The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Good morning all! I have a few minutes while Luke naps. I hope everyone hd a great weekend--it was cold and windy here, and DH had to work 7-7 yesterday, so we stayed close to home, mostly. We did get out to rent the older two kids their skis for this winter, though--it's early, but we had a block of time.

I wanted to mention about febrile seizures--I'm the lucky mother of two (!) kids who have had them (Robert and Celeste). Seizures are caused by a rapid change in temperature, not a high fever--when Robert had his first one, his post-seizure temp was ~102, not what you would think of as dangerous. Febrile seizures are not medically significant, which is why doctors are kind of cavalier about them. But let me tell you--they're scary as hell! I'm a former EMT, knew all about them, and Robert's first one completely, completely freaked me out. Also, while Robert gets the full blown type (shaking, eyes rolling back, etc.), Celeste's are quieter--her eyes shift left and both kids go completely limp and make a kind of grunting sound--uhh, uhh, uhh. This is probably TMI, but I wanted you guys to know what it's like, just in case. And as an aside, I started out as a mellow mom who wasn't too quick to rush for the drugs whenever my kid felt warm, but now I'll throw Tylenol at those two the second they feel warm. Anyway, if anyone has any questions about febrile seizures, I'm the one to ask!

Robin--Next time you're at the library, you may want to get the book "Six Dinner Sid" to read with the kids. It's a favorite in our house, but we call it "Six Dinner Smudge", after our wandering kitty.

gems--Thanks for organizing the exchange. I listed all my kids, but whoever has me can make their best judgement about who they buy for--the older kids understand that it's not always about them.

FF-it wouldn't surprise me if they cancelled the Ironman. I don't know how bad things are on the Big Island, but the NBC reporters were in Honolulu. I don't remember if I mentioned that my IL's were orginally supposed to retire on the Big Island (Hilo side--they were going to buy a mac nut farm), so we took several trips there. DFIL died in Hono in 1990, a month before his retirement date. Sometimes life isn't fair.

Tamie--On the matching stuff, I go both ways. I guess if you haven't done it before, not so bad--I wouldn't match every time. Also, sometimes I go with similar outfits--I have a nice shot of Jocelyn and Robert, both in dance recital outfits. I'm lucky because I have a really nice kid's clothes factory near here--anyone heard of Therese? They're classic dress clothes, like velvet, silk, smocked, etc. Jocelyn and Robert have pretty much outgrown them, though. They also sell "Beastie Buddies" costumes. They have sales twice a year--next one is 11/3-4-5. Anyway, I've also seen people do matching from Hanna Andersson, or matching pajamas can be cute--I understand you're tlaking parents and kids, but nice plaid pj's could look nice, exp. in front of a tree or fireplace for Christmas.

Well, I have to run, I swear, he's uncanny! Hi to everyone I missed!

P.S. GLT--that sucks on the insurance. Does your state have some kind of health plan? It might be worth looking into--the newer plans aren't so much about being poor, but more of a sliding fee one. It can't hurt to check.

 

[zalansky]

Good morning moms

Gems - thanks again for organizing the Christmas exchange. I got my buddy this morning and I am very excited! Following Robins suggestion, whomever gets my name please don't feel like you have to shop for Connor, he is older and gets plenty!

dizagain - Funny story about your DH and the pizza boy! I am glad he went and apologized though, I would have felt bad for him too if I'd been in your shoes. How did you like Papa Johns?

Alice _ I am glad your kitty came back too! I had a feeling it would. They always seem to find their way one day.

I took Cameryn in to the doctor this morning, she has croup. She was coughing like a seal over the weekend....she's been sick for two weeks and I'd taken her in back two weeks ago and she was on anti-biotics but the doctor said what she has now is totally different and she muct have picked it up somewhere else, maybe a shopping cart at the grocery store, anywhere. So I think I will have to go and get one of those cloth thingies they sell for shopping carts and high chairs at restaurants. I never really thought they were necessary! My bad.

