The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[Alice28]

Welcome Dizagain! Congratulations on Carson - what a cute name! I have 3 children too, and I agree- the third sent me into a tail spin. If I don't stay totally on top of things (AKA staying home all or most of the day) the house quickly turns into disaster zone. C'est la vie! I think for the stuff you don't want or need, I would just put it aside and either A. Donate to charity, B. give to friends/neighbors if they need it (but not as a gift, just as something extra) or C. sell on ebay after you can catch your breath.

Sounds like everyone has some fun weekend plans. SL- you made me want pizza too! I haven't had any in quite some time except for DiGiorno type stuff. Maybe I will take the kids out for a slice for lunch today.

Justhat- stay safe on your drive! I hope the weather won't be too sucky for you. LOL about the 'freak' beagle comment.

Kim- I say go ahead and order the Gymbo. (like I would say anything else). The sale stuff is just such a great price this weekend, with the extra 20% off and the gymbucks! I have to go in today to exchange some tops for Molly that I bought too small so I might purchase a few items. But most likely as gifts for the baby shower...

OK, I just had to help DH put our bed up on end....the bed frame guys are coming this afternoon and DH paid an extra $49 to have them assemble it. But we had to get our bed out of the way first. And then, except for me needing to buy a frame for my DL print, I think our bedroom will be done!

 

[lissawynn]

Hello all. I'm still pre-testing my students, and I've been using that time to grade their completed tests. Our department head breaks them down and does stats on their strengths/weaknesses. I'd like to give them to her tomorrow so she can work on it at her leisure.
I'm going for my quad screen blood work this afternoon, so Jimmy is going to stay at my dad's a little longer than usual. If DH gets home at a reasonable time, we might hit a local fair for dinner. Tonight is the only clear night until next week. I guess as Ernesto moves north, we get the rain and crappy weather.
We don't really have much in the way of weekend plans. I'm hoping we can go to OCNJ on Sunday for the afternoon. We also have a bday party on Monday. I have to find something with Dora for the gift.

Alice - I hope the costume works out for Molly. The part-time preschool thing sounds like a great way to earn some extra $$$.

SL - Your pizza sounds really good. We got take-out last night, and I really don't anticipate cooking for the remainder of the week. I guess I'll be making something next Monday so we have lunches for Tues.

zalansky - Enjoy your girls' night out!

Welcome dizagain! I got a lot of stuff when my son came home, but I used most of it. It was nice not to have to do his laundry every other day.

justthat - I hope the weather cooperates for your drive to SC. Have a great weekend!

DisKim - The couple I used to sit for had an Italian Greyhound and he was great with their kids. He did have a terrible habit of peeing in the house and chewing up the garbage, but I think that was just him. My grendmother had a Golden Retriever and she was a good dog, too. I am SO partial to German Shepherds b/c I've had one all my life. Our Duke is so patient with Jimmy and sleeps next to his crib every night. He's gotten to that age where his hips are starting to really bother him, and I really try to keep Jimmy from poking them or banging into him.

J&D - Great deals on the Halloween costumes! Jimmy will contine to wear his cousin's hand-me-downs. I see no need to buy something when we've got one that's like new.

Val - Glad the job is getting better. Hang in there!

I have to run to the ladies room before my kids get here! Have a great afternoon!

Hi to everyone I missed!

 

[zalansky]

If you girls are bored today and want to prank the DH or someone else, send them this:

http://i.euniverse.com/funpages/cms_content/6489/a-maze-ing_new_cursor3.swf

It got me!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

dizagain - Congratulations and I returned a lot of stuff when my DS, Lucas, was born. Some of it just wasn't my style! One year later, I'm still working off a few store credits from those returns.

zalansky - That got me and I was waiting for something to happen! I sent it to DH and my sister.

lissawynn - Good luck with your bloodwork.

Alice28 - I'd love to see a pic of your bedroom when it's finished.

justhat - I hate taking the car in for maintenance. DH ends up doing it on the weekends.

Sorry I got you all craving pizza so early! I can't wait for dinner myself. Mushrooms and pepperoni are my toppings of choice. Speaking of food, I have to find something for lunch.

