October 2004 - round up the troops!

[gf&js]

The October 2004 moms and babies are meeting back up! Let's share the silly, the heartbreaking, the nerve racking, and plain old fun stuff going on in our lives.

bluebunny
My name: M
DH/SO name: D
Wedding date: 9/01
DOB of DC: son, C 10/04

catgirl1007
Me: Carrie
DH: D
Married: 10/25/03
DD: C, 10/8/04
Expecting DS 11/9/06

Chicksinger
Murphy
DH Bryan
Married 4/26/03
DS Zachary 10/07/04
TTC#2 July '06

Franni
DH George
DD Gwen 10/20/04
Married 09/21/02
#2 on the way - EDD 11/22/06

gf&js
me: Glynis
DH: Joe
Married: 5/25/02
DD: Kyra, 10/15/04
Expecting #2: 5/7/06

katnbug - formerly kat1124 on WC
ME: Kathie
DH: C
Married: 4/26/03
DS: G 9/30/04
Expecting #2: DD 10/26 a scheduled c/s


(if you want to be added to the list - post your update in red)

[jesvet]

I don't believe there was ever a group started over here. I know I've seen quite a few members around, though. :D Time flies, huh?

[gf&js]

Glad to see at least one familar face!

Things are going well at our house - Kyra is basically running all over and getting into everything but is not a real talker yet. She babbles on to us like we should understand but she just hasn't gotten to the real words. But she hasn't gotten too frustrated with it yet so I'm guessing she'll be surprising us before we know it.

What is your little one up to these days? I really miss hearing what everyone's little ones are doing - it was so cool to see how each kid took their own road to discoveries.

[hotmama]

i'm here, too! is this the same group from WC? if so, this is Samantha and my son, Aiden, was born on October 9th. it would be great to have a group here on CC :)

[jesvet]

Same group!

Zoe is great, a toooooooootal handful (whose isn't, right?) It's a lot of fun but exhausting. She takes after her auntie and is a major talker. Her first word was "doggie", with "dada" second and "mama" coming in, maybe fifth? LOL.

We're expecting a little boy in late May/early June, so I'm sure that will be an interesting transition. Pregnancy was hard, pregnancy with a toddler is really hard!

[bluebunny]

Yea! Our own group! I was wondering why there wasn't an Oct. 04 thread. :)

DS is into everything. He's sooo busy and so much fun! I look forward to sharing with y'all.

[bluebunny]

Bump!

[Chicksinger]

Hey, guys! Murphy here, SAHM to Zachary, previously known as the Monkey. I know some of you. I'm really bad at posting regularly, but I do miss having "group check-in", you know? I will let Judi (jeggink) and Tracy (mom to Zoe, NEW mom to Jocelyn) know that our old gang is peeking it's head out!

Zach is a runner and a jumper and a dancer and a signer (not singer, LOL). Spoken words are only "uh-oh", "door", "more", and "mama", plus plenty he's made up, but he signs 30 different words and will comment or reply to almost any situation. Just weaned himself (from BM) last Friday. It's hard to keep up with this crazy boy, but it's good to get ouside and play everyday anyway, right? :)

[gf&js]

Happy Hearts Day everyone - I'm hoping your families made for a good day. I know I loved coming home to a jumping little girl who just get so darn excited to see me!

And yeah - you're all coming out of the woodwork! :)

Since it looks like we are starting up a real thread again - do we want to keep the my first post as the "who's who" and stuff? I don't mind keeping it up - I'm not always on but I'll do my best to keep up!

[tray622]

Oh my goodness... I am here too :) What a conicidence since I was up tonight looking back through our old threads on the WC. I am just home with #2 and am shocked to realize that the lack of sleep thing is even worse than I remember!

Zoey is fabulous and such a fun, easy going, energetic kid. She just loves to dance, talk, sing and run anywhere you let her. I can honestly say that this has been by far my favorite age yet!

[bluebunny]

gf&js, I think a "roster" of sorts for the first page is a great idea!

tray622, you are the first with #2, right? So brave! I think having two close in age would be so much fun! Congrats on your new little girl!

***

QOTD: What's your child's favorite food right now?

Maybe hearing what others are eating will give me some good ideas for menus/snacks. :)

[gf&js]

tray - congrats on your new addition! I hope is going well with two!

QOTD - favorite foods - turkey noodle soup (drained) and mandarin oranges without a doubt. Both of them are down in typically 1 minute flat. I'm surprised I don't see them come out the other end as hole pieces she snarfs them down so fast. :D Other typical good ones - yogurt, graham cracker sticks, bananas, pierogies, anything with cheese and a good glass of milk to wash it all down. Not a big meat eater - I think think there was a kid out there who didn't like hot dogs but I have one.

***********************

And for the roster page - here are my thoughts (pick and choice what works for you):

Screen name
Your name
DH/SO name
Wedding date
DOB of DC
Any other stats

[bluebunny]

Screen name: bluebunny
Your name: M
DH/SO name: D
Wedding date: 9/01
DOB of DC: son, C 10/04
Any other stats ?

I'm a bit shy about giving out names and exact dates. :)

[jeggink]

Just flying by really quick, have a presentation at lunch that I am practicing for! Yeah for the October group :). Glad to see so many of us here :). Will catch up a bit later!

[gf&js]

Anyone noticing teeth coming through in a funny order? Kyra's teeth have been slow going - she has to 2 front and 2 bottom but I just noticed yesterday that she has a couple that are poking through farther back on the top (maybe tips of molars?). It just surprised me and I know no child grows "normal" but I'm wonder if anyone else is seeing it.

