The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[Alice28]

Tell me this swimsuit was worth my treks today- PLEASE! At least I got it for $18...I know it will be gone in the 3T size by redemption...not the greatest pic of Molly, but you get the gist.

Diz- UGHHHHHHH about the hospital bill! I hope it gets straightened out! How stressful....we have a ding on our credit report, but my score is still in the high 800s, so I guess those dings don't make much of a difference if you do everything else right. Try not to worry about it too much. I did a 10 hour drive by myself with two kids- I bow down to you and Allison for doing it with 3!!!!! Good luck!

Alisa- did you eat and eat and eat at your holiday party? I love buffets! I tend to not be a glutton, but I sure can put a dent in a good buffet.

Sidenote- what's everyone's fave buffet at WDW? I think mine is Crystal Palace, although I did like Cape May a lot....just the last visit was so-so, so we're not going there this trip. The Oreo Bonbons are TDF.

Anyway, Alisa, I am so happy for you that things are almost done with your home! YIPPEE!

SL- glad you are on the mend.

Kim- how was being bouncer? Josh hardly talked til he was 2; Sam was about 18-20 months....I think a lot of boys are just slower talkers...try not to worry about Aidan too much.

Ice- sometimes we watch WAY TOO MUCH Disney Channel, or Wiggles....sometimes it's the only way this Momma stays sane. But other days the TV is not ever turned on, so it all evens out in the end. I think it will take a few weeks of Tess just testing the waters (and your sanity) and then things will even out. Hang in there! I hope this weekend will be better with your partner home to help out.

OK, I need to go again...got about 1/2 of my housework done. I need to go on a sock hunt. Somehow the boys have 'no socks' again, when I know I just bought them some a few weeks ago! I hate socks! We need to move to Hawaii where we can wear sandals all the time or something.

 

[icebrat001]

ohhh am I furious. We've been getting various bills for Carson's birth - all of which say DO NOT PAY-INSURANCE HAS BEEN FILED. Well, today I get a notice from a COLLECTION AGENCY because of the un-paid hospital bill. WTH????? Hoping this won't show up on our credit report which has improved a zillion times over in the last year or so after some goof-ups with CC's in our 20's finally went away. I'm letting DH deal with this one.

!

This happened to DP about 2 years ago, her insurance sit the payment to the wrong address, marked it as paid although it really wasn't and we got calls from a collection agency and it was on her credit report. After we got it cleared up with the hospital and the insurance company they notated that it was an error, on the credit report it is neither good nor bad, however if you plan on purchasing a new house, good luck explaining it, we had to get a bazillion letters just to close.

I hope you have better luck!

Robin - The swimsuit looks really cute. Keep it! Unfortuatey, DP has to work 7 days a week until Feb. It stinks, but oh well. Was the person that wrote a note on your gymbuck a manager? I hope so!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Hi all! I'm so sorry to hear about all the "sickos" we have on this thread--I hope everyone is feeling better by Christmas! We have mild colds in this house, just a little snuffled here and there. Poor Luke--I don't know if it's a cold or what, but that kid has NOT been sleeping! I'm so exhausted myself these days. At least the house is clean (cleaning service came today), presents bought and mostly wrapped, and we hav no plans beyond skiing this weekend, so I'm in pretty good shape.

***WARNING! SHAMELESS MOM BRAG AHEAD!!***

In addition to two great progress reports for Jocelyn and Robert, the verdict is in on the big opening number for the dance recital, and Jocelyn is in it! It'll be a tap/jazz number with swing dancing. There will only be 5 boys in it (Robert didn't make the cut, not a surprise if you saw him tap and saw his poor attitude), but Jocelyn is real nervous about having to actually dance with a B-O-Y. I pointed out that paired dancing is actually a beautiful, elegant sport, and she's a great choice--not only is she (apparently) a good dancer, but being so small and skinny, she's easier for a boy to lift. So, I don't know exactly what the dance will be, but she's excited. And I know I should probably just "get over" my amazement at her always getting picked for this stuff, but she's a thin, blonde dancer. None of these traits can be attributed to her mother. I stil keep expecting to wake up and find out that, nope, it's all a mistake--that's your DD in the corner with her nose in a book!

icebrat--Hang in there! We all have crappy days where we put our kids in front of the TV to keep from killing them! Seriously! You and DP have taken on a child that has had some bad habits ingrained--it's not going to change overnight. Decide what's the most important to work on (I would say, her bad language and respecting the rights of others--including 4-legged family members). A sense of humor helps a lot, too.

