June 05 Mommies ~ Chasing Our Little "Ones"

[tgr68]

Nat~How's Addie doing with the potty training? Any luck with the regression?

MrsChappy~Sorry that been has been having nightmares. :( I hope that it has gotten better. The couple of times that Shylah has had them, we brought her in our room for about 30 minutes, played with her, and prayed over her before putting her back to sleep.

Meri~Sorry about all the trouble with the insurance company concerning your mom. :(

Things here have been very busy for us. Last Saturday was our town's Fall Festival, and Shylah was in the parade. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of her. :( She did get her first experience though with carnival rides and had a blast. She through a fit evertime the ride was over! She also played a carnival game - the one where they pick up a duck and whatever number is on the bottom determines the prize. She won another duck - bringing us to a grand total of 7 ducks in our house! :o

Videos
Riding the Carousel with Mommy (http://www.dropshots.com/videolink.php?userid=32398&cdate=20061007&ctime=192440&showVideo=1)
Riding the Carousel with Daddy (http://www.dropshots.com/videolink.php?userid=32398&cdate=20061007&ctime=193528&showVideo=1)
Riding the Dragon Ride all by herself! (http://www.dropshots.com/videolink.php?userid=32398&cdate=20061007&ctime=193122&showVideo=1)

Here she is trying on her Halloween costume that arrived yesterday!
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/32398/20061010/185824.jpg

[kimthebride]

tgr
Holy cuteness, Batman!

sophiapb
Blah I'm sorry you're feeling that end-of-pregnancy discomfort. I remember just having to push down on Thomas' butt all the time (it was lodged under my right ribcage soooo painfully!) then he dropped 2x and it felt like I was walking around with a head in my hoo-ha for a few weeks. Good times! Looking forward to it again!

I too am having the 2-baby worries. Sometimes I look at my belly and think WTF were we thinking? I am tired as it is! So when my friend asked me yesterday what our plans were, I said nothing because we're pretending I'm not pregnant since we don't know where to put the kid or how to manage two. Denial is fun!

Nightmares
I think DS gets them sometimes, too. We just need to pick him up out of the crib and almost 'dance' with him til he calms down and puts his head on my shoulder. I know how much I get scared from nightmares, i can't imagine with a baby thinks!

usawife
Insurance companies make me curse. A lot.
i can't believe they are kicking mom out. Do they at least cover some home care? Like a home health aid to be there for a certain # of hours per day, when family can't?
Sorry about your headaches. Do you think they are stress? Or maybe you need to hydrate? Hope you feel better.

Natrat
C'mon, you know you want to join the club! Besides, what better day than my 3rd wedding anniversary to find out you're pg again? ;)

golfer_girl
Isn't today your OB appointment? Did they change your due date?

Hugs
DS just started giving hugs on his own, and it serisouly brings tears to my eyes. DH and I just can't stop talking about how much we love our kid more each day. Hugs! Love them!

[sophiapb]

Yeah, Kim, so it's either a butt in the ribs or a head in the hoo-ha. Fun. I've had a foot permanently jammed in my side for a couple of weeks now. There's been plenty of squirming, movement and the occasional cervical tap dance but that foot always seems to pop right back into place. :rolleyes:

[jmvan74]

I think Nat is avoiding us..... maybe there's something she doesn't want us to know. :p

MrsChappy: I hope the trip to Michagan went off w/out a hitch. Congrats on the nephew.

Naamah: The videos are so cute. That costume makes me smile from ear to ear! So cute.

Hugs: Collin has been giving me hugs and kisses on his own for some time now, but lately he thinks it's great fun to slam his face in to mine and then make kissing sounds like...mmmmmmm...aaaaa. All the while with his mouth open and drool pouring out on to my face. :D Gotta love it.

Tantrums: Please help. I'm so close to losing it on Collin. The tantrums are sooooo bad! :eek: I'm afraid to take him in public anymore. I've tried ignoring and redirecting/distracting....both failures. Any good books or other info would be greatly appreciated!

[usafwife]

I'll try to check in over the next few days but I'm not sure if that will happen or not. Something has come up with my mom and we have to make a trip. Hopefully it is nothing but we will see as time goes on.

If someone can let the May/June thread know as well.

[tgr68]

Meri~I hope everything is okay with your mom.

[golfer_girl]

kim - we'll have to wait until next week. my ob appt got changed to next week. my doc had an emergency and no one else could get me in. they were going to have a NP do my visit but I said, no thanks. I'd rather see a doc. This was supposed to be an important visit - listen to heartbeat and remeasure. Oh well. I'm so anxious to just know everything is ok. Only a few more weeks to finish out my trimester.

I too have the 2nd baby worries at times. I just think, hey, my mom had 5 and survived, I can survive 2.

It's weird hearing/reading some old pregnancy terms again - like fundus, yolk sac, etc.

Sophia - how exciting and scary that you have the birth date now. I seems so soon! and whenever you're ready, you can spill the beans.

hedge - thanks for the info. although I like the idea of VBAC, I really liked el camino hospital and my doc. besides, if my second is anything like my first, I'll have no choice but to have a c-section anyhow. (I have a lazy uterus). I never had contractions even when they megadosed me for 12 hours on pitocin. (I'm immune to it, and so is a cousin of mine). They had to do the c-section just so they could manually massage my uterus back to shape. (I know, gross.) If it won't contract to expel, it won't contract to shrink. Lucky me, eh?

tgr - loved the videos. I can't imagine my DS getting on a ride by himself. He'd surely climb out! Shylah is well behaved!

jmvan - how cute about Collin's kisses. now only if he would do that instead of tantrums in public right? I'm starting to get those tantrums myself and just am so embarrassed. I just have to walk away/out the door for a bit, till he chills out. It's usually a minute or two fortunately, but nevertheless, still embarassing.

Nat - r u hiding?

Meri - hope you and your mom are ok. take care.

[kelseyledare]

Mrs.Chappy - sorry about the nightmares! Poor babe!

sophia - how exciting to have a date! wow- it really is getting close! I loved the photos of Alexa and Collin on their date- def a cute couple!

Naamah - OMG, could Shylah be a cuter Snow White??? It is just the perfect costume with her beautiful complexion and dark hair. Everyone will flip! We took Ava on a baby swing ride, and she also fussed like crazy when it was over.

Kim - sorry you're still feeling crappy. I totally hear you on the hugs- DD will now run to us at daycare, clapping and then give a huge hug and smile; heart melting, truly.

Julie - ditto on the wet kisses! We've taught Ava to blow kisses which she does about 50% time

Meri - hope things are okay with your mom

golfer - bummer that you had to reschedule, but I would also want to talk with an MD vs. NP, especially given your prior history. At least this time, you know about your uterus and can schedule your section and be fully prepared. I bet you can't wait hear that heartbeat and get a more definite due date.

Update:
So we had a great time in Gatlinburg with my sister. The weather was really nice. Ava did pretty well with all the activity and eating out- and we learned pretty quickly not to push her hunger limit. Yet again, I wish my family were closer!

We also went on Tuesday for Ava's ultrasound and voiding test to look for urinary reflux. Unfortunately, she does have urinary reflux into both kidneys but there was no evidence of kidney damage (thank goodness). So she'll be on daily antibiotics for 1 year and then get all the studies repeated next year. Unless she has a lot of breakthrough UTIs on the antibiotics, we should be able to avoid surgery (thank goodness). Even being in the medical profession, I will say the VCUG test was a miserable experience. They have to put a catheter in her bladder and push dye up into her bladder- well, you can imagine how any 15 mos little girl baby would like that: not. at. all. It was awful holding her down and watching her scream (shudder, shudder). Thank goodness, she'll have no memory of that, but I do dread next year's test and am praying that it will be our last one!

[Dreshny]

Maggie: That sounds horrific. Poor Ava! I'm glad there's no kidney damage. Hopefully, it will resolve itself over the next year. At least you know what was wrong, though.

[jmvan74]

Oh Maggie! Poor little Ava. My heart would have been breaking and I know I would have been a hysterical mess. I hope the antibiotics do the trick and you can avoid surgery. What a stressful situation. :(

[allyray231]

meri hope you mom is ok!

maggie on no poor Ava!!

[sophiapb]

Oh poor little Ava and poor Maggie.. I have a hard enough time holding Alexa for a shot much less a catheter/dye insertion. Ugh, I feel awful for you. :(

Hey, Meri, how's your mom doing?

[Natrat80]

Hey everyone! No, I'm not hiding! I'm not getting email updates! I promise! Since we're on the topic. I'm a few days late and if AF doesn't come tomorrow I'm going to test on Sunday. It's weird. Before I got pg with Addie my cycles were crazy---long and no o. Since I got AF back at 10 months pp I've been 28-30 days like clockwork. So, part of me hopes I'm pregnant, but I kind of think my body is just going back to it's previous ways! I'll keep you all posted. :D

maggie Poor Ava. It gives me chills just to read what you wrote. When Addie had that super high fever last month and we took her to the ER they did a catheter and I almost died. The first nurse couldn't get it in so someone else had to try. Bad memories! It sounds like you had fun in Gatlinburg-does your sister live in Gatlinburg? My bro/sil live outside of Knoxville and we always go the Gatlinburg when we visit them. Were the trees all changing color?
meri hope everything is okay!
tgr Well isn't Shylah all ready for Halloween? So cute! RE:potty training....we still put her on the potty at every change and she will sit there for a while. I'd say she pees once every other day. And every time she does she gets so excited! I'm trying to chill out and not press her on it!
golfer Keep us posted....and we want to see u/s pics!
julieI'm right there with you on the tantrums. She's been better in recent weeks, but OMgosh........she can lay on the floor and cry for a long time!
sophia and kim You guys are cracking me up with the hoo-ha talk!

[LIZNKEITH]

We're home! The trip went really well. Caroline actually did really well on both flights. On the way out, she fell asleep about an hour after we took off and slept until we were unboarding the plane at which time she completely flipped out. I think it was a combination of waking up and not knowing where she was and all the bright lights in the cabin. In any case though, I've never seen people try to unboard a plane faster. LOL! I was really worried about our flight back because it left at 3:00 PST. The flight was really empty and we were able to get the thrid seat between us. Thankfully, we were able to delay her afternoon nap so she fell asleep in the seat between us before we even taxied on to the runway. She slept for about 2 hours and was awake the last 1.5 hours of the trip. We kept her busy with snacks and walking her up and down the aisle. Fortunately, our flight was waaay ahead of schedule so we ended up landing about a half hour early. We're doing well. Just dealing with the typical jet lag issues.

Maggie,
This was the first place I stopped. I've been thinking about Ava all week and hoping things went well. I'm sorry to hear that she has a reflux issue. If it's any comfort, my friends daughter went through the same thing. Unfortunately, the anitibiotics didn't help but the surgery was a real success and a breeze after the actual reflux test. Hopefully the worst is behind you.

Nat,
Oooooh...any news today?

