oct/nov babies

[Tracii]

Hi All - Glad to read all is well with everyone. The weather in Vienna has finally turned nice and looks like will stay this way It makes it SO much easier when you can get outside! Isabella is with the babysitter - cruising around on her tricycle (it is the kind with the stick on the back so you can control her - ha!). Other then throwing lots of tantrums - Isabella is doing really great. She loves going to montessori - but can only handle 3 hours per day..we tried to make it longer but she is not ready.

So as life would have it and we are finally getting settled (i.e. not travelling all the time and driving to/from Munich)...looks like my DH will be laid off this week...all a political mess so we are not sure of the outcome..fortunately he is a victim of 2 people's war with each other. We have decided no matter what we will stay in Vienna for a year. He has flown to NYC for a meeting with his US boss (big jerk!) so will know the outcome on Friday.

Keep posting everyone - love to read the updates!

P.S. - no new talking here...

[sue e]

Hi all,

Just noticed our post was sliping down and we can't have that!!!! Hope everyone is doing well. Jess has had her 18month check and all is well. I can't believe how determined they are at this stage!!!! But oh so cute!!! I love hearing her say new words

Postnatal depression is slowly getting better but the bullying at work is not helping, so thats all going through the official channels at the minute. Hopefully it will soon be sorted.

How is everyones little darlings doing? Can you all upload recent photos, will be nice to see what they all look like now?

Must dash

lots of love

sue xxxx

[Cla]

Hi all!

Tracii - how did dh get on with his meeting? Hoping that the outcome was better than you were expecting? Great to hear that Isabella is loving Montessori. At first Charlie used to scream at nursery and I felt so guilty I'd go into work late/leave early so he wasn't there any longer than he had to. Now though he can't wait to get through the door and I swear is disappointed when it's home time!

Kristii - Congrats on your new business! Had a look at the new website and it's fantastic! You're shots are amazing. My dp is also a professional photographer (although tourism based rather than portraits/weddings etc.) and has been for 20 years - that said I seem to take most of the piccies of Charlie!

Sue - great to hear you're slowly getting better but I don't like the sound of this bullying you mention? You most certainly don't need that. I didn't know there was such a thing as an 18 month check? We didn't get one of those?!!! Will promise to try and post a piccie this afternoon (although I'm sure I did one last week? Can't remember - have been to sleep since then!)

Madiva - how's things with you?

Bella - haven't heard from you in an age? Please update us - would love to hear how you're getting on?!

Finally - Mel. I have read elsewhere that you unfortunately had bad news at your scan and I just wanted to say how sorry I am. Wish I could reach over and give you a hug, but sending a cyber one your way instead. Please take care.

One exciting bit of news from us is that Charlie had a wee on the big toilet the other day! We've been thinking about potty training but haven't done anything about it, but he climbed onto the loo and I thought - why not give it a try! I took his nappy off and he did it! Before you think we're bragging though I must admit something......................5 minutes later he had a poo on the bedroom floor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't you just love em!!

Right am off to post a piccie before Sue tells us off again!!!!!!!

Cla
xx

[EYCI]

Hi All -
It has been quite awhile since I've posted. It was really great to read and catch up on how everyone's little ones are doing.

Hendricks is "finally" walking. He started at about 17.5 months. It is soooo nice that I don't have to carry him around places like the park and the pool. I'm a little concerned that one of his feet is turned way out when he walks, so might have to see what the pediatrician says about that.

I am constantly amazed at his expanding vocabulary. His words sound very similar when he speaks, but you can tell him to do stuff and he totally gets it. DH and I have resorted to spelling stuff to each other cuz otherwise he reacts to words he hears, like bedtime, movie, outside, bath, etc. Some reactions are good... others, not so much. He is also signing which helps us understand him. It is sooooo cute to see him sign "more, please"

I'm so glad that you all continue to post. I really enjoy hearing about what everyone else is doing. I will try to post a picture from home tonight. I can't access photobucket at work.

take care,
Julie

[madiva]

Wow its been so long again. Its seems when I was preg I was posting everyday. Just goes to show how busy you get when your little miracle comes along. It has been the best busy days of my life, and I am looking foward to many, many more. I just posted some pics on photobucket. There are so many new things that Colin is doing. He is starting to say sentences, he has to brush his own teeth, as of 1 month ago he is feeding himself with fork and spoon, he knows were his teeth, mouth, nose, eyes, ears, head, hands, arms, feet, legs and the father (how bad but cute) showed him were his bird is. Well hope all is doing well. gotta go. Always on the run.

