to myself. We had a walkout basement in Michigan, which was nice. Do they have those where you are?


I was able to get the tire light fixed the other day. I did have a nail in the tire and it wasn't a sensor like we thought. I felt like such a dork. I'm glad I didn't go to the dealership and make a stink.

Be back later.

I had to LOL about the tire- when my sensor light first went on two weeks ago, I Thought it was something wrong with the sensor, as the tires looked FINE. Then DH found the nail.

Is a walkout basement one with a door that just goes out? (Vs walking up the stairs?). Right now, now, we do not. We have a heavy cellar door that has to be opened, and then a flight of stairs that goes down- this is outside on our side porch. So we will have to enclose the porch, knock down a wall in the kitchen out to the porch, and then still have stairs there to go down....but DH says according to code, there has to be another way out, so he said an eavesment (don't even know what that is exactly) will have to be made for another exit. Right now our basement is probably only 6.5' tall, the floors are dirt with tarps laid over it, the walls are the exposed rock foundation of the house. Like I said, the house will have to be raised at least a food, some plumbing and electrical work redone to fit the taller house, our deck unattached from the back and then reattached. Just writing it all out gives me an anxiety attack, but it will be so worth it. The house will have to be painted, the front porch redone with more steps, and I still want the new windows and kitchen cabinets and countertops. I am envisioning one wall in the basement being bookshelves and cabinets so we will FINALLY have storage space in this darn house! Oh, and we will have to buy one of those premade sheds for the backyard as we do not have a garage- the basement is our main storage area. It is not packed the gills though, so it won't be too bad to empty.

Whew! thanks for letting me write all that out. I'm just really uptight about it, but I know it will be so exciting to get done, and it really won't increase our mortgage much. We will take out an equity line, and then when we're done, refinance the house for it's new accessed value. DH can get refinancing done for no fees and a low rate with his Vet's status. So this is all definitely still cheaper than trying to buy a new home to fit our needs.

 

[floridafam]

My brother turned his son's basement into a bedroom and he just had to have one of the windows open up so he could get out-it was a good size window that would open up and you could hop up on the window sill (sp?) and then climb out. Those kind of windows are also good for sneaking out at night to meet your friends or your boyfriend (not that I would know anything about that)

Robin,

I've heard nothing but good things about those strollers.

 

[dizagain]

Hi again! Real quick THANK YOU to J&D for my great exchange package!!! Carson got the cutest Winnie the Pooh holiday shirt and bib, some fun socks,a sweet stocking, and a WAY adorable set of Christmas blocks. So much fun!!!

floridafam - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the purse!!!! I have a santa purse, but that one is much cuter than mine and I want it! Oh well, it was fun to look at, anyway!

lissawynn - I can't believe how much is getting done! You will have so much more room - it's amazing!

fabumouse - forgot to wish you peace with the kids again as DH goes off to Europe! Do you ever get to tag along? OK, I meant DID you ever get to tag along once upon a time???

Now I really have to go...tortilla soup on the stove and I need to grate some cheese as we're all eating at odd times with two volleyball practices. This is night number 4 in a row of cooking for me - I'm thinking leftovers or "fend for yourself" the next night or two! I'm shopping for Thanksgiving food tomorrow - should be fun. It's just us for the second year in a row...kind of sad. I really like Christmas when it's just us, but Thanksgiving I miss the family. Goodnight!

Oh, and hope my exchange buddy understands my tardiness...still waiting on something to arrive....

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

My exchange gift is boxed and ready to go. I'll mail it tomorrow. We should do a "just for Mom" exchange!

I'm heating myself up some soup, then I have a mountain of laundry to fold. I was going to scrapbook a little tonight since DS and DH are out at the ILs but I don't think that's going to happen.

zalansky - I'm sorry about your dad's diagnosis.

justhat - Welcome back! I can't wait to see your pictures.

Alice28 - Your remodel plans sound great. We bought a Maclaren for our trip and I love it. It's not the Volo, but I'm sure they're all pretty much the same.

BnB - Sorry your DD got subjected to "My Humps".

nucpharm - Hope the sitting went well today.

DisKim - Did you decide whether or not to take the day off?

dizagain - Sorry your DH hurt his ankle. Even sorrier that you have to play nursemaid.

floridafam - Your Santa Sak is adorable! I love it!

lissawynn - Wow, you'll have so much more room when the addition is complete.

 

[J&D]

We should do a "just for Mom" exchange!

Anyone interested in a Secret Santa Mom's exchange? I can organize one to start after Thanksgiving.

Loretta- I'm sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis. Sending hugs and prayers your way. In case you haven't heard, there is a new Coping and Compassion board here on The DIS.

dizagain- Glad you liked the package. Hope the onesie and socks will fit him. I know Carson is still young to play with the Peek a Blocks by himself, but I'm sure he will enjoy looking at them and hearing the sound of them when someone shakes them.

floridafam- Glad you figured out why the light was on.

Alice- Was it hard to cancel Blockbuster after the first month. I haven't done that SR deal yet, and the $25 GC is calling my name.

lissawynn- Your house looks great!

nucpharm- Glad you are enjoying the babysitting job.

justhat- Welcome home!!!

TTFN!

 

[Alice28]

J&D- no, the Blockbuster was not hard to cancel. I think I just did it online- didn't even have to make a phone call. Go for it! I just did the Biggest Loser one; they did charge my credit card $19.98, but then I got the $10 credit from Sunshine today, so I called and cancelled my membership, and got my credit card credited. I think it had a 10 day free trial- easiest $10 yet! Sunshine has been really good to me this month- I'm very excited looking at my change/gift card jar- stuff is really starting to add up!

 

[J&D]

Thanks. I might do the BL one as well.