Sophia and Julie,
I didn't get to see the picture. :(

Sophia,
Eeeeek! I can't believe you've got the date scheduled! How exciting! I can't believe how close you are getting. Cervical Tap Dance...LOL! I remember that well.

Meri,
I hope everything is okay with your Mom.

Naamah,
There has never been a prettier Snow White. Shylah is going to steal hearts!


If I forgot any one else, I'm sorry! :(

[jmvan74]

Nat: Ho-hum....waiting for news....:p

Liz: Glad the trip was a success! Can't wait to read the details. ;) I plan on uploading my pictures tonight after Collin goes to bed, so I'll post a pic of Alexa and Collin then. Mine aren't as good as Sophia's, but you'll get the point! LOL!

[Natrat80]

news not pg. I took a test and it was negative. Still no af. The wait continues!
liz Where did you guys go???

[LIZNKEITH]

Nat,
Bummer. It ain't over yet though. Just like you said, the wait continues. We went to Vegas for a week. :)

[jmvan74]

boo hoo Nat. Are you charting?

Things here are good. I scheduled an appt for Collin to get the flu shot. We didn't do it last year, but w/ his respiratory issues this year, we're not taking any chances.

[Natrat80]

liz I'm jealous! So did Caroline hit the slot machines? :D
julie I need to get Addie a flu shot too. Last year she was too little so DH and I got ours and the ped said that should protect her. No, I'm not charting. I'm too lazy! :rolleyes: and I always forget and Addie wakes up at different times everyday, etc, etc! But I kept thinking all weekend AF would show and she hasn't yet. Weird!

[tgr68]

I was just coming in to see if there was an announcement, Natrat :p

[kelseyledare]

Thanks for all the support and well wishes, everyone! Just when I thought I had come to terms with the reflux deal, Ava's sick again. Daycare called me at work with another fever and irritability. We didn't see any obvious sources of infection so off to the ped again. Her usual ped was off today so we saw one of her partners, whom I'll never see again. I did not like that man nor was I impressed with his clinical decision making. Anyway, after a ridiculous 2 1/2 hours at the office, we finally left, no further certain of a UTI or other cause than we arrived except more tired, irritable, annoyed and hungry (both of us). Of course, it was torrentially raining when we left the office so we rode home a soggy mess. Then one of our dogs ate half of DD's chicken nuggets. Plus I think I injured my back and left shoulder moving a 350+ lb patient last Friday and have been attached to a heating pad all weekend. I was starting to throw a pretty big ol' pity party for myself and poor DD when I remembered Addie and Collin and all the other little June babes who've been frequenting the ped's office and felt some solidarity.

DH is at a trial in FL this week so it's just us ladies and doggies. Time for bed and good girl TV- at least I won't have to watch Gilmore Girls off DVR this week with DH gone!

[Ferris]

I am SO behind!! Our modem went out and we were waiting for the phone company to mall us a new one! That took 2 weeks!!

No Dougie for 5 days!! On thursday DH and I are leaving for Cabo for my good friends wedding and we are leaving Dougie with my mom! I am so worried about leaving him! I am going to miss him so much! Also I have to plan lessons for the sub for 3 days, plus the day I get back is parent teacher conferences!:rolleyes: To top it all off I have my principal observation this wednesday!!! Talk about stress.

Dougie Halloween Costume I just had to drop this pic off, he just so cute!! He has been practicing his roars!! :)

You can see the bruises from when he fell on his building blocks!
http://dropshots.com/photos/78860/20061015/163451.jpg
http://dropshots.com/photos/78860/20061015/163348.jpg
http://dropshots.com/photos/78860/20061015/163335.jpg

[kelseyledare]

Love the cute lion costume! I thought about putting DD in one it's the only animal noise she knows, but she'll be a duck instead. Have fun in Cabo! I think five days will be nice to have fun and quick break without too much separation.

[LIZNKEITH]

Nat,
Hee hee…I should have put her on. She may have been able to offset some of my losses. So weird that AF still hasn’t arrived. I’m holding out hope for you.

Maggie,
The poor dear. She’s really had a rough couple of weeks. Sorry you had such a crappy, inconclusive appointment with the ped. Why is there one crappy Dr. at every practice? Our practice consists of 3 Dr.’s…I love 2 of them and despise 1. It always figures we get the crappy Dr. whenever C is sick. I guess because he’s the only one with last minute availability since no one schedules well visits with him. LOL! Sorry to hear your back is bothering you. 350 pounds? Little ole you? Don’t they have some big gruff orderlies to do that sort of thing? I hope you feel better soon!

Ferris,
How sweet! Dougie looks adorable in his costume!! Have fun in Cabo! DH and I just enjoyed 3 (of our 7) days without C while we were in Vegas. It was hard leaving her, but we were both in desperate need of some grown up time. Hope you have a GREAT time!


Today is the big MMR day. After I leave work at 2 to pick up C and the vax at the Ped’s office to take them both to the allergist. I’m so terrified she’s going to react. This whole thing has been a headache, between getting the referral and fighting with insurance I’ll be happy to finally have this behind us.

[jmvan74]

Nat: Charting can be rough w/ a toddler! I hope AF is still a no show and the only reason for the BFN was late Oing.

Maggie: Sorry the ped appt was so awful. Poor Ava. It's heartbreaking when there's nothing you can do to help. The ped's office has definitely become traumatic here,too. Uggh. We need some healthy toddlers!

Ferris: Dougie looks adorable! Have fun in Cabo! Sounds fantastic to me. I hope your observation goes well and sub plans get done quickly.

Liz: Good luck to you and Caroline at the allergist today.

[usafwife]

Everyone ~ Thanks for all the support regarding my mom. It was crazy last wk when we had to head back to the hospital. We were leaving within about 45 minutes of being told about it. I kept going around the house while throwing things in a suitcase feeling like I was forgetting something. DH kept assuring me that it was just because we were in a hurry and not trying to forget anything. We were at the ER until about 1 or 1:30 am (so a total of about 4/5 hours). The doc whom we had never seen during her entire stay the first time came down to talk to us. She wanted to keep mom overnight for observation. We spent all day the following day at the hospital. We didn't get to leave until 9 pm that night. We hadn't really ate anything so I was on the verge of being very sick. Turns out it was nothing major. They just feel that it's a residual effect from the aneurysm rupturing.

Ferris ~ Dougie looks so cute in his lion costume!! Have fun in Cabo without little one (I know it isn't easy leaving them....we had so many people tell us they'd watch DD while we were gone with mom but I just never felt comfortable leaving her with them. I just had the need for all us to be together as a family). Hope the observation, lesson plans, and parent-teacher conferences go good.

Liz ~ Good luck with the MMR today.

Maggie ~ I'm so sorry for your horrible appt. Hope your back is feeling better soon. My mom has some residual injuries for helping move patients in her job (in the OR).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We've been trying to decide upon the bedding to use for DS' (still getting used to typing - and saying - that) room. When we were expecting DD we saw a cute barnyard theme. I didn't really want to go with a barnyard theme for a little girl and we ended up going with a Winnie the Pooh theme. All the Pooh characters are now DD's favorites. She can recognize them in the store, on TV/DVD, or wherever. Anyway, I told DH that if/when we had a little boy we would do the barnyard theme.

Fast foward to now. I've also been considering a jungle or sea theme as well. No barnyard themes in any of the stores we've looked at so far. Seen a jungle theme that we both liked but DD was getting fussy and cranky by that time so we left the store. The walls are sort of a light sage green (I'd thought that they were a bluish/greenish color before until I took a picture last night). We really don't have time to paint the walls a different color and we like the color.

Anyway, here is the picture. It starts out having the ceiling at the top (in white) then the wall color and has a small section of the woodwork at the bottom of the picture (it's from the area just above the closet hence the reason for the woodwork in the picture).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/usafwife7503/100_1363.jpg

And finally, why, oh why, can't my m/s leave? I was so sick while we were at a family gathering (sort of like a reunion since it was just his grandparents and us from the immediate family) on DH's side of the family over the weekend. I proceeded to throw up everything I'd ate for lunch. At least by this time with DD I was feeling better and the m/s was just about gone (totally gone by 25 wks but return visit in 3rd trimester).

[tgr68]

Maggie~Ugh! Sorry you aren't getting any answers.

Ferris~Adorable costume!!! :D Good luck with prepping for your trip and be sure to have a good time, not worry too much about your little guy! It sounds like he'll be in good hands!

LIZ~Good luck today with C's MMR.

Meri~Who is that little lady in your avatar? I know it can't be our baby Sarah! ;) Glad they found that nothing was serious with your mom this time around.

Okay, off to eat some lunch!

[golfer_girl]

kim - you asked for it! I had my OB appt today. My doc scheduled my C-section (he likes to get it on the books at the hospital early). It's going to be April 25th! (39wks) Let's just see if I can keep it in there that long. DS came early at 37 wks. My due date is really still the same at May 1 though.

sophia - how many wks is your c-section scheduled for?

liz- hope everything goes ok today.

meri - sorry to hear your m/s won't go away yet! I'm glad to hear your mom is ok.

[kimthebride]

Sorry MIA, still not feeling great.

Nat
I am still waiting! I totally think you're pg. :D

golfer
Come join our group in April mamas! How fun is that?

usa
Again, I am so sorry there is so much going on in your life right now. i hope mom heals quickly, your m/s stops and life gets a bit easier all-around.
As for the bedding? Gosh I have no ideas. Must be because I am in a bit of denial about my own pending #2. ;)

liz
good luck with the MMR! May it be drama-free on all levels.

Ferris
DYING of cuteness! That is such a great costume.

kelsey
(Now I feel like I am repeating myself!)
I hope little one is feeling better, and life gets back to normal ASAP.
Enjoy your man-free weekend. ;)

[kelseyledare]

Thanks again, everyone! I tried unsuccessfully to get two urine specimens today with those little pee bags and then finally gave up (mr. passive-aggressive ped didn't give me the full instructions). Anyway, I think I've found the source of her fever--> the MMR vaccine from last week. By this evening's bath, she had a rash. Fever is intermittant, fussiness full-time. At least, I don't have to freak about the reflux and can send her to daycare with motrin/tylenol. They will take babies if the fever's due to recent (and documented) vaccines.

I did manage to take down my summer (ah hem, spring) decorations and put up my Halloween / fall stuff! Score one for mommy!

[LIZNKEITH]

Meri,
I really like the color you've chosen for the baby's room. Very nice! It's so versatile too that you should easily be able to match whatever bedding you decide on with it. Love the new avatar. Sarah is definitely your little Mini-Me!

Diane,
Holy crap! April seems just around the corner!

Maggie,
Glad you found the source of the fever and fussiness. Hopefully it passes in a few days.


Thank you all for your well-wishes at yesterday's appointment. Unfortunately, it was a no-go. To make a VERY long story short, they screwed up her appt. and had her down for a new patient consult insted of skin testing. So after wasting 1.5 hours at the Dr.'s office, we now have to go back Friday morning to have a 2 hour skin test done to determine how they want to proceed with the vaccination. The results of the skin test will tell us if she can get it all in one shot or if it will need to be divided in to 2 or 3 sessions. Oh, and Sophia...I feel your pain on the co-pay issue. We were charged $20 at the Ped's to pick up the vax, $20 at the Allergist, will be charged another $20 on Friday for the skin test, and God knows how many more co-pays when they actually decide how to administer it. It's getting to be an expensive immunization!

