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

[philnikki]

kay keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers!!

hmbay - Congrats!!! Yes, having a girl is TOUGH on the wallet :)

[BeachBum]

Kay- Wow. That sounds tough. I'm not even sure that I knew you guys were having these ongoing concerns.
How wonderful that you can give your child the gift of being bi-lingual. I'm so jealous! :)
Henry is the same way about jumping. He gets so upset that he can't do it. I'll admit that I'm a little surprised that he can't. His gross motor skills have been pretty advanced so far. I guess it will happen closer to age two?

hmbay-Exciting news. :) I'm so sorry that Alex still isn't STTN. H was a horrible sleeper for about 13 mo but now is great. I'm not sure if I could deal if were were still having troubles.

Kim- I would love to hear more about what swing set you guys decided on. We have been shopping too and are overwhelmed by the options. In some ways I want to buy a really nice set so that it will grow with him and provide lots of challenges, but on the other hand there is no guarentee (just my speculation) that a nicer set will really be fun to an older kid. I would be so upset if we spend big bucks and it didn't get used.
It's funny b/c we are trying for #2 as well. We've been at it for a few months with no success. It also took us 18 mo w/ Henry as well.
If I can help with your Disney plans, let me know. I'd be glad to offer up my $.02. :)

Lisa- Did you decide on a Mickey Mouse Party? I thought you were kicking that idea around, but I didn't see mention of it on the 2nd b-day thread (so perhaps I'm delusional). We are considering doing that and I wanted to see where your plans were heading.

[wildcat]

kay - Keep us updated on updated on Kaito!! I'm glad to know that Kyrie is still making us count our blessings.:)

[AlisonCO]

Kay - I hope that everything turns out OK - thinking of you and K!

BB - Congrats on TTC!

[Kay2003]

counts dropped again - we went in for another blood draw today, and I was really hopeful that this count would be even higher than the last, but unfortunately, it was lower than the first. Doctors expect a neutrofil count of about 2000 in kids. Kaito first measured at 352, which was why the doctor sent us in for additional blood tests. The count had progressively gotten higher, with a high of 952 on Friday. Today it was 180. REALLY REALLY low. We'll hear from the doctor again tomorrow. Thanks for thinking of us. I really appreciate it.

[solongtogo]

That's not good to hear about Kaito...poor thing :((

Beachbum, yea we are doing mickey mouse theme. And I'm anal retentive, so I have lots of things planned allready. I'm going to do gable box favors with printing on the outside and a bunch of mickey mouse goodies on the inside, pin the tail on Mickey mouse (my sister is going to draw up a mickeymouse on posterboard for that), and then Mickey's musical mats (like musical chairs but easier for the little ones)...I have a digital craft cutter like a wishblade and I'm going to cut out this banner to hang.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/birthday.jpg

I'm wicked stoked. I love planning parties :) And only a little over 3 months to go....I can't believe our kids are almost TWO.

[hmbay]

Kay--I'm sorry the new counts weren't good. I'll keep Kaito in my prayers.

2nd b-day parties--no planning going on here. DD is due around the same time as Alex's birthday so I have a few options--have a joint party with my SIL's (A's b-day is the 10th, and I have a neice with a b-day of the 8th and one of the 9th) and let them plan it and just chip in. I could also have the party along with DD's baptism. I will most likely hope for option 1--we did that last year at our house and it worked well. If one of the other SIL's want to volunteer their house this year that's probably my least stressful option (if I'm not in the hospital at the time).

[jo&sean]

Kay - I am sorry that the blood counts dropped again. We will keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers.

[cr8zyforaf]

Kay - I am so sorry - I will be thinking about you guys.

party - I know we will have it on the 9th - my theme may be puppy dogs since she loves her dog and doggies in general. I was hoping to go lowkey but there is no such thing with our huge family - even if I invite only immediate and friends - we are looking at 30-40 people and 10-15 kids.

[AndreaMMS]

Kay- thinking of you and Kaito....what kind of treatment is he on?

birthday party- geez, you guys are organized! I have no idea. Ummm...maybe a monkey/jungle theme? She loves monkeys....

[wildcat]

kay - You and you're family are in my prayers. Let us know when you find something out.

party - Lauren is almost a month younger than a lot of your kids (9/27), so hopefully I'm not too far behind! I know we'll probably have the party the weekend before her bday bc the weekend after we have my cousin's wedding out of town. As far as themes, who knows. I'd like if she'd have some input in it this year, so I might wait until August or so and give her a few options.

[Kay2003]

Thanks for all your thoughts! Andrea, there's no treatment yet, since the doctors are still trying to figure out what's going on.

No party planning yet : ) It IS hard to believe that our little ones are almost 2, and that we have all known each other for almost three years....

[Sandie78]

Kay Sorry to hear about Kaito's white blood cell count...

Birthday stuff Yeah, right! I haven't given it any thought yet. We'll probably do something low key this year.

Away overnight DH & I celebrated our 5th anniversary on Friday night. Zach spent the night at my parents' house. It was his first night away from me, but my parents said he did very well. It was soooo hard to leave him.

[AlisonCO]

Kay - I am so sorry that the counts are down again - I hope that the doc has some good news for you this week!

2nd b-day parties - I haven't even though about it! I figure that this is probably the last one where I can choose the theme so I will probably do something that is still sorta baby-ish like baby animals, flowers or butterflies BUT she does really like Sesame St and firefighters:)


We had a fun and busy weekend. Yesterday we went up to Denver and rode the light rail train into the city and had lunch with my family. Cailtin loved riding the train and looked out the window that whole time. Today we went to a party for friends and she played with all of the kids - it is amazing to me how much more social and comfortable she is in new places than Aidan was. She just walks right in like she owns the place. I have some cute pictures so I will be back to share them later.

[cr8zyforaf]

We just got back from the beach - celebrating our 5 year anniversary. Not romantic at all - we were in bunk beds (stayed with friends) and I slept with Ashley. HA. Had a good time - would have been better if the weather cooperated).

We are full into the terrible twos...we stayed with her best friend from daycare and it seemed the two of them just fed off of each other...they were quite a handful and the theme of the weekend was "MINE"

Kay - I hope they figure out the cause soon...I will keep you guys in my thoughts.

alison - can't wait to see pictures!!

[philnikki]

Kay - Oh No! I am thinking of you guys..hopefully they are able to figure out what is wrong soon!!!

[Sandie78]

I almost hate to admit this because then y'all will know how much tv Zach watches... One of his new favorite things to say is "Bob Barker." It is so cute and I laugh every time he says it. Zach was in trouble this morning and I was trying to talk to him sternly but then he got this big smile on his face and said "Bob Barker" because he knew it would make me laugh. Silly boy!

[solongtogo]

I can't believe Bob Barker is retiring. I nearly cried during the million dollar spectacular :D

[Sandie78]

I can't believe Bob Barker is retiring. I nearly cried during the million dollar spectacular :D

Haha, me too.

[Kay2003]

counts are up again! Well, the count is up again (but still low overall). Went from 180 last week to 767 yesterday. We want a count that is at least 1000 (normal is still 2000). We will continue to do a blood draw once a week for awhile. I'm relieved that it's going up. Thanks for all your thoughts!

[hmbay]

Kay--so glad to hear Kaito's counts are going up. That has to be a good sign!

[AndreaMMS]

