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Babies Today's MomsTalk Archive
Augest, 1999 (Part 2)

Happy Sunday Morning all... it's sure is quiet here on the weekends! Gosh, i'm never the 1st or 2nd person to post so i know it's reallllllly slow! My weekend has been busy, still trying to get this house painted.... got another part of the living room done! Argghhhh... it's not even 1/2 way done yet! YUKCK I wanted the whole thing done,but I have a large oak entertainment center that I cannot move, i'm afraid i'll scratch the wood floors if I try and do it myself so I've got to go ask my neighbor's for help moving it so I can get to that wall. I want DH to come home from this long trip and be amazed at how good the house looks! I need him to be impressed so he doesn't complain about all the money i've spent on it! Money fights are such a drag! Well I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
Hugs
Shanna & Annie Grace
email: shanna1@earthlink.net
Sunday, August 08, 1999 at 08:17:17 (PDT)
Hi, my name is Angie and I'm in withdrawl from this web page!
I'm back! I can't believe it's been solong since I've been here---- like 4 wks I think. Things have been soooo hectic here lately. If you remember me always complaining about car problems I can now say that book is closed. I went on a mini road trip a week and a half ago and about 2 hrs from home mt car stopped dead. The transmission froze and the wheels locked up--going up a big hill with a car right behind us. I thought for sure the car was going to his us but he didn't. I ended up having to junk the car because their was no use wasting the money to fix it. I'm still carless but DH is getting a new job(pay increase of about 5 bucks an hr YEAHHHH) so we're lookin gfor a new one.
Tommy finally got on a schedule I can live with. He slowly went from going to bed at 2am to going at midnight and now at 10pm. He did this all by himself and boy am I grateful! The past two night he was up later but it was mine and dh's fault. We didn't have him home early enough to start his bedtime routine so everything was delayed. We took him to the fair last night. He really had a blast! I got a ton of pictures of him in the petting zoo grabbing and "petting" the animals. They were all very tolerant of him pulling their ears and one baby billie goat decided to be inseperable from him. Of course I was nervous that they would bite him but they didn't. Then Tommy and I rode the elephant and DH took pictures. We walked through the animal pavillions so he could look at everything. A big goose started squaking and scared the beegeebees out of him. Other than that he never cried and was a perfect angel.
There are so many new mommies and babies here, I feel lost! WEelcome to you all and congrats! Just a little about me.....My name is Angie (DUH!) and I'm 20 yrs old. Tommy was born 03/02/99 and we've been visiting this board since April. I used to post daily but since I;ve gone back to work part time I can hardly find the time to think for myself! I wish you all the best with your little ones and pray they are all happy, healthy, and beautiful!
Ok, I gotta go, I promise I'll be back soon--hopefully tomorrow. I haven't read all the posts so I will (slowly) work my way through those. JUST A FEW PERSONNALS>>>>>>>

AD: The next time you revise th mommy list could you add me on and send me a copy please??!! Here;s the info.....Angie Biddle; 20 yrs; 03/24/79 I'm from PA, e-mail-- bid8616@hotmail.com career- veterinary assistant dh-- Will hobbies: horse back riding, camping, hiking, reading, swimming son: Thomas Alexandar; 5 mos; 03/02/99 I post from home and I breast feed. Fowards are ok.
I hope you can understand it. Thanks :)

Shanna: I lost your address and so I haven't sent pics of Tommy for the mailing. If you could e-mail it to me I promise I'll send some this month. Thanks, also, would you prefer wallet size and do you care if any are snap shots or are we sticking to professional only?? Thankyou again. My e-mail is bid8616@hotmail.com.

Oh, one last thing--at Tommys 4mos ck up for shots he weighed 17lbs 4oz and was 25 inches long! That's my little monster!

Sorry it was sooo long, I guess that's what happens when you drop off the face of the earth for awhile. Be back soon AND I am STILL waiting for AF from before I dissappeared!
Angie and Tommy (5 mos & 6 days!)
email: bid8616@hotmail.com
Sunday, August 08, 1999 at 08:24:29 (PDT)
Good evening ladies,

No too busy in here today. My date with DH on friday night was wonderful. I didn't even get the urge to call home. I would recommend a concert for a first date...not too much talking involved and it broke the "ice" all over again.
DH is sooo sweet today, he moved my computer into the bedroom so I am not isolated in the basement while online, and he had Nicholas laughing at him all morning!! It was soo cute to hear. I think he is teething though (Nicholas not DH, although...)he keeps gnawing on his hands and anything else he can find to put in his mouth. I felt bumps on his lower and upper front gums and he is a little cranky today.

Charline - Thanks, yest the date was wonderful

Barb - What about Family Leave Act? I know its unpaid, but they have to hold your job for 12 weeks

Patty - Nick and Jarin the cat eating duo...I can only imagin it getting worse when Nicholas becomes mobile

Katy - So glad to hear Liam is okay.

Angie - Tommy sounds big and cute..at 2 months Nicholas was 24 inches and 11pounds 12 ounces. Now???who knows but I know he has grown a bit. Next visit is Sept 3 so I'll wait and see then.

That's it for now, I should go and start getting everything ready for another work week, Nicolas' bath, packing his bag, laundry...who said weekends are time off???

Bye
Jenni and Nicholas (3 months Old)
email: njemtjen@aol.com
Sunday, August 08, 1999 at 16:36:58 (PDT)
Hi - it's Moriah & Alex.

I threw SIL's bridal shower today. It turned out so nice. We had about 32 people. 2 other bridesmaids & I hosted a luncheon at a cute Italian resturantl. It really was fun, I've gotten 4 calls already this evening from people saying how great it was. I think I should research a career in event planning. I LOVE to do that kind of thing. I'm always the 1st to offer to throw a shower or have a dinner at my house. I may give it some thought. Does anyone know anybody who already does this? Is it a good part time thing?

Alex was the life of the party. Of couse there was tons of family there. Some had never met Alex. So it was fun with all the "OOing & AWing". It used to depress me about how we missed out on things like that in the beginning but it's nice that we can do them now. (Only for a few short months though because as soon as it's cold & flu season again - we're back on quarantine!)

Where is everyone this weekend? I guess it's just so beautiful out that everyone must be outside. Chat again tomorrow.
Moriah & Alex (10 months & life of the party)
email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com
Sunday, August 08, 1999 at 20:59:05 (PDT)
Nancy L. & Andy here,

Where do you guys find time to post? I can barely squeeze out time to lurk and then I only have time to scan the posts.

Can anyone tell me how long it takes for the black line on my stomach to go away? And I still have 14 pounds of pre-pregnancy fat (gained 28 in all). Is it mine for life?

Well, the move is looming near. I have pretty much let DH take care of all the details. I just don't have the energy.

Andy has been occassionally sleeping thru the night. But last night he wanted fed at 3 am. How exhausing!

Barb C.-Welcome! I read your post on the other board about your MIL waking up Haley, giving her a bottle and then leaving without burping her. Why is it everyone wants to give them a bottle (even if they are exclusively breastfed) but NO ONE wants to burp or change diapers? I have the same problem. BTW I had trouble breastfeeding too but we are doing half and half right now. We're using Isomil and I don't think Andy cares what he eats, as long as he gets something.

