The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[fabumouse]

Diskim - I hope you have a great birthday tomorrow!!

 

[tkyes]

kim - Happy Birthday Enjoy your day with the kids!

robin - Super cute pictures!! I can't believe how much hair Molly has, it's so cute. Those boots are a riot!


I just realized that we were supposed to make our final WDW payment 2 days ago! My parents are due here any minute, so I'm going to have my mom hop on the phone and give them her CC# so we can get it taken care of! Yikes!

I hope TV is good tonight, I could use a good break from reality.

Tamie

 

[Hillbeans]

Hi Ladies,

Just a super quick post tonight -

The walk was kind of a bust - it was pouring rain and muddy. My friend raised the most money for a non-corporate group (something over $3,000). Both of our families have been affected by Heart Disease, so it was definitely for a great cause.

I think i'm going to miss Robin and Nuchparm when i'm in Disney! We're going down March 30/31st next year and coming home on Good Friday, April 6th. That's my son's spring break. I rented points for BCV from the 1st through the 6th, and we're still kind of deciding where we'll stay that Friday/Saturday night depending on when we leave NJ. I would like to stay at AKL again or WL, but i'll see what I can get a code for, if anything.

Touch base with everyone tomorrow!

 

[DisKim]

SAHM comments - People who make comments to SAHM's are so freaking rude. I stayed home with Emmy for a blissful year and a half and my MIL (among others) did not let me enjoy it for two seconds put together. All I ever got was comments about when I was going to find a job, etc. Well, I found a job and I'm still freaking there. I sometimes wish I hadn't. People are rude whether you work or not. I guess being a mom leaves the door open for a world of snide remarks and judgemental comments. That stuff makes me crazy.

Jen - I just can't believe a woman would be so rude. I don't think I could have kept my cool. I'm proud of you.

Robin and GLT - What gorgeous kids!!

FF - Don't be jealous of my fall activities. It rained as soon as we got into the apple orchard. It was terrible. Aidan had a runny nose and the last thing he needed was to get rained on.

I'm feeling guilty about taking off and none of my friends are getting back to me so I can leave plans. I think it's easier to just go in. I had a dream last night that I got fired for going to get Starbucks instead of going to class. Well, I guess I have to go pick out clothes for tomorrow, iron, etc. Yuck!!!

BTW, I'm going to visit my dad in NC. I'm very curious to see the town he lives in and we have a 3 day weekend so I figure we'll just hop in the car and head down there.

Another funny story and then I'm going - I almost adopted a puppy for Emmy today. They rejected me though. The lady saw on the application that I have a baby and she said a puppy is not a good idea with a baby in the house and that the puppy I wanted was part Border Collie and they need to "work" and are really high strung if they are not out herding sheep and stuff. That was all it took to convince me that it was on adorable puppy but not the right one for us. She encouraged me to keep coming back and checking for an older dog.

OK, one more story and I'm going to get some stuff done. I went to the hospital to see my aunt today and she just looked awful. They had to open up her ribs and they put a chest tube in. It was so freaking sickening. She had a tube coming out of her side and she couldn't even move. The nurses were horrible. They were 2 hours late with her morphine and I could just see the pain in her face. Thankfully, she's cancer free, but she had to go through one hell of a surgery.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Just a quick post before we leave for WDW. The wedding was a blast yesterday. DH and I had a really great time. I have no pictures, unfortunately, because I had packed my camera already. Bad news is I think I'm getting sick. I've been fighting what I thought were allergies all week but today I've got a sore throat and runny nose and sinus headache. The plane ride is going to be miserable. I hope it's a short-lived bug. We're leaving bright and early tomorrow and I've still got a million things to do. Talk to you all when I get back.

DisKim - Happy birthday!

 

[fabumouse]

SL - I'm so jealous!!! Have a FABULOUS trip and I hope you feel great by tomorrow morning.

 

[tkyes]

I've never been so frustrated with Disney before!