Kay- I am SO glad that Kaito's counts are going up!!!

`````````````````````````````````````````````````` ````

Big news, ladies...

I am writing this from beautiful Bermuda. Rich and I are on a vacation to celebrate our fourth anniversary. Naomi is home with Grandma, and apparently has only asked for us once in the past four days. Ummm can anyone explain to me , then, why she screams her head off in panic if I dissapear for two minutes to go to the bathroom when we're home?? :roll: :lol: But I digress...

Rich adn I have been talking a lot, and it looks like we are adout 99% decided to ttc in September! :eek: I'm as excited about the idea as I am terrified about having severe hyperemesis again.

I'm going to start being very consistant with my prep when we get home. I am so happy to know that I'll have the support of you all no matter how this journey goes....

Sending you Bremudan sunshine and cyber-rum-punches!

Andrea

[Brink]

Kay - very relieved to hear his counts are going up. Keep us updated with the good news!

Andrea - Wow - I am so happy for you that you are almost ready to TTC#2. I sure hope this pregnancy is completely different from the last one - Here's wishing you luck with getting pregnant and big wishes for an easy pregnancy!

All is well in babyland - twins are great and Aimee is so much fun. We took all three to the zoo last weekend - I think we were as big of an attraction as the animals. Can't believe all the stares on comments on our triple stroller. People think we are nuts!

[cr8zyforaf]

Kay - fantastic news!! Please keep us posted!!

Andrea - woo hoo...big decision. I know you've been struggling with it..maybe we will get to be second time mommies together...and hopefully not be sick!

Brink - the zoo sounds like fun. We went out to CA to see DH's cousin who has twins and a 6 year old - I swear every where we went, tons of people wanted to comment....I told her she should start charging.

Nothing new here - gearing up for our Florida trip - I am going down on Sunday and Ash and DH will be joining me on Wednesday - I've never been away from Ash so this should be interesting.

We are in a "MINE" "NO" stage..horrible. Everything is "NO" and "MINE"....she used to listen, now she doesn't. It is all just a stage, right?

[solongtogo]

We are in a "MINE" "NO" stage..horrible. Everything is "NO" and "MINE"....she used to listen, now she doesn't. It is all just a stage, right?


Indeed, I remember my nephews mine stage, only because it sounded so cute when he said that word. It didn't last long.

Brink I would have probably watched you too...I can't imagine manuvering a triple stroller is all that easy.

[randysmandy]

Kay So glad Kaito's counts are up!
Brink Sounds like you had a fun at the zoo....hey you aren't crazy-you are having FUN!

I have been taking Fridays off and so my MIL comes to my house 2x/week and I drop him off the other 2 days on my way to work. I notice when he is with me he has breakthroughs-talks more, sleeps better and is straight up happy! I love all the words he says and repeats EVERYTHING. He is now friends with the 3 year old across teh street-EMMA and he says her name. So cute. We are loving the new house still, but are in the process of painting still....it takes so much time esp with a 2 year old who won't go to bed til 9pm!

Any thoughts on parties- I know some of you have mentioned themes, but I'm not sure if I should have a big party or keep it to the immediate fam with a cake ON his birthday. We have a HUGE family. Is that unfair to Hunter??

[Kay2003]

Andrea- congrats on the decision! I hope you don't go through hyperNemesis. I still remember your posts from the hospital...

Kaito's counts - Yesterday's count - 670 so lower than last week, but not as low as 180 so it's okay (reminder - 2000 is what is expected, anything over 1000 is fine and wouldn't require tests). Next week we see the pedaitric hematologist and hear what she thinks.

Brink - a triple stroller!! I don't think I've ever seen one : )

cr8zy - hope you're having fun in Florida. In my experience it's been far worse ANTICIPATING being away than actually being away.

NO and MINE stage - Kaito doesn't say no or mine yet, but Kaito threw his first tantrum kicking and screaming in front of the botanical garden last weekend.

Randysmandy- It all depends on Kaito's diagnosis, but I'd like to have a huge party at the park and just invite everyone. Since it would be outside, Kaito will think it's just one big playdate, I think, and he can roam around just as he always does. It wouldn't work if we invited everyone over to our apartment like we did for his first birthday. I think this year he would be overwhelmed. I wouldn't sweat it if you're thinking of just having a small get-together. Kids this age don't remember birthday parties. I mean, what's your first memory? Mine is not really until I was around 3 I think and even that might b e a constructed memory.

Good night, everyone, and thanks again for all of your thoughts.

[BeachBum]

Well Brink to make you feel better--I met a new neighbor who has 2 sets of twins--girl/girl that are 2.5 and boy/boy that are 6 months! And her hubby is deployed! Yikes.

Not much going on here with us. H is fun and talking so much. He repeats everything and comes up with some funny stuff. We've been playing outside a lot and going to the beach almost everyday.
We took the gate down at the bottom of the stairs. It had just been in the way the past few months, but at least it was loud so I would know if he went upstairs. :) He is doing better about playing independently which is a relief.
No trips planned this summer for us. I'm really itching to go somewhere--but I don't know where. Are you guys going anywhere?

I'll keep Kaito in my thoughts.

[Brink]

Wow Beachbum - two sets of twins! I think I would honestly go over the edge. DH and I have talked about if we wanted to try again next year for a boy but I think we are both too scared about having another set of twins. I may just end up with my three girls and have to borrow a boy now and again from friends!

Just to give you an idea of what we look like running around with all three, here is the stroller we bought. The front seat is a little different since Aimee has a "big girl" seat, but you get the idea.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/237/523426811_5bd71f7860_m.jpg


cr8zyforaf - Hope you have fun in Florida. Curious how it went being without Ashley for a few days.

Party - I can't even start to think about that yet. We are planning a "meet the twins" party at the end of June so once I get past that I will work on Aimee's party. I think it will be something low key at our house.

Mine - Yep, count us in on this. She doesn't like it though when mommy holds something and says "mine" to her!

randysmandy - Glad you are enjoying the new house. Sounds like a great neighborhood.

[jo&sean]

It has been kind of quiet in here. Must mean the weather is getting nicer :)

Addison has been super busy around here. She has been working hard on her letters, numbers, shapes and colors. It is so fun to watch her put it all together. It blows me away when she sees a letter, number, color or shape when we are out and about and goes crazy telling me what it is. Their excitement for learning is energizing.

Other then that, we have been playing a lot outside since the weather has warmed up. We desperately need to get a sandbox or something. I am hoping to get that today or tomorrow - she wants to dig in my flower beds!

We started putting Addison's matress on the floor for her naps about a month ago but she wasn't ready to go to bed at night like that. Last night, she asked for her matress to be put back down and she went to bed all by herself. But when I checked on her, she was actually sleeping on the floor but she was zonked so I didn't want to move her. She woke up at 5:30 this morning and was still on the floor and didn't want to get on the matress. She just needed a little love and went back to sleep..on the floor. She slept great though and we will take that anyday!

Brink - That is a way cool stroller! I would be checking you guys out too. Glad you are having fun with your girls.

Beachbum - I am itching to go somewhere too. We are used to getting out of town every couple of months and that has definitely changed since having Addison. We are planning summer trips to Portland and Napa Valley and then a late fall trip to Disneyland and San Diego.

Randysmandy - Isn't painting a fun chore when you have a toddler? Everytime we try to paint, Addison will not nap or goes to bed really late. Heehee. They know!

[AlisonCO]

Kay - what a roller coaster - I hope that they continue to get higher so that you can stop the testing!

Andrea - Congrats on your decision to TTC again! Hope that you are enjoying your trip.

cr8zy - Have a great trip!

BB - We are just taking a couple small in state trips this summer - nothing to fancy.

jo - We have a sandbox and water table and Caitlin loves the water table - she will stand there for 30 minutes!

Things here are good. Caitlin is talking so so much. She still calls Aidan Bubba and so she loves when he gets in trouble - she says "Oh Bubba, bad Bubba":) She loves to follow him to the bathroom and then announce to everyone what happened in there - like "OH Bubba bathroom - yucky poopoo" or "just pee pee." She also loves to count especially when she is coming up the stairs.

A couple new pictures of my big girl - I just can't get over how big she is getting!

http://www.allsam.com/200705/images/052707_19.jpg
http://www.allsam.com/200705/images/052707_28.jpg

[AlisonCO]

Hi all

I have a Gymboree coupon - 20% off online or in stores June 7-17. It must be a one time code becasue it is a long number. Let me know if any of you would like it. If I don't get a taker in the next couple of days, I will offer it in the coupon thread.

Happy Day!!!

[BeachBum]

I would love the code Alison!

[BeachBum]

Caitlin is soooo cute. It is just amazing to me how "big kid" all of our "babies" look.

My grandmother used to always say
"Mama's Darlin, Daddy's Pet
Two years old
And a baby yet"

My mom taught Henry to say this. It is soooo sweet. And so true.

[AlisonCO]

BeachBum -- I would love the code Alison!

BB - if you would just like the code, I will PM you. If you would like the actual coupon, PM me your address and I will get it in the mail tomorrow.

:)

[Kay2003]

brink and alison CUTE pictures!

cyclic neutropenia - Kaito has been diagnosed with cyclic neutropenia. What that means is that the neutrofil count (type of white blood cell) goes up and down and when it's down, he is susceptible to bacterial infections. For the past 6 weeks we didn't go to the playground when it was filled with kids and we took him out of playgroups. But the doctor gave him the all clear to resume everyday life. I guess a lot of kids with cyclic neutropenia never develop symptoms and they just outgrow it. In the meantime if he develops a high fever we've been advised to take him to the doctor. Otherwise he's a healthy kid, thank goodness. Thanks for all your support these 6 weeks. And a word of warning.... if you google cyclic neutropenia you might find some scary websites linked to cancer but all of the scary stuff has been ruled out.

[BeachBum]

Kay-I'm so glad that you guys found out what was wrong. Having an answer I'm sure helps you sleep better. It sounds like the problem is very manageable and may go away eventually. I'm so glad.


Not a lot of new stuff here, but our group has been so slow I thought I'd pop in. We started a very low stress mom and me type swim lesson this week. It's been fun and I'm glad I chose this over the survival classes I was considering. It's a "private" lesson with us and a friend and her daughter. We also swam at a birthday party this weekend. As soon as Henry climbed in he started screaming "fun, pool fun" and laughing. It was his first experience with swimmies and just loved it. It really made me wish we had a pool. But I am just so worried about safety.

My mom teaches kindergarten and purchased these really cute scholastic (brand) DVDs off amazon to do with her class. They are animated versions of kids books. Henry is just loving seeing the books come to life. Each story is short 5 min or so and there are 6 or 7 on each DVD. It's a really nice alternative to the character driven DVD/TV that is so common.

Well I've been doing some major damage at summer sales shopping for next year. It seems like some of these sales are pretty early? I hope that I do a good job at guessing his size! The little guy is already in a size 8 shoe! He blew through the summer sandals I bought and I'm scrambling to order some more. Shoebuy.com has some great sales (via a coupon code on the front page of msn.com) for kids shoes. I haven't found anything for myself but have bought stride rite, ecco, keds, crocs etc for either 20% or $10 off with that coupon for him.

Barring the occasional tantrum we are having a good time here. His language is exploding and it is fun to see.
We are definitely ready for #2. I thought I was going to have good news to share, but it didn't stick. I had a BFP on Saturday but started my period Monday. :( :(

