Announcement!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Your Cadaverous Pallor betrays an aura of foreboding....almost as if you sense a disquieting metamorphosis....

Is this haunted womb actually stretching?






It's not your (nor my) imagination. I'm nearly 3 months pregnant, due Feb 5th. :)

We had an early ultrasound showing a jellybean with a vibraty heartbeat! Our next one is in early August and I promise an HD video of the event. It should look like a tiny person by then.

Yes, this was planned, yes, we're going to find out the sex (usually not doable until 5 months), no, we don't mind whether it's a boy or a girl.

The first few weeks were queasy and exhausting, though I never did throw up, nor close to it. Thank you Mom for the awesome genes! At this point I definitely get tired easily, I eat smaller meals, and I snack as much as possible. Everything has been textbook and very encouraging. My worst side effect at this point is super greasy skin and the resulting breakouts. The next trimester is supposed to be full of energy and I can't wait to turn that corner.



The hardest part has been keeping the secret from all of you. It's obvious that this will change our lives dramatically. We may not be at every swanking, and we may not have much to talk about other than the little one's progress. Yes, things will change. We have loved having you in our lives for the last eight years and that we still look forward to awesome times to come, even as they evolve. We want you there for all this new crazy stuff too!

Our secret is out...let the fat jokes, endless questions, and obsession with cute baby clothes begin!

[Capt Jack]

WHAT??????

omg omg omg omg omg

woot!!

[Alex]

Congratulations!

[Snowflake]

OMG! What fabulous news!!!!!!! Congratulations!

Start planning the little ghoulish arrival (baby shower) soon!!!

[Gn2Dlnd]

Wow! Fantastic! :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

I hope the little one brings you all the joy you hope for, and then some.

[BarTopDancer]

Mucho congrats (again)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I am stunned - big, giant congrats to both of you!!!!!

[CoasterMatt]

WOOHOOO!!!!!!!

What wonderful news!

[~MS~]

Congratulations to the both of you and can't wait to hear more details as they develop!

[Morrigoon]

OMG, this is so weird... we were just joking on Friday about what your kids' (screen)names would be. (eg: Disquieting metamorphosis or Aura of Foreboding). I don't think we knew (or at least I didn't) at the time that you were actually pregnant!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[scaeagles]

Amazing! Kids are wonderful and horrible all at the same time and I am certain you guys will make great parents.

Congrats!

[lashbear]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY !!!!!

The Lashpair think that Rob or Greg is a great name for a boy, but there's already one Greg in the house, so it will have to be Rob.

Either that, or Master Gracey if a boy or Constance if a girl.

We're so thrilled for you both, and counting back to the happy event, we realise that:

A) That Scotch must have been stronger than GD thought, and
B) Gefilte Fish must be an aphrodisiac. :D

Congrats !!

[lashbear]

Stoat will be appearing in this space soon - he is having problems with the computer (and is very upset that he can't complete his post tonight) but promises you will hear from him very soon

(and of course, he's just as thrilled as I am about the good news)

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Congratulations!

[Betty]

Yay! See all that practicing really paid off! ;)

Congratulations. :)

A quick word on all those cute baby clothes you mentioned: http://www.childrensorchard.com/

Great second hand children's clothing is great for when they are a year or less. Children's Orchard doesn't take stained clothes and most of it is brand name stuff that's well made. (That's what sells so that's the stuff they buy.)

They also have a good selection of other stuff - toys, bassenettes and that sort of thing.

When the kids are so little, they grow out of clothes so quickly. A few things we had the kids didn't EVER wear! So - you're paying just a few dollars for stuff that's had little to no use. Once they get a little older, the clothes see a little more wear but it's still a great place to shop.

It was a also a great source of vintage baby dresses for my daughter with really cute embroidery and smocking that I just loved.

[Stan4dSteph]

Congratulations!

[Strangler Lewis]

Ah hah! I knew it!

Congratulations!

Want to buy a jogger?

[ozron]

Great news, you two! Mazel Tov!

[Motorboat Cruiser]

That is so awesome! Congratulations from the both of us!:cheers:

[Tom]

So looking forward to the little Haunt!

Now you have to start a poll so that we all can name it.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Now you have to start a poll so that we all can name it.

...because it takes a LoT village to raise a child!!

Happy, happy congratulations!!

[blueerica]

Awww! Congratulations!

This reminds me of something GD said on the boards some time ago that got my mind a-wandering about the two of you having children very soon.

oOOOOooOoOoOohh! I can't wait!!

[blueerica]

Ahh, yes... it was this (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=267490&postcount=3536) post that really stuck with me.

[JWBear]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Disquieting metamorphosis

little Haunt

Both perfect names!!!

[Tref]

Felicitations!

[second class citizen]

Congratulations to you both!

I vote for Baby Swank.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thanks, everyone. :)

Betty - thanks for the tip. I'm up for baby bargains!

Erica - Yeah, we both had a few moments in the last 6 months where we let slip that babies were on our minds. It was SO bloody hard to not talk about it. Now everyone will hear about it endlessly. :)

[Chernabog]

OMG.... this is so friggin funny. On the 17th I was chatting with Morrigoon, and we were pondering what the screen name of your baby would be. She liked Disquieting Metamorphosis. I liked Moldering Sanctum, but she thought that sounded too much like someone's nether-regions.

And.. here is the announcement! Congrats you gruesome twosome! Keep us posted on the strange food cravings, the ultrasound pictures, and the LoT baby showers!

Also, now you have an excuse to buy some some Disney DVDs. ;)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

We decided, long ago.


It's Disquieting Metamorphosis.


DM really is a perfect name right now...the odd momentary pains that I feel in random sections of my abdomen remind me of movie special effects...a swirling cloud with lightning flashes curling around it....a disquieting metamorphosis as my body becomes a baby machine.

As for other naming....yeah, we'll work on that and get back to you after the kid is born. :D

[swanie]

Congratulations CP and GD and welcome to the kidlet club!

I still have a few things from the girls put away in the garage if you're at all interested. Nothing gender specific, but stuff that you might be interested it!

[Not Afraid]

I found out last Sunday and, MAN has it been hard to keep words from escaping. I've been so excited and I already have dibs on the LoT baby shower. Public Congratulations to you both!

As for names, Disquieting Metamorphosis is so perfect.

I can't wait to see the little bump grow, feel the kicks coming through skin, and seeing Jen pregnant! She's going to be adorable pregnant!

[Betty]

Any food cravings? (I thought icy cold cantelope was, pretty much, the best food there ever was.)

Any weird dreams? (I had a few strange ones involving kittens instead of babies.)

When do you start feeling the wiggling around? I forget. I don't think it's for another month or two is it?

[Moonliner]

Wonderful news! You two are about the get the hardest job you'll ever love.


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!OMG!!!! That's so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!


My first suggestion: What to expect when your expecting (http://www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect/landing-page.aspx) it's a great book and apparently a website also.

After that, you two had better get started looking for that perfect pediatrician, pediatric dentist, day-care provider, summer camp, sports programs, orthodontist, college fund, etc...

[tracilicious]

Congratulations!!!

My only advice (were I to give any) would be to avoid What to Expect. I hate that book. Misinformation, fear tactics...yuck. But I won't give advice, because it's annoying and all the advice you get will be conflicting, and you'll end up doing whatever you want anyways and making lots of mistakes that you can learn from and then tell others how not to repeat in the form of friendly advice when they're pregnant. So, I'll just say, enjoy your pregnancy. :)

[Gemini Cricket]

Congratulations to you both!

Baby Sloan. Awwww.

:)

[Moonliner]

Congratulations!!!

