September 2005~ We're One...Oh how Fun!

[BeachBum]

Hi everyone.
We are busy getting geared up for our Italy vacation. Exciting and nerve racking all at the same time. We leave on Saturday. It worked out where on of my friends from college is going to stay at our house while we are away. Good for her and us!
In some ways I feel jealous of those of you confident enough to leave the bambinos behind for your travels...but I am also looking forward to seeing the wonder in Henry's face as we explore together.

We've had some fun times around our house lately. He is just so stinking cute! He spent a good 1/2 hour yesterday out in the yard with the watering can. He had so much fun watering my pitiful flowers that were neglected all summer. Once the water ran out, he kept going just shaking the can in the bushes. He also had to stop and smell every flower. It was so sweet to watch. There are so many times like that when I feel like my heart might just explode with joy and love.

On the other hand, he sure can get pissed off when he doesn't get his way. If it wasn't so annoying it would be funny. He will scream till he has tears and is all red in the face. Mama has to play lots of psychological games to have a happy afternoon. :)

Our weather is just cooling off here (mid 70s) and it has been so nice. We've been spending most of our time outside. H loves to be outside, and I'm quite enjoying it myself. It sure is a nice reprieve from 95 and 100 percent humidity like we had all summer.

I think Wed we will have our last beach day, as when we get back from vacation it will be too cold.

Love the pics of Courtney (and the kitty), and Caitlin in the leaves.

[BeachBum]

Wow. I had no idea that I could be a thread killer on a "group" thread! I think this is the longest we've ever gone without a post.
Please come back and I promise never to post again ;)

[cr8zyforaf]

Wow - it is dead in here.

beach - have a great time on your trip - take lots of pictures for us!!

Things are busy here. Ash has another kind of ear infection - I say kind of becuase they are telling us they are red and a bit of fluid - so they won't give up antibiotics and we are just keeping an eye on things. She got her flu shot on Saturday and it gave her the runs...bad. And she is getting another molar - left front top. That makes a total of 10 teeth.

I think we are going away for my birthday - and leaving Ash. I am so upset by this and am already sick to my stomach over it. But, my marriage is in big trouble. We haven't had s*x in two months, fight constantly, and are both just at the end of our rope. Am I the only one going through this? So, we need some us time. I know it is important, but I hate DH for forcing me to leave her. I think he is being selfish - but he is right - I've made no time for us and really put no effort into our relationship anymore.

[hmbay]

cr8zy--**hugs** I'm sorry you're going through this but your husband is right. It's wrong he's forcing you into this but he's right that you two need some alone time. It's very hard when you have a child (or two in my case) but you have to just find the time and energy for it. In my house if DH is "happy" he's more willing to help out on things which give me more time to rest. We're taking our first trip without either child in a week and a half--5 days to Banff canada. I'm worried about my parents having the kids for that long since Alex still isnt' STTN and I've never been away from either of them more than a night but like you I think it needs to be done. Just think of it this way: a few nights of sleep uninterrupted and eating when you want without having to worry about anyone else. :)

[AlisonCO]

cr8zy - I hope as your mini-vacation with your DH approaches that you can think about the positives. Perhaps a shorter time away might make you feel better (like 2 days vs 4 days?) It is SO hard and I fully understand now why marriages fall apart after kids - as a mother your instinct is to give yourself to your kids. My DH and I really try to spend some time in the evening together - we often remind ourselves that this time when the kids are so young will end and we just need to stay strong. Do you think talking to a therapist might help you and your DH?

BB - Your vacation will be amazing and can I just say how jealous I am of Henry:) I imagine that the planning and packing is overwhelming though!

solong - I love the pic of C and the cat! So many of our girls have such beautiful hair - I always think that Caitlin looks so much younger and I think that it is because she doesn't have much hair.

wildcat and hmbay - Congrats to you both on making it to a year bfing!!! Really, you deserve some kind of jewelry don't ya think?:) Caitlin is now just nursing in the am - I have a feeling that this one might linger for awhile despite dreams of sleeping past 6:30am. This is our last kiddo so when she nurses for the last time, it will be the last time I ever nurse my child.

Have a great day!

[randysmandy]

HELLO! I've been straight out-But have been reading and thinking of you gals.

cr8zyforaf I'm sorry to hear that things aren't going well for you and DH, but rest assure.....you are NOT alone. DH and I rarely find to shall we say-express our love to eachother. I'm usually tired, or the baby is going to wake up soon. My sex drive is totally different than before. I can't say we fight, but we don't talk much-we just dont have time. On the other end of things, DH help me around the house-when he is home. He is gone from 6am-6pm everyday and has to work holidays and saturdays. I BEG him to take me out to eat. He only gives me a look like-are you kidding? He still owes me for our anniversary-that was in August. I would LOVE him to take me away for a night. So embrace the fact that you can get away and get some sleep, have a meal that YOU didn't cook and in the end Ashley will have a great time and be SO happy to see you when you return. And happy parents make happy babies! Happy birthday in advance! And I hope you have a nice time.

Beachbum Did I mention I'm jealous-have an awesome time and be sure to take a pic of the Pantheon and Colosseum for me!

Solong LOVE the pic of Court and the cat-you have a fat cat too? Mine's 26 lbs!

Alison Caitlin is adorable in the leaves-you inspired me and so I took one of Hunter!
Come back to chat everyone!!!

[solongtogo]

Yes indeed. He tips the scales at 23 lbs. He still weighs more than courtney does...by almost 3 full pounds.

[pixiecat]

We're still here! Just not posting much lately for some reason. Everything is going really well. For the past two weeks (up until last night) Lily had been sleeping through the night (maybe just waking up once or twice) which had been *heaven* !!! I think she had a tummy ache last night, so that was a little bit tough - especially after having a taste of what life could be like when you get to sleep! It's been so long... :rolleyes:

Lily moved on to the next room in her day care center and I really really love it! They do art projects, play outside 2x per day, nap on tiny cots. It's really just too darling. She enjoys the stimulation (the baby room was just too boring for her) and I really like the teachers so far.

beachbum - your post cracked me up! Usually I am the tread killer. Please do post again... :) especially b/c I want to hear all about your trip! I am super-jealous and can't wait to hear how H does.

randysmandy - that is too funny about your fat cat. He weighs more than our kids!

cr8zy - Please don't feel like you are the only one. As soon as I think that DH and I are back on track, we hit a snag and are back to being snappy at each other. I know that you are worried about leaving A, but your DH is right about you guys needing time alone. We desparately need this also, but our schedules are so crazy (part of our big problem) and DH doesn't want to leave DD! I, actually, am okay with it. Strange b/c he is not home 3-4 days/ week (gone overnight) and I'm the one who has never left DD... yet he's the one pushing back. (sigh) I just don't know....

Allison - omg, the pics of Caitlin in the leaves are just too cute!

solong - that Courtney is so darling! Lily does the same thing where she looks over at me before she does something she *knows* she is not supposed to do... and then smiles and does it! Argh!

wildcat - congrats on making it to a year & successful weaning! We are still nursing at night and in the morning, but it is less and less... I bet she could skip it, but she does still ask (by signing) to nurse most evenings.

Question - does anyone else's baby not say anything? Lily doesn't say anything (I don't count "DAT!" as a word), but is very interactive - it seems as though she understand most of what we are saying, points to the dog (when we say "where's the dog?"), signs "hungry" "all done" "nursing" but no "mama" "dada" ANYTHING! I'm not really concerned, but was wondering if we were the only ones...

Hope everyone has a great day!

[Brink]

Hi guys, been busy at work the last few days, only a few minutes to post before I run to another meeting.

Cr8zy - I haven't left Aimee yet either and can't imagine doing it. However, I do think you need to get away with your DH if things are that bad. Try not to resent him and have a good time. Maybe you will come back all refreshed and amazed that you waited this long! Also, since finding out we are pg, DH had I haven't DTD either - that was back in June!!!!! AND - I think guys have "periods". It seems around once a month that DH and I just don't see eye to eye. I know it's not my time of the month (especially now) and I've heard before about men having mood cycles too. Wonder if there is any truth to it.

Pixie - Aimee doesn't talk either. She babbles a ton (in fact, all the time), but she doesn't really say anything. She says dada and mama, but she isn't saying them in conjunction with anything, just babbling. She also says "da" when the dogs come in the room, but again - I'm not counting that as much.

Gotta run to my meeting - sorry for everyone else I missed.

Oh - an my Big Ultrasound is tomorrow for the twins. I'll let you guys know how everything went.

[Sandie78]

Question - does anyone else's baby not say anything? Lily doesn't say anything (I don't count "DAT!" as a word), but is very interactive - it seems as though she understand most of what we are saying, points to the dog (when we say "where's the dog?"), signs "hungry" "all done" "nursing" but no "mama" "dada" ANYTHING! I'm not really concerned, but was wondering if we were the only ones...


Zach makes lots of "ooh, ooh" and "duh, duh" for everything. He might be saying "mama" and "dada" I'm not sure. He does seem to understand things, but he's just not very verbal. He's definitely been concentrating on walking, climbing, etc. He's great at that. So for now I think he's ok, but I'm hoping to see more growth in this area.

[hmbay]

AlisonCo--Thanks. I don't think DH will buy into the jewelry thing but it's worth a shot. :) I know at around 9 months we took Alex in for something and when I mentioned I was still BFing with no suppliments the dr was like "huh? no one does that anymore but we wish they would/could! good job!"

So I got my online proofs from pennys. Just wanted to share one of my favorite of each boy and what happened when we tried to get them to pose for a picture together:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/hmbay/fb2652c9-5704-11db-8dc7-00132036a48.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/hmbay/f938b392-5704-11db-8dc7-00132036a48.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/hmbay/f85afdbf-5704-11db-8dc7-00132036a48.jpg

[randysmandy]

Talking H signs "all done" and touchdown. He says mamma,dad, pepe and pop. He also makes animal sounds (does that count?) The funniest thing is when he smacks his lips together when he wants something. So all in all...he doesn't talk too much.

HMbay OK I got scared when I looked at the first pic and thought he was the baby!!!! What a couple cute boy s you got there!

[solongtogo]

That's so cute hmbay. Colin has not changed a lick since he was a little tiny baby.

Talking mostly babbles. She says few real words. And I'm utterly jealous...Courtney still has yet to sign back to me :(

[Cr8nme]

cr8zy~ I know I alreadyreplied to this in your LJ but Hugs to you it will get better! I have never left Noelle and Dh would be/is the one who wouldn't let her go. As far as DTD it seems like I never get a break I think its every other day definately not longer than that :eek:

hmbay~ They are soo cute and look at them with their backs to eachother,lol

Talking~ Sorry can't help here Noelle says~ daddy, Mommy(just within the last week), No, Stop, Look (sound like Yook) , whats that( only we know,lol and she points whe she says it)... hmmm I think thats it!