I called to put the balance of our trip on my mom's AMEX. I got disconnected once and then when I called back was told that the balance had to be put on my Disney Visa. I was not told that when I made my reservation and if I had known that I would not have put my Cozumel trip on there. I told her I could put a portion of the WDW trip on there, but not the entire balance. The woman made me feel like I couldn't afford the trip. She said we can try and reduce the cost for you. We can try a cheaper hotel or only do 1 day of a pass. I even spoke to a manager who was equally as helpful. I can't try a new reservation because we are within 45 days and I would lose $100. I went online and paid off my Disney visa, so I'll call tomorrow and pay the balance with that.

I know it's not a big deal, but they were just so rude and not helpful at all. I actually cried because I was so bothered by it (that could be partially PMS related though )

I told the manager that this is the first time that I've ever been dissapointed by Disney. She just said "sorry about that"

I looked on the codes and discount board, it just says you have to put your deposit on the Visa. I wasn't even told that. whatever.

sorry to whine to you all, I just had to vent!!!

 

[gottalovethem]

Tamie - I'm confused, why would you have to use your Disney visa to pay for a Disney trip? Not everyone has one. Who cares how it's paid, as long as it's paid I would have been in tears too.

Robin - oh my goodness, those pics are tooooo wonderful. I'd never be able to chose, I'd walk out spending a few hundred dollars! Love the pics, the costumes are wonderful!

Hillbeans - sorry to hear the walk was a bust, at least some great money was raised! All of you having upcoming trips is Soooo making me want to go! Did you see my previous post? DD wants me to play deal/no deal so i can win $ and we can go do Disney

SL - I can't wait to hear all about your trip! Please have a great time and remember to collect lots of juicy details!

diskim - Sorry about the puppy. I hope the perfect dog comes along soon. I wish your aunt a speedy recovery! Happy Birthday tomorrow! Any big plans?

J&D - Can't believe that lady, the nerve of some people! There are people who make comments, but honestly I cannot recall any of them right now. Each to his/her own. Glad she at least placed such a big order!

lissawynn - if you are still miserable in the a.m. please go see a dr., we want you to be healthy -- and your family needs you!

nucpharm - yeah about old navy. funny about DH, maybe I should have him come help me

ginamarie - since you can relate to the hate school thing, any suggestions? I have been trying to do fun things on the weekends, and to read a book, or go around the block or something when she comes home from school. I can't believe you had a housewarming already! Wow, you must really be on the ball! Glad it went well. I wouldn't be offended by last-minute cancellations, I am sure it's no reflection on you.

I'm not sure if these kodak gallery links work for you ladies, but here are some pics from our outing today, http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesh...8708.939933662108.1159755912187&mode=fromsite

We went to an apple orchard and pumpkin farm and didn't spend more than 50 cents, to feed the goats. I told the kids we were going to another one next weekend and that they will go on the carriage rides and buy pumpkins then. We still had a really good time. We saw all kinds of animals. And the weather was great.

Sorry for those I missed, Val, gems, bnb, bellacam, gretchen, fabumouse, zalansky, jill and others I am sure. Hi DIS moms!

Have a wonderful evening!

 

[ryan840]

Just a quick post to say HAVE A GREAT TRIP SL!

Happy birthday DisKim, and I'm so glad your aunt is cancer free!

Robin- Yay on *possibly* going to WDW, LOL about the favors! And those pictures are THE BEST! I could never decide!

J&D- How rude of that woman to make that comment

GLT- I LOVE the pics of your kids, they are gorgeous! I laughed out loud (one of those near crying sappy happy "I can't believe that'll be my boys one day" mom laughs) at the first one of the girls walking away.

tykes- Sorry you weren't happy with Disney's CS, I've found myself thinking that a couple times myself lately. Thanks for the heads up on having to put the whole trip on the Disney Visa, I will be making my ressies for DL soon so now I know.

OK, it started as a quick post, then I had some time to reply, now I gotta go Hi to all the moms I missed

 

[T16GEM]

Hi everyone.

OMG I am so tired! Shelby was up about 10 times in the night and would not settle, she has become very clingy to me in the night and DH doens't get a look in! I went to the bathroom last night and when I cam back into the room she was hysterical as soon as I cuddled her she was fine again. Weird huh?? This of course means that DH gets to sleep and I am up with the baby all night, then add on an hour and a half commute to drop her off at my moms and then a full day at the office - I am pooped! I swear I could just fall asleep on my laptop right now!

