October 2003 Moms and Kids [Archive] - Page 2

Renrel

11-15-2005, 07:24 AM

Yeah, we read that backwards is safest so long as they still fit in the seat properly for a backward position, so since he was content we left it that way. But lately he has been complaining about the "clicks" being too tight and forward facing the straps are positioned a bit above the shoulder rather then just under it so I thought he would be more comfortable. DH also thought he was starting to look cramped. We also moved him to middle seat. Have to see how that works. I have not driving with the seat turned yet, DH has been picking us up since his car is still in RI.

Sorry about the stomach bug. That such a pain to deal with.

Gabe seemed to have having some trouble going poop last night, then finally managed to get it out, unfortuately it was in the bath. And now that he know poop should go in the toilet he was very upset about his accident in the bath.:(

Renrel

11-15-2005, 08:29 PM

DH did not get a call back from the place he interviewed at so he is pretty sure they decided to pass. He is pretty down and planning on looking into doing some tech work just to be doing something and bring in some money, but it feels like a step back since it will not use his MBA. And my Boss has also been down lately which is not like him. I know he has a cold and he has been put under pressure from his boss to increase our case load which he feel guilty about. He was told to do this a year ago and all the other regions have been having the increased case load for a year. He is worried we will hold it against him that he is finally giving in and doing it now, which is ridiculous. We all know we are blessed to have him. Heck we never acknowleded the birthday or boss day for any of my other bosses in 12 year of employment, for him we get fine bottles of wine, red sox tickets and Euros to spend on vacations. But anyway, I find it really hard being around depressed people. I don't know what to do and feel guilty that I can't help. Which is getting me down. Luckily DH seemed to pick up a bit later in the evening.

Tomorrow I check out the new daycare option. I hope I like it since we really do need to take the space given the difference in price and our current financial situation.

I can"t believe that thanksgiving is just over a week away! Where did the fall go?????

Renrel

11-16-2005, 10:45 AM

DH got the call today. He did not get the job. He is very upset with himself. He knows what he did wrong and is kicking himself about it. It would have been a very good position for what he wanted to get into. Now he is back to square one. We also had a hectic morning with him running to catch a train to get to RI to get the car we left there and then, when he was already running late, realizing I had the keys he needed, so he ran and caught up with the car and then ran and I think got a taxi to get him to the train station, he just made it. Not a good day.

At lunch today I checked out the daycare center. It looks good. I will post more later. I need to get to work.

shortcake

11-16-2005, 11:26 AM

Renrel - I'm sorry that your husband didn't get the job. I know he must be disappointed! Glad the daycare center is looking good, though.

Jenyfer - Ugh on the virus! DD threw up twice this morning, so I guess she has it too. She went back to sleep around 9 so hopefully she'll feel better when she wakes up from this nap.

mittyrd

11-16-2005, 11:52 AM

Renrel: I'm sorry it didn't work out for DH.

Jenyfer and Shortcake: Hope the kids are feeling better!

Erinn: How have you been? Haven't heard from you in a while. I hope all is ok.

Jake had some blood work yesterday (DH took him) and we expected it to be very difficult given past experience. Apparently, he just giggled and laughed the entire time since they drew blood on the same arm that he has his tattoo and he kept trying to get them to look at his tatoo. DH said he didn't even flinch when the needle went in. I'm so proud of him. I, on the other hand, was sick to my stomach the entire time knowing that he was having it done :rolleyes:

I go back to work tomorrow :( I can't believe the boys have been home 12 weeks.

AlisonCO

11-16-2005, 02:32 PM

mittyrd - OMG that picture is great - Jake is so cute and the twins look so big and strong!

Renrel - Bummer about the potential job for your dh! I am glad that the new center looked good - I am sure that Gabe will make the transition with no problem if you decide to switch.

We are doing well - getting over a killer cold! Last Thursday Aidan was being such a grump. Then in the afternoon his nose started running and he got a fever. It lasted all weekend and he was just miserable. Finally yesterday he seems to be better - just that darn runny nose. Monday and Tuesday we stayed home and built a fort downstairs and played and ate popcorn. Sunday afternoon we watched Finding Nemo and Aidan loved it - it was a good way to kill 2 hours when he was too tired to play, but too miserable to sleep.

Aidan is going to his first b-day party Sunday for his friend from playgroup - gosh our kids are getting so old:) Soon he will be sleeping over at someones house and then sneaking out to see his girlfriend:eek:

Renrel - I agree - where has the time gone! I cannot believe that it will be Thanksgiving next week. We are going to my aunt and uncles house for dinner which is always fun. My grandpa isn't doing well (he is 95 and has pnemonia) so hopefully Caitlin and Aidan will get to see hime one last time before he passes.

Hope that you all are doing well and staying healthy!

Jenyfer9

11-16-2005, 03:04 PM

Mittyrd: what was Jake having blood drawn for?

I'm glad that Will is going to the doctor on Friday (6 month wbv) because he's all messed up. I think that he scratched his eye because it's been tearing up all day. Ugh.

Q: how many of you are giving your kiddos some sort of vitamin supplement? DH thinks that TJ isn't getting enough "good stuff" to eat and so we should give him a daily vitamin. Anyone?

AlisonCO

11-16-2005, 03:15 PM

jenyfer - At Aidan's 2 year WBV our ped said that he does not think that kids need a supplement IF they get 10-14 fruits and 7-10 "good" veggies per week and 1 dairy and 1 protein per day. Aidan does not get a vitamin because he easily gets those things everyday/week. A friend of mine has a 3 year old that does not drink milk or eat any veggies so he takes a chewable vitamin everyday. I saw your thread on early risers - just wanted to let you know that Aidan gets up at 5:15 everyday and we have tried but not succeeded in getting him to sleep later - it sucks, but I guess some kids are morning people, some are night owls, some are good nappers, some aren't etc etc etc.

Jenyfer9

11-16-2005, 03:46 PM

Alison: if Aidan gets up that early, how do you deal with Caitlin? Or is Aidan still in a crib? Oh, and thanks for the info about vitamins.

AlisonCO

11-16-2005, 03:53 PM

Yes - Aidan is still in his crib so when he wakes up DH or I go and get him and go downstairs and eat and play and watch Barney:) Caitlin sleeps until around 6:30 so after she wakes up we all go upstairs and have breakfast and get dressed etc. On the weekends DH gets Aidan so that I can sleep until Caitlin wakes up - DH is an early riser too!

shortcake

11-16-2005, 03:58 PM

jenyfer - In regards to Will's eye - Gabrielle had a plugged eye duct that got infected a couple times when she was an infant - it's really common. So that's a possibility- if that's what it is the doctor will give you some drops or ointment and he'll be all set!

Ok here's a question - Gabrielle is sick today, just a virus, no biggie. She threw up this morning but not since. BUT I'm having a heckova time getting her to drink anything and I know she needs it, her diaper has barely gotten wet all day. Any suggestions??? I've tried juice (she normally loves) pedialyte (forget it) and chocolate milk (didn't want to do dairy but at least it's a liquid - she had a few ounces).

jay&erinn

11-16-2005, 06:46 PM

Renrel: Sorry to hear about your DH's job. I always try to think that something bad/disappointing leads to something better. I certainly hope that's the case for you.
How was the daycare visit? At least if you like it, that'll save some money in the meantime.

mittyrd: Why did Jake have bloodwork? Mia may have to have it. Somehow, I don't think she or I will handle it quite as well.

Alison: How's Caitlin? She must be growing like a weed. Glad Aiden is feeling better.

Jenyfer: Mia takes a flinstones chewable vitamin for toddlers. The only reason we have her on it is because she eats absolutely no meat products. Even though her iron checks out OK in the office, the doc wanted us to put her on one because of the lack of a food group and her being somewhat underweight.
I hope Will's eye is OK.

shortcake: Mia had a nasty virus last year. It lasted for days and days. We used a medicine dropper. It's tedious, but I was at least able to keep her out of the hospital. Every few minutes I'd squirt a little juice towards the back of her cheek. She would tolerate such a small amount. We also used her play tea set to drink out of, one of our glasses, etc. Basically if we could make it hold liquid and she thought it would be interesting to try and drink out of, we let her. We, of course, had some interesting habits to break afterwards, but it was worth it. We also re-introduced the bottle, but she was also only 16 months old and had only given it up about 3 weeks earlier. Not sure if that'd be quite as effective now. Hope she feels better soon.

Well, I'm hanging in here. I've been reading along, just too tired to post. Mia's also one of those early risers. Between that and pregnancy and the nausea, I've been going to bed pretty early. I've also been busy getting my application together to start up the doctoral program. It should be ready to be submitted early next week. DH worked the weekend too, and was called out (on top of his normal 8 hour shift) all three days (he was the only one to work Veterens day on Friday). I felt like a single mom all weekend. We leave tomorrow to go to Cleveland. DH and Mia are coming with me:D I have a conference there all day Fri and Sat. We'll come home late Saturday night. I'm glad DH is going. I know it shouldn't bother me to go alone, but losing the last pregnancy alone at a conference the last time around makes me want him there with me this time. Nothing like feeling superstitious.
Of course Thanksgiving is next week and then my parents are moving in with us next weekend. Their house is sold, and their new place isn't ready yet. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle having them around all the time. With DH working shifts, I'm very used to having Mon, Wed, and most Fri nights to myself after Mia goes to bed. No one to share the TV with, no one to have to talk to if I don't feel like it. On top of that, my brother and neice will be here for a weekend in Dec and both brothers will be here for Christmas. I don't know where we're going to put everyone. I know the caos is going to drive me nuts. I like my quiet, and occasionally clean house. On the upside, I'm hoping DH and I can get to a movie and maybe a dinner out for a change. Nothing like live in babysitters;)
Mia has her weight check next week- start sending positive vibes for weight gain this way- I really don't want to put her (or me) through blood work. I also have an appt on Tuesday.
I hope everyone is doing well, and I'll try to be better about posting. Have a nice weekend.

shortcake

11-16-2005, 07:58 PM

erinn -Thanks for the liquids suggestion! I did try the dropper thing briefly today and got some squirts into her, so if it keeps being a problem that's a good idea. We tried a straw, too. She did a little better this evening - had some more chocolate milk and a little bit of popsicle. I'm not freaked about it for one day, hopefully tomorrow she'll feel better and it will not be a problem.

I'm glad DH is going to your conference with you! I don't think it's silly at all, even if logically there's not a connection, emotionally it will be really helpful to have him there.

vitamins - Gabrielle takes a gummy vitamin daily. She doesn't eat a balanced diet at all, though, so I think it's needed.

Renrel

11-16-2005, 08:36 PM

Errin - I try to think positive as well. Something will happen and it will be for the best. After all, if DH had been working for the past year he would have had much less time with Gabe and that is good, right. But he finds it harder to look on the bright side. But it does help that we will be saving money on daycare. We are also going to put a hold on his gym membership and looke for a cheaper one and cut down on our cable. Hopefully that will at least make him less nervous about financies. And I don't think it is silly at all for you to want DH with you. As soon as I saw you were going to a conference I got nervous for you. I can understand feeling crowded by all the family but hopefully you parents will also help clean and cook and stuff so you can rest, like you should be doing.

Shortcake - We have not had the problem of getting liquids into Gabe. One of the benefits of extended breastfeeding, but I have heard many moms suggest popcycles to get liquid into sick kids. You could also try jello, the solid clear liquid.

