The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[justhat]

Our cable is not working for some reason. Yesterday morning it was out for a few minutes (also no reason) but now it's been close to an hour. Guess that will force me to clean up and print out our cards. Thanks for the compliments on it. I didn't want to mention it before I posted it, but I wanted to see if anyone thought Henry looked like a girl in his solo picture. My husband thinks so and wants me to put a more manly outfit on him, but I thought it was cute. His sister gave us the outfit so I feel like I should put him in it anyway. Since no one here said anything (though maybe you were all being nice!), it stays! Also, just so no one thinks I have any real talent, cause I definitely don't, it was all cut and paste work with my scrapbook program. Makes things very easy-I highly recommend it to the uncreative like me.

Alice28 - Sorry that your alone night didn't work out too well. I say next time "forget" to turn your phone on. Or maybe just the ringer, then you can listen to vmails and if it's actually important you can deal with it. That was what I did when I went to some party for Madison's school cause I knew it was my only kid-free night for a very long time.

Diz - Madison was a stander too. It was the only thing that got her to stop crying as an infant. Of course, people had their comments on letting a tiny baby stand. One woman told my husband, in a baby voice, "Daddy, I'm too little to be standing, that's bad for my legs" I think Henry's too fat to support his body cause he collapses after a minute.

Gotta go-Henry's freaking out and we have to get Madison.

 

[zalansky]

Good morning moms

I have just a few minutes to post and have got to pop in the shower whoile the baby is sleeping soundly. She has a 101.8 fever this morning but no throwing up or anything else, so I am hoping for the best. Connor woke up sneezing repeatedly and looked pale. Said he was dizzy but wanted to go to school. I sent him in and told the teacher about his symptoms but he has no fever, if she needs me to get him early just call me. I swear, the kids have been sick with something since Connor started school in August! It never ends!

justhat - The card is incredible! I always admire the ones people make on their own....yours is so nice. I did mine online so they are no where near as good as yours.

diz - hope Hayley feels better ASAP, esp before the musical this weekend.

GLT - sorry about your DH being an a**. I have never heard of St. Nicks Day either.

nuc - sorry you're tired but you should feel so proud! I always see your posts about how much you run and it makes me feel like such a lazy sloth. You must be in great shape, I am jealous!

SL - hope you don't get annoying co-worker for your secret Santa. That always happened to me when I was working! I would always pick the name of one of my nemesis's. Yep, there was more than one! We had alot of employees.

Those of you who are doing WASPADI - good luck! I don't envy you if it adds work to your already busy days! I can't wait to hear more about it though.

Lissa - still can't get over that mom! Definitely has screws loose....and she has major issues to be making remarks like she did. But, here is my two cents about getting revenge. I used to think very much along the lines you are thinking. An eye for an eye sort of mentality. But then I started thinking that I should just let things go - and karma will take care of those people who make trouble. Eventually it will happen. By fueling thigs with her, it will just drag things out for you - let her shoot herself in her own foot and make herself look like an idiot by spreading lies. You'll be the bigger person by just ignoring her. That's how I've been dealing with MIL since the fight and karma is definitely getting her already.

Gotta get in that shower! See y'all (in southern drawl) later.

 

[tkyes]

Uggh! My back is killing me. I don't know what I did in my sleep, but I can barely move today! I need to lay down with a heating pad and hope tyler will cooperate.

lissawynn - Do not stoop to her level! I agree, be the bigger person about the work thing. Don't play her game.

gotta run - snack time is over.

tamie

 

[zalansky]

Ok moms I need advice. Connor is clearly jealous of Cameryn and over the past few months, since she has been more and more mobile - he is starting to things to harm her. Lately I have witnessed him punch the top of her head, push her down, sit on her back and today he sat on her head...the list goes on and on. What I don't catch him doing, he confesses to after I yell at him. It is getting to the point where he is doing somthing intentionally every day. I have tried EVERYTHING to correct this. I have talked to him and tried to reason which as you know is impossible with an almost 4 year old. I have taken away beloved toys (some are gone for good) and priveleges. I have sent him to his room, put him to bed early, put him in time outs and as I've said yelled. I have even spanked him when I've lost my cool several times which I am not proud of but I am not perfect and I am at my wits end.

