The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[lissawynn]

Alice - DH and I ate at the Chinese place on our honeymoon in '02. We really enjoyed the food, and there was plenty of it. Yes, it's much more expensive than your local take-out place, but it was a really relaxing atmosphere and we could see the old parade from our table.

fabumouse - I hope everything works out for your DH's promotion.

BnB - Kids not handing in their work is a nationwide epidemic. I could ramble on and on about it. It makes me nuts. You are 10 steps ahead of most parents by being involved. I never get away from our book fair for less than $30+. I'm a sucker for cookbooks.

DisKim - I would be very upset about the biting and licking. Has this student been referred to the school counselor or tested for placement in an emotional support classroom? I would make sure something was done to prevent Alex and other kids from dealing with this in the future.

justthat - I hope they can figure out your mold problem. I can't wait to see/hear more about your trip.

I managed to get a little more shopping done this morning. The filters were off and I ordered DH the Carhartt stuff he wanted for work. Can you believe my 38 y.o. husband wants denim bib overalls? Lee doesn't make them anymore, so Carhartt was it. All he needs now is the pitchfork .

I'm roasting a turkey breast for dinner. Since we never host holiday dinners, we never get the leftovers. I am so hungry for turkey. I am going to make stuffing from a box, which is unheard of in my family. I'm also getting a jar of that cranberry jelly stuff. I have been craving turkey for months.

Have a great evening! Hi to all moms!

 

[Alice28]

Nuc- my grocery store was crazy busy too- and with the holiday still a week away!We have bought the natural, free range turkeys twice. And twice I had to bite my tongue to my DH (he was the one who wanted to try them) until he said it first- for a turkey that costs 2-3xs as much, they sure are DRY! We bought a Butterball this year.

BNB- glad the conference with Robert's teacher went well! Sam is starting to get disorganized too- I had to call his teacher yesterday, as he forgot his spelling list AGAIN, and I got a notice for an overdue library book. well, he hasn't been bringing his books home all year- he leaves them in his desk to read during reading time, so I asked his teacher to PLEASE remind him to clean his desk out to find that book! The school charges $20 for missing books, even though I could go to the bookstore and buy a new one for $5.

BNB & lissa- I am leaning towards snacking, but I appreciate your input! Since 2003, DH or I have been to WDW 5 times- we went as a family once, he went once alone for a weekend while in Orlando on business, I went twice with my mom for girl's trip, and then my parents took the kids and I last year when DH was still gone. I think in those periods I have tried all the sitdowns in WS except Mexico, Norway, China and Bistro. I really liked the Fish n Chips at Rose and Crown, so I wouldn't mind going back there, but DH was lukewarm about it. I thought I was going to get a migraine in Morocco from the music being SO LOUD (but the service and food were fine)....I just hesitate to spend $70 or so on mediocre Chinese food. And what I thought was strange from the menus on Allearsnet was that there is no noodle dish! My kids live for Chinese noodles! I think we can just get some quesadillas in Mexico, sweet n sour in China and sit and eat...then maybe get a pretzel in Germany, funnel cake in America and some cookies or something in France or the UK.

Oh- and is the fish at the counter service UK the same type of fried fish in the restaurant? I have heard it's smaller pieces, but I am craving that type of fish- everywhere around here they serve it with more of the "panko" breading vs. the more beer batter or tempura style like in Rose and Crown. If yes, I may have to get me some fish and chips at the counter service in UK! I'll just have a fried food day- fish and chips in UK, funnel cake in USA, an egg roll in China...why not? (as my arteries seize up).

 

[floridafam]

Mommies,

What is this Toys R Us gift card thing a few of you have mentioned?

 

[dizagain]

Just have a sec....Carson is already starting to get irritated.

floridafam - if you spend $75 at TRU you get a $10 gift card. I think this is good thru November, but not sure if it's the whole month. There were coupons for it in the paper two weeks in a row a few weeks back, but I'm not sure you need one. The "Big" book had one in it.

diskim - how awful for Alex! I'd be looking into that problem for sure. How strange! My DD's have never had bus service until we moved up here. They haven't had any physical concerns other than boys taking stuff, but now that they're in middle school they get an ear-full every day. I'm amazed at the language coming from 10-11 year olds. I'm not worried about Hayley starting it, but Hannah I can definitely see trying the words out. So far she and her two good friends are staying "above it all"----the "f" word is very popular with the 5th grade. Not that DH and I don't let choice words fly now and then, but that is just sad.

lissawynn - your dinner sounds yummy - a nice warm-up for next week!

fabumouse - I can't imagine making the kids wait until after breakfast for presents! We also make them wait for all of us to get downstairs....we go down first to "set the mood" with a fire, music, tree lights, etc. We usually make it through Santa and some of the wrapped gifts and then we break for breakfast. Not sure there will be so many packages this year with the $$ big gifts they're getting. Way to go for your DH!

ok - Carson has progressed to a total melt-down. Gotta go.