Jen - We don't do a suppliment. I think about it sometimes, but Gabe eats pretty well, lots of fruits and a few vegis and a varity of grains and protein, plus he still bfs. Hope Wills eye is ok and the wbv goes well.

Allision - Sorry you and Aidain are not feeling well. Sound like a fairly fun sick day though. Hope you both feel better soon.

Mittyrd - Back to work already. UG! Do you get to transition in or is it full time right away? I also am concerned about why Jake needed blood work, I hope he is ok. But I am in awe of the magic of tatoos.

-
The center is very nice. Bigger space then were we are at. It has a gorgous playground with new equiptment. It is in a Federal office building which means on rainy days they can take indoor walks which is nice, but I am a bit nervous about having him in a Federal building the way the world is today. But they are super saftey conscious and there is a cop outside the door do to basic security at a Fed Building. The kids seemed happy and I did not hear any crying or annoyed teachers sounds for the hour I was there. The teachers seemed very involved with the kids. They have more of a corriculum then were we are now. This month the themes are getting dressed and Thanksgiving, so they work on things like how to put on a scarf and making turkeys out of handprints. There are a maximum of 14 kids allowed in his class with 3 teachers at all times, but the director said they really don't go over 12 kids. The teachers are full time, so the kids do not get moved from class to class at the begining and and of the day to stay in ratio, which sometimes happens in our current center. Not really a problem but still nice to have the teachers there all day for the full day. There is a part time teacher as well, who I assume covers breaks. They keep the costs down because they do not have to pay rent or utilities, the Fed gov't provides the space in exchange for priorty for their employees. And the director says she has made many contact during her 17 years with the school, so she get lots of extras as well, like they by big ticket items like a refriderator. This means they can keep the tuition down and have money to provide lunch and have nice toys and equiptment. So we will be taking the space. I am not looking forward to telling our current place or to the transition. I have to decide when is the best time to do it.

Gabe got his pj on himself (mostly) today. He has been pretty much putting his shirt on himself for awhile but today I got him to put on the pants by pulling the "are you a big boy who can [fill in the blank] game with him. Hard to believe that two year ago all he could do to impress up was lift his head and poop. Now he is a "big boy" using the potty, dressing himself, eatting with a fork, helping set the table and put dishes in the dishwasher. Makes me happy and sad at the same time. Can you say "baby bug?"

Renrel

11-16-2005, 08:41 PM

shortcake - I just got an e-mail about tummy aches and thought I would post ths part for you.

Is your child vomiting and suffering from diarrhea? If so, he could have gastroenteritis, more commonly known as "stomach flu." Doctors use this term to describe any inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viruses are the most common culprits, including the virulent rotavirus that causes such severe vomiting and diarrhea that many children end up in the hospital for IV rehydration.

Because gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus, the illness can't be treated with antibiotics. But that doesn't mean you can sit back and wait for the ailment to run its course. Gastroenteritis causes vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, which can quickly lead to dehydration. You must make sure your child is getting enough fluids for the two to three days that the illness lasts. "You want to rest the gut and give small sips of clear liquid," says Carol Steltenkamp, a pediatrician at the University of Kentucky Children's Hospital in Lexington. Since a stomach with gastroenteritis doesn't tolerate milk products well, ask your doctor about other fluids you can give, such as water, juice, or a rehydrating electrolyte solution such as Pedialyte. Popsicles and Jell-O also seem to go down — and stay down — well with most sick children. Don't force your child to drink too much plain water since a child with diarrhea or vomiting who drinks too much water can get what's called "water intoxication," which can lead to seizures.

You'll know your child is getting enough fluids if he continues to produce wet diapers (or urinates on the toilet regularly), has moist lips and skin, and sheds tears when he cries. Otherwise, get him to your pediatrician immediately. If the office is closed, go to an emergency room. Don't be surprised if the doctor suggests admitting your child to the hospital for a day or two of intravenous fluids. It's the quickest and safest way to treat serious dehydration.

As your child begins to recover from gastroenteritis, stick with the so-called BRAT diet. "BRAT" stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Don't feel bound to these foods specifically — most bland foods such as unsalted crackers, noodles, and oatmeal, work well, too. These foods won't upset your child's stomach and are binding, so they slow down loose stools.

Renrel

11-17-2005, 06:53 AM

Gaby woke up with a hacking cough today. :( There were signs of it the last couple of days but this morning it was very very very obvious. DH took him to the doc this morning. My niece was sick with a cough that sounded croup like when we visited my sister over the weekend so I am pretty sure he has whatever she had. He was actually in a pretty good mood concidering the cough, but he was also quick to throw tantrums when he did not get his way. Not sure if the tantrums are part of being sick or part of being two. When he was not tantruming he was in quite a good mood, between coughs. Unfortuately tonight is a retirement party for a co-worker I came on board with and I really want to attend since there are some bitter feeling around here regarding employees from other regions and departments not attending. I hate leaving DH alone with Gabe when he is sick. This is one time I don't mind the constant bfing he is demanding these days.

shortcake

11-17-2005, 08:48 AM

Renrel - Thanks for the article - it has good suggestions. Her diaper was nice and wet this morning and she's drinking some now, so hopefully she's feeling better today. Sorry to hear that Gabe is getting sick now!

Renrel

11-17-2005, 10:04 AM

Doc said the cough is Coup but that it is not in his chest, or ears, just a bit in his throat or something like that. Prescribed a steroid to help with the inflamation and he is back at daycare now. I visited and he coughed once while I was there and seemed happy, until I left. Then the tears. :(

Renrel

11-18-2005, 10:03 AM

Well yesterday I accepted the spot in the new daycare and today I gave notice at our present center. :( :) :( Lots of mixed feelings. We have to decide on an exact schedule. We could start any time in December or the first day of January, but I need to give 30 days notice to the present place which means that unless we want to pay double for early December the earliest we will start is December 19th. I have to decide on the best way to transition in. I will wait till 2 weeks before we are moving to start talking to Gabe, which will be hard since it is on my mind now.

Renrel

11-19-2005, 08:15 PM

I had a tough day today. Last night we had a ton of fun with Gabe. We made a tent out of his laugh and learn home, a rocking chair and a quilt. He was so hysterical as he insisted we both come in and then he kept running out to get or cook things for our picnic. It was such fun that we did not get him to bed till close to 10pm. :o Then he kept waking up during the night, I am guessing becuase of his cough. He was up at 12:30, 1:30, 3:30 and 4am. Each time he told me it was "wake up time" and was upset sent when I told him no. He nursed to sleep each time. I felt like a mom of an infant instead of a toddler and it has me rethinking my desire to have number 2. I was sooo tired this morning and DH was out all day at a conference, and Gabe was clingy and could not nap. I got next to nothing done, including doing any really fun things with Gabe, like making our own playdough that I had thought about. Then Gabe was in such hysterics about getting his hair washed that I finally got in the tub myself just to get him to come into the tub. He nursed and we washed his hair without any problem while he nursed. I don't think he even realised what we were doing. We really need to find a way to deal with this because as it is we wash his hair once a week and he is in terror of it. To the point that we can't even try to do it differenent to make it better because when he is fighting it so it is impossible not to get water in his face and make him upset. Anyway, I am sooo tired and cranky after one day of this that I don't know how moms who stay at home full time and have a sick kid and a DH away on business keep from running away from home.

shortcake

11-20-2005, 08:50 AM

Renrel - sorry you had such a tough day yesterday! We have had the same hair washing trouble with Gabrielle - she was the only kid I know who was terrified of it! It made the entire bath a big teary disaster. I'm not sure what happened, but just recently she has started to improve. Bathtime itself is fine with her (maybe it's the new toys I got her? Nothing fancy, just different - some letters to play with and a couple other little things) and she has calmed down about the hair enough to where she listens when we tell her to tilt her head back...wimpering...and it's not so bad. How often do you do baths? We don't do them more than 3x per week, sometimes less, and I think that is why she wasn't used to them. But they are such an ordeal! Anyway now I'm thinking maybe it is just something they go through and then grow out of, since I can't think why she's better about it all of a sudden.

Renrel

11-20-2005, 11:49 AM

Baths are fine so long as we are not hair washing. Sometimes he baths for just a minute, enough to wash his tush and give a rinse down, but he often will bath for a half hour. He loves bubbles and foam soap and if we turn the bath colores with fizzy tablets or just food color. He has lots of bath toys too. But if we mention hair he wants out and starts crying. Last night we made the mistake of telling him in advance we were doing hair and he was clinging to me refusing to get in the bath. Of course he is sick and overtired so the normal fuss was exaggerated.

He slept through last night, or at least did not make enough noice waking to get me out of a much needed sleep. He seems to be doing a bit better today. His nose is running constantly though, and now it is green instead of clear, so he does have an infection of some kind. He got really cranky before his nap but he is napping. I should be too right now.

Renrel

11-21-2005, 08:43 AM

I was a bad mommy yesterday. After spending the morning playing in yet another tent/fort and taking Gabe out for brunch at a diner we came home and put him down for a nap. He seemed to be sleeping OK and I was counting on a good 2 hours of off time. I did a little research to find a pumpkin pie recipe and DH went off to run a few errand. I was dreaming about the nap time I was going to get. Gabe woke up after less than an hour. I did not think he would go back down so I suggested he watch signing times. I did not feel bad about that, one dvd so that he could at least have quiet time and I could just lay on the couch and read while he watched. Well given his mood and my tireness he watched two more dvd/video after signing times. I think he was in front of the tube for over 2 hours. :o And most of the time he had that trance like look on his face. But at least it was all eductational and we all did seem to catch up on our rest a bit, even if we did not get to enjoy any of the good weather this weekend. Gabe seemed to sleep better, only waking up once around 11:30 and nursing down easy. This morning when he woke up he did not have a crust nose so I think his runny nose is better.

jay&erinn

11-22-2005, 06:20 AM

Hi Ladies. Just wanted to pop in real quick. Mia has her weight check in 45 minutes and is still in her PJs:rolleyes: I need to get moving.

Renrel: How's Gabe feeling today? I know what you mean about the SAHM thing occasionally. I work 3 days a week, so I have a little out of both worlds. When DH works the weekend/holiday (like this week) and I'm home with Mia for days without him, it gets exhausting. Especially on holidays when there's so much to do and so many places to drag her. Add sickness on top of that, and it's near impossible not to reach a breaking point. I hope he gets better soon.
Don't feel bad about the TV. Sometimes you just have to do whatever you need for more rest. It probably made you a much better mom for the next few hours afterwards. Sometimes I wish Mia would veg out in front of the TV. She likes it on ALL the time, but never seems to watch more than a few seconds here or there. Often she's not even in the room with it on, will here the end of her DVD from the kitchen or where ever we are, and insist we start it over or put something else in.
Sorry, no suggestions on the hair washing that you probably haven't tried already. Have you tried giving him a little more control of the situation? When Mia fights us, we'll let her help us- putting shampoo in her hands and telling her to make bubbles on her head- then showing her with a hand held mirror how funny she looks with different hair styles (sticking straight up, etc). Rinsing is still tough sometimes, but she likes to lay down in the tub- that alone rinses most of it out. Then I need to do very little.

Well, I need to get moving. We need to be out of here in 10 minutes. Have a good day.

mittyrd

11-22-2005, 11:46 AM

Hi everyone! Been so busy now that I am back at work. I miss my babies :( although it is nice to have adult conversation.