 

[zalansky]

Ok, somebody stop me! I can't be homebound and visit the Budget Board here anymore! I have already ordered my very first pair of Crocs today, in PINK, and am hoping they magically arrive before we leave for WDW. Scored them for $21 free shipping no tax, so I figured let's try out these ugly shoes and see what the hype is all about.

Then I head over to Disney Shopping because someone posted a code there too. Got polo shirts for all of us, a pink one for me to match my Crocs , some luggage tags and a personalized doormat with Mickey on it.

SL - LIke I said it got me good too. Let's just say I am WIDE awake now.

 

[Alice28]

If you girls are bored today and want to prank the DH or someone else, send them this:

http://i.euniverse.com/funpages/cms_content/6489/a-maze-ing_new_cursor3.swf

It got me!

HOLY CRAP!

That scared me!

Z- I'm with you- I went and spent $140-something this morning.

$60 at Gymbo- I scored for my friend's baby shower gift! BIG TIME. I got her 5 outfits (4 rompers, 1 top and 1 short) plus an extra top for about $45! Then I got 3 pairs of shorts for the boys. Nothing for Molly if you can believe that...well, I exchanged 2 tops for the exact same thing in a bigger size.

Then we went to the Disney Store. I bought the boys their costumes. OUCH. $79 later....they didn't even have the Capt Hook hat already! There were 8 of them there on Tuesday! She said Capt Hook has been selling like crazy, esp the hats. So I will have to check another store. I guess I'm glad I bought them, even at only 15% off. They only had a handful of P. Pan costumes too- only 1 in Joshua's size.

We then went to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch (a salad/soup/pasta buffet). That's so much fun by myself with the 3 kids... actually Sam helped a lot.

OK, gotta get Molly down for her nap- I will post a pic of my pirates in a few.

 

[Alice28]

Here are m'boys.

 

[zalansky]

ROBIN - OMG!!!! Those costumes ROCK! The kids are too friggin adorable. The costumes look to be of good quality!

Sorry that scared you, it did scare me too. And I did it a 2nd time - knew it was coming and it scared me again.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!! My cat just pooped on my dining room floor!!!!! I think he's craving the attention he used to have before Lucas was born, but geez - this is NOT the way to get it!

Robin - Your boys' costumes are great! They look so cute! Do boys that age like to be called cute? Too bad - that's what they are.

zalansky - Congrats on the crocs. You'll have to let us know if they live up to the hype. I'm not sure I'd be able to wear them. I'm a flip flop girl.

I decided not to go shopping today since I forgot that we're going to the outlets on Monday, weather permitting. Lucas and I took a nice long walk instead.

 

[DisKim]

Robin - The boys look soooooo cute! BTW, you are a gymboree pusher. I ended up spending way too much on the boys.

We had such a nice day today. It feels like fall weather here. We barely made it into the 70's today with no humidity. My friend and I decided to meet up with the kids at our local zoo. It's just a small zoo but the kids love it. They have a shelter there so we checked out the dogs. Emmy liked a quiet lab mix she saw but I wasn't thrilled with any of them. The poor things were jumping all over the place. Aidan got scared and cried.

Aidan has recently become addicted to television. I don't think it's a good thing. He just wants to lay around in front of the tv. It's mostly when he's tired though so I guess that's okay. He's still a nutcase when he has energy.

 

[llij]

Good evening ladies!

Just popping in for a quick break!

Zalansky – I did that game and it gave me a heart attack! Let me know how you like the Crocs! A woman in my class the other night had some cute brown ones on. She swears by them and says they are the most comfortable shoes she owns.

Robin – I love the costumes on the boys! Meagan wants to be a girl pirate and I’m thinking I need to hurry up and get her a costume b/c I think pirates will be especially popular this year.

Congrats on the great deals with Gymbo!! You neighbor is one lucky lady! Oh and I apologize for forgetting that Josh was going into Kindergarten. For some reason I was thinking he was going into 1st grade. My mind is going……

SL – Sorry to hear about your cat pooping! My dog poops and pees in the house all the time and it makes me insane. BTW, I hope that your commute to school will be good! I’m just being a big baby about not liking my commute.

Lissawynn – I hope that your blood draw went ok today. Are you feeling any better?

Dizagain – Welcome! I have two older daughters (10 and soon to be 8) and a son. Having three is great! Good luck with the clothes too. It sounds like you got a lot of good ideas on what to do with them. You will find the ladies on this thread super nice and very helpful.

