Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[katie99]

whoo hoo! I figured it out - I must have been really tired last night because it was really simple


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moMqQHCtUbg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuOoqf7J37E

[PA_FA]

Katie- He just does not like that camera huh? Too funny! I loved the floor mat he was laying on. Those little legs were just goin everywhere. LOL I can imagine how that must make diaper changes a bit interesting.

Angela- OMG about your bro-in-law and his wife. I can't believe she said that about having an abortion. Some people just truly don't deserve to be parents. Sorry if that sounds harsh but I don't think many people get how special that little life is and what a miracle it is. How some of us....us...would give up anything just to be a parent. ARGH!!!!!!! OK sorry. That's just so annoying. Kind of like the girl I flew with when I was first pregnant who was 4 mos along and told me the whole flight how this baby was a mistake and pregnancy sucks. By the end of the flight I wasn't speaking to her and would walk to the other end of the plane when she would come toward me.

Natasha- I can't help with a dog except to say that reinforcing positive behavior is best with any living thing. I do really like the show the Dog Whisperer. I haven't had a dog since I started working for the airlines 12 years ago. My dog went to live with my parents. I don't remember ever having a biting problem though. Whenever she did bite we would hold her down in a submissive position and tell her NO in a stern voice. She got the picture pretty quickly.

Steph- Love this new pics of the kids on FB! I can't believe how much bigger Ethan is than Lina. That's great that you and Alex have such an open relationship. I was like that with my mom. I knew that if I kept things from her I would be in WAY more trouble than if I was just honest in the first place. That's so sweet she wants to wait for marriage. Peer pressure is so hard. Sometimes it feels like yesterday that I was her age, or a bit older actually, and having boys pressure me. You know all the lines...if you really love me you'll do it. UGH...boys suck! LOL As for the shot...I agree it's a good one to get. I think it's important for little girls to understand why it's important and also to understand that it still won't prevent lots of other nasty things. OY...I'm really in for a treat in 10-13 years aren't I?

AFM- Not much here. Just coffee and contractions. They are super sporadic so nothing to call the Dr about. But geez do they ever hurt! My goal is to finish the wall mural in the nursery this weekend. I am such a procrastinator. LOL

[Stephanieford78]

Ethan rolled over today! We have been neglecting tummy time with trying all these other things that they seem to like so much. Shame on us because Ethan rolled over right away and I mean within seconds and kept it up. lol Lina still hates tummy time, but we let her lay on her back where she was much happier. She somehow made it off the mat though. I didn't see her doing anything other than kicking her legs and swinging her arms. So it seems she has found a way to scoot on her back with her butt? lol I know it wasn't on purpose to move off the mat but it is still cute. I wish she could be stronger though. She is such a dainty little girl. We tried the walker, more so for entertainment purposes. I don't expect them to walk of course at 3 months old. lol Their little feet don't even reach the ground, it's funny to see them just hanging out in the walker. So the walker has an attachment that has a steering wheel and the whole top looks like a little buggy or car of sort. Alex and Andrew like racing the twins around the house from the living room through the kitchen and dining room and back making little vroom vroom noises. Ever see the movie Ricky Bobby? Yeah, we call these walkers their go fast cars. lol They sure don't wake walkers like they use to though. I like the old school ones as far as how durable they look. I am sure these things won't last too awful long when they are surely going to be used as mini bumper cars.

I did get a call yesterday from the dr... they were able to move Lina's GI appt up to the 26th. It will be at Scott and White, the hospital that I was stuck in for a month. lol Better than the Army hospital though so I am happy. Oh... the WIC office screwed up the formula. So we have to try this other formula until Tuesday. The other stuff smells better and works better so I can't wait. Plus, they gave us ready made, I prefer the powder. I can't stand having to go downstairs to make a bottle because it needs refrigerated. BOO!

