GTKY Feb 28!

2MamazInSeattle

Hi all,
please join our 'getting to know you' post! Everyone is welcome, newbies especially encouraged to participate!

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.

3. Tell us about the best meal you've had un the last week.

4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)

5. What's happening this weekend??

Bonus: PIPs, stories, tidbits you want to share but didn't want to start a new thread for...put'em here!

KH826

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?

I love the sense of community. I love the support. I love the positive energy and encouragement. I love the opportunity to engage with people who have families that look like mine, but are also unique in so many awesome ways. I love not having to explain how building a family as an LGBT person is different and challenging, but also in some ways just the same as straight families. I value the level of understanding and knowledge that is here, and I find it powerful that most everyone seems to just "get it" no matter how different our stories are. I really appreciate all of you. You have enriched my life for the last year that I have been posting here, and I couldn't imagine this journey without all of you!

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.

I am fairly feminine. I like to wear dresses and skirts (to work a few times a week or for special ocassions). I struggled with my "girly style" a lot in college, because I hated that everyone looked at me and saw a straight girl. I had a hard time when I was younger figuring out what it was to be a feminine lesbian (how I personally identify) and how to own that identity with pride in all different kinds of circles of people. I went through a phase where I cut my hair and stopped wearing makeup and stopped carrying a purse... I was miserable. I didn't feel like me. By the time I was about 20 I settled into more of a comfort zone, and I also realized that there were plenty of other feminine lesbians out there who seemed to own it. My wife was a big help in this area as well. From day 1 she loved me as I am and encouraged me to be happy and comfortable no matter what anyone else thought. 99.9% of the time, if you didn't know me and saw me on the street you would never guess based on my appearance that I was gay. As a young person just trying to figure out where I fit into the world that really bothered me. The idea of coming out again and again every day forever to new people felt suffocating. I feel much differently now, and I am happy with my style.

Sooooo, with all that being said (sorry, I felt like I needed to offer that as a prologue), I am kind of mildly preppy/business casual... not sure how else to describe it. I like to shop at Ann Taylor Loft and Bananna Republic. Since my weight loss, I have found that I like clothes that are more fitted and tailored that define my shape (gosh, I hope to get that shape back after baby!). I like blazers with dark jeans and ballet flats. I like to wear red and rosy tones.

Now that I am pregnant, I pretty much like anything that fits, is semi-comfortable, does not make me look like I am wearing a trash bag, and does not cost a million dollars...

3. Tell us about the best meal you've had un the last week.

I made eggplant stackers on english muffins this week (I think it was Wednesday night...), and they were yummy. Roasted eggplant on top of the light 100 cal english muffins and then layered with pasta sauce, fat free mozzarella cheese, more eggplant, more sauce and more cheese. Baked in the oven until the cheese melts - yum! I made sauteed broccolini on the side to go with them. It was yummy and felt like a splurge meal, but it wasn't too terrible as far as splurges go.

4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)

My wish would be for my wife and I to be moved into a lovely house further out from the city with room to grow our family, a nice yard, in a safe neighborhood... something above our budget HAHA... and have all the projects and decorating done and just be enjoying it. We hope to move in the next 2-3 years when we can afford the house that we really want to raise our family in, but we know that this will be a stretch financially and it will likely involve many projects (we would love to buy another older home with character that we can customize)... with my magic wand I would just have us already own the home, have all the projects done and be moved in and nesting and waiting for baby. Ahhhh... that would be fantastic!

5. What's happening this weekend??

My wife's birthday is on Monday. We are going to spend the night at her mom's house (about an hour away) tonight and then planning to spend the day with her mom and our sister-in-law (hopefully) on Saturday. My wife wants to go out to breakfast and then to the outlets to look at some of the baby stores, etc. We may squeeze a movie in there somewhere. We plan to come home on Saturday night. We are expecting another big winter storm late Sunday and all day Monday (ugh!), so Sunday morning I will go to the grocery store, and then probably try to lay low at home the rest of the day and tidy up, do laundry, etc. We also are not usually award show people, but we are kind of excited to see Ellen host the Oscars on Sunday, so we will probably watch that for a while before I get too tired and fall asleep! HAHA

BONUS: So I PIPed on the bump photo thread yesterday, but I took another one today (I send a bump pic to my mom and sister every Friday AM since they live 6 hrs away and I don't get to see them much). I like this one better than yesterday's, so I am going to PIP it here HA!

pauljl

1. What do you love most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what are you hoping to give/get out of this board? I love how supportive the board is. You all don't sugar coat anything, yet you still manage to be kind and helpful. And I've learned so much from insemination, to pregnancy, to parenting.  It's nice to see those little notifications up in the top corner of my screen when it comes from you all! 

