The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[joats]

Happy Birthday Weekend SL, Zalansky and sweet Cameryn! It's a big week for birthdays!

I don't have time now to do a proper post to catch up with everyone because while Jace is napping I need to run one of our cats to the vet for his check up. Hopefully I can post again later if Jace takes a pm nap.

DH is still on disability and in pain. He's better than he was when it all started but still not able to do much. He goes for an MRI on tuesday to see if he will need surgery.

I did manage to go out last night with my best girlfriend for some local Mexican food (my favorite). Jace went to bed and I prayed that he'd sleep thru as usual and he did. I even got to have a margarita! Man, 3 sips into it I was already feeling it. I'm such a "light weight" these days. Gone are my (when I was much younger) 3 margaritas before a buzz nights. Anyway dinner ended up a very lovely 2 hour event as I wanted to make sure I could drive after my drink We had a nice time.

Not much else here. Have some errands to run. As I said, I hope to be back later as there is so much from you all I want to reply to.
Have a good morning all!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Good morning ladies! I hope everyone is having a nice weekend--it's gorgeous up here, but you can tell fall is jsut around the corner.

I wanted to clarify--the $400 for dance was for 3 kids (Jocelyn takes 3 classes, then Robert takes tap and Celeste takes pre-K ballet/tap). That's for the whole year, plus $20/class costume deposit. But then you throw in the classes (!) at the new studio--the Mon. one she's only taking for 10 weeks, because it conflicts with scouts, so the teacher is trying Jocelyn out today in an advanced combo class (ballet/tap/jazz/pre-pointe). Sigh! So, when you get down to it, if she continues at both places, two recitals, a bunch of costumes, and I'm looking at $1000, probably, for the entire year. Now, I do consider it to be good value, since she gets so much out of it and loves it, but yikes! What's a real kicker, though, is both kids dropped soccer--around here, soccer is free (!!!) unless you need the $6 t-shirt. Which I think is real nice, since there are a lot of lower income families and their kids aren't excluded, but you notice how my kids can't stick with the cheap stuff. So, anyway, tempting as all this Gymbo talk is, you'll have to be enjoying the sales without me!

Stephanie--the consignment sale sounds interesting--I'm a huge secondhand shopper, so I love that sort of thing. Good thing, too--see my dance costs, above! And shoes can be the worst--especially boys dress shoes, which Robert has worn his twice, and they're probably too small already! But you can find some good stuff on the secondary market.

Justthat--if you can, consider getting the "sticks" of formula that make 4 oz. at a time. I know Target sells them. They come 16/pkg., and are much handier than the cans, especially if you don't want to waste a whole can. It might be worthwhile to have handy in case Henry needs more than you can pump. I bought them with my Enfamil/Similac coupons, so they were practically free, and used them the whole week in WDW for Luke's bottles. Enjoy the wedding!

Kim--Consider mentioning to your friend that she should be open-minded with the teacher. You're in a tricky spot, I get the impression the friend isn't going to listen to anyone about her little Snooky and behavior problems. Boy, is she going to be in trouble in a few years!

Alisa--I'm sorry that the heartburn is such a killer. I agree with you on the baby hair--I had less heartburn with my first, and she was the least hairy, but I still had heartburn. I just chewed antacid tablets constantly--I had them in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, the car...

Happy birthday to SL, Camryn, and zalansky! Party at Loretta's house!

 

[Alice28]

Mornin all~

I need to get some vacuuming and tidying done, so I will make this quick.

We already went to Target and it's just 10. LOL! DS's allowance money was burning a hole in their pockets. Sam got Battlefront 2 for PS@- only $20 and he had $20.50. Josh got a Star Wars action ship for $7. They would really dig your DD's Halloween costume Florida Fam!

Kim- hope you have a nice time at the picnic! Molly loves her oldest brother too, like Emmy and Aidan. She and Josh get along fine, but Sam adores her and she him.

lissawynn- I'm glad you were able to go out to dinner last night!

Hi Joats! I'm so glad you were able to get our and enjoy yourself last night with your GF. I hear you about being a lightweight! Me too!

Hi Val! We miss seeing you around here, but I understand you are busy with the new job and all- hope it's still going well! Not long til you are at the World!

OK, I really need to scoot- after I tidy we are going to mom and dad's for the day so I can scrap.

 

[lissawynn]

Happy Birthday to Cameryn, Zalansky, and SL!