PA - Thanks hon! If it wasn't for my new phone, they wouldn't be there. lol It is soooo easy to just click on the picture and share to FB. lol Alex is always playing with her friends or sleeping so I don't get any with her and the twins. I need to though. She is so good with them. Wel;, when she is not distracted. She was playing on the tummy time mat today with them and was great. Every time Ethan would roll over, she would put him back and he would do it again. lol I had a close relationship with my mom but didn't tell her much. I wish I would have talked to her more, now I can't talk to her at all. So a good relationship with Alex and now the twins are important. I was 13 when a boy first asked me to have sex, of course I didn't and he broke up with me so it was a good lesson for Alex. lol Things are happening even earlier these days it seems so I had to make sure we talked about it. She asks me a question, I answer it honestly, even though some of my answers are past mistakes. All I can do is hope that she can learn some from my mistakes to save herself from so many of her own.

Katie - You certainly have a gorgeous little man! He is so happy! I love your voice too! Two minutes with you and my east coast accent would be back in a heartbeat! lol My O's still have an accent but that's about it. I showed Andrew the videos. He was really in to watching Ryan's cute little face even before I explained to him that he was watching the embies' big brother. LOL He reminds me of Ethan... Just taking in everything around him. He seems so enthralled in your voice too. Nothing has a prettier sound in the world than mommy's voice! I don't swaddle the twins anymore, not really anyway. I tuck a blanket in around them and under the sleep positioner though. Their arms don't attack them much unless they are really tired and even then it is Ethan's hands not Lina's. lol When he gets tired he sucks on his fist and fingers. I have a picture of all this stuff on FB, oh I wish you had one. I will post a few pictures here though. Just for you pookiekins. lol Oh boy... Ryan made a mess huh? Well, he is an over achiever isn't he? When he does something he wants to do it right. And it serves you right mom for trying to finish your meal huh? LOL Just when we think we have a minute or two to ourselves and BAM something like that happens. It's like, just when I think something is helping Lina's belly and she isn't spitting up... yup... she turns into a little barf bag and I am rushing to grab something or half to change her outfit and clean her up.

Angela - I guess it makes sense to keep her on the formula that helps her get big and strong faster. She is such a cute little lady bug! The BIL wife thing.. OMG! People like that just make me mad. I could go and on myself about that. Of course if you need to vent... this is the place to do it.

Picture time...

Go fast car

Looks like he is trying figure it out... I think he is going to be like his dad.

The little dainty dangling. lol

She didn't enjoy the go fast car as much as brother but I got a smile out of her. lol Love it when she smiles!

I call this look... Daddy dirty looks, Andrew gets the same look on his face when he is annoyed. lol

And here is Ethan with his favorite snack... his fingers! Always in his mouth, especially at sleepy time.

[natasha10]

angela- I looked at daycares and whoo expensive but theres no way around it. let me no know it goes since you'll be putting her in day care before me. im curious so you fill me in =) oh i know how family can be to steal your light. but what can you do. wow they sound like they have no idea how hard it is for some to have a baby and they will abort to try later. that makes me sad i wish it were that easy for me. I just dont remember any of you complaining just concerned but i missed alot being in school and not being on as much.

pa- I was just thinking of you if you were feeling uncomfty yet. but you beat me there with that. so your having contractions too. i believe you were asking me abou dropping and i thought i was but nope my last week appt RE said he head was down so thats good. so said i was narrow when she gave me my exam so im hoping that wasnt a big bad thing. that makes sense now in why you travel so much you work for the airlines duh me =) so how is that going to be once you have your baby? that cause any problems or you have to take time away from work for awhile?

katie- AWw ryan is adorable, and all that kicking he's busy. oh you had me laughing with the blowout. i can only imagine it =)

steph- thanks for the advice i will definitely try itout from that article. its not monk fault he is biting its everyone else's cuz i am constantly saying no and then dh's dad put his hand in his face and so do the kids when i bring him places. i tell them to stop i dont want him to bite but of course they dont listen. that garasil shot is smart i only hear good things about it. and yes definitely give it too her before sex. thats good you two are close and talk. i cant believe they dont allow them the bringin their bags thats dumb what are they going to possibly do?

