The Official New Mom Thread

[Tasha+Scott]

Well, I am happy to say I have FINALLY got all of my shopping done now! We went to the reunion which was okay. The food was not very good so I will remember next year to order something different if we go. Dh's grandmother has been grating on my last nerve since Kylie's birth too so I was trying very hard not to be around her too much. She tries to criticize everything I say and do with Kylie. Scott says it is b/c she is still mad that we didn't let her raise Kylie. And yes, I mean raise...not babysit, but she actually wanted to raise my child for me! I don't think so! If I wanted to have children for others to raise I would become a surrogate. Ugh! Anyway, there was also this really annoying woman there that I met years ago. She is the spouse of one of dh's distant relatives or something. A few years ago she came to dh's grandmother's on Christmas with her then 1 year old dd. She was a first time mom but one of the "perfect" ones. You know the ones that are very prissy, constantly bragging about their perfect life, perfect spouse, and their perfect children? That is her in a nutshell. I had to deal with perfect her, her perfect dh, her perfect now 4 year old dd, and her now perfect 3 month old ds. I am definitely glad I don't have to deal with her more often! There is only so much "perfect" I can stand, lol! Other than that the reunion was fine. Kylie did very well despite being out waayyy past her bedtime. Scott's parents got to spend a lot of time with her and she seemed to like being with them so that was good.

We decided since Kylie wasn't fussing or anything to just go ahead and finish our Christmas shopping while we were near the mall anyway. We got my dad and stepmom a gift bag full of candy and treats and a yankee candle gift set from Hallmark. We got my sisters their own tin of Christmas cookies, their own thing of peanut brittle, and $10 each. I figured at 10 and 8 years old that was a pretty good gift for them. So anyway, I am officially through and this time I mean it! There isn't anyone left to buy for now! I swore I wasn't buying for everyone this year and guess what? I ended up doing just that. Oh, well. They bought for us too so it's not so bad. I am officially taking my rest day tomorrow afterall. I know Kylie could use it as much as me. I plan to do nothing but relax tomorrow and Thurs. (other than some light housecleaning and taking care of Kylie of course) since this weekend will be hectic too.

DisKim~ I hope Aidan feels better soon! Poor little baby! What a bad time to get so sick. I also hope you can find a way to stay home if that is what you really want to do. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the lotto like Alice suggested!

Alice~ Wow, those are some...uh...interesting gifts your neighbors brought you!

2sweetangels~ Feel better soon!

Okay, ladies, I am completely exhausted. I have not had time to relax in nearly a week and I am just plain wore out. Off to bed I go! Night!

 

[justhat]

Well I think his reaction might be a bit of a letdown to all of you, and I told him that too! Because of random things that came up after he got home yesterday (including taking a handicapped stray cat to the ER vet with my mom , but that's a long story) it was late by the time I got around to telling him. We actually did something similar to what you suggested DisKim (and if I had read your post first, I might have tried waiting till Sunday, but not sure I would have lasted). I wrapped up the test in the little box from my grandfather's gift to him (another story, but he gave us all very interesting gifts). The box was the perfect size so I stuck a bow on it and had it on his pillow. Well we got back from the vet and he was sleeping, but on the floor! So I woke him up and asked him if he opened up his surprise Christmas gift and he had no idea what I was talking about, so I had Madison hand him the box and he said "This is Bob's gift. I already opened this." I explained that we just recycled the box and so he opened it, saw the test and said "Oh wow!" (in a happy excited tone, but also pretty surprised). Then he said "Wow, how are you gonna tell your friend now?" (friend who just had the birthday party for her kid who wants her 'daughter' to be born on her birthday, which is approximately when I'm due. He said how cause the friend is in Indiana for 2 weeks.) I said "what?" cause I was a little surprised that was his next comment, then I said "that's it?" and he said "uh, hmm, Madison's gonna be sad." Then I told him his reaction would disappoint many DISers this morning and he laughed, then went back to sleep. For him though I guess it's a pretty good reaction, but he wanted them closer together than we had planned so that could be why.

The reaction with Madison was much more exciting. He literally jumped out of the bed, said "are you kidding?", then turned on the light and said "okay, we have to talk about this." From someone who never misses his sleep no matter what that's a huge deal. Then he had to go buy sleeping pills the next day cause he couldn't sleep the rest of the night. He also didn't go into work the next day cause he was 'too nervous'. Uh, a little unecessary IMO, as I went to work and was fine, but whatever. Then he picked me up at work and we went to dinner and he gave me congrats cards and told me how happy he was. This time he will be going to see King Kong by himself today!