Hope everyone else is doing well. I'd love to see some new pics.

[Brink]

Beachbum - sorry it didn't stick. I guess your positive you actually started and it's not implantation spotting? Very fun about the pool. We have a pool that Aimee hasn't been in yet. I'm going to have to get her in there pretty soon. Not sure how I'll do that with the two little ones around, but we'll figure it out.

All is well in our world too. The twins are doing great and Aimee is a good big sister.

Hives - have any of your kids had these? For the last week she has been getting an occasional hive here and there. We can't figure out where they are coming from. Nothing in her diet has changed and we had her tested for allergies a few months ago and it showed nothing. Can't figure it out. They don't seem to bother her and they show up for 10 minutes and then are gone. Anyone else had anything like that?

[jo&sean]

Kay - I am so glad that you have some answers about Kaito! What a relief it must be to know what it is now. I hope that he does outgrow the condition.

Beachbum - Sorry it didn't stick :( You will be in the expecting group again before long.

Addison is getting over a double ear infection. She had her first ear infection ever just under a month ago then came down with an infection in both ears over the weekend. I felt so bad for her. Thank goodness for Motrin and antibiotics. I hope this isn't an ongoing issue with her...

Nothing else too exciting. She is learning new words and expressions everyday. She has been working hard on her numbers and has mastered the alphabet. So fun to see them so excited to learn everything and anything.

Any big plans for Father's Day this weekend?

[randysmandy]

BeachBum GOOD LUCK trying more..hey and have fun haha
Kay I do hope all our well wishes work!
Jo I hope Addison feels better!
Brink i still don't know how you are doing it, but you are doing it and it sounds like you are enjoying life.

Hunter is lashing out at my MIL now that I only work 4 days and am home working 2 of them. He is hitting and not going in for naps. He was terrible for us last night too hitting. What do you do for that besides a time out??? Cause it doesn't seem to be working.
He is saying EVERYTHING now and I can't believe it. Pickle, garage, hard words!
#2: well for us we would like them to be 3 years apart....but the whole MIl watching them will be too much, so unless I can get my Mom to commit one day I have to wait til Hunter is 4. Not our plan. If things change we will try again in Feb. I would LOVE another.

Father's Day Just hanging out and making a nice meal for my men (dad and husband)

[Kay2003]

beachbum - you READ my mind about the shoe postings. I just bought Kaito another pair of StrideRite shoes for $32 and was wondering what the heck I would do as he outgrows his shoes so fast. I've been thinking about gettiing non-brand name shoes and wondered what you all thought. I haven't looked at the quality of Payless and Target shoes in person, but what do you think? Do you think the name brand of StrideRite is worth the extra money?

I'm sorry about your pregnancy results. Can't wait to hear happy news soon.

no hives - sorry to hear about the hives! No hives yet here, but Kaito's been exposed to Hand, foot and mouth disease at a birthday party. Fortunately t hat's a viral infection and not a bacterial one so his body should be fighting it!

[hmbay]

shoes--My kids first pair was striderites when they were learning to walk in harder soled shoes (barefoot or robeez before that) and from there they got Target and Payless brands. ;) I think they're just fine.

[Sandie78]

Shoes Well we're cheap so Zach's always gotten cheapie shoes. He does have a pair of New Balance shoes that I got at a second-hand sale. We'll probably get him some new shoes this weekend. I'm pretty sure we're squishing his feet into the shoes he has.

Ant bites! Zach was playing in the sprinkler today and he got a bunch of ant bites on his foot and few in his crotch! Owww! He was really upset, but he's ok now.

Hives So far he hasn't gotten hives from anything. I've gotten them a few times though.

Father's Day My family is coming over for lunch, but it'll be low key.

[jo&sean]

Shoes Addisons first pair of shoes were stride rites but since then, she has been wearing mostly shoes from Payless and Target. We got her some cute sandals from Old Navy. I talked to my doctor about it quite a bit and he wasn't concerned. And now since our new little dog is still going through his "adolescent" phase, he is chewing on everything and we have lost several pairs of shoes. If they were the expensive ones, I would have had a meltdown by now.

Speaking of baby #2 DH is very ready and I am not. I had been very ready at the beginning of the year but then we decided to build our new house (which we postponed the start of until September). I just don't want to be pg right now again. I am finally starting to get back into some of the things I really enjoy and when I get pg again, those things will go to the wayside yet again. I know that sounds selfish but that is how I feel. I think I will get the bug again when Addison turns two..I can't believe our babies will already be two!

Hitting - We have just used the modified time out. We are using love and logic principals and Addison is responding very well to those. Sometimes she will go put herself in another room when she needs to calm down - it is funny because she says "uh oh, nice sweet". ;)

Addison is finally feeling better. Yesterday she was a like a little tornado running through the house. It makes me so happy to see her feeling better.

[AlisonCO]

shoes - what I do is have Caitlin measured at a local store and then buy them online - usually ebay but amazon has good deals too. I really like stride rites, but recently bought a pair of Adidas sneakers and teva sandals. I also buy them at Marshalls - they are usually under $15 there. I am also lucky because her feet are small and are slow growers:)

hives - Aidan has had hives a couple of times - the ped said that they can happen when their immune systems are stressed (like fighting a bug). Last time it happened becasue he had been rolling in the newly mowed grass.

hitting - Yes and pinching. I usually hold her hand firmly and say No hit/pinch. If she does it again, I sit her away from us - sort of a time out, mostly to get her attention and redirect her brain.

father's day - DH is getting 2 new shirts, a tie that Aidan picked out (come on - it is the classic F-day gift:), a gift certificate to go to a specialty beer store and get a pony keg and a frame with a new picture in it.

We are doing well. Aidan started a camp this week with the parks dept - he is gone Tuesday and Thursday 9-11:30am. O.M.G. I cannot tell you all how easy it is to just have one kid - I had forgotten what it is like. The house is so quiet and peaceful, there is no bickering. Today Caitlin and I went swimming and then to get an oil change - then we came home and did laundry and played in the sandbox. It was also so so nice to spend some time alone with Caitlin - occasionally DH and I split up with the kids, but now we decided that once a month we will each take a kid out to dinner and then something fun like mini-golf etc.

Kay - I am so glad that you have a diagnosis and K is doing well!!

BB - I love the sales:) I have been buying ahead too - mostly basics like t-shirts, light pants etc - things that we wear year around. I am so sorry about your BFP - hope that next month is your month!!!

jo - so glad that A is feeling better!

Sandie - ouch - ant bites! Poor Z!

Here are a couple of the pictures that we took for Father's Day:

https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=E9549644-E410-4DD1-AA55-1623A46B8D7A&C=Nat&R=90
https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=100F80DA-F3F1-4ABB-BD8B-B5E847D9B6B8&C=Nat&R=90
https://www.searsphotos.com/ImageServer/dep_show_line_item.aspx?I=50439517-2BFF-45A5-9A2D-0B95D2768E5F&C=Nat&R=90

[Kay2003]

cute pics, Alison! Your trips out sound like so much fun

jo&sean can you say more about the modified time out idea?

shoes - okay, that settles it. From now on, I am going to Target and Payless. I think the current pair of StrideRite sandals will be his last, unless I find some at Ross or something. Thanks for the advice, everyone!

sandie - OUCH on the ant bites. Poor Zach.

[wildcat]

shoes - I've yet to buy Lauren a pair of striderites, I can never find any I like that I think are flexible enough? She started with Robeez, then went to Pedipeds, then moved on to See Kai Runs. The SKR's are now the ONLY shoe she'll wear, and I don't blame her, they're so very flexible and really soft leather. Unfortunately, that means they get beat up really fast. I'm lucky in that my mom buys pretty much all her shoes and clothes, so the cost doesnt' matter to me:p. She's still wearing a 4 (3 in some sandals), so we're also lucky in that she hardly ever grows out of shoes.

hives - Lauren's never had them. Could it have been heat rash maybe? I have no idea, but when I read your post, I thought maybe?

hitting - Yes. Pinching, yes. Biting, yes. Gotta love daycare. She has gotten bit about 3 or 4 times at daycare, and guess what, she started biting a few weeks ago, shocking. Her teachers have really been working with her on it though and she hasn't bit in over a week:).

father's day - We're doing sentimental stuff. I'm doing the "d-a-d-a" letter/picture thing. I also bought an art canvas and had Lauren paint him a picture to hang in his office at work.

ttc #2 - I think I've set a date in my head, finally! November it is.

Sorry I can't do individual s/o's right now, I need to be working on father's day gifts and a gift for Lauren's teacher tomorrow (it's her last day, urgh) and it's 11pm. Lauren's doing great! Her language is simply amazing the crap out of me...everyday she says new words (easily over 200 by now, full sentences all the time) and I always look at her stunned and ask her what she just said!hehe She's also talking a lot more to strangers, too. Not sure they always understand what she says, but her mommy does:). I absolutely ADORE this age, even though it can be tiring too, with the meltdowns we've been experiencing after long days at school. Everynight she wants to go into the garage to go on a "walk" and she runs out and climbs in her stroller. Between her and the dog, we have no choice;). I guess that I'm just enjoying things so much that I don't want to mess things up by getting pg and needing so much more sleep and feeling like I'm not giving Lauren 110% and wondering how I'll split my time and wondering how Lauren won't be my favorite. I'll get over all that by November I hope. Have a great weekend girls! (it was nice to see this thread so busy today!!!)

[cr8zyforaf]

We are back from Disney - had a good time, but it was tough with a toddler. I think we should have waited until she was older...but it was fun.

All of the pictures are adorable.

shoes - we do Stride Rite...however, she is on a shoe strike - refuses to wear anything on her feet.

paci - she now wants the paci 24/7..this was never an issue until the last few weeks - not sure what is going on.

ttc#2 - we have been trying - no luck and I've made an appointment with my ob..my periods are totally wacky lately and I am very worried.

[randysmandy]

cr8zyforaf Our babies sound like the same people...
Hunter takes off EVERY pair of shoes we put on him-and socks.
Paci: He always wants it now and he calls it his nu-night cause that's when we give it to him. He now wants 2+ at a time..not sure what to do. Wanted to give it up at 2.
Sorry to hear about the fertility trouble. Maybe you just need to give it more time? I'll be interested to hear what the OB has to say.

My MIL needs a hystorectomy-now I need to figure out the sitter situation. She started to bleed non stop at age 62. NO cancer though thank god.

[cr8zyforaf]

randysmandy - we do have the same child..Ash wasn't happy unless she had a bink in her mouth, and one in each hand. I think it is a phase so I am not going to worry too much about it.

good news about your MIL..that is scary.

[AlisonCO]

paci - she now wants the paci 24/7..this was never an issue until the last few weeks - not sure what is going on.


US TOO!!! It drives me crazy - if I am not entertaining her constantly she begs for the paci. I think that it is just a comfort thing so I try to distract but often give in:o

cr8zy - Welcome back - glad that things went OK. Hope that the doc can give you some insight.

mandy - I hope that your MIL recovers quickly.

We had a busy but fun Father's day - it was a long day because we did everything as a family which is not how Sunday's usually are. Usually I spend a good part of the day doing errands and being alone while DH does something with the kids. We went to a splash park in the am and swimming in the pm so lots of fun activity - both kids slept well last night.

