March Moms 2007 - sippy cups and walking shoes!

[March2007Mommies]

March 2007 Mommies
32 Babies are here, including Two sets of Twins!


Team Blue (It's a boy!): 8
Mochi, Shimmerstar, dollface, kindermom, ladybug0525, marriedagoalie, whitlockan, happy1nuv

Team Pink (It's a girl!): 16
Brink x2, goldengbridge, ieducate, Nanner, Tandis x2, Betsyboop, Danalou, Buffy, mmm0708, peewee9196, Kanga, MommyInPA

Team Green (It's a surprise!): 8
Janey (Girl), lady1297 (Boy), Sherb (Girl), Orion (Boy), MrsKinnison (Boy), sneak (Boy), littlemia (girl), Miaclear (boy), Deelcie (girl)

~~~~~

If you are new here, congratulations! We hope you will consider joining us. We look forward to sharing this amazing journey together! Please posts all updates in RED.

Please list your stats in RED in your first post.

CC Name:
Me: Name, age
DH: Name, age
Married: Date
DC: Name
Birthdate: Date
Siblings: (Other kids & their birthdates)
Photo Albums: (Links to your online photo albums)


Good places to make photo albums: Flickr (http://www.flickr.com), Photobucket (http://photobucket.com/), Picasa Web Albums (https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?hl=en_US&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2F&passive=true&service=lh2), Phanfare (http://www.phanfare.com/), Smugmug (http://www.smugmug.com/).


The threadmistresses are Miaclear. Feel free to PM her if you have any questions/comments regarding the thread.


Our previous threads are here...
* March 2007 Mommies: First Trimester Fun!! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21814)
* March 2007 Mamas - Trimester Two! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24356)
* March 2007 Mamas: Third Trimester! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27247)
* March 2007 Mamas: Babies Incoming! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29957)

[March2007Mommies]

Mama Roster


Betsyboop
Me: Betsy, 28
DH: Dave, 31
Married: 10/18/03
DC: Amelia Claire
Birthdate: 3/4/07
Siblings:
Photo Albums:


Brink - TWINS!
Me: Tina - 36
DH: Dan - 37
Married: 6/26/04
DC: Katherine (Katie) Louise & Kristi Anne
Birthdate: 1/31/07
Siblings: Aimee Jean 9/25/05
Photo Albums:


Buffy
Me: Erin, 31
DH: Mitch, 32
Married: 10/06/01
DC: Morgan Alexis
Birthdate: 3/8/07
Siblings: Addison Elizabeth 1/23/03, Riley Grace 4/25/05
Photo Albums:


danalou
Me: Dana, 29
DH: Matt, 32
Married: 8/21/04
DC: Mackenzie Danielle
Birthdate: 3/12/07
Siblings:
Photo Albums:


deelcie
Me: Diana, 36
DH: Roberto, 45
Married: 10/12/02
DC: Reikke Meiling
Birthdate: 3/17/07
Siblings: Deacon Archer, 6/16/04


dollface
Me: Stacy, 35
DH: Damon, 38
Married: 6/15/02
DC: Davin Oliver
Birthdate: 3/7/07
Siblings: n/a
Photo Albums:


GAmommy
Me: Robin, 24
DH: Brian, 26
Married: 7/23/06
DC: Laci Rebecca
Birthdate:
Siblings: Christopher 5/18/04
Photo Albums:


goldengbridge
Me: Jen
DH: Miguel
Married: 9/6/03
DC: Ashlyn Michelle
Birthdate: 2/23/07
Siblings: Andrew 8/28/04, ^Jacob^ born sleeping on 4/3/06 at 18w 4d.
Photo Albums:


happy1nuv
Me: Rosa, 31
DH: Jeff, 32
Married: 9/21/02
DC: Joseph Charles
Birthdate: 3/23/07
Siblings: Dominic (nic) 5/18/05
Photo Albums:


ieducate
Me: Karen, 34
DH: Andrew, 35
Married: 8/1/04
DC: Julia Rose
Birthdate: 1/13/07
Siblings:
Photo Albums:


Janey
Me: Janey, 33
DH: B, 41
Married: 9/24/05
DC: K
Birthdate: 2/27/07
Siblings:
Photo Albums:


Kanga
Me: Liz
DH: Chad
Married: 12/11/04
DC: Camdyn Natalie
Birthdate: 03/11/07
Siblings: Daytona Bailey, 10/25/05 and 3 kitties
Photo Albums:


kindermom
Me: Noel, 32
DH: Sean, 35
Married: 5/04
DC: Henry
Birthdate: 3/9/07
Any other children: Madelyn, 8/05.
Photo Albums:


lady1297
Me: Rita, 28
DH: Joe, 29
Married: 12/27/02
DC: John Albert
Birthdate: 2/12/07
Siblings: Edward, a labrador retriever, Sophie, and two cats, Gizmo and Callie
Photo Albums:


ladybug0525
Me: Judie, 30
DH: Jason, 32
Married: 5/25/02
DC: Cooper Joseph
Birthdate: 3/14/07
Siblings: Jack
Photo Albums:


littlemia
Me: 30
DH: 30
Married: 4/26/03
DC: Claire Nicole
Birthdate: 3/21/07
Siblings: No, just Mia, our fiesty mini dachshund
Photo Albums:


MarriedaGoalie
Me: Tosha, 22
DH: Rob, 26
Married: 5/20/05
DC: Carter Thomas
Birthdate: 3/24/07
Siblings: Quentin, 9 (Stepson)
Photo Albums:


Miaclear
Me: Amy, 30
DH: Dirk, 31
Married: 9/18/04
DC: Aaron Fredric
Birthdate: 3/20/07
Siblings: Just fur babies. Luca our cat and Jackson our dog.


mmm0708
Me: Melissa, 27
DH: Neil, 30
Married: 3/3/04
DC: Caitlin Abigail
Birthdate: 3/23/07
Siblings: Dillon Hunter
Photo Albums:


Mochi
Me: Michelle, 34
DH: H, 35
Married: 7/01
DC: Niko
Birthdate: 2/25/07
Siblings: DS, "K" 2 years old
Photo Albums:


MrsKinnison
Me: Hillary, 32
DH: Chris, 35
Married: 11/27/04
DC: Ollie Christopher
Birthdate: 3/13/07
Siblings: 2 dogs, Maggie & Simon and 2 cats, Benjamin & Moses
Photo Albums:


MommyinPA
Me: Kristina, 31
DH: Chris, 34
Married: 6/24/01
DC: Kaia Michaela
Birthdate: 1/29/07
Siblings: SD DeAnna 1/94, Christopher 11/01, Cade 8/05
Photo Albums: Register at carepages.com (http://www.carepages.com/); then enter kaiabear at Visit A Carepage (http://www.carepages.com/ServeCarePage?).


Nanner
Me: Dana, 36
DH: Scott, 34
Married: 3/27/04
DC: Hannah Jeanne
Birthdate: 3/2/07
Siblings: Sam, 6/23/05
Photo Albums:


Orion
Me: Jess, 28
DH: Justin, 28
DC: Dalton Alistair
Birthdate: 3/13/07
Siblings: Sophie Madeline, 12/11/05
Photo Albums:


Pewee9196
Me: Elizabeth, 33
DH: David 31
Married: 3/9/01
DC: Isabella Carmyn
ADD: 3/24/07
Siblings: furbaby Seamus
Photo Albums:


Sherb
Me: Aimee, 27
DH: R, 32
Married: 9/18/04
DC: Madeline Ruby
Birthdate: 3/5/07
Siblings: Sherbert, a very cute dog & Blossom, a very crazy cat
Photo Albums:


Shimmerstar
Me: Rachel, 27
DH: Neil, 28
Married: 6/15/02
DC: Noah Harrison
ADD: 2/14/07
Siblings:
Photo Albums:


Sneak
me: 26
DH: 33
married: 4/4/04
DC: Tarrren Anders
Birthdate: 3/15/2007
Siblings: Jenalyn, 03/12/05
Photo Albums:


Tandis - TWINS!
Me: 30
DH: 32
Married: 4/26/03
DC: Veronica Judith & Audrey Diann
Birthdate: 3/5/07
Siblings:
Photo Albums:


whitlockan
Me: Amber, 24
Father: Jerry, 26
Married: 5/8/04
DC: Zachary Aiden
Birthdate: 3/24/07
Siblings: Shadow 9 years; Jester 1 year 5 months
Photo Albums:


Always in our hearts: Cherry, StacieLady, Tipsy

[March2007Mommies]

Babies By Birthdate


January
13 - ieducate - Julia Rose
29 - MommyInPA - Kaia Nicole
31 - Brink - Katherine (Katie) Louise & Kristi Anne


February
12 - Lady1297 - John Albert
14 - Shimmerstar - Noah Harrison
23 - Goldengbridge - Ashlynn Michelle
25 - Mochi - Niko
27 - Janey - K


March
2 - Nanner - Hannah Jeanne
4 - Sherb - Madeline Ruby
4 - Betsyboop - Amelia Claire
5 - Tandis - Veronica Judith & Audrey Diann
7 - Dollface - Davin Oliver
8 - buffy - Morgan Alexis
9 - Kindermom - Henry
11 - danalou - Mackenzie Danielle
11 - kanga - Camdyn Natalie
13 - orion - Dalton Alistair
13 - MrsKinnison - Ollie Christopher
14 - ladybug0525 - Cooper Joseph
15 - sneak - Tarren Anders
17 - deelcie - Reikke Meiling Fuentes
20 - miaclear - Aaron Fredric
21 - littlemia - Claire Nicole
23 - mmm0708 - Caitlin Abigail
23 - happy1nuv - Joseph Charles
24 - whitlockan - Zachary Aiden
24 - PeeWee - Isabella Carmyn
24 - MarriedAGollie - Carter Thomas

[March2007Mommies]

Open for posting!!!

[MarriedaGoalie]

Yay!! Am I the first offiicial post in the new thread?!

I have been sort of MIA since I have been so busy party planning and out of town on a work trip. We had Carter's 1 year WBV on Tuesday morning and he was....

Weight: 23 lbs, 4 oz (50%)
Height: 30 1/4 inches (50%)

We discussed letting him have whole milk and being able to turn his car seat around. I haven't really done either yet, but we now have the option. I am actually thinking about not turning him around ... I know it is much safer rear-facing.

We had his first 1st birthday party last Saturday in our hometown in Kansas and it turned out wonderful. He had a blast eating cake. He got bored with opening presents really quick, but he had fun. He got tons of books, which was what I was hoping for!

http://images33.fotki.com/v1115/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1980-vi.jpg

http://images35.fotki.com/v1154/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1982-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1082/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1983-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1143/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1985-vi.jpg

http://images31.fotki.com/v1085/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1987-vi.jpg

http://images31.fotki.com/v1084/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1988-vi.jpg

[MarriedaGoalie]

http://images32.fotki.com/v1088/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1989-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1143/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_1999-vi.jpg

http://images36.fotki.com/v1155/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_2026-vi.jpg

http://images36.fotki.com/v1160/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_2042-vi.jpg

http://images31.fotki.com/v1084/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_2045-vi.jpg

http://images31.fotki.com/v1100/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_2046-vi.jpg

[MarriedaGoalie]

He thinks the sign for "more" is the sign for money now. haha

http://images32.fotki.com/v1092/photos/1/1116680/6047857/IMG_2052-vi.jpg

[shimmerstar]

Mag, cool decorations! I love the kiss picture, it is so sweet.

We have a molar that has broken through. Teething was never a problem for him but has been hell this time. He also caught hand foot and mouth at school again and is finally on the mend. He actually slept through the night twice this week, which is a big improvement.

His favorite things at the moment are propel water, his push car, books, and animals. Sometimes I want to hide all of his books! I'm all for reading, but not the same book for an hour. :p

[miaclear]

shimmer.... we too read and read and read. Our problem though is that he wants to read the first three pages of every book. And no more.

MAG.... looks like a great party!

Teeth....We got tooth #9 and #10! He was slightly fussy and clingy earlier in the week but I wasn't sure if it was his vax shots, the grandparents leaving, or the introduction of sugar into his diet (birthday cake). Maybe a little of everything but I'm sure the teeth had something to do with it.

[danalou]

MAG - It looks like the party was a bit hit with everyone involved as you can tell you put a great amount of time into the details. All of the cakes look taste and really cute!! I think it is too funny how he signals for more!!

Miaclear - I hope the teeth didn't cause too many issues as I can't believe he is on to #11!!

[betsyboop]

Wow, I can't believe we're in the toddler section now:(

MAG- Your party looked great!

Miaclear- 10 teeth, wow!

[Tandis]

MAG - Love the cakes, and that kiss picture is too cute! Glad the party was a success!

Teeth - V has 11 teeth - three of those being molars - with #12 on it's way (also a molar). A has eight teeth, but with the way her gums are swollen, I think she's starting on her molars as well. :rolleyes: Teething is no fun.

[MarriedaGoalie]

I took the night off from class on Carter's actual birthday. We went to eat at Shiki (our favorite Japanese hibachi restaurant) and he had a blast. Here is a picture from his actual birthday.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1136/photos/1/1116680/6073760/Picture021-vi.jpg

On Sunday, March 30th, we had his birthday party at our house here in Oklahoma. We had quite the turnout and he got tons of books and some clothes. It was perfect! Here are a few pictures from his birthday party at our house....

http://images33.fotki.com/v1120/photos/1/1116680/6072329/Picture034-vi.jpg

http://images19.fotki.com/v285/photos/1/1116680/6072329/Picture035-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1148/photos/1/1116680/6072329/Picture036-vi.jpg

http://images35.fotki.com/v1127/photos/1/1116680/6072329/Picture050-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1145/photos/1/1116680/6072329/Picture051-vi.jpg

[danalou]

MAG - I have to say Carter is too cute when it comes to eating birthday cake!! He has those looks that he flashes that just make you want to laugh!! It looks like you had another successful party and that is great. I hope you enjoyed your night off with the boys as everyone needs a break!!

DD's 1st Steps - copied from LJ


That is correct last night when we got home from daycare Mackenzie actually took her first attempt at walking on her own.

After settling in from daycare and work I was getting dinner ready in the kitchen and I had given Mackenzie her Nuby straw cup with milk to see how she would do with it in a setting different than the highchair. She did really well with it and was even sitting in her chair drinking it for another first. She has been standing on her own for a couple weeks now so at first it didn't surprise me to see her keep standing up from the seated position all with her Nuby still in both hands. Then I brought her cup in the kitchen and as she was standing again with the cup I let go of her and she was a bit shaky and then once she balanced herself she took about three steps. She did this two other times and all of them happened before DH got home from work. I guess at least I got to see the first attempt versus daycare!! I think this is just the beginning as once she masters the whole balance thing I think we will have a little monster on our hands. You should see her and the walker as she is from one end of the house to the other in a blink of the eye!!

I can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast as once she starts walking all the time it will be official she will be a toddler and not my little baby!!

[miaclear]

Errr....I can't win with this nap thing sometimes. I wouldn't mind if he gave up his morning nap but sometimes it just seems like he NEEDS the morning nap. Goes down easily enough and sleeps for two hours. And then again in the afternoon. Right now he's just screaming and screaming though. If I knew he'd be fine for the afternoon I'd go get him. But we have Gymboree at 12:15 and I don't want him falling asleep in the middle of it. Man do I hate it when he screams like this though. I actually thought maybe he had a poopy diaper so I went in there and of course he didn't. I settled him back down and of course when I went to lay him back down he was REALLY mad. Lesson learned :rolleyes:

QOTD: how many naps are your babes taking now?

[betsyboop]

Millie has been taking 1 nap per day since about a week before her birthday. It's about 1.5, maybe 2 hours long and normally starts at about 11:30am. So, she's up for 3.5 hours before the nap and then 6.5-7 hours after the nap before bed time.

[Janey]

We're still on 2 naps. She'll nap between 9:30 - 11:30 AM, and then from 3:00 - 5:00 or thereabouts. Then she's up until 9:30 PM when we all brush our teeth & go to bed together.

I have been blessed with an easy sleeping baby. I say, "Is it time for night-night?" And if she is tired, she will look at me, wave, and nod her head. So I say, "Okay!" And I lay her down, pull the blanket up to her chest and say, "Here is your blankie!" and then I give her her favorite teddy bear and I say, "And here is your bear!" She hugs her bear and is so glad to see him. I say, "Okay! See you in a little while (or "in the morning" if it's bedtime)! Mama loves you!" And I leave. Rarely do I hear a peep until it's time to wake up.

[shimmerstar]

Noah has been on one nap since about 10 months I think. I'm having a hard time remembering all his milestones! He loves his nap and never gives us a hard time about it. He sleeps for 2.5 hours almost every day. We do something similar to Janey. If it's nap I just lay him down, and if it's bed we do our routine. When he lays down he will turn on his crib aquarium and just go to sleep. I was always adamant about putting him down awake, and I guess it's paying off now. Until he cuts his next tooth, that is.

I took him to see my friend's newborn today and he couldn't have cared less. He just wanted to see the dogs. Then I was holding the baby, who was fussing, and trying to keep Noah from grabbing the heater, and I thought "I will never be ready for two kids". :eek:

[littlemia]

MAG- Looks like you parties turned out great! Love all of the decorations.

Naps- We are at one 2 hour nap on a good day. Every once and a while she does not nap at all.

Shimmer- Newborns are probably boring to him because they don't do much. Dogs are fun! Claire LOVES them. I don't know if I'll ever be ready for two kids either. Maybe in a year I'll change my mind.

[danalou]

Naps - I am pretty sure DD still takes two naps at daycare as she gets up earlier than she would on the weekend. We struggle with naps on the weekends as lately it has only been one nap, but you can tell she needs a second one. The child just fits them on the weekends like she is going to miss something!!

[Tandis]

Naps - They alternate between one and two a day. Audrey still really needs to take one in the morning, and another in the afternoon, but some days she just combines for a two hour nap around noon. Veronica usually goes with only one nap, also some time around noon but she can go anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. But that's at their grandparents house - where it's quiet, and dark, and there is an air purifier in the room to drown out all noise :rolleyes: On the weekends, we can never make it quiet and dark in their room, so they take crappy naps.

[MarriedaGoalie]

So... here's my story.... changed Carter's diaper this morning and he is COVERED in little red bumps (almost like little pimples). I really hope it isn't the chickenpox, but I bet it is. My neighbor and I are doing a test... I am just going to give him a little Benadryl to see if it helps clear it up. If it is just a rash, it probably will help. If not, it is probably the chicken pox. She is a pharmacist and has given me the dosage amounts for the Benadryl. The bad news... my husband and 10-year-old step son have NOT had the chicken pox. Looks like I am on my own with this one! *Sigh!*

[whitlockan]

mag if you confirm its chicken box you need to get at least your hubby out of the house until he recovers. It is ecspecially dangerous for adults. You need to at least get your husband an updated vaccination. My hubby thought he had never had them either and our ped informed use to get him a shot.....at least have him call his doc and run it by them. Crossing my fingers its not! Great Party btw.