[Chicksinger]

Ha! Figures that Tracy and Judi both get here before I ever manage to give them a shout! I'm so bad.

Chicksinger
Murphy
DH Bryan
Married 4/26/03
DS Zachary 10/07/04
TTC#2 July '06

QOTD DS loves PB & J on Wheat with the crusts cut off, well-cooked cauliflower, mixed peas and carrots, Teddy Grahams, spaghetti, any fruit, shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Used to always eat Turkey and cheese sandwichs, now on strike. It's so hard to get him to eat meat or eggs. I'm always trying to think of ways to give him more protein and iron.

Teeth Zach has 4 top and 2 bottom in front, then got all 4 molars last week. :eek: Now getting another top and bottom tooth to the right of current top teeth.

[gf&js]

I hope everyone had a good St Patty's day (if you celebrate). I had to laugh at myself - I was trying to play a video game with my husband and I kept falling asleep. I should have been crashed out and been snoring like Kyra was! Yeah - we're parents of a small child! :D

[tray622]

You made me laugh gf&js. I will never forget when we went to see the play, Lion KIng, how I slept through the whole first half and DH through the whole second half. At the end the lady behind us asked if we had kids :p

[bluebunny]

We're not a talkative group, are we? ;)

Teeth DS has four on top and two on the bottom, all in front. Last weekend he got THREE more in the back. He hardly let me get my finger in his mouth but I think they are the second to last molars?

[tray622]

teeth Zoey has a full mouth of teeth. I think only the 2 year molars arent in.

[jeggink]

Chicksinger Glad we were able to beat you here :).

bluebunny We have all teeth except for the 2nd year molars as well. The bottom canines were a HUGE PAIN!!!

For St. Patty's day we went out to the bars with DH, his brother and girlfriend while MIL watches Joseph sleep :). We were out till midnight or so, but had fun! NY has no smoking in bars so I felt better about going out.

eating Ppppptttttt, that has gone down the drain really fast! He is sooo picky now and will only eat certain things, like pretzels or pears. Very annoying. I have actually started to think about giving him some vitamins as he doesn't really even eat meat right now.

Anyway, hope everyone is doing well. Just here at work :rolleyes:

[bluebunny]

food DS is doing pretty well in the food dept. My ped said not to be concerned if he didn't like meat and preferred dairy (yogurt, cheese) instead. No worries about that--DS loves meat. He also loves cheese and yogurt. Veggies are hit or miss. He has started to love apples, as long as he gets to hold a big chunk himself, and bananas, again if he holds it. :rolleyes: His favorite snack is golfish. It's a wonder he hasn't turned into one. ;)

jeggink, sounds like your St. Patrick's day was fun!

[gf&js]

I think we finally got a real word out of Kyra today! Granted we could just be wanting to hear her say something - I think the word "apple" came out of her mouth! I don't really think that is much of a common first word but dang it - we'll take it! (Remind me how excited I was to hear her speak when down the road when she just won't stop! :p )

[Chicksinger]

gf&js Zach's first word was door! Silly, huh? (I think the "different" words make a great story. ;) )

[Franni]

Hello, Ladies Wow, all these familiar names.

I am so glad that all the toddlers are doing well.

Gwen's doing great. She was much like jeggink's Joseph for a while in the sense that she was so picky about what she liked to eat. She was even picky about the speed with which she was fed. But something happened 2 weeks ago. She has become voracious. She has been eating just about anything. I don't know when that'll change again, so I am thanking my lucky stars while I still have it.

first words G's first word is Up. I guess she figured out the word that would come in handy.

teeth DD's molars are coming in. She doesn't seem too bothered by them though.

odd milestones I went to the ped and he had asked me how many pages DD would take when she tries to turn a page in a book. I have never heard of that being a milestone. I guess it must be for fine motor functions.

Terrible twos are here My sweet baby has given way to a whiney and strong willed little toddler. OMG. I thought I at least had a couple of months, but NO....she did not chose to sing the alphabet song in advance.

I guess I will official join the group.
Franni
DH George
DD Gwen 10/20/04
Married 09/21/02
#2 on the way - EDD 11/22/06

[gf&js]

I love that more people are finding their way in!

Franni - I added you to the list and CONGRATS! I hope all is going well with your pregnancy this around!

Murphy - Talking about #2 - I think we are starting to target late summer also for our next little one. But the closer I get - the more I start to freak out.

Speaking of #2 (or more if you already there) - did/do you have any special considerations you are taking this time? For example - I knew I wanted at least 2 years between kids. I'm really tempted to wait and try for our next one so that they could be born roughly around the same time of year - I just really like the idea of a fall baby. But I don't think I'll be able to hold my hubby off that long! He has the bug something fierce!

What are/were thing you are considering?

[Chicksinger]

Planning next baby I really, really want a spring baby. I think March-May would be the best time to have a birthday in elementary school. My birthday in October (and Zach, too. Ah, poor Zach,) was always kind of lame, because every single year, my then best friend's family moved--usually to another state--and I never met anyone over the summer, so then, in the fall, I'd be starting over and my birthday came up so quick, I was never sure whom to have at my party. (I sound crazy, don't I? As in, that's a lot of baggage to carry over a silly b'day!) So it seems better to be able to have a party after most of the year has gone by, once you are closer to your classmates.

I want to do it this year, rather than next, because I haven't been able to get back to acting, and I'd like to get through the next round of pregnancy and breastfeeding (nursed Zach for 15 months), and try to re-enter society, ha ha.

