Sept2004 Moms and Babes...Starting Year 2

[September2004Mommas]

The Grand List of September 2004 Mommies and Babies!!

AmyPooh (AmyInDallas on WC)
Me: Amy, 28
DH: Rich, 32
Married: 8/3/2002
DD: Kailey Catheryn
Date of Birth: 9/3/2004
Time of Birth: 1:18PM
Weight and Length: 6lbs 4oz 18"
New Baby #2 Expected - Nov 26, 2005 - Big Sono next week!

AttyGrl74 aka MonkeysMama
Me: Kelly, 31
DH: Jason, almost 33
Married: 1/11/03
Eleanor Ruth ("Nora")
9/15/04
8:18am
8 lbs., 2oz., 21" long

Chelsea524
Me: Chelsea, 23
DH: Jonathan, 34
Married: 09/04/02
Corbin
8/13/04
2:27(I think)
6lbs 12oz, 19in
Other children:
Trystin 9/29/99

CC: cpbride8203
Me: Jen, 29
DH: Jim, 32
Married: 8-2-03
Baby's Name: Kylie Jean
Date of birth : 8-30-04
Time of birth : 12:23 pm
Weight and Length: 6lbs 8 ozs, 18 1/2 inches

CC Name: Darin's Girl
Me: Emily, 29
DH: Darin, 37
Married: 9-6-03
Madelyn Fae aka "Maddie"
9-10-04
3 lbs 14 oz 16 1/2 inches (6 weeks early)

ez2luv (CanadianBride1)
Me: Tammi
DH: Trevor
Married: 9/29/01
DD: Isabelle Brenda
9/18/04
2:11 AM
7 lbs, 4 Oz; 21 inches long

Goldenbridge
Me: Jennifer
DH: Miguel
Married- 9/6/03
DS: Andrew Miguel
8/28/04
6:04 am
8lbs 4 oz 19 1/2 in

CC: Islandbride1025
Me: Kelly, 35
DH: Al, 40
Married: 10-25-03
DS: Myles
Baby's Name: Madison DeVon
Date of birth : 9-20-04
Time of birth : 11:55 pm
Weight and Length: 7lbs 4ozs, 21 inches

CC Name: Jeggink
Me: Judi, 32
DH: Dan, 32
Married: 9-28-02
Joseph, 9-23-04
5 lbs 6 oz 19 inches (5 weeks early)

Me: Joann 33
DH: Chip 37
Married: 6/01/02
William Edward
9/03/04
9lbs3ounces, 22"
Add: Alli 6/11/03

marathongirl
Me: Sue (30)
DH: Tim (32)
Married: 12/01/01
DD: Claire Sophia
B-day: 9/16/04
Weight: 6lbs 12ozs
Length: 20.5 inches
Time: 9:15pm

NikosMommy (bmlp224 on WC)
Me: Lorraine, 37
DH: Brian, 33
Married: 8/7/02
3 Angel Babies
DS: Nikolas Peter
Date of Birth: 8/30/04
Time of Birth: 6:19 PM
Weight and Length: 7 lbs. 6.05 oz. 20"
Niko will be a big brother in June 2006

Sidsou
Me - Ann (33)
DH - Darren (41)
Married - August 4,2001
DS - Kyle Anthony
August 31, 2004
weight - 9pounds 7 ounces
height - 22 inches

SiValleySteph
Me: Stephanie, 28
DH: Tim, 28
Married: 7/4/03
Lucas Alexander
9/27/04
4:16 PM
8 lbs, 21-3/4" long

[September2004Mommas]

Our Babes...By Birthday...

Corbin 8-13-04

Andrew Miguel 8-28-04
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d924b3127cce92c02d150cc800000015109IZtHDhy2c

Kylie Jean 8-30-04
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92ff3a7ab56b00000025119AatGbNw0a4

Nikolas Peter 8-30-04
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d611b3127cce93b33195d89f00000075108AYtWjhm1ctu

Kyle Anthony 8-31-04

Kailey Catheryn 9-3-04
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/amypooh/kailey%20pro%20photos/June1.jpg

William Edward 9-3-04
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mom2alliwill/100_0214.jpg

Madelyn Fae aka "Maddie" 9-10-04
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d926b3127cce92f9e96a9ccf00000006109UauHLdqQ

[September2004Mommas]

Eleanor Ruth ("Nora") 9-15-04
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92c18789b5c900000025118EcNXDFo0ac

Claire Sophia 9-16-04

Isabelle Brenda 9-18-04
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d926b3127cce92f7cf4edc6300000016108EYs2jFsyaY

Madison DeVon ("Pie") 9-20-04
http://images.snapfish.com/3443%3A7%3B523232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D%3B%3B6%3 D%3B64%3DXROQDF%3E232394954%3B549ot1lsi

Joseph 9-23-04
http://images.snapfish.com/344439%3B923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D796%3D77%3A %3DXROQDF%3E23238%3A%3B%3A952%3C7ot1lsi

Lucas Alexander 9-27-04
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d811b3127cce92d536b002ba00000016108EZuWrFs4aK

[September2004Mommas]

** saving one more**

[September2004Mommas]

Hi girls - hope everyone will check in....Post your stats!

CC Name
Me: Name, age
DH: Name, age
Married: Date
Baby's Name
Date of birth
Time of birth
Weight and Length
Any pictures(birth/1 year old)
Other children

Any suggestions welcome...anyone want to help? PM me! Thanks!

- Jen (CP)

[cpbride8203]

I'll start!

CC: cpbride8203
Me: Jen, 29
DH: Jim, 32
Married: 8-2-03
Baby's Name: Kylie Jean
Date of birth : 8-30-04
Time of birth : 12:23 pm
Weight and Length: 6lbs 8 ozs, 18 1/2 inches

Birth Pic:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce07b3127cce9bf4a7a1c3e300000016109AatGbNw0a4

10 months old:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92ff3a7ab56b00000025119AatGbNw0a4

[amypooh]

AmyPooh (AmyInDallas on WC)
Me: Amy, 28
DH: Rich, 32
Married: 8/3/2002
DD: Kailey Catheryn
Date of Birth: 9/3/2004
Time of Birth: 1:18PM
Weight and Length: 6lbs 4oz 18"
New Baby #2 Expected - Nov 26, 2005 - Big Sono next week!

Birth:
http://www.kaileycat.com/1stPhotos/babygiraffe.jpg

9Month:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/amypooh/kailey%20pro%20photos/June1.jpg

July 2005 - 10 Months:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/amypooh/DSC_1094.jpg

[Islandbride1025]

CC: Islandbride1025
Me: Kelly, 35
DH: Al, 40
Married: 10-25-03
DS: Myles
Baby's Name: Madison DeVon
Date of birth : 9-20-04
Time of birth : 11:55 pm
Weight and Length: 7lbs 4ozs, 21 inches

http://images.snapfish.com/3443%3A7%3B523232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2323%3D745%3D%3A %3A8%3D32327459%3B759%3Anu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3443%3A7%3B523232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2323%3D745%3D%3A%3 A8%3D32327459%3B7%3C58nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3443%3A7%3B523232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D%3B%3B6%3 D%3B64%3DXROQDF%3E232394954%3B549ot1lsi

[mommy2AlliWill]

Me: Joann 33
DH: Chip 37
Married: 6/01/02
William Edward
9/03/04
9lbs3ounces, 22"
Add: Alli 6/11/03
Birth
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d727b3127cce9e01788948fe00000016108AYtGTdq0cs7
Couple weeks ago
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mom2alliwill/100_0214.jpg

[AttyGrl74]

AttyGrl74 aka MonkeysMama
Me: Kelly, 31
DH: Jason, almost 33
Married: 1/11/03
Eleanor Ruth ("Nora")
9/15/04
8:18am
8 lbs., 2oz., 21" long

Birthday Bath:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d734b3127cce9c3fbbf4496e00000016108EcNXDFo0ac

9 months:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92c18789b5c900000025118EcNXDFo0ac


I'm *so happy* to see you girls!

[SiValleySteph]

SiValleySteph
Me: Stephanie, 28
DH: Tim, 28
Married: 7/4/03
Lucas Alexander
9/27/04
4:16 PM
8 lbs, 21-3/4" long

Just about to leave the hospital! 1-1/2 days old.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5df22b3127cce9dbbfefd268c00000016108EZuWrFs4aK

8 months old, takin' a bath!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d811b3127cce92d536b002ba00000016108EZuWrFs4aK

I need to get some new pictures on-line, since this one is from the end of May!!

[Chelsea524]

Chelsea524
Me: Chelsea, 23
DH: Jonathan, 34
Married: 09/04/02
Corbin
8/13/04
2:27(I think)
6lbs 12oz, 19in
Other children:
Trystin 9/29/99

Hi all, I have not posted for ever at the WC but I was always checking in on all of you and your cute babies!

Corbin is doing great, growing like a weed, he is almost 11 months and still refuses to crawl, he can hold on to furniture but cannot pull himself up yet and doesn't realise those things and the bottom of his legs are supposed to lift off the ground. He has started to try to talk, he can say dog, duck and trys to say snake but only gets the sssk, he is so much fun right now. We are still nursing but he only has the patience for that first thing in the morning, nap time, and at night, he still wakes up a couple times a night. He used to be so chunky but has started to slim down and just get really long, he eats solids and loves them, the doc said to start introducing table foods and he loves them, especially rice and eggs.

I know there were posts that I wanted to reply to but that is on the other boards and I can't remember, sorry. I promise I will be better at posting here at least a couple times a week.
Kisses to all the cute babies!!!

[goldengbridge]

I'm Here, I'm here!!!!!!! Lets see if I can get all cozy over here. So far I like it!

Me: Jennifer
DH: Miguel
Married- 9/6/03
DS: Andrew Miguel
8/28/04
6:04 am
8lbs 4 oz 19 1/2 in

I dont have any pics of him right after he was born. He taken from me right after delivery because he wasn't breathing. This is one of the only "first" pics I have. This is about 4 day after his first open heart surgery- Children's Hospital of Phila.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d732b3127cce9afe372fdbd300000016109IZtHDhy2c9

July 2005- 10 months old! Look how far I've come!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d924b3127cce92c02d150cc800000015109IZtHDhy2c

Glad to see you girls. I feel bad about Jazz not moving with us. I don't want to lose anyone!

[ez2luv]

ez2luv (CanadianBride1)
Me: Tammi
DH: Trevor
Married: 9/29/01
DD: Isabelle Brenda
9/18/04
2:11 AM
7 lbs, 4 Oz; 21 inches long

At birth:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce24b3127cce9ca9831caa1f00000016108EYs2jFsyaY


Last Week:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d926b3127cce92f7cf4edc6300000016108EYs2jFsyaY


I feel bad about Jazz too - I know it's a pain to uproot, but I want to still chat with you all (to me, it's worth it!)
Hope we don't lose anyone else....

amypooh - good luck at the big u/s...are you going to find out??

Ya!!!! Atty, Was wondering where you've been, glad to see you!

Golden - that's the cutest shirt, where'd you find it??

Hi to everyone else!

[cpbride8203]

Hi girls - I will try to update the front page sometime today.