Oh, and I should add to some stuff I posted about earlier. Despite my mom's initial reaction, like I said, after 3 days of us being here and telling her that no, we would be keeping the baby (not even a question to me, nor should it have been to her, but whatever) then she got excited. Now she and Madison are best friends. She buys her more toys and clothes than anyone could ever need. So I know she'll come around with this one too, I just hope it's sooner this time cause last time was miserable.

Okay, I have to finish catching up on everyone's posts. Tasha, that's great that you finished all of your shopping already, even with the surprise added gifts. We still have to get 2 gifts for my husband's family as part of their gift exchange. We told them that it's out of hand now and that in the future we'd like to change the exchange to either 1 name per family or only kids participating. The way it is now is that each person picks a name and you spend $25 per name, so my family is spending $75, SIL is spending $100 and this is on top of getting gifts for the immediate family (which includes his 3 siblings, parents, 2 nieces and nephew and 1 BIL) cause exchange gifts are with extended family. It's a drain on us, but also his SIL does not have that kind of money either so we said it would make things much easier for everyone. Cause then you still have to get each other gifts, plus you own kids, and I have my family, SIL has BIL's family, so it's a lot. Well they weren't totally thrilled with revamping the exchange, but they did agree to it so hopefully next year we'll get to spend a lot less (otherwise we'd now be up to $100 next year with this new baby added into the exchange).

2sweetangels, hope you're feeling better. I've had my uvula swell a lot and it's very uncomfortable. Constantly feels like you've got something stuck in your throat. And it's worse when you have kids cause you can't even relax and rest.

Madison is freaking out while Joey's changing her so I should go. She gets very clingy to me when she's sick.

 

[Hillbeans]

Congratulations JustThat!! Don't worry, everything is going to work out well for all of you, and I can assure you that Madison will love having a little brother or sister.

Tammy - Congrats to your husband. It's one thing to get your degree when you're young and have no other responsibilities but school, but to accomplish it while you're working, have a family and a baby at home, it's testament to both of you. I remember when my DH was at school it was tough keeping things going at home and working with a baby, but in the long run, it'll be good for his career and future earnings.

LOL Loretta - we fell away from the church for a little while but we started back to church when we were pregnant with Liam. It's amazing what all goes into a baptism, especially if it's at a catholic church. It's also tough finding two other people who attend church regularly (ie, give envelopes) so they can get a letter from their church to be godparents. Luckilly my brother and a close friend both attend church, so they'll be the godparents.

Jill - we get to choose a date for the baptism once they approve we are in "good standing."...which really means once they verify we having been giving them money.

We're heading out to our Son's christmas play in a few minutes, then tomorrow we're going to brave the cold and the transit strike and go see the tree in NYC. At least the trains from NJ are still running into Penn Station - which should be empty because no subway cars are running in and out of there. It's only a 10 block walk from Penn. Station to Rockefeller Center so we shouldn't freeze too badly. I'm jealous of all my DIS friends who are in Florida in the warm weather (that's you, Loretta)

Talk to you all soon!

 

[Minnesota!]

Hi fellow mommies (and mommies to be!)

Justhat - CONGRATULATIONS!!! How exciting! We are TTC right now and Lucas and a future child would have the same age spacing if we get pregnant quickly :O) It will be a challenge, but fun, too..

Tamie - congrats to DH on graduating!! Wish I would get my butt in gear and do that...only 8 credits short..

DisKim - I hope Aiden is feeling better quickly!! So scary when the little ones get sick and can't tell up what's wrong.

Alice28 - So happy to hear that this time next month you will be snuggling with your DH. And I am so glad that Toys For Tots, etc. is taking care of you guys and letting you know how much you and your DH are appreciated.

Tasha - sorry the last minute gifts were sprung on you (by your dad). And ICK on the perfect parent at the party you went to. I know a "few" like that. I just want to kick them!!!

I am so excited for Christmas. Not done shopping yet, but will be Friday. We hit the Mall of America this weekend and I got a few things done. Need to get my mom/her boyfriend, my brother/his wife and 1 niece still. Then I am done. Oh...and DH. I keep forgetting about him, LOL...