I am getting a lot accomplished today. I'm slowly working my way through the piles of laundry downstairs. I've made a batch of haluski (cabbage, onions, butter, and noodles) with the cabbage FIL gave us from his garden. DH is taking out our central air. He's been in the attic most of the morning. He has to do this so we can rewire and get ready for when the roof comes off. He's got 2 electricians to call tomorrow so we can see who can do the work for us. DH can do it but would rather have a professional come in.

joats - Your dinner and margharitas sound delicious. That's one of my favorite drinks. I can't wait to have one.

BnB - My SIL's daughter is in dance and she really seems to like it. I still have a few more years until I turn into taxi driver mom. I'm not at all sure what kinds of sports Jimmy will like, but DH is determined that he'll be a baseball player.

Back to the laundry for me.

 

[joats]

lissawyn: I am always amazed at how much you accomplish over one weekend!! I feel like such a slacker when I read your posts
Val: I also agree about BB. I'm so bummed with the top two. I don't like either of them. Hope work is going well.
nucpharm: Hope Matthew doesn't get strep! Any bargains at the consignment sale?
DisKim: Hope you had a nice picnic. Your friend sounds like she is in denial and is in for a real awakening as her son grows.
justhat: Is the wedding this weekend in NJ? You are a trooper to still be in it. Hope your "girls" aren't in too much pain from lack of nursing at the wedding.
GLT: Hope Leif's lip is ok. Poor little one.
BNB: I hope Luke is feeling better.
Tamie: Did Tyler end up getting a cold?
GM: How is the house coming along?
SL: Hope you enjoy your "ME-Time" today.
Floridafam: Did they do the launch today?
Jill: Fabulous news about John!
Hillbeans: What a beautiful family - I agree you don't look like you need to lose anything!!
Zalanksy: Sounds like you had fun! Welcome home.
J&D: about everyone thinking you were pregnant when it was just about BB.....I did too!!!
Hi Dizagain, fabumouse, and anyone else I may have missed.

Alice: You and your Gymbo! You crack me up, you should get a stipend from them for all the promoting you do for them. They have much cuter girls stuff than boys.

Speaking of Gymbo: I just realized I have a coupon but expires 9/14/06 If anyone wants me to mail it or maybe someone can use the code online? I'd be glad to, I won't be using it.

I've been trying to get Jace to eat more table foods and struggling. He wants the same crap all the time: grilled cheese or ravioli. So far, he's refused all meat and I've tried everything. Tonight I am going to try putting hamburger in some mac & cheese to see if he will eat it. He'll eat tons of fruit too, but no veggies except babyfood jar veggies. Any ideas on how to get him to eat new foods instead of hearing "No" and having him drop it on the floor?

I better go get a move on and empty the dishwasher of the clean dishes, then load the dirty ones and finish my laundry. I'm hoping to run to either Target or the Mall when Jace get's up from his nap.

Hope you are all enjoying your Saturday.

 

[llij]

Hi Everyone!

I’m done with my exam! Woo Hoo! But this is me after staring at problems for a few hours. I’m pooped! I just pray that I passed. Only one more exam left and I am done with licensing exams!

The girls also had their first soccer game which I missed so Dave had to do some creative juggling since their games overlapped by a half hour. Katie scored two goals today which I missed seeing. Bummer…..


Val – It is great to see you! How is your grandfather? Is he really ill? I’ll keep him in my prayers. Good luck with work! I hope it continues to go well for you.

Hillbeans – How was Kevin’s first game? I’m with everyone else saying that you do not need to lose any weight. You look fabulous! That lady was totally in need of glasses saying that you looked pregnant.

Nucpharm – I had to laugh at your comment about kids learning the meaning of the word ‘weekends’. I finally got my kids to the point of getting up on their own and feeding themselves breakfast when along came John. I’m destined to never be able to sleep in!

One of my friends runs a consignment sale twice a year and I usually help out at the sale. It is always a lot of fun and you can get some great deals on stuff. I hope the sale goes well for you today!

Lissawynn – I’m sorry that your heartburn is causing you so much trouble. I had terrible heartburn with Katie and a little with John. Does it go away for you after the baby is born? What a pain about your neighbors and their cars! I hope that they move the cars soon.

Joats – It is great to hear from you too! Sorry to hear that your dh is still laid up. Did the doctor say how long it might be before he is healed? I’m glad to hear that you got a chance to go out with your best friend last night. You need a break. As far as foods, my kids always refused food that had strange textures to them like meat. Keep introducing foods to him, but don’t worry if he doesn’t eat it. Eventually he will. The doctors always told me that the kids eat a lot in their first year of life and then hardly eat anything the next year. It all evens out in the end. Good luck!

