You guys... One of my students with Down syndrome is in our school band. They had their concert tonight and of course I went. He played so well, but the best part was seeing how completely excited he was to be up there. And the hug he gave me at the end?? All of the feelings.
I finally bought a crib and dresser for the nursery after looking online for a month! I'm so excited! I got 10% off my order on overstock just by signing up for the email. Saved me 80$! Shipping was free too but I think it always is. I'm registering for everything else but I really wanted to buy these on my own. I would feel uncomfortable accepting these as a gift as they aren't cheap. Is that weird ?
The support I've received from you ladies has been so amazing, thank you all! *hugs and ice cream to everyone*
The most amazing benefit of having DH back home is the comfort he gives me. I haven't had a full nights sleep for weeks now, and I slept like a baby last night. Time to make him his birthday request: eggs and bacon for breakfast
Also , I just found out that my son's preschool class is having a Christmas party on Tuesday and parents are invited. I hate to take time off of work because I just missed time last week due to a double ear infection, but I also don't want to be that mom that is too busy working to go to stuff at school. It really sucks sometimes being a working mom... I think I'm the only mom from R's preschool class that works full-time I REALLY don't know if I want to go back to work, but there are just so many variables and what-ifs and it's so scary. blah!
After I'm done with mat leave, I'll bd working full time too. And my hours are long...I'm fully accepting the fact that my husband will be Mr. Mom... If it makes you feel any better, there is research now showing that children of working mothers grow up to be more successful adults. Can't complain about that!
I finally bought a crib and dresser for the nursery after looking online for a month! I'm so excited! I got 10% off my order on overstock just by signing up for the email. Saved me 80$! Shipping was free too but I think it always is. I'm registering for everything else but I really wanted to buy these on my own. I would feel uncomfortable accepting these as a gift as they aren't cheap. Is that weird ?
Thank you for posting this!!! I have been looking for a good dresser that won't cost me an arm and a leg and hadn't found anything I liked... But I love this dresser you picked! I may get the same .
Also , I just found out that my son's preschool class is having a Christmas party on Tuesday and parents are invited. I hate to take time off of work because I just missed time last week due to a double ear infection, but I also don't want to be that mom that is too busy working to go to stuff at school. It really sucks sometimes being a working mom... I think I'm the only mom from R's preschool class that works full-time I REALLY don't know if I want to go back to work, but there are just so many variables and what-ifs and it's so scary. blah!
After I'm done with mat leave, I'll bd working full time too. And my hours are long...I'm fully accepting the fact that my husband will be Mr. Mom... If it makes you feel any better, there is research now showing that children of working mothers grow up to be more successful adults. Can't complain about that!
This makes me feel so much better! DH and I are deciding whether I should re-enlist in order to keep benefits while he is in school. If I do, I'll apply to a PA program and know that I won't be spending much time with my baby if I'm accepted. 27 months seems like a long time, but it would afford our family so many opportunities - including passing my GI Bill (money earned for college through military service here in the US) to Elena and allowing DH to finally finish school. Plus, the healthcare benefits are so incredible that I could continue having children between deployments and not have to pay anything out of pocket.
But ugh, deployments. Luckily they aren't as long as they used to be. (This got a little ranty, it's just weighing heavily on my mind.)
@NOLA520 thank you ! @thaisac1 the other dresser I liked was way outta my price range so when I found this I had to buy it. Hopefully it's not crappy quality . I'll let you know.
@NOLA520 thank you !
@thaisac1 the other dresser I liked was way outta my price range so when I found this I had to buy it. Hopefully it's not crappy quality . I'll let you know.
Do you mind sharing the other one you liked, also? We seem to have similar taste.
I almost started crying as I read the articles. I'm blaming hormones and exhaustion; either way, thank you!
Glad to help. At the end of the day, women get flak for staying at home with their children; and also get flak for going back to work and leaving the children under the care of others... We just cannot win!
Every family has a dynamic that works for them. In my family, it's a no-brainer: I'll be the late-working, busy, traveler parent; and husband will be the flexible parent. The aforementioned articles help take some of the guilt off my shoulders, knowing that the family dynamic we will have will ultimately be good for our baby boy.
So, not really a vent specifically, but just need somewhere to air things out. This week has been all over the place already and it's only Wednesday morning!
