March Moms 2006 - Year One, Part Two

[JennW]

OK, east coasters. Let’s try and figure out a central location for all of us. If you’re interested in a GTG post where you are coming from and what days/times would work best for you. I'm assuming the NJ counties closest to NY is probably where we will end up but without knowing exactly where everyone is coming from I'm having a hard time figuring out what the best location is.

Here is my thinking so far:
Somewhere in Hudson County area near the Staten Island entrance (Karen in in SI plus its closer to central for Junk) or near the GWB entrance (other NYers/CT).

For those others of you in NJ would these locations work for you?

To other March Mommies: If all this GTG talk is clogging up the thread to much, let us know and we can do it somewhere else.:)

[kdotp]

birthday presents
We're getting DS quite a few things :o A walk'n'ride, a chunky wooden puzzle, an add-on to his LP barn set, a few books and a tractor. I think we went a little overboard, but I guess we only get to do this once with him.

weather vent
I'm so annoyed by this weather. :mad: We're under another winter weather/storm watch for today and tomorrow and don't even know if anyone will be able to make it to the party on Sunday. The weather by then is supposed to be okay (cold and sunny) but everyone invited has to drive two and three hours to get here, and we can't guarantee what the roads will be like. And if we had to postpone, I don't know when the next best weekend would be as DH is out of town quite a bit for track meets. I know it's not the end of the world, but it's just disappointing because after procrastinating for so long, I'm really starting to get excited for this party.

ETA: I love all the GTG talk, even though I can't be there. You just have to promise to post lots of photos!! :D

[bunny nose]

GTG Anytime and anywhere is good for me. Do you think it would be better to do it after March and the birthdays are all over with? One less thing to throw into the middle of planning parties. Just a thought, I really don't care when we do it.

[JennW]

Bunnynose - Oh I def agree we shouldn't attempt it until after all the parties are over and done!:)

[junkinmytrunk]

I'd LOVE to get out of dodge so any point north of me, be it Hudson or beyond is A-Ok~ :)

I agree that April is a better time to do it. I'm free ALL THE TIME so you name the day!

Anyone else? Bday gifts for their DC? What are you buying?

[tgal]

Birthday gifts: I spluged on clothes and found a melissa and doug puppet show stand thing for 20bucks.

it's what i've always wanted so it saddens me when i get frustrated or bored.
I could have written this myself, but it makes me feel even worse when I feel this way and I am only home with her 4 days a week. Seriously, I think it is the weather most of the time. When it gets nicer out and we can easily push a stroller around the neighborhood, I will be enthused!

I can totally relate to the errands thing too. It is hard! You menitoned daycare. Not sure if everyone has this option available to them, but our local churches in the community offer what they call dayschool. We tried enrolling Eva in Dec. when my MIL wasn't able to watch her and we were put on a wait list. I since enrolled her for fall semester and they called last week saying they had an opening so she begins on Monday. Anyway, it is a 1/2 day program either Mon, Wed, Fri. (200 bucks a month) or Tue./Thur. (140 bucks a month) I watched what they do with the kids and it is amazing. The women at the church we selected love what they do and the kids were having fun playing and learning. It is only a 1/2 a day, but for dh and I we will be very happy to each have a morning a week to get some much needed things done.

Polka Dot birthday party theme: If anyone is interested, we got our professional pics back and I'd be glad to share, pm me.

[red_canuck]

B-day gifts -
We're actually holding off buying anything until after DS's party on the 11th (his actual b-day is the 13th). We were planning to take him to toys r us as part of our activities on his birthday :D That way we don't duplicate any of the presents that others give him :)
that said, we're definitely aiming to get him a potty ;) a mom's gotta hope! lol

[JennZ]

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, girls!! :D

Graham had his 1-year WBV today- he weighs 25 lbs. 4 ozs and is 30 1/2". I think he was about 75-80% all the way around.

B-Day gift ideas....

My mom showed up with this huge thing for his birthday. Generally we have a family rule that we don't buy things for the kids that won't fit in the carry-on bag tester at the airport- Do you know what I'm talking about?? :D
Anyway, for a while my sisters were buying huge stuffed animals that were taking over the house. So we had to set a general "guideline".
Clearly, my mother doesn't care about the rules!! :rolleyes:
BUT, this thing is really cool!
Graham loves it!! So check it out...
Neurosmith Together Tunes Music Block
Small World Toys
This giant, interactive cube features color illustrations and plays 6 classic sing-along songs, each in high quality sound. Also features 6 activities, including lifting flaps, a jack-in-thebox, a tactile teddy bear, a retractable rumble spider, and a peek-a-boo mirror. Encourages use of daily living skills, stimulates available hearing and vision and stimulates imagination.
$60.00 / For ages 6 months+ / PI, B, LV, DD

We also got the Elmo remote which is pretty cute.
Little People- we have thousands and continue to accumulate them at every occasion!! All the kids like them, though.

MIL bought the Fisher-Price Musical Learning Chair. Kind of pointless if you ask me. Sure, he likes to sit in it. But it is more fun to try and stand on it. He already fell off once, so I think it will be retired to the garage this weekend until I can pawn it off on my niece!

We also have the Little Touch Leap Pad. We really like it. The pages are virtually impossible to tear, so it has held up pretty well so far.


jennz #4 holy cow! will that be it?

LOL!! Yes, DH says no more after 4!! So I will probably get my tubes tied when I have my fourth (it will be a c-section again), so that will make things easier on everyone. DH turned 40 this year- (:eek: ), and he had said when we got married that I could have as many kids as I could have before he was 40. So I convinced him that being 40 really meant until he turned 41, so I have the rest of this year to get pg!!

The GTG sounds wonderful!! Wish I could join you guys!!

[Tracie]

Happy Birthday to all of our one year olds!

Me I work 35 hours a week in a doctor's office, and I went back 8 weeks after AJ was born. I always wanted to be a SAHM, but finances do not allow it. Now that I'm a mom, I do wish I could work less, but I think I would be crazy here all day every day. I like being able to get out of the house and converse with adults! Still, if I could drop down to maybe 20 hours, I would love it. I like my job okay, but I don't want to be there forever. However, we have decided that I should stay put until after we have #2, which brings me to my next point...

TTC #2 We're going to start trying in summer of 2008. They'll be at least 3 years apart.

B-Day Gift We got him a little slide for outside. He's got enough stuff inside, he needed something to play on outside. Of course, it's all snow out there and we're supposed to get more tomorrow, so it's going to be a while before he plays with it. :rolleyes: Of course, he's also getting some books, because I'm big on reading! Oh crap! T minus 4 hours and I haven't wrapped them!

[junkinmytrunk]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR AJ!!!!!

[tgal]

Happy Birthday Emily and AJ!

[JennW]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AJ and EMILY!!!:)

[JennZ]

Happy Birthday AJ and Emily!!

[Elenitsa]

:eek: Sorry to hijack this thread, wondering if anyone had heard about this before. What have you done about it? What's a safe option? Anyone have any additional information on this topic? I just got an email from a friend about this as well. It listed the major brands I use / or would try.

Here's a link to the article: Toxic Baby Bottles (http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/environmental-health/environmental-health-news/toxic-chemical-leaches-from-popular-baby-bottles)

[tgal]

Elenista: The truth is that EPA has been working with manufacturers for years on this issue. It also includes so many other products, including toys. However, the severity of this issue stems from the fact that so many people put bottles in dishwashers and heat milk, formula and bm in the bottles using the microwave and bottle warmers all of which break down the plastic. The more you do this and the longer you store milk in the bottle, the more likely it will be that there are higher levels of chemicals leaching into the liquid in the bottle. I'm not trying to down play this issue at all, as it is one that is serious. I'm not sure that I am going to throw out all my dr. browns tonight and rush over to Walmart to buy new ones considering we are trying to ween anyway. I do plan to find out more information on this though and find out why EPA hasn't made progress on this issue in the past 6 years.

[junkinmytrunk]

I am so guilty of warming DS's Dr. Brown's bottles in the microwave. I don't put them in the dishwasher (handwash in boiling hot water) but geez, I'm a little worried. I've been using these from the get-go. Tgal, anything you find out would be greatly appreciated.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Birthday Miss Emily!

[kdotp]

We have to postpone DS's birthday party until the end of the month. The huge storm that blew through the central part of the state means neither my sister (who is making the cakes) nor my ILs and the grandmas can get here. The ILs haven't even been back to their house since Thursday morning because they live way out in the country and the snow plows haven't been through yet and MIL put their car in the ditch on her way home Thursday afternoon (she's ok, though).

I'm disappointed, but we'll probably do something with just DH, DS and I either tomorrow or Wednesday.

And I noticed this morning he's getting a molar already!

[ShannonGH]

kdotp, so sorry you have to reschedule. :( The weather has been fierce, hasn't it!? Glad to hear your MIL was okay in her car accident.

[tgal]

Kdotp: Sorry to hear about the planning!

Happy Birthday Benjamin and Piper

[JennW]

kpotp: Sorry about the party.:(

Happy Birthday Benjamin and Piper!!!:):D

[bunny nose]

Sorry about the party. But thankfully everyone is OK.

Happy Birthday Benjamin and Piper!

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Emily, AJ, Benjamin and Piper!!

[JennZ]

Happy, happy birthday to Piper and Benjamin!!

[ShannonGH]

Happy Birthday Emily, AJ, Benjamin and Piper!!

[junkinmytrunk]

KDOTP: Sorry to hear about the party. Such a bummer.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PIPER! PIPER HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENJAMIN, BENJAMIN HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

-----------------------------------------------

:(
Worried girls. My sister just took my mom to the ER. She's been having chest pains. She's never, ever sick -- she just hasn't been able to drag herself out of bed for 3 days, her limbs are tingly, completely unable to eat. I'm super nervous....

