Conference moira::parenting

Hmmm. Gotta type fast so I can get the .1 reply :-)

I'm the Dallas ACT system manager, SME (Small, Medium Enterprises) VAR (Value
Added Reseller) Hotline Technical Consultant, and ????.

My wife is Lisa and we have 1 daughter, Nicole.

Bob

    
    I can't remember if I introduced myself before. 
    
    I'm Patty Makrianis (my side of the family calls me Tricia) and I work
    in Boxboro as a software engineer. In the past I've worked on the
    VAXBI, and both scalar and vector testing of Rigel (Vax 6000 Model 400)
    and I am now working on the testing of the new Vax NEON.
    
    My husband is also an engineer working for Analog Devices.
    
    We have one child, a daughter, Anna Sophia, born May 3rd 1991.
    
    We also have one very large black lab mix who's our other baby.
    
    I absolutely love this file. It has answered a lot of questions for me
    and helped me through a miscarriage I had before Anna. It's great that
    we have the abililty to ask and answer questions like this.
    
    Patty

I can't remember whether I ever really have introduced myself properly
in a parenting conference ... and I've been around 'em for about 4 years!

I'm Stuart Brook and work as PDP-11 / ULTRIX software support in the Canadian
CSC.  I'm the last basition of PDP support up here.  I live in Kanata within
sight of the Digital facility ... but have to commute to the CSC in Hull Que.
wehn it moved over here about 2 years ago.

My wife is Jane, who has been a stay at home parent but is now trying to
return to the working world by volunteering at the Canadian Museum of
Civilzation as a museum educational guide.

We have 3 girls ... Jennifer (10), Hilary (7) and Rowena (4)  ... who,
unfortunately for us, seem to have immeasurable control over our lives!

I was the eldest by 6 years in a family of 4 children, so gained some
parenting type experience at my own siblings expense, since my youngest
sister is 12 years my junior!  (They would definitely agree with "at
their expense :-)!)  Our parents both worked full time, so I was the
built in baby-sitter from a VERY young age!

But it still didn't prepeare me for the sleepless nights and the joys of
parenthood that we've experienced in the last 10 years!

Stuart

    Adrienne Kudlich, electrical engineer in the Northboro labs, with 1.9
    children--Nathan, 2 years and 3 months, and another due next month! 
    This is so much fun!
    
    Thanks to all you noters--I've learned so much from all you, and feel
    so much better with your company.  On to volume 3!
    
    Adrienne
    

    Hi, I'm Sheila Huston and I am a software engineer over in Nashua.
    I have a 19 month old son, Christopher, and he will be a big brother
    next month!! (May 26th is the due date.) My husband also works for
    Digital here in Nashua. This notesfile has help us out with alot of 
    first time parenting questions, and I am looking forward to getting 
    help with the second one. 
    
    The people in here are very helpful and friendly, and it makes you
    feel like one big family!! It helps alot to know that other people
    are suffering through some of the same things you go through. 
    
    Thanks,
    
    Sheila
    

    I sort of semi introduced myself when I entered my first note last
    June.  My son was told he would need an ear tube operation and I had 
    heard negatives about this and was told not to rush into it.  By
    receiving feedback from those of you who had experienced it I felt much
    more at ease and went ahead with great results.  Only two minor
    infections since then.
    
    So who am I?  I work in Santa Clara as a Facilities Supervisor.  I
    started with Digital in 1981 in GIA Logistics then moved to Irvine and
    now in Santa Clara.  My husband used to work for Digital but was part
    of the last TSFO group when his department reorganized.  We have a
    wonderful 19 month boy, John who is a cutie but getting quite a temper
    when he does not get his way.  We hope to have another soon.  I hope
    to be able to add to this new notes file and help others as I have been
    helped.
    
    Michelle
    

Since I've been noting in this file for over 3 yrs, I guess it's
time I sign in.  

I'm Linda Johnson and I am a SW Engineer.  I recently started
working for the Quality Assurance Group in the NAS System
Management Organization in Marlboro, Mass.

I've been with DEC for about 8 yrs, I've been married for 5 yrs
and have a 2.5 yr old son, Steven (who according to him is a
*VERY* good boy, not NAUGHTY! Even when he colors on the furniture)

I feel like I know many of you so well.  It's great to have this 
wonderful resource at my fingertips.  Reading everyone's experiences 
sure has helped me in many ways.

Linda

    Hi,
    
    I'm Lori Barr and I'm a Temp. Secretary who at the moment is employed
    in Hudson, MA for the AFL group.  I have a 21 month old baby boy named
    Shane who is my pride and joy!
    
    This notes file helped me get through a tough pregnancy and hopefully
    it'll help me get through the terrible two's which Shane has started
    just a bit too early for me. :-)
    
    Looking forward to meeting more ::PARENTING noters in the future.
    
    Lori B.

    
    Hi,
    
    I'm Donna McPartlan.  I am a secretary in LKG.  I've only been married
    for 6 months, but I've been with my husband for 10 years and I'm
    feeling very maternal lately.  My husband doesn't seem as anxious as I
    do (to date) to have kids.  He wants them, but just not right away.
    
    Anyway, I'm really looking forward to discovering what parenting is
    really about...through all of you!
    
    donna

    Hi,
    
    I am Vickie Henmueller and I have been an avid reader since I was 
    pregnant with Katelyn (in 1990).  I am an Admin Secretary who is
    now looking for a job since our business is one of the unfortunate
    ones relocating to Mass.  I have four children with # 5 due August 1.
    (from two marriages - Ages 17, 15, 13, 19 mos.) All girls, but we found
    out from the amnio that this one is a boy.  Looking forward to the
    change but not sure what to expect so I'm sure I be looking for more 
    info from all of you.  
    
    Vickie 

    
    Christofer deHahn
    Electrical CAD Engineer Shrewsbury
    
    Our son Patrick is the center of our lives (now 14 months). He is
    profoundly hearing impaired so he requires a lot more work than many
    other children but all the work has been worth it. His communication
    skills are excellent and he hears well with his hearing aids.
    
    This is a great file.
    
    Chris
    CdH
    

    With a new volume, I feel I should re-introduce myself.
    
    I am Wendy Chang.  I am a software engineer in Marlboro, MA.
    My husband and I have been married for 9 years.  We have 2 kids,
    Eric (3.5) and Monica (1.5).  They are, of course, the center
    of our lives.
    
    I have been with this notes conference for about 4 years.  I
    truely enjoy it.  This is really a wonderful conference.
    
    Wendy
    

    (I hope I hop on this fast enough to get reply .13  :-}
    
    I'm Leslie Woolner, "elective single parent"; the biological clock
    started going off around 1980, and I kept hitting the Snooze, but I
    finally started trying to do something about it in '82 or so; Alexandra
    was born 1/19/85.  My favorite line about the whole situation is that
    it was the *best* decision I've ever made in my life, and arguably the
    *only* decision... :-)
    
    Maybe I'll start a note about ESPhood... it has problems and perks
    beyond regular single-parenthood, I think.
    
    Anyway, I'm the secretary for the Avnet Computer account group @UPO
    (Marlboro, MA), D296-4094, and my full PN is "Photographer is Fuzzy,
    Underdeveloped and Dense" (I'm too lazy to change or shorten it). 
    Lifetime member of Densa  *<|-)
    
    Leslie

    Hi, my name is Sasha Bailey I am an Admin. Secretary in Alpharetta.  I
    have a 2 1/2 year old boy name Bradford (Brad).  
    
    Looking forward to noting with you all.
    
    Sasha

    
    
    I've been a read-only noter for sometime now.  Guess it's time to
    come out into the open.  I'm Sharon Flatley, a software consultant
    in Marlboro, MA.  My husband also works for Digital in Hudson, MA.
    
    Our first child Ashley, is now 14 months old, and she brings us
    more joy than we could have ever imagined.
    
    I have found more help in this notesfile than I would have guessed...
    thank goodness for the pointers to Ferber....baby equipment, daycare,
    etc.
    
    Looking forward to learning more as I stay tuned!

    Hi,
    
    My name is Brenda Phillips.  I have been a read only noter as well,
    although without much time to read through very often.  I work out of
    Northern New Jersey.  I have been with DEC for almost 9 years, 7 of
    which were in the FSL/CSL group in Andover, MA.  Transferred down a
    year and a half ago because "it seemed like a good move".
    
    I am pregnant with my first, due October, and my husband and I are
    quite happy but have also never been more scared of anything in our
    lives.  Sooo many things to worry about before birth, soo many things
    to think about after the birth.  
    
    I guess my biggest concerns are Daycare (being away from family and
    friends it's not going to be easy), effect on finances, having to leave
    the baby at such an early age (probably 3 months) etc., etc., etc.
    
    I haven't read through the file yet, but according to responses I have
    read so far, it promises to be very informative and helpful.  I am open
    to advice!
    
    I think I've gone on long enough, anyone out there from the Northern NJ
    area, LET YOURSELF BE KNOW.
    
    Thanks
    

    I've been with DEC for ten years, married for five, and am nuts
    about Alex, who is a bit over two-and-a-half, and Susanna, who is
    just seven months.  The only way to improve them would be to add
    an "off" button.
    
    I've been putting my opinions and random trivia in one or another
    version of Parenting for years.
    
    		-John Bishop

    Most of you have become familiar with me during V3, but here
    goes a formal reintroduction:
    
    Monica Fett-Barney (known by maiden name at DEC)
    Software Support Specialist for OA products at the Canadian CSC
    
    Live in the suburbs of Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) with my husband Alan,
    who works as a software specialist (on Dec products) for the physics
    department of the local University.
    
    This conference has been supportive, enlightening, and very friendly.
    Its helped me through the grief of having lost our first child
    (who died in vitro at 33 weeks in March 1991) -- which is documented
    in V3 ("First Child Stillborn" note #987).
    
    We are now 4 weeks away from due with our second, and this conference
    is still an incredible support for me -- seeing as I am confident 
    and happy one moment and scared to death the next. 
    
    Thanks to all,
    Monica

    Hi, My name is Angie Zack.  I am a Customer Account Rep out of the
    Pittsburgh, PA office.
    
    I have been married to my husband Ron for 8 yrs.  He works in the
    Computing Sciences Department of a local university.
    
    We have two daughters Alicia Marie (4 yrs) and Jessica Anne (5 mos).
    They are the highlight of our lives. 
    
    I have been reading parenting since Alicia was born.  I look forward to
    this new version of parenting.
    
    Angie
    

    Well, I guess I'll introduce myself.  My name is Marie Hopkins and I'm
    a technician working in Tewksbury, Ma.
    I'm divorced and have two children.  My daughter Tina died 7 years ago of 
    Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 6 1/2 and of course in my opinion was the
    most special little girl who ever lived.  My son Kris is 19 and in
    the Air Force.  My favorite "job" is my volunteer work at Childrens
    Hospital in Boston.  That's where I now get my "kid fix" since I no
    longer have any at home.  I love it!  I get to snuggle babies and read
    to toddlers.  There isn't anything better in life than kids!!  Enjoy
    them while you can.  They grow up MUCH to quickly.
    