On Monday, my current boss told me I'd be getting a raise/market adjustment (significant, and awesome). Then told me my current co-manager is getting promoted to director and will be my boss going forward. I really like this coworker, have known her even before this job, and respect her very much. She's an incredibly hard worker, which my current boss is not. But she's very reactive to things and gets overwhelmed and emotional on a regular basis, and doesn't share that with the team. When she is stressed, she'll cry, but not want to give up any work to reduce her load unless you literally force her, and I'm concerned that she'll continue to do this as a director and will get resentful. Also, I'm kind of bummed that I'm losing a venting buddy. She says she doesn't want things to change, but I'm not going to vent to a boss the same way I would vent to a coworker. There's also a teeny part of me that's a little jealous. To be fair, I am not seeking a promotion now and have been very clear with my current boss that my focus in the next year will be balancing work with baby. But I've been at the company longer than my coworker, and work just as hard as she does, so I'm a little bummed to hear that this has apparently been in the works for a year with no consideration given to me.
On top of that, DH told me last night that he wants his oldest son (16 in January) to live with us full time. He is not doing well in school - failing one class and Cs and Ds in most of his other ones. When he's with his mom, there is zero accountability and he's not turning in homework or classwork (although he does well on most tests). DH thinks his ex won't have any issue with the change, but I'm not so sure since she's BSC and unpredictable. And while I recognize that this is the best thing to do for my stepson, and I'm supportive of doing it, there's a part of me that is a little sad to potentially lose out on the last few months of us time that we get when the kids are with their mom every other week. He's planning to talk to her tomorrow, so hopefully it goes well.
@AEG84 you sound like you're handling your friend's promotion pretty well - there's no shame in being disappointed at being passed over. Plus, having a friend as your boss may play out in your favor; not that you should take advantage, she just may be more sympathetic than your current, uninvolved boss.
I may be facing a similar situation with DH's 10-year-old son. I too feel guilty that I don't particularly want to deal with his behaviors while pregnant with my first child, but I know it would be best for SS to stay with us despite my selfishness.
So what I'm saying is, your frustration is totally warranted and you have all of my sympathies.
@amadorrose THat's a tough position with the deployment. Just know that whatever you choose will work out. Thanks everyone for all the encouraging words... it's hard being a mom whether you work or stay at home... and there's often not one clear "right" answer. But we'll all be great moms!
Amanda
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
@AmadorRose - thanks, mama. Step-parenting is hard! I will say I'm relieved that it's the oldest and not the youngest, because some days I literally can't with that kid. At least the 15 y/o is fairly self-sufficient and doesn't color on furniture with permanent markers! >.<
@AEG84 About our SS - I know it's difficult, especially if they're troubled and are not doing well in school. My 17 is pretty much the same way, but I have her full time and her father has not been around since she was 4 months. Kids that age also need stability and a loving household and I wish you the best in whatever decision his parents make. And I hope BM isn't as BSC because that can really complicate things for everyone all around.
@pinottoparenthood my biggest hang-up is that, while my mom worked part-time when I was young and full time when I was 6-12, she was always there. She is such a huge part of my childhood memories and I can't think about missing the milestones in my child's life without some sadness. Dad was a farmer so although he was always close, he was so busy that I have very few memories of him. I'm also a little jealous that DH will be able to spend a ton of time being a full-time dad and student while I'm being the breadwinner; however, he totally deserves it because he was working 80+ hours a week when his other kids were young. I think you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, but I really do think it's the best thing for my family, even if it's not what I want for myself.
@AEG84 Sounds like a tough situation with your SS... My step dad came into the picture when I was 11.. so I was a little younger, but he was such a good influence on me! I know it will be hard - especially with baby on the way, but I hope this turns out to get a great opportunity for you!
Random post for lovely random thread. So last night my fiancé and I finally got Soft Paws put on the front paws of our largest cat. She growled the whole time because I had to file her nails before applying the Soft Paws and glue. She even managed to slip one off as soon as I put it on, so I had to pry her glue-covered nail back out from the skin, covered in her fur no less, so I had to file it again to get the fur off. Then we had to watch her for about half an hour to make sure she didn't chew any off before the glue set. We have another cat that absolutely hates this procedure, and we've been postponing starting it for a while. We've only used them three times before, when we lived somewhere else and they were prone to fighting animals who had been declawed. Now we want them to get used to wearing them constantly so that they don't scratch up the baby. I figured we'd only need to do front paws. I probably don't have to worry until the baby can actually start pulling tails, but I want them to get used to putting them on so it doesn't take me an hour each time. I am completely against declawing, so that's not an option. I keep thinking if they start wearing them all the time, and if I replace them as soon as they fall off, then they'll stop chewing on them.
