Alright, I'll start...
Name : Theresa
Location / how long : I grew up in the Schaumburg area, and still live there, dh also grew up in this area. We've been here 30 years. (wow! That sounds strange)
Number of Children : One daughter, Abigail, she'll be 11 months tomorrow
If your married, how long? Just over 3 years.
Job : SAHM, but I worked in a dental office for 7 years before I had dd, my last day was the day before I went into labor.
Hobby/Intrest : I love to read, and travel. I'm learning to be a better cook and baker. I want to learn to crochet, but need to find the time to sit and pratice. I'm also getting into photography, I've always loved to take pictures but am learning more and more about it. DH is an endurance athlete so I spend time at his events cheering him on - and taking pictures.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : If you want to bf stick with it, its hard and it takes time and patience. Also start a sleep routine early, it takes a while for them to figure it out, but if you stick with the same routine, it starts to trigger to them "oh this means sleep" I started a bedtime routine early and she went to bed (knock on wood, still does) with no problem, but naps were a different story, and I think thats because I was so lax early on about it.
Other boards you frequent : 9-12 months, I lurk on travel and the book club
Re: Lets Get to Know Each Other!
Name : BBColt
Location / how long : Aurora Area since 2002
Number of Children : Team Green baby on the way and due April 5th
If your married, how long? 4 years
Job : Teacher
Hobby/Intrest : Shopping and internet searching/shopping. I also like dumb reality shows.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : I'm really not in a spot to give advice! LOL
Other boards you frequent :Trouble Trying to Conceive, Pregnant After Infertility, and April 2011 moms
Name Karen
Location/How long We have lived in Schaumburg for 4 years. We both come from the NW suburbs (me-Arlington Heights, my dh-Niles)
Number of Children We are expecting our first September 2.
If you're married, how long? We just celebrated our 1st anniversary in November.
Job I work at the front desk of a health club and am trying to find a teaching job.
Hobby/Interest playing tennis, scrapbooking
Tips/suggestions My mom gave me a tip about a year and a half ago. She was going through my 3 siblings and my photos and sorting them into albums. She said that when I have children I should use number candles for each birthday because if you wait to sort pictures it makes it easy to tell what birthday is in the picture. I'm definitely going to do that!
Other boards you frequent September 2011
Name Amy
Location/How long We have lived in Schaumburg for 3 years, I am from Mt. Prospect, my DH from Niles
Number of Children 1, he is 14 monhts
If you're married, how long? 3 years
Job I am a special ed teacher
Hobby/Interest blogging, kayaking, running,reading
Tips/suggestions Have patience and enjoy EVERY second, it goes by sooo fast!
Other boards you frequent 12-24 months and photography
I love these
Name : Molly
Location / how long : I grew up "south of 80" but my DH and I moved to the Schaumburg area in 2007. We bought a house in Plainfield in 2008 and have been living here ever since. DH is originally from here so we knew this was a great place for us to start our family
Number of Children : Due April 24th, 2011 with our first. It's a BOY!
If your married, how long? Married since May 1st, 2010, so 8 months
Job : I currently am a senior auditor for a public accounting firm in Chicago. My clients range from villages/municipalities, school districts, non-profits and a few manufacturing clients.
Hobby/Intrest : I love to travel, play softball, and have get togethers with girlfriends. We always try and do Thursday night dinners once a month. I really want to get into cooking, but with commuting every day, it's really hard to make dinner that takes longer than 30 minutes.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : I'll just be reading everyone's responses since I'm a FTM
Other boards you frequent : starting to lurk on the 3rd tri since i'm so close
BF, baby names, 2nd tri and April 2011
Name : Melissa
Location / how long : DH and I are currently living in Buffalo Grove, been here for about a year now.. I'm from Southern California but lived in Grayslake from Middle School through High School and College. DH is from Round Lake Beach
Number of Children : Due June 20, 2010, we'll find out what we're having on Feb 2nd! We currently have 1 "child" a long haired Chihuaua who may or may not be excited to have to share the love with a baby. LOL
If your married, how long? We've been married since June 2010, so almost 7 months!