    Hi.  I'm Deb Wasserman.  I've been at DEC for 13 years, and am
    currently a software product manager in Database Systems Engineering in
    Nashua, NH.  My husband is also in the computer business, a long-ago
    ex-Deccie currently working at Interleaf.  We've been married for 12
    year, and have one wonderful son Marc, who's exactly 2 1/2 today and
    is changing much faster than we can keep up with lately :-)
    
    I really enjoy participating in this file, and feel as if I have a lot
    of friends here, even though I've never met most of you.

    
    Hi, my name is Chris Cunningham, and I have been with DEC for 8 yrs,
    working in the Design/drafting Dept of EMD&S here in Maynard. My
    husband Steve and I have been married for 1.5 yrs and together for
    almost 7rs. We have a 6 month old son Michael who is the sunshine of
    our lives. I can't imagine our lives without him.
    
    I have been reading this notesfile for about 1.5 years, and don't
    think I would of made it through my pregnancy without it! It has been
    such a great resource of information for me. And still is. I am have
    made some great friends, and am looking forward to reading more.
    
    PS.  If anyone is interested, I have talked to Cherie Dery, (she left
         a few months ago to stay home with Craig-7 mos) and she is doing
    	 great! In fact, they are here in MA for a visit this week, and 
         we plan on getting together to finally meet in PERSON after
    	 forming a 1 year friendship via VMS & telephone through this
         notesfile.  I can't wait to SEE her. ANd to see our boys together.
    

    Hi my name is Marianne Anderson.  I'm usually a read only person, but
    put in a word or two every now and then.  I work in Littleton in
    Transaction Processing, and my husband Russ works in NUO in Nashua.
    We've been married for 8 years and the center of our lives is our son
    Russell.  He's 19 months old and into *everything*.  
    
    This notesfile has been terrific!
    
    marianne

    I'm Judy Blachek, and try not to be a read-only person.  I work in ZKO
    in CUIP documentation, as an editor.  My husband, John Paolillo, also
    works in ZKO and is a writer for the same group.  (It's a big group, so
    we haven't had to worry about working together...)
    
    Our daughter Gina will be 2 on May 16.  She's quite charming, but I'll
    go to the "Let Me Tell You About My Kid" note for more details.
    
    This notesfile is such a great resource!  Plus, I've met some wonderful
    people who have enriched my life.
    
    Thanks,
    
    judy

    	I'm Wendy Thomas and it's probably time for me to formally
    introduce myself. I'm a course developer/instructional designer in DCD
    working at ZKO in Nashua NH. I started reading this file when I was
    trying to get pregnant and haven't stopped.

    	My husband (Marc Nozell) is a VMS engineer who also works at ZKO
    (that's where we met) and we have been married for all of 1 1/2 years
    now.

    	Our son, Spencer was born on October 01, 91, almost one year to the
    day after we got married. He is now 6.5 months old. Spencer has brought
    much joy to our lives and has us singing Sesame Street songs in the
    mornings and playing peek-a-boo in the evenings.

    				Wendy
        

     Hi! I'm Lisa Popp (pronounced Pope) and I've been with DEC around 
  5 years.  I'm a  Software Specialist and I work for the DECmessageQ 
  Engineering Group out of Rocky Hill, CT, but I'm based in Dallas.   
  I have a 2.5 year old girl named Tori with a second one on the way.
  My due date is Nov. 12.

    
    Hi, I'm Lisa Clendenin I work for the CIEC group in Chelmsford,
    (soon to be moving to Tay)  I'm a info systems specialist and
    have been with DEC for 10.5 years.  My husband also works for
    DEC in Northboro as a senior info sys spec.  We have been married 
    5 years in Sept.  Our daughter Emily is 10 mon's and is the sunshine 
    of our lives.  I can't remember life before her.  The parenting notes 
    has been a BIG help for us and I look forward to the new version of 
    parenting.

    
    I have been a mostly read-only noter here for about a year and a half.
    This notesfile is a lifesaver and has made me a much calmer parent
    simply because I know what to expect ahead of time. Everyone here is
    so supportive.
    
    I work in Reading,UK at DEC Park. I am part of the SPE group there
    (which used to be CSSE) My husband, Angus, also works for Digital at
    this site.  We have one child, a son named Iain Stewart who was born
    4 August 1991. We are all owned by 4 cats with whom we are allowed to
    share a house as long as we continue the mortgage payments and keep
    them in the style to which they have become accustomed!
    
    					Best Wishes to PARENTING V3
    
    					  LaDonna McDonald
    
    P.S. I can't *wait* for Monica Fett to have her baby!  My birthday is in 
         May too!
    		    L

    Hi..another read only noter entering in here.  My name is Paula Hubbs
    Cohen, my husband is Mark Cohen.  Our two year old daughter is Chelsea
    Hanna Cohen, and we are expecting our second child July 10.  Amnio says
    it's a boy...
    
    I am currently contracting part-time to Digital doing script writing,
    MarComm writing fr Decworld.  I've been doing this for several months
    now, but since Decworld is almost upon us, my job w/soon be over.  It's
    been great, since I have been able work at home a lot.  Mark works in
    the Banking group in Marlboro, and I've kept in touch w/this notes file
    through him since we were pregnant the first time, which unfortunately
    ended in a miscarriage in March of 89.  I plan to continue to keep in
    touch w/this file through Mark even after my work is completed and my
    account dies because it has truly been a great help to me/us.  I feel
    like I know so many of you personally, and really appreciate the
    experience/info from others.
    
    Bye for now,
    
    Paula

    Hi!
    
    My name is Lynne Strasenburgh and I work in ZKO in Nashua, NH. My
    husband, Paul and I have two sons. Eric will be 3 May 29th and Tyler
    will be 1 May 30. 
    
    I enjoy reading and writing in the Parents note file. This file has
    been very helpful.
    
    Thanks...   

    Hi,
    
    I'm usually read-only, but I've been entering a few notes lately so I
    guess I should introduce myself.
    
    I'm Susan Myers and I work at FXO as an ASIC Applications Engineer. 
    I've been with DEC almost 5 years.  My husband is also a EE, but not a
    DECCIE, you should hear our exciting dinner conversation 8^), we've been 
    married for 5 1/2 years and are expecting our first child May 17th
    (hubby's bday).  We're also owned by 2 dogs, Max and Natasha, who
    graciously allow us to live in their house, pay the mortgage and buy
    them kibble.
    
    This notes file has been really informative and I'm so glad I found it. 
    I look forward to reading about the next phase of parenting.

    Hi,
    
    I, too, am a mostly read only noter, but do reply now & then.  My name
    is Debby, I am a 26 year old single-mom of a beautiful girl who will be
    6 years old tomorrow --- Stephanie Maie Hively.  I can't belive that 6
    years ago, I was in Labor at this time (27 hours of labor -- mostly
    back labor).  I loved being pregant and enjoy being a parent -- it has
    its ups & downs, but it is fun;  I am looking forward to doing it all
    over again someday.
    
    It seems like each year that my daughter gets older it brings more joy. 
    She is now starting to read and she loves mathmatics (addition &
    subtraction) --- she amazes me with all her knowledge.
    
    Each day is a learning experience . . . .
    
    Debby
    

    Hi
    
    Another read only noter here.   I started reading this file in January
    1991 when my husband and I decided we were going to start trying to
    have a baby.  We'll be married for 5 years this July.  I've been with
    DEC for 4 years.  I work in Littleton, MA and live in Nashua, NH.  We
    bought our first home this past July so it's a perfect time to start
    a family.   I got off of the pill in May with the intention of trying
    to conceive after 3 months (since I had been on the pill for 10 years.
    4 1/2 months later I received the great news that I was pregnant!!!
    
    I'm now 5 months pregnant.  My husband John and I are extemely happy
    and excited.  Just went to the doctors yesterday and found out that
    I've only gained 7 lbs so far.   I'm phyched!!!
    
    20 weeks down, 20 to go!   Flutters are just starting to get stronger
    but still not what I'd call kicks.  I haven't been sick a day of this
    pregnancy.  
    
    Congradulations to all the new moms and all the new mom's-to-be!
    
    Pam

    Another read only noter, but hoping to participate more in the near 
    future.  I'm Karen Dowd, an Admin. Secretary at MSO1.  Been with DEC
    5 year.  My husband John and I have been together 9 years, married 5
    and we had our first child last November (11/24/91), a son, named
    Thomas Killian.  Of course he's the most wonderful thing thats ever
    happened to us and brings us so much joy.  Its hard to remember
    what life was like without him.  
    
    I loved being pregnant and love being a parent.  Its hard working,
    balancing daycare, etc., but this file is terrific.  I started
    reading about a year before I became pregnant.  Everyone is so
    supportive and the stuff I've learned is incredible.
    
    Looking forward to noting with everyone!
    
    Karen

Hi, 

My name is Sue Rubin, and I am a new mother of a four month old boy,
Joshua Collin.  I just found this conference, and after reading many replies, 
I thought it would provide me with much information.  I am looking forward to 
reading about what other parents do, and how they handle different situations.

I have been working for DEC for almost 5 years, and I am a Sales Support person 
located in Rocky Hill, Ct.

I look forward to learning many things from "Seasoned Veterans"!!


					---Sue.

    I am new to this conference and so far I enjoy it.  My name is Lisa
    Cozzens and I'm expecting my first baby in September, I hit the 20 week
    point with 20 weeks left.  I have gotten some useful information from
    this conference with hopes of getting lots more before I'm due. 
    
    I work at LKG as an administrative secretary for Networks Marketing and
    have been here, as a DEC employee for just over one year, and as a
    temp for two years prior. 
    
    Lisa

    Hi,
    
    My name is Linda Murphy. I have been working for DEC 6 years now, my 
    husband, Paul also works for DEC.  We have two beautiful daughters.  
    Lindsay is the youngest, 4 months old next week.  Misty is our other 
    daughter...a two year old black lab/shep mix.  I am learning alot from 
    this notes file and love being a mother! A nervous first time mother at 
    that!
    
    Thanx for all past and future advice!
    
    Linda
    

I'm Steve Resende, and I've been a PARENTING noter since I took over from 
my wife when she left Digital to become a full-time Mom, about 2-1/2 years 
now.

We have one son, Michael, whom we adopted when he was four days old.  He 
turned two in January, and we've enjoyed every single day of parenthood.  
It's such a shame that it's impossible to adequately describe the joys of 
being a daddy to someone who doesn't have children, but it's truly one of 
those things you have to experience for yourself.

Anyway, we're in the throes of the "terrible twos" now, although it hasn't 
been nearly as bad as we feared.  Yes, we have our occasional temper 
tantrums, but Pat and I can usually convince Michael to do what we need him 
to do without using brute force.  Funny, we're both believers in spanking, 
but we simply haven't found the need to hit Michael.  Other methods seem to 
be effective, so we use them.

Well, I can talk about my son forever, but this IS an introductory note so 
I'll shut up and give someone else a chance to talk...

Steve

    
    Just realized I never signed in...
    
    I'm Kristen Herndon and work in the Alpharetta facility in Georgia.
    I've been with DEC 11 years and a mom 3 1/2 months....I like the
    later the best!
    
    Mitch is the center of my husband and my lives and we love every
    minute of it.  Before he was born I would hear so many negative
    stories about 'being up all night', 'constant crying', etc...but 
    I love all of it and won't listen to anyone tell me something
    negative.  
    
    2 am breastfeedings were great...I felt so needed!  Since
    7 weeks he's been sleeping 10 hrs a night...so that was short lived!
    