afm- just waiting for the days to go by. i cant wait for the 1st already. i have a playpen that has a changer and bassinet in it. i just ordered a swing it'll come in the week. I wanted to get a walker soon cuz i know she cant really use it for a few months anyways but that jumper katie has looks neat too. im just thinking by the time im done i'll have a big play house baby items everywhere. they are not small. i wanna thank you all for your advice on my puppy. i dont wanna get rid of him do im trying to stop him. im sure he'll calm down soon i hope. its just bad and hurts he's biting our socks and toes as we're walking and im afraid now he'll trip me cuz im jumping on one foot cuz he's got the other. or when baby comes he's biting our feet and i have baby in my hands. bbut the hand biting is bad too. we'll just see how things go he's young yet he's 13 weeks now.


monkee when we first got him






URL=http://img143.imageshack.us/i/monknboo3.jpg/][/URL]
dh and monkee

me and monkee

[PA_FA]

Natasha- AWE Monkee is so cute and tiny! If he starts biting toes and fingers tell him NO and then give him a chew toy. Maybe he just needs to chew. That way he will learn that NO biting for people parts and it's ok for his chew toys. I would just make sure they are like a chew stick or something along those lines. You don't want him to think that his toys and baby toys are both ok to chew on.
As for work, there are about 9500 flight attendants...until we merge with United. Time off is no biggie. They are super about maternity leave. We get 1 year after the baby is born if we want. Mandatory is 8w off but we can extend it without pay. So it's off for a year for me. When I do go back to fly in 2012 hubby and I will just have to fly opposite schedules. We'll work it out. If it doesn't work I can see if they are offering more leaves at that time. We will just play it by ear.

AFM- freaking out today. Trying to get my kick counts in but she is being really quiet. Usually I get my 10 kicks in under 10 mins. Now I have 5 kicks in 90mins. I have had coffee, cereal and a few bathroom breaks. I'm going to shower and if the noise does not help I'm calling the Dr. She usually likes the shower and moves a bit. But for such an active baby this no moving thing is FREAKING ME OUT! Doesn't she know that she can't freak out mommy like this????/ UGH...why can't DH be home? I hate being alone.

[natasha10]

pa- i see sounds like a good plan you have. I have times thru the day when she doesnt kick i usually dont think about it unless its all day but it never is. but my ob said the same if movement changes to call so if you feel something is wrong dont hesitate.

sorry the pics turned out so big. i was trying to post them and i wasnt sure what worked so now i know how to post pics before nataliah comes then it should be fast and easy.

[gi]

Hi girls,

Bad me for not been on!!! Again i am sooooo far behind!!!!

PA how are you now??? Kayla went thro phases of been quiet which freaked me out cause she usually was soooo active, i am sure all is ok but never hesitate to get it checked out if you are worried.

Natasha your doggie is so cute!! As pa said just keep saying No when he nips, he is so young but it wont take long for him to know whats right and wrong.....by the way your dh is gorgous

Steph oh the twins are just so adoreable!!! sorry to hear lina went to er must have been scary.

Katie thats great Ryan is loving his new bouncy chair it will do him the world of good been able to entertain himself, and as for the naps you must be thrilled!!! I love when kayla naps!!

Sorry ladies i am so far behind just hadnt time to log on, Kayla is thrieving and napping really well absolutly Loves her buggy and could go to sleep for up to 4 hrs in it!!! She is trying to sleep thro the night last nite went down at 12am and woke up at 7am for quick feed then back down till 10 am. So did the radio interview yesterday it was 15 min long gosh i was so nervous but the presenter was very nice, well guess what tomorrow i am going for a TV interview!!!!!!! Thankfully its prerecorded and will be aired Tues am.....OMG i am soooooo freaking nervous having a glass of wine as i type to calm the nerves. PA you may know the show its on TV3 The Morning Show with Sybil and Martin King, they rang me last wk to go on and i am too soft to say no!! Bought a new dress, very simple grey with pink flower and Kayla is wearing a gorgous pink one, jason doesnt know if he will go on will decide when we get there! AHHHHH i am literelly shitting a brick here....whatever possessed me to say yes

gi xx

[PA_FA]

Gi- OMG you will be wonderful and awesome and beautiful! I'm so very proud of you and your family! I'm not sure if I've seen the show. Maybe. When I get to Ireland in the mornings I am so tired that not much registers with what I am watching. Then the next day when we leave I tend to not watch tv because it distracts me. LOL I know you'll be brilliant though!