Crystal-I know it's old news but I wanted to comment on your post about Darrell growing up. I feel the same way. With Andy going on formula supplements (bcs he didn't gain weight) in his third week I feel like he zipped from six pounds to eight in NO TIME. It makes me feel cheated out of his newborn phase. I am happy for him to meet milestones on time-and who isn't proud when their baby reaches them early?.. but this is all happening so fast!

Does anyone know when they stop being newborns? Just curious if there was a week cut-off.

And who has been taking my tiny baby every night and leaving a noticably much older one there in his place every morning? *S

Drool-Andy is a championship drooler. I just thought babies drooled alot. I sure hope he hasn't started teething at 2 1/2 months already. There was some explaination in "What to Expect the 1st Yr" but I can't remember it. Probably something about maturing saliva glands I suppose.

AD-I don't know if this will help you but I first got a Medela battery operated pump but couldn't really get much with it so then I also got an Avent ISIS manual pump. Wow! When I want to double pump I use them simultaneously...I think the Medela has an adaptor to be a double pump as well. But the Medela pump is very noisy and hurts on anything but the lowest suction setting. I prefer the ISIS pump, it's quiet so it doesn't lull Andy to sleep if I use it while he's nursing and since it's manual YOU adjust the suction. I have found that I have to be real gentle until the milk flows and then I can be more aggressive. Funny, when I fantasized about nursing it never included a breastpump. LOL. Also, I finally saw how my maid gets rid of cat hair on upholstery...I couldn't see exactly but I think she uses a suede brush.

Whoever has the 3 week old baby (sorry don't remember your name)-You shouldn't be doing anything yet. Your husband's expectations (and yours) of you are unrealistic. I did too much in the beginning and I bled forever. At 4 weeks I got lots of fresh blood and thought it was AF, but no just me trying to be superwoman. Learn from me an postpone all non-essentials until after your six week checkup if you can.


Nancy L. & Andy (10 weeks)
email: nls@loxinfo.co.th
Sunday, August 08, 1999 at 21:06:17 (PDT)
Hi- Jayme and kids here-
I've actually been busy enough this weekend to not use the computer!! I never have a life! Anyway- I'm rather owerwhelmed about all the posts since my last, so I can't even remember all the personals I was going to do. (I ought to invest in some pens and a notebook, huh?) Owen is getting so very huge- his swing (battery-operated) doesn't even swing him anymore! I keep having to push it! I had this happen once my other two got a little bigger than newborn, so maybe the swing's a piece of junk.

To whoever was asking about nursing/weaning/formula-AD I think, but I'm not sure- I nursed all my boys, but also gave them Prosobee formula rather early on. I don't like the idea of the baby depending solely on me. I use Avent bottles, and I try to pump when I miss mmmore than one feeding in a row, and I try to vary which feedings get bottles of formula. I use the soy(Prosobee) because I have a milk allergy and so do my older two. I generally give only one or two bottles of formula a day, but at least I know that if I had to be gone for a while my son wouldn't starve. I had been worried about my milk supply being adequate, because I wasn't leaking or feeling full like I did with the other two, but Owen's off the charts for weight right now, so he must be getting enough. And on those Build-up-the-supply days, I make sure I nurse all the feedings so that I can keep up with him. Also, i'm a bad mom who gives my 10 week old cereal, stage one foods and juice. I started with the cereal at 2 weeks, the juice at 4 weeks, and the jars at 6 weeks. I did the same with his brothers. (Please, no one lecture me- I know what all the books and doctors say, but I have had no problems with Owen or the other two.)

What is the deal with the pictures being sent to someone for something? I think I missed something there.

Walter (DH) does to the field tomorrow, so it's just me and the boys for a while. I definatelly hate the Army for this!!

I saw a book like the ones everyone is talking about with the pictures for baby. It was at Toys-R-Us ansd it was made by Sassy. It was made of plastic- like those tub books- and was very colorful. You slipped the photos into clear plastic sleeves,and said Who loves baby or something like that on the front. It was less than $10 here, so it'll be cheaper on the mainland.

Well, I can't really think of any more of the personals today. I'll be lonlely for awhile with DH gone, so I will catch up then.

I'm thinking of Baby Kelsey frequently,since my only cousin is named Kelsey, and yours is the only other Kelsey I have heard of (besides Grammer.) She is 12. What was your Kelsey's middle name? My cousin's is Lee. I think of you and the two Kelsey's whenever I see my middle son, and I have to give him a squeeze. I cannot even begin to fathom the feelings you must feel. A neighbor of mine back when we were stationed in Ft. Lewis had a son who had 3 heart surgeries. He was 14 months when we moved and he was so sickly. He weighed 13 or 14 pounds, ate through a G-tube and didn't do any more than a newborn- no smiles, no rolling over, nothing. He will need 24 hour care for the rest of his life. I sometimes wonder why the world takes some and then leaves others.
Jayme, Ethan-3yrs, 2mths,Bubby-22mths,Owen-10 wks
email: jpahucki@aol.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 02:39:53 (PDT)
Hi All, Allison and Olivia here,

Quiet here -- shopped all day Saturday without DH and Olivia -- she was awake all day and a bit fussy, but made up for it Sunday when she slept most of the day. DH said, "how come she wouldn't do that yesterday?" Ahhh, motherhood! Cleaned out all of the milk I had pumped and even one from the freezer, so now I'm back to starting from scratch! Oh well, at least I know there's more where it came from.

Jenni -- thanks for the toy info. We may have to invest in an exersaucer.

Lisa B -- Sounds like you're having a ball with Max. Your stories were sooooo cute!

Barb -- send me your birth story -- yeah, that would be great! Still have gall bladder w/ gall stones, but it's coming out on the 25th! The brace must be a major pain, how long do you think she'll have to wear it? I don't have any suggestions about your daycare stuff, except that asking for an extenion on mat. leave sounds like a good idea.

Shanna -- what's the deadline for getting pix to you? I'll start snapping now.

Well, that's our life in a nutshell. Who took the heat, anyways? It's gotten really cold here and Olivia's been spending her days in sleepers. brrrr

Back later
Allison and Olivia
email: finnamor@nbnet.nb.ca
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 04:23:10 (PDT)
Katy here

Moriah-Happy 10 month b-day to Alex. It sounds like he had a lot of fun being the life of the party.

Liam was finally able to take a nap at my mom's house yesterday. Mom was able to sleep him to sleep. I was so glad that he wasn't going to be cranky the entire time. Liam is also now getting two more teeth in. One on the top and one on the bottom.

Hope everyone else is doing well.
Katy and Liam (10 months today!!)
email: princess__bride@homail.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 05:43:34 (PDT)
Hi from LisaB. Man, on man. For a second I thought I was on the PregnancyToday board with all these raging hormones (concerned and Crystal). Nothing much new this weekend - Max is still teething and was really whiny. He has taken to his cow's milk well (mixing it with breast milk) and is decreasing his nursing more everyday.