    That old myth if you are nervous while pregnant you'll have a
    fussy baby is wrong!  He never fusses and is so happy all the time
    and I don't think a woman could have been more nervous while pregnant
    than me!
    
    I appreciate all the help and support everyone gives each other
    in this file and some of you know...I've needed it!
    
    Looking forward to contributing more and receiving more advice.
    
    thanks,
    
    Kristen
                                                        

    Hello!
    
    My name is Sharon Moriarty and I am Exec. Sec. in MRO3.  I've been with
    DEC about 5.5 years.  It seems that after reading many of these
    introductions, I have one of the few husbands who doesn't work for DEC!  
    
    I'm usually a read only person as well.  I'm due with our first child
    in June so I don't really have any words of wisdom to provide yet.  I
    have this file to be of great help already!
    
    I can't wait 'till this baby is born!
    

    Hi.   I am another mostly read-only noter!  My name is Lila Whitmore.
    I work in the CSC in Colorado in the afterhours support group.  I've
    been with DEC 11 years.  My husband also works for DEC in Remote 
    Support.   Our son, Matthew Jacob, is 18 months.  I love this notes
    file and only wish that I had found it earlier (like when I was trying
    to cope with a colicky baby!!)   I was/am definitely a nervous
    first-time mom and it's nice to read the advice of fellow noters as
    well as all of the support everyone offers to each other!   Looking
    forward to reading and contributing to this notesfile!!!!!!
    
    

    Hello,
    
    I'm a first-time PARENTING reader, though my wife was a moderator at
    one time.  My name is Gary Heffelfinger and I've been a DEC employee
    for all of 3 weeks now.  I'm a software specialist with the Pathworks
    CSC at the Alpharetta GA facility.  I've been a devoted daddy to
    Kathryn Leigh (Katie) for almost 3 years now.  (It hardly seems possible.)
    
    Katie was a good baby.  We were extemely lucky.  She slept through the
    night at about 2 months and has been doing so ever since.  (Well, at
    least for the most part.)  She's been potty trained for a good long
    time now, though we still have the odd wet bed, when she's really tired
    or has had a bit too much juice before bed time. :-)
    
    Katie spent her first 2 months of life at home with Mommy, and then
    Daddy took over.  I took a 3 month leave of absence to be with her.  
    Fortunately, my employer was very flexible, and cooperative.  I met
    with no resistance even though there was no official paternity leave
    policy.  It was a wonderful experience and I'm thankful that we were
    able to afford to do it.  I say all of this not to blow my own horn,
    but to encourage and support any other men out there who're interested
    in "bonding" with their newborn children.   Take a month or 2.  If you
    can't do that, take a week or 2.  You won't regret it.  I like to think
    that my good relationship with Katie is a direct result of those early
    days.
    
    -Gary
         

	I used to spend a lot of time in PARENTING 2 or 3 years ago, but
have been out of it for a while.  I am Frank Foster, and I work in
the Cincinnati office.  Prior to that I worked in Bedford, MA, and before
that in Landover, MD.

	My wife, Vicki, and I have two kids, Robbie, who just turned 8,
and is in second grade, and Maggie, who is 4 1/2 and in preschool.  We
also have two big dogs, Molson and Pauli.  At various times, we have had
fish and a hamster as well.  Robbie wants to be a zookeeper when he
grows up and he's practicing now (you should see his room :-) ).

	You'll hear more about them as time goes on, I'm sure.

Frank

    Hi my name is Sheila Taylor.  I am an Admin Sec in Alpharetta.  I have
    a 10 week old little girl, Tiffany. 
    
    Looking forward to noting with you all!!
    

    Hello,
    
    My name is Steve Baker, I work at ZSO as Facilities Coordinator and
    have been with DEC for 5 years next month (hello vacation).  Any way I
    have a 22 month old daughter named Aliya Rae, and have another (?) due
    in October/November.  I hope to get a lot of good info out of this and
    maybe even give a little.
    
    Cheers

    Hi, 
    	I've been in this file for a couple of years now and have never 
    officially introduced myself so here goes....
    	I'm Malinda Reeves and I currently work for Education & Training 
    in Colorado Springs. 
    	I have a 2.5 year old son named Shayne who has turned out to be the 
    ABSOLUTE light of my life. (this coming from a woman who was sure she 
    never wanted children!!)
    	I have learned so much from this file and would like to thank all 
    of the noters for their great advice and anedotes...
    

    Since I've been with this conference a few years now, mostly read,
    it's time also for me to sign in.
    I'm Jennie Boucher and have been with DEC for 15 years now.  My husband
    also works at DEC and he has 15 years as well.  I currently work within
    the IMT community in the ICS group (info & common sw) as a princ. info.
    sys. spec.
    
    I have a 10 year old son, Richie, and a 2 1/2 yr old daughter, Jordan.
    The difference in age was almost intentional (not 7 years tho..4 would
    have been nice) but it does have its advantages. Richie is a big help.
    
    I work part-time and try to stay up to date with this conference as
    much as I can.  It has been a great source of info and although, I
    am read mostly, I do write on occasion.  

	I'm Lisa Doerfler.  I'm a project specialist for a high-level
	technical sales support group here in Palo Alto, California.

	My husband Doug and I were married in September, I went off
	the pill in December and we just recently started trying to
	conceive -- and I mean recently!  We did practice a bit first
	by raising a kitten -- but now (after just 7 months) he's grown,
	out of the house, and pursuing a career as a bird catcher!

	This will be our first baby and we're very very excited/nervous,
	so I'm looking forward to all kinds of motherly advice!

	I'm Bob Carlin and I work in CIS SE at PKO as a Info Specialist. I'm
   a read only noter for the most part; unless I see something that strikes
   my fancy or nerve.

	I have three sons who are 16, 11 and almost 9. They act like they're
   35, 40 and almost 9. I also have an extended family of six other children
   who are at my house daily. I'm an approved assistant for my wife's daycare
   business ( not looking for business - she's full ). I've been on both sides
   of day care receiving and providing day care; and know alot on the topic.
   We're both licensed and attend various training sessions offered by the
   Office for Children and other organizations/groups within the state.

	Being a parent is fun and a challenge. It's like the New England
   weather. If you wait a minute it will change for the better; hopefully not 
   the worse. I'm now a graying father. Teenager has a drivers permit and I
   get to drive a car when I go to work. Otherwise I get to ride in the
   passenger's seat.

	Its rewarding and its frustrating but its too good to give up.

   Be seeing you

Hi I'm Dick Schoeller.  I'm a Software Principal Engineer doing OOTB project
leading and development in the Motif group.

I've been a mostly a read only participant since our daughter, Melissa, was born
(1 Jun 1990).  She is, of course, in charge of our household (even if we don't
admit it to her).  Around our house we especially enjoy tickling, Pongo (aka.
_101_Dalmations_) and singing such hits as "Bettelman's Hochzeit" and "Backe,
Backe Kuchen".  The last may only be familiar to the German speaking noters.
Melissa has learned to respond "NO!" to all questions and requests in both
German and English 8^{)0.

Dick

	I thought I was signed in, but in any case I'm Holly Spencer.
I work in Network Systems engineering in Littleton, working on DECnet/OSI.

	I have two sons, Brian (9) and Taylor (2).  I have discovered
many of the agonies of parenthood, and a few of the joys.  I wish to
hang a sign on my door "Gepetto's Toys" for the many miraculous repair
jobs I've accomplished on same.  This replaces the original sign,
"Earth Mother" for all the bounty I created of my self.

	Actually, at this point I need a sign "Gone To Find Myself". 
I'm nearly gone as it is, with not enough hours in the day, or time
to bike around, or dig in my garden, or read books about people my size, 
or just be sane and dignified.  Must be one of those days.

    
    Hello,  my name is Alice Howell-Walters and my husbands name is Colin
    Walters, and we both work for Digital.  We have a wonderful son name
    Evan Howell Walters, he is 13 months old and has a cheerful and loving
    personality.
    
    I haven't contributed much to this conference; considering this is my
    first child and I could use all the information that I can get.  Thanks
    for all the advise, and I enjoy reading about all the children in this
    conference.   I get lots of laughs and smiles.
    
    Alice

    Hi, my name is Donna Micozzi. I am a technical writer in the LANBU
    group in Littleton. My husband Joe is a software engineer in the
    MSU group in Stow.
    
    This notes files has been a god send. It has helped me through three
    miscarriages and the birth of Marisa (22-June-90). We are about to
    get on the roller coaster again. You are most likely to find me in
    notes about infertility, daycare, and THE TERRIBLE TWOs!

	Hi !  I'm back after quite a long "withdrawal" from notes due to
	work and home schedule and still catching up !!!  

	To recap and update my intro from the previous version, my name
	is Debbi Jancaitis, but most folks in the workplace refer to me
	as "Debbi J", so that's how you'll see my signature in notes.
	I've worked at DEC for almost 11 years now, 10 years within
	the Manufacturing Order Admin side of the world; now I'm over
	on the Customer Admin Services side !  Between work, renovations
	that have just been completed on the house and homelife, things
	have been hopping !

	I have an already-7-1/2-years-old son (can't BELIEVE how time flies !!)
	who's the love of my life.  As Leslie put it, I'm also an
	"ESP" (elective single parent) who decided that I was tired of
	waiting for the "right man" to come along and wasn't about to
	lose my chance of having child(ren).  Matt's the only one but
	I couldn't ask for a better son !!!!!!!!!!!!

	Our "other children" include 3 dogs (mine, my housemate's and
	one we *share*), my housemate's 14-yr-old cat, and my newest
	"baby"-a 7&1/2-week-old kitten.  So far, having the dogs get used
	to the kitten has been a challenge, but we've only had him
	1-1/2 weeks so far !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

	Back to read-only while I get caught up but then hope to get back
	to read/write again !!!!!!!!!1

	Debbi J

    Hi gang,
    
    Bonnie Randall Schutzman, dropping by intermittently for advice
    and support . . . I'm in ASPE (formerly CSSE) now, Neil's still
    working on CDD.  Three kids, Kat 18; Steven 8, David 2.5.  Still
    writing on my own time...
    
    --bonnie

    Bonnie's note reminded me to re-introduce myself. I work part
    time as a tech writer, splitting my time between Maynard and 
    Hudson, Mass. I've been at Digital since 1984 with a total of
    13 months off for parenting leave since then. 
    
    My kids are Daniel, a swaggering 4.5-year-old, and Charlotte,
    almost 11 months and about to walk...such energy!
    
    My husband and I both work part time in order to have at least 
    one parent at home as much as possible.
    
    Lucy

	I have been a (for the most part) silent reader of this great 
	Notes conference for a long time, and thought it is high time
	for me to sign in, and also thank you all for all good and useful
	information and advice I've found in here.

	I have learned a lot through this conference, and I do hope to learn
	more and maybe also be able to contribute to some topics too.

	I now have only 2 days left before I go out on maternety leave, 
	our firstborn baby is due in about 2 weeks. I hope that I will
	have those two weeks to get ready, since we bought a house/moved
	only 3 weeks ago - and there are still (believe it or not) some
	things that need organising/unpacking.

	Good Luck to all you summer-moms-to-be, lets hope for weather that are
	kind to our ankles!

	/Malin Goodwin
		 
	

    I guess it's time for "old timers" to log in again.
    
    I read this conference faithfully every day and have taken a lot of
    great information home with me.  Every now and then I even reply to a
    note or two.
    
