March/April Thread #3

[sophieandhannah]

Hey ladies thanks for the hugs.  I feel better just telling you all and getting your feedback.  Thank you!
It is early morning here and I am off to work.  Taking Sophie to Amy today as her ds appears to be better.  I will post tonight adn let you know how it goes. 
We are having a little weirdness with nap #2 here too Andrea....I think waiting unti closer to her normal 3rd baottle time is actually working better, otherwise it takes here until past that tiem to settle anyway...so???
Also Andrea and everyone with all the holiday stuff. ...You have gotten really good advice.  Give yourself permissions to just enjoy whatever you are doing.  You deserve it.  Hugs to anyone feeling stressed.  I am right there with you. 
Jo thanks for the "Love" it warms my heart whenever you write "we love you".  Just makes me feel so special and well, loved...even if it's not specifically aimed at me.
Lastly as you know my sense of humor, OMG I was also ROTFLMAO over the body part names and what not.  Poop and body parts....ah the simple pleasures of life
See you later.  Off to shower and wrestle ten year olds all day
Thanks for being here ladies.
Hannah

[Colesmom]

OMG Hannah-how could i have forgotten.  I'm so sorry.  I was posting while DH was fighting with Cole for nap and my brain is just fried on 3 hours of broken sleep.  Sophie sounds like a tough little girl-just like her mama.  Glad she's okay.  Maybe try to look at the IL situation in a positive light in that they are willing to help, and adjust their days as necessary.  Very lucky to have them.  I'm sure Sophie will go with the flow when needed.

[sophieandhannah]

Thanks Traci.  I totally know what you mean.  It just helps so much to hear someone else say it. 
Hope you and Cole have a good day.
Hannah

[Erin M]

All day when I'm at work on Monday, I always think of how busy you ladies are on Mondays and how much I'll have to catch up on (you know you're addicted when....)

Cathy - here's a link to some stuff that I copied out of a book regarding what to take for colds when BFing http://babywhisperer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46023&highlight= - hope it helps.  Like I said in the post, it's not doctor's advice or anything, but my understanding is that the author is pretty well regarded and researched - can't remember what I took when I had a cold, but I took something she recommended and no ill side effects.  Hope you feel better!

Hannah - ((hugs)) to you - what a rough day.  It must be SO hard to jump in to a new school year at this time of year.  You don't know the kids, they're used to someone else, and you've got Sophie to worry about too.  You know that it will get better once you and the kids get into the flow better.  Pre-Christmas is never the best time to be teaching anyway.  Oh, and I like Hayley's comment about teaching her to adapt or whatever she said about the PIL daycare. 

Nancy - I would plan some sitting in the back with Liv time on your car trip - I find that really helps Katie when we do our 6.5 hour drive to Buffalo.  That and loads of interaction when you actually do stop.  We've always done fine at my parents and the ILs, so I'm sure you'll be fine.

Jo - all I can do is say (((hugs))) and tell you that you have a wonderful attitude towards Frase's sleep (or lack thereof).  That kid is one tough cookie. 

Judy - LMAO

Karen - Sam is such a cutie

Kate - love the haircut pic and the chopsticks too!

Richelle - love the picture, so funny

Traci - continued good luck with the sleep!  And good for DH for organizing the Christmas thing - that's great! 

Holly - how's Brady?  Hope all is well there, keep us posted.  When Katie was pretty sick a few weeks ago, she had on interest in food or sleep, just being held.  It was a tough few days until she started feeling better.

Ankie - glad to hear nights are getting better

Andrea - supermom, slow down!  As for your Christmas shopping, buy some frames off the internet and give everyone pictures of Taylor - I'm sure that's all they want anyway.  Order some other stuff while you're at it, and Christmas shopping is done. 

Micky, Kate - I got your cards yesterday!  Thanks!

Us - I should get the Christmas pictures on Wednesday and will send the cards out shortly after.  Katie slept last night which was nice - first time in a bit, she's been coughing so much, poor sweetie she's been having a hard time.  That and she was at daycare yesterday where she'll take about a 45 minute nap all day if that, so I guess she was tired.  (They're really good about trying to get her down on time, but there's WAY too much going on there for her to sleep!) 

She's been pretty consistently drinking only a few ounces of her lunchtime bottle, so I wonder if we're on our way to dropping that one.   I'm hoping she's about done with this cold, since I'm really tired of getting snot on my boob when I BF.  Ah, the joys of motherhood. 

