Katie, so glad that Andrew will be home soon! I like the first dress that you showed and think that if it opened in the back, your tattoo would almost look like an accessory with the dress, lovely.
FG, I've come to realize that our children will have the best possible childhoods if we are the best possible parents that we can be. Sometimes that involves doing something or using a tool that we never thought that we would need. So you do all the things that you planned to do, but you also take detours along the way. Don't beat yourself up; just know that our children will carry with them all the nurturing, safety and love we give them over the years.
My uncle passed away this weekend and I'm debating whether I leave dh and Aili home or take them with me to the service. It is about a 7 hour drive and about 2-3 days of not fun, especially for a 29 mo old. I went to Atlanta for 2 days in July without her and she was fine with that. I, otoh, forgot to bring my pump, so I was pretty miserable. Dh keeps asking me what I want to do and I just can't figure it out. It seems to make more sense to just leave them home, but at the same time, I feel somewhat uncomfortable with that plan. I don't know . . . just thinking in print.
FG, I've come to realize that our children will have the best possible childhoods if we are the best possible parents that we can be. Sometimes that involves doing something or using a tool that we never thought that we would need. So you do all the things that you planned to do, but you also take detours along the way. Don't beat yourself up; just know that our children will carry with them all the nurturing, safety and love we give them over the years.
My uncle passed away this weekend and I'm debating whether I leave dh and Aili home or take them with me to the service. It is about a 7 hour drive and about 2-3 days of not fun, especially for a 29 mo old. I went to Atlanta for 2 days in July without her and she was fine with that. I, otoh, forgot to bring my pump, so I was pretty miserable. Dh keeps asking me what I want to do and I just can't figure it out. It seems to make more sense to just leave them home, but at the same time, I feel somewhat uncomfortable with that plan. I don't know . . . just thinking in print.
you!! Thank you, mama, for all your kind words. If I get to experience labor, I will do exactly what you said and know that my first born is in capable hands…just wishing they were mine. So hard to let go during this process!!
I hope you’re ok. Be careful mama.
and know it’ll all be ok. You’re doing the best you can and that’s all your kiddos can ever ask of you. Don’t worry, even if you’re a perfect mama they’ll find fault with you later and blame you for everything when they’re older 
me. My trip to L&D last week was not pretend!! 
and 
I'm trying to to figure out what might have made such a big jump happen to shorten my LP so much, but no one seems to have much of an idea. Tried calling my MW but I know she's at or going to be at or was at a birth, so I haven't heard back. Anyway, taking stuff to try to help my mood. Going off to home group which is usually encouraging; nice to be with good people. And Judah napped a bit in the car and then snuggled sweetly, so that was good...and I got to lay down for a few minutes with him. Hoping my energy and mood are boosted at least a bit for the rest of the evening.
There is definitely a difference between leaving a baby to fuss/cry a bit while you attend to your needs and leaving a baby to CIO just because.
I’m so sorry you’re having so much sleep trouble. I remember those days vividly with Marty. I thought he’d never sleep and it took a really, really long time until he finally did. The only upside is that by the time you’re done with the sleeplessness your memory forgets it because you were kind of a zombie during that time. I know it isn’t funny and I hope you get the rest you need soon. Be gentle with yourself mama 
I know Marty was never one to cosleep. It lasted for about 6 months and even most of that was in his swing. He’s never been a cuddly kid and trying to have a family bed just didn’t really work out for him. I’d rejoice in the brief days he’d entertain it, but then rejoice more when he was back in his own bed because we were all sleeping better.
I’m SO in!! Chips and dip anyone??? 
that the kiddos take a hint and start thinking first before they throw the rocks! I swear there’s something in the air right now. Mine has been off the deep end for days!!
for your friend. I’m so sorry. That’s wonderful that her spirits are good though – that can make all the difference in the world. I hope it is a happy ending for all of them…it DOES happen more often than we realize 
. I could use the rest and time around the house.
I talked DH into getting one for DS1 and DS2 even though he didn’t really see the need. I got the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL and installed it for Marty. Babies R Us is having a “great trade in” event so if we turn in his old Britax and the other infant seat I have, I’ll get two 20% off coupons for in-store use off of two other items. Of course they don’t have the Sunshine Kids ones in the stores, but I’ll find another online coupon I’m sure. I had a 15% off this one and when you’re talking $300…that adds up to a lot of savings!! It went in like a breeze, but holy heaviness!! I can’t believe how much it weighs. DS is very excited for his new seat and I thought it was important for him to have the safest seat available – just as much as his new little brother. How could I really replace one and not the other, right?? I would have felt horribly guilty. There’s so many other places to cut corners – I just can’t compromise safety. Not to say his Britax wasn’t wonderful, it was, but I’m already in love with the new seat and he hasn’t even sat in it yet 
I hit 36 weeks yesterday, have an appointment with the midwife today and then next week is the home visit, if I make it to then. I don't have any "labor is imminent" feelings, I'm just sick of panicking over every twinge because I don't want to deliver at the hospital! Once we hit this weekend, I'll feel much better, I think. I hope.
I am snowed in here in Ohio and have FINALLY had time to catch up and see what all you mamas have been up to. I truly believe it's serendipity because I am right there with all of you who are struggling with the decisions we make for our 2nd children.
, and it's just a constant cycle of guilt and frustration. Okay - mama-guilt-rant over.
and is just a charmer - loves to give hugs and smiles to everyone he meets. As I mentioned, he's super attached to me and his sitter, which is actually heartening since he's there all day, 5 days a week. She is a really wonderful person and very attuned to his needs which does make it easier. He is so much different that Ezri in terms of his size and physical abilities but they do seem to share the same sense of humor and it has been amazing watching them interact completely apart from DH and I.