@Bubbles3592 you'll have to let me know if those work - I refuse to declaw and MIL thinks I'm an idiot, but I just can't help but worry that one of them will escape and get in a losing fight because they can't defend themselves...
@Bubbles3592 you'll have to let me know if those work - I refuse to declaw and MIL thinks I'm an idiot, but I just can't help but worry that one of them will escape and get in a losing fight because they can't defend themselves...
I put them on my cat and they're amazing!!!! The only downside is you need to buy separate glue..preferably super glue. The glue that comes with them you can only use one time plus they stick and stay on way better with super glue! They come in cute colors or clear!
@Bubbles3592 you'll have to let me know if those work - I refuse to declaw and MIL thinks I'm an idiot, but I just can't help but worry that one of them will escape and get in a losing fight because they can't defend themselves...
I put them on my cat and they're amazing!!!! The only downside is you need to buy separate glue..preferably super glue. The glue that comes with them you can only use one time plus they stick and stay on way better with super glue! They come in cute colors or clear!
@Bubbles3592 you'll have to let me know if those work - I refuse to declaw and MIL thinks I'm an idiot, but I just can't help but worry that one of them will escape and get in a losing fight because they can't defend themselves...
I put them on my cat and they're amazing!!!! The only downside is you need to buy separate glue..preferably super glue. The glue that comes with them you can only use one time plus they stick and stay on way better with super glue! They come in cute colors or clear!
@Bubbles3592 you'll have to let me know if those work - I refuse to declaw and MIL thinks I'm an idiot, but I just can't help but worry that one of them will escape and get in a losing fight because they can't defend themselves...
I put them on my cat and they're amazing!!!! The only downside is you need to buy separate glue..preferably super glue. The glue that comes with them you can only use one time plus they stick and stay on way better with super glue! They come in cute colors or clear!
The Soft Paws I get come with two sticks of reseal-able glue, so I'm not sure why yours is only lasting you one time, @BreannaaaMarieee . @AmadorRose , I order mine from SoftPaws.com which is the original creator's website. They work well for me when I've needed them, but I've never tested them against a baby. They are not that great though if you think your cats need to defend themselves, because they do cap completely over the nail. I was thinking of only doing front paws, so they would still have their back claws if they need them. They fall off about every 8 weeks with the glue that comes in the package, but one package can last a long time depending on how many claws/paws you are doing. Each package comes with about 40 nail caps.
@Bubbles3592 you'll have to let me know if those work - I refuse to declaw and MIL thinks I'm an idiot, but I just can't help but worry that one of them will escape and get in a losing fight because they can't defend themselves...
I put them on my cat and they're amazing!!!! The only downside is you need to buy separate glue..preferably super glue. The glue that comes with them you can only use one time plus they stick and stay on way better with super glue! They come in cute colors or clear!
The Soft Paws I get come with two sticks of reseal-able glue, so I'm not sure why yours is only lasting you one time, @BreannaaaMarieee . @AmadorRose , I order mine from SoftPaws.com which is the original creator's website. They work well for me when I've needed them, but I've never tested them against a baby. They are not that great though if you think your cats need to defend themselves, because they do cap completely over the nail. I was thinking of only doing front paws, so they would still have their back claws if they need them. They fall off about every 8 weeks with the glue that comes in the package, but one package can last a long time depending on how many claws/paws you are doing. Each package comes with about 40 nail caps.
We might be buying different brands then. Mine are from Petsmart and only come with one tube. Once you open it you can't reseal.
Edited because I double checked to see what brand mine are and they're called Kitty Caps.
We used soft paws on our lab with no issues other than having to constantly check to make sure she wasn't missing any. Her nails are black and I had black soft paws.. Not a great color choice. We keep boots on her all the time called ultra paws and I like them much more
@BreannaaaMarieee Ah, that explains it then. Yeah, I order mine online. They are the original Soft Paws brand. I've not had a problem with their glue if you ever consider switching. And I love their color choices and sizes. They also make them for dogs.