naps I really dont know how to count this. He gets up 5:30-6:00 am, by 6:25 he is in the truck and naps for 10 min and now only takes one 1-1/2 hour nap at school. He sleeps on the way home (4:45-5:00is) for another 10 min and then is down by 7:15-7:30ish. We are only waking 1 time a night for a few min and puts himself back to sleep...yaya...but it didnt happen without continued sleep training that I am totally against.

These top 2 eye teeth are the WORST. He will not eat anything but the stupid arrow cookie things....he does nurse though. At school he manages to eat but today he will not eat and keeps screaming the entire time. The left one is all bloody on the gum and the right one is most of the way through. When will it end. Perhaps this is why he has stopped talking these past few days, he really says nothing just screams. Motrin does not help!!

12 month blood work came back, no food allergies just apparently sensativities but anemic :(. They like to see minimum 32 he is 30.9......he gets to take crushed up flinstones with iron, thankfully he is taking those otherwise she was going to prescribe the nasty icky Iron drops. He has to take htem everyday until his 15 month then will get another blood test to see what were at. Is this run in the family by any chance. I find it odd my mom was as a child and so was I.

Gotta go screaming child.....

[goldengbridge]

MAG- Does Carter have a fever? It could be roseola too if he has a fever. Just a thought.

[whitlockan]

also just thought of this, our ped told us to watch for a fever and rash 1-2 weeks after recieving hisMMR that is a possible reaction. I assume carter just recently had this? Just something else to think about right

[miaclear]

Yeah...our Ped told us there was a 5-10% chance that DS would get either the pox or mumps from the vax. So if he just had the shot that could be the reasoning. Regarding your hubby MAG, I've never had the pox either but I was checked when I got pregnant and am immune. He may be too.

[betsyboop]

MAG- I hope Carter is doing ok! Definitely keep your DH away from him just in case though. I never had chicken pox as a kid and I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but Dave got shingles when I was in the first trimester of pregnancy and we found out that I was not immune to chicken pox at that point. So you just never know.

Did some babies get the MMR at their 12 month visit?? Just curious since I think Millie's first dose is at her 15 month. She definitely didn't get it yet though.

[MarriedaGoalie]

Yeah, Carter just had his shots last Tuesday (March 25th), so it has been about 11 days ago. I ended up taking him to the Urgent Care center and they said it wasn't the chicken pox. The doctor there told me it was folliculitis... which is an infection of the hair follicles. I'm not sure where that came from, but that is what they said it was.... I am still going to keep an eye on him, though. It just seems like there is way too much going on right now for it to be that.... Hmm.

[danalou]

MAG - I hope Carter is feeling better as that would have been a real mess with Chicken Pox in your household!!

[ieducate]

Mag, I hope that Carter feels better soon. Have you seen any change in the bumps or are they the same? Also, did they give you any meds for him at the Urgent Care?

[MarriedaGoalie]

We have been giving him an antibiotic to make it go away, but we did forget to give it to him a couple of times, so the spots are still there but they are fading away a little bit. Hopefully we will remember to give him his meds more regularly and then they will go away completely. Thanks for asking, girls!

[littlemia]

Hope Carter gets better soon, MAG.

danalou- Belated congrats to Mackenzie on walking.

QOTD- What kind of music do you listen to with your dc? The only kids' music I have is a 5 CD Classic Disney set, so we mostly listen to my music which I guess is rock/alternative. She loves it. She just learned to move her feet when dancing and she totally rocks out.

[Janey]

We listen to a wide variety of music just as a matter of course. Jazz, classical, rock, rockabilly, alternative, world ... whatever we're in the mood for. She seems to like it all. My favorite kids CDs are by Elizabeth Mitchell (http://youaremyflower.org/home.html).

[miaclear]

QOTD: Great topic. Here's the three CDs we listen to the most.

Parachute Express, Feel the Music
http://www.parachuteexpress.com/music/cds/feel.gif

Parachute Express, Sunny Side Up
http://www.parachuteexpress.com/music/cds/sunny.gif

Frances Englund, Fascinating Creatures
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61EVBV9H1QL._SL500_AA240_.jpg

[shimmerstar]

I am not into baby music at all, so we always listen to what I like. He gets lots of baby music at school, and I grew up on rock and roll, so I would like to steer him in the same direction. :)

[betsyboop]

Millie loves all music though she seems mostly into classic rock oddly enough. Led Leppelin was the first thing she ever danced to, but she'll pretty much dance to anything these days- the ring tone on my cell phone, a jingle on the radio, Dave practicing scales on his guitar, etc. Seriously anything. She swivels her hips, bobs her head, moves her feet around, shimmies her shoulders- she really gets into it. She'll dance standing up, sitting down, or even on her back on the changing table. I can't wait to sign her up for ballet someday:D

I'm not sure if I answered the question:o We don't do "kid music" at all. She listens to whatever we're listening to- rock/alternative, classic rock, R&B, rap, metal, etc. She actually really likes my dad's smooth jazz as well.

Mia- What kind of music is that that you posted? I've never heard of either of them.

[danalou]

Music - Typically we put on the 80's music channel and DD really seems to like the hair bands!! We sometimes put on the Sirius Kids channel, but DH and I get bored of the music quickly!!

[ieducate]

Music: JR will listen to anything also. She mostly enjoys Oy Baby music though...as that is what we mostly have on in the car. There are two cds (match the videos) of Jewish music and she just loves it. She also listens to the Disney collection (5 cds) of your average, everyday children songs, and is just as happy listening to my variety of songs or dh's. She just LOVES music. We have a music class we go to every once a week and she just loves instruments and the sound of music. She loves her baby piano and loves to sing into the microphone. I think I have the next American Idol here. :)

[miaclear]

BetsyBoop....Parachute Express is very kid like music. It's the music they play at Gymboree. Clapping hands, stretching, happy songs, some sleepy time songs. I like it though. We listen to it when we play in his nursery. The other one is very folksy guitar music. If you didn't listen to the lyrics you might not realize it's kids music.

[Tandis]

Music - The girls listen to whatever I have on the radio. Personally, I absolutely hate kids music and I'm really hoping they won't be too into that if I don't give them the opportunity to listen to it ;)

But I have caught them rockin' out to the Grateful Dead, and they enjoy Polka when we're dancing around the living room :D

[MarriedaGoalie]

Carter finally took a couple of steps! They were very wabbly steps, but he did it!! I am so happy for him! :)

[danalou]

MAG - That is great news!!

[betsyboop]

Congrats, Carter!

Ok, is Millie officially the only baby in this group that isn't walking yet? She is just completely not interested in it at all, so I don't even think it's right around the corner. She will walk holding on to one of my or Dave's hands or holding on to her walker thing, but absolutely will not stand or attempt to walk without holding on to something. I joined a play group for 14-18 month olds that started this week and she's the only one there that isn't walking, so I'm hoping that some peer pressure will kick in:p It's just weird because Dave and I were both early walkers, so it's surprising that she's so late. Oh well. We're starting to get nervous that she'll take her first steps while we're in China- what a let down that'll be!

[Tandis]

MAG - That's fantastic! Way to go Carter!

Betsy - Neither of my girls are walking yet, so don't feel left out :) V is just starting to get the confidence to stand on her own, but she thinks it's funny to fall into my arms rather than take any steps. A won't stand without holding on to something, and has no interest in trying to walk.

[danalou]

Betsy - Believe me it will happen when you least expect it and surprise you!! I really think with the change of weather happening and being outside that is part of the reason DD started walking. I just don't think she liked crawling on the cement as I know it isn't exactly comfortable!!

[Janey]

K isn't walking either. She'll cruise around the furniture, climb my legs when she wants up, etc ... but she won't stand on her own, and no walking. She didn't crawl until after 11 months so I am not expecting miracles in the walking department. :p

[MarriedaGoalie]

Oh, Carter's not walking. He just took a couple of steps. He is one lazy child and prefers to crawl! :)

[shimmerstar]

Let's all post an update. I would love to see all of your kiddos!

Name:
Age:
Stats:
Favorite foods:
Favorite toys/games:
New tricks:
What's driving you crazy right now?
Recent picture:

[shimmerstar]

Name: Noah
Age: 14 months
Stats: about 31.75 in, 26 lbs!
Favorite foods: green beans, cheese, there's not much he won't eat
Favorite toys/games: Putting things into containers and shaking them out, playing outside, reading books, looking at and talking about dogs
New tricks: bringing us stuff (today we were both sick and we were having him pass stuff for us) :p, "singing" and doing the hand motions to itsy bitsy spider, giving hugs and kisses, taking things out of drawers and scattering them all over the house, "helping" by throwing stuff in the trash
What's driving you crazy right now? Teeth. We have been working on the same upper molars/eye teeth/whatever they are for about a month.
Recent picture:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2420114726_a2606a6968.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2428626523_86335ec7da.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2428623673_1e5d0a84f2.jpg?v=0

He is totally a toddler now and not a baby anymore. Mostly I'm okay with that. He is funny and sweet and BUSY!

[miaclear]

Fun Shimmerstar!

Name: Aaron

Age: 13 months today

Stats: 21lbs 10 oz at his 12 month well baby. I always forget the others.

Favorite foods: What WON'T he eat. He's not even a teenager and he's eating me out of house and home. I'd say pasta, chicken and cheese tops his list of favs.

Favorite toys/games: his stick puppets, loves to walk around and put it in your face to make you scream. Also loves his books. Reads them (sits and turns pages) forever.

New tricks: Not really a trick but we have a new cuddle time ritual in the morning that I just love. After breakfast we grab a blanket and cuddle on the couch and watch Sesame Street. I just melt when he lays his head on me and sucks his thumb.

What's driving you crazy right now? The transition from one nap to two. 97% of the time he needs two but then every once in awhile he goes through a few days where he refuses the morning one. I keep thinking it's going to happen...then it doesn't

Recent picture: My little green guy.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2429471362_fee458935d.jpg?v=0


Adding my own...

Are you thinking about adding to the family anytime soon? We'll start trying the end of this summer.

[shimmerstar]

I love that onesie! I wanted to get Noah a "save the humans" shirt, but they didn't come small enough.

We will start trying next summer. I need him to be quite a bit older before I have another one.

[goldengbridge]

Name: Ashlyn
Age:14 months (in 3 days)
Stats:at her one year WBV she was 22lbs and 33 inches
Favorite foods:Anything! She loves fruits and veggies!
Favorite toys/games: She loves her princess ride on toy, legos, her brother's trains, and little people!
New tricks:She just starting saying "cheese" when you try to take her picture. So cute!
What's driving you crazy right now? She's starting to fight diaper changes with everything in her! She arches her back and kicks like crazy!
Recent picture:

Thoughts on adding to the family: I'm not quite sure whether or not we'll have a 3rd or not. We may be relocating to NC for DH's job so we have to get that straightened out first. If we did have another child, I'd like to wait until Ashlyn turns 2. So we'll see;)

[betsyboop]

Does Ashlyn have her ears pierced?? So cute!!

Name: Amelia, aka Millie, Millie-pede, Millie-meter, Mill, Millster, etc
Age: 13.5 months
Stats: 19.5lb, 28in.
Favorite foods: cheese, veggie booty, bread, nutri-grain blueberry waffles, canned no salt added corn (I was eating it as a snack the other day- it's a weird guilty pleasure of mine:o ), raisins, boca burgers
Favorite toys/games: puzzles, "reading" books, bead maze, dolls, picking Dave's guitar strings, playing outside
New tricks: she hugs her dolls and rocks them, just today started letting go briefly when cruising between 2 different pieces of furniture, will go "Mmmmm- ah!" when you ask her for a kiss, this isn't that new, but she LOVES pointing
What's driving you crazy right now? She likes to unravel the toilet paper when I'm in the shower:rolleyes:
Recent picture:

Hugging her 2 dolls (you can see her pants are filthy from playing outside earlier)
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g56/bugs1234_2006/DSC_2374.jpg?t=1208742370

Playing with the toilet paper
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g56/bugs1234_2006/DSC_2368.jpg?t=1208742436

Are you thinking about adding to the family anytime soon? We'll probably start trying for #2 soon. I'd like to have it in Feb or March or after June of next year. I just don't want to have a brand new baby for my sister's wedding in June, 2009.

[Tandis]

Love the pictures - our babies are so big! Shimmer -that picture of Noah in the grass is adorable!

Name:Veronica
Age: 13 1/2 months
Stats: 27'10, 32 1/2"
Favorite foods: Everything! Though she's not a big fan of strawberries
Favorite toys/games: pots/pans, her dog book, Laugh & Learn House, the dog kennel
New tricks: She's starting crinkling her nose and smiling with *all* her teeth - she looks like such a big girl when she does it! Flipping light switches
What's driving you crazy right now? Super clingy, and she screams whenever her sister gets near her

Name: Audrey
Age: 13 1/2 months
Stats: 28 lbs, 32 1/2"
Favorite foods: Everything, except peas and baby food lasagna & spaghetti (real stuff is fine)
Favorite toys/games: Laugh & Learn Home, Laugh & Learn Toolbox, books, pots/pans, the dog kennel
New tricks: Has figured out how to climb up onto her rocking chair and rock herself - has also figured out how to climb up onto your leg to play "horsey" Flipping light switches
What's driving you crazy right now? Biting her sister!

Recent pictures: They're all on my LJ - I'll be happy to friend you so you can see them!

Are you thinking about adding to the family anytime soon? Heck no! We have two and we're done.

[goldengbridge]

Does Ashlyn have her ears pierced?? So cute!!

Yes, she does! We got them pierced when she was 8 months. Everyone told me that the younger they are the better it is. She honestly was so great when they did it, and has hardly even touched them in the 6 months since she got them!

[kindermom]

Name:Henry

Age: 13 1/2 months

Stats: 22.0 #, 33"

Favorite foods: He is quite picky. But he loves eggs, pirate's booty, and baby goldfish. Those three things will be gobbled every time.

Favorite toys/games: putting lids on things, putting toys inside containers, the leftover container cupboard, he still love peek-a-boo, and kissing. We are finally starting to read.

New tricks:I am not sure about this one. He loves playing with the cat. He will dangle strings for her, pet her, etc.

What's driving you crazy right now? He is uber clingy and a mama's boy.

[kindermom]

Just wanted to share that I am donating about 100 ounces, the remaining milk in my freezer stash, of breast milk today. I went through milk share and am giving it to a local mother who just adopted a 3 week old who was born to a drug abusing mother.

[miaclear]

Good for you kindermom....that's so cool! I have just a itty bitty bit left, maybe 3 bags of 2 or 3 oz. I haven't really thought about them lately. I should use them in his oatmeal before it goes bad.

[littlemia]

Name: Claire

Age: 13 months today

Stats: 17lbs 7.5oz, not sure how tall we got measurements of 2in. difference on appoinments one week apart and I can't find my measuring tape

Favorite foods: Um, breastmilk. She also seems to like black beans, meat, rice cakes, and potato chips but just the plain low salt ones

Favorite toys/games: She LOVES playing telephone, she has these conversations that go Hey, pause, hey, pause, ohhhh, pause, giggle. It's so funny. She has lots of play phones and if she doesn't have one she pretends something else is a phone. I looked back the other day in the car and saw her with her shoe by her ear talking into it. She also rides on her little push car (she can do it herself now) and carries her baby doll and little people around.

New tricks: Spinning and making herself dizzy, doing the maniac dance from Flashdance (running in place really fast).

What's driving you crazy right now? Tearing the house apart, throwing fits when she doesn't get her way, taking barrettes and hair ties out of her hair, dumping out the dog's bowls

Recent picture: I'll post some on LJ soon

Adding to the family?: Not for at least another year

[danalou]

Name: Mackenzie (Kenzie)
Age: 13.5 months
Stats: 22lbs 10 oz & 30" long (12 month visit)
Favorite foods: any kind of fruit and carbs (Cheerois, Mum Mums, Puffs, etc...)
Favorite toys/games: books, peek-a-boo, walker toys & Little People
New tricks: She has learned how to turn the TV on/off, she likes to shut the bedroom doors and play peek-a-boo with you from inside the room, she likes to play with clean or dirty clothes in the basket and most importantly she likes to play with mulch, stones, grass, leaves or dirty when she is outside
What's driving you crazy right now? It would have to be her changing the TV channels from the front of the TV and also her new found attitude when it comes to diapers or getting dressed
Recent picture: at her 12 month session
http://blog.charmingsnapshots.com/images/45489-41430/IMG_9212.jpg

[whitlockan]

Name: Zachary aka: Zach, Z, Z man, little man, Mr. Z

Age: 13 months (in 2 days)

Stats: 23 and some odd oz (its at home and something is funky with LJ)
either 29 1/2 or 30 in

Favorite foods: Oranges (after dinner he can stuff 2 large oranges in his belly), grapefruit, bananas, ham and cheese. These are all foods if he sees them or hears you say them he freaks out and acts as if hes going to die of starvation if he doesnt get them also when you have these out and your eating he never stops signing more...its halarious even when his checks are plum full the more sign is still going fast!

Favorite toys/games: loves loves his ball pit *as always*; he has FINALLY figured out how to ride his ride on bull dozer - he know rams into EVERYTHING. LOVES the phone - we gave him an old cell phone (no battery) and he just walks around with it flipped open, up to his ear and just talks away. Its halrious, its really funny that he knows when hes done he flips it shut....wow its scary a 1 yo already knows how to use a cell phone. BOOKS - oh man we have these all over our house and he just loves to read, but he gives it to you to read, then sits in your lap, you start to read and he gets up and gets another book.

New tricks: not so new but finally mastered running backwards, sleeping on a cot at school **getting that much closer to converting to a daybed with a rail for his crib - if all the kids are still alseep he knows to stay on his cot and read a book**Cleaning with the vaccume attachments while I vaccume, stirring his "food" in the pot when I stir the food on the stove. When he wakes up from a nap now, since he has to pick up his cot at school he hands you his blanket to put up and pacifier.

What's driving you crazy right now? Only wants mommy or nursing hte moment he sees me that we have been apart (pick ups and morning - I dont mind but give me a second to get you home or in the door before trying to rip my shirt off), not sitting through a book or even the first page without getting up to get a new book, we cant even eat an orange/grapefruit or banana = not sharing with mommy and daddy. Playing in the water bowls and attempting to eat dog food(only been in his mouth 1 time thank goodness), oh and letting shadow lick his food then eating it or sharing his food with the dogs - gives them all his food then comes over and wants more snack, and repeat. Banging the cabinet doors yelling (cant get them all the way opened) when hes hungry and your not going fast enough

Recent picture: will post to LJ

Adding to the family?: One and done....so no not planning on it

[MrsKinnison]

Wow, sorry it has been a really long time!

Name: Ollie
Age: 13months
Stats:19lbs 13ozs and 30.75 inches
Favorite foods: mac&cheese, yogurt, kiwi, grapes, blueberries, raisins, pork chops
Favorite toys/games: Loves when dada cruises him around on the snow fox, loves his cars and trains, laugh n learn vac, and the drum sticks from rock band.