We also had a real life Jerry Springer episode last night at my in-laws house. (remember they live down the street and my MIL is a miserable, mean, individual, however I'd take my FIL anyday! Love him!) Long story short I have sat quiet for 8 years DH and I have been together and put up with negative comments about me and my children from MIL and also MIL talking awfully to Connor and her calling him names like "stupid" and "you must be deaf for not listening to me" - those are just the icing on the cake. I would take up the board if I listed the things she has said and done to us. I have always put up with it for DH's sake, to keep the peace and also because they are our only babysitters....well, really FIL is these days.
DH's loser, non-working, govermnent money sucking, never graduated high school, got pregnant by someone she doesn't even know niece (30 years old) yelled at Connor that he'd better behave....he was running around playing like any normal 3 year old boy does. I told DH (because this has happened too many times to count adn yet we are not allowed to tell her 8 year old son A WORD when he misbehaves) and DH told her to never discilpline my child again/ Basically she went nuts and then MIL got involved because MIL always defends the loser and I called MIL on it and she threw her cordless phone at me and almost hit Cameryn. DH started yelling at his mother and it went out of control from there. I lost my temper after she tried to hit me with a phone (by the way, who does that but a nutjob?) and I yelled at her and told her what I have thought of her all these years, that I don't like her and that she is a mean, old, miserable person and I never will be around her again. I told DH to tell her what he really thinks of her and he did too. She was a bit surprised at that I think. Thank goodness my husband finally stood up for us.

I feel embarrassed even telling you guys this, like I said it feels so Jerry Springer. I was raised in such a normal, non-white trash family that this is so bizarre to me that people behave that way. I just needed to get it out and vent. And the bottom line is, we need to find a babysitter!!! ASAP! We have tickets to Howl O Scream at Busch Gardens for Saturday night. My friend hired a nanny service but they charge $175 for registration and then $11 per hour for 2 kids plus a $10 fee for the nanny's gas. But they are licensed and bonded and have backgrounds checks done. Does that sound reasonale to you girls?

Again I so embarrassed to even admit I am related to these people. Well, at least it is by marriage and not blood. Any suggestions about babysitters more than welcomed!!! Have a good day.

 

[floridafam]

Oh, Loretta.

Don't be ambarrassed about a thing. That kind of crud happens to everyone. I used to get into it with my Mother-she's stubborn and finally gave up because I didn't want my kids seeing the tension and crud that went on between us. I love her and we have a great relationship now that we live 1200 miles away from eachother.

I feel bad for you and your DH and kids. I can't believe she almost hit Cameryn! I'm glad your DH stood up for you and the kids. They are the most important thing in all of this.

Sorry you don't have a babysitter. I wouldn't leave the kids with your inlaws on a bet. You never know what they might say to Connor.

If I lived closer, I'd babysit in a heartbeat!

I've never used a nanny service so I don't know much about them. Do you have any friends that you trust to babysit? I hope something works out for you. Keep us posted.

 

[Alice28]

OMG Loretta- here's me reading your post- .Your MIL is a serious whack-job!

I'm so glad your DH stood by you and told her his .02 too. Your poor FIL for having to put up with her and her crap!

Babysitters- a $175 reg fee? That sounds ridiculous to me. I would perhaps post a notice or look at your local community college (or contact the early education dept to post- when I was at school, we often got childcare jobs that way) for sitters. Or a local church? I think the $11 an hour for 2 kids is also a bit steep, but doable. I think I would probably pay someone $10 an hour to watch my 3 kids- I mean, that is good money in my opinion for an older teenager. More than they are going to make at most jobs anyway.

And I am sorry Cam has croup- that is the scariest sounding cough! I've wondered about getting one of those cloth things for the carts too, but I haven't...I do use one of the sani-wipes most stores offer near the carts now.

BNB- thanks for the info on the seizures. You must have seen a lot of interesting cases when you were an EMT! I will need to write the title of that book down- is it about a runaway kitty?

GLT- that's a good idea BNB had about the state health plan. You should at least look into it- that $4,000 deductible kills me!

Christmas- what's everyone getting their kiddos for Christmas? I think for my boys, they will each get a PS2 game and the new ultra cool Star Wars lightsaber, along with several action figure type guys. (They love those!). I still don't know what to get Molly- I saw some really cute Disney baby dolls at Kmart the other day- they had a lot of interesting toys I haven't seen at TRU or Target. I know my mom is getting her a baby doll, and a soft, fabric made dollhouse. I know I want to get her a stroller for her baby (as she loved that at preschool when we were there), and maybe some dress up type stuff. And I think some Disney Dollars will find their way in all of their stockings!

I need to figure out a new snack drawer for my kids- Molly has found it! The boys are pretty good at self-regulating healthy snacks, with a junkie snack once in awhile. But every time I turn around, Molly is bringing me a small bag of chips, or fruit snacks, or granola bars. And then she eats a bite and throws the rest on the ground.

 

[Ginamarie]

L- Great pictures! I had nightmares about work today too. My afternoon clients cancelled though, so things are actually less busy than I expected.