Baptism - that is odd to me that you need to be "approved" to get baptized there. And that the godparents have to be approved. I am Catholic, (as are DH and DS), and when we went to baptize him, I called the church (was a member of a different church at the time, just wanted DS to be baptized at this particular one), went and had a short class with the deacon and about 5 other couples, and then did the baptism a few weeks later. DS's godparents happen to both be Catholic, but it wasn't a requirement. And both are non-attenders and don't have a church they are a member of. Must be more strict in other parts of the country, I guess :O)

Better go - gotta mail out the rest of my Christmas cards!

 

[2sweetangels]

Minnesota- I am Catholic as well, both my girl's were Baptized at the same church, when 1st DD was gonna be Baptized, I had to take a small class as well, but since I was the only one who was having a child baptized at hte time, the people came to my house and brought videos and stuff and just gave me the class at home. I just recently had my youngest Baptized on 11/06/2005 and i didn't even have to take the class again since I had the class last year.


Hello all, Im feeling a little better today, my throat is still sore, but nothing was swollen when I woke up. Katelyn has a real bad attitude this morning, I hope she will be better after her nap. Hayley is just sleeping away in her highchair, she had a nice jar of applesauce and some milk and went to sleep. Well DH is coming home today after being on the road for 2.5 weeks. We are gonna go and finish up out christmas shopping tomorrow. Take care everyone.

 

[llij]

Hi everyone!

Alice - I'm sorry that you are feeling down! to you!

2sweetangels - I hope that you feel better very soon.

Zalansky - I hear you about the "good standing" business. I hope that you hear back soon and get a good date that you all want!
It had been 10 years since I took a baptism class for parents but thankfully the secretary knew me and told me not to worry about it.

DisKim - Hugs to poor little Aiden. My girls used to get pneumonia lots and my oldest dd always had ear infections. It was tough.

Gems - Best wishes in starting up your own business. I hope that it works out great for you so you can quit your job.

DisneyPhD - Wow! 5 kids in your house. I understand why you are tired!

Nucpharm - Good luck with packing. When I went to Florida a few weeks back, John had the most luggage!

Tasha - Sounds like you had an interesting time at the party yesterday. Glad to hear that it went well overall and that you are done Christmas shopping! Yea!

AngieWin - Migraines are awful. Yuck! I hope that you don't get them too often.

Hillbeans - Have a great time at your son's Christmas play and in NYC tomorrow. I hope that you don't freeze! My DH is from NY and I miss not being able to go to NYC. I love NY!

Hi Valerie and Minnesota!

Today I went to the girls school for their holiday sing a long. I brought John Paul and had him dressed up in his Santa outfit. Probably not the best idea as he was a "kid magnet". Oops! One little kid asked if he was a real baby! I tried to hide in the back with him, but that didn't do any good.

His pediatrician wants him to get the RSV vaccine and we've been doing the paperwork and had it on order. We were told that it would be 100% covered by insurance which is good b/c the doctor told me that the vaccine runs about $1,000 per shot and he would need a shot once a month until April. Well, we got a letter from the insurance company yesterday and they decided they wouldn't cover it after all. Now we've got to fight them on that which is a big pain. Ugh. If John ends up getting RSV I will be soooo mad (partially at myself for taking him to the girls school). Katie had it when she was 2 months old and it was not fun at all.

I better run. John Paul is starting to wake up and I've got a million things to get done before the girls get home from school. Today is the last day of school for them until January 3rd.

Have a great day everyone!

ETA: Justhat - Too funny about your DH's reaction! I thought my DH would have a heart attack when I told him about my last pregnancy. We were both shocked though as John was definitely the surprise of our life! Keep us posted on how you are doing!

 

[lissawynn]

Hi everyone! Just a quick check-in before my school day is over. We're exchanging Secret Santa gifts after school. I think I know who my Santa is, but I'm not 100% sure.

Last night I was in the process of making the cake I needed for our luncheon when I discovered my oven was dead. The bottom element died. I knew my oven was off, but it took me a while to figure out exactly why. I am counting on DH to get a new one today. I need to bake cookies!

I hope everyone is doing well! I'll be checking in later (I hope)!

 

[llij]

Lisawynn - Good luck with the oven! My household appliances always seem to die at the worst possible times. I hope that you get to make your cookies.