Justhat – Have a safe trip tomorrow to SC! Ernesto is going to dump lots of rain and I hope it moves off quickly so you can have some nice weather! BTW, when is the wedding that you are going to be in?

Tamie – Yes, I agree that the Today show segment yesterday was pretty sad. I don’t know why the media always has to hype problems between women. It was bad enough with the stay at home vs. working mom, but they had to now add older vs. younger moms. It is crazy! Have a wonderful weekend camping!!

Nucpharm –I hope that your company doesn’t wear you out this weekend. Have a great time!

Cm387 – Best wishes with the bottle/cup. I didn’t give my kids sippie cups until they were at least 6-7 months of age, so I am no help there. I breastfed my oldest and she seemed to do fine with nursing and using silicone nipples. She didn’t develop any nipple confusion. Congratulations on #4 and good luck with everything!

Val – I am so happy to hear that work is going better for you!

Ginamarie – Good luck tomorrow! I hope that your move and closing go smoothly for you!

J&D – Congrats on the great deals! I admire you for finding such great buys!

Fabumouse – We are the same age! I graduated from undergrad in 1990 as well. Ahhh…the lovely ‘80’s fashions too! I try to block them out of my mind, but it does look like they are making a comeback. My dd’s have purchased leggings and long shirts for their fall fashion attire. No way will you ever get me in leggings. It is a scary thought….

DisKim – Awww…I’m sorry that you are going to be missing Alex! I missed Katie a bunch when she started first grade. It was way too quiet around here without her.


Well, our plans to go see our college friends this weekend might be out. Ernesto is scheduled to dump a ton of rain on us and that makes it rather hard to do outdoor activities. We were supposed to meet at a friend’s home by the lake so the kids could Jet Ski and ride go karts. Hopefully, we can reschedule but it is so hard to coordinate everyone’s schedule once school and sports start. Bummer…I miss my friends.

I am also supposed to take the kids to see Beauty and the Beast on Sunday which is at an outdoor theatre called Wolf Trap. Of course the last time I took the kids there to see Annie it poured. We don’t get a lick of rain for the rest of the summer and the next time I go, it will pour. I don’t have very good luck with bringing the girls to the theatre.

Everyone have a great Labor Day weekend!

 

[Alice28]

Kim- LOL at Gymboree Pusher...I picture myself in a trench coat, in some dark alley, saying, "Psssttt....you wanna see some cute kid's clothes? They're really nice..." I am a smidge regretting my decision of buying her 5-6 summer outfits; one of the gymbo boards has the new lines up that will be on the website next week...baby girl has hedgehogs on it and dear neighbor's DH LOVES hedgehogs. I mentioned it to my mom and she said she would buy her either the blankie or an outfit as her gift. I just like giving really good baby gifts....I know you all know what I mean when you open a gift and are like, "WOW! This is really great!"

Molly has started liking TV a lot too...at least if it's the Wiggles or Elmo. She will just sit for almost an hour sometimes! I love it, but I only do it once a day or every other day.

SL- I am so sorry your cat pooped in your house! Our last cat did that ALL THE TIME when DH got a dog. Our carpet was ruined cause she peed and pooped everywhere. Our kitties are learning to jump off the porch already! I called the vet and will get them in for their shots next week, and then neutered probably in Oct.

Jill- I'm so bummed for you that your plans are wrecked cause of the rain. That stinks! I think it's supposed to be hot here this weekend...it was definitely fall-like this morning- quite the nip in the air!

Z- the costumes are of very good quality. I am sure to get at least 50% next year selling them on ebay. We do need to alter Molly's costume I think....so I might not be able to sell that one. I will wait and see the week before Halloween if she needs some more room in the torso length.

Well, our bed is set up and it is HUGE! I've never had a king and it's high off the ground! Whoa! I am tall, about 5'10" and I can barely just sit on it without boosting myself up on it. I think my mom and I would fall over laughing watching her get on it- between her bad knees and that she's about 5'2 or 5'3" it would be quite the show. But now that I made it all up, our comforter looks so DIRTY and TATTY. But I really don't want to spend another $100 on a new comforter (at least!). I'm contemplating just buying a duvet.