Oh BTW thanks to those who asked how work is going, as I said a lot of co-workers have moved to another office so I am literally sat in the corner on my own, which I don't mind - I can DIS in peace . The main problem that I have now is that I am waiting for people to send back the contracts that I have prepared to allow me to finish them off and print them etc, I must have been waiting for these for about 3 weeks, and I literally have NOTHING to do. I sat here last week for 3 days doing nothing - nada,zip, so I called my boss this morning and had him sort something out for me as it's driving me potty!!

We have another scan on Wednesday afternoon as Flumpy (our nickname) had his head in my pelvis at the last scan and they couldn't measure his head. SO they scheduled me in for wednesday, I am 23 weeks today and can;t imagine how I am going to manage with a full bladder on wednesday - please pray that they don't keep me waiting!!!!!!

Robin - I love the pics of your kids-- how are you going to choose between those shots!!?? they are adorable!!

Tamie - I would have been very annoyed too! I can't believe that they specify a payment type like that how silly.

Lissawynn - We should start the Pregnancy Related DIS Moms Illness Club! We could be the founder members as we are always ill at the moment! I hope you feel better and that you managed to get some sleep.

Kim - I just read about your aunt! YAY!!! I am so pleased!


Jen - we have the opposite in the UK with the whole SAHM issue, I am frowned upon because I work, I have to though there is no way we could pay our mortgage if I didn't. How rude of that woman though! I am glad that she bought books though, did that make you feel better?

GLT - sounds like you had a great time at the apple place, what a bargain too 50cents!! My DH would love it if I went out and only managed
to spend 50cents!

Hi to all the other mommies!! Hope you are all well!

I think I am going to duck out ( not that anyone will notice) and get an hours sleep or something!

Speak soon
Gems

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Good morning, ladies!

DH is going in to work late this morning, so I have a fairly "leisurely" time! He wants to have some kid time, which is great.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM! Go ahead--take the day off! We won't tell! Wishing your aunt a speedy recovery! BTW, I agree on the puppy. Puppies in general take a lot of work, and certain breeds in particular. Border collies are great if they've been trained, though--good "child protectors". We had a tenant for years with an Australian Blue Heeler, also a herding breed--he was the best dog! He was perimeter trained, and so, so protective of both her DD and my kids as well. I'm not likely to get a dog--Jocelyn and I are allergic--but if I did, it would be a herding dog. I'm sure the right one will come your way.

SL--Have a fabulous Disney trip!

Gems--Love the "Flumpy" nickname!

Tamie--Glad you got the trip thing worked out. I must say, I was unimpressed with Disney phone service before our last trip--we found out the Poly's Tahiti building was closed, which is where we wanted to stay, and then we wanted to change our "style" of ressies from Lagoon view to garden view (we wanted to be close to the TTC--that was more important to me than the view, at that point!). And they were SOO unhelpful! They tried to upgrade us to GF concierge, for only $1000 more! Completely missing the point, and we went around and around. My MIL pointed out that by "downgrading", we would get money back, and Disney HATES to return your money! But it was like they didn't even listen--when we checked in, we were right back to lagoon view!

Oh, another funny MIL story (I've got tons!) on the SAHM mom thing. She's always given my kudos for giving up my engineering career to be home for the kids. Well, then at my mother's wake (we got a lot of milage out of that funeral, ha ha!), she was talking to my best friend, who of course has heard tons of MIL stories but doesn't see her often. So, MIL is telling BF (who is an RN and has always worked, has 5 kids) that, it's great that she works, because she has something else in her life, and "kids are only going to up and leave you one day". Well, yeah--in 20 years or so! I pointed out that I was surprised MIL didn't discourage her from being married, because, statistically speaking, after a few decades, her husband was likely to die and leave her alone anyway! ANyway, after the whole wake/funeral thing, my friend said she was glad to have a chance to talk to MIL, because she hears the stories, and is tempted to think I might exaggerate--but then, talking to MIL, knows I'm not.

glt--the apple orchard and pumpkin patch sound fun. We go on Wed. with Celeste's class. It's her first field trip, and she's so excited! I'm going to be spending more than 50 cents, though, I'm sure.

fabumouse--Luke isn't crawling, but he's rolling and spinning, and can move really fast. He managed to work himself down past the pillow--fairly quickly, too, as I wasn't in the shower that long. He can get all over the family room lightning fast when he wants something!