Job : I'm a Merchandising Associate at a nationwide pharmaceutical company, I work with categories on our website.
Hobby/Intrest : I love to cook! I've been slacking lately, but it's still one of my favorite things to do. I'm trying to be a better baker. I make awesome Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies, but unless I get to use store bought dough, that's the best thing I bake. :-)
Tips/suggetions for mommies : I'm a first timer, so no tips from me!
Other boards you frequent : I'm on the June 2011 board, 2nd trimester board and looking into others as well...
Name : DTNZ4ever
Ever Location / how long : I grew up in Deer Park and then moved to Wauconda with DH 5 year ago.
Number of Children : One son Braeden he is 21 months old.
If your married, how long? 4 years last October
Job : I am a licensed clincial professional counselor. I work at an agency that serves adults with developmental disabilities.
Hobby/Intrest : I love to read but really don't have much time for it because I work full time and have toddler, movies, reality tv, cooking, spending time with my family.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : Enjoy each stage you are in with your LOs as time goes by too fast. I did a digital photobook for DS' first year after his 1st birthday, I wish I just continued to update it instead of doing it all at once. Also start a schedule from day one with your LO. I am a big believer that a scheduled baby is a happy baby.
Other boards you frequent : 12-24 Months Board and Working Moms, I use to be a BOTB while TTC then went through the tri board and the 0-6 months and 6-12 months board before they were split.
I want to play!
Name : Beanie
Location / how long : We've been in the area (Lake County) for 5 years, just moved to the city a few months ago (South Loop). I'm originally from England.
Number of Children : Just one, almost 17 months old. Hopefully more soon though.
If you're married, how long? Just over 5 years
Job : SAHM. I used to teach preschool.
Hobby/Intrest : Not much time for hobbies right now. I do read and occassionally play video and board games with DH though.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : No tips/advice right now. I'm still BFing though, so I guess I could answer questions about that if anyone had any.
Other boards you frequent : 12-24, D&R, SAHMs
Pinterest
Name: Candice
Location/How Long: My husband and I live in the Austin neighborhood and have almost been here two years. He's originally from California and I'm from Pennsylvania, so at least we're in the middle of everyone now.
Number of Children: We're expecting our first - a girl - on April 1st!
If you're married, how long: We'll be celebrating 4 years of marriage this June.
Job: I've been working as a community organizer for about a year and a half. I'm also a part-time grad student. My goal is to finish this thesis before our girl's arrival.
Hobby/Interest: I love reading, drinking hot chocolate, and cooking. I like taking pictures too. And, my weakness is shopping - especially at thrift stores, Marshalls, etc.
Name : Sara
Location / how long : I've been in Evanston for about a year and a half. Before that I lived in the Schaumburg/Elgin areas for two years. I lived in Ohio before that though. Moved to Chicago for my man
Number of Children : One, born 11/11/2010 so he's just about 2 months old.
If you're married, how long? Getting married in 8 months!
Job : SAHM. I worked in banking/finance before I had the baby though.
Hobby/Interest: I love to travel all over the US and hopefully to other countries in the near future. I spend a lot of time online keeping in touch with friends I have from all over the country/world. I also do competitive ballroom dancing and love it!
Tips/suggestions for mommies : I'm still rather new at this so I can't offer too much advice. All I can really say is be flexible! I've met many women who are adamant about how labor will go or that they will EBF or CD and then things happen and they can't go with the original plan and then get far too down on themselves. Be flexible for whatever may happen! Quick anecdote: I was planning on EBF and had no intention of even using bottles at all. Then, I learned that my body cannot produce milk at all. I got really depressed that I couldn't nourish my baby. Then I realized that it's ok. Formula wasn't going to kill him and I needed to just relax.
Location / how long : My parents lived in Schaumburg, H's parents lived in Skokie, we moved to Wheeling in March 2010.