[gf&js]

How is summer treating everyone?

[Toonces]

Hey everyone! I can't believe I just found this thread (thanks to Murphy!) :) First, here are my stats:

catgirl1007
Me: Carrie
DH: D
Married: 10/25/03
DD: C, 10/8/04
Expecting DS 11/9/06

I can't believe all of our "babies" will be 2 soon! How is everyone dealing with the terrible 2's and/or 2 year molars? The terrible 2's have been typical for us - good days and bad. I think DD is cutting her 2 year molars. She's been saying that her mouth hurts for a week or so.

For those of you who have had baby #2, how are the first few weeks/months? I'm terrified... DD finally started sleeping well not too long ago and we still co-sleep. I have no idea how this will work out. She also weaned from BFing at 22 months b/c my milk dried up, but I think she might tandem nurse after DS is born and I have milk again. It'll be crazy.

How many kids do you all plan on having? We wanted 3 or 4, but I had hyperemesis with this pregnancy and cannot go through that again. Plus I'll be 37 in October and don't want to put my body through another pregnancy at 39. I'm sad that this will be our last, but feel so blessed to have 2 babies.

[katnbug]

Hi October 04 mama's! I followed catgirl over here from the November 06 mama's thread.

katnbug - formerly kat1124 on WC
ME: Kathie
DH: C
Married: 4/26/03
DS: G 9/30/04
Expecting #2: DD 10/26 a scheduled c/s

DS will be 2 on Saturday- I can't believe how time has flown by!
He's funny and happy and definitely keeps me busy! He can out-run me (definitely now that I'm 8months pg) and loves to jump and dance!! He's really into Blues Clues right now & I must say we watch at least one episode a day. I have about 6 of the DVD's in case we miss it on TV!

Our 2nd child is due a month from today and that is going to be all for us! I've decided to get my tubes tied at the time of our c-section. As with catgirl, I will be 37 soon and my body is not handling this pregnancy quite as well as I'd like!

It looks like it's been a while since some people posted.. Hopefully we can get this thread up and active again! I can't wait to hear how everyone's DC's are doing at 2!! :)

[gf&js]

Holy moly - I had figured we were sneaking off into the lost world and a few more find their way! And look at all the new babies on the way! Congrats to everyone with one nearly here or soon to be.

How have the birthday celebrations been going? Can you believe they are all turning 2? Where did that go?

[tray622]

congrats katnbug on your new baby!! Have fun :)

No baby catgirl? I have been checking in the Nov to see if there is any news :)

[Toonces]

Birthday celebrations ~ I know... it seems like 2 came out of no where. We had a pretty low key playdate bday party. DD still loved it and occasionally still sings "Happy Birthday" to herself. :) What did everyone else do?

Tracy ~ Nope, no baby yet. Thanks for checking the Nov. thread though. :) I'm actually hoping he's late. As you can tell from the time I'm typing this, insomnia is in full force. I guess my body is getting me ready for all of those late night feedings again.

Hope everyone is doing well!!

[katnbug]

2nd b-day- We also did a small party at a pizza place near our house. Just about 10 of us. DS enjoyed most of the day. The rest of the time he was crying hysterically because my friend's little boy, who is also 2, scares the cr*p out of him. :eek: All of our "blowing out the candle" pics show DS crying on DH's lap!

Tray- Thanks for the congrats!! It's been just over a week and we're already in a good routine! DD sleeps a ton, so let's hope that continues for a while. I know it can't last forever, so I've got to enjoy it now. :)

[gf&js]

So - what are the little pumpkins dressing up in for Halloween?

[Chicksinger]

2nd bday We had Zach's b'day party at My Gym, and the kids had a lot of fun. The instructors led the group in songs, dances and tumbling for an hour, then we served cupcakes and juiceboxes and ended the morning giving "spaceflights" (a little planeride down a cable, from one side of the room to the other). We insisted on no gifts in the invitations, but our friends were naughty and gave cards with giftcards inside for Barnes and Noble, Target, and a Starbucks for me. DH said, "Do we still have to write thank you notes if we SAID "no gifts"? :rolleyes:

Costume Zachary is going to be a blond Handy Manny, we hope! He has a toolbelt that he LOVES, but I don't know if I can get him to put on the matching safety vest and hat!

[katnbug]

costume- Grayson will be Blue from Blues Clues. He's obsessed. Though for the past week he's also been asking to watch Diego on TV.

[gf&js]

chicksinger I'm so glad to hear that someone else is having trouble getting their little ones into a costume - good luck with the vest and hard hat - Handy Man is a favorite at our house too!

kat somehow we have gotten around Blues Clues. We have a complete TV junkie in Kyra - throws a fit if we turn off the TV (even if it's not even a kids show - good figure).

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

[katnbug]

DS won't put on his Blues Clues costume. :( We had a Halloween birthday party this past Saturday for a friends son & Grayson whined and pulled at the costume until we took it off of him!! So... I went out tonight and bought him a Mater tow truck costume from the movie Cars. He was wearing it around the house when I got home. I think this one might actually work! I thought I might get it at a discount - being that it is Halloween eve, but NO - full price - and more expensive than the Blue costume too!! :rolleyes:

gf&js- I'm glad I'm not the only one! I have to admit that DS is definitely a TV junkie. But he's a picky junky. He only watches certain shows, but he wants to see them over and over and over. Today he only watched one episode of Blue because his cousin came over and they played outside.