Dizagain- Sorry about the nighttime spit-ups! Sounds like you had an adventurous day between the packing peanuts and the pizza guy!

Nucpharm- I’m sending you some PD that Matthew gets better. It sounds like he’s been on a roller coaster lately.

BNB- OMG those seizures sound terrifying. I’m glad you know how to handle them. I’d be a wreck if Olivia did that.

Zalansky- Don’t be embarrassed. I think everyone has people like that in their family somewhere. I’d been on the verge of disowning certain family members for a long time, and after Olivia was born it sealed the deal for me. They’re just self-absorbed, selfish and nasty people. They’ve never taken an interest in my life, and I’ve given up on trying to have any type of relationship with them now. I call them “toxic family members.” You’re always better off without a toxic family member. Sorry I’m not much help with the nanny situation. I’ve always thought the best way to find a good babysitter is by recommendation. My sister has gotten a lot of babysitting jobs that way, since the parents and kids love her.

Alice- I’m really not sure what the kids are getting for Xmas this year. I bought Olivia those pooh baby dolls by Madame Alexander, and I’ll probably get her a couple of small things too. My little brothers and sisters though, I have no idea. I already agreed with DBro(26) that we’re not going to exchange gifts this year because we both just bought houses and have no $$! I’m pretty much dreading Christmas shopping this year because of the budget constraints, but we’ll get through it. I just have to live with having one Christmas where we don’t spoil the kids rotten (as I usually do). DH and I aren’t exchanging presents with each other, because we want to save some money for vacations!


Today’s been one of those times where nothing goes right at work. I think we have to have days like this once in awhile to offset all the good things that happen to us throughout the year. In the meantime though, I’m ready to crawl under the desk!

 

[gottalovethem]

I am not caught up, but real quick. . . .

Zalansky, each family has their challenges. Glad DH stood up for you. We have had luck finding our sitters from some of the girls who help at the YMCA (they love my kids and are always saying hi, so one day I asked if they babysat), also from neighbor's kids and friend's kids. I hope you work something out, that nanny service sounds pricey, but could be worth it in the long run for the professionalism and peace of mind. Good luck.

Robin - Leif is always bringing me something he wants to snack on too, in fact he just brought me some pretzles.

Have to catch up later, but funny (IMO) story ....

Leif and Laine are busy snacking (thanks to Leif bringing me a bag of pretzles from the cabinet) and Leif spit up a bit on my knee while I was reading posts (of course, I didn't really notice). Leif then walked to the kitchen, got a papertowel out of the garbage and walked back to me and starting wiping my pants I just thought that was so cute (and gross, as it was a dirty paper towel). What a sweetie though!

 

[nucpharm29]

z--How horrible of your MIL to act like that--seriously crazy!!! And you can vent here any time--DH and I were talking last night about what a dysfunctional family he has--Long story short, his dad's gf (they've been together longer than DH and I have been married) hates the fact that he already has kids from his previous marriage-and she let's all us know how she feels. And then she always plays the victim, poor me--we all hate her-whatever! DFIL has lost all his close friends due to this woman and getting seroiusly close to alienating his own children--you'd think he'd get the picture--nothing doing!

I'm with Robin on thinking the $175 registration sounds high! Hope you can find an alternative!

Alice--I'm having the hardest time with xmas present ideas this year. I guess it's also compounded by the fact that both kids have bdays w/in a month and half of xmas. I was planning on getting Matthew the new Tickle me Elmo but MIL already bought it for him. For his bday I think I'm going to get him the Mega Blok set that comes in a Firetruck pulll-along thing--and for Emma's bday her Cherry Pie outfit and the CAndyland DVD game. FIL always buys extragavant gifts for xmas so I think I'll ask him to get the kids the Thomas the tank engine table--so maybe they'll get the train pieces to go with it from us.

Also, whoever my buddy is, also don't feel like you have to buy anything for Emma--she just likes opening the package anyway. Okay, lunch is over, need to tend to the natives!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Well, work isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was expecting mountains of work and my supervisor to have done stupid things but there wasn't and she didn't! And no one quit while I was gone which I think is a record.

zalansky - I think all families have those Jerry moments. I'm glad your DH stood up for you. I second Robin's suggestion of looking at the local colleges to see if a student can sit for you. We recommend that all the time at work (daycare referrals) and our clients have a lot of success.

gem - I got my exchange name, thanks! My friend is trying to get her DS off his pacifier slowly but her mother keeps thwarting her efforts. I think cold turkey may be the way to go.

dizagain - I hope that poor Papa John's delivery guy isn't afraid to deliver to your house again.

nucpharm - Poor Matthew! Good luck at the dr today.