 

[vald1977]

Jill,
Sorry your weekend plans are getting rained out. That's a bummer.

Diskim,
I think I may have to place an order from Gymbo tonight too. Some of the bargains are just to good to pass up. I also have to buy a baby present. My friend next door just had her 5th yesterday. Another girl .

Robin,
Great costumes! I just love the idea of all three of them all together. Maybe you can throw on a white nightgown and go as Wendy ?

SL,
Sorry about the cat poop. That stinks - literally .

Loretta,
I have a pair of the Airwalk crocs and a pair of the Nothinz. I like them both.

Lissawynn,
Good luck with the quad screen. HOw many weeks are you again?

Welcome Dizagain . Congrats on the birth of your son .

Justhat,
I hope the driving this weekend isn't too bad on you. I can't believe someone called you at 10:30 p.m. . I would have been fuming.

Hi to Fabumouse, GLT, Hillbeans, Tamie, GM and everyone .

I can't wait until BB tonight . I just hope someone besides Booger gets HOH. I would love to see either him or Erika go next.

DS had his first soccer practice today. He really liked it and when he got home he actually said he was tired. Maybe I've found the magic cure to get him into bed .

We don't have much planned for the weekend. I know I want to sleep in at least once and clean up the house. I've been keeping up with the daily stuff like dishes, garbage, picking up but the dusting, vaccuming, folding of laundry is all way backed up.

Tomorrow dh has his fantasy football draft so he is leaving Katrina with one of his friend's gf. I know her and all but I have never left my kids with anyone other than MIL. I'm a bit paranoid about it. I hope she will be fine and not cry the whole time. I tried to talk dh into taking her with him. It will be around her nap time and if he laid her in her pack and play I bet she would sleep the whole time. Now I'm sure she won't get her nap since there is a two year old at the house she is going to. I'm probably just being witchy about the whole thing.

Well, time to go clean the kitchen and get ready for BB. TTYL .

 

[justhat]

Vald, I had to laugh about your husband taking his fantasy football draft so seriously that he needs a babysitter. I think that's something only men can relate to. I would be paranoid too, but ya know, I'm sure Katrina will be fine, I think it's just that mom instinct that causes us to constantly worry like that. Oh, and yes, I was less than pleased to get a call at that hour. Don't people realize that newborns deprive you of sleep!?! I already fell asleep tonight for an hour and now I have to wait up for my mom's train to arrive around 11. I wish she had taken an earlier train cause that's way late for me cause it'll be around 11:30 when she gets to my house, but nothing I could do about it.

SL, you're onto a beautiful idea for me, to never get my car serviced again! It was terrible. I was harrassed by no less than 5 salesmen about buying a new car. My car is an 2005, like I need a new one. We go to a dealer for oil changes cause they do it anytime and for only $29, but the harassment sorta makes me think it's not worth it.

DisKim, add me to the list of people telling you to place your Gymbo order! I can't order anything from them right now so this way I can live vicariously through you! Oh, and what a terror your friend's 2yo sounds like. I hate it when people can't control their own kids, at least to the point of not hitting other kids. And Madison sounds like Aidan, she'd much prefer to chill on her own than hang out with a fiesty kid.

Dizagain, welcome to the thread and congrats again on Carson! And yes, my daughter was quite the challenging baby. I never really realized just how "high-need" she was till I got this laid back baby. I mean, I clearly knew Madison was a bit more work than most babies, but comparing her to Henry has sorta created that pat on the back feeling for surviving the baby days with her!

Alice28, your boys are adorable in their costumes! Josh looks like he's taking his role quite seriously too. They are going to be the hit of your neighborhood on Halloween!

Hillbeans, I meant to say that I loved your OC photos! Looks like you had a great time. I feel like I need to go to some NJ beaches next summer to let Madison experience "the shore" like I did as a kid. I thought about it this summer, but I just didn't have that desire to travel too long in a car being pregnant. Good luck with the vet bills, btw. They really can add up.