What can I do? Other than this one issue he is a wonderful child. He does not act this way with other kids, only his sister. Like I said I know it is fueled by jealousy but I an't deal. Any advice?

And to make matters worse I was in the kitchen microwaving something for me and didn't hear somebody (a man in his mid 20's) had knocked on the door. Connor OPENED the door and was standing there!!! He has been told 1000 times to never open the door and he did anyway, I almost died. He could have been taken in a nanosecond. I am having a poopy day with him!

 

[J&D]

Here is a link to the first WPASADI challenge:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1293212

 

[justhat]

Zalansky - I'm certainly no expect in sibling rivalry (yet!) but here's what I do with Madison. I can't say it's a complete solution as Madison still has her moments, but maybe it's something you haven't tried at least. I make a big deal out of everything nice she does with/for him and give her lots of attention for it. And I do this for everything-like when she's playing with her toy kitchen and says she's making a muffin for him I act like she's the greatest, most generous sister in the world. She's thrilled by this and gets a huge grin and then runs off to think of something else to do for him so I repeat the procedure. She's only hit him once but she has done other weird things (like putting an acorn in his open, crying mouth) but when it happened, I quietly walked her to the time out step, told her that I'm very disappointed that she would hurt her brother who loves her, and walked away, with Henry. When time out was over I made her apologize to him and give him a hug and a kiss.

I realize that it sounds mean, but since I did that about 3 weeks ago she hasn't really done anything mean to him. Oh, and I started the tons of praise for being nice to him thing around the same time. Of course, she's younger and still in that phase where they want to please you and Connor might be past that. I also constantly remind her that even when he annoys her or whatever, she still has to love him because he's her brother and it's a requirement (hopefully she'll remember that when she's older) and we don't hurt people we love.

I'm sure people with older kids will be able to help you more, but hopefully that will help out a bit. It's hard to be in the middle of them, cause you've got to protect the little one, but you don't want the other one to feel like you don't like them.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Hi gang! I'm afraid it's going to be another drive-by posting from me. Luke now officially has the nasty bug, poor thing--he's been fussy and refusing to nurse well, not to mention the typical digestive symptoms. Robert is back at school, Rob went to work today, and Celeste is on the way up. Jocelyn and I are walking on eggshells, but so far, so good.

Jocelyn got her top braces yesterday, and has been a real trooper despite the pain.

Oh, and she and I counted last night. Of the roughly 92 kids in her grade, 68 of them made some kind of honor roll. Which is great that they did, but it shows me that maybe we don't need quite so much cheerleading and treating the lot of them like they just discovered the cure for cancer. Jocelyn, herself, is disgusted at how many "special" awards she's singled out for, just because she works hard. Just this week, she (and 24 other kids, out of that same class of 92) got "Star Citizen" award. Oh, please!

Loretta--I have to second what Justine said about lavishing the praise for anything positive, however minor. It sounds hokey, but it works like a charm on Celeste. I remember too with Jocelyn and Robert (who were closer together in age), we would emphasize all the "big kid" things that Jocelyn could do, like sleeping in a bed and using the potty, that poor baby Robert had to miss out on. Again, sounds hokey, but the point is to show him that you appreciate him for who he is, even though you adore Camryn as well. At least try it for a few days!

Alissa--I hope you survived all the mom drama. I swear, there's one in every crowd! There's a mom at our school who's been telling me for years that the gifted program is discriminatory towards boys. I think it's sour grapes--her sons didn't make it into the top gifted class the kids test into. But, the gifted teacher was, literally, waiting for Robert at Kindergarten orientation. She's worked with him from day 1 and adores him. But, it must be discrimination because her little Snooky didn't get in! Anyway, it's out of your hands at this point. BTW, I wouldn't bring up the woman's using work time...yet. But if she doesn't back down, it might be worth mentioning it to the principal to do with as she pleases.

Robin--Bummer about your wild night out (not).

