The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[fabumouse]

Happy Fall Everyone!

BnB - that "chicken exit" strategy made me laugh! Probably only because I didn't have to deal with the wet pants, but wow, kids will try pretty much anything. The noise levels at WDW are ludicrous - maybe the disney folks have their reasons, but my partially deaf IL's said many shows were way TOO LOUD!!!

And we're taking Madeleine to Disney when she is 14 months old. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out- she's so comparatively easy going now that I'm hoping that means her personality will continue to be one of "compliance".

Justhat - for the record - I'm really annoyed at this negative Bjorn attitude!!! I swear, we mothers cannot win. EVER. The Bjorn thing came about after the whole Dr. Sears "wear your baby" thing came out. So we, as good mothers, wore our babies. Now we're not wearing them "right"???

And thank you for sharing the bunny story - I think that makes my decision very clear about making an appointment. I told DH that HE is taking the guinea pig in, in 3 weeks, to have her put down. He asked why - why??? because I'm a wimp when it comes to animals. DUH. Anyhow - I hear you and I shouldn't wait until it becomes a bigger issue than it already is.

Robin - love the photos!! Do your kids enjoy spending time with their grandfather? Are you comfortable with him? I'm struggling so much with where my FIL fits into the family, I wonder what everyone agrees and accepts as a "good grandfather"??

 

[zalansky]

Robin - great new photos! Molly's hair has gotten soooo long! I love it.

 

[Alice28]

Fab- Oh yeah, Grandpa rocks in this household. He's my dad, so of course I think he can do little or no wrong. He LOVES hanging with the boys (esp since he just had me- he loves doing boy stuff with Sam and Josh now), wrestling with them, working on their pirate boat, watching cartoons with them, building big burn piles in the backyard and roasting hotdogs or marshmallows with them. And Molly is the apple of his eye- I guess he sees a lot of me in her shiny little eyes and crazy curly hair. So, Dad definitely constitutes what a good grandpa should be.

When I was in the hospital both with giving birth to Molly and my kidney stone surgery, it was dad who took over with the kids for me. My mom was with me and DH was still overseas. I totally trust my dad to care for the kids....he may not match their clothes well and have patience with them 24/7, but he does a good job. Esp for someone who only had one child to be bombarded with 3 young children at 61!

My FIL was more laid back and not as active, but still a good grandpa too- unfortunately he passed away about 5 years ago.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Hi all!

justthat--I just wanted to tell you that I use slings for my kids, with varying degrees of success. I could never get comfortable with Jocelyn in it, really never used it. Robert loved the sling so much, he still sleeps with the tattered remnants of it! Celeste liked it fine for about the first 6 weeks, then she seemed to not care for it so much. Luke likes it fine, still uses it, but doesn't seem quite as "amoured" with it as Robert was/is. So, there you have it. Henry may not care for it, or he may be too used to not being in one to get comfy. BTW, I never did a bunch of different positions with it, we always put them head toward the shoulder. It was great at Disney to carry a sleeping Luke (he never slept in the stroller really, just the sling). But it's ssemed like every couple years there's some kind of "new, iimproved" for of baby wearing--go with what works for you.

Robin--Great photos! Of course, we've been face to face with the inheritance thing enough to force us to think of it. One of the things my MIL doesn't seem to get is, you don't want people licking their chops over the thought of you kicking the bucket. She's done a ton of stuff for the grandkids (our 4 and DH's brother's 3), so college isn't an issue, plus she's in a position to have trusts and life insurance and all sorts of stuff. She has all this $$ because she and FIL were careful, but then the bum up and died at 58--really sad.

But hey, on a good note, I think I not only have DH completely suckered into--oops! did I type that out loud? What I meant was, completely convinced that we should buy into DVC. So completely, in fact, that he's saying, let's not wait until your inheritance comes in (whenever that is, no sign of a will, going through probate...), maybe we should sell some of our stock to get it, since it's an investment! Now mind you, this stock is from his dad--it's been sitting there for 16 YEARS and DH wouldn't hear a word of selling it for anything! I even introduced him to the DVC boards here and he's all excited!

Kim--Glad you're feeling better about the students. They're in school for a reason, and hopefully they respect you enough to at least listen to what you're trying to teach them.

ff--I did pm you, but will try again. Package sent and received.


Okay, time for bed.