SARAH: Max also throws temper tantrums. The major ones are when you take paper away from him so he won't eat it and when you make him lay down on his back to change his diaper and to dress him. Based on how he acts now I'm REALLY dreading the terrible 2s!

JENNI: The disposable camera is a good idea. The sitter takes pictures with her camera but only develops her film every 6 months or so. Max was around 4 months when he got his exersaucer and he used it for 2-3 months.

MERA: I'm sorry DH isn't more understanding. Talk him into taking a day off and then leave for the morning to go shopping, run errands, etc. That'll open his eyes as to how hard it is to accomplish much of anything when you're watching a baby and a 6-year old.

CRYSTAL: I must agree with "concerned" that your marriage seems like a high school romance. You guys don't appear to trust each other and it appears that you tend to avoid things rather than talk them through. Also you seem to mention a lot that other guys hit on you and that you've considered affairs - instead of stating you are committed to your marriage (and to God who commanded you be faithful to your DH - even if he is a jerk sometimes). I completely understand, however, how hard it is when you guys live so far away. I know it creates some trouble for my marriage just having DH gone for a week at a time for work … and he calls EVERY night. I'm glad DH will be with you in a few months. Please feel free to discuss anything you want to on this board - including your uncertainity, fears, joys, etc. related to Doug or e-mail me directly. You have a lot on your plate right now and considering what your family and friends appear to think of Doug it's probably best if you discuss your feelings with an impartial person than with them. If "concerned" or anyone else doesn't like your posts they can just skip over them.

BARB: $200 a week - WOW! Where do you live? I pay $4,800 a year for Max - about $92 a week - and it'll go down once he turns 2. I hope you find a good daycare soon or get the extended leave. Working is hard enough when you have a sitter you like and trust - I can't imagine being gone all day if you didn't have a good sitter. I understand you wanting to work. Ideally I would like to go part-time. I would love to be home more but I really NEED to get out of the house, talk to other adults, etc. I like the challenge of my job - exercises my brain! DH and I also like "The Sopranos"! That brace sounds awful. I remember when I crushed my nose in the 8th grade (basketball accident). They rebuildt it and I had a full cast on it. I couldn't blow my nose for a week due to the stitches - so of course my sinuses started draining. It was so nasty and gross that I convinced Mom to let me stay home from school - my teenage hormones and self-esteem couldn't handle letting anyone see me with all that dried snot!

SHANNA: Thanks for the e-mail pictures! I hope your sunburn gets better quick!

PATTY: I'm so glad that WW is sleeping through the night! That biting sucks big time, doesn't it? Max is waving also - he gets excited and starts waving with both ends. Max gave up his paci a long time ago but just this weekend he started sucking/chewing on his thumb again. I think it's just from teething thou. He woke up 3-4 times last night with his teeth, crying and whimpering, but put himself right back to sleep! How are you going to spend your garage sale money?

MORIAH: I remember you saying on PT that you HAD to go back to work as you couldn't afford to stay home. I wonder if you could do data entry or something similar on your new and speedy computer - medical transcription, etc.? Just an idea. I know I would LOVE it right now if I could hire someone to plan Max's 1st birthday party … as I don't have time to do it. I would think there's a big market for that - you could do bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, anniversary parties, etc. My babysitter does this part-time with one of her friends - they call it "Parties by Sarah". They research facilities, make all the arrangements with the banquet hall or whereever the event is held, do the food, do the decorating, etc. The sitter doesn't make much off of it as she only works part-time but the other lady seems to do well at it - she's always busy and drives a nice brand-new fully decked out Jeep Grand Cherokee. Another idea would be to go into cake decorating, if you are creative.

KATY: I'm glad Liam survived his fall. Isn't it amazing how they don't cry unless they think they'll get sympathy?! We have Max's mattress one notch from the bottom and I need to lower it again as he's constantly standing in the crib once he gets up, trying to climb out. What a chore L

KAY: I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. Your camper comment reminds me - the preacher commented at church yesterday that lightening stuck a tree which fell on a lady's camper (she's a regular at church). She's 4 months pregnant and the tree broke her pelvis. They hadn't heard if the baby was ok yet. Her DH's leg was broke.

ANGIE: Welcome back - I've missed you. Yeah for DH's big raise. I'm glad you and Tommy weren't hurt when you car died. How is your friend (Marty ?) doing?

NANCY: I've read somewhere that they are infants until 3 months, are babies until 12 months, and are toddlers until 24 months. I love my ISIS also but am so gad that I'm about ready to pack it up (Max is starting on whole milk so I'm pumping less). I also never REALLY realize what a time consuming pain it would be to pump at work.

JAYME: I cut and paste all the new posts into Microsoft Word and then type my comments as I read the posts - less Internet time and convenient. People mail Shanna pictures of them and their babies. She scans them on the computer, makes cute color pages with captions and all, and mails them back out. Her deadline is around the 25th of each month - e-mail her and she can give you all the details. August will be my last month, as I'll be graduating to the Toddler's Today board, so I'm hoping a lot of people participate this month so I can "see" everyone!

LisaB & Max (11 and 1/4 months)
email: lisa_lab@hotmail.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 07:17:58 (PDT)
Hi everyone, Louise here. Thanks so much to all of you for your advice re. the heat, it was helpful, but guess what - it's freezing and raining again today! Guess we all got fooled into thinking we lived in a hot climate! Cloudy skies just in time for the solar eclipse on Wednesday.

James is now finally saying 'Mama' - but how come when he's happy and laughing it's 'Dada', when he's whiny and tired and it's 'Mama, Mama'! Typical!

Just a couple of personals:

Kay - Sorry I'm a bit behind, as ever, but I really wanted you to know that we are all thinking of Kelsey, and including her in our prayers. Words can't express how I feel for you - sometimes I can't believe what people have been through - but I want you to know that your little angel daughter is in the thoughts and prayers of all my family and friends, thousands of miles away across the ocean.

Crystal - don't want to stick my nose in as we haven't been 'cyber' friends for very long, but do keep sharing you feelings with us all. Aside from your relationship, I think you give great advice on babies, and I always feel great when I read your mail - Darrel sounds so like James; James has also been a 'teenager' since birth! I really feel like I never had a newborn - he's always lived life to the max and now is definitely more of a toddler - at nearly 9 months - than a baby - right down to the temper tantrums!