We are leaving for our first road trip with the kids Thursday and OMG there is alot to do - like figuring out how to keep them busy in the car and finding a place to put all of their stuff. This is a trip for DH's company so there are alot of planned things - not really "planned" around the schedule of little kids (late nights, late meals etc). I fear for the worst and am not looking forward to it. Actually I hope that the kids get sick and we get to stay home - how awful is that!!! My parents are out of town all next week or they would have kept one kid - that would have been manageable.

[Brink]

Hi all, we had the girls 4 month visit the other day. The doctor couldn't believe it - they were EXACTLY the same. Same head size, weight and height. They were both 12lb 11.5 oz and 23 in. long. I can't believe they were not even 1/2 ounce different! What are the odds? Good thing Kristi has a freckle that Katie doesn't have or I would be relying on toe polish forever!l, hope you are all doing well.

Cr8zy - so glad you had fun at Disneyland. I can't imagine attempting that yet!

randysmandy - Sorry to hear about MIL but glad it wasn't cancer. I hope you find someone soon.

Paci - I thought it was just Aimee that was glued to her binky. I figured she was taking advantage of the twins having them, or just feeling needy because we are not spending enough time with her. It makes me feel better that it seems like an age thing rather than a neglect thing. I am hoping that by 2 we can start to eliminate it, but we'll see. I swore I would never be one of those mom's who let's their toddler run around with a paci - but I'm totally guilty and when she is crying I don't care what it takes to calm her down.

So, it looks like we are going to get an au pair. I've been checking into it and it's the best way to go financially. It's costing us $2,400 a month in daycare cost. We can get an au pair for about $1,100. I think we will leave Aimee in daycare at least a couple of days per week to make sure she still plays with kids her age. Anyone else have an au pair?

[solongtogo]

Hey everyone,

Things are good with us...lots of words, lots of development, lots of fun.

Courtney is a paci junkie too. She still wakes up at night and that is our saving grace. I'm scared to wean.

[Kay2003]

oral fixation stage?Kaito never took to a paci, BUT in the last two weeks or so when he gets frustrated, he wiggles his fingers on his lips/mouth, kind of like he's licking his fingers. Of course he gets frustrated when I take him off of the swing or after he touches something dirty and I say, "That's dirty!" So he ends up with all of it in his mouth. With all the paci talk here, I'm wondering whether it's just a stage where kids kind of regress to something they feel comfort in.

I'm supposed to be working here, so I'm going to make this a short note.

Have a good day, everyone!

[randysmandy]

Kay Hunter does the SAME THING-I think it is when he is bored.

Alison Have a great time-try not to bring the whole hosue.

I am having a housewarming party saturday-50+ people! Thank god I have tomorrow off :-)

Brink That's AMAZING and what's even more amazing is that they are 4months already!!

ScreamingI'm in my office and I have heard Hunter scream about 8 times...when he cant get his way he has been doing this...drives me nuts, but I can't give him a time out every 5 seconds and I only try to give him a TO when he hits. Oh and did I mention my MIL refuses to give TO's. She stares at him and she claims it works. She doesn't believe in TO's. Whatever.Thank you for the well wishes...I am thankful too (even though I complain about her I love her) She is going to have a DNC (not sure when) to see what else is going on....I hope it all turns out OK.

I'll leave you with this: (I can't minimize the text size)
JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After awhile he asked: "Mom, Is one for hot and one for cold milk?"

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, "If you don't remember you look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six."

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom goodnight. "I love you so much, that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window."

BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a childproof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: "How does it know it's me?"

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. Please don't give me this juice again," she said, "It makes my teeth cough."

MARC age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: "Why is he whispering in her mouth?"

D.I. (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: "How much do I cost?

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, "I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in this bed?

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, little James asked: "What happened to the flea?"

TAMMY (age 4 ) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"

The Sermon this Mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon... "Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. Without you, we are but dust." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter (who was listening!) leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?"
r)

[Sandie78]

Zach spent his first night in his big boy bed last night. It did not go well at all. We were both up from 2am to 5:30am. Hopefully I'll get more sleep tonight.

[randysmandy]

SANDIE How did last night go? Have you been trying to put him in his bed for naps first then transition to the bed? That seemed to work for us.

[jo&sean]

Big Girl Bed - Addison is in her "Big girl bed" all the time now (well, just sleeping time ;)). We strarted with the matress on the floor for naps, in the crib at night and then moved to the matress on the floor for both and then just last week we convereted her crib into the bed. She LOVES it. She fell off once but it didn't even bother her and she got right back up on her bed. She is sleeping much better too now that she is in there but still gets up at least once in the night.

Not much new going on around here. I really need to start thinking about her 2nd bday party. I think we are going to do either a dog/puppy theme or zebras. She is really into both right now so I will see what creative ideas I can come up with.

Addison has been putting sentences together. Yesterday she even told me her first story about one of her dogs and how it needed to go to the doggy doctor because one of the other dogs bit her. (I actually checked the dog to make sure it was ok and she was ;) ) She went on and on about the doggy doctor and how it made the dog happy. It was so funny because she was sitting on her potty when she told me all of this.

Speaking of potty - she is doing sooo well. We moved her into pull-ups for the days I am home with her and she loves the princess cartoons on them.

Here is a recent pic of Addison and her wild, crazy hair:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/605147095_4ddb83286a.jpg?v=0

Hope everyone is doing well!

[BeachBum]

What a great pic of Addison! So cute. I just love the hair :)

Big Bed-
We aren't even thinking about it here. Henry is sleeping so well in his crib and even letting the occasional babysitter put him down. I don't want to rock the boat. Also, he still moves around so much in his sleep. Not to mention the menagerie he sleeps with.

Potty Training-
We've been working on it here. We've talked about it for a month or two with the occasional use of the potty. Yesterday we were home and were naked all day. He probably used it 10-15 times (often at my suggestion). He had a few false starts where he went a little then ran to the potty to finish. I'm really pleased with how it went but just not sure how to take it to the next level. I reallllllly do not want one of these extended 6 mo diaper/pull up adventures. A friend's daughter refused to poop anywhere but a pull up. So she would bring a pull up to mom then poop then demand to be changed back into undies. But if she wouldn't let her poop in a pull up then she got constipated. Those issues sound horrible!

[cr8zyforaf]

Not too much going on here. Ashley told me she loved me the other day without me having to prompt her. And now everything is 'mine' 'my mommy', 'my daddy', 'my car'....

big bed - I don't even want to think about this - she is finally sleeping in the crib. I will wait until she shows signs of trying to climb out. I love it because she wakes and reads for 30-60 minutes (I put a big stack of books on top of her bookshelf which is right next to the crib).

potty - I really haven't been pushing this - she sits on it from time to time and has peed a few times. I figure when she is ready, she will let me know. No sense trying to force her - because she is so determined and headstrong if she doesn't want to do something, she isn't doing it.

Still no BFP...I figure if it doesn't happen this month, I will contact my RE.

jo - that is a fantastic picture of Addison..she is beautiful!

sandie - Yea! for the big boy bed...how is it going?

brink - I can't believe the girls are already 4 months..wow.

alison - I hope you are having fun on the road trip - dying to know how it went.

TGIF....today I find out about my promotion..my boss is leaving the company and I think i am replacing her - so that means a ton more responsibility - so hopefully there is a big pile of money to go along with all the additional work.

[randysmandy]

Potty yah for all the babies (I don't think we can call them that anymore :-() who are potty training! Hunter has not pooped in his diaper in about 6 months. I LOVE it. He pees in his diaper most days, but if I remind him he has big boy pants on (pull ups) he won't.
Sleeping Hunter finallly is sleeping through the night for good!! It's niece, but for some reason DH and I wake up 2-3x a night still LOL.
ADDISON is beautiful!
TGIF!

[Sandie78]

Bed The bed is going better every night, but we're still working on it.
Potty Zach went potty on the potty chair for the first time tonight. Go Zach! We're not pushing it, but this is a step in the right direction.

[AlisonCO]

Wow - yeah for all of the kiddos going on the potty and sleeping in their big beds! Caitlin has been wearing the cloth training pants for a couple of days when we are home - we are about 50/50 but she does seem to be getting more uncomfortable with being wet. The pants absorb some but not all of the pee. Unlike Aidan she prefers to just sit on the regular toilet with the foam seat on top - I like that their will be no transition to the regular toilet but it is hard becasue she can't get herself up there even with a stool. No official big bed here but she does occasionally sleep downstairs on our guest bed - she sleeps great down there. It is in the basement so it is darker and cooler.

We survived our trip - lordy, the preparation to get there was exhausting. The drive was ok and Caitlin actually slept ok. We have such a routine at home - it is great, but when you can't follow it the kids just are so off. I envy those families who just go with the flow but it is just not in my personality. We did go to a BBQ at a ranch one evening and that was fun. We also went to a fabulous kids museum. Mostly we explored the resort grounds and went swimming. One great thing was that almost every meal was a buffet - my kids just love it because they can have one piece of 25 things.

Caitlin must be going thru a growth spurt because I had to go out today and buy a bunch of 2t t-shirts - thankfully Old Navy was having a sale and they were all $2-3.25. She also has a new obsession - The Wiggles - except when she says it it sounds like "da liggles":).

I hope that you all are having a great weekend!

cr8zy - the promotion sounds great - I hope that you got it!

jo - Addison is so cute and her hair is great!

[Brink]

Good morning ladies. I'm at work and just don't feel like being here, so I figured I would check in on everyone.

cr8zyforaf - Did you get the good news on the promotion? More money is always a nice thing.

AlisonCO - Glad the trip went well. Sounds like you all had a fun time.

jo&sean - Wow, her curls are just so beautiful!

Potty - not much luck here. Yesterday was probably our worst day ever for potty issues. At one point I thought she needed to go, so we went into the bathroom and she sat on the potty (with the lid down, she won't sit there with it up). Then she got off and promptly squated and peed. I grabbed her and put her on the potty but it was too late. Then she pooped in the bathtub! That is a first for us. While I was cleaning the bathtub and she was standing naked in the bathroom, she peed on the floor. Then when we were getting dressed, she peed on her changing table! Ugh, I usually don't have these issues and to have several in one day! I can't wait until she gets this figured out.

[randysmandy]

Brink You poor thing...at least she didn't pee on the babies LOL. She'll get the hang of it eventually.

Get this one:
My MIL BROKE her foot and shattered her ankle by stepping down my 4" threshold. So NO Nanny for me! She didn't tell me til 2pm yesterday and so I had to scramble afte crying for an hour. So Hunter alternating between my Aunt and Step Grammy for 4 weeks. After that who knows, but I have called a daycare and am praying for an opening. At least I don't have to deal with her antics anymore. Gosh that's terrible to say, but you all know what I've been thru!