 

[zalansky]

Hillbeans - I had forgotten about that also, our church also requires at least one of the godparents to be Catholic and they too, have to be in "good standing." This was very hard for us to find last time, and you'd think that with my FIL being an usher and MIL and he attend regularly and give at least $25 a week or more, that we would not have an issue. When DH called this time, they mentioned the baptism class also again but thankfully we just took it with Connor 2 years ago and they won't make us do it again.
I was a non-practicing Protestant except for the occasional Easter and Christmas services...but when DH and I got engaged I decided to convert to Catholicism because I thought it would be good for the kids to have a stronger religious belief and I didn't know much about the Catholic faith...so I took the classes and converted. The church DH belongs to (and he does not practice either anymore) I am not crazy about the church to be honest. They make us jump through lots of hoops to get things like this done. And I hate to say it, but it seems to all boil down to the money at this church. So that turns me off.

Jill - I will send pixie dust your way that John Paul does not get RSV, that is soooo scary. I hope everything works out with the insurance company.

Also, Hillbeans - have a great time in NYC and stay warm! I'll do my best to send some sunshine your way tomorrow, but I am jealous of you getting to see the tree...we used to go in and see it when I was growing up (grew up on Long Island)....ahhh, I can smell those roasting chestnuts as we speak. I'll bet your sons play was a hoot! I can't wait until my kids start getting involved with those type of things.

Lissawynn - hope that oven gets fixed soon! You reminded me I need to get my Toll House ingredients and start baking some cookies myself! Yum, I love comfort food.

Diskim - is Aiden feeling any better today? I sure hope so

justthat - I wouldn't have been able to hold out until Sunday either to tell DH. I like the way you chose to tell him and even threw in a little blurb about the DIS ladies being disappointed. I just know my DH thinks I am nuts as much time I spend on the DIS...alot of the time I am just lurking as I don't have alot of time to post!

2sweetangels - glad to hear you're feeling a little better today, enjoy spending time with your DH when he gets home!

tasha - You go girl, I am jealous you got that shopping all done! That must feel soooo good! I tried going alone last night but I went to the wrong mall, they just didn't have what I was looking for, so alas - I am still not done!!! Time is running out!!! But I did go to the Disney Store and got some good deals on stocking stuffers for Connor and also a Babys First Christmas ornament for the baby. Yippee!!! I hope you got some R & R last night.

Well, I hope I didn't miss anyone, if I did I apologize!

I can't wait till Friday! I am off next week and then I will come in January 3rd and give my two weeks notice and will officially be a SAHM. I am feeling good about my decision, especially after being back to work that past three weeks. My time off made me appreciate how much I dislike my job and appreciate being home more than I thought I would have. DH is off all of next week too and he suggested a trip to where else? DISNEY!!!! But, BOO HOO - we have the season passes and they are blocked out for use all of next week. Anyone have any suggestions what we could do? I desperately want to go back to the Swan/Dolphin and play for a few days but the rates are up there because of the holiday week. Tonight, I am going to dinner with some girlfriends to celebrate the holidays. I am so excited! I am definitely going to eat like a pig and have a cocktail or two. The girls have also decided to make this an annual event, so that will be nice over the years too.

I hope everyone is having a great day...what is the temperature where you all are? Right now 3:30pm in Tampa it is 61 degrees and everyone is complaining how cold they are!

 

[T16GEM]

hi all - I need to vent!

I started off having a great day - I dropped Shelby off with my mom and the I went shopping in town and got some more bits and pieces for Christmas pressies, then I went out for lunch with my work friends which was great. When I came home I found that the cat was chewing the Christmas tree - eventhough it's a fake! about 20 minutes ago he must have got startled by something and the whole tree came smashing down! all off the baubles came off and some smashed - the star was about 20 feet away from the tree when it landed!

I have put him in his room now and he is going to have to learn that he has done wrong! Luckily Shelby was asleep in her room so she didn't get caught up in it!

I'm also getting my fur allergy back too - when I was pregnant it went and I was ok around the cat now he only has to be in the same room as me and I am sneezing and coughing etc - he doesn't go out as he was hit by a car and has no road sense at all so we have to keep him as a house cat - I don't want to get rid of him but at the moment I can't stand to be near him.

Then my mom called to say that my uncle has got cancer back - he has had throat cancer and been through a lot before and now it's come back he doesn;t want to be treated as he says he has had enough - awful new just before christmas too. We are all going to go and see him on Christmas eve. The last op that he had was to coat his throat in teflon so that it doesn't get burnt when he eats and drinks - he can't feel anything so could potentially do himself a lot of damage - I didn't even know that they could do that kind of thing did you?

Then down to a faulty birth control I had to get the emergency contraceptive pill this morning - I couldn't get an appointment with my Dr so I have had to pay £25 for it which is approx $40US. DH said that it wasn't a problem and as much as I want more kids I don't think I could cope with that just at the moment! It's a bit too soon for me!