[gf&js]

Our daycare rocks! She won the battle and got Kyra in her costume! Bummer is that just before we were walking out the door to hit the 2 houses we wanted her to trick or treat at - she coughed so hard she puked on herself. Poor kid. But we cleaned up and ran quickly anyway. :o

Hope you all had a good night with your pumpkins!

[tray622]

We had the absolute best Halloween EVER! The party at Zoeys preschool rocked and she just loved, loved, lovewd trick-or-treating. She even said "trick-or-treat please" without prompting and thank you every time. She loves monsters and fog and had an absolute blast. I just cant wait until Jocey gets to join her :) I will post pics tomorrow!

[tray622]

Okay... cant wait :) Here is Zoey (dont laugh, she picked out her own glasses LOL) and my baby flower :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tray622/DSC02632-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tray622/DSC02668.jpg

[Toonces]

Tracy ~ Those are adorable pictures!! Zoey and Joceylyn are such little dolls. I'm glad you had such a nice Halloween! :)

We had a nice Halloween, too. DD dressed up as Piglet and we walked around to quite a few houses on our block with one of her neighborhood friends. I got home and had tons of contrax and stabbing cervical pain, but here I sit... no baby yet.

Hope everyone else had a nice Halloween, too!

[tray622]

Carrie, I am obsessed with piglet :) Surprisingly, I am a total pig collector and have every piglet ever made! I bet C was just adorable :D

[katnbug]

Hi ladies- Thought I'd drop off pics of DS yesterday. He actually liked his Mater costume & wore it happily while trick or treating! He made me put it on him again this morning! All in all, we had fun trick or treating... it was very chilly out though!
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l307/katdossett1124/materbutterflyedit.jpg

His Blues Clues costume that he wouldn't wear. This was taken a while ago.. he started crying right after the picture was taken.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l307/katdossett1124/Blueedit.jpg

Tray- You have two beautiful little girls!! :)

[Toonces]

Tracy ~ That's funny that you're such a Piglet fan. I like him, too. :) You wouldn't have needed that warm of a costume in CA, but we sure needed it here. It was freezing last night!

Kat ~ Grayson looks so cute in his costume!! I like your new avatar, too! :)

[tray622]

kat I love your new avatar too :) Just precious!!

[katnbug]

Thanks ladies. :) Two sleeping children! What's not to like?? ;)

[gf&js]

Sleeping kids are a wonderful thing! I think my diva is going to drive me over the edge some days but then I see her sleeping - it all gets much better!

[tray622]

carrie I am dying for you to have your little boy! I saw your post over in November thread and I hope this is it for you :) iI didnt want to barge in... good luck!!

[Toonces]

Hey Tracy ~ Despite the good acu appt last night, I sit in my glider this morning, still PG. :p If I don't have him by tomorrow, I'm scheduling another acu appt. It is doing something b/c I had some awesome contrax last night, they just didn't get stronger/consistent. I'm going to take C for a stroller ride today. I had better be more than 1cm at my appt on Thurs!! Thanks for thinking of me. :)

[katnbug]

Yes Carrie... let's get a move on...we're ALL waiting to meed Devin! :)

[gf&js]

Carrie - I'm hoping he is going to hurry and make his appearance soon!

[Toonces]

Thank you, Glynis, Tracy & Kat! :) Despite 3 acu appts and lots of my own natural induction techniques, I'm still sitting here PG at 40 weeks. I have an appt this afternoon so hopefully I'll know more.

[katnbug]

:) Thanks Carrie! I know how much you like us all pestering you!!! ;) I promise to not ask again.

[tray622]

catgirl... I am thinking of you!! I saw you went in last night... Hope he is here very quickly!!

[Toonces]

holding sleeping newborn :) so no caps. devin patrick arrived at 10:40pm on fri., 11/10, weight 8 lbs 11 oz, 21". i had no idea how i'd love another baby after dd, but i am soooo in love w/ him.

tracy ~ ty for the congrats in nov mommies. :D

off to adore my new little man. i can't believe how precious he is. the "babymoon" stage is awesome. :)

[tray622]

Yay :) :)

[Chicksinger]

Congratulations, catgirl, and welcome, Devin. :)

[katnbug]

Woo hoo!! Welcome DEVIN! Congratulations Carrie! :)

[gf&js]

Carrie - congrats on the new love in your life! I'm so glad to hear that he finally made his appearance!

I have to share something. I think I had the most wonderful evening with my daughter in the longest time. She was absolutely fun, well behaved, silly, willing to eat! and just made DH and I remember the good things about having kids. Not that Kyra has been a complete nightmare lately - but she's 2. There is a reason they call it the trouble twos. But it was an excellent night and I just had to share. :) I hope everyone gets a few of these nights in their very near future!

[katnbug]

gf&js-That's great! We've had moments - hours maybe - like that, but a whole evening?? ;) The two's are indeed trouble in this household!!!

[gf&js]

Is everyone still in a turkey coma? ;)

I hope the new mommies are doing welll - we were in GA this weekend watching my 8 month old niece and it's amazing how much I forgot about babies!

[tray622]

It is amazing how much you forget. I must say that the second, at least for me, is totally my "baby." She acts more infantile and I am not in a hurry for her to grow up. It is refreshing!! In fact my "baby" will be 1 in about 2.5 months and I cant wait to throw the first bday party again... so fun :D

Isnt Christmas a million times more exciting this year?? Last year Zoey was into it but loved opening more than anything. This year is so exciting because she "gets" it. I bet next year will even be better!