We did did a little bit of hopeful info. The Dr. said many times the blood test can be unreliable so there is a chance that she's may not even be allergic to eggs. He said most food allergies occur within 2 hours of consuming the food, not 24 hours later like hers did. So, needless to say we're crossing our fingers.

[Natrat80]

drive by post still not pg! I went to my new OB/GYN for my annual and I'm still not pg, no af either. GRRRRRRRR. Guess my screwed up cycles are back! Dr. did say she would put me on clomid whenever I was ready since it worked for us before! Now I just have to decide if I'm really ready for clomid!

[usafwife]

Naamah ~ Thanks. Yes, that is little missy in a picture from this week. She is sitting in a rocking chair that was mine when I was her age. She will soon inherit the table and two chairs that matches the rocker. We are glad as well but wished they could have done it in less time they it really took them.

golfer_girl ~ Thanks. It's definitely sticking around longer this time. So much for the hope that it would go away or be less with each pregnancy. Mine seems to get worse. Maybe we should stop with two (which is something we are still deciding upon). It makes me more than a little worried at what a third one would do (well, guess that would actually be a fourth pregnancy but third baby).

kim ~ Thanks. I've actually sort of gotten used to it since it's been going on for over a month now.

Maggie ~ Yay, for figuring out the cause of the fever. When DD got her's we were told to expect a fever anytime within the next two wks (if I remember correctly....combination of mommy brain AND pregnancy brain). I've actually gotten some of the Halloween/fall items up. It's not what I usually

Liz ~ Thanks. It was actually a color we'd painted the room a few years back (it was going to be my office and I wanted to do a floral theme but that never happened). Our baby pictures are definitely very similar. Pretty much everyone says that she looks exactly like me. Sorry about the trouble at the doctor's with the shot.

Nat ~ It isn't over until you know what arrives. So there is still a chance. Of course you are ready....you know you want to join the rest of the club. ;)

[jmvan74]

Golfer: I can't beleive you have a date already! I have no idea when my DR. will schedule my c/s. I'm sure it will be in the 29th week, it's just not on the books yet.

Kim: Hope you feel better soon.

Maggie: Glad you were able to figure out where the fever was coming from. Hooray for seasonal decorations! LOL! I do have a few Halloween window clings up, but that's about all. I'm hoping to put a pumpkin and some mums out front this weekend.

Liz: My jaw is on the ground over the fact that they charged a co-pay when you didn't even meet w/ a dr. :rolleyes:

Nat: I say take the plunge! LOL!

Meri: Glad mom seems to be improving. I can't get over how grown up Sarah looks in your new avatar! So cute.

[sophiapb]

Day-umm, Golfer! I thought I was ahead of the game by scheduling my c-section 2 1/2 months ahead of time. I'm a slacker compared to you! By the way, mine is scheduled for 38 1/2 weeks. For no other reason than I wanted it on a Friday so that DH wouldn't have to use up his 1 week paternity leave while I just sat in the hospital.

Cross-posted from December 06 Mommies:

I found out yesterday that I failed my 3 hour GTT but it didn't take me by surprise. For the past couple of months, I've had major issues with carbs and sugars making me feel extremely tired and semi-comatose. I just figured out the carb/sugar connection a couple of weeks ago. I had been blaming the sleepiness and light headed feelings on m/s which I still battle on occasion though nowhere near as bad as it was the first two trimesters. I found that if I avoid carbs and sugars in the mornings and have only a moderate amount in the afternoon and evenings, I'm fine. I've discovered that Luna bars and Balance bars are great for mornings. They are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals but are quite low in carbs and sugar.

The good news is that I amazed myself by passing a licensing exam for my job. I had been having trouble studying and was just exhausted all the time but buckled down, sucked it up and PASSED the exam when there are guys in my industry (who are NOT 8 months pregnant might I add!) that have failed it repeatedly. Excuse me while I toot my own horn and give myself a big ole pat on the back!

Other than that, I'm hanging in. Getting HUGE but doing well.

[tgr68]

Kim~Ugh! Sorry you are still dealing with the m/s.

Maggie~Glad her fever was caused by something more serious!

LIZ~What a nightmare! I had an allergy blood test done and it came back negative for everything. I was miserable though and experiencing all the classic allergy symptoms. Well, DH had his aunt (who is a doctor of naturopathy) test me, and she found probably 15-20 different things I am allergic to! :eek: She said they were very mild, enough to cause me discomfort but not enough to show up in a blood test.

Sophia~Sorry about the 3-hr GTT. :( Congrats on your licensing exam!! That is great news!

Not much going on with us. Shylah has had a major boost in vocabulary!! She now says stars, Shylah, gobble gobble, and no no. She almost has the sign for socks down, and I am working on daddy with her. She's added a couple of halarious animal "sounds" - sticks her tongue in/out really fast for a chameleon & does a short squeal or says cheese for mouse!

At our yard sale last weekend, ILs bought Shylah her first pony! It's one of those old spring horses. You can see it in my avatar! Also, DH picked up a trampoline with the netting posts (no netting yet) for $40 at the yard sale from one of the people we were having it with.

Riding her Pony (http://www.dropshots.com/videolink.php?userid=32398&cdate=20061013&ctime=183206&showVideo=1)

[jmvan74]

Sophia: Congrats on passing the exam! How exciting! Sorry about the GTT. Do you have to meet w/ a nutritionist? Hope you'll feel more energetic once your sugar is under control.

Giddy-up Shylah! Naamah: What a little smarty pants. ;)

[Dreshny]

Sophia: You're forgetting...you passed the exam not only 8 months pregnant, but with a 16-month-old. Go you!! I have absolutely no attention span with a toddler running around.

[LIZNKEITH]

Nat,
WTH? Your cycles can't go all screwy on us now. I can't handle the torture!! I'm glad that you talked things over with your Dr. so you've got a plan in hand when you do decide to take the leap. My Dr. is doing the same for me next time.

Sophia,
Sorry to hear you failed the 3 hour. I can't remember, did you fail it last time as well? Will you have to see a nutritionist and get insulin injections? I hope not. Sounds like just eliminating certain things from your diet is working. Congrats on passing the exam!! We're all so proud of you! I don't know how you do it. I've seriously been procrastinating on a course for 3 years. LOL!

Naamah,
That's adorable!!



Update on Allergist Appt.
Well, it's been confirmed by both a blood test and a skin test now: Caroline is allergic to eggs. Fortunately, she didn't show a reaction to the MMR so they were able to administer it today. The bad news? The allergist does not want her to eggs at all. Not even eggs as an ingredient even though she doesn't show a reaction in that case. He says any exposure will increase her chances of not growing out of it. :( He told us to keep some Benadryl on hand in case she's accidentally exposed and has a mild reaction. He also gave us an Epinephrin Pen to use in case she has a severe reaction. Yeah, scary. It was so surreal having the nurse show me how to administer it. I pray to God I never have to use it. He wants to see her again in a year to have her re-tested. He's very confident that she will have outgrown it by that time. We can only hope & pray.

Afterwards we went shopping to pick up some eggless foods and snacks to keep on hand, filled the rx for the Epi Pens, and dropped by dc to drop off one of the Pens and discuss the dietary changes that will have to be made for her. I just feel so bad for my little girl. Everytime I think about it, I cry. :(

[Natrat80]

liz I'm so sorry about Caroline's allergy. That is scary! You are prepared now, but hopefully you won't ever have to use the Epinephrin Pen!
naamah Way to go Shylah! That horse looks like so much fun!
sophia Congrats on passing your exam! Sorry about the GTT! Sounds like you've got a plan to keep it under control! BTW I can't believe you are already 8 months!!!!! :eek:
golfer Wow, a due date already! That's awesome!
maggie Sorry you guys have had a few rough weeks with sickness! Enjoy your weekend!
ferris Love the lion costume. Enjoy Cabo, I'm so jealous!
julie how are you feeling these days?

So, AF finally showed up yesterday. DH and I decided to go ahead with clomid this month! :eek: So we're going for it! The scary thing is that if it takes a few months I could have a baby born during football season. DH is gone 7am-9pm every weekday, until 11pm Friday, Saturdays he works 7-7 and Sundays he goes up from about 2-7! So I've already told DH that if I'm due in football season my mom will be coming to stay indefinitely and he doesn't have a choice in the matter! :D (he likes my mom, though so it wouldn't be bad!)

In other news, Addie would not take a nap yesterday! So she was up from 8am-7pm. I was about to go crazy! I just laid her down and she's still talking in her crib. I'm so praying that she isn't giving up napping altogether!

I'm off to make some bows. I'm doing a local craft fair in November and I'm trying to have like 200 bows made up!

[usafwife]

Julie ~ Yes, she thinks she's older than she is. That's quite apparent in the things she tries to do around the house. I can tell already (and have been able to for a few months now) that we have a very independent child on our hands.

Sophia ~ Congrats on passing the exam!!! Sorry about not passing the GTT though.

Nat ~ Hopefully it won't take too long and you won't have a little one born during the football season.

Liz ~ Sorry to hear about the allergy to eggs. Hopefully she'll grow out of it. My DH is now allergic to chocolate. He didn't used to be but as he got older he developed it. Makes for some interesting times. If he eats something that is too chocolatey it makes him sneeze. Most of the time he still eats it unless he knows that it is REALLY chocolatey. I have seasonal allergies and am allergic to our kitties but I can't get rid of my babies. It only happens when they are shedding (hence the reason that they spend more time outside than I really want them to) mostly. As for the seasonal allergies it gets me out of mowing the grass (as I'm miserable even with meds when I have to mow it or be near some that was freshly mowed), not having certain plants/flowers/bushes in our yard. I also have allergies to meds and tape. Life is so much fun!

[kelseyledare]

Meri ~ Your Sarah is such the cute little girl now! No more baby face! Any names in mind for DS?

Sophia ~ A huge congrats on passing your exam!!! I can't imagine being pregnant and chasing a toddler around AND trying to study! I hope the carb-cutting will do the trick for your blood sugars- sounds like you've already noticed improvement.

Natalie ~ Exciting news! I hope things happen very quickly for you guys- I wouldn't want to be home with a newborn and toddler when your DH has those hours. Hope you sell lots of bows at the fair.

Liz ~ Oh, so sorry about the egg allergy! I was sure hoping it wasn't, but it sounds like her chances are so great of outgrowing it! I'm amazed how many snacks foods are egg-free; that is awesome. I will have to look through my selection of recipes for some good egg-free stuff.

We took DD to the pumpkin patch today. The weather was perfect, and we're so glad we went today instead of next Saturday. It was busy, but not crazy crowded.