 

[fabumouse]

Robin - that is so neat that you and your father get along. My father has been married so many times, he cannot keep his loyalties straight. My FIL is loving, but has serious impulse control issues and he and I came to a head when Madeleine was born.

I don't think we'll ever have any good grandparents except for MIL.

Have I mentioned that we're paying for MIL to go on that WDW Cruise with us? She's one of a kind.

Anyhow - that's great - I'm jealous, and I guess grateful that we have one grandparent that I think is ALL THAT.

 

[llij]

Hi Guys!

I just wanted to answer Tasha's question about taking a two year old to WDW. We went when Meagan turned 2 and again when Katie was 2 1/2. Looking back, we all had a great time and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The big difference between that trip and the ones when they were older was that it was a very slow moving, relaxing trip. We didn't push the kids (or a better way to put it, the kids set the pace) and took it easy just enjoying the atmosphere. We went commando when the girls were much older. We also went during cooler slower times of the year so that really helped as well. I guess at the end of the day it depends on your child, but I imagine Kylie will love it!


Justhat - You cracked me up about the zoo! I hope that you get some rest tonight and that poor little Henry's congestion eases.

Robin - I love the pumpkin patch pictures! Molly is growing up!

Hi to everyone! I will catch up with everyone tomorrow!

ETA: SL - Sorry to hear about Lucas' reaction to the OJ!

Ryan - I hope you are doing well. Thinking of you......

 

[floridafam]

Mommies,

Which handbag should I order? I have a thing for Sak handbags.

http://www.thesak.com/category-exec/category_id/4709

 

[Alice28]

Mommies,

Which handbag should I order? I have a thing for Sak handbags.

http://www.thesak.com/category-exec/category_id/4709

I like the Boo one best I think....my initial liking was the jack o lantern one, but do you have stuff that would coordinate with Orange?

those are fun!

 

[justhat]

Robin those photos are cute. I bet your kids love your dad-he seems like a really cool guy! My stepgrandfather was always a lot of fun, but not to the level of your dad I don't think. But as a kid I spent a lot of time at my grandmother's house and I loved her almost like a 2nd mom but it was her husband who would take me to the park, play games and other kid stuff. My real grandfather I hardly ever saw unfortunately. (All my mom's side, my father's parents died before I was born.)

Floridafam, I like the one with the ghost the best, but they're all cute so it's hard to single one out. I have never seen Sak bags before and now you've got me wanting one!

Jill, I was thinking that while others on this thread might think it's a bit overkill to go to the zoo as much as I do, you must think it's absolutely insane given what the National Zoo is like! There's this one section, on a path down to the lower area with the seals/sea lions, that has that sign that says something like "we're working to bring you a better zoo" or whatever. Well those "cages" have had that sign since my first visit to the zoo when we lived in Baltimore in 2000. 6 years and they still haven't put an animal in there! And remember back in the summer of 2003 when animals were dying left and right? A local fox broke in and ate a bald eagle, some zookeepers were killing animals or something like that. I really wish they'd just charge $2 admission and maintain the place!

Bedtime for me as I'm betting Henry will be up in discomfort during the night. And Madison seems to have hidden the baby Tylenol so it's not looking good for my sleep tonight!

 

[gottalovethem]

OK, it’s 9:15, the kids are finally in bed (they usually are in bed before 8!). The house is somewhat picked up, dishwasher is going, my teeth are brushed (though no pj’s yet) and I can actually spend a few minutes watching the Mets game and DISing!

Quick vent – I vented the other day about medical expenses, well DH got his info for next year’s health benefits, the minimum deductible is $4000!!!!!!!!!!!That’s even before they will offer discounts, plus it’s $300+ a month from the paycheck. I think being without insurance may almost be cheaper! Anyone know anything about private plans? I’m thinking of looking into that. What a PITA. I sure wish I was back working for the school district, even my part-time rate was lower than all that garbage! Ugh

Of course, even though I’m stressing about medical $$ I really wish I could be planning and paying for a Disney trip. The kids and I soooo want to go again. Though the stories of 2 year olds have me worried!

FF – finally sent out my package! My pal should have it next week for sure. Hope all arrives safely. Those bags are cute, I’d go with the ghost, but I like the spider, but also don’t like spiders, it might ick me out.