[kristiA]

This has to be a quick message! Sorry! But I wanted to let you know that I looked at the pics on photobucket. While there I also posted one of Brady & Tyler.

Jessica's hair is so cute & curly! She's adorable...and dressed to trendy!

Isabella's eyes are amazing!! I want to photograph her!

Colin is funny! He looks like he has a lot of energy!

I hope I didn't miss any others.

Oh, Cla, thanks for the congrats of me starting my photography business. I just love it!! Here's the website if anyone wants to take a peak. It's a fun thing for me to do to occupy my time & my brain (besides toddler stuff). www. rememberwhenphotographybykristi.com

[Tracii]

Good morning from rainy Vienna! I just got back from dropping Isabella off at 'school'. This is the best thing I could have done for her. She has a friend named Lilian who is 3 and really looks out for Isabella...it is so cute! Not a whole lot of talking but the doctor said when a child is brought up in a bi-lingual environment it takes alot longer for them to sort everything out. I am not worried - except when she can't express her needs she whines. Isabella is still busy as ever - and outside most of the time. We got her a little tricycle and she loves to ride it and she loves to go swimming - she screams and throws a tantrum when we get out of the pool (although she is freezing!). My DH is leaving work end of August and we will concentrate on getting our business really going in Italy. A HUGE next phase of our lives...exciting and scary at the same time. We have a busy couple of months ahead of us...my mom in June, July in Italy, August in USA....still can't believe how time flies by.

KristiA - love the boys photos! I haven't had time to look at your website but will do soon. Thank you - Isabella does have beautiful eyes..just like her father..and almost everyone says she talks with her eyes.

Jessica is adorable! I love the curly hair

I can't believe how much Colin is talking! Sentences - amazing

MelP-sorry about the news...hang in there and let us know how you are doing!

Yeah Hendricks! EYCI - have you take him to the doctor regarding the foot? Isabella's feet turned outward when she crawled and I took her to an orthopedic doctor...no issues.

Cla - How are you doing? How is Charlie? Still an active ball of energy?

Cheers to all - gotta run!

[Melo_P]

Hi all
Quick hello to you all. Its so great that all us that went through pregnancy together are still in touch every now and again! Wow doesn't it seem so long ago!

I'll spend more time catching up on where everyone is at. But yes isn't the whole talking and word thing just so amazing! I can't believe how cute and clever our little bambino is! She has picture books galore that she runs and fetches and then she points pictures and says the words. Everything she does these days, just has us agoggle like completely goggeldy doe eyed parents!

I am all good, thanks to those of you for the good wishes. I had the m/c finally last weekend, and already feeling a little better now the whole episode is over. Maia keeps me grounded and feeling blessed!

Sue, am bummed to hear that things haven't been so great, but that your feeling better now, and the bullying and stress at work doesn't sound good at all. Kia kaha

Kristi - how cool you started your own business, I will take a look there and do a quick tour of photo bucket too to see how all the little beans are growing up!

Hugs to all of you and the littlies

Mel

[Cla]

Hi all!

So how's tricks? Great to hear updates from everyone - and LOVE the piccies on photobucket! I have been very slack at getting out the camera recently (Kristii you put me to shame!) but have made a mental note to do so next weekend. We're off to the local school fete on Sat and a "duck race" on Sunday (!) - weather permitting!

DP has taken Charlie off to Thomasland at Drayton Manor Theme Park again today. We went a few months back and he had a blast on all the rides! Unfortunately I had to work so couldn't go with them - they're having the time of their lives and I'm here working (well, sort of!) - not fair especially as the sun is shining!!!!!

Words are coming thick and fast (although he knows the words to pub and wine a little too well for my liking!!!), and has started to string them together. It's just SO cute to hear him say things like "kick the ball" and "Daddy work"! He also copies EVERYTHING everyone does - especially older kids in the park! Very funny but my heart stops everytime he tries to climb something an older kid does - he doesn't understand that he's just a little one! In fact nursery have now nicknamed him Junior Stuntman!!!

We bought a potty and training seat for the toilet a few weeks ago and he's really interested in these (well he prefers the training seat more to be honest - I don't mind!). We haven't really started potty training as such just let him use them whenever he shows an interest - and usually it results in a wee or poo! Just SO cute but frightening that he's growing up so fast! Will probably just leave it this way for another few months before really concentrating on getting him to go every time.

No other new news here. Great now the weather is better again but not sure how long it's going to last - I hear rain is heading our way again mid week. I/Charlie hates it when we can't get out - even if it's just in the garden. He is def. an ourdoors kid!!! Oh well, the local soft play centre will be a favourite haunt again if it does.

Hope you are all well!