Was a busy weekend, no computer at home yet, and we just found out that my brother's best friend was killed in Iraq, so today isn't going to be a great day.

I feel very bad about Jazz as well - I don't want to lose anyone...just seems like everyone is over here now.

[amypooh]

ez2luv - We would definitely love to know what #2 is if he/she will cooperate. :)

[ez2luv]

CP - That's such aweful news, sorry to hear about it :(

Amy - Well good luck and I hope he/she cooperates. How exciting - I really do miss being PG and the joy of it all. That's why I know that someday I'd love to have another child. Not now, but someday. Belly rubs for good luck!

[Islandbride1025]

Good Day Ladies, hope you all had a nice weekend. It was gorgeous in NJ. Took the kiddies to the pool.

I love the first page with all our babies photos. Had I known you were gonna do that I would have posted one of Pie by herself. I can't believe it's been a year, boy time flies.

ez (almost posted Canadian), I miss being preg also. But I'm done, no more for me.

amy hope #2 cooperates. Can't wait to find out.

cp so sad about your brother's friend.

Gotta upload some new pics.

Ciao

[cpbride8203]

Thanks all for your wishes. It is such a tragedy - the family is not taking it well.

Island - Post another picture and let me know...I can change Pie's front page picture.

Amy - any feelings on what baby #2 might be?

[amypooh]

ez2luv - #2 is way harder then being pregnant the first time. After this one we may be done, I loved being pregnant with Kailey, but this is way harder this go round!

cp - I dont know. At first I was positive it was another girl. In my heart of hearts I just knew another girl. But then I was at daycare the other day and one of Kailey's little buddies Heath crawled up in my lap and was snuggling me and I thought wow it would be so great to have a little boy. So then I was thinking it was a boy. But for the last two weeks I just don't know either way.

[goldengbridge]

EZ- God its hard not typing canadian :p - I got that outfit at The Children's Place. He has another one that says "Hello I am Adorable" They had all kinds and for girls they had Hello I am snuggable. They're really cute. I love their clothes. Andrews got everything from there.

His fever broke and he broke out in a rash- it was roseola. Its gone now but wow last week was a long hard week!

Amy- what day do u find out?

I miss being Pg too and i can imagine that the 2nd time around is harder. we're not trying again till next fall after Andrew's 3rd surgery.

5 more days till vacation............. :rolleyes:

[marathongirl]

I'm here! I'm here!

Me: Sue (30)
DH: Tim (32)
Married: 12/01/01
DD: Claire Sophia
B-day: 9/16/04
Weight: 6lbs 12ozs
Length: 20.5 inches
Time: 9:15pm

I think I got all the info. I'll post pics later. Do you post them the same as on WC?

chelsea - good to hear from you again!

amy - hope #2 cooperates!

cp - sorry to hear about your brother's friend!

golden - enjoy your vacation!

Hello island, sivalley, EZ, and everyone else!

I do hate leaving jazz behind. I hope she checks over here once in a while.

We survived the ILs. Claire was so good in the car considering it's a 6 hour drive. Actually, the whole weekend went well! ILs behaved too! Gotta go crying baby! BBL!

[SiValleySteph]

amypooh, I think the great thing about having a 2nd baby is it would just be really great to have either a boy or a girl. If you have the same sex you already have, great! You have 2 best friends and you already know how everything works. If you have the other sex, great! You have one of each! That's what I've always though, anyways. :D Hope your little one cooperates at your ultrasound!

cp, Sorry about your brother's friend. :( I hate hearing about soldiers being killed in Iraq when it doesn't seem like there was even a reason for us to have sent them there in the first place.

Did Jazz say she wouldn't be coming over here? :( I would hate to miss hearing about baby Alyona.

Hello to everyone else! marathon, island , ez, golden and all! :D

I've got to run to go pump. I'm still pumping breast milk for Lucas at 9 months. Less than 3 months to go! I'm planning on retiring the pump around the 1 year mark.

[AttyGrl74]

Happy Monday all!

Nora has like 3 teeth all trying to come in at once.

Motrin is my new best friend.

We got a Baby Safe Feeder this weekend and it is fun! Have ya'll tried them? I feel like I'm so out of the "Cool-stuff" loop since I have no IRL friends with bebes!

[Darin's Girl]

Hey Girls! Can I join you? I followed the cool kids from WC over here. ;)

CC Name: Darin's Girl
Me: Emily, 29
DH: Darin, 37
Married: 9-6-03
Madelyn Fae aka "Maddie"
9-10-04
3 lbs 14 oz 16 1/2 inches (6 weeks early)


Birth Pic:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d930b3127cce92e9daa9061200000016109UauHLdqQ

9 1/2 Months:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d926b3127cce92f9e96a9ccf00000006109UauHLdqQ

Out of curiosity how big are your babies now? At her last Dr. appt a couple of weeks ago, Maddie was 25 1/2 inches and just over 14 lbs.

[SiValleySteph]

Hello and Welcome Darin's Girl! :D Maddie looks so cute in her Hawaiian dress on her surf board!

Lucas is about 20-1/2 pounds and 30" tall.

Lucas was being so cute this weekend. DH taught him to make the "Indian sound" where you have your mouth open and then you pat your mouth with your palm. Hard to describe, so I hope you all can figure out what I mean! DS picked up the idea and did it on and off all weekend. So cute!

Saturday we went to the climbing gym and Lucas crawled all around the floor there. It's nice and springy. I just kept him out of the way of any climbers. It's was so nice to find something athletic we can do where we can bring the baby. Of course, we need to go with friends since one of us needs to be watching the baby at all times, so we couldn't have one of us climbing and one belaying. We went on a hike yesterday and he seemed to enjoy it. We went with a friend and she was saying that he was just the happiest baby. He really is happy and fun when out and about for the most part.

He has gotten really good at climbing the stairs. Saturday, he surprised me by climbing back down the prober way (feet first!). I didn't know he knew how to do that. Of course, then on Sunday he tried to crawl down head first. Silly kid! ;) He also has started to take a few steps while standing and holding on to things. He's mostly just moving sideways right now. Some of his favorite places to stand include holding on to the foot rest on his high chair and holding on to our bathtub while checking to be sure the cold water is off. :p This morning he found out that if you turn the faucet the other way, water comes out. He just couldn't reach that water spay, though, no matter how he tried!

Nights have been tough recently. He just doesn't want to go to bed, which is fine, except that he will sometimes get to a point where he doesn't want to be held, but he doesn't want you to leave his side, either. This makes it hard to get things done, like last night I wanted to put the clean sheets on the bed and he wasn't having it! He also seems to be waking up a lot more. I think he might be getting another tooth soon, so I hope that's it!

[ez2luv]

SiValley - I hate not knowing what to call things, especially to write it down, say, in the baby book. I know what you mean, BTW.
Belle hasn't really been near stairs. We gate off the ones going downstairs, maybe I should let her climb to learn??

Darin's Girl - Welcome!!!! At Belles 9 month appt she was 20 lbs and 28 inches tall

Atty - ?? What is a Baby Safe feeder?? I can't seem to even imagine what that is....

Golden - I know, I should have kept CanadianBride1 here too, but I really didn't think you all would be here, plus I'm not really a bride anymore so it's false advertising, or something LOL I can't even get used to it, you must all be having a hard time!!!
Kids aren't bad enough, now you have me to keep you on your toes too!!
(ETA :There, I added a siggie...)

~~I've been meaning to ask : Anyone know why it says 'too cool to care' under all our names???~~

[marathongirl]

Darin's girl - welcome! Claire weighed 16 lbs and was 26 3/4 inches tall at her 9 month visit.

SiValley - Lucas is learning so much, so fast! It's so amazing to watch isn't it?

Atty - I hope Nora's teeth pop through soon. We still don't have any teeth, but my mom said I was almost a year old before I got my first so maybe Claire will take after me.

Claire is FINALLY sleeping better!!! HOORAY! She only gets up once a night now, very rarely twice. And I've even gotten her to take 90 minute naps in the afternoon. It's funny - she's only been sleeping better for about 2 weeks and I've *almost* forgotten how incredibly sleep deprived I was for the last 10 months.

Claire has also learned how to clap and wave. So we've been clapping and waving at everything. Tomorrow is going to be her first time in a swimming pool. I can't wait to see her in her bathing suit!

As much as I hate to admit this, I think I regret a little quitting my job. I love being a SAHM, but I do miss the mental stimulation. One of my friends is a headhunter so I may talk to her. I really just want something that's like 3-4 hours a day once or twice a week. Even if I'm just stuffing envelopes. Staying at home all day, every day is tougher than I thought it was going to be. I do go out with other moms in my MOMS Club about once a week, so we look forward to that.

Anyway... hope everyone's doing well!

Has sidsou made it over here yet?

[jeggink]

I am a part of the October thread at WC, but had my baby 5 weeks early in September, so i thought I would join up :).

CC Name: Jeggink
Me: Judi, 32
DH: Dan, 32
Married: 9-28-02
Joseph, 9-23-04
5 lbs 6 oz 19 inches (5 weeks early)

Joseph when he was born
http://images.snapfish.com/344439%3B923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D796%3D77%3A %3DXROQDF%3E2323647975386ot1lsi

Joseph at 8.5 months
http://images.snapfish.com/344439%3B923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D796%3D77%3A %3DXROQDF%3E23238%3A%3B%3A952%3C7ot1lsi

At 9 months Joseph was 21 lbs 12oz and 29.25" long. Joseph has been through a lot with the bacterial meningitis and hospital stay. But, he is crawling now (physical therapy is wonderful), pulling up and cruising a little bit. He will walk if we hold his hand but I think walking on his own will still be a bit as he can't stand on his own yet.

Looking forward to reading up with everyone :).

[AttyGrl74]

I love it that we're "back in business"!

Tammi - "Too Cool To Care" refers to your status as a Junior Member (less than 100 posts), Senior Members are something else, and then there's the moderators - "Mod Squad".

The Baby Safe Feeder is this:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000056JCY.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

I got it at BRU - you can put whole fresh foods or frozen foods in it and then the babies chew at the food but only small bits can get through the mesh. Nora LOVES frozen mango - it feels good on her teeth.

Sue - sorry about your lack-of-mental-stimulation feelings! I hope you can find something that will be perfect for you!

Welcome Judi!

And Jen (Golden) - I forgot to send you my most recent coups. They may be expired now, I'm not sure - wanna email me your new address and I'll send them anyway? AttyGrl74 at aol dot com.

[cpbride8203]

hmmmm...have not been getting any emails...bad thread mistress! let me update the first page and I will be back to catch up!

If anyone wants to help keep the thread up to date, PM me and I will send you the info...

[cpbride8203]

Welcome back everyone!

Kylie has her 10 month appt in a week, and I am guessing she is about 17.5 lbs and 27-28 inches.

Marathon - YEAH for napping and sleep! I think I might miss the interaction as well if I were a SAHM...see if you can find something part time!

Atty - I was looking at those safe feeder things the other day, but wasn't too sure about them. Maybe we will give it a try.