 

[Alice28]

Just have to share-

I had had some problems with my AMEX card, and getting the proper membership reward points credited this summer, with their double points they offered on every charge. I had to ask several times about a mistake on their end, and finally showed them their math error (which took me awhile to write out, etc).

Last month they awarded me the missing 955 points, plus another 500. Good enough. Two days ago I wrote and asked if September's charges counted as well, as I couldn't recall.

Instead of a 'yes or no' I get, "We're so sorry for all of your hassle- here is an addition 4500 points for your account." (my Sept charges were only a few hundred dollars- nowhere near 4500!)

OK! Customer Service still exists! I was able to order another Benihana gift card and some Toys R Us gift cards as well, to wrap up my shopping with!

 

[fabumouse]

Robin - that's great! I've had such chronic problems with Amex's customer service that I cancelled the card and spit on it for good measure.



I haven't opened most of it yet, but Kim - THANK YOU for the exchange package!!!! Kailey LOVES LOVES that pony, as she's been asking for a "flying pony" for months and I haven't been anywhere that has them (no I don't get out much).

 

[floridafam]

Loretta,

Hugs to you. Are they going to give your Dad any type of scan to see other areas of the body? I'm sorry he has colon cancer.




Robin,

I love it when stuff like that happens.


I have really been getting into Christmas shopping. We aren't going overboard but I've just had fun finding the right stuff and looking at holiday decorations. I may even hit Gymboree on Black Friday. The Santa girls at the mall said that every child gets a Gymboree coupon after they see Santa. I guess my store is opening at 6am. I'm not sure I want to get up that early.

I found my B-day present at the mall today. It's a diamond circle pendant and a pair of matching earrings. It's an extra 10% off this Sat. so I'm going to ask DH to go back and get it for me.


dizagain,

Thanks for the info on TRU. I have some stuff to get but I may just order through their website or Target and call it a day. It would probably cost me $10 in gas to go to the nearest TRU.

I did hit the mall today to use my Borders Holiday rewards at Borders books. I bought each of the kids a book and gift cards for doing so well on their report cards. DS found out the other day that he has already read another million words already this school year so he gets to go on the millionaire event at the end of the year.

I think I might start buying him some more mature books. Do the teachers/moms here have any suggestions or opinions on books?. He's read the Harry Potter series, Eragon, Lemony Snicket ones, Artemis Fowl. I can't seem to think of anything he would enjoy. Would Lord of the Flies be too much for a 4th grader??


lissawynn,

Roast turkey sounds so good! I'm not making a turkey next week. I ordered one from Honeybaked Ham. I hope it's good.

I honestly can't get over how fast you are moving on your house.


fabumouse,

I've got my fingers crossed for your DH. It sounds like he deserves a promotion and I hope he gets it.

nucpharm,

I love it when I have gift cards to use. I picked up a Christmas present for DD the other day at Best Buy with a gift card DH got from work. It's nice to get things for free.


DH found out that his work Christmas party is December 9. I can't go because we don't have anyone to watch the kids. I hate staying home every year while he goes. At least he might win something good. They usually give out some pretty nice prizes.

December 2nd, we are going to get our tree and go to the local Christmas parade. They also have a run that day to benefit the Environmental Learning Center which he might do. It's a really neat place over by the Disney resort.

He's going to Atlanta on the 5th and goes on call the day he gets back, then he's on call until the day before we leave for Sand Key so we have to get our tree early.

bnbmom,

My kids would never make it until after breakfast. DH would. He's the last one out of bed on Christmas morning. I have to throw water on him to wake him up. My parents would make us wait until we got home from church if Christmas fell on a Sunday.

My Mom always forgot where she hid presents and we would find them months later.

Dh has requested that I purchase the Santa skirt and hat outfit from Victorias Secret. I'm thinking no on that one. Watch, he'll get it for me for my Birthday.


justhat,

I'm so sorry we missed you. We were all sick and I lost my voice when you were here. How did you like Vero???


Hi to everyone I missed.