[jo&sean]

Cr8zy - I am sorry that you are so stressed. Taking some time away together will be a good thing even thouhg leaving A will be hard. Hugs to you!

Beachbum - Have a great time on your trip!!

Hmbay - Your boys are adorable!

Fat Cats... - In a silly way it is comforting to know that we are not the only fat cat parents. Ours are 18, 20 and 23 lbs! Everyone who sees them can't believe how big they are.

We are leaving tomorrow on vacation so I have been busy trying to get everything packed. It is ubeliavable all the stuff you need to take for a little person!

Speaking of signing and talking - Addison signed "more milk" the other day when she finished her milk and wanted more. It was the cutest and she was really excited that we could tell what she wanted.

[cr8zyforaf]

hmbay - oh, your boys are so adorable!

cr8nme - thanks. I don't know how you keep up - every other day? OMG..the thought makes me sick.

jo - have a great time!! Yeah for the signing!! I wished my daycare would have been more diligent with this.

I also forgot to congratulate all the moms who stuck it out with the breast feeding. I think that is so great!! yeah to all of you!

Beach - have a great time - saw your thread about the cold - hope Henry feels better soon!

talking - Ashley is a chatter box - she says ma ma, mommy, da da, dog, Bailey (our dogs name), bad boy (which she thinks is funny - Dh taught her to point at the dog and go 'bad boy'), no no no (her favorite), bye bye, hey baby, baby, cuppy (for a drink), and now she goes into the pantry and grabs a snack and says 'nack' which means she is hungry.

And at 24 pounds, my fat baby is bigger than all of your fat cats...isn't that awful..she is huge.

[randysmandy]

cr8zyforaf I have a fat baby and a fat cat-Hunter is 25 pounds (that was 2 weeks ago) LOL fat babies-too funny.
cr8nme Every other day-you go girl.

Dh and I got into a blowout last night-must have jinxed myself. He thinks because he is better at putting DS to bed that he can tell me how to do it. He has also been very growchy lately. The combination of the two made me ask what is wrong and he has to be so straight faced with me. Why don't I learn that guys HATE to be asked "what is wrong?" Like reading Men are from Mars wasn't assuring enough. Well needless to say after an hour we made up and we are actually going out to dinner and playing pool/movie tomorrow night-yay. We desperately need a date (that includes wine :) )

Brink How did your ultrasound go?

QOTD what types of activies does your child do throughout the day? Hunter doesn't get to be around babies and my MIL cringes at he fact of actually bringing him ot the playground/the library (don't even ask) She does the same thing everyday:
eats
Brings him upstairs to see the dog
Nap
goes for walk
eats
walks around the house
Nap
maybe go for another walk/go back upstairs to see my FIL

Sometimes he draws or paints and everytime I come home the TV is on-a NO NO in the afternoon. Today she put it on in the kitchen while he ate his snack in the high chair-geeer!

[Cr8nme]

Haha you crack me up.... I do want a break sometimes but I also want a happy hubby so I can handle all the DTD,lol

Mandy~ Thats basically what Noelle does all day but we also go out to the grocery store or target something like that every other day. Its been raining on and off here so not really much outside time... My hubby cringes at the thought of Noelle being outside in the dirt or grass....he is clean freak,lol

[solongtogo]

As far as activities go, at daycare the kids

sing songs
have craft time (Court dosen't do the crafts yet, but she colors with crayons)
have mother goose time (court is also not in this yet, it's sort of a preschool program but although she sits in with them, she dosen't officially begin it until age 2)
play outside

usually when I pick her up shes in the front room playing with toys or with the other kids.

When I have her home, normally we play with toys, watch a little tv, color, play outside and take walks, go to the park, and read books. I sing silly songs to her too. Lately she's into mimicking, so we spend time trying to get her to do stuff and then cheering her on when she does...

[hmbay]

thanks everyone for the compliments on the pictures. I think the photographer did pretty good considering neither boy wanted anything to do with having their picture taken that day. :)

mandy--DH is a SAHD and I've been trying to convince him to take DSs to playgroups but no avail. I'd say a typical day in our house for a 1 and almost 3 year old involves some tv (Sesame Street, Barney and some other more "educational" type stuff), playing with toys, coloring perhaps, daddy chasing them around, if it's nice out he take them outside to play on the swing and slide or with the sand and water table. Perhaps a ride in the wagon or a walk in the stroller. At night I read 4 or 5 bedtime stories to the boys. So not as structured as daycare with activities (although I've been telling DH he really should give the boys more of a schedule) but we try to cover indoor and outdoor play and work on some educational stuff (most of the books are more educational in nature with colors, shapes, counting etc). I've also started singing with the boys at night as Colin seems to really be into songs all of a sudden when he had no interset before.

[Brink]

Hi all - back from our u/s appt this morning. Everything looks good so far, the babies are measuring the same (6 oz) and no evidence of cord entanglement yet. Other than that, the big news is the doctor was wrong - we are having girls! My poor DH, now will have 4 girls in the family plus 2 girl dogs and 2 girl cats!

Randysmandy - DH does the SAME thing with thinking he is better, so you know what - I tell him to just do it. So, from then on when it's time to put her to bed, I just say - "honey, she's ready for bed" and I go kick back on the couch while he runs up and down the stairs putting the pacifier back in!

Our kitchen is getting drywall put up today, that is kinda exciting.

Better get back to work.

[pixiecat]

brink - that is great news & so funny about all of the girls in your family!! I bet your DH almost passed out! Happy happy news!!

:D

[Cr8nme]

Brink~ OMG wow what a big thing to be wrong:D Poor hubby

[solongtogo]

LOL, wowsers brink! My goodness the teenage years are going to be a blast in your household :D Congrats on you and your DH for your little GIRLS!
You had best start a remodel and add another bathroom or 3 :D

[cr8zyforaf]

Brink - WOW!! you better add another bathroom to that remodeling project. Your poor DH...4 women...so glad that everything looks good at this point!

activities - Ash has a pretty busy day - mostly playing - they also have art projects, story time, and outside time. And sometimes the older babies get to go visit the little children - like yesterday they got to go into the toddler room - this month is farm month so they have had different animals in and I am so excited that Ash got to participate.

Next week, we are taking a trip to a pumpkin farm - if the infants want to go, the parents have to take them - so a few of us are going to pick the babies up and go.

Happy Friday to all..nothing too much going on here. Last night - Ashley shocked me by getting a book off of her bookshelf and bringing it over to me to read..I was shocked. So, maybe forcing her to read is paying off. She also likes to pick stuff up off the floor and put it in the trash can. She did this to her friends shoe at daycare and the teacher looked all day for the shoe. They now have to turn the trash can around because Ash is constantly throwing stuff into it.

[hmbay]

Brink--hey I can commiserate with your DH--I'm the only female in my house--even the dog and the fish are male. :P

[charmcitygirl]

brink glad to hear your u/s went well. congrats on the girls! i suspect you're still early enough that your doc might still be wrong about that, though. so maybe your dh will get lucky and get at least one boy. you never know...

we are going to a farm today. dh is working on things around the house this morning so whenever he's done, we'll be off. it's such a perfect fall day and it will be nice to get out with the babies. i've been so busy at home this week that we haven't gotten out very much.

[AlisonCO]

Brink - Oh my gosh - what a surprise:) I am so glad that the appt went well! That will be so neat for Aimee to have 2 little sisters.

cr8zy - C just started getting a book and coming over and handing it to us also. It is so cute because she backs into your lap and sometimes misses.

hmbay - The pics are great! I have a feeling that if I tried to get both kids to sit for a photo that it would look just like yours:)

activities - Well Caitlin pretty much gets dragged along to all of Aidan's activities like playgroup, storytime and music class. As she gets older she enjoys playgroup and storytime more. His music class also has a couple of younger siblings that C sits with. At home we play in our playroom, do playdoh, color with crayons, read etc. Whenever the weather is above 50 we go outside. C absolutely loves the sandbox, going for walks and pushing the play lawnmower. When A goes to preschool next year, I plan to do a class with just her - either swimming or music.

Happy Friday!

[wildcat]

No real time to post, but I had to skim and catch up as I needed a quick break from work!

Brink - OMG!!! I wonder what they saw the first time? Gosh, I bet the girls are all going to be so close! How fun!

We're leaving on vacation on Sunday morning (and Lauren is staying with my parents, we drop her off tomorrow - I'm so sad about that but so excited about vacation and a break!) Here's where we'll be, I can't wait!!
http://media.playa.info/webcam-beach.html

[Kay2003]

hmbay - I LOL looking at the third professional pic. The first two were so cute, and then the third where they have their backs to each other... so funny.

randysmandy - I thought the same thing about the first picture being the baby! : )

no words either - Kaito says Nana repeatedly. It means he wants something, usually milk.

crayons - your posts are reminding me to get crayons this weekend. We haven't done that at all.

brink - congrats on the girls!

cr8zy - hang in there. Have fun with your DH.

can't sleep - I was at a wedding today all day, from 11Am until 8:30 pm or so. I know I'm tired but can't sleep. DH took Kaito home early and I didn't breastfeed him at nightand now my boobs are full. I'm trying to wean him. I just feedhim at night, through the night when he gets up and in the morning. But today with all the craziness with the wedding, I just fed him in the morning. It's either that I ate too much at the wedding or my boobs feeling full, but my body feels TERRIBLE.I'm sitting here at 11PM trying to figure out whether to pump.

[AlisonCO]

wildcat and BB - Hope that you are all enjoying your vacations!!!

Kay - When I weaned DS I did pump once a day when I dropped a session but just for a minute to relieve some of the pressure. Once he stopped nursing I pumped once a day and just reduced the time each day.

I took C to Sears yesterday to take some one year shots. The photographer was awesome and wasn't pushy at all which was good because C was pretty unsure and serious. Here are 3 shots that I liked:

https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=38E633FF-3395-4058-825F-D165A865A3FB&C=Nat&R=90
https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=0031408E-53D2-464A-9FA9-5CB503251E4C&C=Nat&R=90
https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=38238A41-49BA-449E-9AC2-D3D49200FC32&C=Nat

It is 70 degrees here today so we are spending one last day outside before the snow comes mid-week. Just FYI, Old Navy has a bunch of cute summer stuff on sale right now for $2.99-$5.99. I got Caitlin 3 t-shirts, 2 tank tops and two shorts for next year.

Hope that you all have a great day!

[Brink]

Hi everyone - Happy Monday, right???? Only good thing about Mondays now is that it marks another week down in this pregnancy. I am 18 weeks today - another 6 to go before I'm admitted!!!! Hang in there little girls......