[Tracie]

junk I really hope that your mom is okay! I'll be thinking about you!

kdotp Sorry about the party.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes for AJ! He had a good birthday! Friday (his actual b-day) my DH and I took the day off to spend with him. Turns out we were snowed in as well! Then yesterday was his party! It was smaller than expected because a lot of kids are sick, but AJ had a good time anyway!

Happy Birthday to Emily, Piper and Benjamin!

[amychris03]

I've missed so many birthdays! Hope everyone is having fun celebrating!
We've been super busy around here, first DH was out of town, and then Sam has this stupid rash again- I swear the kid is allergic to everything. Basically he is covered head to toe in these dry excema patches. I'm calling the dr tomorrow- they thought it may be just from the cold weather/drynesss, but it went away and came back (I think around the time I started giving him Soy yogurt, and then I ran out for a bit and it went away). Who knows, I think we're doing allergy testing- so far he's allergic to wheat, dairy, and now possibly soy. Poor kid. Thank goodness he can eat bananas, or he'd starve!

My friend also had a baby yesterday, she was only 30 weeks along! The baby is doing amazingly well, breathing on her own, and weighs 3.65 pounds! She's so small and so adorable! She already has more hair than Sam!

OK, dinner is ready, so I have to run!

--
kdotp Sorry about rescheduling:(
junk I'll keep your mom in my prayers.

[JennW]

junk - Thinking of you and your mom. She's in my thoughts!:)

[bunny nose]

junk- Hope your mom is ok

[junkinmytrunk]

Guys - thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers. Thanks GOODNESS she is fine - the ER ran a battery of tests (chest pains warrant the whole ball of wax) and it turned out she had a severe UTI so we are SOOOOOOO relieved. She is home and doing better. Phewwwww, we were a little worried there. Moms CAN'T get sick.

Hope everyone has a great day. I know I will!

[ShannonGH]

lisa- oh good!!! I'm so glad you're mom is doing better!
amychris- I know what you mean about allergies. It's so frustrating. I held out till 11 mos to try yogurt hoping that would be long enough and she broke out in a rash on her on her trunk which went away when we stopped feeding it to her. I've heard from 2 medical professionals (her pediatrician and the nutritionist at the Down Syndrome clinic) that they dont' "do" allergy testing till 2 years old. But, yet, everyone on the Babies with Food Allergies thread seems like they get tested so much younger. I don't understand. Maybe I should ask more questions.

Speaking of rashes, Noa has had horrible redness on her cheeks/chin now for about 6 weeks now. It's different than how she looks with a food allergy rash though and it is confined to only her cheeks/chin. Three doctors appts (2 ped and 1 derm.) and $200 later they're still not quite sure what it is nor how to get rid of it. We're currently on our third cream. So frustrating. I just want it gone before her birthday. :( Oh, and to top it off, she's battling another bad cold, which Dh also caught. Not getting a lot of sleep these days...uhg.

[ajb524]

Shannon- Sean had a terrible rash like that on his face all through out December. It finally went away (I have no idea what caused it or what made it go away). We just kept putting tons of aquaphor/vasoline on his face.

[amychris03]

Shannon
I think that the allergy testing isn't as accurate before 2 but you can still do it, which I think we may, just to have an idea of what could be causing this stuff. We go to the dr in about 10 minutes! My dr's partner once said that the rash on the face could be just irritation from the food itself touching the skin, if she has sensitive skin. I noticed Sam always broke out on one side of his face more, which is the side I usually fed him from, and he got a lot more food there.

junk
So glad your mom is ok!

[kdotp]

junk I'm so glad your mom is ok!

[ShannonGH]

Ajb & amy, they actually did a fungal and bacterial swab at her last derm appt and were able to grow a small bit of staph aureus so that's what they're thinking it is. However the antibiotic cream that they prescribed to treat it seems to be doing nothing so we're going back tomorrow.

[kmm0305]

Lurker/kdopt's sister here. Shannon, just wanted to let you know that many people do get their LO's tested for allergies but not all Dr's will recommend it. When our dd started out with eczema, we questioned FA's but our family Dr. said it was highly unlikely and he wouldn't put his baby through testing. Our GI clinic basically pushed off the idea for 5 months as well, even though it was brought up multiple times. Finally when she was about 7 months old we had a GI clinic apt where she was scratching herself bloody from her eczema and THEN they suggested we get her tested. It was actually done that afternoon because we had an apt with her pulmonologist who is also an allergist. They did the skin test for about 6 things (food and then dust and cat as well) and egg white came back positive. Once we elminiated egg from my diet since she was still bf'ing, her skin cleared and she started sleeping through the night and she gained weight. The next time we went to her GI clinic they all were AMAZED at how different she looked--all that from a FA. We recently went through a spell at 17 months where she was vomiting almost everynight for two weeks, losing weight, etc. We ended up taking her off dairy and all that stopped. We will probably go see our allergist next month to talk to him about that.

Good luck and if your gut thinks it may be related to food, then find a good ped allergist who is willing to work with you.

Happy b-day to all the March babies! I am a March baby myself. :p And my cutie patootie nephew knew enough to be born in March. He and his mommy learned that he may have to celebrate in the middle of a blizzard some years.

Kristyn

[kdotp]

Happy b-day to all the March babies! I am a March baby myself. :p And my cutie patootie nephew knew enough to be born in March. He and his mommy learned that he may have to celebrate in the middle of a blizzard some years.

Kristyn
Yeah, and his Aunt Krissy had to eat the cake she made for him! :p

[tgal]

junk: I am so glad your mum is alright! Not to make light of the uti though because I am known to be part of the CUTI club myself and they can be brutal! :rolleyes:

Shannon: I hope they figure out the issue! I am with Abj, Eva has a major issue with getting chapped cheeks and chin. Only Aquaphor works for her.


Happy Birthday Lucas

[JennW]

Shannon - Sorry about Noa's cheeks/chin. We use a chap stick for the skin/lips, etc. that works wonders. There is one made by Mustela and one made by J&J. They look like mini deoderant sticks and they have made all the difference for my always-rosy-chapped cheeks Owen. Hope she gets better, soon!

Junk - So happy your mom is OK.

---

Happy Birthday Lucas!!!

[jordan]

Happy Birthday Lucas!

Junk - Glad your mom is ok.

We're all doing pretty good here... I can't believe that Nate will be 1 in just two days. We're ramping up for his party this weekend, though I'm kicking myself for not doing it this past weekend when it was 50 and beautiful, I'm sure this coming weekend will probably be freezing again. I'm a little mad at DH's family that they now can't do what we planned for Nate's actual birthday, but I'll get over it and we'll have fun anyway.

Have a great day!

[junkinmytrunk]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCAS!!

[heidi0622]

Ack, so many birthdays! So fun!

Happy Birthday Emily and Piper

Happy Birthday Lucas, AJ, Benjamin

kdotp: so sorry about the party getting postponed. Glad you were able to get it rescheduled though. We're all ready for spring, huh?

lisa: glad to hear all is well with your mom...chest pains are always a scary thing.

We had Ben's party this past weekend. We did a jungle theme (well, half-baked jungle theme - I ordered some jungle decorations and gave away stuffed monkeys as the gift bags, but beyond that...we just did the standard party fare). My parents were going to be out of town these next two weekends, so we had it a little early. We had a great time!!! There were 20 adults and 8 kids at our house, so it was a little crazy, but so fun! Here he is enjoying his birthday cake and his new wagon and big gorilla! Sorry, they're a bit big - I'll take them down in a few days.

[ellybella]

so many birthdays! happy birthday piper, lucas, aj, ben, and emily!

kd sorry to hear you had to postpone the party. hope you had fun celebrating with just your dh and ds.

junk sorry i missed your mom's scare. my fil just had the same thing, no energy and couldn't get out of bed. he's had that severe uti before, but this time he could barely function. hope she's doing better.

shannon the allegies are so complicated. two weeks ago i gave james a half a yo baby for breakfast and a snack pudding at lunch and he broke out in hives for 24 hours. guess it was dairy overload. we didn't see the dr., but were in contact w/ the office. i gave him some 1% milk today and he's been fine so far.

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Ben, Piper and Lucas!!

I can't believe DS is going to be one tomorrow!

[JennW]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Grant and Maura

[tgal]

Ben looks adorable and he really smashed that cake! Yummy!

I think today is the day with the most birthdays! Wow, you ladies had timing!

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Pierson, Grant and Maura

[amychris03]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Grant, Pierson, and Maura!:)
We had a lot of busy mommas a year ago today!

~
Well, the dr said Sam's rash was contact dermatitis... No food allergies, she thinks it was due to the lotion we were using (aveeno, and then eucerin). She said to stick to just vasoline. Since then, his rash is mostly gone, but he has the excema patches that need to heal. Poor guy. I'm not sure what we'll do this summer, every lotion we've used (including sunscreen last year) breaks him out. Any recommendations? We are doing the blood test at his 12 month WBV to test for dairy and wheat sensitivities so I know what we can and can't give him, but thank goodness, he's at least ok with soy!

heidi So, did the icing stain Ben's outfit? I can't decide what to put Sam in (or if I should strip him down) as his cake will have lots of green.

[kmm0305]

Happy Birthday, Lug Nut! (Aka chunky monkey, tractor boy, lil' red head named Grantie Grant!)

Love your favorite Aunt & cousins

[JennW]

Happy Birthday to Pierson, too! I didn't mean to leave him out, I thought his bday was tomorrow!!!

I am wondering what to put Owen in as well. I may go for just a bib or just strip him down for cake! I can't wait! (well I can wait since I have to get my house ready for almost 40 people. LOL)

amychris - Have you tried Mustela? Their stuff is really gentle, too.

Speaking of skin, maybe some of you have experience with this. Owen has dry rough patches on his legs (near where the air would hit them when his pants ride up though he almost always wears a snowsuit when outside so I really don't get it). I don't think it's excema (sp?) as it's not red (that is a characteristic of excema, right?) but no matter what lotion I put on him it still feels rough to the touch.

[ellybella]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Grant, Pierson, and Maura!