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/135318/20061021/171240.jpg

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/135318/20061021/171200.jpg

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/135318/20061021/172244.jpg

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/135318/20061021/174539.jpg

[Natrat80]

awww . . . look at Ava's pigtails! What a cutie!

[Dreshny]

Yeah, the pigtails are adorable, Maggie! (And so's Ava.)

[Mrs.Chappy]

hi everyone..i am really behind..

Sophia, sorry about the GTT.

Nephew was born via C section and we flew out to mmichigan for the bris.he is so cute!! Totally brought me back to those early days but i am not at all ready to try again. Ben was so incredibly jealous! He went to hit the baby when i held it.. Can't blame a 16 month old for not understanding. Anyway, yes, i'll wait on my TTC!!

Hope everyone else is good. I am unwinding from the awful flight. Never fly Spirit air,..they have no regards for parents travelling with small children. We booked last minute fare b/c of complications with the baby (they weren't sure they were able to do the bris) our travel agent forgot to add ben to the reservation so he was listed as 'lap;..anyway, there were plenty of extra seats but they didn't let us bring the carseat on b/c we didn'nt pay for a seat for him..so everyone around us had to listen to him scream during take-off enroute to MI. Anyway, flying back was 100% better for him but still the same issue w/ the carseat. i drank heavily once we got home!

[LIZNKEITH]

Nat,
Woo Hoo! How exciting! Nothing like an "oops" to send you in to full-fledged TTC. Good luck with the Clomid this month. I hope this is it!!

Meri,
Thanks. It sucks, but what can you do? I'm in the same boat as you. I'm allergic to dogs, but there is no way I could get rid of my Lucy. No way.

Maggie,
Hee hee...we went to the pumpkin patch doning pigtails yesterday, too! Wasn't the weather gorgeous? I'm so glad we did it yesterday vs. today. Today has been mostly rainy & overcast. You guys got some beautiful pictures. Ava looks adorable as always!

Mrs Chappy,
Sorry about the crappy flight. Not to self: do not fly Spirit. I can't believe they didn't let you bring a seat even though the flight wasn't full. Jeesh...even if it did fill up last minute you could always gate check the carseat. Whatever.
i drank heavily once we got home!
LOL...I didn't even wait til we got home. Soon as she was asleep I was ordering Pink Martini's. LOL!


Ugh...why can't I post pics from Snapfish?

[LIZNKEITH]

Early Indoctrination Video

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/146963/20061022/102033.jpg (http://www.dropshots.com/videolink.php?userid=146963&cdate=20061022&ctime=102033&showVideo=1)

[jmvan74]

Nat: Good luck this month! I hope you'll be joining the RO club very soon. ;) Hey, can you PM me some info about your bows? I'm thinking they might be a nice xmas gift for my friends w/ baby girls.

Maggie: Great pics! What a beautiful day and Ava looks adorable. I am getting sooo jealous of all the little girls w/ pigtails. boo hoo!

MrsChappy: Sorry the flight there was a nightmare. I'll definitely make sure I never fly spirit. I can't beleive I'll be holding my own little one very soon. I'm so afraid Collin will try to hit. Yikes.

Liz: So freaking cute! Go Caroline!

We had a nice visit to the Zoo this weekend. Collin loved seeing all of the animals. He got so excited when he saw the giraffes. It was a lot of fun.

[Natrat80]

liz What a cutie!
mrs.chappy I'm glad you're home! I can't imagine flying with a screaming toddler! Yikes!
julie I hope I get to join you all soon too! It's kind of scary, but I think we're ready! I'll pm you!

[tgr68]

LIZ~I love it!!! :D

[Mrs.Chappy]

while my parents were driving home from Michigan on sunday to celebrate my nephew's birth they were involved in a serious car accident on I-80 in Pennsylvania. My mother was driving and either blew a tire or ran over something that was in the road (its still unclear). She was in the right lane, and was not speeding. Unable to regain control of the car, she shifted across all lanes and luckily did not hit any other cars. The car eventually hit a hill or incline on the side of the road and flipped over several times. It came to a halt on its, side passengers side down. My father's arm was pinned under the car and my mother was dangling by the seatbelt. The jaws of life were used so the EMT's could get to them. He was airlifted to the nearest trauma center and a good samaritan drove my mother 1 1/2 hours to meet him and get checked out in the ER.. The chief of the trauma unit could not believe my parents survived the crash. Luckily, there were no other persons or vehicles involved in that accident. The accident made all the newscasts in PA and another car accident occurred up; the road later that day b/c the interstate was backed up for miles...a man in that crash was also airlifted to the trauma unit.

I drove with my brother while my other brother drove from michigan to meet us. My parents are back on Long Island recovering at home. Though my dad's injury is severe, it is not life threatening. His arm was crushed under the car so it is broken in several places from below the shoulder to the hand (its his right arm and he is a lefty).

ANYWAY, the moral of the story is please wear your seatbelts. If my parents weren't buckled in they wouldn't be here today. We are lucky. Please tell everyone to buckle-up...it reallly does save lives!

[Natrat80]

mrs.chappy Wow, how scary! I'm so glad that your parents survived-sounds like it was miraculous! Thanks for the reminder on seatbelts!

I feel like I haven't posted any pics in such a long time, so get ready for some Addie 'spam'.

taken today-Addie is helping me with the laundry
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20061024/102931.jpg

decked out in her finest jewelry with puppy dog in hand of course
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20061006/r90_181705.jpg

with DH on the field after a game
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20061006/233223.jpg

Addie after a game being her normal, spunky self!
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20061006/r90_233501.jpg

and one more-showing off her black eye!
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20061019/164655.jpg

[Dreshny]

Mrs. Chappy: What a story! I'm so glad they survived and are recovering.

Natalie: Love the Addie "spam!"

[kelseyledare]

Mrs. Chappy: I am so glad your parents are recovering! What a reminder as to how precious life is and how we should always be careful!

Natalie: The Addie Spam is soo cute! Ava also loves laundry- I have taught her to pull dry clothes out of the dryer and put them in the basket. She also fell this weekend and has a nice bruise on her right cheek!

[usafwife]

MrsChappy ~ OMG! So glad that your parents survived the crash and weren't seriously injured. I always wear my seatbelt. It's required to be worn anytime we are on a military base. DH's dad was invovled in a wreck several years ago and wasn't wearing his seatbelt. The officers investigating the crash told him if he had been wearing it he wouldn't have lived. So DH uses that excuse sometimes but I tell him that usually isn't the case and it's better to wear it.

Nat ~ Adorable pictures of Miss Addie!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My BP is a little lower than they would like it be so we are keeping a close eye on that. Not much they can do for it but it could be a sign of other problems. I also get to drink the wonderful glucola at my next appointment. Hopefully I won't have any problems in keeping it down.

[tgr68]

MrsChappy~Thank goodness your parents are okay!

Nat~Adore the pictures!

can't believe I forgot to mention this earlier!

Potty training took an interesting turn in the last couple of weeks. Shylah has now started walking over and sitting on her potty when she needs to go!! The only problem is she hasn't figured out yet to take her diaper off! LOL! So, she sits on her potty and pees/poops in her diaper.

[LIZNKEITH]

Mrs Chappy,
How terrifying! Thank God that your parents weren’t more seriously injured. I’m so relieved to hear that they walked away okay, barring a few broken bones. Praying that they have a quick recovery!

Nat,
The Addie spam made my morning. She’s such a happy little girl. I love the pic of her and DH walking across the field. So sweet!

Meri,
Have fun at the 1 hour GTT! ;)


Blahhhh…I don’t know what is going on with Caroline. For that past 2 mornings she’s woken up at 6:00. 6:00, people!! I’m letting it slide right now since it’s during the work week and we’re already up. But, mark my words, if she pulls it this weekend I’ll…
I don’t know…take away her robotic dog? :confused:

[usafwife]

Let me apologize first for getting Roseanne and MrsChappy mixed up. I guess I saw Roseanne's name and typed it instead of MrsChappy. Forgive me.

Naamah ~ We are trying to decide when to start potty training DD. A lot of mornings she is dry when she wakes up. I don't want to start too soon.

Liz ~ Thanks, I'll try. I hope the early wakings do not continue for too long.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We got the farm bedding at a wonderful price (much lower than I thought we were going to have to pay for it). We have a few accessory pieces. Still need to get some. As well as the crib and other furniture.

When I came back in from the kitchen today, we both noticed that DD was sitting in one of the recliners drinking her milk. We couldn't believe that she had gotten up in the chair by herself. I know she didn't have any help because DH was in the kitchen (at the door) with me.

[allyray231]

Mrs Chappy, My heart jumped when I read your story. OMG how scary but so glad they are ok

[kimthebride]

Mrs Chappy
OMG I am so, so sorry your parents went through all that! That God they are ok.
I am a big PITA about seatbelts (I sit there and tell my passengers - including stubborn FIL - that my car doesn't drive until it feels all the seatbelts in use). I was in a terrible accident at age 17 when for the FIRST AND ONLY time in my life I for some unknown reason didn't to buckle up. The EMTs, ER doctors, everyone kept saying "I cannot believe you survived and didn't have severe brain damage, considering you weren't wearing your seatbelt". It was a scary miracle. In short, I broke a windshield with my face after running into a sideways trailor truck on a snowy day....and I make sure no one else around me has to learn my lesson. I was so, so lucky.

I hope dad heals quickly, and mom can let go of having been at the wheel during the accident. Sometimes guilt hurts more than broken bones, but I am sure she couldn't have prevented it.

[tgr68]

Meri~It sounds to me like Sarah is ready to start. That is great that she is waking up dry. I would start by sitting her on the potty right when you get her out of bed in the morning!

[jmvan74]

MrsChappy: So sorry about your parents accident. What a scare. Thank goodness they made it through. I hope your dad's arm heals quickly and they can put this nightmare behind them.

Nat;Addie's a little doll. She's getting so big.

Naamah: Hooray for big steps in potty training!

Meri: Good luck potty training. It sounds like she's ready to begin.;)

[golfer_girl]

Mrs. Chappy - so sorry to hear about your parents. I'm glad they survived!

Sophia - question - did you pass the GTT last time around? And yeah, it's weird to be on the books so early when I'm just barely starting to show. My doc likes to have his pick on the dates/times so that's why he books so early. But, I do like your idea of picking the day of the week and will discuss w/ DH and family what works best! Thanks for the idea.

Liz - sorry to hear about Caroline. I'm going to hope that the allergist is right that she'll grow out of it! ps, love the video. She's so cute in that outfit!

http://bd.lilypie.com/pBIlm7/.png (http://lilypie.com)

[sophiapb]

golfer-I did not have a GT problem with the first pregnancy although now I'm wondering if I did and it was never diagnosed. I now get light headed and sleepy if I have sugar or too many carbs and I remember getting that in the third trimester of the first pregnancy. Of course, I just blamed it on lugging around two kids but in hindsight, I'm really wondering if I had GT issues then. I've been reading alot about gestational diabetes and it usually appears in the third trimester. My current doctor has all preggos do a urine specimen for every visit but I honestly don't remember if I did any with my first doctor. :confused: Since I passed my first GTT at 22 weeks or whenever the doctors have preggos take it, how would they have known if I had any problems develop later? I'm signed up for a class next week which discusses diet and handling a glucose monitor (fun! :rolleyes: ) and am trying to schedule an appointment with a diabetes management doctor that my OB recommended. ~sigh~ More crap to deal with but what's a girl to do?