Cla
xx

[kristiA]

Mel, I'm really sorry about the miscarriage. It sounds like you are doing ok with it, but I'm sure it was difficult for you. I'm glad Maia's smile helps you smile through it all.

Cla, potty training! Oh my, do we have to start thinking about that already? I hear so many stories from other mom's about how hard it is. Cleaning up all of the "accidents" does not sound appealing. hee hee

[sue e]

Just a quick update from me.

Mel - So sorry to hear about the m/c, big hugs on the way to you.

Sorry to be depressing but lhings have gone from worse to worse for me, my mum had another heart attack and within 2 weeks died, although we had never had a good relationship (very long story), it was so hard being at the hospital daily watching the deteriation and then having to make the arrangements for her to come home to die. But she got want she wanted (to be home) and died there 2 days later. Her funeral was on Monday.

But on a brighter note, it is amazing the changes the little ones make daily, jess is so funny but so naughty. Does anyone else have a problem with their baby hitting? Jess will hit daddy in the face and when told of, will just smile and do it again. If you hold her hand to stop her, will go into a major strop and then do it anyway. For me i get kicked, the legs fly everywhere, seems to happen a number of times a week, any ideas?

take care

love

sue e xx

[Cla]

Hi all

Sue - was so sorry to hear your news. Things seem to have been so challenging for you. It's so hard to watch someone close to you pass away, no matter how rocky the relationship. Sending hugs your way.

With regards to hitting, we went through a stage of this which then passed. However it's back with a vengence! And it's not just hitting - biting and kicking too. I hear it's very common (in fact Charlie came back from nursery with a big bite from another child) but doesn't make it any easier. Sometimes it's just a case of him pushing the boundaries and then I try a firm No - we kiss not bite, only kick a ball etc. However if he does it maliciously (i.e. in anger or as a result of being told he can't do something) I make him sit on his own, away from his toys etc. He rarley stays there and is usually screaming and crying but I just stick with it. Finally I make him say sorry (and usually get a cuddle!). I suppose it's just like the naughty step type of method although nursery call it sit out time.

A friend of mine has a problem with her little one throwing things (again usually out of anger). She takes him upstairs and makes him sit in his cot for 5 mins. I was going to try this, but didn't want to associate the cot with punishment so decided not too.

I've read that a lot of the time it is just pushing boundaries, and seeing what reaction they can get but it's best to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. Easier said than done sometimes (!) but I think the important thing was they said that whatever "punishment" you choose then you should stick with it so that they know that there are consequences.

hope this helps!

Hi to everyone else!

Cla
xx

[Tracii]

I just want to wish everyone a fantastic summer We are off to Italy for 2 weeks and then the US for 3 weeks! Isabella is doing super good. She is really starting to talk now - well she has more words in her vocabulary -nein, up, out, u-bahn (metro in german), ball, air-ug (combo of english-german for airplane), woo-woo (dog), pooh-pooh, me-ma (for grandma), ouch, wow! (she loves to say this).....

She likes to sit on the pot and has made 1 pee-pee...it was great because my mother was here for it! Montessori is still going extremely well. I was so aprehensive about sending her and now realize it was the best thing we could have done for her (and me!). If any of you have the chance to send your child to a montessori school - I would really do it. It costs more but is such a great environment for a child. I posted the latest picture of Isabella on her bike.

Gotta run and get some work done before getting Isabella.

[sue e]

Hi all,

Hows thing?? Our post was slipping down so wanted to raise it back up. We are doing better here, have had a really nice weekend, we are off to Menorca in just under 2 weeks, so looking forward to that and seeing how jess responds on the beach. Last year she loved the pool.

take care, will speak soon

love

sue e xx

[saraid]

Hi everyone

It has been ages, seems like years since i was on here. Time dissapears so quickly with a baby It is so good to hear thast you are all having a great tiem with your little ones. Arabella is a complete character and makes me laugh everyday. She parrots everything that comes out of my mouth and i can identify with the wine pub thing! She will see a bottle of wine and go "mummys wine"! Says a lot about me i think.

Sue i was so sorry to hear about your mum. My father-in-law just passed away at Easter and it has hit my DH quite hard. Not that he admits it. For all the UK girls his big emotional outlet was the BBC show to find the new Nancy in Oliver Twist. Wept every Sat and Sun night, v.good for him.

Oh Mel, so sad about your news. You sound so sorted though. I am trying to get my positive head back on that i had when i went through the process for Arabella as we are about to start FET in nxt 2 mths.

To all you other girls - wow - so much happening. I will post again soon but need to run off and let the dog out as he is moaning something rotten!

LOL

Saraid