    Our family lives in Litchfield, NH. I am the mother of 4 children and 
    work in Merrimack full-time.  Husband Brian is a tremendous help.  He
    is a mailman who works from early morning hours til mid afternoon. I do
    the morning shift, he is the after school taxi.  
    
    I have also been a Discovery Toys consultant for the last 3.5 years. At
    first it was in self-defense, because I wanted all the toys for our
    kids, but now I am just adicted.
    
    Will introduce the kids next.
    
    Donna

    Hello,
    
    I'm Judith Ambler (married to Tony for 11 years) and work as an FM 
    Consultant in Basingstoke (UK). 
    
    I started reading this file when I was pregnant but since the arrival of
    Rosalind and James on 2nd May last year I seem to have become far more
    sporadic in my following of the notes files. In fact I can't really
    explain how thirteen months has evaporated so fast.
    
    If anyone out there has/is expecting twins or more I'm always delighted
    to have the opportunity to exchange anecdotes.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Judith
    
    

Here's another "old timer" checking in.  I'm Norma Frye, Operations 
Manager of the Digital Video Network, based in Marlboro (MRO3).  I 
have been noting in this file since my daughter was an infant and she 
is now approaching 9!  I can't quite beleive it....  I especially 
remember asking about toddler frustration resulting in head banging, 
and entering my sister's recommendation on getting a toddler to let 
you brush his teeth by "hunting for chickens".  I also remember the 
support I got for my VBAC when Brian was born - 5 years ago this 
month.

Life has been a little nuts over the past year with my entire organi-
zation being outsourced so I don't get to write very much.  I do try 
to read at least once a week or so because I have always learned so 
much here.

Talk to you soon, friends.
Norma
  

    Greetings,
    
    	My name is Ron Matthews and I'm an Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
    engineer wroking in Marlboro at "the Bubble" behind MRO1.
    
    	I'm originally from Vermont and miss it terribly.  You know the old
    saying, "You can take the boy out of the country but your can't take
    the country out of the boy".  Well, that's me.
    
    	I presently live in Lowell, MA with my wife of 14 years, my 11 year
    old son, my 9 year old daughter, and a very stupid cocker spaniel.
    
    	My interests are martial arts, music, Eastern Philosophy and
    comparative religion (not necessarily in that order).
    
    	I look forward to noting with all of you.
    
    
    				Regards,
    				Ron Matthews

    Was that your spaniel I almost ran over with my motorcycle yesterday???
    
    :^)
    Chris D.

    Mike Philbrook, Publications Consultant in IDC, Merrimack, have been 
    with DEC since 1980.
    
    My wife TFSO'd in April '91 -- a 13 year veteran of the company, she
    last worked for Database Marketing in Nashua. She started her 14th week 
    today -- our first. Due date is Christmas day.
    
    Mike
    

       <<< Note 10.63 by HYEND::C_DENOPOULOS "WHO.....MADE.....YOU!!!" >>>

>    Was that your spaniel I almost ran over with my motorcycle yesterday???
    
Almost doesn't count.  ;')  Actually, he's kept in a pen (like the pig he 
is) so he can't usually get into the road.

Ron

    
    
    	I'm Justine McEvoy Snow, and I work for the SOFTbase group in 
    	Marlboro, Ma.  I've been a mostly read-only noter throughout
    	my pregnancy, and LOVED hearing about other people's pregnancies,
    	deliveries, trials and tribulations!  Now I'll be reading about
    	teething, walking, talking, etc!
    
    	My daughter, Callan, is 3 months old, and, except for returning to
    	work, I've never been happier!  
    
    	Justine

Hi There

My name is Sue Skonetski, I work in Merrimack as a project Spec. I have
been married for 15 years to Steve Skonetski who works at DEC in ZKO.  Ater
4 miscarriages we had a daughter Amanda Leigh born May 25 1989.  Our lives
have changed in so many ways.

sue

    Hello!
    	I'm Renee Cyr, I work 22 hours a week here in Maynard.  I'm
    a software engineer.  I've got a two year old son, Christopher.
    I do more reading than writing in this notes file.  I LOVE it!
    
    

    
    Hi Folks,
    
    	Well, I'm VERY new to this conference, since I just learned about 2
    weeks ago, that hey, I'm going to be a daddy!
    
    Well, let's get the bio stuff done...
    
    I'm Steve Santinelli, and I work for the ASD group @zko.  My wife
    Patricia, doesn't work for DEC, she works for a Vetrinarian in Milford,
    NH.  We are currently living in Manchester, NH.
    
    We were married on May 9th, 1992, and although we weren't quite ready
    to have a child, we both knew we wanted one really bad.  1 cat and 2
    kittens weren't cutting it for noise level around the apartment, so,
    We are now pregnant!
    
    I do also want to thank everyone in this conference.  I've been reading
    through it for the last week, and I've gotten a ton of information out
    of here.  It is very scary having your first child, especially with all
    the problems my wife has had.  It is really hard not knowing what will
    be happening next.
    
    Thanks for a great conference!
    
    
    				sms

Hello again - Pat Koczwara here.  

I think this is my third time introdrucing myself in Parenting. I found 
this notesfile just over 5 years ago when I was pregnant with my first son Kevin.

I work in the U.S. Sales IM&T Technology Group in MRO3 as an IM&T Consultant.
Been with DEC for just over ten years. As I mentioned earlier I'm a second 
generation MIS person. Grew up around computer cards, IBM templates etc. Dad 
(Paul Corcoran) worked for DEC until this past May when he SERPed. I had two 
years seniority on him at DEC though.

The family includes my husband Marc, NonDecie, two GREAT little boys, Kevin 5 
going on 25 years old and Mike 1 years old. In addition, my orginal two babies
Mickey and Molson, golden/yellow labs eight years old. We live in Milford, Ma.
acouple miles from where the Boston Marathon starts. 

I'll be popping in out from time to time. I enjoy this notes file.

See you in Parenting,

Pat K 

    Hello!!
    
    I never introduced myself in the last Parenting, when I found the
    file I was pregnant, and was a read only noter.  My name is Angie
    Geiger, and I work in the CSG at the Atlanta CSC.  My husband is
    David, he's a builder, I have a stepdaughter- Katie, age 8. She
    doesn't live with us, but we see/have her alot.  I have a new son-
    Nicholas, who is almost 7mo now.  I have 1 female black lab, her
    son, a yellow lab, he's only 10wks (and has a broken leg right now!),
    and a cat.
    
    When our dog got pregnant, Katie begged for us to keep one of the
    puppies, and my husband agreed, knowing that _I_ would be the one to
    take care of it.  I was doubting my ability to cope!  But after
    the puppy fell off the deck this week and broke his leg, and he has
    to stay confined and not walk on it (difficult for an adult dog, much
    less a puppy), I am seriously doubting my sanity and my ability to
    control certain aspects of my life.  Oh well, this too shall pass 8-)
    
    Angie Geiger @ALF

    Hi!
    
    My name is Barbara Nault and I work in the Banking/Investments Business
    Unit in Engineering - Marlboro, MA.
    
    My husband and I are expecting our 1st little one January 30th!
    
    I'm so happy to find this notefile.  It is the most active I have ever
    seen - and extremely informative!  Thanks for all of the valuable
    information and experiences shared.  I'm looking forward to learning
    more about parenthood!

    Hi.
    
    My name is Carol McGrath.  I work in Ferney-Voltaire as does my
    husband John McGrath.  Our son (first) Sean is 7 months old.
    
    I have gotten some great advice out of this notes file since I
    found it a month ago!
    
    Cheers,
    
     Carol

    Hi,
    
      My name is Scott Neil I work in South Queensferry in Scotland.
    
     My wife gave birth to 2 daughter on 23rd of may,Our first children.I
    have found the twins notes very helpful.
    
    SCott

    Hello!
    
    My name is Melinda Long and I work in Nashua (ZKO) as an editor. My
    husband Dana (he works as software engineer at Polaroid) and I 
    are expecting our first child in mid-December.
    
    It seems that everyone in my family wants to know the sex of this child
    except me!
    
    Melinda 
     

    
    
    Hi,
    
    
    	My name is Jim Sadin and I work in HLO in FAB4. I have two
    children, a son (David) and a daughter (Amanda). I'm 23 and my wife
    Lisa is 21.....(we started early!) :)
    
    
    					cheers,
    
    					jim s.

    HELLO EVERYONE
    
    This is my first time writing, but I sure have enjoyed reading about
    everyone. I have been with DEC for six years, I am a project specialist
    with the PJMO Group in Greenbelt MD at COP.
    
    I am married and I have a 15.5 year old daughter Nycole.  And she is
    the apple of my eye.  Each and everyday I  thank God that I am blessed
    with her.  I always wanted a large family, but things happened out of
    my control and I was unable to have any more children.  Nycole is a
    very wonderful child and my husband and I enjoy life so much with her.
    Alittle scary at this age but I do remember what it was like and it
    makes things easier and talks more enjoyable.
    
    I am looking forward to reading the rest of the notes and enjoy all of the
    input. Hope everyone has a nice day.
    
    Trisha

    Hello.  My name is Kathy Schlickenmaier.  I am an admin secretary at
    COP in Greenbelt, Maryland.  I have two boys, Alex -- 4 years old and
    Noah -- 4 months old.  I haven't responded to any PARENTING notes yet
    but I look forward to it!
    
    I returned from a 3 month leave after giving birth to Noah and it has
    definitely been fast paced ever since.  Both of my boys are in a day
    care setting about 10 minutes from work.  It is hectic but manageable
    so far.  Mornings are fast and furious!!
    
    I must admit I now greatly admire single parents; I don't know what I
    would do without the help of my husband Phil.  Anybody who is going it
    alone... hang in there!
    
    Looking forward to reading interesting notes,
    
    Kathy

    Hello...
    
    My name is Julie Plourde and I currently work in TNSG in the
    Systems Quality Operations & Information Svs. group (SQOIS) in
    Hudson, NH.
    
    My hubby (Ron), who also works at DEC in the IDC group, and I
    are expecting our first child sometime around April 27th.  I 
    am thrilled that this notes file exists...especially with the
    fact that we will be first-time parents and have a lot of
    questions.
    
    I have my first ultrasound tomorrow and am very excited/nervous/
    anxious to see that everything is progressing as it should be.
    
    I've been reading this notes file for a while (ever since we 
    decided to start a family) and have found the information in
    here very informative and insightful!  Thanks for your openness.
    
    Julie 
    
    

    Hi...
    
    My name is Yvonne (Von) Monger and I work in the new products materials
    group in Colorado Springs.
    
    My husband Bryan, who is a truck driver/furniture hauler, and I are
    very proud parents of a 22 month old son, Justin, who is the absolutely
    the light of my life...especially with Bryan gone so much.  We are 
    expecting our second child (sex unknown, we like it that way...it's fun to 
    guess and the surprise at the end is great!) in mid December.  For some 
    reason I don't think we'll last that long, but that's the E.T.A. for now.  
    
    I have really enjoyed all of the notes I have been able to read thus
    far, just found this notes file about a month ago.  Having a close to
    2 year old (though I try not to think of them as terrible, just trying
    and an incredible learning experience on both our parts), I have a 
    tendency to look at those first.  I put in my first response about a
    week ago...I hope not to be a read only noter, but that may take some 
    time...right now I'm enjoying all of the advice.
    