Robin--When we go in 2008, I hope to do 10 days but only 7 in the parks, like you said. We'll either do the FW cabins or off-site at the Nick hotel. If we're on-site, we'll definitely do either Hoop-De-Doo or the Mickey barbecue thing. I LOVE Hoo-De-Doo, it's a hoot! The only thing I'm thinking is, my younger two may prefer the character BBQ. Either one would be our first night, when we would be settling in and not going to a park. As you can see, there's no such thing as planning too far ahead!

I have to run--take care, and "hi" to everyone I missed!

 

[Hillbeans]

I wanted to post this article on Elizabeth Vargas. I read it last night and thought it was interesting hearing from someone in the public eye who is trying to find that motherhood/work balance. It reminded me on the SAHM/Working mom topic that came up here earlier:


Elizabeth Vargas didn't get much rest during her maternity leave: Since giving birth August 16, she's been caring for newborn Samuel Wyatt, while trying to keep son Zachary, 3, happy as well.

"That mantra 'sleep when the baby sleeps', doesn't work when you have a three year old," Vargas, 44, tells PEOPLE. "I'm still struggling to find enough time to give Zachary all the TLC he deserves when I'm up around the clock nursing the baby."

Although Vargas says her son has struggled with the new addition to the family, "he talks all the time about the things he's going to teach him – how to ride a bike and build blocks," she says. "My husband (Grammy-winning singer Marc Cohn, 47) and I have to continually remind Zachary that it takes a long time for a baby to be able to do anything fun. They're kind of blob like for awhile."

And that blob needs constant attention. "Samuel has a very sensitive tummy and a little bit of colic," says Vargas. "I know they outgrow it, but there's nothing more heartbreaking than watching your newborn cry and scream in pain."

One of the biggest hurdles though is lack of sleep – as most new parents know. "I haven't slept more than 90 minutes at a time in a month – I'm practically hallucinating," says Vargas.

Still in terms of her body, she says she's feeling better and anxious to fit into her old pre-baby clothes. "Even though (my) body still isn't back to normal – and shouldn't be if you're nursing, to be honest – I feel much more like myself. I'm looking forward to being able to squeeze back into all my old clothes at some point."

Vargas took 10 weeks leave from her job at ABC, but that's not to say she hasn't been working. "I am on the phone several times a week planning and booking stories and I start shooting some interviews in October. My first night back we have a major project airing."

The topic is something Vargas knows a thing or two about. "We have decided to address the issue of whether or not working mothers can have it all," she says. "Obviously, I'm exhibit A for: you can't. At least, not if "all" is defined as anchoring World News Tonight."

Indeed, Vargas has become an unwitting poster-woman for working moms. Though she scored the job of ABC co-anchor opposite Bob Woodruff just last August, Vargas discovered she was pregnant this February, one month after Woodruff was seriously injured on assignment in Iraq. With the anchor lineup forced to change, ABC offered Vargas the chance to anchor 20/20, and handed the World News job to Charles Gibson.

"Anchoring World News Tonight is a tremendously demanding job and there is a very little flexibility," says Vargas. "In order to do that job, you're talking 13-15 hours days, five days a week, sometimes seven days."

Though she worked on that schedule for a year and a half, Vargas didn't want try that routine with a newborn. "Zachary paid a price for that. He struggled with my absence," she says of her toddler. "When your child cries because you have to leave or you're not home, it's hard to ask him to understand that mommy's career is more important."

Despite the step back, Vargas insists she isn't stepping down. "Samuel and Zachary will get older and I fully intend to work as hard as I can to get another opportunity to anchor a daily broadcast," she says. "I hope I get that chance. I think I proved myself – I just couldn't do it now."