Thanks for all the congrats on our girls. Yes, my DH is going to go nuts, but in a good way I think. As far as the remodeling to add a bathroom - we are really lucky that way. While we need to update the bathroom (looks like the 80's all over) our new house has 3.5 baths. The bath that is for the kids has: 3 sinks, shower, separate tub, separate toilet room. So, I think the girls should be ok in there. The house also had 5 bedrooms, so they will eventually all have their own room. I think we will leave them together for a number of years, but I'm sure as they get older they will want their own space.

AlisonCo - thos pics are great. We use Sears too and have been really happy with them.

We have had to have discussions with daycare about how much they are feeding Aimee. Everytime we pick her up she is just starving. I put her in the car on Friday and had to sit in the back seat for 5 minutes feeding her puffs because she was screaming from hunger. They said they gave her a snack at 3:30 (which they didn't write down), but prior to that was lunch at 12:00. We don't pick her up until alomost 6:00 - so she is going almost 6 hours with just a little snack. I don't want to overfeed her and have her become one of the "supersizeme" kids, but jeez, if she is hungry - feed her!

[AlisonCO]

We use Sears too and have been really happy with them.



Did you know that after a session that you can go to www.tellsearsportrait.com, fill out a short survey and they will email you a $5 off coupon. This coupon can be used with other coupons too.

[cr8zyforaf]

allison - those pictures are adorable. I LOVE the one with the fall setting - her expression is priceless!

I am swamped - I dragged my feet at work on a project and now it is crunch time. I will never learn..I always do this.

Ash is pushing another molar through...bottom right front. Napping like cr*p at daycare and is a total bear at night..I feel like I am getting the worst of her.

We go to the pumpkin farm on Thursday with the school. I really shouldn't be taking off work, but...she is my priority. Trying to balance everything really s*cks.

Hope everyone is well and that our traveling mama's are having a blast. I am bummed - there is a spa that I wanted to go to and it is booked...everything is booked for my birthday weekend unless I want to spend $300 a night...so now we need to think of something..again, waiting until the last minute for everything.

[Cr8nme]

Ladies~ I am here asking that you pray for my family... my brother was killed in a car accident 2 days ago... I leave for Maryland tomorrow morning... Its so hard to be soo far away from family in times like this... I feel helpless.

[dbers]

Cr8nme - I am so, so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you are feeling right now. You and your family are in my prayers. Please let us know if there's anything we can do.

[randysmandy]

Cr8nme My prayers are with you and your family at this tragic moment in your life. Just feel blessed to have family you can go to and confide in even though they are a plane ride away.
[HUGE HUGS]

[cr8zyforaf]

cr8nme - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything.

[crow]

Oh Michelle, I am so so sorry.

[AlisonCO]

Oh Cr8nme - I am so very sorry for your loss! We will be thinking about you and your family.

[pixiecat]

Michelle - I'm so sorry for you & your family. We are thinking of you & praying for your family.

[hmbay]

Cr8nme--I'm so very sorry. You and your family are in my prayers.

[charmcitygirl]

cr8nme so sorry for your loss. thinking of you...

[Brink]

cr8nme - I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately I can relate. I lost my brother to a motorcycle accident. It has now been 17 years, but it still hurts. The only thing I can say is that for a time, I felt all of the emotions of grief - anger, loss , injustice, etc. Eventually over time I started to celebrate his life rather than dwell on his loss. Not to say I don't still cry, but I can also laugh at stories that I have heard/told over and over again. I hope that time will bring some peace to you and your family. Please know that we are here for you and are thinking about you.

[AndreaMMS]

Oh, no. Oh my God, Michelle, I am so so sorry for your loss. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sandie78]

cr8nme :(

[Cr8nme]

thanks everyone... My trip has been put on hold due to the Navy not releasing his body yet.. I know that he is in a better place...

[fifibee]

cr8nme -- i'm so late on saying this but i'm really sorry for your loss. you will be in my thoughts.

[randysmandy]

Cr8nme we are all stil thinking of you

Maybe we are afraid to post anything, but we seem to be at one of our "no talking" moments. Where is everyone? It is a rainy Friday, but we are going out with my office tonight. I dont know if my boss has some sort ofannouncement, but we NEVER go out. We did lunch a few times and played golf but that was it. We are just waiting out the weekend so we can greet my Dad when he arrives in MA on Tuesday!!!! My stepgrandmother is hanging in there-but BARELY.

Hunter is still waking up 1x/night-he wakes, I rock him for 5 min and he's back down-an suggestions? I moved him from highchair to booster seat-he looks like such a big boy! Making little progress eating with utensils-he usually throws the plate :rolleyes:

Have a great weekend mommies! Brink-almost one more week down-YAY!

[Brink]

I think we are all in just such a routine with our 1 year olds that there isn't much changing...... I don't know. Aimee still isn't walking by herself yet, but she is starting to take a few steps here and there.

Had an appt. with a different peri today. I think I like the original one I saw better. However, we did get to see the babies again and that was fun. They also said they are girls, so I guess I'm starting to believe it. They are both head down, side by side (one on the left, one on the right). My next appt. isn't until Nov. 2nd, so I have to wait a while before seeing them again.

That's about it. We gutted our kitchen, now it has new drywall but our cabinets are 3 weeks delayed. I'll be lucky to have a kitchen put back together by Thanksgiving. Aimee is getting used to eating out everynight!

[randysmandy]

This hasn't been a good week for us on CC.....
My stepgradmother lost her battle with Cancer last night at 6pm. I picked my Dad up from the airport this morning-home safe and sound (for good) from Iraq. I didn't know whether to cry of sadness or joy.

[wildcat]

I'm home, but to such sad news with our Sept mommies:(.

cr8nme - I'm so very sad to hear about your brother. While we haven't lost any siblings, we lost DH's mom 6 years ago this Christmas. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, hang in there.

randysmandy - Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother and that your dad didn't make it home in time, but I'm glad he is home and safe.

As I said, we're home (we went to Playa del Carmen, Mexico). We had a fabulous time and keep asking ourselves why we don't leave in the Carribbean!;) We were supposed to get back late Thursday night and pick up Lauren yesterday morning from my parents (3 hours away) but when we got to the airport on Thursday, our flight was delayed 2 hours, which meant we would miss our connection in DC. Of course there were no other flights that would get us home that day, so we (along with a ton of other passengers going a variety of places) had to spend the night in DC and then take a flight out yesterday morning. WHICH, ended up being delayed 1.5 hours. If I didn't miss Lauren so much, it would have been comical instead of making me cry!! So, instead of seeing her at 9am yesterday, it was 4pm before we got there, spent a few hours and then drove home for which she slept the entire time and then went straight to bed. It was really weird seeing her after a week...it was like I forgot what she looked like and sounded like!! It's so very nice to have our little family back together, and my parents and grandparents had a BLAST with her and they even taught her some new things while we were gone (she now says "uh oh", is signing "more" all the time (even though my parents didn't know what the sign meant!), can go down the stairs backwards, and can point at your or her nose when asked to!). The nicest thing about being away was the freedom...eat whenever we want to, take as long as we wanted, drink a few beers without having to worry about her, etc. However, I like being a mommy way better than all those things:D.

My 30th birthday is tomorrow:rolleyes:, not too excited.

[Sandie78]

Sounds like fun Wildcat. DH and I should take a baby-free trip sometime, I'm thinking maybe next spring.

We saw some old college friends at homecoming today. There were lots of little babies and kids there. Zach had a blast. We didn't stay for the game since it didn't start until after 7pm and tickets were $50 apiece, but it was a great day.

[philnikki]

Hey all.

I have caught up, and I am so, so sorry for everyone experiencing losses recently. :(

Sorry I have been MIA. I just started a new job two weeks ago, and my internet time is VERY limited.

I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello, and know that I think of you ladies often.

As an update on us, here is what I posted in LJ this evening. Its been not such a great weekend.

We had to take Ava to the ER :(

I was down at my IL's when this all happened (which is nice since that is where my ped is based). They got us right in and told us that she was definately wheezing, and they started her on prednisone right away. They gave her a few breathing treatments and did a chest X-ray to check for pnuemonia. They didn't see any pnuemonia, thank god! She was also running a temp of 101.4 which shot up during the day, because when Tara took it an noon, it was 99.6.

Anyway -- she proceeded to scream the rest of the night and none of us really slept. She had an appt. with her ped at 8:15am on Saturday (my ped came in just to see her, how awesome is that?!?!). Anyway -- she is on so many meds now. She has to take Prednisone (Orapred) twice a day, Omnicef (VERY strong antibiotic to hedge off pnuemonia) once a day, Zyrtec (anthistamine) once a day, Singlulair (granules at night), Pulmicort (twice a day through the nebulizer), and motrin every 4 hours. Her ped said that her ear drum was bluging, which is why she was likely so fussy.

We took SIL out for her birthday on Saturday, and Ava still refused to eat (she actually threw up for the 4th time in 3 days). The only thing we can get her to keep down is applesauce, although she did eat a little potato for dinner thank goodness. Her ped said that was ok as long as she was drinking fluids, which she still is.

This morning when I woke up her temp was 102.8! I was FREAKING out. Even when she was admitted to the hospital last year she didn't run a temp that high, and she had pnuemonia then. Its come down since thank goodness, but I am just at my wits end here guys...

Anyway -- munchkin is watchine her fave show, Sesame Street, right now on On Demand, so I better go watch it with her. I have been getting in a lot of snuggle time with her today. She is going to my Grandma's tomorrow, since Tara needed the day off. I really hope all goes well. The ped said if she is still running the fever tomorrow she has to have blood work. Keep your fingers crossed she stays at a normal temp.

Oh! And I almot forgot. The ped ordered a lab to test for allergies to mold, dust, dog, cat, and cow's milk protien. I really don't think she is allergic to cow's milk, but she may be allergic to some or all of the others. I am sad, because we might have to get rid of our cats if she is allergic :(. I am not the type of person to just get rid of a pet like that (I love my cats despite them peeing on my stuff and eating my plants), so this is just terrible, but what else can I do? :(

[Kay2003]

Wow.... it really has been a bad week for us September mommies....
philnikki - I hope Ava gets better soon. ER visits can be so scary. I remember how I felt taking Kaito to the ER while we were visiting my parents in LA. I think it is so great that you have a ped who is willing to come in on a saturday to see her.

cr8nme - I am so so sorry for your loss. I have a brother too and when I read your post it just made me want to cry.

randysmandy - My condolences to you and your family. I'm glad your dad is back home safe and sound.

wildcat - Happy 30th birthday!

bad week for us too - One of my DH's closest friend's fiancee attempted suicide on Tuesday. She jumped off a six story building. Miraculously, her major organs are fine - brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, spine. But her bones are broken all over the place and she has shattered her pelvis. We are all in shock. We spent all day Wednesday at the hospital with my DH's closest friend. Her family and he knew that she might be slightly depressed and that she was stressed at work, but there weren't any typical warning signs. We just saw her a few weeks ago at Kaito's birthday party. All of this has made think about how friends and family are the most important.