Mrs. Chappy-Woah, sorry about your parents! I used to do that route a lot when I would go home to visit my family in Michigan for Thanksgiving. I was always worried that something would happen because there are some parts of Route 80 in Pennsylvania where you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere! You must be so grateful that they were wearing seat belts. A broken arm is not a good thing but I would happily take that over other worst case scenerios!

OMG, Nathalie, I love the photos of Addie. She's such a big girl. I just want to squeeeeeeeeeze her!

[usafwife]

Naamah ~ Thanks. Well see how it goes.

Julie ~ Thanks.

Diane ~ Love the ticker!

Sophia ~ I don't have my first GTT with this pregnancy until next month. I had it done earlier with DD's pregnancy. I also had it repeated a couple of times because the doctor thought that DD was measuring too big and wanted to make sure I didn't have GD. So lucky me got to drink the stuff a total of 3 times. The only one that was horrible was the coconut flavor one. Both my current OB and former OB had me pee in a cup at each visit. I hope the class goes okay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Still dealing with the dizziness and lightheadedness. It's not a good thing as it takes me longer to get up without feeling like I'm going to fall when DD needs something. Hopefully it's not a sign of something being wrong but we'll see as the weeks go on. If I'm still having it after a wk or so I'll call and see what she wants me to do.

[Mrs.Chappy]

thank for the support. Every day is better. I am going to see them this weekend. Life is slowly getting back to 'normal'.

On another subject..for those who live in colder weather..what are you doing about undershirts/onesies for your little ones..Gerber only makes them up to 24 months..are you just doing t-shirts under long sleeves? its getting chilly here in NY and the 18 month onesies from last season are not going to cut it! they ARE a pain anyway, just thought i'd ask. thanks

[tgr68]

MrsChappy~Since DD can still wear her 12 month onsies, I'm going to layer those as long as I can. I did notice though that both Old Navy and Kohls had some solid colored (including white) t-shirts. You might try both of those sites.

[kimthebride]

for those who live in colder weather..what are you doing about undershirts/onesies for your little ones.
Carter's onesies are cut bigger than Gerber's (and a little thicker, too). I just bought some Carter's long-sleeved 24mo ones and they are a little big on DS. I am putting this on under his clothes as a arm layer. Also, I find most of the pants I have been buying have a lining in them for extra warmth, so that's nice. Oh, and if its not too too cold, I'll put the short-sleeved ones on him.

And I also found some "tube sock" style socks at Target that almost go up to his knees.

[jmvan74]

T-shirts/Onsies Collin still fits in to the Gerber onsies, so we will use those under his shirts. I bought some long sleeve carters onsies and a few plain, long sleeve onsies from Target that i can layer when it gets really cold. As for socks, the only kind I found that stay on his feet are hanes and I get them at walmart.

[june05Mommies]

Checking for updates. None needed!

[kelseyledare]

MrsChappy: So glad to hearing your parents are recuperating. I'm sure you'll be glad to see them in person yourself this weekend.

Nat: Love the Addie photos, especially the one with her and your DH- too cute! She's getting so big.

Naamah: Wow! I am so humbled with your potty training progress! We have no thoughts of trying before she's two.

Meri: Good luck with the GTT. I can't remember which flavor I had, but it reminded me of a flat soda... all that sugar. I had the same dizziness and lightheadedness when pregnant with DD- it's just your lowered BP. I always had to stand very slowly and especially when getting out of a hot shower or bath. I almost always sat on the floor for several mins to get settled. It's got to be hard with a toddler, though. My dogs looked at me like I was crazy enough on the floor; I'm sure Sarah is, too!

Ava's had a cold these past few days so that hasn't been fun. We've been giving decongestant but it doesn't seem to be helping as much as usual. Maybe I got a dud bottle :D . Her school Halloween party is on Tuesday, and then we're taking her around the neighborhood to a few homes to visit in her duck costume.

I am so annoyed with Portrait Innovations- I called about 2 wks ago to see when they were taking Christmas appointments and was told only 4 wks out. I called back again today, and they're all booked up! I got wrong information from whomever I spoke with originally. I am so peeved. I scheduled a weekday when I am postcall but that means DH probably won't be able to come. Err, I wanted his opinion before I bought all the photos for Christmas cards. Oh well. Now I'm focusing on getting her Christmas outfit together.

DH is gone to Atlanta today so it's just us girls. I plan to straighten my desk, bake some cookies, lightly clean the downstairs, and hit the grocery store. That's about all I can get done with DD in a cranky mood.

[jmvan74]

Maggie: Sorry Ava is feeling yucky. I think colds are the worst b/c there really is nothing you can do to make it go away. :(
How annoying that you got bum info from the portrait place. I'm sure you'll pic out great pics for the cards even if DH can't be there.
DH is gone to Atlanta today so it's just us girls. I plan to straighten my desk, bake some cookies, lightly clean the downstairs, and hit the grocery store. That's about all I can get done with DD in a cranky mood.

Is that all you can get done? LOL! That's more than I can do when DS is in a good mood! hehee!:p

[kelseyledare]

he, he, I mean, very lightly on the cleaning. I've already swapped laundry for grocery store. I don't like going on Sundays because it's so crowded. I'll go tomorrow after work. Ava surprised me and took a nap after church which was w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l since her napping on weekends is usually so poor.

We've decided to turn our finished basement into a family room. It's really not being used at all right now. It has one of those drop ceilings and no windows so I want to be careful with the paint color so it doesn't feel closed in. It's a rectangular room about 13 x 21. I think I'll head to Lowes shortly and browse the paint section for ideas!

[Mrs.Chappy]

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos2537/2/13/34/68/28/9/928683413206_0_ALB.jpg

Happy Halloween (early)

www.dropshots.com/robynj20 for our latest video

[usafwife]

Just dropping off a few Halloween pictures. I'll be back later when I have more time to post.

Here's my little ladybug all dressed up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/usafwife7503/Sarah/ladybug1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/usafwife7503/Sarah/ladybug2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/usafwife7503/Sarah/100_1381.jpg

[jmvan74]

Such adorable little trick or treaters! I need to try and get a good pic of Collin in his costume tomorrow.

[tgr68]

Maggie~Thanks! Sorry to hear Ava was not feeling well. How's she doing today?

MrsChappy~What an adorable little monkey!

Meri~Aww! Sarah is such a doll!

Halloween Plans~Well, tomorrow is it!! I already have Shylah's costume set out and ready to go. We are doing our usual library day tomorrow, so all the gals there will get to see her all dressed up. I found out today that the newspaper is taking pictures of all the kids who show up in costume, so we'll most likely be running by there as well. Then it is off to DH's last day of work to see all his coworkers. It's supposed to be a pretty relaxed day there with all the activities going on. After that, I'll probably run down to the college campus to visit my old professors and organization sponsors. ;) When DH gets home from work, we'll take DD around to a few houses in town (ILs, my parents, DH's cousin, GMILs, etc) for some candy. Then we'll head to ILs to help them hand out candy since our end of town doesn't see a lot of trick-or-treaters.

[jmvan74]

Happy Halloween!!

[Mrs.Chappy]

is anyone else going crazy wiht the time change? My guy won't sleep past 6 am! i try to make the room as dark as possible. Before daylight savings he was sleeping until 7, 7:30 or 8!

[jmvan74]

is anyone else going crazy wiht the time change? My guy won't sleep past 6 am! i try to make the room as dark as possible. Before daylight savings he was sleeping until 7, 7:30 or 8!

We're in the same boat! Ugghh! Honestly, I've been leaving him in his crib until 7am, regardless of his wake-up time. Sunday and Monday he took 2 naps since he was awake so early. I think we are on the track to normal again,though. He took one long nap today, so I'm hoping that means he'll sleep in until 7am again tomorrow...we'll see!:p

[tgr68]

I am so tired already. Shylah only took a 10 minute nap today, so I'm dreading this evening. Either way, I hope she decides to sleep in a little tomorrow!

[Mrs.Chappy]

JMVAN Its comforting to know i'm not the only one with these time change issues. Ben took a 2 hr nap yesterday, and was still up at 5:45 today. wondering if its bc its lighter earlier..i try to make the room as dark as possible but he i still wakes! oye. Means i have to go to bed earlier so i can function! unfortunately i'm at work today exhausted so i hope his nanny can truly exhaust him so that he sleeps his usual 11 1/2 hrs again!

good luck

[Dreshny]

My kid won't go to bed earlier than 10:15 these days. Go figure. I have no idea why, since we have him ready for bed at 9:00, sometimes earlier (DH gets home around 7/7:30, then we have to make/eat dinner, etc.) I'm lucky that he sleeps until 8:30 AM, but I'm still wiped in the morning on the days he won't sleep until 11:00 or midnight.

[jmvan74]

JMVAN Its comforting to know i'm not the only one with these time change issues. Ben took a 2 hr nap yesterday, and was still up at 5:45 today. wondering if its bc its lighter earlier..i try to make the room as dark as possible but he i still wakes! oye. Means i have to go to bed earlier so i can function! unfortunately i'm at work today exhausted so i hope his nanny can truly exhaust him so that he sleeps his usual 11 1/2 hrs again!

good luck

He was up at 6:20 this morning... I guess that's a little progress....Blahhh. I've been going to bed at 8:30! Of course, I'm up twice to pee, so it makes no difference. :rolleyes:

Roseanne; so Asher's a little night owl!

[HedgeGirl]

My kid won't go to bed earlier than 10:15 these days. I'm lucky that he sleeps until 8:30 AM, but I'm still wiped in the morning on the days he won't sleep until 11:00 or midnight.

Roseanne, I'm so there with you. Sounds like you are describing Brady's sleep routine.

Halloween
We had a great time trick or treating. We met up with some friends who have kids within a few months of DS and went trick or treating for over an hour! Can't wait til next year.

[Mrs.Chappy]

Ah: we made it to 6:30 today..that's better than 5:45...hoping for 6:45 tomorrow morning. Plus, i totally got rid of the night bottle..i put 6 oz in a sippy cup before bed, we read books, he drinks, then sleep! nothing like changing things up a bit!

[kelseyledare]

Here's my Duck on Halloween


http://www.dropshots.com/photos/135318/20061025/191857.jpg

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/135318/20061031/202939.jpg

Sorry about all the sleeping trouble. Ava finally seems to be sleeping a little later in the mornings, but is still fussing a bit when she goes to bed. Sigh. Just when you get used to the easy bedtimes, they start CIO again.

[sophiapb]

Omigosh, LOVE the lady bug and duck! I need to download photos of my sunflower. She got quite a haul despite only going to about 12 houses. Of course, her mummy has no self-control and shot her gestational diabetes diet to crap by attacking the aforementioned haul but I digress. :o Will be back on Monday with photos!