Alice28 - We'll probably get Lucas some of those Little Einstein or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toys from the Disney Store. I also had an activity table like this in mind:

I saw it at Target. There were a few other things I had in mind but of course I didn't write them down.

GM - I hope your work day gets better. I've had days like that!

GLT - Aw, Laine is so cute!

 

[dizagain]

Hi again real quick...

Zalansky - Don't be embarrassed - we all have those kind of "Jerry" moments. And I'm so glad your DH stood up for you - his mom sounds completely nuts. I'm so glad Cameryn didn't get hit (or you either!). Hope she feels better from the croup. I also think asking friends for babysitter recc. is the best way to go or also church, gym, or preschool nursery workers. I'm not sure I'd spring for the nanny thing...

GLT - CUTE story! I'll bet Leif was so proud of himself..I'll bet he got a big hug!

SL - glad work is still there...you deserved your break!

Ginamarie - hope your day gets better...I'm sure it will once you're through with work!

Alice28 - I started writing down Christmas ideas last night. I've been picking up tiny things, but nothing big yet...I always go overboard as it's a family tradition and I can't stop the madness. Hannah wants a Nintendo DS Lite which I suppose she'll get with Nintendogs and Brain Age. She has wanted the Nintendo thing for over a year now. She also wants a $75 Carson Palmer football jersey which I will either pawn off on grandma or skip - hey, she has a tshirt! Hayley wants to try piercing her ears again (we let the last ones grow back a few years ago after infection) and she wants a Password Journal. She's my hardest to shop for as she won't ask for things cause she thinks we're poor and it would hurt our feelings!! Carson will get an excersaucer for sure.

BuzznBelle - thanks for the seizure info - will tuck that away as the girls never had them...you never know, Carson might...

nucpharm - Sorry Matthew is still sick. Maybe THIS time he's really on the mend.

Well, it's 12:30 and somehow I'm still in jammies.. I HAVE gotten some things done, but Carson has been up and down and grumpy. Maybe I'll try to hop in now as he's managed to sleep for 30 minutes. Have a great day!

 

[DisKim]

Loretta - OMG!! Your MIL is way out of line. I literally caught my breath when I read your post. I can't believe she would throw something at you and Camryn. I would never step foot near her again. I was already angry when I read the things she calls Connor. My SIL yelled at Emily once and I called her up and "discussed" it with her on the phone. Everyone now knows better than to even think about disciplining my kids.

Gems - I didn't get my exchange pal . I sent you a pm.

Robin - I'm trying to restrain myself this year. My mother never made a big deal about the holidays so I go crazy now. The amount I buy is literally obscene. I wouldn't be suprised if I've spent 1K per kid in the past. This year, I'd be happy with myself if I could keep it to a couple hundred per kid. Emily just wants horseback riding stuff. It sounds simple enough but the boots are $200 alone. Alex want Fly Wheels XPV and Avatar toys. That's really all he has mentioned. My mom is getting Emmy the gameboy she wants. Emily also wants the new American Girl doll (she is named Emily) so I'll probably let my stepmom get that. Aidan is just getting a few small toys. He loves Elmo so I'll get him a few Sesame Street things. I refuse to get into the whole Elmo TMX craze. He doesn't know about it and I can always get him one for his birthday in April. I'm going to need support to control my spending.

SL - I'm glad work was okay. I know that feeling of not wanting to go back all too well.

Well, speaking of work. I have to go play detective and find out where one of my students was during 7th period. I should be grading essays right now but if I read one more essay about Edgar Allan Poe, I'm going to go insane myself.

As others have said, whoever gets me should not buy for Emmy and Alex.

 

[Alice28]

I just wanted to share something cute I just saw and am going to order Molly when I get my little paycheck from the school district -it's on the Lillian Vernon website and it's a heavy duty cardboard trunk, with the Disney Princesses on it, filled with princess outfits, 'jewelry', tiaras, and a pair of slip on shoes. It's only $30. That was exactly what I was hoping to find for her!

The website had a lot of other cute stuff as well; I even saw something I might get my 'pal' but I feel like I should look around a bit more first.