[katnbug]

:) I agree with both of you that you do forget a lot!! Or maybe we just block it out! ;) I'm feeling sorry for myself because I can't get anything done any more. I took DH's clothes to the dry cleaners this morning with both kids... I didn't have an option really. Lord knows I can't get my act together enough to take the clothes on Saturday when DH is home. Of course, then I'd have to find a way to pick them up... NOT that I don't have ten million other things I need to get done on Saturdays when DH can watch the kids. UGH. I need to find a drive-thru dry cleaner. *end rant*

[katnbug]

Tray- I agree that DS is way more into the Christmas thing this year. We put up lights outside of our house on Sunday & took DS out to look once it turned dark.. he was so excited! I got his reaction on video! Way cute. Now he asks to go outside and see the "pretty colors" every night. :) Awww...These are the things I need to remember!

[Toonces]

Glynis ~ I hope you've had some more peaceful times with Kyra recently. Aren't those awesome?! Makes the difficult times a little more bearable.

Kat ~ I read your post in the Nov Mommies thread, too. I'm dreading going through what you're going through soon... :( I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Did you know there's a drive-thru dry cleaner on Dundee in the strip mall just west of Walgreens (Dundee/Hicks)? Also, are you still BFing Hilary? I wonder if her behavior is from a dairy/soy intolerance??

Tracy ~ I'm looking forward to Christmas this year, too. Now I'm just worried that C will be too overwhelmed with all the gifts she's getting!! :)

[gf&js]

So I need to advise from those of you who are already RO's - what were your signs of your oldest getting nervous or jealous of the new baby? I think we are starting to see some signs but then again - Kyra's 2 so it could just be that. What did you go through?

[Toonces]

Glynis ~ I don't think DD really showed any jealousy signs. Everytime we talked with her about Mommy going to the hospital, DS coming home, her being a big sister, him having nummies from Mommy, etc., she was fine with it. What is Kyra doing? We're having some awful 2's stuff going on here and I don't think it's jealousy related - she's awesome with DS, just a bear to me & DH. :rolleyes:

[tray622]

I dont think Zoey knew much of anything when I was pg since she was so young. Now we have major jealousy. The biggest hint was when she started hitting Jocey on the head. Joce is almost one now and gets hit, pushed, or sat on at least 20 times a day. I dont get it. Zoey is so calm to other children. Right now it is the possesiveness of her toys. It is frazzling. She is so gentle with babies though and almost wish wish we had waited until Zoey was 2 or a bit older to have Jocey. Her new thing is "My mama, Jocey's dada" Smarty pants!

BTW, I dont think I knew you were preggo! CONGRATS :)

[gf&js]

Carrie - it's almost like she is going to the extreme of being Daddy's girl - not nearly interested in me if we make any mention of the baby.

Probably just a phase - those seem to change with the wind :D - or maybe I'm just being overly alert in watching her. It very well could be she really has no clue what it means to have a baby in my tummy. My SIL is due in February - I'm really anxious to see if she realizes a bit more about what it means to have the baby.

Tracy - I'm still trying to remember that I'm pg and not just getting fatter. :) I'm convinced this is the evil second child coming though. I'm pretty sure he/she is still breech and is kicking the crap out of my cervix.

I hope Zoey comes around - I think the possesiveness is one of "fun" things right now. I have a co-worker with a DD who is almost 2 and she was scolding the dogs at her house for even sniffing at her presents under the tree at xmas! How is Jocey handling it?

[katnbug]

So I need to advise from those of you who are already RO's - what were your signs of your oldest getting nervous or jealous of the new baby? I think we are starting to see some signs but then again - Kyra's 2 so it could just be that. What did you go through?

Congratulations! I haven't checked this thread out in a while & just saw that you're pregnant again!!! :)

I don't think Grayson ever had a clue that he was getting a sibling. We would talk about "baby sister" and tell him she was in my belly, but he didn't get it. So we didn't have any issues prior to Hilary's birth. When we initially brought her home he was a little confused, but didn't act out at all. Now he kisses her and talks to her - asks her to play with him:) - and is generally a great big brother. Once in a while he'll kick a ball in her direction and accidentally bean her with it! But nothing on purpose.

I'm glad the holidays are over with and we're getting back to our normal routine! Well, I kind of wish DH was still off of work so I could go shopping or something fun ;). DS goes back to Wee School tomorrow... DD and I don't have any fun plans while he's at school, but maybe a little shopping.

[sparkle&shine]

Wow! I Just stumbled onto this thread! I didn't even know that there was one here. Same name as the 'old' place! DS Andrew (10/27/04) is doing great. Thinking about trying for a sibling in a few months for him!

Andrew actually broke his arm last week but other than that no other drama with him. He is a great mellow guy that is talking up a storm!

Good to see other familiar faces here and that things are going well.

[katnbug]

Hi Sparkle! Sorry to hear about Andrews arm. :( I hope he's ok. I guess the first big injury has got to happen sometime... We're still waiting - knock on wood! Good luck trying for #2... It's definitely a challenge with two, but all worth it!
Cute pic! Are those blueberries?

We're doing pretty good. DH is on a business trip until Thursday night, so I'm goin' it alone. That's nothing new these past few weeks - DH has been working until 9:30 or 10pm a lot of nights. :(
Grayson is doing great in his PDO class. The teacher took me aside last week and was going on about how much he seems to enjoy the class. After the agony of the first 4 weeks of the program, I'm glad he's now having fun. I knew he would love it if he could just get over the separation anxiety... and he did!! :D

Hilary is also doing much better with her crankiness! She still has some gas issues, but is generally a much happier baby. :) She smiles a ton now & I actually got her to enjoy her play gym for more than 10 minutes yesterday!