So tomorrow is MOnday. I hope that this week will be a brighter week for all of us. Hang in there!!

[solongtogo]

I'm so sorry to everyone who has experienced losses :(

Courtney has *finally* started signing! I've been waiting for this for so long. In one weeks time, she has picked up me, more, and big. She does more an awful lot, so I'm not quite sure if she gets the concept of it :)

[cr8zyforaf]

solong - so glad to hear Court is signing..I know how important this is to you and how long you've waited! Go Court!!

Kay - that is just awful. How is she doing?

Nikki - Poor Ava. I can't imagine how stressful this is for you.

Sandi - Homecoming sounds like fun!

Wildcat - Welcome back. Sorry for the delays..that must have really stunk. I love what you said about how great it was to be carefree but even greater to be a mommy!

randysmandy - I am so sorry for your loss and so sorry your Dad didn't get home in time. At least he is home for good. I will be thinking of you and your family.

Brink - glad you got to see the girls again...sounds like so far, so good. I think of you guys often!

Not much going on here...Ash is really a lot of fun. I think this is my favorite age by far. She is funny, laughs all the time, talks up a storm and has such a big personality. We are able to get out and to things with her and have her not tired and fussy all the time. DH's family is pressuring us to have another but I am just not ready.

[charmcitygirl]

it's been quite busy around here lately... reading some, but haven't been able to post much.

randysmandy sorry for your loss... glad to hear dad is home for good.

wildcat happy bday!

we got back from nyc late last night. we were there for a very good friend's son's 1st bday party. it was fun and the kids had such a great time. my friend's dh has tons and tons of nieces and nephews so j & z had plenty of kids to play with. it was so amazing to see them play so well with all the other kids and they even went into the moon bounce. it was sad to take them home and away from both of my very good friends' sons, who they adored (one is 1y, the other is 2).

next weekend is our neighborhood's halloween party. i think we are dressing the babies up as oompa loompas (from the original Willy Wonka movie). i just need to get dh to give me several hours of non-interrupted time so i can make the costumes. i think it's gonna be freakin hilarious, so i hope i get enough time to work on it. if not, i guess we'll just see what we can find in a store.

what's everyone's kids dressing up as this year?

[solongtogo]

charmcity omg that would be HILARIOUS. I know you don't post pics of the babies, but I'm pleading with you to post at least one of them in their costumes for a couple of hours :D

Court is going to be a lion.

cr8zy How is Ashleys sleeping? I always think of you, last night was terrible for us...were you up too?

[Brink]

Happy Monday - 19 weeks today! - 5 more until I check into the hospital......

Randysmandy - I am so glad to hear your dad made it home safe and sound and is home for good. So sorry he missed saying goodbye to your stepgrandma. That must be hard on him.

Nikki - So scary with Ava and the ER. How is she feeling today?

Kay - I can't imagine getting any news like that. How scary that someone could be that depressed. I hope she gets the help she needs.

Wildcat - Sounds like a great trip. Happy 30th Birthday!

Holloween - Aimee is going to be a chicken! We always call her our chick, so it is very appropriate. Her costume is probably going to be too small, but it's the only size we could find.

Well - have a great Monday.

[cr8zyforaf]

Lisa - Ash did sleep last night - however Friday and Saturday were awful. She is either cutting more teeth or has another ear infection. I am leaning towards teeth since she isn't fussy all the time. It is amazing how pleasant she is despite being up all night. I was so tired last night - I snored so loud DH had to move to the spare bedroom.

charm - I am begging you to post pictures...that has got to be the funniest thing I've heard all day. What a great idea. You are so crafty! Glad to hear the beans had a good time with all the kids!

Halloween - Ash is a chicken also. She hates her costume. I am hoping if she sees other kids dressed up she won't throw a fit.

[wildcat]

This is Lauren's costume for daycare:
http://www.oldnavy.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/402/402837/main/on402837-01p01v01.jpg

and then her costume for Halloween is our alma mater (the Wildcats!) cheerleader outfit (that she normally wears on gamedays). I might switch them around, but not sure. Since she's still not walking, costumes are a little hard!

[AlisonCO]

nikki - Poor A - I hope that she is better today!

wildcat - Welcome back - glad that you had fun!

solong - YEAH for C signing - that is awesome!

Brink - Yeah for another week - is your DH going to be taking some time off when you go to the hospital in a few weeks?

mandy - I am so sorry to hear about you stepgrandma, but so glad to hear tha your dad made it home!

cr8zy - I really like this age also - C is active, enjoys exploring things but still likes to sit on my lap occasionally - plus her tantums are not crazy big or long yet.

Kay - How sad about your DH's friend - I hope that she recovers and is able to get help.

charmcity - That costume idea is SO great - I hope that you are able to get it done.

Caitlin is going to be a frog for Halloween (it was Aidan's costume when he was 12m.) We are not sure if she will be going to the party with my mom's group, but she will go out trick or treating with Aidan if the weather is OK.

Here is a pic of Aidan in it - I am not sure that C will tolerate the hood or hands:

http://www.allsam.com/Oct31_2004/images/31OCT04_10.jpg

Happy Monday!

[Brink]

AlisonCO - We are lucky - DH is stay at home. Aimee is in daycare, so his "job" is remodeling our house and getting everything together. We had planned for him to take another 6 months off work, but now with twins I think that will change. Now we are thinking he will be a SAHD and we will send them to daycare 1-2 days per week for the socialization and to give him a sanity break from 3 little ones.

Cute costumes - I can't wait to see the actual pictures of our babies all dressed up!

[jo&sean]

We are back from vacation too. So much going on around here!

Cr8nem - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Randysmandy- I am sorry for your loss as well. I am also glad that your dad is home safe and sound. Hope everyone is doing ok.

Solongtogo - YEAH for the signing!!

Wildcat - Glad you had a nice vacation and happy belated birthday :)

Brink - Congrats your girls!! How exciting but poor hubby at the same time ;)

Nikki- Hope Ava is doing better. How scary.

I know I missed others so I apologize for the limited shoutouts!!

We had a great time on vacation and Addison was a great traveler. She really enjoyed all the new people and places - especially the zoo :) Her favorite animal was the ostrich though - not sure about that one....heehee. It is nice to be home though and I have been playing catch up since we got back.

Addison isn't really doing anything "new" but sure is busy and active. We have a busy week of playdates and activities lined up so that should be fun. We are having perfect fall weather so we have been "leaf hunting" a lot which she loves doing. We have made a leaf collage that is hanging on the fridge and she shows everyone that comes over. Too funny.

Off to run more errands!

[charmcitygirl]

solongtogo i'll post a pic... it'll stay up for a day or two so keep a lookout for it!

i just got most of the things i'll need for the costume... i just need brown turtlenecks, preferably a onesie, but just the top will do. anyone see any around?!

[Kay2003]

costumes My DH is going to be a bowler (we got used torn up bowling shoes free from a bowling alley), Kaito is going to be the bowling ball, and I'm going to be the pin! My DH will "bowl" Kaito towards me (Kaito crawls to me) and then I will be knocked over : ) Hee hee. It's a pretty easy costume for him as I just got black clothes and then duct taped the finger holes onto the back of his shirt. The only challenge was locating BLACK clothing. I went to so many stores! IT seems that a lot of people don't like to dress their babies up in black.

Okay, i've got to get back to work and stop procrastinating!!

[solongtogo]

solongtogo i'll post a pic... it'll stay up for a day or two so keep a lookout for it!

i just got most of the things i'll need for the costume... i just need brown turtlenecks, preferably a onesie, but just the top will do. anyone see any around?!

What about going to walmart and buying a pack of long sleeve onsies and dying them brown with rit dye?

[charmcitygirl]

yeah, that's going to be my last resort. it would just be so much easier to get brown turtlenecks though. thanks.

[pixiecat]

Hi ladies - sorry it's been so long since I've checked in... things have been going along okay, but now Lily is sick :( She has been puking continuously for a day - she had never thrown up before! And I feel so bad for her. Haven't gone to the doctor yet, but may today if she is not improving. DH was taking a shower w/ her and commented that her pudgy little belly is gone :(

Welcome back to everyone who was on vacation! I am jealous! Also, I love the halloween costumes... Lily is going to be a "lovebug" (from Children's Place) she loves the tutu! Hopefully we will be all recovered by then.

Have a great day everyone!

[crow]

Here's our little Vampire. Bwa ha ha ha ha!

https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=EC03EE46-55CE-4AA0-AF39-D8E2D4EF0356&C=Nat

https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=D40733DE-22AB-456A-A70E-04AAEB790508&C=Nat

https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=E96E25B3-D0F3-4907-A0C2-B6168809AE71&C=Nat

I have read the recent posts and am sorry for no shout out greetings. Boyfriend is changing so much recently--he is very active and wears us all out!

[cr8zyforaf]

Oh, all the babies in their little getups are so cute!!

[solongtogo]

omg LOL!!!

[randysmandy]

Thank you for all your. Everything should be back to "normal" and happy soon.

Halloween Hunter is going to be a Gorilla-he even has nipples LOL.
DH and I are still working on ours. I wanted to coordinate like you KAY, but I can't think of anything besides another jungle creature. I was thinking of being the lady from King Kong, maybe DH can dress up in that 50's style (if that's when it was filmed. Maybe the guy that loved the girl. I wish I could remember her name.

Nikki Poor Ava-how is she?
Charm That is a RIOT-I can't wait to see
Crow crowbaby is one cute vampire!
Pixieanother sick baby? I hope Lilly feels better....LOVE CP costumes-Hunter was the lion last year. I got it for $3.50 a few days before halloween!
I'm sorry if I missed anyone-all the babies costumes sound great and I can't wait to see pics.

[philnikki]

Loving the costumes everyone! Here is Ava's:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/Ava%20Pics/September%202006/100_6242a.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/Ava%20Pics/September%202006/100_6243.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/Ava%20Pics/September%202006/100_6248.jpg

She is feeling better. She still sounds terrible, but she is eating, and sleeping and not coughing as much, so those are all great signs! Thank you guys for thinking about her!

[charmcitygirl]

cute costumes, everyone!

so the oompa loompa costumes are really coming along... i just need to hem jake's pants and attach velcro to both in the back for the suspenders. at the last minute, i decided to add green hats since i think it's gonna be cold. they will be fleece with flap ears, so as to mimic the oompa loompa 'do. still working on making a pattern for that...

i swear, i will die if the weather is super-cold and/or rainy on saturday for our neighborhood costume contest. i think i might have to locate some 2-pc long johns for them to wear under their costumes. maybe sears?

in other news, we had a mouse in our house earlier in the week. i completely and utterly freaked (not sure why, i'm not really a mouse-phobe). it was awful, but dh (not the cat, mind you) was able to catch the mouse and release it into the park a few blocks from our house. ugh, just the thought of it skeeves me :shiver: anyhow, there haven't been any signs of more mice, so hopefully that was it.

back to the oompa looma costume-making factory...