GLT--That's kind of funny about St. Nick's Day. Jocelyn has been interested in the various saints, making me wish I'd paid closer attention in Catholic school. Sigh! If she'd known about the candy thing, she'd have been all over it.

Okay, I have to run. I have been reading all the posts, just no time to really stay caught up. Thinking of you all!

P.S. Both kitties are doing much better, seriously cutting down on my "gross stuff to clean up quotient!"

 

[DisKim]

J&D - Thanks for posting the link to WPASADI. I'm sooo glad I didn't entertain the idea of participating. I could never do all that work! I hope you ladies win something good!

Zalansky - I never had a problem with hitting since my kids are far apart in age. I think Justhat gave some good advice. I hope Camryn feels better soon.

lissawynn - I can't believe this woman is still carrying on. That is the type of thing that really gets me down. Just hearing about that happening to you upsets me beyond belief. It just takes one person to ruin someone's reputation. Now, this crazy woman is going to be saying such terrible stuff about you! I really hope that you have some type of recourse in this situation because it is so unfair!

Well, my pizza was good. That's about it. Basically, we had to do a bunch of brainless stupid stuff that bordered on insulting. I am really at my breaking point with that place. I just keep telling myself that I love my kids and I'm there for them. I just hate it when I have to deal with things outside of my classroom. I had to cover a class today and I was in total shock. The kids were in 11th grade and they were awful. One girl was talking about how her friend had sex with her boyfriend in front of everyone while they were watching a movie!! I nearly died. I don't ever hear stuff like that because my students are mostly younger and they are upper level so they just don't talk like that. I think I'm going to have that conversation singed in my brain forever. When my kids are teens and ask to go to a friend's house to watch a movie, I'm going to have a heart attack! That class must be like teaching a Jerry Springer audience.

 

[floridafam]

DisKim

Oh dear. I'm not looking forward to the teen years. I'm hoping my kids continue to be level-headed and good kids until they grow up.

Why do they keep putting you through all that stupid little stuff? Can't you say anything to the school board? Do the other teachers feel the same way about the Principal?


buzzandbelle'smom,

Hi there. Sorry to hear Jocelyn's braces are causing her a little pain. Don't feel bad about being rewarded for working hard. I get the same attitude from one mom in particular about DS-I feel like I have to apologize for him being in the gifted program.


zalansky,

I don't have any advice for you. We didn't have that problem with DS and DD and then they were both older when Kona was born.

I'm sure if you follow justhat's advice, that may help.

Robin,

OMG! I'm so sorry you missed out on everything last night. I would have been pretty ticked. I know you needed that time to yourself. Do you think DH will make it up to you soon? Was Molly just missing her Mommy?

I didn't do much today. I'm cleaning to prepare for MIL's arrival and waiting patiently for Monday so we can take Kona over to Orlando.

Be back later.

 

[Ginamarie]

J&D, Alice- This challenge is intense! I can’t wait to read what everyone comes up with.

Justhat- I love the Christmas card! It’s so creative.

Alice- Men have NO patience for upset children. None of them, none of the time. DH is a great dad, but as soon as Olivia gets cranky I get “she wants her mommy.”

GLT- I’ve never heard of St. Nick Day.

Lissawynn- That parent is insane. As for emailing from her job, I’d let it go. The last thing you need to do is add more fuel to her fire.

SL- I hope the Secret Santa works out ok!

Dizagain- Olivia is the opposite. She has NO interest in standing. My little BIL was standing and walking around by 7-8 months, so DH thinks Olivia is a little slow with the standing. I think he’s deranged when it comes to that.

Tykes- Oh take it easy on your back and hopefully it will heal up.

Zalansky- we do the positive reinforcement thing with DBro too- telling him what a good uncle he is all the time. He loves the positive attention, since he’s always getting in trouble for other kinds of mischief.


I cant believe it’s so dark by 4:45. Olivia turned 8 months old today. I have to remember to take a picture. She goes to the doctor tomorrow for her 8 month checkup. I think she’s getting shots again. I can’t believe it’s only Wednesday. This week is going WAY too slowly.

 

[lissawynn]

Evening all. I'm waiting for DH to get home. Either he's already picked Jimmy up at my dad's, or he'll be going to get him after he gets home.