    Looking forward to keeping up on this great file and chatting with all
    of you...........
    
    Von

    
    My name is Rivka,and as far as I can see I am the only noter from
    Israel (active more or less...)
    I am married to Rami,and a VEEEERRRRRYYYYYY proud mother of 10 months
    old Yahli. She is a very active blond/blue-eyed (those who know me-a         
    dark hair/brown-eyed,often wonder...) baby,who spend most of the day
    just being happy. No wonder I panic when she cries...                    
    We often joke about her bringing the rain (after 3,4 years of very few
    rainy days-the night she was born it started raining and didn't stop         
    for quite a few weeks,with 2 or 3 snow storms which is quite rare out
    here!)
    Now we are expecting our second (late March) and since the weather
    people say this year is going to be the same weather wise we say that
    this baby is going to bring back the sun...
    About this notes file-I guess I am not going to be original by saying
    how much it helps me. New ideas,but mostly by seeing that "I'm not           
    alone" in some areas.

    off I go now (Friday is a short day here..)
    For our Jewish noters-and for all the rest (it never hurts..) 
    HAVE A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!!!
    Shana Tova (that's a happy year in Hebrew)
    Rivka
     

    I'm Aston Chan, a Software Engineer in Westford, Mass.  I'm supporting
    DECterm.
    
    I've just got a 2 days old baby girl.  This is our first.
    
    My daughter's name is Alison, she is very cute and lovely.  I think I
    have a lot to learn to cope with her fuzzy temper.  She screamed all
    night :-(
    
    I'm sure I need a lot of help from this conference.
    
    Take care.
    
    -Aston

    on the birth of baby Alison.
    
    Laura
    for everyone

    
    I'm Barbara Walker and I am a Software Engineer in Marlboro for 
    eAn (Electronic Application Network.) I am due with my first child on 
    April 24th or April 26th. It depends whether you use the big shiney 
    wheel the doctor uses or the small white one the nurse uses.
    
    

    Greetings!  My name is Mo Horton.  I work out of the Cleveland, OH
    office as a sales professional.
    
    On June 20th I gave birth (naturally, and I'm so happy I was able to do
    so) to twin boys, Devon (7lbs, 1oz) and Duane (6lbs, 14oz).
    
    During my pregnancy I was happy to read here about such things as the
    amniocentesis process and daycare alternatives.  You guys helped me
    make more informed, and I think, better decisions.  Thanks.
    
    I'm looking forward to contributing to this notes file.

    Hi there!
    
    I'm Alex, mother of an 18 month old daughter, Emily, and I'm based in
    the Leeds office, England.  I work fulltime at Digital and Emily is
    cared for by my parents Mon-Wed and by a local private nursery
    Thurs-Fri.  This suits her well and she is thriving (but her Mum would
    like to spend more time with her!).  Emily is a very healthy, active (&
    I'm told)- intelligent child.  The only problem we have is getting her
    to go to bed at night!
    
    I'd be happy to hear from & correspond with parents with kids of a
    similar age. 

    
    Hello Parents:
    
    	You first heard of me in note 12.44, when Monica announced the
    birth of my son....
    	I've been reading PARENTING since I was pregnant with my first
    child, and now I am just returning from my 2nd maternity leave.
    I read my notes in batch so I'm a "day behind" ....but I resolve in 
    1993 to offer my .02 (CDN) whenever it's appropriate!
    
    	My name is Candace Stewart. I'm a software specialist with the VMS
    support team at the Canadian Customer Support centre.  My husband,
    John Nightingale is a senior system manager (VMS) for Cognos Inc. (the
    Powerhouse people).    We have two children, Paris, 2.5 years and Evan, 
    0.5 years.  
    
    Happy New Year.	
     
    	
    
    

    Hello,

    My name is Alison McNamara and I work in the T&N Publications group in
    Reading, UK.

    I am expecting my first child at the end of June.  I have enjoyed reading
    this notesfile during the months when I knew and was excited, but was not
    ready for other people to know.  Now I'm delighted to declare myself!

    I am at 16 weeks now (24 to go!), and this week I finally believed it
    when I heard the heartbeat at the doctor's on Monday and started to feel
    flutters over the last couple of days.

    Hi,
    
    Count me among the group of read-only noters who have gained much
    needed advice and wisdom from this file!
    
    My name is Julie Palmason, and I am a Marketing Programs Manager in
    the Services organization.  I have been with Digital for almost 10
    years.
    
    I have a 27 month old, Erik, and an 8 month old, Hilary.  Life is
    certainly hectic, but it does get easier each month.  My one wish right
    now is for **one** morning to be able to sleep until **I** want to wake
    up, no alarm clock, no wet kiss, no stuffed animal in my face.  Sigh,
    someday...

    
    
    HI I'm Simon Maufe and the wife and I had twin girls Heather and Billie
    4 1/2 months ago. Lots of people habve recommeded this file to me and
    I've finally found the time to get in here and look around.
    
    I'm bound to be reading and writing on twins, I can't wait until they
    play with each other. Just last week I bought a whole bunch of new toys
    as their current ones were driving me nuts 8-)
    
    Simon

    to Simon Maufe and his wife on the birth of Heather and Billie.
    
    Sounds like you've got a handful.  I'm sure you'll contribute lots to
    our twins discussions.
    
    L
    

    Hi,
    
    	I'm Andrea Drury, an Admin. Secretary working at the Eastern States
    Training Center in Maynard, MA.  I have a beautiful 12 week old baby
    girl, Melissa Kristine.  I was always a read only noter, but I have
    started to write and reply since my daughter has entered the world. 
    No one ever told me, or I never truly understood, exactly how much you
    could love one little person.  I thank God everyday for her.
    
    Andrea

    
    welcome to the notesfile Andrea. You sound like you're like me, in a
    trance most of the day wondering what the kid(s) are doing. I'm
    normally in a daydream here at work wishing I was playing with their
    toes and stuff.
    
    Alice (my better half) just played a cruel trick and called and left
    Billie gurgling in my voicemail. Sniff Sniff!
    
    Simon

    
    As I have been reading this file for about 18 months now, I think it's
    time to introduce myself!!
    
    I'm Celia (seals) Marsh and I'm a principal technical writer for the 
    Networks group in Reading, England.  Dave (my partner) also works for
    Digital. We have a wonderful daughter called Rebecca who was born on
    April 29th last year. It's difficult to believe that Rebecca is almost
    9 months old. Rebecca is cared for in the Digital Creche while Mummy 
    and Daddy work.
    
    Rebecca was a transverse breech, so I had a planned C-section for her
    birth. I'm interested in finding out how other mothers have recovered
    from the op. I did manage an aerobics class at 7 weeks, but had to slow
    down a bit once I returned to work full-time when Rebecca was 11 weeks. 
    I'm still breast-feeding Rebecca which is good for both of us. 
    
    Guess we have some major milestones soon - first tooth, first real
    talking and first steps!! Gosh, they grow so fast :-)
    
      

    
    
    
    Since I've been a read only noter for the past 6 years, I think that I
    will introduce myself.
    
    
    I'm Laurie O'Shaughnessy, and I work at HLO in Hudson, Ma. my Husband
    Matthew works in SHR in Shrewsbury, Ma.  We have two children Ryan
    (8) from a previous marriage and Robert (11 weeks).  I just put in the 
    birth announcement for Robert, so I thought that I would take the time to
    introduce myself and my family.
    
    

I have a bad habit of putting off my intro in this file.  Since I'm a
moderator, I guess I should get this in while I'm thinking of it.  :-}

I'm Carol duBois, a Systems Support Specialist on the Language Support Team 
and the DECwindows team at the Customer Support Center in Colorado Springs. 
I currently support DECWindows/Motif.  In the past I have supported C, FORTRAN,
PASCAL, GKS, and a variety of other products.  I've been working here about
9 years.

I've been involved in this file for many years, learning what I could before
embarking on the great voyage of Parenthood.  It took me about a year to 
get pregnant, which I did through artificial/alternate insemination with
an anonymous donor.  Seems my spouse has a very low sperm count... she's a
woman.  :-) 

My spouse, Michele/Shellie duBois, and I have been together for 8 years. 
On March 11, 1988, I gave birth to our first child, Evan, after about a 30 hour
labor. He is now a happy, healthy 4 (nearly 5!) year old, who loves playing
with MicroMachines, walking on pillows, and who for the last eight months has 
been making detailed plans for his 5th birthday.  :-)  He likes Robin Hood and 
Peter Pan, Mario on the Nintendo, animals, balloons, books, and eating snow.

On October 9, 1992, Shellie gave birth to our second son, Justin.   The labor
lasted 2 days(!) during which they sent us home once from the hospital and
nearly sent us home a second time.  :-}  As I write this, Justin is nearly 
4 months old, rolled over for the first time at the doctor's office, smiles a
lot, and adores his big brother (the feeling is mutual). 

For us, it is really interesting to be able to experience pregnancy and 
parenthood as both the pregnant parent and the non-pregnant parent.  I now
understand first-hand some of the feelings of being "left out" that fathers
often feel.  I also felt pretty powerless in Shellie's pregnancy, since nothing
I ate or drank or did made a direct difference to how the embryo/fetus
developed. It was a really different experience from the last pregnancy.

After the birth, it has been likewise different, as Shellie is breastfeeding
Justin (as I breastfed Evan) and so she has more ability to comfort Justin
than I do.  I had assumed things would be as easy for me with Justin as it was
for me with Evan, but Justin has informed me that I'm fine, but "she's got the
goods."  :-)  This was especially hard for several weeks because Justin hated
artificial nipples, so if Shellie was away from the house and I was taking care
of Justin, he would cry a lot for her breast.  As Justin has taken more to
bottles, this is now less of a problem. 

To our children, I am "Mama" and Shellie is "Mumsy".  We wanted to choose
names that would both be identified as "mother" names, but Shellie thought
the other U.S. names were too similar to the sound of "Mama" so she
went with a British variation.  Evan also uses "Mommy" as a generic call
to whomever might be available.

I want to thank you all for the help you have given me here.  I have learned 
*so* *much* from you all, and made some very nice friends here, to boot!  

           Carol  :-)

    My original introduction is in note 10.3 as KAOFS::S_BROOK.  The astute
    will have noticed that my recent musings in this and other files show
    me as CSC32::S_BROOK ... and realize that these two nodes are not in
    the same place!
    
    
    Well, things have changed a bit in the Brook family.  I am now working
    with the PDP-11 Software Engineering and Support team in Colorado. 
    We are trying to sell our house in Kanata and the family is still
    there while I'm working part time in Colorado and part time out of
    Canada.  I had the privilege of driving across the country twice now.
    All I can say is, as it says in one of John Denver's songs ...
    "It's a long way from this place to Denver"!!! (1900 miles more or
    less!)
    
    We hope that soon we'll have our house sold and all be down in the 
    mountains!
    
    Stuart

    
    Hi,
    
    I've been reading this file for about a month and have found it
    extremely helpful and interesting.  Since I just wrote my first
    response, I thought I should introduce myself.  I'm Martina Conlon and
    I'm a software consultant for the Cross-Industry PSC (formerly an EIC). 
    I'm due with my first child on April 2nd, and have found the advice and
    information here invaluable! 

    OK, so I'll continue the trend of the "oldies" who are finally signing
    in.
    