 

[lissawynn]

Robin - I have to add that I LOVE the nachos at the outdoor place in Mexico. I know it's not exactly a gourmet's idea of great food, or even great nachos, but there is just something about them that I really enjoy. DH and I had the fish and chips from the window in England and they were good, too. The only thing I can equate them to would be Long John Silver's. The breading is much thicker and not nearly as crispy. They weren't too doughy, but they are greasy.
I also vote for a frozen Coke at the stand with the drums!

My turkey is coming along nicely. It smells so GOOD. I bought my boxed stuffing and canned cranberry jelly. I'm going to make some frozen corn and gravy from a packet, too. It's all about the Thanksgiving from a box tonight!

 

[Alice28]

OMG------------guess who just called me---------------

DVC!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Turns out DH requested a package from them, of info, and that he has already mentioned an amount in mind, how many points it would be, etc.

I was stunned as I knew nothing about it. He told me 2 weeks ago he had decided on my Christmas gift, that I would be, "Blown away and love him forever and ever" and that I shouldn't worry about the cost as it would come out of his guard pay and some gun he is going to sell.

Um, I just confirmed with the gal our address, etc. Crazy! I called DH and said, "Is DVC my Christmas gift? They just called." And he blew me off, but I think I know!

Dh has kind of been a horse's a** about the only thing we argue about (meaning he still does it when I tell him I don't like it), but he knows he's wrong and I'm right and he tells me over and over how "I'm the best wife ever for putting up with him." I think this is my reward.

Psssst....he's not that bad, really.

Oh, and the DVC rep asked me if I knew anyone who owned already, and I said, "Yeah, several." And then I thought, "Oh crap, I don't know any of their last names!" But then my good friend Loretta Zalansky popped in my head, so I used you as our referral Loretta, if this does indeed happens. I don't know if that does anything on your end, but she said it would give us both some sort of discounts and such. I hope it's something positive for you, as you surely could use a little good news of *something* these days, even if it's something hokey from DVC.

Just had to share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[floridafam]

Robin,


OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That would be so cool! Wow, that is wonderful.

 

[fabumouse]

Ooooooh, you are *bad*, Robin.

Or maybe I am.

I would have given the info to the DVC woman, but tortured DH with hints about what I thought my gift was.

That is FANTASTIC!!!!

(and all of us negotiate and compromise until our teeth are numb I keep hearing that's what being married to another flawed human being is all about.)

 

[Alice28]

OK, me again, but this time to catch up on some posts.

I am hoping Loretta will have a chance to check in today to let us know what the doctor's latest news is....

FF- I don't know of any books to recommend- your DS is lightyears ahead of my 8 year old in reading....those Leminy Snickett books are a riot though. I'm glad you are getting some shopping done. I have done Gymbo the day after Thanksgiving one year, the year I was preggo with Molly. Great deals, but MOB scene! And I was there waiting for the darn store to open, at 7!

lissawynn- your dinner sounds so yummy. We are having teriyaki pork chops and rice here. Whoopee! Did I tell you guys DH bought a foodsaver and he went a little nuts buying meat this last weekend? We have more beef in our freezer than I think has ever been there. Makes it less tempting to go out to eat I guess.

Oh, and the nachos sound good at the Cantina. I think I had the chicken salad there before and it was good. I don't like my Mexican food gourmet- I think that's why the sit down menu turns me off- give me tacos and beans and I'm happy. I'm a baja fresh or Chevy's type of Mexican food person...

BNB- at your self proclaimed Funnel Cake Queen title. Can I be the Princess then? Gosh, I can just taste one now and I'm whimpering...

Diz- thanks for that TRU headsup. I think I saw it, but wasn't paying attention. I have about $50 worth of stuff I need from TRU.... I could probably find some more.

We're kind of mean parents I guess for Christmas- the last two years we opened stockings, got ready, and then drove down to my parent's house for the main gifts. I think we then ate a quick breakfast there, usually sweet rolls, sausage and juice, and THEN opened the mountains of gifts. But then that was it- we just opened, and played until the late afternoon when we eat dinner. This year we will most likely do stockings and our family gifts here, and then go to my parents to open the rest. I already promised the boys they could bring the PS2 to gramma and grandpa's, 'in case' they get a game or two for Christmas.

Oh, but the kids do get to choose which gift to open Christmas Eve, so we're not total grinches.

Well, I need to get my rear in gear and go exercise. Molly did her nap trick again, where she wants to go down at 1, but fights it til almost 2, and then doesn't really go down until 2:40 or so. Ugh. I'm motivated to exercise around 1 or so, but now I am not! But I gotta....I will just think DVC the whole time I am lunging and squatting and all that fun stuff.