[sparkle&shine]

katnbug ~ The pic is from his first birthday cake and his cake had dark frosting on it! I guess it's time for a new avatar ;) since that one is so old.

We didn't even realize that he had broken his arm that is how little he reacted! He is a tough little guy and it isn't bothering him at all.

[tray622]

Hi Sparkle! It is great to see other Oct. 04 mommies around here. I remember the days of being pg with these kiddos like it was yesterday :)

[gf&js]

How is spring treating everyone?

[bluebunny]

Aaaah, spring! The pollen here is insane. Everyone I know seems to be affected by it this year--lots of sniffling and sneezing.

DS has been sick for the past week. We've been to the doctor twice and now he's on antibiotics. He has a cough that won't go away and a low-grade fever. Ugh. I can't wait for him to feel better. Poor thing, all he wants to do is watch The Wiggles. :(

How's everyone?

[Chicksinger]

We JUST finished passing a cold all around the family. Zach was whining for the Wiggles the whole time!

Weather is pretty nice, now, and we just got Zach a new sand/water table for the patio. He goes outside to dig for awhile everyday, which keeps ** from feeling too guilty about not really taking him anywhere. (Too sore and sick from *********--9 weeks left!)

Zach started preschool last month. We were just researching schools for the fall, when he turns 3, but he loved it so much he would lie down on the sidewalk and cry when it was time to leave! It's a parent co-op, so I volunteer in the classroom and have a "school job" as well. I'm on the fundraising committee and we're gearing up for a big night--a school dinner at a restaurant, with a silent auction. Lots to do, but the school is worth it. We love it and so does Zach.

[Toonces]

Hey Sparkle! :) Glad you found the thread!

bluebunny & Murphy ~ I'm sorry you guys & the little ones have been sick. :(

I wanted to mention my name change out here so you guys would know. Am I missing anyone on LJ?

Gotta run - screaming toddler!!!

[sparkle&shine]

Toonces - I have to admit your name change threw me off there for a minute!


So Andrew was a ringbearer this weekend!! I will have to post some pictures. He actually walked down the aisle (with the help of a sucker ;) ) He was so handsome and I was so proud of him!

He loves Thomas the Train and the wonderpets. He is just getting so big so quickly and picks up on everything now.

We are TTC #2 finally!! I am so excited but wondering how DS will take being a big brother after being an only child so long. We had terrible timing this month but a BFP next month would be perfect timing. I would find out around our 5th anniversary and we would tell our parents on Mother's day!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Here are some pictures!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/446672166_6ec592f3f7.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/446672184_667082b547.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/251/446672176_cd1054aa88.jpg?v=0

[bluebunny]

Sparkle, what a cutie!! :D

Toonces, why the name change? I am so used to seeing "catgirl". :)

Chicksinger, glad to hear there's another Wiggles addict out there. ;)

[Toonces]

Sparkle ~ Those are great pictures! It looks like he did a very good job. :)

bluebunny ~ I was tired of it. I wanted something to do with cats that didn't have a number in it. I finally thought of my fav SNL skit - don't know why I didn't think of that earlier. :)

[Chicksinger]

Spaaaarrrrkllllle!! I just saw your BFP--Congratulations! H & H 9 mos.!

[sparkle&shine]

Thank you!! Yup, Andrew is going to be a Big Brother! We are so excited. A Dec. baby so Andrew will be just over 3 when the new one gets here. I am still in shock because I really didn't think that we timed it right.

[katnbug]

Congratulations Sparkle! Have a healthy and happy nine months!!!!

Toonces- ha! I love that skit too :) !!! Hope all is well with your little ones!

DD Hilary is 6 months old today!! Wow, time really does fly. She went for her 6 mo. wbv today and is in the 90% in height, just like her brother was! She's a little on the thin side, so the dr. wants me to up her food intake. She's not a very good eater... another trait she shares with her brother.

I had Hilary's 6mo pictures taken last week and she cried the whole time. :( We ended up having to go back on Monday to re-take them. I wanted to get some of Grayson and her together, but that didn't happen. So we got a few of Gray on his own and let me tell you... he's a HAM! He looked like he was posing for a Sears catalog spread! I've got to see if I can post some of the pic's off the photographers website... he was too cute.

I'm loving the 2 1/2 year silliness! Grayson says and does some of the funniest things. His little brain remembers so much, so we decided to enroll him in a Spanish class hoping he can pick up another language. He was a little shy at the first class, but we'll see how next week goes.

Everyone take care!!

[katnbug]

I tried to copy the pics from the website, but it wouldn't let me, so here's a link...

http://www.endlessmoments.net/mp_client/pictures.asp?action=viewphotos&size=fullsize&pagenum=22&id=2651737&eventid=24676
http://www.endlessmoments.net/mp_client/pictures.asp?action=viewphotos&size=fullsize&pagenum=66&id=2656075&eventid=24676

[tray622]

Congrats sparkle!! It is just as amazing (and exhausting) the second time around :)

Did I say that I love this age??? We are having so much fun with Zoey. It stinks that Jocey is hitting the stage I disliked the most (18 months - 1 year). She is 14 months and getting the beginning toddler frustration.

[tray622]

katnbug They are just the cutest! What great pics :)

[katnbug]

Thanks Tray!

