November 2004 Kids and Families

[annielynn]

From our very first Trimester...1st Trimester (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=455883&tstart=50)

To our second...2nd Trimester (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=458347&tstart=50)

Old CC Thread...Our Second Year (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1505)

We are proud November 2004 mommies!

Kates
Me: Kate (32)
DH: Denis (33)
Married: September 6/03
Grady, 8lbs 7 oz, 9/21/04

MtySheera
Me: Marlene (29)
DH: Daryl (30)
Married 5/11/02
Started TTC: 2/03
Frank Thomas, 7lbs 3/4 oz, 10/15/04

Franni
Franni (34)
George (28)
Married - 09/21/02
Gwendolyn Halley, 10/20/04

NICU_nurse
Me: Sara (29)
DH: Brad (27)
Married: 9/27/03
DD Hanna 12/8/95
Kyle Brandon, 8lbs, 3.4ozs, 10/25/04

Paula R
Me: Paula
DH: Darrell
Married 4/28/2001
Caden, 7lbs 14oz, 10/25/04

Abby'sMom
Sherry (28)
Adam (28)
Married: 8/17/02
Abigail Bridgett, 7lbs 6oz, 11/3/04

babyjinks
ME: Heather 26
DH: Kris 29
Married: Oct.11, 2003
TTC: Jan 2004
Evan Michael, 8lbs 5oz, 11/3/04

er nurse
Me: Lisa (32)
DH: Chris (37)
Married: July 19, 2003
TTC: 2/04/04
Chianna, 6lbs 12oz, 11/4/04

duke's flygirl
Me: Joelle-29
DH: Denis-35
Married: August 16th, 2003
TTC 31 Dec 03
Ryleigh Jane, 7lbs 2oz, 11/4/04

annielynn
Me: Annie (31)
DH: Paul (32)
Married: 9/20/03
Jack Morgan, 7lbs 12oz, 11/10/04

shania0474
shania: 31
DH: 36
married: August 2002
DS#1: David 11/11/04
DS#2: Gabriel 3/20/06

CMW02
Me: Cindy (31)
DH: Cory (30)
Married: 8/17/02
Simone Liliana, 8lbs 10oz, 11/12/04

spa76
Me: Sandie (27)
DH: Hans (29)
Married: 6-2-01
DS: Honeymoon babe Elias Henry (2-3-02)
Delia Juliet, 7lbs, 11/12/04

Lobeth
Me: Lori (33)
DH: J (33)
Married: October 11, 2003
TTC: 10/11/2003
Tori, 7lb 13oz, 19.5in 11/13/04
EDD #2: 1/14/06

mia's mama
SEB: 30
DH: 32
Married: 09/02
TTC: 02/03
History of recurrent pregnancy loss: 04/03, 11/03, 01/04
[COLOR=deeppink]Mia Cameron, 7lbs 5.5oz, 11/14/04

April1234
Me: April (25)
DH: Chris (34)
Married: 5/24/03
EDD: 12/29/04
Lillian Grace 4lb 16 1/2in 11/20/04
DS: Nolan Grant 05/15/06

AJX
Me: AJ (30)
DH: JB (39)
Married: 4/11/03
TTC: 2/24/04
Xavier, 8lbs 2oz, 11/21/04

mak
mak: 31
DH: 36
married- 11/22/03
ttc: 01/04
DD- Mimi

[annielynn]

I hope that everyone had a great weekend (minus the CC crap.) We are getting all geared up for Jack's big party this coming weekend. We went yesterday and got his big present from mommy and daddy, I cannot wait to give it to him!!! How is the world is he 2 already? Amazing how time flies when you are having fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Miss Abby
Mr Evan
Miss Chianna
Miss Ryleigh

I hope that you got everything that you wanted for your birthday. :)

[K&H's mommy]

subscribing...thanks Annie!

[CMW02]

me too!!

Thanks Annie! :D

[AJX]

Subscribing!
Thank you, Annie! When I saw that the old thread had passed the 100-page mark, I thought it might be time for us to move on.

[Kates]

Thanks for setting this up Annie!

[duke's flygirl]

Thanks for setting this up Annie!

[Abby'sMom]

Go Annie... go Annie....

:D

[April1234]

Thanks for setting this up Annie!:D

April1234
Me: April (25)
DH: Chris (34)
Married: 5/24/03
EDD: 12/29/04
Lillian Grace 4lb 16 1/2in 11/20/04
DS: Nolan Grant 05/15/06

[annielynn]

Thanks ladies! It is just nice to still be together and see how this 2 year olds are terrorizing us. :)

[shania0474]

Ooh new thread... may I join officially?


shania: 31
DH: 36
married: August 2002
DS#1: David 11/11/04
DS#2: Gabriel 3/20/06

I never post photos on the Internet so I hope that won't be a problem. You'll just have to take my word for it that I have the cutest kids in the world! :p

[annielynn]

You are official Shania! :)

I understand completely not posting pictures. We will not hold it against you! ;) And I am sure that you have a couple of very handsome little men.

[Abby'sMom]

Shania, are on lj? I'm much more comfortable posting pics etc. over there since my whole journal is friends-only.

[Paula R]

I'm here! Now off to see if I figure this LJ thing out.

[AJX]

Just a second attempt to subscribe....

[Kates]

I'm on LJ too, I don't post to my own journal a lot, but I do try to read and post in my friend's journals! I'm kates_72 over there.

[babyjinks]

I have been super busy so i havent been stopping by lately but am very disturbed that somebody is stealing stuff off here. I have been part of this group for 3 years........and count on you guys very much to make sure that I am on track with stuff! Evan seems to be on track to living up to the "terrible" twos. I used to post pics but ever since shutterfly went weird I havent been able to figure out how to....I guess I wont bother to figure it out.......anyways hope everybody is doing well!

[babyjinks]

subscribe

[AJX]

Welcome back, babyjinks. And belated happy birthday to Evan.

[mak]

subscribing too!

Not sure what happened last week as I did not see anything until yesterday and I tried to click on the link but it did not work for me???...but I am trying to remove all my pictures.

I have no idea how LJ works nor do I think i have the patience to try and figure out..but will look into it soon.

[shania0474]

I have no idea how LJ works nor do I think i have the patience to try and figure out..but will look into it soon.

Ditto! I don't even know what it is so can someone clue me in?

[babyjinks]

Thanks AJ and Happy Birthday to all of our November babies....I am clueless also to LJ and only recently found out what the initials stand for LOL

[Kates]

I have no idea how LJ works nor do I think i have the patience to try and figure out..

I have only just started using LJ - www.livejournal.com recently. Honestly, I didn't think I'd have the time to figure out how to use it or post very much, but I do what I can when I have time. The Help and FAQ's on LJ are excellent, so figuring out the basics is really easy.

I like it because I find that people are more open on LJ and feel safe posting pictures. It's more private than CC because you can choose who sees your posts. Very slim chance of someone quoting you in a book, YKWIM?

[duke's flygirl]

Glad to see everyone again!

We had R's 2nd b-day with my parents visiting from Ontario, and my SIL and niece and nephew who live in the area. It was a small affair with a Dairy Queen ice cream cake but a good time was had by all.

She is definitely in the terrible twos, but she is also doing some of the cutest things.

For those of you not on LJ, my DH has been away since last monday and doesn't return until the 24th of the month. It was a LONG week last week, but my BFF came for the weekend and was SOO much help. I miss her tons!

My little guy is now almost 15 weeks old, how the heck did that happen? He is doing well also.

Anyway, I have friended you Paula on LJ in case you didn't see my comment in the other thread.

I too prefer the privacy that I get on LJ and I do tend to post way more pictures there!

Hope you all are doing well!

Joelle

[mia's mama]

Hi all...
I can't believe almost all of our kids are 2 now! We had Mia's party over the weekend, a western/cowgirl theme. She had a blast. She also had her WBV on Monday:

23.6 lbs (10th % :rolleyes: )
35.5" (85% :) )

Hope you are all well!

[Abby'sMom]

Holy cow, Stacey, Mia really shot up, didn't she?!

[mak]

Happy Birthday to all the 2 year olds...times flies!!! Hope everyone had great days and parties...not sure what we will do still since it is hard to plan a party when we are in the midst of packing/moving. Might have to just do a small family thing!

Terrible twos.....they are pretty brutal in my house. One minute she is being the cutest, nicest kid...and the next she is testing all the limits. A couple of days ago she had to be put in her crib for some "time to calm down" about 7 times in a hour!!! DH has been travelling a lot so at first I thought she was just missing him, but now I think we have hit the terrible twos and she can not stop herself!!

Has anyone been Christmas/Holiday shopping yet? I have to figure out what to get the girls. We already gave Mimi a wooden kitchen this summer since her birthday and Christmas are so close together.

I know this seems like a far off thing...but is everyone sending their toddlers to preschool next year? Since we are moving to Boston, everyone in that area has told me to really look into it now since there are waiting lists at certain places.

[Abby'sMom]

Preschool - Ugh. I live in a really affluent area (though we aren't affluent, just lucky to be here, I guess). The hip thing to do to keep up with the Joneses is to put your two year old in preschool. It makes me gag. I go nuts with both kids some days, but no way am I putting Abby in preschool now! Maybe when she's 3; we'll see. If we're expecting #3 by the end of next year, I may well want to put her in a program starting in January 08.

[mak]

Sorry- I meant next September or January not this year...I am not putting Mimi in preschool until she is 3 either but some friends have told me to look into this winter/spring since some preschools have a waiting list for a year.

[Abby'sMom]

Megan - I understood you correctly. :) Just taking the chance to complain. Ha. Sorry for the confusion. Preschools around here have long waiting lists too. We'll most likely go with the one affiliated with our church since Abby is already very comfortable there and we want a Christian environment for her.

[mak]

Since Mimi's birthday is in December, she misses the cutoff for kindergarten and does not start school until she is 5 almost 6. I am not sure if she should start preschool next year in Jan 08 when she is 3 or wait until September 08 (when she is almost 4) since even then she will have 2 years of preschool before she starts school which seems like a lot, but then I worry is she going to be bored at home still with me and need more. I like to think she will have a built-in playmate with Ella, we do a music and gym class plus a playgroup will be enough but I am not sure? Just wondered what you all were thinking about next year. It seems insane that I have to look into something a year before I may or may not do it, but everyone keeps telling me to at least look into it in case she is ready.

[K&H's mommy]

Hello girls -

Little one is sleeping in her bed (shocking) so I have time to post! I even showered already and it's not even 10, LOL!