Erinn: How did Mia's appt. go? How are you feeling?

Renrel: I hate to admit it but I use the tv too (always said pre-kids that I wouldn't do that but.....) esp. when I need to feed the babies and distract him. I probably use it more than I should and have to remind myself to shut it off at times. Especially, now that he asks for it.

Jake has really started talking a lot more now. Especially the words "no way" and "mine". Amazing how quickly they learn those! But I do get a lot of "I love" too (he forgets the you but I know what he means!!)

What is everyone doing for Thanksgiving? I am preparing the meal for about 12 people. My brothers and their families are staying with me from Wed. night until Sunday and my mom is staying too. Crazy I know but at least I get a lot of help with feeding and holding babies. And..we get to go out to a movie friday night! yay - it's been 2 years since I saw a movie in the theater. Now if I can only stay awake for it :rolleyes:

jay&erinn

11-22-2005, 12:12 PM

Mia's appointment went well. She gained almost 2 pounds in 2 months:D . not bad for a kiddo that gained nothing in 9 months. She's now 22 pounds, 13 ounces and back on the growth chart (somewhere around 5th percentile). The doc was thrilled. He wants to check her weight again at two and a half to be safe, but no blood work for now. I also asked for a flu shot while we were there. I thought she'd have a rough time with it. The nurse gave it to her. After she was done Mia looked at me and said, "Ow, dat hurt." No tears or anything. It was pretty cute.

I had an appt today also. It was very pointless. I'm 9 weeks, 5 days right now. Because I'm not 12 weeks, the doc wouldn't even attempt to find a heartbeat. I was there at around 5 weeks the first time and that doc said for me to come back in 4 weeks. This doc walked in, asked why I was there. I told him basically because I was told to be. He said it was pointless for me to be there, and they'd see me in another month. I complained about having to wait until I'm almost 14 weeks to hear a heartbeat, so I'm being seen in 3 weeks instead:rolleyes: . Very frustrating. I can't believe I have to wait another 3 weeks before I know if things are going well with this pregnancy or not. I could understand not treating me different after the first miscarriage, but I think two in a row should buy you some compassion regardless if they think it's significant or not. DH couldn't go with me due to work, but when I called him afterwards, he wasn't happy. He feels they should have at least offered me another ultrasound or something. Oh well, I guess I just need to suck it up.

mittyrd: How is work? Are you adjusting to being back? You are one brave woman cooking dinner for all of those people. I don't know how you do it.

Thanksgiving: We still go to Grandma's house:) DH is working the holiday and all weekend, so that stinks. I'll go to my Grandma's on Thursday and see most of my family. Friday will be spent with the ILs and DH's brothers and kids. Saturday is marathon cookie baking, which I'm not looking forward to this year. It's so exhausting having 7 kids running around while we make endless amounts of cookies. Sunday I need to get my house in order. My parents move in with us next Tuesday and we need to move all of our stuff from our current room to our new room in the addition. There is so much work to do between moving closets (luckily to a much larger one) to still trying to finish the bathroom and other loose ends in that part of the house. Well, I need to go back upstairs and move more stuff into the closet. Lots of fun.

AlisonCO

11-22-2005, 02:29 PM

erinn - I am so sorry that you didn't get an u/s at your appt or that they didn't even try to hear the hb. I hope that the next 3 weeks go by quickly and uneventfully! Yeah for the weight gain Mia!!!

mittyrd - Thanksgiving for 12 with 3 young kids - you are my hero!!! Yeah for a movie night - the last movie I saw was the last Star Wars. Treat yourself to some candy and enjoy yourself.

Renrel - Oh my gosh - don't feel bad about the TV thing - I am sure that we have all done it. Aidan watched a ton of TV while he was sick. As long it isn't Jerry Springer, I am sure that they will be OK:) As far as the bath, have you looked at buying one of those visor things for Gabe to wear? My sister always wore one because she couldn't get water in her ears - that way he can sit up when you are rinsing.

Thanksgiving - We are going to my aunts house with 23 of my relatives. Dinner is at 3 which is right in the middle of naptime for Aidan so we might take 2 cars so that he can sleep.

We are doing well. Aidan went to his first b-day party Sun and had a blast. They rented one of the those inflatable trampolines and Aidan liked it but preferred to use the stake as a micorphone and sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star:) He is finally over this cold and back to his normal sleeping and eating.

Caitlin is doing well too and I think that Aidan is starting to understand that she isn't going anywhere. I don't think he is upset about it, more surprised when she is still here in the morning;) He has started to call us Scott and Alison and thinks it is hysterical when we call each other Mommy and Daddy - he still only calls Caitlin "Baby sister". He also likes to ask us to do things now like "mommy dance" or "daddy sit down" - yesterday he was trying very hard to get the dog to dance:) He kept saying "Tee tee dance, tee tee dance" (tee tee is his nickname for Tucker.)

Happy happy thanksgiving!!!
A couple of new pics:

http://www.allsam.com/NOV2005/images/112005_26.jpg
http://www.allsam.com/NOV2005/images/112005_41.jpg

Renrel

11-22-2005, 06:23 PM

Errin - Thanks for pep talk and sympathy. That sucks that they did not do an U/S. Have you concidered changing docs? It does not sound like you are thrilled with this practice. It is great that Mia is gaining weight and took the shot like such a big girl. Apparently my 3.5 year old neice was bragging about how she was going to be so brave and not cry when she got her shot to show her baby sister how its done and she went into hysterics as soon as they gave her the shot. The baby was so amused at her big sister that she did not cry at all. :rolleyes:

Mittyrd - It is hard to believe you are back at work already. I can only imagine how you miss your boys but I fully understand the joys of getting some adult time everyday. And I am sure when we have another kid the tv will be on more but with just one and with him in daycare full time I feel like a wimp giving in on the two days I have him at home.

Allison - They are adorable! I can see the resemblance. We have a visor but he fights everything we try as soon as he knows it is a hair night. I am thinking about getting some weird pitcher I saw someone post awhile back that sort of directs the water sideways making it less likely to get on their faces but I hate spending money on a gamble. And Gabe has been bossing us around for months now. It would help if his understand of space relations was better since he likes to tell us where to sit or lay down but has no understanding of how much space we take up. He will insist we all sit on the floor of the closet together, close the door and then want us to lay down and yell at us that we need to make room for him but still stay in our spots. If anyone came in to our house while we were playing this game they would think we were nuts.

Thanksgiving - We are driving down to my sister's in NJ again. Not looking forward to the drive at all and as much as I enjoy the family time when I feel this tired I kind of dread needing to be up. Friday we go to my BIL house on LI where DH's whole family will be. Saturday I don't know where we will be. Sunday we have a 80th birthday party for DH uncle and then the long drive home. Bad weather predicted for Thursday and Sunday of course. I have to back pumkin bread tonight as soon as Gabe is down.

My current plan for transtioning Gabe is spend a morning just visiting the center together and then back to the current place, the next day I will do an intake meeting and Gabe will play in the class while I am in the office then back to the present place, the next day I want DH to pick Gabe up early from his present place and take him over to experience the afternoon routine, then its the weekend, I want to have him back at the present place for one last full day and have a good bye party then the next day will be a full day at the new place but I will stay a bit longer in the morning and pick him up a little early to make it a easier day.

DH found a great kitchen set for Gabe on E-bay that is for pick up only in my parents town, no one is bidding so we can probably get it for $10, but we can't figure out how to get it up to Boston. It is too big to fit in a back seat. It is the Little Tykes Victorian kitchen, if anyone is familiar with that. New it was like $100 and it is discontinued. It is just a basic kitchen with no noises unless you put a battery in the phone and lots of storage. Frige, oven, stove, mic, dishwasher and sink.

jay&erinn

11-23-2005, 07:48 PM

Renrel: Good luck with all the traveling. I hate running place to place with a toddler. I never seem to be able to keep Mia on schedule over the holidays with all the running.
Sounds like a great deal for the kitchen. I'm currently looking for a few more small toys for Mia for the holidays. I really like some of the Melissa and Doug toys so I'm on a hunt for them. Some of the boutique type places carry them, but I don't want to pay their prices. I'll see what I can find.

We're going to Grandma's tomorrow. Of course dinner is at 1:00- right over nap time. Mia will once again be off schedule. I swear this child isn't ever going to have a consistent schedule.

DH was called out last night (even though he wasn't on call) at 9:30 and didn't make it home until 4:00 am. He went back to work at 3 today and is on call tonight too. I took Mia to work with me so he could sleep and tried to get a hold of the sitter to see if she could take her. I think they left early due to the bad weather to go out of town, so I had her until 12:30 when my mom could pick her up. It was tough, but she was really good. All of the girls in the office helped out since I had patients that had to be seen (can't exactly do a hearing test with a 2 year old talking in the background). My boss wasn't thrilled, but understood which was nice.
It's been snowing here all day and is supposed to continue into tomorrow afternoon. There's around 2 inches on the ground and some of the on ramps to the highways are shut down. If there weren't so many hills around here I don't think it'd be a problem, but I guess the roads are pretty slippery. I love the snow, but feel bad for all the people traveling.

Well, I need to finish off my Christmas shopping list (one of my goals for the weekend). I only plan to go out one more time and try to finish it all- need a good list to accomplish that when you have to buy for 30 different people. I'd say it's definately gotten a little out of hand:rolleyes:

Oh, one funny thing- I was reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear to Mia the other day. We doug it out the other day. When we got to the teacher, Mia gasped and said, "It's Grandma!" It was so funny. My mom has short dark hair, is thin and sometimes wears glasses. She's also a teacher, but Mia doesn't quite get that yet. My dad thought it was particularly funny when he saw the picture.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Renrel

11-27-2005, 10:03 PM

Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving. Ours was very nice. The drive down was fairly painless. Gabe was very into daddy, grandparents and cousins over the weekend so I actually got to talk to adults and spend some time sleeping and reading, though we did have some tough nights. Gabe sat at his first kid's table and did great. DH and I got to have a date night Saturday night while my inlaws babysat all the grandkids and my SIL and BIL went out with their friends. Just a quick dinner and a movie but it was very relaxing. Gabe was not at his best Sunday evening for the 80th birthday though. Very clingy and such. Then he slept the whole ride back but now will not go back to sleep and is hystercial in his room. He got to sleep in mommy bed for two nights because we were sharing a room and when he woke up I took him into my bed because that was the easiest thing to do given how many people were sleeping within crying distance. Now he does not want to go back to the norm and he is not as sleepy because he feel asleep 1.5 hour early due to the car ride.

Oh, and I left my purse at the party, 3 hours away, with my licence, credit cards and such. This messes up the morning commute for a few days.

Renrel

11-28-2005, 07:00 AM

This morning we were reading a book where each page the zoo sends a different animal which get returned because it is too [fill in the blank]. We get to one page and I pause after "too" so that Gabe can try to fill in the blank. He tell me that we are returning this animal because it is to "stressed."