Do you find yourself wishing Jocey was older?? I must confess that I catch myself wishing Hilary was at a more independent stage. I know I'll look back and kick myself for thinking that... but I do! And how did I ever think that the solid baby food stage was so cute???? It's such a process to get DD fed... and such a mess!! This must be confession day for me! ;)

[tray622]

Oh goodness did I wish her older! I wished away her entire first year it seems and now I want her 2 ;) Jocey had health problems too so she was fussy, fussy, fussy and then some. Dont feel bad. I think its a normal second child thing (poor kids will be hearing that forever LOL).

[gf&js]

Thank goodness I'm not alone in thinking that I'm not excited about the newborn/infant stages. Don't get me wrong - loved them with Kyra but I so love the freedom we have with now and that she can tell me what she wants! But we'll see how it goes. Keep your fingers crossed - eviction of alien #2 should be 3 weeks or less!

sparkle - love the little man in the tux. How incredibly sweet! And happy 5th anniversary - ours is coming up in a few weeks. Where did that go?

kat - very cute pics. I have to admit - I love the ones where she isn't her happiest - it just captures that age. But I was glad to see you did get some really cute happy ones too.

[Chicksinger]

gf&js 3 weeks or less?? I'm jealous--I have 6 weeks! (I'm dreading the first 6 weeks, too, but I'm soooo through with being pregnant!)

[katnbug]

Good luck to both of you!! :)

I was amazed at how easy caring for a newborn came back to me.... I really didn't mind the "up all night" thing....at first!
But the novelty wore off ;) and now I'm really looking forward to my DD crawling... walking... etc.

[katnbug]

OK- I just looked at my signature line and now feel like a doofus.
Maybe I should take my own advice:

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

I'm going to try to enjoy DD's infant stage more.. I won't ever be experiencing this again.

[sparkle&shine]

I am honestly kind of afraid of doing the newborn stage all over again :o Now that Andrew is so self sufficient for the most part it is going to be weird doing all the newborn stuff again. Packing up a newborns diaper bag. I guess it will be nice for me though that Andrew is old enough to entertain himself that I will have plenty of time to attend to a newborn. It is nice that he can tell me what he thinks and I will be able to explain that a baby takes up a lot of time.

I remember we all couldn't wait for the next step for our Oct. babies - table foods, crawling, walking - that I am not surprised that not much has changed ;)

[gf&js]

I was amazed at how easy caring for a newborn came back to me.... I really didn't mind the "up all night" thing....at first!
But the novelty wore off ;) and now I'm really looking forward to my DD crawling... walking... etc.

Now that my little alien made it's appearance - I'm so here! And I can't get over how HUGE Kyra looks these days!

We ended up have a little boy, Liam Joseph, on 5/11. Little stinker was a full pound heavier and 2 inches longer than his sister. Holy smokes - that was a blow. But he does have the same crazy full head of hair as his big sister. We'll see if it ends up standing up like Kyra's did.

Any exciting summer plans for the crew? I don't have too much planned but might sneak off to my parent's house in WI for a week or so since they are trying to sell it and it might be my last chance to hang out in Door County for a while. I love that place but my parents are in a kick to have more freedom so they are settling one living in one house all year round and traveling more. Just as long as they take me along once and while - I can get over it! ;)

[katnbug]

CONGRATULATIONS GF&JS! Welcome to the world little Liam! :) Boys are so much fun! A lot less drama than their female counterparts ;).... it's fun to see the differences even at a young age. I hope everything is going well with adjusting to a newborn. Babies are such a blessing.

summer plans- My parents go to Door County at least twice a year! They had land up there and eventually were planning to build a retirement house, but decided to sell their land when my dad's retirement got delayed! DH and I have only been up there once, but loved it.
The summer house we rented last year in Lake Geneva Wisconsin has been torn down (and believe me, it deserved it! ) so we're still in search of another vacation rental. Hopefully in Lake Geneva or in the vacinity. I just love that they have great shopping, good restaurants and a pretty good spa at the Abbey resort. Oh, and good fishing for DH too. :) And it's only an hour from our house but it feels like a million miles away.

[gf&js]

kat - I didn't realize that you were so close. It's been a really long time since I've been to Lake Geneva - maybe that's where we can plan a little long weekend getaway to celebrate our 5th anniversary later this year. (It's tomorrow - but with a 2 week old - our leash is a bit short right now! :) )

I'm adjusting to the boy world but still going through a little disappointment that I don't have another little girl to see in some of my favorite outfits from Kyra. Silly I know - now I just get to shop a little more! ;)

[gf&js]

Dang it - my hope of sneaking off to Door County is gone - my parents will be closing on their place in 2 weeks. Good for them for selling but bummer for me!

[Chicksinger]

Hey, gang, I had my baby! :) Katelynne Elizabeth was born (unfortunately, by c/s again), on Wednesday, May 30. She was 8 lbs, 8.4 oz., and 20" long. She's been a doll, and Zach seems very fond of her. He loves to "help" us (getting a diaper, playing the mobile music, putting something away...), and no mention yet about "When can we take her back?" :p

I'm having a miserable recovery--so sore, stitches still taped up, not allowed to pick up Zach for another week at the least--but I'm really glad that our little girl is safely out in the world with us now!

katnbug I'm defintely enjoying the newborn stage right now--so glad that BOTH kids aren't talking my ear off yet!)

Here's Katie- (OMG, WHY is that picture still so dang big??? I've tried 10 times to resize it!!!):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/chicksinger/KatiePink1.jpg

[alo]

Hi ladies! I'm really hoping that you'll be able to help me. I'm in the process of adopting a 33-month-old little girl. So I'm jumping into the toddler phase with both feet.