[hmbay]

Just a quick heads up. I just read in the Sept 2007 thread that Sabre (she's also going to be a Sept 2007 mom) and her husband were moving and had their moving van full of possessions stolen. The last page or so of the thread has some info if anyone is interested in donating to help them out.

We have a new word this weekend--"MINE". Ah the joys of having siblings. ;)

[cr8zyforaf]

That is awful about Sabre's stuff -thanks for the info hmbay.

I did end up getting my promotion - and then the sh*t hit the fan - big proposal out on the street - so I am swamped.

Here are some recent pics of Ash (I hope they show up - can't remember who I can and can't use):

eating a pbj

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d927b3127cce8685d23d094600000026109IZt3Lho0o

playing with her baby:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d927b3127cce8685d74349a200000025109IZt3Lho0o

At the baby pool at our hotel in Florida:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d927b3127cce8685d3c3492000000026109IZt3Lho0o

[cr8zyforaf]

As you can see - her hair is a hot mess...DH wants to cut it, I want it to grow out....huge debate in our house right now.

Oh, and she is trying to climb out of the crib - so my next project is her big girl room.

[Brink]

Cr8zy - I can't see the pics for some reason.

Ugh - last night was long one. Aimee got sick yesterday and I lost count of how many times she threw up. I think we changed her sheets like 5 times between the time she went to bed and 2am this morning. She hasn't thrown up since, but she still won't eat anything (which I guess is a good thing for now). She has drank a little pedialyte, so I don't think she is dehydrated at this point. I have to say that we are pretty lucky when it comes to this stuff - this is the first time she has thrown up in over a year, not too bad.

[pixiecat]

Hi everyone:
Sorry, it's been forever since I have posted, but all is well. We are entering a more "challening" time w/ Lily - it seems like she is testing me all over the place, but her "sweet" times are sweeter too.

potty - Lily hasn't gone on the potty yet (I feel a little bit behind everyone in that sense), but we *really* haven't pushed it at all. We have a potty seat that goes on the regular potty & she sits on it, wipes and flushes, but doesn't ever "go." No biggie for me really - I just don't think she is there physically yet.

big girl bed - L is still in our room, in her crib. Hopefully the new addition to the house will be done by early next year... I'm thinking of transitioning her crib to the "toddler" stage when she is two.

Brink - oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that Aimee is sick. Poor little thing. Can't believe that the twins are already 4 months!

Alison - congrats on a successful trip! We haven't traveled w/ Lily (since the *horrible* one-night stay in Tahoe last winter) so I commend you on the attempt! (sounds like it went well too!).

hmbay - terrible news about Sabre... I'll have to pop into that other thread, thanks for letting us know :(

crazy congrats on the promotion & ttc! (I didn't have a chance to wish you good luck when you posted earlier) I hope it happens for you guys real soon.

The weather here is gorgeous, what a day! Once L is up from her nap we are headed outside! Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend. :) Here is a recent pic of Lily (same hair issues, crazy - she doesn't let us put her hair up in a pony tail anymore...)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/755320280_228b9e0342.jpg?v=0

[AlisonCO]

cr8zy - Congrats on the promotion - hope things settle down. A is so cute and I think that her hair is pretty - will she not let you put a barrette in it?

hmbay - Ah yes, the joy of having an older sibling:) Thanks for the info about sabre.

Brink - How is Aimee feeling? I sure hope that the twins don't get sick!

pixie - L is so cute!

Beach - I saw your post in the potty thread - I think that with kids so young that it is fine to be asking and reminding them to go potty often especially when they are distracted. As they get older and more aware of their bodies, they will feel it before and be able to initiate it themselves.

We are doing well. Has anyone thought about gifts for the big 2nd birthday? As always I am at a loss - Cailtin has a few babies, a stroller and a shopping cart as well as a hand me down tricycle from Aidan.

Today Caitlin picked out a pair of Aidans old Wiggles undies (she loves the Wiggles) but she kept trying to put her hand in the pocket in the front:) - Aidan kept telling her that only boys with penises wore underwear with pockets? :D Poor girl is going to have a complex - I might have to see if they make Wiggles undies for girls - she is so not a Disney princess, ruffles girl!

[wildcat]

hi girls...I've been over on LJ more, but trying to read along here, too. Lauren's been doing great. She's started jumping, doing her own version of galloping, and her language/signs continues to amaze the crap out of me! We routinely get 2, 3, and 4 words sentences:). She's loving summer and being outside...unless we try to go to a pool...still not a fan of pools...after 30 mins or so she'll warm up to being in the baby pool...but nothing deep and nothing that sprays her in the face. I'm sure she'll grow out of that. Her health has been good, as long as we keep her off milk and keep her on her preventatives.

We took her camping a few weekends ago and had a scary asthma attack that resulted in a drive into town to the ER at 1am, but we got rescue meds in her before we left the campground and between that and getting her out of nature, she was doing much better by the time we got the ER. They think either a plant, flower, tree, or campfire smoke triggered her asthma. We're sad to know she has other triggers besides viral (colds, etc), but glad to know we know as they told us our camping days are over. I just thank god we had her nebulizer and meds with us and that we were only 45 mins from home.

Overall, she's doing great and we enjoy every single day with her =). We're headed to Maui in November for our 5th year anniversary trip (w/o Lauren) and sometime after the new year we'll probably start TTC#2, I haven't been able to make the commitment yet, I'm just not ready but I want 3 year spacing, so it's almost time!

potty - We let Lauren sit on it when she wants and school offers 4 times a day. Sometimes she goes on it and sometimes she doesn't. I'm in no hurry...and call me a bad mommy, but just don't have time for it and diapers are easier. I figure I'll worry about it after she's 2.

big girl bed - I think Lauren will be in kindergarten before she cares about not being in a crib:). That girl loves her crib and loves her sleep and I'm not messing with a good thing. When I see some signs she's ready, we'll convert her crib into the toddler bed.

pixie - Cute pic!!

brink - Sorry to hear about Aimee, hopefully she feels better soon!

cr8zy - Hmm, can't see your pics?

[BeachBum]

Thanks for your reassurance, Alison. I respect your opinion and it makes me feel better knowing you think I'm on the right track.
Yesterday we had our first accident proof day. :) He has been doing #2 with no accidents (except 1 and he had an upset tummy so I think it was a surprise) since we started. But we had had at least 1 pee accident everyday. But really those training pants keep it from being a mess.
Although things are going well and I think it was/is the right time for us (he was saying "poop coming out") it is much harder than diapers. Wildcat, you are so right on that account. The closest mall is 1 hr from me. We went this week and I had to pull over on the side of the road 2x for him to go (one false alarm and one poop). It wouldn't be that bad except he demands "Pricey"--PRIVACY and makes me wait outside the car in the hot sun! HA. I also having adjusted to being a person that carries a mini potty around with me.

Talking about new words--Henry just told me he was going to "scroova-diver (screw driver) fix car".

Wildcat-That is so funny about Lauren not liking the pool. I can't keep Henry away. We go a few times a week after his nap and he wakes up asking to go. How scary about the camping/asthma attack! I'm sorry that you guys wont be able to go anymore. Is it something you expect her to grow out of? I'm very jealous about your Maui trip. We honeymooned there and promised ourselves we would go back for our 5 yr (which was last year).

Alison, we've been wondering about gifts too. I am thinking he would like more kitchen stuff. We currently keep his food in baskets and I'm thinking of getting a "market" piece so we have a better place to store food etc. He is starting to like trains, but I think we will wait till Christmas for that (better deals and selection). Several of our friends got those mini power wheels but I'm not sure about that. I would also like to find him some fun dress up clothes. But as for a really great big gift I'm lost!
We recently bought the Little People ramps around garage and he loves that thing.

Great pic of Lily. I haven't "seen" her in so long. She looks the same--but so grown up. :)

[AlisonCO]

Thanks for your reassurance, Alison. I respect your opinion and it makes me feel better knowing you think I'm on the right track.


Ahh - thank you:) Mind you my son didn't really potty train until he was almost 3 so I think that you and H. are doing a great job! I agree that the training pants are great - Caitlin wears them when we are home. I can't believe that H demands privacy - how funny. Caitlin likes us all to be in the bathroom so that she can annouce what she did.

wildcat - I am so glad that L's asthma wasn't too serious - how scary though!

I have been looking online for gifts and I think that I might get a new, bigger Little People thing - Caitlin really likes the bus so the kingdom and the house look fun.

I also might try to find a small cradle or bed for her dolls - she loves to put blankets on them. She has actually started playing with her babies alot lately - today she lined them all up and was putting blankets and bibs on them. Friday we went swimming and she wanted to spend the whole time jumping off the side into our arms - she loves it and is quite the daredevil.

Hope that you all are having a great weekend!

[hmbay]

potty training--haven't even tried. I've put him on the potty a few times because he points to it but I'm still working on getting my almost 4 year old potty trained so I'm not about to be working on two at once although I do think Alex will be easier to train than Colin because Colin doesn't care about wet or poopy diapers and Alex has always hated having his diaper wet or dirty. Perhaps I should train him and skip Colin. ;)

[Sandie78]

Zach is definitely not potty trained. His one tinkle in the toilet was a total fluke. I really don't see him getting out of diapers anytime soon. He'll probably be wearing them for at least another year.

[randysmandy]

Hunter's most recent phrase is"UH OH" so when he pees in his pull ups he says it. He almost always runs to the bathroom to do #2, but not "pee pee" as he says when he is good about going on the potty for #1. Yesterday he said pee pee, stood up in front of the toilet and pooped on the floor-UH OH.
wildcat Very jealous of you..maybe I should start saving now...2 more years to go.

I think we have decided to have our kids 4 years apart to make daycare easier...I need some advice though-is that too far apart??? We always wanted them 3 years apart, but Hunter wouldn't be in preschool yet.

We went to the Cape for the weekend and it was great, but Hunter didn't want to nap AT ALL. Just go to the pool and the ocean. Oh well..it was tiring, but fun. At least he LOVES all type of water-he even tries to dive into the pool and the ocean waves.

[BeachBum]

I think we have decided to have our kids 4 years apart to make daycare easier...I need some advice though-is that too far apart??? We always wanted them 3 years apart, but Hunter wouldn't be in preschool yet.


My sister and I are 4 yrs apart and it is great. My mom really liked it (and encouraged me to do it that way) b/c the older child can be a good helper and is gaining independence. My sister is really close to my parents because she was and "only child" during her high school years when I was in college. My sister and I were close enough to entertain each other growing up--but not best friends/competitive close. As adults we are very close.
Honestly I think all sorts of spacing arrangements can be great. What ever you end up with ends up working for your family. You seemed a bit worried about it which is why I repsonded. :)

[randysmandy]

Thank you so much BEACHBUM!

[jo&sean]

Hi Everyone. Sounds like things are going well for all of us.

We have been talking again about when to start TTC for #2. Originally I was dead set on having our children be two years apart (give or take a few months) but that certainly isn't going to happen. It is nice to hear Beachbums view point about having them 4 years apart. I am hoping that I will feel ready after the first of the year but we shall see.