[ShannonGH]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Pierson, Grant and Maura

Took Noa to the dermatologist yesterday for her face. He thinks it's either of form of sebhorrea (sp?) or excema but not really sure.:rolleyes: We're currently on the 4th ointment. So damn frustrating. At this rate, I'm pretty sure she's going to have this crazy red bumpy face for her birthday.:(

Also took Noa to the ped yesterday (busy Tuesday) and poor baby has a double ear infection. good news is that we got the green light on doing a blood test to test for food allergies...yay!! Going to the lab tomorrow so *hopefully* will have results before the weekend. The ped nor I think a food allergy is causing her face rash because a.) it's just confined to her face and b.) she's had a food allergy rash before and it looked different...but the results will be great info to have regardless.

Love the pics Heidi!!

Amy, we use cetaphil cream & lotion and haven't had any problems.

[tgal]

but no matter what lotion I put on him it still feels rough to the touch.


Have you tried cetaphill cream right after his bath? Eva has really dry skin and when I use it after her evening bath and throw her into her fleece jammies, in the morning her skin is so soft!

ETA: didn't see Shannon's rec! I can't say enough about cetaphill cream.

[myshel]

Happy Birthday, Grant!!

[junkinmytrunk]

Happy Birthday to Pierson, too! I didn't mean to leave him out, I thought his bday was tomorrow!!!
It's actually tomorrow, you are right - I think we're just on the list twice.

RE: ecsema / dry skin on the legs. I've noticed if I skip a bath for a night it seems to get much better the next day. I've also noticed "creams" work better than "lotions" - less alcohol in creams.

Shannon: Did you take Noa to a Ped Derm? I think I might take Pierson in - although for different reasons. Constantly has had an inflamed pimple since XMAS and I don't want it to scar.

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Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Grant and Maura!!!! (it was a busy day - I was in labor on this day and can't believe it's been a year!:eek: )

Great pix Heidi!

[ShannonGH]

Did you take Noa to a Ped Derm?
No, only because ped derms take 2-3 months to get into around here. We just went to see a normal derm. But if you can wait it out, I'd recommend a ped derm.

[JennZ]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Grant and Maura!!

[amychris03]

JennW
Maybe yours is what my dr thought at first, just dry skin from the winter dryness. Sam's dry patches on his legs aren't all that red, unless they are irritated, like they currently are. My dr suggested bathing every other day (which sucks, Sam loves his bath) and vasoline on the dry spots, though I may try cetaphyl cream- it sounds great.

[JennW]

Amy and junk – you may be onto something with the baths! I do think it got worse when we started doing more frequent baths. Is it just a bath and winter thing I wonder? Hmmm…

Junk – I thought Pierson was the 8th! I always remember cause I think he and Owen were due on the same day. And Noa too I think? All due 3/25? I may be remembering wrong though.

---

Funny how many babies were born today. I remember watching the thread and being amazed (while I waited for mine) cause almost all our babies were here by mid-month which I found weird since they were due all month long. Owen was born on the 18th and he was one of the last of the month. How weird!

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan and Maura!!

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! Birthday boy decided to wake us up to party at 5:45 this morning. I made mini cupcakes to take to daycare, so he got one for breakfast (along with his normal toast). He wasn't impressed and I think fed most of it to the dog. Goofy kid. :p

It will be a fairly uneventful birthday, I think. Wednesdays are busy right now because we get home just in time to eat a quick supper then turn around and go to Lenten services at church and then turn around and go home to bed! DH is also gone until Saturday, so we'll have to think of other things (besides walking around Target or the mall) to kill some time. There is a circus in town this weekend, but I'm wavering on if DS is too young. He's not bothered by crowds or noises, but he won't really know what's going on, either...

[heidi0622]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Pierson, Grant and Maura

Lots of bdays today - fun, fun :)

amychris: nope the outfit didn't stain. I let him go to town with the cake, then stripped him down to his diaper in the high chair and soaked the outfit in Baby Oxy (love that stuff!) right away. I washed it the next day and it came out as good as new. :D

Thanks for the compliments on the pictures!

[amychris03]

Jenn W
I think it's a winter thing, when the heat is on in the house. I've always given Sam a bath every day, and it was never a problem until recently when it got really cold and the heat has been running a lot.

[yby1]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Maura, Nathan, Pierson, and Grant!

These birthday wishes make me happy. :) I'm so unprepared for M's birthday party on Saturday though. It's funny becaue I plan things for a living, but I can seem to get my act together to plan this party. I've never planned anything for kids and it's scaring me! :p

This is also my last week of regularly pumping at work. Next week is going to feel weird!

[ShannonGH]

This is also my last week of regularly pumping at work. Next week is going to feel weird
Good for you yby!!

[heidi0622]

This is also my last week of regularly pumping at work. Next week is going to feel weird!

Yay. Good job YBY! I'm right there with you...I've only pumped once per day this week and it does feel weird. I can't believe I'm saying this...but I may actually miss it a little bit. :o

[ajb524]

Happy Birthday to all our babies!! I can't believe they are all one. So much has changed in the past year :)

We're going on a little getaway this weekend. Just the 3 of us. I love DH's family, but everywhere we've been (which hasn't been a lot) the past 2 years has been with them. I"m ready to just do something as a family and it only be the 3 of us. We're going to the mountains and renting a little cabin. We plan on taking Sean to the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN. I hope he'll do okay. As long as we go after his nap he should be fine :). I think I'm more worried about the drive up there than anything. HOpefully he'll sleep most of the way there.

[JennW]

Congrats yby1! Next week is my last pumping week! Whoo hoo!

Have fun Andrea! We so need a vacation, too!

[yby1]

Thanks everyone! :)

Yay. Good job YBY! I'm right there with you...I've only pumped once per day this week and it does feel weird. I can't believe I'm saying this...but I may actually miss it a little bit. :o

I know! I never thought I would feel that way. I guess it's because pumping and BFing has become such a big part of our lives. :) Congrats for pumping this long too!

[bunny nose]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN, NATHANIEL, PIERSON, GRANT & MAURA

So, last night we took Nicky for his 1 year old pictures. We went to Sears. And while I am happy with it, I wasn't crazy about it either. I think next time we will try either JC Penney or the one at BRU.

All Nicky wanted to do was play with the girl taking pics. She was really nice, but they really need two people doing it. I was on the side of him trying to get him to stay and smile. She was in front of him, and I swear everytime he gave a great smile, she wasn't at the camera to catch it.

But we still spent $160. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Here are a couple for you to see


http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/s41624cb108275_12.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/s41624cb108275_10.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/s41624cb108275_9_0.jpg

[bunny nose]

Continued

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/s41624cb108275_11.jpg

We bought this layout, couldn't resist
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/s41624cb108275_9_0_1.jpg

And this was our absolute favorite. Look out for runaway baby

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/s41624cb108275_13.jpg

I bought the CD of the session also. It gives me all the rights to it so I can print what I want when I want. If I go back to Sears to order more prints it would cost $20 a sheet. It was worht it. They are a very highg resolution, so I can crop and enlarge to my delight and it will come out great.

[JennW]

Karen - He is such a big boy! He looks great. Owen is wearing a similar outfit for his pics and I'm glad. I really like the way it looks on Nicky. I love all the pics especially the run away one. Too cute!:D

[phart]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan,and Grant!

And Maura too, of course:) We went to the museum this morning/early afternoon then we will have our traditional pancakes for dinner (IHOP, I think)! The party is Saturday and I am mostly done with things. Tonight I start to decorate the ladybug and butterfly cookies. Yum!

[phart]

Re-subscribing too...

[tunibell]

Happy belated birthday to Eliza, Amelia, Max, Ian, Eva, Declan, Arleigh, Graham, Emily, AJ, Ben, and Lucas and happy birthday to Nathaniel, Nathan, Grant, and Maura!!!

We've been on the East Coast for a week now, and man, can we not wait to get back to California! It's been so nice to see family, of course, but it is tough to be away from home-base with a little one. Also it is freezing here, our skin is dry as all get out, and I'm getting over a stomach flu. :rolleyes:

Piper's birthday was a lovely affair at my mom and dad's house. We had it on Saturday so out-of-towners coming in from NY and PA didn't have to travel the day before work. We held the butterly-themed party from 3-5 pm and served tea sandwiches and baked yummies. Here are some pics of the decor (all done by my mom):

Front hallway:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/413067306_5ca71b5690.jpg?v=0

Dining room:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/413067315_263ae4a4c9.jpg?v=0

I baked Piper's cake - it was a carrot cake with sugar-free cream cheese icing (the recipe for the cake was from What to Expect...) She loved it, and gave a really great show. Instead of smashing it, she kind of nursed it, hands-free. Just dug right in, face-first. It was truly something to see:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/413065662_64f20f5be8.jpg?v=0

Opening gifts:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/413065668_6403039937.jpg?v=0

Modeling our favorite gift, a poncho that my sister-in-law knit:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/413067322_650fa4ca3b.jpg?v=0

PS - Am off to fix Pierson's birthday (finally!)

[bunny nose]

Thanks Jenn!

Tuni- Piper digging into that cake face first is just hysterical. Made my night.

[junkinmytrunk]

BunnyNose and Tuni: Wonderful pictures! Just priceless!

[mom2amelia]

Happy Birthday Nathaniel, Nathan, Grant and Maura
And every other baby that I missed. I am SO far behind in here.

I am loving the pictures.

Karen - Nicky is too cute. I love those pictures.

tuni - your mom did a great job decorating. you and piper look awesome.

we're in full on party planning mode here, except I'm riddled with indecision over the most mundane details. for sure, no one but me will care one bit about the details about which I am fretting. it's just my nature to obsess over the minutiae.

oh, and I'm pregnant. Again. we just found out yesterday. shocked. very shocked.

[bunny nose]

mom2amelia Congratulations! Our 2nd RO. Hope you have a happy and healthy 9 months!

[JennW]

mom2amelia - CONGRATS!!!:)

tuni - You look fantastic. You all look so happy! Piper dive bombing the cake is classic and so cute!!!