Patty - I really sympathise re. the Ferber stuff. I'm not familiar with the term but I think it's what in the UK we call 'Controlled Crying Technique', CCT, where you reassure the baby that you're still around, pat them, calm them, but don't pick them up or rock them back to sleep, and gradually extend the period that you leave them until they learn how to settle themselves. We did this with James and it was HARD - and I promise you, if you think Jarin can be a monster, James is the king of the monsters! So active, alert, full of life, but, it has to be said, occasionally king of the whiners! LOL. Back to the sleeping - my Health Visitor gave me some advice (in the UK, Health Visitors are pediatric nurses who work in the community, visit you for a couple of weeks after the birth, run baby clinics and generally deal with behavioural and minor health issues that you may not want to bother your Pediatrician with). My HV runs a sleep clinic, and she said that the best thing to do was to make sure you wake your baby at around 7.00 each morning, however often they've been up in the night, and then don't let them return to the cot before 9.00 am. Although it's futile trying to impose a schedule on young babies, this kind of routine will help them to establish a sleeping pattern where they sleep until 7.00 ish, then nap after breakfast and again after lunch, and are ready for bed about 7.30. She felt that some babies really need this kind of guidance. It really worked for James - it is hell on earth getting up at 7.00 if he's been awake at 5.00, but if DH can help out, it should only take a few nights .... James isn't now on a strict routine, but he does sleep from about 7.30 until 6.30/7.00 am, and is much happier for it (so am I!!). He does still whimper in his sleep though. Good luck, I feel for you!

Moriah - I used to be an events planner, and then worked in Marketing for Deloitte & Touche. I still do some freelance work for them. Why don't you contact your local Visitor and Convention Bureau and see if they have any need for some freelance planners? You could maybe do venue searches etc. Likewise, some of your local 'blue chip' firms may have a need for this - I know we used to use freelancers a lot. You could also maybe investigate doing venue planning and organisation for weddings and special events, you can often do 'deals' with some of the larger hotels whereby you recommend them etc.








Louise & James
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 07:59:56 (PDT)
Good morning ladies! SARAH here. Boy, we had a great weekend!!!! DH and I spent alot of time together! It was so nice, seeing as he works 3 nights/week and plays softball 2 x's.

HANNAH started drinking whole milk this weekend. She still has formula 1st thing in the morning, and last thing before bed. She loves it!! She also started saying 2 new things. One is mama! Man, does that melt my heart!!!! :) The second thing is actually a sentence. She says "What is it?" It's clear as day. It's soooo cute! I think she's cuttin 2 teeth. Well, one has come through, but the other one hasn't yet. These will be #7 and #8. She was Miss Clingy this weekend. That was okay, though!

On to personals:

CHARLINE - How was the beach Saturday?

BARB - I would take an extension if you can. It will be worth it. Don't put her with any one you are NOT comfortable with!!! Plus with the extra care she needs. Hey, another Real World buddy. I love that show (I don't know why!)

SHANNA - Again, thanks for the collage! Great job!

PATTY - I'm so happy JARIN is sleeping better!!!! I hate it when HANNAH throws her tantrums. It will probably only get worse. :( HANNAH bites alot. She's been doing it for over a month now. We just tap her mouth, say "no bite!", set her down, and walk away. This devastates her! I think HANNAH and JARIN were meant for each other!LOL

MORIAH - HAPPY 10 month BIRTHDAY ALEX (on Saturday)!!!! :) I'm glad the shower went well.

KAY - I'm glad you and DH go to this "camp". I think about KELSEY almost everyday!

ANGIE - Welcome back!! Oh my, 17 lbs. He's a big boy! :)

JENNI - I'm glad you had a great date!

NANCY - You only gained 28 lbs? I gained almost 50!!

MERA - I bled for 5 weeks after.

LISA - Those are the same things HANNAH throws tantrums over. She HATES having her diaper changed! You should see the things I do to try and make her happy when changing!! LOL I'm sorry to hear about that lady at your church. I hope everything is okay! How many times do you give MAX whole milk during the day? And, how much?

CRYSTAL - Please don't stop posting your feelings. That's what we're here for. If you don't feel comfortable, please email me anytime.

LOUISE - You work for Deloitte & Touche? My boss works with them. Perhaps you know him.

Okay, that's all for now. I'm on a conference call, and haven't been paying attention because you all know you guys ARE more important!!! :)

Talk to you all later!!

Sarah and Hannah (11 months!)
email: smoore@geatoir.cfer.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 08:36:35 (PDT)
Good morning from Rita.

We had a pretty good weekend. We are starting to do several projects around the house getting ready for Amy's Baptism on the 22nd. At least the weather warmed up enough yesterday so that we could have the girls outside while we worked on our sadly neglected back yard. Since I will not be PG this year, maybe I can keep up with the backyard.

I got to see some of Amy's temper firsthand this weekend. Maddy grabbed a book that Amy had and she began to scream very loud. Somehow I don't think that she will have a problem standing up to Maddy.

Happy Belated Birthday First Birthday to Franchesca! Happy Ten Month Birthday to Alex and Liam! All the PT babies are growing up so fast. where has the time gone?

Moriah - My good friend got a certificate in event planning. She hasn't found a position because she is looking for fulltime work at a high level. I think there were several parttime positions or contractor type positions that she came across. With your background in marketing you probably have alot of connections. I have always toyed with the idea of doing some catering, especially teas and children's parties. There's also The Pampered Chef. (By the way, if you have one of those parties, let me know...)

Angie - Good to see you back. I was wondering about you and Tommy. Hope that your friend Marty is doing well.

Becky - Well hello, stranger. Did the fair go well? I can't believe that Harley is almost one. I guess I'll see you on the TT board soon. We'll be going up your way for the Rennaissance Faire at the Nut Tree soon.

Well, I had better get back to work. Take care everyone!



Rita & Amy(7 mos)
email: ritad@home.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 08:49:21 (PDT)
Hi everyone! Barb & Haley checkin' in on a Monday! I have to go to the store with Haley today - I bought the wrong size diapers -LOL! It will be good for this nervous mommy to get out. Haley sounded very stuffy today when she woke up, but it seems to be better. Maybe I should call the Pediatrician anyway? I'm working on getting Haley to sleep through the night - she went 7 hours last night! Yahoo! I actually think she has the potential to go the entire night, but I feel guilty about it because she will be only 5 weeks tomorrow (she was only whimpering a bit when I got up to feed her.) My sister says I shouldn't worry because Haley was such a big baby. I'm sure she's over 10 pounds now.

JENNI (& AD too!): Do I qualify for the family leave act if I already took off 13 weeks for maternity leave? The break down is this - 2 weeks before I delivered (I was on bed rest for most of it), 8 weeks after a C-section, 2 weeks of my vacation time that leaves the extra week I threw in there. Do you or anyone know if I get to extend my time with the 12 weeks of family leave after that?

NANCY L: Hi! Well, I gained way more than you, but I'm down to about 15 pounds to pre-pregnancy weight that seems to be going nowhere (that would include the 10 pounds I packed on before my first appointment with the doctor!) I think these are the ones that one has to work very hard at getting rid of! If you thought the other MIL stories were good, I've got little Haley working with me now - MIL came for just a few minutes the other day, but wanted to hold Haley while she was here. Haley was in her swing, awake so I said OK. MIL takes her out of the swing, and Haley never stopped crying the whole time MIL held her! LOL! After she left I changed her diaper and put her down for a nap!

ALLISON: I will email that word document of my birth story.

LISA B: I think the question is where do you live? How quick can I pack & move? LOL. I live in New Jersey- on the central west side of the state, not too far from the Delaware River. Might as well be NYC for the cost of living.