Natasha- She finally moved after eating a very high sugar breakfast. A big bowl of Frosted Flakes. Yeah not the best but she didn't move with a cup of coffee so it was freaking me out. Now she seems back to normal.

*** I didn't call the OB because she started moving. I guess she was just sleeping really hard. Who knows. I just wish DH was home. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Is it time for me to deliver yet???? UGH I can not take this stress. I just want to meet my baby girl!!!!!!!!!!

[angelaezra]

Katie – So Ryan doesn’t like tummy time … I am so tempted to go and buy one of those jumpers because I think it would help her to get some exercise. Gabriella does love the infant lounger so far, which is great! It is funny that you talked about Ryan having a blow out … well I have been very concerned because Gabriella seemed constipated for awhile and I had to give her a suppository on Friday. She finally went after that but then was straining all day on Saturday until I gave her bath. She literally had a blow out in the bath tub … it was everywhere. I mean down her leg on her back, all over the infant tub and regular bath tub. It was crazy but I was at least happy that she finally went! Of course my DH was laughing at me because I was running around like crazy trying to clean it up. I told him that he’s only laughing because he didn’t have to clean it up!

PA_FA – Yes, people can be so ignorant some time (referring to my in-laws and that lady you were flying with). I am so happy that I don’t have to deal with her too often. I am with my family more than anything. We see each other at least once a week because my parents live 5 minutes away in the next city over as well as my sister and nephew lives about 10 minutes away.

If you ever have problems with the kick count, I was told to drink something sugary like a fruit punch, etc. that usually did the trick for me most of the time. I am glad that she started moving for you! I know that you are getting so anxious to meet your daughter and I truly understand. I thought I would lose my mind those last few weeks because of my curiosity. But, you are so very close; it will not be much longer for you! I can’t wait to see her!

Stephanie – I love the pictures of Angelina and Ethan. They look like such happy babies! Yeah, for Angelina’s appointment being moved up. I surely hope that they can figure out what is making her spit up/throw up so much! As for the formula … I still have her on the high calorie formula but I started using the liquid (already mixed) version because the powder can so easily make them constipated, which I was using before because it might not all dissolve once its mixed. And, I agree that it is a pain to have to walk down stairs to the refrigerator and bottle warmer in the middle of the night but the switch seems to be helping so far.

Natasha – Yes, these day care prices are just outrageous! But, I think if you look hard enough you will find a center or private care that you really like and trust and will not break the bank! My suggestion is to start now if you will need care right after she is born. Some of the centers have a year or more waiting lists. You and your DH can start calling and making some appointments to talk with the directors so that her name is on the waiting list early. Most of the centers that I called said their list is already made but then again, most of them had some openings because of the horrible economy.

Gi – that is so very exciting! We have a super star among us … lol. No, on a serious note, I am so proud that you are doing the interviews to possibly help a desperate couple who wants a baby so badly! I know that you are nervous but just think of all of the good that you are doing for so many people who don’t have anyone to talk to!

AFM – Well, this weekend surely has been eventful! We met a few daycare directors at the local centers and I really like their programs. But, we found a center right behind my nail shop and only 5 minutes from my house and my parents’ house. She has 7 centers and has been in the business for over 30 years. She also is state licensed, does back ground checks for all her employees, yearly education courses for them, and she has her Masters Degree in early childhood education. She also said that money isn’t the most important thing to her, which is good so she is running a special right now for $145 per week instead of the $250 per week that I am hearing from all of her competitors in the area. We spent well over 2 hours talking with her on Saturday and touring the center. The center is so very clean and run very well. We will go back next week and meet her staff and I will probably bring my parents with me as my mom was an elementary school teacher and has her education in the same thing as she does. The owner is from the south so she has that southern hospitably that I just love. My parents are from the south (San Antonio) and people are just so much friendlier in the south than in the north. Well, sometimes but overall … that is my opinion anyways.