[red_canuck]

congratulations mom2amelia!!

Happy Birthday to all our birthday babies, how exciting! I'm loving hearing about it all, and seeing all the pictures :D

Logan's party is this weekend, and I'm getting alittle stressed with all the details. I jus tknow I'm going to be an emotional mess too, one year old! How is that possible guys?

[aprilshowers]

Congratuations mom2amelia!!! You don't sound excited but hopefully you are just waiting for it to sink in. I hope you are feeling good!

And congrats to yby, Jenn and all the other pumpers for making it to 1 year! I really admire you all.

Gotta run...

[heidi0622]

Wow, congrats mom2amelia! Way to sneak that news in... :) You'll have to let us know the due date, etc. after the craziness of party planning dies down.

[ajb524]

Congrats mom2amelia!!

I'm missing the party planning just a little now ;). It's so fun to see all the b-day party pics though!

[phart]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/sphart1/CIMG3131.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/sphart1/CIMG3137.jpg

[JennW]

phart - She is so cute!:)

[ShannonGH]

OMG Karen, he is such a ham!! They got some great shots. I love the one of him standing by the #1...such a big boy!

shannon...we x-posted! LOVE the pics!! How did you get pigtails to stay in. I've tried on Noa but they're so hard to get in (b/c she's wiggling around) that it's not worth my time.

[phart]

I used teeny holders from Target and either put them in while she's nursing or give her something very exciting to play with like a napkin:)

[ShannonGH]

Okay, it may be the 2 nights of 4 hours of sleep I've gotten this week due to a double ear infection (Noa's, not mine) but I totally missed Piper's pictures and Cyndi's announcement!!!! OMG!

Congratulations Cyndi!!!!! You're so sneaky. ;)

tuni- Great pictures!! Your mom did a great job decorating!

[junkinmytrunk]

Mom2Amelia: Wow! Wonderful! Congrats!

So we had a little breakfast bday party. Pierson's real bday party is next Saturday but we're doing a little pizza and cake tonight. We did open gifts from mom and my sis today. Mom got him a TMX Elmo. Big MISTAKE!! Scared out of his mind.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/414700931_1130a3bb3a.jpg?v=0

Be back later, have to scarf some lunch b4 naptime is up!

[amychris03]

Aw, love the pictures of Nick, Maura, Piper, and Pierson! So cute!

Happy Birthday to Pierson and Melina!

Junk Sam got a TMX for Christmas and was terrified of it at first, but it's grown on him. He likes it now, and wants me to tickle him and he watches, but he still wont get too close!

Cyndi Congratulations again!:)

Way to go Heidi, yby, and any other pumpers! I totally couldn't have done this for a year if I was required to pump more than the occasional bottle. You guys rock!

Tuni You look great at the b-day party! It reminds me that I totally need to find something to wear. I forgot that little detail! Don't do much clothes shopping for me these days!

[yby1]

mom2amelia - a big CONGRATS!! I don't think I could handle another one just yet. :)

bunny nose - those are the cutest pictures of Nicky. Your favorite is also my favorite. Too cute!

Tuni - Piper looks adorable sucking on her cake and you look AMAZING! Now I feel like I'm going to be underdressed for the party on Saturday. I'm going to wear capri jeans, a henley and some flip flops - It's going to be like 90 degrees here though. :)

phart - I love Maura's dimples. :)

junk - Pierson is such a cutie! Sorry he got scared by Elmo. :p

[tray622]

CONGRATS mom2amelia!! You are almost making me want a third ;)

[jordan]

Happy Belated Birthday to Nathaniel, Grant and Maura and Happy Birthday to Pierson and Melina!!

Congrats mom2amelia!!!

We went to dinner with the IL's last night and went back to the house for cake and presents, Nate's party is on Saturday.

Here's are some pics from last night... sorry they're big. At first he dipped one finger in the frosting but after that taste he was double fisting. :)

http://www.falconefamily.com/birthday/bday7.jpg

http://www.falconefamily.com/birthday/bday8.jpg

http://www.falconefamily.com/birthday/bday12.jpg

http://www.falconefamily.com/birthday/bday13.jpg

http://www.falconefamily.com/birthday/bday14.jpg

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Pierson and Melina!!

I am loving all the pictures!

DS got a "practice" cake last Sunday. He wasn't quite sure what to do with it at first.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/3-4-07-5.jpg

One Year Old!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/oneyearsm.jpg

He had his WBV this morning: 25 lb 8 oz; 31" long; 17" head. The Dr. was happy with how everything was progressing and wasn't concerned DS is still only army crawling. Poor kid has an ear infection, though, so we're on antibiotics for that. He also has a cough/cold, so I opted to wait a few weeks for the vax.

Congrats mom2amelia!

[bunny nose]

junk, phart, jordan- great pictures. I am so looking forward to the part of the party when I can put that cake in front of Nicky.

Thanks for all the compliments on his pictures.

[mom2amelia]

Thanks for the congrats everyone. We were not TTC, so it was a big surprise. We tried for well over a year to conceive Phoebe (and had some medical help along the way) so we really didn't think we could get pregnant without trying. Just goes to show you . . . We are very excited, but really overwhelmed at the thought of 3 kids - and the babies just 20 months apart! I figure millions of women throughout history have had more than two kids without imploding, so I'll figure it out somehow. ;)

Oh, and I'm not 100% sure, since we weren't charting or anything like that, but I *think* I'm due around mid-November. A lovely time to give birth in Cleveland.:rolleyes:

I'm loving all the cake smashing pictures everyone is posting. Keep em coming.

[junkinmytrunk]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELINA!!

[tunibell]

Happy birthday Melina and Pierson!

Congratulations mom2amelia!! There is a mom in my local playgroup who is pregnant with her second child, a total and complete surprise since the first one was conceived via IVF. Mother Nature is a strange lady!

junk - Piper has those same Hanna pjs in pink. :)

Piper is currently cutting teeth 9 & 10 (lower molars). She doesn't seem to be in any real pain, but it sure looks like she should be - her gums are all swollen and angry. She's also pulling up on anything and everything in site, and saying DA-DA-DA-DA at the top of her lungs. (No MA-MA-MA-MA, of course). We've been faithfully watching our Baby Signing Time videos every day (Piper finds them *hypnotic*) and the signs are starting to come fast and furious - so far she can sign milk, sleep, ball, more, and something that looks a lot like banana.

And here she is in a silly hat that I just finished knitting:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/415087556_5ead981d5c.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/413068877_65ff8902a8.jpg?v=0

Thanks for all the compliments on our party attire, by the way! Made me smile. I actually bought that dress a few weeks ago when a friend in SF decided to chuck her upcoming wedding plannings, get married at City Hall, and have a little get-together at the St. Regis right afterwards. The day before Pip's party I had to go out and get a camisole to go underneath it, because as-is the dress was a little cleavage-licious for a baby's birthday party!

[bunny nose]

Happy Birthday Melina
Tuni- That hat is beautiful!

[phart]

The hat is cute and all but those cheeks...:D

[ShannonGH]

Happy First Birthday Melina & Pierson!!!

Fab job on the hat tuni! Piper is SUCH a cutie!

Well, I am happy to say that I just finished up Noa's first year photo montage that I plan to show at her birthday party! I am SO HAPPY with how it turned out. We used two songs, the first being "Wonder" by Natalie Merchant. The song is so fitting it gives me chills. Here's some excerpts:

They say I must be one of the wonders
Of god's own creation
And as far as they can see they can offer
No explanation

O, I believe
Fate smiled and destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience and with faith
She'll make her way

People see me
I'm a challenge to your balance
I'm over your heads
How I confound you and astound you
To know I must be one of the wonders
Of god's own creation
And as far as you can see you can offer me
No explanation


PM me if you'd like to see it...I'll email you a link. :)

[JennW]

Love all the pics, girls!:)

Happy Birthday to Pierson and Melina!!

Tuni - The hat is gorgeous. You should sell them.

[honey_bee]

Happy Birthday March Babies! I can't believe it's been a whole year already. I haven't posted in a while, but I've been following along. Had a job change at the end of Feb and things have been nuts in that area. Anyway, we celebrated Emily's birthday last weekend and it turned out great. I managed to hold it together through the whole thing - even the video montage I did. Totally had my family in tears after that.

http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?v=ihjndku7idyvp4zqyjdykfemszzfce&c=3453456&i=118375652&z=0
The birthday girl wondering where all of her guests are.

http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?v=ihjndku7idyvp4zqyjdykfemszzfce&c=3453456&i=118375657&z=0
Delicately tasting her cupcake.

http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?v=ihjndku7idyvp4zqyjdykfemszzfce&c=3453456&i=118375655&z=0
After she figured out how good it tasted!

http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?v=ihjndku7idyvp4zqyjdykfemszzfce&c=3453456&i=116396645&z=0
One of the pro pics we had take a couple weeks ago.

Huge congrats to elly and mom! H & H 9 mos to you both. I'm secretly really jealous! ;)

Tuni I'd buy one of those hats! You have an excellent model - Piper is such a cutie!

Shannon I always think of you and Noa when I hear that song.

Love love love seeing all the birthday pics! Keep em coming, Ladies!

[ShannonGH]

OMG Melissa, that last picture is great! :)

[junkinmytrunk]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: Patrick Aiden, Kaden Danick, Mattias Martin, Keegan Patrick

Tuni: Your baby cloche is absolutely darling and Jenn is right - you could easily sell those! Heck, I'd buy one but Pierson refuses all headgear...

Shannon: Those lyrics are perfect - would love to see the montage if you'd share....

Honeybee: Welcome back! Great photos!
-----------------------------------------
We had our little faux bday celebration last night (real party is March 17) and lets say this....Pierson might be the first baby who refused his cake. Not one bite or lick.