Kim--I'm sorry to hear about Emily's puppy. If you feel this isn't the right time, there will be other opportunities when you feel she's shown the responsibility to have one. Once the dog walks through your door, you really can't return it, so waiting may be the best thing. I know you really wanted to do this for her. I hope it works out. Oh, and Robert didn't say a word until he was 2--you can't shut him up now, though. OTOH, Luke says a lot of "semi-words" (k-k-k for kitty, for example). Boys tend to be much less verbal.

GLT--By all means, use the gift cards for whatever you need, now or later. We're happy to help your kids have a great Christmas. I hope your XDH gets an attitude adjustment for Christmas--it sounds like he needs one.

Gina--That's great on another WDW trip next year! You might want to see what time of year is least crowded. Fall is a lovely time to be down there--light crowds, and it's hot but not super sticky.

dizagain--Been there, done that with medical bills. Try to stay calm. I learned to save every #*&$^ receipt I ever got, to prove stuff. And I found that being polite and having the billing company walk me through the issue, while I took notes, very helpful. It's scary when you get a huge bill that you thought was paid--try to keep your cool.

Robin--Love Molly's suit. A friend of mine told me that Gymbo has 4 tiers of stores, and depending on which one it is, matters in what they have. She also said that, depending on the store, sometimes they have stuff in the back and can pull an "older" line out for you. Of course, she thinks the store near her is tier 6! For me, I'm betting Albany has the higher tier store, but it's an hour trek. I'm looking forward to meeting the aforementioned friend for a trip to our favorite consignment store next weekend.

Gee, favorite buffet at WDW--Chef Mickey's is nice. Love Crystal Palace--it doesn't feel "kiddie". Looking forward to Cape May Cafe when we go next time. And Boma is really nice, but with nursing, I couldn't try a lot of the interesting looking stuff. I guess I'll just have to go back...

BTW, I haven't had Aunt Flo since ~6/1/05. Another few years and I may actually miss her! I think it's a side effect of Luke not sleeping through the night.

 

[icebrat001]

For you gymbo addicts. someone told me that plum magazine has 20% off coupons that don't expire until May 2007! The magazine is available at Barnes & Noble as well as online http://www.plummagazine.com . Maybe you can stack them at gymbuck redemption time.

Can someone explain the tier system to me?

BNB - Congrats on your DD making the opening, I am sure she will look lovely.

 

[Alice28]

Ice- I read about that coupon on a Gymbo site; if I find out they are stackable, I am so buying a magazine for that coupon!

Tiers- I knew there were Tiers 1, 2, and 3. I think Portland has all 3s and one 1. I know 1s are the heaviest volume stores, and they get a couple times of year "capsule" lines that are only available at Tier 1s and online. I'm not really sure about Tier 2s and 3s- I'm guessing it's just the volume the store produces and how much they get of product. Here in Portland, I vary between 4 different stores, and size wise, the largest one is actually a Tier 3, but it gets little access because it's in a downtown mall, with not too many suburban moms going to it for some Gymbo action.

What threw me about the swimsuit, is that I read this was not a capsule line, that all stores had it. What I didn't realize is that only Tier 1s or what they deem 'warm weather stores' got the swimsuits. (Sometimes online, if they show both long sleeves, and shorts sleeves for certain shirts, cold weather stores will only get the long sleeves, and warm weather stores will only get the short sleeves).

I don't think the girl was a manager who signed off on my Gymbuck, but it's stapled to the receipt, and instead of everything ringing up as say, "BG swim 3T" it says, "MERCHANDISE" so the person ringing me up with my gymbuck is going to know their system was down. I used to personally know the manager at this store, as she used to manage the dinky little store near me, so hopefully she will vouch for me if they question it. I mean, surely they will notate in their books that their system was down on 12/21 and all Gymbucks given out will look like that....hopefully........

BNB- that's AWESOME about Jocelyn getting another good dance part! I'm so sorry Luke has been sick and running you ragged....hopefully he will feel better soon.

Hey, any WPASADI cheerleaders- if you rewrite the lyrics to the Love Boat and PM them to Jeeves, you can win a 3 day stay at the Swan or Dolphin! Info on the WPASADI threads---very cool!