[cr8zyforaf]

charm - they are calling for rain on Saturday...not sure how long it is supposed to last. We were supposed to go back to the pumpkin farm with cousins on Sunday but may have to cancel. I cannot wait to see the oompa loompa - I am sure it will by hysterical.

Nikki - I looked every where for that costume. The only one I found was on ebay going for over 50 bucks...no way.

I've had a rough week...work is crazy and I've had to work late - last night my parents had to go buy a car seat and pick A up because I was at work until after 7 (they picked her up around 5 so she wasn't at daycare that late, thank god)...and then when I got home - she refused to come to me - only wanted my mom. And today will be another long day. I get an F in the mommy department this week.

We are taking DH's grandmother to dinner tonight - I pray that A behaves. And then Sunday, my parents are having a party for my birthday - hopefully, we are going away next weekend but we still have no concrete plans.

Happy friday to all!

[BeachBum]

Hi Everybody.

Well we are back from Italy. We actually had a really nice time. There were 2 days that I briefly considered coming home early :eek: Henry was up and "ready for the day" in the middle of the night. Boy that was exhausting. Overall all we had fun. We spoiled him rotten, letting him eat gelato almost every day. :D :rolleyes: The part that was hard, was that he went from the car to the stroller and he hated being confined. Now that he is walking so well (for almost 4 mo) he does not like to have to sit. Fortunately both places we stayed had lovely gardens so we spent a lot of afternoons outside playing.

It is hard getting back into the swing of things here at home. My house is a mess, and I feel like such a slacker for not having decorated for halloween. We usually go all out and I know some of the neighbor kids will be disappointed.

Slow around here I noticed it was slow around here while I was gone. I just want to say that I for one, love hearing about the cute/new developments of "our" babies. Let's not feel badly for sharing what our kids are doing now. We all realize that kids develop at different rates and I hope that this isn't keeping people from sharing.
That said, I will share a cute Henry story. Since we have been home he is still on Italian time. He was "ready for the day" at 4 am (AAAAKKKK) and went into his playroom and got his halloween costume out of the bag. (He remembered it was there:eek: )It is the ON chick, but he thinks it is a duck. Duck is one of his few words. He kept holding it up to his head so I put the top on him. That wasn't good enough and he wanted to wear the pants too. After he was all dressed, he went running into our room where DH was still sleeping. He started saying "mama" (whichhe calls both DH and me) duck duck duck and pointing. It was soooooooo cute. Even DH didn't mind being woken up! Hopefully I can get him to keep the costume on halloween night!

[charmcitygirl]

mmm, beachbum, gelato everyday sounds freakin fantastic to me! glad to hear your trip went well.

well.... we wen't to the farm yesterday to get pumpkins and ran a bunch of errands (dh chauffered me so that the j & z could nap in the car). i was looking for thermals/longjohns for the kiddos to wear under their costumes but, alas, i was not able to get any. i went everywhere: sears, target, bru, kohls, even walmart (which normally i won't even walk in to) but nothing. target had pjs but the 12/18m sizes were only 1-pc and i wanted 2-pcs. annoying. so i just got some carters pants and snug-fitting long-sleeve tees. and they were really needed b/c it got really cold while we were t-or-t at the shops on our main avenue. by the time the costume contest started, i was sure the kids were gonna freeze. but. WE WON!!! they *so* could care less about it but dh and i were pretty excited. we even got a trophy.

i'll wait until wednesday to post pics. keeping everybody in suspense and all....

[pixiecat]

Hi everyone!

Beachbum - welcome back! I am so happy that you had a wonderful trip! Sounds like H was an angel (for the most part!) How did he do on the flights?

cr8zy - Sorry that you had a rough week, ours wasn't the best either. Happy birthday, btw!! How did A do at dinner?

charm - you are amazing! I can't believe you are making two costumes! Can't wait to see them :)

Nikki - I love that chick costume! She looks so funny in it, made me smile :D

We went to Boo at the Zoo yesterday and had a blast... but whoa! It was crowded. L did great, she loves the family farm, chasing the goats around and riding the little baby tractors. We are both pretty much over our sickness, and feeling good. I've been a little down, but think it just was b/c I was so tired. Feeling much better today.

qotd - why is my house always such a mess?

anyone?

ha ha! Hope all the mamas and babies have a great Sunday!

[Cr8nme]

Hey Ladies.... I am back from MD... the funeral went really well and the navy really did a great job honoring him.

I too agree it is slow but we had quite a bit of bad news in here lately... hopefully it will pick back up soon!

Alex and I are making an offer on a house today so cross your fingers for us :D

[Brink]

Happy Sunday - I just realized this morning how much life is going to change pretty soon. If all goes well, I will be checking into the hospital in 4 wks. This is my last chance to have any real quality time with Aimee. After Thanksgiving I will either be in the hospital or caring for 2 very premature babies. Never again will it be just us - kinda sad in a way.

Cr8nme - welcome home. I'm sure the last few days have been very difficult (not that the coming ones will be any easier). But I am glad that you were pleased with the service.

Charmcity - very cool about winning the contest. Can't wait to see those pics.

Beachbum - Welcome home from Italy. Sounds like you guys had a great time.

Aimee is officially walking now. It took her a long time (13 months) but as soon as she decided to let go, she has been going ever since. She is really steady on her feet and hardly falls. I guess she was waiting until she knew she could do it right.

I have some pictures from a Halloween party this weekend but can't remember which sites work for posting. I used to use Snapfish, but I know that doesn't work anymore. What are you all using?

[AlisonCO]

Brink - Aimee sounds like my DS- he didn't walk until 15m, but when he did he never fell! Yeah for another week! This must be such an incredibly emotional time for you. I am always thinking about you and the babies.

BB - Welcome back! It sounds like H did well considering the time change etc.

charmcity - Congrats on the trophy - you should look into making and selling unique costumes:)

crazy - I hope that A did well at dinner and I hope that you and your DH can get away for a bit for your b-day. Remember, you are not a bad mommy - we are all good mommies that sometimes have bad days!

pixie - I can't answer your ? because my house is perfect:rolleyes: I feel like my house is either clean but cluttered or dirty but straightened up - I can't see to get both at once.

cr8nme - So glad that you got back safely! I hope that you guys get the house.

So last week is such a blur because we all got the stomach flu - god, it was a horrendous week! I mean having the flu is bad enough but having o take care of two kids in between puking is torture. Thankfully DH bounced back quickly and Caitlin didn't get it too bad. Poor Aidan got hit so hard. Last Sunday I woke up to him standing by my side of the bed (why did it have to be my side - this is precisely why I put DH on the side closer to the door:)) and not 2 seconds after I said hi, he puked. Poor kid! Then Monday when we put the kids to bed, DH and I looked at each other and said "Shit, I don't feel good." Tuesday around noon I was about one puke away from going to the ER for an IV. I was so dehydrated that my legs, hands and lower back were cramping. By that evening I was keeping fluids down and was able to nurse Caitlin. Some of you might find this gross but I actually snuck a couple of ounces of breastmilk into Aidan's pedilayte. Both kids were able to keep the BM/pedialyte mix down and it actually seemed to help perk them up. But in the end we survived and made it thru with alot of gatorade and Sesame Street. One thing that I learned was what not to give the other kid when one has the flu - for dinner the night Caitlin got sick she had carrots, blueberries and raviloli with sauce - seriously, why couldn't she have had toast and pears:D

Today we went to a Halloween Party and the kids had a blast. I should have pictures soon. Caitlin liked her frog costume and even kept the head on for awhile. Aidan was a police officer and kept asking what the handcuffs were for. I was Bob the Builder and DH was a lifeguard.

Her lastest fit surrounds putting on/wearing her new, adorable stride rites - she hates them. I think that maybe I waited to long to put her in shoes, at least for short periods of time. When she sees me holding them, she runs whining to her room to point to the basket that holds her robeez. Then when I finally get them on, she ever so dramatically takes each step like she is wearing spiked snowshoes.

She is talking more now and says Mama, Dada, Bubba (brother), doggie, elmo (I told you she watched alot of Sesame St last week), baby, pumpkin, ball. She still likes to bite - when she is happy and frustrated - and totally makes a pouty face when you say no bite.

I will leave you with a silly picture of the kiddos sitting on a chair together - actually I think that they are starting to look alike:
http://www.allsam.com/OCT2006/images/101406_75.jpg

[solongtogo]

Is every baby walking now????

I know I shouldn't worry but wow, every time I turn around there's another walking announcement even on my LJ friends with babies more than 2 months younger....Courtney is STILL not walking or making much attempt to stand on her own.

[BeachBum]

I'm sorry that you are feeling down about Courtney not walking Lisa. From everything I've read, she is still totally in the "normal" range. I would just keep encouraging her to stand and play at the sofa, coffee table and any other toys you may have at that level. You just have to trust your mommy sense. As long as you feel like her muscle tone is fine and you don't think there is a real problem then I think you can really be at peace with it.

Great pics of Caitlin and Aiden. It is so rare that we see Aiden in here--the two do look a lot a like. What cuties! I'm glad everyone is feeling better. That sounds horrid.

BrinkWow. So scary and yet so exciting! You must really be a mix of emotions. I'm so glad that things have been goign so well thus far.

CharmYIPPEE. I'm glad your hard work paid off. I totally can't wait to see the costumes!

Someone asked about how Henry did on our international flights. He was great. I was so worried the whole time, but seriously he couldn't have been more perfect on the way there. He slept and played and all was well.
On the way home he grumped for about 10 min then cried for about 10 min then fell alseep. Then a baby near us started crying and he woke up. He didn't sleep much after that which made for a really long flight. But he played and was fine. No crying. We made sure to make him eat/drink so he would swallow on asent and desent and I think that made all the difference.

Since we have been home his sleeping has been crazy. He is sleeping better each day, but it is made worse by the time change. He slept through the night for ,ore than one night for the first time the week before we left. So I have very high expectations :)

[AlisonCO]

solong - Aidan didn't walk until 15 months! I know that it is so hard and he was the last to walk in the Oct 03 moms thread so I know how you feel. Actually his ped said that most kids walk around a year, but anything up to 18 months is in the "normal" range. I agree with BB - does she support her weight on her legs? Is she doing any cruising yet? Is she generally happy with crawling or does she seem frustrated, like she wants to stand but can't?