My only advice (were I to give any) would be to avoid What to Expect. I hate that book. Misinformation, fear tactics...yuck. But I won't give advice, because it's annoying and all the advice you get will be conflicting, and you'll end up doing whatever you want anyways and making lots of mistakes that you can learn from and then tell others how not to repeat in the form of friendly advice when they're pregnant. So, I'll just say, enjoy your pregnancy. :)

Huh. I wonder if it's changed in the last 13 years. We found it to be informative without all the fear tactics we were getting from everyone else....

[ozron]

Advice about advice, courtesy of the musical theatre. Find the song "The Ladies Singing Their Songs" from the musical 'Baby'. The whole show is great. but this song is priceless - and dead on.

[Strangler Lewis]

Oh, and GD: enjoy your couvade.

[€uroMeinke]

Huh. I wonder if it's changed in the last 13 years. We found it to be informative without all the fear tactics we were getting from everyone else....

Perhaps it was a different book, but I recall that this one seemed to follow the trail of "Here's what can go horribly wrong this week" or "at this point, here's what permanent damage you can do to your child"

[Tom]

Just thirteen years and six months until little DM can start posting!

[3894]

I hope it's a girl. Then you can name it Helen....or 3894.

Whichever! And I've marked January on my calendar for starting a Get That Kid Outta Here Your Childbirth Stories thread.

Tip #1 For morning sickness, Coca Cola syrup. Those stoopid pressure point bands for your wrists do not work. Don't waste your money. Coca Cola syrup, trust me.

Also, you swanksters realize what this means, right? You're about to join me in being a Great-Aunt or Great-Uncle! You, too, will now smell faintly of pee and have a few stray chin whiskers. Yessss! World Domination Plan Phase 473 C, Subsection 95: complete!

Congrats to your little one for picking such an awesome parental unit!

[Alex]

Ok, now that we're in the advice phase, here's mine:

They're harder to break than they look. Don't oversweat it.

Also, as happy as I am for you, I'll find your children as uninteresting as I do everybody else's. So don't take it personally.

[3894]

Also, as happy as I am for you, I'll find your children as uninteresting as I do everybody else's. So don't take it personally.

Tip #2 Eat half a camembert cheese, sit reallllly close to Alex, and talk long and tirelessly about where your kid falls on the pediatrician's growth chart.

[bewitched]

HUGE Congratulations!!!

(personally, I like Dr. Spock's Baby Care-- or whatever it's called...not that anyone asked my opinion. ;) )

[Disneyphile]

I am SOOOOOOO happy for you both! Ken and I have been talking about all weekend, and we're excited and can't wait to see you both as parents. :D

I've been so excited and I already have dibs on the LoT baby shower.Theme: "There's Room for One More". ;)

[Not Afraid]

Such a great theme - and it does double time being at our house. ;)

[RStar]

I've been wondering for the past couple of years when you guys were going to settle down and get domestic! You both will make great parents! Congrats!

:snap: :snap: :snap:

[Disneyphile]

Such a great theme - and it does double time being at our house. ;)Would love to help in anyway I can too. Just gimme a call. :)

[LashStoat]

Dearest Happy Haunts,

OMG…Congratulations !!!

I just had to stick my head out of the (deep) work trench I’ve been in since my return to say YAY !!!

…and while I’m momentarily AWOL, I was looking to send you my Instruction Manual for Raising Children…but then I realised that it’s a terror-byte [sic] in size, and your young’n would be 21 before you finished downloading the PDF, so I had to give up the idea.

Pity really, because it contains gem chapters such as:

Selective hearing: Daddy deafness.
Food and how to wear it.
Stuffed Toys…and ones that work.
The Slumber Party oxymoron.
Chauffeuring: No ball game.
Sex and booze…them not youse.…ahhh, I remember it well. The feeling of stepping barefoot on a Lego Block concealed in shag-pile carpet in a pitch black room when you kiss them goodnight. The sense of satisfaction when you navigate them through a Supermarket Checkout without having to buy them every candy set at their eye level. The tears in their little eyes when they discover the finch splattered against your car radiator when you come home.

It’s all worth it though…and Uncle Stoat will watch lovingly from his side of The Big Pond, as he wonders what the hell they put in that gefilte fish bottle.

With all my love,

The Stoat XXX. :cheers:

[RStar]

gefilte fish bottle?

[Nephythys]

SQUEEEEEEE!!!! Congrats and happy happy baby tidings!

Please let me know when the shower is- so I can sends our luvs to you and the baby (since being there in person is not likely)

[flippyshark]

That is such wonderful news. Mazel Tov, Omedeto, Felicitaciones, Glückwunsch!

Now, if you can just train Munchkin to change diapers.

[Moonliner]

Oh, and of course we need to quote the latest in parenting protocol... XKCD:

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/contingency_plan.png

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thanks to all of you! I'll mojo you when I can. Each post is like a reassuring hug. :)

Any food cravings? (I thought icy cold cantelope was, pretty much, the best food there ever was.)

Any weird dreams? (I had a few strange ones involving kittens instead of babies.)

When do you start feeling the wiggling around? I forget. I don't think it's for another month or two is it?The food thing is weird. Fruit is always appetizing. Often meat can turn me off. Most things I can eat anyway, I just stop looking at it and suddenly I'm stuffing it in my mouth like a chipmunk. I don't usually eat without thinking, now I do.

My initial hormone overdose seems to have mellowed out (or rather, my body is used to it now) so now I "crave" whatever I see. I see an ad for pizza, I want pizza. I drive by a chinese restaurant, I want chinese. I almost feel like pointing at the sign and saying "THAT!"

I have had some very vivid dreams (which I didn't used to) but I tend to wake up about 4am and go back to sleep intermittently after that (which I didn't used to either) so I forget the dreams in the process.

Wiggling won't be felt for a while. It's only about 3 inches long now.

What to expect when your expecting (http://www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect/landing-page.aspx) This was the first book I picked up, and I liked it. In reading reviews online and as evidenced in the conversation here, it seems that people respond to it differently (same goes for all other baby books). I prefer encyclopedic, biological books instead of emotional support ones, so I also picked up the Mayo Clinic book, which is awesome. I seem to be ok with reading about all the things that could go wrong - in fact I feel empowered with the info. My biggest annoyance with What to Expect was the cutesy conversational tone. Then my sis-in-law gave me a stack of her books, including the Girlfriend's Guide and Chicken Soup for the Crazy Pregnant Lady, so now I'm set if I have an emotional onslaught (which I probably will eventually).

Also, as happy as I am for you, I'll find your children as uninteresting as I do everybody else's. So don't take it personally.I would take it very personally if you thought my kids were interesting. It wouldn't be very Alex-like.

Now, if you can just train Munchkin to change diapers.If Nana can take care of Wendy, John and Michael...

[Capt Jack]

Just thirteen years and six months until little DM can start posting!

nah...6 months tops...

it may end up being stuff like

u9pjo-uk00u 9 k m0h09p7huh732098 5 9 0 2 3 223@ ##R3w390a

for awhile....but hey, we all have days like that eh?

:D

[mousepod]

nah...6 months tops...

it may end up being stuff like



for awhile....but hey, we all have days like that eh?

:D

Are Lisa's cats going to teach the baby to type?

Congratulations to both of you! This is most wonderful news.
I know it's a little early, but you do realize you're going to have one cool kid, right?

[Promo-Man]

Congratulations!
and enjoy

[Strangler Lewis]

You will also want to read "The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy." Or at least GD will. If only to read the "sex after pregnancy" chapter, which includes the tale of the author's girlfriend whose husband demanded and got a BJ in the recovery room.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Would love to help in anyway I can too. Just gimme a call. :)

Ditto, ditto, effin' ditto that!

[katiesue]

I've been out of town - Congratulations!!! And don't listen to the billion horror stories everyone will start telling you about what went wrong with their pregnancy, or thier sister's cousin's brother's wifes.