We had the anatomy scan this morning, and OMG, you guys, there is an actual baby in there! I know that sounds ridiculous at this point in pregnancy, but we were so decided on being done after the last loss that I've just had the hardest time accepting that this was real. Even the viability scan didn't convince me. But today, there was a real baby with personality (very wiggly and kept squirming away), and that adorable little frog belly, and fingers! Even it's little bones and creepy alien face were adorable! I'm so glad to finally be excited!
I tell myself that the LO would keep the dresser for years and years to come, thus it is worth the $… But if I find something else I like *almost* as much for less money, I'll buy it instead.
But I'm thinking this crib and dresser are more suited for a 'calm', woodland type nursery; and I had been planning a more modern nursery with pops of color, so I don't know if they would look good?
We used soft paws on our lab with no issues other than having to constantly check to make sure she wasn't missing any. Her nails are black and I had black soft paws.. Not a great color choice. We keep boots on her all the time called ultra paws and I like them much more
I tell myself that the LO would keep the dresser for years and years to come, thus it is worth the $… But if I find something else I like *almost* as much for less money, I'll buy it instead.
But I'm thinking this crib and dresser are more suited for a 'calm', woodland type nursery; and I had been planning a more modern nursery with pops of color, so I don't know if they would look good?
Ok I love the first dresser and the first crib over the gray crib option for sure.
If it's all super quality ( and it's gotta be !) LO will have the dresser forever so it's really up to what you want to spend. It's a hard decision! I swear I spent so much time looking online and in stores I was getting a headache so I finally just went with what caught my eye initially because I kept going back to both the same crib and dresser.
I tell myself that the LO would keep the dresser for years and years to come, thus it is worth the $… But if I find something else I like *almost* as much for less money, I'll buy it instead.
But I'm thinking this crib and dresser are more suited for a 'calm', woodland type nursery; and I had been planning a more modern nursery with pops of color, so I don't know if they would look good?
Ok I love the first dresser and the first crib over the gray crib option for sure.
If it's all super quality ( and it's gotta be !) LO will have the dresser forever so it's really up to what you want to spend. It's a hard decision! I swear I spent so much time looking online and in stores I was getting a headache so I finally just went with what caught my eye initially because I kept going back to both the same crib and dresser.
I didn't at first, but after seeing the Rhea (first) crib in the store I just loved it. Hubby loved it to. The dresser you bought would match it well, don't you think? I still prefer the Oeuf dresser, but I'm caught up on the price. If this was the only pricey item I was going to buy, I wouldn't mind, but we already bought a pricey diaper bag, stroller and car seat, and will likely get a pricey crib, so all these things add up.
Knowing myself though, I may still come up with some sort of a good reason why I should get it. LOL. But I am considering your dresser too as I think it will look good with the crib also!
I can't imagine spending that much on a dresser, even for myself! Holy crap! I spray painted an old dresser and replaced the knobs for my son's nursery. They are pretty though!
Amanda
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
I can't imagine spending that much on a dresser, even for myself! Holy crap! I spray painted an old dresser and replaced the knobs for my son's nursery. They are pretty though!
I just looked after you said that and I literally jumped when I saw the price. We've got some hard working mamas on this board to be able to afford furniture like that! (Also I don't feel as bad for the $235 one I found on Amazon)
I can't imagine spending that much on a dresser, even for myself! Holy crap! I spray painted an old dresser and replaced the knobs for my son's nursery. They are pretty though!
I know! None of my bedroom furniture costed that much either. Heck, I think my ENTIRE bedroom set costed less than that! Granted, I bought it when I was a medical resident so finances were different then, but still, that's a lot to ditch on a dresser, so it's a matter of principle (although my principles may change if I don't find another dresser I love hehehe).
Speaking of dresser. I've gotta brag a bit and show the free one I refinished for the guest room.. It turned out better than I thought Itwould. It was one of my summer projects I actually got finished . Anybody use chalk paint before? I'd like to try it instead of regular paint next time
Speaking of dresser. I've gotta brag a bit and show the free one I refinished for the guest room.. It turned out better than I thought Itwould. It was one of my summer projects I actually got finished . Anybody use chalk paint before? I'd like to try it instead of regular paint next time
It looks gorgeous!
I envy DIY abilities! Would come in handy for sure. Have you seen the blog Young House Love? They stopped blogging now but they DIY'd a ton of projects and it's amazing.