Here's a few pics:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/415647114_b9320a43bf.jpg?v=0
His disdain for the blasted cake:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/415647115_ff743bf57f.jpg?v=0
And finally, mommy and baby heading up to bathtime (ignore Mommy, she's a MESS!)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/415647113_19774b4780.jpg?v=0
------------------------------
Lastly, we had our WBV today. The stats:
32.5 inches long (95%)
22.5 pounds (50%)
17.75" head circ (25%)

And we also got...............a referral to the occupational therapist for his food aversion. No surprises there.

Otherwise we're doing well.

Everyone have a great weekend and great 1st parties!!

[yby1]

junk - I love that picture of Pierson with his cake. He look so disgusted it's hilarious! :)

[junkinmytrunk]

yby1: disgusted isn't the word. he finally put his hand in, WIPED IT ON ME and dismissed the whole thing. I wish I had a food aversion -- sheesh, I eat everything in sight! Hope your party goes well this weekend. So jealous of your 90 degree weather. G-d I miss that!!!

[JennW]

Happy Birthday to Patrick Aiden, Kaden Danick, Mattias Martin, Keegan Patrick!!!

Junk - You both look fantastic!:)

[bunny nose]

Happy Birthday Kaden, Mattias, Keegan and Patrick!

Shannon- I would love to see your montage. I am going to PM you.

Hoping Nicky takes a long nap so I can get some things done. Crossing my fingers.

Honey Bee Love the pictures.

[losthoosier]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OUR BABIES

It has been a rough week. Mackenzie started with a fever on Sunday, and finally on Tuesday I took her in. She has another double ear infection. Wed, I stayed home from work and she seemed like she was getting better. Wed. night she decided to run a temp of 104. Scared me to death. I called the DR. and took her in. Come to find out she has pneumonia! We spent all day at the DR.s and part of this morning. Her fever has finally gone down a little. but she refuses to eat. We had to force feed her. She has lost a pound. If she doesn't get any better we will be forced to put her in the hospital on an IV. not fun.

I am hoping she is better by next Sat. She has a huge party planned and I would hate for her to be sick.

Huge congrats to elly and mom! H & H 9 mos to you both. I'm secretly really jealous!

DITTO


I love all the pictures of the cake. I am super excited about her's.

[ShannonGH]

OMG Lost, I am so so sorry. :( I will keep her in my prayers.

[JennZ]

Huge congrats to elly and mom! H & H 9 mos to you both. I'm secretly really jealous!
Ditto, ditto!!
What exciting news!! My sister and my SIL are both pg, so there is absolutely no chance I will get rid of this baby bug without actually having another baby!! LOL


lost, Hope Mackenzie starts feeling better soon. DS1 had pneumonia when he was about 9 months old, and it was really scary! After a night in the ER, we ended up with a nebulizer and antibiotics for two weeks. It just broke my heart to see him so sick. So I totally feel for you!!

Happy Birthday Kaden, Mattias, Keegan and Patrick! :)
Happy birthday to Pierson and Melina!! :)

I LOVE all the party pics!! The babies are so cute and sweet and squeezeably adorable!! (Is that even a word??)

Anyway, can someone remind me how to post pictures? How do I post an actual picture and not a link? I know, I'm an idiot!! :o But I would love to share a few photos if I could remember how!



shannon, I love that song- it is totally perfect!!

Tuni, Piper is adorable!

junk, Pierson's expressions are hilarious!!

[JennW]

Lost - I hope she is better soon!!! Poor little thing.:(

Jenn - Just put this before the picture link and this after. Can't wait to see your pics!

kdotp - Glad to hear my guy isn't the only one stuck on the army crawl. My doc doesn't care in the least either!:)

[junkinmytrunk]

Lost: I am so, so sorry. My SIL's son had pneumonia earlier this winter and it is no fun. He was in the hospital for 5 days. You are both in my thoughts.

[JennZ]

Okay girls, we have party pics and a couple from the studio!
Sorry they are so big. I'll take them down in a few days.


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f122/kylejenn/Graham1stbirthdaypictures1-studio.jpg

[ShannonGH]

OMG Jenn!!!! He is such a cutie!!! And you're not too bad yourself. ;) His cake is awesome! Please tell me you didn't make it!?

[JennZ]

His cake is awesome! Please tell me you didn't make it!?

I only wish I could take the credit! LOL
She did an amazing job though, didn't she? And boy did it taste good, too!!

[yby1]

JennZ - what adorable pictures, except Graham would have looked better in an LA Kings jersey instead of a Dallas Stars jersey. ;) Kidding, of course! Y'all have Mattias Norstrom now, our son's namesake. ;)

That cake is AMAZING. Who made it??

[tgal]

Lost: I hope your little one gets better soon!

Adorable pictures ladies!

Happy Birthday to Pierson and Melina!!

Mom: Congrats, what awesome news!

Tuni: That hat is adorable!

Jenz: That cake looks amazing!

[jordan]

Happy Birthday Kaden, Mattias, Keegan and Patrick!

[Tracie]

Quick drive by post. My computer's going to stop working in a minute (long story)

Happy birthday to all the newly one-year-old babies and congratulations to mom!

12 mo stats:
29" long, 21 lbs, head circumference 46 cm

It's been a rough week. AJ developed diarrhea and a fever on Wednesday, and then I got really concerned on Thursday because he was refusing all fluids. I brought him into the dr and he wasn't dehydrated. He's doing better now, thank goodness. I never thought I'd be so excited about normal poop. Isn't motherhood FUN?

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Kaden, Mattias, Keegan and Patrick!!

Yay for more pictures!

Well, we went to the circus tonight and it was mostly a success, even though I don't think DS had any clue as to what was going on. He wasn't bothered or scared at all by the lights, noise or people, so that was good. A very kind couple in front of us also had a son named Grant and the father bought my Grant a balloon, which completely made the night. We finally got home and to bed about 20 mins ago (a good 90 mins later than usual) so maybe he'll sleep in tomorrow! (I can hope). It was the Shrine Circus, so it wasn't the most extravagant affair, but it was a nice way to spend a few hours tonight that didn't involve walking around Target or the mall. :)

[mom2amelia]

lost and tracie - I'm sorry your babies are sick. I hope they get well soon. Really soon.

Happy Birthday to all the gorgeous babies. I am loving the pictures. I can't wait to have some of my own to post.

Thanks so much for all the congratulations everyone. Unfortunately, I started to m/c yesterday evening. I am fine. It was so early that it doesn't feel too different (emotionally) than all the BFNs I got when we were TTC Phoebe! It's A LOT more crampy though. You wouldn't think it would hurt this much so early, but hoo boy!

[jordan]

I'm so sorry mom2amelia.

[ShannonGH]

Oh I'm so sorry cyndi. Sounds like you are taking it in stride though. I'll be thinking about you.

[brooke]

mom2amelia - You're in my thoughts...hope cramping passes quickly. Give those two beautiful kiddos a big hug...

[brooke]

Happy birthday to all the beautiful March babies...keep the pics coming! Tracie/Lost - Hope little guys are feeling better.

Have some catching up to do...

Had my first overnight business trip this week to Memphis (where the weather was a beautiful 68 degrees after leaving a frigid NYC). Of course, Declan decides to run a fever of 103 the day after I leave. :( Talk about mommy guilt. Returned home ~12am on Thursday night and heard him fussing...he was BURNING up. Temp of 103.8...scared the crap out of me. Stripped him down to his diaper and brought him to bed with me so I could keep an eye on him...

No other symptoms save for some crankiness and 2 big ole' top molars coming in...he's taking fluids/food with no issue. Fever broke yesterday, but back up to 102 last night...gone this morning, so fingers crossed. Ped said nothing to do but wait it out...

[junkinmytrunk]

Mom2Amelia: So, so sorry. Big hugs.

Brooke: Glad you survived the biz trip. Hope Declan feels better soon.

[JennW]

mom2amelia - so sorry.:(

brooke - hope he is better soon!

[JennZ]

mom,

I am so very sorry!

[JennZ]

except Graham would have looked better in an LA Kings jersey instead of a Dallas Stars jersey. Kidding, of course! Y'all have Mattias Norstrom now, our son's namesake.

yby1-
You crack me up!! The shirt was actually a gift- it says Graham on the back and the number 1. Super-cute! So I took it with us to the studio to try and get a full length picture of him with the back of the shirt. But Graham was not cooperating at all. That is actually the only pic from the session that he even smiled. And that is because I am standing right off camera bonking him in the face with a giant daisy!! Oh well! I'll save the shirt and the picture for him when he is a big hockey star!! :D

That cake is AMAZING. Who made it??

Have any of you guys used this site for local resources...
www.mamasource.com ?
I think it is a nationwide company, but you sign up by zip code, so the other moms are all local.
It is not a chat board, but more of a place to post all kinds of questions and look for anything from doctors to schools to moving boxes to restaurants, etc...
I use it all the time.
I think you have to be invited to join by a current member, so if anyone is interested in joining, I'll send you the link. It's free and I'm not sure why it is invitation only. I guess to try and control the membership so a bunch of weirdos don't join a group based on kids and moms?
Anyway, I found this woman who has a cake company through this site.
I told her what I wanted, and she delivered a masterpiece!! I'm not sure if she ships or not, but you should check out her website for ideas...

http://www.allthingssweettx.com/


Oh, one more question....
My sister is 7 weeks pregnant and called me this morning in a panic because she is having some light pink mild spotting. Anyone have any opinions about this that are positive? I think I spotted a little last pregnancy, but I just wanted to be able to tell her something reassuring.

Thanks girls!!
Have a great weekend! Let's see how the babes all do with the time change! :)

[tgal]

Mom: I am so sorry! Sending huge hugs you way.

[junkinmytrunk]

Hi Jenn - I know there are lots of threads on CC relating to spotting in early pregnancy. I think it's sort of split -- some women have totally normal pregnancies with early spotting. In my case, I had spotting during all 4 of my pregnancies. The first three episodes of spotting all ended in miscarriage, but with my DS (pregnancy number 4), I also had some very light brown spotting early on. It gradually tapered off. At about 9 weeks I had light pink spotting again but it was due to a terrible cold -- my heavy coughing caused it if you can believe. I think the bottom line with spotting is that each case is different. If she's not experiencing cramping often it's OK but I'd suggest she call her OB just in case. Good luck to your SIL and I'll be thinking of her.