I hope the crazy mom got the message my principal gave her this morning. If she slanders me, she's in for a mess of trouble. Yes, I agree with you all. Karma will bite her in the a$$ one of these days. I think it's great that she didn't hear anyone sing the praises of her son today. In fact, most of his teachers let the principal know he's lazy beyond belief. I think that realization has hit her, yet she chooses not to acknowledge it. That's her lot to deal with.

Ginamarie - I agree about the darkness thing. It's 5:00 and almost black outside. Oh, how I wish I had my Christmas tree to light up my living room.

floridafam - Hope you had a productive cleaning day.

DisKim - Most of my students' parents are good, supportive people. It's just that bad apple that seems to turn up each year. My consolation is that she has no more children and her son will be out of our building this year. I can't believe those students! That's one of the reasons I'm glad I don't teach in our high school anymore. Unfortunately, our middle schoolers are becoming sexually active and the stories we sometimes hear are enough to send you into nightmare land.
Are there any other schools nearby that may have openings in the fall? I know sometimes it's the lesser of two evils, but maybe a change in location and administration would make things much better for you.

BnB - Every time we come up against an issue with our "gifted" students, I think of something our superintendent told us at a meeting. You can't "ungift" the student. The thing that gets to me is that MANY of these kids are seriously lazy and want no challenges at all. They (and their parents) love the LABEL of being gifted, but when push comes to shove, they often fall short in their performances.

zalansky - I often worry that Jimmy will try to harm the baby when we bring her home. He's gotten all the hugs and kisses for the last two years and may not want to share us with Annabel. The one consolation I have is that he adores his cousin, who is 6. James (his cousin) is sometimes very jealous of Jimmy and has roughed him up on occasion. Jimmy always laughs it off and gives him a hug and kiss. I guess we'll just have to take things one day at a time.

Tamie - I hope your back is better. I need to find my heating pad b/c my sciatic nerve gets worse and worse every day.

dizagain - I don't think any one of us hasn't had a freak out lately b/c our house, work, life has gotten out of hand. I have a weekly meltdown these days. I hope your DD is well enough for her musical.

nucpharm - I hope your body has recovered from your treadmill extravaganza. I am vowing that the treadmill will be my new best friend after Annabel is born. I will not become the lumpy mom!

SL - Keep us posted on your Secret Santa name. I got one of the really fun guys in our building this year. I have to grab something for him tonight or tomorrow.

Alice - I'm sorry you had to hurry through your evening last night. Sometimes DHs can be total buttheads when it comes to stuff that's important to moms.

I finally managed to get a bath and shave my legs (not the easiest task these days). My skin was SO dry today. I should have been ashamed at how long my hair was, but given the labor intensity of the job, it's a good thing it got done at all.

 

[Alice28]

A drive by post from me, as my brain is fried from WPASADI.

Tamie- is your back any better?

Nuc- you are the exercise goddess on our board!

lissa- glad all the other staff told that woman her son is no Einstein. I would try to just let it go at this point....but I can understand why you are so upset with her.

Z- Very rarely do my kids do that, but usually I just say, "Would you like me to do that to you? Cause I will if you do that again. (oooooo....scary mom!) We are nice to each other in our family, and that means not hurting someone on purpose." I also try the positive reinforcement. Good luck with that, it's a toughie.

FF- Molly was ticked cause she only had an hour nap- she woke up as I was walking out the door, and I guess she was NOT HAPPY to see DH and not me. But, she's done that to me 2-3 times, and I don't call up DH begging him to come home cause I can't console her. It just makes me so mad. He apologized too many times to count, but of course threw out the, "But you're the Momma, and I'm not, and sometimes she just wants you." Yeah, I get that when they are nursing, but the little girl is almost 2....she's just being willful at this point! He said my Christmas gift will make it up (whatever, I'm so sick of hearing about this fab Christmas gift....that sounds bad, but I feel like at this point he's built it up so much that I will be disappointed or something) and that I get to go out for 3 hours for my massage and pedi the week after Christmas.