Addison is doing really well on the potty. Yesterday we were driving home and had about 20 minutes to go before we got home when Addison told me she had to go poop. There wasn't really anywhere that we could stop so I had to tell her that she would either have to wait or go potty in her pullup. (Poor thing!). As soon as we got home, she ran inside, tore her clothes off and sat on her potty. I can not believe she waited all that time to go!! I think I will pick up another one of the seats we have (we just have the foam like seat that sits over the big potty) to keep in the car for trips and such.

Other then that, she is talking up a storm. 2, 3 and 4 word sentences are normal for her now with her first complete sentence being "I see dog poop!". Lovely!

[jo&sean]

I have a couple of coupons if anyone is interested. They expire soon but just found them and thought I would offer them up:

Childrens Place - Spoken For :)

Gymboree - $25 gymbuck - redeem now through 7/29

PM me if you are interestd :)

[solongtogo]

Courtney is going to be a big sister! I got a bfp today, due (by my numbers) March 30, 2008

[cr8zyforaf]

solong - congrats..that is great news!

[jo&sean]

Congrats Solong :)

[wildcat]

Congratulations!!!

[Brink]

Solong - congrats - that is so wonderful to hear. I forget - how long did you TTC? Seems like it hasn't been very long. I can't wait to hear all about it as the months tick by. You are almost the same timing I was last year, my girls were originally due on March 19.

[solongtogo]

Thank you girls.

Brink-we only have been actively trying for this one cycle. I'm blessed with fertile myrtle syndrome.

[charmcitygirl]

solongtogo congrats!

real quick: we are doing pretty well here. life is very hectic with two approaching-terrible-twos-toddlers. not yet climbling out of their cribs (thank god) but no longer able to use pnps when we travel. lots of independence. refusing to sit in booster seats, they eat all their meals at the table. not that they've become any less picky eaters. :rolleyes:

no potty training here.

still no talking... a few words here and there (more from j than z) so i figure i'd better get the ball rolling with evaluations for speech delays. hearing tests are next week so once we have results we'll take it from there. i'm pretty bummed about this but what else can ya do?

2nd birthday is around the corner and i'm not sure what i'm doing yet. probably just family since that's a pretty big crowd alone. what's everyone doing? also, any gift ideas?

here's a pic from our beach "vacation".
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1234/859045596_9986407e5c_m.jpg

[hmbay]

congrats Solongtogo!

charmcitygirl--Alex isn't talking much either. We have probably around 20 words or so which I think is normal but on the low end of normal. No sentances unless you count 'oh dear!' which he picked up from my mom but I'm guessing that doesn't count. I have a feeling if he doesn't start speaking more by his 2 year checkup the ped is going to suggest speech therapy as well. She suggested it with DS1 but I gave it a few more months and by 27 months he was talking in 3-4 word sentences. I'm hoping Alex does the same but I'm not positive it will happen.

[AlisonCO]

Congrats solong - that is such wonderful news!!!

[pixiecat]

congratulations Solong! Happy news :) Do you have any gut feelings on whether the baby will be a boy or a girl?

charm - cute pic of the kiddos. I bet they really keep you hopping! It can't hurt to get them evaluated, but lots of babies are late talkers.

Kid spacing - we're probably going to be four years here as well. Not my first choice (although in some ways, I am terrified of doing this all over again) - I would have preferred 2-3 years, but I think 4 years will be best. Poor DH is upset about this too, but realizes that our situation really precludes any more kids for awhile. It's good to hear that others have four year as their "ideal!" I want our kids to be close, but maybe it will be a different kind of close.

Lily's bad week - poor Lily... on Tuesday, a kid threw a toy at her eye & she has a big black shiner! On Thursday night, she had some kind of bug and threw up all over herself and her crib. On Friday, the same kid that threw the toy bit her and drew blood! Argh! She is a toughy though, and almost never complains about her "boo boos."

I hope that everyone has a good weekend. We are off to swim lessons & then to visit my parents. Hugs to all the babies!

[BeachBum]

Congrats! solongtogo (Lisa). I just love the new pic in your avatar!

Charm-for what it is worth, I think you are doing the right thing re:testing. It may very well be nothing, but I know I would feel better by finding out sooner than later. Very cute pic!


Potty trainings seems to be going well here. Tomorrow will be 1 week of totally accident free. (He is still in a diaper at naps/overnight). We are going to MIL later this week and that will be the real test. Although he does great at home and in the car potty--the travel potty is "too small for Henry" and the regular toilet is "too big, Henry fall down". I'm not really sure how to handle it on the plane etc. We haven't used pull ups yet--but I can see us being in the security line or something and him needing to go. YIKES.
I honestly feel like my life is dictated by the potty right now. It is so much harder than diapers. I joked to my mom that I'd rather just pay the $20 and not have to deal with it!

Have you guys done finger painting/ brush painting yet? H always pretends to paint with my make up brushes while I'm getting ready but I haven't done real paint yet. I did try that color wonder stuff but he had no interest.

I don't know about you guys, but I've been a clothes shopping maniac. I've bought so many things for next year on great sales. I really hope I guessed right on sizes (I bought all 3T for next year.) I'm just not sure when he will move up. I've bought a few "pre-order" fall things and did a combo of 2T and 3T (for later winter/early spring). The kid is wearing a size 8.5/9 shoe now too! Wow!

[crow]

charm they are adorable! I totally agree that "vacation" needs to be in quotes.

solongtogo congratulations! My, you are fertile!

pixiecat I hope Lily recuperated ok this weekend and is better this week. She sounds like such a brave trooper.

beachbum, wow I am impressed with Henry's skills. yay for scoring some great clothes deals!

Our guy is just SO uninterested. And the more uninterested he is, the more I buy, think it is the type of potty or underwear or pull ups. We now have 3 potties in our house. None of which has received a christening.

RE: fingerpaints-- I just bought some washable watercolors from Target, because they are on sale. But I don't think my DS is interested. MIL bought him one of those coloring books, that are pre-colored. You know, the one where you use water to brush on the color. He was totally uninterested.

Coloring type things, like crayons, don't really interest him either. He mainly wants me to write the letter O millions of times, especially tiny tiny Os.

I guess one cute thing about coloring. He will scribble long lines and say, "wow, so many tails."

[solongtogo]

congratulations Solong! Happy news :) Do you have any gut feelings on whether the baby will be a boy or a girl?




Not yet, I'm only 4 weeks along, but I hope for a boy. A girl would be just fine though too....just as long as this baby gives me an easy pregnancy and sleeps through the night the day we bring him/her home from the hospital. I've paid my dues with Courtney allready, and the Gods owe it to me :)

[cr8zyforaf]

charm - they are adorable..and yeah, funny how vacations are no longer relaxing.

pixiecat - I hope Lily is feeling better.

beachbum - that is great news about the potty training - I am quite impressed.

fingerpainting - No way. First, she flipped out at daycare when they dipped her hand in it - she hates to be dirty and second, she got in major trouble with pens/crayons - partly my fault however, she drew all over my favorite coach bag with an ink pen and she drew all over the floor/table/couch with crayons.

potty training - not pushing it - sometimes she asks to go, sometimes she doesn't. I am in no big rush as I feel when she is ready she will do it...besides, having to run to the bathroom with her sounds like a drag..selfish, isn't it?

spacing - My sister and I are 4 years apart and I think that is a great spacing - we have always been very close. DH and I wanted a 2-3 year age difference but given that the first 18 months were so hard I wasn't ready. We've been trying since around March (I went off BC in February) and haven't had any luck - I will go back to the RE when we get from the beach. Life doesn't always work out the way you want it sometimes.

her vocabulary is really taking off - she is a parrot - repeats everything. She is using 3-4 word sentences - my favorite is when she says "mommy pick you up" when she wants me to hold her (I always ask 'do you want mommy to pick you up").

I am in the throws of planning her party - we are doing a monkey theme and it will be on September 8th.

[Sandie78]

Congrats to Solong! Hope you are feeling well.
Cute picture Charm. We are going to the beach soon. I hope Zach likes it.
Fingerpainting I haven't tried it. I'm not ready for the mess. He's minorly interested in crayons, and he enjoys playdough for short amounts of time. His favorite thing to do is roll his trucks down the slide.
We just found out that DC2 will be a girl. Guess I'll have to go out and buy some new clothes. :)

[AlisonCO]

just as long as this baby gives me an easy pregnancy and sleeps through the night the day we bring him/her home from the hospital. I've paid my dues with Courtney allready, and the Gods owe it to me

Hee Hee - I also "ordered" one of these for my second kiddo:)

Sandie - Congrats on your little girl!!!

"mommy pick you up"

cr8zy - Caitlin always says "mommy carry you" - it is hard to explain the you vs. me.

pixie - Poor L - hope she is recovered!

fingerpainting - we "paint" with shaving cream every evening in the bath and we have done water color painting before, but no fingerpaints. I just don't think that I am ready to try it with both kids - I think that it would turn into them painting each other. Maybe this fall when Aidan is in school, I can try with Caitlin.

kid spacing - mine are 2 years, but my brother and I are 4 years and he and my sister are 3.5 years and we are both close to my brother. Whatever spacing happens will be great and you will make the best of it!

clothes shopping - me too BeachBum! Aidan is stocked for fall, winter and spring in 4T and even has a few 5T things! Caitlin is done for fall/winter in 2T but I need to wait for next summer - she may need some 3T stuff by then since she is already in 2T in Old Navy. I keep getting these coupons for Children's Place, Old Navy and then Sears had a ton of the Land's End kids clothes on sale. Then don't forget my favorite consignment store. I am done for now because their closets are full and I am out of hangers:)

[solongtogo]

Sandie-Congrats on the little diva!

[randysmandy]

Solong CONGRATS!!!!!
HMBAY You must be getting itchy!
Sandie Congrats on the little girl

All the baby talk makes me want another...but then I have to remind myself of why I need them 4 years apart. Hunter is exhausting me and we are scared that we can't afford 2 babies, however, I never thought I could afford one. So we'll wait another year and see how we feel. I am an only child and never liked it even though I was surrounded by cousins.

Potty If this encourages anyone I have to say...I just love it when Hunter says to me "pee pee" and then runs to the potty. It is definitly discouraging when you are in the car and he says it and you have to find a place really quick. However, like Addy, Hunter usually holds it. Also, I know this is always going to happen-whether he is 2 or 5! I find joy in wiping a bum and not having to dicard a poopy diaper :D

Sizes
2T-3T (odd) at Old Navy
Shoe size 6.5-he's going to be short like me

He is still throwing fits and screaming when he can't get his way. He is also going thru a no eating pahse which is so unlike him. Doing good in the big boy bed..sleeping in it til early morning. Cries SO hard now when I drop him off to the sitter in the morning.

[PrincessCrappy]

Hi Everyone! It's been SO long since I've stopped in here. Needless to say, Griffin keeps me more than busy! I popped in to get some birthday ideas and wanted to check on all of you as we prepare for our little darlings to turn 2!

I can't believe how many of you are already expecting babies. Congratulations to all of you! Brink - I can't believe you have TWINS. How wonderful! It seems like only yesterday when your husband called to let us know Aimee had arrived.

Like me, I'm sure you're all amazed at the developments the kids are making at this stage. We're in the midst of potty training, he's talking up a storm and quickly memorizes and recites books we've only read a couple of times. Griffin still eats a ton, is a terrible napper but decent at nighttime. I truly fall more in love with him each day -- when I'm not losing my patience or thinking of selling him to the gypsies, that is!