[bunny nose]

Mom- So very sorry for what you are going through.

[losthoosier]

I am sorry mom. Sending hugs...


Jennz
Not sure if you remember but I Bleed on and off while I was pregnant with DD.
Just tell her to relax andc go on complete pelvic rest.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes for DD she seems to be getting better. Still has a horrible cough but she had a great night last night.

[brooke]

JennZ - I also had brown/light pink spotting for a few days at ~8weeks....

[heidi0622]

mom: so very sorry...

jennz: off to check out that link mamasource...I had never heard of it. beautiful cake!!!

lost: glad she is feeling better

brooke: sorry about your guy getting sick when you were out of town...those high fevers are SO scary!

[JennZ]

http://www.mamasource.com/register/7820652481355972609

Here's the link to sign up on mamasource...

Thanks for the info on spotting! My sister has calmed down and the spotting has already stopped for now. So thanks for helping me reassure her!

[aprilshowers]

mom - I'm so sorry. I had several MCs before DD. If you need someone to chat with, feel free to PM me. There is also a MC support group on CC should you feel like talking to others.

[tunibell]

Happy belated birthday to Patrick, Kaden, Mattias, Keegan, Nicholas and Campbell!

mom - I am so sorry. Two of my buddies here in SF just went through the same thing - unexpected pregnancies, unhappy losses. Sending hugs.

JennZ - That is one cute kid you've got there! As far as the spotting goes, I bled like a crime scene victim while pregnant, and Miss P is obviously here all the same. Several doctors put it this way - "some women just bleed." I'll keep all crossables crossed for your sister.

junk - That picture is hilarious...Pierson has such contempt for that cake! He looks horrified.

Add us to the list of sick little ones. :( I swear, DH is never going to want to go to the East Coast again. Piper has had two illnesses in her life and they've both involved contact with sick New Englanders! Thursday night I found Piper vomiting in her crib at her grandparent's house in MA; for 24 hours, she couldn't keep a thing down - no water, no BM, no Pedialyte - and had vicious diarrhea. We ended up taking her to the emergency room on Friday night, since she was still not better and we were scheduled to fly home at 6:40 a.m. on Saturday morning. They gave her Zofran for the nausea, and pumped her full of fluids and sugar through an IV (sooo traumatic!) We debated whether or not to reschedule our flight, but DH felt very, very strongly that we should get her home as soon as possible. I disagreed, but acquiesced, and it worked out well - she slept and drank Pedialyte on the flights home without incident, and all seemed well. I even decided to BF her a few times on the plane, and she held it down....until we got home. Then the vomiting began again. At one point she vomited bright green bile. Very scary. So we took her to the urgent care center again, and were told to lay off the BM for another day, and just push the Pedialyte. Thankfully she was still well-hydrated from the IV, so dehydration wasn't a problem, but OMG...telling a BFed infant (especially one who is such a milk fiend as Piper is) that she cannot BF when sick is just freaking cruel. Poor thing has been crying, grabbing my shirt, signing "milk," signing "more" after I break down and give her a little. It's just awful. At the same time, her stomach is so aggravated, and I don't want to make it worse.

I actually spent half a day at the hospital in MA myself on Friday (hours before we took Piper in). I got sick with the same virus on Tuesday night, and by Friday I still felt like crap, which seemed unusual. I was also having major pain/pressure around my upper abdomen and back (felt like a belt was squeezing me), so I went in to make sure it wasn't a gallbladder issue. Gallbladder was fine (pain turned out to be nothing more than basic acid reflux from the vomiting), but I was pretty dehydrated and really low in potassium, so they hooked me up to an IV. I gotta tell you, if I hadn't had a sick kid at home, they would have had to kick me out. It was like spending a day at the spa - a cozy bed to rest in, a nice warm blanket, an IV full of yummy-feel-better-painkilling-fluids...heavenly.

[Tracie]

tuni so sorry that Piper is so sick! Hope she's better real soon.

mom so sorry about your loss.

My little guy I think is doing a little better today. He's only had diarrhea twice today. (Yesterday's grand total was diarrhea eight times, vomiting once.) He doesn't appear to be dehydrated. He is still refusing liquids but he will eat so he's getting some soupy rice cereal made with pedialyte.

[JennZ]

tuni and Tracie,

Hope your little ones get better very soon! It is just awful when they are that sick!

tuni, you take care of yourself, too! Rest when you can!

It was like spending a day at the spa - a cozy bed to rest in, a nice warm blanket, an IV full of yummy-feel-better-painkilling-fluids...heavenly.

That actually does sound wonderful!! :D

[ShannonGH]

OMG, tuni! I'm so sorry you and Pip have had such a rough going lately. Poor things. :( Sounds like things are on the up-swing now though...hang in there!

Tracie, glad little man is feeling better!

[JennW]

Tuni - Hope you're all better soon.:(

Tracie - Glad your guy is doing better.:)

[ellybella]

happy birthday Patrick, Kaden, Mattias, Keegan, Maura, Peirson sorry if i missed anyone.

jennz i spotted off an on up until 11 weeks w/ james. i had an ultrasound at 11 weeks just to check things out and all was fine. that cake is amazing!

mom so sorry...big hugs to you. been there, it's no fun.

tuni what a scary visit east...i hope that bug isn't going around again because we've already had it once. that hat is amazing!! nice work, i'm jealous! i can't even get through a dishcloth w/o a mistake!

phart what a little vixen in her red tutu! watch out boys!

love all of the birthday pics!!! i can't wait to post ours...another two weeks!

sick babies hope you all are feeling better!

dh left this morning on a business trip, he's not back until wednesday night. i hope everything goes smoothly. i'm still feeling very tired. we had an ultrasound on friday and everything looked great...i'm 12 weeks tomorrow!

[JennW]

elly - WOW! 12 weeks!:) When are you due again?

[amychris03]

Happy Birthday Seth and Julia!:)

tuni and tracie Sorry for your sick kiddos

elly Congrats on 12 weeks! Wow!

Sam has a cold:( I hop he is feeling better by his party on Saturday. His colds always seem to turn into something worse.

[JennW]

Happy Birthday Seth and Julia!!!:)

Amy - Hope Sam is better, soon!

[ShannonGH]

Happy Birthday Seth and Julia!!!!!

[bunny nose]

Happy Birthday Seth and Julia!

Sorry about all the sick babies. I feel so bad for all of you. Hoping they all feel better real soon!

[kristine80]

I know I'm not in here all that often, but wanted to share a few pics from Julias Birthday party! :)

Love this one... but I can't get rid of the darn white eye... eta~ got it fixed thanks to Shannon!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/kristine80/Julia.jpg?t=1173813697

And the cake shot..
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/kristine80/of50332442.jpg?t=1173724266

I was really surprised she didn't really dive into the cake! She kept taking little bites of the frosting, but when DH went to give her a bite of cake she ate it, but then she was pretty much done! I guess I expected her to eat a lot more of it!

She almost face planted a few times, but pulled back..
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/kristine80/Pictures213.jpg?t=1173724515


And I was bummed, I totally forgot to take a pic of her big cake which I made from scratch all by myself (a huge accomplishment, cause usually my mom helps me out!) This was the best I got, it was a pink flower with yellow center.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/kristine80/Pictures096.jpg?t=1173724759



Oh, and can you add this pic of Julia to the front page please?? Thanks a bunch!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/kristine80/Pictures044-.jpg?t=1173724975

[JennW]

Kristine - She is so cute!

[JennW]

Just wanted to drop off a few 1 year pics from our photo session today. These are pics I took of prints so the color is off in some of them...

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=35392996&b=h408j2rfpljkcxcd1qj3&c=b&d=90

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=35392997&b=tv4eui4xlkbq7nqhlk6a&c=b&d=0

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=35392998&b=mbjep21wd7c4dufzpss3&c=b&d=0

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=35392999&b=rg5stm3w3p5zjcbgkxu3&c=b&d=0

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=35393001&b=51nw1xqprna8rmf9glth&c=b&d=0

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=35393348&b=pml15tz5o7p1iw1xwrtx&c=b&d=90

[junkinmytrunk]

Seth and Julia, happy birthday my dears!!

Tunibell - good gracious, I am so sorry you all are so under the weather :(

JennW: LOVE the pics of Owen - what a dolly baby!!!!

Kristine: Yours, too! Julia is a doll!

Amy: Hope Sam feels better soon!

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Julia and Seth!!

Tuni I hope you and Piper are feeling better. It was no fun when DS was in for dehydration at the beginning of the year.

Yay for more pictures! I need to get crackin' on DS's pro 1-year pics.

[Tracie]

Happy Birthday Julia and Seth!

Thanks for all the well wishes. AJ is doing better. His bowel movements are still runny, but he's not yet on a normal diet, and we think that might be contributing to it. He's going as often as normal now.

Love the pics! So cute!

[heidi0622]

Oh my goodness do we have some cute babies!

Happy Birthday Seth and Julia! Love Julia's bday cake pictures - what talent you have Kristine!

Jenn Owen is adorable!

[jordan]

Happy Birthday Seth and Julia!

JennW - those pictures are great, where di you have them taken?

kristine80 - Julia looks beautiful and the cake is great!

[JennW]

Thanks everyone. We had them done at The Picture People. I was pretty happy with them.

I am loving all the cake eating pics. I can't wait for our party this weekend!:)

[tgal]

OMG, these pictures are so adorable!

I think I'm a little behind since we've been out of town.

Happy birthday Melina, Pierson, Patrick, Kaden, Mattias, Keegan,Nicholas & Campbell,Benjamin, Logan, Seth and Julia!