Robin – that p-patch photo that is in your sig is absolutely adorable! Maybe a x-mas card? Love it! I see the “pirate” boat in the picture. Love gramp’s new toy! Sounds like your parents have fun with the boys! That’s awesome! I hope you had some rest this afternoon. Warm weather sounds good, it was 30’s here yesterday, brrrrrrr. Not ready for the cold, cause it’ll be months before it is warm again (like May). Ick. Not used to this Wisconsin cold yet, and it’s almost 7 years!

Justhat – NICE, dh was sleeping and not to page??? Men, I tell ya.. . .never heard that about the bjorn, I’ve used them with all three, no worse for wear. I tell ya, I never did get a hang of those slings, I felt like the baby was gonna fall out.

Bnb – interesting of celeste to think of wetting her pants to get out of a ride, kids, amazing how they think. Funny about Robert sleeping with the sling! Good luck with DVC.

Tasha – sounds like you and dh has some great conversations about babies and school and such, that’s great that the two of you can work things out together like that!

Zalansky – cause I know you are DVC, if AKL is the dvc, does that mean “regular” people can’t stay there anymore?

Sl – sorry about Luke’s allergies. They can be a royal pain, DD has been on allergy meds since she was 1, and gets them every day or else she gets hives. We’ve had tests run and everything, no conculsions. . . now Leif seems to get some other type of hive, not sure what that’s all about, but hoping it’s not as bad as DD’s – here’s hoping Luke grows out of it.

DisneyPhd – great to hear from ya! I am so glad you can introduce milk products! Good luck, DS was allergic and grew out of it, then we had a scare theat he was allergic again, but he seems OK, thank goodness! Good luck! BTW, I’m not into this cold and snow either, much rather wait until December or January for that stuff.

Lissawynn – so what did the dr say about your cold? I hope you are feeling a bit better these days! I love feeling the baby move in my tummy! Tell Annabelle hello!

GM – hope you are feeling better!

Nucpharm – hope your outings today went well!

Diskim – your running from one activity to just remember another sounds like me yesterday! I felt like I crammed three days into one yesterday! LOL Sounds like you got a great Disney package! You sound like a great teacher!

Fabumouse – good luck with your guinea pig. So sorry you have to struggle through that, ick! I had to put my cat down a couple weeks before Leif was born, it was really hard. I was with him when they did it, tears all over the place.

Jill – Hi!

J&D – hello! I hope all is well.

Joats – sounds like DH is a sweetie!

Cabmom – love the pic! Count me in with the wishing $$ was growing on trees!

Gems – hello. Hope all is well with you and people are work are being nicer, are you still doing the balloon thing?

Bellacam – hope you are feeling well. When are you due again?

Hillbeans – hi!

Val – Hi! Hope you are getting organized after your trip, I know it always feels like it takes weeks to catch up.

HELLO to all the mom’s I’m missing. Any big weekend plans?

 

[J&D]

My DH's team won another football game tonight. One of his players got into a major wreck a few weeks ago. He is still in the hospital and not doing well at all.

It looks like my Dad isn't going to be able to fix my computer this weekend, so it will probably be a few more weeks until I can DIS from home again. I need to ask Santa for a laptop for Christmas.

I am so jealous of those of you who are getting snow.

floridafam- I like the ghost the best.

GLT- We are going to the fair tomorrow. Can't wait to eat some fried Oreos or a fried Snickers.

justhat- I would love to live near a zoo. I would go all the time as well.

BuzznBelle'smom- Congrats on convincing your DH to buy into DVC.

fabumouse- We took Jenna to WDW when she was 14 months and it was great. She had a wonderful time and wants to go back. Every time the new WDW commercials come on she says, "Go to Disney."

Alice- Cute pics. I haven't seen any pumpkin patches around here yet. We don't have any real ones. Our pumpkin patches are usually just a bunch of pumpkins set up at churches or grocery stores parking lots.

Have a super Saturday, everyone!


Just had to share this e-mail I received:

What Do You Do All Day?

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still
in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers
strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was
the front door to the house, and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding
into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked
over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.
In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel,
and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter,
the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor,
a broken glass lay under the table,
and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife.
He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.
He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door.
As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor.
Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel.
She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered,
"You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?"
"Yes," was his incredulous reply
She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

Remind you of anyone?