I'm going to try to catch up a little on what you've been up to and hope to pop in here more frequently. In the meantime, here's a recent picture of Griff:
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb44/princesscrappy/IMG_3713.jpg

[pixiecat]

Carrie - good to see you around. Griffen is adorable!

[Brink]

Carrie - wonderful to hear from you. I've missed your updates. Glad to hear all is well in your world. I agree, it's amazing how much more I can love her everyday.

[PrincessCrappy]

Thanks for the re-welcome, Julie & Tina!

[Kay2003]

Hi everyone, I'm back too, after about a month-long absence.

I've only read the last 3 pages, so forgive me for not being up-to-date....
solongotgo - congrats on the baby news.

no potty training yet - Kaito only recently has been telling me after he goes. So he doesn't seem ready yet.

2nd bday gift ideas - I'm thinking he would enjoy a wooden train set.

pixie - Lily is a real trooper.

went to Japan - My DH and I took Kaito to Japan for two weeks about a month ago. We survived the ten hour flight even though he slept only for one hour. Thank goodness he was into stickers. We played with stickers for so long. The return was far worse after we got off the plane. The second night we were home he was up from 1 AM - 5 AM. Just didn't get jet lag.

words - I too am continually amazed at how these little minds work. He is starting to put words together. Like "Pasta...... small tunnel." He was eating those long macaroni pastas. Or today he said "another sign. Up there." My favorite, however, is, "Mama. want to cuddle." All in Japanese. His vocabulary is about 70% Japanese, 30% English. But it's fun to watch him switch back and forth between languages. Like "tsuki (moon)." Then he says, "Daddy. Moon."

Sandie - congrats on the baby girl news!

I've got to run, but I look forward to catching up with all of you. It's been far too long.

[AlisonCO]

Kay - That is so darn cool that K is learning and speaking two languages.

PrincessC - Such a cute pic - check in more often!

We are doing well. Caitlin is wearing undies alot when we are home and has actually been dry for the past two mornings:eek: Today she woke up at 6:45 and said potty. She peed for like 90 seconds! We have been having way less meltdowns recently so I am happy for the break - I know it is only the calm before the storm. She is finally getting her eye teeth so she has been especially clingy. Aidan and DH went camping last night and oh man was she ever upset when she woke up this morning and Bubba wasn't here. She is like his shadow and does everything (good and bad) that he does.

I cannot believe that she is going to be 2 in 5 weeks - I haven't done any shopping yet so I need to get on it.

Here are a couple of recent pictures:

http://www.allsam.com/200706/images/070407_21.jpg
http://www.allsam.com/200706/images/070407_26.jpg

Hope that you all are well!

[PrincessCrappy]

Alison - The kids are TOO cute! They both look so happy! Congrats on the successful potty training for Caitlin. I'm curious about what you did to move the process along. The potty learning thread scares me -- it's so long and our kids are younger than most in that thread. Griffin has initiated the potty training in our house by first asking for a potty and then asking to sit on it when he had to go. He successfully poo'ed and peed on his own. We were just following his cues and not really pushing it since it was still so early. However, recently Griffin has decided to only use the potty as a stalling tactic -- one more story before bed or nap, etc. We're not sure what to do now. When we ask him throughout the day if he has to go, he always says "no". We don't want to discourage him when he says he has to go but now he rarely actually goes, he only reads books. Did you use a specific plan to help Caitlin? I've been hearing about the naked for three days thing but I'm confused as to how it works. Suggestions?!?!

[AlisonCO]

PC - Honestly the only reason we are even doing it and that it is going well is because of Aidan - Caitlin has been watching him go to the bathroom, follows him in and wants to go to. I truly believe that in most cases, the earlier you start the longer the process and in most cases boys seem to be ready later than girls (some of that is developmental, but some is physical). That being said, if G seems interested I would keep the potty available and maybe ask occasionally when you are home - you really will know when he is more ready and right now it sounds to me like he is not quite there. The novelty might have worn off and now it is not quite as new and exciting. As far as using it as a stall tactic (Caitlin does that too) I give her two chances before nap - when she asks for the second time, I tell her that this is her last time to go before nap.

We did do the naked for 3 days thing with Aidan when he was about 2.75 and it does work. The "theory" behind it is that some kids (again, especially boys) seem to have some disconnect with the whole process. When they are naked, they feel the urge and then have the pee running down their leg so after awhile they get what is going on and start to put the whole thing together. SOme kids don't mind wet undies - Caitlin doesn't really - so the pee running down their leg is more uncomfortable.

One last thing in my novel:) Don't be discouraged - our kids are young and this can be a very long process! Some of our parents and grandparents will say that we were all trained by 18 months - who knows how true that is but like my mom told me, we didn't really go anywhere most days which makes it easier and more consistent. My DS didn't day train until right after his 3rd b-day and still wears a pull up at night - again our ped said that it is completely normal to not night train (especially a boy) until later - even up to age 6! It happened fairly quickly with DS because he was older and ready.

[cr8zyforaf]

Welcome back princess crappy - we've missed you. Griff is adorable and I love his little car (and his little gas station that goes with it!)

Kay - sounds like you had a good trip.

Alison - oh, what cute pictures!!

Potty - my take on it - I am not stressing - when she is ready she will do it...if she gets closer to 3 and still no potty, then I will start to press it. Two of my friends had their girls 'trained' by 2..and then a few months later, they both totally regressed. She asks sometimes and sometimes I will ask her - and we talk about it but other than that, I am not pressing it.

birthday - we are going with a monkey theme as that is her favorite animal. I have no plans and just sent the invites out. Gifts - the big ones are a small picnic table for our deck, and sand/water table, easel, and tricycle.

We are fighting a diaper rash - she has had the runs for over a month now and a diaper rash that won't stop. Dr. took stool sample and swab of rash - won't have answers for a few days. We leave for the beach (THANK GOODNESS) on Saturday so I hope she is feeling better by then.

Took her to the fair this week - loved the rides and all the junk food but hated the animals which was very shocking to me....she wouldn't go near them and actually flipped out when she saw this huge pig. It is really hot here so we didn't stay long but it was a really good time.

We are off to the beach for a much needed vacation. When we get back - I will be heading to the RE...we are on our 6th cycle of TTC with no luck and given my age, it is time to get some help.

[hmbay]

potty--I agree with don't get discouraged. I have an almost 4 y.o.boy who REFUSES to pt. We've tried pullups, just underware, no undeware. Kid doesn't care. He flat out says "i don't want to be a big boy". Sigh. So if you can't get your kid pt'd at 2 don't sweat it. Most kids don't train until between 3 and 4 I've read.

[solongtogo]

Agree with hmbay, they'll do it when they're good and ready to do it. Not a minute before.

I'm doing good and so is Courtney. We recently got back from a Florida vacation that was both fun and trying at the same time. A vacation with a toddler is not really what I'd call a vacation. We started a new daycare this week and so far it's going great. Courtney is a huge chatterbox and a busy bee, but she's also quite clingy and not at all happy when you're not in the room with her. Terrible 2s are coming along...she throws fits when she dosen't get her way or dosen't get somethign she wants, but thats just normal. She's able to sing her abc's and count to 15, but no colors yet. She's doing great with animal noises too, and my personal favorite is the donkey.

She turns 2 here in 2 weeks...I'm trying to finish up her party plans this weekend...we're doing a Mickey Mouse themed party, and she just LOVES mickey, so I'm pretty excited. I still have a lot of things to finish up for the party, and am dragging my feet a bit because I'm lazy and tired.

I'm doing ok with this pregnancy so far. It was very wierd because I felt like I was showing right away, got bloated and my pants were so tight. After like 2 weeks of that, now I don't feel I'm showing and my pants are fitting fine. Strange. I have an ultrasound in 3 weeks and then some doc appts. I'm glad to be getting to see my ob again, I love her. She's the best. Unfortunately, morning sickness showed up this morning, and my stomach is unsettled today. And it happened at work too. Luckily no one was around. Looks like I need to start carrying a cup in my car :( ANother thing that is totally different, with Courtney I virtually had no cravings, but with this one, the cravings hit early and they hit HARD. So when I think of something, I've got to have it. NOW.

Sorry for the long update :D

[cr8zyforaf]

Today is a very sad day in our house...we were supposed to be on vacation - but DH took our beloved dog Bailey to the vet on Monday because he was lethargic and having a hard time going to the bathroom. Tuesday morning we were told he had leukemia. Ash and I drove home - we took him for a second opinion today and were told we could try chemo and radiation but because he was in such bad shape, they couldn't promise us a thing. We had him put down this morning.

When we brought Ashley home, she looked all over the house for her 'bay bay' and we explained that he is dead - and now she keeps looking for him and saying 'bay bay dead'.

We've lost our best friend...I can't believe he is gone...I just can't believe it.

[charmcitygirl]

cr8zyforaf sorry to hear about your dog.

[jo&sean]

Cr8zy - I just saw your post over in the pets thread. I am so sorry for your loss. Loosing a pet is so difficult and I can't imagine having to explain that to A :(

[BeachBum]

I'm really sorry for your loss, Kim.

[AlisonCO]

Oh cr8zy, I am so very sorry for you loss. Losing a beloved pet is so difficult - I can't imagine how hard it is to explain to A. We lost our yellow lab when Aidan was 6 months old and our current pups are almost 10. Thinking about you all!!!

[cr8zyforaf]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. This is one of the hardest times of our lives so far...I miss him so much and I can't believe he is gone.

[Kay2003]

cr8zy - I am so sad for you. And hearing about how Ashley is remembering your dog and calling him by name is just heart wrenching. Hugs to all of you!

[Brink]

Cr8zy - so sorry to hear about your loss. Hugs to you and your family.

[pixiecat]

Kim - I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Bailey :( We are thinking of you guys. Pls give Ash an extra hug from Lily.

Lily moves up to the next room in daycare soon, and boy is she excited! I ask her how old she is and she tells me "Sunshine!" (that's the name of the 2-3 year old room at her daycare).

We haven't really started planning the party, we were thinking of "farm" theme and looked into bringing in one of those traveling petting zoos, but it was $400 / hour! :eek: So we're back to square one. We went to a 2-year old b-day party yesterday (of just a casual aquaintence from swim class) and within the first 15 minutes Lily had both a huge tantrum over a bubble machine, and poured a giant shovelful of dirt over her head! It was very fine dirt, difficult to get off & she looked like a little hobo for the rest of the party. It didn't help that I tried to clean her with a party napkin, which bled blue on her face and arms :rolleyes: Hmmm... I'm not sure if we will be invited back.

Just got back from a week on the east coast for work. DH was also working, so my poor mom had L for three nights... she would *not* sleep and we are just now trying to get her back into her routine.

Hope everyone has a great weekend & a good week ahead. :)

[Sandie78]

cr8zyforaf :( That's so sad.

We just got back from a week at the beach. Zach loved the ocean and the pool. We also went to a children's museum that he enjoyed.

I've been thinking about Zach's birthday party. It'll be a lowkey event with family. I don't really have a theme, but I might come up with one.

[solongtogo]