Preschool - Am I horrible for already thinking about it? I am looking into a very part-time program for Kyle. Two days a week, 3 hours a day - to 6 hours a week. It's for both of us. I have such a hard time getting stuff done with both of them that it will be my "errand" time...and he will get the chance to be around other kids. He has learned so much from the stretch-and-grow class that we go to from being around the other kids that I think he would really enjoy it. And if I don't like him there or he has issues we yank him out since he doesn't HAVE to go, you know? I hope you all don't think I'm horrible for considering it. :(

Kyle has been behaving much better, not as much screaming going on. Although now he cry/whines whenever he wants something. His vocabulary is finally starting to pick up thank goodness. I was really worried there for a while. He loooooves his sisters. He is always in their faces...here's an example.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/NICU_nurse/P1010099.jpg

[Kates]

Preschool, we're definitely thinking ahead to preschool. G won't even be 3 by the time they start, so I'm a little nervous. Maybe January is a better timeframe.

I'm thinking I may be home on Mat leave by then, so we may try to put him into one in the French Catholic school he'll be attending for 4yr old kindergarden. Someone would have to drop him off and then take him back to daycare or home so it would be really convenient if I was home.

[mia's mama]

Sara- That picture is so cute! Mia is the same way with Jackson...in his face ALL THE TIME. She loves him to death and he has just started belly laughing at her...I love watching them together.

Holy cow, Stacey, Mia really shot up, didn't she?!

No kidding! 4 inches in 6 months! :eek: Of course she only gained 1 lb., but whatever.Sherry- you are BRAVE girl, to be thinking about #3! Especially considering both kids wern't/arn't "easy babies". Wow! I once thought we would have 3 or 4, but now I'm not so sure...I won't even consider it until Mia is in school full time (Kindergarten).

Preschool-
I've been thinking about preschool too. Mia is SUPER shy and I think it will really benefit her to go to school 5 or 6 hours /week. The waitlist situation here in LA is OUT OF CONTROL, so I actually put her on the list at the closest school (a Presbyterian church) several months ago. They may or may not have a spot for her in September 08. I am home too, so she doesn't NEED to go, but I really do think it will be good for my little wallflower. She is in a ballet/tap/tumbling class now and we have several playdates everyweek, but it honestly takes her about an hour to de-velcro herself from my body and join in the fun. I was the same way as a kid.

MAK- Can I ask what part of Boston you are moving to? We MAY be making the same move in the next year or so (My DH is from the south shore and his whole family is still there)- neither of us really want to raise our family in LA even though I grew up here and my family is here. We can't decide what area we would want to live in though. We have been looking a lot at Hingham since I know that area fairly well, good schools and it is close to DH's family. You can PM me if you don't want to post it on here.

[Abby'sMom]

Dude, Sara, I have a great friend whose son turned 2 in August. She has him in a T/Th program for precisely the reason you stated - she has a baby a week older than your A and she's losing her mind having both of them all the time. I know I come across as highly critical of early preschool, but I know that there are circumstances that totally warrant looking into it!

[CMW02]

Gorgeous pics and WAY cute about the older siblings sticking their faces in the newbies! LOL

preschool: Yes, she will start at 2.5'ish yrs old.

We have already enrolled Simone into a pre-school beginning next fall.
It *isnt* that I'm thinking so far ahead, but my cousin, who happens to be S's godmother, is the teacher of the preschool, and she asked me about 3 months ago if I wanted to get on the list, "just in case" as space fills pretty quickly.
So, as a result, yep, she's enrolled. :)

The class meets twice a week (Tues/Thurs) from 9a-12noon.
I think Simone will really enjoy it as she is already ready for some heavier project/class/learning environment which she gets just a taste of right now both at home and at her daycare.

And as an added bonus, like both Mak and Sherry noted above, the three hours will give me a little extra break, when baby #2 arrives.
Yeah, so call it selfish..I call it survival! HAHA :D

[mak]

Stacey- I would PM you if I knew how to... But I can tell you here since we have not actually purchased our new house and are still looking....... we are looking on the South Shore (Hingham is actually one of the towns and Duxbury) but we are also looking at the western suburbs like Hopkinton, Westborough, Southborough (a few more too). I grew up in the Western suburbs and have some friends still in that area, but also have a couple friends on the south shore. I think DH prefers the south shore since he is a water boy and would love to be near the water. But I have heard really great things about the western suburbs being geared more to young families, the schools, etc...so I am torn. We still have not sold our house, but hoping in the next few weeks as I am sooo sick of being kicked out for showings. We are spending Thanksgiving at my parents and I am spending a few extra days to look at more houses..so maybe I can tell you more after next week. A friend of mine gave me this article on the schools and towns for every suburb of Boston which is helping me a lot. When I am done with it, I could send it to you if you want. Even though I grew up there and even lived in the city after college for a couple years, I am now looking at moving as a mother/homeowner which is so different, I think. I was actually trying to talk DH into renting a place in the city for a year or two while our kids are young..I thought it might be REALLY fun...not sure he will go for that:rolleyes: !

[mia's mama]

MAK- My DH is a waterboy too...I just want to live somewhere with great schools and lots of young families. We need to be somewhat close to the shouth shore b/c we want to be near family (but not TOO near ;) ) and with easy access into the city. I love that you can pop the kids in the stroller and take the boat in from Hingham and be there in 30 minutes. It's such a PITA to drive into Boston with little kids and find parking. I would LOVE a copy of the article when you are done! Or, if you can give me the title, maybe I can google it? I have been trying to search online with headings like "Best places to raise a family near Boston" to no avail...

[mak]

Stacey- I forgot another town that I LOVE that we are looking at as well...was super pricey (not that Hingham is cheap:rolleyes: ) for a small home but now that prices are dropping it is much better, close to Boston, and close but also far enough away from Hingham ;) (about 20+ mins) is... Needham...which has great schools. DH likes Hingham better but it is close to drive to Logan Airport and Providence which would be great since my DH travels. If you know how PM me (is that email or private message???) and I will send you a copy of this article. It is from Boston Magazine but from around March last year- not exactly sure which month.

[mia's mama]

MAK-
Look up at the top of the page where it says "Welcome Mak". Click on the link under that where it says "private messages" and you should see your PM from me. From there it's just like email. :)
Also- what do you know about Canton? Anything?
~Stacey

[Abby'sMom]

Ok, so Abby is huge. We had her 2-year dr's appt today:

32 lbs 2 oz (90%)
37 3/4 inches (95%)

Screamed and cried the whole time, lucky us!

[mia's mama]

wow, sherry!
Speaking of a growth spurt! What happened to your tiny little peanut?:)

[Abby'sMom]

Stacey, I know! It's crazy how Abby and Mia used to be the same size. I knew she was tall because people in public would always ask how old she was, and when I told them they'd look shocked and say they thought she was 3. Heck, one guy actually asked if she was 4 once (which was just plain weird). I was stunned by the numbers, though.

[shania0474]

preschool we're applying to preschools for next year for David. He attends a twos program at a temple near us right now (1.5hrs a day, two days a week) and his speech has exploded since then so we're thinking of sending him to preschool next year (3-5 days a week for half days)

2 year stats I have a big boy too! Height is 38" and Weight is 33.5lbs (he's a skinny kid but I think the fact that he's so tall adds much to his weight). His ped said to me "I don't think you need to worry about his eating habits (or lack thereof) right now as he is obviously not going to disappear on us!

[mia's mama]

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone that is celebrating today!

[Kates]

Bumping up to see if anyone wants to do a Christmas card exchange again this year? I can collect and send out the addresses again if people are interested.

[Abby'sMom]

Kate - I think I already have addresses for you, Annie, Joelle, Sara and Cindy.... Anyone else?

[duke's flygirl]

I'm interested too Kate...like Sherry, I have a few addresses already.

We are all sick in our house, and it SUCKS! I can't believe that it is already December!

[CMW02]

Hi everyone!! Been away for a while, as we went to California w/ the whole family for Thanksgiving. Super fun, but was glad to be home and in my own bed after nearly 10days away. :D

But, Stacey, I have to admit that I did think of you, b/c I was wondering HOW you could be thinking of moving away from that glorious sunshine state!
I LOVE Cali and would move there in a heartbeat! HAHA. I'm "working" on convincing DH, but it might be tough due to his job, and the fact that he isnt one who is big on the "heat". He grew up in Nevada and DETESTS the heat, which I who grew up in Seattle, LOVE! LOL
I was LOVING sitting outside on December 2nd, eating Ice Cream while wearing shorts and a t-shirt! How wonderful! Ha ha.

All is going well with us. Again, I'm LATE and Simone still hasnt had her 2yr WBV. I know..I'm SO BAD! I need to call today and make an appt. I can say that she is HUGE though!! Dont need the Dr to tell me that one! LOL

We got her a little bike for her b-day and she could barely reach the petals. Well, she must have had a growth spurt, b/c last night, she was riding it all over the family room and had NO PROBLEM w/ the pedals. Oy vei! I wonder just how tall she is now. People ask me everyday how old she is and then sit in AWE when I tell them she just turned 2. They all say WOW..she is so tall and talks so well!! Its kinda fun. :D

My pg is going well too. Just started to feel the fluttery movements and can really tell when Numero Dos is very active. We have our BIG u/s this coming Weds and I'm super excited. Hope the u/s tech is able to see the "goods" that day so I can know just WHO is inside. Wish me luck! :D

Hope you all had a super Thanksgiving. We sure did....but our trip was our "Christmas gift" so, our our Xmas will definitely be on the "smaller side"...but I'm sure we'll have fun nonetheless.

hugs!

[CMW02]

ps---I'd love to do the card exchange again too. I saved my list from last year, but if anyone who didnt partcipate last year, wants to again, just shoot me a PM or email!

[annielynn]

I am in for the Card Exchange I have a lot of our addys from last year (and from our baby shower gift exchange) ;) Hopefully I can get the cards ready to go in time for Christmas. :)

Things are going ready great over here. I have been in a funk for the last couple of weeks but I am starting to come out of it, thank goodness. Jack cannot wait to visit "ho-ho" this coming weekend. That is his new favorite person. Baby #2 is getting bigger and bigger and so is mommy. We will finally have our big u/s on January 9th. The holidays have made it impossible to schedule it any sooner. We are going to find out if this is a girl baby or a boy baby. Very exciting stuff!

[CMW02]

So, you ARE going to leave the green team then Annie?

YAY!!! I'm dying to know. Maybe we'll both pull a switcher-oo- and have another chance at
becoming in-laws. :D

[Abby'sMom]

Geez, I guess mak and I are the only ones woman enough to wait the full 9 months to find out both pgs! ;)

J/K, can't wait to find out. I guess girl for you both.

