|
Post by August Blooms on Jan 1, 2020 13:48:06 GMT -6
Happy New Year O’17. Another decade is here! Anyone make any resolutions or goals or have anything big planned?
|
|
|
Post by August Blooms on Jan 1, 2020 13:55:10 GMT -6
I ended 2019 by going to bed at 10:15. I started the 2010’s in my late 20’s and staying up and partying. My how things have changed!
The second half 2019 kicked my ass but I decided I’m going to make 2020 my year. I signed up for a Try a Triathlon in August since the Sprint was full and a coworker is going to do it with me. I’m trying to convince my sister to go to London with me because I have this great new credit card with great perks but she has IVF and a possible house purchase coming up but I’m like find $800 I will make the rest happen. My other goal for the year is to get better at baking. I made bread this morning that didn’t turn out so things can only get better?
So fitness, maybe a trip and learning more baking/cooking are my goals for 2020.
|
|
|
Post by CoachTsWife on Jan 2, 2020 10:27:11 GMT -6
Heyyyyy. I kind of checked out of social media for a while over Christmas. I'm back at work now (boooooo) and back on here, too. lol
We had a good Christmas break! Really productive, actually. We rolled the dice and transitioned DS2 to a twin bed. Miracle of all miracles, his sleep is improved. The transition didn't phase him one bit and when he wakes up, it takes much less to get him back to sleep. We did a lot of rearranging (and deep cleaning while we were at it) in his room and the basement (where his bed was before we moved it to his room) and then I ended up painting our master bedroom. I've wanted to paint it since we moved in and 5.5 years later I actually got it done. It went from a weird brown color to a gray. Much improved!
Both boys and I have been sick with various things the last 3-4 weeks. I hate this aspect of winter. UGH. Due to my DCP's hysterectomy she hasn't had kids in her care for about 3 weeks and I'm afraid when everyone goes back next Monday everyone is going to bring their germs. As a whole, her group of kids stay fairly healthy (for a daycare) but I'm afraid with the long break the regrouping will have everyone sick again. I really hope I'm wrong!
I posted the crib on facebook marketplace the day we took it down and it immediately sold. IT WAS SO BITTERSWEET! The crib stage is 100% in the rearview mirror and I alternate from crying over it to being relieved to be past that stage. I'm on an emotional roller coaster over here!
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 2, 2020 16:06:49 GMT -6
Happy NYs O17. We are back home! So much laundry and bleaching anything I can. August Blooms doodlemommy Taitai smart doesn’t always = common sense. I’m 100% on your side Taitai. Checking in quick and will catch up later
|
|
danvers
Platinum
Posts: 1,924 Likes: 6,087
|
Post by danvers on Jan 2, 2020 17:57:02 GMT -6
cythe I read your update on E and am so excited for you both! What awesome progress she is making - 2020 will be her year! Taitai angry cleaning and organizing is what I do best! I would be livid, beyond words actually. CoachTsWife that’s awesome the crib transition was so smooth! I don’t want to do it - I am 99% certain we’re done at two but I just can’t make myself get rid of the baby stuff yet. All the Lysol and healthy vibes to you as school and daycare get back into session! August Blooms I love those resolutions - especially the travel! I went to London in college for a bio-chem class (most certainly NOT my major but the prof let me tag along😂) so most of our time was spent at medical and science museums but it was so much fun I want to go back someday with my girls when they’re older.
|
|
danvers
Platinum
Posts: 1,924 Likes: 6,087
|
Post by danvers on Jan 2, 2020 18:07:44 GMT -6
School doesn’t start til Jan 6th so we’re in the throes of winter break here! DD2 has her speech re-evaluation today and she will be dismissed in February. She has made great progress and this is why I love and sing the praises of early intervention!
We’re taking the girls to the aquarium tomorrow and then I’m meeting a friend for dinner.
My 2020 resolutions: - use less plastic - read more books - drink less Dr. Pepper and more water
I’d love to start working out again but the reality is I’d have to wake up earlier then 5:00am or miss time with the family in afternoon/evening and I’m not willing to do that right now. My goal this summer is join our local gym and try and figure out a routine when I have more time.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Jan 2, 2020 20:41:58 GMT -6
Happy 2020 O17! It’s my second day back to work, and I’m really happy that the weekend is around the corner. It’s always so hard coming back after vacation.