Kylie loves to walk all over the place now. And she doesn't want to hold your hand...she wants to do it herself. I know we have only been in the new house a short time, but I really need to go out and get rugs for the hardwood floors. I feel so bad when she falls down and forget socks...she slides all over the place.

I know there was a thread about this, but thought I would throw it out there...

QOTD: What are your 1st birthday plans? Themes? Ideas?

I think I decided on these invites:
http://www.paperstyle.com/images/product_images/7/4/items_full_image_8947.jpg

And these plates/napkins/etc:
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E2429.jpg

We are going to have a bbq at our new house with family and friends, and I am going to get either a giant Elmo impersonator or this balloon guy that our friends used...thinking the balloon man since there will be more older kids at the party.

[Darin's Girl]

I think we are going to do a luau theme for Maddie's B-day. I was just looking for invites last night. I *think* I may attempt to take her picture similar to this invite:

http://www.announcingit.com/images/aloha.jpg

I found a couple of different ways to word it. I'll have to play around with what I like best.

INVITATION WORDING #1
A year has passed and I'm turning one.
So mommy & daddy have planned some fun.
An island paradise made just for you & me,
With beach toys, pineapples and palm trees.
So, put on your wildest Hawaiian wear & leis.
Don't forget a swimsuit, sunscreen & shades.
And join me at my house August 10th at two.
I'll be waiting for you out by the pool!

INVITATION WORDING #2
Please join us to say:
Aloha & Happy 1st Birthday!
To celebrate our hula girl turning one,
We've planned a day of tropical fun.
Please join us...

INVITATION WORDING #3
It's hard to believe
She's growing so fast
but it's true,
the time has come at last!
Madelyn is celebrating
Her 1st Birthday
So help us celebrate,
have fun and play!

That's as far as I have gotten on planning. Can't wait to see some of your other ideas!

[Chelsea524]

Darins Girl, I love those invites, so cute, and the wording is really cute too.
CP, I can't believe Kylie is walking already, crazy, thanks so much for managing this thread, I would offer to help but I rarely get a chance to get online anymore.
Atty I tried those with my older son and he loved it, haven't really tried it with Corbin yet though, I swear he can eat anything, he gumms everything into mush
Hello to everyone else!

Well, just over the weekend Corbin has started doing the army crawl and he is so excited that he can actually get around he doesn't want to be held anymore, which is hard because we are currently living with the in-laws while our new house is built and they have two dogs and hair every where, and mil babysits my nephews during the day and they leave legos all over the place, twice now I have had to dig a lego out of his mouth, he really loves to eat them.
Corbin is going to be 11 months old tomorrow, wow, I still can't believe that, for the most part I have finally retired my pump, I am working part time 6 hrs a day and he usually can handle going that long without nursing, is anyone here planning on extended nursing? I am planning on going until 18 months and my whole family thinks I am so wierd but I love it am and not ready to give it up, I will have to see if I can find the nursing board here. BBL

[AttyGrl74]

Hey Chelsea I'm planning on nursing at least at night until Nora self-weans. She'll have to be day-weaned by 14 months in order for her daycare which makes me sad - but she only nurses once or twice during the day at daycare anyway. I can't believe Corbin is going to be 11 months!

I love the invitesDarrin's Girl and CP !

I need to get on the party stuff - we're doing Rubber Duckies - but I'm not sure what to do for invites. I was thinking of filling the bathtub with a bunch of rubber duckies and taking her photo in it and making my own invites.

But then again - I'm not that creative and I don't have a lot of spare time!

[SiValleySteph]

Extended Nursing - I don't plan on weaning anytime soon. I do plan on weaning from the pump though at work at 1 year. Even though I don't intend to wean, I do get sick of breastfeeding every now and then. This morning was one of those times. Lucas woke before 5:30 and nursed and nursed on one side until it started to get sore and then I gave him the other side and he just nursed and nursed some more. I just wanted him off me! And then, of course, after he finished he was up for the day at 5:45. :rolleyes:

Atty, Just curious why you won't be able to nurse after 14mo at Nora's daycare? Does your daycare do rooms by age? Ours is by mobility at this age, so Lucas is in the crawling room and I expect him to move up to the walking room around 1yr. I don't think they have any restrictions on breast milk, but they do expect the kids to feed themselves in that room (they do help with spoon fed stuff). :eek:

Birthday Party -
cpbride & Darin's Girl, those invites are so cute!
We don't have anything planned yet. I'm thinking it would be nice to rent out a picnic area at a park and have a BBQ. The problem I'm having is that we haven't seen some of the friends I'd like to invite in many months (you know how it is having a baby), so I feel like I need to at least have dinner or something with them before I can invite them to a party. :p

[AttyGrl74]

Atty, Just curious why you won't be able to nurse after 14mo at Nora's daycare? Does your daycare do rooms by age? Ours is by mobility at this age, so Lucas is in the crawling room and I expect him to move up to the walking room around 1yr. I don't think they have any restrictions on breast milk, but they do expect the kids to feed themselves in that room (they do help with spoon fed stuff). :eek:

It is a Montessori school/daycare - so they're big on independence. She is in an "Infant Room" right now - and will move up to "Toddler Room" when she can walk, self-feed, drink from a cup (AND when there's room in the toddler room)- the kids generally move up between 12 and 14 months.

Parents are strongly discouraged from visiting during the day because it disrupts the kids' schedule and it is the age when most of the separation anxiety is the worst. So I won't really be allowed to go nurse on demand like I do now.

I like the idea of developmental stage rooms - that's very cool. But I also wonder if Nora learned to crawl and walk early by watching the older kids? Of course she'll be bored to tears when she's the oldest kid and I am scared she'll start picking on the little guys who just lay there!

Interesting - I hadn't given much thought to divergent Philosophy of Daycare Development!

[SiValleySteph]

I know what you are saying about learning to crawl/walk from watching the other babies. Lucas started daycare in the crawling room even though he wasn't technically "crawling" and within 2 weeks, he was all over the place. We wonder if he had started in the baby room if he would have taken longer to crawl. Two babies just moved up into his room from the baby room and they are the same age as Lucas, so they did crawl later (he's been crawling for 2 months), but then again, all babies develop at different rates!

They don't move the babies up to the walking room until they are walking pretty well because in the next room they play outside, so they really have to be walking. So Lucas does see kids walking around. It is so weird to me to see a kid just stand up in the middle of the floor and walk around!!! :eek:

We are always able to visit our daycare, but I strongly discourage myself from doing that for just the reasons you posted. :p Last week, DH & I visited for the first time during the day and I felt bad about it because it really upset DS. I know that he is happy during the day, so I hate to come in and upset him! It's just like in the morning when I'm about to leave - I have to be careful not to leave the room and then come back in. If I leave, DS will cry and then DH will play with him and he'll be happy again... but if he sees me again, watch out!

[Islandbride1025]

Man I forgot how fast this thread moves. Welcome Darin's girl!

Oh cp I love those invites (and they have Pie's name on them). I may steal that wording. The party you described is the same party I want to have for her but minus the balloon guy or Elmo. I'm keeping it simple, just immediate family.

I was thinking about all of you last night and wanted to know what do you think about exchanging 1st b-day gifts? Same idea as the group shower gift, $20 max. (not including shipping). If there are any takers, I'll coordinate who exchanges with whom.

Hi everyone else, I'm soo busy at work right now, gotta run.

[cpbride8203]

Island - I am thinking about ditching the balloon guy or elmo...was going to get it to entertain the older kids who will be there, but my BIL just informed me that he will bring over this bouncy thing he got at Costco - so let them bounce away!

I was going to use that wording too...thought it was cute!

I am in for a 1st birthday gift...

[Darin's Girl]

How does the gift thing work? Draw names or a gift for each 1 yr old??

[AttyGrl74]

Yeah - we just draw names and then send that kid a gift under $20.

It really is fun - a bunch of us did it as a 'virtual baby shower' when we were all knocked up.

I'm in Kelly!

[Darin's Girl]

I'll play too!! Just let me know what I need to do!

[goldengbridge]

It really is fun - a bunch of us did it as a 'virtual baby shower' when we were all knocked up

I swear Kelly- you kill me!!!!!! :D I'm in for the gift thing too- great idea!

AMY- CONGRATS!!!!! I'm so happy for you. Any names picked out yet?

~Jen

[cpbride8203]

I think Kylie had one of the worst poops in her 10 1/2 months last night...was so bad. Or maybe it is just because I don't get too many poop diapers anymore since I do not have her during the day. Who knows, but it immediately had to be taken outside for the trash because it was so bad.

That's my girl!! :D

[Islandbride1025]

Hi All! Oh goody, so far I counted 5 (me included) for the birthday gift exchange.

cp, Atty, Darin's Girl, golden and me. I'll give it til next week Wed to see if we have anyone else interested and then I'll pass out names.

Please post your email link so I can send you the names.

[cpbride8203]

Island - I'm jmarinpetro@yahoo.com

Was going to suggest that we post something over on WC, but Atty beat me to it! Great minds think alike!

[goldengbridge]

Way to go Kylie! Andrew occasionally has some good ones too!

Island- my email is jmp99@ptd.net

[AttyGrl74]

I swear Kelly- you kill me!!!!!! :D

:p

I'm attygrl74@aol.com

And I'm super-creative when it comes to user names, huh?

Since we're talking about poo - can I just say how much I HATE solid-food poop? Icky nastiness.

How long till the kids potty train?

[amypooh]

Gift Exchange - We're in for the gift exchange. My email is amypooh@texas.net Let me know what I need to do.

Golden - I think we're going to use Cameron Grant. My husband's middle name is Ashley and my mom thinks we should really use that, but I dont know if Cameron Ashley flows as well?

Atty - Totally with you.. solid food poops are stinky!

[Sidsou]

Hi everyone! I found you all!!! I've been over here posting in the 6months+ group, but hadn't had time to browse around to find you guys.

My Stats (If I remember everything)
Me - Ann (33)
DH - Darren (41)
Married - August 4,2001
DS - Kyle Anthony
August 31, 2004
weight - 9pounds 7 ounces
height - 22 inches

I can't remember what I've last told you guys. Kyle is crawling now - he's all over the place. He's still the best little baby - super smiley and easy-going and of course still huge. I've met with the doctor about TTC#2, but unfortunately my body seems to think I'm a bit older than 33 now. I guess it's not so bad that we can't try IVF, but our chances aren't that great. We figure we'll give it just a couple of tries, if it doesn't work, we'll just concentrate on spoiling little Kyle ;)

Birthday party We're doing a dog/Clifford theme. Kyle just adores dogs. Although he won't really realize much of the theme we figured we could do some cute things with it.

Kyle is waking up from his nap, so I gotta run. I'll post SOs to all you when I get the chance.

Great to see you all!!!!!!!!!!!

[SiValleySteph]

Amy, Did I miss your announcement over here? Congratulations on your little boy! :D

Cameron Grant sounds great! I think Cameron Ashley flows nicely (pretty name!), but the only hesitation I would have about using that name is that both names can be used for either boys or girls, so I would want to have one name that is more definitively a boys name. I know not everyone cares about things like that. :o

cp, you are cracking me up. I always wonder where this little baby is storing all that poo. :eek:

Hi sidsou! Welcome to the new neighborhood.