And you get 3% back by clicking thru Sunshine! If I can figure out a way to order most of my Christmas gifts thru Sunshine, I will really rack up some Disney Dollars by March! My dad loves Bass Pro Shops, and so I hinted to him to make his list from the catalog (his bday is the day after Christmas as well) and I would be happy to buy his gifts from there. I just love my motivation- a few cents back from a reward site! I just have this mental goal to have $100 from them by the time we go. Hey, that's about a dinner at Narcoossee's I think...at least our entrees and a drink. How dorky would that be- paying our tab at a fancy restaurant with Disney Dollars! But I would love to see DH's face when the tab comes and I say, "This one's on me!" IF I can keep the whole Disney Dollar thing a secret- he knows I do it, so he will probably ask about it.

SL- I saw something like that toy you posted at Costco I think. I'm glad work hasn't been crazy busy for you!

Kim- My MIL miraculously got Molly that Elmo. She found it at Target the day it came out. We hardly even watch Sesame Street, but I think Molly will still get a kick out of it. I don't blame you one bit for going haywire for Christmas- it's so easy (and fun) to do. The last two years have been like that here, with all the military donation stuff, and it was kind of fun watching the kids have so many gifts to open. I just know DH will kill me if I spend more than $100 per kid- he thinks the kids are spoiled rotten as it is. (like he had such a deprived childhood ).

Somehow it's laundry day, again. I should go fold some before the pile gets waist high. Soccer practice is tonight and I am dreading it. Practice is worse than the games because all Molly wants to do is run around in the middle of the practice. At the games she can't get on the field as it's blocked by doors/walls (it's an indoor soccer center). So she is distracted by the video games and soda machines at the center.

 

[tkyes]

hi everyone!

We just got back for a toddler play group thing. I met some friends up there and we chatted while the kids played. It was fun and at only $1 a kid, cheap too!

I am a bit tramautized though as a Grandma who was there asked me how old Tyler was and then said "are you his Grandma" I guess I need to stock up on wrinkle cream. Who asks someone that??? OMG! Oh, then when I said "no, Mom" she said, "I had my last child at 42" I can't look that old! Not that 42 is old, but I'll soon be 31, I don't need 11 years added to that!

sl - Cute pics! Good luck when you decide to do the pacifier thing. Cold turkey might be the way to go. I was debating about the Great Movie Ride. Lucas did OK with the shooting? I was thinking I could distract Tyler during the Alien part, but then I remembered the gun/mob fight. What didn't he like about Muppets?

alice - No idea what we are getting Tyler for Christmas! Not too much as my parent's go overboard.

zalansky - OMG! Good for you for giving it to your MIL and I'm so happy that your DH stood up for you. I'm sure that was a tough situation for you guys. That is just uncalled for. Don't be embarrassed, you didn't chose your inlaws!!

diskim - Good luck with Christmas. I know I'll have issues when Tyler cares about his presents. It's so fun to watch kids open stuff when they get excited. Sorry your DH couldn't go to the pumpkin patch with you.

glt - Very cute about Leif!

gem - Thanks for my exchange name!!

nucpharm - Sorry Matthew's fever came back. I hope he's on the mend and it doesn't go back up again.

bnb - Thanks for the seizure info. I would freak out!


I should run, hi to everyone I missed!!

Tamie

 

[lissawynn]

Hey ladies. This is just a quick drive-by of a post unless I have some free time later on.

Loretta - It must have been the weekend for family dysfunction. I got into it with my BIL last night and left my sister's house in tears. My 6 y.o. nephew is challenging at best and he constantly picks at Jimmy. Jimmy, being the good-natured kid he is, loves his cousin regardless. We went to their house for left-overs and after one or two instances of me telling DN "that's enough", I guess both BIL and I had enough of one another. He started telling DN to stay away from me and that I wasn't feeling good so he should stay away. Well, DN goes into the bathroom and Jimmy follows. The door gets closed. All I said, and I swear, this is it, "I don't want the door closed.". I repeated myself and BIL goes off on me. He starts telling me DN is not a bad kid, etc, etc. I never even mentioned the child's name. I just didn't want a 21 month old and a 6 y.o. alone in the bathroom. Well, I tried to tell him that, but he grabs DN and proceeds to take him upstairs, ranting about me the whole time. I get p***ed and get my stuff to leave. I start crying b/c BIL continues his rant about his son, and I've just had enough. I was completely worked up and went home in tears.
My DH, being the guy he is, went back to my sister's house and simply tried to explain that I didn't want them alone in the bathroom. I can just see Jimmy playing in the toilet or turing on the water for the tub. BIL said he was sorry he upset me.

Whatever. I'm just tired of my family and need a break.