H and I are all good - he finally understood why I was upset, and I don’t think I’ll ever have to worry about him opening presents without me again. 🤣😂 I’m glad we’re back to normal. I hate it when we’re not on the same page.
As for New Year’s resolutions, I’m going to try to do better about my work/life balance this year. I feel like I did too much travel last year, and generally just worked too much. It was so draining, and I was getting back on my computer almost every night after the kids went to bed. I’m going to be more diligent about keeping work to normal work hours this year.
Hope everyone’s sickness subsides, and that you all have a great start to 2020!
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Jan 2, 2020 20:46:29 GMT -6
CoachTsWife Wow about getting your DS2 in a twin bed!! We’re thinking of moving the boys into the same room and doing a bunk bed type setup, but I’m so worried they will wake each other up! We’re going to IKEA tomorrow to look at options and see what the kids think. I feel you on the sadness about the crib too. One chapter closes, and another one opens....still hard for me to let that stuff go. duskymonkey I’m so glad you’re back home and I hope there will be no more puke in your life for a very, very long time! Sending all the recovery and relaxation vibes to you danvers I love your resolutions about less plastic and more reading! Do you have an e-library option? Have you heard of Overdrive or Libby? If not - check it out! I read so much more now that I can check out books for free (and send them to my Kindle) via Libby. I love it sooooo much.
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 3, 2020 0:42:31 GMT -6
cythe best update ever! I’m so so happy to hear about E’s progress. Please share more when you’re ready. Totally made my day. I hope everyone is doing much better health wise. CoachTsWife does your DC provider have someone to help her? At my 4 week appt. I was given the go ahead to lift lil fella and back to my routine. Maybe I overdid it but I started spotting and I called my OB and she said to take it easy again for at least 2 more weeks and see how it goes. I’m hoping your DC person has a helper and that she’d have time to properly rest. TBH I wasn’t able to get proper rest after and was back to doing things with the exception of not carrying lil fella but I had to occasionally. Lil fella climbed out of the pnp the day before we traveled 😣 so we’re close but I’m not sure how to transition since he’s sleeping with us n our room. Taitai we were all in the same room at my ILs and it took them so long to fall asleep. They would start singing and giggling and chatting. Maybe it will just take some time for them to get use to it 🤷🏻♀️ Although I did wish DS’ room was bigger to accommodate both boys. danvers super happy to hear DD2 speech journey has been successful. Yay! Are your girls feeling better? Taitai glad to hear all is good with your H. The sad part is my hubs would totally be on your Hs side in that scenario. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ August Blooms...I’m not much a NY resolution type of person....at least not by the calendar. I decide and set my mind on something whenever I feel the need to. I love to travel and would love to try to go places with the kids. Maybe we’ll start with long weekend road trips Hiking and camping at national parks. We are indeed so lucky to be surrounded by the gorgeous outdoors. DS loved visiting the big City and he loved running in the woods at my ILs too. BTW you should check out the travel books by Miroslav Sasek for children. Some info are outdated but the illustrations are brilliant. We got several books for the kids and lil fella adores The drawings.
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 3, 2020 1:04:44 GMT -6
So far we’ve been puke free for about 36 hours! Hoping it stays that way. On NYE, Lil fella puked at the security checkpoint all over hubs then me. TSA had to shut that lane and get it disinfected 🤦🏻♀️ It was definitely a nightmare given our situation. Hubs and I decided that next yr we should get an Abnb and visit the grands during the day so we could have access to communication and a washer and to make proper meals but most importantly to be able to call for help in an emergency plus we don’t want to stress them out at their age. Gosh! Even bathing is so complex. I’m sure MIL is rolling her eyes about me showering daily and giving the kids a shower daily. Lil fella was screaming every night in the shower with me and their tiles were slippery too. Hubs said the shower head was prob like the ones the Nazis used prior to the gas chamber 😅😂 anyways it certainly is good to be home and I cooked a big pot of chicken soup yesterday. Glad I had a chicken carcass in the freezer carrots keep for a while.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Jan 3, 2020 7:14:55 GMT -6
duskymonkey Oh no about the puke in the security lane! 😱 I am so glad you guys are home safe and sound. I think Air BnB next year is the way to go - probably will be good for everyone, and it will allow you to have your space with access to phones/modern conveniences. Chicken soup also sounds like just the right thing to get everyone back on track. Hope the pukes stay away for good now!