I am a bit stressed at the moment, because after DH had to drive me into work today since my licence is down in NY we get to Daycare and realize that I did not pick up the bag with Gabe's sheet, blanket and most importantly his lovey for nap time. I though DH had taken it down when he grabbed the rest of the bags. DH looked so annoyed I told him that Gabe will survive one nap without his lovey but after he screamed for me for 45 minutes last night I am feel rather guilty about messing with his nap, though Gabe seemed perfectly happy to see me this morning. I was so worried that with his great memory he was going wake up pissed at mommy for not coming to him when he wanted her last night.

kerrykate

11-28-2005, 07:34 AM

We had a nice Thanksgiving. We went to my parents early and ate around 12:30, left there around 2 and put Lauren (and dh;) ) down for a nap. When they woke up we went over to the IL's house for dinner. Lauren was very good all day and had fun playing with her cousins and dancing/showing off for everyone.

My mom and I took Lauren to a childrens parade yesterday. She really enjoyed the floats, horses, and was very excited to see Santa at the end. When we got home we put the Christmas tree up. She was so loved putting the ornaments on. So now we have a little cluster of ornaments around the bottom of the tree:)

Lauren is asking "why" all the time now, about EVERYTHING. Why are we going here? Why are we doing this? Why does that happen?.............

We're suppose to close on our house on Wednesday but I don't know if we'll be able to since all the inspections aren't done yet.

Erinn~ I know they sell Melissa and Doug puzzles/toys at Toys r Us and I think they're on sale this week buy 1 get 1 50% off.

Alison~ Great pics, the kids are adorable!

Renrel~ We went through the same thing with Lauren when we got back from vacation the end of July. She slept with us on vacation to avoid her crying and waking the other people in the house. She did NOT want to go back to sleeping alone when we got home, we should have been firm but 4 months later she is still in bed with us:o :eek:

jay&erinn

11-28-2005, 06:45 PM

kerrykate: Thank for the toys r us info. I've seen a few random things around there, but not many. I'll have to check it out in the next few days since I have a few coupons for there.
Sounds like the parade was fun. We watched the Thanksgiving parade on TV and Mia loved it. I think there's a parade around here in a few weeks. If its not too cold, I'd love to take Mia.

Thanksgiving was nice, but too hectic. My parents move in tomorrow and we're so busy trying to get the house somewhat organized. On top of all the clothes, etc, they have to bring all of their Christmas presents- and we have to hide them from Mia (not so difficult) and my 4 year old neice (much more difficult) who will be here next weekend and for Christmas morning. Santa is visiting our house for both of them this year.

I need a little advice. Mia is taking all of her clothes off (not the diaper though yet thank goodness) every night. We've tried one piece pjs with buttons over the zippers, two piece pjs so she has to work harder to get the shirts off, and two piece that button in the middle. Every morning, there's my naked daughter. I don't care for the most part. However, I think she sometimes wakes up early because she's cold. We've talked about it, but of course that doesn't help. I asked her tonight if she's supposed to take her clothes off. She said No. I asked her if she was going to take her pjs off tonight and she said yes:rolleyes: Any suggestions.

One other question. Have you tried to take DD/DS to religious services? We've only taken Mia on major holidays, weddings, etc. It's not horrible, but I definately don't get anything out of going, so I haven't been. I spend so much time making sure she's entertained and not distracting anyone else, that I miss everything. I'd like to start going again, and I'd like to take her to start teaching her about our religion. Are any of you successful with this? Also, are you doing anything religious with your kids on a daily basis. I guess Christmas/Hanukkah just have started me thinking. I think Mia's starting to associate Santa with Christmas- I'm not discouraging that in any way, but want her to understand that Santa and presents aren't the main reasons we celebrate.

Jenyfer9

11-28-2005, 06:55 PM

Erinn: TJ LOVES to get nekkid in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, he also took off his diaper, which really sucked. Our solution (which we had to also implement for naps) was to get him in his one piece zip up pj's BACKWARDS. So the zipper is in the back. Can't say it's the most comfortable thing (not that I would really know), but it's done the trick. Then, when I change him in the morning and put his pj's on correctly... I'll find him sitting in front of the tv a few minutes later as nekkid as a jailbird. :rolleyes:

mittyrd

11-29-2005, 05:23 AM

Jenyfer & Erinn: I laughed out loud at your naked stories!! I haven't had that problem but our problem is that Jake likes to walk around with his hands in his diaper. Gross. So now I am putting onsies on him under his clothes so he can't do that. Would your kids be able to unsnap the onsies? Maybe that would help.

Thanksgiving was good but way too many people staying here. We were so glad when everyone finally left Sunday. It was nice to have lots of baby holders and feeders though. Jake had a great time playing with his cousins and was so wound up and off the wall all weekend. His daycare provider told me that he was the silliest he'd ever been all day yesterday so I'm guessing he's still wound up from the weekend.

We did our Hanukah this weekend since I won't see my niece and nephew again until the spring. Jake kept saying "WOW" before even unwrapping the gifts. Of all his gifts, he loved the aquadoodle mat and stickers the best. The twins got the peek-a-boo Elmo gym and Jake loved that too - he was laying under it like a baby :rolleyes: The twins loved it too. I never saw them laugh and smile so much.

I'm home from work today b/c the twins sitter's mother died over the weekend. :( Dh is staying home with them tomorrow.

Jenyfer9

11-29-2005, 05:45 AM

Mittyrd: Yes, TJ can do/undo the snaps on onesies. I thought that might help our little naked problem, but instead it's just something else to play with. :rolleyes:

Renrel

11-30-2005, 07:00 AM

Errin- Sorry no suggestions on the nekkid baby thing other than those already posted and that is only from hearing other moms make it, no personal experience. Maybe pjs with a tighter neck hole?

Mittyrd - If he likes the aquadoddle you may like the new toy that is like a magnadoodle but it works with a water pen like aquadoodle. We got it but Gabe is not that impressed. He likes to be able to erase his picture more than he likes drawing. In fact he perfer the stampers to the pen.

DH was so tired yesterday he fell asleep sitting at the table after dinner. He is really good at falling asleep sitting up in lots of places but rarely at the dinner table. I convinced GAbe was should put daddy to bed and actually leave him there rather than climb in a play nap with him. That required a video bribe but I needed to do his nails anyway, forgot that over the weekend. I was going to try and do Gabe's hair but when I suggested that I was going to do it he decided it was OK, IF I got in with him, like we did last time he went into hysterics. So my new plan is that tonight I will bath with him and do his hair and that we will do it that way for a while till he is no longer so upset by the idea of hair washing and then wean him off of having me there. We will see how that works.

Gabe offered up a story about his day at dinner last night without any prompting. Apparently he had the bike first and R took it. When I asked what Gabe did he told him he cried. We got this story repeated several times so I guess it was an important part of his day. This morning his teacher told me that yesterday he came over to her and said "I am not going to see you any more." Her heart broke knowing he was leaving, but he does not know he is leaving yet. He was just talking about going home at the end of the day.

Renrel

12-01-2005, 07:45 AM

Gabe woke up at 2am calling for me last night. DH tried to calm him for a half hour before I ended up taking over. I just listened and kept telling myself that the only way DS will learn to let DH sooth him is if I don't intervene, but after 30 minutes DH came out to get some water for Gabe and I ended up going in with his blessing. Gabe wanted to nurse and than went right down. Of course DH and I lost more then the half hour- hour of sleep since we could not just go back down to sleep after being up. Then this morning being sleep deprived we could not figure out the best way to do the transporation thing since I am working late and DH has an eye appointment in town during which his eyes will be dialated. First we took two cars, then DH motioned to me to pull over and had me park saying he would take public transportation home. So I parked the car in a mall lot and got in his car. I dropped him off on the way in. He left his keys in the car with me and after getting to the appointment realised that the car seat is in the car so he needs it anyway. What a mess.

shortcake

12-01-2005, 08:04 AM

Renrel -Sorry about the rough night/morning!!
Hey, I've been meaning to ask you. If you don't mind (and you can email or PM me if you'd prefer) could you remind me what the concerns were with Gabe when you were pg? I followed a long a bit, and I know it had to do with the nuchal fold, but I can't remember the details. I had a nuchal translucency test a couple weeks ago and the baby's fold was *slightly* above normal (1.9) and tomorrow I'll finish the bloodwork but won't get the results for another week or so. I'm not too worried, I'm hoping the bloodwork will show a low risk. I suspect your concerns were found at the 20 week u/s not the NT screening, since I don't know if that was so readily available when we were pg before. Still I'm curious what they were saying to you. Thanks!

Renrel

12-01-2005, 08:55 AM

We had an U/S the first trimester due to spotting and I am pretty sure they did the nucal fold measure at that time, since the information was useful late on, though we did not know it at the time and everything was fine.

We had an amnio and everything was fine.

Then when we did the U/S during the second trimester they saw swelling in the neck.

They sent us for a fetal heart U/S. That came back fine.

We thought we were in the clear but when we met with the genetic counselor after the test she told us that if the swelling was not due to a heart issue it was most likely genetic and that she expected us to lose the baby and if we did not he would probably have severe birth defects. We were crushed.

Then they decided to send us for another U/S to see if there was any change. Much to their suprise the swelling had decreased markedly. So they no longer expected us to lose the baby, but since the swelling was there at one time they told us that they believed there was a 20% chance of birth defects but they could not tell us what those defects might be, other then all the limbs and internal organs appeared to be developing normal so far. So he could have had something as minor as a fold on his neck or he could have been severally retarded.

We were able to eliminate many of the possible defects through some research (if the arms are developing normal than you don't have "x" genetic disorder). We went for genetic counseling, couples counseling, crisis couseling, individual counseling. We spoke to friends who had terminated pregnancies following bad test results. We spoke to relatives who were doctors. We talked to each other. We talked to ourselves. I talked to Gabe and to G-d. I kept a journal on WC and recieved soooo much support. I was overwhelmed. I think I had one person given the a right to life speech but everyone else just tried to support me through my stuggle and I will be forever grateful to them.

To me 80/20 were still good odds, to DH they were not. He was uncertain of his ablity to be a daddy to a "normal baby" so the idea of being daddy to a child with issues scared him silly. We seriously discussed terminating the pregnancy and that month of my life was probably the worst ever. I hope never to face those kinds of questions again, though I suspect as we get older we will unfortunately face similarly difficult questions in regards to our own lives.

I Thank God that we made the decision we did because Gabe is the most amazing child I can imagine and DH thinks being a daddy is the best experience in the world. He is more positive about wanting to have a second than I am.

I think you are right not to worry at this point. The NT test results only indicate a marker for a possible problem. And the test results are only as good as the tester. Since it is a new test many of the testers are not that experienced.

shortcake

12-01-2005, 09:10 AM

Thanks Renrel for the reminder of what happened! I followed along through some of your journal, and I know it was a really difficult decision. It's amazing how the medical community knows SO much and at the same time they can give so FEW definitive answers. In the end it always seems to come down to our gut feeling.

Of course I don't want to worry yet and I know it would be silly to - and at the same time it's impossible not to worry a little bit...all of us...through the whole pregnancy until we hold a healthy newborn in our arms!!

Renrel

12-01-2005, 10:04 AM

Oh I know how hard it is not to worry. Sometimes I think that is the defination of parenthood. One of my fears of getting pregnant again is having to face all that testing knowing what it really means when you get the result. Rarely is the information definative.

I was just over to visit Gabe for lunch. He did not like what was packed for him and is tired and cranky so he was crying and cling to me which almost never happens at lunch. :( And I won't see him tonight, unless he wakes up after bedtime again.