Sorry to be so negative but I just had to get that lot off my chest - it's great having my DIS friends to talk to! Thanks for being there!

Suppose I had better go and see if DH has managed to rescue the tree!

 

[justhat]

DisKim, I hope Aidan is feeling better today. The poor little guy. Hopefully the time off next week will help in getting him back to normal.

Hillbeans, your son's play will probably be so cute. Do they all participate, or is it still the age where they freeze and stare at everyone? I think that's so cute. Have fun in NYC tomorrow. My husband has an interview at NYU tomorrow and plans to drive in, so he's leaving here at 3:30am to get into the tunnel by 5am before the 4 people/car restrictions kick in. Of course, if it takes him longer than that, he can always just drive to the Path and park and take that in, but for whatever reason he'd rather drive (I think it's too avoid the mile walk from the Path station to Bellevue Hospital). At least you guys have 4 people now so you don't have to worry about that, though I'd still take the train in anyway (I always prefer the train, but the rest of my family doesn't so we typically drive). We're going in on Friday afternoon to take Madison to see Pooh Live so I'm hoping we can see the tree then too.

Minnesota, good luck with the ttc. Hopefully it will happen soon for you. I think the worst part is waiting out those last 2 weeks or so of your cycle in anticipation. We weren't exactly planning on #2 right now, but once I realized it was a possibility this month, I felt like the day to test would never come.

Zalansky, congrats on being almost finished with work. I know you'll love staying home with your little guys. Who watches them now? Are they in a daycare? If so that will be nice to save on that cost too.

Jill, I can only imagine how John Paul attracted a crowd! I don't know if I said it before, but I showed my husband your sig photo and he said something like "that's one cute Santa!" That may not seem like much, but he never comments on other people's kids and usually complains that he has to look at photos of people he doesn't know so it's a huge compliment. I will be praying that John Paul doesn't get RSV too. My nephew had it at 4 months old and was hospitalized. He's got lung issues anyway (was in the NICU for 8 days when he was born because he had water in his lungs and then developed asthma around 8 months old) but it was so hard to see a little baby so sick. Especially for you, having gone through it once before already.

Gem, so sorry to hear about all of your bad luck today. I also have a cat allergy so I can sympathize with you on how hard it is to live with a cat when they make you sick. I'm really sorry to hear about your uncle's cancer coming back. That's really bad news right before the holiday. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for you.

Today while my husband saw King Kong (which he loved by the way) I went to the mall and finished up the Christmas gifts, which was just 2 giftcards for the exchange people. I was going to stop at Buy Buy Baby (which is like a Babies R Us for those who don't have that store near them) to look at bouncy seats (never had one with Madison cause my husband was afraid they'd tip over so he would not let me buy one) but Madison would not wake up. Since she's sick I wanted to let her sleep, so I walked around the mall for 3 hours during King Kong, so she took a 4 hour nap! When the movie ended, I picked up my husband (theater is next to the mall) and we went to Buy Buy Baby (he never wants to go there so this was a huge shock for me that he wanted to go) and looked at double strollers (his choice) and bought a bouncy seat. It was a Fisher Price with a little mirror/mobile thing overhead and toys on the sides. I wanted the aquarium bouncer cause we have the aquarium crib toy, swing, and travel swing, but he said it looked like it would tip over . We had a coupon that expires on Sunday which is why we bought it now. We also got Madison a "Shout Elmo", as though she doesn't have enough Elmos, so she'll be getting that under the tree on Sunday. We're off to dinner with my mom now. She's big on eating out when we're here, which is nice for us!

 

[tkyes]

Hi everyone!

justthat - LOL at your husband's reaction!

Zalansky - I'm so happy you are going to be able to do what you want to do (staying at home). Have fun with your girlfriends!

hillary - how cute! Have fun!

lisawynn - that sucks about your oven. Great timing!

jill - Of course John Paul attracted a crowd Too funny. I hope he doesn't get RSV either.

t16gem - sounds like you have not had a good day. I'm so sorry about your tree, your allergies and your uncle. {{hugs}}


Gotta run! Have a good night everyone.

tamie

 

[DisneyPhD]

t16gem, our cat used to do the same thing, with a fake tree also. He left it alone after he knocked it over, scared the pants of him and I think he got a little hurt too. He leave it alone now. Isn't it funny how our cats and such used to be our babies, not they are just one more thing to clean up after and feed. aw:

Justthat, give him time to process it. You had a bit of time also before you told him. He will be more excited when he has time to think it over and have it become more real.