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress. I'm definitely a comfort queen. As soon as I get in the house I put on sweatpants/pjs. I'm an elementary school teacher, so I have a lot of business (very) casual clothes. Ballet flats, boots, jeans, sweaters. In the summer I love dresses and sandals.  I've gotten a little more brave as I lost weight, but if something isn't comfortable you can forget it.  

3. Tell us about the best meal you've had in the last week. We met a friend for lunch at I got a bean burrito. It was amazing. Refried beans, black beans, rice, cheese, and sour cream in a tortilla with chips and salsa. I don't want chicken anywhere near me these days (which is usually my go to) but beans sound delicious. I recreated the burrito last night in a rice bowl at home! 

4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...) This will likely sound cliche, but I wish I didn't have to work so hard at my weight. It's something I'll always have to look out for and concentrate on. I'd lost 90 pounds but put 15 back on in the last 6 months. Right now I'm already focused on making sure I'm in the healthy weight gain category for my pregnancy. So far the Drs are happy with my weight in general so I'll just try and keep it that way. 

5. What's happening this weekend?? We've got a birthday  bar bash on Saturday (the first one where I won't be drinking). Hope no one notices. Sunday morning I'm meeting a good friend for bagels. 

healz413

1. I think PPs have captured it well. I love that there is a diverse group of queer, gay, lesbian, trans and otherly-identified non-hetero folks that we can share our journey with. I love that I genuinely care about so many of you. That I've cried with your good news and your bad news. That I know we have so many people who care about us and now Rocky.

2. I have a butch/sporty aesthetic most of the time. The majority of my clothes come from the men's section of stores. I usually dress casually--jeans in winter and cargo shorts in summer. I wear a lot of v neck sweaters and button-up shirts open over t-shirts. I basically live in blundstone boots for 60% of the year and Chaco sandals for 40%. When I dress up my go to is a vest or sweater vest over a button-up shirt.

4 (I did this in the wrong order and am on my phone so don't want to try copy and paste) This pregnancy would be healthy, full term, and baby-producing (one or two). And we'd have a few blastocyst PGD'd (genetically normal) embryos made with @manada's eggs and the same donor waiting for us in a freezer.

3. We went for delicious Indian buffet on Sunday!

5. I have our first indoor baseball practice of the season Saturday morning. Then we are going back to the Indian buffet with some friends who are in from out of town (not staying wth us). I don't think we have anything planned for Sunday.

GoaliesWife123

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?

I absolutely love the supportive vibe of this community. I love that I can come here to talk about anything ttc, but also feel like I can talk about anything non-ttc related and still get advice and opinions. 

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.

Comfortable clothes are my favorite. I work from home, so I generally spend a lot of time in my pj's or just sweats and a sweatshirts. Our house is old (we rent) and not insulated, so it is always cold and layers are a must. With that said, I love skirts and dresses and wear them all fall and summer. I hate suits. I hate heels. I live in my flip flops when there isn't snow on the ground. If I'm not wearing a skirt and flip flops, it is usually because I'm in my hiking boots and hiking clothes. 

3. Tell us about the best meal you've had in the last week.

I made my wife and I corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. It was delicious! We ate it for dinner the next day and I sauteed it all together and I ate it last night for dinner while my wife was on duty. First, it was simple and not too expensive and on top of that, it fed us for three days

4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)
This is a tough one...I would have to say that having a large piece of land in an ideal location with a beautiful, yet small, house on it would be perfect. I'd also add a beautiful motor home in the driveway, since our plans are to travel after DW retires. 