 

[nucpharm29]

Good morning!

I can't believe that it's October already--I really need to get on the ball and get a Halloween costume for Emma. Of course, she wants to be a Disney princess, and I don't really want to spend the money on one of those costumes. She has the Disney princess dress up set, but that stuff would look really cheap for a costume. Last year, we waited until the last minute, mainly b/c I was prego, to buy her a costume and got a great deal at Disney.com--maybe Ishould just give it another week or so.

No big plans for today. We were supposed to go apple picking today, but since Arkansas isn't a huge apple state (go figure) the orchard isn't ready for picking. Oh well--I guess I'll head to the gym and then maybe go see my mom since she's here babysitting for my neice.

Gems--hope you were able to get some sleep. Matthew is the same way when he gets upset at night--It's mommy or nothing for him--boy, does it wear on me!

lissawyn--Hope you're feeling better

SL--Have a great magical trip!!!!! Can't wait to see the pictures!!

Hillbeans--Sorry to hear that we'll be missing you in WDW! Thanks for the article

GLT--They had an open call for Deal or No Deal here a month or so ago, and I seriously thought of going--but I figured my life was too boring for tv! Sounds like the apple/pumpkin patch was fun! Which one did you go to? I'm guessing not the Little Farmer if you got out with only spending 50cents! We used to go to a place called Sprangers Orchard 2-3times a week last fall. Emma loved it! That's the one thing I'm really missing about wisconsin

Comments made about SAHM's are just rude sometimes. My parents and IL's are extremely supportive of me staying home--but some people are like "you spent all thatmoney on school and could make x-amount of money and you choose to stay home???" Yeah, I do--if I were to work we would have tons of extra $$$ in our account and no time to spend it. However, I do see a slight change in people's minds about SAHM's, and that this is a choice for the betterment of our children, not that we don't want to work. Believe me, I love my job as a pharmacist, but I love being a mom more (most days! ) But whatever decision is made, it's a personal one and other people should just keep their noses out--it's none of their business! (Now off my soap box)

All that being said, I have loads of respect for moms that work (b/c I know lots of you do)--you guys are Superwomen!!!!

Well, better go get dressed for the gym and check on Matthew. Emma has been my early riser lately, so we've been up a long time.

 

[Ginamarie]

Alice- OMG I love the pictures. This is another reason I’m hesitant to get professional shots done. I’d want to choose them all, and I can’t afford it! You mentioned Hoop de Doo. If you’ve never gone before, I’d consider it. Your kids are the right ages to really get a kick out of the corny jokes. I’ve seen the show twice already and we’re going back again this year. Even my DH wanted to go, and he hates spending extra $$.

Fabumouse- I totally relate to the SAHM thing. When I quit my job to start my own law practice and my own family, my boss told everyone “oh, she’ll be back when she gets sick of being at home and needs the money.”

DisKim- Happy Birthday! I’ll be praying for a quick recovery for your aunt.

Tykes- I’m sorry the reservations dept gave you such a hard time.

Gottalovethem- I think part of the reason I hated school was because it was so different from my routine at home. I was used to doing grocery shopping or laundry in the morning, having lunch and taking a nap, etc etc. It was also that I just missed my mom and my brother. I think what helped was trying to incorporate some of home into the classroom. My mom would let me bring a book from home or a special snack. She’d sneak in little drawings from my brother. So I felt closer to home. It was a long process though. I’m still really attached to my family and there are a lot of things I’d rather do with them than without them. On the bright side, if your DD is anything like me, than she loves you so much that you have a best friend for life. No matter what, my mom is my best friend.

Gems- I’m glad work is going better for you.

OK, Olivia and I have to get to work. I have a new client coming in this morning, and I'm hoping it works out! I also have to get the paperwork in the mail on DBro's new house. It's still surreal that DH and I are living here, but having DBro living nearby is REALLY going to be weird for awhile. I've been teasing my mom because there's a brand new house around the corner from DBro's house that's on the market now. It's a 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom on half an acre of land, so just the right size for them. I know they're not moving though, especially with all the work she's been doing to fix up her house in the last couple of weeks.

I'll check back in later!