    I'm Lyn Tripp, I'm a DECtag Admin Sec.  I work out of the general
    Marlboro area, it was AKO a good part of last year.  I've been
    "tagging" for about 10 years, more by choice than anything else.  
    My husband is Jon (Jonathan Tripp) who works as a safety engineer for 
    Environmental Health and Safety out of the Mill, and greater Maynard Area, 
    and was in Northboro and Marlboro until a few months ago.
    
    We have an extremely active son AJ, (Andrew Jonathan) who was 6 on
    January 2.  He keeps us busy with oh so many questions.  Many of you
    have read my notes in both this version and the previous version.  AJ
    was born several weeks premature, has had over a dozen surgeries to
    correct several bowel and bladder defects, and now is borderline
    hyperactive, and has asthma.  The defects are hopefully a thing of the
    past.  He has been tested by the school system, and we are proud that
    he has tested intellectually at aprox 1.5 years ahead of his age.
    Not bad considering he weighed a little under 5 pounds a birth, and had
    his first surgery at 12 hours old.  He is now 40+inches tall,
    50+pounds, and is at last count was in the 75percentile.  He has most
    definitely given his parents, and grandparents a good number of grey
    hairs!!
           
    We share our home with two cats, Bandit which is AJ's favorite a half
    siamese who let's him do just about anything to him.  And Hollykitty,
    better known as "Big kitty", who is 11 years old and is the proverbial
    "love me on my terms" type cat.  In other words "I will come to your
    lap when I want to, don't bother or try to pick me up!!" And we all
    respect that.

Well okay, I will introduce myself also.  I am Claudette Gillis and 
work in USSG Product Management.  I have been with Digital for
8 years, 9 come May.

I am due April 2nd with my first child.  I have been reading this
file on and off for the past few months and find it very useful. My
husband, Dan (ex Decie, was TSFO'd in Dec and luckly already has a
new job) and I are so anxious to have this baby.  Everything is
all set, we now just have to wait.  Patience/waiting is not one of my 
strong  areas but is Dan's so he is always telling me to relax.  Lets 
see who is more calm come the big day!! :-)

cj

Since I've seen fit to author several notes, it seems like I really ought
to introduce myself...

I've been at DEC 8.5 years as a software engineer mostly at ZKO, but
recently moved to NUO and Database Systems.  Married to Dan, an
engineering supervisor at ZKO.  Parents of, and ruled by, Noelle Laurin --
all 7 months and 17 pounds of her!

    Time to join the crowd, since I entered a reply earlier.  
    
    I have been reading parenting for a long time now hoping to someday 
    be a mother.  After a very long 16 months of trying, 7 months of 
    being pregnant, I am here now to reread all those notes that never
    made as much sense as they do now OR most likely to solicit 
    suggestions.  
    
    Amanda Rose was born on Halloween of last year even though she wasn't 
    planned for until Christmas Eve.  She got her holidays confused. 8.)
    Shes caused lots of gray hairs already but she also makes being a 
    mother better then I ever imagined.  
    
    lori
                                   
         

    I introduced myself about 4 years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed
    sharing information with all of you.  I am leaving DEC this week (TFSO)
    and will be staying home with my daughter as long as I can.  
    
     ^_^
    (>.<)
     ) ( Jeanne

    Good luck in your future endeavors Jeanne
    
    Meg

    
    Hi all!
    
    I would like to introduce myself, I am Jim Reid, proud father of 2
    kids, ages 4 (girl) and 1 (boy).  I am a non-custodial father, but am 
    trying very hard to be as big a part of my kids life as possible!  It
    is not easy, but I give it all I can!
    
    I love this confernece and would like to thank everyone for there
    information on all these great topics!
    
    Jim

    Hi,
    
    My name is Mike Tillison and I am the proud father of two kids. Krista
    is 8 yrs. old and in second grade and C.J.(Curtis John) is 12 yrs. old
    and in 6th (Middle School).  I have enjoyed reading this conference and
    am ready to participate.  My rug-rats are the source of all type of
    problems from 6th grade "sexual harrassment" because my son pinched his
    girlfriend to weekly vision therapy for my daughter for reading
    problems.  I wouldn't miss a minute of it but sometimes it becomes too
    much.  I'll be talking to you soon.
    
    Grins
    Mike

    
    { I'll translate - my name is Billie Maufe and I'm 7 monthe old }    
             
     nmnm, zx9,op;q.
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz                                     
                                                                           
       xzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz                 
    ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
    gg g  
    gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg                                                                                                                 
    i  ,. / ,. 

    re .-1 - what a nice introduction!!!!  Get those kids noteing at
    an early age!!!!    8-)   Lila
    
    

What, Simon?  Heather Maufe doesn't *do* Notes?  :-)

       Carol

    My name is Cyndi Bliss.  I have one daughter, Ariel Susanne, who will turn
    1 on Easter.  She's a real character and a bundle of energy.  I wish
    I'd discovered this conference sooner...

    
    I have been writing in this conference a few years now, and  I just
    wanted to note that I have (*finally*) put in the paperwork to assume
    my husband's last name.

    As I might have mentioned earlier, As of 1980(?) when you marry in 
    Quebec they do not give you the option of either retaining your name or
    assuming your husband's. In fact, if you wish to submit a request to
    change your name, it must be done independantly, and is QUITE 
    expensive.

    Not having the choice in the matter really annoyed me, and while most
    of Quebec society now recognizes that you retain your maiden name no
    matter what your marital status, the rest of North America still
    generally has the opposite assumption.

    Moving to Ontario, we experienced a lot of confusion as to what my name
    (excuse me, but MRS. FETT is my MOTHER's name!) really was. The last 
    straw was a nurse drawing up the paperwork at the hospital when Daniel
    was stillborn, and five minutes after the delivery was arguing with me
    about what his last name was.

    So, since it is MUCH cheaper to change my name in Ontario, and I think
    being married for five years is a long enough probation period 8-) 8-)
    I finally got the paperwork together and sent it in. Due to massive 
    backlog, the legal paperwork at the Ontario Registrar won't be done for 
    10 months, but DEC's paperwork is finished, and from now on, I am:

    Monica Barney (formerly Monica Fett)

    

    Congratulations!      
    
    Any particular reason Quebec is so different 
    from the rest of Canada, U.S. etc?
    
    >Monica Barney (formerly Monica Fett)
    
    We know, you just wanted to get on the "Barney" bandwagon. :^)
    
    
    Jodi-

    >>>Any particular reason Quebec is so different 
    >>>from the rest of Canada, U.S. etc?
       
    This comment can garner VOLUMES of comment, remarks
    and argument. Right Stuart? 8-)
    
    Yes Jodi, its because purple is a predominent colour
    in my wardrobe 8-) 8-). (alas, its true!)
    
    Monica

    You knew I wouldn't be far away didn't you !?!?!?!?!?
    
    While one can make all kinds of comments, remarks and argument as to
    why Quebec is different, I think it can be put down to one well known
    French phrase ....
    
    "Vivre la difference!"
    
    Literally ... live the difference ... or figuratively ... celebrate
    that which makes us different.
    
    And that can be said about many things French ... ever seen French
    cars?  If so you'll know what I mean ...
    
    Stuart

    >>And that can be said about many things French ... ever seen French
    >>cars?  If so you'll know what I mean ...
    
    Stuart has been driving back and forth through the 
    continent for the last few months (talk about a commute!)
    What is it now, 4 trips? And all in his old RENAULT.
    (hey its got you here!)
    
    Monica 
    

    My name is Loreen Kobilarcsik and I'm out of the Cleveland, Ohio
    office. 
    
    I'm in Delivery (software specialist) and have been with DEC 6.5 years. 
    I've lived in Cleveland (and other parts of Ohio) all my life.  
    
    I'm currently 4 mos. pregnant and already love this notes file.  I am
    also an Aunt of 4 ranging in ages 2 - 8 and I have been in love with
    that role since the first was born.
    
    Loreen 

    My name is Maureen Horton.  I am the joyous and still sleep-deprived
    mom of ten month old twin boys.
    
    I have noted occasionally in the past, but am a more avid "reader" of
    this notes conference which I've found helpful during my pregnancy
    (when I was trying to make decisions about amniocentesis), and now in
    nurturing and rearing our boys.
    
    Mo Horton
    
    

    My name is Joan Hodskins, and am the mom of three-year-old Paul, a
    lively and loquacious bundle of boyish energy. Until recently, I was
    only an occasional Noter, but have found myself reading the
    Parenting notes more frequently in the last few months. 
                     
    I've been employed at DEC for 5 years as a course designer in the Sales
    Training organization, located at PKO3. Following a three-month
    maternity leave after Paul's birth, I returned to work part-time (20
    hours), working 2 days in the office and 1/2 day at home. Despite
    several reorgs. and a turnover of 3 managers, I have, gratefully,
    managed to maintain my part-time working arrangement.. 
    
    Our current family hobbies are field trips to the bathroom for that favorite 
    preschooler pasttime known as known as potty training (related Notes topic
    is of particular interest); singing "I love you, you love me..." 
    and related "Barney-mania"; and expending gigawatts of energy 
    in a wonderful "Mom (and/or Pop) and "Tot" gymnastics program at the n
    newly-opened and very well-run Sterling Academy of Gymnastics in 
    Sterling, MA.
    
    My husband Roger and I are hoping that another child will enter our
    lives in the not-too-distant future...
      

    My name is Bridget Peezick and I have 2 1/2 year old triplet boys named
    Max, Sean, and Ian. I came back to work when they were 5 months old and
    worked 4 days (32 hours) a week until this last month when I went back
    to 5 days. Now that they
    are older I have more time for things like reading notes files but less
    sanity because they all seem to have hit the terrible tow in the last
    few weeks. I look forward to getting some helpful hints on coping.

    Hi everyone, my name is Donna Woodard and I'm a cost accountant for
    Education and Training Logistics in Nashua, NH (NQO).  I've been with
    DEC for almost 8 years.  
    
    I've been married to my husband Glen for 3 1/2 years.  We are owned by
    2 cats, Abby and Tara.  Our first child, Chelsey Louise, was stillborn
    when I was 1 1/2 weeks overdue last July 30.
    
    I've been read only for about 2 years now so I thought I should sign in
    so I can start noting.  This file is a great source of information and
    a comfort when reading about other people's success stories after
    losses.  I look forward to noting with all of you.

    
    
    Hi,
    
    I'm Terri Capobianco and I'm a Software Engineer at LKG (Littleton,
    MA).  My husband and I were married last October, and don't have any
    kids yet, but we've certainly been talking about planning a family.  As
    I get older and more of my friends and relatives are having babies, the
    ticking of my biological clock gets louder and louder! 8^)  After
    watching "We're Expecting" last night, I've been thinking quite a lot
    about it!
    
    I've been mostly read-only in this conference, but since I just entered
    my first reply I thought I should introduce myself...
    
    Happy noting!
    Terri

    Hello, Jo,
    There are some interesting and amusing discussions about trying to
    conceive one sex or another in here somewhere, that you might enjoy
    reading.
    Good luck with the german!
    
    Monica

    
    Hello,
    
    I'm Chris Pelland and I'm an Admin. Secretary working in a software
    engineering group in Nashua, NH.
    