|
|
|
Post by CoachTsWife on Jan 3, 2020 8:49:38 GMT -6
Taitai we bought bunk beds when we transitioned DS1 to a bed just before his 2nd bday (a couple months before DS2 was born - we didn't want to buy a second crib and bought bunk beds because we knew we'd probably eventually want them and they can be together or apart). I want to put the boys together sooner than later but DH is hesitant to let DS1 on the top bunk until he's older. I've heard that once they get over the initial hurdle, it can actually improve sleep. IDK I guess time will tell. I'd bet within a year or so they'll be in the bunk beds. duskymonkey my DCP is about 4 weeks out from surgery and says she's doing better than expected. Her dr was able to remove everything vaginally so she has no incision. Granted, she still has a ton of healing to do but no incision put her a bit ahead of the game I think. Her kids are in elementary school so she hasn't had to lift any kiddos during this time off. She has one baby and one toddler and then the rest are older and don't require much lifting. She was going to fix a diaper changing station on the floor so she wouldn't have to lift the bigger kids to the changing pad. Her mom and her MIL are retired and do help her out at times, so she does have help when necessary. DS1 is the oldest and he's a very good helper for her. Her MIL was telling me that if she ever has questions when she's watching them, she just asks DS1 because he's sure to know. danvers if I weren't 40 (almost 41 ) and DH hadn't had a vasectomy right after DS2 was born, getting rid of the baby things would be harder. We often say if we'd met earlier in life and started our family younger (I was 36 when DS1 was born) we might have had 3 kids. But in our situation we are definitely done.
|
|
|
Post by doodlemommy on Jan 3, 2020 12:41:45 GMT -6
Happy 2020 everyone! We had a great Christmas but DH was super sick and just went back to work yesterday. My kids have runny noses and coughs so I’m hoping they don’t get worse and end up with the sinus and chest infections like he did. Spending the day undecorating the house today during the baby’s naps. I love Christmas and the decorations but by now it just seems cluttered and I want my house back. I just have the tree and our Christmas village left, thankfully DS2 took a good morning nap. Snuggling him on the couch with coffee while my other kids watch the grinch...again...so they stop destroying the playroom while I’m trying to clean
|
|
|
Post by doodlemommy on Jan 3, 2020 12:45:34 GMT -6
I don’t really do resolutions but now that DS2 is almost 3 months I am ready to get back into a work out routine. All my pre baby clothes fit but I still have residual weight from when DD was born 5 years ago I’d love to lose. I have no illusions I will set back to my pre kid size or shape but I’d love to get closer! Planning on starting BBM on Monday. My plan is to do it as soon as DS1+2 go down for afternoons naps (usually at the same time around 1:30/2 which is also when DH gets home from work so he can watch the baby if he’s still awake).
|
|
|
Post by CoachTsWife on Jan 3, 2020 14:11:05 GMT -6
doodlemommy have you done BBM before? I've never done it but I'm a bit curious about it. How does it work?
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 4, 2020 0:36:44 GMT -6
duskymonkey Oh no about the puke in the security lane! 😱 I am so glad you guys are home safe and sound. I think Air BnB next year is the way to go - probably will be good for everyone, and it will allow you to have your space with access to phones/modern conveniences. Chicken soup also sounds like just the right thing to get everyone back on track. Hope the pukes stay away for good now! I felt so so awful about the other people 😭 trying to get through security to their gates! The TSA officers were actually very nice about it. Gave us a roll of paper towels and denatured alcohol to clean up. I think if it was an adult, they likely would have quarantined us but with kids, they get sick randomly I suppose. I do feel terrible about traveling that day considering how it spread through the house. Then again, I was cleaning up all the initial pukes and diarrhea but the last one to succumb and it was just a tummy rumble in the morning which was nothing in comparison to everyone else. We also needed to get back and didn’t expect lil fella to get sick less than 12 hours before our flight 😖 and DS already seemed well so 🤷🏻♀️ Definitely Abnb next year plus the boys had such a good time in Chicago, we decided to make it our annual holiday vacation so split time there and with the family will work out well I think. To answer your Q, ILs are well into their 80s and aren’t bothered to travel anywhere anymore.
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 4, 2020 0:43:47 GMT -6
doodlemommy have you done BBM before? I've never done it but I'm a bit curious about it. How does it work? What is BBM? I’m ready to jump back into P90x but like danvers I don’t want to take my time away from spending it with the kids. Hoping to get DS to start riding his bike so we can go out for bike rides since lil fella can ride in the chariot. We might also look into getting a co-pilot to attach to our bikes or even a Yepp for lil fella that way DS can then sit in the chariot.
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 4, 2020 0:53:41 GMT -6
danvers if I weren't 40 (almost 41 ) and DH hadn't had a vasectomy right after DS2 was born, getting rid of the baby things would be harder. We often say if we'd met earlier in life and started our family younger (I was 36 when DS1 was born) we might have had 3 kids. But in our situation we are definitely done.
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 4, 2020 1:13:02 GMT -6
It’s kinda late but tell me what did y’all including the kids get for Christmas besides nasty illness? So far the big hits with the kiddos are a Spirograph for DS and his paintable wooden trains ( he has to wait until this weekend to get painting ) Santa got lil fella the Leapfrog number lovin’ oven and he absolutely adores it! Even DS loves playing with it. I love it too because all the components can be packed up neatly into the oven! Also we got each of them stuffies which has a microwaveable insert to warm them up and DS especially loves to cosy up with his warm hedgehog every night. I got myself a few skeins of yarn to make a couple of baby hats for my newly born niece and a friends baby and a neck warmer for another friend and hats for the boys. Hubs gave himself a battery operated Hiro 😂 which really was for the boys.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Jan 4, 2020 8:25:58 GMT -6
duskymonkey I wouldn’t beat yourself up about traveling when you did - I would have been wanting to get the heck home after what you’d been through too. And totally understand how your ILs wouldn’t want to travel anymore being in their 80s. I think what you have planned for next year is perfect, and I love that you are making Chicago an annual tradition! It’s such a festive and friendly city around Christmas! I miss it. CoachTsWife We went to IKEA today to check out the bunk beds, and I feel like it’s too much for my DS1 to be up top. I was hoping they’d have some sets that aren’t as high, but all of them seemed so elevated to me. I just don’t trust DS1’s coordination with a ladder too. He’s such a klutz. I think we’re going to do two little beds that can be expanded out as the kids grow and put them near each other on one end of the room. That way they can be near each other at night (which DS1 wants...he generally doesn’t like being alone in his room at night), and those beds aren’t too big. Here are what they look like:
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Jan 4, 2020 8:35:52 GMT -6
In terms of Christmas presents, we had some good successes this year! DS1 got a sturdy, school-quality globe (we ordered it from an educational supply place), and it’s been such a hit. He is so interested in geography, and he loves looking at the various countries and feeling the topography. It has a solid metal base and spins nicely - I think it’s going to last a long time!
We also got DS1 and DS2 Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Mr./Mrs. Potato-head sets from Disney. They’re actually just how you’d think the toys would look/feel, based on the movies. Lots of imaginary play going on with those.
DS2 also really loves a toy baby stroller and this toy cat to go with it. The cat drinks a bottle of milk (makes sucking and purring sounds), and also can open/close it’s eyes and meow if you pet it. The cat is kind of now DS2’s little baby - it is SO CUTE to see DS2 feeding it milk and pushing it around for stroller rides all over the house. I think it’s my favorite thing to watch right now 🤣💕💕
|
|
|
Post by curmudgeon on Jan 4, 2020 14:36:45 GMT -6
Taitai DS1 also got a globe! And a “let’s play school” set, so he has been doing a lot of teaching in his room. I love how this is winning over the Nintendo DS he also got.
|
|
|
Post by curmudgeon on Jan 4, 2020 14:38:31 GMT -6
I went to a baby shower this morning and realized I am way more anti social than I thought. Maybe 2020 will be my year to be approachable. But then I’d have to change my screen name.
|
|
|
Post by CoachTsWife on Jan 4, 2020 20:37:57 GMT -6
doodlemommy have you done BBM before? I've never done it but I'm a bit curious about it. How does it work? What is BBM? I’m ready to jump back into P90x but like danvers I don’t want to take my time away from spending it with the kids. Hoping to get DS to start riding his bike so we can go out for bike rides since lil fella can ride in the chariot. We might also look into getting a co-pilot to attach to our bikes or even a Yepp for lil fella that way DS can then sit in the chariot. Bikini Body Mommy. From what I gather it is a mom with workout videos on youtube. Some from my other BMB have done it and say the girl is a little annoying but the work outs are decent and I think less than 30 minutes. There's challenges and I don't know how those work. DS1 also got a bike for Christmas so I'm anxious to go on bike rides with him when he figures out how to ride. I have P90X and I love it but I don't have that kind of time.
|
|
|
Post by curmudgeon on Jan 4, 2020 20:49:10 GMT -6
I downloaded a 30 day free trial of the Peloton app, since I don’t have room in the house for the bike. I am really liking it so far. I’ve only done 3 “classes”-2 running and 1 strength training, but I am decently sore in places I haven’t been and it’s nice to have something to follow along to when running on the boring treadmill. I may keep it for $12.99/month and cancel the gym I never go to.
I thought going into an office would be better for my weight than working from home, but I have gained a good 15 pounds in the last 1.5 years. So I need to make some big changes. This realization came a week ago when I did a squat to stretch out some jeans and they ripped right up the butt seam. 😬🤦🏻♀️
|
|
danvers
Platinum
Posts: 1,924 Likes: 6,087
|
Post by danvers on Jan 4, 2020 21:03:06 GMT -6
Top toys at Xmas were: the Disney Princess Barbies. 🤦♀️ This is not the kind of mom of girls I saw myself becoming. There are so many cool barbies with awesome careers and of inspiring women out there, but the princess/Disney culture is what the girls have latched on to for now (thank you daycare & cousins). I have a lot of feelings about some of the messaging I think some of this stuff sends but here we are 😑
On another note - H and I love the this marble run add-on kit for the girls’ Duplo legos. You use their ramps + your existing Duplo legos to create marble runs and H and I have had the best time building 😂 it’s too hard for the girls to build but they do love dropping marbles down when we’re done
the singing baby shark puzzle is still bringing DD2 so much joy as well that it is staying (for now)
|
|
danvers
Platinum
Posts: 1,924 Likes: 6,087
|
Post by danvers on Jan 4, 2020 21:08:50 GMT -6
Did anyone have the board game “Don’t Wake Daddy” when they were younger?
They still make it and we got it for DD1 and it is the perfect preschooler/young kid game. DD2 can “play” it as well with some help. It’s just basic colors and counting up to #6 with some game play thrown in. H and I can’t do one more round of CandyLand here
No one outside my family has apparently heard of or played this game as kids 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
|
|
|
Post by doodlemommy on Jan 4, 2020 22:36:09 GMT -6
I’ve done BBM videos before but never done it “live” as a new one is made. The lady is definitely a bit annoying but the workouts are decent, don’t need a bunch of props etc and are quick which are all things i need. I don’t do the challenges or follow her meal plan so no idea how that works. Basically I will try to do her video workout on YouTube each day and try to eat healthy on my own 🤷🏽♀️
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Jan 5, 2020 0:29:15 GMT -6
curmudgeon Like was for you cancelling your gym membership that you never use. I once read a personal finance article which said that gym memberships are one of the things that many people don’t get value for their money from. I think the other was eating out. Good luck with your new resolutions!
|
|
|
Post by duskymonkey on Jan 5, 2020 0:43:51 GMT -6
curmudgeon, Taitai Globe is a totally awesome gift idea! I will have to put it on our list for either next Christmas or for DS' birthday danvers the marble run kit sounds super fun. I'll have to look it up and don't worry too much about their disney princess obsession. As they grow up they'd have you as a great role model to look up to!
|
|