[Natrat80]

I don't think I posted these yet:
Addie as a butterfly
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20061031/r90_195339.jpg
and the whole family (not our house in the background!)
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20061031/221028.jpg

[tgr68]

Time Change~Shylah's sleep has been off since the time change, but I'm not sure if it is that or the fact that we all just got over being sick. :confused: She decided to wake up at 4:30am today and play over an hour! Ugh!

Halloween~We had a pretty good day. I took Shylah to visit DH, Gma, both Gpas, and the college campus during the day. That night it turned dreadfully cold, so we only went to see the great-granparents and grandparents. At our last stop (ILs) we did run across the street to the neighbors house briefly. Overall it was pretty good.

Maggie~So cute!

Natrat~Very pretty!

I still don't have our Halloween pics uploaded because I still need to get them from my step-mom.

[jmvan74]

Adorable chicken and butterfly!

Cute new avatar, Naamah!

[kelseyledare]

Natalie ~ Love the butterfly! How cute are her little antenna! Did you make her costume or buy it?

Naamah ~ Love your new avatar- gotta love those little pigtails! DC put DD's hair in a ponytail the other day and it wasn't nearly as cute as the little pigtails! I mean, how long can you wear your hair that way? You gotta enjoy it while you can! Sorry your weather turned cold.

Ava did really well wearing her duck costume; the sleeves were too long so she'd flap her arms and then she kinda waddled in it because of the shoe covers- totally added to the effect.

[Ferris]

I have been a horrible poster lately!! We got back from Mexico last monday, I had 2 horrible parent teacher conferences and am trying to get everything graded for report cards! I will definetly go back to part time when we have our next one!

Halloween He liked trick or treating in town, but he really enjoyed running to the door everytime it rang. And at our house is rang about 80 times!! He had about 150ish kids!:eek:
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/78860/20061031/173543.jpg

First Hair Cut So we finally took Dougie for his first hair cut! It made me all teary eyed to see my little guy look so grown up. He only cried once, but we made sure to tip the guy really well! I don't know how those people can cut hair and make it look good on a kid who's constantly moving.

[sophiapb]

Hey all. Everyone is putting me to shame with their adorable costumed kiddies! I still haven't gotten Halloween photos together and DH went out of town on business so I can't even get his help. Gah!

My last day of work is November 15 so I'm scrambling to clear off my desk. It doesn't help that M/S came back a few days ago with symptoms of nausea, dry heaving and minor vomiting. ~sigh~ Say it with me "It's all worth it in the end, it's all worth it in the end, it's all worth it............." :o

[jmvan74]

Maggie: I hope you got some video of your little duck waddling!

Ferris:That's great that Dougie did so well w/ his haircut! Collin sceams the whole time. :rolleyes:

So sorry you are sick again, Sophia. You are so close to the end. How crazy! Hopefully, when you are home you can get some rest before #2 arrives! I can't wait to find out what name you chose and the sex (for certain). :p

Well, I failed my 1 hour GTT and will be taking the 3 hour. Excellent. It's getting more difficult every day to keep up w/ Collin. January is going to be one tough month!

[kelseyledare]

Sophia: So sorry the MS is back again! Hurray that your last day of work is drawing near! I agree with Julie, I can't wait to here a definite gender and name... plus photos!

Maybe this has already been discussed, but since I have relatives asking- What toys/books/puzzles are you getting your DC for Christmas? I feel like I don't have as many things in mind as I usually do so would love some suggestions!

[tgr68]

Hey, gals!! Still feeling like crap here, but thought I'd pop in to say hi and try to catch up on at least this thread.

Julie~Thanks!

Maggie~Thanks! So cute about Ava waddling in her costume!

Ferris~Dougie is such a cute lion!!

Sophia~Sorry the m/s is back! Don't feel bad about not having Halloween pics posted yet. I don't either! ;)

Christmas Gifts~I turned in Pampers points for the Dora Talking Backpack and Beunos Nochas Dora!! Also, we picked her up a foam floor puzzles at Dollar General for a $1! :eek:

[jmvan74]

Christmas: We're getting Collin a kitchen. I bought some food from the $ bins at target. I bought him some Sandra Boynton books (Marshall's is great for board books). I also got him a CD (music from Jack's Big Music Show). I just ordered some clothes from gymboree. I plan on getting him a big Knob puzzle and one of the little people sets (either the farm or the garage). I also picked up some play dough and mini doodle pro for his stocking. :D Wow, I've done more than I thought! LOL!

[LIZNKEITH]

Hey, girls! I haven’t contributed in a while, but I have been around and lurking. I love all the Halloween Costumes! Everyone looks so cute!!

I’m so ticked that Snapfish no longer works here. I’m tired of having to move my pictures from one site to another. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be posting any more pictures over here. It’s much easier to just post them in my LJ.

Things are going well in our household. Caroline’s vocabulary has exploded over the past couple of weeks. She repeats so much of what we say now. Her latest additions: “Ka” for Kong, “Woa di di doe?” For Where Did He Go, “Tee” for Teeth,, and “Luee” for “Lucy”.

Sophia,
I can’t believe how close you are getting!! I’m so excited to find out what you are having!! “It’s all worth it in the end”. ;)

Christmas,
Probably not much. Our living room looks like a daycare center as it is. I know Mom and Dad want to get her a sandbox. She always has so much fun playing in the gravel when we go camping. I may get her a small chair for the living room or something. ETA- we've also talked about getting her a small gym for the back yard. She has fun climbing on the one at dc and going down the slide.

[Mrs.Chappy]

Holiday: I was thinking about a kitchen for Ben (from my inlaws, of course). But Step 2 makes a Bistro Grill type thing which i like. So now i can't decide. Do we go withthe Bistro and do the kitchen thing in the event there is a second child (girl, perhaps) in the future?? DH likes the Bistro. Ben, however, is amazed by the kitchens whenever we go to playgroup at his 'girlfriends' house. Toysrus has a good online thing where you can do a wishlist. so i'm makign a list and then forwarding it to the relatives who ask.

We are running out of room too. We celebrate Hanukkah but my husbands family does christmas (he converted to judaism) so we expose Ben to both holidays by having christmas at my FIL. We don't have Xmas decorations in our home b/c he is being raised jewish. Both holidays makes for a very spoiled child!! :)

[Dreshny]

Hannukah: Probably nothing, actually. He already has everything he needs, and DH's parents will likely get him a few gifts (my parents just give money.) He's too little to know the difference now anyway, and when he's older and knows his friends get Hannukah and Christmas presents, we'll get him something.

[Ferris]

Christmas Gifts I already picked up a few books from Costco and am looking for more. I am also getting the Toddler Zoo Phonics set. It bares animals and hand movements with letters. I guess it's more of a gift for me than him! We might get him a few more cars, but we aren't planning on getting him to much this year.

Sophia My Goodness times flies. I can't believe you are due next month already!

Vocabulary Dougie Vocab. has increased a lot lately too. He's putting 2 words together all the time. And even putting 3 words together sometimes. He says "no mama go", "mama, up pease" He tells our dog "cosmo, hush, go" "me up pease". He always tells me "way" when he wants to go somewhere.

Pease!! We have him say please for things, however it comes out "pease". I was at Target the other day shopping for our friends son's b-day present and everytime Dougie saw a truck or car he would scream, "pease, pease car, pease truck". It was so cute, everyone in the isle thought it was cute.

Report Cards School has been so crazy this month. Just when 1 thing is finished another comes up. This time it's report cards. The semester ended today and they are due to our prinicipal by tuesday. Yeah that gives us plenty of time to do them. I guess I'll be spending some of my day off tomorrow working on report cards!:rolleyes:

Scowling He has been doing this new thing lately. When he doesn't like something he scowls at us. I think I taught that one to him!! oops

one of him scowling while eating mac &cheese
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/78860/20061105/141638.jpg

[sophiapb]

Christmas gifts-We got this for Alexa

http://ii.babycenter.com/images/en_US/local/products/detail/7591.jpg

and will probably pick up a couple of little things here or there. I think she is too small to comprehend the holidays and we're not big believers in tons of gifts anyway. We are giving her a couple of things to open to acknowledge the holiday and, truthfully, as photos ops! I know DH's sisters will give her all sorts of gifts and my aunt is giving me a hand-me-down play kitchen so she will be pretty well stocked, toy wise.

Dolls-Any other kids playing with dolls? I honestly thought Alexa was too young for dolls but she loves to snuggle her stuffed animals and started "feeding" them from her sippy cup a few weeks ago. My mom took Alexa to visit my cousin who has two little girls and Alexa had such a blast with their baby dolls that my cousin sent a couple home with her. She now walks around with the little baby cradled in her arms (not sure where she learned the baby hold) and feeds them with anything that is bottle shaped (not sure where she learned about bottles either!) or from her sippy cup. It is totally weird to see MY baby walking around with a TOY baby but she is such a good little mother. I might prompt SIL to get her a little doll stroller for Christmas.

[Natrat80]

Christmas We do the 3 gifts only thing. I've already bought some books off ebay and I think we'll probably do the leapfrog fridge magnets-either the abc ones or the farm animals. Addie loves playing with magnets! I guess we need to come up with one other thing. I'd thought about a wagon, but she has been in a friend's wagon and wasn't to thrilled about it!

I'll write more later, I just laid Addie down and I'm gonna go take a nap! :D

[sophiapb]

Woah! The December 06 Mommies thread had the first baby arrive! Umm, I'm guessing it's too late to change my mind about this whole thing. ;)

[tgr68]

Ferris~Shylah has started scowling too. The first time was yesterday when I asked her if she was ready to "go night night".

Vocabulary~She has had quite the vocabulary boost in the last few days. Her newest word is "cup". No attempt to put two words together though for quite some time.

Dolls~She has a couple of dolls, but all she does with them at the moment is give hugs and kisses. Then throws them on the ground. :rolleyes:

Sophia~Wow!! That must really make things close for you!

Not much going on here. I've been crazy cleaning machine today!! :D I've gotten a load of laundry, 2 loads of dishes, some vacuuming, and a TON of decluttering done!!

DD was a total crab this morning. She would not cooperate on anything!! I put her down for her nap around 10:30 and did not hear a peep out of her until 2:30. :eek: Poor girl was soooooooo tired!

[kimthebride]

Christmas
Assuming we'll still be in our condo (though our 1st open house and week of viewings is a week from Sunday! :eek: So you never know...) we're keeping it fairly small.
We want to get him the plastic Radio Flyer wagon with the seatbacks & seat belts, but have no where to put it. I did pick him up some cute Elmo slippers at Target (he's really into his slippers now) and I found a V-Teck cordless phone/answering machine. He's been obsessed with ours, so it was perfect!
I asked the ILs to keep Xmas light and only get things smaller than a shoebox or else it goes right into storage. I send my parents a Amazon.com Wish List so I just put small things like Little People bus, books and a couple others.
DS really gets into independant play especially with new toys/things. He really gets use out of every toy we put out for him, and I rotate what's in the main toybox so he's always interested in digging in to see what's there.
As for where we'll be....? We normally visit my family in MA the weekend before and spend teh actual holiday in Chicago with the ILs. This year, DH has a HUGE deal/project going on and we may not be able to fly out there. So it may be our 1st Xmas home alone as a family.