***

I think I will pass on the gift exchange. Not that I don't want to send you all gifts (!), it's just that we have enough stuff already. I hope I don't sound like a party pooper. :cool:

[ez2luv]

Yes, congrats on having a boy Amy!!! That's wonderful! :)

[marathongirl]

Amy - congrats on your little boy!!!

Hi sidsou !

Island - I e-mailed you that I'd love to be part of the gift swap. My e-mail address is jerseyrunner@yahoo.com.

Atty - I don't like solid food poops either - they stink!!!

cp - Claire managed to get poo up into her hair the other day. So gross!

Welcome jeggink !

DH had a job interview today so please keep your fingers crossed! It would cut his commute down for 55 miles each way to 3 miles each way. HUGE difference! Hope everyone's doing well!

[cpbride8203]

Happy Friday!

Marathon - wow, keeping my fingers crossed! That is a HUGE differenece! Kylie hasn't spread the fun to her hair yet, but she is figuring out how to take off her diaper, so I really hope I don't walk in to something like that!

Amy - Congrats! I love all of the bedding you posted over on LJ...but your newest idea is my fav.

Hello to everyone else!

I am ordering the birthday invites today and am nervous....what if I find something better! (I always get like this!)

[Sidsou]

Amy Congrats on the boy!!!! I really like Cameron Grant!

Marathon Fingers and Toes crossed for your DH - that would be so nice for him to be so close! It is a bit different being at home. Now, I have our week's so planned with various playdates, gym class, swim class, baby movie etc. I normally don't have a "free" day. See what's in your neighborhood - library children hours, children museums, playgrounds, gym classes etc. Once I found various activities it was much easier since I was also getting the interaction with other moms and have met a bunch of new mom friends this way too. I always thought I was a bit shy about meeting new people but with a baby it's so easy. Almost every mom is looking to meet other moms. It's so easy to strike up a conversation about the babies. I always try to have paper/pen with me to give out my info/take down their info. Even as a SAHM you do need time away occasionally. My MIL comes over at least once a week for a couple of hours so I can go to the gym or do a little shopping etc. I also find reading in the evenings helps a lot too to keep current on everything - newspapers and even novels.

Darin's Girl Funny I'm a Darren's girl too :) Kyle is huge for his age. At 9 months he was 30 inches and 27 1/2pounds. I'm sure your little girl is doing just fine especially for being born so early.

Atty I've tried that feeder when Kyle was about 7 months, but not since since he really didn't like it. I should try it again. I'll try to think of any cool new things for you to try :)

Gift exchange I'm in too. Would we try to time the gift for the baby's birthday or should we just all aim for a certain date?? I'm sidsou@comcast.net .

[cpbride8203]

Just dropping off a pic of Kylie in her new backyard swing. She really doesn't look happy in this one, but of course the second the camera goes off, the huge smile goes away. She loves this thing, and says "Weeee" as she goes back and forth.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d901b3127cce935e8f45361200000015109AatGbNw0a4

[goldengbridge]

Amy- I like Cameron Grant too!

I gotta run and pack but I wanted to say bye for now and everyone have a good week. I'll catch up when we get back!

~Jen

[marathongirl]

golden - have a great vacation!

Amy - I like Cameron Grant too!

cp - I'm dreading when she can take her own dipes off!

sidsou - I do belong to a MOMS Club, so Claire and I are busy with them a few times a week. The only thing I've found hard with that group is that some of those moms have known each other for 2+ years, so it's a little difficult to get into that circle. But I always have a good time with them!

GOOD NEWS! DH got the job! We are VERY HAPPY!

[AttyGrl74]

Congrats Sue!

Have a great vacay Jen!

And to everyone else - have a fabulous weekend!

[Islandbride1025]

Hi All. I don't remember if I congratulated Amy, but congrats on your little boy. Boys are so sweet and loving to their moms (not taking anything away from girls) but there's a bond between mothers/sons different from girls.

Anywho, here is the list for the birthday X-change. If we have no one else joining in, I'll send you your name by Wed. If I forgot someone please let me know. I figure, we have each gift mailed by the 20th of Aug. since we have both Aug and Sep babies.

cpbride - Kylie 8/30/04
attygrl - Nora 9/15/04
Darin's girl - Madelyn 9/10/04
goldengbridge - Andrew 8/28/04
marathongirl - Claire 9/16/04
Amypooh - Kailey 9/3/04
sidsou - Kyle 8/31/04
Islandbride1025 - Madison 9/20/04

[marathongirl]

Hi ladies! Everyone enjoying the heat and humidity on the east coast? Claire and I are just melting w/o air conditioning. AC will probably be our next big home improvement.

Claire turned 10 months old on Saturday! She really starting to pull up on everything and she's a crawling machine! She very into physical humor and gets a kick out of it when I pretend to fall on the floor and stuff.

Has anyone heard from sunflower ?

Not too much else going on today. We have a free class at BabyPower tomorrow which I hope Claire enjoys.

Keep cool! :cool:

[AttyGrl74]

I got the WORST case of food poisoning on Sunday night - and boy is it ever hard to be so sick and trying to care for a baby at the same time.

Luckily J took Nora to daycare yesterday and I stayed home and slept it off. It was the first time I'd been at home away from her that long and it got pretty lonely.

I need to come up with some good after-work activities that I can do with Nora - what kind of during-the-week routine do you all have?

[cpbride8203]

Marathon - Congrats to DH on the new job! That is great news!

Atty - I am looking to come up with some sort of routine too...right now we get home, Kylie plays, then she sits in high chair while I have dinner, then we play some more, she has a bath and gets a bottle before bed. I would like to talk her for a walk at night, but it has been too hot!!!

I have discovered something wonderful...Mint Mocha Chip Frappucino's from Starbucks. Such a treat!

[SiValleySteph]

Just a fly-by to add some recent pictures!

Lucas and his cousin in early June. He is 4 months older than his cousin.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d938b3127cce92b9ea8e42a800000016108EZuWrFs4aK

With Daddy on 4th of July!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d938b3127cce92b9ea8bc39d00000016108EZuWrFs4aK

A break from hiking in the redwoods two weekends ago.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d938b3127cce92b9ea89c39f00000016108EZuWrFs4aK

[Sidsou]

Steph - those photos are great!! Lucas is so cute!!!!

Atty - I hope you feel better now! I swear being really sick and having a baby to care for is terrible. My MIL has been my saving grace more than a couple of times this past year when I got sick.

Marathon - Hope Claire enjoyed her class. I know Kyle at this age is really having fun with the other kids at his gym class. Congrats to your DH on his job!! That'll be so much nicer having him closer to home.

Hope everyone is staying cool!! When it's hot up here, I know it's got to be scorching everywhere else. We've been at home since Kyle had a fever Sunday night and Monday. No other symptoms - the doctor said everything else is fine. He was still quite cranky yesterday - didn't want to be away from momma, but he seems much better today. The doctor said there's some sort of virus going around now with young ones getting just fevers.

[Islandbride1025]

Lucas is such a cutie. Always happy and smiling.