I would love to know basically what your kids are doing now - activities, developmentally, eating, naps, etc. Whatever you can tell me would be MUCH appreciated! I know nothing about this age!

Also - what do you do about discipline? It seems the little girl is *very* contrary, and she likes to hit. And "no" is her favorite word, of course. Any tips on dealing with these behaviors?

[tray622]

alo I must say that you are walking into an age of challenges but tons and tons of fun! I am sure once you get the routine down things will be great... CONGRATS :)

Zoey takes one afternoon nap for 2 hours. She goes to bed around 7:30 and gets up between 6:30 and 7:30. She eats just like us and has 3 meals and a snack a day. She loves to count everything, sing, color, read books, and play in the water. She is very independent and as long as I give her an "Activity" t o do outside, she will play for hours. I just went through the playroom and got rid of every single toy that just makes boise or is unimaginative. I found she was acting out a lot at home because she was bored. I read that in some book and it just made sense. Things changed dramatically when we did this. We have a kitchen, art easel with crayons, paper, shapes, etc, a few play sets, books, dolls, a tent... toys that have multiple functions that keep her brain really working as she plays. She has a "chore chart" so we check the few things off every night (ie. pick up toys, she chose to sweep te kitchen floor, etc).

As far as discipline, that is tough. We do go along with her schools approach of timeouts. They are done very unemotional and, since she refuses to stay put, we put her in her room. I am sure your little girl may be acting out but it is somewhat normal at this age to discover the word "no" and even hitting. Zoey went through the hitting but we just instantly removed her over and over and over again. It isnt perfect but it helps some. I have heard great things about "1-2-3 Magic" but havent used it myself. I dont know if it is eveyr kid this age but Zoey is veery sassy. When I say "Listen to your mama," she will respond with "No, listen to your Zoey!" We are really working on it. She mimics everything we say so we must watch it very diligently.

I can probably go on for hours but I truly think this age is an absolute blast and I wish you nothing but the best. If you have any other questions, just ask :)

[katnbug]

Congratulations alo! You're about to jump on the ride of your life!! How exciting for you!

My son is 34 months and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this age! They are little sponges and do and say some of the funniest things. They are also discovering their independence every day. DS naps once a day for about 2 hours... usually. Some days he doesn't feel like napping at all. On those days he usually ends up falling asleep early and sleeping thru the night. Like Tray's daughter, he eats 3 meals a day and snacks once or twice on things like fruit or dry cheerios. We have a picky eater, so he doesn't usually eat what we're eating. If you are able, I would highly suggest having her eat with you, and eat what you are - especially for dinner. I'm at my wits end trying to make dinner for DS, something else for me and DH, and then feed our 9 month old daughter her baby food. Hopefully your daughter is not a picky eater.

As far as behavior at this age, I think it is all over the board. We're lucky that DS does not act out as far as hitting or biting (anymore). He is actually more of a laid back kid.... a follower, not a leader (hopefully this will change in the years to come ;)). When he does something he's not supposed to we just tell him "No, that's dangerous" or "that's not for Grayson to play with" and he usually listens. If he doesn't, we remove him from the situation/take away the item and he gets the hint. Lay down the law early and let your DD know what is acceptable and not. Eventually they will catch on. Just remember that they are toddlers, and they will act out sometimes.

DS LOVES to color and paint. He loves his cars and trains. And loves to play outside on the swings or slide. He's also into picture books - especially Clifford, Maisy and Thomas the train. I don't have a girl toddler yet, so I only know what my boy likes. I do have a 32 month old neice who now loves to dress up in princess outfits and have her hair done. :)

Good luck with your daughter! Enjoy!

ETA: I bought a book a few months ago that I found really helpful. It's called 'Positive Discipline: The First Three Years' by Jane Nelsen, Cheryl Erwin and Roslyn Duffy. It has a lot of good information with suggestions for different situations you may find yourself in.

[katnbug]

A belated congratulations to chicksinger on the birth of your daughter! She's beautiful!

[gf&js]

Hope everyone is having fun celebrating 3rd birthdays - where in the world did that time go?

Kyra is going to have a Curious George party with her cousins. I think she is finally starting to understand that her birthday is a special day for her. It's pretty funny.

Hope everyone is having a good fall so far!

[tray622]

We had the BEST birthday ever!! This age was so much fun to celebrate although very sad for me. Here are few pics from the Princess Dinner at Disneyland :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tray622/DSC00337.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tray622/DSC00384.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tray622/DSC00386.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tray622/DSC00333.jpg

[gf&js]

Tray - how neat! Why would you say sad? Because she is 3 and growing up so fast? Because of the princess kick?

[tray622]

I want a baby again! I mean I want baby Zoey again. It is hard for me to let that go and three seems so IT. Sigh.

:)

[gf&js]

Hi all - what's new in your worlds?

[sparkle&shine]

Hey! It's been a long time since this thread was bumped!

Andrew is just as good as ever. He is such a great kid I couldn't have asked for more. He is now a big brother. I had another little boy in Feb, Ethan, and Andrew is a great helper.

We are still working on night time potty training. For some reason he just won't make it through the night so we put a pull-up on him but I am not sure if that is a great idea or not, but it saves the sheets ;) He went and saw his first movie in the theatre recently. He is also learning how to swim and is all about being brave and jumping in and going under water this year. He didn't like to get his head wet before. He is smart as a whip and proudly tells everyone he is 3 point 5 years old.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2225/2493112750_304c17dc92.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2421342271_c86e9f8753.jpg?v=0