I am so sorry to hear about all the sick babies! We went up to Greek Peak skiing this weekend and Eva came down with a cold. Dh took her to the doctor this morning because she had horrible rattling in her chest and to our shock she has an ear infection and is now on antibiotics. I hope with all the gorgeous weather all of our little peeps get well soon! The playground is screaming for us! :D

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Ben and Logan!!

We're getting DS's one year pictures done tonight at Sears. I'm excited! :)

[Bernie & Matt]

I know I don't post all that often, but I do read along. Here are a few pics from our party on Sat. My little one actually turned one yesterday, but I was too exhausted from the weekend to do much.

We found our a week ago that our day care person did not renew her licnese when she moved and has been running an illegal business for over a year. We've been with her since DS was 2 mo so she's watched our children for almost 3 years :eek: We took 6 months off which is when she didn't renew her license. We came back in the fall and she acted like nothing had changed. There were things that were different this time around compared to when DS was younger, but I chalked it up to other things.

It finally came to a head when I picked my kids up last week and between the 2 of them they ate an apple, an orange, 2 corn dogs, 1/2 cup of veggies, 1/4 cup of cheeries, a handful of wagon wheels finger foods, and they each drank 1/2 cup of milk. We sat at the table and ate from 4:30-6 NON STOP :eek:

I called the Health Dept the next day to find out about her latest inspection and that's when they told me she was unlicensed, which is illegal in KS. Needless to say, I've been on a HUGE quest to find new day care for the 2 kiddos IMMEDIATELY which I discovered is not all that easy to do at this time of the year with two under 3 and you want to start, like yesterday.

I did finally find a place so I'm going in at the end of the week, gathering my kids, telling her off, collecting my deposit and not looking back. I have Spring Break next week so they will start new day care a week after that. I had to lie a bit and say DD was walking in order to get her in, so we may do a walking boot camp in the next two weeks ;)

[Bernie & Matt]

Birthday Pictures of My Happy One Year Old!!

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/berniemg/100_3026.jpg?t=1173797101

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/berniemg/100_3033.jpg?t=1173798607

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/berniemg/100_3036.jpg?t=1173797188


Opening gifts:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/berniemg/101_1348.jpg?t=1173797990

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/berniemg/101_1350.jpg?t=1173798055

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/berniemg/101_1354.jpg?t=1173798096

[ShannonGH]

Looks like a wonderful party Bernie!! Thanks for posting!
That is super scary about your daycare provider! Good for you for being so inquisitive! Keep us posted how it goes when you tell her off! :) And good luck on the walking bootcamp!!

[JennW]

Bernie - Great pics. Sorry about the daycare issue - YIKES!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN AND LOGAN!!:)

[junkinmytrunk]

Happy Birthday Ben and Logan!!

Bernie: That daycare story is a nightmare -- so sorry you had to deal with it. Party pics are greath.


Sorry to hear about all the sick babies. Hoping we stay okay. Pierson's party is on Saturday so I need to think healthy baby thoughts.

QOTD: If you did bloodwork at either your 9 mth or 12 mth WBV, did you do it at a lab? Also, can you tell me the procedure? I need to bring Pierson in and I'm a little nervous. I think I'll do it after his party so probably early next week.

BTW....Nearly impossible to find a pediatric Occ Therapist with food aversion skills in my area....PITA!

[tray622]

bernie I am so sorry!! I had a huge issue with our daycare at the beginning of the year and through calling found out she hadnt renewed her license too. It was so stressful and scary but now I feel really good about where we have Zoey (Jocey is with family due to her immune issues). I am glad you found a place and I am praying the transition is relatively smooth! BTW, Spring Break already?? No fair. We arent up until April 9th :)

[MrsCantDecide]

Well Hello Girls!!!

Thank you all SOOO much for the sweet birthday wishes for Lucas a week ago. That was so nice of you all, since I haven't posted in FOREVER! I've tried to read this journal 3 times now, and I don't get very far! So this time I just read the last few pages.

All the pictures are totally adorable!!

I love all of these 1 year pictures!

So here's Lucas' update:
~ He's just started for real day care. He was with a baby sitter before, just a neighbor lady.
~ He's walking, about 6 or 7 steps at a time
~ Eating all sorts of foods, but we're still avoiding red sauce and pineapple because of real bad diaper rash when he has eaten it in the past
~ Had not 1, but 2 birthday parties, one each weekend!
~ Still LOVES other kids!

We go for his 1year check-up next Tuesday afternoon, so I'll have to post stats then!

Here's my baby boy!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/stef842/malletandwiretoy.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/stef842/babycar2.jpg


Oh and the other exciting news... I'm pregnant again too. I think I'm due around 11/7 :eek: LJ friends.... Shhhhhh.... My sister's on my LJ, that's why I haven't announced there! :D

Hope all of you lovely ladies are doing wonderful!

[ShannonGH]

junk- Noa's had blood drawn 3 times now. You will more than likely have to go to a lab. The first 2 times weren't bad...they found a vein *fairly* quickly and got the blood they needed. Noa only screamed when they first inserted the needle. This last time was a small nightmare....after prying around in BOTH arms without success they had to call a team of 3 nurses up from Urgent Care. (I guess they're more experienced with the more difficult draws). They were able to draw from the top of her hand. The whole time Noa was screaming hysterically but the second I picked her up she was fine. I don't anticipate Pierson having any problems though. Kids with Down Syndrome are notorious for being "hard sticks" since their veins are smaller.

Congratulations MCD!!!!

[klm2klh]

We got back last night from our trip to Maui. The boys did amazing on the plane and had a great time at the pool and at the beach. I will post some pictures later.

We didn't really do much for their birthday since we were there by ourselves, but we got them a cake. This weekned my MIL will probably come over and we'll do anohter cake and open presents.

Just wanted to stop by because it seems like I have been away from here forever!

[JennZ]

Congrats MCD!!

Happy Birthday Ben and Logan!

junk,
Our bloodwork at our 12 month WBV was a finger prick only. Are you sure it is an arm draw? Well, Graham did fine with the finger prick. By the time he realized it hurt, it was over!!

[amychris03]

Happy BIrthday Ben and Logan!

Congrats MCD! Lucas looked like he took home a pretty good stash at his party!

Bernie Cute pictures!! That is crazy about the daycare provider. Good luck with your walking crash course!

Junk Sometimes, in areas where you can't find an OT who does food/texture things, speech pathologists specialize in it. I don't know a ton, but there were a few who did swallow studies and what not, and also worked on texture. Not the ideal, because they don't have the training that we do, but if you absolutely cant find one, try that! Sam has to get blood drawn too, let me know how it goes, his appointment is on the 19th!

klm I'm so jealous, oh, how I miss Hawaii! We've been 3 times, and I'd go again in a heartbeat!

[jordan]

Happy Birthday Ben and Logan!

Just dropping by stats from our WBV.

Height: 32in (95%)
Weight: 24lbs 12oz (75%)
Head: 95%

[tgal]

Congrats MCD! Adorable pics too!

I had no idea there was a blood draw at the 1 year visit. Thanks for the heads up on that one.

[Tracie]

We only needed to get a finger prick, too. They checked lead and iron levels. I would not want to get full blood work done. Yuck!

Congratulations MrsCantDecide!!!

bernie Sorry about your daycare issues. That's really scary. I'm glad you investigated it and discovered that she didn't renew her license! Hope the little one's walking before you start at the new place.

[JennW]

GREAT PICS, EVERYONE!

We had to do Owen's blood once. It wasn't at a WBV but it was for some tests they were doing. They could not find a vein and ended up taking it from the top of his hand. We had to go to a lab and I had to hold him in a bear hug tightly while they took the blood. It was rough on us, but we survived. I hope it goes OK for you. Now you all have me wondering if they'll need more blood at the 1 year WBV? That draw was shortly after his 9 month so I'm hoping not.

Junk - I am going to call my mom's friend whose little girl had occupational therapy a few years ago. She had a texture thing but it was to the touch but maybe she knows if they do food aversions as well. I'll ask my mom to give them a call. I think they were in the central-ish Jersey area. Near the upper shore points. Not sure if that is close to you but if not they may know of someone to rec. I'm only suggesting b/c I know their therapist did wonders for their daughter and came to their house and everything and they were overly pleased. Since you're having a hard time maybe it will help?

[junkinmytrunk]

JennW: You are so sweet - I would love to get that recommendation. At this point location makes no difference and we're really not that far from the shore points so it would be terrific. Thanks.

RE: Bloodwork. My ped didn't specify finger prick or regular draw but given we have been referred to a lab I'm guessing it's a regular draw. We've only done it once before when he was a newborn for jaundice levels and it was out of the foot. I'll let you know how it goes.

Amy: Thanks for the tip! If Jenn's lead doesn't work I'll start calling the speech paths in the area.

MCD!! Whoa, congrats!

[JennW]

Junk - I'm on with my mom now. I was wrong about the location. I had her two friends mixed up. The therapist was in Long Island. It wasn't the NJ friend.:( Sorry and good luck!:):D

[phart]

I remember Aiden getting pricked at some point but Maura didn't get any blood taken at 9 or 12 months. They did ask me questions about lead in the home but that was it.

[ShannonGH]

junk- does pierson have tactile aversions too (ie. does he prefer not to feel "odd" textures)?

[junkinmytrunk]

Shannon: He *loves* to touch textiles, etc. Complete opposite in fact....he seeks out whatever he can feel with hands and feet...

Jenn: No worries. We're checking Children's Hosp in PA...

[jordan]

Congrats MCD!

[MrsCantDecide]

Thanks for all the congrats girls!! It wasn't unplanned, but it was a surprise that he happened as quickly as it did. :D I think this means Lucas and new baby will be 20 months apart? Sounds about right!

And I'm less than 2 weeks behind two of my close friends, so that's exciting!

[ShannonGH]

Shannon: He *loves* to touch textiles, etc. Complete opposite in fact....he seeks out whatever he can feel with hands and feet...


