The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[DisKim]

Robin - Do you have Kohl's by you? I know you can order from them online. I saw a 5 megapixel camera for $99 last night! I thought that was a good deal but I really don't know much about cameras. DH is MR. Tech Guy so I let him deal with the electronics in this household and I just play stupid. It's one less thing I have to deal with.

OK, I'm going food shopping now....really, I am.......

 

[Alice28]

Kim- I think Kohls has moved into the Portland area, but none by me (yet). I am going to play with the Canon at Costco next time I got. What I am *hoping* will happen is that my mom mentioned she wanted a new camera. She has a Sony 4.0 MP, and she said I could just have hers if she gets a new one. Hers takes really nice pictures. I'd be happy with that.

I forgot to share that I ordered that MacLeran stroller I posted about a few days ago. It won't ship until almost Christmas time, so I don't mind getting charged for it then. I just wasn't sure how long it would have the free shipping and $20 off....together that's almost $30 and I felt like I should jump on it. I am so looking forward to giving my behemouth Graco stroller up for something more compact. And PINK! It will be so nice at Disney and at the airports too. Plus it's 900 Mypoints points, which will easily put me over the mark for two $25 Rainforest cards. That will buy the kids and I lunch in March, plus maybe a bit leftover for them to buy a toy in the gift shop. And I may have to splurge on the lava cake thing, if we meet up with FF and Z at RFC- that would be fun, wouldn't it?

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

I didn't make it to the shower. I got lost (as I thought I would - I always do) and FREAKED out and came home. I wound up in the ghettoest part of a nasty city alone with Lucas in the car and couldn't find my way out. I witnessed an argument between two guys because one walked out to cross the street in front of the other's car. I was honestly afraid for my safety so I called DH in a panic and he had to talk me out and back onto the highway.

Even if I was in my right mind, I wouldn't have made it. I don't have my friend's parents' number (she lives out of state and is just visiting now) or the number of where the shower was. To make matters worse, there is no cell service where they are. So I ended up leaving her a message on her cell saying I was sorry, but I had car trouble. I couldn't bring myself to tell her the real reason I didn't make it.

In hindsight, I feel like a dork.

glt - Continued P & PD for your situation.

DisKim - That's a great deal on the ipods. Maybe I'll look into one for my BIL.

Alice28 - WTG on the stroller! I thought long and hard before buying the Maclaren when there are perfectly good umbrella strollers to be had for $15 but I love it.

dizagain - Sorry your DD found your hidden presents. Right now, Lucas's are "hidden" on the dining room table. I'm glad I don't have to worry about that yet!

lissawynn - You and your DH must be so PO'd! I hope the builders get their act together.

val - Did you get your pizza for dinner? Yum.

joats - Sorry you're still not feeling well. I hope your cough clears up soon.

fabumouse - Sorry you lost your guinea pig today.

Hi to all the other moms!

 

[lissawynn]

I finally snapped. I started crying a few hours ago about the state of our house. I am mad that no one showed up today. Who does that? I'm mad that the contractor wasn't here to make sure people showed up and got the work done. I'm also REALLY mad that there seems to be no work ethic from these subcontractors.
I really think I have to leave before the contractor comes tomorrow morning. I might lose it.
Jim thinks I'm cracking up. He took Jimmy to my sister's for dinner and I just wanted to stay home and clean up some of this mess. I think he was afraid to leave me here.

I have to clean some spots on our living room rug and scrub the rug at our front door. Someone walked through dog poop and tracked it through my house. Now my entire kitchen smells. I just scrubbed the floors with Clorox cleaner, but if the rug isn't clean, the place will still smell.

Kim - I have done the majority of my shopping online. My dad is getting his chair, my mom is getting a ton of gift cards/certs, and DH is getting a gift card to Cabales. I think I can get that online, too.

Robin - I know you will love your Mac. It's one of the best purchases I made as far as baby stuff is concerned.

dizagain - Glad you got some quality window shopping done.

I have to get back to my cleaning.

 

[joats]

Just got back from a quick shopping trip. We got Jace a few more things, for my niece we bought the Guess Who Disney edition game, something for my 7mos "angel tree" baby and of couse DH & I bought ourselves the Magic Kingdom Game. We saw it and had to have it. Anyone heard of it or have it? I think we will play tonight - I'll keep you posted. I ended up getting Jace a plain old my first Elmo until the TMX craze is over and they sell them in the store. I'm so disgusted by these companies only giving each store 30 of an item to create such nonsense. Someone in our state just got shot in line for a new Playstation....so pathetic. Anyhow, I'll step off my soap box now.