Renrel

12-02-2005, 07:58 AM

I just spoke to the new daycare to schedule his intake and transition. Somehow our wires got crossed and she thought we were starting in January. There is space so we can start on the 20th like we intend to but it turns out that is the holiday party day so it will be a very non normal day and she does not recommend starting than. Unless DH decides to keep him home that day I think we are going with the 20th anyway. As it is we have to arrange for care (Most likely DH maybe grandma) for the 23rd and the 27th because they are closed Friday through Tuesday. So annoying.

jay&erinn

12-02-2005, 12:28 PM

Just a quick drive by post to wish everyone a nice weekend.

Oh, and an update on the clothing removal- Mia took her diaper off last night too- not a pretty site this morning:rolleyes: Glad I was at work.

AlisonCO

12-03-2005, 12:05 PM

I wanted to do a quick drive by post too just to say HI!

We are doing well. Aidan has been a real bear about nap time and yesterday he cried on and off for 25 minutes before sleeping for 2 hours! He likes to help get himself dressed in the morning, but has yet to become really interested in undressing. I am surprised though because he loves "naked running" which he does every night before bath. Today DH was going to take a shower and Aidan said "Daddy, naked running!" And DH said OK:D

shortcake - thinking about you and your little one - hope everything turns out well!

Renrel - Eventhough I am not nursing him, Aidan always wants me at night too! DH hates that he can't help but what can you do! Sounds like a busy month for you guys with the new daycare!

erinn - Hope that you are feeling OK and that your little one is doing great! Thanks for the laugh with the naked Mia stories:)

kerrykate - hope the closing of your new house went smoothly! Did you sell your current house?

mittyrd - Sounds like you all had a fun early Hannukah - Aidan likes to lay under the gym/activity mat too!

jenyfer - is TJ sleeping any later in the morning? Aidan has been doing better lately.

Hope that you all are having a great weekend!

Renrel

12-05-2005, 11:00 AM

Just a quick post to share a funny story.

Last night as I am washing the dishes Gabe comes over to me and says "It makes Daddy happy when mommy comes into his bed." I was cracking up. I am assuming he was trying to get me and daddy to play tent/fort on our bed again since that is his favorite game as of late and he would probably play it 24/7 if we let him. Unfortunately it required us to play with him.
-
We tried to get some holiday shopping done this weekend but all we did was window shop and make a few calls to get wish lists for the kids. The stores are sold out of the kitchen we finally decided we want for Gabe. We may bid on one on E-bay being sold in North Conn but it will take DH 4 hours to pick it up and bring it home and it has an oven door that opens sides ways instead of up and down which really annoys me.

WArning - bragging Mommy ahead.

We have been listening to this CD called Bethoven's Wig, which puts words to a few famous classical pieces and than plays them again as instrumentals at the end. Gabe askes at the start of each instrumental what the song is. He is now identifing Night Music by Bach and Hydan's Suprise symphany when he hears them, even in other places :eek: . I can't even remember the names to most of the pieces when he asks me, I have to look them up.

kerrykate

12-05-2005, 12:21 PM

Renrel~ We are getting Lauren this kitchen for Christmas from www.jcpenny.com
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005110312/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80d94d3bL.jpg
It's gender neutral and on sale for $29.99 + shipping which I think is only around $8 or so. If you're interested in it my sister has a code for an extra $5 off at www.jcpenny.com that she's going to get to me, so I'll pass it along if you want it.
AND I'm so excited, I bought her this off of ebay last week:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005KBVD.01.PT01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
I've been wanting to get it for her but they don't sell it in any stores around here so you have to buy it online plus pay an extra $20 for shipping. So I was looking for it on ebay and just so happen to come across someone who was selling it and not only were they from my city but as it turns out they live less than 2 miles away from us and I drive by there house on my way to work:eek: So I bid until I won it and picked it up last week. By the time I picked it up and ran some other errons dh and Lauren were asleep so I set it up in the living room and had to try it out:p It held my weight and was so much fun! And the guy who sold it to me had a full extra track that he just gave to me, it's gray and not as long as the multicolored one but in perfect shape so I'm going to keep the shorter one inside and longer one outside. I put it down in the basement so now I have just have to try and resist from putting it up before Christmas.

Alison~ We actually haven't closed on the house yet. The house did not pass inspection, we figured that it wouldn't since it needs a lot of work and our mortgage company is trying to get us to go with the FHA loan since the interest rate is lower but FHA inspections are tough to pass. If all goes well we're supposed to close this Friday... The housing market is so dead in the winter we decided there's no point in putting our house up for sale until late Feb early March. I'm hoping it doesn't take too long to sell, two house payments doesn't sound like much fun.

Erinn~ Not much advise on the clothing removal. Towards the end of summer Lauren was taking her pj's off in the morning but has stopped, maybe it's too cold for her little tooshy now. She does love to run naked at any opportunity, after bath time, getting changed, etc...

We had a good weekend, on Saturday we watched my 4 year old nephew, he and Lauren play so well together. But all day yesterday Lauren kept calling me Aunt Kerry:rolleyes: She was walking down the stair at our house very slowy and I asked her why she was going so slow, she said "because I'm on a escalator(ecalador)." I have no idea where she heard that, I don't think she's ever been on one.

Renrel

12-05-2005, 02:42 PM

KerryKate - That looks like a really nice kitchen. I have not seen it before. Have you seen it in person or gotten a review from anyone. I am very tempted to order it or the other on their site, because it looks like it has most of what I want, but I always prefer to have a few reviews before making a purchase. The price is right, but if there is something really annoying about it, like the doors won't stay closed or it falls over to easily or there is really not enough room to store playfood and cooking equiptment I would rather pay more for another unit, expecially since my parents are giving this gift and are going to spend about $100 either on one item or on several (That is the budget for each grandchild). I love that rollercoaster thing. They used to have one at the playspace in one of our malls but by the time Gabe was big enough to ride it they had taken it away so he never got a ride on it.

kerrykate

12-06-2005, 06:45 AM

Renrel~ I have not been able to find a review. And I always try and review everything on www.toysrus.com and/or www.target.com. I did find a similar looking step 2 kitchen that got great reviews, but nothing on that exact kitchen. It looks like it's a good with all the bells and whistles although it makes me a little nervous because the price is so cheap, but I'm going to bight the bullet and get it anyway.

jay&erinn

12-06-2005, 06:50 AM

Hi Ladies!

My parents have officially moved in, so time is in short supply around here anymore. Last weekend my younger brother was here too, and this weekend my older brother, my neice and a friend will all be staying here. So much confusion. It's going well so far and it's nice to have some help with Mia, but there's not much quiet time anymore.

I'm feeling OK- still very nervous about this pregnancy. I go next week to hear the heartbeat. Some days I'm OK, others I'm convinced that they won't be able to find a heartbeat and the baby will have stopped developing. It's very frustrating to wait so long for confirmation that everything's going well. Hopefully having so much going on at the house will keep my mind a little more occupied. I'm worried since I've lost, not gained weight and the majority of my clothes still fit just fine. That certainly wasn't the case with Mia. I guess we'll see. I'm currently 11 weeks, 5 days- one day away from when my second miscarriage happened.

kerrykate: I really like the kitchen. I debated about getting one for Mia, but have decided not to for now. She has so many toys at this point, that I don't know where I'd put it. It doesn't help that I had a discovery toy party last week and will now be getting another $120 in free toys. Since I was already finished Christmas shopping, I'll have to put some of those away for a rainy day.

Renrel: That's pretty cool that Gabe is starting to recognize classical music. Mia only recognizes the Wiggles:rolleyes:

Well, we talked to Mia about not taking her diaper off at night. She's done really well. She still continues to wake up without her clothes on, but has left her diaper on every night. When she wakes up she tells us that she left her diaper on and we all make a huge deal out of it- anything not to have to clean up that mess.

Not much else going on- we're heading to the bank, grocery store and hopefully the library today. I'd like to get Mia a library card and see what kind of programs they have, if any, for her age. I'd like to find something to do with her during the cold winter. It's only going to be 26 degrees out today. Winter is definately here.

Renrel

12-06-2005, 08:39 AM

Kerrykate - I think we have finally decided on one of the step twos. I will post it later if I get a chance. We can get it from Walmart for about $100 plus $16 shipping. I have just read to many complaints about kitchens where the doors won't stay shut or they fall over easily that I can't bring myself to buy an unknown, even if it is just $30. I love a bargain but worry about getting what you pay for, if you know what I mean. If something is going to take up that much room in my home I want it to work reasonably well, particularly a toy I expect to get daily use for a year or longer. I will probably be kicking myself in January when Lauren is happily playing with her kitchen and Gabe decides he is over his housekeeping phase and wants to play with powertools. I saw the cutest work bench, where there is two sided play and the wall has an outside where the child can do home improvement projects, put up shutters, a window box and a fence. Really cute.

Errin - I will be keeping you and your bellly buddy in my thoughts. I can only imagine how hard this is for you. Good luck living with the folks, may it be more help than annoyance. Yeah for keeping the diaper on!!! What is your reasoning for getting Mia her own libary card? Do you think she will understand the concept of it being hers and what it does? So far I am just getting Gabe books out on mine and worrying that he will be upset when I return them and he still wants to read them.

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Gabe is getting to me more and more of a two year old. He fights getting changed and the car seat and other things much more than he used to. He will tell us it hurts, which is bad since now we don't know if it really hurts (like his thumb is caught in the sleeve and we are pulling) or if he is just staying it because it is a word that makes us stop doing what we are doing. He also yells at us not to push or pull or hit or whatever when all we are doing is holding him in place so we can doing required parenting tasks like putting on a pair of pants. OH, and thanks to a dang Dr.Suess story, all pants are now "scary" and he does not want to read them. He is also more clingy with me and with his teachers lately. Not sure why. He will hold out for a "better" snack. He is learning to stall at bedtime big time. We are also having minor sleep issues. He is waking up in the night but can usually nurse back down very quickly. This morning he woke up early. He usually is still laying down, sometimes even asleep when I come in his room at about 7am. He was calling for me at 6:15 this morning and wanted a book not a boob. I nursed him anyway and then set him up in front of a video while I grabbed another 15 minutes of sleep. On the way to daycare this morning I just started talking to him about the new school. Good thing because his teachers started talking in the class room about how he can't leave because they will miss him too much and of course he can hear everything they are saying.

Renrel

12-06-2005, 11:43 AM

Here is the one we have decided on. I really prefer the one which is a step above this one but not enough to spend another $20-$40 on it. heck if money were no object there are some daycare quality sets I would love for several hundred dollars. This will be the gift from my parents.

http://www.step2.com/images/products/7372KR_popup.jpg

Now I have to start working on the gift from my inlaws. A Shwoenhut toy piano that I have seen for a little as $96 and as much as $200. The site that has it for $96 is sold out of the one in mahogony until 2006 though and I think that color works better for us than black or white. I asked my dh's cousin, a keyboardist by trade and a music teacher at Berkley, for an opinion on this piano last night. She took a look at it on line, fell in love with the pink baby grand and wants to get one for her band leader's little girl for her first b-day.

mittyrd

12-07-2005, 06:37 AM

Hi Everyone!

Still reading along but it takes me awhile to post back. The naked stories are still cracking me up. We haven't experienced that yet. Only when Jake escapes before he gets in his bath and runs around naked. The other day he peed on the kitchen floor :mad:

Erinn: Still thinking about you and sending sticky sticky vibes.