Also, I got so fed up on Friday night because she did not sleep at all and I think it is my fault. When she was born, she was so small that they hospital staff told us to hold her a lot especially when she is crying. So of course I went over board and rocked her to sleep at night and sometimes when my DH would go to work she would sleep next to me in our king size bed (of course she slept in her secure sleeper) it prevents rollovers. It is a great little bed with sides and a light to it. Anyways, the problem is that she got so used falling asleep with us holding her that as soon as you put her in her basinet, she would start crying within 10 minutes and that went on all night! I tried giving her a bath and baby massage before bed time thinking it would help but nothing did. So I decided she was sleeping in her crib no matter what. So I start early Saturday morning, she slept for 4 hours in her crib and then last night … she slept the entire night in her crib!!!!!! I am so excited that we can actually get some alone time once again because she has been sleeping in her basinet by in our room since she was born. I read a lot about getting her to sleep by herself and it said to give her a bath and a massage at night to relax her, then feed her, and then it is alright to rock her until she is just about sleep and then put her in her crib slightly awake because it is important for her to fall asleep on her own. It also said that newborns know where they fall asleep and if they turn over and they aren’t where they thought they should be that they will cry. Well, I tried it and it worked!!! Of course, she got up every 2 or 3 hours to eat and be changed but it surely is a start for sure. The information said to make sure we respond to her when she cries but if she doesn’t need to be fed or changed rock her for a few minutes until she calms down and once she is almost sleep again, put her back in the crib. Also, I heard it might help to warm her bed so that the sheet isn’t cold when she lies down, so I used the heating pad (on low of course so I would be too hot) on her top sheet before she lied down and it seemed to do the trick!

Well now that I have wrote a book, I think I will go for now … lol.

Angela

[natasha10]

pa- aww thats great news she started moving for you. your almost there just alittle longer. hang in there.

angela- yeah i had about 5 tours already and and put on a few waiting lists for those who had a waiting list. we picked on that would be easy for us on the way to andre's work since he'll be dropping her off since i work earlier than him then i pick her up since i get off 3 hrs before him so we been making plans already =) i knew there would be a waiting list for most places. but $145 you got now thats a deal. we are only doing 3 days a week for 5 hrs and its already about the same price as yours and yours is for a whole week. so good shopping. most we found were like you said $240 or so.

gi- aww thanks dh is a cutie. monkee he's a cutie too and a stinker. he's already grown so much to me than when we first got him.

sounds like you all are busy mommas and trying to get the sleeping schedule in line. Have a good week ladies!!

[katie99]

ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! - I'm here and possibly deaf now, Ryan had a bout of colic? and SCREAMED for close to 2 hours nonstop. I tried so hard to console him, rocking, swaying, rubbing his head, visiting every single toy & stuffed animal in the house, humming, singing and nothing worked for longer than a minute or two. I was in the shower and Chris had been watching him and I could hear him screaming all the way in the shower, my poor guy was in pain and it was awful, so what do I do? I snap at Chris, of course and tell him that he never burps Ryan enough and that he cant get sucked into football games while you're watching the baby - nice, huh? So now I have an exhausted infant who finally let up the biggest burp I've ever heard from him and then feel asleep and a sulky, DH who feels bad - Just so I'm not left out - now I feel awful for snapping at him - sigh.
I'll do personals in the morning, my brain is fried right now. - xoxoxoxo

[PA_FA]

Hey everyone HELP!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in too much pain to do personals. Did anyone have back labor? I can tell she's flipped up right now with her head on my spine. It hurts so bad. Any suggestions how to make it feel better? I plan on taking a bath later to relieve pressure but any other suggestions. I'm dying here.

[Arabsrcool]

PA FA,

yes I had back labor and it was awful!! Best advice I can give is take a warm bath, then get out and use a heating pad on your back. Time your contractions, if you are having any. I was in labor all day and just thought my really back hurt, until my water broke all over the living room floor. If no contractions, she is just sitting on a nerve, so just keep switching positions to try and get her to move. Keep us posted!

Katie,

My oldest dd had awful colic for months. It gave me a new perspective on the shaken baby issue (not that I ever did that, but I can see how someone who had no coping skills could just loose it!) My dd would scream for hours and hours and nothing really seemed to help. I would just have to put her in her crib and walk out on the porch for a few minutes. Its awful because nothing you do makes it any better. I hope Ryan is just having a short lived tummy ache and he doesn't go into full blown colic. Try and get a few Katie minutes each day, especially if its been a colic day!

gi,

how cool, you have done the radio and now the TV ad. You go girl!! let people know the struggles some of us have to go thru to get pregnant, somthing most people take for granted.