Sorry your MIL is crazy. She'd have to be to throw a phone at you and Cam. I hope you can find a sitter that doesn't cost and arm and a leg.

I hope I can chat later. I have to go to the store before I pick up Jimmy.

 

[llij]

Good afternoon moms!

I’m with everyone else as far as the exchange and the older kids. Whoever has me, don’t worry about getting stuff for the girls. They have enough already, so something for John is good! Thanks, Gems for arranging this!

Lissawynn – I’m so sorry that your BIL was a jerk too you! Sometimes family can be very challenging.

Nucpharm – I hope that everyone in your house is well soon! Poor little Matthew!

Gems – Thanks for my buddy name! I can’t wait to shop!

BNBmom – How scary for you with two of your kids getting febrile seizures!

Zalansky – Sorry to hear about your family as well! Don’t be embarrassed at all either. I think we all have some “Jerry Springer” characters in our families. I hope that Cam feels better soon and that you find a babysitter!

Robin – Glad to hear that the kitty has returned. Good luck finding a new snack drawer! As far as X-mas gifts, I’m clueless at this point. WDW is going to be our gift, but I would like to get the girls something small to open on Christmas. I better start thinking of what to get!

SL – Cute pictures of Lucas!

Dizagain – Sorry to hear about the spit ups! My oldest was the queen of spitting up 24/7 so I empathize with you.

Justhat – Wow, Madison is giving you a run for your money lately! You poor thing! I’m sure it is just a phase and this too shall pass, but in the meantime you’ve got to be pooped. Hang in there!

GLT – Leif sounds like such a sweetie! I saw your earlier post about insurance and was wondering if you found something else yet. Insurance is a PIA and expensive and I wish you well. Have you looked into a non-profit organization who offers insurance? I used to belong to a bunch of associations and they offered group coverage as a membership benefit. Good luck!

Bellacam – I love the pictures of your nephew! It is great to hear from you and I hope that your pregnancy is going smoothly.

Ginamarie – I hope work is going well for you!

J&D – How is the computer issue? I hope that Santa leaves a laptop under the tree for you!

DisKim – How is your Aunt doing?

Tamie – That woman who made the comment must be blind!! You are so young and do not look like a grandmother at all. I shake my head at the comments of some people! Oh and I vote for matching outfits or at least similar colors in your family picture.

Cabmom – Love the pictures!

Fabumouse – How is Kailey feeling today? I hope her cold is better!

Floridafam – How are you doing? That earthquake was quite scary. My neighbor has family in Kona and Hilo and she said that everyone seems to be ok.

Tasha – Good luck with your quiz! Keep up the good work!

Hillbeans – How was the concert?

Ryan840 – How are you doing?

Hi to Val, DisneyPhd, Joats, Gretchen, and everyone!

Well, I’m still ‘gimping’ which is a problem. Because of that, I had to drop a 1 credit Geology course (for my teaching license) since it requires hiking all day this Saturday. The course was called the Geologic Rock Formations of Washington DC and it would only last a day and all I had to do was write a 5 page paper and voila, I get one science credit. Bummer. I’ll have to do it in the spring.

School is crazy busy as usual, but I finally got placed in an elementary school down the street. I’m hoping to start this week so I can get my hours in. I’ll be working in 5th grade which should be a lot of fun!

I hope that you all are doing well! I better run. I've got class tonight and I need to be there an hour early to attend a math seminar. Have a great evening!

 

[fabumouse]

Hey nifty ladies!

Kailey stayed home today from school and except for finishing up some homework which took all of 5 minutes, she's been watching videos since. Great, there goes my Mom of the Year Award. I'm hoping that she'll be able to go to school tomorrow.

Ginamarie - congrats on finishing that motion! That was my favorite part of the job; writing.

Robin - oh, I get it. I've heard the same complaints about the Circle of Life show. DD just likes the gorillas at RFC. Good luck on the budget! I know you can stick to it. And I had to laugh at the picture in my head of Molly throwing the food to the ground. Kailey used to do that all the time. Don't like it, so I don't have any use for it anymore. Ptoooey.

Kailey wants horse stuff for the holidays. And she's gotten really into the powerpuff girls, so if I see anything with them, I might get it. My MIL buys a TON of stuff for her each year so I don't really need to get much.

GLT - your pretzel story was so sweet..

SL - loved the photos! Kailey also hated the bjorn and I ended up donating it. Madeleine just accepts it as part of her day and falls asleep.