[hmbay]

solongtogo--Alex is walking but Colin didn't walk until 14--almost 15 months. I think Alex only walked sooner because he had Colin to chase. :)

[Sandie78]

My son the bully- Last night we were hanging out with some friends when Zach went up behind their 12 month old and pushed him over. Arggh. Of course they were very gracious about it, but I felt so badly. Somehow we have to teach him to be gentler with other kids.

[charmcitygirl]

after reading sandie's post about zach pushing, i have a question:

i generally will not intervene with jake and zoe if they are taking toys from each other or pushing each other out of the way (not in a malicious way, just being babies and trying desperately to get to wherever it is that they are going). but i notice that other parents seem to intervene when their kids take another kids toy, binkie, whatever or in some other way act "unacceptable" (in quotes because generally, i think they are just being kids, not trying to be inappropriate). anyways, i think it's important to let them work it out and test each other but does that mean i'm the mom that everyone says isn't disciplining her kid? it's not like i let my kids bully others, and i will intervene if it seems like malicious or aggresive behavior. it's just that i wonder if i let them go too far. where is the line here?

[Sandie78]

I generally will just let the kids play unless it's overtly aggressive like this push was. I've hung out with other mommies who hover over the kids the whole time and meanwhile I'm thinking "would you just let them play already" but maybe they are thinking I let my kid get away with too much. I prefer when Zach plays with older kids that way I don't have to worry as much about him hurting someone.

[Brink]

Happy Monday! Ugh, I wish it were Friday already.......

Pushing - I generally let them work it out unless one seems to be WAY more aggressive, then I step in. I am a little concerned about this myself right now. Since Aimee started walking, she will be moving into the "big kids" room at daycare. The kids just seem so much bigger and some of them are mean. How do I handle it without looking like a really overprotective mom? I don't want to shelter her too much, but I also don't want some kid coming over and shoving her down when she is just getting stable on her feat (it happened the other day).

[charmcitygirl]

yeah, i feel like i'm surrounded by hovering and very over-protective moms. but on the other hand, i realize that i am probable more lenient (because i have 2... it's hard to hover over 2 mobile babies ;) ).

that said, i've gone to the play area at the mall (for ages 5 and under...it's actually posted) and the kids there tend to be more aggressive, and the parents don't really intervene. there was a kid there once who wouldn't let mine go up the steps to the slide. i asked her nicely about 3 times before i went to another area. she followed and continued to bully my kids. i got so irritated that her mother was ignoring the situation that i left. other times, i've had kids aged well over the limit run and trample over j & z. needless to say, we don't go there very much anymore.

brink first of all, congrats on making it another week! (my weeks also started on mondays) second, i'd say to talk to the daycare providers and see how they handle these types of situations. i think it would also be wise to let them know your situation concerning the bedrest and being away from aimee since she will be more likely to act out in such a new situation... not that she would ;). that way they are aware of any issues she may have (i.e., not seeing mommy as much as she's used to). but then you can also be comfortable knowing how thay handle certain behaviors. if you are really concerned that she's being bullied, well, obviously you should talk to the providers about that.

[wildcat]

Yea! I'm happy to see some new posts in our thread!

I'm at work, so a few s/o's and an update (pics later, I need to upload them)!

intervening - I'm definitely a lenient mom. As long as the kids aren't being totally mean (pushing, biting, etc.) I think they need to work it out (maybe it comes from being a doggy mom for the last 6 years, let them work it out unless they get too aggressive?;)). I figure she's in daycare 5 days a week and has to learn to hold her own, she's so petite that she's almost always the littlest one wherever we go, and is at daycare also.

house - We hired a housecleaner when I went back to work! I told DH that if I was going to work FT and be a mom and wife, I wasn't cleaning anymore! So, we have someone come in every 2 weeks. Each evening after Lauren goes to bed, we spend 30 minutes doing dishes and straightening up (otherwise I wouldn't be able to sleep, kinda of a neat freak!). It's worked out really well for us.

brink - Congrat's on another week! Enjoy this last month with Aimee...it never dawned on me how we'll lose the special time with the first baby until you posted that! Congrat's on walking!!

charm - I can't WAIT to see pics!!

beachbum - You are one brave mama!! I'm so glad you guys enjoyed your trip, I'm totally jealous...Italy is one of the next locations in Europe I want to see!

cr8nme - Glad you're back and that the service went well. One day at a time.

Lauren is walking!! Or should I say, Lauren took her first steps! She took the first ones two nights before she turned 13 months (last Wednesday night). She's been practicing a LOT lately (especially on Saturday night when we were at a birthday party, totally showing off for everyone!;)). The most she's done is maybe 5-6 at a time, but she's totally getting it! Like Aimee, I think she was just waiting until she had it down before she tried, Lauren is so cautious! She just gets too excited about what's she's doing and starts giggling and loses her balance. solongtogo - I was beginning to think Lauren was going to be at the 18month mark before we saw steps. However, she started pulling up to a stand at about 10.5 months and started standing unsupported right before 12 months. So, even if Courtney isn't standing yet and it takes her 2-3 months before she walks, that will still be before she's 18 months. If you're concerned, I'd talk to your ped. I think all babies are just on their own time schedule.

In other news, Lauren is signing ALL the time now! She's signed "all done" since maybe 9 months or so, but within the last few weeks she started signing "eat" and "more" (at the correct times). Her school also works on "please" and "thank you" (I'm not sure what else?), so I started working on those this weekend and she did "please" once! I'm so happy we did sign with her bc we can tell immediately what she needs and there is much less frustration for her than there would be otherwise. She does this tongue-flicking thing when she wants a drink, so we really need to work on the sign for drink!

Words - she says mama, dada, doggy, Brody (a version of it for our dog's name), hi, all done, woof woof woof, woa woa woa, uh oh, yea, and yes (according to my parents, I haven't heard it yet!). We've got the occasional clear as day words (duck, book, etc.) but then she never says them again.

We took her to the pumpkin patch (with our friends and their 14 month old) and she LOVED it! They loved riding in the wagon, looking at the piglets, sliding down the big slide by themselves, and playing with the pumpkins! I'll post pics later.

costume - we changed from the cowgirl to a bunny - it's so cute! She had her Halloween parade and party at school last Friday - I'll post pics later.

Pacifer - Anyone else working on taking this away? I'm afraid! She LOVES her paci and it could be ugly! At school (now that she's in the 1 year room which she started in a month ago), she only gets it at naptime and they tell me when she gets up, she hands it over no big deal. This morning when I went in to get her, she handed it over, so I took it and we didn't give it to her at all in the morning or in the car and she was fine! I think we're going to try to use it just for bedtime and naptime and see how that goes. After a few days, I think we'll snip the ends off so she can have it but she's not sucking on it. Pray for us!hehe I'd love to hear others advice/stories!

teeth - How many teeth do your kids have? Lauren has 8 (top 4 and bottom 4) but hasn't gotten any new ones since she was 9 months. Should I be expecting more soon?

[charmcitygirl]

teeth jake has 11, working on 12 (i think). zoe has 6. she may be getting some more... either that or she just woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. whiny and cranky and throwing tantrums all. freakin. day. long. she hasn't gotten any new ones in quite a while.

walking both are walking, but solongtogo, zoe didn't ever pull herself up to a standing position on her own until after she started walking. i thought she'd give up on walking right away b/c she couldn't get herself up after falling (provided there was nothing around her to pull herself up on to). but she figured it out pretty soon.

talking none here. but i suspect "twin-speak" is right around the corner. and i'm dreading it.

no pacis here. so i can offer no advice. but we are working on ditching the bottles. it's not going so well.

clean house huh? what's that? seriously, my house is also either tidy and dirty or clean and messy. like right now, the kitchen is totally clean but there's crap all over the counters. same for the dining room. although i should give myself credit... i've been to some friends' houses recently and mine is not nearly as bad as theirs. mine is really mostly piles of things that never get put away. like dh's stuff. i refuse to do it. ;)

[fifibee]

Long Time No Post! Sorry about being MIA. This second pregnancy has gotten me pretty tired.

Brink -- congrats on making to another Monday! You and the girls are definitely in our thoughts always. :)

Teeth -- Max has about 12 teeth so far, and with all the drooling, I think some of the rest are coming in soon.

Walking -- We're not walking yet!! But I'm actually pretty ok about it. It's more for selfish reasons though. I just can't imagine having to chase him around or hold his hand with me being so tired all the time. Plus, I have heard (probably not true though) that crawling is good for development.

Talking -- nothing that makes sense. I'm just amazed at all the babies who sign and say things already. I keep repeating "mommy" to him but he just smiles.

pushing -- I'm fairly lenient as well. I try to keep an eye over the interaction between the kids but I don't want to interfere too much. If Max gets rough with other kids, I try to stop him. But when Max is the one getting pushed a little, I try to observe his reaction first before I get overprotective.

Beachbum -- congrats on making it back from Italy! You are one brave mama. I have a 13 hour flight to Asia coming up with Max and I'm just scared out of my mind. We went to HI last month and he was quite a handful. I just don't know how we're going to handle 13 hours. :(

cr8nme -- Glad everything went well for you and the family.

philniki -- Max and Ava have somewhat similar costume!

Here's our boy at the pumpkin patch this past weekend:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a185/betsy808/Max/Oct_2006_4.jpg

[Brink]

If anyone is interested, on November 8th on TLC the show "bringing home baby" focuses on momo twins (which is what we are). I don't know how much they go into the specifics of the risks, but thought you guys might want to check it out. I'm on another chat room that focuses on these types of twins, and one of the moms on there is the person they are doing the story about. I set my tivo and will definitely watch.

Fifibee - Aimee has the same costume too. I'll post pics at some point. Also, how is the pregnancy coming along? How far are you now?

[Cr8nme]

Walking~ Noelle has been walking for about 1 month now...

Teeth~ Noelle only has 2... EVERYONE(lol) comments on how she is 1 with soo little teeth... I am not sure what to say,lol

[cr8zyforaf]

Brink - thanks for the info - I will set the tivo. Yeah for making it another week!!! You and the babies are in my thoughts!!

fifi - adorable..again, that was the costume that I wanted but couldn't find anywhere.

wildcat - Yeah for Lauren - walking and signing. There are two babies in Ash's room that are not walking and both are August babies - solong - I know it is hard, but I wouldn't worry.

pushing - I am pretty passive....I kind of back off unless I think she will get hurt. MIL thinks this is a bad idea and jumps every time Ash moves...and she will only feed her bird size pieces of food which Ashley won't eat - I think she makes Ash nervous...I know her hovering drives me mad. She actually took a pretty bad fall at her My Gym class and has a huge bruise on her cheek.

cr8nme - glad you are back and that things went well. I am sure this is a very hard time for you and your family.

beach- welcome back.

teeth - ash has 11 and is working on three more I think. Sleep has been not so great lately I think teething.

cleaning - my house is a wreck...oh well..I can't do it all. I think with my raise this year - I will hire a cleaner. It is hard with the dog - I feel like I live in the house of hair...

paci - not yet - Ash loves hers...however, it is only for sleeping. I won't let her walk around during the day with it. I am going to drop the last night bottle when we get back from our weekend away and then I will work on the pacifier.