 

[DisKim]

Well, I took the day off and so far I have had a blissful day playing outside with Adian. He has been coughing though and it got worse outside and made me a bit nervous so we're in now. He is just such a doll. I would love to do this every day. I was going to take Emmy and Alex out of school early and go to lunch but they gave me a dental appointment an hour before Emmy gets out of school. Poor baby didn't want to go to school on mom's birthday. She is so funny. She heard me telling my stepmom that I need to get a new set of glasses because I keep breaking them. So, Emmy went out yesterday and bought a new set of glasses in Target. They are so funny. They are heavy etched glass thing with gold rims. I can definitely picture Emmy thinking they were beautiful. DH also took all 3 kids to a ceramics place so they could make me things. I can't believe he was brave enough to do that with Aidan.

Gems - I hope Flumpy cooperates for you today!

OK, I'm going to go play with Aidan since he's done with his juice. He's been such a cutie lately. He seems to be past that tantrum thing he was doing and he is much happier.

ETA - A small vent here. Would you ladies be angry if your best friend didn't call to see how your aunt's surgery went? My BF has not called and my aunt's surgery was Friday. I'm a bit put off to say the least. My BF is at almost all my family functions and knows my aunt well. I would think she would be concerned. I hate to say it but she seems so wrapped up in herself lately. I don't know whether to say anything to her or just let it go. Life is really too short to sweat the small stuff but this is not small to me.

 

[T16GEM]

GM - just out of interest what do you do with Olivia when you are seeing a Client do you have a day care or something in your building? I was just wondering as I am thinking of branching my business out and getting some premises and I'd love to take the kiddies with me but it's just what to do with them when they are there!

 

[justhat]

Our weekend was pretty good. My reunion thing at school was fun, though would have been better if it were my reunion year or if the friend who convinced me to drive up to NJ had actually stayed there more than 10 mintues! She's crazy with her kids nap/bedtimes to the point where her life revolves around them so she got to the school at 11am, though it was not starting till noon, when I arrived. So by 12:15 she had to go to get her son home for his nap at 12:30. He's 21 months, napping a little later would not kill him just one day. The kid sleeps 16 hours a day, I'm sure he'd be fine. Well, I should say he's in his crib 16 hours a day, not necessarily sleeping all that time. So he missed the pumpkin painting, which Madison loved and was great for me cause now I don't have to deal with her painting a pumpkin at home.

After we left there we met my mom at the mall. She was looking for an outfit to wear to Henry's christening but they didn't have the one she wanted anywhere so that was a bust. We stopped at PBK and Madison found a toy vacuum she liked so my mom was buying it for her and while she was in line Madison (who was playing with a toy kitchen) peed all over their floor. She's never had an accident out of the house so of course I didn't have any clothes for her to wear, but lucky me cause Gymbo was next door so my mom took Madison to the potty and I ran to Gymbo and bought her some pants, shoes, underwear, and socks. It pained me though cause the pants were full price and $30! I got a gymbuck out of it though, but I already have 3 so I didn't need this one and thought I could give it away, but I cannot find it anywhere today. I'm really annoyed about that cause I know I put in in the diaper bag where the other gymbuck has been for a few weeks and that one is there but the new one is gone. I only opened the bag once after that which was when I changed Henry's diaper in the mall so I guess it fell out there. The good thing was that the Pottery Barn people were really nice about her accident so I was less mortified than I would have been.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon driving home, which was pure torture for the 11 miles I was in Delaware. I know you probably all think I'm insane about this Delaware stuff, but this example should give you an idea of what it is like. I got on 95 South in Delaware and immediately the traffic slows to a near stop cause the 2 right lanes are closed so everyone has to merge left. Henry started screaming since the car wasnt' moving so I pull into the rest area about 30 minutes later when I finally get to it. I feed and change him and then get back on 95 South, only to see that the 2 right lanes have reopened and now the 2 left lanes are closed!! Pure insanity. The kicker is there was nothing going on in any of the closed lanes! No construction, no previous road work visible-nothing at all! Someone who lives in MD near the DE line on the moms to be thread said she thinks they just put orange cones on the road to laugh at the motorists going crazy and I think I agree. I have decided to try to find a new road to avoid traveling through Delaware in the future cause I refuse to pay them $10 in tolls to sit in that traffic.