I better go. I have Haley busy watching "Baby Mozart" she loves it! Thank goodness, because I don't think I'm a great mom when it comes to teaching. BTW, Hello to everyone - I'msorry my posts are so short - and seem not to speak to everyone, but I will get "up to speed" on life soon, I hope.



Barb & Haley (5 weeks)
email: barbconner@blast.net
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 09:32:41 (PDT)
Hi mommies. Can I just start by saying I love my baby soooooo much??? Jarin was so cute last night. I gave him his bath and then we were playing in his room together, reading some books, etc. Pretty soon DH came in, then DD, and then DS. So we all sat in Jarin's room for about 1/2 hour. He is also now running away from me when I get him out of the tub. So this naked little body goes running around upstairs. He is so cute. He slept almost 8 hours the past two nights. I only heard him a couple times and he went back to sleep. Oh, my little sweetheart.
**Kay: I hope you enjoy yourself at the bereavement camp. I'm sure it probably does you good to be around parents who have gone through the same thing. Jarin is sleeping better. Yay! Hard to believe that only a week ago we just started this and he was up 3 times a night still!!!!!
**Shanna: Hope you get your painting done. Yuck. Our house needs it already too and we've only lived here two years. Lesson: NEVER paint with paint that you can't scrub!!!!
**Angie: Tommy is really growing. I'm glad you are doing well. I was also wondering how Marty is doing.
**Jenni: Glad you enjoyed your date with DH. I hope Nicholas gets those teeth in soon. I swear Jarin has been working on #7 & 8 forever. Yep, our little cat-eating duo would have quite the time together.
**Moriah: Sounds like you had lots of fun with the shower. I'm sure you would be great at planning things like that. I'm glad you got to hear all the "oohs" and "aahs" over Alex. You and he deserve it! At the back of my Parents magazine there is a phone number you can call for medical transcriptions you can do at home. I can look up the # if you are interested.
**Nancy: I think that brown line on my stomach lasted about 4 months. I know how you feel - someone leaves an older baby in my house every day too. =(
**Jayme: Sorry your dh has to go to the field. I'm sure you will miss him. How long will he be gone?
**Katy: HAPPY 10 MONTH BIRTHDAY TO LIAM!
**LisaB: Yes, Max and Jarin are both the waving and biting maniacs, huh? Hmmm, how will I spend my fortune in garage sale money? I already spent some when we went out to eat. That's probably where it will all go. Such a wonderful expense, huh?
**Louise: Glad it is cooler there for you. James sounds so cute talking. He does exactly what Jarin does - "mama" when he's whiny and "dada" when he's Mr. Happy. CCT sounds just like Ferber. That schedule sounds good except when I have to go back to work in 9 days, he won't be able to take a 9 AM nap. =( I will miss that cuddle time every morning.
**Sarah: That is so cute that Hannah says "What is it?" Jarin really doesn'st say anything. He is also working on #7 and #8 teeth, but still no luck. Yep, Hannah and Jarin sound like they were meant for each other. And diaper changes? Jarin can definitely fit in that club too.
**Ok, gotta go. DH is on vacation this week, so we are going to do something. Take care everyone. Hey, where has Candance been?
Patty and Jarin - 1 year in 19 days!
email: tematheny@ctlnet.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 09:50:26 (PDT)
Hi, SARAH again. Quick response to BARB. I know you can also take a leave of absense (30 days). That's what I did. I had the 13 weeks maternity leave and then a leave of absense. I don't know if this helps. You should call your HR department.

Good luck!

Bye!
Sarah again
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 09:58:24 (PDT)
Hi, it's Birdie. Hope everyone is well. Looks like the board had an interesting weekend. Hope evryone is feeling better. Reminds me of the old "Manon" days on PT. I'm sure some of you remember. I wonder what she's up to these days. I miss her crazy tales. Anyway, had a baby shower here on Sunday for my SIL. It was a lot of fun. This week part of my job is taking one of our Special Olympic athletes on a whale watch. Poor me. We're going Thursday. My mom is coming down to baby sit for the day. It should be a lot of fun. DH and I are hoping to go see the Blair Witch project this week. everyone says it's really scary. Have any of you seen it? I want you all to know i am totally over my bad day i had last week. I was just feeling isolated and unappreciated and out of the loop. My office had gone to this special luncheon and never even told me about it and I just felt bad. ANyway, i am sooo lucky and very grateful. Who needs luncheons when you can share a jar or pureed sweet pot.
Jenni- Noah always has a handful of cat hair. I am constantly chasing him trying to clean his hands before he puts them into his mouth.
Mera- I made a list for one week of everything I did during the day and just laid it on the table for Dh to see when he got home. He was pretty amazed. The other thing that really helped was to have him spend an entire day at home without me. He was totally in charge for the day. i pumped bottles and went out for the entire day. That taught him a lesson very quickly.
Rebecca- I feel so hormonal. It's very sad but improving. We are down to 2 nursings per day. I cuddle him a lot when he has his bottle. it's just not the same though.
Barb- I know how you feel. When i'm not on the pill AF comes every 15 days. Yuck!!
Moriah- Poor Noah is still toothless. Not even a sign of anything coming. I am sending you a ton of stuff on working at home and on possible home jobs etc...
Kay- I have never heard of a camp like that. what a wonderful idea. I hope you have a very nice time.
LisaB- paper!!! it's the worst. Noah tears up any paper he can get his hands on and loves to eat it. I don't even know where he finds it some times. Our living room is often covered in torn up newspaper on Sunday mornings.
Rita- hello
Barb- Noah also loves baby Mozart and baby einstein.
Crystal- looks like you had some trouble on here over the weekend. Don't stop writing about you and dh. Who else would you be able to tell this stuff to? You obviously need to talk about it and try to sort it all out. It usually looks to me like you are typing what you are thinking. kind of like thinking out loud, and that's why it often sounds crazy. I do agree with the others though that you need to start looking at your relationship more like a marriage. a marriage is a very serious thing and it needs to be worked on daily, not when it's convenient for everyone involved. good luck. When DH gets out in Sept is it for good? Will you all be living in the same place? Will he be looking for a job? How old are you guys? What's his surgery for? How long will he be laid up? There, that should keep you busy for a few minutes.


Take care!
Birdie and Noah (8 months)
email: LJU777@AOL.COM
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 11:12:20 (PDT)
Good afternoon Mommies, Jenni here, I have got to stop working!!! Today at lunch time there was a shoot out infront of my building. Apparently someone tried to rob the back next door and went around the back of my building when the cops were chasing him and shot him. Right infront of the building. I do not need to near this anymore, all I want to do is go home and snuggle with my little man.

Hope everyone else is having a better day


Moriah - A party organizer sounds great. Let me know if you have any ideas on a baptism party. Nicholas has his baptism on Aug 29, and I have no idea what to do afterwards and I am short on $$

Nancy - I still have my dark line too and about 15 pounds of "baby boy" fat to lose (I gained 55 pounds with him) so you are not alone. I hear it takes 9 months to put it on, expect it to take that long to lose it.

Katy - Happy 10 months Liam!!

Shanna- What is the deadline for pictures and how do I get them to you??