New tricks: He says "Done!" when he's finished eating, is ready to get out of the tub, and when he's done nursing (with a big grin and it melts my heart every time!). He's also becoming a bit of a parrot and repeats lots of words. He's already cursed twice :eek:
What's driving you crazy right now? Throwing his food off his tray and feeding the dogs all the time
Recent picture:
On his birthday
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/2437958094_a97c440be9.jpg?v=0
2 Cool Dudes
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/2437957924_0f92b7f3cf.jpg?v=0
On his snow fox
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2437958018_64b559db83.jpg?v=0
Chillin' with Simon
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2437958174_879b52c6a3.jpg?v=0
Thoughts on adding to the family: We are one & done!

Lets see if I can do a quick recap...
His birthday party was a huge success & he LOVES cake! We had 26 adults and 12 kids. He had his one year WBV at 13mos and he is in the 75% for height and 10% for weight even though the kid can and often does eat all day long :p We got the okay to start milk if we want, but we don't have too. So far we haven't started (he has lots of cheese and yogurt) and he nurses 3 times a day. He is still very much a two nap kid.

[ieducate]

Name:Julia
Age:15 months
Stats:18lbs, 10oz and 28 inches, less than 5th percentile for both. (adjusted)
Favorite foods:bread, puffs, cheese, cheerios
Favorite toys/games:Learning Home, blocks, Learning Table
New tricks:taking a few steps while holding on to wagon.
What's driving you crazy right now? the fact that she won't eat much at lunch and dinner...she is not gaining enough weight and has suddenly lost interest in vegetables, which she used to love. :(
Recent picture:
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/ieducate/DSC_0023.jpg


Question: This has nothing to do with babies or toddlers, but I have a problem with a pan. I have a baking pan that I use to cook lots of various items. I try to wash it immediately after use every time, however my darling dh did not wash it the last time it was used. I noticed it the next day in the sink. Okay, so too late to wash...there is now grease on parts of the pan that WILL NOT come off. It is sticky and gross. I have tried Goo Gone, I have tried baking soda and boiling water, I have tried vinegar, I have tried dawn detergent. Nothing seems to work and this is the THIRD pan I have bought because of this exact thing. Once the grease is on there I can't use it to cook with...it's just too disgusting to me. If anyone has any remedies that fix this, please let me know. I looked it up on the Internet but the advice was not that helpful. Thanks for any help on this. I really don't want to go buy another pan. FYI: this is a toaster tray, not a big pan and it is stainless steel. Thanks.

[kindermom]

How did you apply the vinegar. I put white vinegar (full strength) in a pan and boil it for about 10 minutes. Then use a light plastic scrubby and it is all gone. I have yet to have that not work .

[ieducate]

Thanks for the idea Kindermom. I tried it, but it only worked a little bit. I did however find the solution of all solutions. Yesterday I bought Kaboom (a cleaner) at the store. I figured it was last effort to get this pan clean. And low and behold...it worked. Yay. I finally have a clean pan...and what's more...my old pan that we had stopped using because of the same problem came clean too. I am thrilled about it.

On a Julia note...she is teething in a big way. In fact, she has one tooth coming in on the bottom and it hasn't quite cut through yet...it has caused her to bleed a few times. Not badly, but enough to make her upset and not sleep well. :( I can't seem to count how many teeth she now has total, but I think we are up to 12-13. I am going to try and count when I am brave enough to stick my fingers in there.

[Janey]

Name: Kathryn

Age: 14 months

Stats: 18 lbs. 13 oz. at a year. 28" long.

Favorite foods: Pizza (we get Papa Murphy's about 2x/month), oranges, grapes, potatoes, pears, smoked turkey, graham crackers.

Favorite toys/games: Books, books, books. We read 10+/day. "Where's Kathryn" - we will put a cloth napkin or on her head and say, "Where is Kathryn? I don't see her! Where is she??" and she'll pull it off with a big grin and we'll say, "THERE she is!" Repeat 20x. This is also great when she's gone off somewhere and I can't find her, I'll say, "Where is Kathryn? I don't see her! Where is mama's baby??" in the 'game' voice and she'll come find me with a big grin. She LOVES dogs (we have cats) and when she sees them on our walks she goes crazy. I bought a stuffed dog at Ikea that we named Buddy that she loves.

New tricks: "Where is " is a good 'show-off' trick for the family.

[B]What's driving you crazy right now? The throwing food thing is driving me INSANE. I don't know what to do about it. She looks right at me when she tosses her food off her tray, like she is testing me. She tosses meat down, and then the cat comes to eat it up, and then she tosses her (heavy!) sippy of juice over the side and almost hits the cat and I see red. Nothing is helping.

Recent picture: I wish I had taken these after I weeded, but owell. ;)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2441210407_522c93f0b8.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2092/2442047454_ce3d702607.jpg?v=0


Adding to the family?: We're thinking of trying either in Nov/December ... and if that doesn't work, we'll wait a few months and try again in Feb/Mar.

[miaclear]

Teething....we got tooth #13 the other day, a lower canine. Aaron is being a big fuss bucket at times so I think there are more in there. I'm going to try to investigate later today. I'm so thankful that for the most part teething hasn't been too much of an issue. For Aaron it's just happened all so fast. I'm glad it's almost over with!

This is an interesting website showing the development of the teeth.
http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/science/teethandeating/teethandeating_e.swf

[miaclear]

I got a good look in Aaron's mouth during a crying fit in his high chair. I can see tooth #14 and 15 and 16 are about to pop through!!!

[kindermom]

Helpful hint for looking at teeth..I recently realized that laying Henry on my lap with his head towards my knees and tickling him let's me look clearly into his mouth.

[MrsKinnison]

Wow ~ 12, 13, 14 teeth??? Ollie has 6. 4 on top and two on the bottom.

Whit ~ I think it was you that posted about being anemic? Do they measure iron in different units? The reason I ask is that Ollies was 11.5 and they said that was completely normal.

[kindermom]

Mrs. K - Henry measured 10.5 and was just under normal according to our ped. She said 11 is the cut off.

[danalou]

Janey - I can't believe how much hair she has these days!! Just a question about the ponytails - what kind of bands are you using??

I missed this and wanted to post it later versus never!!

Adding to the family?: We are going to start trying in June with the hopes for a Spring 2009 baby!! Our plan is to stop at 2 kids as we really don't want to have Mackenzie be an only child and I have that baby bug again.

[whitlockan]

MrsK I have no idea if there are different units but she described it EXACTLY to me as this: '"If you were to put it on a scale, 32 being the minimum number he is a 30.9." There is another mom in his class we were talking and her daughter was a 29 so I have no idea if there are other forms of measurement but she apparently was using the same scale as well and we do not have the same ped or group.

[Orion]

Wow...it's been so long since I've been on the computer. Life is just so crazy at the moment with me being back to work. I'll try to catch up the best I can here!

Name: Dalton - AKA Mr. D or Booba (I used to call him my booby baby and it got shortened to booba!)

Age: Thirteen months

Stats: At the last check up he was almost 23 lbs

What's Driving you Crazy Right Now: Since we've moved from coast to coast, both kids have been sick. We are going on week five of being sick. My daughter has strep, an ear infection and pneumonia and Dalton just has a nasty virus that won't go away. We actually took him to the doctor last night because we couldn't break his fever of 103. I just want both kids to be well again. The doctors are saying that they could be sick for a bit yet because the kids need to build up their immunity to the different germs here on the East Coast.

New Tricks: Running and trying to jump. He sees his sister jump and he thinks he can do it too. It's too funny to see this little man run and try to jump.

Adding to the Family: This one made me laugh...I'm due October 18! I still can't believe that I will have three under three...crazy!

Pictures: Ugggghhhhh...my digital camera broke on the trip across the country and I just haven't had time to replace it yet so no pictures.

[Tandis]

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since anyone has posted here!

Janey - K is just adorable - love the hair in pigtails! Her favoriate "game" made me laugh because that's my girls favorite game as well.

Orion - Oh you poor thing - being pregnant with two sick kids! Hope their immune system catches up quickly!

ieducate - That's too cute that Julia is sitting in a shoe box.

MrsK - Love that picture of Ollie on the Snow Fox. He looks like he's at least five. Well, that and he's going to take it out by himself!

*****************

Miss V took four unaided steps last night! On Sunday she started walking holding on with only one hand, but then last night I got her to try it without any support! I'm thinking I might have a bonafide walker by the end of the week!

[kindermom]

I am about to post in my LJ but...
- Henry is now sleeping in is crib! Finally. It was a rough 4 nights. Now we are working on sleeping through the night. He is still waking up several times a night and crying for 2-5 minutes at a clip. But we are down to nursing once between 10 and 12 and not again until between 5 and 6 when he naturally wakes for the day.

- Last night Henry busted out the sign for "eat more"! I guess he likes enchiladas! So now he signs the following consistently...eat, more, milk, all done, bye, up

- Henry is totally enthralled with putting tops on things. He will sit for 30 minutes in front of the tupperware cupboard playing.

- Henry is dying to ride his sister's trike. He can get on it but his feet do not really touch the floor yet.

- Also cute is that we have a little walker/wagon from Ikea. He and Madelyn take turns sitting in it and pushing the other through the house. And this is why we have little furniture on the main level!

[shimmerstar]

I'm glad to see some action in this thread!

Noah is almost 15 months! He is running instead of walking now, but stumbling over his own feet a lot. He has picked up the signs for please and thank you, and says about 20 words. His sleep is not very good- waking at least once a night and I think he had a night terror last night. So I guess I'm getting my comeuppance for having him sttn as a baby.

His favorite thing is taking things out of drawers and scattering them around the house. I couldn't find my hair brush for two days.

I tried cloth diapers this weekend. First they leaked like crazy because I didn't know to prep them, but then they worked really well. I have a bumgenius and a haute heiney. I have some gdiapers on the way. I'm just in an experimenting mood.

I am a little worried because Noah's not fat, but seems to be outgrowing his size 5 diapers. He's not even technically at the minimum weight on the package, but he keeps pooping up the back. I know they make 6s, but what am I supposed to do when he outgrows those?

Hope everyone gets a good mother's day present! I am going to see Wicked!

[miaclear]

Shimmer....outgrowing size 5s! Wow! How big is he?

Teeth....Not sure if I mentioned it here or not but Aaron has 14 teeth now and about to pop #15 and #16! The canines are the worst by far :(

[betsyboop]

I'm glad to see some posts here!

Not too much new here. Millie has perfected her kiss recently. She puckers her lips and kisses you right on the lips while saying "mmmm-ah!" She also has her first word that sounds just like it's supposed to (rather than some baby-ish version of the word)- "baby" She takes every opportunity to use it:)

Tandis- Congrats on the walking! Do you think Audrey will be walking soon too?

Shimmer- 20 words?! Wow!

I feel like the only one here not teaching my baby signs. Seems like a cool idea, but I can see myself starting to teach it and then forgetting what each sign means later:p

[kindermom]

Betsy - I am not a fan of baby videos but the Signing Time DVDs are AWESOME!!!

I love teaching signs because right now their language is still developing and ASL gives them an outlet for talking to you. For example Henry told me the other day he wanted to eat and specifically he wanted to eat crackers. That was so much easier than letting him whine until I figured out what he wanted.

Rest assured you will do the sign SO MUCH that you will never forget it.

Oh, and they are cool party tricks too.

[MarriedaGoalie]

Name: Carter Thomas

Age: 13 1/2 months

Stats: approx 24 lbs, 31"

Favorite foods: Well, up until recently, he loved EVERYTHING. Wouldn't turn down any kind of food. Recently he has started being a bit more choosey. He is typically pretty good about eating anything, though. He loves his pork chops last night!

Favorite toys/games: The child loves books. He is perfectly content with a book for a short amount of time. He also loves to pretend like he is playing XBox or the Wii with my older son and my husband. He actually has figured out the buttons on the XBox controller already. In fact, the other day, he somehow turned on the XBox, loaded a file and started a race all on his own. Haha

New tricks: I'm not sure if it is a trick, but he has recently learned how to throw a tantrum. Man, that is fun to deal with! haha

What's driving you crazy right now? He is quite the mamma's boy. While I do love it, it has been difficult this past couple of weeks with school and trying to study for finals.

Expanding the Family...: We are probably going to start talking in the Spring of 2010 or 2011. Carter will be like 3 or 4, but that is okay. I have to finish my Bachelor's degree in Accounting. I should be done with that in the Summer of 2009. Then I need to go ahead and start on my Master's degree because I need 16 hours beyond my Bachelor's degree in order to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. Ideally, I would like to wait until after I take the CPA exam, but I don't know if I can wait that long!

He also got tooth #7 FINALLY the other day! Woo hoo!!

Recent Pictures:

http://images34.fotki.com/v1144/photos/1/1116680/6187648/IMG_2217-vi.jpg

http://images35.fotki.com/v1170/photos/1/1116680/6187648/IMG_2221-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1147/photos/1/1116680/6187648/IMG_2243-vi.jpg

http://images33.fotki.com/v1137/photos/1/1116680/6187648/IMG_2254-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1143/photos/1/1116680/6187648/IMG_2267-vi.jpg

http://images36.fotki.com/v1178/photos/1/1116680/6187648/IMG_2268-vi.jpg

[shimmerstar]

Mia- He is about 26.5 lbs and maybe 32.5 in tall. He was in the 50-75th %tile last time I checked. Maybe it's the way he sleeps.

Betsey- We hardly sign with Noah at all but they do at school and he will just bust out new signs once in awhile. His words are so random- he's got bush, bug, flower, and all these outside words. Mostly our conversations consist of "duck!" "duck!" "DUCK!". :D

Mag- Carter is SO cute!

[MrsKinnison]

Wow, outgrowing size 5 diapers?? Ollie is still in size 3! He really is such a skinny minny!

We don't sign either, and I sometimes feel like the only mom in the world that doesn't and sort of guilty about it. On the other hand, Ollie does have about 20 words and does a really good job of communicating what he wants. He also loves the word baby ~ I don't know what it is, but babies love pointing out other babies :) He blows kiss now and gives you a big "mmm-ah" when he does it.

We still only have 6 teeth, but I have a feeling another one is on the way.

I love seeing all the pics of our babes and how big they have all gotten! Is it just me, or do we not have the cutest babies in the whole wide world?

[danalou]

Betsy - Don't feel alone as I don't know any signs either. They sounds interesting like you said, but I would forget what they were and just get confused. That is too cute that Millie gives baby kisses as they are the best!!

Kindermom - Where can you get the Signing Time DVD's as I should check one out and make a decision.

Shimmer - I really don't have much to offer on the whole diaper size other than to see if you could start potty training to help avoid the issue.

Tandis - That is great to hear about the walking as I am sure having two learning is going to be twice the laughs!!

MAG - I love the pictures of Carter as he has really changed in the past month!! I can't believe how much he looks like a little man these days as where did our babies go??

[miaclear]

Signing...we have Baby Signing Times the first video. Aaron loves it. And I know all the signs :) Quizing my husband on them was super funny when I asked him how to do cracker. He banged both his elbows together...haha. Anyhow...if you watch the videos it's really easy to get the signs down. Aaron doesn't sign anything, but we don't really do them much outside the video. But he LOVES to watch it on tv :D

[Janey]

We also have the BST videos. They are great. K knows about 10 signs. Eat/food/hungry, water, juice, banana, cat, dog, change-my-diaper, more, all done.

she is starting to make animal sounds. she says 'woof woof' and 'moooo.' Love it.

[MarriedaGoalie]

We are working more and more on signing lately. My mom bought Carter the baby Einstein signs video and it is really helping me learn some stuff so that I can communicate with him. Right now he only knows how to sign please, more and all gone. We are working on drink, milk, thank you and kiss right now. He seems to do very well with them and also has a huge vocabulary of words already. Yay for smart kids! :)

[littlemia]

Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day!

Signing- I had intended to follow the no tv before two recommendation but I have that up and let Claire watch Baby Signing Time. She's starting to pick up on the signs. We had a kind of rough day today and I looked at her and said "Mommy's sad" and she signed back "hurt."

Miaclear- I can't believe Aaron has 16 teeth. Stupid question but does he have any teeth left to get before his 2nd year molars?

MrsK- It's great to see pics of Ollie. He's such a big boy. 20 words! That's quite impressive.

Janey- aww, K's hair has gotten so long. The pigtails are really cute. I haven't attempted them because Claire's ponytail looks messy enough.

Shimmer- Wow, Noah's language has really taken off!

MAG- Carter looks like a big boy in some of those pictures and like a baby in others. What a cutie.

[miaclear]

littlemia....#16 is still giving us issues...hasn't popped all the way through yet. errr. After this I believe he only has that last set of molars. I really hope they don't come early. I'd like for him to have a teething break.

[littlemia]

littlemia....#16 is still giving us issues...hasn't popped all the way through yet. errr. After this I believe he only has that last set of molars. I really hope they don't come early. I'd like for him to have a teething break.

Let's hope #16 comes through soon and the two year molars don't show up until 2 years or so. He's such a trooper. I know it's got to be hard getting so many teeth in such a little time.

[Tandis]

Sigh - I miss our little thread.

Okay ladies, to get us talking again, tell me two things:

1. What is your bedtime routine like? Somehow, without warning, we've let our girls fall into some bad habits - of course, vacation in a hotel room where we let them share our bed as soon as they started crying didn't help - but sleep has been *horrible* for the last two weeks. So I'm open to ideas and I'd love to hear what everyone else does. :)

2. How much does your child eat? My girls are off the charts big - have been for months now - and I'm worried that maybe I feed them too much. It doesn't seem like it, and I'm not forcing food upon them, but I'm curious as to how much other children eat. Especially since my girls are kind of out growing 2T clothing. Yeah, I tired of buying a new wardrobe every couple months, so I really need for them to slow down! ;)

[kindermom]

1. What is your bedtime routine like?
We got Henry out of our bedroom a few weeks ago.
Bath nights: 7:00 to 7:30 bath
Nonbath nights: 7:30 start routine
- Brush teeth and wash face (he walks in to the bathroom himself)
- Wipe down with wipes on nonbath nights
- Get lotion on and diaper changed
- Clean jammies on
- Read 2 stories in the rocker
- Turn on CD player
- Turn off lights
- Nurse for 5 - 10 minutes
- Sing our prayer song (I see the moon)
- Give him a kiss as I walk him to the crib
- If he is awake when I put him in, I turn on the rain forest soother. Otherwise, he puts his head on his big stuffed dog, I cover him with his blankie, and say night night.

He is still waking between 1 and 2 to nurse. And he is normally up by 6:00 for the day.

2. How much does your child eat?
2T? Wow! My almost 3 year old (granted a really small girl) is barely in 2T!

Henry's eating is a real problem for us. He is borderline anemic. He refuses most beverages except nursing. And he is hideously picky. If we are lucky, here is a sample meal...
Sn: Nurse
B: 1 pancake, 1/3 banana
Sn: 10 small cheese crackers
L: 1/4 c. pasta with sauce and cheese
Sn: 2 strawberries
Sn: Nurse
D: 1/4 c. rice, about 10 peas, 5 small pieces of chicken
Sn: Nurse

[shimmerstar]

Yay, someone finally posted again!