And boy for whomever is the next preggo! :D

[annielynn]

I thought that I would be able to wait the whole 9 months like the first time for some reason I really and DYING to know this time around. We have been talking about this since we first found out. With our luck we are going to get in there to find out and this little bugger is going to pull a fast one on us! :)

Is this one going to be an opposite too?!

[mak]

I would like to do the card exchange too but not sure if my cards will be done until the last minute. I did it last year but do not think I still have everyones address anymore???

Annie, can't wait to hear what you are having...so exciting!!

Abbysmom, would you find out next time...it scares me that I even think about a next time for me..am I crazy or what?

[Abby'sMom]

Megan, I don't know what we'd do. :) I'd probably want to know and DH wouldn't. So probably not. I DID tell him, however, that if we were ever to have twins, I'd want to know in advance.

I still have addresses for Megan, Stacey, Marlene, and the previously mentioned ladies. I can PM my address to anyone who wants it.... Or Kate can compile and send again. Is it pathetic that I still have the PM from LAST year? :o

[annielynn]

I dont think that I have your address Megan, but I would love to exchange cards. Do you want to PM me?

[K&H's mommy]

Hi Girls-

I would have loved to do the card exchange, but I already ordered my cards and sent them out today. :-( I don't have any left.

Poor Kyle is sick. He hasn't been sick in forever so he is miserable. Although, I think he is like his Daddy....gets a mild cold and the world is over, ha ha. I could have pneumonia and expect to act like everything is normal...ha ha!

[shania0474]

Hi ladies

Would have loved to do the card exchange too but I finally decided this morning that we're not doing cards at all this year. We tried to take christmas card photos two days ago and after about 40 minutes of trying to keep two very active boys still, we gave up. Plus David smashed my cell phone which was way more updated with addresses than the backup on my computer so I would have to call everybody for addresses. I am in the middle of so many projects (trying to get back into work mode after about almost a year of being at home, applying to preschools for David, getting the house in order) that I'm too busy to worry about that now.

I love sending cards out so I'm not happy about this decision but I don't need another thing to stress about right now.

K&H's Mommy Hope Kyle gets better soon. David has had a bad cough/cold too and I took him to the ped yesterday only to find out that his sickness is being worsened by the fact that his molars are coming in... :(

[annielynn]

BOY oh BOY! ;) Did I hear some news today that needs to be shared in here by a dear friend. psst psst

[CMW02]

ACK! Annie, you're always trying to OUT Me. :D

Okay, so I guess I'll spill the beans...

Well.......


I'm continuing the RO "opposite gender" trend for #2.

Yep, We're expecting a little BOY this time. :D :D :D

DH is out of his mind w/happiness, although he *hasn't* really said anything-I can just tell how he's walking a tad bit taller these days, and I am VERY happy myself.

I've already done some online "window" shopping for this little guy, who we are calling Jose Cuervo -for FUN/ie a joke- as the EDD is Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).


Now, we have to come up with a REAL name. Oy vei!!!
DH made me choose the name for Simone -well, I chose 10, he picked his 3 faves and then we narrowed it down together.
But, for his SON, I'm going to have HIM do the list of 10, and I'll choose my 3. This COULD turn out badly I'm sure, but I still have veto power, so I'm not too worried. :D

Now I can start on the NURSERY look!! YEAH!! :D

And my IL's are coming for Xmas, and MIL said last night that SHE IS SO EXCITED About going shopping for EVERYTHING for this little guy.
Its their 1st Grand-SON. There are already 3 girls, so everyone is in BOY heaven.

[AJX]

Congrats, Cindy!
For my money, though, all we've seen is people who had girls get boys, not truly an "RO opposite" trend. We've had one girl-girl case, one boy-boy case (where the second boy was the Nov 2004 baby), and one case where a Nov 2004 boy was followed by a 2006 girl--but that 2004 boy was actually following the birth of a girl years ago. So, we only have one case of the kind in which I am interested: that of a firstborn son being followed by a girl, and that's Sandie with Delia. All the one-case scenarios could be anomolous, and really all we have is a trend for Baby #2 to be a boy. Annielynn will have to tell in January to see if we've started a true trend for RO Opposites, regardless of the gender of #1.

Yeah, I should be studying for my Math Econ: Dynamics final I have to take on Saturday (blech!) at 11:30am. :p

[Kates]

I still have a list of addresses from last year's Christmas card exchange for:
Abby'sMom
annielynn
CMW02
Duke’s flygirl
Kates
MAK
Mia's Mama
MtySheera
If anyone wants the list, wants their name on the list, or wants their name off the list, please PM me!

[CMW02]

AJ,
In that case, I hope you get the one you are interested in! ;)

[Abby'sMom]

So I must b!tch: AF returned Saturday. :mad: So that means she came back at 3.5 months PP with Abby, and now 4 1/3 months PP with Logan (despite full-time BFing! A year my foot!). Any of our other recent ROs have a return visit yet or am I just the lucky one?

And AJ, dude, I had to read your post twice before I 'got it'. ;) (Of course, that may have something to do with Logan sleeping just an hour at a time these days, but I digress....) Maybe Stacey, Cindy and I merely have our own 'trend'.... :p

[mia's mama]

CINDY- A BIG CONGRATS TO YOU! :D
Hi guys...sorry, but I am "out" for the card exchange...I never seem to order enough cards even though I increase the count by 5 each year. I'll post a virtual card to you all though! *Image Removed*

Sherry- I am right there with you...AF showed up 4.5 months pp with both kids. I too am exclusively BFIng :rolleyes: ...lame.

We have all been sick and it suuucks...we've already missed two Christmas parties that we go to every year. Hopefully we are on the mend though.

Also- yep. We are leaving the warm CA sun and heading East this spring. We'll be beantowners with MAK by May 2007. :eek: My family is SO bummed...lucky for me they travel a lot so we'll still see them fairly often.

[K&H's mommy]

stacey - love the card!!! The kids are SO fricken adorable.

sherry - no AF for me and I never got it after Kyle, BUT....it's probably because I'm on the mini-pill and you aren't supposed to get it when you're on that. I was on it after Kyle too. I started cramping a couple weeks ago and I felt like it was coming but now nothing.

shania - hopefully David feels better! I will have to peek in Kyle's mouth to make sure he's not having teeth issues as well.

Cindy - congrats again on little Jose. :p

Kyle is feeling better, still with a booger filled nose, bleh. Anyone else dealing with a Daddy's kid? I swear, Kyle only wants Daddy all of the time. It's getting old and hurting my feelings. Sigh....

[mia's mama]

hee, sara thouse pics are priceless!
Yep, Mia is ALL DADDY ALL.THE.TIME. I actually like it though b/c it gives me a break the second he walks in the door. The 2 of them go off on a bike ride to get coffee and bagels every Saturday AM and I get to stay on bed for an extra hour with Jackson. Then she talks about it all week long.
M: "Hey Daddy- whaddya say we go down and git a bagel today!? "
DH:"Not today honey- daddy has to work"
M:"Bummer! We'll go on Saturday, Okay?"
This goes on EVERY morning until Saturday when she is literally leaping through the house shreaking with joy that Daddy will be home for the weekend. :rolleyes:

[AJX]

Cute holiday card, Stacey.
LOL on the breastpump photos, Sara. I expect X to try something after watching me with younger sibs.

I, too, cannot participate in the card exchange, because I am in the middle of finals and nothing is together. Once exams end, I'm working on a lit review and my grad-school application. BUT I would LOVE to see photos and cards posted here or on LJ. :)

[mak]

Cindy- CONGRATS on your boy!

Sherry- I got my AF back 3 months after Mimi and 4 months after Ella. It totally screwed up my supply- I think I ate oatmeal and drank that tea for weeks after.

Stacey- ADORABLE card. Jackson is getting so big and is a handsome little guy. They do not look that much a like anymore to me? Mia's curls are too cute.

Sara- awesome pictures...Mimi carries my pump around like it is her purse but would NEVER turn it on as the noise still scares her.

Mimi is not a Daddy's girl and neither is Ella. They both love him but totally prefer me. Very flattering and all..but sometimes Mommy would LOVE for her arms to be free! I am sure it has something to do with the fact he travels. Mimi runs to the door and is soooo happy when he is home...but definitely never likes to lose sight of me. She does not even leave my side at classes or playgroups until she gets comfortable (which is sometimes when it is time to leave).

Anyone having issues with hitting? Mimi hits me when she is frustrated or not getting what she wants. She is not hitting hard and I do not think she is trying to hurt me..more frustrated and does not have the words to tell me what she needs at the time...but it is driving me NUTS. She spends a good portion of her day on the step for time outs for doing this. She always says sorry but not sure what else I can do......

[CMW02]

Mak: No hitting per se, but we are definitely dealing with mini tantrums and when she gets angry or frustrated, she throws things. Today I gave her some egg nog and she got mad and yep, it went ALL over the floor. SO very frustrating, and I dont really know what to do either. She went for a time out and then to a nap shortly after that. {shrugs}. This stuff is HARD to deal with isnt it??

Stacey: LOVE the card. The kiddos are SO cute!!! And, I still cant believe you are leaving sunny CA. ;p

Sara: GREAT pics. Kyle man is SO hilarious. Save those for the future and show him. How much would he hate you? LOL. (I'm only kidding). I too, forsee Simone trying the same thing, or at the very least trying to breastfeed a dolly, once "Jose" arrives and she sees me.

Sherry: Sorry about the evil Aunt showing up. I think I was around 4months pp when she showed up for me in 05.

Cards: I DO want to participate and will send them out. I'm desperately trying to get them done this week..crossing my fingers. I promise, they WILL go out. Just may be closer to Xmas then before. haha

daddy's girl? I'm with Mak on this one. Simone LOVES her daddy and runs to him when he gets home...but she MUCH prefers MY lap, or to snuggle with me...24x7. Like Mak said, I'd LOVE to get a breather at times. I feel so guitly even saying that though. ;p

Hope you are all doing well!
Happy Holidays to you all.

[duke's flygirl]

Okay, so I am late as usual to the party!

Cindy: Congrats again on Jose!

Sara: Those pictures are to die for! I have some of R nursing her babies, but those are hilarious!

Stacey: I missed you card! Darn it! You will be on my coast now, and we have always planned a trip to Boston as DH is a HUGE Bruins fan, so maybe we can meet up when it happens.

Megan: Sorry to hear about the hitting, I hope it gets better soon. R hasn't really done that but for a couple of times.

Sherry: Sorry to hear about Logan and his lack of sleeping! I hope you get some sleep soon!

Daddy's Girl: BIG time! But I think that stems from the fact that he was home for the first 6+ weeks when Liam was born, and then he had to go to sea in November for 3 weeks. She does still want some Mommy time too though.

Card Exchange: I have most of my cards in the mail, I think the only address from that list that I am missing is Marlene's.