 

[DisKim]

Robin - OMG!! That bathing suit is so freaking cute!!!

BNB - Congrats to Jocelyn! How exciting!

I found out what's been bothering Emmy. She has had a girl at school terrorizing her. It all started because Emily felt that the girlwas telling fibs about her life. Emily felt the stories were too traumatic to be real. Emily refused to believe the girl and so the girl started terrorizing her. Well, today was really bad and the girl was so harsh to Emmy at lunch that Emmy couldn't even eat. I had enough so I called the teacher. It turns out the girl's stories were all true. Her mother died when she was 8, her father didn't want her and now she is living in a foster home. I told Emily and she was so upset with herself that she cried. They are supposed to see the school counselor tomorrow.

Anyway, Emily has really stepped up since Tuesday and has been helping tremendously around the house. She is also being very good about her punishment. She hasn't watched Hannah Montana in about 2 weeks now. I acutally really like punishing her for that reason! DH and I are keeping the dog under consideration. I've been reading up on caring for it. I spend my whole free period today researching crate training.

My friends are coming over for our little holiday party tomorrow. It really has been a lot on me this year. Everyone is coming here and they want me to bake my brownies for them. I want to do all of this but I'm just exhausted. My house is still a disaster. I've been doing 5 million loads of laundry. It took me 2 hours to put away. I hope I don't offend anyone tomorrow but I'm making the older kids play in the basement. Otherwise, I have to clean all 3 floors of my house again before Christmas and I still have wrapping to do! I'm not doing this party next year. No way!!

 

[icebrat001]

Yikes!

 

[cabmom]

Icebrat take some deep breaths! Don't let little Tess rule you!

Go to google and look up fostering care and see what you can find, reading other peoples stories may help you!

M.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

I'm back to normal and back at work. No one is here today and I feel silly leaving all my Christmas cards for people who won't get them until after Christmas, but what can you do? My Secret Santa left me a really pretty silver "mother and child" ornament. I still have no idea who it is. I don't think it's Annoying Coworker because I'm not quite sure she knows I even have a kid. Someone even left me a gift for Lucas which I thought was very sweet.

ginamarie - Welcome back! Glad you had a great trip but sorry to hear you're sick.

icebrat - Rough night? It'll take some time for everyone to get used to the new arrangement. Hang in there.

DisKim - At least you know what was bothering Emmy now. I had girls torturing me in school and it was hell. I'm glad they're all seeing the counselor.

alice28 - Cute bathing suit! I'd say it was worth the drive. I've been known to drive all over the state for a particular item (not Gymbo, though ). But once I get an idea in my head, I'm going for it. Luckily I don't get too many ideas.

lissawynn - I hope you got to move into your new bedroom. How exciting!!! I hope you'll post some pictures.

FF - Glad you got your stamps.

dizagain - I hope you can get that bill situation straightened out. I hate getting penalized for someone else's carelessness.

BnB - Congrats to Jocelyn!

cabmom -

Hope everyone at WDW is having a fantastic time.

 

[lissawynn]

Ladies, I slept in my BED last night in my new BEDROOM! DH, however, slept on the floor in Jimmy's new room next to his crib. The child took a nap from 3:30-7:00 and did not want to go to bed when mommy and daddy went upstairs around 9:30.
We have a buttload of work to do this weekend. I simply asked that all the stuff get hauled upstairs and I'll put it away when I'm home next week. I cannot stand tripping over stuff in our kitchen, basement, etc.
Our bathroom should be done on Wednesday, too. I promise to post some pics this weekend. I must remember to bring the camera cable home with me today.

I'm going to see if my sister will let Jimmy sleep over tonight. My dad is going to a gun shop first thing tomorrow morning and I can't blame him for not wanting to take a 2yo with him.

 

[zalansky]

Good morning and TGIF moms!

I am way behind on the thread I have to admit. However I did see a picture of Molly in her swimsuit and that is just adorable Robin! Well worth your searching I'd say.

Icebrat - sorry to hear things are not going well. I think I saw many posts back that someone suggested the Nanny 911 book, well we have it and it does give some good tips. The key for us, is consistency and also routine. It is a well proven fact that children thrive on routines. Also with a routine you will have more structure to your day as well as Tess and that is very helpful when you're feeling overwhelmed. Some people will tell you their kids do just fine with no routines and that's great but it sounds to me like Tess needs structure so that's my suggestion. I hope things get better for you soon.