Justhat – Have a wonderful time at the wedding! I missed the hullabaloo here about the traffic here, but I agree with you that this area can be a nightmare to navigate. I had to drive from where I live all the way over to Mt. Vernon today. Driving on the beltway was insanity. That is very sweet of you to offer to watch John too. I really appreciate it. Have they scheduled Henry’s surgery yet or are they going to wait until he is six months?

BNBmom – We had estimated that dance cost us about $1,000 a year too. The recital is what got us. The cost of the costumes, pictures, video, etc. really added up fast. Even though our schedule is too insane for dance this year, it was always fun to see the girls dance. Ballet actually helped improve Meagan’s foot skills for soccer so there was a definite benefit! How does Robert like tap? I want John to take tap when he is older, but my dh refuses.

Floridafam – This is how behind is current events I am….did the shuttle ever take off today? I hope that you all got to see it!

GLT – Poor Leif with his lips! I hope the swelling goes down soon. Good luck with the garage sale too!

Robin – Too funny about your son snitching on you using the computer! Sometimes I feel guilty taking a study break to catch up with everyone b/c I wonder if my dh will be looking over my shoulder to see if I am hard a work and not DISing. Have a great time scrapbooking today!

DisKim – Have fun at the picnic today! Ay yi yi about your friend and her son! The poor teacher!

Well, I better run. I’m going to go to Mass tonight and then Meagan is having a few friends here for a sleepover. I need to hit the books in full force tomorrow to prepare for next week.

Everyone have a great evening!

 

[vald1977]

Joats,
I just sent you a PM about your coupon .

SL,
Sorry I forgot to say Happy Birthday to you in my earlier post . Hope you have a great weekend.

Justhat,
I hope the wedding is fun. Henry sounds like a nice healthy boy . You must be feeding him well .

Lissawynn,
I hope the rewiring goes well. Please post pictures of the work. I find that sort of stuff fascinating .

Robin,
Well, I already spent over $100 at Gymbo over Labor Day and I'm so drooling over the mix and match stuff. I hope I don't spend too much more but I may end up dropping as much as you did if you add it all up . I'm a sucker for cute clothes.

I am getting so excited for our trip!! Two more weeks and we will be in Disney . I need to get going on my packing list. I think you asked me what I'm most excited about and sadly, the answer is eating . I love a good bargain and free food is about as good as it gets .

J&D,
Is there a way to view your usbourne stuff online at any time or is it only when you are doing a party? I'm trying to plan for Christmas and I wanted to browse a bit through your stuff. Both of my kids really love the books I ordered before.

Diskim,
I'm so happy that Aidan is thriving at his new daycare. I can't believe how tall he is already.

GM,
Sorry you had a run in with such a jerky judge. I hope Olivia starts sleeping better for you. Both of my kids went through a phase like that around her age. My ds continued to be a bad sleeper but Katrina snapped out of it and sleeps like a champ now.

Tamie,
It doesn't sound like your aunt knows much about toddlers. I'm sure Tyler will grow out of the biting stage.

BnB,
Wow! I'm glad ds's soccer only cost us $40. Dancing can sure be expensive.

Hi to Dizagain, fabumouse, Hillbeans, GLT, and everyone else .

Tomorrow I'm going to get contacts. I used to wear them a long time ago and then when I was pregnant for ds they were uncomfortable. After he was born I never had the money to get them again. I ended up getting a crack in my glasses yesterday and I've been toying with the idea of contacts anyway so I figure now is the time. I'm so excited .

Well, I have a ton of housework to do so I suppose I should get off the computer. Talk to everyone later .

 

[vald1977]

Jill,
Just saw your post. I hope the studying is going well. Yay for Katie scoring two goals - that is awesome !

My grandfather hurt his back and they need to operate on his spine. He is 78.

Joats,
I forgot to say I hope your dh feels better very soon. The night out sounds great. I'm a lightweight drinker too .

Nucpharm,
I hope the consignment sale went well today .

Floridafam,
We are big star Wars fans here too. I'm sure your dd will be a very pretty Padme. And Kona will be a sweet little bee .

Tasha,
I'm glad school is going so well for you. Yay on the Disney trip next year !

Okay, I'm sure there is more I meant to say but my brain is mush right now . That's what I get for trying to cram a week's worth of posts into one day .

 

[floridafam]

Hi Mommies,

We did get to see the shuttle launch today. It was awesome. It is so hard to explain how awesome it looks.



I haven't heard back from GEM regarding the exchange. Should I wait before I draw names???

Speaking of coupons.....

Does anyone have a Victoria's Secret coupon? I guess there is a coupon out for a free Angels panty and $10 off an Angels bra. Well, if you have one you are not going to use, I would love it.