Bedtime:
Dinner
Bath/teeth
diaper/jammies/lotion
rock and read two stories
kisses and lights out
rock and drink milk from sippy
in crib and mom leaves

Ugh. He used to be the best sleeper but keeps getting ear infections that totally derail him. Now he is used to us holding him whenever he wants, so he gets up usually twice a night to have a drink and a cuddle. Since he falls asleep after 2 minutes of this I know he's not really thirsty. Now that school's out I'm going to have to really try to break those habits. I don't know which one to get rid of first- the cuddling or the milk. We are in for some long nights.

Food:
1/2 c milk first thing
breakfast at school-usually a starch and a fruit, sometimes eggs
lunch at school- starches, fruit, veggies, milk
snack at school- crackers, cookie, water
sometimes he gets another snack like cheese or crackers when we get home
dinner- sometimes a gerber meal, usually 1-2 starches, protein, yogurt, veggies, and fruit
milk before bed

I have been worrying about feeding him too much too, because he's not fat, but he never did slow down like they say toddlers do. He has gained four pounds since he was 12 months old. He's 15 now. He's consistent on the charts, so maybe I shouldn't worry, but he is just getting SO big.

[danalou]

Bedtime:
Starts around 7:15-7:30 depends on if it is bath night or not
1.) Give DD a bowl of oatmeal for a bedtime snack and extra milk (as she doesn't drink much from a sippy)
2.) Bathtime for about 15 minutes
3.) Change clothes and brush her hair
4.) Brush her teeth (need to be better about this one as we forget)
5.) Turn on the cd player in her room
6.) Give DD her pacifier (which stays in her crib and is only used at naps and bedtime) and her blanket to cuddle with
7.) Read a couple of books which varies from night to night based on mood
8.) Give whomever isn't putting her to sleep a big huge and kiss
9.) Turn out the lights and cuddle for a brief minute (not much of a cuddler these days)
10.) Put her into her crib and she normally falls asleep within 10 minutes and sleeps until 7am when we wake her up

Food:
Breakfast - Oatmeal with 3 fruit cubes mixed in + Sippy of Milk
AM Snack - Either a yogurt, fruit or veggie puree and finger snacks + Sippy of Milk
Lunch - Protein option (Chicken Nuggets, Turkey Sausage, Grilled Cheese or Veggie Corn Dogs), fruit or veggie puree and finger snacks + Sippy of Milk
PM Snack - Either a yogurt, fruit or veggie puree and finger snacks + Sippy of Milk
Dinner - Protein option, fruit or veggie puree and finger snacks + Sippy of Milk
Bedtime Snack - Oatmeal with Banana + Sippy of Milk

**DD is getting better about solids, but we still worry that she will start gagging on the soft mushy items. Last night I gave her some of the diced apples and she did really well with them. I am wondering what you gals give for a protein type item as I am looking to add more to our routine?

[danalou]

Tandis - I can only imagine that having two makes the bedtime routine that much more difficult. I am sure that once you get the girls back into a normal routine they should get better and better each attempt!!

Kindermom - I have the same issue with DD not taking much liquids during the day and I have just started giving her some in hidden items like the oatmeal twice a day. All in all she takes about 9-10 ounces of milk a day with the oatmeal and sippy!!

Shimmer - How much does DS weigh as I know your worries, but it sounds like he is just a hunger boy!

[whitlockan]

okay bad poster in both here and LJ let me try to make comeback.

Bedtime routine **begins at 6:00pm**
1) dinner
2) bath time
3) aquaphor rub down/night time diaper/ pjs
4) nurse
5) brush teeth
6) show him pacifier and he walks to his crib
7) do our kisses; and he waves bye walking down the hall to dad **he thinks night time is the equivlant of bye**
8) I love yous and in the crib by 7:15
8) 7:25-7:30 - OUT!! **sometimes he sits and jabbers other times its just minutes and hes out

food
2T HOLY SMOKES!!! We are still baggy in 18 months and length for pants are just now getting short at 12 months
**I will use today's schedule since its fresh in my mind**
4:30 am - nurse and then back down
BREAKFAST
6:00 am - nursed; 3/4 of a mini bagel; 4 mini pancakes
SNACK
10:00 am
1/2 sippy or 1 whole (4 oz - 8 oz bm approx)
1/2 cup of oatmeal w/applesauce mixed in
20 cherrios or cereal bar
LUNCH
12:00 am
1/2 sippy (4 oz bm approx)
**small ziploc container full of**
cheese or 1/2 one of meat
1 full of mixed steamed veggies(carrotts/cauliflower/broccli for today)
a full 1st years bowl/container of watermelon **He will eat all of this**
SNACK
4:00 pm
yobaby
typically if there is any left over fruit this is when he gets it/maybe some cherrios today
DINNER
6:00/6:15 pm - nurse and a veggie and a protien typically - does not eat much at home

**I was reading the nutrition guidelines and couldnt believe how many grains they needed - we have the fruits/veggies/protien servings down so we are working on uping the grains**

[whitlockan]

Shimmer I worry about this all the time but we have the opposite concern - we have lost weight 2lbs **granted he did have a sinus infection and then hand mouth and foot and did not eat for like 4 days only nursed**. We are at 22.25 lbs as of last week. He was around 24. This bothers me because if he drops to much shes going to pressure the whole milk issue on me; she said if he started losing weight she really would like to see us stop nursing. I just feel like hes so skinny now, I'd like to see some meat on him.

[shimmerstar]

Danalou, he is 27 lbs. He is between 50-75 for weight, and he's pretty lean except for his tummy. :)

Whit- Isn't it funny how you worry no matter what? Noah had HFM twice now. It's terrible! I hope he gets his weight back up soon.

[MrsKinnison]

Yay, we're back. I was really missing everyone!

Bedtime Routine ~ He gets a bath at least every other night, but with the warm weather it has been more since he is outside so much and gets so dirty. He is a boy through and through.

~ Bath or Shower
~ Lotion, diaper, jammies
~ Nurse
~ Brush Teeth
~ Book with paci & Milo (stuffed monkey that he loves. DH actually forgot it at the store when tonight and had to go back for it. Luckily we can practically see out store from our house)
~ Lights out and bed.

He typically wakes between 5-6am to nurse then goes back to sleep until 7-7:30

As far as eating it looks something like this...
6am nurse
7:30 nurse (more on the weekends. he loves to lay in bed an nurse)
9:00 Breakfast: Drinkable yobaby and mini waffle, mini bagle, or french toast sticks. Every so often we get egg & cheeses on english muffins from Dunkin D's on our way into work.
12:30 Lunch: This week has been honey turkey deli meat, slice of cheese, crackers & fruit.
Sometimes he'll have a snack before afternoon nap, but he always has one after. Some days he'll snack all day long. If we are at work ee just fishes in his bag to find what he wants and/or tells me "nak, nak" If we are home he will pull one of us over to the fridge or cabinet to get what he wants. Snacks are cereal bars, fruit, graham crackers, crackers, usually atleast two of the above. If we are home for afternoon nap, he sometimes likes to nurse, but very very rarely if we are at work.
6:30ish sometimes later Dinner: I always try to do protein, grain, and veg but he is really picky with meats. He would very happily have mac n cheese every day if I let him. I make it with the barrilla plus pasta so it has extra protein. Tonight I made chicken quesidilla's and he loved those.
Dessert: Not every night, but some nights. He loves fruit, bananna pudding, Earths Best cookies.

Whit ~ I think Ollie may have just hit 20lbs. We haven't started milk yet at all, and our pedi's exact words were "you can if you want, but you don't have to" He was happy that he was nursing at least 3 times a day, and he gets lots of milk and cheese. Totally up to us if and when we want to.

Drinking ~ Ollie loves water, but I also just discovered Wateroos and he loves those too. They are in the natural foods section and come like juice boxes. They have no sugar, artificial sweetners or juice in them. It's a very light flavor, not that funky taste I think flavored water usually has, kind of like the poland spring sparkling water, just without the sparkle. There is nothing in it but water and natural flavoring.

Protein ~ we struggle with this too as Ollie is really picky about meat. He pretty much will always eat pork chops, turkey kielbasa, chicken & apple sausages, but everything else is a crap shoot. Some days he likes it, other days not. Which brings me too....

Anyones babe like something one day and not another? Ollie ate roast beef every day for lunch one week, when I bought it again 2 weeks later he wouldn't eat it and I tried every day. Same with chicken, sometimes he'll eat it and other times not even prepared the exact same way. Some day's he'll eat the veggie chicken pattie, then the next day not.

[littlemia]

I'll add my info although it will be totally unhelpful to you, Tandis.

Bedtime: Diaper change -- pajamas -- brush teeth -- bedtime story (sometimes- she's not that into stories) -- bottle of EBM. I lay with her until she falls asleep and then I get up and pump and do whatever.

Food: Ha, ha. Still not much eating here. The most I think she's ever eaten at one time is a 1/4 cup of spaghetti. Ms. K- we definitely have the problem of liking foods sometimes and not others. Claire takes it to an extreme and will rarely eat the same foods two days in a row and I'm running out of food ideas as she pretty much only eats protein, rice, and the occasional vegetable.

Lotion- I noticed a lot of you put lotion in your nighttime routine. Do your kids have dry skin? I've never put lotion on Claire before.

[MrsKinnison]

littlemia ~ Ollie will not do leftovers at all! It can be his favorite dinner, but he will never eat any leftovers the next day.

lotion ~ We have always done lotion morning and night. He's never had dry skin, I've just always done it.

[Tandis]

Shimmer - I think I have the female versions of your son :p My girls are both 27 pounds, but on the female chart they're off the scale. Maybe they were really supposed to be boys ;)

Littlemia - My girls only get lotion after their bath - or if someone feels really dry.

MrsK - V loved cantaloupe for the longest time, and now she makes a face every time she tastes it. The same goes for honeydew. They always let me when they're getting tired of a particular veggie after having it too many nights in a row - after a couple bites, they'll open their mouth and let it fall out. Always attractive, and the dogs love it. :rolleyes:

***************************

Thanks for all the bedtime routines ladies! V went down with only minimal fuss last night, while A end up sleeping with us again after having a little bit of a tummy upset (after spending the whole night in her crib the previous night! Yay!). We're still trying to figure out a new routine, but at least I have some ideas now on what we can do, and the order we can do it in.

As for their eating, I don't really think they're eating more than everyone else, so I don't know why they're so big?! Here is what they eat:

9 am - half a piece of toast plus one egg or half a frozen waffle or oatmeal and a sippy of milk. Lately they've been on a banana kick so it's about a 1/3 - 1/2 of one of those as well.

Noon - If they're not napping, they always takes bites of my lunch as their snack.

1 pm - 3 oz. Gerber Stage 3 (or Mac & Cheese or veggie hot dog) plus a veggie and some fruit - usually about 5-7 oz of food - plus a sippy of either water or pear juice/water (depending upon what my mother feels like giving them)

Anytime after that until 4:30 (when I pick them up), they might eat a couple crackers, yogurt melts, puffs, cheerios or cheese as a snack.

6 pm - Snack of whatever I can find (cheese crumbles, crackers, peas, corn, blueberries, mixed fruit, etc.), plus they take bites of whatever we're having for dinner

7:30 - 3-4 oz of baby food with peas, green beans, carrots or corn mixed in; 2 oz of additional veggie, and then either part of a banana, yogurt, or some other fruit.

8 pm - 8 oz of milk, and sometimes a little water.

So, what do you think? Are my kids eating too much?

[kindermom]

Tandis - That does not sound like much at all.

Littlemia - We do lotion with Henry when his eczema flairs up. Both my kids have sensitive skin. That said, I still forget lotion at least 25% of the time.

[littlemia]

MrsK- doesn't the no leftovers drive you crazy. Claire eats whatever we eat most nights and it would be nice to just put a little away for lunch the next day but no dice. One of the things I do is to buy a pound of ground turkey or beef and freeze it in little (probably one ounce) segments. It only takes a few minutes to cook.

[miaclear]

Bedtime:

7:00- playtime in the nursery with mom and dad
7:25- two stories (mom reads one, dad reads the other)
7:30- bathtime (mom gets washing duty, dad gets cleaning bathtub duty)
7:45- diaper & PJs are mom's duty, sleepsack & hairbrush are dad's duties and then I nurse for a few minutes.

I have successfully weened DS from all feedings but the night time. I plan to do that this weekend.

Food. I feel like Aaron would eat a horse if I let him. Given he wakes at 8, takes two naps and we start bedtime at 7:00 I feel like he eats all day long.

8:00- oatmeal, whole banana
12:00- pasta pickups or lunchmeat, a stage II fruit, a stage II veggie
3:30- Mum Mums (usually he'll eat 4 crackers), more fruit
5:30- cup of pasta and sauce, 1/4 cup of chicken, 1/2 cup of veggie

Teeth update....#16 finally came through! We're all much happier :)

[danalou]

MrsK - We have that same problem of DD liking one a food one day and then not eating much of it the next. She doesn't completely refuse it, but she doesn't inhale it like the day before. I just keep offering it as I know she does like it and when she is hungry she will eat it.

Tandis - It doesn't sound like the girls are eating too much to me either. They might just be bigger as they didn't start walking quite as early as the other babies -> just a thought!!

Almond butter - I was wondering if anyone gives they kids Almond butter as I was told to hold off on the peanut butter until DD turns 3!!

[miaclear]

danalou....I thought the whole thing about avoiding PB was about avoiding nuts in general since they are highly allergenic. My Ped though told us that once he's 1 it's ok to try every food, including nuts (since there's no history of food allergies in our family).

[kindermom]

I am holding off on any nuts until 2, when our ped gives the ok for peanuts. We also have no allergies in our family. Of note, I am sure DS has had peanut butter already as he has an older sister who leave her sandwiches within his reach.

[littlemia]

Danalou- If you don't want to do nuts yet, how about giving her Sunbutter? It's really similar in taste and texture to peanut butter but I don't think sunflower allergies are nearly as common.

[MrsKinnison]

We use Sunbutter too :)

[MarriedaGoalie]

Well, we just spent the morning in two different ER rooms. Carter started weezing yesterday afternoon after a day out at the air show here in town. We didn't really think much of it until this morning when my husband got up with him and he was having a very difficult time breathing. We took him the minor emergency room. They gave him a breathing treatment and he didn't have much improvement. The doctor on duty didn't really want to fool around with him because he knew they could "head south" so quickly. He referred us to the Children's Hospital. When we got there, they did two more breathing treatments on him and then took some x-rays of his lungs. They said he had a viral respiratory infection. They gave us an inhaler to give him some breathing treatments over the next couple of days at home. When we got home from the ER, we went to get him out of his car seat and he had just thrown up all over himself. He threw up about 10 minutes ago in the bathroom, also. I feel so bad because I know he does not feel well and there really isn't anything I can do about it.

Has anyone else had this happen with their little ones?

[shimmerstar]

Oh no, MAG, how scary! I hope he is feeling better soon. That hasn't happened to us but I can imagine how scary it was. Once Noah had a cold for a month and when we switched docs they told us he had bronchiolitis and was wheezing. We never even suspected!

How are all of your kids with travelling?

We spent 20 hours in the car this weekend. The trip up was hard but Noah slept more for the trip home. He loved his aquadoodle and played with it for a long time. But I never want to travel with him again! At home we can put him in the crib and he'll usually go to sleep. In the hotel he screamed for 2-3 hours before falling asleep. And no, we weren't doing CIO, this was with us holding him. His naps were totally wonky and he is exhausted today. We had the room dark, a sheet from home, his crib aquarium and everything. It was just too different and totally disrupted him. We have to go to Missouri for christmas, so I'm already worrying about that.

[miaclear]

MAG....scary. I hope he's feeling better soon.

Traveling.... We've traveled with Aaron a little bit. We just got back from a trip to Chicago with him. Two hour plane ride was alright. Fortunately I was able to BF him when he got really cranky. We were on the move so much that naps weren't a problem when we were actually somewhere he could take them. At night he slept pretty good. At the begining of the trip he woke up in the middle of the night and didn't like being in the pack n play so I brought him into bed with us which is something we never do. But now that we're home he went right back on schedule no problem.

[ieducate]

Hey Mag, I really hope Carter feels better soon. Keep us posted. I know how hard it is to see them hurting or sick and not be able to do anything about it.

This was posted on my LJ, but since some of you don't head over there I thought I would post it here too.

Well today started out great...JR slept almost 12 hours, waking up a few times in between but putting herself back to sleep. Then we went to my father's for a brunch and it was great. Then my younger sister, dh, Julia and I went to a park near their house. Julia was having a good time, until I put her on this whale riding thing and after a few minutes of rocking back and forth, front to back, she slipped through the front of it and fell...I didn't have a good enough hold on her and banged the front of her face on the bar in the front of the ride. :( She screamed and cried for a few minutes and then was fine. The rest of the day was fine...we came home and she slept for 2 hours. When she woke up her right eye was all swollen and her nose had a huge bruise on it. :( She was really fussy and dh and I were concerned. Soooo, we took her to the ER to make sure there was nothing seriously wrong. We were delighted to be worried for nothing. She checked out just fine, but will have some bruising for a while. :( I feel awful about it and now I can't sleep. :( I should have been holding on to her tighter. Dh blames me too. :( I know that kids will have accidents, but the fact that this one could have been avoided makes me sick to my stomach. I am just happy she is okay.

Nothing else new here...JR is still not walking, but she does cruise a lot more than she used to, and her PT says she will be walking in no time. I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.

I bought my dh a Wii for his birthday last week and I am addicted. I want more games now too. I really like it. I am really into the bowling, but like the baseball and tennis too. I really dislike the golf...as I can't seem to swing just a little bit. :(

[danalou]

MAG & Ieducate - I can't even imagine having to take DD to the ER and I give you both a lot of credit for being able to brave your trips!! I hope both Carter and Julia are doing better as having a sick child is never any fun.

Traveling - We have made 3 trips so far to PA and each one is an experience in itself!! The drive is about 6-1/2 hours without stopping long when we get gas. We are going out for the 4th again and I am sort of dreading the trip. I am thinking we might plan on going out at bedtime as my hope is that she will sleep most of the trip. Otherwise DD does really well at the inlaws place when it comes to naps and bedtime. We keep her in a pack and play and bring her blanket, teddy bear and pacifiers + we play her typical bedtime music!! Let's keep our fingers crossed that this trip goes just as well.

[shimmerstar]

Aww, poor JR. Don't blame yourself- things happen. I was standing right next to Noah and he managed to jump off the toilet and land head first. Dh was mad I think, but he has not only dropped ds but also let him slip and bust his lip in the bathtub.

We sound like negligent parents, but these things are all happening when we are right there!

We love our Wii too. My favorite games are guitar hero, karaoke, and wii fit. That's our new one and it's cool. :)

mia- I'm glad Aaron got back on schedule quickly. Noah won't sleep with us either- he thinks it's super fun time and crawls around laughing.

dana- it's good that she doesn't give you trouble for naps during travelling. I hope your next trip is easy. I brought a huge tub of toys and just kept handing them to him. We tried leaving early in the am thinking he would sleep, but he just woke up that much earlier and screamed. M&Ms are good too, but be sure to clean out your car- we had ants the next day!