I laugh at the antics that Ryleigh pulls daily! She woke me up the other morning with "Morning Sweetie", which is how we great her in the mornings!

We are still having her up 3-4 times a week in the middle of the night and in bed with us. It is draining, but I am lucky that Liam is only up 1-2 times a night now. She loves Liam, sometimes TOO much, but is usually gentle with him, but there have been the odd instances where she is quite rough, but he seems to be a tough one!

We are getting ready to leave for Ontario and Christmas with my family. We are excited about it. My sister will be taking Ryleigh to Disney on Ice again this year, it has become a "tradition" between Chocha(my sister) and Ryleigh. Last year was Monsters Inc, this year is Mickey and Minnie! It will be the first time for EJ to take RJ alone...so it will be interesting I am sure!

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Take Care,

Joelle

[annielynn]

What a busy time of year huh?! I am trying to keep up.

Joelle - I got your Christmas card in the mail a couple of days ago. I love it. Jack gave Liam a big kiss. He loves babies! Love the picture. Have a safe trip to Ontario and a great time when you get there.

Cindy - I cannot even count the number of times that Jack has gotten mad at me and some kind of drink has ended up on the floor. I just cleaned my carpets before his birthday party and now I will have to do it again. Very irritating.

Megan - Jack is a hitter but lately he only hits himself! It really bothers me. He will tell me no, and slap himself upside the head. I dont' know what to do to get him to stop that. And lately he has been spending a lot of his evening in time out as well.

Stacey - I love the Christmas card VERY VERY cute. That story about M and her daddy is precious. There is no doubt that that little girl LOVES her daddy.

Sara - Kyle is too frickin funny! Those are definitely black mail pictures for later in life. Is he feeling better today? OH and I see that you have the same Dancing Snowman that we have! Does Kyle like to turn that on as much as Jack loves to turn on ours? Jack has also learned to dance just like the snow man. I just love it!

AJ - We will find out in January what we are having. Then we will for sure see if we have a trend going on. Good luck with all your finals.

I have a Daddy's boy. Jack just lights up at the sound of Daddy's voice. And at night when Daddy calls to say he is on his way home he squeals with delight. There is a lot of love between Daddy and his little man. I love to see it!

We have had a couple of name choices that we have decided upon

Boy - Henry James
Girl - Claire ???

We are having problems finding a middle name for our baby girl. Any suggestions?!

[mak]

Annie- What about Anne or Ann (after you?) or is there someone in your family that you might use their name as a daughter's middle name? Adorable names BTW...Both sound really nice with Jack. Henry is one of my favorites.

I JUST finished my cards and I am actually 3 short.:eek: .so unless I can find some more cards tomorrow..I may not be able to do the exchange this year...sorry!!! I am hoping to find some cards tomorrow and just include the picture with it.

[Abby'sMom]

Megan - What I did last year was this - when I ran out of official photo cards, I sent out plain ones that I had in a box of Christmas stuff. :o Not ideal, but I've always been of the opinion that it's better than no card at all. :)

Speaking of cards, must work on finishing up with my last ones for this year!

[AJX]

I can't do this on LJ b/c the offending person is there, and I never 100% trust the post filters. :p Not a CC person, though, obviously.
Hey, are you not black? Let me do you a favor: Watch what you say about black hair, including the hair of the part-black and their children. Do not describe perfectly normal, healthy curly hair as "crazy," "fuzzy," "wild," or "untamed." Crazy is not a value-neutral term. "Curly" will do. If you know some technical terms like a hairdresser would use, it is fair to call most black and/or curly hair porous. You look ignorant and racist in the sense of holding everything to a standard of beauty where European types are considered the norm from which all others deviate, usually in ways considered inferior.
Think before you speak. I have no problem with curious questions, even ones that betray bias, like when asked how I care for his hair followed by, "It must be really hard to manage." How is that? I don't need barrettes and stuff like you do to keep it out of his face because his hair stands on its own. I only have to wash it once a week. (Advice, actually, hairdressers give lots of different hair, but few non-blacks heed.) Why is dealing with hair that is oilier, pin straight, and stuck flat against the head easier or better? It's simply different.
Thank you.

[Abby'sMom]

YIKES, but thanks for the PSA, AJ. Honestly, I probably wouldn't think much of calling someone's hair crazy, regardless of race (eg, Abby's hair is frequently what I would call crazy), but I'll think better of it now.

FWIW, I don't really see how X's hair would be hard to handle... it looks so soft. And you're totally right about hair falling into the eyes when it's straight - a very annoying by-product of that kind of hair. :rolleyes:

[AJX]

Oh, I know. "Crazy" probably wouldn't be as big a problem on its own except for the context of the other adjectives listed above being employed by the same person to descibe my own hair. And I don't think his hair is crazy. I think it's cute and full.
I just needed to let off some steam.
I was also moved by singer Corinne Bailey Rae's mini-interview in the December "Allure" that includes:
Q: You sing, "Got to love that Afro hairdo." Did you ever straighten your hair?
A: I did all sorts of things to my hair when I was younger. [I]I've only just got used to having natural hair and feeling like that is good hair to have. Alice Walker wrote that oppressed hair puts a ceiling on the brain. There's a lot of politics to black hair.

Here is the guy's "holiday photo," taken on his birthday before he was dunked in a bath and his curls slicked with my hair products for Chuck E Cheese.
(Nicked for safety.)

[CMW02]

AJ,
Thanks for the PSA. Sorely needed, apparently.
I'm not black, but I've had what I refer to as difficult hair, my whole life. I'm 35 and JUST NOW learning how to "do" my do. :p

FWIW, I LOVE X's hair! My DH has hair like his, and its AWESOME! Soft and curly!! I WISH my curls were as soft and non frizzy as theirs! And by frizzy, I'm really saying I have frizzy THICK hair. W/o tons of product, I could look like I stepped out of a wind tunnel! And please dont let it rain on my hair...yikes!!!

When I was 13, my hair was awful. Part straight, part "curly/Frizzy and thick". My *nice* hairdresser even commented about how I "ruined" and "dulled" her brand new shears.
Jeesh. Sorry! And at 13, yeah, I so didnt need that comment to help my already fragile self esteem.

So far, DD's hair, well, what there IS of it..is gorgeous!!! I PRAY that my son gets hair like X!!!

[CMW02]

Sherry: I received your card in the mail! Thank you!! It is absolutely beautiful. You have such a gorgeous family!

Joelle: LOVE your card!!! I cant believe how much Ry looks like her daddy.

I did get my cards ordered, picked up and enveloped...now just have to address them and get them into the box! I'm SO behind this year!!! Yikes. lol

[mak]

Still have yet to find replacement cards to the ones I ran out of...so I think I have to say SORRY as no way will I be able to get them out before the weekend now as my in-laws arrive on Wed. and I have so much to do. SO I apologize...unless I find cards tomorrow..I am out on the card exchange.

[Paula R]

Cards Had pictures made but still haven't addressed any cards. I'm hoping to get them out by July.

Sara Those pictures of Kyle is too funny! I too have a daddy's baby and sometime I have to laugh to keep from crying because it really does hurt my feelings some times. When daddy's around, I do not exist in Caden's world. Saturday, he woke up from his nap went to his dad and snuggled with him and gave him a hug and a kiss. I asked "can mommy have a hug and kiss too" Caden answered "NO" and frowned at me like I was crazy for even thinking he would. His dad tried to talk him into giving me a hug and kiss but he would not. He literally hangs onto his dad all day.

Mak Cute picture of your girls!

AJI hear you on the hair! I just wish my boys would grow some hair. I love X's curly hair.

Annie I love the name Claire with Jack. I want you to have a girl because well, I want everybody to have a girl since I didn't get one and I'm through trying

Cindy Congratulations on your boy! Caden loves his tantrum too he gets mad and pushes him plate onto the floor. When I give him snacks while driving, he gets mad and dumps them on the floor of the car!

Stacey I missed the pictures of your kids but I just know it was beautiful because Mia takes such great pictures.


Not too much going on with us. Still haven't taken Caden for his two year doctors appointment yet but I have it scheduled for next week. During the last week, Caden has had a language explosion. I still can't always make out what he's saying but he talks a lot more now. This week he started speaking in complete sentences and I am amazed every day to hear him talk. This morning on the way to daycare, he said "I don't want to go to school. I want to go to the toy store" I could only laugh at him.

[Paula R]

QOTD What are you getting your children for christmas? I'm asking because I am at a loss as to what to get Caden. Most things I would think to buy him we already have because we bought it for his brother at that age. The only think I have bought him so far are some Melissa and Doug puzzles because he is really into puzzles right now. I also bought him a toy Saxophone and Trumpet becuase he love to try and blow into the trumpet ornament on the tree.

[K&H's mommy]

I too have a daddy's baby and sometime I have to laugh to keep from crying because it really does hurt my feelings some times. When daddy's around, I do not exist in Caden's world. Saturday, he woke up from his nap went to his dad and snuggled with him and gave him a hug and a kiss. I asked "can mommy have a hug and kiss too" Caden answered "NO" and frowned at me like I was crazy for even thinking he would. His dad tried to talk him into giving me a hug and kiss but he would not. He literally hangs onto his dad all day.

Oh my gosh Paula, the b-day twins strike again. I had to read your response to my DH becuase it sounds EXACTLY like Kyle. I have cried about it though, I'll admit it! He has never denied a kiss from Daddy....only mommy! I keep telling my self he will be a mommy's boy when he's older!

Christmas gifts - Kyle is getting some cars (large & small), a little train track, and few other things. He picked out all of his toys at the store last month and then I got home and put them away. Ha ha!

[Paula R]

I am sending different pictures in my christmas cards this year. This is one of the pictures of the boys:


Notice that Caden is not smiling in either of them. I don't think I have one single picture of Caden with a smile on his face. He is turning out to be one stubborn kid.

[annielynn]

Paula, those pictures two pictures of your boys are to DIE for! What handsome little boys.

QOTD - Jack is going to get a big Tonka dump truck, a new big boy blankie (he is still using the baby ones and they are just a tad too small for him), some new clothes, a new book for his leapster and whatever else catches my eye! :)

[MtySheera]

Mak: Your girls look so much alike! Really cute!

Paula: Wow, you've got 2 great looking boys there. Those pictures are great!

QOTD: We got Frankie a bike, a few additions to his GeoTrax set, the Cars track, a play castle (which he asked Santa for) and other misc. stuff. It was funny because my DH said maybe we should keep one of his presents for something else since he'll get a ton of stuff from the rest of the family. So I start naming off things to keep...the castle...nope, he asked Santa for that so we should give it to him. One GeoTrax set...nope, he wants to play with those with Frankie. The Cars set...nope,...he really liked that. So we aren't keeping anything and giving him everything :rolleyes:

I feel like Frankie has WAY too many toys! I haven't given anything away because I hope we have another (or more) kids and they will play with the toys. My sister just had a baby so I'm hoping he'll play with them also. What do you all do with the toys that are filling your houses?