sidsou it is sweltering here. I am afraid to take Pie outside, it is disgusting. Today isn't so bad. Hope Kyle is feeling better.

~~~
For those participating in the Birthday exchange, I sent you emails for your address. If you didn't get an email this morning, that means I screwed up an email address. Hope you check emails, I was out yesterday and it put me a day behind.

[cpbride8203]

It is disgusting here as well...I can not wait for this weather to go away.

So I do not know if I should be very angry at DH, or chalk it up as a learning experience for him...

Now that we are in the house, he has Kylie during the day. So I guess he left her in her play area in the basement that is similar to this while he went up to shower.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00021NX9C.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

We have it set up w/ 2 sets so that she has a huge area to play in. Well a few days ago she started taking this thing apart and he knows that, so common sense would say that she should not be left in here unsupervised?

After his shower, he came in to see that she had taken the whole thing down and was walking out of the closet with a huge welt on her forehead.

I talked to my MIL, because Kylie is over there now until I get home, and she said that she is fine, and that he kept saying over and over that he felt so bad. She told him that you can't leave her in that, leave her in the pack n play where she is safe and put in a tape if you need to hop into the shower.

So it sounds like he got enough of it from her, but I imagine I am going to be even more upset when I actually see this welt on Kylie's noggin...what to do?

[amypooh]

cpbride - Don't kill your husband yet. If he does something stupid like that again, then just back over him with the car. ;) Hopefully, he learned his lession this time.

[marathongirl]

SiValley - Lucas is so cute! And he seems like such a happy guy!

cp - it sounds like DH got a mouthful from his mom about Kylie's head. I'd try and keep my cool about it this time, just maybe gently remind him that since she's so mobile, she really needs A LOT of supervision.

sidsou - hope Kyle's feeling better!

Atty - yuck, stomach bugs! I hope you're feeling better!

I really think Claire is finally going to cut some teeth soon. It's about time! Am I the only one whose baby still has a gummy grin? She's just been super fussy and clingy the last few days.

And a TMI question - I still haven't gotten AF back. Considering Claire is 10 months old, is this normal? I guess I shouldn't complain. She still gets the majority of her calories from BF'ing so that may be why. Just curious.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Hi all- it's me Joann. Just checking in so I can get e-mail updates. Things are well here...Will still isn't crawling, he scoots fast & furious though so I am not sure he will ever decide to crawl. Pulls himself up on everything & we had to put toilet locks on because I found him standign in bathrooms splashing in toilet water more than once (so gross). He has decided that baby food is not for him so besides his bottles I am giving him everything mushy I can come up with. Pancakes are his favorite.

Glad to see so many of you over here.

[AttyGrl74]

Hey Sue - you're lucky to not have AF back - I got mine the month after I got back to work. Apparently the drop in nursing frequency did it to me. Enjoy it!

And Nora just got her first tooth like a month ago and now she has 4 all coming in at once.

I LOATHE teeth.

Have any of you been able to get on WC? I wanted to go over and check in on Jazz but keep getting the "System Maintenance" page.

I'm feeling WAY better, thanks everyone for your well-wishes!

Love the Lucas photos!

I need to get some new Nora ones to post!

xox

[Islandbride1025]

Morning All. Finally sent out all the emails for the birthday exchange. One thing I forgot to mention in the emails was maybe we should address the packages to the kiddies. What do you think???

Kelly I agree I gotta upload some new photos but everytime I go home I forget.

Princess Pie turned 10 months yesterday. She is trying to walk, she'll take one step and sit down. She loves to blow raspberries. Her face just lights up if you do that to her.

DS is enjoying his day camp, he's learned to swing himself. This was a big issue, because he would never do it and he's learning to swim. So far it's a good summer. I'm on vacation next week, plan to take the kids on day trips, zoo, park, pool, etc.

Joann we need to invest in locks also. DS never bothered the cabinets, toilets or stairs, but Prin Pie is into EVERYTHING.

Have a great day ladies, Ciao bella.

[SiValleySteph]

Thanks for the comments on Lucas's pictures! :D

marathongirl, Congrats to your DH on the job!
cp, Kylie is such a lucky girl to have her own backyard swing! I have my own :eek: story, so I understand.
Sidsou, Hope Kyle is feeling better!
Kelly, being sick with a baby is impossible. This is a TMI story, but I had food poisoning a few weeks back and while I was throwing up, Lucas had to pull up on the toilet to see what was going on. :eek: So glad you're feeling better! And YES we need new Nora pictures.
Joann, Oh no! In the toilet! Okay, we haven't had that... yet!
Island, More pictures of Miss Pie, please!

***

Lucas is home sick today. He has a non-specific rash! :eek: The doctor couldn't say exactly what it was, but it is most likely NOT heat rash since he has a fever to accompany it. It looks a bit like measles or something to the untrained eye (me), but I guess it is nothing that worrisome. Just some sort of virus. It's on his torso and diaper area and just a little bit on the legs. Poor kiddo felt pretty bad this morning and would only nap on my chest. DH is taking the afternoon shift, so I'm back at work.

Tooth #8 is on its way in, so he has been fussy all week at bed time. It just poked its way through, so hopefully the teething pain will subside in a couple days.

Here's my "oops" story... last weekend, Lucas and I were playing upstairs. I had the stairway gate closed. Then I was feeding him on the bed in our room and DH came up to talk to us. He left and then Lucas finished up, so I put him on the floor to play and I was still lying on the bed. He crawled out in the hallway and I didn't think anything of it becuase he has a toybox out there and we were in & out of the hallway all morning. Then he made a noise, so I went out to check on him. He was done the stairs, one step away from the landing!!! :eek: He was totally fine... I don't know if climbed down or rolled (he tries to climb down "correctly" but often gets his legs tangled up), but what a heart attack moment! Luckily, our stairs our broken up, so it would have only been an 8 stair fall at the most. This was an "oops" on both DH & my part. He should have reshut the gate and I should have checked to be sure it was shut when I let DS crawl out there to play. Luckily, no one was hurt.

Speaking of injuries, he got an "injury report" from daycare on Tuesday. He apparently flipped over when climbing out of the ball pit and hit his head. He was totally fine, not even a bruise really, but the injury report reads so cute. We are saving that for the baby book! :)

[goldengbridge]

Hey just a quick fly by. Home a day early cause one of our dogs got sick- got a call from the kennel this morning. Oh well what can you do?? I'll post about the vacation later but i wanted to post about the rash for Steph- Andrew had a similiar thing- not sure if its the exact same thing but fever, rash that looks like measles. Its Roseola. Its actually a virus. The rash dissapeared after 3 days just as quickly as it appeared but it started off on the torso and between his legs just like Lucas. It got worse before it got better- just be warned if it does! And Andrew has that same Carters outfit you posted!

I got my email for the birthday exchange and i just had a question. This may sound stupid but how do I buy something that this person already might have? I just dont want to get something that he/she may already own.........

Be back later to post pics of Andrew on the beach... so cute!!

[marathongirl]

golden - sorry you had to come home early from vacation!

As far as the birthday exchange and not getting duplicates (this is just a suggestion - I hope it doesn't come across as trolling for gifts) maybe we could include a gift receipt with the item or for those participating, maybe post a couple of things your baby might need so the person who has your name can see them here?

I'll start: Claire could use some winter PJs in the 18 month size so they fit all winter or a baby puzzle or bath toys.

gotta go she's up!

[Islandbride1025]

Listing items is a good idea and so is including the gift receipt.

I haven't really bought Princess Pie toys. She has tons of rattles and things that make noise, but she could also use winter PJs (size 24 mths), a nice children's story book. Always could use some educational toys.

[Sidsou]

Birthday Exchange I agree too to the gift receipt and giving ideas. I find it so much easier to shop if I have an idea of what the baby might need/want. As for Kyle, clothes are kind of tough since he keeps growing so fast - although I think he's starting to slow down, I'm almost too scared to guess what he might be wearing in the wintertime. I'd probably say any fun educational toys or books are great.

Steph Poor little guy! I hope he is feeling better soon!!

Kyle had an oops yesterday and took a header off of our bed. I just about had a heart attack!! He was in the center of the bed, but crawled so fast right off the side :eek: He's fine - not even a bump. It was interesting in a way because of course I saw everything in slow motion and actually ran over right as he was falling - he actually rolled out of it. I'm sure it was more luck than him being athletic and graceful, but maybe his front sommersaults at the gym are paying off.

[Darin's Girl]

Sidsou Maddie tumbled off the couch last night. DH was supposed to be watching her while she drank her bottle, but when I went into the living room she was sitting under the table playing with her bottle. I couldn't figure why on earth DH would put her under the table!!

Birthday Exchange: Let's see..... Maddie is could use some Avent Magic Cups (sippy cups) or some bathtub toys. She's in a 3/6 month now- so I have no idea what she will be wearing in the winter/fall. I thought for sure she would have been into 9mos already.

We took Maddie swimming in the lake yesterday for the first time. She didn't know what to think of it. I know she loved the water, but wasn't too sure about the life vest. She LOVES the boat, tho.

I had a mini Mommy-Melt-Down the other night. She was sleeping in my arms and I looked at her and burst into tears. I can't believe how big she has gotten and that she is almost 1. Seems like just yesterday we were visiting her in the NICU and praying for the day that we could bring her home. *sigh* Any one else having trouble with the 1st b-day?

[goldengbridge]

Sid- Andrew took a tumble off the bed a few months ago. He was absolutely fine just shocked and like the paranoid momma that I am I rushed him to the Ped and everything was fine!! Glad Kyle is ok!

Darin's Girl- I have to admit- I'm having a rough time with the 1st birthday approaching too. Like you, we spent weeks in the Cardiac ICU just waiting for him to come home. I can still remember life changing to quickly- All the Drs told me throughout my entire pregnancy that he was perfectly healthy and the minute he was born there was something very wrong. My perfectly healthy baby was gone and 2 days later, undergoing the first of 3 open heart surgeries. I still remember them telling me that he only had a 40% chance of making it through. He's a miracle. Thank God for that.

I'm sending Andrew's birthday invites out tomorrow. DH and I have written a nice letter to include inside asking for a donation to Children's Hospital in Andrew's name instead of a gift this year. After all, without them we wouldn't be celebrating a first birthday. Dh's mom was a little taken back- "You're not letting him get gifts"? Oh well. I feel its the right thing to do. We're getting him some toys and stuff anyway.

Birthday exchange- I'm so glad we're making suggestions because I was really at a loss at what to get my person! Andrew has tons of clothes so we don't need them but he would love any bath toys, books, or anything that plays music. He loves music!!!

I promise i'll be back after he goes to bed to post pics of him on the beach!

TTYL! :D

[marathongirl]

1st birthday blues - a little. I just can't believe that a year has gone by so quickly! I think also because I had such bad PPD after we brought Claire home that her first 6 weeks or so are really foggy to me. I don't really remember much of that time.

I have a bad mommy story too. Claire chewed on her first piece of dogfood today. She didn't swallow any, thank goodness. The pieces would probably get stuck in her throat. The dogs usually clean their bowls and I had just vacuumed that room so I don't know where she found it. I need eyes in the back of my head.

golden - I think the donation is such a wonderful idea!

Darin's girl - Claire also loved swimming but I think she found the pool a little overwhelming at first.

sidsou - I hear you on the fast crawling! It's scary how quick they can get from one spot to another!

SiValley - I hope Lucas's rash is better!

mommy2AlliWill - Will's already getting into toilet water? Claire hasn't discovered that yet, but we love trying to get into the little trashcans in the bathrooms.

Island - thanks for coordinating the gift exchange!

That's about it for me! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

[ez2luv]

Ha - Belle's in the toilet all day!!! She's even catching onto lifting up the seat!!! :eek: yesterday she also unrolled an entire roll of TP...what a mess!!
Also, she's able (and I can't believe how tall she seemed to get overnight!) to turn the bathtub faucets on from standing beside the tub. And it's the hot water one too, I wonder if the safety thingies for doorknobs work with faucets?? I need to findsomething!
She's in all my cupboards and opening drawers - I run after her all day.
Sometimes it's so frustrating!!!

Isabelle's learned where her 'nose' and 'toes' are; is able to get her shoes when asked, and she even tries to put them on!

It seems like I have a toddler now, in every way.

Or a teenager - she kissed her first boy last week!
It was so adorable! I have a friend who has a 7 month old son. Belle crawled right up to him at the park and planted a huge kiss (open mouthed of course) on his lips. Once wasn't enough for her either - she kissed him a dozen times!! So many, we were all able to get pictures and pictures of it!

So, yes, the first B-day is very bitter sweet. What a year! Still not sure what to do for the big birthday...I'm thinking an afternoon party with her and all her little friends (about 6), then maybe a family BBQ that evening...not sure though. Still haven't thought of a theme....

Golden - I like the idea of the donation. You may also find that people will also bring gifts as well. If it were me, I don't think I could not bring something for Andrew. But, the donation is a wonderful idea!!

Marathon - Isabelle has chewed on a few pieces of dog food - no swallowing it though.
Funny, with our dog - Harley will let Belle litterally pull him by the hair around the house (she does!) and she rolls over him, pulls at his nose and mouth. And he's so mild and loving with her, when she's done, he'll kiss her and she'll be on her way.
But - when she goes near his water or food - he gets mad and growls. He puts up with so much with a smile, but it's like he's saying 'woman - don't you dare touch my food!'

[marathongirl]

Fly by post - I HATE TEETHING! I was getting used to actually sleeping at night for the last month and now we're back up 3-4 times a night. I hope they pop through quickly!!!

[cpbride8203]

I am so frustrated that my internet is still not working at home! So much to catch up on.

Kylie's head looks like a little battle zone...bruise here, scratch there...the Dr said on Saturday, looks like the first of many bruises. Her bumps aside, she is walking so much better. I too can not believe how fast my little girl is growing up!

I am sending out Kylie's party invitations tomorrow. Should have been today, but I forgot them at work on Friday.