Z- Bobby from DVC called- we gabbed a bit and he said he sent out a second package. DH and I will talk it over again when we get the package- I'm still just not sure. I think I want to, I do, but I want to see where our finances are at with this remodel of the house.

OK, Molly just dumped an entire box (big box) of raisins all over the floor. I have done NOTHING with the house today except make my bed and sweep the kitchen. This WPASADI thing is very time consuming...but fun! I need to get that girl down for a nap, pronto. She fell asleep in the car for 2 minutes ont he way to target, but then I had to wake her up. Grrrr.....

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Oooowwww. I'm right there with you on the back pain, Tamie. I can't sit, stand, walk, or move at all. I think I put pressure in a bad spot for too long when I was sitting on the floor last night wrapping presents. The heating pad isn't helping all that much and I'm down to only one more Advil.

alice28 - I hope the Christmas gift lives up to all your DH's hype.

lissawynn - That mom better not start spreading lies about you. How insane is that?!?!

ginamarie - Happy 8 months to Olivia!

nucpharm - Hope you're not still sore.

tkyes - How's your back?

glt - I've never heard of St Nick's Day.

OMG - DH just told me he thinks Lucas' wisdom teeth are coming in. I had to tell him they are his MOLARS. Wisdom teeth won't be making an appearance for another 18 years.

Sorry I missed most of you. DH is in over his head. Wisdom teeth!!!

 

[floridafam]

Hi Mommies,

Tamie,

I hope you are feeling better.

DisKim,

I sent you a PM.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Just wanted to post that I got an Elmo. My sister found one for a reasonable price, but unreasonable shipping, and ordered it for me. I hope everyone else looking for one finds one!

 

[nucpharm29]

Evening all!

Well, I'm feeling much better now. Just tired. I was going to bake some cookies tonight--but not such much now. Going to bed early I think!

alice--Goddess, huh?? I'm liking that! Well, I hope you're not disappointed with your xmas gift--My dh will talk up his gift to me so much, that either I guess what it is, or I'm expecting the world and it's perfume or something--not to say that I'm ungrateful--but I would just rather not hear about it at all.

sl--LOL about the wisdom teeth! Lucas must be a genius to be getting "wisdom" teeth this early!

tamie--I hope you're feeling better! I also have lots of back pain--most of mine stems from sciatica from running. All I've been told is lots of rest--yeah, like us moms can do that!

diz--love being able to say ya'll again too, and not feel too weird about it! Hope the play goes well this weekend! Have fun at the AG place--I've been there once for "lunch" and it was so much fun. Emma just got matching jammies for her and her bitty baby for her bday--love their stuff!

z--wish I had some advice for you. Emma has actually been great, all things considered, with matthew. She does get a little jealous when it comes to toys, but not so much with me. Our only problem with her was she tried to love him too much--trying to smother him with kisses. Now the most she does is pull his feet or take his blankie away. I guess the only I could say, is to be consistent with the discipline, and really encourage positive behaviour.

Well, I know that I missed some of ya'll--I'm really tired. Going to get a cup of hot tea, my new book and head to bed! I'll try to catch up with everyone else tomorrow!

 

[Hillbeans]

Hi Everyone,

I'll do my best to catch up here for a few minutes. I'm in the middle of a toy throw-away session here in my spare bedroom/kids toyroom. I'm trying to throw out old, broken toys, happy meal toys, and generally anything either child has not touched or has interest in. I made 2 garbage bags full and hope to maybe have 1 more garbage bag before Christmas.

Liam's pink eye was better today. It's amazing how fast those drops work. I have to knock on wood here and say that this was the first prescription i've had to fill for the baby and he is almost 15 months. He does get light colds and sniffles often, and had an ear infection once, but i've never had to get a prescription for him. I count myself lucky because at 15 months Kevin was sick about 8 times from his old daycare.

Z - I don't really have that issue with Kevin and Liam because of the 4.5 year age difference - he does knock him down or hit him sometimes, but Liam kind of fights him back - he's feisty. Kevin is a good bit older than Connor though, but I kind of do the same thing Alice says - I tell him i'll sit on him or knock him over (just kidding but I still say it)and then he backs off. I do think positive reinforcement will be a good idea and may help Connor get over this issue. Good luck. How is your Father doing? I may have missed an update because i've been here only sporatically, but I hope he's doing better.