Well I guess I should pack my stuff finally. I was out all day today, with the car (which took forever I might add cause some idiot salesman kept trying to sell me a new car and actually took my keys from the service dept so the receptionist didn't know that my car was done!!), getting that bridesmaid dress, then stopping at Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby to get one of those little sleeper things that can go in an adult bed. Joey was afraid that if Madison sleeps with me and Henry at the beach that she'd crush him so $50 to buy him a mini-bed. Well, I guess I can always use it in WDW if the pack n' play doesn't work out. Maybe I can find out some BB7 info first though, since it's not on here till 2:30am! Stupid Redskins!

 

[fabumouse]

The baby is stirring, so this might be brief.

First of all - great seein' ya on the flip side, Dizagain! I swear, there were days I thought I was going to pull my hair out if I had to pee ONE MORE TIME!

Joats - I really like the bra - thanks for the tip.

Today was a good day - Madeleine slept regularly, all three of us took a walk to the hospital to return my nursing pump which I don't feel like I need anymore (Madeleine was in the hospital for 5 days, so I had to pump to get up my milk supply). DD5 didn't whine even once during the walk! That was a first. And there was a nice breeze - I love the fall.

Another nice thing - I left DD5 in charge of binky patrol (basically keeping the baby from crying while in her cradle) while I took a shower this morning. That was something I never could do with the first baby.

Do all of you have scanners? I'm trying to figure out how you are posting high school pictures without them being a photo of a photo, which is probably how I would have to do it.

Justhat - sorry you didn't get any shopping done - I did a panic Costco run the last day the IL's were here because I knew I'd run out of toilet paper at 11pm some night with DH in another country. OMG a 50 pound beagle! I also did a search today for Lglblonde - I think about her every day [her son was slated for heart surgery 3 weeks ago] and hope that she was ultimately as lucky as us and he's thriving. I keep meaning to look for WDWBetsy as well.

Okay - the baby is definitely up now . . .



ETA: Robin, your boys are so cute and I love the costumes.

SL: Sorry, but that was really funny. My cats have been both depressed and annoying but they haven't tried that particular way of getting my attention (knock on wood!!) yet.

Jill - I remember going on a blind date (as a favor, as a favor!) with a guy wearing acid washed EVERYTHING. He also wore a button that said I heart hot tubbing. Gotta love the 80's. I didn't see the Today Show segment - but I'm guessing I'm an "older" mom.

 

[Ginamarie]

Dizagain- Welcome!!

Zalansky- You’ll be at WDW so soon! Good deal on the Crocs. I paid $29 for mine (lime green of course) and I wear them all the time. The hot pink ones were my second choice actually.

SL- Sorry about your cat.

Alice- You’re going to have the cutest group of kids for Halloween. I love the costumes. Hope you sleep well in the new bed.


So the walk through went well today. I have about a million little nuances that I need to remember about the house, though I’m sure I’ll forget and be searching around for light switches and so forth. I guess that’s part of the fun of a new house. We called the Cable company and supposedly they’ll be in next Friday to set up our telephone/cable/internet. So if all goes well, I won’t be without my internet connection for more than a day or so. I still need to buy a router though (just add that to my ever expanding list of things to do/get). Olivia is almost out of diapers actually! I’m tempted to just start using the size 3 diapers, but I’m not sure how close she is to the suggested weight. We have about 20 size 2 diapers left though, and her doctor’s appointment isn’t until Tuesday. So I may just get a small pack of the size 2s. Oh dilemmas!

I shouldn’t have, but I went on the Disney shopping website. There were some great sales. I got Olivia two swimsuits and cover-ups for $1.93 a piece! I also got the number plaque for our front door because it was sooo cute and finally on sale. I’m going to wind up with Disney characters all over the house by the time I’m done. So I didn’t spend too much money, but I did show my mom all the sales that were going on and she decided to buy an entire bedroom set for DSis (who’s moving into the room where my friend is living now). She got an incredible deal for a whole bedroom set plus the matching desk set, but I swear she’s never going to let herself shop with me again.

We’re all ready for the closing tomorrow. I just have to stop at the bank in the morning to get certified checks and then we’re on our way. I can’t wait! I’m incredibly exhausted though. I filled up my car with boxes, and I have to fill DH’s car in the morning so we can get some stuff over there tomorrow. I need to find the white paint I’m using to prime the walls, and I have to remember my paint chips. I may not check in for a couple of days, so everyone have a great holiday weekend!!