[miaclear]

QOTD: Does your child use a spoon and/or fork yet? Aaron expressed interest in learning a few months back but suddenly decided it was easier for me to feed him or to use his fingers. One book I have says they should have mastered it by now but in my playgroup not one child has. Then I read another book that said it was more around 18 months.

[shimmerstar]

Spoon- Noah knows how to do it but has trouble with the scooping part. I don't like to let him do it. We end up having a fight over the spoon because every other bite he decides it's more fun to fling. Things like mashed potatoes are good because they're really sticky. He can use a fork sometimes, but last night he tried to stab me in the face with it! :eek:

I also don't give him a regular cup because he thinks it's so fun and ends up drenching himself. I will probably have a 7 year old that can't drink out of a cup.

I have to add that when I was driving him home today he was fussing, so I was asking him what animals say. He busted out four sounds- dog, sheep, goat, and lion. I didn't even know that he knew them!

[danalou]

Does your child use a spoon and/or fork yet? DD loves to play with both of them, but she is far from mastering them. I give her a sort of spork to use with nuggets and sausage and she will use it for a couple bits and then the fingers are quicker!! As for a cup DD thinks it is fun to pour on herself and blow bubbles into. We just keep trying with all three as I know one day she will master it!!

[danalou]

QOTD - How many plan to go and see the SATC movie?? I really want to go and see it this weekend, but I don't have solid plans yet. I wish I had a great group of hardcore friends, but with age that seems to be harder to form!! I should see if my sister would be interested in going as it would be a good sisterly bonding event!!

[miaclear]

QOTD SATC: I plan on seeing it but not tomorrow....probably in a few weeks. I think I'll make it a me night and see it after DH comes home from work.

NEW QOTD: Who's still baby wearing? I've haven't worn DS in a long time but wanted to try it again this summer while we're traveling. The only carriers we have won't work. The hotsling never fit me properly and our other carrier (Jeep Carrier) is only to be worn on the front and DS didn't ever fit snug to me and I always got a back ache. I'm trying to figure out what kind of carrier to buy. I'm open to buying more than one. I need one for going through the airport (am thinking the Mei Hip) and one for when we're in the State Parks and doing a little bit of hiking (nothing big). I'm thinking probably a regular mei tie as I don't think I could learn to wrap in the next few weeks.

[kindermom]

Spoon and Fork - We are just starting to give Henry utensils. But considering he hates soft foods, I foresee him using his fingers for quite some time to come. We have started giving him cups though. And yes, he ends up drenched.

SATC - Not interested. I hated the show. I think it is because SJP irritates me for some reason.

Babywearing - I had Henry in my Ergo this weekend. On my back even. I also put him in my Moby wrap a fair amount. My pouch is cool for quick carries. Though. Even my almost 3 year old likes to be carried in the pouch.

New words - We do not have sounds yet. But Henry has busted out with saying Thank You now. He also greets us with Hi Mommy and Hi Daddy. He also learned the sign for dog.

Funny tricks
He likes to chase the cat (kitten really) with a squirt bottle and with golf clubs. THe golf clubs are so he can hit balls for the cat to chase. The squirt bottle we use to train the cat. Both things he is not particularly successful with.

He is also a natural athlete. Not only is he a climbing fool, he loves to kick small balls (like tennis size) as well as large ones, can through a ball across the room, and can accurately hit a small ball with a golf club.

[betsyboop]

Spoon/Fork- We haven't even attempted this yet. I honestly never even thought of trying until reading this. Hmmm.

SATC- I'll see it, but not this weekend. Still recovering from jet lag.

Babywearing- Not in a looong time. She was never really into it, so I didn't push it. We do have one of those Kelty backpack things though- we'll probably use it for the first time on our trip to Maine next month.

New words- All of a sudden we're realizing that she's been saying a lot of words that we just weren't picking up on- oops:o My favorite is "bootybootybooty" which is what she says whenever she sees the bag of Pirate's Booty.

Going back a bit, I'm surprised at how long some of your bedtime routines are! Ours takes probably 5 min:o We change her diaper, put her in her pj's, read a book, give her hugs and kisses and then zip her into her sleep sack in the crib. Then we turn off the lights and shut the door.

[shimmerstar]

QOTD- We will probably rent the movie but not go see it. We are conserving money right now and while I liked the show, I didn't like Big.

Babywearing- Noah is 27 lbs and it hurts me to wear him. I LOVED my mei tai more than any other baby item, and I used it until he was about 14 months. My back just can't take it. I would highly recommend it, and supposedly you can wear it on the front, back, or hip. Luckily he is a good walker and usually doesn't try to run away. He also likes riding in the shopping cart.

New tricks- my boy is sassy. When dad asks him "who's that?" and points to me, Noah says "a girl". :rolleyes: Thanks, love you too!

[danalou]

Babywearing - I haven't worn DD since the end of last summer as I only had a Bjorn and it was just too much for my back. I wanted to get a wrap and DH really didn't want one as he feels they are very unsafe!! We do have a Kelty backpack carrier that we have put DD into a couple times this year and she seems to really like it. We are hoping that will continue as we want to try and get some hikes in this summer!!

SATC - I love that series and would love to see the movie. It sounds like I might go and see it with a few coworkers, but it won't be this weekend!!

[kindermom]

Danalou - Wraps are incredible. I can put DS in it in a front carry and bend forward at the waist and there is no worry that he will fall out. It is crazy how stable they are in there.

[betsyboop]

I didn't think this day would ever come, but Millie finally took her first steps on Friday!! She was sucking her thumb and holding her baby with her other hand and you could see her trying to decided what to do when she got to the end of the coffee table. She ended up letting go and taking 2 steps to the couch. She's since done it a few more times, so I know it wasn't just a fluke. Yay!

Is she the last one in this thread to walk??

[miaclear]

Yea Millie!!!!!

[danalou]

Kindermom - What kind of wrap do you use?

Airline Traveling - (copied from LJ) What do you girls think the best time of day is for flying with our little tykes? We are taking our first flight with DD this fall and the airline just changed our times. I have to decide if I want to adjust the trip back to our original schedule which is as follows -

Leaves DTW @ 9am
Arrives MHT @ 10:45am + 3 hour drive to SIL's house

Leaves MHT @ noon (which seems good with the 3 hour drive to the airport)
Arrives DTW @ 2pm

They changed it to leave DTW @ 1:30pm and then leave MHT @ 9am. The DTW flight is prime naptime and then the MHT flight means we would have to leave SIL's house at 4am!!

Betsy - Congrats to Millie as that is exciting news!!

[kindermom]

Dana - I use a Moby. Seriously I can not gush over this carrier more than enough. With DS being 23ish pounds and having a bad back, the wrap has not bothered me at all, even with carries of a few hours. And as long as I wear a thin tee or a tank top, I do not think it is that warm in our hot summers. I think though my favorite part is the fact that it is the only carrier I feel DS is completely secure in.

[danalou]

Kindermom - I will have to look into the Moby if and when #2 comes along as I am sure adding and extra little one to the mix will take some new found help!!

[littlemia]

Fork/spoon/cup- Claire hasn't mastered any of them but a lot of that is probably my fault because I forget to give her them to practice. I need to remember because she's definitely interested. Sometimes her utensils get strewn throughout the house and she does a lot of play eating when she finds them. When she was about 10 months maybe DH gave her a shot glass full of water and she drank it just fine but that's the only time she's successfully drank from an open cup by herself. Again, I forget to give it to her but I think this is something we're going to have to practice outside because the last few times she just throws the cup down (we switched to small paper cups).

Babywearing- I never got into babywearing like I thought I would. I have a pouch that I use in the hip carry but I never feel like I get it to fit all that well. I also have a Moby that I've used for about 5 minutes when Claire was little until she almost flipped herself out of it onto the concrete porch. What position do you use your Moby in, Kindermom? I might try it again. I want to get a mei tai or a structured carrier like an Ergo but they're expensive so I want to try to make sure that they'll work for us. I think I might be too uncoordinated for a mei tai. I've never been that good at tying knots.

QOTD- So we've talked about what foods our kids like but what foods won't your kids eat? Claire's doesn't eat any fruit or soft bread. There's a lot of other stuff she doesn't eat but those are the most notable.

[betsyboop]

QOTD- Millie won't eat any fruit or veggie unless it's pureed and spoon fed to her. She mostly won't eat meat, rice, or potato either.

[shimmerstar]

QOTD- Noah will eat anything one day and hate it the next. I'm frustrated because he is barely eating anything right now. He's not thin (as the doc put it, "he's built like a rock"), but he used to snarf down everything. One thing I've found is that he loves store bought green beans from the little plastic containers, but won't touch frozen ones. It's hard to keep on top of him, since all his old standbys are passe and he won't eat them.


15 month (almost 16) appt stats:

height 33 in (95 %tile)
weight 26 lbs (75 %tile)
head 25 %tile, which I'm happy about because it's back up from 10th!

Here is his father's day present. I got a 5 photo frame from Target to put them in. It was HARD because he wanted nothing to do with the letters and was throwing them down the stairs at one point. :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2551527330_101e4e80b7_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2550703249_72cc42c669_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2551519274_3d80b80d26_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2550701187_b6716c7440_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2551529902_c20549c3f0_m.jpg

[miaclear]

QOTD....Aaron eats just about anything but I usually have the hardest time with regular veggies. If they are pureed he'll eat them, if they're not but covered in some sort of sauce he'll eat them. If not he usually throws them overboard. Could be worse.

Shimmer....what a CUTE idea! I love his "A" picture. I might have to steal it! ;)

[kindermom]

Shimmer - Where did you get your letters? I really want to steal your idea. It is totally awesome!

Littlemia - I will have Sean take a picture of me with Henry in both ways. I think the key to the Moby is to get it tight initially and to make sure that the criss cross portions are overlapped.

QOTD - Gah. Henry is totally finicky. He will not eat most vegetables and will only eat bananas, watermelon, and blueberries for fruit. He will eat bread, pasta, and loves rice. But if it is creamy (except ranch), forget it. It has to be bite sized and chewy/crunchy.

[shimmerstar]

Thanks. I got the letters at Hobby Lobby and spray painted them white. I think most craft stores have something like it.

[danalou]

QOTD - It sounds like being a picky eater is part of this age!! DD is right along with everyone else as she will eat something one day and then not the next. Pretty good options are chicken nuggets, turkey sausage, mac & cheese, tomato pasta, eggs & yogurt!! I still give her the purees as I can't get her to eat much fresh fruit or veggies.

Shimmer - I really love the idea and might take a stab at it myself!!

[happy1nuv]

I have been mia forever, but I'm finally back and trying to catch up...

nuts: We've been eating nuts here for months... I think i started around 9 mos with almonds. Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.) are NOT the same as peanuts... and while they are allergenic, they are not in the same class with peanuts (which i think are actually legumes?).

Spoon/fork: We haven't attempted forks, but the only way joe will eat MOSt things off a spoon is if he does it himself. So, I use 2 spoons... i keep the bowl, and scoop, and just put the filled spoons on his tray or plate and we just exchange spoons. He does great, til he's done eating and then its play central.

Joe's food throwing is OUT OF CONTROL! It's not even throwing so much, he's just messy! The floor is a MESS when he's done, and I have no clues how to fix it...we were putting newspapers down all the time, but thats getting old (and we're running out of newspaper) ...
(when he's done, he does throw and we take it away at the first sign of that, but even so... the floor is a MESS before then...)

Joe's an eating machine..
Favorites: dates, bananas, brown rice pasta in marinara sauce, healthy choc cupcakes, smoothies, blueberries, whatever his brother is eating
Least faves: frozen peas (used to LOVE these), green beans
(tandis - babies are great at eating to hunger....they're a lot better than us at it. As long as they're not filling up on crap food, i think they're fine! And, once they get mobile, i bet they slim down BIG time...
(side note and an interesting food fact i learned -- products with high fructose corn syrup in them mask the "full" feeling you get... so if you eat a lot of those kinds of foods, it will interfere with your natural ability to tell when you get full and you'll keep eating... )

babywearing: i still wear joe all the time...mostly in the mei tei. I didnt even think i could still wear him in the wrap (we LIVED in that thing when he was smaller though, and i thought it was very secure...will have to look up instructions on alternate carries with it and dust it off!) ... LOVE the mei tei, and its really not that difficult to tie him on, although i still like to have either a couch or a person behind me when doing a back carry... (if you sew at all, there are some great instructions on the web, and they're really easy to make)

:)

[happy1nuv]

I forgot...
Music: We bought the new Snacktime cd by the BareNaked Ladies (I love them, so was happy to hear they did a childrens cd). It's ok, but im not crazy about some of the songs... some are great (like the eraser song :) so clever, and the alphabet song i LOVE) but then there's the song about not liking salmon and a really strange song about a food party ... It would be better if nic didn't LOVE the songs i dont like ... ;)

For the most part, we listen to the cds from their music class (aardvarks), snacktime, or my radio stations. They love the party music station on cable, and we go through all the different kinds of music there so they at least hear them (nic's not crazy about opera, but joe loves it! - no ones really a classical fan, nic likes the banjo type music (i forget what its called) ... and we all like the 50s and 70s :) ... oh - and reggae. reggae is an instant dance party! ;)

[danalou]

QOTD - Is anyone dealing with increasing temper tantrums lately? DD has been throwing fits lately where she will kick her legs, throw her arms and scream when she doesn't get her way. She has also even bitten us a few times when she is really mad. From what I can tell this is pretty common at this age, but I am wondering what others are doing to cope with this challenge.

happy1nuv - We bought the Snacktime cd and I would agree it is good and strange all in the same hand.

[shimmerstar]

Tantrums- Noah went through a thing where he did this a lot, but now he doesn't do it as much. It was almost always when we had to leave a room, like if he was playing in the bathroom. I try to distract him by saying things like "oh can you close the door for me?" and that works. If he does start whining and thrashing I set him down and walk away. It stops every time.

Now when he does it, it's because we're in public and he doesn't want to hold our hand. He will take off running and flapping his arm so we can't hold it! So he rides in the cart, and if there's no cart and he tries to run away we just tell him that the choice is to hold our hands or be carried. He usually ends up being carried, but seems okay with that. :) I have a little backpack/leash but he usually falls down and hurts himself.

With us, the key is to distract them before it starts, and if it does start just don't give it any attention. Oh, and sometimes when he's starting I will try to voice his feelings for him, but that doesn't seem to work yet.

[betsyboop]

Millie throws little tantrums too. It's always when we're picking her up when she's in the middle of doing something, like climbing the stairs or tearing apart her bookcase or toybox. She usually yells/wines, throws her head back, and lets the rest of her body go limp. It makes me laugh:o It has never lasted for more than 15 seconds or so though. I just make sure to carry on with whatver I'm doing and pay the tantrum no attention.

Oh, I have a question. How are you planning on dressing your babies for swimming/playing in the water? I ask because we went to a birthday party over the weekend on the cape (where the full time residents tend to be a lot more liberal/artsy/alternative/etc) and we were really surprised that every single baby there was playing in the water in the nude. It honestly never occured to me to not put her in a swim diaper and cute little bathing suit:o Plus, I'd hate to see her get a sunburn on her bum (not that I want her to get a sunburn anywhere). It was a little weird to walk out into the yard and see like 15 toddlers running around in the buff! Dave kept joking that it was like a toddler swingers party:p

[shimmerstar]

Betsy, that is funny! Where I live is super conservative, so if I brought ds out in the nude I think I'd get kicked out of the beach. : )

Most of the places we go have a rule that they need a swim diaper on. I dress him in trunks and a surf-type shirt plus lots of sunscreen. Even if I could take him naked or in just a diaper I would totally put him in a suit cause they're cute. Maybe some people there didn't have a suit?

[danalou]

Betsy - That had to be really funny to see all of the naked babies running around on the beach. DH and I are both really concerned about sun damage and have been doing tons of research on sunscreen this year. DD is really fair skinned just like myself and I blister really easily!! We settled on the two piece suits with a UV protective t-shirt top and bottoms. As for the sunscreen we have settled on Blue Lizard as it is a natural product ingredients and much higher standards levels as it is an Australian product.

Thanks girls for the advise as it makes me feel better that it is natural for tempers to flare at this age!!

[miaclear]

We don't have temper tantrums....yet.

Swimming... I'll always have a swimsuit, swimshirt and hat on DS lathered in sunscreen.

[betsyboop]

Oh good, I'm glad to hear that I'm not just being uptight about the bathing suit thing. I agree, Shimmerstar, I like them at least in part because they are so cute!

[MrsKinnison]

It's funny because I can totally remember swimming naked, or close to when I was little(and ironically I grew up near the cape so maybe it is a cape thing). I think that it is ok sanitary wise at the ocean because it is salt water, but not so at a lake or pond. With Ollie I am a complete sun protection freak! I cover him with sunscreen (we're using blue lizard though I believe copperton has an organic spray one I might try) and more often than not he is wearing his wrist to ankle UPF50 swimsuit from coolibar. Being a skinny minny has its advantages as it is his same suit from last year :)

I'm glad to hear the kiddos love the BNL cd as I am getting it for Ollie. BNL is one of my personal favs!

[littlemia]

Temper tantrums- Oh god forbid you tell Claire no (or any variation thereof). She shouts, she kicks, she slaps, she even headbangs. I just try to avoid them whenever possible and put her down by herself if she is aggressive towards another person or animal.

Swimsuits- We've been to the beach several times this year and I don't think I saw any naked babies. A couple of boys just in swim diapers but no one naked. Claire just wears regular one piece suits (she has 5!- her grandmothers went a little overboard) but I might get her a rash guard shirt for the times when we're out in the middle of the afternoon because despite putting on SPF 50 on her she has a little bit of a tan.

Men- DH dressed Claire in an old white onesie for her nap today which is fine. However, I left to get my hair done and he took her up to see his parents and didn't bother changing her. Now I don't always dress her up everytime we go out but this is an plain old Target 3-6 month (so it's snug) onesie. Oh well, at least it's just his parents.

Y'all wish us luck. I'm going out of town to a concert and it will be the first time I've been away from her for a night. My mom is going to stay here so I know she will be safe but I'm worried she'll barely eat or sleep the whole time I'm gone.

[danalou]

Men - I sometimes have to wonder what they are thinking when they dress the kids, but then again that is for only them to understand!!

QOTD - I am wondering what you gals think about frozen desserts for the little ones? I have given DD some ice cream and frozen custard, but I was hoping to find a healthy alternative. If you girls have any suggestions that would be great as I know you are a great resource for ideas!!

[kindermom]

Husbands dressing children - It gets worse as time goes on. He had my DD wearing Henry's onesie this winter. On several occasions. Dude, she wears 24 months. Somehow he got a 6 month onesie on her.

Tantrums - I think they are hysterical. I have heard that it is also a sign that your child has a good attachment with you. That they know it is safe to push boundaries. Today though, I actually had to put Henry in time out for a minute. He walloped me good in the face.

Frozen desserts - I would give Henry ice cream if he could liked sweets. Here are some ideas we use with DD though...