Need some ideas: MIL gave us $100 per kid to spend for Xmas presents so I have $300 and no idea what to get them. ANy ideas? (I'd like to get something big and not a lot of little things - she won't let us put it in the bank for them which is what I would like to do...)

Renrel

12-07-2005, 07:38 AM

Mittyrd -

I am eyeing this one but don't have an excuse/budget for another big ticket item. Maybe next year.

http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005110312/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80deaed4L.jpg
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005110312/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80deaed6L.jpg

We are planning on getting one of these pianos, they also come in baby grand. They have keys the size of real pianos and are supposed to sound nice. In fact some musician gave a concern at Carnagie Hall using one of them. There is one site that has them with shipping for $119 and another that has them for $96 and I think $10 in shipping. Both sites are out of stock but expect to have them available starting December 8th.

http://www.toypiano.com/pictures/6625/6625m-big.jpg

Kitchen sets are also a good way to go, or maybe a small playset that you could set up someplace in the house, maybe the basement if you have a finished one?

A nice set of child size furniture. A little sofa and two chairs?
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Gabe had me up at 2:30am and I could not get him back to sleep till 3:30 and then I could not get back to sleep. Yawnnnnnnn. I don' t know why he is waking up. Teething, hunger, cold, just wants to play?

DH has an interview on Thursday but plans to cancel and reshedule because he caught a bug and does not feel he can make a good impression when his voice is likely to give out and he is wiped out by the afternoon just from a normal days activies.

kerrykate

12-07-2005, 07:48 AM

Renrel~ That kitchen looks really nice. I'm sure Gabe will have lots of fun with it.
Erinn~ That must be tough but fun having your parents at your house. My SIL takes my 2 year old niece to story time once a week at the library. It sounds like the perfect thing to do on a cold winter day, she invited Lauren and I to go but unfortunitly it's on one of the days that I work during the week. You've been through a lot this year, so I'm thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.
Mittyrd~ Here are a few ideas I found at www.toysrus.com
This wagon got great reviews:
I was trying to post pictures but they won't work right now, so the Pathfinder wagon(radio flyer), a nice wooden storage center(little tikes), the easy adjust play table(little tikes), The laugh and learn learning home(fisher price).

Jenyfer9

12-07-2005, 08:15 AM

Ugh. Everyone here is sick... STILL. Seems like one of us has been sick since the week before Thanksgiving. Just when I think we're shaking it, someone else gets it. So frustrating. Because either I feel ok and want to go out and do something but the boys are sick or I feel bad and TJ is begging to do something. Will has been sick pretty much the whole time. He was diagnosed with an ear infection last week and his nose is still runny and icky.

I don't think that I posted this picture here... it was taken the ONE DAY in the past 3 weeks that the boys were both kind of well on the same day. :rolleyes: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf11b3127cce959f4552139600000016108AZMWjlk2bM8

Renrel

12-07-2005, 10:57 AM

Great pic Jen. I love the juxaposition of TJ's top teeth with Will two little bottom ones. Sorry you are all sick. Hope everyone feels better soon.

Renrel

12-08-2005, 07:27 AM

Yesterday Gabe was being a little terror about putting on his coat even after he agreed that if I read him a book he would then put on his coat. So I told him that I had blueberry pie for his dessert but if he did not cooperate with putting on his coat he would not get the pie. He did not cooperate and I told him no pie. He was sad and kind of lightly cryed on the walk to the car while in our sling. I told him if he cooperated getting into the car seat we could go to the store instead of straight home. He semiccooperated and we went to the store. We ended up eatting burger king for dinner, a favorite of his and he talked about the pie he was not getting. This morning he was very cooperative about putting on his coat even after kicking and screaming about putting on his shoes. And he talked about pie. So he seems to have made the connection that his actions regarding putting on his coat had the effect of him not getting pie. Now I have to figure out the best way to use this understanding - earning rewards with good behavior (bride), losing out of a treat or something for bad behavior (punishment/penality) and how to make thing as linked as possible.

DH did not cancel that interview so that is his agenda for today. Wish us luck. It would be nice for him to be working again and for the job to be in the area, though him starting a new job and Gabe started a new daycare at the same time will not be fun. To much change at once, but we will deal.

shortcake

12-08-2005, 07:49 AM

Renrel - Good luck to your DH on the interview! And that is great that Gabe is getting cause and effect. I'm starting to work on that a little with Ellie, but not expecting her to get it. At her 2 year appt (just recently - her b-day is end of November) the doctor said to start by just giving her a reward for something good (that I want to be consistant about) and she'll start to get the connection.

Renrel

12-08-2005, 09:29 AM

Thanks shortcake.

I think Errin posted a while back about how we are handling religion and such. I meant to post and did not get around to it. I remember last night.

We started eatting together as a family around Gabe's 2 year b-day and shortly after that started doing Shabbot together. This means on Fridays before dinner we light shabbot candles, sip shabbot wine (grape juice now since Gabe insists on more than a sip) and challah, with the accompaning blessings and ritual. We also make Friday night special with dessert and no hair washing. Gabe love this. He talks about shavot night, candle night and challah night. Last night in the bath he made me go through the whole thing with pretend candles, wine and challah. I think I need to get him a play set for chanaka, I just hate that they all cost $30.

We don't go to services on a weekly basis since we have not done that since we got engaged and moved away from my synagugue. I used to go much more regularly. We do go for the high holidays and bring Gabe, though he spends much of the time in the childcare area rather than in services.

We celebrate holidays at home as much as we can. He has learned a few hebrew words for each holiday we celebrated, though all he really knows is we get together with family and eat more then we usually do, and that we light candles and eat challah which he loves.

We have not talked about god or the meaning behind the rituals yet. To hard a concept for a 2 year old.

AlisonCO

12-08-2005, 09:16 PM

Now I have to figure out the best way to use this understanding - earning rewards with good behavior (bride), losing out of a treat or something for bad behavior (punishment/penality) and how to make thing as linked as possible.

Renrel - Thanks so much for bringing this up - I have been struggling with this lately too. I really don't want to use a reward for good behavior (especially food) but it seems like it is inevitable at this age because they really "get it." I really want good behavior to be expected and my praise to be enough reward - is that crazy? :) As far as taking away something, while I haven't had to do it yet, I imagine that it needs to be related so that they understand ie: taking away a toy for not sharing. But I guess that doesn't necessarily have to be true because you could say "if you hit again, I am going to take away your ____ for the rest of the day."

Have you thought more about this, if so please share as I am having a hard time with this.

Aidan had a one on one play date with a 2.5 year old today and he had a hard time - I guess this is one downside to not going to daycare or something like that regularly. I was expecting a hard time with sharing his toys, but he seemed more upset by the other little person being in his house. We are going to try and meet on neutral ground next time to see if that helps - I hope so because I really like this other mom and would like to see if we could become more than just mom-friends.

Hope that you all are doing well!

Renrel

12-09-2005, 09:00 AM

Allison - I have not had time to think on it yet but will post when I have. Sorry about the playdate issue. We have not had any playdates since we started daycare so I have no experience with that.

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Warning, venting ahead-

Ugh!! What a tough morning, and Gabe was actually fairly cooperative (ThankyouThankyouThankyou!). I did not come home from work until after 11:00 last night. DH had lost his voice by then, which means he needed to cancel todays phone interviews. The interview went ok yesterday. It was hard to sell his experience into the particular job and he is not sure he likes the culture of the company. But anyway, I did not get to sleep until after midnight but the time Dh and I caught up a bit, I made GAbe's lunch and wound down. Then I overslept this morning, it was snowing which I did not expect, I did not want to wake DH and have him clear the car since he is sick, so I skipped my shower, got dressed and brushed off the car which of course was covered when I returned. I got Gabe up and he was a bit cranky waking up. He nursed. I got him dressed myself since DH had not woken up yet. At least Gabe only put up a half hearted fight. I like to leave by 7:45 but it was after 8:00 when we were in the car. I had to grab the big stroller because DH forgot the stroller at daycare since he picked up Gabe and did not need to take the stroller to get to the garage. There was little traffic (yeah) but we had to park on the far end of the garage because we were so late. I got Gabe into his classroom a few minutes before 9am and I was supposed to be started a hearing at work, across the street, at 9am. So I had to just hand Gabe over to the teacher in his coat and run. I did not even remember to say goodbye to him, I was focused on the teacher instead. I usually spend about 10 minutes transitioning him in each morning. I get his coat off, sit with him a bit, get him to the breakfast table if I can. Just toss him and run is so not my style. I was distracted during the hearing because I felt bad about how I had left him. I called after the hearing and he was fine when the other teacher I spoke to arrived at 9:00 and was happily reading a book with another teacher when I called. Oh, and I can't access the e-mail account told DH he could reach me through. For some reason It won't work at work. And I am tired. I need to get my coffee! End of Vent. Thanks.

DH did manage to order the kitchen yesterday. Now I have to order the piano, when it is finally in stock. I also need to check with the aunt and uncles to see if they know what they are getting him so I don't duplicate anything. I really want him to have the hot shot basketball toy by playhut, a shabbot playset and a few books. I mentioned all of these to the aunts and uncles as possiblities so now I am not sure if I should order them myself or not.

Jenyfer9

12-09-2005, 09:04 AM

Well it's very snowy here... we got about 10 inches last night. Of course, the boots that I won on Ebay for TJ haven't arrived yet. So even though he's finally feeling better, we can't go out and play! :(
Let's hope the boots arrive today!

Renrel

12-09-2005, 10:25 AM

Jenn - Sorry about the boots. What a bummer.

DH told me that last night Gabe offered him a piece of his blueberry pie. DH said no. It was for Gabe because Gabe was special. Gabe said "I'm not special." Dh said he was, Gabe insisted he was not. DH told him that he thought he was special. Gabe responded "I don't think I am special." DH listed every member of our family and that they each though Gabe was special. Gabe repeated each time. "I don't think I'm special." Such a humble boy. He makes up for his foolish parents.

Renrel

12-11-2005, 11:02 PM

We had an interesting weekend even though it was quiet. On Saturday we took Gabe out to play in the snow and he had his first snowball fight with us. I was so proud that he did not cry or complain when when we threw small little snowballs at him and when he threw them at us with such glee. He also had fun sledding but seemed to need us to get excited for him to get excited.

Then today he was not going down for his nap. He was playing in his crib. I look over at the monitor and see him pulling him self up and balancing on his belly, when I listened I could hear him saying "I'm flying." :eek: Then he starts putting his leg over the side, so I rush into his room. He is soooo proud of himself. All of his animals had "jumped" out of the crib and he decided he could do it to. I helped him out of the crib and then started throwing all the animals back in so they could all jump out again. Yikes! I am not ready to transition him to a bed or to have him jumping out of cribs. Later in the day he managed to throw himself off of the couch while DH was watching him. Hopefully he learned that it is not good to fall from heights and will be less interested in jumping out of his crib.

We had another bad TV day today. We stayed in all day and DH is still sick and has no voice. We were trying to get some stuff done around the house and let Gabe watch his signing time and his leap frog phonics dvds way to many times. First I did it in the morning to get some work done and than DH did it in the afternoon when I took an hour to do some personal shopping and left him alone with Gabe. :o

I tried to finish some on line holiday shopping this evening. I ordered the piano which is the gift from my inlawas and then was "window shopping" for a shabbot play set and accidently ordered one on amazon with a mailing address to my BIL's home. Dang one click shopping! :mad:

I did some window shopping at Marshals while I was out and they have a lot of really great toys. Unfortunately I am on a budget and not allowed to buy toys just to have them available for future use the way had have done in the past.