Also, thanks everyone for the cards you have sent. I love seeing all of the pictures!!

[K&H's mommy]

Paula - oh girl, I feel sorry for you....your phone is going to be ringing off the hook in a few years with little females calling for your boys!!! LOL! They are just gorgeous - and I want to grab Caden and kiss him, look at those lips!!!

mak - Your girls are beautiful! They look so much alike!

What do you all do with the toys that are filling your houses?

When Kyle was done we saved them because we knew that we were going to have another one. Some of his "boy" baby toys we have donated to an abused women's shelter and will do the same when Allison is done with the toys.

[AJX]

Mak, Paula, so cute!

Paula, that's funny that you have Melissa & Doug puzzles, because here we're always given the impression that they're a local creation, like you can't get them everywhere. (I do believe it's an ON company.)


QOTD: No idea what to do. We're keeping them for future kids, but we don't have that much room. Between presents from friends and family and me liking the latest and greatest, I'm very tempted to give a lot of toys and clothes away and re-purchase what I want for future ones. :p But I know that isn't reasonable either. I just wish people would get him different toys, like the Mega Bloks my grandma got him, because we are overrun with cars, trucks, and trains, which people like to get him b/c he gives them an immediate super-positive response and they can be found at any price point one needs for a gift. But he needs to develop other skills and aspects of his intellect and personality.

ETA: Oh, yeah, my whole reason for posting. LJ and such is so quiet I thought I'd pop over here and say Merry Christmas before you all completely disappear for the holiday!

[CMW02]

Paula: WOW! Your boys are absolutely GORGEOUS!! They look so much alike...they will probably pass for twins when they get a bit closer in size. :)

Gifts: Well, her big gifts WAS our trip to Disneyland after Thxgvg.
Other than that...its all things and EVERYTHING Disney/Princess, it seems.
Oy vei!

And I "used" to be one of those moms who said her kid was NOT going to buy into the whole "princess" theme...no need to get her all disappointed when the prince doesnt arrive on his white horse. LOL

Well, I'm eating my words BIG TIME..b/c she is addicted to Ariel and Cinderella...and her favorite saying lately is: DREAMS COME TRUE!

I just sit back and shake my head at myself. LOL !! :D

Merry Christmas to you all!

Cindy and family

[annielynn]

Merry Christmas everyone! So was this year WAY more fun with your 2 year olds than last year?! ?! I know that ours was.

[CMW02]

I hope you all had a great holiday! And ITA w/Annie. This year WAS tons of fun w/ the little one. :)
A lot different than last years...but still fun. I think Simone was looking for more presents all day....all over the house!

Okay...now that the Holiday excitement is behind me...I'm movin on to Baby #2 excitement! LOL

RO's...tell me what you HAD to have for baby 2/3, and what you DIDNT need use etc.

I guess I'm just wondering WHAT else I'll need/want to buy.

For instance...the dbl strollers.
I *think* I may need one, but will I really? If so, what is the best option for me? Right now I'm leaning towards the Graco DuoGlider simply b/c I have the Graco Quatro w/infant seat and I loved it. Bonus is that the Duo will allow me to use the infant seat this time too.

But, did you find that you had the dbl stroller and yet, didnt use it?
Did you do a sling/carrier for baby, and single stroller for toddler?

How much did you go really go out/ with both of them? Is a dbl stroller really a necessity?

Last time, we had a cradle for baby. This time I'm thinking of getting the CoSleeper bedside thing.
Do any of you have this? Did you like it?

I am TIRED of babies in my bed..Simone still comes over now and again...yet I know when its 3am, and "Jose" needs feeding..I'm going to cry if I have to get up all night long.

So, thats why I'm thinking the co-sleeper will work.

Thoughts?

I'm just plain ol tired and dont want to have to think. Will you RO's do the thinking for me??? PLEASE!!! LOL :D

What do I absolutely need to have for baby 2??

[annielynn]

I am so glad that you posted these questions Cindy because i was thinking the same thing. Do I want a sling to carry baby and put Jack in the stroller? Do I was to try and get a Sit and Stand stroller and hope that Jack doens't try and run away everytime I stop the stroller.

I do know that I will be using the bassinet again for this baby. Jack is really good at staying in his own bed. I can count on one hand the # of times he has come to crawl into bed with us in the middle of the night.

[CMW02]

I can count on one hand the # of times he has come to crawl into bed with us in the middle of the night

MAN I'm so jealous!!!!! Simone loves to come to our bed and lay sideways btwn DH and I. Yeah..so I find myself hanging on for dear life to the edge of my bed!!
Plus, I am so tired of her feet being drilled into my sides at night. ;p

Each night that Simone stays in her bed until 6am, DH and I celebrate!!! LOL :D

[shania0474]

RO's...tell me what you HAD to have for baby 2/3, and what you DIDNT need use etc.

I guess I'm just wondering WHAT else I'll need/want to buy.

For instance...the dbl strollers....
But, did you find that you had the dbl stroller and yet, didnt use it?
Did you do a sling/carrier for baby, and single stroller for toddler?

How much did you go really go out/ with both of them? Is a dbl stroller really a necessity?

Last time, we had a cradle for baby. This time I'm thinking of getting the CoSleeper bedside thing.
Do any of you have this? Did you like it?

I am TIRED of babies in my bed..Simone still comes over now and again...yet I know when its 3am, and "Jose" needs feeding..I'm going to cry if I have to get up all night long.

So, thats why I'm thinking the co-sleeper will work.

Thoughts?

I'm just plain ol tired and dont want to have to think. Will you RO's do the thinking for me??? PLEASE!!! LOL :D

What do I absolutely need to have for baby 2??

I didn't buy much for baby #2 at the beginning because we really did have everything. David was 16 months old when Gabriel was born so we had to buy another crib because D was still using his. And we got a new bassinet for G because we had inherited D's from a friend who had used it for two children and it wasn't in good shape for a fourth... so we bought those two things and decided to wait. After G was born however, I started getting things for him (an excuse to get out of the house with David while my mom looked after G).

At first I did the sling/single stroller thing, especially after my mom left and I had to take both kids out by myself but it was only on few occasions because I almost always had someone with me (DH, SIL, bff, babysitter/helper) and we just used David's old Graco travel system for G and the maclaren single for D. After a while though, I felt like a prisoner because I couldn't go anywhere with the two of them unless I had someone with me (by then, G was getting too heavy for the sling and it was getting awkward pushing the stroller with a big baby attached to my chest) so I got a double stroller...! BEST DECISION EVER!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE our double... it is a Phil & Ted's E3 double buggy and it is the best. Dream to push (you can push with one hand, even one finger!), as narrow as a single stroller so fits in narrow doorways and elevators, and the kids love it! We get stopped by at least three people everytime we take the kids out in it because everyone wants to know what it is and where we got it. Highly recommend it.

[mak]

I did not buy all that much either for Baby #2. I did buy a crib and also more crib bedding but my girls are less than 17 months apart. I may not have needed to since I kept both of my girls in a bassinet until they were 6 months.

I did get a double stroller and have the E3 (Phil and Ted's) and Maclaren Twin Techno. I LOVE the E3 and not a huge fan of the Maclaren. Although, I really do not get out with the both of them where I need to use a double stroller (other than walks) all that much. I use my single stroller the MOST still since Ella is still in an infant carrier(she only weighs 14+ lbs at 7 months) and have Mimi hold onto the side of the stroller and walk. I do not run errands with them...so it is pretty much in and out of the car to music classes and gym classes that I use the single stroller and have Mimi walk. Other than that...it is for exercise and I probably could use more of a jogging stroller. The Maclaren does not fit into most doorways (i have found) and is REALLY heavy. So, I do use the E3 (and think it is a great stroller) but definitely use my infant carrier stroller the most still at 7 months.

[annielynn]

OK Cindy, I shouldn't have said a thing about Jack not sleeping with us!!!!!! Guess who decided at 1am that he didn't want to sleep in bed?! He ended laying down with us for a "couple of minutes" and was there all night long. And this.... MAN I'm so jealous!!!!! Simone loves to come to our bed and lay sideways btwn DH and I. Yeah..so I find myself hanging on for dear life to the edge of my bed!!
Plus, I am so tired of her feet being drilled into my sides at night. ;p

is what he did! Oh yippee. He is staying in his bed tonight. I cannot handle that. I don't sleep well at night anyway. Having my child in bed with me makes it worse. GOOD GRIEF!

[CMW02]

Oh Annie I feel your pain and SORRY!!! But, that does make me feel better. (I'm just joking) :D

Mak and Shania: Thank you!! I am also looking at the E3 (thx to Miasmama and Mak discussing it aways back and I remembered). Right now, its between the E3 and the Duo. I like how the E3 is not wide..and can fit thru normal doorways.
I might splurge on the E3 and try to find a Duo or similar on Craigslist for cheaper. :p

[mia's mama]

I too love the E3! But like MAK, we have been using the infant seat with the snap & go for most errands b/c Mia is pretty good now about walking by my side. We use the E3 around the neighborhood. I find that the fold on it is kind of annoying and you have to remove the back seat to do so...unless I'm missing something...am I?

Other than that, I went crazy on clothes...C.R.A.Z.Y. I thought girls' clothing was so much fun, but now I am an old navy addict for J. I'm not really into "baby" boy clothing, but love all of the stuff that my DH would wear in a larger size.

co-sleeper- I bought one this time for Jackson and although I like it, I don't use it the way it was meant for. I have it pushed up against the way in our room...more like bassinet. It was too much of a PITA to get in and out of bed with it attached. We are STILL using it at 5 months although J only sleeps in it for the first part of the night and then ends up in our bed. I would love to move hm into his crib, but since M & J have to share a room until we move, it just won't work right now...J is up WAY TOO MANY times/night. I don't want Mia (my great sleeper) to suffer.

sepaking of moving, we are putting our house on the market Feb 1 and hope to move to Boston my end of April/Early May! It's going to be a crazy ride for the next few months! I am dreading all of the open houses, packing and moving clear accross the country with 2 little ones! Yikes! Of course they each got about 72 LARGE toys for Christmas that I am now going to have to pack up before our house goes on the market :rolleyes: ...we need to make this place appear more spacious than it is!

[K&H's mommy]

I already posted to you girls in your LJ so don't need to repost the efforts! If I think of anything else I will pass it on.