- 100% frozen fruit pops? (Breyers makes a soft, really yummy one)
- Frozen yogurt
- Frozen fruit (my kids love frozen bananas and blueberries)
- Sorbet

I think the frozen fruit is the easiest. I usually stock up with 4-5 bags of blueberries from Trader Joes. Then I serve small bowls of them They are great finger foods. With bananas, I have learned through trial and error to slice them before freezing. Then put the slices on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once they are frozen you can transfer them to your storage container. Strawberries and watermelon get too hard.

[betsyboop]

DH dressing the kid- Oh yeah, we've had this happen a few times. Recently he's gotten better about it, but there was one time when she was really little that he put her in a white onsie and this wierd long ruffly white skirt. He figured that it had to match since it was all the same color:p She looked like a cult member that day. Thinking about it makes me laugh.

Frozen desserts- None here. I tried to get her to lick my popsicle the other day and she flat out refused. I couldn't even get it near her mouth at all. I tried to get her to have some ice cream over the weekend and it as the same thing- couldn't even get it close to her lips. Oh well.

I haven't seen this mentioned in this thread yet so I don't know if you guys all know about this or not, but Babies R Us is taking back all bottles and sippies that have BPA in them no matter how old and used they are. I guess they were giving out merch credits up until a week ago, but I went yesterday and they made me get other bottles and sippies. I figure I can use them on baby #2 (or try to return them for a merch credit later:o ) I was waited on by a guy that clearly didn't care and I got a lot more for my return than I should have, plus he let me return sippies that don't have BPA in them (I figured I'd give it a try since they were ones that Millie didn't like)

In total, I returned 15 8oz bottles, 3 4oz bottles, and 4 or 5 sippies and got 18 8oz bottles and 8 Nuby straw sippies. Pretty good deal.

[Tandis]

Betsy - Wow, major score! I tossed all their BPA bottles after that came out and purchased glass. Darn it. :rolleyes:

Yay on the walking! And no, she's not the last. V just started walking full-time last weekend, and A will take a few steps to someone but otherwise she still prefers to crawl.

DH dressing the kid - LOL, oh yeah! I made the mistake of leaving a couple outfits that were outgrown in their closet, and of course that's what DH dresses them in! The pants are around their knees, and the sleeves near their elbows, but he thinks they look fine! Of course, that's the same man who comes up with some atrocious color combinations for work, until I give him a hand.

Temper tantrums - Oh dear god, yes! A does the noodle legs if I try to move her from whatever she's doing, and she's good for rolling around on the floor screaming (no tears, doesn't want picked up, just scream and roll on the floor!). And V has been known to throw herself on the ground and cry if I don't pick her up the second she wants to be held, or scream in her stroller now that she's found out she can walk.

Frozen desserts - The frozen fruit is a good idea. My parents found slow melting fruit juice popsicles in the store that apparently my girls like (just tried them today and my Dad said A loves them, while V hates anything cold so she just made a face).

Bathing suits - My girls definitely wear bathing suits - with lots of sunblock.

Shimmer - That's such a great idea!

Fork/spoon/cup - They like holding spoons while I'm feeding them dinner (occasionally they'll dip it in whatever they're eating, but that rarely makes it into their mouth). They're really good with cups in the bathtub, but they still like to throw stuff from their highchair so I don't feel like sopping up a ton of water in the dining room.

****************************

For those of you whose kids eat Baby Mum Mums, did you see that Amazon has them on sale? $25 for the case, but if you use the $10 off coupon they have right now, it's only $15. I thought it was a pretty good deal and have a case of the veggie ones coming tomorrow.

[miaclear]

Tandis....what $10 coupon do you have for Amazon? Or better yet where can I get one?

[danalou]

Betsy - I would love to hear more about the Babies r us offer as if they swap them for the exact same thing I will try that will all of my Avent 4oz and 9 oz bottles plus Nuby sippy cups.

[betsyboop]

Dana- They do it like it's a regular return using the current price for whatever you're returning (rather than trying to figure out what the price was whenever you bought them). So if you're returning $30 worth of bottles, you can then buy $30 worth of whatever bottles you want.

I did end up getting the same bottles again because the new version of them say "BPA Free" on the label (and the plastic does look totally different). We used the cheap-o Evenflo bottles that were something like $2.75 for a 3-pack. The woman working in that dept of the store said that the Dr Brown's are BPA free, plus all the glass ones obviously. I can't remember if she said any others were BPA free or not. I definitely don't think she mentioned Avent though.

[Tandis]

Mia - It's on their grocery page - MAYGRCCL is the coupon code. I don't know if it works only for their clearance items or not.

Babies R Us - From what I've been reading it's up to the individual stores on whether or not they follow that return policy. Some are not taking them, or have already taken all they're will to take. It also appears that some stores aren't telling you over the phone if they're participating, so you have to go in to find out - or some are telling you on the phone that they're not, but they really are. Sounds like a real mess.

[happy1nuv]

tantrums - is it bad to laugh at them? you can so see its because you said no, or tried to move him from what he was doing... and he has such a temper, its funny to me! (i try not to laugh and just ignore, but i chuckle later...

sunscreen - i actualy just ordered some..its adult stuff, but its rated well here:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?sunscreens=1&best=1
i forget which kind i got, but side note: vitacost.com has sunscreens ...and they're CHEAP!

[danalou]

Betsy & Tandis - I called my local Babies r us and they said that they would glady exchange my bottles with a BPA free product. I have all Avent bottles and it was the only brand that I could get DD to take when we struggled when she first went to daycare. I did some research and Avent is coming out with their BPA free items in July. I might see if they will still offer the deal when they come out, but we will see!!

[shimmerstar]

I returned my bottles and sippies today and got a $90 gift card. I promptly turned around and spent it all, but it was so much fun!

One thing that surprised me was that it was still hard to figure out which cups were BPA free. I thought it would say all over the package, since that's the hot new thing.

[danalou]

Shimmerstar - The only ones that I believe are BPA free to date are the Born Free and then the disposable drop in types like Playtex and Avent. I know from my research Avent is coming out with a BPA free version in July that should be in stores shortly after that date. I am thinking I will try an see if they exchange mine at that point as I want to stay with the same system.

[shimmerstar]

Dana-I ended up just getting some sippy cups, since #2 is still at least a year away. I will just buy new bottles then, and hopefully there will be some better choices.

Noah has started saying "yeah!" when he's excited. It's much more fun than "no".

[MarriedaGoalie]

Well, Carter has a stomach bug. He has been throwing up (mainly dry heaving as of late), had lots of diarrhea and has just been really sad and tired for about three days now. Today he threw up three times (that's the least number it has been in three days). We also probably changed about 20 diapears from the diarrhea. I feel so bad for him because he is absolutely miserable and it shows. Oh well... today is another day. I hope my baby is better tomorrow!! :(

[betsyboop]

Sorry to hear that Carter is sick, MAG:( I hope he feels better soon!

Millie just got sick last night too. She has a majorly stuffed up nose and I think she has a touch of a fever as well. She sobbed all 3 times I tried to put her down for her nap because she can't breath through her nose at all. I don't know what we're going to do because she can't go a whole day without at least some nap! Poor baby:(

[danalou]

MAG and Betsy - I am really sorry to hear that your kids are both sick as that is never fun for anyone involved most of all the kids!! I hope they start to feel better and return to their normal self soon.

[happy1nuv]

Seeing as both my boys have been sick - or otherwise impaired - for the past three weeks, here's hoping that the sick kids get better quick! I think we're almost back to normal here except joe will NOT go back into his crib. He had a really bad reaction to the antibiotics he was prescribed, and it got so bad that Jeff and I took turns letting him sleep on us all night, but now that he's better (at least as far as i can tell) I cant figure out how to ge thim abck in the crib. I'm ready to lose it... and we'll be doing the cio with checking on him come friday if its not better. DH is on notice that he will be doing all childcare on saturday while i sleep in if its as rough a night as i think it is (and my parents are on notice that dh and nic might be sleeping over in the middle of the night if it gets bad...) UGH!!!

[shimmerstar]

I hope everyone's babes are feeling better.

What cute things are your kiddos doing now?

Noah says "I love you" now, and will blow big kisses while saying Mwah! He said it on the phone to his grandparents and it made their year.

He hides and jumps out to say "boo!".

We have been spending more time with our friends with babies and he takes care of the babies. He found one of their pacifiers and tried to put it in the other kid's mouth. When the baby didn't want it, he put it in his own mouth.:)

He likes to sweep the floor with the regular broom.

He will get in the bathtub fully clothed and demand "wawa".

He climbs on the coffee table and I have to chase him down to give him a time-out. It's funny when he runs away but frustrating!

[danalou]

I can't believe how big our little ones are these days!!

Mackenzie has several new tricks up her sleeve and they all crack me up!!

She will stop at the landing up put her hands in the air waiting for you to give her a hand and help her down the stairs.

When she is really tired and ready for bed we will tell her that it is bed time and she head to her room and waits for you to pick her up and put her in her crib.

She loves computers and cell phones and really enjoys seeing herself on the screen.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2621901956_b18802f67f.jpg?v=0

I still can't believe how fast my baby has grown up over the past year as she was so little and precious just a year ago versus these days!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/1956903707_30e3352dfc.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2621325909_5951ecf32e.jpg?v=0

We are heading out of town tonight for a long holiday weekend so I hope everyone has a great time!!

[betsyboop]

Dana- I love that last picture! Too cute!

New tricks- Well, Millie finally started walking full time yesterday afternoon. In the morning, she was her normal self, mostly crawling with an occasional step thrown in here or there. After her nap, she just randomly started walking everywhere and hasn't stopped. Pretty funny.

[kindermom]

Just a fly by posting...Henry had is 15 month WBV and we found out that he dropped in weight from 22 pounds at 12 months to 21-3 at 15 mo3wk. We have to take him in for blood work in a month to find out what is going on.

[littlemia]

Cute things: Her pretend play is so cute. A lot of it involves pretending to eat and drink (oh the irony). She goes around all day pretending to eat and drink out of various things, especially her blocks. She feeds us, too. The other night she was pretending that the remote was a bottle of something and she was pouring it into a bowl and drinking it.

Sort of cute but not really: I think I mentioned before that I broke my rule about no tv until two to watch Baby Signing Time. Well, I think I let her watch it too much because she has been bringing me the remotes and turning the tv on. Thankfully she hasn't figured how to change it to the DVD player. And she gets so excited when the tv turns on which is sort of cute but a little scary.

Definitely not cute: Our sleep situation. She is fighting sleep badly. Yesterday was the first day she's napped in three days. Bedtime isn't as bad but she wants to get up and run on the bed which of course isn't safe.

[whitlockan]

checking in......

Things have been very busy here and all are time has been consumed...toddlers keep you busy!

Z had his 15 month visit last Thursday:

23.8 lbs - 30th
30.5/8 height - 35th
47 cm - 50th

I was thinking about weaning him, he is on bm full time aside from his normal food, little bit of water and no juices. Anyways I mentioned this to my non supportive ped who wanted us to stop at 1 year and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said his weight is perfect he is growing well why stop now....seriously make up your mind lady...so I have regained my focus once again and were still at it!

I can start counting words....what I wouldnt consider words are really words hes just not making them clear as of now so we will start working on that but that means he says:

dog
mememememe (aka ME!!)
mama
dada
squirrel
hi
Zach - he has said a few times
ball
**he has added shoe this week**

He had to get an updated blood draw he was anemic last time...after 3 months of iron vitamins he is good again! YAHOO!!

Cute things..... when you say time to go to school he picks up his toys and then goes and kisses the dogs goodbye on there NOSE and MOUTH!

NOT so cute..... while I try to fix dinner he climbs the stove! yes thats right literally climbs the stove, I locked the door to the oven so he wouldnt get hurt if he pulled on it but now he uses the handle and places one foot on the crack between the lower warming drawer and oven then begins pulls his arms up (as if you were doing a pull up) and climbs with his little feet on the front glass. ARGH!

anyways back to work......

[MarriedaGoalie]

Cute things: Carter is so cute when he hears a dog bark, he immediately acknowledges it and gets excited about it says "GOG?!" (That's how he says dog.) It doesn't matter what he's doing. He can be in the middle of throwing the biggest fit, but if he hears a dog... it's all better! Yay for the neighbor's dogs. haha

Sort of Cute Things: When Carter is really tired, he will go grab his blanky and his pillow (which is bright pink by the way... don't ask. lol) and will start sucking his two fingers. I know it's not supposed to be cute because that's not good, but it kind of is cute. :) hehe

Not Cute Things: He throws EVERYTHING!! His food... his cup.... everything! I hope it's just a phase!

[miaclear]

Slow thread lately....so a QOTD.

DS got off schedule with sleep while we were on vacation and wasn't waking till 9:00-9:30 in the morning. Mostly cause he wasn't taking two naps and he was getting exhausted. We're finally back on our normal schedule it seems. So I'm just curious what everyone's sleep schedule is at this point.

Bedtime: 8:00pm
Awake: 8:00am
Nap#1: on average 10-11:30
Nap#2: on average 2:30-4:00
99.9% of the time we have no issues with getting him to sleep, or him staying asleep.

He sometimes seems like he's going to give up his afternoon nap. But right now he's been pretty consistent. I think I'm lucky he turned into such a good sleeper. Paybacks I guess for his consistent wakings when he was itty bitty ;)

[shimmerstar]

Sleep schedule:

Go to bed around 6:30. Wakes around 6:30-7. Naps from about 12:30-2:30.

I'm struggling with getting up early every day of my summer break, but I don't want to change anything because we'll be back on schedule soon and he will have to wake up then anyway.

[betsyboop]

Sleep schedule- Millie goes down at 8pm and is up between 8 and 8:30am. She naps from noon until 1:30 or 2.

Major breakthrough! I'm not sure if any of you are dealing with a picky eater, but I thought I'd share that we had a major breakthrough a few days ago and now she will eat some of whatever we're eating for dinner every night. Woo hoo!! The trick is that we stopped cutting up her food- we're now just giving it to her whole so she can take bites. I think she feels like a "big kid" getting to eat this way, plus the food looks more like what we're eating. Anyway, I just thought I'd throw that out there in case it helps anyone else:)

[danalou]

Sleep Schedule Daycare Days -

Bedtime: 8pm
Awake: 7am
Nap #1: 8:30-9am (wake her up after 1 hour)
Nap #2: 12:30-1pm (sleeps for 2+ hours)

Sleep Schedule Mommy & Daddy Days - (She seems be ok dropping her morning nap if she sleeps in longer and we keep her active in the mornings. We will see how the whole thing works out as she has on occasion dropped that am nap at daycare as well)

Bedtime: 8pm
Awake: 7:30-8am
Nap #1: 12:30-1pm (sleeps for 2+ hours)

Betsy - I agree with you it seems to be that the little pieces of food just piss DD off as they aren't the same as what we eat. I can make her the exact same thing as us and if it is cut up she won't eat it. If I share my food with her in regular size she will gobble it up!!

[Tandis]

Sleep schedule - Down between 8-9 pm, up between 7-7:30 am, but don't actually get out of bed until I'm ready to leave in the morning at about 8:15 am. They're content to play in their cribs until I'm ready to go.

Nap around 11-12 pm for anywhere between 45 minutes-2 hrs. They sometimes try to sneak a nap between 5-6:30, depending upon how long they slept previously, but that screws up their bedtime, so we don't allow it.

Cutting up food - We still generally cut up everything, because while Veronica will take bites, Audrey will take one or two bites and then shove it all in her mouth. So it's just safer to cut. However, they are starting to use spoons and get ticked if I try to "help" them.

**********

Quick update on us from the 15-mo WBV (at 16 1/2 months old):

Veronica - 29 lbs (97th percentile), 33 1/2" tall (97th percentile), 21 1/2" head (still off the charts)

Audrey - 29 lbs (97th percentile), 34 1/4" tall (off the charts), 19" head (95th percentile)

So now that the girls are walking, their weight has stabilized some and they're back on the charts for the most part. Veronica gained almost 1 1/2 pounds and grew 1" in the past three months, while Audrey gained exactly a pound and grew almost 2".

Cute things - Veronica's way of saying "I love you" is to grab your arm (or whatever body part she can reach), and rest her head against it while patting you. So freakin' cute and it's always out of the blue.

Audrey responds to "I love you" by giving you a big hug and kiss. She will also wrap her arms around your neck then lift her feet off the ground and cling to you like a monkey. Makes it easy to get her out of her crib in the morning ;)

[MarriedaGoalie]

Schedule?! Who does schedules anymore? My kid decides on the weekends that he is too cool for naps... so by 5pm, he's pretty cranky, which is okay because he will go to bed around 7:00-7:30. :-)

[ieducate]

Schedule/Smedule: Julia has her own various schedule every day. :) She goes to bed sometime between 7:30-8:00 every night (depending on when her last nap of the day ended).

She usually takes 2 naps a day (still). She wakes up between 6-7am every morning (what I would give for a good solid 12 hours a night).

She usually takes her first nap between 9-10am and it varies how long she will nap ...sometimes only 30 minutes.

She will usually take an afternoon nap sometime around 2-3pm...again, depending on when she woke up from her first nap and what we were doing all day. This nap is usually pretty short. :(

I am going to try the eating thing you ladies suggested...Julia loves to eat off my plate, even if it is the same thing I have cut up on her plate.

Okay, so here is my question...have any of you tried to have your little ones watch DVD's on an airplane? If so, what type of headphones did you use? Our friends use the big sound reducing headphones for their little one on the plane, but they are really expensive. We don't want to invest in them until we know we have no other choices. Julia is finally facing front in her carseat so on the airplane (We are going to FL on Wednesday) we can have her watch a DVD on our portable player, but we don't know what type of headphones to get her that will stay on her and don't stick in the ear. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Hope you are all well. Dh and I are still working on getting pregnant. I have a bunch more tests I have to have done before we can even start to talk about procedures, but our fertility specialist is awesome and working very hard to get us pregnant again.

[miaclear]

DVD players on planes: I just flew with DS a few weeks ago. I didn't use headphones because I knew they would not stay on. We kept the volume down really low and it didn't bother anyone.

[danalou]

DVD players on planes: I know DD would not tolerate headphones yet so we are just going to play her movies with the sound low.

[ieducate]

That seems to be the general consensus about headphones...is to just keep the volume really low. We may have to do that because we went out looking today for a set of headphones that would even stay on her head (being small enough) and there weren't any to be bought. I wanted to buy the Fisher-Price fp3 player that comes with great headphones but they are no longer making them...therefore I can only get it online. Since we are leaving tomorrow for our trip, that kind of makes it pointless to buy and receive after we have already left. :) Oh well. We are going to try no headphones OR getting ones that don't fit her head but could just sit around her neck (that is what another website suggested).

Thanks for the advice. :)

[MrsKinnison]

I've been MIA, but haven't missed much. These toddlers must be keeping us busy!

At Ollies 16mos apt last month he was 21lbs 11.5ozs (10%tile) and 30.75 inches (50%). He is a skinny kid but literally eats all day long! Ironically, he doesn't seem to like milk, ice cream or peanut butter. He does love sherbert though!