I never made it to the MD. I'm guessing you all realize by now I'm not very good at taking care of myself and putting myself first to get to the MD when I'm ill. I just pray I can sleep tonight. I'm so exhausted and this 3am stuff is killing me.

Dizagain: Oh no!!! I was just thinking the other day, I have no clue where in this house we are going to hide Jace's presents as he gets older. Sorry she snooped!! Poor Carson. Yes, 3mos old can get teeth. Rare, but not unheard of.

Robin: Your exchange box sounds dynomite!!! Can't wait to hear what the boys got. That's so unfair that not everyone got the Double Rewards Offer. I wonder if it is because I've been participating in their online surveys 1x/mo.

DisKim: How long has Emily been skating?? My niece does too for about 2 years now. I'm so in shock when I go to watch..seems like just yesterday she couldn't even stand up. Sorry you had such a crummy experience today. People are so rude and it's only going to get worse the closer we get to the holidays.

Lissawyn: You are so calm. I feel awful for you and your family. Totally crappy. And I'm assuming they already do know you are pregnant right? Yeah, I may have bronchitis...wouldn't be the first time. I really plan on going to an MD tomorrow or monday the latest if there is no improvement. I'd kill for robitussin with codeine right now so I could catch some ZZZs.

GLT:

Val: Hope you got your pizza.

hello to all the other moms. Have a good saturday night.
Well, off to clean up a bit and play Magic Kingdom!!!!


ETA: SL: What an awful experience for you. What city did you get caught lost in? Hopefully she will be understanding.

Lissawyn: Just read your last post. Hang in there.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

joats - You'll have to let me know how you like the Magic Kingdom game. If it's good, maybe I'll buy it for DH for Christmas. He's the bigger Disney nut in the family. Lucas is becoming a big Elmo fan now. We don't watch Sesame Street but he knows Elmo and can say his name. I haven't found a TMX either and I was just saying to DH today that I want to get him something with Elmo. DH likes the one that can say your name. BTW, I got lost in Waterbury.

lissawynn - I can't even imagine how frustrating this must be for you. I hope someone can get their act together and your house will be completed on schedule, or hopefully ahead of time!

Lucas is a huge crank tonight because of his molars and lack of adequate nap time. He's only happy watching our DVR'd episodes of Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse which we've been watching for hours now. I'm finding myself with quite a bit of down time this evening since he's so engrossed.

 

[floridafam]

Hi all,

We've been super busy today. Got up first thing this morning and took Kona to see Santa at the mall. I got up first and got all of us ready.

Is there a name for when your DH gets up, takes a shower and then asks his wife why she's not ready yet? Or just assumes that all they have to do is get up, take a shower and get in the car?

Kona wouldn't sit on Santa's lap but she would sit on the stuffed reindeer next to him. I'll try and post a picture if I can. It didn't really cost us anything because the Santa girl gave me 6 Gymboree coupons when we checked out that I'm going to ebay. That will more than pay for the pictures.

Then we went to the bookstore and bought some books and then the jewelry store for my Birthday present. I changed my mind on the diamond circle pendant-it just didn't look right. Dh bought me a pink one instead and matching earrings. I also got a coupon to use after Christmas on something.


lissawynn,

I'm sorry all of that happened to you. I would be SO MAD!!! I just don't understand how people just don't bother showing up. I would be fuming about the beam. What was he thinking???????????


I'm so looking forward to this week. The kids only have school on Monday and Tuesday and the rest of the week is ours to relax!!! I still haven't decided if I am going to go out on Black Friday. I kinda want to go to Gymboree and TJ Maxx-I guess they are having a nice purse sale. Anyone else going out on Friday??

I'm going to go put the pictures on our other computer. Be back later!!

 

[dizagain]

Another quick moment...

lissawynn - for you and a big bash on the head for those contractors...what are they thinking???

sl - I HATE feeling lost. I always freak out too...I can remember turning the wrong way out of O'Hare once and not finding a single exit for like 15 miles - I was calling DH crying and the girls thought I was insane. Glad you made it back home ok!

joats - Get yourself to the doctor, ma'am!!!!! Let us know about the MK game - sounds fun and the girls would love it!

robin - Kohl's is addictive - especially that clearance! Watch out!

diskim - I HATE to shop during the holiday weekends....Hayley and I just went to a strip mall that wasn't too bad. I told her I'd take her to the mall maybe Wednesday morning. We'll do Santa some weekday evening later on. That is so cool about the ipod shuffles...Hayley's getting the new red nano so that's why it's her big main gift. I thought about getting a shuffle for Hannah but she's so not ready to take care of something like that - I'm worried enough about the NintendoDS! That's great that Emily is improving in her skating!

ok, gotta go again. I need to pick up Hannah and Co. from a gymnastics center free-play night. Ok, Hayley just handed me Carson and said he is "spitting up chunks". WTH ---chunks??? Maybe hour-old formula! Anyway, she doesn't realize that she and DH are getting him right back cuz I need to go get the girls!