[LashStoat]

You will also want to read "The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy." Or at least GD will. If only to read the "sex after pregnancy" chapter, which includes the tale of the author's girlfriend whose husband demanded and got a BJ in the recovery room.

...now that's what I call "a stretch of the imagination".

[3894]

\ the tale of the author's girlfriend whose husband demanded and got a BJ in the recovery room.

And now for the rest of the story. The husband is now the only living castrato singer, thanks to an impromptu procedure by the new mom's female relatives.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

What wonderful news, congratulations.

And may I add that you picked the perfect name. It's perfect because I have though about what your baby's name would be for years and Disquieting Metamorphosis is the one I always came back to.

One question though, how is it that you're having a baby with GD? I thought he was gay...? ;)

Just kidding. You guys are gonna make great parents and like everyone else here, I wish you both the best. :)

[3894]

Re: baby's name

For your amusement and edification and since the list is pretty short since we're rural, I am going to type out the names of the babies born in this area in June, as listed in the newspaper recently:

Levi
Parker
Abigail
Jasmine
Elijah
Emily
Ryan (4x)
Brett
Brent
Traeden
Casidy
Kendell
Peyton
Korbin
Freya
Jake
Jackson
Vince Gene
Tanner
Baylee
Jaylynn Destiny
RyLee
Alexa
Brody
Katharina
Austin
Kai
Matthew
Wyatt
Addison (as a girl's name)
Corban
Nathaniel
Harmonystar
Caylee

Most popular middle name by far: Lee.

It all makes me want to change my cats' names to Tiffani Amber Faythe and Megan Rose. The beagle will now be known as Travis Lee.

[Snowflake]

Where is the Sarah Palin baby name generator when you need it? :evil:

[Not Afraid]

Are Lisa's cats going to teach the baby to type?



Of COURSE! They will also teach little DM how to spill things on my lap top and fry the keyboard.

[Ghoulish Delight]

So we didn't think to bring our fancy HD camera to the first ultrasound. So instead you get to squint at a terrible cell phone video (http://www.jenniegreg.com/Images/ultrasound1.3G2) on which it's impossible to make out the little vibrating heartbeat, even if you know what you're looking for.

And none of you have anything on my father for suggesting embarrassingly stupid names.

[LashStoat]

Dear 3894,

My friend Tiffany Whitegood says that "Harmonystar" sounds like a brand of household deodorant or personal vibrator...but then who is she to talk?

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[Morrigoon]

I call dibs on sewing the bacon bonnet for little DM! :D

[Mousey Girl]

I am just tickled that I can finally be happy for someone having a baby!

[JWBear]

I think "Bacon" would make a dandy name for the little tyke!

[SzczerbiakManiac]

And none of you have anything on my father for suggesting embarrassingly stupid names.And the gauntlet has been thrown!

Poor suggestions for actual (not screen) first & middle names: Copperbottom Whifflesnot
Singleton Bogscrapper
Regimus Tintinnabulator
Boxcar Rebellion
Felicitous Rumbold
Spanky Justspanky
Dewblossom Dawnflower
Grixle Mountrushmore
Nutella Farthing (might be able to work out a sponsorship deal with this one)
Hope Fullynot
Dan DeLion
Mark Salot
Gelfling Crystalshard
Shunible Hoovering
Slutbum Waller
and, of course
Englebert Humperdink

[Disneyphile]

I think "Bacon" would make a dandy name for the little tyke!I think Hoffy Hormel would be even better. ;)

[flippyshark]

I've always wanted to meet a couple with the last name of Land, so that I can encourage them to name their first daughter Allison Wanda Land.

If I ever have a son, I can name him Jiminy Pickett.

[Strangler Lewis]

Or Landis Eure Land. Every time someone introduced him, a song would break out.

[Moonliner]

To hell with the name.

We need to get this kid set on the right career path.

A good Pre-school (http://www.themommytree.com/)
Bonita Canyon Elementary School
Oxford Academy (7-12) (http://www.oxfordacademy.us/pdf/Profile_08.pdf?rn=2058932)
Degree in economics from Columbia University
Work for major finical institution (2-4 years)
MBA from Booth School of Business (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booth_School_of_Business)
Intern Disney: Corporate Strategic Planning Division (http://www.csgstrategies.com/walt-disney-corporate-strategy-business-development-and.asp)
Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

[innerSpaceman]

I just wanted to chime in that I've been stupid-face grining every since I heard the news Saturday night, filled with happiness and joy for my good friends and the fantastic new life to come, and the world of wonderful, and magical, sometimes tragical, but ever-beautiful experiences Mr. Stork is about to lay at their doorstep.


:) :) :) :) :D

[3894]

Belated realization you'll be listening to Raffi recordings soon.

I'm so sorry. (((Hugs)))

[Not Afraid]

His or her porn name would be Palmyra Munchikin

[keith - SuPeR K!]

The news of a baby on the way has never been presented to me in a more awesome and amusing fashion... Congratulations again. I'm so excited for you two!!!

[Alex]

And for the first 18 years it will properly reflect the illegality of needing a porn name.

[Tom]

You could look into auctioning the baby's naming rights, thereby not only getting the name taken care of but the college fund well under way also. I'm sure there are many fine who would be glad to be associated with such a fine, upstanding family such as yours.

A few years ago, I tried to get a friend to name her impending daughter AOL Time Warner.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I know it's a little early, but you do realize you're going to have one cool kid, right?WE think so. :D

For your amusement and edification and since the list is pretty short since we're rural, I am going to type out the names of the babies born in this area in June, as listed in the newspaper recently:I think I can safely speak for both of us when I say that none of these are anywhere near likely.

Belated realization you'll be listening to Raffi recordings soon.

I'm so sorry. (((Hugs)))Ha, right. Raffi is SO out of date. They Might Be Giants and other awesome bands are doing kids albums now. Yay.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Name them either "Jesus Christ" or "Goddamnit!" ;)

[3894]

Ha, right. Raffi is SO out of date. They Might Be Giants and other awesome bands are doing kids albums now. Yay.

When your 2 year-old sings the Barney Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsKO_r76kfQ), you'll tear up. Oh, yes you will.

And then socks with sandals are not far behind. Ask my husband.

[Not Afraid]

And then socks with sandals are not far behind. Ask my husband.

Ummm, the sock with sandeld thing has already begun with Greg.

[Ghoulish Delight]

And ended.

[MouseWife]

I am soooo late on this topic but I am soooo glad that I was able to come here today.....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Like others, I've always wondered when you two would decide to have children. You will be fantastic parents!!

You also have such a pool of fantastic people here to get information and tips from. People with and without children.

So happy for the two of you!! {and everyone, really, because we all will be experiencing this with you and sharing in your joy and happiness!!}

The only thing I can think of to say, as far as advice {except for ignore most comments} is to maybe watch Super Nanny. I love that darn show and always see things and think 'Doh! Why didn't I do that?' {I'm in training to be a grandma....some day....not anytime soon....wait, grandmas don't have to discipline!! Yay!!}

Again, so happy for you!!

[Moonliner]

I was just thinking, will this be the first LoT baby?

Headliner and Moonie Jr. are both pre-Lot.

[Not Afraid]

Was Jade pre-LoT?

[Strangler Lewis]

Belleh5 and her daughter, if I recall, would qualify.

[Ghoulish Delight]

It will be the first SoCal LoT baby for sure.

[Moonliner]

It will be the first SoCal LoT baby for sure.

Geographic elitist!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Geographic elitist!First baby to attend swankings and live fwy 2 exits from DL - WIN ;)

[BarTopDancer]

Was Jade pre-LoT?

Jade was born in June of 2005 (http://loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=1454&highlight=jade).

DM will be the first SoCal LoT baby for sure!