Number of Children : First little one is expected to join us in July 7, 2011. If you're married, how long? Since August 1, 2010 - 5 months so not very long at all
Job : Nanny for 4 kids - Ages 6, 4, 2, and newborn who just turned 6 months today. Hobby/Interest: I love to travel (mostly to HOT places where I can be on the beach), baking and cooking are essential in my life, i love to read books and watching tv/sports. Tips/suggestions for mommies : Enjoy every moment with your LO, time flies by way too quickly. Also to stand firm and do not spoil from day one, your LO will cry and cry for attention but just because they cry does not mean that you must hold them. Other Boards: July 2011 mommies, Second Trimester
Name : Michelle
Location / how long : I grew up in Wheeling. My other half grew up in mt. prospect. We now live in Gurnee.
Number of Children : 2 girls. K is 11 months old. J will be 10 next month.
Job : Server/bartender. Hours work well with E's job and I don't have to put K in daycare.
Hobby/Intrest : Reading, photography, music.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : Take lots of pictures and over the first year look a couple months back. You'll be amazed how many changes happen the first few months. When the get older save just a few projects from school each year. That stuff adds up fast!!!
Other boards you frequent : 9-12 months
So many great questions! (I'm jealous!
)
Name : Kathleen
Location / how long : I live on the northside, in Lincoln Park and have lived in the city for over 12 years (whoa). But I moved to the NW suburbs when I was in HS, so have been based in or near Chicago since 1991.
Number of Children : One so far - our son Will who is 6.5 months old.
If your married, how long? 5 years in September.
Job : Finance - I've been doing this since I graduated from college.
Hobby/Interest : Photography is definitely my addiction. I also enjoy cooking/baking, running (well, I used to enjoy it, now not so much), and I just re-learned how to crochet, sort of.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : Not sure that I have a ton of tips because I still feel pretty new at this gig, but can echo some of the thoughts above - BFing is hard initially, but worth it, sleep is really important, really important, and it's ok to do things that make you happy - a happy mommy is a great mommy.
Other boards you frequent : Success After Infertility (SAIF). I lurk a little on PAIF and IF (cheering my girls on!) and sometimes I pop on 3-6, but not usually.
Name : Sarah
Location / how long : I also live in the Schaumburg area - we bought a house in the area last year.
Number of Children : Does my puppy count?
If your married, how long? Just celebrated our 3 yr anniversary yesterday
Job : I work in medical billing/coding as a coding specialist for a large multi-specialty physician practice.
Hobby/Intrest : Running - I miss it terribly. I love anything outdoors.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : I'm a 1st timer, so no fountain of knowledge is flowing from me yet.
Other boards you frequent : 3rd tri and Feb 2011
Location / how long : We live in Logan Square and have lived here for three years (four this coming October!). I grew up in Wisconsin. My DH grew up primarily in New York but is a military brat, so he's lived in a few states, as well as Germany.
Number of Children : One daughter, Liliana. She is two and a half.
If your married, how long? Just over 3 years.
Job : I mainly stay at home, but I also watch a baby twice a week.
Hobby/Interest : I love to read, bake and cook, take photographs, bike and travel.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : Stock up on the booze once your child turns two - you'll need it
Just kidding! Kind of.
Don't let the little things get to you too much.
Enjoy your baby. I find myself missing it more and more now that DD is getting older.
Other boards you frequent : Toddlers: 24+, Politics & Current Events, Green Living, The Eco-Friendly Family.
Location / how long : We live in Streamwood. I am originally from the St. Louis suburbs, meaning i am a cardinals fan!! I' ve lived in the chicago area for 7 years now. DH grew up in Villa Park. We've lived here for 3 1/2 years.
Number of Children : One on the way and the cutest dog ever.
If your married, how long? 2 1/2 years
Job : 5th grade taecher
Hobby/Interest : I love to read, cook, scrapbook (when time allows), bike, hike, run and travel.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : None thus far
Name: Julie
Location: Downtown (in various places) since 2004.
Children: one daughter, Anna - currently 7 months
Married: 5.5 years
Job: SAHM - previously in academic/non-profit research
Hobby/Interests: Gosh, these have gone by the wayside... but cooking and college football usually top my list.