5. What's happening this weekend?? 

DW works tomorrow (24 hour shift), so I'll just be working and trying to kick what ever this cold is that is trying to develop. I'll probably just pick up the house, maybe make a few treats and that's about it. DW has an away hockey game on Sunday, so there's also that. Exciting, I know!

Bonus: PIPs, stories, tidbits you want to share but didn't want to start a new thread for...put'em here!

Well, DW and I are in our 2ww right now and we are changing RE's next cycle (if we need it). I have the referral getting prepared and also an appointment set up. The problem here is that we aren't entirely sure if we want to continue with an RE at all. We are going to take things day-by-day, but if this cycle doesn't work out, we aren't sure if we will continue ttc. We had originally decided to try until June, so we'll see. We may just go back to trying with acupuncture, charting and that's it. We'll see. 

JGY

KH826 said:

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.

I am fairly feminine. I like to wear dresses and skirts (to work a few times a week or for special ocassions). I struggled with my "girly style" a lot in college, because I hated that everyone looked at me and saw a straight girl. I had a hard time when I was younger figuring out what it was to be a feminine lesbian (how I personally identify) and how to own that identity with pride in all different kinds of circles of people. I went through a phase where I cut my hair and stopped wearing makeup and stopped carrying a purse... I was miserable. I didn't feel like me. By the time I was about 20 I settled into more of a comfort zone, and I also realized that there were plenty of other feminine lesbians out there who seemed to own it. My wife was a big help in this area as well. From day 1 she loved me as I am and encouraged me to be happy and comfortable no matter what anyone else thought. 99.9% of the time, if you didn't know me and saw me on the street you would never guess based on my appearance that I was gay. As a young person just trying to figure out where I fit into the world that really bothered me. The idea of coming out again and again every day forever to new people felt suffocating. I feel much differently now, and I am happy with my style.

Sooooo, with all that being said (sorry, I felt like I needed to offer that as a prologue), I am kind of mildly preppy/business casual... not sure how else to describe it. I like to shop at Ann Taylor Loft and Bananna Republic.

I'll do the entire GTKY later, but had to say @KH826, I could have written this exactly.  I think I have written it before.  Unreal.  I will also add that during that frustrating time in college when I couldn't reconcile what I was comfortable in (more "Girly" type clothes) with what I thought a Lesbian was SUPPOSED to wear, I didn't have much luck in the dating world.  Amazing how when I finally started wearing what I wanted, I radiated more confidence and comfort and then found that more people were attracted to me.  What a concept!  I hope some day I have the opportunity to mentor a young woman through that stage and encourage her to be herself always.  Our community could always use more of that!

trisholio

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?
I love this board and that everyone is so welcoming, understanding and diverse.  I learn something new all of the time on here and I love the different type of opinions on here.  I consider you my friends and I am lucky enough to know some of you in real life too!  I don't know if I would be pregnant without the help of all of you.
2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.
When I worked outside of the home I was more of the preppy/business casual type.  Khaki's, v-neck sweaters, heels or at least shoes with a heel.  Now days I live in yoga pants and long sleeve shirts.  I am all about being comfortable, but when I go out in public I try to at least not look like a slob.
3. Tell us about the best meal you've had in the last week.
The other night my wife made home made chicken tenders and I made broccoli casserole.  It was super yummy!
4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)
I would love to have a house that has at least 4 bedrooms, a finished basement, two car garage and at least one fire place.  I would love for it to be on a little land, but not too far outside of town.  Not too much to ask, is it :-)
5. What's happening this weekend?? 
We have a lot of errands and such to complete this weekend.  Tomorrow we are going car shopping.  We finally got the pay off from the insurance company from the car the my wife wrecked over a month ago.  I hate car shopping, it is so stressful.  Sunday we are going shopping for the girls.  We finally got their clothing vouchers from the county agency and need to purchase some stuff for them.  We got a larger voucher than expected which is good, but we have to use it all at once or lose it.  So it is going to be a long process of shopping (oh poor us, haha)  We are having family dinner at my moms Sunday night.  It has become something I look forward too each week.  The girls LOVE my mom (Gigi) and it gives us a little break.
Bonus: PIPs, stories, tidbits you want to share but didn't want to start a new thread for...put'em here!