Courtney's birthday (and party too) is this coming up Saturday!! I am terribly excited for it....it's funny that last year I was dreading her turning 1 because it would mean no more baby, this year I can't wait! I don't think she's quite sure that it's actually HER birthday coming up...she dosen't quite get the concept yet, but next year she definitely will.

Pixie-you may check out local gyms...my neice had several birthday parties at local gyms and they give the kids free run of most of the gymnastics stuff and most gyms have toddler activities. Those parties were so much fun because the adults were allowed to play too...and the kids got in a good workout so they went home and conked out :D

[BeachBum]

Well things are pretty good with us. Our patio remodel is coming right along. It looks like it will be finished by late September--which is perfect timing for good/ cooler weather. I was hoping it would be done by Henry's birthday but that isn't going to happen.
We decided to do the party as a cook out on his actual birthday. Labor Day weekend is before and we are supposed to have a work thing the following weekend. I didn't want to wait b/c I'm ready for new toys! HA. We are doing a train theme. I've got a lot to do to get ready.
If you ask Henry, he will tell you that he is turning 2 on September 6th. If you ask him what he wants he says "cobers" ie covers for his bed. He loves to hide under the covers in our bed and decided that he wants them for his bed too.

I don't think he is ready for us to change the crib into a toddler bed yet though. He still chooses to sleep crossways (across the short side) in his crib.

For his birthday we haven't really gotten much...a new ride on toy and a few new trucks. Oh and wedgits. I might get a trike too. It just seems like so many toys are duplicates of what we already have. What are you guys giving for the big 2? Don't feel embarrassed if you bought a lot of stuff :) I want to hear about it! With Christmas just a few months away it's not too soon to come up with fresh ideas.

We started finger painting this week and are having a lot of fun with it. He doesn't last for more than 15 minutes--but that is 14 minutes longer than any other activity except play dough. :D Anyone have any other fun "art" activities that they are enjoying?

We haven't really been to the beach or pool much this summer. It has just been too hot. If we do go, we wait until DH gets home and take a picnic supper. It is really nice around 6pm. It would be so nice to have a week "on" the beach where you didn't have to pack the car up every time you wanted to go. We live about 1.5 miles away from the beach but feel wasteful taking a beach vacation. But it really is a different experience being able to walk right out your door.

Our only vacation this summer was visiting the in-laws. I was really dreading it, but it ended up being quite fun. DH's brothers were there at MILs too with their children. Plus this year we had our own car and I planned activities every day. I invited everyone to come along--but we went regardless. In the past I have felt bored and trapped. I was surprised how much Henry loved being around his cousins. I don't have cousins my age so I never had that experience. I guess it made me realize that I really need to make an effort to get together with them.

I can't wait to hear about how Courtney's b-day party went Lisa. H loves Mickey too. I'm sure it will be adorable!

Oh, for those of you who like to do parties and such I've got a good find. At Sam's club they have adjustable height folding tables. You know those rectangular ones that fold for storage... well these adjust down to 24 inches--kid height! I bought a few stacking plastic chairs at dollar general for $2.50 each. Ta Da! An adorable "kids table" for birthdays and cookouts.

[PrincessCrappy]

We're finally done traveling for the summer! We just got back from a week and a half trip: a few days in Philadelphia for a wedding, then a week long stay on the New Jersey shore with my hubby's family. We had a house that slept 20 -- it was crazy! Lot's of fun and lots of spoiling of my little darling.

Thanks for all your thoughts on the potty training issues. I think I just got excited by his initial interest (and pressure from the grandparents) but now I think it was just a fluke. We still ask him occaisionally throughout the day, but we don't push it at all.

Kim - I am SO sorry about Bailey.

Beachbum - We're getting Griffin a kitchen for his birthday. This summmer we already bought him a swing/slide set for the backyard, a cozy coupe fire truck, gas pump for the truck and an art easel! We'll wait until after his birthday to see if there is anything else he "needs".

I'm planning a music party for his birthday party next weekend and I have no idea what to have him wear. My mom picked up some iron-on music note decals she wants to put on a white polo shirt. Do you guys have any other ideas?

[solongtogo]

as far as presents go

Mickey Mouse clubhouse with figures to go with it
a my little pony
a cash register
and a bubble blowing lawn mower

I know my mom got her that fisher price kidtough digital camera, she digs when I take pictures and she sees them on the back of the camera.

[wildcat]

solongtogo - A My Little Pony, that's genious!! Lauren's loves "osies"! Hmm, going to have to check out that camera!

Totally jealous of everyone's summer vacations!! We're going to Florida in October with my sib's (no kids!) and then DH and I are going somewhere in November (but not Hawaii, too many other expenses coming up). We decided not to take Lauren anywhere this summer bc honestly, she has no idea if she's at the zoo here or somewhere else!:p I can't wait to go somewhere next there though when she might understand a little better.

Birthdays - We're doing an animal theme with this partyware:
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/thumbnails/FW996PL.jpg

I'm in the process of handmaking the invites now (they look like the blue/pink/white cow square). Her party is 9/22 here with friends and then 9/29 where my parents live with the family. Surely one day we can stop doing 2 birthday parties?:rolleyes:

I haven't bought Lauren much yet...I found a play cookie cutter set for her kitchen and some dress-up gloves on sale at Target and stashed those away. But on her birthday wish list is:
- engraved locket from daddy (we got her a jewelry box last year and plan to buy a piece of jewelry each year to put in it)
- a bead bracelet I'll make her (she loves wearing/playing with mine) like this one:
http://elisailana.com/content/product.cfm/sessionid/750616070929308/site_id/1/color/none/pricerange/0/item_id/8432/parentCategory_id/0/category_id/117/startRow/1/searchValue//currentPage/1
- easel
- wood table/chair set
- wood play food for her kitchen (that cardboard stuff we got her for Christmas is crap)
- dishes for her kitchen
- doll furniture (cradle, highchair, etc)
- dress-up clothes
- new pj's
- new fall shoes
- puzzles
- wild baby magazine subscription
- growth chart - I'll make it, probably something like this:
http://www.2sweetsisters.com/images/pink_growth_chart6.jpg
- tricycle
- wagon

To everyone buying kitchens - it is the BEST thing we've ever bought Lauren. She plays with it daily and it's been neat to see her learn new things with it (at the beginning the excitement was opening and closing doors...now she goes over "washes" her hands, pours us cereal and milk and brings it to us). She'll go over and give her baby's a bath in the sink, too. SUCH a good gift!!

[AlisonCO]

solong - I can't believe that we have our first 2nd b-day this weekend - can't wait to see pics! How is your pregnancy going?

cr8zy - How are you all? I hope that the sadness is starting to lift a bit.

PC - I agree with wildcat - my kids love the play kitchen and it has gotten so much use! Do you like the easal you bought? That is on my xmas list for the kids - I am looking for a 2 sided one that is nice and sturdy.

BB - Caitlin has just starting riding Aidan's old trike and she loves it - her feet just barely touch the pedals but she is getting the hang of pedalling.

wildcat - So true about them not really caring about the zoo at home and 1000 miles away! We are planning our first big family vacation for next summer - it should be fun!

Caitlin's party will be on Sunday the 16th - her real b-day is on the 10th (Monday) but my parents are out of town the weekend before and my sister is gone the next Saturday. Honestly I think that we will not do anything on her actual b-day - she won't know;).

We are doing a baby faces theme party - Caitlin and I looked thru all kinds of themes like animals, ladybugs, butterflies, firefighters, Wiggles and once she saw the babies it was all over. She loves babies!

http://images.birthdayinabox.com/BIABViewLarger/800001Plt.jpg

They are actually baby shower decorations but she loves them and they are cute. We will add some balloons and a Happy Birthday sign. I am also going to get a cake with her picture on it.

She is getting the Little People Preschool:

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wvqH0tRrL._AA280_.jpg

She is also getting a little backpack that has straps to attach a doll, a few new books, girly underwear and a doll baby bassinet from my parents.

We are doing well - Caitlin is finally getting her eye teeth as well as two, 2 year molars but she is doing well with it.

I just figured out that our school cutoff here is Sept 1 so Caitlin will start preschool next year:eek:. and I will have one kid in school everyday next year since she will go T,TH and Aidan will go M,W,F - what am I going to do with myself!

Hope that you all are well.

[solongtogo]

Allisonit's ok. I'm pretty sick, but I don't think nearly as bad as last time (yet), and instead of sucking it up, I begged for a prescription of zofran. I luv it. But believe me, I'm requesting that the tubes get tied. No more of this for me thanks.

That's a lot of nasty teeth all at once!

[Cr8nme]

Hi Guys... its been a long time since I have visited!

Noelle is doing really well and is moving into her big girl bed this weekend! She has started climbong out of it soo now is the time!

BIG FAVOR~ Since I am not here that often...does anyone want to help moderate the thread? Maybe 2 people? PM me if you want to because I have been PMed that we need to start a new thread!

Thanks!

[cr8zyforaf]

Thank you all for your thoughts - I am better - still sad..I miss my boy so much..so much. Ashley asks for him daily - but I really don't think she understands. I told her the other day that I was sad and I started crying and she climbed up and gave me a hug and a kiss and wiped my tears (what I do to her when she cries)...thank god for her. It is the little things that make me cry- coming home to an empty house, not hearing him walk behind me, missing the sound of his tail thumping against the floor.

Ashley's party is the 8th - I've done nothing except send out invites. Oh well..it will all fall together somehow. I am having 20 children and probably 30-40 adults.

gifts - Her big gifts (from multiple people) are a sand/water table, tricycle, and art easle. I still haven't decided what we are getting her - I wanted to do the tricycle but SIL/BIL already got her one. We will do some sort of jewlery because she gets a piece every year to put her in jewlery box (gift from her 1st).

And....her biggest gift is a little brother or sister. I got a BFP last night which was totally unexpected given the events of the past few weeks. It is very special to us - baby was conceived when Bailey was still with us - which sounds silly.

potty - she is asking to go more often and takes her diaper off as soon as she poops. I am not going to push it - we went and got some big girl panties and she loves them - but either wants to hold them or wear them over her diaper. I am not going to push - it seems like if I suggest the potty she says no..but if she feels like going, and it is her idea, she will do it. This morning we were getting dressed and she jumped up and said 'POTTY' and ran to the potty and went..she was so proud.

I am reading along and will try to do shout outs tonight.

[charmcitygirl]

cr8zy congrats!

just a quickie... j & z's bday party was a few weeks ago and it was great. we had mostly family and a few friends. they got tons of new toys, including their favorite, trikes. i ordered a playset for them but the shipping got totally screwed up and still hasn't arrived. they also got lots of fall clothes and shoes, puzzles, an easel, wood food for their kitchen and z got a charm for her bracelet and j got a new train car for his collection. all was good.

so now we are officially out of the baby stage and i have to say, it makes me kinda sad. it's hard with two 2-year-olds! we're in full-on climbing & destructo mode.

we're off to a wedding this weekend, then on tuesday morning, dh & i are going to the outer banks in north carolina for 5 days. without the kids. it will be the longest i've been away from them so i'm kinda nervous about it. but, i really need a break and it's coming at a really good time for me. my parents and il's are splitting up babysitting duties at our house so it's nice that i don't have to pack for them and orchestrate p