Tips: Be flexible and take it easy with the expectations. :-) I also highly recommend a really early bedtime (6-6:30pm for us) if you can make it work. We love having our nights together and has been great for keeping our marriage strong.
Other boards: SAIF (and the other various IF boards). I used to post on WC, back when I had time to make real meals...
Because we're fancy like that.
Name: Kristen
Location: Originally from the Lisle area. My family and I have lived in Naperville for almost 2 years now. Before that, my DH and I lived in Evanston and the Noble Square area.
Children: One daughter, Alexandra (18 months) and one son, Jacob (one month)
Married: 2+ years - we've been busy
Job: Sales management for a global software company downtown
Hobby/Interests: Wow, I cannot remember the last time that I had some time to myself, but I enjoy checking out new restaurants, hanging out with family & friends, movies, working out
Tips: An early bedtime is the ideal situation for two working parents (between 6:30 and 7). It not only ensures that your child is getting enough sleep, but it allows the parents to have down time together or alone. An overtired child could be your worst nightmare! Earlier is always better.
Other boards: Working Moms, December 2010 moms, Babies 0-3 months, Toddlers 12 - 24 months, Breastfeeding
Name : Michelle
Location / how long : Glendale Heights. I have lived here for 23 years. I cant wait till the day I move out of here though.
Number of Children : one, Mason who is 3 months
If your married, how long? We have been married 4 months together for 3years
Job : I work the front desk of a local park district
Hobby/Intrest : I dont really have any hobbies but would love to learn to knit.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : I would say for those that are expecting to really listen to your body and trust your instincts. When I first went to the hospital when I thought my water broke(a month early) I was given 2 different test to see if it was amniotic fluid and I was told it was not and that I was not having contractions and was sent home. I was back a couple hours and still told I was not contracting however I most definitly was and the Dr. finally came in to check me and I was already dialated to 8. So again you know your body better then anybody and if you feel something isnt right speak up.
Other boards you frequent : I lurke on 3-6 and the November board.
Love your son's name
This was supposed to be for ChiTown Bridget
Name : Nina
Location / how long : I grew up in Wheaton, lived in the city (Old Town) after college, and moved to Winnetka with DH after we got married. We've been up here for 2 years now. I work in the city.
Number of Children : Nora, 15 months.
If your married, how long? about 2.5 years
Job : I'm a psych nurse, I work Mon-Th. We're saving up for me to work 2 days/week. I can't wait!
Hobby/Intrest : I love running and cooking/baking. I recently got a DSLR, and am trying to learn how to take better pics. I also knit.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : Start table foods early! DD started refusing pureed food around 8/9 months, and we just started giving her whatever we were eating. At 15 months, she still only has 2 teeth. Just cut up whatever you're eating into tiny pieces. She eats every veggie and fruit, meats, whatever. It makes dining out so much easier.
Other boards you frequent : 12-24 . I kill time at work that way:)
Name : pp709 ;-)
Location / how long : My DH & I moved to Algonquin in August 2010. I am originally from Maryland, but my husband grew up in Elgin.
Number of Children : 1st due 7/3/11!
If your married, how long? 1.5 years
Job : I'm a nurse
Hobby/Intrest : I love to read, and travel. I also love to cook & bake. Baking helps me relieve stress...its an odd coping mechanism, but means that we always have yummy goodies in the house! I also am getting into photography.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : I haveno suggestions, but am always looking for them!
Other boards you frequent : July 2011
Name : Kelly
Location / how long : I grew up in Columbus, OH but I have been in Chicago for about 8 years. We live in Lincoln Park.
Number of Children : One daughter, Lilah she will be 5 in August and #2 due on her birthday
If your married, how long? Divorced (Lilah's Dad) and now married to the love of my life since September, 2010
Job : Midwife and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Hobby/Intrest : Reading, Photography, Travel and Horseback Riding. I was leasing a horse in Tinley Park until just this past month when my Dr. said I had to give it up until after my pregnancy.
Tips/suggetions for mommies : Have your own time set aside each week, it will keep a happy family
Other boards you frequent : August 2011 Babies, Baby Names, Photography