Steph,

WHOHOO for Ethan rolling over. My kids always hated tummy time also and I always felt bad making them do it. However, until you do, you don't know what your kids can do!. How exciting. Wonder how long it will be before Lina starts????? We will have to see.

afm, been working out at least 3 days a week since September. I decided if no more babies for me, I was going to get buff (hehe, like that is going to happen, but I can dream!) I can tell a difference however. I figured I was going to be asking my horse to get into shape, it wouldn't be fair to him having a big blob riding him! My girls are doing great and enjoying the snow. We went sledding yesterday and little Cara did a face plant after her big sis tipped the sled. That was the end of a fun day! Love you all!

Ronda

[angelaezra]

PA_FA – Oh, I am sooo sorry that you are in pain. No, I didn’t have back labor but my sister had it for about 2 or 3 weeks before my nephew was born. The best thing that I heard that helps is to try to switch positions because like Ronda said she is on a nerve. I hope the warm bath helps too.

Ronda – Getting in shape sounds great! I tried to do a sit up last week and I thought someone shot me! I guess it is not time yet after my c-section. I did lose 21 pounds so far but I have more to go. I wish I could go for my walks that I loved doing every evening but it is too cold. But, who am I telling … you live in the next state over so you know all too well how cold it has been here in Ohio!

Gi, Stephanie, Katie, Claudia, & Natasha – I hope you wonderful ladies are doing well!

AFM – Another great night in the crib for Gabriella! She slept from 12am until 5am, from 6am to 9am, & then from 10am until 1pm! And, she only woke up one time and went right back to sleep after I held her for a few minutes. She was sleep so long that I kept staring at the video baby monitor wondering if something was wrong because she didn’t mover for awhile. So of course I went into her room to see if she was ok and touched her arm and when she raised it up in the air, you ladies should have seen me running out of there … lol. My only problem is that her mobile doesn’t stay on long enough and when it stops she screams. But, they do have a remote, so I stand at the door and start it over again! Have a great night ladies.

Angela

[katie99]

Whew, I cant believe this is the first time I've been able to get a minute to myself - its 11:30pm and Ryan finally went to sleep Last night was rough probably because he rarely cries alot and that was only the 2nd time I've ever heard him scream, so when it does happen it kind of freaks me out- ugh, I hope that never happens again. Today he was doing an impersonation of the energizer bunny, I think, lol. He only took 2 naps all day and the longer one was for 25 minutes, I dont know about him but I'M wiped out! We got a little further with tummy time today, it took him about 3 minutes before he started getting upset, so I guess thats some progress, right? And guess what? Ryan actually sat in the bouncy chair for almost 45 minutes ( thats a record for him with that chair - and started batting at the hanging toys on it! Yay! This has to mean that he's coming around to the idea that his hands are his, doesnt it? I was thrilled to say the least. He still isnt reaching out to grab at anything yet, but I see he's extending his right arm alot, I'm guessing that he wont be a leftie like me but thats ok, when I hold him up to the mirror ( he loves looking in the miirror) you can see that his eyes are the exact same color as mine still, I'm hoping they stay that way - I know it doesnt really matter, but it makes me feel special anyway. I dont know how it worked out but to have his eyes match mine and to have the same cleft chin make me wonder it was just coincidence or if my RE is Superman, lol. No matter how many times a day I tuck his ear back to normal when he's laying down or drinking a bottle, that right ear is definitely still sticking out though, oh well, the Ped said to not worry about it - yeah, right as if any of us stop worrying about silly things, huh? Oooh, doesnt he just LOVE the jumpy chair! without that thing I'd never get to eat I think, but ummm, could Fisher Price maybe design one with more that just 6 songs??? I swear by the end of the day it feel likes I'm being brainwashed by "Two little duckies" and "ABC song' I'm still hearing them when I'm trying to get ready for bed- jeez! Greeaat... guess whats going through my head again? Oh, and BTW am I the only one who has let putting together the baby book fall to the wayside? I got as far as page 2.... There arent enough hours in the day lately.