Lissa - great to hear you were in your own room last night!

SL - glad to hear "stocking" is feeling better!

BNB - brag away! Thats what we're here for right? Its very exciting about Jocelyn and news you should definitely be bragging about.

Diskim - hope things smooth out with emily and that girl at school. I feel bad for that little girl.

diz - did you get that insurance bill cleared up? I don't think that medical bills are reported to your credit report as fast as a credit card would be if it were late. So don't worry. I hope it gets cleared up soon.

GLT - sorry your ex-dh is being an a**. Have you got Xmas Day straightened out yet?

I guess Jill is on her way to WDW or already there! I am so glad they went.

Hi to the moms I missed.

I went out with the girls last night and had three glasses of Pinot Noir. I decided I am sticking with red wine as far as drinking now with all the reports of the health benefits! However I do like me some Kir Royale's (champagne and chambord) during the week of Xmas through New Years. Anyway I had 3 glasses of wine and feel kind of foggy today. Which blows because I am baking today and now am in no mood.

My Dad is not doing well either and I spoke with my sister who is at his house now and she said she thinks the end is coming soon. I was there 2 days ago and he didn't look good and the whole thing just stinks. I could use more harsh words for what I really feel but they would be bleeped. At this point we are just praying he makes it through the New Year so we can try and have more joy for our kids over the next few days. Why did this happen at this time of the year? Life just ain't fair at times, is it?

Anyway, enough depressing thoughts from me for now. DH gets off work semi-early today so thats good news. See you girls later on. Have a great Friday!

 

[icebrat001]

Zalansky - I am sorry to hear about your dad, I hope he is able to make it through the holidays. Nice to know you had fun with the girls and enjoyed your wine, have another glass, maybe it'll make you feel better and get you in a better mood to start baking.


Lissa- Congrats on sleeping in your new bedroom. Can't wait to see pics.

SL - Nice to hear that things are back to normal. To answer your question, rough night, no, rough week, yes, very much so!

Hi Cabmom - Thanks, I will try your recommendation, I think I will try anything at this point, I am not the strongest person in the world and if things continue I think I'm going to find myself checked into the mental hospital. Sad but true.

GLT - How are things going?

Everyone else - Hello!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Good morning all!

icebrat--Gee, anybody wonder where she picked up those choice phrases? That poor kid! She's testing you on purpose--look at it this way, her mom ditched her, how is she to know that you and DP won't do the same thing? Stick to your guns. As Dr. Phil says, children need to predict the response to their actions, 100% of the time. Tess needs to know that when you tell her not to bite (swear, hit...), that if she does, she'll be put in the corner. Every single time. Once she gets that, she'll be better. Plus, getting her on a regular schedule will help. It does take time. You're doing such a good thing by taking her in, please try not to get too discouraged!

Loretta--So sorry on your dad. It makes the holidays so hard. When my dad was terminal, he kept saying how he really wanted to make it to Christmas. Well, he died 12/22...and we had his funeral 12/24. Merry F-ing Christmas that year! That was 12 years ago, and I still have a tough time, some days. We were real close, and I miss him. So, I just wanted to let you know that I've been there, and it sucks, and feel free to come here and vent. And it's okay not to feel "Merry", although I try to fake it for the kids when I'm feeling down. Thinking of you!

Alissa--That's great about the house coming together! YOu must be so excited!

Kim--That's an interesting scenario with your DD. She must feel really bad, but in her defense, I could see how she could hear those stories and suspect they were lies. I hope it all works out for you guys, puppy or not.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Lissa, I know how great it feels to actually be sleeping in the new bedroom. We slept on the mattress on the floor for a few weeks since they messed up with the bed delivery. It seems like we have been in the room forever now (just a year and a half.) It is so nice to have more room and a walk in closet. I hide in it sometimes.

Icebrat. Hugs, double hugs in fact. 2 year old is a very challenging time. Even when the child has been with your from the start. On top of that you have so much neg past to counteract. Kids are so resilient though. You all will get past this. I agree that help and some good books should be a big support. It sounds like she has learned a lot by watching neg examples too, so yours (and DP's) positive example will be the best thing for her at this point. I don't know about your offical situation, but you guys should really be getting more support then just here your child, good luck.