 

[joats]

Howdy Moms. Sorry I've been gone a few days, I got Jace's cough, sore throat and laryngitis. I feel like crap. Gee, 2 illnesses in two weeks in my house...gotta love the fall/winter months with a kid in daycare.

I was hoping that my exchange buddy would have posted that she rec'd my package I hope it gets there soon as there are some homemade goodies in there I hope won't go bad. I like reading about everyone's receiving their packages.

Still itching, still no clue why. Between Jace's cough and new "eye" teeth coming in, he's been a real treat to deal with He's not that bad, but everything is "NO" all day and night. I must teach him "Yes"!!!! He says it but about 1% of the time.

Robin: OH Man! If you are right about DVC - that's not a christmas present that's a Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary/Every holiday present rolled into one. And I thought DH did well getting me Tivo a few years ago... I never "snacked" around the world showcase, but did once when fresh out of college did a drink in every country...I don't advise it!!!

Floridafam: WHen is your actual bday? Santa Hat and Outfit from VS?? Perhaps to match your new bag??? I'm afraid I'm no help in stopping you from shopping. I haven't really started holiday shopping, but when I do...look out!!

Lissawyn: The remodeling looks like it's coming along nicely. Your turkey feast sounds heavenly! I hope you enjoy and it cures your craving.

Fabumouse: Good news for your DH soon I hope. That would be great!! Now, how is he supposed to hold that secret in for that long?? I'd be dying!!

Nucpharm: How many kids were invited to the party?? The Turkey from WildOats is so friggin' good! That's what my parents get every year and what I'll be eating...MmmMmm. Your baby sitting job sounds like a good deal!

GLT: Your siggie pics are so cute - what adorable kids. Leif looks so cuddly!!
OMG! about your DH falling asleep and Leif in Dora watching TV...I had to laugh about Leif - but can understand you being w/DH.

Dizagain: No, I don't think it's silly for you not to want DH to get you flowers. I feel the same way about it - a total waste of $$. Now if DH wants to get me flowers I'll "allow him" to get me some from Stop&Shop - pretty and cheap!! We have to keep them up so high so the cats don't eat them, I hardly get to enjoy them. When is your anniversary?

DisKim: Sorry to hear about Alex getting bit by the kid at school. Wow, I can't believe he broke the skin that badly. I hope that the teacher will support your wishes to keep the boy away.

BNB: Glad to hear Robert is well liked by his teacher. Hopefully if he forgets to hand it in again she'll go look in his desk.

Z: to you!! I'm sorry you have to go thru this. Please keep us posted when you can on how things are going.

SL: Congrats on the upcoming raise! Good for you for asking for it!

Justhat: Welcome home, hope you get the pics up and running soon.

Hi Jill, Hillbeans, J&D, Cabmom, Val, and anyone else I missed.

Disney question for all of you. We are going next September. How are the crowds the week of Labor Day versus the following week with Rosh Hashanah?? Anybody been there during either time? I'm trying to figure out what is best. Do the Florida schools get the Jewish Holidays off? Anyone know? I'm going to start planning our family gathering over the next few weeks. I prefer to go in Oct, but my parents can only go during those two holiday weeks . I just hope it's not too crazy there during those weeks.

Well, off to plop myself on the couch and catch up on some Tivo.
Have a good night all!

 

[fabumouse]

Diskim - you rock!! What a great package - something for everyone. I love the bubble bath - yum. Kailey loved that pony. The two board books will go so nicely on Madeleine's new book shelf (along with that adorable moose), and Baby's first Christmas outfit with a reindeer on the butt - who wouldn't LOVE that?? And thank you for the note - I suspect I didn't send one. Oh, and the coffee. I love Ghiradelli coffee.

 

[floridafam]

joats,

I would say the week after Labor Day would be best. Our schools do not get the Jewish holidays off.

The weather is nice that time of year. October is our favorite time to go but September is nice, too.

 

[DisKim]

Well, house cleaning kicked my butt and the kids are fighting like crazy. Even Aidan is getting in the mix. He keeps wanting to play with Alex's Thomas trains and Alex is getting ticked off. I just threatened them all with early bedtime and now they're quiet.

Robin - OMG!!!!!!! How exciting about DVC!!!

Fab - I can't believe you got the package already. I just mailed it 2 days ago.

OK, gotta go make the kids beds so they can go to sleep and stop driving me nuts.

 

[lissawynn]

Robin - Can you please have your DH call mine? I thought a VB and maybe a nice piece of jewelry would be a nice Christmas haul, but DVC is SO much better than that.

Dinner was great. I could have eaten the entire can of cranberry stuff myself. I am beyone tired and am trying to get Jimmy to sleep.