I'm more of a DFM person (DFM=Do it For Me - I just made it up. LOL).
Re: **The Everything Random Thread for April Mamas**
I'm registering for everything else but I really wanted to buy these on my own. I would feel uncomfortable accepting these as a gift as they aren't cheap. Is that weird ?
The most amazing benefit of having DH back home is the comfort he gives me. I haven't had a full nights sleep for weeks now, and I slept like a baby last night. Time to make him his birthday request: eggs and bacon for breakfast
If it makes you feel any better, there is research now showing that children of working mothers grow up to be more successful adults. Can't complain about that!
But ugh, deployments. Luckily they aren't as long as they used to be.
(This got a little ranty, it's just weighing heavily on my mind.)
@thaisac1 the other dresser I liked was way outta my price range so when I found this I had to buy it. Hopefully it's not crappy quality . I'll let you know.
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/upshot/mounting-evidence-of-some-advantages-for-children-of-working-mothers.html?_r=0
https://www.hbs.edu/news/articles/Pages/mcginn-working-mom.aspx
At the end of the day, women get flak for staying at home with their children; and also get flak for going back to work and leaving the children under the care of others... We just cannot win!
Every family has a dynamic that works for them. In my family, it's a no-brainer: I'll be the late-working, busy, traveler parent; and husband will be the flexible parent. The aforementioned articles help take some of the guilt off my shoulders, knowing that the family dynamic we will have will ultimately be good for our baby boy.
On Monday, my current boss told me I'd be getting a raise/market adjustment (significant, and awesome). Then told me my current co-manager is getting promoted to director and will be my boss going forward. I really like this coworker, have known her even before this job, and respect her very much. She's an incredibly hard worker, which my current boss is not. But she's very reactive to things and gets overwhelmed and emotional on a regular basis, and doesn't share that with the team. When she is stressed, she'll cry, but not want to give up any work to reduce her load unless you literally force her, and I'm concerned that she'll continue to do this as a director and will get resentful. Also, I'm kind of bummed that I'm losing a venting buddy. She says she doesn't want things to change, but I'm not going to vent to a boss the same way I would vent to a coworker. There's also a teeny part of me that's a little jealous. To be fair, I am not seeking a promotion now and have been very clear with my current boss that my focus in the next year will be balancing work with baby. But I've been at the company longer than my coworker, and work just as hard as she does, so I'm a little bummed to hear that this has apparently been in the works for a year with no consideration given to me.
On top of that, DH told me last night that he wants his oldest son (16 in January) to live with us full time. He is not doing well in school - failing one class and Cs and Ds in most of his other ones. When he's with his mom, there is zero accountability and he's not turning in homework or classwork (although he does well on most tests). DH thinks his ex won't have any issue with the change, but I'm not so sure since she's BSC and unpredictable. And while I recognize that this is the best thing to do for my stepson, and I'm supportive of doing it, there's a part of me that is a little sad to potentially lose out on the last few months of us time that we get when the kids are with their mom every other week. He's planning to talk to her tomorrow, so hopefully it goes well.
I may be facing a similar situation with DH's 10-year-old son. I too feel guilty that I don't particularly want to deal with his behaviors while pregnant with my first child, but I know it would be best for SS to stay with us despite my selfishness.
So what I'm saying is, your frustration is totally warranted and you have all of my sympathies.
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
Rhys - born 04.17.2013
Harry - born 04.18.2016
It's a boy! Grow baby, grow! EDD: 4/22/2016
We might be buying different brands then. Mine are from Petsmart and only come with one tube. Once you open it you can't reseal.
Edited because I double checked to see what brand mine are and they're called Kitty Caps.
@thaisac1 here's the others I really liked
https://www.westelm.com/m/products/emmerson-reclaimed-lacquer-6-drawer-dresser-h1116/?pkey=e|dresser|67|best|0|3|15||5&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH
https://www.westelm.com/m/products/emmerson-6-drawer-dresser-cafe-h638/?cm_src=AutoRel
Ok I love the first dresser and the first crib over the gray crib option for sure.
If it's all super quality ( and it's gotta be !) LO will have the dresser forever so it's really up to what you want to spend. It's a hard decision! I swear I spent so much time looking online and in stores I was getting a headache so I finally just went with what caught my eye initially because I kept going back to both the same crib and dresser.
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
Rhys - born 04.17.2013
Harry - born 04.18.2016