 

[zalansky]

Good morning

FF - I also like the ghost bag best. Very cute.

GLT - AKL is only going to make floors 5 & 6 of the resort DVC rooms and they will also build a seperate building for the other DVC rooms. Speculation is that they are renovating those 5th and 6th floor rooms because they don't get used as much (the resort is never at capacity) and also because they want to get some rooms to sell ASAP and this will get done the fastest. SO you'll be able to stay there one day! You should rent points and stay at DVC.
Also, my DH's health insurance is very high and we pay $35 co-pays every time one of us goes to the doctor. So much for great group health insurance!

Tasha - I am not the best person to ask about what age to take kids because we've taken the kids since they were small babies because we live so close. I always figured if things didn't go well, we could come home. Connor's first trip was at 9 months....we have always had a great time and so have the kids. I say take her when you want, even if she doesn't remember the trip, you memories will be priceless.

Well, coffee is done gotta get DD and DH out of bed. DH wants to go to a boat show today, poor thing, he has no idea that is not going to happen and we will all go to the pumpkin patch as a FAMILY. All of us!

Have a great day ladies.

 

[T16GEM]

Zalanksy!!!! Thanks for the BOO!!

 

[T16GEM]

Hi Everyone, we have been so busy here this last few days! I can't believe where the time goes!!
We have been planning Shelby's 1st Birthday for next Saturday and I had to go to Costco to order the cake, and decide roughly on what food we are going to get from there on Friday night ready to cook on Saturday am. I went and got her cards today too, and all she wanted while we were in the shop was the balloons!

oh I was going to reply to all but Shelby has just woken from her nap so I had better run.... catch up later today!

 

[nucpharm29]

UGH--our saturday has not started out well. At 3am Matthew woke up screaming and he was burning up--so I got out the thermometer and 102 degree fever--so got out the Ibuprofen and he went to sleep (of course with me and DH) Then at 5:15 Emma comes waltzing in wanting to color. Don't these kids realize it's the weekend????? Anyway, Matthew's fever must've broken during the night b/c he's back to normal now. I'm thinking the fever had to do with his teeth coming in--I know, the literature says that fevers are not a symptom of teething, but with my kids it always happens.

Yesterday was fun. we headed to Target and got Emma some new wings for her Tinkerbell costume (the wings that came with it were pretty cheap--we didn't get the great Disney.com costume) and a pretty crown, that she just couldn't do without. Doesn't look very fairy-ish, but heck, it's for a 2 year old, why fight it. then we headed to the zoo and had a really good time. It was like a speed trip through the zoo, b/c Emma wouldn't spend more than a couple of minutes at any one exhibit. Oh well--I also bought tickets for Boo at the Zoo, so we'll be heading back next weekend for trick or treating at the zoo. I can't wait! Then we got DH from the airport and dinner at our fav. pizza place.

No big plans for the weekend. DH and I are headed out for a long run this morning. Dsis is watching the kids, so I guess this will be our "date" for the week!

Tasha--I thought of an advantage of taking a 2 year old to WDW as opposed to waiting--no buying tickets for them. That's what we're dreading on our next trip--having to buy a ticket for Emma--we've been spoiled on our last 3 trips only having to buy tickets for DH and I.

Alice--Love the new pics. Your kids are adorable

J&D--congrats on the win!! sounds likeyour DH is a great coach

Well, I better get off here--need to get my rear in gear to get out and jog!Chat later!

 

[gottalovethem]

Gem - is Shelby walking? I'm just thinking back to the days when DD was 1 and I was pg with DS If I lived close by I'd help you out after the babe was born! How fun planning Shelby's 1st b'day!! I am sure you will pick some great (and easy) goodies! Have fun planning. When exactly is her b'day?

Zalansky - good for you for "encouraging" dh to go to the p-farm with you today! Much more fun than a boat show Thanks for the info on AKL, one of these days. . . . I don't understand the whole renting points thing and how that works. It seems really confusing to me.

J&D - funny about Jenna saying "go to Disney" - I have my kids all about Disney too. Now I just need to get a trip planned!!!!!!!!! PLEASE, I Really wanna go! I've seen that email before, very funny!