This week we start the transition to the new school. First partial day is Wedsnday. I have such mixed feelings. I don't really believe it is going to happen.

Jenyfer9

12-12-2005, 06:38 AM

Renrel: Actually, the big boy bed isn't bad at all. TJ's been in one since March (we moved him out so that we didn't have to invest in another crib for Will), and he started sleeping better in it right away... just have to make sure the entire room is toddler proof. We now put a gate up at TJ's door because he knows how to open the door. I'd much rather deal with that than having a kid throwing himself out of a crib. :eek:

Jenyfer9

12-12-2005, 06:43 AM

Also: Erinn... isn't your u/s this week? Keep us informed! You're in my thoughts!

kerrykate

12-12-2005, 07:09 AM

I was really mad on Friday, we got 2-4 inches of snow during the night and I didn't check the news before I left for work, and found out when I got there that there was a 2 hour delay:rolleyes: On the upside we did finally manage to close on our house. It's such a relief to have it done with, I was really starting to stress about it. Now the work begins, hopefully within 3-4 months I'll have some fantastic before and after pictures of the house.
Here is a really bad picture of the house from the early 90's that I took off the county website, but it gives you an idea of the house and large yard: Took pic down, didn't realize it was so gigantic!

We have used the rewards quite a few times and it works very well with Lauren. It makes life so much easier at times, especially when she's in a mood. She definitly has the system down. She hated putting on a hat and/or her hood. She would say it hurt, but I think is was more of a two year old defiance thing. So I told her if Mommy puts your hat on and you leave it on I'll give you a fruit snack(usually just a couple pieces not the whole pack). After doing that a couple times I can now just put her hat on, without the fruit snack and apparently it doesn't hurt anymore;) She has really really been good lately. The first few weeks after she turned 2, at times she could have been the poster child for the terrible 2's. But she's been great lately, hopefully it lasts...

Jenyfer~ The boys look so cute!

Alison~ Lauren acts the same way at my MIL's as Aiden did at his playdate. My MIL watches Lauren 2 days a week while I work and SIL has a 2.5 year old DD that she brings over so they can "play." They've been around each other since they were babies and they still bicker quite a bit. Since Lauren is at MIL's more I think she's more territorial and sees all toys and everything as being hers or she may see it as a competition for attention. I also think it could be a gender thing because other SIL has a 2.5 year old boy and when she brings him over to MIL's he and Lauren play great together. But she doesn't get along very well with her 2.5 year old female cousin. Who knows? Hopefully you'll have better luck with the kids at the next play date.

Erinn~ That's funny Renrel brought the religion thing back up because I was just thinking that I didn't respond to that. Although I don't have much to say, we are Catholic and have only been to church a few times since Lauren was born. I don't even think we went on Christmas last year:o I was telling dh the other day we need to start going again. It's hard though, because like you said I feel like I'm entertaining Lauren the whole time and trying to keep her quite so I don't get much out of it. Both of our parents are not very happy that we haven't been in so long. We have a church that we can literally see from our back deck so we have no excuses for not going.

Renrel~ I was at Marshalls on Saturday and I also love there toys. They've got some great books and puzzles too. I had Lauren stay home with dh so I was finally able to knock out a good amount of shopping.

Are you guys planning on taking DC to see Santa?
I think we are going on Saturday. I'm pretty sure Lauren won't want anything to do with him but we're going with other family members so maybe if she sees her older cousins do it she will too.

Renrel

12-12-2005, 07:32 AM

Jen- I don't think I can childproof the room enough to feel safe overnight. We have a space heater in there because the room gets very very cold. Gabe likes to climb up on the glider and I don't trust myself to remember to lock the glide everynight. There is a bookcase that he might decide to climb. And he acctually sleeps well for the most part, once we finally get him into his crib. I am not sure what we will do. Maybe get a crib tent. He loves tents, we actually have a sheet over the top of the crib right now just to make a tent so he is happier in his crib.

KerryKate - Congrats on the house. That looks like a nice piece of property, lots of room to expand the house as well as room to play.

Santa - Well, since we are Jewish I was not planning on bringing Gabe to see Santa, but his first day at the new school is the holiday party and they have Santa come. So if Gabe wants to sit on Santa's lap he will be allowed to but Santa will wish him a happy Chanuka and tell him the gift is from his parents, not from Santa. That is what my friend who told us about his daycare center does. Her only negative comments about the center was that Santa visits and it is in a Federal building which these days does not feel that safe, but since his present daycare is only a few building away how much safer is he now any way and there is great security there since they are aware they are more at risk as a target. How many daycares have a police officer sitting in at the entrance to their center?

Gabe seems to have calmed down a bit the last few days. Not to many tratrums. He actually let us get some stuff done over the weekend and not all of that was because the tv was on. This morning he let me leave daycare after reading one book without any fuss. I guess the negativeism comes and goes. I am wondering if some of it may be sleep related. That when he has a few nights of getting to bed late, or waking up he may be more short tempered the next day or two. Over the weekend he gets to sleep late, but his naps often get messed up.

jay&erinn

12-12-2005, 06:07 PM

It's been a busy week around here. I feel like I'm saying that a lot anymore. I'm really hoping things slow down a little after the new year. My brother, neice and a friend all were here over the weekend. It was nice to see them, but I hate cooking for that many people every night.

It's been a long day. DH got called out to work at 5:15 this morning. He still hasn't come home and told me he might not come home until really late- if at all. A co-worker was shot and killed during a traffic stop early this morning. Since DH is part of the forensics team, he's been at work forever- with every other state trooper in the area both looking for suspects and processing crime scenes. My heart goes out to all of them. It's definately one of my worst fears regarding his job.

Luckily my mom took today off and was able to watch Mia while I worked. I've been sick since last Tuesday and now have no voice. Definately makes my job a little more difficult- explaining a hearing aid to a patient is really tough when they can't hear in the first place. Hopefully it'll come back soon.

I go to hear the heartbeat tomorrow. Keep you fingers crossed for me and the baby. I'm taking Mia with me, which I hope isn't a mistake. I would hate to get bad news and have to deal with her and that at the same time.

We had our office Christmas party on Friday. One of my co-workers asked why I wasn't drinking on Friday. I had to lie, which I'm not good at. I'm not sure they bought it, but I'd like to keep it a secret for at least a few more weeks. Ideally I'd like to hear the heartbeat tomorrow, and then again in 4 weeks- then tell. That'd put me at 16 1/2 weeks which might not be easy to hide. We'll see.

kerrykate: Yea for the house! Are you planning on moving in right away, or doing some renovations first?

Renrel: The story of Gabe trying to fly was hysterical, although it would have scared me to death. I'm definately not ready for Mia to be in a bed yet. Of course, with my parents living here, it'll be awhile since they're sleeping in her new room.

Santa: We've been to see santa a few times. Mia is obsessed with him. However, she won't go near him when it comes time. We took her and my neice to see him the other day. The picture has my neice sitting on his lap smiling away with Mia standing off to the side, barely in the picture. At least she's in the picture, which is more than I thought I'd get. She does love the fact that he gives her M&Ms each time she gets within 10 feet of him.

Well, Mia's back to taking her diaper off every night:( . Last night we put her down with a diaper cover over her diaper (like the ones that come with dresses). The diaper was undone, but the cover kept in on. When I asked her what happened, she told me her diaper was too tight so she fixed it:rolleyes: I think we need to invest in some quality duck tape.

Renrel

12-13-2005, 09:12 AM

Errin - Think of you today and sending good thoughts your way.

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I think there was a mix up at the hospital and I got the baby of some polar circus troop. Gabe is forever trying to perform balancing acts. Standing on one foot in a yoga pose, trying to stand on a ball, flying on the edge of his crib the other day, trying to juggle balls (he gather three ball, tosses them all in the air so they fly in different directions and announces that he Did IT!). He also does not seem to mind sitting in an ice cold bathtub. I took a bath with him three times because this was necessary to get him to wash his hair without hysterics. I was getting quite cold but he did not notice. Then last night I gave him a bath in the other bathroom as he had been asking to do that. This bath has two knobs, cold and hot for turning on the bath water. He was able to turn the water on himself and ran the cold water several time until he pretty much was sitting in an ice bath. He still refused to get out of the tub. He even touched the water closer to the side where the facet was and commented that his was cold and made himself shiver which is sign langauge for cold but still it took me a good 10 minutes or so to get him out. He still wanted to play. He was putting bubbles in a bowl and mixing it up to cook food. When he put it on the side of the tub and I tryed to hold it so it would not fall out of the tub he kept pushing my hands away and telling he was cooking and I was going to burn myself if I did move my hands. :rolleyes:

Renrel

12-13-2005, 09:16 PM

How did it go today Errin? Everything OK? I am thinking about you and praying.

We spent the early evening today trying to weatherproof Gabe room since it is supposed to be really cold tonight. DH bought felt scrap material and we hung it over the window under his curtains for extra worth. He bought underrug padding and we just put it down like a rug under Gabe crib since the room is hardwood with a large area rug that does not cover everything. DH took some insulating boards and made a barrer to put between the outerwall of the house and Gabe's crib and hung some quilts we were not using over it. Hopefully that will help keep it warm in there overnight, though I am not sure Gabe even notices the cold given his willingness to sit in a ice cold bath.

Tomorrow we start transition into the new daycare. Wish us luck that it goes smoothly. Figures that Gabe is just starting to get into interactive play a bit and now I am going and changing all his friends. And I am expecting him to yell at the kids or the teachers when they don't sing "the lunchs song" before heading to the tables to eat. He made me sing the song yesterday because the characters in a book were about to eat and, according to him, they had to sing the song first.

mittyrd

12-14-2005, 06:56 AM

Erinn: How did it go? Anxiously waiting for news over here.....

kerrykate

12-14-2005, 07:36 AM

Erinn~ I'm thinking about you, hoping all went well.

Renrel~ Good luck with the transition. It'll be an adjustment but Gabe is a smart little guy and I'm sure he'll enjoy the new activities and new friends. I got the kitchen yesterday from jcpenny.com and they sent the wrong one. I called them and they said that they ran out of the one I ordered so they just sent this one instead. They didn't bother trying to call or email to see if that's what I wanted to do. I was so mad, so they are sending me a shipping label to send it back and are giving me a refund. Grrr, what a pain. I'm so glad you didn't order this one, I would have felt so bad!

Lauren has had really loose bm's the last 1.5 weeks and is sooo gassy, but she doesn't have a fever, no dehydration, no vomiting, no weight lose or anything. I called the nurse yesterday and she said there's an intestinal virus going around and it just has to run it's course there's nothing they can do for her. She suggested putting her on the BRAT(bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet to help clear it up. Hopefully it'll help.

shortcake

12-14-2005, 08:41 AM

Erinn - I hope all is well, we are thinking of you!

Renrel -Wow, sounds like you did a really good job weatherproofing his room. We are thinking of putting that 3M insulating plastic up on some of the windows in our house, since we have old aluminum ones, but that is as far as we've gotten!

Kerrykate -I hope Lauren's tummy feels better soon!