 

[lissawynn]

I've finished my comando cleaning effort. I damp mopped the floor and scrubbed the spots on the carpet and made an attempt at cleaning the mat by the kitchen door. It's actually part of a 3 piece set of braided rugs we got at Lowes a couple of years ago, and they weren't cheap. When things settle down I'll be cleaning all the pieces with my carpet cleaner.

It's actually kind of nice here. It's quiet and I've even managed to eat a turkey sandwich without interruption. I'm switching back and forth from Elf to QVC. They have Dooney&Bourke bags on for the next 2 hours. I got my cabriolet and leather satchel from them two years ago and love it.

SL - I'm so sorry you got lost on your way to the shower. I have no sense of direction and get lost a lot. I have given up a few times and have just come home, too. Jimmy was a crankpot until he took a 3 hour nap.

ff - I just don't think men get that not only do we have to get washed and dressed, but we have to get our children washed and dressed, too.
I'm going out on Friday, even though I really don't need much. I'm hoping to find some good deals at Gymbo and Target. I just enjoy watching people get nutty over stuff they don't really need or want.

joats - I hope you enjoy your MK game. I agree about the Elmo and PS3 nonsense. Someone got theirs stolen while in the parking lot of our local mall. I saw people bidding on eBay for PS3s and the prices were thousands of dollars.

I don't know how long my break is going to last. I have to check the laundry and get some jammies out for Jimmy. It'll be another sleepless night for me.

 

[joats]

I'm headed to bed but just wanted to add that DH & I loved being in the Magic Kingdom tonight!!! We really liked the game. I took a picture of the board all set up - I'll post it tomorrow as I'm barely functioning right now. It's basically the layout of the MK and the premise is that you have to draw a card from each section (fantasyland, tomorrowland, etc) and you have to visit that attraction. There are a lot of other things that prevent/help you from getting there. DH kicked my butt!! But at least I got to visit Space Mountain, BTRailroad, The Haunted Mansion and Dumbo before he beat me. I'm not sure if you didn't love going to WDW that you'd really dig the game, but we enjoyed it. It's for up to 5 or 6 players and states ages 6+. I'd never heard of this before but saw it on the shelf at TRU.

SL: Ick, I wouldn't want to get lost in Waterbury. I don't know anything about the area besides 8 and 84 merge there. Glad you made it home safely.

FF: No Black Friday for me...but will do online if need be. Post a pic of your new jewels if you can. Is today your actual bday? If so if not, when?

Dizagain: I hope Carson's CHUNKS have stopped and he's ok.

Lissawyn: What a mess! Pls get some rest for yourself and your .

Off to take some cough meds. And yes, if I feel the same tomorrow, I will go to the walk in MD. THanks for all the well wishes tho.

Goodnight all, I'll post more tomorrow.

 

[DisKim]

I did my Thanksgiving food shopping !!! The food store was wonderfully empty and Alex accompanied me which was such a nice treat! He just loves to spend time with his mom which makes me feel good. He is such a good boy! When I came home, Aidan literally ran at me and knocked me over with hugs. It was so wonderful . These kids have just been too good today. They must be trying to kiss up for Santa Claus .

lissawynn - I would have snapped a long time ago.

FF - I WISH my school gave us off on Wednesday too. They give us a half day which is only 2 hours earlier. I'm hoping my sitter will keep Aidan until 2 so I can do some preparation.

OK, do you ladies ever wonder if the Sesame Street people make Bert and Ernie appear homosexual on purpose???? They sleep in the same room, they sing songs about all the memories they share, they even did a whole Gift of the Magi story with them. Can you tell that Aidan is obsessed with Sesame Street. He forces me to sit with him and watch it. If I do anything else, he comes over, takes my hand and brings me back to the couch where he proceeds to cuddle me. OK, can you tell I'm tired??

Sorry I'm not catching up with everyone right now. The kids are still awake. I really need to put them down. I'm hoping that staying up late will translate into a super long nap for Aidan tomorrow so I can get my cleaning done.