Well, everyone slept past 7 today so I got a little extra sleep (and Leif only woke once! ), which is grand! We have gymnastics in 2 hours, not sure what else is planned. Wanna check out the department store for a winter coat for DD (poor child, though luckily her's from last year fits well enough for now. . . hmmm maybe I should wait, will have to take another look at that one). Not sure what else we have planned.

I am thinking of making waffles, if so, I'd better get moving or I'll run out of time.

 

[lissawynn]

Morning all! I have my Gymbo shopping cart ready to go, but DH took my car and my purse is in it. Nice.

I have to make 7 layer dip for my nephew's party this afternoon. I also have to buy him a bday card. Our CVS closed a few months ago (the ground it was built on was sinking) and I hate buying any cards but Hallmark. I also have to try to get my house cleaned up before we leave. I did manage to do the dishes and clean up the kitchen. I still have to wash our bedding and put some stuff away. It's a never-ending cycle, isn't it?

I hope you all have great weekends! Our weather has gotten cold, but the sun is out and it looks beautiful. I hope I can get some good pics of Jimmy today.

floridafam - I like the black purse with the spider.

Alice - Great pics of the kids! I can see Molly is sporting some Gymbo stuff.

DisKim - I hope they can resolve your aunt's health issues soon. How nice of you to cook for your uncle.

gems - Good luck getting the stuff for Shelby's party. I took a day off of work to get ready for Jimmy's 1st bday party and still managed to exhaust myself.

GLT - Good luck finding a winter coat. I bought Jimmy's at the Gap on clearance last spring. I was worried he would grow out of it, but he's kind of leveled off. He's getting taller, but he hasn't gained much weight lately.

nucpharm - I'm glad Matthew's fever broke. Jimmy ALWAYS got a fever when his new teeth were coming in. I don't care what the drs said; the fever was because of the teeth.

zalansky - Have fun at the pumpkin patch!

Gotta run!

 

[cabmom]

Hi everyone!

I went to our local disney store yesterday and picked up some costumes for the boys. They were all 50% off, what a deal! The only one who is not happy about his costume is Aaron and he is 8. I got him Captain Hook, and he says he's "too old" for that. He wants to wear Aragron from the Lord of the Rings.
Here are the photos:

They've got the costumes on again this morning!

Marilynn

 

[bellacam]

Hi mommies! It's DH's long weekend off so I actually have a minute to myself to post. I love all the pics of our Pumpkin Pickers. We took Aidan last weekend and he loved it! The place had a Corn Maze too, which we all enjoyed. The new baby finally changed "it's" position and I am a little more comfortable these days, although my 32 week appt was on Wednesday and I measured 37 weeks!!! I feel like a whale. My nephew is doing wonderful and I got permission to share a pic, so are some.

Baby James

Aidan's Pumpkin

Sorry I can't reply to everyone and I hope you all are well. Enjoy your weekends!!!!

 

[Ginamarie]

Fabumouse- I can’t wait for the cruise dates either. I was talking to my mom about it again last night and we’re all so excited. There probably won't be any dates until the spring though, and it feels so far away!

Alice- Great pictures! It’s great that your kids can have a hay ride at Grandma’s house It’s also great that your dad is so good with the kids.

BNB- Sounds like you’ll be a DVC member soon! The AKL villas sound like they’re going to be really awesome.

GLT- Wow, $4000 is crazy. The cost of health insurance these days is staggering. I’m glad we have coverage under DH’s plan. It costs us about $200 a month, but comparatively that’s not too bad. My parents were paying for their own health insurance for awhile, but it was over $1000 a month and not great coverage. My dad is an insurance agent, and he always cringes when people need private health insurance, because it's so expensive.

J&D- I love that little story. I think we all have DHs who come home sometimes and don’t understand what we did all day.

Nucpharm- Trick or treating at the zoo sounds like fun.

Cabmom- Cute Halloween pictures!

Bellacam- Your nephew is precious! It feels like yesterday that Olivia had that "new baby" look, and now she's so different. They grow too quickly.

Hi to all the other moms who I missed!

Of course in my last post I said I was dead set on leaving my ADRs alone, but DH found out last night that my SIL is coming along with us after all! I’m excited, because SIL is a lot of fun and all the kids love her. We wanted her to come along the whole time, but she didn’t think she could take the time off. Time to pull out the itinerary and start adding things.

I’m still sneezing this morning, but aside from the congestion, I feel ok. Laundry time- talk to you ladies some more later.