Gems - Thankfully, NO I don't have to pay those bills. Insurance covers the hospital stuff at 100 percent and everything else at 96% because it was maternity related. It still just stops my heart to see those kinds of sums.

And thank you for organizing the exchange!!! It's going to be fun. For the person who gets me - I put in a lot of information and I'll leave it up to you who you want to buy for.

Dizagain - oh my, what a mess!!!! Yikes. Those peanuts are so hard to pick up. Sorry Carson has been a little sleep-tease. I'm always so torn about how much I let Madeleine sleep during the day - because Kailey was always over-tired which made her sleep *less* at night, but I do NOT want Madeleine decide that night time is party time. And that is so sweet that Hayley doesn't want to ask for things. That's not like most kids!

Nucpharm - did you go to the Dr?

BnB - thanks for the info on the febrile seizures. Kailey never had them so I didn't know what to look for. I'm also a Tylenol pusher. I have a friend who almost NEVER gives her kids medication, and I figure WHY? I don't like being uncomfortable, and I bet the kids don't like it either.

Z- sorry about the croup! I always shove Kailey in the bathroom with the shower running when she gets it, and it seems to help - but then I had a friend who told me recently that it doesn't help??? It's hard to keep up. Anyhow, it's such a scary sound.

and your MIL is absolutely crazy. I bet she's a bully, too. How dare she throw something at you? What would ever make her think that's okay? I'm glad you finally said something - you shouldn't have to tolerate someone treating either you or your children that poorly. We don't have anything to do with anybody on my side of the family for exactly that reason. The babysitting fees sound normal for around here - hope you it works out.

Tkyes - that woman probably had a bunch of people in her family giving birth during their teens. And is a poor judge of age. And has a poor filter. And is legally blind.

Lissa - I'm sorry to hear about your fight with BIL - and I think it's a little odd that he was so defensive about your statement. I would totally understand if another parent didn't want my daughter and their very young child in the bathroom with the door closed.

Jill - congrats on your placement!!!

 

[disneydancer1969]

hello mommy who is sending daughter to my parents because my husband is extremely sick (flu, whooping cough) and i am coming down with it too. so needless to say sick, tired, and about to drive 10 minutes to drop off daughter checking in.
(this is the look on my face right now)
this is what i am going to do after i drop miley off

 

[DisKim]

Tamie - I have seen your picture and you do not look old by any means. That lady must have been crazy!

Jill - I'm sorry you had to drop your class. My aunt is doing very well now. I saw her on Saturday and she looked so much better.

Gems - Thank you for organizing the exchange!!

lissawynn - I can't believe your BIL made a pregnant woman cry! That's just awful! He needs to stop being so sensitive.

Well, these IL stories are making me appreciate mine. My MIL and FIL are the nicest people. My BIL and 2 SIL's are very strange but we hardly see them so it really doesn't matter.

Well, I'm alone again tonight. I just love DH's job. I'm going to try to get some motivation to exercise because I need to lose weight before these weddings in May. I don't want to be crash dieting in April!

 

[joats]

Gems: Thanks for organizing the exchange! I can't believe Shelby is almost one!! Ready for her party - it's Saturday correct?

Zalansky: Wow, your MIL sounds so nasty!! How awful you have to go thru this. All families can get a little "Jerry" now and again...pls. don't be embarrassed. Sorry you have to deal with her and the nonsense. Poor Cam!! Jace had the croup - it's awful!! Hope she's feeling better soon.

Robin: No clue what to get Jace for Christmas. I wanted to get him TMX Elmo - not that he's even seen Elmo before, but just thought it was cute as Jace loves to giggle. Such a shame they are doing the whole "cabbage patch" thing with it. Other than that maybe Little People Farm and this weekend at BRU he wanted this bouncing Tigger - he didn't want to put it down. DH and I won't be going crazy - just one or two things.

GM: I hope your next day at work goes better...I hate days like that.

GLT: Leif sounds like such a sweetie pie!

SL: I'm loving all the pics of Lucas you have been posting. How's his allergic reaction - better I hope.

Tkyes: How old was this Grandmother? Senile??? - SHe'd have to be to think you were Tyler's Grandmother. ***? You look so young!!

Lissawyn: Love Jimmy's slide picture. How are you feeling?

Jill: Sorry to hear you are still struggling with the ankle and that you had to drop the credit.

Fabumouse: "There goes my mom of the year award" Your posts always make me chuckle! Hope Kailey is able to return to school tomorrow.

DDancer: Sorry to hear you and DH are not feeling well. Hope you can get some rest.