Oh mommies, 2 weeks from today we will be at SSR at WDW and I am so looking forward to it.

Long story short, my brother is a widower, he has 3 kids. 10 years ago this weekend it was his wifes 33 birthday and she was 38 weeks pregnant with their 3rd child. The midwife found a lump and our worst fears were confrimed. She had breast cancer. She died a little over 3 years later. My brother also has bipolar depression and talking care of 3 childern and himself has not been easy. DH and I very invloved with them, they stay here often. They are all great kids. Last week he was hospitalized for suisidal ideations. It has been a long week. He was released today, and him and the kids just left to go home. However there is still a lot to do and talking care of my kids, my life, his kids, his life and my DH as woren me out. We still have family meetings and the such, along with ones with the psychiatirst. Since I am a social worker and therapist much of this has fallen on me. I don't mind doing it, but I need a rest. I can't wait for vacation. I am really happy this trip will just be DH and I and the kids. I could really use some just us time.

Thanks for listening. I hate to compalin, but I am going crazy trying to keep my family together and not kill them (and not let my brother do the same to himself.) We all have our trials don't we?

Oh and I forget to mention that Anna spent all last nigth throwing up all over also.

 

[Alice28]

Hi everyone!!!!!!!!!!! Busy thread today! Holy cow!

DisneyPhD- wow- that's a tough haul you have going on. I hope your brother continues to heal and stay on the right track. What a great sister you are for helping with his children. I hope you are able to really relax and refresh yourself at SSR. Sounds heavenly right now. I entered a Disneyland resort contest giveaway yesterday thru a local TV station; they announce the winners 10 days after Christmas. Wouldn't that be awesome if I could treat DH to DL after he came home for free!

lissawynn--grrrrrrrrrr about your oven!

justhat- sounds like you and hubby are thrilled for baby! I bought one or two things really early in my pregnancy with Molly too. It's fun to pick things up along the way.

I have FAB news- I posted a week or so ago that I was so sad because my neighbors put their house up for sale. Well, a few things fell thru with the house they wanted to buy and so they said forget it, we're staying put and took their house off the market!!!!!!!!!! When Christa called and told me that, I almost started crying, I was so happy. They are one of the few, if not only couples DH and I know where both of us enjoy the company of both of them and vice versa. We just think they're fabulous people and they also have loved our children as though they were family and you just can't find those kind of neighbors more than once in a lifetime, you know? We have also seen them through the highs and lows of fertility issues and then throught the adoption of their little boy. I was just devastated when their for sale sign went up and now they're not going anywhere! The best Christmas gift, I tell you!

I know lots of others have posted----HI EVERYONE! I'm just having brain-freeze as to who posted what. Oh- Zalansky- have FUN with your friends and poop about not being able to swing Disney next week.....it's about 50 in Portland here today. Snowing 3 days ago, almost 'balmy' now.

Gems- what a PITA about your tree! I'm so sorry the kitty did that!

Jill- I will be praying that John Paul doesn't get RSV. that would be so scary.

 

[DisKim]

I don't have time to catch up on all of the posts right now, but I wanted to let everyone know that Aidan is much better today. What a freaky kid. He apparently turns bright red and looks like a burn victim when he has a fever. I never had a kid like that. I thought his fever was an allergic reaction. He stayed home with his Grandma today and was much better. He was dancing (he dances while sitting down) and being his normal self today when I got home. I am so beat. I just got done baking cookies for both my kids' parties tomorrow. The little darlings know I love to bake so they volunteered me for cookies. Of course, this year baking with Aidan around is hell. He cried the whole time I was baking. I also got all the teacher gifts done. I got the "main" teachers gift certificates to Netflix and fleece throws for the couch. I had no idea what to get. I am so happy I only have 2 days of school left. We had a terrible fight today. One kid was bleeding everywhere and ran away and we couldn't find him. They are all insane and need to be out of school for a while. Thank goodness, we were given a half day on Friday . I'll try to catch up with everyone tomorrow.

Justhat - I found your post. I can relate to your DH. Although I was overjoyed to be pregnant when I first took the test with Aidan, I was shocked and I spent about 10 minutes cursing at the test because I realized the finality of what had just happened. It's alot to process sometimes. That is so cute that you already started baby shopping. How exciting!! I'll miss all of that, but I am certainly done. Aidan has put me over the edge. I'm having a hard time handling three.