I got home and saw that my husband bought the most ridiculous product in the world and it cost $150! It's a device that lets you watch your tv wherever you are. Clearly that's a valuable item cause we go so many places without a tv! What really annoys me is that my one big thing, that I know I've complained about before, is him buying expensive stuff without mentioning it. I have told him this about a million times, and I never buy stuff without telling him first, and many times he says he doesn't think we need it or whatever and I end up not getting it. I didn't know how much it cost till this morning so I wasn't so upset last night, but now I am. I did tell him last night that it woul dbe a good purchase if we went camping or if he were stationed overseas for work for whatever reason, but since he job will never do that and we never camp it's useless. And the house looks like a disaster so he didn't even do anything helpful all weekend. Oh, except throw out the box that his "toy" came in so that I wouldn't see it! I'm warning him now that he better prepare for my bad mood later in the day.

Happy Birthday DisKim! I hope you got to take the day off. And if not I hope you still enjoy your birthday anyway. Your post about your aunt reminded me of my grandfather. He has lung cancer (or had maybe, not sure if it's all gone or not) and had surgery in May 2005 and had the tube in his chest too. He came to live with my mom afterwards while he was recovering and it was hard to see him like that. Luckily my husband was there with us in NJ cause he changed the dressing which otherwise my mom or I would have had to do and I'm so not good with surgeries/bad illnesses. I hope she starts looking and feeling better soon.

Alice28, I hope your WDW trip happens. The med cruise does sound nice and I'm looking forward to it. Are you guys looking at cruises to do in March too? We did the 4 days for part of our honeymoon and I loved it. It was the only part of the honeymoon that we were really kid free in fact cause we took Madison to Flounder's Reef 2 nights. I loved your photos of your kids, but could only see some of them as others said image temporarily unavailable. I'll try again later though as the ones you bought weren't available and I want to see them. We do Halloween photos too and I think they're some of the cutest we have.

Hillbeans, we have spring break that same week as you but I don't think we'll be going to WDW though. I really sympathize on the sleeping thing with Liam. Madison was the same way and I felt just like you-it was a trade off cause she was such a joy during the day. Everyone I met didn't believe the terror she could be overnight cause she was always so happy all day. For us she changed at 17 months when Joey moved to the couch and she slept in the bed with me. She slept all night for basically the first time in her life, consistently that is. Of course that arrangement couldn't work forever, so I worked on getting her out of our bed while he was still on the couch and she started sleeping on the floor next to my bed. This was done by 19 months and she was sleeping all night so the fact that she was on the floor was fine with me. So maybe you've only got a few months left too, or at least you can hope right?

BnB, Madison rolled off of the bed at exactly Luke's age. I felt terrible and it was my fault. I had taken her in my bed cause she woke up so early and she went back to sleep with me. But then she rolled over I guess and right off of the bed and I didn't know it till I heard a thump and saw she was gone. Luckily she was fine and didn't really cry, but I was so scared. Oh, and I have to comment on what you said on that ER thread about how they all have unplanned kids. Well ya know how you pointed out my husband's bizarre engineer characteristics? They apparently do not work when it comes to preventing kids cause we've now got 2 surprise kids! Funny to me only cause not only should his engineering tendencies have helped, but maybe something he learned in med school too! In some areas I guess he's just a slow learner.

Tkyes, sorry to hear about your Disney problem. I hope you can get it all fixed today. They didn't try to cancel your reservation though. I noticed on our confirmation that payment in full was due by a certain date, but we booked a room only AP rate and we've always paid them off at check-in. I'm glad I noticed it right before it was due cause when I called to pay it the CM said they would have cancelled it!

Lissawynn, I'm so sorry to hear that you're sick. You have really had one of the most challenging pregnancies so far. I really hope you're blessed with a very easy little girl to make up for it! Hopefully you can get some relief today.