Gabrielle has been having the opposite problem as Lauren for a while now. She's got her mommy worried she has some crazy nervous system or muscular problem down there, since she never seems to have the urge to poop! When it does come (last couple times thanks to a suppository) it's not hard, so I don't think it hurts her. I finally got her dr to give me a prescription for a laxative (not that I want that, but I DO want to see a GI specialist and she said she won't refer us till we try the meds). Oh and it's not her diet - she's been doing great eating tons of prunes, juice, fiber, etc.

AlisonCO

12-14-2005, 09:26 AM

erinn - thinking about you - hoping to hear your good news today!

Renrel - good luck with the transition - hope it goes smoothly for everyone!

kerrykate - hope Lauren feels better - those stomach bugs are miserable!

shortcake - poor Gabrielle - hope she outgrows it!

Happy Wednesday!

Renrel

12-14-2005, 10:31 AM

Shortcake - We can't use the 3m stuff because we have big curved windows. The room also is drafty and cold just because is has lots of outside walls and not enough insulation. Sorry about the GI problems. Gabe often goes 2-3 days without a poop but since when he does go it is not hard or painful I don't worry about it. It amazes me he can eat as much fruit as he does without pooping. Gas though, peeUUU, I can't tell you how many times we thought he was telling stories when he said he was not poopy just to find it really was just gas.

Kerry - Sorry about Laurens belly troubles. Hope the Brat diet helps some.

The first stage of transition went well. I was worried because Gabe woke up at midnight and 5:00 this morning so his sleep was not great and then the walk over was soooo cold he was crying. My fingers were in pain inside my gloves. I was afraid that start to the day would ruin everything but he was very interested in everything at the new school. He liked the banana bread and apples sauce for breakfast and having me with him the whole time. We walked around exploring and played in housekeeping and with puzzles and blocks and read books. When the teachers started talking about going for a walk he kept running back and forth between the teacher who was reading a story he had been listening to and the doorway out to where the walk would be starting. He could not decide which activity he was more afraid to miss. The walk was through the building and included a ride in the elevator. He rode in the wagon but I am told the old kids like him usually walk. When it was time to go he was stalling and wanted to stay for lunch. If lunch was not ham I might have stayed. Then he ran in the other direction when I was trying to put on his coat and visited the preschool room and looked in the window to the infant room. They were watching a elmo Christmas video in one room and listening to a tape of a christmas story in other. I really was a bit uncomfortable with how much chistmas I was hearing. Lot of talk about Santa and presents and such which does not apply to Gabe. But they have been talking about other holidays like chanuka, kawansa and puansa(sp) but that is more like a special talk while Christmas is part of the give and take conversation. Gabe got very cranky on the walk back to his school and wanted to go to the car but he was fine when we got back to his regular classroom. I unfortunately had left his lunch at the new school, along with it seems my suit jacket, so I had to run out and get him something at the deli. I was suprised he sat so calmly eatting crackers and let me go given how cranky he was on the ride over. Tomorrow he hangs in the new classroom while I do the intake for an hour and a half. I hope that goes as well. There was a little girl transitioning with him. Her parents did the intake today.

shortcake

12-14-2005, 12:14 PM

Renrel -Sounds like overall he is liking the new school! I know what you mean about the Christmas stuff. In our playgroup everyone is talking about Christmas, and having playgroup Christmas parties, etc. It is omnipresent. Do you keep kosher? (You mentioned the ham at his new school). Sounds like that would be hard to keep up there.

Oh and with the GI stuff - she was doing 2-3 days and that was totally fine with me, but now that it's longer (up to a week before I gave in and gave her a suppository, so I don't know how long it would have been) I worry. But I actually cried after I gave her the medicine this morning because I hate to medicate her, especially when MAYBE it is normal for her to go that long! But I don't think trying this for a month or so will hurt her - and then after that we can see the specialist if it's still worrisome. I just feel like after a week - and with so much built up in her system (because a ton came out) it is so weird that she wasn't even trying to go at all.

Renrel

12-14-2005, 01:05 PM

Shortcake - We keep psydo kosher. I try to maintain kind of a kosher eatting style so Gabe has some idea of what our cultural norm is and so I don't completely lose the attachment to Judism I had made before I got married. So I buy only Kosher meat for the house and try to avoid mixing milk and meat. I on rare occassions will have some shell fish or bacon but only if it is really go to make me happy, not just because it is there and I won't eat it knowingly if it is Shabbot. DH laughs at my Shabbot rule but respects it. We will have to bring in alternate meals for Gabe on occassion at the new school, for days like today when they are having ham.

A week or more does sound like alot though I read or had my doctor tell me once that he knew a kid who went something like 3 weeks without a bowel movement and was just fine. Are there any foods that might stimulate a need to go? I know coffee will do that for me, maybe giving her some dilute coffee milk might move things along more naturally? I don't think coffee milk would be much worse than chocolet milk. Just an idea, no medical basis or anything for it.

Errin - Thinking about you and worrying. I hope all is well.

shortcake

12-14-2005, 01:35 PM

Renrel - I am laughing thinking about giving her coffee milk! A real Seattle girl. :) We have given her very little chocolate but I have given her a bit more since this problem started since I think it has a similar effect as coffee. I have given her prunes and all that kind of stuff, so that's why I'm ready to go to something less natural I guess. Glad to hear about the 3 weeker! Maybe she's like that. That's why I wanted to go to the specialist - maybe he'll just say "she's unusual but normal" and be done with it! I think we'll go with the medicine for a little while in order to get the OK to go to the specialist if needed. She is totally not in pain or anything (I think she was uncomfortable by the time it hit a week, but not till then), so it's bothering me MUCH more than it's bothering her. And all this medicine does is to draw water into the stool, it's not a stimulant at all, so I don't think it can hurt her.

jay&erinn

12-14-2005, 07:20 PM

Sorry for the delay in update. Thanks for all your concern. I really appreciate it. The doctor's appt went well. The doctor found the heartbeat in about 3 seconds. It was a huge relief. I'm hoping to continue hiding the pregnancy for another month until we hear the heartbeat again. We'll see.

I would have updated sooner, but DH has been working so many hours, and Mia's having some difficulty with it. This morning was the first she'd seen him in 3 days. She laid in bed with him and cuddled, kept kissing him and smiling. It was so cute. She's been pretty whiny and is back to taking her diaper off. It only happens when DH or I aren't around to put her to bed. I think she's definately reacting to not having DH around. She usually spends Mon, Wed and Fri mornings with him, and that hasn't happened this week. I also had a hair cut last night and wasn't home in time for bedtime. Today at the sitter's she took her diaper off during nap and peed and pooped in the bed. I don't know what to do with her. Unfortunately DH and I have to go to the police memorial service tomorrow night and will leave her with my parents and Friday DH will be at the funeral all morning and working all afternoon. I think things are going to get worse instead of better.

Renrel: It sounds like the transition is going smoothly. That's a difficult situation with the Christmas discussion. Would your family have ideas on how to handle it? I would assume that they had to deal with the same problem while you were growing up- maybe they would have some advice. I worked in a daycare while going through college. It was a university run daycare, so it was a pretty ideal setting. It was a teaching setting plus had mostly professor's children enrolled. We discussed all of the holidays in depth and often asked parents of children to help set up activities/books for the kids centered around their religion. Maybe you could volunteer for half a day to go talk about chanuka, introduce the kids to different foods that you eat around the holidays, and play some of the games you would with Gabe. The kids in my class were 3- 4 year olds and of many different backgrounds- out of 18 kids 5 were bilingual so there were many nationalities to consider.
I wish I could give you other ideas. I'll have to ask at work, but the two of my co-workers that are Jewish were SAH moms until their kids were older. I would think it would be easier to handle when the kids aren't bombarded everyday.

kerrykate: Is the BRAT diet helping? I hope Lauren is feeling better soon.

shortcake: How are you feeling? When's your due date?

Jenyfer9

12-14-2005, 07:57 PM

Erinn: I'm so happy for you! Thanks for updating us. When you weren't checking in I got worried for you! I also understand the problems associated with dh working so much. DS#1 has really had a difficult time with dh working a bunch of extra days... it's tough on BOTH of them (and me too).

Well TJ was diagnosed with his first ear infection (and both ears at that!) yesterday, so hopefully we'll ALL kick this bug soon! I'm so sick of my kids being sick!!!!!

shortcake

12-15-2005, 08:55 AM

erinn - Glad all is well with your pregnancy! I'm feeling pretty good - better than 1st trimester, that's for sure. I'm due May 26th. (Aren't you due around there too?)

AlisonCO

12-15-2005, 09:07 AM

The doctor found the heartbeat in about 3 seconds.

Oh erinn! I am so happy and relieved for you:) :) :)

Have a great day everyone!

Renrel

12-15-2005, 11:35 AM

Errin :D :D :D :D :D :D
I will talk to my parents about this Holiday stuff but I don't think there is much that I can do this year other than roll with it. I mentioned it at the intake today and the directer was a little unhappy to hear that the teachers were having the kids calling Santa on the phone. She assured me that they tend to focus on one holiday a week and that during that week a classroom will be very focused on that holiday. Which if fine so long as Christmas is just like Kawansa which is just like Chanuka etc, rather than Christmas is the norm and the rest are cultural awareness. She also told me how my friend and her husband come into the preschool room and do a big chanaka thing since they know about it and the teachers don't. I would not only be welcome but encouraged to do the same. But that is not going to happen this year with him being in the class a week before chanuka starts. But they do have a giant manorah for the kids to play with and I saw another one on the wall. She told me they will light a candle each day during Chanuaka. So they are trying. But there is that giant inflated chistmas tree with a snowman sitting on top when you come in the door. Ah, well. We will deal. The directer told me she had hoped we would not be starting till January so that we would not have to deal with this until he had been in the school a year and was were more settled.

I think when I was in Kindergarden, in a public school, my parents and other Jewish parents had to complain about a Catholic teacher showing a movie called something like the littles angel about Jesus. And the teacher did not get why it was a problem. So things could be worse.

Jen- Sorry about the ear infection. Hope it clears up quickly now that you know what you are dealing with.
---------
Transition when great again today. DH dropped Gabe off while I parked the second car so I can work late tonight. DH got a quick tour of the school and asked a few questions. Then he left and I managed to seperate from Gabe and get into the office for intake. Seperation was easier then many of the ones in the morning from the present daycare. I spent well over 2 hours being orientated to the daycare center and filling them in on Gabe. Gabe apparently was playing that whole time like he had been in this school forever. He mostly played by himself and with the teachers who was was very warm too but did inteact a bit with the kids. He even taught the class the C is for cookie song after one of the teachers sang it G is gabriel which is there name game song. He told her he did not like it the way she sang it and told her the "right" way to sing it and she encouraged all the kids to listen and learn which I am told made Gabe feel very important. He did the walk around the building since the weather was cold outside and painted and ate lunch, 2 servings of everything before I was finally ready to leave. I took the big stroller instead of the umbrella because the path between the schools is rough with all the snow, that let him lay down and he was practically asleep when we arrived at his present daycare. Easy transition to his mat.

Tomorrow he spends the morning in his present daycare and after nap will go visit the new one. It would be nice if it is warm enough to go on the playground but I think the weather is supposed to be bad. Then monday he will have a full day at the present daycare to say good bye. I think I will bring in cupcakes or something. Then Tuesday it is a full day at the new daycare, and holiday party with Santa. Then Thursday we will visit back at the present daycare at the end of the day for their holiday party. Friday he will stay home with DH since daycare is closed. I reserved a pass for the children's museum so they should have fun.