LisaB - $92 a week for day care? Where are you from and how long will it take me to move there? We pay $200 a week and it is a friend of mine who only watches Nicholas and her 1 year old grandson.

Barb - The way I understand it is 8 weeks after a C section is disability, don't count your vacation time, then you should get the 12 weeks family leave. But to be sure contact you HR person. Good luck. I live in NJ too, closer to NY though, Union County, but I work in NY.

Patty - I can just picture your "Cat-eating Naked Baby" running through the house all slippery and wet, too cute! I'm waiting for the day Nicholas does that, as of right now he loves being "Naked Baby" he laughs and laughs, or is he laughing at me??? LOL

Well, I guess I should pretend to get some work done. One of the sales guys just quit, paperwork, paperwork...I would much rather be changing diapers right about now.


Jenni and Nicholas (3 months old)
email: njemtjen@aol.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 11:31:01 (PDT)
Hello everyone. Yep, it's Julianne board jumping again. Colton slept through the night last night. YIPPIE. I hope this continues now. He is just full of it lately. Really keeps me on my toes. He too hates to be changed. I hardly get him to lay still on the changing table. After his bath we play "catch the naked boy". His favorite thing is to race to the couch (fake leather) climb up like a monkey and stand naked in the window pounding.

Barb: I am a benefits manager in Human Resources. Here is some info on FMLA: It is 12 weeks per calendar year. It includes disability time, but not vacation. You have to have 1 year of service to qualify. A company can grant you a leave of absence in addition. I would get that in writing, espicially stating your job is guaranteed. Check with your supervisor and HR to get all the facts. Every company has different policies. Hope everything works out for you.

Have a great week mommies & babies:)
Julianne & Colton
email: jjones@batts.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 13:06:29 (PDT)
Vikktoria here:
Zelda is "talking" more and more; especially if she is left alone in her bouncy chair (I don't mean completely alone of course, I am usually across the room trying to get some housework or personal cleanliness accomplished). She must do it to amuse herself.
If Zelda is beginning to teethe, what should I be looking for in her mouth? Inflammation? Redness?

KATY: So sorry to here Liam took a dive out of his crib but glad he is okay.

PATTY: Perhaps Jarin heard "the call" from above.

KAY: I hope you enjoyed your camping experience; be sure and tell us about it.

SHANNA: How old is Annie Grace again?

ANGIE: Welcome back!

NANCY L: My "black line" disappeared about 21/2 months after Zelda was born.

BARB: If Haley seems stuffed up you could suction her nose with one of those blue rubber things (what is the official name?) they give you in the hospital.

BIRDIE: Though I wasn't crazy about the ending, I thought the Blair Witch Project was so creepy I had trouble getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night...I was actually a little freaked out!

Vikktoria & Zelda (3months,1 week)
email: vcrist@adaclabs.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 13:28:10 (PDT)
Good afternoon Mommies!!! Well, I had a nice weekend of carpet cleaning. I really like the new machine we got, easy to use, and the end result sure looks nice. I didn't have to do the stray scruffy dog as he must have wandered back to where he came from. It looks like I will be picking up a new dog on Saturday though for the rescue agency that I work for. It is just really hard for me to say no!!!

We had a little bout of constipation with Cale. He hadn't gone since Thursday but today "The General Was Able to Deploy the Troops" (if you've seen the Drugstore.com ads you'll know what I mean!!)LOL.
We are now adding a small amount of fruit juice to his daily diet. Evidently, just having the fruit wasn't enough for him right now. The Dr said that it is just his system adjusting to all of the new foods and that it should straighten itself out in the next couple of months.
Our weekend was great though with lots of time spent playing and laughing. I just never could have imagined how much I would love this little guy!!!! He makes me so happy!

No personals today but just a couple of general posts.

On Marriage - I think the part in Runaway Bride (for those of you who have seen it) where he says something about how "There are going to be hard times" pretty much hits the nail on the head. We went through counseling prior to getting married at out church and we were pretty much told how marriage is a job and you have to work really hard at it. I didn't think much of it at the time, but I really belive it now. I love my DH very much, and although sometimes he makes me so mad that I would like to just smack him, I never want to be without him and I will always try my hardest to get through whateve it is we need to. I believe DH feels the same way since we have talked about things like this allot.

On this board - I just want to thank all of you mommies out there for your wonderful advice; your kind, listening ears and most of all the support that you show for everyone else on here. I don't know where I would be right now (probably pulling out what little hair I have left) if I hadn't had all of you to pose questions to and vent my frustrations. I am constantly recommending to the new moms that I know to find something like this to use as a resource.

Well, enough out of me. I really hope that everyone has a great day!!
Julie J and Calen ( 4 1/2 months)
email: JulieJ@Quebim.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 14:13:35 (PDT)
Hi everyone!

Busy weekened we had. Alot of packing going on. Adriana starting saying Da Da yesterday. It was so cute I wanted to cry. Gosh babies grow to fast. Well the day is almost here and then we have to move. I hope I meet alot of people in San Diego. This is all so new to me. Anways, once I get settled I will need to buy a computer. On to my posts:

Jayme: When does your husband go out to the field? For how long? Are you afraid to stay alone? Dont you get lonely?




Tara and Adriana
email: Cudlebun@aol.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 14:31:16 (PDT)
Hey ladies. I miss you all so much! I am demanding that all you with 11 month old babies hurry and come to the other board because it is very boring over there right now.I am STILL sick and sick and tired of being sick. I have been on antibiotics for 7 days now and have been sick for 10 days. Well Dillon is getting those 4 teeth in now and that will make 12 for my little shark. He is starting to talk more and more now. He shakes his head no and tells us no or uh uh. It is so cute. he is growing up way to fast for me. I love him so much and find it so hard to believe that the little angel came from me and Jay. It is truley a miracle when it comes to babies isn't it? Well I am going to go for now. Take care everyone and give the babies a hug and kiss and tell them Aunt Tracey loves them.
Tracey and Dillon
email: battnt@worldnet.att.net
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 14:43:46 (PDT)
Hi Mommies! Shanna checking in... finally some posts on the board, it was sooooo quiet over the weekend! FOR EVERYONE who is submitting pictures.... the deadline for August is going to be the 27th! If you need info please email me! I found Annie a new pediatrician today, I'm so glad, I got fed up with her old one because they couldn't squeeze her in for her first set of shots, which really ticked me off, they weren't going to get her in until end of August where she would have been 4 months old. She couldn't get them when she was supposed to because of her kidney stuff and now she needs them and I don't want to wait. So the new Ped got her in for next monday! YEAH! She hates the taste of her new anti-biotic which makes it so hard to get her to take it... anyone needing a tip for making their baby swallow medice.... blow in thier face, they gasp and swallow it... works great! Other than that, I look like a walking paint sample from all the painting i've done and i've still got 4 more rooms to do YUCKKKKKKKK! Someone please come help me paint!

Moriah- you should be come a planner, how fun and what a great working from home job!

Nancy - that same person visit's my house everynight too... i wish the bugger would leave my little tiny baby alone! I wish she could stay like this! They get big toooooo fast!

Allison & Jenni... see dates above! We'd love more pictures!