[bewitched]

Just to reassure you, here is your first pregnancy/birthing horror story:

Deathly ill for 1st trimester. Breezed through rest of pregnancy. Small labor pains at 6:00am. Hard labor pains at around 1:45pm. Epidural at around 1:55pm. Birth: 2:21pm ;)

Easy peasy. Moral: for every horror story someone will be compelled to tell you (and they will), there are many more simple, "everything went right" pregnancies.


Oh, and just wait for the thrills when unknown, strange people feel compelled to touch your belly. :rolleyes:

[Not Afraid]

I already touched the belly.

[SacTown Chronic]

Awesome! I've been wondering - and waiting patiently, i might add - if you guys would decide to take the plunge. I know you two will be fantastic parents.



I call dibs on Baby's first Peter Pan trip*




*I'll find a way.

[bewitched]

I already touched the belly.

I got it 1/2 right. :p

;)




(I HAD to say it! Yes, HAD to.)

[Andrew]

Congratulations to the Happy Haunts!

[Strangler Lewis]

Oh, and just wait for the thrills when unknown, strange people feel compelled to touch your belly. :rolleyes:

I already touched the belly.

The belly. Everybody touches the belly. Nobody touches the penis. Why is that?

[Alex]

Because that isn't where the baby is? Now, if NA had touched CP's vagina there'd be a stronger case for equal time.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I've already heard several horror stories, including a man who told me what it was like to watch people stick instruments into his wife's c-section.

I've also heard easy-peasy stories, and everything in between.

I've found the things that people say to be so totally interesting - the largest social experiment I've ever conducted. I don't view them personally or anything because it's pretty obvious these reactions are a perfect reflection on their attitudes and concepts of pregnancy and parenting.

Women that have never had kids but are considering it ask me technical questions. Women who've had kids give advice. Those that were scared during pregnancy try to reassure me - those that were ecstatic during theirs give me a way-to-go. Those that have never been around pregnancy aren't sure what to say, but what they do say comes out warmer and less canned than many other responses I get. Older people who thought I was already too old are surprised, while people my age say they thought it would be soon.

I wish I had written all of the responses down because they were each individual snowflakes in a blizzard of well-wishes. I appreciate all of the responses, whatever they are, because even the most awkward ones are attempts to connect with me during this time, when I need the people around me more than ever.

I've realized that in the last week of telling people. I'm not scared of the biological stuff. That's all very impartial, very basic, and pretty much on autopilot. It's the social stuff that feels like an unknown quantity. No matter how things go, easily or not so easily, I'll need all the moral support I can get.

Thanks.

:)

[wolfy999]

I just read your post...how old are you? People think you are too old to have a family? Jeez I was 36 when Wolfette was born.

[~MS~]

The social part of being new parents can be the scary part...all of a sudden , how long do you nurse, do you nurse or bottle feed...cloth diapers or disposable, play dates, preschools, public school, private school, home school...everyone is going to have an opinion and feel the need to 'share' take it all with a big grain of salt, do what ever it is that feels right for your family and nod at the older grammy types (or Great Aunts or Uncles) You said it in your first post, life is about to change...not necessarily a bad thing just a new beginning as not only a couple but as parents responsible for raising a good person from scratch. I can't think of two people who I'd be more confident in their abilities to do that.

[lashbear]

have CP come over here so we can touch her belly. we don't want to be left out.

[Sylad Jenkins]

Congratz CP! I was there when you posted this at the party =P

[ToriBear]

Congratulations, CP and GD! I was also there when you rushed in to post.:)

[tracilicious]

I forgot that Jade was the first LoT baby! She lives up to it by constantly asking to go to Disneyland. I cannot believe that was four years ago.

CP and GD...they grow up fast! Which I'm sure you've heard so many times already. It's funny about the advice thing. I've changed my mind at least once about pretty much everything, and learned that the quickest way to do something is to form a strong opinion about it. I think the only advice a parent really needs is be flexible, be creative, act always from the heart.

[bewitched]

MS speaks words of wisdom.

Nothing will ever be the same, and you'll never want it to be. (Well except maybe when you've gone a few weeks with no sleep, all of your clothes have spit-up on them, you're wondering how in the world a bean could find its way into places it has no business being....)

You guys will be awesome parents.


(Now I have an overwhelming urge to go kiss my own little 9yo baby.)

[Moonliner]

Congratulations to the Happy Haunts!

Because there is always room for one more.....

[Strangler Lewis]

Because there is always room for one more.....

That's what Octomom said.

[Moonliner]

That's what Octomom said.

Filling a doom buggy: good.

Trying to fill a PoTC boat: Bad.

[Not Afraid]

Unless it is with cats.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Congratz CP! I was there when you posted this at the party =P

Congratulations, CP and GD! I was also there when you rushed in to post.:)Indeed you were, along with Wolfette. I felt a bit bad crashing your backroom party but it had to be done before any of these lunatics started grabbing for their smartphones. The crazy part is that I will remember you guys forever because of it. :)



So - I'm trying to figure out how to post about my preggo progress. I think it'll be a little too journal-y for the board. Twitter, definitely for short thoughts, though I might like a forum with more than 140 characters. I am not an LJ fan. Perhaps a new blog. Anyone have a free blog site they'd recommend as up to date and fun? I haven't really used my Blogger account much...

[Betty]

Oh just post it in this thread!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I suggest just PMing or emailing directly to Alex, since he'll be the one most interested in it.

[BarTopDancer]

Indeed you were, along with Wolfette. I felt a bit bad crashing your backroom party but it had to be done before any of these lunatics started grabbing for their smartphones. The crazy part is that I will remember you guys forever because of it. :)

I even listened to you and didn't touch my phone. :p


So - I'm trying to figure out how to post about my preggo progress. I think it'll be a little too journal-y for the board. Twitter, definitely for short thoughts, though I might like a forum with more than 140 characters. I am not an LJ fan. Perhaps a new blog. Anyone have a free blog site they'd recommend as up to date and fun? I haven't really used my Blogger account much...

I think this thread would be cool. But if you want other people to read it without imposing on your LoT life LJ or Blogger are probably the way to go.

[innerSpaceman]

I suggest just PMing or emailing directly to Alex, since he'll be the one most interested in it.
Hahahahahahahaha!


Yeah, I like Twitter the best for your purpose. You're preggers, so feel free to double or triple tweet. But the immediacy and transience of pregthoughts seems to be the best match.

After that, I think right HERE would be best.


Failing that ... well, I'll never understand people who want to blog, but don't want to do it on El Jay. Um, unless you're blogging about some topic with wide, wide interest .... your non-LJ blog is going to be a predominantly private space. That's perfect for some people who just want to journal, or have things read by 1 or 2 really close people who will go to their site specifically to catch up.

Frankly, I know 2 people who do that ... and the upshot is, I don't see their blogs anymore. I have a half-dozen-to-ten friends who blog, and I want the convenience of having it all in one blog-space.


That's my preg-posting advice! Since I've never been pregs, this will be one quarter from which actual pregvice never emanates.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I just read your post...how old are you? People think you are too old to have a family? Jeez I was 36 when Wolfette was born.I'm 32. I'm thinking of a coworker who had her kids in her early to mid 20's and actually said to me after I told her, "I never would have thought you would want to have kids." She's one of those way-too-honest grandmas.

[Moonliner]

Ultrasound conversation
Doc: I have good news.
Me: What?
Doc: I see ONE.

That's better than ours...

Ultrasound conversation
Doc: So do you want to know what sex he is?
Us: Uhhhh....

[Snowflake]

I hope Preggo Land is not as sharp and angular as LEGO Land

I dunno, the ultrasound looks like it is a screen shot from the subs, where's Nemo?

[Alex]

I suggest just PMing or emailing directly to Alex, since he'll be the one most interested in it.