[Judy]

Andrea it's all going to be fine!!  Really it is.  You've still got lots of time before Christmas and it takes really just a couple hours to decorate the house and maybe another hour for the tree.  You can do it.  Don't feel bad.  First year with a baby and a new business it's BOUND to feel crazy!!!  We'd think you inhuman if it didn't.

And just wait - when Taylor's a couple years older she'll do this stuff for you - like it or not :roll:  Seems all my santas and snowmen must be huddled together in one corner.  I tried placing them so perfectly throughout the house and got caught taking them 'back' at one point and all I heard was "oh no no no NO!" and had it removed from my grip only to be huddled with the others once again.  :roll:  it's just not worth the battle - they have more staying power than I do and they don't miss a thing so there's no 'foolin' them either.  And as for the tree... well I only was given a handful of decorations to put on - so most of them are at the bottom front (and Zoe keeps telling me the angel looks like she's falling - I wonder why   So I decided then that I wouldn't undo their decorating BUT every decoration that got taken off and left on the floor was fair game and if I got to it then I could place whereever I wanted   It was working out quite well until last night... Sarah was downstairs alone and I could hear her tugging at the decorations - again.  Then all of a sudden she was screaming, just heartbroken so I ran down there to find her sobbing beside the fallen tree.  It's a total mess now.  Oh well - it's going to have to do KWIM?  I can't be bothered to REdo it.  And of course many decorations fell again and THEY got to them... so much for having ANYTHING at the top at all

Hannah - as Nikki said at least Sophie is no worse for the wear from her fall.  I like lessons that are strong but where no one gets really hurt KWIM?  I totally understand though - I'd be replaying it too... but it's all good... and once she starts walking the real challenge becomes keeping black eyes at bay before picture time (can't believe I said that with our family pics less than a week away - jinxing?  I hope not)

[Colesmom]

Judy-where do you get the chamomilla stuff?  drug store?  health store?

[Olivia's Mommy]

Judy--your life just cracks me up. It sounds like your house is so much fun and you just go with the flow. I love hearing about it. You are my hero!!!

Erin--thanks for the travel advice. My grandmother is riding with us, and she ADORES Liv, so I'm sure we can take turns entertaining her.

Andrea--it is a stressful time of year, PLUS all the stuff you have going on in your life! Take the advice you've got from everyone and cut yourself some slack. Remember this time of year is for enjoying special moments with family and friends. Some other things can wait...like SOME housework, etc. I've tried to give myself some time off this month (minimal housework, no projects for work, etc.) But I must admit I'm even feeling stressed. So, don't forget to take some time for yourself, too. Give yourself an hour or two, curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book, or just take a bath or a nap...it will do wonders for you!! Hope you're feeling on top of things again soon. Enjoy your holidays!

As for everyone else...hope you're doing well. That's all I could remember while trying to get caught up.

Off to check on munchkin, then Xmas shopping with DH this afternoon. He has 1/2 day off!! YEAH!!!

[Erin M]

Andrea - when you get a chance, can you post Taylor's schedule now with her extended A time?  I know Katie needs longer A time right now, but I just can't get it to work right.  Thanks!

[Carter'sMama]

Good morning ladies!

I am feeling a bit better today (not as stuffed up, just coughing and sore throat).  Thanks so much for the info on meds and bf'ing Erin.  Carter still seems ok too considering the cold and teeth - he slept through again but took half an hour to put to bed last night.

We had some bad news yesterday     My great uncle (who I am fairly close with) had a massive heartattack and died over the weekend.  He was shovelling his mother's (my Great grandma who is 100!!) front walkway after the snow storm and he collapsed.  My GGrandma was waiting and waiting for him to come in and where he had fallen, she couldn't see him outside her windows.  She called out the front door to the man across the street to come and help her but he ignored her and then a teenage girl walking down teh street ignored her too!!!  :shock:   She ended up calling the police (they had been forewarned by my grandpa that if she ever called there they needed to act immediately considering she is 100 and lives alone).  They came right down and found him, pronounced him DOA but ended up getting a pulse on teh way to the hospital.  He died at the hospital though.  So sad because he was probably laying out in the snow for 20 mins to 30 mins waiting for police etc.  If only those people had of helped my G Grandma!!  She couldn't get to him because of the snow either.  Anyway, I feel bad for her and his wife ... so close to Christmas 

On another note ... I mailed everyone's card yesterday!  Finally done, pictures included!  So far I have gotten one from Michelle and Micky.  Thanks so much and love the pics!!!