Question - have any other babies been playing with their privates..as soon as the diaper comes off, Ash's hands are in her crotch. I don't want to say anything to her or draw attention to it because i don't want her to think that any part of her body is 'bad' or 'dirty'. Is this normal?

Tomorrow they are having a parade at school for the kids...I can't go but I am sending a disposable camera. And then tomorrow night, we are going to go TOTing with her cousins. Lets hope DH remembers to get me a birthday card.

Still no plans for the weekend away - although I am sure we will go..I think I am in denial...if I don't plan it, I won't have to leave Ash :(.

Off to give the bean a bath.

[solongtogo]

crotch touchin normal! :)
paci is a keeper, for now.
pushing Courtney hasn't been agressive at daycare. She bit a kid one day, but she was teething.
teeth I have no idea. I can't pry her mouth open long enough to count.

Happy Halloween!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/halloween1.jpg

[sabrespa]

Hi all!

I read here everyday I just rarely post. We don't have much going on. Anthony has finally learned to climb, but this also means he is falling alot too. I may have a heartattack before he learns that he can't just let go when he's up high.

Paci~ He still uses one and I don't plan to ditch it anytime soon
pushing~ Other than his sister he's rarely around other kids, so no incidents here
teeth~He has all the ones on top including his 1 year molars, but only has two on bottom with a third trying to make it's way through.

Happy Halloween everyone!

[randysmandy]

WOW when this thread starts moving it takes off! i'll try and hit all the topics.
cr8nme I'm glad that everything went as well as it could have.
Paci We use it at naps and bedtime-I want to ditch it too, but am afraid!
Pushing Hunter plays really well with the baby next door and at teh palyground he hit a baby-I took him right away and severly apologized to the mom.
Teeth 12 here, maybe working on 13!
Privates Yes everytime the diaper comes off-I tell him that's his winky and he uses it to pee hee hee
Solong Hunter had that costume last year-I LOVED it! And courtney looks adorable!

We are getting 1 year pics today (better late than never)-the last pose in costume. T-or-T tonight...will post pics thur!

Where are the umpa lumpas???? Can't wait to see all the Halloween Babies.

HAPPY 2nd HALLOWEEN

[BeachBum]

Paci- he dropped it on his own around 6 mo, so no advice here
pushing-I just haven't really had to deal with this yet.
teeth-8, he keeps chewing hard on things but I haven't seen any others
house- we have a housekeeper 1x per week for 4 or 5 hours. I SAH, so I must be a major slacker compared to you guys. It really helped with DH and I having some "us" time after H goes to bed.

fifibee- I forgot you were preggo! cute pic

solong-LOVE the pic of courtney--soooo cute

QOTD
How do you guys deal with "NO"? and other bad behavior? H just doesn't seem to listen to me. I know he knows what it means, but he just keeps doing it anyway. I use "no" pretty sparingly, mostly on the sterio cabinet and dishwasher buttons. He will stomp his feet and scream like I slapped him. I try to say no, then redirect him to another activity.

I'm just not really sure what is appropriate to expect of him "behavior" wise. Another thing that annoy the crap out of me is throwing his cup off his high chair when he is done (for now) drinking. Should I expect him not to do this, or is it asking to much.

It's hard, because I know that I am a lenient parent. I feel like exploring the world is how kids learn. I know I indulge H more than my other parent friends...which I am pretty ok with. But, I also don't want to raise a bratt. I'm just not sure what is ok to expect of him at this age.

[randysmandy]

BeachBum hunter throws tantrums and screams at me when I put the gate up between him and the kitchen. From scooping the litter box, to turning the stove on, I have to do everything in my power to stop him!

fifibeeI was wondering how you were doing!

[cr8zyforaf]

Happy Halloween...

Where are the Ompha Loompa's - Randysmandy - those are the little men that were in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I am DYING to see these costumes!

Ompa Lumpa (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMii2YEdFYScB6Q6jzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA4NDgyNWN 0BHNlYwNwcm9m/SIG=134sjp7ap/EXP=1162392118/**http%3a//www.prestigioushomesflatfeeservices.net/images/ompa%2520lumpa%2520men.jpg)

bad behavior - I try to redirect. If she is throwing her cup off the highchair, the cup is taken away. We have a problem with her playing in the dog bowls..I say no and take her away from them and then I end up having to put the gate up - which makes her scream and throw herself down on the ground - I just ignore her. Once she sees she won't get a reaction, she usually stops.

lisa - court is adorable...I love the costume!

[philnikki]

I just wanted to stop in and let everyone know that my munchkin is feeling MUCH better, is now walking almost 100% of the time, and learned to use a sippy cup FINALLY. And to also wish you all a Happy Halloween!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/Ava%20Pics/October%202006/HalloweenCard1copy.jpg

[cr8zyforaf]

where are you guys getting these cute borders from?

[philnikki]

I made that one :D

ETA: I get inspiration from scrapbooking website though :) Just have to be careful not to copy too exactly, but my eye isn't good enough for that ;)

[charmcitygirl]

solongtogo love love love your halloween card and costume. so freakin cute.

exploring privates jake has only pulled on his a few times in the tub. usually it's like "hmmm, what's that? *yank* ehhh, nothing..." i'm just waiting for the day when zoe grabs at it in the tub. i figure it's bound to happen sooner or later.

disciplining i usually just try to redirect my kids but usually they are so determined that it doesn't work. i was doing time-outs with jake for pulling zoe's hair but he's stopped and we haven't done a TO in weeks.

tantrums i ignore them.

y'all are just gonna have to wait for the oompa loompa pics ;) but only because i haven't downloaded them yet and i'm hoping to get better ones (with the trophy) tonight. have fun tonight, everybody!

[wildcat]

beachbum - OMG - Lauren does the SAME thing with her sippy! As soon as she's done taking a drink, on the floor it goes. When she's ready for another drink, it's "uh uh uh" and pointing and I have to get it. Drives me MAD! But I want to make sure she's drinking her milk, so I want to give it back to her? Oh well, eventually she'll stop, right?hehe

behaviour - I've also been wondering what we can really expect out of them. I say "no" (probably too often) and redirect. I ignore her fits and she eventually gets over it. At what age can we really start discipline (time-out, etc) for doing what they "know" they shouldn't? (when do they "know" they shouldn't?) Any suggestions for parenting/discipline books? One of my managers really likes "Love and Logic" and her kids behave beautifully, I think I might need to order the books or dvds or something.

playing with herself - Lauren's really started to do that lately, both when the diaper comes off and in the bath. Good to hear it's normal!

I'm loving all the costumes!!

Ok, I can barely believe this myself, but I just didn't give Lauren her paci yesterday (she got it at naptime at daycare, but that's the only time she gets it) and she didn't ask for it once!! So, we decided to put her to bed w/o it and see how it went...well, she went down just fine and never made a peep then or all night or in the morning!!! I'm not naive enough to believe we can get a repeat performance tonight, but I was shocked!

Ok, now a few (or a lot of) pics!

bunny costume and first steps ever!
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20061030/normal_IMG_5641.jpg

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20061030/normal_IMG_5642.jpg

pumpkin patch:
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20061030/normal_IMG_5874.jpg

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20061030/normal_IMG_5899.jpg

school halloween party:
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20061030/normal_IMG_5726.jpg

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20061030/normal_IMG_5736.jpg

[wildcat]

TOT'g - Is anyone taking their kids? Everyone keeps asking me and we're not taking Lauren (she's not really walking, can't say trick or treat, I won't give her all the candy and we don't need to eat it). If we had an older sibling, we'd take her along of course. So, we just plan to have her dress up and "help" hand out candy. What's everyone else doing?

[solongtogo]

No TOTing here either...she'll dress up and help pass out goodies.

[sabrespa]

Anthony's going TOTing with his sister. Really, he's just along for the ride. :)

[charmcitygirl]

we're just going to walk up and down our block (not t-or-t, really) and then, since it's supposed to be really nice out tonight, we'll all sit on the porch and hand out candy while feasting on chili.

[hmbay]

TOT--well with two kids just getting over being sick we're skipping it. DH is also sick plus has to work tonight. We get no TOT's stopping in as we live in a rural area. We plan to take the boys to the IL's either Wed or thursday night when everyone is feeling better and that will be the extend of TOT this year. If DH wasn't working we'd probably hit the IL's and a few of their neighbors (they live in town--we do not) but since he is we'll just stay home tonight.

[AlisonCO]

TOT - It is so cold here today so unless it warms a bit, Caitlin will probably stay home. If it does warm, she might go along for the ride with DS to the neighbors.

exploring privates - Yes - she particularily likes to try and get down there before I clean her after a poo!

discipline - I only use NO when she is biting or hitting - I have found that since I only use it occasionally for serious things, that she (and Aidan) take it much more seriously (that and the mean mommy voice:)). I have a friend who says NO all.day.long and her kids don't even hear it anymore. I also do the distraction and removal method. Truthfully I don't think that you can really expect much right now. When they throw their sippy 100 times during dinner, they are doing it to see what happens - cause and effect.

breaking up fighting - I think that most of the time I am pretty lenient, especially with same age/size kids. Aidan is quite shy and so sometimes I hover more to make sure that he is sticking up for himself. When Caitlin is playing with her same age friends I just try to make sure that she doesn't pull or push.

nikki, wildcat and solong - All three costumes and kids are so cute!

[Cr8nme]

TOT~ We don't celebrate halloween soo no... Noelle won't be dressing up either.

[Sandie78]

We did take Zach TOTing tonight. I have to admit I stole an idea from this thread. He dressed up as a bowling ball and my sisters (12 & 15 yrs old) dressed up as bowling pins. He had a great time. He thought it was so much fun to be outside after dark.

[charmcitygirl]

okay girls, get ready....

**IMG deleted for privacy**

so, um, it's kinda hard to get 2 kids to actually *stand still* next to each other. these are the best i could do. and no trophy. the pics with the trophy were really terrible. oh well.

it was so funny to see people's reactions to the costumes. alot of people had no idea what they were, but the people who did... they went crazy for them. some kids even insisted that their parents take pictures of them with jake and zoe. so all in all, we had fun.

[pixiecat]

omg charm! Those costumes are adorable! And the kids are so SO cute in them! Great job!