I had to return something there today and take my 10 yr old DS in with me. He didn't like that too much. Give him 10 years.


I'll be back in a bit.

 

[floridafam]

Okay Mommies,

I just heard from GEM We are all set to go on the exchange. I will draw names in a bit (as soon as Kona lets me.)

I'm going to make the deadline October 13th. That gives us a littel over one month. It also ensures plenty enough time for shipping before Halloween.

Does that sound good to everyone?

The minimum we decided to spend is $15-that way it will be fair to everyone. Can you go over? Sure, I already know I will.

This is going to be a lot of fun. I will draw names and PM you with your buddies information. Now, I do have the past exchange lists from J&D. Do you want me to make sure you have someone different this time or just draw names and leave it at that?

Please PM me when you have mailed the package to your buddy.

If I'm forgetting anything, let me know. I've never done one of these before and I don't want to goof up.

Be back in a bit.

 

[vald1977]

Thanks, Floridafam. I'm so excited to get shopping .

 

[floridafam]

Okay, I drew the names and only came up with one person who has the same buddy from one of the past exchanges.

I'm going to PM that person and see if they want me to do a different draw-just for something different.

See you all in a minute.

 

[floridafam]

Hi Mommies,

I'm in the process of sending out PM's with your exchange buddy information in them.

DS is helping me so I don't know who gets me. He drew the names, too.

They are short and to the point. PM me if you have any questions.

Gotta go chase Kona. She's getting into the kitchen.

 

[DisKim]

Hi ladies! I hope everyone had a nice Saturday! We had a great time at the picnic. It's so much fun playing corny games like the egg toss and sack races. Emily was mad because she couldn't compete in the basketball contest. She's really good, but you had to be 13. I was kind of sad. FIL used a walker for the first time today and that hit me hard. I love him so much and I can't stand the fact that he is not in good health. I've been going to this picnic with him every year since I met DH and it just hit me today that he aged a lot .

FF - I'm so excited to get my exchange buddy . Thanks for organizing this. The shuttle launch must be awesome to see.

Jill - I'm sorry you have so much schoolwork! I'm sure it will all be worth it though.

Val - Good luck with the contacts.

Camryn and Loretta - Happy Birthday . I can't believe Camryn is 1 already!

DH put Aidan down in his crib for the night and he is screaming. I don't know whether to pick him up or not. He doesn't usually carry on like that.

 

[Alice28]

Well carp, I got another Gymbo coupon! I wish I had it yesterday for my mom to use! Maybe I will give it to her if we get together again soon if she wants to buy Molly that Mix and Match stuff. I swear I might end up selling half my Gymbucks because I certainly don't need another $300 in Gymboree...or do I...J/K! Actually, I might offer a few of them to my neighbor, so she can splurge for baby.

I got 14 pages done at my mom's! I was quite pleased. I am *done* with DL, but still have DCA pages to do, along with pictures from the 4th.

My mom had such a blast in Europe, she asked me if I might like to go someday with her, and which country would I like to go to!? I told her "France, I think." I've always wanted to see Paris, and the French countryside, and of course there's a theme park there I would love to go to once in my life.... There are several places I would like to visit in Europe, but that's my #1, and I wouldn't want to be away from the kids for more than 9 - 10 days, so I think it would be dumb to try and cram too much in. We'll see. Maybe in 2-4 years she was implying.

FF- If I get a VS coupon, I will certainly get it to you. LOL at your son going with you- I went in once last year to get some lotion and my DSs weren't too thrilled either. Very cool that you got to see the launch.

Val- I never looked twice at the Mix and Match line, but when my mom started pulling stuff out, I was like, "hey, that is cute!" It's hard to restrain, isn't it. I thnk what I look forward to the most about WDW is eating too...it's fun to indulge every once in awhile, and indulge I do at WDW!

Joats- I would just keep offering Jace small amounts of different food. At some point it will get in his mouth and he will realize he likes it! I plan on making fish in a bit (costco fried fish stuff) and I am hoping the boys will try it. They used to love fish n chips when they were 2-3, but at about 4 they decided it was yucky.

lissawynn- hope you got thru your laundry pile. Wow for your DH taking out the AC! That sounds like a big job.

Jill- I will say a little prayer that you passed the exam- I'm sure you did! I'm sorry you missed Katie's goals, but good for her!

My sinuses are killing me....I just took some sudafed (I had to get a prescription for these! Oregon passed a law that they are prescription only now due to the meth epidemic....irritating) so I am hoping that will help. My allergies always go on the fritz at my parents, I guess with all the farms and plants around, etc.