Does she qualify for early intervention? (Free preschool for at risk children.) They can help get her in a stable enviroment, support and encourage you and give you a tad bit of much needed rest too.

There is a reason God makes 2 year olds so darn cute. So we let them live. She will turn around. You will be able to do this!

Also as far as T.V. goes. We had to get digtal cable just so DD's could wacth Noggin. Good shows and no comericals! Also give Netflix a try. You can rent them, keep them as long as you want, try them out and send them back. It is a great way to try new things. They have a really big kid selection. Also many libaries have DVD and video rentals for free. There is some really good shows out there (much better then doodlebops). Laurie Brickner band is great. Lily loves Curious Buddies (from Nick Jr. on DVD.) Look for things that clam her down and set good examples.

Belle&buzzes mom, my grandfather died on Christmas (a long time ago I was 10 I think) It was hard for my mom and family too. However she always felt he was home for Christmas, ( so to speak.) Hugs Loretta. It is hard when the happiest time of year isn't.

 

[floridafam]

loretta,

I'm so sorry about your Dad. Do you have Hospice there? They can be such a big help during times like this as far as medications to keep him comfortable and such. They can also tell you with almost certainty when it is that time. I guess it is from their years of experience in situations like this.

I'm so sorry. I wish I could say something more to comfort you. Just be there as much as you can for him. I'm crying now for you because I know how you must feel right now. Please let us know if you need anything and please come here if you need to talk or just let it out.

 

[gottalovethem]

My plan is still to go to Ohio for Christmas, though I have no idea what obsticles he will put in my way, but legally I am allowed to (of course now the weather is looking questionable). Tomorrow he has visitation with them, so I'm sure I'll be on here tomorrow night venting about whatever the latest is...

Question - one of the things I want to "gift" for myself from the Target giftcards is a Swiffer wetjet or something of the sort. Any Moms out there have a suggestion as to what type to get or not get? What works? I know there are so many different kinds and don't want to waste the money on something that doesn't work. Thanks!

Robin - LOVE LOVE that swimsuit on Molly! It's a adorable. I showed it to DD ans told her she should get one like it I hope all is well in your household

Zalansky - I second what FF said. Hugs and prayers to you and your familly. How are the kids doing? Are they getting excited for Christmas. I know it's hard to keep going.

eeks, gotta run, will catch up more later.

 

[Alice28]

Loretta- I too have tears in my eyes for you this morning. Like BNB, we also lost a father during Christmas....Dear FIL passed away on the 29th 5 years ago, so DH and his mom are usually in a funk now at Christmas (esp his mom). I remember he went to the hospital Christmas Eve (he had a mild heart attack), had a stent put in his heart on the 26th, they were going to send him home the 28th, but realized they still needed to do one more test, kept him overnight, and he stroked out the next day. It was so crazy, so sad, so sudden, so awful. Please know we are all praying for you and your family, your father, for comfort for peace.

Ice- Just take it one step at a time. Just try to keep remembering the long term goals....she certainly knows how to test one's patience! What does DP think? Don't your in-laws live nearby? Maybe you can take her over there once in awhile just so you have another set of hands to help you out for a few hours?

Alisa- YAY for sleeping in your own bed! That's great! Good luck getting things done this weekend!

SL- glad you are back at work and feeling better. That ornament sounds pretty. I am the same way- when I get something in my head, forget it, there's no stopping me.

GLT- I tried the Swiffer wet jet before (I think that's what it was, maybe it was Clorox) and it was a PITA. But this was about 2 years ago - I know they have made them even more powerful and heavy duty since then. Since we have Pergo in our entire downstairs, I gave up with the Swiffer and bought a Hoover hard floor cleaner for $180. Hopefully one of the other moms will know which is a good one.

Well, I have some kitchen cleaning to do, and I need to put laundry away. I think I may head down to my parents today...haven't hung out in a long, long time. DH has to work til 9 or 10 tonight, so why not!

I hope everyone has a good day- -----many, many hugs to Loretta~

 

[zalansky]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts for us.