FF: I was thinking about you this AM when I was hearing more about the Kona situation. How is your Kona doing?

Bellacam: Your nephew is too sweet! Congrats! How are you feeling?

DisKim: Glad to hear you have a good thing with your IL's. It's rare. When you get your exercise motivation, can you motivate me as well? How convenient I was going to walk on the treadmill tonight and left my sneakers at work??? LOL!

Nucpharm: Sorry to hear about FIL's awful GF. It's so hard when you can't stand people that your family members "love".

Dizagain: Hope Carson slept a little more and Grumped a little less for you to get some stuff done.

Hi Tasha, Justhat, Cabmom, J&D, Gretchen, Val, and any other mom's I have missed.

We went back to the pumpkin patch with my SIL and her boyfriend. Jace was thrilled to be on the tractor once again. They babysat so DH and I could go out to dinner. We had a nice dinner - good food and good conversation. Wow, it's been too long since we were dining alone!!
Yesterday I just did errands and spent more money. I swear, lately I've just been racking up disney rewards left and right as I'm like Wilma and Betty "CHARGE IT!". I dread looking at my bill this month. I've been shopping a lot more than usual. I ordered Jace his winter coat and snow pants from LL Bean and 2 cute hockey Jerseys and two hats for Jace from Old Navy. And I bought myself two books from Amazon. I ordered that Little Children book - it's a new movie coming out that looks so good - one of those movies like a trainwreck - you know nothing good can come of it, but just can't look away. Geeze, DH yelled down to me saying I had a package from Land's End....what the heck did I buy from them?? Seriously though...I'm cutting myself off. (Great and Christmas is just around the corner). I'm usually pretty thrifty with $$$ - but it has been fun!

Tonight since there is no Prison Break, I hope to go to bed early as I was dragging today at work.

Have a great evening ladies!

 

[Hillbeans]

Hi Ladies,

I've missed 4 days on the DIS which means i'm about 10 pages back of everyone!!!

I am going to read up what's going on with everyone and do a real post to respond to everyone tomorrow. It's now already 9:49 and i've got to get up early for work tomorrow.

The concert was so much fun - I didn't get to Meet Nick, however we were in the front few rows and got thisclose to him! There is one silly picture of me on here standing next to a poster as well as some other pics:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lmkelly71/album?.dir=/c2ffre2&.src=ph&.tok=phA6jpFBueXaGHQ5

Have a good night everyone and i'll touch back tomorrow with a proper post! Just a quick hug to Loretta and a big Thank you to Gems for organizing the Exchange.

 

[gottalovethem]

ugh, I am soooo far behind in my articles...and was just assigned another one with a deadline of Wednesday, I should have said no. I just don't know if I'll be able to do it. Lately, if Leif is awake I cannot write (go figure)

Joats - that new pic is absolutely adorable!

Jill - I still need to look further into the insurance fiasco. I started to look a bit today before Leif was closing my laptop. It actually may be cheaper outside of his company. I have to see, quickly. Sorry you had to drop the class.

Hillbeans - hi! You look great! I tell you, you DIS moms are astoundingly good looking. Glad you had fun -- wanna know how out of it I am, I don't even know what songs he sings

zalansky - hope today is going better for you

gm - hope you were able to get work stuff straightened out today

diskim - hope work is doing better. I REALLY need to get back on the ball and lose some pounds myself. Good luck to you!

disneydancer - I hope you are feeling better, nice that your parents can help.

zalansky, fabumouse - you don't want to know how cheap babysitting is here, I pay just $5/hr and that's for all three kids! I do round up though, as I want them to come back!

lissawynn - sorry about BIL. BTW, how are you feeling these days? Is your cold all gone yet?

tkyes - ok, I've seen your pics, and you don't look 42, she was old and probably couldn't see very well. I think I'd be traumatized by the comment too

robin - that play chest sounds fabulous. I tell you, you find the best things!

J&D, nucpharm, gems, bellacam, bnb, disneyphd & everyone else, hi. Hope to chat more later this week.

Christmas gifts -- I think I'm gonna get the kids a gymnastics mat and balance beam (primarily for DD, but DS will like the mat too). It's $$$, but I think they'd get lots of use out of it and they really don't need too much on the toys front (they can't even put away the toys they have). And I can order the equipment from the YMCA's gymnastics dept. and don't have to pay shipping -- and their rates are cheaper than what I've seen on ebay.

Otherwise, I'd like a WDW vacation vacuum, and digital camcorder -- what would you moms like to receive?