    I've been married for 3 years (in August) and I have a wonderful,
    active, little boy (15 mos. old) named Nicholas.  I am well into
    my 8 month with my 2nd.  A much different pregnancy this time
    I might add (no morning sickness - yeah!).  As you can see, I
    will have my hands full for some time!
    
    I love the Parenting notesfile and have been reading/noting since
    1991.  It's been a wealth of information and the people in here
    are great!
    
    Cheers,
    Chris

    Hi I'm Dawnne and I'm 20 weeks pregnant with my first child and due
    October 15.  I've always wanted children very much but I have to admit
    I'm a bit scared!
    
    So far, I've had a fairly easy time (knock on wood).  I have only
    gotten sick about 3 times, and other than being very tired most of the
    time, I've felt fine.
    
    I have not had an ultrasound yet, but the nurse at my doctor's office
    is encouraging me to set it up soon.  They think that either I'm going
    to have a large baby (oh no!) or my due date will be earlier then they
    originally thought.  I'm only 5'1" and I have a (or I USED to have a)
    fairly small frame so the prospect of having a large baby makes me very
    nervous.
    
    I'm looking forward to reading more about other's experiences and I'm
    sure I'll find some helpful information in here.
    
    Dawnne
    

    Since I replied to a note ... time to introduce myself.
    
    Hi, I'm Iris Wolfe and have been a read-only noter for over a year.  I
    have a wonderful daughter, Lauren, who is 14.5 months.  My husband and
    I have been married 15 years - so we waited (by choice) a long time for
    this parenting experience.  And we love it!  Lauren is a very easy
    child but I have been warned about the "terrible twos and threes".
    
    This note have a been a great source of info for me.  Many times it is
    a sanity check - I read a response and think "oh Lauren does that too".
    
    I work in Seattle at DECwest engineering and am part of MultiVendor
    Customer Services.

    Hi Iris. wave wave.
    
    Jodi-

    Since I have put in a few notes, I thought its about time I introduce
    myself...
    
    I am Anne Marie, I work for a Software engineering Group in PKO, and I
    am an Admin Assistant (Secretary)
    
    Currently, I am in my 9th week of pregnancy. I have had one pregnancy
    prior to this, that didn't work out.  SO, we are on try #2.
    
    So far, everything seems to be going good (if being sick means a
    healthy pregnancy ).....
    
    I have gotten a lot good information out of this file so far, and hope
    to continue using it in the future, and the months progress
    
    Anne Marie
    

I've been reading this notes file for several months.  It's great.  I wish I
would have read it when I was pregnant.

My name is Marilyn Gulliksen.  I have an 11 month old son - Andrew.  He's 
such a joy.  Just a smile and all my cares go away.  It's also hard to be
upset with him when he smiles.

I'm a database administrator at CX01.  I've been at DEC for over 8 years
and am working 30 hours a week.

    
    
    I discovered this conference a few months ago, and wish I had when I
    was pregnant. It is a mine of information, and it's nice to read from
    other parents (especially when there having similar problems!).
    
    My name is Patricia Mathieu, I work in Sales Support, out of Los
    Angeles. I have a 16 months old, Chloe. 

    
    Hi,
    
    I just replied to a note so I thought I should introduce myself.
    My name is Kathy Nogueira, I work in the Health Industries CBU.
    
    I have a 2.75 yr old daughter named Lindsey who is anxiously awaiting
    the arrival of her baby brother or sister on or around August 30th.
    Lindsey has already told mommy that mommy's big belly makes her look
    like a turtle. 
    
    Kathy
    
    

    Well this is a goodbye.
    
    After six and a half years with Digital in the UK I am leaving to join 
    a competitor. I have left site and am about to have access to notes
    files removed.
    
    Thankyou all for a conference that helped me through my pregnancy and
    the ownership of twins (they have just turned two and are talking
    non-stop). I'm looking forward to the time that we'll have together
    before I start my new job.
    
    My best wishes to you all,
    
    Judith.
    

    Hello!  My name is Judiann Sorrells, I've been working at Digital for
    the past 5 yrs. and currently (temporarily?) am in the Mill.  My
    husband David works at HLO, we've been married for 2 1/2 yrs. and had
    our first child, Jonathan this past October.  I've only recently
    returned to work (part time) from my maternity leave.  While pregnant, 
    I found myself pouring over this conference, and I'd just like to say
    THANKS to everyone that keeps a conference like this alive and
    informative!  

Hello,

I found this notes file while I was pregnant last fall.  And found so
much information.  I have been pretty much a read-only participant.

I am a proud mother of a little boy, Derek who is 10 weeks.  Derek
is absolutely wonderful and couldn't image my life without him. My
husband and I celebrated or 4 year wedding anniversary with our 4
week old this year.  We sit back now and wonder what we did with all
our free time before.  How boring life was before Derek and we didn't
even know it! :-)  Although there will be some sacrifice...no water
skiing this year....just a small price to pay for such a miracle.

I have been with Digital for 9 years now, working the past 6 years
in Spitbrook.  

I look forward to learning and hearing all about your experiences.

cj

I've been an avid reader sometimes noter for 4 years.

Time to introduce myself - Rochelle Wahl
	                   Systems Analyst supporting HR
	                   Costa Mesa, California

I'm overflowing with the joy of my three beautiful children and the world's
greatest husband and dad.

    Hi:
    
    I am a new reader/noter.
    
    Mary Ellen Langer (aka mez)
    Accountant
    Novi, Michigan
    
    One wonderful son, Herbie James, 15 months and one great!! husband,
    Herb.

    I am 5 months pregnant.  My due date is October 18, 1993.
    I noticed last Friday that I felt something but was not sure
    if it was my imagnation or not and by Sat. night it was the
    baby.  We are starting to get excited I think this is starting
    to really sink-in.
    
    Donna

    Geeze - guess its time to introduce myself also (hi MEZ - glad to see
    you here - did I tell you about this conference?) - anyway I have been
    a mostly read only noted for the past 7 years!  This conference has
    helped me be a better parent for all these years.  I have two children
    - 7 1/2 year old Amy and 5 year old Stephen.  My husband is also a 
    DECCIE.  
    
    This conference has pulled me through Chicken Pox, Croup, Milestones,
    updated me on Sesame Street, etc. etc. etc.  Might I add that I truly
    consider this conference as one of my better benefits for working at
    Digital.
    
    I am a Executive Secretary in Colorado Springs and have been with the
    company for 13 years - my how time has flown!
    
    Lorrie

    Hi!  Since I posted a few notes I think I'll post an intro.
    
    My name is Joyce Tomao and I work at the Mill.  I don't have any
    children of my own.  I am the proud aunt and godmother of the most
    adorbale and intelligent (they all say that right ?) 3 year old Thad.
    
    I've either lived with or dated men with children so between them and my
    nephew I've needed and found some great information in here in dealing 
    with and understanding childern.
    
    Joyce

    Hi, 
    
    I have been a read only noter for almost a year now.  I figured it is
    time to introduce myself.  My name is Cheryl Keller, I work and live in
    Shrewsbury.  I have one son, Benjamin who is 13, and I am now 10 weeks
    pregnant.  It sure has been a long time, so I really need this file a
    lot now.
    
    Cheryl

I'm Jacqui Anderson and I work as a secretary in BXC.

We have three children - Gregory, 7 1/2, Timothy, 5 1/2 and Heidi, 3 months.
Their birth weights were on a sliding scale - 10 lbs., 2 ozs.,; 9 lbs., 10 ozs.,
and 8 lbs., 5 ozs.  So, if we decide to have a fourth, it should be a 
comfortable 7 lbs :>)!!

Odd enough the labor for our second son lasted only 2 1/2 hours leading
us to believe that our third would be the same or shorter.  Not the case!
Heidi was born 26 1/2 hours after I was admitted to the hospital and she
was my smallest baby!!??  Oh well.

I've been back to work for four days and have adjusted well.  I'm fortunate
enough to work a 4-day, 10-hour-a-day work week so I have a full day a week
to spend with the kids.

One of the biggest things I was looking forward to about returning to
work was getting to read this notes file again.  I've missed it!

    I'm Susan Farina, working in ZKO.
    
    I am not a parent, but expect my 10-year-old nephew to come live with
    me soon.  One of my colleagues suggested that I check out this
    notesfile.  I've always been very close to Mike, and he has always
    received far more nurturing from me than from his biological parents (I
    can never refer to them as his "real" parents).
    
    I have already checked out notes on sex education, the note on
    10-year-olds, and the note on sexism.  I have a feeling I'll be
    referring to this file frequently over the next year or two.

    
                 New noter,but more importantly new Dad x2
    
           My name is Marty Mailea and my my wifes name is Sue.
           I've been employed here at dec Hudson for the past 10 yrs.
           as a Senior level tech in the Product engineering group.
    
    Sue gave life to Robert James and Thomas Joseph on the 21st of Sept.
                       after 29 hrs of "HARD LABOR" 
    
       Both Mom and boys are doing fine, both Sue and I will be in and out
    of this notesfile alot I'm quite sure.
    
        Keep up the good work,this file is a real source of usable info. 
                       

    
    I've been reading this great NOTES file for ages, and have finally
    gotten around to introducing myself...
    
    My name is Lynn Harpham, and I'm a sales rep in Santa Clara, CA.
    I work three days a week, and spend the other two with my wonderful
    little boy, Harry William Harpham, who was born 12-30-91, 9 lbs. 3 oz
    
    Lynn
    

    My name is Patricia Chaplinsky.  I work in the Hull facility with
    Monica, Candace, and Stewart (who is actually in CXO now).
    
    I'm currently a "MOMx2" (I saw a license plate with MOMx8, the woman
    looked pretty good - they must all be grown up :^)
    
    Michael is 1 yr & 9 months and Alexandra 9 months.  She just cut her
    first tooth yesterday.  I'm having a terrible time with Michael at
    the moment.  He is not adapting to my return to work.  I hope these
    notes will provide some guidance.
    
    Patricia

    Hi,
    
    I'm pretty much a read-only noter to this conference, but I've replied
    to some notes recently, so I thought I'd introduce myself!
    
    I worked for DEC for 5 years as an Instructional Designer, took two
    years off, had two kids, and now I'm back at DEC as a contractor.
    
    My kids are Rayna (5 yrs.), Aaron (2 yrs.), and Lauren (7 mos.)
    
    When I left Digital, I missed two things -- the good friends I met/
    worked with, and notes conferences (especially this one -- it's
    reassured and soothed me through three pregnancies!
    
    Lesley
                                               

    
    Hi!
    
    I'm Lynne Mandile, and I work at MSO1.  I have been with DEC
    for 6 yrs, and have been reading this file for a while now.
    
    We are expecting our first child in April 94, so expect to
    hear from me from time to time! 
    
    Lynne

    
    Congratulations Lynne!  Wonderful news
    
    I'm Julie Doro; I work in the Denver sales office, doing 'field seller'
    work for Digital Learning Services.
    
    I have a New Year's Eve Baby that will soon turn four, and a fourth of
    July baby than just turned 1. Easy to rmember birthdays, although it
    does get hectic! 
    
    
    I have found that parenting is the single most challenging and
    rewarding activity I have ever engaged in.... although the quest for
    sleep ranks right up there... d'ya suppose they're related in some 
    way???   :-}  
    
    
    Jamd

    Hi, my name is Jim Jones and I work in MRO.  I have just joined this 
    notes file and have three children-a girl 7, and two boys, 10 and 13.
    