FF - in answer to your question of hospice, this is such a tricky situation with my father. As you know he has been in denial about this condition all year. It took all his daughters to intervene just to admit him to the hospital so we could finally get a diagnosis. We had hospice with my mom and they were wonderful. My sisters have called hospice in for Dad but he won't let them get too involved. What it is, is if he allows them to be involved that means he is accepting that he is truly dying and apparently he can't do that - not yet anyway. so they've evaluated him and are ready to step in but either he has to accept them and allow them to help or we have to wait until he gets so bad and is sort of out of it and doesn't have much choice anymore. (which is how I see this going) I talked to my sister again and now she thinks he is going to make it through the holidays. This is such a rollercoaster....my mind, body and mental state is starting to wear thin. Only myself and my sister who is with Dad now will be here for Xmas and I wish my other 2 sisters could be here too, but they can't. It is so hard to be with my father because he won't talk about dying. He told my sister he can't wait to start driving again! He has not driven in almost 5 years since he had the stroke! I just don't know where his mind is at sometimes, and trust me, his mind is 100% intact but the denial is HUGE in his brain. He has been asking my sister for pain meds every 4 hours which is a big change from only 2 days ago when he was only taking pain meds 2x a day. She says he is barely eating or drinking anything either. I can't go up there until Xmas Day. We are trying to shelter the kids (and myself too) from the pain of all this so we're staying home Xmas Eve and preparing for Xmas morning. We still have lots to do. UGH I am just feeling so depressed today, I cannot even get into the Xmas spirit but I need to muster up something for Connor's sake.

I decided I need something to look forward to so I am thinking os booking a 4 night DCL cruise for May. I am in the process of looking at dates and cabins right now so maybe by Xmas morning I will have myself a present!

Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. They do help.

 

[icebrat001]

Thank you for all the support everyone.

Phd - I don't know about the early intervention program here, or how one goes to qualify.

GLT - We had a wetjet at our hold house and it always left a residue on the floor, you should do a search for swiffer here on the Dis, some love it some hate it. Goodluck with your trip to Ohio. Now that 90% of our new house is hardwood and ceramic, I just use vinegar and water.

Robin - DP doesn't think anything, she's been gone a lot lately. Yes, the in-laws live less than 3 miles away, however no way would I go over there. Val's step mom is nice, but her dad, in the 4.5 years we have been together is took nearly 4 for him to say hello to me and not call me "That girl". I doubt her father would even allow her step mom to watch Tess because he doesn't want anything to do with Val's side of the family and since Tess is from Val's side of the family, I doubt he will be accepting at all of be bring her over there. Although more than likely, Val and Tess will go over there for Christmas, maybe even Christmas eve, I probably won't go, so that will be my alone time, although DP will probably give me a list of chores to do a mile long.

 

[icebrat001]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts for us.

FF - in answer to your question of hospice, this is such a tricky situation with my father. As you know he has been in denial about this condition all year. It took all his daughters to intervene just to admit him to the hospital so we could finally get a diagnosis. We had hospice with my mom and they were wonderful. My sisters have called hospice in for Dad but he won't let them get too involved. What it is, is if he allows them to be involved that means he is accepting that he is truly dying and apparently he can't do that - not yet anyway. so they've evaluated him and are ready to step in but either he has to accept them and allow them to help or we have to wait until he gets so bad and is sort of out of it and doesn't have much choice anymore. (which is how I see this going) I talked to my sister again and now she thinks he is going to make it through the holidays. This is such a rollercoaster....my mind, body and mental state is starting to wear thin. Only myself and my sister who is with Dad now will be here for Xmas and I wish my other 2 sisters could be here too, but they can't. It is so hard to be with my father because he won't talk about dying. He told my sister he can't wait to start driving again! He has not driven in almost 5 years since he had the stroke! I just don't know where his mind is at sometimes, and trust me, his mind is 100% intact but the denial is HUGE in his brain. He has been asking my sister for pain meds every 4 hours which is a big change from only 2 days ago when he was only taking pain meds 2x a day. She says he is barely eating or drinking anything either. I can't go up there until Xmas Day. We are trying to shelter the kids (and myself too) from the pain of all this so we're staying home Xmas Eve and preparing for Xmas morning. We still have lots to do. UGH I am just feeling so depressed today, I cannot even get into the Xmas spirit but I need to muster up something for Connor's sake.

I decided I need something to look forward to so I am thinking os booking a 4 night DCL cruise for May. I am in the process of looking at dates and cabins right now so maybe by Xmas morning I will have myself a present!

Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. They do help.

I hope everything gets better.

Now go book that cruise and get yourself a present.