Birthday exchange - Kylie could use some fleece pj's too - 18 mos. We have tons of books and baby toys, but she really doesn't have any toddler toys. She loves music, so anything that would let her dance would be great!

Off to catch up - bbl!

[AttyGrl74]

Flyby post - I'm swamped at work.

Sue - Nora seems to prefer the dogs' food to most of the baby food. It is good protein, right? :D

Nora is in 6-12 month clothes now - but could use 12-18. And she really doesn't have many toys at all. I'm SO not helpful, am I? She loves her scratch and sniff book and now thinks that ALL books are scratch and sniff.

[Niko&Troi]

I am so glad we're here now :D I missed all of you. I really hate WC now. It is so horrible so I'm glad we have a thread here now :D

Things have been SUPER crazy with the new house.
Here is an email I sent out to some friends about it...

This house is taking up every minute of every day. We literally have to paint every inch of it. They lived in it for 27 years and really didn't paint. We've also found that they cut corners wherever they could :/ When we finally got the wallpaper off in the bathroom, there was mold/mildew along side the tub, so we had to take out the drywall and replace that. There was wallpaper in 3 of the closets that had to come down, it was there since the house was built 54 years ago. It smelled nasty. That took short of forever to get down.
There was something mutating under the kitchen sink so I had to go in and paint under there. And there were other things, but my brain has melted down.
We are on a time crunch, however. My FIL came up last weekend to surprise us to help us paint. He also told us that he's getting us laminate floors as a present so we MUST have all the painting done by this Sunday (July 11th) so they can install the floors.
After that's all done, we're on to the bathroom. The walls are too tore up, so we're going to wallpaper them. That will happen after a trip to IKEA to get a new vanity and mirror. We hate the one that is in there. (Another example - they put in a new vanity and light fixture, but left the ancient mirrored cabinet that is rusted inside.) Anyway, that will be next and we're going to tile the floor in there too.
After all is said and done, in a few months, it's on to the kitchen, IKEA again :) Yes that is our favorite store. That kitchen in there is ancient too so that's gotta go.

All of that is going on, and we still have to move :( We're living here at the apt, but going to the house every day. We haven't had a healthy meal since the night before we closed and that was IHOP. We're spending loads on eating out and that's gotta stop, we can't afford it :/

So, it's been a freggin nightmare. We don't get to sleep any evenings before 2a.m. and poor Niko is all out of sorts. He's a champ though, just hanging on and taking it all in stride.

Other than that, Brian didn't get the job he interviewed for, however he was offered another position for more $$ than the first. As soon as his security clearance comes through, he'll have 2 weeks to start at the new place. He's excited as I am. It will be a longer commute so we'll see how it goes for about 5-6 months and then see if we're moving again.

Yesterday was my last day at Best Buy for 7 weeks. I just needed a break and am glad I'm taking one. The cool thing is I still get the discount even though I'm not working, which is good, cause we'll be needing a washer/dryer soon.

Oh yeah, I became sorta domestic last week. I made curtains for Niko's room. I didn't sew them though, I used the sticky material tape, which is just as hard. I'm also going to paint some Elmo themes in his room. As soon as I get them done, I'll post pix.

Well I have to get packing. I'm really glad we're here now :D

~~Lorraine

[Darin's Girl]

Fly by:

Maddie started crawling!!! Well, kinda.... she gets on her hands and knees and scoots herself forward. She just figured it out and is all over the place. Guess I had better start baby-proofing! ;)

[cpbride8203]

One of the girls on LJ posted this...made me chuckle...

Toddler's Creed

- If it is off, I must turn it on.
- If it is folded, I must unfold it.
- If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled.
- If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
- If it is high, it must be reached.
- If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
- If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.
- If it has leaves, they must be picked.
- If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
- If it is not trash, it must be thrown away.
- If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor.
- If it is closed, it must be opened.
- If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
- If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
- If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, table, or walls.
- If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied.
- If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
- If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
- If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest. It must be pushed by me instead.
- If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
- If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
- If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
- If it is paper, it must be torn.
- If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
- If the volume is low, it must go high.
- If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.
- If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
- If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth.
- If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
- If it is a phone, I must talk to it.
- If it is a bug, it must be swallowed.
- If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor.
- If it is not food, it must be tasted.
- If it is food, it must not be tasted.
- If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
- If it is a carseat, it must be protested with arched back.
- If it is Mommy, it must be hugged. I am a toddler!

[AttyGrl74]

That is hysterical Jen! And totally true!

[amypooh]

Fly-by...

Kailey is in 6-12 month clothes now, but she could use some 12-18 Month PJs we really dont have any clothes bigger than 12-18 right now. She loves music cds we listen on the ride into work everyday. Or toddler toys are great too.. really anything is good. :)

Hanging there still we're set to close on our new house 8/8. Don't know when we'll close on our current house. Don't really have the energy to worry about that at this point. Had a car accident last week, nice, huh? So I'm having to deal with all that red tape, just what I needed right now. Sorry I am scarce lately.

[marathongirl]

cp - that was hilarious!!!

Amy - sorry to hear it sounds like you're getting dumped on all at once! I hope you weren't hurt in the accident! Good luck with the upcoming closing!

Nikosmom - hope things settle down for you too!

ez2luv - Belle's kissing boys already?!?! :eek: DH and I have decided that Claire is not allowed to date until she's 30 ;) .

Man it's HOT! I do not really like summer. I think my favorite season is fall. I can't stand the heat!

DH is leaving for Utah tonight. His last three weeks in his old job and he'll be travelling for 2 of them. My mom is coming up tonight to help me with Claire since we're back to getting up 3-4 times a night again. I really think it's her teeth.

Hope everyone's well!

[SiValleySteph]

Hi all!

Lucas is 10 months old today. My baby is growing up!

He says mamamama a lot now, and I just melt every time! I don't think he knows what it means, though, since he says it to everything. :)

It makes me laugh because I get really proud and misty over all kinds of achievements. One recent development is that he can take a piece of food (cracker, bread, apple) and take a bite off without having to put the entire thing in his mouth.

He was having a blast yesterday. When I went to daycare, he had his back to the door, so I could check out what was going on. His teacher was putting a ring on her head and letting it fall off. Lucas was just cracking up. Then she would put it back on and he would reach up and try to grab it and when it slid off - hysterical laughing again. :p Of course, once he saw me, he had to be held immediately.

We had a playgroup after work with his best friend Mika (10 days younger). It's so funny how that don't play with each other but more like around each other. Lucas showed off one of his favorite activities - I throw the beach ball to the landing at the top of the stairs and he climbs up and throws it back down. Then I throw it back and repeat. So much fun!

I'm so pleased with his sleeping last night! He went to sleep around 9, fussed around 9:30 but DH was able to pat him back to sleep, slept until around 2. I went and got him and brought him to our room where he ate and back to sleep. He didn't wake again until almost 6! He ate and went back to sleep until 7. I was late to work because I was sleeping in! :D

He was teething and sick last week, so was waking up quite a bit crying. Twice a night is fine by me!

Still no walking here, but plenty of cruising and lots of crawling and pulling up on everything.

cp , I love that toddler's creed! Thanks for posting!

What are you all doing as far as baby proofing? I'm trying to figure out if we need to do drawer latches/locks. I've heard that babies can figure them out before 1 year old, so it seems silly to put them on at this point, but he is getting into drawers and some I don't want him to!

[cpbride8203]

Just dropping a few pics...will be back later to catch up...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d907b3127cce937a331465ac00000016109AatGbNw0a4

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d907b3127cce937a3da7651800000086109AatGbNw0a4

See ya...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d907b3127cce937a337a65c200000025119AatGbNw0a4

[goldengbridge]

Oh man. I've been having major shutterfly drama. I think I gotta fixed. Anyway-

Amy- OMG, are you ok? Was Kailey with you?
CP-Thanks for posting that. So true! Awesome pics! Shes got beautiful hair!!
Kel- Thanks for the coupons- Just got them:)
Lorraine- Hope things settle down for you soon.
Darin's girl- Yeah for Maddie crawling:) Isnt it funny how fast they go?

Hi to everyone else :D

Andrew stood up by himself for the first time 2 days ago- so cute. He keeps falling on his little butt. He likes to stand and play with his leap frog table. Finally got his bday invites out. Anyone else doing a sesame street theme? I found some really cute stuff.

In other news- We have another offer in on a house. We'll know tomorrow. This is the one girls so keep your fingers crossed!!!!! Finally some pics!!!

Relaxing poolside!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d907b3127cce935ffd5045ca00000016109IZtHDhy2c

Mom, can you put some more sunscreen on please? Playing on the beach in Assateague Island, MD (BTW- he was scared of the ocean)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d906b3127cce93471ca39c5300000016109IZtHDhy2c

Showing off his new blanket. A teenage girl with a heart defect makes blankets for babies with heart problems and sent Andrew one.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d906b3127cce93471cad9c5d00000015109IZtHDhy2c

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

Twice in one week, I'm on a roll. Actually I was at the house all day and am packing tonight. Yes, visiting here is considered packing.

LOVE THE PICTURES. Bad mommy post coming... I've been so busy with the house, that I haven't taken any since last month :(

Spending time in our new pool (which we haven't been in since July 4th cause mommy and daddy are too busy getting the house ready...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d922b3127cce92f23428de7d00000026108AYtWjhm1ctu

He looks like Brian more and more every day. Plus he's starting to get color, he looks like a really tan baby now.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d922b3127cce92f3902afe6100000026108AYtWjhm1ctu

We took him to his first Italian Feast and this was his first ride.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d922b3127cce92f39152be8100000026108AYtWjhm1ctu



Golden Keeping my fingers crossed for you. I'm doing an Elmo theme for Niko.

Here is what I'm going to eventually send out. I sent a pre-notification email to everyone so they'd save the date. I just don't know when these will get out.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d906b3127cce93607f523de600000016108AYtWjhm1ctu

It's going to be done in VA at my FIL's house so I'm going to go to BJ's and get platters. I'll be going to a local grocery store and either get a long sub or a cold cut tray. Depends on how many come.

Niko is walking yet, just cruising and climbing. He's saying momma mostly when he's crying. He does say hi baby though after I say it to him. So I guess hi baby is his first words?
He also understands German now too. I need to learn now too.

Well that's about it. If you have any suggestions on the invite wording please pass them along.

[ez2luv]

Just stopping by quickly, no time to SO, my internet had 'glitches' for a few days...sigh~

Belle also stood by herself for about 10-20 seconds, without holding onto anything. She was in the tub of all places! :eek: I froze, scared to move and startle her - I'm so proud!!

Having a hard time finding childcare for Sept 1st when I go back to work.
I work shift work, and no-one will work past 6pm. (I have no family or friends willing to help out :rolleyes: )
I was put on two waiting lists back when I started searching at the beginning of July. Yesterday I went thru the phone book and called all the Day Homes - nothing.
I also called about 15 people today from ads in the paper - only one said she'd have no problem with the shift work. But, I got a bad feeling from her. She has a 3 year old son and wasn't too pleasent with him while she was on the phone with me, and also I heard that she was smoking while talking to me. And I know she was inside with her son there - not a good thing!
So, I'm hitting dead ends.
Actually cried all day today, had a nervous breakdown. DH, who is away at work - called and when he heard my state, asked me
"Do you need a time out? I'll call a sitter and you can go have drinks with friends...you need a time-out?" LOL - too funny. Though the offer was appealing, it was even more funny. You know you're a parent when you ask an adult if they need a time out! LOL
So, it may turn out that I just can't go back to my job...which sucks because I worked so hard to get the position, and it has great-great pay, which I need because I bought a new vehicle while on maternity leave...sigh...I knew it would be a problem, but now it seems impossible. :(
I need a miracle...

Anyway, I'm exhausted after such a day....catch up later, Hello to all....

[cpbride8203]

Oh girls - it is such a beautiful day in the northeast today...no heat!

ez2luv - It is crazy that you are going back to work now! Good childcare is so hard to find. I would stick to my gut and not go with the smoker!

Lorraine - Niko is a cutie! Moving is so much work! We are in our house but there are still lots of boxes to tackle! We moved them to the basement so we would have to look at them. Niko understands German? :o

Golden - Keeping my fingers crossed as well. Andrew is adorable - Looks like he had fun at the beach! That is so sweet that he got that blanket. He is such a special and lucky little boy! Makes me smile every time I see his picture!

Darin's girl - Yeah for the crawling!

Amy - Hope you are hanging in there!

Marathon - Is Claire's sleeping getting any better?

Steph - As far as baby-proofing, all that I have done so far is to put on outlet covers and a lock on the cabinet with the cleaning supplies.

Kylie's walking is getting better each day. She is funny though - looks like a cowboy walking with her little bow legs. The dr said they will straighten out as her legs strengthen. She can now get her self to a standing postion without holding onto anything (that was a suprise to mommy last night!).

Off to lunch!

[Sidsou]

Hi all! Loving these photos! I can't believe how big everyone is getting

CP I can just picture the cowboy walk - too cute!!

EZ Hoping you can find good childcare. Do you know any stay at home moms that might be willing to do it (?) Or perhaps a couple of sitters that could alternate nights - meaning regular child care during the daytime hours and then they would pick her up? Just trying to throw out ideas for you.