Alice - That is a lot of $$ for the WL - we're going in "peak" time as well and even though we are renting points, we're still paying about $200 a night which isn't bad, but not a bargain. I'm glad you got good airfare also.

Nucpharm - you go girl - another 12 miles. How is work going for you by the way?

Gottalovethem - i'm so sorry your Husband is not making time for the kids. That has got to be rough especially this time of year. I'm sure the little ones have a harder time understanding what's going on but probably not as much with your oldest. I will send you continued hugs and good wishes and prayers. What a rough situation all around. Good luck with the car.

Lissawynn - I also agree with the majority here - as much as i'd want to get back at a mean parent, I think other teachers and parents will be on to her if they're not already. It's got to be very frustrating to be placed in that position that she put you in. It's awful that some people always need to blame someone else for their children's or their own mistakes.

Jill - I love your new family picture by the way. Just think - you'll be in WDW in just a few short weeks. You're so lucky! Glad you've survived your last few weeks - I can't imagine how rough it's been for all of you. I LOL about the story you told a few pages back about your MIL offering to come and stay with you.

Fabumouse - LOL at your "I could spend money naked in the shower" comment. You crack me up. I hope DD's Eczema is doing alright - last week when it was 70 here my hands looked great, but I think i'm going to vaseline them tonight and wear socks on my hands to bed. The cold is so rough on dry skin.

BNB - Sorry to hear about Jocelyn's braces. I remember when my brother was about her age he used to be in lots of pain from his braces and he'd get headaches and have trouble sleeping. He's got gorgeous teeth, but I do remember they came at a cost. Hugs to her. Glad to hear the family is starting to feel better otherwise.

SL and Tamie - OUCH!!! I hope both of you are feeling better soon. When my back went out a few weeks ago I bought those heat pads (the ones you stick on with adhesive for 8 hours) and they worked like magic. I honestly think after giving birth your siatic nerve is much more sensitive and makes your back hurt (that and picking up the 30 pound kids). Take care of yourselves and give it a few days to get back to normal. LOL about the "Wisdom Tooth" comment from your DH Strawberry!

Ginamarie - just think - the darkest day of the year will be here soon and then we can start to get 1 minute lighter each day. It just got so cold here so fast that it's kind of a shock to the system.

Dizagain - hang in there. This time of year can be extra stressful. Try to do something nice for yourself at least 15 minutes each day. I hope Hayley is feeling better.

Justine - your holiday cards are just beautiful. I hope Henry is sleeping well for you still. I remember last week you said he slept 9 hours and I think that's wonderful for his age!

well, i've gotta run - it's getting late.

Hi to all the mom's and i'll talk with you all soon.

 

[fabumouse]

I'm so frustrated - I keep trying to do a reasonable post and *life* keeps getting in the way.

Let's see what I can do in 10 minutes:

Sorry to hear the first Wasabi (whatever!) project is so hard, but it sounds like at least Robin is having fun.

Hillbeans - hope the vaseline works for you. Kailey's skin is TERRIBLE this week and I'm feeling helpless to fix it - I get one patch cleared up and a new one sprouts somewhere else - I feel the need to bathe her in hydrocortizone.

Justhat - not only am I surprised we made it through the first few years of Madison's & Kailey's lives - I'm even more surprised that we chose to have another child! And those people glaring at you at the PO could have tried to help instead of standing around scowling. We're busy parenting the future - give us a break!

Robin - UGH about your husband not being able to soothe Molly. DH is usually pretty good if I'm not in the house, but if I am, I'm constantly on call. I finally had to say - if it's not DIRE, don't come get me so you can do things without the baby. I NEVER get to do anything without the baby, so figure it out!

Kim - pizza usually makes my day, as well.

GLT - Nick Night! That's hysterical. I actually had to feel Kailey out about her expectations re the tooth fairy. It used to be a quarter. Now, she says, the tooth fairy gives out actual gifts. Is this true??? And I did very little today. Tomorrow - I return to the gym!