I hope the rest of you have a good night. I'm going to wash my face and get ready for bed. I don't even have the energy for the finale of DwtS.

 

[justhat]

Imagestation is working again so here are some pictures from our trip. Sorry there are a lot. It was hard to narrow them down since we have so many.

Henry in a rare happy moment on our 1st day.

Madison and Chip at LTT. Chip actually remembered us from our trip in March and wrote all these notes on napkins to ask if it was us. It was actually Nick that made him remember us he said, but he knew which table we sat at and everything. Kinda neat and embarrassing all at the same time.

Getting measured for her favorite ride. We rode this about 12 times in a row one night. My husband wants me to add that it was cause the CM let us stay on and ride over and over since there was no line.

Mickey did not appear at Chef Mickey's this morning. Kind of a let down since it's his restaurant and all.

Had to include this just cause Nick's in just about every photo we have.

Henry decided he liked the sling in this position and he got lots of comments in it. I still have my doubts that he's secure in there, but he seemed to prefer it to the Bjorn so the sling it was.

Madison's excitment at Cars grand marshalling the MGM parade.

Madison getting her hair done at the MK barber shop. She picked green paint since Nick is green.

This is the really cute kiddie pool/play area at Vero. We don't have many pictures from VB cause we lost our camera when we checked in and didn't get it till we checked out. I was just happy they found it at all.

Waiting for dinner at BD. Don't be fooled by Henry's content appearance. He was back to his grouchy self moments later.

A view from our room at CR, to the south. We were on the 14th floor facing MK. That's EE in the distance, really zoomed in on my camera.

Another view from our room, note they already have a Christmas tree up in the MK.

Well that's way more than enough to bore you all with. My husband says no one wants to see out photos anyway so I'll stop while I'm ahead. I tried to start my trip report today but my internet was painfully slow so I didn't. Tomorrow I'll definitely go to the store to finish up my exchange shopping and send my package off. My apologies again to my buddy-I'll try to make it really good since you have to wait so long!

 

[Ginamarie]

WOW did I fall behind!

Lissawynn- Can I borrow your closet?! We actually have decent closets here, but for some reason when the old owners build the second level, they made the master bedroom closet slanted instead of bringing up the roof so that it would be a walk in closet. I can’t understand why they did it that way when they were already extending up the rest of the house!
Your house looks like it’s coming along well.

Zalansky- I’m continuing to pray for your family in this tough time.

Alice- finishing the basement sounds good. We have a Mclaren stroller like that and absolutely LOVE it. It’s only about 8 lbs; it folds up and wheels really easily. My mom got that for us for Christmas last year in preparation for our baby. I cant wait to take it to WDW.
We’ve never eaten in the China pavilion, because there are so many restaurants we love in the WS. This year we’re eating in England, Canada, Italy and Japan. I like snacking around the WS too.
OMG, if your DH buys into the DVC for Christmas you’re going to owe him like MONTHS worth of “favors.”

Dizagain- sorry your DH got hurt. I tell my DH not to get me flowers either. They’re so expensive and then they die.

FloridaFam- You’re going to love the Mickey desk and chair. DSis got them as part of all the furniture we bought from disneyshopping for her new bedroom.

Gems- Good luck with all the balloon jobs!

SL- Congrats on the raise situation.

GLT- Too funny about Leif and the “tah dah” game.

DisKim- OMG about the biting kid.

Fabs- I hope your DH gets that promotion, especially with all the traveling they’ve been sending him on.

Sorry I haven’t checked in much lately. I’ve been helping DBro move stuff from his apartment to this new house, plus I got REALLY sick on Monday night, puking ten times worse than I was on Friday night. Of course everyone who heard about all the stomach problems is now wondering if I’m pregnant again. No sir!! Either way, I’ve had no sleep over the last couple of days.

I got stuck in depositions all day, so I’ll be writing reports all night at this rate. I also didn’t get to the post office before it closed, so my package will be in tomorrow’s mail. OK, back to work! At least Olivia thinks it’s hysterical every time I yawn, cause I’m yawning a lot!

 

[bellacam]

Hi mommies! I wanted to post quick and let you all know I am still hanging in there. I have to stay in bed alot more to be comfortable and keep my BP down these days. I had my checkup today and all was well. I pray these days that my Dr will take pity in me and get this baby out but as of today, no dice! My nst's are great and my bp is under control so it looks like 11/29 for my c-sec. Oh well, here's hoping my water breaks or something. I'm trying to keep up with the thread and I hope you all are well.