Good night ladies! I'm beat!

 

[justhat]

DisKim, sounds like you could really use a break from school. That sounds like a bad fight. Glad to hear that Aidan is doing a lot better. I used to do the turn red thing when I had fevers when I was little. I still get a bit of color now, but not bright red like I used to.

DisneyPhD, that's really great that you're so willing to help out with your brother's family. A lot of people wouldn't have that kind of dedication. You sound a lot like my mom (though a lot younger!) cause she has always taken in everyone in the family who needs help. Most recently was also her brother, and then after she let him live here for about 15 months he robbed her and she had to kick him out and change the locks. But aside from that bad story the rest have been good and the rest of the family really appreciates all she's done. I can only imagine the admiration your brother's kids will have for you as they get older because it really is a lot to take on.

I think part of the reason that we went shopping for a bouncy seat today (aside from the coupon expiring Sunday) was that I was trying to get myself more excited about this baby. I mean, I am excited, but not like I was with Madison. With Madison I cried at first and thought "oh gosh what am I gonna do" but then a few hours later I was completely at peace with the idea that she was on her way and then very excited very soon. This time I'm happy, but I have so many more concerns, mostly about Madison, and I think that's taking away a little of the excitement. I just keep thinking about how her whole life will change and how I'm supposed to prepare for that. Right now, like all 1st babies, she's the center of everything, gets all of our attention, etc. and all that's gonna change really suddenly. I recently read this article that said that the 2 most traumatic events in a kid's life are moving and the birth of a sibling and she'll be going through both at the same time so I feel like I just screwed with her life. I know she'll adjust and be fine, but I still worry about it right now.

Okay, before I stop ranting about this new baby in every post I write I have one more thing to add. I was supposed to be in a wedding on 9/10/06. We just went dress shopping last Saturday and picked out a dress, but because the bride wasn't sure of the color we didn't place any orders yet (thank gosh). So since I should be due with this baby around 8/29/06 I'm guessing that I won't be able to be one of their bridesmaids anymore, so obviously I need to tell them that. Madison was born 2 weeks early, but I can't count on that happening again, not to mention that even if it does, who really wants to commit to being in a wedding a few weeks after giving birth? I feel really bad about it though. I am friends with the groom, not the bride (though she's nice and all, I don't think I'd ever talk to her again if it weren't for the groom), so I wasn't totally into this wedding to begin with so I feel like I found an 'escape'. I know that's obviously untrue, but still kinda feel bad. I still plan to attend their wedding, but want to give them ample time to find a replacement for their bridal party. They're going away tomorrow and we leave Sunday so I've got about a week and a half before I have to do anything.

Oh yeah, I forgot to say what my grandfather gave us all for Christmas. It rivals the Wendy's food you got Alice28. He gave Madison a little dog that barks and flips over, which was normal and she likes it. But he gave my mom and I fiber optic bonsai trees. Well, I think my mom's is actually a flower, but it says bonsai. Mine is a bonsai though. They were in basically unlabeled cardboard boxes so who knows where he got them from. Joey got (in the box that doubled for my 'gift') 4 little wooden shape puzzles. Hard to describe, but like something you'd give to maybe an 8 year old. We always look forward to his gifts cause we have no idea where he gets this stuff and it's always so strange. My mom thinks he finds coupons on the ground and mails away for these things. He also got Madison peek a blocks balls once, but they too came in an unlabeled cardboard box and he refused to tell me where he bought them.

 

[nucpharm29]

Justhat--Fiber optic bonsai trees?!? LOL I would love to see that. I know what you mean about having to "get excited" about the 2nd baby. With Emma, the world revolved around us having a baby and getting all the gear and preparing. With Matthew, it was like, oh yeah, we're having a baby. I spent most of my time chasing after a toddler, that I forgot I was prego some of the time. Now, after he is in the world, I still have a hard time dividing my time between the two of them. But I do the best I can. Oh, and by the way, I saw your post on the Moms-to-be board, and nobody here minds you ranting/talking about the new baby.

DisneyPhD--You'll have to let me know about SSR--We'll be there the 19th of Jan. for 5 days. I think we're crazy for taking a 2 year old and 2 month old to Disney, but DH is a little of a Disney-a-holic.