DH should be home soon from drill....I gotta go start dinner I guess.

TTFN and I can't wait to shop for my pal!

 

[zalansky]

Thank you ladies - for the warm wishes for Cameryn and for me too!

I cannot believe my baby is turning one either! I have been so reflective today and still can't fathom that a year has passed already. We took Cam to JcPenney to get her shots done today and they came out pretty good except she was squirming really badly...and also it will be 14 days before I can view them online! They need to get with the program. We are having a small party for her tomorrow with just immediate family. I didn't want the stress and expense of a large party. That can wait until she gets older.

And no special plans for my big day....as a matter of fact I am such a loser I am going to a focus group for an hour on Monday night because it pays out $100 and all they are doing is asking questions about cosmetic surgery. I couldn't pass it up!!!!

FF - I have the coupon you're looking for! PM me your info and I will mail it out Monday. I have the DIS address book someplace but forgot where I stored it.

Enjoy the remainder of your weekends everyone!

 

[llij]

Good evening ladies!


Meagan has 5 of her friends over and we all just stuffed ourselves with pizza and ice cream. I've really fallen off the weight watchers wagon bigtime! (Although, I will say that I have had fun doing it! )I want to look good for my 20 year reunion in a few weeks. Right now, I've still got 'swelly belly' action going on so I might need to purchase myself a big ole girdle so I can fit into a nice dress without looking pregnant.

Floridafam - I got my buddy thanks! I think I might take an afternoon study break tomorrow and do a little shopping! That is great that you got to see the space shuttle lift off today too. That would be so neat to see one day.

DisKim - That is always so tough to see our loved ones decline in health. I was looking at my pictures from DL the other day and my dad looks so much older in the pictures that it took me by surprise. He hasn't been feeling so well since we got back and thinking about his mortality scares me. That is a bummer that Emmy couldn't play basketball too. Was there a reason why they did the age cutoff?

Robin - Wow, you need a prescription for sudafed? Yikes! I know that we can't buy a large quantity of cough medicine around here, but I bet we need a prescription for sudafed too. That is great that you got so much scrapbooking done! Oh, I hope that you get to go to Europe sometime in the near future! It is lovely over there! I'm partial to Italy since I live there for a few years. The food is amazing!

Val - Good luck with the contacts! I would be lost without mine. I bet you are getting so excited about your Disney trip too! I hope the next few weeks fly by for you so you are at Disney!

ETA: Zalansky - Have a wonderful birthday!!! Gosh, it seems like yesterday that you were announcing Cam's birth! The time certainly does fly by! I hope that she had a great day!


Well, I better call it a night....Katie is crying at the moment b/c Meagan kicked her out of the sleepover party. Ah......sisterly love!

Everyone have a great weekend!

 

[Alice28]

Zalansky- I would totally do a focus group too, for $100! I've done one for $10 and that was cool. It was about a new sort of diaper genie.

At first when I read, "I took Cameryn to get her shots at JC Penney" I thought- "Does JC Penney have a doctor's office?" DUH DUH DUH Robin! LOL at myself! I bet she looks so cute and I want to see a picture of her!

I have a coupon for Flash photography that I want to use this month. Only $20 and I get free sitting, 8x10 and 8 wallets, plus I have a punch card for another 8x10. I want a few of Molly and of all 3 in their costumes.

Jill- I have never been to Europe before, so the prospect is very exciting. DH doesn't want to go, because as he says, "I've been there, done that, don't really want to go back." Um, honey, you were 7! I'm not counting the layovers for military flights!

And I know what you mean about it being sad about seeing your parents or in laws get older. My FIL looked quite old before he passed away and he was only 63....we still miss him, and we're almost at the 5 year mark of his death.

Kim- that's a major bummer emily didn't get to play basketball. I'm glad overall you guys had fun though.

FF- THANKS again for organizing our exchange. I'm super excited to get my buddy's name and I will start shopping this week for them! I have many ideas and it will be a challenge to keep things reigned in!

Oh, I just caught some punks lighting things and throwing them at the top of the hill. In stealth mode I got on the phone, called 911, reported it, and ten minutes later the police called me and said they caught them. This was a time when too bad there was no damage....but the police officer made it sound like they were scared crapless and wouldn't be doing it again. Ha-ha, you little jerks!

 

[floridafam]

Robin,

Did you get your buddy's name yet? All the PM's witht the info have been sent out. Do you want me to send yours again?

Mommies,
Please PM me if you are participating and did not receive your buddy information.

 

[floridafam]

Happy Birthday to Zalansky, Strawberry Lemonade and Camryn (sp?)