Dolls
DH got a fireman that has the tie/button/zip/velcro/snap thing going on and will carry him around at times (he especially likes to push him around in the maclaren doll stroller we have).
But I have some friends with girls about the same age, and they do cute things like "shhhhh" and rock their babies, give them bottles, etc. It is SO CUTE.

Sophia
OMG! Are you in denial now, or has reality set in yet? I'm just gonna pretend I'm getting fat until maybe late May ;).

Ferris
Lol - Dougie looks PISSED. :D

[tgr68]

We want to get him the plastic Radio Flyer wagon with the seatbacks & seat belts, but have no where to put it. Shylah got this for her birthday and absolutely LOVES it!!

[jmvan74]

Vocabulary: I can finally say that Collin is adding new words to his vocab. He was at about 6-10 words, but he is starting to add new words everyday. His newest are nana (banana) and stuck. He says everything is stuck. LOL! Bad mommy said Sucks yesterday, so guess who is saying sucks, now. :o

Dolls: Collin will push my old cabbage patch doll in the baby swing. If I tell him to get the baby he will, but he's more in to other toys. I do know that the little girls in our playgroup will carry dolls around w/ them everywhere.

Sophia: Wow! I need to go lurk in the December thread! I can't beleive you only have a month left. So crazy.

Ferris: Love the face! Collin is scowling, but he makes a lot of other interesting faces. heehe. Everyone always says he has such an expressive face. I'm not sure that's a good thing. ;)

Nat: The 3 gift rule sounds like a good plan. I think I've already blown that for this year. Although, I don't really count the clothes I bought him as gifts b/c they're kind of a necessity. I'll just wrap them for the fun of ripping off the paper! LOL!

radio flyer: Collin loves his wagon. I think next summer we'll be using it a lot for neighborhood walks. ;)

[kelseyledare]

Vocabulary: Still not a big talker, though she has learned some new signs and will repeat what we say sometimes. She finally says "Dada" in that she points to him a wedding photo and says it. She really only says "Mama" to get my attention when she wants something.

Dolls: I would like to get Ava a baby doll, but I am not sure what type/size. Anyone have recs? I added a grocery cart to her list b/c she loved one the other day in a clothing store and she really enjoys pushing things around.

Sophia: Wow - a Dec 2006 baby already! I can't believe that you and then our January mommies are getting so close.

Ferris: What a cute photo of the scowl!

Nat: I can totally understand the 3 gift rule! I have to come up with suggestions for family or else we will get strange/duplicate/inappropriately aged toys. Plus, I'd like her to get some books/puzzles/DVDs besides a pile of toys. I usually put 3/4 of her new toys in her closet and then slowly rotate stuff out over the next several months. Seemed to work well with her birthday stuff.

Kim: If I paid for your flights, could Thomas come down here and teach Ava independent play? Sigh, I think it's a side-effect of the constant attention and interaction at the daycare. Better than her not getting enough attention there so I guess I can't complain.

Radio flyer: I'd like to get one eventually as well, but I know DH and I wouldn't use it till the spring so maybe for her birthday.

Teeth: Poor baby is teething terribly. She didn't eat any lunch and finally just fell asleep. She's been chewing on her paci's sideways, gnawing on all her plastic toys and rubbing her fingers in her mouth. We're been doing Tylenol, Orajel, Hyland's -- to no avail. Hopefully, she'll feel better after her nap.

[kimthebride]

kelseyledare
Sure - I've never been to Alabama! Though you'd need to book me before the end of January.....;)

[sophiapb]

Photo removed

[allyray231]

Looking good Sophia!!!

Did I not come in here and annouce that we are moving?? I think everyone in the world knows!! We are moving upstate and moving in with my PARENTS. Please send me strength!

[sophiapb]

You'll do great, Ally. I read your post in Emotional Support or one of those forums and have been rooting you on. I'm sure the there will be an adjustment period and yes, living with the folks can drive anyone nuts but I think it will be so worth it in the end. There will be a lot less stress both financial and personal and in a year or so you'll be wondering why you waited so long to get out of the city. :D

[allyray231]

Aww thanks Sophia :)

[tgr68]

Sophia~Looking good!!

[jmvan74]

You look great Sophia! How are you feeling?

Ally: You're going to great. Get to packing, girl!:D

[LIZNKEITH]

Sophia,
You look awesome! I can't believe you only have 6 weeks to go!

Ally,
You'll do wonderful. You've been wanting this for a long time and know in your heart it's the right decision. It's just always tough to start over. You'll be surrounded by lots of love and support though. You'll be just fine!!

[kimthebride]

sophia WOW you weren't lying! You look fantastic! :) I only wish my own m/s made me look so good, lol.

[jmvan74]

Well, I failed my 3 hour GTT. I guess I'm a part of the GD club, now. The DR. is sending me to the high risk clinic, so I guess I failed rather miserably. Just having myself a pity party. :(

[sophiapb]

Oh crap, Julie. That totally sucks! I wonder if GD is more prevalent in subsequent pregnancies? I have absolutely no family history of diabetes so I guess it's just dumb luck on my part.
I do have to say that I was in total denial with the GD and fought the doctor about having to go take a class, see a specialist, test my blood and everything else but really, it's pretty easy. I'm not a huge carb eater when I'm pregnant anyway so that hasn't been a big deal except for my morning muffin. THAT I really miss but that was where I was having my main issues. Carbs in the morning are really hard with GD so I've learned to have WW toast with peanut butter instead or a protein bar. I still have my muffin, I just have half of one and eat it after dinner when my insulin levels have stabilized a bit.
Good luck!

[jmvan74]

Hey Sophia, I was thinking that maybe having the babies so close together could be a factor, but I don't know. My mom is a type 2 diabetic, so it shouldn't be a shock to me, but it is. I really can't see myself checking my levels. I'm a huge wimp. As for carbs....:eek: I eat cereal like 3 times a day. I've been on carb overload lately. I guess the good thing is that my mom makes her pies and stuff w/ splenda, so I should still be able to have my sweet potatoe pie! LOL!

[sophiapb]

I was thinking that maybe having the babies so close together could be a factor

Interesting theory. You might be on to something. Note to self: Wait a couple of years next time, biological clock be damned! :p

[tgr68]

Ugh!! Sorry about the GTT, Julie! :(

[Dreshny]

Sorry, Julie...

[Natrat80]

sorry Julie!
updated Christmas we're done shopping for Addie :D and nieces, nephew too She will be getting this puzzle (http://www.allchildrensfurniture.com/Melissa-and-Doug-2054-JW1030.html)
leap frog magnetic alphabet set (http://www.amazon.com/Fridge-Phonics-Magnetic-Letter-Set/dp/B000096QNK)
and some books!

Simple Christmases are the way to go! ;)

[usafwife]

sophia ~ Crap, I missed the pic! That's what I get for having a life this week (see below for everything that happened).

ally ~ Congrats on the move. Moving is never easy (I've done it about 4 or 5 times including when I was pregnant with DD - and I'll never do that again if I can help it) but after it's all said and done it will be just fine.

Julie ~ Sorry about failing the GTT. I have mine the first of the week. I'm dreading keeping the drink down.

Dolls ~ Oh, yes, they are the hit of all things at our house. DD got an Ariel doll for her birthday and it's been attached to her ever since. My aunt and uncle got DD a Pooh with the blanket thing (not quite sure what you call them) from the Disney store for Christmas and soon after it became the #1 thing she wanted. Now it (and Ariel) hardly leave her side. She hugs them as well. It's so cute!

Christmas Gifts ~ Haven't given it much thought with everything else going on. Guess I need to though.

Vocabulary ~ Getting more and more everyday. I'm amazed at how much more she can say with each new day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had some contractions earlier this week. Pretty sure it was due to carrying DD around as I had to take my mom to the doctor. It was rather chilly with a blustery north wind that day and so I carried DD rather than letting her walk like I usually do when DH isn't around. Bad mistake on my part. So now I'm back to limiting my time on my feet and no more carrying DD unless it's absolutely necessary.

DH is now 40! :eek: He celebrated his birthday earlier this week.

My carpal tunnel has royally kicked in this past few weeks. I guess I'll be having the surgery once I've recovered from the baby's arrival. I spent one night pretty much awake because I just could not sleep due to the pain. That wasn't fun as I was struggling the whole next day in keeping my eyes open when DD was awake. When she took a nap, so did mommy.

[kimthebride]

Hey ladies-
I'm out for a couple weeks but wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Gobble Gobble..... :)

[june05Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE!

[jmvan74]

Thanks everyone. I've been feeling really tired and have no clue what to eat. I meet w/ the nutrionist on Friday, so that should help.

Nat: Hooray for getting Addie's shopping done!

Meri: Hope you are able to get some R&R.

Kim: Have a safe trip!

[Mrs.Chappy]

Happy thanksgiving..
A fly by to vent about my MIL: She STILL has not called my parents. Their near fatal car accident was a month ago. Its disgusting. Finally, today, i emailed her and asked her if she had called them. why is it my job to remind her. How heartless... clearly i have no relationship with her. I can forgive her for this b ut i will NEVER forget. Am i justified in my feelings? She has no husband, no friends and is a work a holic. what is she possibly 'busy' with that she cant pick up a phone and spend 5 min. conversing w/ my parents (who are so good to her - invite her to holidays, etc). AHHHH!

[jmvan74]

Mrschappy: Sorry your MIL is not being very kind. I hope she comes around. Try and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

[Ferris]

MrsChappy Sorry that your MIL!! How are you parents doing?

18 Months Old! Douglas is 18 months old today! He is such a big boy!

New Words HIs new words this week are, "Yes, Pizza, Papoose, and drums". Its amazing at how many words he is picking up lately.

Thanksgiving I hope everyone has a nice holiday weekend. :)

[jmvan74]

Happy 18 months Dougie!


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Eat lots of junk for me!:D

[Mrs.Chappy]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Our black friday consists of my dad going for skin grafting on his arm. It is healing (the 4 breaks between the elbow and shoulder) but its still bleeding one month later. Anyway, he is on the mend which is important and i think his spirits are lifting with each doctor visit. I'm giving thanks that we are not spending thanksgiving with MIL (i know, harsh) but i can't deal with that S#!T right now. I am hosting a brunch on sunday with both families. So, i already bought the OJ and Champagne for a mimosa to get me through the 'fakeness' of it all. At least my family will be there too!
I know, i'm heartless...she DID manage to call my mom, but not until after i pestered her to do so. One would think a women in her 50's would be able to think for herself. Ok, enough from me...i'm at work meaning i can vent to you guys!