Our schedule looks pretty much like this:
6:30ish ~ Wake
10ish ~ Nap #1 anywhere from 1.5-2+hours
3:30ish ~ Nap #2 anywhere from 45mins - 2hours. He typically naps a total of 3hrs a day so his morning nap determines the length of his afternoon.
8-8:30 ~ bed

Mondays and Tuesdays he goes to our friends house for the day and only takes one nap, so he goes to bed early those days. He really still needs his 2 naps!

Cute things ~ He is all about brushing his teeth. In the morning while I am getting ready he will be reaching for my doorknob saying "teeth, teeth" and has even cried when we couldn't get there right away. He also says "all done!" in the tub immediately followed by "teeth!" and will start to climb out of the tub.

Not cute ~ throwing food GRRR! Drives me crazy and nothing seems to help. I've tried distracting, ignoring, taking him out of his chair... food's still flying.

Anyone else's toddler still rear facing? Even though it is the recommendation now, I don't think many people know because everyone always comments that Ollie is still rear facing and when am I going to turn him around. We did turn him in DH's truck, but only because the seat itself is more secure forward facing than back because of his seats, but 90% of the time he is in my car.

[shimmerstar]

Mrs K, we are the same. Noah weighs about 28 lbs though and is 34 inches maybe. He is still RF and I'm anxious for him to gain enough so that we can turn him around. Dhs car is FF but he has not ridden in it yet. My mom harps on me that his legs are too squished and "what are you going to do, wrap his legs around his head?" I've told her that it's safer, but she can't seem to wrap her mind around it.


Noah update:
He is so busy and almost 18 months old. He has just started putting two words together and saying two-syllable words. He is a sweetie most of the time and doesn't give us much trouble. I LOVE this age- he just gets it now and he can tell me what he wants. He loves to help and will pick up his toys, thanks to daycare. He is moving up to the next room tomorrow.

One of the cute things he does right now is tell me to sing "baby". I have to sing rockabye baby 100 times while he snuggles me. He even brings the quilt over and everything. It's TOO precious.

He has gotten taller but not gained, so now his little baby tummy is gone. :( We are doing part-time potty training and he will start getting some of that in daycare too. Today he pooped 2x in the potty and none in his diaper. :)

I hope everyone will come post an update- I hate coming here and having no new posts. :)

Here he is in his old baby swing. I had it out for my friend's baby.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2673006362_2b1da97f50.jpg?v=0

Here he is helping dad take out the trash- his idea, not ours.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2720461947_bcc864553f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2720489019_f88454be59.jpg?v=0

[littlemia]

Carseat- We're still rearfacing here because Claire doesn't weigh enough for FF. In fact, she's still in her infant seat, although we're going to put in her convertible tomorrow or the next day.

Schedule- I'm impressed by how much some of your kids nap. Claire takes one 1.5-2 hour nap about 5 hours after she wakes up. We aim for 11 hours of sleep a night. Unfortunately she takes a long time to get settled; it's usually at least a half hour before she falls asleep after lights off and sometimes it's an hour.

Cute things- Can I add something to my list of cute things? When Claire gives someone a hug, she says "awww." I have no idea where that came from but it's so freakin' cute.

[betsyboop]

littlemia- Wow Claire is really tiny, huh?

Carseat- We're still rear facing as well, in the infant seat. But we have the one that goes up to 30lb. I'm thinking that we'll have to get a convertable soon though because her head is only about 2in from the top of the seat now. She's forward facing in Dave's truck (it's one of those 1/2 sized backseats, so nothing would fit rear facing) but we don't use it that often.

Latest cute things- I love when she does things that you know are copied from Dave or me. Like when she sits on the couch with a pillow on her lap. I always do that so I can prop up a book or magazine on it. She also tries to clip her own nails and comb her own hair. She loves to get clothes from the hamper and "try them on." It's always interesting to see the weird configurations she manages. She's also gotten really good at strumming Dave's guitar with a pick.

A couple of recent photos:

First bath in the tub
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g56/bugs1234_2006/DSC_2621.jpg?t=1217942731

Walking with Daddy at the zoo
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g56/bugs1234_2006/DSC_2586.jpg?t=1217942772

Digging for dinosaur fossils at the zoo
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g56/bugs1234_2006/DSC_2584.jpg?t=1217942816

[danalou]

The pictures are too cute of Noah and Millie!! I still can't believe our babies are almost a year and a half old!!

[kindermom]

Quick question...How many new ROs do we have now? When are you due?

Great pics of the kids everyone. I think it is so cute how they want to help us now. Henry loves to clean. I went out and bought him a broom and dustpan. We have to hide the mop and vacuum because otherwise he would knock everything off the shelves with their long handles.

Henry's cuteness is his saying please and thank you. He clearly says in this melodic tone "tank ou." He also loves to brush his teeth. He tries so hard to move his hand back and forth. Most of the time though he shakes his head vigorously back and forth to clean his teeth. He is really great at it.

[danalou]

I am a RO - due April 6, 2009 (based on my calculation) & I have a dating ultrasound set for next Friday!!

Cuteness - Mackenzie is too funny these days as she listens and responds to questions these days. If you ask her to go get something she will leave the room and go get it. The other day she brought me her shoes to put on her so we could go outside. I didn't have my shoes, so I asked her to go and get mine and she brought my shoes and socks!!

[betsyboop]

Danalou- That's so cute! Millie does the same thing. What typical girls with the shoes:p I just find it amazing how much they understand already. I can't wait until she can speak as well as she understands though:)

[kindermom]

Betsy - When they start talking, it is awesome.

[miaclear]

We're still rear facing. I keep getting comments too about when are we going to turn him around. DS is content facing backwards so until he isn't, or until he outgrows the weight limits we'll keep him that way.

[kindermom]

I totally forgot about the car seat question...DD was turned at 18 months only because we could only fit one rfing car seat on our Civic otherwise I would recommend staying rfing for as long as possible. DS got turned a month or so ago. I forget why.

[Tandis]

Carseat - My girls are FF in my car because their seats don't fit RF. However, in DH's truck (which they rarely ride in), they're still RF, especially since one of the seats is in the front (with the airbag turned off).

Danalou - My girls do that too! Hee, I love how it seems they just suddenly seemed to be able to understand everything we say, and are so "helpful!" :D

[betsyboop]

Golden- Oh, man. I'm really sorry. I just assumed you were telling online people- and that all the people here are on your friends list already. Sorry, I didn't mean any harm:(

[kindermom]

Can you guys delete your posts at least. That way the word is not out as quickly.

[Tandis]

Okay ladies - don't know how long this is going to last - and I know our kids are starting to outgrow them - but Veggie Baby Mum Mum's are on sale again at Amazon! $15.70 for a case, or $13.35 for the subscription (that you can cancel after the first shipment and still get the cheap price!)

Baby Mum Mum's on sale! (http://xrl.in/c9u)

[ieducate]

Just a quick update and question.

Julia is doing great, although still smaller than she should be (according to her doc) and still not walking by herself completely yet. Although she did take 4 little tiny steps by herself when we were in FL. :)

As for the plane ride, well I managed to find some headphones that would fit her tiny head and go over the ears, but she wouldn't even keep them on for 2 seconds. Soooo, all that shopping for nothing. We brought the DVD player and just had the volume pretty low. No one could hear it except for her and boy it worked great. It kept her occupied for almost the entire flight there and back. We just had the same DVD on repeat and she loved it. :) Thanks for all the suggestions on headphones and watching DVD's on the plane.

We had a great trip to FL visiting my in-laws, but I was glad to be home and get back to a normal routine. So, that brings me to my question....

How on Earth do you get a child to sleep past 6am every single day? Julia typically goes to sleep around 8pm, sometimes earlier if she is beyond tired and cranky. We have gotten her to sleep through the night (most of the time), but she wakes up at 6am on the dot...sometimes even earlier. We have tried Ferberizing her to sleep longer in the morning and it doesn't work. We have tried putting her to bed earlier, doesn't work. We have tried putting her to bed later, doesn't work. We even tried to give her only ONE nap during the day, and that didn't work either. :( My DH and I have a system where we take turns getting up with her in the morning so that at least one of us gets to sleep in, but it is giving me such a stomach ache when I think about it. I get nauseous having to be up that early and I don't know what to do. I would fine with her sleeping 12 hours a night (even 11 would be fine) and only taking one nap during the day instead of 2, but when she wakes up at 6am it is impossible to keep her up any later than 9am for a nap...which means a second nap has to come later in the day or she will melt down. AGH. Any thoughts?

As for me...well we are just about finished up with diagnostic testing with our reproductive endocrinologist. I am so anxious to get moving on trying to be pregnant. It seems like this is taking forever. Of course, we haven't sat down with the doc. yet to even find out what the problems are, if any. It is a very slow process and requires a lot of patience...which I have very little of. Oh well.

That's it for me right now. Hope everyone is doing well. I tried to read all the posts from the last weeks to keep up, but I think I fell too far behind at one point to know what is going on with some of the posts. :(

[Tandis]

ieducate - it hasn't been that long since my girls started sleeping past the 6-7 am hour on a regular basis. Some of the things that we've done that might help:

feed them more for dinner (could be waking up early due to being hungry)
put a few toys in the crib (a couple baby dolls/stuff animals so if they do wake up, they'll be entertained - this has helped *a lot*!)
try putting to bed a little later (I know you mentioned this, but we had to do it on a continual basis before the girls started sleeping longer - their bedtime is now between 8:30-9 pm)

Tire them out during the day! (it's easier now that they're walking, but we kept them very active after their afternoon lunch and insisted they don't sleep after 5 pm, so when they went to bed they were tired)

Unfortunately, JR might just be an early bird. Do you take a nap at 9 am when she does? It might help with the sick feeling from waking too early.

Good luck with the testing!

[Kanga]

.

How on Earth do you get a child to sleep past 6am every single day?

I wish I knew! Camdyn generally wakes up around 6 am. Occasionally 7, and very very rarely 8am. My oldest was an early riser, and I would have loved for her to have 'slept in' until 6am. Fortunately now that she's older dd1 usually sleeps until 7ish.

[MrsKinnison]

I have to brag, I am such a proud mommy!

First we took Ollie to a Japanese Steakhouse for dinner saturday night (highly reccommend this, he loved watching them cook!). He was eating the ice out of his water cup and asked for "more", but I told him I was sorry it was all gone and he looked at me with big puppy brown eyes and said "peez?" So cute! Then again at breakfast yesterday morning he asked for more and I asked more what (meaning what would you like more of) and again he said, with a huge smile, "peez?"

Then when we got to work he went right to work destroying the place and pulled the top off the pencil sharpener spilling shavings all over the floor in the corner beside the desk. We went looking for the dustpan but couldn't find it, then got busy and forgot about it. About an hour later I notice he had found the dustpan and was over sweeping up the pencil shavings ~ I think my heart melted!

And if that wasn't enough to make my heart explode with pride, after he was done sweeping he took a little 2x2 tile off my desk and brought it to the tile display trying to put it on one of the sample boards.

When did he get so smart??

Sleeping past 6 ~ We get to about 6:30, maybe 7 on a good day so I'm no help. I thought it was because it was summer and getting light to early, but we've had miserable weather for weeks and don't even know what the sun looks like anymore and it hasn't made a difference. Would you believe that we have been wearing pants and even had a sweater on today? It is August, right??

[MarriedaGoalie]

I kind of have the opposite problem (if you want to call it that). Carter doesn't like to get up before 9:00. I think he gets his laziness from his daddy. haha

[MarriedaGoalie]

We had Carter's 15 month WBV this morning (at nearly 17 months old) and he weighs 24 lbs, 1 oz and is 31 inches long.

[miaclear]

DS sleeps from 8pm to 8am on a very regular basis. Sometimes he'll sleep past 9:00. He's finally pretty much given up his second nap and will nap for two hours from about 1-3 or around there.

My boy used to eat anything and everything in front of him. Now he lives on a diet of grapes and cheese and pasta. I'm trying not to worry about it cause at least he's not only wanting to eat cookies or something. But it's frustrating, especially knowing he used to eat everything.

[kindermom]

And one day you will go out and make like a pound of pasta in advance for him and he will decide he no longer likes it. :) Funny how they are. Henry is only eating Monterey Jack Cheese and pretzels and corn right now.

Funny Henry story...
My Aunt gave us a pair of black sneakers for him that are a size bigger than he normally wears (7 versus 6). I put them on him to try them on and he has worn them nonstop since then. He cries hysterically if we untie them. Keep in mind, he refuses to wear shoes normally. Now he lives in these too big black sneakers.

[MrsKinnison]

Too funny ~ I was just coming in to see if anyone had any meal ideas to share. Ollie's always been a little funny about meat, but lately he's not even into chees wich was always a staple before. I'm having troubles with veggies too, and always snuck them in his mac n cheese, but that's not working as well lately either. Eggs, fruit, yogurt & bread seams to be it these days. Glad to know we're not alone :D

[betsyboop]

And one day you will go out and make like a pound of pasta in advance for him and he will decide he no longer likes it.

Yup. Millie was SUPER into raisins for like a week, so I went and bought a big container for her. The very next day, she decided that she hates raisins and hasn't touched one since:rolleyes:

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one dealing with picky eating. Ugh, it's so frustrating. Right now, she eats hummus, cheese (not melted, only fresh from the fridge), bread/cereal, and pureed veggies and fruit. Anything else gets tossed on the floor.

[kindermom]

If memory serves me correctly, my oldest got out of this phase around 2 years old.

[miaclear]

Aaron's been on a banana kick for awhile. But now it's questionable if he'll want one. He'll always whine that he wants one but sometimes he doesn't eat it. And worse, sometimes he'll pretend he's going to eat it and chew it up and go in the corner and spit it out. Ugh.

[MommyinPA]

Hey ladies!

I don't know if you remember me, but I was checking in to say hello! I havent been here in a long time. Looks like the core group has dwindled but still familiar faces. Anywho..... Kaia is doing well as are the boys. I have a fourth (and final) muffin in the oven due Xmas. Surprise for us, but a tubal ligation will be happening this time.

Hope all is well, the kiddos are beautiful and so big, congrats to all :)

[Tandis]

Of course we remember you (or at least I do, and I'm sure I'm not alone)! :) Glad to hear Kaia is doing well and congrats on the new bundle of joy :D

The majority of us moved over to LJ which is why we're not as large as we used to be. If you are over there as well, feel free to look us up (or let us know you're name and I'm sure you'll get lots of "friends" ;))

[Kanga]

Nope, Tandis isn't alone, I definitely remember you and Kaia (after all, I was thisclose to having a Kaia too;) ). Congratulations on #4 as well!!

[littlemia]

Meal ideas- Claire eats meat so what I do is freeze ground meat in small portions then just pop it into the microwave for a few seconds to defrost then cook it up. I usually add some peas or other vegetables.

Does anyone know how long you can freeze spaghetti with meat sauce (just the sauce)?

Mommy in PA- I remember you, too. I followed Kaia's CarePage when you had it up. Glad to hear she's and the boys are doing well. Congratulations on #4! Do you know the gender?

Breastfeeding- Who here is still nursing? How long do you think you'll continue? I'm still pumping 4 times a day (over 2 hours total pumping, ugh) and Claire nurses occasionally. She was nursing during the overnights at least once and often several times but I changed my pumping schedule and now I give her a bottle when she wakes up which gets us a little more sleep, I think. It's getting difficult now, though. My supply is dropping and it's so hard to watch Claire while I pump even though two of the times I pump it's while she's asleep. She needs the nutrition, though. I'm not opposed to giving her Pediasure or Carnation Instant Breakfast but so far the CIB has been a bust. I'm not sure how much longer I'll go; I definitely want to be done by the time she's two, though.

[kindermom]

Littlemia - I am still nursing Henry. As a matter of fact he is nursing right now. That said, I will be talking to my lactation consultant on Wednesday about weaning. He nurses on demand and gets about 80% of his milk from me. Is there a reason you are not giving C cow milk yet? For us, Henry just refuses it.

MommyinPA - I am so happy to hear K is doing well. And I hope her brothers are also well. Congrats on your new one. I hope that your pregnancy progresses safely for the both of you.

[goldengbridge]

MommyinPA- Hey girl! Can you email me Kaia's new website? I lost it after you stopped updating her carepage and I miss Mrs Bear updates! Congrats on #4! My email is jmp99@ptd.net

LittleMia- I actually have been slowly weaning Ash and he officially stopped nursing last week so we're done and although I'm kinda sad, I'm also a little relieved. I think we were both ready to be done!

[betsyboop]

MommyinPA- It's good to hear from you again! Congrats on you pregnancy. I hope it progresses safely for you and the baby:)

[danalou]

Meal Ideas - I wish I could help but DD is like many of the others as she loves something one day and will refuse it the next. About the only things that she will eat on a regular basis is mac and chesse, pasta with tomato sauce and ketchup!! One thing I didn't expect was for her to like my homemade fried rice and she loves it (picks out the rice, egg and veggies and leaves the meat)!!

MommyinPA - Glad to hear from you and congrats on expecting #4!! I wish you the best with your pregnancy and make sure to keep us posted on the details.

LittleMia - I actually stopped nursing at about 14 months as my supply dropped and DD just wasn't into it with a low supply. I started mixing her bottles for daycare to be 50/50 blend of breast milk and whole milk. We did this for about 2 months and at the end of my frozen supply she went right to whole milk.

[littlemia]

We have tried cow's milk, she just doesn't drink more than a few sips. I've tried mixing cow's and breast milk and she does better with that but I can't keep cow's milk out as long as EBM so some of it goes to waste. The reason I mentioned Pediasure and CIB is that, while unnatural as all, they have added nutrients (in fact Pediasure is complete nutrition) that she would be missing if we just went to straight cow's milk. I'm sure we'll figure something out.

[kindermom]

Believe it or not, Henry prefers 2% over whole milk so we made the switch early. I just make sure he gets other fats like whole milk cheese and yogurt. But milk? He definitely prefers 2%.

[danalou]

Question - What kind of sippy cups are your kids using for milk these days?

[Tandis]

Milk - Audrey also prefers 2%, but she'll drink whole when I don't give her a choice (and I usually never do ;))

Sippy - We have a bunch of the 10 & 14 oz Nuby Easy Grip No-Spill Sipper that we use for everything. There are still have a couple of the Nuby with the Flip-It Straw in use, but they're not leaking pretty badly out the straw, so they only get filled with water.

[betsyboop]

Interesting about the preference for 2% milk. I can't say I've noticed that Millie cares one way or the other. She really loves milk any way she can get it honestly.

Sippy cup- We use the 12oz. Nuby straw cups. I think it's the flip it one that Tandis mentioned. She gets a one full of milk at breakfast, one full of water for the rest of the day, and one 1/2 filled with milk at dinner.

[Tandis]

Betsy - Do you have any problems with yours leaking? With ours, it seems like the milk pools at the top and then goes everywhere when they sit (or throw) it down.

[betsyboop]

They will occasionally do this weird thing where the milk or water will randomly start coming up and out of the straw and then spill down the front of the cup. This happens when the cup is standing up usually though. Is that what you're talking about? We have a couple that we bought at Target and a couple from BRU and the straw/valve set up is different on each, so maybe it happens more with one than the other?? I haven't made a point to check that though, so I'm not sure.