Any suggestions for how to make a 6 month old get over a cold faster would be appreciated.  The toddler M wasn't too bad when she was sick because she is old enough to blow her nose, but the baby K is so miserable and can't breathe at all!  She screams bloody murder when I try and suck the snot out and hates her nose being wiped too.

redrockmama

trisholio said:

Any suggestions for how to make a 6 month old get over a cold faster would be appreciated.  The toddler M wasn't too bad when she was sick because she is old enough to blow her nose, but the baby K is so miserable and can't breathe at all!  She screams bloody murder when I try and suck the snot out and hates her nose being wiped too.

I've heard wondrous things about the nosefrida. I haven't ever used it but we will for sure be getting one. 

I'll be back to do my GTKY in a bit..

ATXmommas

stringy813 said:

redrockmama said:

trisholio said:

Any suggestions for how to make a 6 month old get over a cold faster would be appreciated.  The toddler M wasn't too bad when she was sick because she is old enough to blow her nose, but the baby K is so miserable and can't breathe at all!  She screams bloody murder when I try and suck the snot out and hates her nose being wiped too.

I've heard wondrous things about the nosefrida. I haven't ever used it but we will for sure be getting one. 

I'll be back to do my GTKY in a bit..

I had heard this too - about the nosefrida - but I've yet to successfully get anything out with it. Granted M never holds still to do so.  Our doc pretty much said to wait colds out.  Humidifier, saline drops (also don't work if you can't get them in the nose) is all you've got. We did put a rolled towel under her crib mattress so her head was a little elevated. This is probably a technical no-no but it seemed safer than on a pillow.


The saline drops have worked well for us. We use a combo of the suction (right after the saline to get the excess liquid in addition to the mucous), the nosefrida, and a Kleenex. He HATES the saline drops, so when he starts crying, he pushes the mucous out and I grab it with a Kleenex. But like stringy said, it hasn't gotten rid of his congestion, just helps with his symptoms.

And as a side note, the nosefrida works for us. You have to suck pretty hard. It intrigues me and grosses me out all at the same time.

newmompeanut

When I was little my mom always used the Vicks hockey puck-like tablets that go in the bottom of your shower.  I wasn't able to find any in stores, but it was incredibly easy to make your own.  They work amazing when N has congestion!  Just take her into the shower with you and let the steam and Vicks do their thing

redrockmama

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?

I think others have described it pretty well. It's nice to have a community of other LGBT folks who are or want to have children. I know I can come here if I have questions about things or just to feel a sense of community, which is nice. We have a huge LGBT community where I live and many with kids (the most gaybies actually % wise) but I don't always fit in with them, much different backgrounds and such. Y'all are great. 

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.

It varies. I'm pretty causal/sporty most of the time. Today I am wearing jeans, a hot pink and grey striped shirt and black and neon converse. I would dress like this most days, but unfortunately I don't think my boss would appreciate that. So..I wear a lot of skinny jeans and sweaters to work. I do like to dress up though, suits, dresses, heels, just not every day. In the summer I would wear dresses/skirts or basketball shorts and tanks with flip flops almost everyday in an ideal world when it's warm out. 

3. Tell us about the best meal you've had un the last week.

Last night I made this https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/brined-pork-chops-00100000117485/index.html. Brined pork chops with sweet onions and potato-kale mash. It was delicious. 

4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)

Can I wish for my stepmom to still be here? That's my unrealistic wish. My more realistic wish is to carry Bubbles to term and have a lovely vaginal homebirth, oh and to have a finished basement, fully furnished of course. I have pretty much anything else I want. Health, love, family, cute dogs. 

5. What's happening this weekend?? 

Tonight we are going up to my stepbrothers house for his birthday dinner. It'll be good to see him and hopefully his sister, our nephew and my dad will be there too. This is the first "celebration" since his mom died and I'm sure it will be hard for all of us. Tomorrow morning we are going to visit J's family. They live in a small town about 3 hours away. Yay for road trips j/k. I should be excited but I'd rather stay home and work on the house and Bubbles' room. We are going to mostly see J's niece and nephew and her siblings. I'm sure it will be fun. It's just so awkward to be around her family sometimes. 

Bonus: PIPs, stories, tidbits you want to share but didn't want to start a new thread for...put'em here!

Forever ago I mentioned that my dog looked a lot like someones...I don't remember whose it was but it was laying by the fireplace. Anywho..here is the one of our pups, Xena, that I was talking about in front of the fire, and another for good measure with her cousin Bella

trisholio

Thank you for the suggestions.  I have been using saline wipes (boogie wipes) but I will pick up just saline drops.  I am not sure how I feel about the NoseFrida, but I just might get one and give it a try.

I took a late shower this afternoon (don't judge me) and afterwards I filled the bathroom with steam and sat with the baby in there for a little bit.  I rubbed vicks on her feet and put on socks.  I feel so bad for her :-(

Jazibel

Ok posting quickly before jumping in the shower and starting the second half of my day (Pre-Nap/Post-Nap). I'll have to finish reading this thread in a little bit - and I'm looking forward to it :-)

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?
I love the community here. I feel like I'm privileged to "know" people here and share in your life journeys (as well as share mine).  As others have said I love that this board is so respectful, open, honest and drama free. I've been a member here since our first pregnancy, and I've taken breaks (after loss, and for a little while with a newborn) and missed the board both times. EV thinks its a marriage saver since she's not into talking "baby stuff/TTC stuff" as much as I sometimes want and need to.  She loves that I have an outlet and get great advice and information from "normal, creative, education amazing folks". I love that too. One of the best things is to be part of a National (and maybe International) LGBT community. It's so interesting to learn about what its like to live in other places, from weather to work to hobbies.   I could go on and on...    


2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.
This needs a before and after description.  First I can relate to @KH826 and @JGY, complete with short hair in college. Eventually I decided I am perfect as I am, and if I can accept myself as a lesbian, I can certainly accept how I want to dress ;-)
I used to dress somewhat preppy, casual with heels and purses and jewelry and make up.  I love JJill, and Banana Republic, and Nordstroms, etc.  However that was before.. Before the 100+ lbs, before baby,  before the messy toddler years. Before being pregnant again a year later... So.  Now. I dress in maternity pants (usually black) and a few tops that I have that aren't stained from cooking at home w/o an apron. (Which I finally purchased its super cute and I am saving my limited wardrobe).  I've packed my heeled boots and shoes away, and wear flats, dansko's and sneakers.  I personally don't really "like" my look but I'm comfy and I've let go of wearing jewelry and make up everyday. I'm looking forward to reclaiming my career and "non-mommy" aspects in the coming year though. And getting into shape again.


3. Tell us about the best meal you've had in the last week.
I roasted a chicken in the crock pot and made stock with the bones (overnight).  I then made a most delicious chicken noodle soup, which I enjoyed for lunch.  I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself for embracing cooking, and for learning a few skills. I really love to cook now.


4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)
Please don't judge me - but honestly it would be to come into (lottery - whatever) a whole lot of money.  The stress of living on one income is wearing me down (see #5).  When we first lived together I think I made $11 and hour and EV $9.  ;-)  We lived in a tiny motel like apartment building and slept on an air mattress on a wooden bed-frame and didn't even mind waking up to a deflated mattress every morning. We were 22 and 23.  Now though its hard to go back to worrying about every penny.  On top of that we're pretty darn frugal, life is just expensive. Anyway sorry for complaining. In short, I'd love to pay off our mortgages and student loans and not have debt hanging over my head.


5. What's happening this weekend?? Okay speaking to #4, I am starting a part time job.  Woohoo!!! I'm going to be driving for a local community of drivers/passengers. It's a pretty neat concept that has sprung up in major metropolitan areas.  EV ran into a business associate at a conference and she told EV about her side gig. Said she loved the work, the extra money was pretty good, etc. etc.  Well I applied and my first day of work is this Saturday for 4 hours. I am admittedly a little nervous - but excited about work and earning a little income on the side.
Other than that there's a baby/maternity consignment fair on Saturday I'm hoping to find some things for Owen.
Finally we picked a "theme" for Owen, (sea turtles).  I'm looking forward to getting started on a couple of projects for his half of the nursery.  Owls and sea turtles are going to be hard to integrate - lol we'll see how it goes.

ball.and.chain

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?

I've been here for over two years and I've met some amazing people here and made some great friends.  I appreciate the support here, the respect people have for others' ideas, the civility, the humor, the open minds, and the big hearts.

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.

Definitely skews feminine.  I wear a lot of dresses and I like patterns (especially polka dots lately -- see post on bump thread) and bright colors.  Sort of preppy, usually pretty comfortable.  In true librarian fashion, lots of cardigans.

3. Tell us about the best meal you've had un the last week.

Chicken soft tacos with avocado, radish, cheese and sour cream.  We cooked the chicken in a chipotle salsa my sister and I made and canned over the summer.

4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)

For my son to be able to meet my mother.

5. What's happening this weekend??

Tomorrow: sleeping in, relaxing, and possibly dinner with friends if my wife decides she's feeling up to it (she's sick.  Again).  Sunday: hopefully prenatal yoga, and I have a Starbucks and baby-consignment-store date with a friend.  She's bringing another friend who has a 5-week old son, so maybe Mr. Baby could have a friend!

Jazibel

ATXmommas said:

stringy813 said:

redrockmama said:

trisholio said:

Any suggestions for how to make a 6 month old get over a cold faster would be appreciated.  The toddler M wasn't too bad when she was sick because she is old enough to blow her nose, but the baby K is so miserable and can't breathe at all!  She screams bloody murder when I try and suck the snot out and hates her nose being wiped too.

I've heard wondrous things about the nosefrida. I haven't ever used it but we will for sure be getting one. 

I'll be back to do my GTKY in a bit..

I had heard this too - about the nosefrida - but I've yet to successfully get anything out with it. Granted M never holds still to do so.  Our doc pretty much said to wait colds out.  Humidifier, saline drops (also don't work if you can't get them in the nose) is all you've got. We did put a rolled towel under her crib mattress so her head was a little elevated. This is probably a technical no-no but it seemed safer than on a pillow.


The saline drops have worked well for us. We use a combo of the suction (right after the saline to get the excess liquid in addition to the mucous), the nosefrida, and a Kleenex. He HATES the saline drops, so when he starts crying, he pushes the mucous out and I grab it with a Kleenex. But like stringy said, it hasn't gotten rid of his congestion, just helps with his symptoms.

And as a side note, the nosefrida works for us. You have to suck pretty hard. It intrigues me and grosses me out all at the same time.

We use the nosefrida, Kaden doesn't always like it but it's worked well. We also use homeopathics - I think Hylands makes some for babies.

We've also done the "icy sock" trick (which should be in the weird remedies thread). You can google it but essentially you give the baby a hot (as tolerable and safe) bath and then dry them off and dress them. You then place one pair of cotton socks that were just dipped in ice water on. Over the cold socks you put a pair of dry wool socks. This is such an odd treatment we only did it once and I was desperate because Kaden was 4 months-ish and so stuffy. The socks were both dry in the morning and he was feeling a ton better.

Good luck hope she feels better soon.

trisholio

ball.and.chain I teared up reading your answer to #4.  I don't know the story of your mother (sorry if you have shared it before, I have a horrible memory) but it just melted my heart that you have such a simple request.  

Jazibel thank you and the others for suggestions.  I am trying saline and the regular aspirator (that is what I have on hand)  I will have to try the icy socks, strange but worth a try.

To add insult to injury my wife was feeding the baby earlier, the baby jerked her head and grabbed the bottle at the same time and smacked herself in the face with it.  Hard enough to give herself a cut on her upper lip and a nice fat lip.  I am not sure who cried more, the baby or my wife.  I felt so horrible for the both of them.  So we are trying lots of different types of teethers and cold stuff for her poor swollen lip.  I am praying we get some sleep tonight, but I am not counting on it.  The baby loves her paci and it is hard for her to suck on with the swollen lip and stuffed up nose.  Poor little girl :-(

ball.and.chain

trisholio said:

ball.and.chain I teared up reading your answer to #4.  I don't know the story of your mother (sorry if you have shared it before, I have a horrible memory) but it just melted my heart that you have such a simple request.  

She died of breast cancer 10 years ago -- she was 55.  She LOVED babies and would have been unbelievably excited to be a grandmother.  There are a lot of things about her death that make me sad -- obviously our loss, but also the fact that she never got to meet my wife, etc -- but the saddest thing for me is definitely the fact that she will never meet her grandchild(ren).

2MamazInSeattle

1. What do you live most about our LGBT board on TB? How does it impact you? If you're new, what ate you hoping to give/get out of this board?

I just love having a community of smart, likeable and supportive peeps! Also, being the gramma on the board and IRL, not many of our friends are having babies or trying to, so it's nice to have everyone here who is on the same path.

2. Describe your wardrobe and how you like to dress.

I like to look smart, sassy, and put together. In winter, I wear the Seattle Uniform: Sweater, jeans, and black boots. Summer is more cropped pants, cute shoes and tops. Accessories are a must - scarves, earrings, barrettes, etc. Since my right hip has been so out of whack, I can't wear heels so much anymore, but still can get away with lower ones thankfully!

3. Tell us about the best meal you've had un the last week.

I cooked!!!!! After 2 months of massive food aversion, I made dinner at home this week! Curry-potato-chickpea-tomato-spinach stew. YUM. J wanted some vegan meals after our meat'n'grease-fest in the south, so this was my choice. I'm starting to have friends over for dinner again too - it's so nice to be 'back'!

4. If you could wave a magic wand and get one wish for yourself, what would it be? ( specifically for you, not something like "end human suffering"...)

Well, I suppose I'd zap lil'mamaz' 3rd X chromosome to give her a tidy 46 like the rest of us.

5. What's happening this weekend??

Saturday - NOTHING! J is working as usual until 1 or so, so I am lazing around and then going to pretnatal yoga (I've missed 2 weeks due to our trip!).

Sunday - BUSY! Seeing my friend who is giving us boxes of little girl clothes and stuff (YAY!), oh and I'm dialing into a monthly conference call/support group for Trisomy X on Sunday. Should be interesting.

Mellebee

1. I am relatively new to this board. It has been such a good source for me to channel my mental energy surrounding TTC. So great to share the experience with others who have similar yet unique stories. And who knew I would also find good advice about other things like filing taxes.

2. I can't think of how to define my style. I purchase most of my stuff at one local boutique. Work outfits range from dresses to skinny pants with layered tops and sweaters. Weekends are jeans. Can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can get out of the bundled up, black puffy coat look. 

3. A busy work week did not allow for much time on good food. Looking forward getting back to my kitchen this weekend. Maybe I will try those brined pork chops @redrockmamma. 

4. I wish I lived closer to my parents. I chose to settle in a big city for the right job. I wish the right job could be closer to my family. 

5. Rest. Relax. Recover. Will likely be watching the Academy Awards, even though I haven't seen many movies this year. Dallas Buyers Club is available On Demand, so I think that's the plan for tonight. 

Bonus: March is typically a low energy month for me as winter drags on and I get really stir crazy. I am going to do my best to make it a month of positive energy, mental and physical good health, and finger crossed for a BFP. 

StacyLH24

1. I love the community here. I have learned so much. I don't have a ton of experience, but try to contribute whatever I can for others. It is nice to have a place to turn to and others to cheer on and support. If I wouldn't have connected with TB, I don't know how I would have coped with the process so far. It has been invaluable.

2. I'm not sure I have an actual style. If I could wear jeans and a hoodie all the time, I would. I generally don't dress up a ton for work because some of the homes I go into aren't the cleanest...or anywhere close to clean really. I love flannel and my brown Carolina work boots.

3. My best mean in the last week was the New England Lobster feast we had on Thursday. I ate New England clam chowder, corn bread, lobster and berry shortcake for dessert. See Thursday's PIP thread for a picture of my lobster.

4. Right now my one wish is for my little buddy to be a little sticky buddy for the next 9 months. That is what I want more than anything.

5. Well, so far out weekend has included finding out that we are hopefully truly pregnant, spending time with friends and relaxing. Tonight we are bowling. Tomorrow we are bowling again and having dinner with my parents.