Sarah - how exciting to hear Hannah little voice say mommy, i just love it, it gives me goosebumps because that is so special, enjoy it!

Vikktoria - Annie is 3 1/2 mos. now! Wow time flies huh!

Crystal - I hope you haven't left the board, I think everyone here was just concerned about you and Darrell.... :)

Well enough for today, I have to go move furniture back in place that the carpet cleaners didn't move!
Hugs
shanna & annie grace
email: shanna1@earthlink.net
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 15:22:00 (PDT)
HI it's Moriah & Alex. Finally some posts around here! It sure was quiet this weekend.

UGH! Today is just a sucky day. Geoff is being such a pill. I'm so frustrated with this whole attitude that because I'm a SAHM - everything needs to be perfect (ie: clean house, happy baby, me with my hair done & make up on, etc). Just once I'd love to leave him alone with Alex for 24 hours & see just how great things were when I came home. I'd want the house spotless, dinner cooked, the grocery shopping done (without spending any money of course!), 20 oz of fresh expressed breast milk, a clean & happy Alex, bills paid on time & what the hell - a winning Lotto ticket. Men - can't live with them - can't flush them down the toilet. :) Anyway the DH (NOT dear husband!) left here in a huff without telling me where he was going or when he plans on returning - I HATE that!

Jennie - the Babtism party ideas: Depending on the time of day you can have the babtism - if you're short on $$ try to plan in a non-meal time frame. Like maybe an afternoon tea. That way you just serve beverages, cookies, maybe small sandwiches or small cold hors derves. Also a good $$ saving meal is brunch. My MIL has a recipe for a brunch casserole that is to die for. Plus bagels & scones are pretty reasonable.
Also you can save a ton by doing the invitations on your computer - just buy the decorated paper & print right on it, fold them up & decorate plan white envelopes with stickers or rubber stamps.
You can make the cutest favors with the Wilton candy making supplies. Do a search on the net for "Candy Making Equipment" and you should come across several sites that sell molds & all the supplies. Many had religious molds that would be perfect for your occaison. I like to make the suckers & then put them in a small platic cover bag (you can buy those on the site) & tie it shut with a ribbon. You can make tags on your computer also that you could tie to the ribbon to mark the date & event.
Let me know if I can help you out anymore. These are just real general ideas that I've used on parties before.

Birdie - I'd LOVE to get the info on working at home. I'm pretty scared that I'm not going to find something. Here there seems to be very few companies that just want to hire a new person to work at home. I'm determined to find something though.

Lisa B - I'd take just about anything to work at home. Data entry is fine. I'm on the job hunt now. Yes you're right I couldn't afford to stay at home before.

Hey who mentioned Manon? I miss her too. I keep hoping that we'll here from her. Her little guy must be about to turn 1. I miss Dana & Megan too. I have Megan's email address - I'll drop her a line.

Yes things got kind of snippy around here this weekend. :(.
Moriah & Alex (10 months)
email: geoffandmoriah@msn.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 16:25:31 (PDT)
Good evening everyone, Charline & Hayden here. We had a busy weekend. My inlaws came to babysit Hayden on Saturday and DH and I went to Maine to go to the beach. The traffic was horrible and it took us 2 1/2 hours to get there, then the sun went in and it was chilly, but it still was nice to get away with DH. My SIL came on Sunday to visit and just left now. We had a nice visit. I just bought Hayden an exersaucer yesterday at K-mart and he doesn't know what to make of it yet.

Barb-It's nice to hear from you.

Shanna- Thanks for your hard work. I'll let you know when I get the pics back. DH and I did have a good mini vacation. Thanks for the wishes.

Patty- That's awesome that Jarin is sleeping so good now!!! I'll continue to send the sleep vibes your way. I'm not looking forward to when Hayden is mobile in church. I think that most toddlers like to run around in church. It is such an open area. Right now he sometimes cries, but we can just give him a bottle. Jarin sounds so cute running around the house naked.

Moriah- Happy 10 month Birthday to Alex! I hope that his teething goes quickly for the both of you. That's great that you got a new computer. You must be so psyched.

Katy- I'm glad that Liam is ok. What a scare for you and DH!

Kay- Your welcome. That camp that you are going to on Friday sounds like a lot of support. I hope that you have a good time.

Angie-Welcome back!

Jenni- Your welcome, I'm glad that you had a nice time. That's scary about the shooting in front of your work building.

Moriah- I'm glad the shower went so well.

Sarah- That's cute that Hannah said mama. The beach was ok. It was mostly cloudy and chilly, but it was nice to get away with DH for a few hours.

Barb- That's great that Haley is sleeping 7 hrs!

Julianne- That's great that Colton slept through the night for you.

Tracey- It's good to hear from you. Dillon sounds so cute shaking his head and saying no. I hope that you feel better soon.

Well, I hope that everyone has a good night.
Charline & Hayden(4 months old today!)
email: djl@mediaone.net
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 17:03:21 (PDT)
Crystal here. No I haven't left the board. I didn't even drop off the face of the earth. My parents have been home all weekend, so I couldn't get on. The last time that I was on while they were home, my dad yelled at me for being on all day (1 hour). So, I told him that I'll just wait until he's not home before I get on the computer so he can go on the internet. Needless to say, I need to get a good job so I can get my own apartment and a computer and internet access.


Okay, for those asking: I'm 20 years old. I'll be 21 at the beginning of the year. Dh and I got married about 6 months after I got out of high school. Dh is 22. Yes, we got married rather young, but we have lasted a lot longer than most people had thought we would. They gave us a month. It will be two years on Christmas Eve. Dh is going to have surgery done on his back because he's 22 with the back of a 40 year old. His back is degenerating faster than the average person's. I don't know how long he will be unable to work or anything. That's why I'm looking for a job that will pay me enough to support my family if he's unable to work. However, he should be getting hefty disability checks from VA and maybe even free training to learn a new trade. He's a mechanic right now and would love to continue working as such. However, that has a lot to do with his back being so messed up. I'm surprised that it's not broke by now. And no, I'm not going to continue living with my parents after Doug gets here. It will be a major explosion if we did. Doug does not like my mom because she goes on and on about everything, even when some one is visibly upset about something. And, neither of my parents like Doug. In fact, when I told them that I was going to hold off on the divorce, they got all huffy and puffy about it, saying that I should have married a doctor or a lawyer and not a low-life mechanic. And Doug has even fixed one of their vehicles and taught them how to take care of their cars, something they never learned how to do. And had I not met Doug, I wouldn't know how to change a tire, check the fluids, rotate the tires, bleed the brakes, or clean the brakes. I've even helped him with replacing shocks and struts. Granted, I hate working on cars, but if I help Doug when he's working on a vehicle, it means that we get more time together and that he doesn't have to work so hard and risk hurting his back any more than he has to.