Niko'sMom I still want to call you BMLP! Niko does look like he has a nice tan now. I hope this doesn't come out the wrong way, but I think babies of mixed heritage/race are the most beautiful babies. Steph's Lucas is another perfect example of such a beautiful combination.

Golden Fingers crossed for you! We're doing Clifford, but we just got our invites ordered and will hopefully get them out soon.

Steph Yeah on the sleeping in!! I know exactly what you mean by playing next to each other but kind of playing together. Kyle has a little buddy that he just adores, but they never really necessarily play together yet just next to each other doing separate things. I heard that comes in a few more months.

Marathon Hope Claire gives you a good nights rest!!

AmyHope you the baby and Kailey are all fine. A car accident must have been so scary even if it was hopefully minor.

Here's a couple of photos. This one is Kyle completely exhausted after a hot day in Martha's Vineyard with his cousins...
http://images.snapfish.com/34457%3B%3A323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2336%3D864%3D427%3 DXROQDF%3E23239947%3B9576ot1lsi

Here's the one I'm using for his Birthday invitations. I tried to get a photo with his Clifford doll for the invites, but I liked this photo best.
http://images.snapfish.com/34457%3B%3A323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2336%3D864%3D427%3 DXROQDF%3E23239947%3A%3A2%3B%3Aot1lsi

[marathongirl]

sidsou - I love the picture you chose for Kyle's invite!

ez - I'd go with your gut and not let the smoker watch Belle.

cp - the pic of Kylie walking away is so cute!!! I can't believe she's that mobile!

Darin'sgirl - yeah for the crawling!

Nikosmom - he's such a handsome guy!

golden - good luck with the house! Andrew is so cute! He's got beautiful eyes!

Steph - as far as babyproofing, we've got outlet covers on the outlets and I've locked the cleaning supplies up but that's about it. I need to get the baby gates up on the stairs because Claire took a tumble yesterday. Bad mommy! At least she was only on the lowest step - I just couldn't get her in time. :(

Claire's sleep - nope. We had three great weeks where I thought things were turning around but we're back to being up 3-4 times a night. I really think it's teeth this time, so hopefully once they pop through she'll settle back down.

Hope everyone's good!

[goldengbridge]

Quick post- WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bad news is that it needs a new roof asap. We had someone come give us an estimate tonight and it looks like it will cost 4,000. What can you do, you know? We'll just deal with it although it will be hard. I'm still home with Andrew so the income is a little tight. I think once we move I'll need to look for something a few hours a week. I still can't beleive it- we have a house. Settlement will be Sept 16th! I cant wait!

BBL :D :D :D

[cpbride8203]

Yeah Jen! Congrats on the house!!!

[Darin's Girl]

CONGRATS Jen!!! That is so exciting!!!

[Niko&Troi]

Hello all :D

CP Yes, he understands more German than I do. Actually I hardly speak any at all :o Brian's mom was German, he grew up there, so he is fluent and is teaching Niko.

Sid You can still call me bmlp. I'll answer to either one :D Your comment didn't come out the wrong way at all. Even before Niko I heard all the time that mixed babies are cute. Someone told me it's the best of both worlds.

Jen CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS :D
In other news- We have another offer in on a house. We'll know tomorrow. This is the one girls so keep your fingers crossed!!!!!
See, the right one will comes along when it's supposed to. Aren't you glad you didn't give up?? $4k is a lot to have to put down on a roof, can you maybe have them meet you 1/2 way or something?

Well I'm off to bed. Another late night at the house. I finally unpacked 4 boxes but it's still not coming together yet. It will but when???

[marathongirl]

golden - congrats on the house!!!! Great news! Can you get the sellers to meet you partway on the roof since it needs fixing ASAP? That's what we did when we bought our house. CONGRATS again!

[AttyGrl74]

Yippee! on the house, Jen ! Sorry about the roof. I'm guessing your offer was contingent on the inspection coming back all ok? So maybe you all still have room to negotiate about the roof?

This is my 100th post over here! Whoo-hoo! I guess I can be "Way Too Cool" now?

It is so good to see all of you posting.

I've got a ton of work to do - or I would do SOs.

Quick QOTD , though: Do any of your kids have 'lovies'?

Nora has a little bear she loves, but she can't walk and hold onto him at the same tim - so she'll love him for a few minutes and then abandon him for more mobile pursuits.

[goldengbridge]

Thanks for the congrats girls! We're really happy:) We talked with the realtor last night and i looks like they are going to give us $4000 off the house at time of settlement but we still have to come up with it up front within the next few weeks because it needs fixing asap. We're exploring all options right now cause God knows I don't have that much money laying around- just have enough in the bank for closing costs! I'll keep you updated!

Lorraine- I dont envy you. Packing and unpacking SUCKS! And yeah, i get to do it all over again!
Atty- No we really don't have a lovie. He has a pooh blanket that has pooh's head at the top that he sleeps with but he could care less if it was in his crib or not. I've heard though that this is the age where they start to form attachments to things.

Has anyone seen any cool toddler toys. We went to Toys r us the other day looking for some potential birthday presents and i didn't really see anything that I was too crazy about.

[marathongirl]

Lovey - Claire has a favorite bunny that she likes to talk to when she wakes up in the morning, but I wouldn't consider it a lovey.

and...... WE HAVE TEETH!!! Well, one tooth. At 10.5 months old Claire finally got her first tooth. I found it just poking through her gums this morning.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

[marathongirl]

Everyone must have had busy weekends! No new posts!

Claire has 2 teeth now. Both bottom ones are coming in. We're very excited!!!

I can't believe that this month our babies start turning 1! :eek: Where has the last year gone?

We had a girl's night out on Saturday. It was fun and very much needed. The 3 husbands and 4 kids seemed to survive without us for a few hours.

[Islandbride1025]

Hi Girls. Was on vacation last week, stayed home and did kiddie things. It was a great week. I'm a big kid, so I loved the zoo and whatnot.

Haven't had time to catch up on the posts but wanted to add some pics of Pie and Big Bro. Finally uploaded pics. Her 5th tooth is in. This little lady is amazing, she just cuts teeth with no problem.

http://images.snapfish.com/3445%3B4%3B523232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D%3B%3B6 %3D%3B64%3DXROQDF%3E23239826763%3B4ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3445%3B4%3B523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D%3B%3B6%3 D%3B64%3DXROQDF%3E23239826763%3A9ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3445%3B4%3B523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D%3B%3B6%3 D%3B64%3DXROQDF%3E23239826763%3B9ot1lsi

Forgot to add that Princess Pie is taking steps by herself, she will take 3 before she goes into a crawl.

[SiValleySteph]

island, Miss Pie is just the cutest! I love her hair!
marathon, Yeah for teeth! That is just so exciting.
golden, Congrats on the house! I hope it all works out!

***

We had a really nice weekend with friends in from out of town. There was a grand prix car race through the streets of downtown, so we were there Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Lucas did great! He rode in our frame backpack, the Mei Tai carrier and also in my arms. ;) We had earplugs for him and he didn't seem to be bothered by the noise at all.

He tried all kinds of things since we were out and about. He didn't have any interest in the baby food I had brought along, but Shave Ice was a hit on Saturday :o and it turns out the kid loves mini pretzel sticks! He also took a whole fistful of my breakfast potatoes yesterday at brunch and ate a lot of rice at dinner. Still, he mostly ate breastmilk.

Lucas had his first babysitter Saturday night. A teacher from his daycare came over and he did really well. They played with his toys and outside a bit, then he had a 4oz bottle and went to sleep around 9. He woke up at 12:30 and had a diaper changae and another 4oz bottle and then back to sleep. We got home at 1:30 and he was sleeping and didn't wake up until 6! I had to pump when we got back to make up for the bottles, so I was not well rested even though he slept so well. :p Oh well! It was a nice evening out.

We're off to San Diego this weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing Lucas's cousin again (6 months old)!

[AttyGrl74]

Hi chickies!

Pie is ADORABLE - seriously Kelly - you should get her in one of those Cute Baby contests!

Nora is having a fussy-pants day at daycare - which I am sure means a really fun night at home. I wonder what's up with her.

I wish I were psychic so I would just know what she is up to, you know?

[cpbride8203]

Hi girls...popping in to check in. It is such a hot and disgusting day today!

My anniversary was on Tuesday and it was a stinky day, but J kind of made up for it yesterday.

Kylie is doing well...walking all over the place. She looks less and less like a baby each day. I went into check on her last night and she looked like such a kid! Time flies by.

Getting ready for her party on the 20th. I wish people wouldn't wait until the last minute to RSVP!

QOTD: With the first birthday's quickly approaching, have you thought about how you plan to transition to milk? Will you try in a bottle, sippy cup? Have any of you asked your ped yet?

[cpbride8203]

ok - Halloween costumes are out already!

Atty - this one made me think of you...

Monkey Costume (http://store.babycenter.com/product/clothing_maternity/halloween_costumes/618_costumes/6720?intcmp=popunder&binky=STO:PU71:PIC2)

http://store.babycenter.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/41559_205327_md.jpg

[goldengbridge]

CP- Happy anniversary! Andrew's party is the week after Kylies. The invites has been out for 2 weeks and i have only gotten 2 RSVP's. I dont know why people wait till the last min. It's frustrating!

Steph- I hope you had a great time in SD!

Island- Glad you enjoyed your vacation. Pie is SO FREAKEN CUTE. Seriously, i can't even stand it!!!!!!!! You've got some beautiful kids!

Congrats Claire on getting some teeth! Way to go girl!

As far as the milk goes I'm not sure yet. Honestly,I'd like to keep him on formula a little longer so we'll have to talk about that with the Ped when we see him on Sept 6th (my anniversary :D ) Thats the same week we see the cardiologist too. Hoping for a uneventful visit there too.

Andrew's front top right tooth broke through and the one next to it is about to also. He's been in such a bad mood, whiny, clingy. Its been a trying week. It's been so damn hot here that we've been staying inside. We're off to the mall tomorrow to see if we can find something really cute for him to wear when he goes for his one year old pics!

Hope all is well with everyone. It's been a quiet week here!

[marathongirl]

SiValley - enjoy San Diego!

cp - happy anniversary!

Island - glad you enjoyed your vacation! Pie is SO CUTE!

Atty - yeah, I sometimes wish I could read Claire's mind so I know what was upsetting her.

golden - hope Andrew's feeling better!

Claire's been a trooper about her teeth. Just a little more fussy and clingy. They are popping through fast and furious!

I just wrote out Claire's b-day invites yesterday. Her party isn't until mid-Sept, so I'll put them in the mail next week.

Milk - I won't start until after I see her ped on 9/21. We have been giving her 2-4 ounces of formula a day b/c I am going to stop nursing when she's a year old, but it's going to be a slow transition.

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

Just wanted to stop in and say a quick hello and tell you all about the wonderful but expensive thing I discovered - EBAY :D So now you're saying to yourself, she just discovered Ebay, they've been around forever, has she lost it... No, I haven't, I just started bidding though ;)

So far I've gotten Elmo wall border, an Elmo clock and an Elmo towel for Niko. Well, I decided to search for birthday supplies and dropped $70 on Sunday night on some of his supplies. This guy had the napkins, cups and plates $1 each :eek: I saw them at a paper wholesaler here for $4.99 each, so I got a deal. I got 22 items, which would have been over $100 so I saved $$ already.
I was also going to have a local bakery decorate a cake but they wanted $40. I got an Elmo design in hard sugar for $5. So I'll get an $11 white sheet cake and I'm good to go.
Although I'm saving all this money, Brian doesn't see it that way. So I'm coming here for justification :D I know you ladies will understand me.

I also am bidding on a pair of kitchen curtains and a shower curtain. The kitchen curtains retail for $15 at JCPenny, I bid $5. We won't tell Brian about those until I win them :p


This weekend is final clean up days for the house and then we move next Saturday. Sunday is also our 3 year anniversary. If you're in the north Delaware area next Saturday, we're having a moving party.

Have a great weekend.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Hi all! I can’t believe it is “1st birthday” party talk already. Time has gone so fast. Our little ones are growing up.

We mailed Will’s invites yesterday. Just simple “Elmo” theme because it is easy. I thought it was a little soon to send them but since his birthday falls over Labor day weekend I wanted to give our friends & family as much warning as I could. Not much new, Will still doesn’t walk or crawl for that matter. He is our little scooter. He is contantly standing though, can pull himself up on anything. His newest work is “cracker” which amazes me…he talks much more than Alli did at this age, I guess because he hears her chatting away all day long. Jen- when he hit 11 months the other day I did start diluting his formula with whole milk. That is how we transitioned Alli too. Right now it is ½ milk to ¾ whole milk & I’ll increase the milk every week until his birthday. This is what we talked to our peditrician about but I know it isn’t what works for everyone. He gets a bottle at nap & bed but I am trying to encourage sippy cups during the day. I bought these soft nipple “NUBY” brand cups at Target, they are more like a bottle & he does okay with them.

marathon- Similar tetthing here. Will had no teeth a month ago & now has 6. He isn't handeling it quite as well as Claire though...grumpy boy!!!

Golden- HUGE Congrats on the house!!!!!!

Niko's mom- Watch out. EBAY is addictive. I buy & sell on there, and could even just browse all day long. Score on the birthday stuff!!!!

Hi to everyone else. I love seeing all the pictures.

[marathongirl]

Nikosmom - I, too, have only recently discovered Ebay. I let it suck up way too much of my time. It is VERY addictive!

mommy2Alliwill - sounds like Will is just going to skip crawling altogether!

Bad sleep night last night - I was up with Claire 4 times and she didn't nap yesterday. I think her poor little mouth is really hurting her.

[ez2luv]

Grrr.....I was away visiting DH at work, and had time to write one big long post with So's, then something happened to his laptop, and GONE! Was so mad!!!! :mad:

Anyway, right now I just have time for a short one...Hello to all!!!!!

Still looking for Childcare for shift work - it has been aweful and frustrating. Had to put an ad in the paper and look for private, as most dayhomes are just during business hours, and I work shiftwork and weekends.
Sept 1st, the big day I painfully go back to work. Its been a wonderful year, I kinda look forward to going back, but wish I could take Isabelle with me! ;)
I've gotten lots of calls from my ad and interviewed about 5 peole so far. Only one was great, except she lives across the city and she's moving out of town in Feb. And I'd hate to go thru this again that soon.
But, all other have been sooo scary!!!!
Honestly, I've met some aweful people, with dirty discusting homes :eek:
This sucks!!!

Anyway, got a few more interviews this week, I so hope this is over soon!