Well, this will probably be my last post until after new years. My parents do have internet access, but it's REALLY slow. We are leaving at 3am tonight to head to my parents for christmas. We weren't going to leave so early, but they're calling for freezing rain up here tomorrow, so we're trying to get out before the weather gets to bad. Anyone live in southern Wisconsin or Northern Illinois in case we slide off the road tomorrow morning? Just kidding! I get to spend today packing the car up, since DH has been working 14hr days this week. Luckily, my best friend is going to take Emma for a couple of hours this afternoon, so I just have one child to watch while trying to pack up. Mothers are the masters of multi-tasking! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

[lissawynn]

Good morning! DH fixed the oven last night and it's like brand new. I think it's original to the house which makes it about 50 or so years old. I would love a new stove and oven, but now's not the time of year to be buying household stuff.
Jimmy continues to be a stinker. He refuses a bottle before bed, and he will not sleep in his crib. He tossed and turned all night, and I got very little sleep. On top of that, he's coming down with a cold. I gave him some med. for a cough/stuff nose this morning. I hate to give him cold meds, but I can't have a sick baby for Christmas. My day, my nephew, and I are all feeling crappy, too. It's just a matter of time before Jimmy picks up our germs.

I am seriously considering taking the day off tomorrow. I hate to do it b/c it's a "half" day, but I have so much stuff to do at my house. I also haven't had a good night's sleep in a while, so it would be nice to sleep in. We'll see how I'm feeling tonight. I don't have very many sick days left for the rest of the year.

DisKim - I feel for you with the school issues. Everyone needs a vacation. The sad part is that we won't have another day off until President's Day weekend. Glad to hear Aidan is feeling better!

Gems - Sorry your cat thought your tree was a snack. We had a cat who climbed our tree once and it toppled over. Most of our cats have come from outside and they all love the tree. Mine don't care for the fake tree too much, but one of my sister's cats has the bottom branches of her fake tree all smushed down b/c she sleeps on them. Hope no good ornaments were broken.

Alice - Glad your neighbors decided to stay put. We lost some nice neighbors back in Oct. We were very sorry to see them leave. We never see the people who bought their house, though.

justthat - Glad to hear the baby excitement is building. I had to chuckle about your grandfather's gifts. My Nonnie went through a phase before my mom started buying the gifts for her where we all got some really weird stuff. My favorite was this cat plate that came from the Franklin Mint or some place like that. It was a place with a cat's face painted on it. I think it was a Persian cat or something. My sister and I still joke about. The funny thing is I sold it for a good amount of $$$ at a yard sale I had.

DisPhD - I hope you get to relax and enjoy your holiday. I also hope your brother finds some peace soon. It's so good of you to take care of his family like you do.

If I missed anyone, sorry. I am getting loopy from the cold medicine I took when I got to school. It's a good thing I'm just giving a spelling test and showing a video.

 

[llij]

Good morning ladies!

I just wanted to post something that my friend sent me via e-mail. I thought that you all would appreciate it!

Dear Santa,


I've been a good Mommy all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my
children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold
sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school
playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my son's
Boy Scout uniform with staples and a glue gun.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases,
since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt
in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find
anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple,
which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but
are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the
grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh
month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint
resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that
doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator
with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on
the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes Mommy"
to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight
and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of
power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in
the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice
seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by
the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough
time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury
of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a
Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to
brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a
vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the
house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized
crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet
under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have
a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in
and dry off so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave
crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,

- Mommy

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep
my children young enough to believe in Santa.

I hope that everyone is doing well. Sorry to not respond to everyone's posts....my MIL is due to arrive today and I need to scurry around and get ready for her.

Everyone have a great day!

 

[DisneyPhD]

DisneyPhD--You'll have to let me know about SSR--We'll be there the 19th of Jan. for 5 days. I think we're crazy for taking a 2 year old and 2 month old to Disney, but DH is a little of a Disney-a-holic.

We get home 4 days before you go so I will be sure to post about it before then. I don't think your nuts going with a baby and a 2 year (ok so the baby is a little young, but you kow what you are doing.) Getting an escape from Wis is a good thing, just like from Michigan. The kids will love being able to go outside with out being covered from head to toe.

Justthat, the reaction for the 2nd is always that way. I too wondered how I was going to love another baby that much and why did I want one, when I already had a great child. It all works out when the baby is born.

Thanks everyone for the support. My brother is doing pretty well and today is his youngest brithday. We are going out to eat for dinner for him. (to Fuddruckers, ever heard of it?) He really wants to make Christmas cookies today, but we have way too much to do, it will have to wait for tmw.

Have a good day everyone.