Suggestions: (and you very well may have already tried them)
-Let him play with foods with different textures but don't actually encourage him to eat them (purees, chicken, crackers, dry noodles-the spiraly kind are great texture!, etc)...every once in awhile try stroking the item on his cheek. I wouldn't even try this in his highchair since he associates that with eating and this is technically a "playtime" and not an eating time.
-Let him experience a variety of textures on other parts of his body (other than just his hands and feet)--example: let him go to town with some pudding or applesauce (this can be done outside or in the bathtub)..."play" by smearing it on chest or cheeks.

[heidi0622]

Thanks for the bday wishes for Ben yesterday. We had a great day, especially b/c it was sunny and in the 70s here! I had a party at his daycare in the afternoon, then left early from work, took him to the park and on a ride in his new wagon.

Wow, congrats MCD! Very exciting!

[tunibell]

Happy belated birthday to Seth, Julia, Ben, and Logan and happy birthday to Caitlin! And congrats to MCD!!!!

In our continuing saga of the stomach virus that just won't die, Piper was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night. They kept her there for 48 torturous hours - she had a constant IV of fluids and anti-nausea meds, and the worst part was that the IV was in the crook of her thumb-sucking hand, which had to be kept flat so the IV could work. She also needed a catheter at one point (so they could collect urine for an analysis) - now that was a little slice of hell. But she hasn't vomited in 24 hours, and she ate her first meal in nearly a week this morning (a banana and some cheerios), so things are looking up. I, on the other hand, am not fairing so well. There is a possibility I'll need fluids at this point too, seeing as how I've had tummy troubles so fierce that I've only slept one night out of the past three and have lost 4 lbs since Sunday. Yeesh.

Shannon - The video made me bawl, bawl, bawl. What a special little lady you have. :) She seems so happy, and it is so clear that her mommy and daddy just adore her.

[ShannonGH]

Tuni!!!! I feel so bad for you both! Go get some rest honey!

[JennZ]

Tuni- Oh no! I'm so sorry you and little Piper are having such a rough time!
I hope you both get rid of that nasty bug soon!! Hang in there and get some rest!!

[mom2amelia]

Tuni- OMG, I'm so sorry to hear that Piper had to go through all that. It sounds just awful. I hope you get yourself better soon too. Awful.

Shannon - I thought I PM'd you for the video, but I just checked my PM box and it doesn't look like I did. Can you email me the video? I'm dying to see it.

MCD - congratulations!!

[bunny nose]

Congrats MCD!

Tuni- so sorry the two of you are going through all this. I hope you both get better real soon!

[JennW]

Tuni - What Piper went through sounds heartbreaking. You poor thing.:(

What is this about a video? I'm lost, as usual!:):p

[losthoosier]

Tuni~ I am sending get well wishes for both of you... Take care of yourself as well.

Shannon, I know I sent you a PM, but I love your video as well.

For those of you who would like I also, make a montage. I can share. Shannon's is way better then mine, but its something to show at her party.

[losthoosier]

OH. Missed this CONGRATS MCD!!

[junkinmytrunk]

Shannon those are GREAT ideas....I'm ripe to try anything at this point!! Thank you so much :)

[kdotp]

Happy Birthday Caitlin!!

Congrats MCD!

Oh Tuni, I hope things get better for you soon. It's no fun to have a bebe in the hospital, and to be feeling so crappy yourself on top of it.

[aprilshowers]

Ha! I KNEW you were going to write that! Congrats MCD!!

tuni - Poor you guys! I hope you're both feeling better soon.

[ShannonGH]

Phart, wasn't yesterday your bday?? If so, happy birthday!! (I remember cuz your bday is the same as my sis's)

I enter into a new decade this Friday...the big 3-0! :)

[heidi0622]

tuni I'm so sorry...huge, huge hugs to you and miss Piper...I am praying that you all are on the mend soon!

Happy Birthday Caitlin!

[klm2klh]

Just posting some photos from our trip:

Campbell at the beach:
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/klhoward/01Mar2007233_edited-1.jpg?t=1173932455

Nicholas at the beach:
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/klhoward/01Mar2007248_edited-1.jpg?t=1173932493

On their birthday:
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/klhoward/10Mar2007036.jpg?t=1173932525

Campbell:
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/klhoward/10Mar2007092.jpg?t=1173932592

Nicholas:
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/klhoward/10Mar2007091.jpg?t=1173932625

[JennW]

Happy Birthday Caitlin and Sam!!

And happy (belated) birthday Phart and (early) birthday Shannon!!!

Great pics, KLM.

Shannon – Your video was so sweet! What a gorgeous little girl you have and what a great memory you made from her first year for her to watch someday!

[phart]

OH TUNI! That's just awful and I really hope everyone is well soon:(

Congrats MCD! Y'all are making me just a teeny bit jealous;)

Shannon~~Yeah! Thanks...it was my birthday. Apparently I care less now since Maura's is 6 days prior. 30 is good. You're still just "30". When you hit 31 you're actually in your 30s:p

Aaaaaaaahhhh...I want to go back to Maui. I thought we'd get back for our 5 year (this May) but that's ain't happenin' so maybe next year. klm~~Your boys look like they enjoyed the beach!

[JennW]

I would really like to get this for Owen. I think it would make it easier when we go out to eat, when I bring him to work, people's houses with no high chair, etc. Does anyone have this or know anything about it? Is it a waste since he is already almost 1?
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0000DEW8N.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[phart]

Jenn~~We got something similar when Aiden was nearly one and it is great to have in the car. We still use it for Maura when we go to our parents homes. My friend has that model and hasn't had anything bad to say about it and is being used for their second child as well.

[kmm0305]

Does anyone have this or know anything about it? Is it a waste since he is already almost 1?

We have that same booster seat that we use for our older dd. She is now going to be 4 years old in two months and still uses it at every meal, just without the tray. We also bring it with us when we travel and MIL has the same one (as does SIL). My mom bought a "cheaper" booster to keep at her house and I like this one so much better. I really don't have any complaints about it, we may have to think about getting another one once our younger dd is ready to move out of the highchair at home. HTH!

Kristyn (Kari's fav big sister)

[JennW]

Thanks guys!:)

[ShannonGH]

Jenn- We use that as our highchair because we have a tiny house...no complaints so far! And it's great for restaurants!

Phart- I completely understand about "losing" your bday with having Dd's so close. Ah well.

Great pics klm!!

[red_canuck]

Hi guys!!! Sorry I haven't been around, we've been super busy here with Logan's party, and having friends stay with us for a few days. We had an absolutely blast, from the party, to Logan's actual birthday...so many good memories. I'll leave you all with some pictures :D

our family (Logan really wanted his cake, lol)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/red_canuck/Logan%20first%20birthday/PIC00069.jpg

Logan LOVED the chocolate cake
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/red_canuck/Logan%20first%20birthday/PIC00078.jpg


mcd, super big huge congratulations to you again!!! it's just too awesome

[bunny nose]

Happy Birthday Caitlin and Sam!

Happy Birthday Phart and Shannon!

JennW I bought a booster seat from Target that folds up to be like a small brief case. We haven't used it yet. I might try it tonight to test it out. MIL has one like you showed. We have it with us now to travel with, but it is so bulky. I like the one that folds up smaller because it will be easier to lug around. I'll let you know how it goes after we use it.

[JennZ]

Ahh, Shannon, the big 3-0 is just another stepping stone! And I thought the year I turned 30 was a great year!
And sometimes I even pretend I'm still only 30!! LOL

No, seriously, Happy Birthday!! :D

red- Cute pictures of your little cake-lover!!

[junkinmytrunk]

Shannon and Phart! Happy Birthday beauties!!

And I echo JennZ in that the big three oh was a good year, for sure! -- oh to be 30 again! :) And Happy Birthday Caitlin and Sam!

JennW: I have a booster almost just like that. It's good for grandmas but for restaurants I think my other booster that connects to the table and collapses might be better. DS loves it - I think Chicco makes it.

BTW I met a lady in the mall who asked how old Pierson was. I said a year. She said, "Does he walk?" I said, no but we're trying. She went on to say "I CAN'T BELIEVE HE CAN'T WALK - IS SOMETHING WRONG?" :eek: I said no not at all. She suggested I go out and buy a walker that moves around, not one of those stationary ones, so he can learn already. I thanked her and bit my tongue harder than hard. What a nerve. People are ridiculous.:eek:

[tunibell]

BTW I met a lady in the mall who asked how old Pierson was. I said a year. She said, "Does he walk?" I said, no but we're trying. She went on to say "I CAN'T BELIEVE HE CAN'T WALK - IS SOMETHING WRONG?" I said no not at all. She suggested I go out and buy a walker that moves around, not one of those stationary ones, so he can learn already. I thanked her and bit my tongue harder than hard. What a nerve. People are ridiculous.

I totally feel for you. If one more random person on the street tells me my child should be wearing a hat I'm gonna blow. I also get a lot of "hmms" when I reply that no, she doesn't walk yet.

Found this on Yahoo! Health, btw:
"Despite common misconceptions that toddlers begin walking by age 1, the average age is about 14 months. The normal range for starting to walk is any time between 9 and 17 months."

[junkinmytrunk]

Tuni: I'll bet Pierson goes at 14 months. Based on his development that's my guess. I started walking at 16 months and his dad started at 10 months. Seems like a fair split. People are loopy with their opinions on walking babies. I have an extended relative who swears her grandchildren started walking at 7 months :rolleyes: and I just can't believe her.
PS
Pierson refuses hats of any kind. I know what that's like, too.

[JennW]

OMG! People are so rude. This is the one thing I did not expect about being a parent and that is the unsolicited advice from everyone. Strangers especially get to me. Why would anyone say that to someone, especially someone they don't know?

We'll be on the late end of walking too, I'm sure, considering we're only army crawling and not even pulling up! Who cares. All kids develop at their own pace. As long as my doc isn't worried, than neither am I!:) Junk - I give you credit for biting your tongue. I'm not sure I would have been able to.

[bunny nose]

Junk I can't believe people can be so rude.She would have felt really stupid if there had been