Might not be a bad idea, I'm decent at listening even when not interested and I'll never respond with advice or tales of woe/success.

Though to the larger question, if you already have a blogger account or an LJ account, why reinvent the wheel?

[3894]

Be prepared is the motto. To that end, http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ptbmd7VmyJ08WM:http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/vermontcountrystore/f05899_rs%3F%26wid%3D250%26hei%3D335

Tangee Lipstick, swanksters. Goes on orange but transforms to red, pink, or orange, depending on your body chemistry. It meets all our requirements: fusty enough to only be sold at the Vermont Country Store anymore and semi-indelible. For mmmmmwah! smooching the newborn one on the head, this cannot be beat.

[The Lovely Mrs. tod]

Well, I wandered in looking for some intelligence and sanity and what do I find?

GREAT NEWS!

Congratulations!

I don't suppose you want to hear about my 12'4", 24" long baby, do you?
No, I didn't think so.

[mousepod]

Well, I wandered in looking for some intelligence and sanity and what do I find?

GREAT NEWS!

Congratulations!

I don't suppose you want to hear about my 12'4", 24" long baby, do you?
No, I didn't think so.

I know you're talking about a 12 lb baby (which is terrifying enough) - but for a second I thought you were talking about a 12 foot baby.

[The Lovely Mrs. tod]

I know you're talking about a 12 lb baby (which is terrifying enough) - but for a second I thought you were talking about a 12 foot baby.
Nah...just FELT like a 12 foot baby.

[MouseWife]

Egads, ~MS~ is right. Everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks they are right!! YOU are right!! Every household is run differently and everyone thinks differently.

One thing that got me, I had my first in '85 and my last in '94. From first to last, they kept changing 'rules'. Lay the baby on its' stomach, no, lay the baby on its' side.

So on and so forth. I guess what I'm saying, there is a lot of information out there that can change or has already changed. This baby is lucky as it has a lot of people around who care about him/her already, AND, that its' parents are pretty darn smart.

[Crystal]

How AWESOME!!!!! Congratulations....you two will make GREAT parents!

[Not Afraid]

Egads, ~MS~ is right. Everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks they are right!! YOU are right!! Every household is run differently and everyone thinks differently.

One thing that got me, I had my first in '85 and my last in '94. From first to last, they kept changing 'rules'. Lay the baby on its' stomach, no, lay the baby on its' side.

So on and so forth. I guess what I'm saying, there is a lot of information out there that can change or has already changed. This baby is lucky as it has a lot of people around who care about him/her already, AND, that its' parents are pretty darn smart.

And, according to the current rules, we should all have died in infancy!

[Alex]

Like I said, they're harder to break than they look.

[dlrp_bopazot]

Congratulations ! Félicitation !

[cirquelover]

Congratulations!! I'm so excited for the both of you!

[Pirate Bill]

Congrats you two! You'll make great parents. :)

[Betty]

Just remember if you're bathing the baby in the sink - unplug all the nearby appliances so you don't electrocute the baby when he or she randomly grabs hold of a cord and yanks (like my Mom did to me.)

Luckily, we lived almost across the street from a hospital. As Mom tells me, when she returned, the front door was wide open and the water in the sink was still running.

(I wasn't actually killed during the electrocution - I know you were wondering how it ended).

Also, don't leave hot irons ironing boards when baby is crawling and trying to pull up on things.

And don't leave baby aspirin laying around where your child might think they are candy and eat the bottle. (not that they give kids aspirin anymore or that they don't have child proof caps nowadays.)

Sheesh - looking back - it's amazing she didn't kill me! ;)

[Moonliner]

Just remember if you're bathing the baby in the sink - unplug all the nearby appliances so you don't electrocute the baby when he or she randomly grabs hold of a cord and yanks (like my Mom did to me.)

Luckily, we lived almost across the street from a hospital. As Mom tells me, when she returned, the front door was wide open and the water in the sink was still running.

(I wasn't actually killed during the electrocution - I know you were wondering how it ended).

Also, don't leave hot irons ironing boards when baby is crawling and trying to pull up on things.

And don't leave baby aspirin laying around where your child might think they are candy and eat the bottle. (not that they give kids aspirin anymore or that they don't have child proof caps nowadays.)

Sheesh - looking back - it's amazing she didn't kill me! ;)

Oh and NEVER tell a toddler that their poop looks just like a brownie. Trust me.

[Alex]

Also, never prevent your child from ever coming to any harm. 'Cause then they'll grow up to be whiny little pains in the butt.

[innerSpaceman]

No leashes!!






(just hire a body-guard)

[Betty]

Oh and NEVER tell a toddler that their poop looks just like a brownie. Trust me.

LOL - my son used to really love him some fruit loops. One day he over indulged and his poop was green and blue! This was about the time he was potty training and I made a comment about the colorful poop looking like gum balls. For weeks we had to name what his poop looked like.

Banana poop.
Blueberry poop.
I don't remember them all - must have really tried to block that out.

Really - your poop looks like poop son.

[Moonliner]

No leashes!!



For sure for sure, these days subcutaneous GPS transponders combined with an invisible fence "attention" unit make the old child leash totally obsolete.

[Betty]

For sure for sure, these days subcutaneous GPS transponders combined with an invisible fence "attention" unit make the old child leash totally obsolete.

I heard you really liked the husband model of that unit that your wife had installed. :p ;)

[lashbear]

I think you should post your progress on the LoT - there are plenty of wordy threads that have gone on far longer than 9 months !!

also, on further examination of your ultrasound, I have spotted a clue as to how the kid might grow up...

[Gemini Cricket]

Nutella Sloan.
I second that name for a girl.
Nice!

Toblerone Sloan if it's a boy.

[flippyshark]

lashbear gets the "laughed so loud the cats ran away" award for today

[JWBear]

CP & GD should be nice to their child, and take this site's message to heart. (http://www.notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/) ;)

[bewitched]

CP & GD should be nice to their child, and take this site's message to heart. (http://www.notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/) ;)


LMAO!



I was thinking of naming my son Toolio. Does anyone know the origin on that one?
---[Jane] DeSac

Toolio DeSac. Boy, can't think of any way that kid'll get picked on. That's one taunt-proof name there!

[Not Afraid]

There are some great unfortunate name on there. I dislike creative spellings of common names. Caite is still Kate when you say it - which is what most people do most of the time.

Or, I could change the spelling of my name to Liesse and pretend I'm German.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I think you should post your progress on the LoT - there are plenty of wordy threads that have gone on far longer than 9 months !!

also, on further examination of your ultrasound, I have spotted a clue as to how the kid might grow up...If I saw that on the ultrasound I might never stop screaming. Was it the yellow handstamp dye? Or one too many Dole whips? Sweaty ass crackers???

CP & GD should be nice to their child, and take this site's message to heart. (http://www.notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/) ;)That list makes me think one word: Goyisha. ;) If any of you are related to a Mackenzie or Madison, please don't be offended, but those trendy unisex surnames that masquerade as first names.....<shudder>

No leashes. That's all I'm going to say about that.

[innerSpaceman]

Toblerone Sloan is the coolest name I've ever heard.

You can make it his middle name, if you're worried about taunting. And he can start using it when it's time to make a splash with the ladies ... and start racing speedsters, and do some superhero work on the side.

[Not Afraid]

Of course, it is a good thing we never had kids because they're probably be named Sabine Isabella and Severin somethingorother.

[Sylad Jenkins]

Toblerone Sloan is the coolest name I've ever heard.

How would you pronounce it? Toe-bowl-row-knee? :D Anyway, serious names follow. If it's a girl, I always liked the name Danielle. If it's a guy, name it Riley. Epic, am I right? Also, I found out that in 2006, (http://www.babynames.com/Names/Popular/index.php?y=2006) the number 7 most popular boy baby name was Addison. xD

[Gemini Cricket]

For a girl:

Savings Ann Sloan

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Ok, I set up a new blog. http://hazabebe.blogspot.com/ So far it's only a rehash of things said here, and I'm hoping to get more on there soon.

Failing that ... well, I'll never understand people who want to blog, but don't want to do it on El Jay. Um, unless you're blogging about some topic with wide, wide interest .... your non-LJ blog is going to be a predominantly private space.

Frankly, I know 2 people who do that ... and the upshot is, I don't see their blogs anymore. I have a half-dozen-to-ten friends who blog, and I want the convenience of having it all in one blog-space. IMHO, LJ is ugly, annoying, and outdated. I have never enjoyed using it and only did so because others were there. I wanted a fresh start somewhere that's easy for me. I made sure to set it up so you can subscribe to it with an email address, as well as the usual RSS/Atom feed. (If you don't use RSS (like me) the email one would be more convenient. Pregnant woman in your inbox!) I'm hoping this will be accessible enough for all.

BTW - I'm leaving it open for comments, but a word to the wise - I'm going to open this blog up to family and other friends, so watch it, kiddos. ;) I reserve the right to edit responses, only for my own safety and sanity. Thanks in advance for discretion, I know you'll understand. :)

[JWBear]

For a girl:

Savings Ann Sloan

VGCM!!!!

[wendybeth]

It's totally a girl. I just know it. :)

It was a wonderful party, but the bestest best part was being there to hear the great news. I'm beyond thrilled for both CP and GD- this is an exciting time in your lives, and the only advice I can offer is to enjoy every moment. A year from now you won't believe there was ever a time you didn't know your little one. Oh, and prepare to have your house taken OVER by all the baby's things- for such little dude/dudettes, they sure have a lot of stuff.

[Moonliner]

How about:

Porcelain Sloan?

[Betty]

I'm the first follower on the blog. Do I win a prize?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I'm the first follower on the blog. Do I win a prize?

You get to change the first diaper.

[Moonliner]

You get to change the first diaper.

First diaper? Meh, no problem.

First diaper after the little nipper starts on solid food, no thanks.

[innerSpaceman]

Well, I hope you will continue to post and Tweet about the pregnancy, Jen. Better yet, I hope we see each other once in a while to hear all about it in person and see the changing you (and company).

[3894]

For a girl:

Savings Ann Sloan

She'll be doomed to work at the law firm Cheetum and Swindel.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

She'll be doomed to work at the law firm Cheetum and Swindel.

or "Dewey, Cheatham and Howe" of CarTalk fame.

[The Lovely Mrs. tod]

First diaper? Meh, no problem.

First diaper after the little nipper starts on solid food, no thanks.
With all due respect, I beg to differ. The first diaper is the worst. That stuff's like TAR.

[Pirate Bill]

With all due respect, I beg to differ. The first diaper is the worst. That stuff's like TAR.

Agreed. I'll add that solid food makes for more solid poops too. The yellowish cottage-cheesy stuff that comes out from a strictly liquid diet gets into every crack and crevice...and sometimes isn't entirely contained by the diaper.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're not a man until you can change a poopy diaper then (wash your hands and) eat a peanut butter sandwich.

[Moonliner]

The consistency is not the key. Smell is the key. The mommy milk poop was fairly neutral, the solid food... weapons grade.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Well, perhaps you should have waited a little longer to start them on Taco Bell.

[scaeagles]

I sang many happy songs when diaper changing days were through. I find I enjoy being a dad more as my kids get older. I didn't much enjoy the infant thing. However, having younger kids made me rediscover Disneyland.

Just wait till the explosive poop while you are in the process of removing the diaper. That's always fun.

[Betty]

And expect to be peed on.

Word to the wise - close your mouth when you're changing diapers. You'll be tempted to breath through it instead of your nose to combat the smell. And then perhaps you'll find out why you should keep your mouth closed.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Much more of an issue with boys though.

[Betty]

Much more of an issue with boys though.

Very true.

[Strangler Lewis]

I sang many happy songs when diaper changing days were through. I find I enjoy being a dad more as my kids get older. I didn't much enjoy the infant thing. However, having younger kids made me rediscover Disneyland.

Just wait till the explosive poop while you are in the process of removing the diaper. That's always fun.

I sang many during songs during diaper changing. At least when they were babies. When they were toddlers, it got a bit old.

And, yes, the explosive poop is an amazing thing, so you'll want to be careful about what you have on the walls within, say, six feet of the business end of the changing table.

[Moonliner]

Well, perhaps you should have waited a little longer to start them on Taco Bell.

Heh, Laugh while you can but don't forget... For me it's the past, for you the future.

[lashbear]

I sang many during songs during diaper changing. At least when they were babies. When they were toddlers, it got a bit old.
How about when they were teens ?

[scaeagles]

I sang many during songs during diaper changing.

I was a bath time singer. Nothing worth singing about with changing a diaper.

[Gemini Cricket]

What about a cool Japanese name? Kaoru Sloan or Yukio Sloan? That would be so cool. Give the kid an anime haircut when he or she is young. That would be so righteous.

[BarTopDancer]

How about E. Teefon Sloan.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

or "Dewey, Cheatham and Howe" of CarTalk fame.I believe that's a Three Stooges original - though they may have stolen it from someone else.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I believe that's a Three Stooges original - though they may have stolen it from someone else.

I think you are correct, they began with a slight variation, "Dewey, Burnham, and Howe"

[JWBear]

I still like "Bacon"....

[CoasterMatt]

Electric Sunshine Sloan...

DO NOT LISTEN TO ME FOR ANY KIDS NAMES :D

[Morrigoon]

or "Dewey, Cheatham and Howe" of CarTalk fame.

Wasn't Dewey, Cheatham and Howe mentioned in a Marx Brothers movie? Sounds like a Groucho joke.

[lashbear]

How about "Jubilation T. Cone-Sloan"?
Ramone Sloan?
Joan Sloan?

When they're older with their own Cell, they can record their voicemail message:
"You've reached the phone of Ramone Sloan, how ya goin'?" :D

[lashbear]

Wasn't Dewey, Cheatham and Howe mentioned in a Marx Brothers movie? Sounds like a Groucho joke.
I seem to remember they were mentioned in a Mel Brooks movie too - maybe Silent Movie?

[Morrigoon]

I'm pretty sure the only thing said in Silent Movie was "Non."

[Gemini Cricket]

Moon Unit Sloan or Dweezil Sloan

[Strangler Lewis]

I'm going to hazard a realistic guess here:

(His Dead Relative) (Her Dead Relative) Sloan.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wasn't Dewey, Cheatham and Howe mentioned in a Marx Brothers movie? Sounds like a Groucho joke.

I seem to remember they were mentioned in a Mel Brooks movie too - maybe Silent Movie?Dude, guys, look 5 posts up. Three Stooges.


ETA - Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewey,_Cheatem_&_Howe)

[3894]

How about when they were teens ?

Cue my laughter, bitter and careworn. I laugh for all who have passed through the teen years with a son or daughter.

You young parents who think birth stories and diapers are scary - HA! Kevy, fetch Great-Auntie's martini.

[wolfy999]

Diapers, birth stories etc are the easy part for sure. I'm just heading into the teen years with Wolfette and I'm scared to death!

[katiesue]

It's all over when they learn how to talk. Then it's a quick hop, step and a jump to talking back.

[innerSpaceman]

Cue my laughter, bitter and careworn. I laugh for all who have passed through the teen years with a son or daughter.

You young parents who think birth stories and diapers are scary - HA! Kevy, fetch Great-Auntie's martini.

I cannot stress this enough. Fortunately, CP & GD are starting (at least with their first) just a couple of years past what I think should be the firm cut-off.

No one seems to add those 18 years to their planned start date. And everyone assumes it's the first 3 years that are the hardest, when down the road, the big and nasty surprise is that 13 (for girls) and 15 (for boys) will take it out of you in ways you never imagined (or you would never have begun). Believe me, you don't want to be of an age to be getting Social Secuity when your darling children reach this beloved and charming stage of life.


But, oh well, 30 is the new 20 they say! I have every faith in Jen and Greg ... they will not grow old at the standard rate.

[SacTown Chronic]

Amen! The first ten years are pretty easy, all things considered. It's teenagers that turn your hair gray and make you consider retroactive abortion (kidding kids!).

[Strangler Lewis]

I cannot stress this enough. Fortunately, CP & GD are starting (at least with their first) just a couple of years past what I think should be the firm cut-off.

No one seems to add those 18 years to their planned start date. And everyone assumes it's the first 3 years that are the hardest, when down the road, the big and nasty surprise is that 13 (for girls) and 15 (for boys) will take it out of you in ways you never imagined (or you would never have begun). Believe me, you don't want to be of an age to be getting Social Secuity when your darling children reach this beloved and charming stage of life.


But, oh well, 30 is the new 20 they say! I have every faith in Jen and Greg ... they will not grow old at the standard rate.

Well, if we're indulging in this silliness, you don't want to have kids too early because then you give them the pleasure of dealing with your decline while they're drawing Social Security.

[Alex]

I cannot stress this enough. Fortunately, CP & GD are starting (at least with their first) just a couple of years past what I think should be the firm cut-off.

I hear ya. I've heard how decrepit 48 and 49 year old people are.

[Disneyphile]

Moon Unit Sloan or Dweezil SloanI second these choices! :snap:

[Ghoulish Delight]

Believe me, you don't want to be of an age to be getting Social Secuity when your darling children reach this beloved and charming stage of life.

Pfft, as if Social Security will exist.

My Dad was almost 33 when my sister was born, 37 when I was born. He managed just fine. My mom was a little younger, but only by a few years. But then the two of us were pretty low-maintenance kids so who knows.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Well hell then, why not go with Moxie Crimefighter (girl) or Zolten (boy)?

[3894]

I hear ya. I've heard how decrepit 48 and 49 year old people are.

[firm, bright smile]It's called "aged to perfection" or "vintage", Alex darling.[/firm,bright smile]

[ozron]

In my experience, the teen years are when they get ineresting. Now, I loved having a little one, but as she developed her own interests and started to become her own person - THAT was a wonder to behold!

Oh, and 50 is the new thirty.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[Alex]

[firm, bright smile]It's called "aged to perfection" or "vintage", Alex darling.[/firm,bright smile]

Oops collateral damage! Meant to target at iSm since the implication was that at 32, GD and CP are going to be a little bit on the old side for keeping up with a teenager.

When at that same age I believe he is looking to date them.

Personally, the people in my family have generally procreated on a schedule such that all of the children will be out of the house before the parents are 40 years old. My dad was an exception since he started another family but he died at 47 years old. Coincidence?

More personally, I'm going to take the Tony Randall route so that I get the fun lock-them-in-a-playpen and watch TV stage but am certain to be dead before they become too much more of a hassle.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, you hit the target alright.

I can tell you with certainty that I'm the youngest 49-year-old on the planet ... and I'm too old to handle the rigours of teenage parenting.



Oh, and btw, I'm not looking to date anyone younger than 40. ;) Lesson learned.

[Moonliner]

My two were born when I was 31 and 34, and I'm the best dad ever.

(or at least that's what Headliner tells me when I do something she wants...)

[DreadPirateRoberts]

My two were born when I was 31 and 34, and I'm the best dad ever.

(or at least that's what Headliner tells me when I do something she wants...)

I'm an old dad. 37, 39, 41.

[Betty]

I'm 39. My dd is 14 and my ds is 10.

On the one hand I think - my gosh - in 3-4 years my dd could be out of the house. So quick! And an another day I think - my gosh - as soon as 3-4 years and my dd could be out of the house. Thank goodness!

So you say I'll feel the same about my son in another 4 or 5 years?

Girls mature faster?

Or is there something else with sons I'm not aware of. (having been a teenage girl myself I've got a little insight on the girl end of things - but not on the boys.)

[JWBear]

My parents were 38 and 37 when I was born, an I turned out just fi..... Oh.... Never mind.

[Morrigoon]

My parents were 36. Of course, I was the last (my mom having started at 19, and having a total of 5)

I'm 32 now so I certainly hope there's still time.

[Not Afraid]

My Mom was 39 when she had me. My sister was 40 when she had my nephew. My grandma was 43 when she had her last child. I'm 47. I won't be having any children that don't have fur.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I won't be having any children that don't have fur.Have you seen the two of us? Neither will we.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

My parents were on the older side too. My mom was 30 when she had me, but gave birth to her last child at 41.

[innerSpaceman]

To answer Betty's question, yes, as I understand (and experienced) it, girls mature faster ... and arrive at the Unbearable Stage approx. 2 years earlier (and are done with it that much sooner!).


As for the kidlet in question, he will only be furry via genetics if he's a He.




Ok, the burning question, if he's a He .... being that it's 2009 in America, but being that he's a jewish boy .... to snip or not to snip (if I may paraphrase Hamlet a bit)?

[Alex]

I'm going to vote for full on castration. I think it is important that we not make important life choices for our children and allow them to approach them as individuals as they reach maturity.

When it is 20 or so it should of its own free will decide whether it would like to have a penis or not rather than have this dictated by the geneto-pharmaco-industrial complex.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

We are pro-circumcision.

[Strangler Lewis]

Define "we."

Never mind. As the courts often say, this issue is not ripe for discussion yet.

[Disneyphile]

I think they're entitled to whatever choices they make for their child. :)

[innerSpaceman]

Yay, God's covenant need not be broken!



...this issue is not ripe for discussion yet
Whereas the issue of teenagerhood is. :p

[Betty]

Whereas the issue of teenagerhood is. :p

It's a free flow movement. Let go... go with the flow...

[SzczerbiakManiac]

We are pro-circumcision.Define "we."She was speaking French.

[Moonliner]

We are pro-circumcision.

What about banking the babies stem cells (http://www.webmd.com/cord-blood-banking-education-center/why-bank-cord-blood)?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Define "we."

Never mind. As the courts often say, this issue is not ripe for discussion yet.We as in my husband and I. Regarding discussion, we've had this discussion on the board already in the past, and I'm sure it'll flare up again. Just make sure to make your own thread for it. Even as all concepts are up for debate here on the LoT, our personal decisions regarding our baby are not. :)

What about banking the babies stem cells (http://www.webmd.com/cord-blood-banking-education-center/why-bank-cord-blood)?Sounds good to me, though I haven't looked into costs or anything.

[Scrooge McSam]

we've had this discussion on the board already in the past, and I'm sure it'll flare up again.

Since I consider myself responsible for that unfortunate brouhaha...

Is it better to celebrate the many ideas and interests we have in common and the few precious moments we've been priveleged to share or to dig into and inflame the one issue that divides us?

I choose the former. You'll have no trouble from me.

Much love to both or you! Er... all 3 of you :)

[Alex]

Even as all concepts are up for debate here on the LoT, our personal decisions regarding our baby are not. :)


Obviously the hormones are making you think crazy.

[Strangler Lewis]

Is it better to celebrate the many ideas and interests we have in common and the few precious moments we've been priveleged to share or to dig into and inflame the one issue that divides us?


Dig and inflame, obviously. Well, maybe not inflame, but definitely dig. With that in mind, I invite responses to the following:

I like pudding.

I don't have TiVo.