 

[fabumouse]

So - Dh left this afternoon for Rotterdam. I love the guy to pieces and I'm very patient when he's gone all week (we're all caught up on our own things), but the few weekends he's gone are hard. Ugh!!!

Val - I totally understand about not having enough time! And I also love coloring and writing - which my artistic, energetic, active daughter just doesn't get.

And did I mention recently that you are such a nice person??

I'm a little dazed about the wedding plan changes - did I miss something?

Robin - thanks for the Pirate trip description! I believe Kailey will love it so I'm putting it on the list. Gummi worms. Yum.

Joats - once again, I wish I could put on my scary and scared face. You've been feeling bad for way too long. If I were your sister. . . .
You're just like me and you ignore feeling bad; I would be dragging you to the doctor's office today.

Lissa - Part of the reason we don't get dogs now is that it hurts too much. Both DH and I had dogs in our childhoods that died when we were in college and they were just too much a part of the family.

And yes, give me a good sneeze and .. uh, let me say, my career is so pressure - filled.

Kim - that is exactly why I shop on line. I'm so sorry about your shopping ordeal. It is rare that I walk into a store between now and Jan 10. It's nasty out there!

Robin - ugh!! you must be going crazy about the ring worm.

Dizagain- I'm hoping they have a reason to drool at this age - Madeleine doesn't have teeth yet, but she's so gooey!

 

[Alice28]

Diz- I believe you that Kohl's is addicting....a store here called Mervyns is going out of business, and Kohl's has taken over a lot of their buildings. I have a feeling the Mervyn's that was close to us will be a Kohl's within a year.

FF- If I weren't so done with Gymbo right now, I would be paypaling you some $$ for one of those coupons! The kids just do not need another thing until the transition to spring lines come out. I'm glad you will be able to make some money on ebay with them! When is your birthday? Sounds like you got a nice gift!

SL- yikes about getting lost! I'm glad you made it home safely and that you are getting some quiet with Lucas watching his shows.

Kim- glad you had a pleasant shopping experience! Sounds like a good outing with Alex, and then Aidan being so happy to see you upon return.

lissa- glad you are having a calm evening; you definitely needed one. I would have had a crying fit long ago being in your situation.

Joats- I have that game! We bought it last year or the year before at TRU. I can only get the boys to play it with me. DH thinks it's lame. I'm a sucker for any Disney game. I also have cough-splat issues....not fun.

I hope you feel better tomorrow; if not I really hope you go to the doctor's!

Fab- I'm not too stressing about the ring worm. I'm sure the cat will be fine, and I'm 99.9% sure my kids won't get it, as they really do not touch the cats hardly ever. It's just exasperating that this cat has been sick since almost day 1.

Thanks for all the good vibes on me spending the money on the Mac stroller. It was only $90, which I didn't consider too expensive. It looks more sturdy than the cheapie $30 ones I have tested out.

Hoping GLT is doing OK. And Z- any new news on your dad?

 

[gottalovethem]

Diskim - maybe Emmy will take up iceskating instead of horseback riding? glad thanksgiving shopping went well.

joats thank you for the kind words. The game sounds like fun

Lissawynn - so sorry about the construction blunders. Just remember that in the end, you will have a great space!!

fab-good luck with the kids and household while dh is gone.

SL - so sorry about not making it to the shower. How stressful for you!

Sorry I didn't get to catch up with everyone. . .

Thank you all so very much for your positive thoughts. Today was one of the most stressful and difficult days of my life and I know there are more to come.

it's a long story, but to cut to the chase. DH and I have had lots of difficulties over the years. He never really accepted that after we had children my priorities shifted to caring for them. Basically our relationship changed over the years into a casual friendship and I have been hurting for years.

Today, I told dh that although I love him, that is not enough as I want to be happy too and that we need to end our marriage. It's the most horrible thing to ever have to do as I take my vows seriously, but I have not been happy for years. My friends recall me crying for years over how things were going.

On top of that, I have now also said that the kids and I are leaving Monday -- my dad is coming to get us (remember, I have no car) and we are going to Ohio. We will come back on Sunday -- he plans to be moved out by the time we return.

We've talked about signs from above before, well the other day when I was trying to find out what the right thing was to do, I got my answer. The kids were talking about heaven and our cat who passed away (I can relate to the gineau pig story) and he said "that's it, no more Sunday school, no more church, they just brainwash them" ??? The kids were talking about HEAVEN nothing preachy. I took that as my sign that I am making the right decision.