Kyle had an overwhelming Christmas and received WAAAAY too much stuff. Of course after opening all of the stuff (for 12 hours) from all of our family, he continued to play with his "Cars" toy that he got at Burger King months ago. Figures, eh?

Stacey - oh girl I do not envy you! We did the house on the market/selling thing the beginning of Summer (went on the market in April). The hard part for me was when people would call and want to see the house, then I would get out of the house with the kids, and then they wouldn't show up!!! UGH - so frustrating! That and keeping the house looking like a museum...ha ha! I hope your house sells FAST!

[AJX]

Sara, of course K wants the BK car. X's paternal grandma and great-grandma spent about $500 on him, but all he played with was the $3 they spent on three Matchbox cars that were in his stocking. They're easy to please at this age, and presents should be scaled down accordingly.
I wish I'd been improper and told everyone to donate money to the X Kettler Trike fund. I want to buy him one come spring (when he can use it outside). :p

Stacey, LJ. I can set up an account for you, easy-peasy. Besides all the info and discussions that actually matter, you could also see photographic proof that X owns at least half of everything Old Navy makes for little boys. ;) I look at the laundry sometimes and swear X must be their toddler spokesperson.
Good luck with the big move!

[annielynn]

Well after waiting what seemed like forever we finally had our level 2 u/s yesterday. And I decided to find out whether I was carrying a little girl or little boy. I am happy to say that Claire Ryanne is a perfectly healthy little girl!!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/alynn0903/Itsagirl.jpg

With long beautiful legs.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/alynn0903/Shehaslegs.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/alynn0903/Herprettyface.jpg

She wasn't very cooperative yesterday. She is currently breech and seems really comfy like that. We almost didn't get to find out because she was being so dainty. She had her knees together and her ankles crossed.

We are feeling very blessed and a little overwhelmed. I have no idea what to do with a baby girl. ;) She will have lots of play clothes though. Jeans and T-shirts is all that this little girl has right now.

My OB appt went very well. I have only gained 6lbs in 6 weeks. My BP was 119/72 which is the best yet. And baby girls HR was at 138bpm. I was a very happy mommy when we left the office yesterday.

[Abby'sMom]

Yay Annie. :) Girls are so so fun, really.

[K&H's mommy]

Congrats again Annie!!! Welcome to GIRL shopping - LOL!

Hope everyone else is doing well! Poor Kyle has had some form of a cold for 5 weeks now, ugh! Enough already! We are taking the kids to Disneyland this weekend so hopefully he will feel better.

[CMW02]

Annie: I know I've said it already, but CONGRATS on your little GIRL

I love her name. So beautiful. :D

[mia's mama]

CONGRATS, ANNIE!!!! You will LOVE having a girl...not that little boys arn't fun too. :D

[mia's mama]

Hey Sherry- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (I was lurking the the Aug. thread). :)

[Abby'sMom]

I feel so popular today! :D Thanks Stacey.

[duke's flygirl]

Congrats again Annie! Girl shopping is SO much fun! I'm still getting used to the boy shopping!

Sara: Love that picture of Kyle and Allison!

Sherry: Happy Birthday again! I think I have it covered all over the place now! LOL

[mia's mama]

Sara- Meant to say that I can really see the resemblance between Kyle and Allison...so cute!

[Paula R]

Congratulations Annie. I love the name.

I agree with Stacey, you can really start to see the resemblance between Kyle and Allison.

[mak]

Congratulations Annie!!! So exciting....and I LOVE the name!

[mia's mama]

mak- how's the house selling/hunting going? Ours goes on the market Feb 1st and I am SO not looking forward to it! We are flying back to Boston in late Feb to look at neighborhoods/houses. Have you made any forther decisions? We'll still be looking in the Newton? Needham area, but have expanded our search to include South Natick as well. I swear I'm not stalking you though...just curious ;).

Things here are good...except for sleep STILL. Jackson is 6 months old and just as much of a peanut as his sister was (is). I don't know why it stresses me out...I guess that's just the way my kids are built. He's only in the 5th% for weight (14.10lbs), but in the 90th% for height (27 3/4"). Mia is still only 24 lbs (around the 10th%), but is up in the 88th% for height. I swear I feed my kids...:rolleyes:

[mak]

mia's mama- We actually just accepted an offer yesterday :D and are signing the papers today...we are keeping our fingers crossed that everything works out. The couple who bought our home want to close at the end of Feb since she is pregnant..which means we are moving by March 1st. I hope your house sells QUICK...this has been really rough trying to get out of the house for showings and keeping our house perfect 24 hours a day (nearly impossible with a 2 year old and infant). We have had steady activity the last 3 months...we even had a showing on December 26. That was so insane- we were throwing all the girls big toys in the car since we did not know what to do with everything!!! So I hope your home sells VERY fast- because as I told DH..the next house we buy- I am NEVER LEAVING;) !
That being said..we are looking into new construction. Since I doubt that we will find something that we will be able to close on by the end of next month, we will probably just stay at my parents (they are in Florida for the winter) for a couple of weeks/months. We are also looking in South Natick, Hopkinton, Westborough. I will let you know when we find something.
Don't stress out about your kids weight..Ella only weighs 15 pounds (at almost 8 months!!!!) and Mimi weighs 26. Besides being thin, Ella is so short so she looks about 4-5 months old and I spend MY DAY feeding her. The only thing she likes is Gerber Puffs which have no fat:rolleyes: !

[mak]

I had to post this picture...

Since we have the e3, Mimi gets confused about the basket in some strollers being the back seat now. If we do not have the back seat attached and Ella is in the front seat, she tries to climb in the basket (although she always rides in front). Last night, DH told Mimi they were going to take a quick walk to our neighbors and he was going to just use our snap and go with Ella in her carrier, he brought it in the house and was getting Ella ready to go when he heard" LEt's go, Daddy, LEt's go and then he saw this.... (and this is our SNAP and GO).....

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/370806552_e444d784b3_m.jpg

[duke's flygirl]

Megan, that is so funny! Mimi sounds like a riot!

[mia's mama]

hehe...Megan. Mimi is too cute!

[AJX]

LOL, Megan. I'll have to remember that cautionary tale if I or my friends get a Phil & Ted. ;)

[CMW02]

that is hilarious Megan!!

[mak]

Question- Is your DC still napping and if they are..are they napping later in the afternoon? Mimi always used to nap from 12:30-2:30/3:00 and the last 3 days she has not fallen asleep until about 2:30 and then I have to wake her around 4 or I am afraid she will be up all night. She is such a grump for the rest of the afternoon if I have to wake her. She usually goes down for the night around 7:30/8 and then wakes around 7:30 in the morning. Just not sure if I should be napping her later?

[Abby'sMom]

Oh geez, Megan, that pic is hilarious! You should submit it to a parenting magazine or something.

As for napping... Abby quit about 6 months ago. :( She goes to bed at 8:30 and is almost always up by 7:30 to 8. If she does nap during the day (and she will maybe once or twice a month), it just pushes back bedtime, so I gave up. It stinks because I wish she would nap, but I hate it when she's up til 11 PM so we let it go.

[K&H's mommy]

Kyle takes a nap at about 2:30 and sleeps until 4:30 or 5:00. He goes down for bed at about 8:00pm and sleeps until 7:00am. He would rather take his nap at about 1pm but we have to get DD from school and don't get back until 2:30. He usually falls asleep in the car on the way there and I have to carry his deadweight body into the house... ;-)

[AJX]

X naps around 2-4pm, but about once a week, he wants to skip the nap altogether. He also plays around for about 20 minutes before he naps unless I have put a lot of effort into tiring him out at the gym and the park and letting him run around the mall and in the stores without a cart or stroller. (We haven't used the stroller in months.)
Even if he gets up at 4:40pm, he still goes down for bed at 8:30pm, getting up around 7:30pm.
His naps aren't as smooth or as regular as they sound, and cause me stress in that I don't know how much time I have to get chores or school work done. He and DH took a 3.5 hour nap together on Saturday, and I could have gone to the library and studied, but I thought I had more like 90 minutes, so I stayed home. :p

[annielynn]

Jack is still a napper although some days are better than others! At daycare he goes down for a nap (all the kids do) at 12:30 right after lunch and he sleeps for about an hour. On the weekends he usually goes down about 2 and sleep for 2 hours. It is nice that he still takes a nap. I relish that time. Usually his bed time is 8:30 but lately he has been going to be at 9 and up by 7, 7:30am.

Meg - Mimi is such a trip. That picture is priceless.

[Paula R]

The picture of Mimi is too cute!

Caden is in daycare and all of the kids take a nap around 12. Caden will usually sleep until 2:30pm when the teacher has to wake him up. He goes to bedbetween 8:30 -9 each night and wakes up around 7 am.

[Abby'sMom]

Can I just say how bloody jealous I am that all of your kids still nap?! Between Logan waking up 6-8 times overnight every night and Abby not napping, I get no sleep and no free time. Not fair!

[duke's flygirl]

Sherry: I'm sorry that Abby doesn't nap! That must be very hard for you! When both her and Logan are teens you won't be able to keep them AWAKE!

Ryleigh still naps, she goes down anywhere between 1230 and 1pm at daycare and will have about an hour nap. On the weekends when she is home with us, she still goes down between 1230 and 1pm, but will sometimes nap for 1-2 hours. Now if only I could get the 2 of them to nap at the same time more often!

She goes to bed between 8 and 830 and has stories read and is asleep generally by 9pm, and then is up for the day between 630 and 8am.

[Abby'sMom]

Here's my baby boy on his 6-month birthday. No Abby because she refused to sit for any pictures. :rolleyes:

My LJ gals have seen this already...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/pinkbunny11/scan0010-1.jpg

[shania0474]

Hi ladies, it's been a while but I wanted to drop in and say hi!

Sherry very cute photo. Logan has a really great smile/toothless grin. David still naps as well. On days he goes to school (2 days a week) and is back at 1pm, he naps from 1:30 to 3pm. Other days, he naps from 12:30 to 2pm. He's in bed by 7pm (8pm on school days since he naps late).

ETA: Congratulations, Annie! I just went back to read the posts I missed.

[mia's mama]

Sherry- I said it in the July thread too, but I LOVE that pic of Logan!

Naps- Mia still naps about 5 days/week. She usually goes down around 12:30 and will sometimes sleep 3 hours! Usually it's more like 2 hours though and about twice/week she won't sleep at all- just read books and play. I won't let her out of her room though until she's at least had some quiet time for 2 hours. She doesn't seem to mind, and I need the downtime! At night she sleeps 7pm-7am. She's a great sleeper, but Jackson not so much. He goes down at 6pm and is typically up at 9pm, 12:30am, 3:30am and 5 am for the day. SOMETIMES he will go back down until 7am, but it's rare. I have tried to push back his bedtime a bit too, but he FALLS apart by 6pm...he's a terrible napper too.