Gem, Madison was the same way as a baby. She only wanted me at night and if she woke up and I wasn't there she'd freak out, even if she was laying next to my husband. I thought I was going to go crazy after awhile cause I never had a moment of peace, even after she went to bed. Good luck getting through this phase cause I know it's rough. I hope you get some better shots at your ultrasound this week so you're not uncomfortable for too long. I never had to do the full bladder thing but I can imagine what it would be like later in pregnancy like this.

GLT, I loved the photos you posted of your kids and the ones of their first day of school. The link in the last post didn't work for me but maybe it will later. Leif looks absolutely gorgeous in that photo and his teeth look so adorable. I love his eyes, they're so expressive.

Ryan840, Henry is wearing his 2006 outfit today and I actually took some photos of him in it so I'll post them later. It's still a bit big on him, but sadly not as big as 3-6 month stuff should be. I hate seeing him grow so fast!

I need to get away from the computer now as my husband is fighting with me through pages about this stupid thing he bought. All I ask is that he mention it first and his response was that I buy stuff all the time and that costs more. Yes, I buy kids clothing, but I asked him to name the last item I bought for myself. He claims their clothing is for me cause people tell me they look cute. I have now gotten so angry cause yes, that's a perk, that my kids look cute, but they still need clothes, whether hidious or cute, so a necessity nonetheless. But in terms of buying myself something purely for me cause I want it, well, other than maternity clothes I can't think of anything. I want a lot of things, but I don't buy them. I feel kinda bad for the patient he's seeing right now while he's emailing pages to me cause I'm sure he's in a great mood. Actually, he probably is since he doesn't think he did anything wrong.

 

[lissawynn]

Hi ladies. I went to Urgent Care this morning (can't wait to get the bill for that one). Anyway, the dr. who I saw was super nice and used the same OB group that I use. She had a bad experience with a receptionist there and left the practice. WTH? I am definitely going to speak to the dr. and my insurance company about the witch nurse. Anyway, I have accute bronchitis and got a script for an antibiotic and cough medicine w/codine so I can sleep. I also got reg. cough medicine for during the day.

It's so beautiful here today. I called my dad and asked him to let Jimmy run around outside for a while so he can get some fresh air. He seems to be doing well with his ear infection. He has been taking his medicine so well; he thinks it's some kind of treat or something.

DisKim - Happy birthday! I hope you and Aidan enjoy your day off!

Alice - Those pics are great! I feel like a heel b/c I have only taken Jimmy twice for his pics.

gems - I hope you manage to get some rest. I have avoided the sickness that's been spreading around school for weeks, so it's just my time to get sick. I'm surprised I've managed to avoid it for so long.

Tamie - I don't understand why you would have to pay for your trip with your Disney Visa. I used mine b/c I had 0% for 6 months. I wasn't required to do it, though.

I'm sorry for missing so many of you, but I'm going to try to get some sleep. I hope you all have a good Monday.

 

[T16GEM]

KIM HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

 

[tkyes]

Sorry ladies, I should have clarified that the deal I got was a Disney Visa promotion. You can only take advantage of it if you have the Disney Visa. I really don't know what I expected them to do for me. I guess just not be so flippen rude to me and make me feel like I'm too poor to go on vacation!

lissawynn - I'm glad you went to urgent care and got a diagnosis! I hope you feel better soon.

kim - Happy Birthday again. Too cute about the glasses. Glad Aidan is being a sweetie for you again.

gem - Sorry to hear you have nothing to do at work. I mean, it's nice when things are a little slow some times, but having absolutely nothing to do makes your day go soooo slowly.

justthat - oh no about the potty incedent at PBK! Sorry to hear you lost your gymbuck too! And I would be livid with my DH about spending that much without chatting with me. I don't think maternity clothes are a treat for yourself, they are a necessity.

gm - Good luck with your new client.

nucpharm - Good luck finding a costume. I know, I can't believe it's Oct. already too.

hillbeans - Good article!

I paid off the Disney Visa last night, so I just need to wait for that to go through online and then I can call them back and pay the balance. I need them to send me an itemized statement saying "7 nights at $xxx.xx per night" because my mom's work is paying for 3 nights because she is speaking at a convention. I would think they could send me something like that.

Tamie