[jmvan74]

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was low key and pretty relaxing. The food was yummy, of course and Collin behaved, even though he didn't eat any of our dinner.

GD: I met w/ the nutrionist and learned how to poke myself. Fun stuff. I started logging my sugar levels yesterday and in a 2 day time frame my highest # was 108. :rolleyes: They expect the fasting level to be 60-90 and levels an hour after eating to be lower than 140. I don't see an issue. I hope once the specialist sees my #'s they realize it's not going to be a problem.

MrsChappy: How are your parents doing?

Sophia: How are you feeling? I can't believe how soon you will have your new little one in your arms. I'm so excited for you!

Meri: Hope you are getting some rest and feeling well.

Kim: I hope your travels didn't make your feel worse.

Holiday shopping: I only have 3 more gifts to buy. I went out Saturday and just went down my list and did as much as I could handle. Thank goodness that is done. I am becoming way to uncomfortable to be out shopping!

[sophiapb]

Mrs. Chappy-My MIL isn't the easiest person to deal with but your MIL sounds just plain RUDE! Sorry you're having to deal with crap like that. Although it doesn't sound like an easy time, I'm glad that your parents are healing.

Hey Julie. I'm still here. I'm a lot less active on CC since I'm no longer at work with a computer in front of me all the time. At home, I have to turn on the laptop, hookup the DSL and get a keyboard obsessed toddler off my lap before I can come visit you all. I'm doing well but am starting to count down the days. I have a lot more uterine tightening and am really feeling like it might be any day now. Of course, that's what I thought a month ago and here I still am but you all know that I'm a bit of a drama queen! ~snort~ Glad to hear that your glucose numbers are within reason. I've had a couple of high numbers just from sheer stupidity (bingeing on leftover Halloween candy and attacking a plate of Christmas cookies come to mind :rolleyes: ) but otherwise I'm fine as well. I can't believe I've actually become blase about sticking my finger 4 times a day!

Editing to remove photo.

How's everyone else doing?

[Ferris]

SophiapdYou look great!!! It looks like you are carrying low, baby will be on it way soon! :)

Snow!Yesterday it snowed about 1/2 inch, but it didn't stick. Tonight it started snowing again and it supposed to be between 1-3 inches. Hopefully we will have a late start so I don't have to venture out early tomorrow.

Dougie in the snow
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/78860/20061127/203354.jpg

He kept trying to play with it, and then he told me "ands old" with translates to hands cold. Once I but mittens on him he didn't want to come back inside!

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/78860/20061127/203709.jpg

[jmvan74]

Great picture of you and Alexa, Sophia. As for sticking my fingers 4 times a day....I still flinch. Ugghh.

Ferris: I'm jealous of your snow! I doubt we'll get any this year. We had one snow last year. :( boo hoo. Great pictures!

Nothing really going on here. I'm on the hunt for a part time mother's helper to lend a hand after the baby comes. I hope to find someone quickly and be done w/ it.

[LIZNKEITH]

Mrs. Chappy,
I was just coming in here to ask how your parents were doing. I can't believe your MIL....how RUDE!

Sophia,
Hey, Mama!! Ugh...Alexa is too cute! Can you nibble her little cheeks for me...please?! I agree about the carrying low. I really don't think you'll make it to your EDD.

Ferris,
Wow!! Snow already?! I'm so jealous. It's in the 60's here right now. There's something fundamentally wrong with having warm temps during the holidays. That is such a great picture of all three of you! Dougie is adorable. "ands old"...LOL!


Things are going fine here. Caroline continues to amaze me every day. She still isn't talking too much, but she comprehends so much. It's amazing to me how much they grasp at this age.

Last week she came down with a fever, runny nose, and cough. First time getting sick since May...I can't believe it! I hadn't said anything for fear of jinxing. LOL!

Yesterday I noticed that she's popped her first molar! This brings the tooth count up to a "whopping" 6. I was *this close* to buying her dentures for Christmas. ;)

QOTD- Pacifiers
Who is still using them? We are. I always said I'd take it away when she was about 18 months old, but now that we are almost there I don't see that happening. She relies on that thing so much. It is seriously a crutch. A few times we've forgotten to give it to her at bedtime and she'd immediately stand up and scream until we remember and bring it to her. Then, she'll roll right over and fall asleep. I'm terrified. I know we're going to have to give it up soon, but maybe just a little longer??

[jmvan74]

Pacifier: We still use it, too. I think in the spring we will start limiting it's use and try to wean him by the end of summer. I just don't see us getting rid of it when there will be a new baby w/ one.

[kimthebride]

You all guessed it.
Yep, you may have been onto something.
You bunch of Smarty Pants!

We found out today that #2 is a GIRL! :D

Just a quick stop by, so no shout outs....but thought you'd like to know. :)

[Natrat80]

yeah Kim! Does she have a name yet?? I want to send her some bows when she is closer to arriving. ;)

sophia You look great and Alexa sure is adorable!


We spent our Thanksgiving break (DH got a week off) touring the state of Texas. In 7 days we were in 13 different cities!!!! :eek: Man I'm so over being in the car! Addie did great though and we got to see family, friends, and go to my college roomie's wedding. It was like a college reunion!

We're on Clomid this cycle (round #2) so I'm hoping and praying that next month I'll be able to come and announce I'm pregnant! Sunday I had a major meltdown and it took me about 5 hours to realize it was probably due to the crazy amount of hormones in my body!!!! :rolleyes:

DH is interviewing for a promotion today-so say prayers for us! He's ready to move up, so if he doesn't get the promotion at his current school we'll be on the move again!


Oh, by the way, liz it's 77 here today!!!!!!! :eek: It's so sad to hear Christmas music on the radio while you're blasting the AC!

[LIZNKEITH]

Congratulations, Kim!! I've never been so sure of a guess in my life. ;)

Nat,
Tell me about it...it's almost december for crying out loud. I'm not asking for a White Christmas...even a Frosty Christmas would do.
Ack...that is way too much car. Glad you are finally home and your feet on solid ground.
I'm sorry the Clomid is kicking your butt. Hopefully it will all be worth it and you'll get two pink lines in a couple of weeks!
Good luck to DH!! I'm beginning to think you two are felons on the run with as much as you move. ;)

[Natrat80]

liz No kidding, the longest we've stayed anywhere is 2 years. But I promise, we're not in trouble with the law! I knew that this was the life in store for us when I married DH. He is so driven and has a goal to be a head coach by the time he is 32 or 34. Hopefully once he gets to be a head coach we'll stay put longer.....but I'm not counting on it!

[kimthebride]

Thanks for the congrats everyone! We are both so excited, and all my friends who have girls (umm...which would be every one of them but Dreshny, lol!) are already offering to ship me boxes of clothes. AK! We need a house!

sophiapb
Seriously, you're buggin' me. How can you look SO DAMN GOOD when you are about to give birth? I'm like roadkill!! If one more person tells me "girls take away your beauty...you must be having a girl!" I am going to punch them then show them a photo of your shiny full hair and glowy skin. :p

Alexa looks so cute!

Oh, and it looks like since you're due so soon now we may not be able to hook up. :( Oh well...pop this kid out and we'll come meet her in the new year!

Ferris
Dougie is so adorable. That's a great pic of you 3. :)

Pacifiers
I didn't want to use them, but DH gave in with our Ped's permission. Then when I wanted to wean him from them at 1 year my Ped asked me to stick it out til his teeth are all in so he has something to bite on and alleviate that in-the-mouth need during the discomfort. I figure he;s got a few more teeth to come in, then we'll wean him. I'm getting over it, it used to big me but its not anymore. I have bigger fish to fry, lol.

Natrat
If this poor girl is anything like me and Thomas, I'll have to take you up on your offer sometime in 2009 :rolleyes: . With superfine hair that takes about a year or so to come in on us baldies, its just not fair!

Snow
As you may know, we went to Miami for a few days before flying to Chicago for Thanksgiving. DH was "dying" for a WARM RETREAT.
Ha. Ha ha ha. Ha Ha. Ha.
It was in the 30's each night we were there and didn't get much above 60 during the day. The night before we left there were flurries in Orlando! There were temp records breaking all over the state and a windchill advisory. It was colder in Miami than either NJ or chicago! :rolleyes:
Tom kept looking at me the whole time and saying "Just. Don't. Laugh." LOL!

[jmvan74]

Congrats Kim!

Nat: Good luck to DH! I hope he gets his promotion. Good luck w/ TTC this cycle, too! I hope you have good news to share soon.

[Mrs.Chappy]

wow..so much...i haven't checked in in a while...Congrats KIM..how exciting. one of each. Its crazy how time moves on and our children are getting older and new ones are being born. We are thinking of going that route again...maybe early next year!! I am just stressing about having two kids to put to bed everynight with a CPA husband who is rarely home for bedtime now!. Ok, i can't think like that...

Just posting my thoughts. I really envy all of you who are almost due. You are amazing.

[Mrs.Chappy]

Oh, paci's..yes we use them...there are 5 in the crib..we only use them in the crib. DS knows to put it in the crib when we take him out in the morning or after nap time..hoping to do away with them by second b-day.

[sophiapb]

Thanks for all the nice words, ladies. Yes, I am carrying low but don't really notice it until see a photo. The good thing about carrying low is that I can catch my breath a lot better than I could a couple of months ago when I had someone's feet jammed in my ribs!

Weather-I'm loving our 60+ degree days in late November! Alexa and I have been spending so much time in the backyard and absorbing all the sunshine we can. The snow and cold weather will come soon enough so I'm enjoying this respite while we have it!

Pacifiers-Yes, we still use them and it's getting worse. Alexa used to want them only for sleeping but now begs for them whenever she needs some comforting. I purposefully did not want to give them to her when she was a newborn but she would suck on her thumb and forefinger together and I realized that she had a real strong sucking reflex. I introduced pacifiers figuring that they would be easier to take away then her fingers. We are going to wait until her second birthday to wean her off pacifiers. I think becoming a big sister will be stressful enough so I don't want to take away a source of comfort.

Nat-So you might be on the lam again, huh? I hate moving and don't envy you for the packing and the crap that goes along with moving but more power to you for being so supportive of hubby. :)

We found out today that #2 is a GIRL!

*Yawn* Tell us something we DIDN'T know! ~snicker~ ;) Congrats! Pink ruffles and cute little bows on everything! YAY!

If one more person tells me "girls take away your beauty...you must be having a girl!" I am going to punch them then show them a photo of your shiny full hair and glowy skin. :p
Oh, and it looks like since you're due so soon now we may not be able to hook up. :( Oh well...pop this kid out and we'll come meet her in the new year!

Actually, my hair is looking flatter then usual in that photo because I didn't have the energy to take a shower that day (sometimes I have to lie down for a while after I take a shower since it can totally wipe me out). However, if I weren't pregnant my hair would have been a total greaseball that day so thank goodness for preggo hormones! Thanks for the compliments though. Remember my preggo motto "It's better to look good than to feel good........especially when you don't have any other choice!".
Yes, we will probably have to wait until I deliver to get together