I'm still new when it comes to relationships with men, or rather overgrown boys. I didn't start dating until I was 16. Before Doug, I had only had 6 relationships with guys, the longest lasting only three months. Three of those six only wanted sex. One ended up cheating on me because I wouldn't put out, and the other one was a player anyway. The other one of those three jjust spread rumors around saying that we did. One of the other three was just playing around when he asked me out, but then after breaking up with me, he spent the whole rest of the school year trying to get get me to go backk out with him. I spent the rest of the school year beating him up. Then, there was one guy I met my Senior year, and I really cared about him. But, he broke up with me after three months but said that we could still be firends. He started treating me like dirt and didn't want anything to do with me. We're friends now because after Doug and I got married, I only called him about three or four times and never bothered to write to him. Things simmered down between us, and we still go to the same church and talk after church. The final guy started out as a good friend, and then we started dating. Well, then, he started to ignore me, so we broke up and stayed friends for a while. Up until Doug, my longest relationship lasted only three months, and my shortest one was a mere two days. So, being married is a big step up for me, mostly because I was at the point in my llife in which I thought that no man could ever love me. I thought that I was the ugliest person alive because I couldn't keep a boyfriend. But Doug kept telling me that I'm beautiful, that I'm an angel, and that I'm the love of his life. He always told me that he doesn't see how I could love him because he doesn't deserve me and that I deserve better. Of course, for the longest time, I thought he was just full of it. But he says it even to this day still. Before we got married, I almost left Doug because I was scared of letting him get too close because I didn't want to be left the way I had been with a broken heart in the past. Of course, I never did. And yes, Doug and I do talk things out whenever we disagree. I have a bad habit of yelling alot, but I think that a lot of it has to do with the way I was raised. I grew up around a lot of yelling and throwing things. I'm not trying to make eaxcuses about my yelling. I just think that I got into that habit because that's what I knew as a child. At first, I didn't realize it. But Doug talked to me about it one day when I was calm. He grew up in a non-yelling family, so I'm sure it's hard on him whenever I yell. However, since Doug has brought it up to my attention, I have been working on it, and he knows that it's going to take time and patience for me to quit yelling. I have gotten a lot better about it. We normally just sit down and talk when there's a problem and he's actually home. That's the big thing right there. He's never around, and it's not related to the military. Of course, he's not here right now,but that's different. I'm talking abut when we lived under the same roof.

Well, anyway, that's enough for now. Darrel will be one in 14 days, and Doug will be home within the next 50 days. I'll talk some more later and answer some posts later.


Crystal and Darrel 1 year in 14 days
email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 17:13:39 (PDT)
Good evening mommies...when does our day end??? Get up, make breakfast, feed baby, change baby, get ready for work, drop baby off, work, pick baby up, do dishes, make dinner, feed baby, bath baby, play with baby, entertain dh, feed cat & ferrets, litter boxes, read to baby, pack bag for morning, make lunches, pee, check board...it never ends and I want to have more kids? AM I crazy?? Sorry needed to vent while dh (not dear) is watching baseball and pre-season football.

Birdie - Blair Witch was great if you are into weird creepy things. I loved it. Go see it if you can, don't wait for video you need the theater. What is it with our boys and eating cats?

Moriah - Thanks for the advice, DH and I liked the sandwich/cookie idea and my mom makes chocolate candies. She made dolphins and baby things for my shower. I'm going to ask her to do stuff for the baptism.

Charline - What part of Maine did you go to? My SIL lives in Bar Harbor and we try to go at least once a year. I love it there. So peaceful and laid back. My building made the news with the shooting, scary. DH works in same building...made us think twice about both of us being in NYC while Nichoals is in NJ. Maybe I can quit(wishful thinking)

Crystal - I'm glad you are still here. This is your life and your marriage and the father of your son, you do what ever you feel is best for the 3 of you. Whatever makes youhappy. We are here to support, not bagger you. 14 days until the 01 huh? Any plans for a party?

Well, I guess I should go feed somebody...cat, husband?? Nicholas is in bed already(9:15pm here) so maybe I can sneak into the bath tub and soak for a while. Good night. Hugs to all of our little angles.

Jenni and Nicholas (3 months old)
email: njemtjen@aol.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 18:12:50 (PDT)
Darrel has not been very happy. His teeth that he's trying to cut are giving him hell. The teething tablets help some. At least he'll take them. His gums are so swollen that they look disgusting. My mom says to not worry about it because it just means that he'll be getting more teeth soon. He has a slight fever, but he always does with his teething. But I still worry that his gums could be a bit infected. Has any one ever heard about gums getting infected during teething? Darrel has been so clingy lately and always wants to be held. He's always loved to be held but has never demanded it until now.

We had a scarey experience at church last night. I haven't been going to church very often lately, but I decided that I needed to yesterday. In the morning, Darrel was so good. He sat there and listened to the preacher. Then last night, he was clapping and dancing to the music, just like everyone else. He'd raise his hands up in the air, and I gave him my car keys to play with so he won't travel all oover, and he started to mmake music with them. He was just so exdcited. Darrel also was yelling in church, which is acceptable at my church. I'm Pentecostal. But during the sermon, he leaned to far forward in the pew and before a friend and I were able to catch him, he already landed head first. I picked him up and ran out the back door so I wouldn't disturb the service anymore than it had been and comforted him outside. After he had calmed down and I calmed down, I did a full body check to make sure nothing was broken or tender and check his vision and range of motion. Everything was okay. Darrel was just scared and being tired and cranky from teething didn't help anything. So, we went back into church and I held him for the rest of the service.
Crystal again
email: cjeanmurphy@yahoo.com
Monday, August 09, 1999 at 19:04:54 (PDT)
Hi mommies. Patty again. My little naked running boy is bathed and in his diaper. He is quite the funny man. We went to eat at a Mexican restaurant today. He was climbing on the table and slamming spoons on the table. Good thing it wasn't very crowded. He was climbing all over me again tonight and laughing like crazy. He is so funny.
**Birdie: Glad you are feeling better. I knew all along that you were grateful to get to work at home and be with sweet Noah. Jarin also always has handfuls of cat hair!
**Jenni:That is so scary that you had a shootout by where you work! I'm glad you are ok. I agree with you about a mom's day never ending. You forgot about how when you crawl into bed dh thinks it's time for SEX! I hate to make you guys even more jealous, but our daycare will cost us $60 a week.
**Julianne: Yes, we play Catch the naked baby. It is so cute.
**Vikktoria: I hope Jarin heard "the call" and continues to hear it. LOL. Zelda sounds cute making more noises.
**Tracey: I hope you feel better. I will be there soon!
**Shanna: I hope the "Paint Fairy" stops in at your house. LOL. Glad you found a new pediatrician. I hope you like him (her?) better than the old one.
**Moriah: I was really LOL at your men comment. So funny. Manon was due the same day I was. I often wonder how she is. Sorry Geoff is not being so dear today. Hope he feels incredibly sorry and humble when he returns.
**Charline: Glad you had a nice weekend with dh. Yes, since Jarin is mobile, he is quite the monster in church. I told dh it is getting about time to go shopping, out to eat, and to church without Jarin.
**Crystal: Glad to hear that Darrel is ok after the scare at church.
**Ok, night night everyone. See you tomorrow.
Patty and Jarin - 11 months
email: tematheny@ctlnet.com