My fear is that Mia will start dropping naps altogether b/c our house is on the market (as of last Friday) and we have to be out of it for open houses and showings quite often....ugh.

[mia's mama]

Mia is all about dressing up and dancing these days. Here are a few pics of my cowgirl-princess-butterfly shaking her groove thing.:D

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/380130993_d2b80c4710_m.jpg http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/380130999_f55b3d463f_m.jpg

[babyjinks]

Awwww everybody is getting so big!

[Abby'sMom]

Uh, babyjinks, is there something you'd like to share with us...?

[K&H's mommy]

oh babyjinks do share!

Kyle went pee pee on the potty two times yesterday! I know a lot of yours are already pottytrained but this is a big deal in our house! Hopefully it continues! His vocabulary is exploding (finally!) Still loves his sister (a little too much sometimes). Allison is 5 months old and doing great. We broke down yesterday and bought a new Honda Odyssey. Just needed more space!! I know Hanna will appreciate not being crammed in between two carseats!

[Kates]

Ohhhhh, babyjinks, share, share :D
Stacey - Mia is so cute! Sorry Jackson is such a crappy sleeper. Good luck selling your house.
Sara- I love the last picture of Kyle, that's so funny. Yay for the mama-mobile ;)
-----
It's been forever since I've posted, I'm mostly on Livejournal now, and barely have time to post there!
We switched Grady over to a new daycare last week. I think it's going well, except that he cries every morning going to the new daycare. I'm hoping that will end soon, I probably cry as much as he does when we drop him off, it's just heart wrenching.
I'm up to my ears at work. I just need this project to end so I can come home at a decent hour. I had to work late two days last week and one day on the weekend. Today, I'm in the 'hurry up and wait' mode. As soon as the work comes, they'll want it back right away. Sigh.
I'll try and post new pictures of G and try to peek in here more often.

[babyjinks]

We are Pregnant!!! We are expecting baby #2 around Oct 15th so we just found out...I see from around here that I am proudly continuing our trend!
It is so funny to me though cause expecially in all our babies on here I can remember the baby pictures and though they are getting bigger the features are still the same...
Annielynn Evan was flipping though his babybook and found the card from our babyshower...he thought the baby was so cute!

[annielynn]

Heather I am so excited for you guys!! YEAH

How cute that he found the card! I cannot believe how long ago that was when we sent out babyshower gifts! Time sure does fly.

[AJX]

Congrats, Babyjinks! H&H nine months!

[babyjinks]

Okay so I am glad I am not the only one going through potty training right now ...Evan loves to potty but he really luves to take off all of his clothes and just potty. I am so frustrated I just want to duck tape his clothes back on...is this just a stage any ideas how to get him to keep his clothes on?

[CMW02]

Babyjinks: Congrats on #2! H/H 9months to you!!

Potty Training: So far, so good. Except today, we had the 1st accident. She said, "mommy, I have to go potty"...and proceeded to pee on the floor. ;)

And YES! Simone has just started LOVING to be totally nude. She was doing it at home for about 2 weeks..and then on Friday, Day care lady said..uh, she got naked all day.
I have NO idea what to do about this either.

She is either naked or wearing one of these two outfits....or alternating between the two every 20-30minutes.

her bathing suit(s)
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/cmw02/IMG_4122.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/cmw02/IMG_4123.jpg

or the princess dress..aka pajamas

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/cmw02/IMG_4052.jpg

I think she wore the dress everday, ALL day last week. Oy vei!! LOL!

[mak]

Congratulations, Babyjinks!!!

Potty training- Sadly, I have not even approached this yet:eek: . Mimi is sooo ready but we are going to New Orleans for a wedding tomorrow, we move next week and I just have not had the time to deal with it yet. I figure when we get settled in our new home or while we wait for our house to be finished in my parent's house...I will start this. She talks about it all the time and in fact tells me she wants to get her own potty..so I NEED to and will soon. I bought her a Dora donut ring a while ago..but she is terrified of the big potty so I need to get her a little one just for her. Any recommendations?

I, too, have a little girl who LOVES to dress up and dance around like she is a princess. She walks around the house saying "Mommy, I am a prinpess" ALL DAY!! But it is not enough that she has to dress up, we also have to dress up Ella and myself and have a little dance party:rolleyes: !!

Here are my dress up girls:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/390192770_ff4406b4f3.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/390192772_81d4153851.jpg?v=0

[mak]

One more question..we have not flown with Mimi since she turned 2 and we needed to buy a seat and was wondering to those of you that have flown recently..did you put your DC in their carseat in their seat or directly in the airplane seat??

[babyjinks]

Oh yes please help with the airplane issue we are flying to Cali in june and I have been all over the internet and the car seat has to be airline approved and only 26 inches wide and if it is a booster it has to have a internal seat belt system not the kind that uses automobile straps...my head is still spinning...

Evan has taken to screaming when he is unhappy...loudly and repeatedly..my doctor says it is because he is a only child and wants more attention..do anybody else child do this and what do you do?? Time out works in the house but not so well in the car......

[duke's flygirl]

I'm woefully behind but I will comment on a couple of things:

1) Congratulations babyjinks! H&H 9 months to you

2) Flying, we flew with Ryleigh at Christmas time and she had her own seat. WE didn't bring her carseat, but the seats on Air Canada are so close together. I think if I were flying with the 2 kids alone I would definitely bring the seat on the plane, R was really good and she had Daddy's portable DVD player to watch movies while we flew!

Have fun in NO Megan!

3) Potty Training, we are still working on it big time!

Liam has been sick, and we had to venture to the ER 3 times in 24 hours for him. He has RSV, but seems to be much better now if not sleeping all that well! Sigh...R just woke up so I must be off! Take care and I will try to get back soon to post some recent pictures!

Allthe kids are getting so big and I love that they are into dress up...Ryleigh isn't!

[K&H's mommy]

Hope you girls all had a nice Valentines Day!


babyjinks - Kyle went through a phase of screaming. Finally I would just ignore it and let him scream, scream and scream some more. It finally stopped. Once he realized he wasn't getting a rise out of me he knocked it off.


mak - that is an adorable picture of the girls!


Cindy - that picture of S in her pj's is so funny....it does look like a fancy princess dress!

[shania0474]

Congratulations, babyjinks! H&H 9 months :)

Evan has taken to screaming when he is unhappy...loudly and repeatedly..my doctor says it is because he is a only child and wants more attention..do anybody else child do this and what do you do??

David does this too and he is not an only child (he has an 11-month old brother). The best thing to do (as hard as it is) is to ignore him. Sometimes I will say, "When you're ready to talk, I'll listen" then (if we're home) I'll walk out of the room (or if we're in the car I turn my face back to the front). He usually calms down within a minute and will say what he wants (which is usually a Barney video when we're in the car).

Traveling with toddler We took a trip with both kids last Nov/Dec and David had a seat. We didn't take his car seat because we had way too much carry-on (double stroller, food for 2 six-hour flights, change of clothes, etc) and we were fine because he was asleep most of the journey. When he was awake though he kept trying to wriggle out of his seat and having a car seat would have made it so much easier to keep him still.

QOTD: Those of you that have started potty training, what are you doing and how is your DC coping? We just started with David and we're going very slow (I'm actually wondering if I should delay until his brother is 18 months and he's almost three so I can train both at the same time :p ) Are there any steps you're taking that have worked? Changes we've made include pull-ups instead of regular diapers (though he still wears regular diapers to bed at night); all diaper changes in bathroom (standing up or sitting on potty); use potty before bath in morning and at night (success 75-80% of the time -- he likes to sit on the potty while brushing his teeth and will go before he's done brushing). That's it. He still poops in his diaper and tells us when he's done.

Sara, Cindy and Mak those photos are adorable! Cindy and Mak, your adorable girls make me want a girl! And Sara, that pic of your boys all cute and squished up in the basket reminds me of my lovely monkeys here! :)

[Abby'sMom]

Potty training - UGH! SUCH a sore subject for me. I want Abby out of diapers *yesterday* but she's one of the most stubborn children on the face of the planet. She knows I want her to use the potty, so she refuses. Hasn't ever once used it. Infuriating.

Flying - We've taken the car seat for Abby all times we've flown. IIRC, it's just plain safer. It's a pain, yes, but we felt better about her being strapped into her car seat than just the regular airplane seat.

Life is insane around here. We knew we wanted to move to a bigger place this year (we have a 1200 SF townhouse at the moment with just two bedrooms). So we'd been looking around on weekends really casually. Last Sunday we went inside a place very close to where we currently live that had been on the market a few months (4 BR, 2300 SF - so almost double our current place), loved it, arranged financing, put in an offer, and had said offer accepted on Friday morning. So we're in the process of getting packed up AND getting our place ready to go on the market ASAP. It's total insanity. Adam, Logan and I are also trying to contend with a nasty headcold (which fortunately Abby seems to have avoided catching!). So yeah, busy.

Great pics, gals. I'll try to catch up for real... some day....

[CMW02]

Congrats on the new house Sherry!!!

Simone pretty much potty trained herself. I know..sounds unbelieveable, but its true. We hardly had to do a thing...and now we just watch for signs that she may have to go..ie, the dance, touching, bending over....tooting. We just say "Run to the potty" ...and she goes. Even learned to flush it down by herself now too.
I know. I'm VERY lucky. :)

[mia's mama]

oh, such cute pics!

Babyjinks- Congrats!

MAK- any luck finding a house yet? We fly to Boston Wed. night and have a bunch of places to see over the 5 days we are there. I'm excited to be able to house-hunt in person, finally!

Sara- I can't get over how much K & A look alike! So cute!

Sherry- Congrats on the new house and good luck with selling the current pad! It is a total hassle to keep the place spotless for all of the showings, etc. Maybe you can get into your new place before that happens!

Cindy- You are SO lucky! Mia wants nothing to do with Potty Training. She wears pull-ups instead of diapers and tells us "I'm pooping RIGHT now!" but will NOT sit on the potty to do it. I'm not even pushing it right now since we are about to move accross country.

So, we sold our house in just 7 days, and at over asking price! Yeah! Now we just need to find one we like in Boston! Wish us luck b/c we have to be out March 24th and DH starts his new job on April 1 (in Boston)....gonna be a crazy couple of months!

[babyjinks]

Thanks everybody for the congrats!

For all you RO was 2nd time delivery easier than first?? and also did you second child weight more than your first?

Potty training still working on it like I said but Evan is the same on pooping he says it after he has gone!? this makes not sense to me but .....We have also switch to pull ups...