Hannah:  Falls happen to everyone!  Your little girl sounds like one tough cookie!  Carter fell off the couch about a month back  :oops:  :oops:   Of course it was on "Momma's watch" as Dh always says.  "Carter never gets hurt on Daddy's watch"  :roll:  I know what you mean about reliving it, especially the sound.  When Carter fell he landed on the hardwood with his face.  I had only turned around to adjust the pillows beside him and he literally threw himself.  He ended up with a big fat bloody lip for a couple of days.  I felt  horrible!!  Dh yelled at me and told me how disappointed he was in me and that I should only ever put Carter on the floor so he can't get hurt.  Weeelllll ... the next week while Carter was sitting on the floor (hardwood again) he toppled over (under Dh's watch) and smashed his face and ended up with a big bruise on his cheek.  It was sad but I couldn't help feeling a little bit happy that he hurt himself while DH was supposed to be watching him.  I know I know, I'm sick  :shock:

Judy:  Love the stories about your girls.  What a trooper you are.  I would be freaking out about the Christmas tree and everything else.  BTW I love the vagina question ... so funny!!!  Only out of the mouths of babes eh!!???

Erin:  Snot on the boob!! LOL!!!  I know exactly what you are talking about!!  I find when Carter is stuffed up that bf'ing helps clear his nose, of course becasue it all ends up on me!!!  I think DH took a picture of all the boogers once (don't worry, I won't post that one!!)

I can't remember anything else and I smell poop so gotta run!
Have a good day ladies!

[Colesmom]

Andrea-thanks so much for the download.  maybe I do need to go back to catnap for a while.  so hard with Cole as he doesn't show any tired cues until I start wind down.  Anyway, something to backup my earlier thoughts of reintroducing.  thanks.

[Olivia's Mommy]

OK, I didn't get around to sending you guys Christmas cards this year. (I'm so far behind, I didn't even send my info to Traci for the list!) So I'm sending you an "on-line" Christmas greeting (if it works). Here is the photo from our card.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. Enjoy your time with friends and family. And treasure this first Christmas (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever you chose to celebrate) with your new little one!

Blessings, Nancy, Steve & Olvia

[Olivia's Mommy]

yeah! It worked...YIKES, didn't know it was going to be that big. Sorry!!!!

[Colesmom]

something is up with the thread- i keep getting emails for every post, but somehow missed yours Cathy? 

So sorry for the loss of your Great Uncle.  What a terrible situation for your G Grandma to be in.  To know something is amiss and have no one respond or help :oops:  :cry:  :oops:  That makes me terribly sad and angry at the same time.  The nerve of some people totally ignoring something like that.  Gosh, I'm just speechless otherwise for how your Great Aunt and Great Grandma must feel so close to Christmas. Always make it harder at this time when family is so important.  Big Hugs to you and your family.

[solnme]

Hello Ladies!  So nice to catch up with you all.  Sounds like everyone is stretching themselves thin and making lots of people in their lives happy.  Good for you.  Over here, no Christmas tree, no presents, no hosting of xmas party.  Tried going to the mall yesterday and lasted about 10 mins.

Ankie - OMG! 50 people and 25 kids?  Where did they all come from and how did you find time for that?

Hannah - so sorry you're reliving the fall.  I'm constantly checking Sol's mouth for objects since he nearly choked twice while we were in Seattle.  I think it was Traci who said it's all about learning from the scares.  I totally agree.

Cathy - terrible news about your g. uncle.  I've known so many people who have died around the holidays I'm very reluctant to celebrate every year.  Right now a x-coworker and dear friend is losing her battle with cancer.  She's only 31 and has been fighting it for the last 2 years.  Her father called a bunch of us and told us if we want to see her, come now. 

On a lighter note, it's been so much fun watching Sol interacting with other babies now that he's on the move. Along with the inquisitive touching he tries to put the other babies heads in his mouth! It's the funniest thing.

I'm off to check the mail and hoping for some Christmas cards. (haven't checked it in over a week)  Mellow day so I know I'll be back on.

[Carter'sMama]

Jo & Lisa:  So I am in the middle of doing my family Xmas cards when I see that my cousin's new address is Queensland Australia.  She lives in Brookstead ... is that anywhere near either of you?  She just had a baby on Feb 28 ( oohh only 1 day away from joining our thread!!).  I don't know Geography very well, but who knows maybe it isn't that far from you girls!!!

Her and her husband (she just moved there when they got married, he has always lived there) own a ton of cotton farms and have houses all around there apparently.  She is constantly on the move. 

Just wondering ... probably a long shot!   :oops:  :roll: