MLK Monday

hmp1

Happy holiday! Let's chat it up.

PenelopePond

I made blueberry muffins from a packaged mix this morning.  Apparently that makes me THE BESTEST MOM EVER!!  Works for me.

BeebopandBuddy

Someone just posted this on my FB feed. I thought some of you might enjoy it.

hmp1

AW alert.
When I dropped off the kids today the director pulled me aside to tell me they are moving up 4 kids from James class to the preK room. She said the teachers in his class can see a clear divide in skill level and feel it is best to move the advanced kids up. So far they have always moved up by birth date and James falls on the younger side of the class so I was anticipating her to say he is staying with the 4s. Surprise, he is moving up. And in August they will do two preK classes and he will move into the advanced PreK. Proud of my little guy.

BeebopandBuddy

PenelopePond said:

I made blueberry muffins from a packaged mix this morning.  Apparently that makes me THE BESTEST MOM EVER!!  Works for me.

I make those boxed blueberry muffins for every holiday and I literally get applause from my kids. I think I've established very low baking expectations.

@hmp1 Go James!!

PenelopePond

Yay James!!

MRoxy0628

I'm at work today, but the students are off, so we have a guest speaker. It is a topic I'm interested in, but makes for a long day of sitting.

amandad715

Not much going on here today. The boys are at the sitter's today and I'm snuggling Sam while catching up on Downton. DH & I are going to run errands and take turns sitting in the running car with Sam while the other one runs in & out. Too much sickness to take him out yet, but I'm going stir crazy since I'm not supposed to be driving.
Later this week, DH is taking Jack & Will on a "special day"' by themselves this week. Jack is so excited and wants to go to our local natural history museum to see the dinosaur bones, pick out a comic at the comic book store, go out to lunch and see Annie! He came up with that all by himself.
I'm encouraging DH to take Will to the Y during open swim but we'll see what Will comes up with. Knowing Will, he'll want to copy Jack which is why I'm trying to get him excited about swimming.

kelbel527

hmp1 said:

AW alert. When I dropped off the kids today the director pulled me aside to tell me they are moving up 4 kids from James class to the preK room. She said the teachers in his class can see a clear divide in skill level and feel it is best to move the advanced kids up. So far they have always moved up by birth date and James falls on the younger side of the class so I was anticipating her to say he is staying with the 4s. Surprise, he is moving up. And in August they will do two preK classes and he will move into the advanced PreK. Proud of my little guy.

Woohoo!  Great job James!

kelbel527

OK - this is probably going to be a post and run because I have a meeting in a few minutes, but I'll be back later.  (I also may delete this later because I hate putting someone else's business on the internet).

One of my best friends just had her first baby Sunday morning.  He's in the NICU from swallowing meconium and a possible infection.  She developed an infection during labor and they are monitoring him for whether or not he has an infection or not.  They are very hopefully that it will be a 2-3 day stay and he'll be going home tomorrow or Weds.  

This could be a million times worse and I know some ladies on here have had to deal with a much longer NICU stay than 3 days, but her heart is just breaking, and mine for her.  This is not at all how she expected to spend her first few days as a Mom.  And they had a long road getting here, so I just feel like they deserve a bit of a break.

So, what can I do?  I'm an hour away, so it's not easy to pop on by.  I offered to come see her tonight after work, at least to keep them company and provide my support, but she's going to let me know if they're up for visitors or not.  I think they're still reeling from everything.  

I just wish I could make it easier for her.  And we are very very lucky and didn't have to deal with anything like this, so I have no advice to offer her.  I talked to her a bit yesterday, but that's all I've been able to do.  

tinyhumantoe

Worst day ever.  I had contractions on and off for about 7 hours yesterday.  They were over a minute long and had me balling, but really sporadic.  Every now and then they were 5 min apart but then I'd go 30 min or longer without.  I wasn't too concerned because I had contractions with W from 11am-630am the next day before they got to 4 min apart for an hour, then I didn't have her until 8:30pm that night.

No contractions last night but I'm in so much pain with my back, pelvis, and right leg.  I look ridiculous walking.  So.............. I just completely busted my ass with a plate of food and cup of coffee in my hands like a huge fat ass eating my lunch before lunch time.  There was ranch all over the carpet, wall, my clothes, and in my hair.  Everyone ran up to see what the hell happened and I am so embarrassed. 

And now for the first time today the contractions are starting again.  The nurse seemed like she wasn't concerned.  I told her I never call for anything and this time I would really feel more comfortable if they checked things out.  So now I have a 130 appointment and I'm trying to calm down and find someone to take W.  Also, did I mention FUCK MY BABYSITTER?  Seriously, fuck her.  I feel like I'm misplacing my anger but I am so fucking mad at her.

tinyhumantoe

I don't even know if I got hurt falling.  I landed face first but somehow my knee caught most of the fall?  It is the bloodiest rug burn under my jeans, and speaking of jeans, you can't fall like that and not pee your pants.  Of course I didn't realize I peed my pants until 15 minutes after it all happened.

Sorry to vent, I'm just trying to stop my crying.  I don't feel hurt, just tired, embarrassed, and pouty.  Probably tired because I didn't get to drink my coffee haha.

ETA:  Ranch makes your hair really crispy. 

BeebopandBuddy

Oh no! @tinyhumantoe‌ I'm so sorry. Hugs for you. I hope everything is ok and I'm glad you're getting checked out.

kdsmith43

kelbel527 said:

OK - this is probably going to be a post and run because I have a meeting in a few minutes, but I'll be back later.  (I also may delete this later because I hate putting someone else's business on the internet).

One of my best friends just had her first baby Sunday morning.  He's in the NICU from swallowing meconium and a possible infection.  She developed an infection during labor and they are monitoring him for whether or not he has an infection or not.  They are very hopefully that it will be a 2-3 day stay and he'll be going home tomorrow or Weds.  

This could be a million times worse and I know some ladies on here have had to deal with a much longer NICU stay than 3 days, but her heart is just breaking, and mine for her.  This is not at all how she expected to spend her first few days as a Mom.  And they had a long road getting here, so I just feel like they deserve a bit of a break.

So, what can I do?  I'm an hour away, so it's not easy to pop on by.  I offered to come see her tonight after work, at least to keep them company and provide my support, but she's going to let me know if they're up for visitors or not.  I think they're still reeling from everything.  

I just wish I could make it easier for her.  And we are very very lucky and didn't have to deal with anything like this, so I have no advice to offer her.  I talked to her a bit yesterday, but that's all I've been able to do.  

We had an unexpected stay in the NICU also, for 8 days. Something that I wished that I would have had was a notebook and a pen so I could journal my time there. 

kdsmith43

tinyhumantoe said:

Worst day ever.  I had contractions on and off for about 7 hours yesterday.  They were over a minute long and had me balling, but really sporadic.  Every now and then they were 5 min apart but then I'd go 30 min or longer without.  I wasn't too concerned because I had contractions with W from 11am-630am the next day before they got to 4 min apart for an hour, then I didn't have her until 8:30pm that night.

No contractions last night but I'm in so much pain with my back, pelvis, and right leg.  I look ridiculous walking.  So.............. I just completely busted my ass with a plate of food and cup of coffee in my hands like a huge fat ass eating my lunch before lunch time.  There was ranch all over the carpet, wall, my clothes, and in my hair.  Everyone ran up to see what the hell happened and I am so embarrassed. 

And now for the first time today the contractions are starting again.  The nurse seemed like she wasn't concerned.  I told her I never call for anything and this time I would really feel more comfortable if they checked things out.  So now I have a 130 appointment and I'm trying to calm down and find someone to take W.  Also, did I mention FUCK MY BABYSITTER?  Seriously, fuck her.  I feel like I'm misplacing my anger but I am so fucking mad at her.

No, you are not misplacing your anger. Fuck her. She's left you in a bind more times than you can count on two hands at this point. 

tinyhumantoe

@kelbel527 I think visitors are different for everyone.  I've talked to some friends who would have loved some company, and I've talked to others who said the best gift some people gave them was to leave them alone.

I think you could tell her that you know some people would love company and some really just need space, so ask her to please tell you if she wants company and you will be there in a heartbeat. 

Other than that, I am thinking space and a care package of snacks and things like that.  I'd be on her asking you guys what to get, so I'm not super helpful.

PenelopePond

Big hugs THT. I hope things are good at your appointment.

kdsmith43

tinyhumantoe said:

@kelbel527 I think visitors are different for everyone.  I've talked to some friends who would have loved some company, and I've talked to others who said the best gift some people gave them was to leave them alone.

I think you could tell her that you know some people would love company and some really just need space, so ask her to please tell you if she wants company and you will be there in a heartbeat. 

Other than that, I am thinking space and a care package of snacks and things like that.  I'd be on her asking you guys what to get, so I'm not super helpful.

I didn't want visitors at first, but then I got lonely. If y'all are close then chances are she will want you to come at one point or another, especially if she has already been discharged.

kelbel527

Thanks ladies!  This is why you rock.  

@kdsmith43 - I didn't even think about the time after she gets discharged.  I will at a minimum make sure I check in on her, but visit if I can.  That's a great point.

I did just get a text from her that she's up for visitors today, so I am going to head out there later today.  I'm hoping they'll get good news today, but she probably won't know more until tomorrow.  

kelbel527

@tinyhumantoe - Hope everything looks okay!  Glad you're going in today, but you have every reason to be pissed at your babysitter.  She's ridiculous!

BeebopandBuddy

I got 5 free product coupons from Influenster for kids lunchbox stuff. I cannot find this stuff anywhere. It's just organic stuff, but I'm on my way to the 3rd store I've been to and I'm not going to another. Maybe I just live in an unhealthy area but I really don't think it should be this hard.

27boo

@tinyhumantoe‌ I hope your appointment goes well and you feel better soon.

27boo

AW: My brother used DD to propose to his girlfriend last night. He made a shirt while we were at the movies that said 'Will you marry Uncle Jakey?' and had her carry the ring to her. It was really sweet and DH got the whole thing on video, including my brother psyching himself up outside beforehand. (Good thing DD will be a flower girl, because she did try to run off with the ring at one point. She really just wanted the box, though.)

hmp1

What clothing stores start at kid sizes? Now that James is a 5, I want to open up my search.

hmp1

What clothing stores start at kid sizes? Now that James is a 5, I want to open up my search.

tyrannasaurusjess

@beebopandbuddy I love the idea of influenster! I wish I could take out 'the idea of', but I haven't been picked for any of their review thingies yet, so... boo. 

MommaP12

Haven't read everything since I"m busy at work, but OMG @tinyhumantoe I feel so bad for you!  Hugs and I hope you are on Mat Leave soon and get your sitter situation resolved.  

melody921

BeebopandBuddy said:

I got 5 free product coupons from Influenster for kids lunchbox stuff. I cannot find this stuff anywhere. It's just organic stuff, but I'm on my way to the 3rd store I've been to and I'm not going to another. Maybe I just live in an unhealthy area but I really don't think it should be this hard.

Was one of the things Applegate? My Target carries that.

kdsmith43

Can I just say what an awesome movie American Sniper was? It's definitely a must see. I cried like a baby, and I definitely have a newfound respect for military members and their families.

hmp1

kdsmith43 said:

Can I just say what an awesome movie American Sniper was? It's definitely a must see. I cried like a baby, and I definitely have a newfound respect for military members and their families.

I don't know if I can watch that one. I know the story and DH spoiled how they decided to do the ending, I just can't.

Hyaline

Uh, @tinyhumantoe , no.  Not misplaced anger AT ALL at your sitter.  She's been unprofessional and left you in a bind today that made everything else you're dealing with worse.  I think you're right--she's burned out on childcare and isn't in the right field, and while explanations are nice and all, she needs to man the fuck up and stop making that other peoples' problem.  

MarisaKathleen

tinyhumantoe said:

I don't even know if I got hurt falling.  I landed face first but somehow my knee caught most of the fall?  It is the bloodiest rug burn under my jeans, and speaking of jeans, you can't fall like that and not pee your pants.  Of course I didn't realize I peed my pants until 15 minutes after it all happened.

Sorry to vent, I'm just trying to stop my crying.  I don't feel hurt, just tired, embarrassed, and pouty.  Probably tired because I didn't get to drink my coffee haha.

ETA:  Ranch makes your hair really crispy. 

I'm sorry you're having a shittastic day, but this part made me laugh pretty hard.  I ran out of gel, mousse & spray last week, so I was forced to straighten my hair for 3 or 4 days.  By the 3rd day I was trying to determine if I could use shaving gel as hair gel.  

Good to know that ranch would not be a good option....

Also, fuck your sitter.  You've got to get rid of her.

Hyaline

hmp1 said:

Can I just say what an awesome movie American Sniper was? It's definitely a must see. I cried like a baby, and I definitely have a newfound respect for military members and their families.

I don't know if I can watch that one. I know the story and DH spoiled how they decided to do the ending, I just can't.

I don't think I want to see it...looks amazing but modern military stories are just too close to home right now with how many military members and their families I know.  

amandad715

@tinyhumantoe‌ You need to be careful and you need to be starting to slow down a bit!!! (I sound like my H) I'm glad you are going in. I know how it feels trying to get everything done....I was at my school on a snow day(aka-no knew was there except for me and a janitor) from 6:30am-10 finalizing my lesson plans, sub binder and report cards. I almost lost it when I had to rewrite some comments that didn't save. I would have probably stayed longer than 10 but I had my last ultrasound & OB appt at 10:45 and the roads were terrible. So terrible that I probably should NOT have been out. So I get it. But just be careful!

melody921

mnkate said:

I've been driving myself insane with researching preschool. I never thought I would care THAT much, but the whole "missed the deadline by a week" for starting preschool is really bugging me. He'll be 6 when he starts kindergarten, which I know is ultimately a good thing, but at this age it bothers me that he'll be 3 but will be with all 2 year olds. I'm worried he'll be bored.

I'm surprised pre-schools follow the deadlines as closely. I'm with you on this because it would bug me too. I don't understand how a few days makes a difference, and I think schools should be flexible enough to at least evaluate the kids who are on the border.

amandad715

@BeebopandBuddy‌ @hmp1‌

I think both of you have done snapfish or shutterfly books with your kids' artwork before. One of my ML goals is to reduce clutter and we have big piles of art projects that I've been saving. Our DCP does projects and now with preschool, we get double from Jack. I want to frame some for their playroom and maybe change the decor in the kids' bathroom and incorporate some art somehow. We are also going to hang one of those wire hanging clothespin things to house some art as well. 

Questions-How did you take the pics for the book? Did you use a background of sorts? Did you do each project in an individual pic or group them a few in a pic? 

Any other tips you found were helpful would be great too. 

kelbel527

mnkate said:

I've been driving myself insane with researching preschool. I never thought I would care THAT much, but the whole "missed the deadline by a week" for starting preschool is really bugging me. He'll be 6 when he starts kindergarten, which I know is ultimately a good thing, but at this age it bothers me that he'll be 3 but will be with all 2 year olds. I'm worried he'll be bored.

That would bother me a lot.  I think it starts to even out once you get to 4/5 or 5/6 (so I can totally get behind the way it works for kindergarten), but not at the 2/3 age range.  There is a huge difference between a 2 year old and a 3 year old.  It's why our daycare actually has a class from 2-2.5 and another from 2.5-3.  

starrysmile18

hey ladies. changed my SN. Don't know why I felt the urge after 3+ yrs as mhanson18, but this way I'm steering clear of using my name now...

anyways, working today. I have a headache that's been coming and going for 24 hrs now. It's awesome. i'll be back to read more....

BeebopandBuddy

melody921 said:

BeebopandBuddy said:

I got 5 free product coupons from Influenster for kids lunchbox stuff. I cannot find this stuff anywhere. It's just organic stuff, but I'm on my way to the 3rd store I've been to and I'm not going to another. Maybe I just live in an unhealthy area but I really don't think it should be this hard.

Was one of the things Applegate? My Target carries that.

Yes, it is, but it's for this Lunchable-type thing and I can't find it anywhere. All three stores had the Applegate stuff, but not that particular product the coupon is for. I also can't find Annie's frozen pizza bites.

BeebopandBuddy

amandad715 said:

@BeebopandBuddy‌ @hmp1‌

I think both of you have done snapfish or shutterfly books with your kids' artwork before. One of my ML goals is to reduce clutter and we have big piles of art projects that I've been saving. Our DCP does projects and now with preschool, we get double from Jack. I want to frame some for their playroom and maybe change the decor in the kids' bathroom and incorporate some art somehow. We are also going to hang one of those wire hanging clothespin things to house some art as well. 

Questions-How did you take the pics for the book? Did you use a background of sorts? Did you do each project in an individual pic or group them a few in a pic? 

Any other tips you found were helpful would be great too. 

I lay out a sheet or some colored fabric on the table and just take all of the pictures on it. I do each project individually and then do multiple pics on a page in a category, like 3 or 4 animal pics, transportation-themed pics, etc. I guess it depends how many projects you have.

I usually do mine when there's a free 8x8 shutterfly book deal and those books are 20 pages, so I take enough pics to fit into that.

MRoxy0628

@BobKat‌ Glad your surgery went well. @BeebopandBuddy‌ I've seen the pizza bites at Target too.