Steph - Yippee for having Lina's appt moved up by a week or so, at least its one less week of tummy issues for her, and you too. Now this spc better have an answer as to WTH is going on with her tummy! I just hope that its nothing serious, but please let him have some solution other than "she'll grow out of it"- grrr to that as an answer! OMG- where did the time go? Ethan rolling over already? Werent we just all waiting for the next gestational u/s ?? I cant believe how fast it all went by, jeez, first we couldnt wait for them to be born and now I find myself telling Ryan not to grow up anymore and just stay right where he is
You were certainly right about 3 months being the best age ( well soon, Wed he'll be 11 wks, for some reason my ticker is running 5 days slow) He laughs and giggles so much now, and he's trying out his sounds too, he came up with a few new ones today, one sounds like Yow! and one sounds like a kitten, and he said either yay or hey before, it was too cute (why wont he do these sounds when I have the Flip out though???? baby humor I guess? You are too much sometimes, Ricky Bobby, huh? thats funny to me because you know how I told you Ryan loved the ceiling fan? well when I spin it for him to keep him busy while pouring his bottle, I say to him " Who likes to Go Fast, fast, fast, fast" and he giggles like you wouldnt believe. And yes, girl you sure are gonna have babies in bumper cars soon, hee hee, I wonder who'll win? haha. You get me again as far as thing that Ryan reminds you of Ethan - because I think that Ethan reminds me of Ryan! We'd be scary together if we lived closer I think. Thanks for posting those pics just for me ( aw, I feel so loved now ) I had a FB acct last year, or was it the year before? I never really got the hang of it and hardly ever went to it, so I just ended up closing it out after getting really irritated over all those Farmville requests, but if it makes you happy i'll take another attempt at it ( haha even though the only girls I keep in touch with lately are you all) Isnt it funny how friends sort of stop calling all the time after you get pregnant? I guess thats just the way it is.. people get too busy.. Anyway I love those pictures!! Yep, Ethan looks like he's trying to figure out how the walker can get taken apart and Lina's "dirty look"?? soooo precious!! At least she is full of smiles most of the day - maybe she was deep in thought over something? but my favorite was Ethan's finger sucking pic - now that pic really reminds me of Ryan, even the way he's holding his hand. much love- xoxoxo

PA - ah, honey I'm sorry that you're in pain, I had alot of nerve pain th last few weeks too. All you can really do is keep changing positions til you find the one that hurts the least, but it will all be over soon and you'll have her in your arms, so hang on a liitle longer, ok? xoxo

Natasha - Aw you guys make such a beautiful couple! And how cute is Monkee? yeah, you're right your entire house will end up looking like big playroom, but you wont mind a bit - how are you feeling? - xoxo

Gi - Our very own tv celebrity! Dont be nervous you'll do just fine and Jason will be there with you, ok? You go have a glass of wine if you need it, I would. wow you are so lucky that Kayla sleeps so long and loves her little naps too! I wish Ryan did. Ack, I wish we could see your grand tv debut! Good Luck honey, remember theres no reason to be nervous, its just like talking to your frinds - xoxoxo hi to your Mam!

Angela - Yay for Gabriella sleeping like a champ! Wheee, soon you'll be well rested again, and wont that be nice for a change? lucky girl to have to clean up a blowout at least it happened in the best possible place - the bathtub. Ah, they will be funny stories when we forget how bad the cleaning up was, right? Your baby books sound just like mine, which ones are you reading? I've been sticking to WTE the first year and Baby 411. Whew! a big sigh of relief for finding a day care thats close by, clean and with an owner with 30 yrs experince! it sounds like you have a winner there! Yeah, I feel the same, I've always found Southerners waaaay more friendly also, what a shame I cant move back down south, but Chris is locked into NYC with his job though. Crossed for another good nights sleep for you and Gabriella! - xoxo

Ronda - I love when you drop by! Go on girl with your bad self! working out 3x a week? Someones gonna look pretty hot this summer! - xoxoxo

Eeek I wrote a book again, and now its 12;45am, see how darn slooooow I type?? Good night ladies - love you guys - xoxo