I'm thinking of putting my wife and daughter in burkahs as a well-intentioned effort to protect them from sexual violence.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Sorry, this is not a topic for discussion here.

[Moonliner]

Sorry, this is not a topic for discussion here.

Which topic? The pudding right?

[3894]

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/covers/all/1/3/9780399535031L.jpg!

• Elvis, mohawk, and cupcake hats
• Monster booties
• Furry bear feet with matching mittens
• Robot suit and hat
• Tiny biker jacket with embroidered wings on the back

Just sayin'.

[Matterhorn Fan]

A little birdie told me the news, and thank goodness she did, otherwise I wouldn't have known to stop by!

Congratulations! You guys will be wonderful parents. :)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/covers/all/1/3/9780399535031L.jpg!

• Elvis, mohawk, and cupcake hats
• Monster booties
• Furry bear feet with matching mittens
• Robot suit and hat
• Tiny biker jacket with embroidered wings on the back

Just sayin'.Yay! I would be more than delighted to receive any of the above. Who doesn't love a robot outfit??



I'm glad of the little birdies out there, spreading the news. I keep feeling like I haven't told enough people...

[lashbear]

I think that the Furry Bear Feet are just what's needed.

[bewitched]

Circumcise or not...whichever.

I like pudding too.

I was 32 when Olivia (she's now 9, you can do the math) was born and can't imagine having been patient enough, or mature enough, in my 20s to raise a child. Not that other people aren't, just that I wasn't.

I want furry bear feet!

[scaeagles]

I had my first kid at 25. My last at 32. I am happy that my kids will be out of the house by the time I'm 50 and still have life left in me.

[flippyshark]

If I managed to start now, I'd be lucky to get the kids out of the house by my 65th birthday. Part of me kind of wants to try (though that would mean leaving the house and meeting people) and part of me is content with the kitties and my network of friends. But really, I do envy the adventure GD and CP are going on. Hey, we all get to experience it vicariously

[Alex]

I had my first kid at 25. My last at 32. I am happy that my kids will be out of the house by the time I'm 50 and still have life left in me.

Good luck. My mom had all three of her kids before she was 20. She's 52 now and I don't think she's yet gone more than a few months without a kid or lower generation kid in the house (I can proudly say that I've never been one of them since I left for college).

[Mousey Girl]

CP & GD, you may want to take a look at today's woot.

[Nephythys]

I was 17, 19, 21 and 27 when my children were born-be around 45 when they are done "cooking"-

-and I did not circumcise- and none of them has complained. But that is a personal decision.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

CP & GD, you may want to take a look at today's woot.Intriguing, that's definitely a deal. There aren't many reviews online for this one, and one of them says that the sound only turns on if it hears louder noises (and that mom says she's "vigilant"). Not being that vigilant myself I'm still considering it but I wish there were more reviews.

I now take this vow, that whatever new baby gadgets we get we review online, even though I've never been much of a reviewer. Vow locked in!

[3894]

I now take this vow, that whatever new baby gadgets we get we review online, even though I've never been much of a reviewer. Vow locked in!

A vow you're destined to break almost immediately. You think you'll have time when the baby sleeps.

[Alex]

She didn't say she'd review them in a timely manner. Eventually that kid is moving out. Similarly, I figure I still have time to send thank you cards for gifts received at my first wedding.

[Mousey Girl]

I just had a regular baby monitor. The video monitors had just come out and were outrageoulsy expensive. The regular one worked just fine. I mostly used it when he was taking a nap, or in his playpen for quiet time. When he started walking (at 9 months), I used it to listen to see if he was making an escape from his crib.

[wendybeth]

We never used our monitor. Tori was plenty loud enough to hear.:D

I do understand that they might be useful in the event of an alien invasion, though.

[Moonliner]

We used to love listening to our neighbors fight over ours, and approach information for airlines (no kidding). Never much use for hearing the kids however... Hopefully the technology has advanced.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

We used to love listening to our neighbors fight over ours, and approach information for airlines (no kidding). Never much use for hearing the kids however... Hopefully the technology has advanced.I can vouch for advancements. Our niece's is fantastic. Cordless, charges on a base, picks up sound great, big screen, night vision. At one point they were able to see that although she wasn't crying, she had stuck her leg in the crib slats. Not life threatening but pretty damn cool.

They also get to see how she plays and talks to herself before going to sleep. The images tell much more of a story than the noises.

Now I'm sure theirs cost a pretty penny, but I am hoping we are able to get something with a cam.

[Ghoulish Delight]

We never used our monitor. Tori was plenty loud enough to hear.:D

I do understand that they might be useful in the event of an alien invasion, though.
The video one's are awesome because if you hear something you can glance at the monitor and tell if it's just them being fussy or if there's really a reason to go in.

[bewitched]

The video one's are awesome because if you hear something you can glance at the monitor and tell if it's just them being fussy or if there's really a reason to go in.

That's exactly why we got a video monitor. A lot of times Olivia would make sleep noises or wake up but not need us to come in.

Ours was a stand alone model but I have had friends who have security-like cameras that broadcast directly to their tvs so that they could watch picture in picture style.

[katiesue]

We had a monitor but actually turned it off a lot of the time. You'd wake up every 10 seconds when she made every little sound.

[Moonliner]

Stupid Parent Tricks -101.

When Moonie Jr. was an infant, he would often cry during the night. One day I thought to myself, hey he doesn't like the dark. So I installed a sound activated light switch in the nursery. That way if he stared crying a nice comforting light would come on.

In truth, "comforting" was not quite the result. His response was more "Oh, it's morning. Time to get up!" and not go back to sleep for hours totally messing up his sleep patterns.

Compounding this was the effect on Mrs. Moonie. Who for days got up with him in the middle of the night and sat with him for hours trying to get him back to sleep (while of course seriously mucking up her own sleep schedule) and always wondering who left the light on in the nursery. :blush:

[Betty]

Moonie - that's funny.

CP - you can probably pick up a used baby monitor at children's orchard (that I've already mentioned.) That's just the sort of thing that they would have as it doesn't get used up or worn out easily and isn't likely to have been recalled.

I know when I was preggo with my first that I looked down a bit on my friend who frequented the used kids stores and visited yard sales for toys. By the time Amy was a few months old I had a whole new outlook on used things.

[katiesue]

I can second the used kids stores. They blow through sizes so quickly - Maddie did once in a day - literally I went to change her and couldn't get the jammies back on her. A lot of the stuff is barely worn or new. We spent lots of time there.

Oh and things that work on all kids - might not work on yours. They suggest you wrap the baby tightly, like a burrito, in their blankets when they're really small. Yeah if you wanted to hear Madz cry from space you could do that. It would totally piss her off. Other kids love it. She still doesn't sleep under the covers much. Her dad was always re-covering her and she'd kick it off. The Pediatrician explained that we don't live in Antartica, if she's cold she'll let you know otherwise don't worry. She still hates anything on her feet when she sleeps as well.

Also if you have friends/family that have kids a littler older they may have things for you. I got a ton - literally from a friend who was done having more. In turn the Swanies got two carloads of stuff after Maddie started growing. Eveyone's happy to get rid of stuff.

[Betty]

I can second the used kids stores. They blow through sizes so quickly - Maddie did once in a day - literally I went to change her and couldn't get the jammies back on her. A lot of the stuff is barely worn or new. We spent lots of time there.



We had something similar happen. We were late getting home from some event and I just put Amy to bed with totally undressing her and waking her up. It was sooo late and I was sooo tired.

The next morning the shirt wouldn't fit over her head. After struggling with it and her crying I finally just cut the darn thing off. It's not like she was ever going to wear it again - and why torture her trying to get it off in one piece.

They really do grow - even just overnight.

[Snowflake]

Okay, is the Ghoulish Pair registered anyplace yet?