 

[Alice28]

lissawynn- how did the doctor's appt go? Did you have fun at the fair? Speaking of Dora, we noticed a whole new Dora playset at Target today (must be for Christmas or something)- a Dora CASTLE and all the accessories to go with. All 3 of my kids thought it was neat. Sometimes my boys crack me up, cause they are ALL BOY with the way they act, and yet they can appreciate a cool dollhouse.

GM- CONGRATS on the final walk-through! That's so awesome! Have fun settling in and getting everything how you want it.

Fab- I don't have a scanner- I've been taking pictures of pictures of my old photos. Whatever works! I would guess I'm a middle of the road mom. I was 25 when I had my first, 29 with my 2nd and almost 33 with my 3rd. Sometimes I still feel like I'm 17 though. LOL at the I love Hot Tubbing button. Very chic!

Oh, if you don't mind me asking, why was Madeleine in the hospital for 5 days?

Justhat- I hope you were able to make it waiting for your mom...I hope you have a good time with her this weekend! Here's hoping everything goes smoothly for you! Yes, Joshua takes his role QUITE seriously. The funny part was, as soon as I clicked the picture, he jumps over and excitedly yells, "LEMME SEE!" He is such the drama boy- wants to see himself on film IMMEDIATELY. He's such a little poser. DH thought he looked a little possessed.

Val- I am sure the kids will be AOK with the GF. I'm pacing myself with the Gymbo; I know there is to be a baby sale next weekend that I want some of....but it's only the newest lines, so not dirt dirt cheap, but at least 30%. And then Circle of Friends is the weekend after that! YIKES!

I am feeling like a lady of luxury, in my great big bed, surfing the net on the laptop.

Nightie night all~

 

[bellacam]

Hi mommies. Things have been a little crazy here and I have not had time to respond but have kept up on my reading. We are heading out to the island till Monday night but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day weekend!!!!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Happy almost Labor Day weekend, everybody. I just have to struggle through work, then enjoy my long weekend! Tonight is my scrapbooking night with a couple friends. I haven't scrapped in ages and the pictures in the book I've been working on are so old now.

DisKim - Lucas is addicted to TV too. DH is a TV guy - he works in the TV industry and even majored in communications so I think it's just in his blood. OMG, I'm so bad about it too. If Lucas is anywhere in the house, he will come running into the living room to dance to the General Hospital and Beverly Hills 90210 theme songs because I watch them every day.

llij - Sorry Ernesto has ruined all your weekend plans. I hope you can reschedule soon.

Alice28 - Enjoy that big bed!

val - I know how you feel since I've never used a sitter besides my mother, MIL, and SIL before. I'm sure Katrina will be fine for that short time. I'm glad work is going better for you.

justhat - I hate those tactics car salesmen use. So sneaky!

fabumouse - I'm dying over the "I heart Hot Tubbing" button. We have a scanner at home.

I must be a middle of the road mom. I'm 9 days from being 31 - Lucas was born when I was 29.

ginamarie - Glad the walk through went well. Good luck with the closing!

bellacam - Have a good trip!

 

[Hillbeans]

Hi Everyone,

Just checking in for a moment -

I wanted to make sure that I wished Loretta a great trip to BWI for Sunday. How many nights are you staying??? You'll have to tell us all about it when you return. I'd love to stay there on one of our next trips. We expect a full review! Do you have a Boardwalk view or a standard view?

Jill - Wolf Trap was right behind where my best friend's family used to live. Some nights you could hear a concert in the distance from their back yard. That area of Virginia is so pretty. Sorry to hear the rain is putting a damper on your plans, it's supposed to be pretty miserable here also.

Welcome Dizagain and baby Carson!!!!!!

Alice - I love the boy's halloween costumes. They look great!
My oldest has never been a fan of getting dressed up for Halloween, so after a few years of buying cool costumes and getting disappointed he won't wear them i'll see where we stand this year. Last year he just wore a Football Jersey and he said he wants to do the same this year I do have a cute Kermit the Frog costume for the baby that I got at Disney shopping last year on clearance.

We were supposed to meet MIL at the outlet "The Crossings" in PA tomorrow but they are expecting central PA to get about 10 inches of rain. Other than that, we're going to just spend a family weekend before next week hits with School on Thursday, Soccer on Saturday and everything else!

Talk with everyone over the weekend!