TOT - not for us! We live in a very rural area, so we have to go to a friend's neighborhood... and its a long drive. We are just going to take advantage of the fact that L has no idea that today is Halloween... bad mom, I know! (but I'm so tired!)

wildcat - Lauren is the most darling little bunny! Looks like she liked her costume too! Congrats on the walking!

we had a party at my work last night & I brought Lily in her costume:
http://static.flickr.com/99/285297864_e235c2d711.jpg?v=0

[fifibee]

Brink -- i'm due 3/1/07. can't believe i'm half way through!

Charm -- How CUTE!!! I probably wouldn't have known what they were either, but you definitely did a fantastic job. :)

Pixie -- Lily is so adorable!

TOTing -- we're taking him to the local mall, which has a special Halloween hour.

Happy Halloween!

[Kay2003]

TOTG - There's a neighborhood in San Francisco that goes ALL OUT for Halloween, with decorations everywhere. One house even clears out two rooms that you can see from the street. This year they set up the two rooms as Monsters Inc. rooms. The people who live there wore the costumes for the characters from Monsters Inc. and got the people in the street to scream for the scream monitor!! Anyway, we take Kaito to that every year. It's filled with tiny little kids and the streets are blocked off to cars.

sandie78 - glad to hear that you liked the bowling ball idea. How did it turn out? Did people get it? Not too many people got what we were but it was still fun to put the costume together.

oompa loompas - charmcity - so impressed!!

pixie - HEY! I was at boo at the zoo too, on saturday. To think we might have crossed paths!!

solongtogo - Kaito is also not walking. He's 13 months and counting. But like fifibee I'm not in any hurry.

teeth - 9 in with three on the way. TONS of drooling.

I am so sleepy. I've got to get to bed. I hope all of you had a Happy Halloween!

[solongtogo]

LOL!!! OMG the oompa loompas ROCK!

[cr8zyforaf]

The oompa loompas made my day - great job...that is the funniest thing I have seen in a long time. What a great idea - charm - you are very creative!

pixi - lily is adorable. love the costume. How is she sleeping these days? Ash is doing a bit better - we had a bad night last night but I think it was because I had her out so late.

fifi - wow - your due date is right around the corner. Funny how time flies.

Ash did so well last night - she went TOT with her two cousins. Everyone loved her costume and she seemed to tolerate it. The teacher's took a bunch of pictures at her school parade yesterday and I sent the disposible camera off today and I took a few last night but didn't get any really good ones. I will post pictures soon.

question - has anyone started holiday shopping - if so, what is hot for our babies this year? I am thinking a play kitchen will be our big gift...but everyone is asking me what does Ash want and I really don't know what to tell them.

[wildcat]

I love the pics of the kiddos!!! The costumes are all so cute!

Well, on my way home from a client yesterday at 4, my car died. So, my DH had to come get me, jump the car which gave it enough juice to move it out of the street, take out the battery, go p/u Lauren from school, he dropped us off at home and took the battery to get charged, got home and ate dinner, dressed up lauren, passed out candy, then left at 8:15 to go put the battery in my car (30 mins from home) and leave it at the shop. Urgh. They say it's the alternator which is what we thought...$550. ouch. So, as you can tell, Halloween was hectic, but fun!

And we had an entirely paci-free day yesterday!! She didn't even have it for nap or bedtime and could have cared less! So weird for as attached as she was to that thing!

gifts - I was also thinking of a play kitchen then the other things that I had thought of as possibilities are a table/chair set, wagon, small indoor slide, and toy box. I'd love to hear everyone's lists...my family always asks at Thanksgiving so it'll be good to be ready!

[Sandie78]

TOTG
sandie78 - glad to hear that you liked the bowling ball idea. How did it turn out? Did people get it? Not too many people got what we were but it was still fun to put the costume together.


Thanks for idea. Hope you don't mind that I used it. Most people did know what he was especially since my sisters the bowling pins were with him. My mom sewed up a really cute costume for him which was filled with stuffing so he was nice and ball shaped.

[Brink]

Wow, busy thread the last few days.

I can't believe how cute all the babies are: Between the Lion, Bunny, Chicken, Ballarina and Oompa Loompas I think we have the cutest group of babies ever!

Beachbum - Aimee used to drop her sippy after every drink too. Then one day she just stopped. Now she holds onto it with one hand and uses the other to eat. I don't think it was really anything we did, she just realized it was easier to hold onto it than waiting for us to pick it up, I guess.

Discipline - We have used "no" for a few things but really try to reserve it for things that really matter (sticking her fingers in outlets, etc). I admit that I smack her hand if she is doing something and she is learning what it means. When she reaches for an outlet now, she turns and watches me while she slowly reaches out, waiting to see if I'm going to say No or not.

So, here is my "chick" on Halloween......

http://static.flickr.com/107/286005619_34c5249d9b_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/107/286005626_79d3fd51ac_m.jpg

[BeachBum]

question - has anyone started holiday shopping - if so, what is hot for our babies this year? I am thinking a play kitchen will be our big gift...but everyone is asking me what does Ash want and I really don't know what to tell them.

I am considering a play kitchen, learning tower, table and chairs set, and easle for H.
I am certainly going to do some play food even if we don't do the kitchen. For smaller things I am going to do some musical "instruments" like egg shakers, drum etc, blocks, "ball pit" type balls, flash cards with photo type pictures...gosh I had a list and I can't even remember what else was on there!

I would LOVE to hear everyone elses ideas.

TOT We had a blast! My parents came over to see H, but ended up walking around with us. We just went to a few select neighbor's homes, but H insisted on pushing the wagon the whole way instead of riding in it. Silly boy--it took forever! He loved his costume and was so excited to be wearing it. It was like 83 degrees and when I took it off him he was so hot and sweaty. Too funny.

charm Totally worth the wait. The oompa loompas are sooooooo cute! The costumes are adorble. You did a great job. I didn't get any really good pics of H and there is only one of him! I can't imagine trying to get 2 kids to sit or stand still!

[AlisonCO]

Darling kids and costumes!!!

Eventhough it was cold, DH took both kids out for a bit last night before dinner. DH said that Caitlin actually wanted to walk up to the doors:)

holiday shopping - the only thing that I have right now on Caitlin's list is a personalized chair for her room. She loves to sit in Aidan's and look at books. I also think that she needs some new books. I was thinking of maybe putting up a small chalkbord in our playroom.

For those of you thinking about a play kitchen, we have one and both kids LOVE it. It gets played with a ton - Caitlin mostly likes to open the doors, turn the knobs etc, but she thinks that it is hysterical to serve us coffee:)

[jo&sean]

Hi everyone - things have been busy around here so not much time to check in and no time for shout outs.

pushing - We are pretty leniant too - we do tell her to be nice or share but we don't physically intervene unless necessary. I think it is important for them to figure out how to work things out but I also think they are little enough that they need some direction.

teeth - Addison has 8 right now and has been working on molars for a month now...

Paci - No paci here - Addison never really liked it. We are having issues with the bottle though and are working through weaning her off it.

cleaning - I swear it is harder to keep a clean house now that I home most of the time vs. working full time. Between Addison, the dogs and the cats, I am constantly cleaning up spills and hair but I do kind of an improvised version of flylady and that helps a ton.

crotch touching - Yes, Addison does this too and we just let her do it.

Tantrums - I ignore them. She gets over whatever pretty quickly now.

Saying No - We use "no" only for something big. She knows that when we say "no" it is something big and listens. I just redirect and that works fine for us.

Throwing Cup on the floor - I ignore it when she does this. I think it is totally normal and if I acknowledge what she is doing, she thinks it is something good to do.

We didn't go TOT - it was just too cold her - like 19 degrees! Addison had fun giving out cand to the whole whopping 5 TOT's we had before she went to bed. It just wan't a good TOT'ing year I guess.

Addison has been so busy lately - she is always up to something and always learning something new. Never a dull moment around here! Her favorite thing lately is giving all the pets "loves" - it is so cute to see her hug the dogs :)

[cr8zyforaf]

allison - which kitchen do you have?

Our list so far (we won't get her all of this stuff...but we have a huge family so I put together quite a list) include the kitchen (which I want to get her), pots and pans, play food, a small chair (I want the one from pottery barn but I would like to find something cheaper), art easle, aquadoodle, some add ons for her little people farm and dollhouse, a baby doll that goes into the tub, toy chest, DH wants to get her a battery powered car but everyone that has one says it is a waste, a small picnic table for outside, puzzles, and disney DVDs. I've also asked for things like socks and pjs. She has so much stuff that she got for her birthday - I picked some 'older' things...I hate that birthday and Christmas are so close.

[jo&sean]

OMG - I missed the pics of the Oompa Loompa's - they look so darn cute!! Wonderful costumes :)

And I missed the whole Christmas shopping thing too - We were talking about the kitchen too and a toy box. Ugh...I don't even want to think about Christmas yet!

[hmbay]

pushing--no pushing going on here other than by my 3 year old. :)

teeth--has 8 but I think a 9th is coming through but he won't let me look anymore.

tantrums--we have them now and then--mostly when he's overtired.

paci--still using it and I plan to keep him on it for a while. I weaned Colin around 18 months once most of his teeth were in.

crotch--nope not really and other than if his hand is in the way when I'm trying to get the diaper on I don't care.

discipline--I use "no" way too much with 2 kids. Colin doesn't listen. Alex does. We'll see if that keeps up.

kitchen--we have one of the smaller Step2 ones. Alex plays with it quite a bit. Colin just tries to cook "real" food on it. We've had milk dumped over it, eggs cracked on it, food stuffed in the drawers and not found until it rotted. I actually regret buying it..... It doesn't help ours is right in our kitchen/dining area and I never bought "play" food. Perhaps that was the whole problem but buying it now wouldn't help.

presents--no idea for Alex really. I should start thinking about that....

halloween--the only picture I got with Alex actually looking AT the camera:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/hmbay/halloween06-6.jpg

[philnikki]

I *love* all of the Halloween pics! Seriously! How adorable!

Brink you had a cute chick too! I LOVED that costume!!

Christmas Gosh, I just told Phil yesterday that now that Halloween was over I can start thinking about Christmas ;) Ava's pictures are next weekend (11/11). I just bought this for her last night from PBK:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/Ava%20Pics/October%202006/dollhousepbk.jpg

We are also getting her an anywhere chair. I know my mom got ahold of TMX, so we are good there. I want to get her some more Elmo's World DVD's (she LOVES elmo). There's some Fisher Price and Leap Frog Toys I have had my eye on too. I want to get her a play kitchen, but I think we will wait on that till birthday time when I get moved into the new house. We are getting her a new big girl bed (she will stay in the crib for now) and re doing her whole room for the new house anyway, so Miss Ava is quite spoiled this Christmas, not to mention what her grandparents are getting her! :)

[randysmandy]

All the halloween Babies are adorable!

Halloween was busy for us... we got Hunter's Pics taken and the rushed home to eat and head out T-or-Ting. He had a blast-not only was he out at night,