[Tandis]

All of our straw sippies came from Target - interesting that the straw/valve set up is different.

That happens to us also, which is a big part of the leaking, but also when the girls drink not all of the liquid go back into the straw when they stop and so it pools at the very top. It makes a mess when someone tips over the cup.

[littlemia]

We're still using the Nuby straw cups too. We do have some problems with leaking but a lot of that is because Claire turns the cup over and hits the straw against something until milk comes out. I think what Betsy was talking about is when the milk is vacuumed up through the straw for no apparent reason. We have this happen occasionally. We have some Take and Toss straw cuos, too, but we don;t use them very often because she takes the straw out and dumps out the milk.

How long do you let your kids drink on their milk sippies before dumping the milk out?

[miaclear]

Milk in sippys....we use the Take and Toss disposables. I get a fresh glass each morning and whatever he doesn't finish for breakfast goes back in the fridge. At lunch he gets what's left and a refill if needed. Dinner is the same thing. Usually there's nothing left but if there is I toss that.

Water in sippys....I use the Munchkin straw cups. LOVE Them!

We haven't offered anything but milk or water and it works good for us to not offer milk other than at meal time.

[danalou]

Thanks gals - I don't know what it is about the Nuby straw cups, but we have the same issue with the milk pooling up on the top of the straw. It doesn't help that DD finds it fun to play with the straw and turn the cup upside down. She likes to play with the milk drops and will even go into the kitchen to get a cloth to wipe them up. I think I might have developed a kid that loves cleaning!!

Littlemia - As for the milk I fill two different cups up with 6 oz the night before. We give her them at meals and put them back in the fridge when finished. If I need to add more to the cut at pre-bedtime I will, but this way I have an idea how much she drinks.

[MrsKinnison]

MommyinPA it is so good to hear from you, I have been thinking a lot about you and Miss Kaia Bear a lot lately. I am so happy to hear everyone is doing well and congratulations on number 4!!

We still nurse first thing in the morning and right before bed. I was a little sad that he was giving up the bedtime session because 3 nights in a row he wasn't interested, but tonight he was again. He is all about it in the morning though to the point that I kind of worry how he will ever give it up ~ lol!

Ollie also doesn't like milk. I try every so often and he takes a sip, looks at the cup funny, hands it back to me and says "all done." He eats a lot of cheese & yogurt (drinkable yogurts are great too) so the pedi says that he's getting plenty and not to worry about it. For yogurt I'm using the gerber sip n' something cups, but for water we use the take n toss straw cups. Has anyone tried Wateroos? Ollie loves them!! They are naturally flavored waters with no artificial flavoring, sugar or juice in them. You can find them in the health food sections (stores that carry are on there website). Ollie also likes carrot juice, so that is a nice way to sneak veggies into him.

Is everyone really over on LJ? Am I missing out and do I need to join? I just thought it was all journaling/blogging...

[lady1297]

MommyinPA- I just wanted to pop in and say HI!!!! Hope all is well with Miss KaiaBear!! I miss following her journey. If you ever delve into Live Journal Land....look me up, same name there!

[shimmerstar]

Hi everyone. I keep up with a lot of you on lj, but I wanted to say hi here too since a lot of you have been back. :) It's good to hear from everyone.

Noah is 18.5 months old and is a real sweetheart. He is very outgoing and loves other people. We are working on pting but not pushing it. He is talking lots and runs everywhere at 100 mph. This weekend he skinned his knee, cut his foot on a toy, fell about 25 times and almost hit something sharp, ran into the wall, got a bloody nose from hitting it on the slide at the park and also a bloody lip. Anyone else's child a crazy daredevil? It didn't help that we were at my brother's house and it's not child-proofed, but he falls down tons of times in a day. I think he is getting an EI so his balance is off, plus he is just always running.

Anyone doing a christmas list yet? I am thinking of starting because my grandma has been asking.

[danalou]

MrsK - Most of us are over on LJ, but we still pop over here and check things out. I would say we all post regularly on LJ as it just seems a bit more protected when it comes to daily topics.

Shimmerstar - Noah is growing up so fast these days!! I have started to think about Christmas as it really isn't too far away. I would love to get DD a nice play kitchen and some more big kid toys. I would love to know what you are leaning towards for other options.

[betsyboop]

Shimmerstar- Sounds like a lot of injuries! Millie actually skinned her knee this weekend too. She's definitely not a daredevil though- she just tripped while walking on cobblestones.

Christmas- Nope, I'm not thinking about it yet. Though the play kitchen sounds like a great idea. i may have to steal that one:D

MrsK- Yeah, I think most of us are over on LJ. You should come on over and check it out!

[littlemia]

Anyone else's child a crazy daredevil?

Raises hand. She's always climbing or running or jumping. Our driveway is fairly steep and she's scraped herself up pretty good running down it full-bore. She wants to jump off of things which is pretty scary. She climbs up onto the dining table and when we come over to get her off she tries to leap into our arms. She does the same off the back of the couch.

Of course, it was a most unspectacular trip and fall that actually injured her. We ended up in urgent care after she tripped over my pump cord and could not bear any weight on her foot. Fortunately the x-rays were negative and she was able to walk by the next afternoon.

Milk/sippies- I think Claire is opposite of most kids in that she just takes a few sips of water from our glasses during meals and gets her milk the rest of the day. I guess I need to work on her drinking some cow's milk during meals. Danalou- Claire does the same thing with her straw cups down to getting a rag (or whatever's nearby even if it's a shirt) to clean up.

Christmas- We're plan on getting her a play kitchen. I think she's ready for it now but we'll probably wait.

What is your child going to be for Halloween? I haven't decided yet. There are a few cute ladybug costumes so I might go with that.

[buffy]

Hello! It's been a while since I've posted here, although I usually read to keep up with you all.

crazy daredevil - Uh, yeah. She sounds just like littlemia described. She is always climbing on the table and jumping into our arms. Then she'll run around, climb back up and do it over and over again. Such fun. Her latest is climbing up the back of the couch and then looking at us to make sure we're watching. Her legs are a mess of scrapes from falls outside, but most don't seem to bother her.

milk - Morgan is still nursing and has just taken a few sips of milk. I need to get better about getting her to drink milk or water though because DH and I are going away for a long weekend (Thurs-Mon) in October. I've never been away from her for more than 7-8 hours so I'm beyond nervous.

sleep - her sleep is bad and just gets worse. I also need to really work on this for our October trip. I think I'm going to have to cut her off from night feedings. I'm pretty sure she's getting some more teeth right now though so that's making it worse.

Christmas - no idea, haven't thought of it yet!

Halloween - every year I want to dress the 3 girls up in matching/coordinating costumes and I never do. Morgan will probably end up wearing a hand me down costume this year too. I have a fairy princess one that should fit her.

[Tandis]

Crazy Daredevil - Well, they're not so much daredevils, as just really curious and in a hurry. They *try* to run everywhere but usually end up tripping over their feet. They love to climb up the back of the couch to look out the front window, and have climbed up onto their table a couple times, but I busted them and made them get down. So far no throwing themselves into my arms, but they do love to throw themselves down onto pillows - which is fine when they're on the floor - it's when they're on the couch or bed that it gets a little scary - especially when they're too near the edge!

Oh, and Veronica thinks it absolutely *hilarious* to go running down the driveway towards the road. :( Any ideas on how to curb that?

Halloween - Last year it worked out great to buy them hoodies and sweatpants from BRU for their costumes - they're still wearing the devil one - so I don't know about this year. I'll have to see what's available come October.

Christmas - DH's aunt & uncle bough the girls a play kitchen for their Christening last May, which we put together around their birthday this year, and they've loved playing with that. We really don't have room for any more big toys, so maybe some outside stuff, a few bath toys, books, and a couple smaller items.

Littlemia - I usually only leave the milk sippies out during their meal, and for maybe 15-20 minutes after, before sticking them back in the fridge.

[shimmerstar]

Ahh, yes, the launching into our arms. He thinks it's fun to hold our hands and ski down the stairs instead of doing it right. At least I'm not the only one. I talked with his ped today to be sure, and he said he is just a slightly clumsy kid that is always in a hurry.

He tries to run toward the road, and I immediately take him inside. Same goes for touching the grill. He throws a big fit when I do that, so I think it's working. We have been doing time-outs and they have really worked for us.

Halloween- We are dressing him as Sweeney Todd just for fun, because after we saw that movie we started calling him "sweetie Todd". We are dorks. For school he is going to be Elvis. It was hard to decide, but I chose it because it didn't have anything on his head, and was not a heavy, furry costume.

Christmas- We were thinking a kitchen too, and I want to get him one of those big wheel type bikes that I can push. I also have been thinking about a swingset but we might wait until his birthday. He will be getting some little people too.

[danalou]

Halloween - I have a ladybug costume that should still fit Mackenzie that I got at a Mom 2 Mom sale that I will probably end up using to save money. I am really not sure how well things will go this year as she tends to be moody when she doesn't want to wear something!!

QOTD: Winter Coats - I am wondering what everyone plans on doing for a winter coat this year? I really would love to get her a LL Bean or Lands End coat, but I can't see paying $60+ for something she will wear for a season. I am hoping to score a great used deal at a Mom 2 Mom sale this weekend, but we will see as I still have a little time for find something.

[danalou]

Halloween - I have a ladybug costume that should still fit Mackenzie that I got at a Mom 2 Mom sale that I will probably end up using to save money. I am really not sure how well things will go this year as she tends to be moody when she doesn't want to wear something!!

QOTD: Winter Coats - I am wondering what everyone plans on doing for a winter coat this year? I really would love to get her a LL Bean or Lands End coat, but I can't see paying $60+ for something she will wear for a season. I am hoping to score a great used deal at a Mom 2 Mom sale this weekend, but we will see as I still have a little time for find something.

[kindermom]

Daredevil - Right now Henry has a black eye and bruised nose. The black eye is from running behind a moving double swing. The bruised nose is from falling 4"off his sister's bed. He loves to drag chairs over the house to climb onto things. He hangs out on the windown ledge to look at cars going by. He jumps. He climbs. He does somersaults. His sister was the same way.

Milk in sippies - I use insultate cups so I will let it stay out for a few hours. But normally I give milk at meals and for about 30 minutes after. During the day we normally keep only water sippies out. At any given time, I have about 6 sippies going.

Halloween - Madelyn is going as Blue, our grey cat. She is insisting that henry goes as Blue, from Blue's Clues.

Christmas - I have a bunch of things so far. But his big gifts will be match box cars and a garage, a barbecue grill toy (constructive playthings), and I forget the other thing. We already have a kitchen and Henry really likes it.

Winter coats - I have 2 for Henry already. One is from Old Navy and one from Gymboree. I bought them this spring for $7 and $11, respectively. I can not stomach the prices of in season coats. I always buy at the end of the season for the next season.

Public Announcement - In case you are not aware, the Gymboree $10/$20 sale is going on now. Anything under $19.50 is $10 and Over $20 is $20. It covers several major baby lines. It is a great time to stock up on pajamas for $10 a pair.

[Tandis]

Winter Coats - I wanted to get a couple at the end of last season but my girls grow so fast I was afraid of buying too small. Their coats from last year will work for the beginning of the cold season - and I *know* their snow pants will - so we can go a little longer before I need to start hunting sales.

QOTD - When do you start giving them a pillow to sleep on? Is it when they're out of their crib? And do you just go buy a regular pillow, or should I start looking for the flattest pillow possible? I'm thinking if they had a pillow they might stop scrunching themselves up into the top corner of their crib and waking up when they bang into the sides with their head, but at the same time I'm still worried about suffocation.

[kindermom]

Pillows - We are kind of lax at our house. That said, Madelyn got her first pillow around 2 years once she was in her big bed. There are others on her bed but she does not use them. Instead she uses a small pillow I made for her and lightly stuffed. Henry uses a stuffed dog for a pillow. Other than that, I have no intention on giving him one for a few years. I personally sleep without one or uses a super flat one so I figure they can go without as well.

Henry tried sitting on the potty tonight. His sister is training and so after she got up, he tried to pull up his pants (because she pulls up her skirt :) ) and sat down. He was a little confused about the rest.

[danalou]

Pillows - I ended up giving DD a old pillow for her crib about a month ago as she allows dragged ours around the house. Most of the time I find her in the morning not even using it, but I lay her down on it at bedtime. I want to try and get her use to it as I will have to switch her to a big girl bed after Christmas!!

Winter Coats - I ended up scoring three different winter coats at the Mom 2 Mom sale last week for less than $30!! I got a lighter weight Old Navy jacket for early fall, a heavier winter jacket with hood for daycare and an awesome set with a ski jacket and snow pants that cost $100 new!!

9.11 - I still can't believe it has been 8 years since the attack!! My sister and her family visited the memorial in PA this summer and she said it was breathtaking!! I can't imagine what it would be like to see the two light towers in NY as I have never got the chance to see that skyline!!

[betsyboop]

Pillow- Millie has never used a pillow. No particular reason other than I never thought of giving her one. She'd probably toss it out of her crib and then freak out that she couldn't reach it anymore if I gave her one, now that I think of it. That's what happens if we let her sleep with a doll or stuffed animal.

Winter coat- I bought her this ridiculous faux fur hooded jacket from Juicy at the end of the season last year- originally $250, I paid $20. I also bought her a courderoy jacket for fall from Old Navy last year. Then just the other day I was at TJ Maxx and bought her a long fleece coat that velcros down the front and came with a matching hat for like $15. I figured it would be good for the car since the other 2 are rather bulky.

[Kanga]

pillow - we've tried, but she prefers to sleep without one. We started giving Daytona one at about this age because she was starting to use her crib bumpers as a pillow. So just whenever they show an interest would be my guess, but I have no idea what the official 'rule' is.

christmas - I have no idea. She has a play kitchen that her and dd1 got as a joint gift last year. We may get her her own doll stroller and carseat as the girls are always fighting over the one we have.

winter coat the poor deprived child somehow has FOUR. One is a matching set with mittens and a snow suit that was dd1's first birthday gift. Dd1 wore it once. The second is last years coat that was too big because I waited too long so it still fits this year, especially because she's a peanut. The third and fourth are hand me downs from Daytona that she got for her 2nd birthday. So, um yeah, she's all set in that aspect:o

Halloween - i was planning on Thing1 and Thing2. However, Daytona found her costume from last year (leopard) and has fallen in love with it all over again. She's 3 and it still fits so who cares that it's taboo to wear the same costume 2 years in a row:p Since you can't really have a thing2 without a thing 1, I'm thinking a chick costume will be really cute.

crazy daredevil - absolutely! The child never stops scaring the pants off of me. If she's not on the (countertop height) table, she's on the back of the sofa. If not there, she's trying to climb on top of the tv (WTH, kid, there's nothing up there anyways?). It never ends and surprises me because dd1 was not like that at all.

[miaclear]

Winter Coat...not much of a worry down here in Texas. I bought a really nice fall jacket on clearance at Baby Gap early this summer that I plan on using. If it's really cold that and a sweatshirt should be fine.

Halloween...MIL had gotten DS a Tiger costume last year on clearance. We tried it on him this last week and he wanted nothing to do with it. I actually ended up going to the Gymboree $10/$20 sale and getting the skeleton PJs. So he's going to be a skeleton, and then he also now has a new pair of PJs :)

Christmas...I've picked up a few things that I found on clearance. I don't think there is going to be a big gift this year. Just some smaller ones.

Daredevil...I'm pretty lucky that Aaron really isn't a climber. The worst thing he does is like to stand on his Little Tikes rocking horse.

[betsyboop]

Miaclear- How funny, Millie wore the Gymboree skeleton pjs for Halloween last year! I got lots of compliments on it.

[ieducate]

For those of you on LJ, I apologize for the repeat posting.

Isn't it interesting how one thing can happen to completely change your view on life??? Well, two nights ago that happened to me. We have been having problems with Julia sleeping for the past 2 weeks or so and on Tuesday night we were up with her from 1am until 3:30am. After she fell asleep I asked my dh to turn on the heat, as I was freezing from lack of sleep. :( Anyway, he went to turn on the heat and we went to sleep...FINALLY. At 5am an alarm went off. We could not figure out what it was at first, but after determining that there was no smoke or fire anywhere we realized it was the carbon monoxide detector in our bedroom. A dangerous level of CO is about 70 or higher...we were measuring at 234 when the alarm went off. We immediately opened some windows, I went to wake Julia up, and then we called the fire dept. They told us to leave the house immediately and they would be over right away. So...the fire department came, measured the CO level at 330 in the basement, and told us it was going to be a while. One of the firemen was even nice enough to bring out a blanket from Julia's room for us to wrap around her. Anyway, they were at the house for 1 1/2 hours trying to determine the source of the CO. They went back and forth on the hot water heater and furnace. I said all along it was the furnace as it coincided with us turning on the heat for the first time in six months...had to be more than coincidence. So, they shut off the water and heater and sent us back in to the house once they detected no more CO. That morning we had the gas co. here and they too had a difficult time finding the source. It wasn't until I asked the guy to double check the furnace that he was able to find the problem...our furnace was faulty...and OLD. VERY OLD. Apparently the pilot light went out on its own and then shot back on in massive flames. It was causing major amounts of CO to enter the air because we had turned on the heat 1 1/2 hours earlier. They red tagged it and told us to call a contractor. We did. They came over and told us we need a new furnace (DUH) AND a new hot water heater. Basically they were going to have to take out the hot water heater to get to the furnace and the hot water heater is also pretty old. Therefore we are dropping over $7.000 to get all of this replaced, but will have peace of mind forever. The interesting thing about all of this is that about 6 months ago at the end of the winter season we had a super cold day. I turned on the heat, but was very disappointed in that it didn't seem to be working. When I went downstairs to check the furnace (not really knowing what I was looking for) I realized the pilot light was out. I called a contractor to come take a look (when the gas co. said it was not their area of expertise) and when he arrived he could not find a problem with the furnace...in fact, the pilot light was on when he arrived. I didn't think much of it. He suggested that we get a CO detector because the furnace was old and probably only good for another season or two. The end result...HE SAVED OUR LIVES. I made Andrew go out with me that night 6 months ago to buy the CO detector and I installed it the very next day. I never in a million years thought I would ever hear it go off for real.

Sooo...the bottom line...I can't stop feeling shaky about all of this. I just keep thinking that we could all be gone right now. I don't even really think about myself being dead as much as I think about JR not being here. It horrifies me...it breaks my heart to think about it. Something as simple as a CO detector for $25 and it saved our lives. I am okay with spending the $7,000 if it means some peace of mind.

For any of you reading this that have gas run appliances in your house, please make sure you have a working CO detector in your house. We are actually putting a second one in the basement this weekend...as we often have our parents sleeping there when they visit.

A side note: Andrew and I were kind of fighting before we went to sleep at 3:30 that night. We didn't have a screaming match or anything, but we were quite peeved at each other. That would have been the last thing we said/did to each other. That horrifies me. I am really trying to keep things in perspective now. It certainly doesn't mean that I won't ever get mad at Andrew, but I will certainly make sure he hears me say, "I love you" before going to sleep each night.

[shimmerstar]

Karen, I'm glad you guys are alright. How scary!