~~~~~~~~~

As for Belle, still crawling, not walking yet - but half the time she crawls on hands and feet so I can imagine it's soon.

I've been transitioning her to whole milk for the last week. Right now I'm putting 1/3 WM with 3/4 formula. It's going great, no problems - soon I'll half and half it and go from there. I want her on Whole Milk by the time I start work Sept 1st.

She's still mostly on jarred foods, with the exception of yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, cherrios, and toast.
I'm thinking I should start introducing more table foods, but with DH working away, I rarely cool balanced and nutritious meals for just myself. **sigh** I really should start that and set better eating habits!

Wondering what you guys do for childcare and the eating thing......
I think I'll pack her a suitcase for a weeks worth of diapers, wipes, cream, a change of clothese etc and refill it every week. But, with food, not sure how much to pack.....
I guess this is something I'll have to work out with the provider I so hope to find!
But, anyone have any tricks or tips?? Do you send toys, blankets etc that are familiar to them???

I'd love to do SO's but that'll be next.....take care!

..........B-day!!! I need to get on that soon!!!!
Are you sending normal party invites, or is anyone having some made with your childs pic on them??

Be back later...... :D

[Sidsou]

Hi all! DH and I also had our anniversary this week, so we had a night away from little Kyle. He stayed with my MIL so I know he had a great time, but it was still a little tough to say goodbye. He apparently did great and never cried even a second.

Transistioning to milk I've heard the same thing as Canadian. Start by replacing just an ounce or two of the formula with milk (mixed together) and then slowly increase it. I'll be starting this tomorrow in fact.

As far as getting away from a bottle. Kyle will drink from a sippy but really prefers his bottle. I'm thinking of trying the trick where you water down the milk/formula in his bottle, but put the normal stuff in a sippy cup and give both. A friend of mine said this really seemed to work with her DD. My SIL says that her DD drank from a bottle until over 2 (just at night) and her teeth are just fine, so that I shouldn't worry about it. Either way Kyle never goes to sleep with his bottle so I don't think we have the pooling of formula/milk issues.

Invites I sent Kyle's out. I had them made with a photo of him. The text sounded like it was him talking and inviting people to celebrate with him and asking him to RSVP to his momma (of course everyone does wait until the last minute!)

PartyBig or small? I kind of wanted to have a big party for his 1st birthday but DH was really against it wanting to keep it more low key and just for our friends with kids. Wondering what you are doing?

[ez2luv]

Isabelle has her milk in the bottle, and water or the occasional watered-down barely juice in the sippy cup. She loves the sippy cup, so I might switch soon.
In the tub, she drinks the water from a cup - but half of it does down the front of her. LOL

The problem I'm having with her B-day, is whether to have one with friends (she has about 6 friends her age - plus their mommies), and then have one with family...we have a big family.
I think it would be too many peopl for one party - especially with the little ones, they would be overwhelmed.
....???
I'm really not sure, maybe her party with her friends in the afternoon, then a BBQ with family later - that's one busy day though.....
???
Anyone else having this problem??

Sidsou - what kind of pic did you choose for the invites?? Is it wrong to have a 'fake' B-day pic of her in a party hat?? I'm trying to decide this fast, so If I decide to do invites with her pic, I need to get them ordered.

[Sidsou]

Canadian I wanted to try to get a photo of Kyle with Clifford since we're doing a Clifford theme and then have Kyle and his "buddy" Clifford do the inviting, but I just couldn't get a good smiley photo. I ended up taking a ton of photos of him one day and picked a really cute smiley one. I think it would be perfectly fine to do a "fake" one. A friend of mine did one of her DD in a clown outfit for her circus themed party. Just take a ton of photos and see which ones come out best and seem to "fit" the card you choose.

[goldengbridge]

All of your bday invites and party themes sound so cute!!

Nikosmom- I'm so addicted to ebay. I got almost everything for Andrew's birthday party off ebay. They have a huge selection of sesame street stuff! And it turns out that I found the curtain that matches Andrew's room on there too. We only had one window at our old house so we needed another one cause his new room has 2 and i found it on ebay! I was so happy! The Elmo room sounds so cute!

Sid- Kyle is SO cute! What a big guy you have!

Ez2luv- We're having so major issues with space. We'll still be living in our townhouse when we have the party so we're praying for good weather so we can have it outside. There's NO way 30 people are gonna fit in our tiny townhouse so if it rains we'll be in BIG trouble! Hope you find child care soon!

As far as transitioning to milk-- UGH! Bought those Gerber toddler cereal flakes for Andrew to try. Mixed in a tiny bit of whole milk and he got SO sick. I mean the poor kid vomited for over an hour. I felt like a horrible mother! I swear, it was the tiniest bit of milk. So, we are definately going to wait till we see the Ped for his 1 year WBV to discuss trying milk again. I just have this motherly instinct that he's gonna have a problem with milk. He's currently on Soy formula but only because he was having so much gas. Maybe an allergy? We'll have to see.

The inspections on the new house should happen this week sometime. My fingers are crossed that everything goes well. We were at Sears and Lowes this weekend looking at appliances. I'm getting really excited to get in there and make it "our home" :D

Things have just been so stressful when it comes to our families. My brother surprised us with the news that he just got married. He's in Tenessee in the Army and he's about to be deployed back to Iraq for his second tour of duty. He's been dating this girl for awhile but we're all devestated that he didnt give us any advanced warning so we could be there. My EVIL SIL is about to have her 2nd baby in Sept. She's already an extremely neglectful mother to her one year old son. DH and I have such a hard time sitting back and watching her and the way she acts and treats her son. Shes currently living with DH's parents but called us this weekend and told us shes moving back with her abusive ex bf before the new baby arrives. The only good thing in her sons life is MIL and FIL. They feed him, they take care of him, they buy him things. Once she leaves and takes him away from them we're really afraid of whats going to happen.

Sorry for the rant. I know these are all things I can't control but it still bothers me, you know? Anyway, thanks for listening.

Quick question- are we all going to mail our birthday gifts for each other around the same time or does it matter? I know they have to be mailed by the 20th?

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

~Jen~

[ez2luv]

Flying-in for a quick question:
Do you all have journals here now??
I have one still at WC, but since I'm here now thinking of starting over.... :confused:

[Sidsou]

Golden No problem with the venting. That must be so hard to just watch your SIL with her son. It just breaks my heart sometimes to see how other moms act with their kids. Oh, and one suggestion about milk - obviously speak to your doctor, but I have heard that goat's milk (if it's available around where you are) is much easier on babies' stomachs or of course you could give soy or rice milk too.

As for the birthday presents, I ordered and it's being shipped sometime this week to my person/baby. I guess whenever you get the chance, it would probably be good that way no one would be by themselves waiting (?).

Canadian Hope you find good child care soon. Maybe a friend or relative will help you out in the meanwhile until you can find a permanent option? No journals for me.