But none of that helps the pain and guilt that I currently feel.

I'm sorry to my pal who is sending me a package -- I will ask my neighbor to keep an eye out it and to keep it safe until we get back.

Now to deal with the stress of my mother for a week

I will try to pop on now and again to see how you all are doing, but will be back for sure after Thanksgiving to update you on what's happening.

 

[zalansky]

Hey Robin - i was just lurking and saw your post....I am waiting to get my eyes really tired before going to bed. (which really was 2 hours ago but internet addiction, it is what it is)

No news really on my Dad. He is still in ICU and my sisters talked with his case manager for the first time last night. The biopsy report is not back yet so an oncologist has not been assigned yet but she said what she sees in his report it is pretty clear chemo will not be offered. We are hoping at this point he can go home with a home based nurse and hospice if he has less then 6 months. (which we guess is the case) The case manager suggested one of my sisters take him back to NY to live with them but that cannot happen because he will never leave Florida and my sisters have work and families. Plus selfishly I want him here. I was always Daddys Little Girl and feel like here I can spend the most time with him.

I took Dh to see him today and it is so hard, harder in ways then when my Mom died....because here is this poor many who suffered this massive stroke 4 years ago....that in of itself sucked beyond belief. Then he has advanced cancer now and a colostomy bag and can't even move to make himself comfortable. My heart breaks for him. It is one of the hardest things in life to watch a parent die and I can only hope it will not happen to you ladies until you yourselves are a ripe old age. At least my Mom had my Father there for her when she was dying. He just has his 4 girls and that matters but its not the same type of love.

Being in this place again reinforces so many things for me, the importance of family and that really family does come first. I have lost sight of that at times over the years but am refocused again. That life is short, far too short, and we need to be happy while we can, no matter what that can take. And so many other things I won't delve into this late at night. Just hug your moms and dads a bit tighter next time you see them, no matter the relationship, you will miss them when they're gone. Because here I am at 38 (which is still considered young right???) and I will not have one living parent. That seems to impossible to me to come to terms with.

Anyway I will stop now befor I get really reflective and hokey since I took my meds to help me sleep. I end up typing emails to friends reminding them how much I love them - then get responses the following day and have no clue what these friends are referring to. Bad meds, BAD! Ok I am getting off before I get myself in trouble!

Nite nite....and one last thing, it looks like we may still be heading to DVC BWV next Sunday for 2 nights. My Dad won't make that much a change to cancel the vacation, so I have been told. I hope we go, I need to be distracted. So wish us luck.

 

[justhat]

GLT I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am. I just came on to catch up with today's posts before I go to bed and saw your last post and I feel terrible. It must be so hard for you right now. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers while you go through all of this. Just know that we're all here to support you and if there's anything at all that you need or that can help just let us know. Lots of hugs to you.

 

[floridafam]

Oh, Loretta, I'm sorry.

I hope that they can give you some more information soon. Hospice is wonderful. My brother had hospice after leaving the ICU. They were able to give him his medicine and make him comfortable and were able to tell us how he was feeling and what point he was at in his illness.

I will continue to hold all of you in my thoughts.

I hope you are able to get some sleep tonight. We are all thinking of you and are all here if you ever need to talk.

 

[floridafam]

gottalovethem

I just read your post. I'm so sorry. I know you will find the strength to get through this. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for all of you.

 

[dizagain]

Quick check-in and I saw GLT's post...

How awful for you and your entire family. I am so sorry you are going through this. Please know you are in my prayers. We are all here any time you need to get your feelings out.

Zalansky - to you too. I am glad you are able to be there for your father even though it must be very difficult. You are also still in my prayers.

Goodnight guys - I'm going to kiss my kids again before I go to sleep myself.

 

[Alice28]

Oh, my friends, I will spend some time in prayer tonight for my DIS Mommies.

GLT- My friend, you know I am here for you. I know how hard this has been on you, and I am proud that you shared this with us all- we will always be here to support you.

Z- I will give my parents big hugs when I see them this week. I know I will just be a mess when my parents either pass or get sick. As I think I've said before, I'm an only and my parents are the world to me. I can't imagine the range of emotions you are going through. I am glad you will still be able to get away to the Boardwalk with your DH and the kids next weekend. I hope you are able to relax and have some smiles and laughs. Can you sniff the funnel cakes for BNB and I?

On that note, I guess I will sign off for the evening. My heart is heavy for my online friends....love you gals!