I am gonna see if this pic works http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/babyjinks/th_000_0801.jpg

[April1234]

Hi ladies!

Ever since the switch with the groups its hard for me to keep up. I need to subscribe. We have been busy over here with Nolan learning how to pull up and cruise around so both kiddos are keeping me busy. Lily is in dance class every Sat. now and she LOVES it. She talks about dancing like a ballerina all.week.long.

Potty Training: Lily has been PT for some time now but I think I just lucked out. She still wears a pull up at night ime just in case but naps etc are diaper free. She has does really well with it. I am very afraid of PTing Nolan because I heard boys were more difficult.

Screaming/Tantrums: Well, I thought I was going to be lucky in this too but I guess not. This past week Lily has thrown her very first AND second tantrum. She screamed in my face the other day and I seriously almost lost it. I think I was more shocked than anything else. I just told her that I would talk with her when she calmed down and ignored her. The 2nd time was because she didnt want to leave a store and I just put her in the stroller and rolled on out of there. I talked to her outside as she was crying and told her that we were leaving because she was acting this way and she told me sorry all the way home. I plan to get a couple of books and do some reading.


All in all she really is a good kid. She is EXTREMEMLY protective over Nolan and mothers him more than I do at times. I love this stage because she is like my little sidekick. She talks to me all day about everything and we do girly stuff and hang out when Nolan is napping.

A little out of focus but:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/April1234/DSCN2371.jpg

[CMW02]

April, I love that pic of the two of them. Cant believe how fast Nolan is growing.

[annielynn]

Oh Ladies! Have you noticed the newest addition to the PG Boards??!

November 2007 Babies thread. Holy moly! Has it really been that long ago?

[shania0474]

Nov 2007 PG Board??? Unbelievable!

April That is such an adorable pic. And the Lily story sounds so sweet too (the hanging out girly stuff and her mothering Nolan not the tantrums :p ) I recommend 1-2-3 Magic by Phelan for discipline. It really works like magic!


For all you RO was 2nd time delivery easier than first?? and also did you second child weight more than your first?


It was faster the second time so in that respect it was easier... but I was induced my first time and the epidural kicked in before the real pain so the first time was almost painless, but the second time I went into labor by myself and felt everything!!! And yes #2 weighed more than #1 though he came two weeks earlier

[Abby'sMom]

Let's see -

I was induced with Pitocin both times.

* #2's L&D was longer than #1's, which was disappointing (6 hours v. 4.5 hours - I know, my diamond shoes are too tight, too). Really active labor - as in after my water was broken (I didn't feel much before then) was shorter with #2 - about 50 minutes, I think, as opposed to about an hour and a half with #1. I did both without pain meds, and don't think I'd say one was 'harder' than the other. I considered getting an epi more seriously with #2, but that's because I remembered what pushing was like with #1

* #2 (7 lbs even) weighed less than #1 (7 lbs 6 oz), but #2 was 9 days early and #1 was 3 days early.

So I personally think it's all a crapshoot. :)

[mia's mama]

Originally Posted by babyjinks
For all you RO was 2nd time delivery easier than first?? and also did you second child weight more than your first?

Nope-
Mia (#1) was 12 hours from 1st contraction and while it was really, really hard that was mostly b/c I waited until I was 8cm (after 10 hours) until I finally gave in and got an epidural. She was 5 days early and weighed 7.5lbs.

Jackson (#2) was 24 hours from the first contraction (he apparently didn't get the 2nd labors are shorter memo). I got the epidural at 3cm (after 12 hours of labor) and then got "stuck" at 3cm for the next 6 hours!!! So it was a long, but not as painful labor. He was 9 days early and weighed 7.11lbs.

[CMW02]

Well, I'm not officially qualified to answer, but here goes anyhow. :D

#1. 1 week late, only 1cm dialated so was induced day before. Induction started but slowed overnight so went in morning for pitocen and to start the process. Pitocen helped things quicken and went from 1.5 to 8 in almost 7 hrs. Then 7-10 took another 2-3. Finally ready to push and after TWO grueling hours, baby not coming down. Went on to C-sec.

#2. Uh, yeah. Scheduled c-sec for April 30th..at 8am. Should take about an hour start to finish. :)
I like that MUCH better. lol!

[annielynn]

I fall into the same boat as Cindy! :)

#1. Induced a week early already dilated 3 to 4cm. Started pitocin at 5am took until 8pm to dilated to 10. Heart decel from Jack when trying to push, c/section to follow.

#2. Scheduled c/section on April 20th at 7:30am. 10 days before my due date. That only bad part is having to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. icky

[K&H's mommy]

Sorry to answer so late.

#1) 2 weeks overdue. Had to be induced. Took 12 hours from start to finish. Epidural received at 5cm - was in excrutiating pain before that. Pushed about 3 times total. Girl - 8 pounds 11 ounces, 21 1/2 inches long.

#2) 37 1/2 weeks - had to be induced due to PIH. Took a while to get labor started but once it did get started, got epidural at 5cm, pain was very tolerable. Epidural didn't work and 20 minutes later I was 10cm and ready to push. Pushed for about 5 minutes. Boy - 8 pounds 3 ounces, 20 1/2 inches long.

#3) 1 week overdue - was having consistent ctx but they were not painful. got to hospital and was 6cm. smiling and laughing at 9cm even after they broke my water. No epidural, no pain meds nothing. Hurt like a mother $*&@@& when I laid down and hit 10cm. Delivered a few hours after arriving at the hospital. 8 pounds, 9 ounces. 20 inches long.

I am sure that #2 would have been overdue if I didn't have to be induced for PIH. It took a while for them to get me into labor because cervix wasn't ready yet. But I thought each labor was easier than the previous one.

[Paula R]

I'm late to answer too.

#1 induced with pitocin at 37 weeks(because my water broke) dilated to 9 cm and closed back to 7 so I had a c-section. 7 lbs 13 oz, 19 inches

#2 scheduled c-section for 10 days before due date but he choose to come 3 weeks early! Had a c-section. 7 lbs 14 oz 19 1/2 inches.

[mak]

Another C- section mom..

#1- My water broke 7 days late and after 23 hours of labor and no dialation ended up with a c-section. They did everything to get me to dialate, cervadil, pitocin..nothing worked. No medication until c-section, and had spinal. She was 7 pounds 10 oz.

#2- I had a scheduled c-section for May 31st (7 days before my due date) and I went into labor 10 days earlier. Got to the hospital and an hour and a half later she was born by c-section. (I have a uncooperative cervix so my doctor did not even attempt a v-bac..not dialated or effaced when I arrived at the hospital but yet my contractions were 2 minutes apart???) She was 6 pounds 10 oz.

[Abby'sMom]

So. Flippin'. Tired.

The move this past weekend went well enough. Note to others considering moving: Doing so with two kids is a PITA. Avoid. Oh my gracious. Oh, to have baby-sitters! MIL is our only baby-sitter and she has so far refused to help with Logan AT ALL. I know he's a difficult baby, but come on.

Abby's doing new and funny things just about every single day. We painted her new room a sweet sticky shade of pinky purple and she loves to call it her purply pink room.

Logan is crawling like a mad man and pulling up on absolutely everything he can get a grip on. And cruising, of course. As a result, he has two large bruises on his forehead. He looks like he's been beaten. :rolleyes: He also still sleeps like sh!t and it's incredibly frustrating. :(

Anyhow. Gotta go. Realtor is coming by to pick up a key to our old house soon!

[K&H's mommy]

Doing so with two kids is a PITA.
Oh don't I know it, LOL! Add a newborn in there and you'll want to slit your wrists. :( I'm glad you are in and each day will get a little better.

We had our first ER trip with Kyle last week (as my LJ buds know). Had to get two stiches by his eyebrow. I have a feeling they will know us on a first name basis since he is so crazy.

[CMW02]

EEK! (Sheri and Sarah)
Is this what I have to look forward to...with a boy??
LOL!!!
:D

[mia's mama]

eek...sarah! :( How scary!

The move this past weekend went well enough. Note to others considering moving: Doing so with two kids is a PITA. Avoid.

Okay ladies...SO NOT WHAT I NEED TO HEAR RIGHT NOW!!!! How about moving CROSS COUNTRY with 2 kids?! :rolleyes: We are out of our house on Thursday, living with my parents here in CA for 2.5 weeks, then staying with Brian's parents in MA for a week, and then we will FINALLY move into our new home sometime around April 15th.

The light at the end of the tunnel...MAK and I will be neighbors. Our new homes are a whopping mile apart. :)

[annielynn]

Stacey good luck with your move! Hopefully it will be smooth sailing for you guys. Welcome to east coast. :)

Cindy you are going to rock as a mommy to a little boy! At least he will not want to change his clothes 40 times a day! LOL

Things are hectic around our house. I have 4weeks and 2 days until my c/s. Not enough time to get everything done. Jack's Big Boy room will finally get completed this weekend and so that little excitement will begin. I just hopse that I can get a few more things accomplished before baby girl makes her debut.

[mia's mama]

Good Luck, Annie!

[Abby'sMom]

Go, Annie and Cindy, go! ;) (Not now, but soon, of course.)

Stacey, don't panic. :)

Forgot to drop this off before; from a week and a half ago:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/pinkbunny11/s41019ca106669_5.jpg

[AJX]

At least he will not want to change his clothes 40 times a day! LOL

Sure he might. A friend's DS at age 3 was so excited when he really got the hang of putting on his own clothes that he would change them himself several times a day. :) She'd find stray socks, shirts, and pants all over the house.

Good luck with all the moves and pregnancy home stretches!

[babyjinks]

Congrats on all the people moving into new houses! We will be doing that in the next year or two...

Evan is finally getting the hang of potty training..but will still not tell us when he has to go so you have to ask him all the time...but hey it is an improvement...

Evan doesnt change his clothes often but as i mentioned before he likes to strip..is that better??

Me: just trying to survive first trimester morning sickness again...ugh

Paula R: Closed back down again holy moly! I think that would just have sent me right over the edge!

[babyjinks]

Where is everybody?

[annielynn]

I am here, but as you can all probably imagine one busy woman. Claire's birthday is in 15 days!!!! I am still working and as of today there is no one to cover me while I am gone. I wish that they would get off their duff and make a decision who is going to cover my job duties while I am gone. Just imagine how pissed off I will be if my phone rings off the hook while I am at home with a newborn and 2 year old. ARGH So I have been keeping really busy at work trying to get all of my filing put away and organized in case someone needs something.

Jack is still giving us fits with his BBB. He just doesn't want to sleep in there. We are still given it the ol college try. He has to be out of there before we move Claire in there. The good thing is that she will be in the bassinet for the first few weeks at least until I go back to work. Keep your fingers crossed.