SL - glad you can post again!

Lissa - I am so sorry that woman is just as nutty as you expected. I was hoping that when she had to say these things to your face, she would realize her venom was misplaced. She sounds unbalanced

Nuc - great run, even if it was a little, er late.

Dizagain - OMG! If I had to listen to that many hours of screaming, I'd be at the doctor, demanding valium (or whatever drug they're giving out these days). And you *do* need those socks.

And that's it - Hi to everyone I missed. I didn't even fold the laundry I needed to, but I must go to bed or I'll be even *meaner* tomorrow.

 

[justhat]

Fabumouse - "Chose" is a liberal word to use regarding my 2nd child. I read your stories about Kailey now to prepare myself for the future. And to top off that post office fiasco, the only postal worker working that day was Satan. Somehow I was spared her wrath, maybe cause I looked like this guy , but the guy ahead of me told her she was the rudest woman he ever met in his life. Her reply? "Good. Then go report me to the US Postal Service."

Hillbeans - Your wedding sounds like it was quite the event. Great job cleaning out the old toys! I wish I were as productive. Everytime I start that Madison sees me and reclaims practically everything I'm throwing out. Gotta start working when she's asleep. And yeah, I am thrilled that Henry loves to sleep! I guess it's a reward after Madison's 45 minute sleep intervals.

SL - about the wisdom teeth! It never ceases to amaze me how little men know about kids. Congrats on the Elmo find-I bet Lucas will be thrilled on Christmas. Did you find out who your office exchange buddy is?

Alice28 - I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that my kids "want their mommy". His reasoning is that since I'm with them all day they like how I do things better.

Lissawynn - Don't worry too much about Jimmy and Annabel if that's possible. I was beyond worried before Henry was born cause I really wanted more space between them and kept thinking that I was ruining Madison's life. But for the most part she is very good with him. One could even argue that she's better with him than my husband is. She's always running to get stuff for him and knows where it is (while her Daddy just stares at me in bewilderment). It's just when I leave them alone for a minute that trouble can brew!

And the good thing about winter babies is that no one knows that you didn't shave. With Madison I was just lucky that I shaved the night before she was born otherwise the medical staff probably would have fled the room!

DisKim - What a great group of kids you had to deal with today! It really scares me to think of what things will be like when my kids are teens.

Ginamarie - Henry's going to the dr for his checkup and shots tomorrow too. I just packed the Tylenol in the diaper bag cause I forgot it for Madison's flu shot last week. We don't do 8 month check ups here, thank gosh, cause it's such a pain to get to their dr now that we moved.

Floridafam - How's Kona doing now? Is the Miralax helping her?

BnB - Sorry to hear about Jocelyn's braces hurting her. I got mine put on 2 days after Christmas when I was 11 and it was very upsetting cause I couldn't eat any holiday junk while my mouth was sore.

Zalansky - I was just thinking about your problem again and when you said that Connor's been worse over the past couple of months, was that when you started taking his toys away, sending him to bed early, etc.? Or have you been doing that all along? I only ask cause the psychologist in me started to think that maybe he's getting worse cause he resents Cameryn, looking at it like "If she weren't here, Mommy wouldn't have taken my stuff away/yell at me/etc." I feel like that made a difference with Madison-that she sorta blamed him for getting in trouble.

I just remembered I have to throw laundry in the dryer and then fold the stuff that's been sitting in there hours before I go to bed. Today I calculated that I do a minimum of 180 articles of laundry each week, excluding changes for clothes and other 'irregular' items. I certainly don't envy those of you with more kids than me cause you're probably well over 250!

 

[DisKim]

Drive-by post from me since I have to get to work. I have parent conferences tonight and a workshop tomorrow which will run much later than my normal day. Basically, I won't see my kids for 2 days. I have so much I still need to do for the holidays and my time is getting more and more limited. OK, I'm done complaining for today. I just think my principal is a total idiot for scheduling these things in December. Oh, I also miss a school function at Alex's school. DH has all of his assignments due for this semester tomorrow and he has a funeral to go to and I have to stick him with the kids. I feel so bad!

Gotta go!