    I am just beginning the search for some help in in home child care
    that would include meals, light housework and potential live-in.
    
    I am facinated by the information contained here on other subjects
    and only wish I had been part of this back before and while the
    children were coming along.
    
    Jim

    Hi there, 
    
    I am a new reader of this conference. My main reason for reading is to
    learn more about teen stuff.. I've got three children, a girl 17 and
    two boys 14 + 12... Yup, the *real* challenging part of parenting, the
    teen years.
    
    My mother's wish (I hope you have 10 kids and they're all like you) has
    almost come true... Not the ten kids part, but the "like you" part...
    
    I hope to get some insight into teen thinking.. They do know how to
    push my buttons... I need to learn more about how to disarm the
    buttons.
    
    Look forward to reading future entries....
    
    Bob
    

    Well, I guess it's time to introduce myself.
    
    I'm Becky Jones, I've been reading for quite a while, but now I guess
    I'll be asking & answering - I'm now a parent too.
    
    Colleen Ruth Jones was born on Nov. 23rd, 1993, at 9:44 pm after 23
    hours and 44 min. of labor, 4 days overdue.  She weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz.
    and was 22" long with lots of dark brown hair and huge blue eyes with
    long curled eyelashes.
    
    Colleen is a Digital baby - my entire family works or used to work at
    DEC, and her Daddy and Mommy met through the Singles conference.  Daddy
    is Rick Jones, who presently works @ BXB, and Mommy works at MKO.
    
    I've gotten a lot of great info and help from this file, and look
    forward to participating a little bit now & then in the future.

    Now that I've put my 2 cents in here elsewhere, I guess it's time to 
    introduce myself.  
    
    My name is Carolyn Archambault and I'm a rep at DECdirect in Merrimack
    NH.  I have a 21 month old daughter named Danielle, and she certainly 
    makes life an adventure!  My husband Rick is also enjoying this whole 
    being a daddy experience.  
    
    I've enjoyed reading this conference, and love all the information that 
    can be found in here. 
    
    Carolyn 
    

	Hello,
	
	I am Sam Levitin, a new parent (see 12.something).
	I have been a read-only noter of this conference
	since my wife was pregnant.  I work in Hudson, MA,
	live in Worcester.  I'm glad to have a forum of
	more experienced, modern parents with whom to
	share the ups and downs of parenting.
	
	Sam

    Hi!
    
    Since I've been following this file for over a year and a half now, I
    figured it's time to introduce myself.  My name is Paula Morris and I'm
    a Problem Manager for the Multivendor Systems Engineering group in
    Tewksbury, MA.  My husband, Jim, and I have been married 5 years and
    are anxiously awaiting the birth of our first child, due August 29.  We
    currently share our home with three little girls of the feline variety.
    
    This file has been so helpful to me both before and during my pregnancy
    (had a horrible 1st trimester).  I can't wait to enter a birth
    announcement!
    
    Paula

    I suppose I should sign in now, as well.  I've been following this file
    for a while now, I started reading the file a few years ago after a
    false alarm...
    
    Anyway, this time isn't a false alarm, my husband and I are expecting
    our first child around Jan. 1995.  We're pretty psyched about it.  We
    tried for about a year.  I've been lucky through the first trimester,
    only was sick a couple of times, and except for my sinuses draining all
    of the time my stomach hasn't been bothering me the last few weeks. 
    That draining causes a pretty good gag effect inspite of feeling fine,
    though!
    
    Sandy

    
    Hi!
    
    My name is Kristin Ferris (soon to be Kristin Brennan) and
    we're also expecting our first child in January 1995.  *8^) 
    We're both very excited!!!
    
    This baby will be the first grandchild and great grandchild
    on both of our sides (ugh oh...) and already we're being spoiled!
    
    I've been a "read only" participant in this conference for
    a couple of months now and I've already gotten some excellent
    tips.  And I'm sure as time goes by I'll become a more active	
    participant!
    
    Kristin
    
    

    I'm Gail Hatch, I'm a Sr. IS Specialist in Merrimack. I live in Bow, NH
    (up near Concord). My husband Jon & I are expecting our first on or 
    about Jan 25th. I'm predicting a major blizzard. Fortunately, we have two 
    4 wheel drive trucks. 8^) 

    I've had a trouble free time of it thus far. Nothing an afternoon nap
    can't fix.  

    Answers to frequently asked questions: 
    How long did it take to get pregnant? About 15 minutes.
    Do you know what it is? Yes, it's a baby.
    Do you know if it's a boy or girl? Yes, it's definitely one of those. 
    How are you feeling? I'm fine, how are YOU feeling? 

    This file is a great resource!
    
    Gail

    
    
    
    	OH I have one.. !!!
    
    
    	What are you doing to name the baby?
    
    
    	I tell them Elvis.. 

    I suppose that I too should sign in... My name is Sarah, and I am the
    mom of a 17 month old boy. Unfortunately, due to economics I had to return to
    the work force. I miss him everyday, but have a great picture of him on
    my desk, and my husband and I make the best of every minute we're with
    him.
    
    We didn't expect to have a family and were happily surprised. Can't
    believe that we actually thought that our life was full before our son 
    came along..how little we knew.
    
    Gosh, do I remember the ignorant questions people asked when I was
    pregnant.  Cody, started out as a twin. We lost the other baby a short
    ways in, and people asked me questions like: How did you feel about it? 
    Do you know what sex it was? What happened to the twin? What are you going 
    to tell the other baby?
    
    I dunno, some people.... 
                                                                 

    I'm Dawnne and I'm the mother of an almost 11 month old son
    (born October 8), John Charles (Johnny).  I've given up trying to 
    sleep for more than 3 hours at a time and eating meals (aside
    from nibbles of Chicken Vegetable Noodle and Peach Cobbler Desert).
    
    My son is very active and when he starts walking (it appears this will
    be any day now), I will be too!
    
    I wish I could spend more time with him, but unfortunately, work
    prevents that.  We make the most of our time though.
    
    

    Hi,
    
    	My name is Donna Moulico Hall.  My husband, Ken, and I are
    	expecting our first baby in early December.  I have been 
    	reading through some of the notes and taking notes.
    
    	We are so excited about our new arrival and so far things
    	have gone well.  I have been quite healthy and feeling good.
    	I just get a bit tired sometimes.  We do not know if we are
    	having a boy or girl, so are looking for neutral things.
    
        I think it is a wonderful time of year to have the baby and
    	told the grandparents that they will know what the baby is 
    	before Christmas and can have fun then.
    
        Thank you for the interesting reading so far.  I am looking for 
    	any assistance and will keep you informed about our progress.
    
    Thanks,
    Donna

    
    hello,
    
    i'm jo fujii and my husband and i are trying for our first child.
    i didn't know about this conference was here but i figure, there's
    gotta be one out there and found it in the easy notes conf.
    
    i look forward to participating in this notes conf now that i know it's
    here.
    
    jo

    Hi!  Since I entered a note I decided it was time to introduce myself.  
    
    I'm Karen Woods and live in Perry, GA (about 100 miles south of
    Atlanta).  I'm a deliver person (new title Consultant something) on
    site at Robins AFB.  
    
    My husband, Doug, and I have a little boy, Connor Nathaniel, who was
    born May 5, 1994.  Connor was in no hurry to join the world.  The
    doctor finally induced labor (2 weeks after my due date and I didn't
    have any contractions yet) and about 5 hours later Connor was here.
    
    He's a lot of work but worth it.  Connor's pretty easy going - gets
    fussy when he's hungry are very tired.  He is training Mommy and Daddy
    very well.  I have to admit I spoil him rotten and it won't be long
    until I am firmly wrapped around his little finger!!  (just don't ever
    tell Connor)
    
    I've been a read only noter for a long time and this conference has
    been a great help!
    
    Karen

    		Hello!  My name is Bob Allore and I work at NIO in
    	Salem.  I am planner for the Mat/Acq group and have been
    	with Digital for 15 years.  My wife, Michelle, who worked
    	here about 5 years ago is an RN now and works for a local 
    	homecare agency. I myself am currently enrolled in college
    	in pursuit of a career in nursing also.
    		We have a 9 month old, Robert Allen who was 9 weeks
    	premature.  You'd never know it today!  He was born in Boston
    	at the Brigham and Womens Hospital.  He weighed a whopping
    	2 lbs. 15 ozs. and dropped to 2 lbs. 6 ozs.  The whole ordeal
    	was quite an experience for us, and him.  But that's another
    	story.....
    		Guess that's it for now.....
    
    				Bob

    
    Hi.. I too have only just discovered this note.
    
    My name is Gill Forster and am based in Warrington, England.
    I'm married to Nigel and our daughter Emma-Nicole was born on
    28 Aug '93.    Emma has just started walking so I guess from
    here on all the fun starts !
    
    Bye for now,
    Gill
    

My name is Heather Waters

I've been a read only noter in this conference for ages. 
As I entered my first note yesterday, I thought I'd better introduce myself.

I work three days a week as a technical writer in Reading, England.

I have one son, Benjamin Joseph (Ben, Benbo, Benny, BJ)

Ben is 14 months old and has been walking for about 3 months. We're now
waiting for his first word !

I can't believe the time has gone so quickly.

This conference has been a great source of info and entertainment
throughout my pregnancy and Ben's first year.

    Hi, my name is Lorraine Maguire, and I don't fit into any of the above
    categories.....well, on second thought, yes, I do, since I have 5...but
    the oldest is 31 and the youngest is 24....and I have a 'grand' toddler
    grandaughter who is 18months old.  She's my only grandchild, and of
    course, the princess of the family.
    
    I like to keep current with any new trends in childrearing, looking for
    things that may be of help/interest to my daughter.  We just found out
    today that the baby appears to have developed (?) a hernia.  An appointment
    has been scheduled for 11/2 with a surgeon to check things out. 
    
    I'm also interested in homeopathic remedies/therapies, and I don't know
    if this an area that you would experiment with any remedies, but I am
    curious as to whether a surgical procedure is the *only* option.
    
    Any information from conference members would be welcome....
    
    Thanks...
    
    Lorraine

    Hello!
    
    My name is Marla Goldman.  I'm in Irvine, CA, and am now pregnant with
    child #2.  My son is now 6.5 years old and in 1st grade.  Joe will be 
    7 by the time #2 is born.  I'm about to be 36, so I now fall into 
    that "advanced maternal age" category, which is making this pregnancy 
    something of a new ball game.  
    
    Since it's been a relatively long time between babies, we feel like we
    are starting all over again.  Since we gave all the baby stuff away
    ages ago, I guess we really are!!
    
    M.
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm Cindy Jacques (none as cj *-> ) and I'm just getting around
    to checking out this conference.   Even added a note today, so
    figured I'd best introduce myself and my daughter.
    
    I have a five month daughter named Angeline.  I'm a single parent.
    After months and months of indecision her father broke off with me
    in my ninth month of prenancy.  Be glad I wasn't around in here
    during that time!  Talk about emotional nightmare!
    
    But I'm cool now and my daughter is my life.
    
    			Be seeing you around the tube!
    						cj *->
                                                      

    Boy, the things you type when in a hurry!  My note should
    have said "known" as cj *->.  Not "none".  
    
    					cj *->

    
    Since I've just entered my first note (although I've enjoyed this
    conference for two years now), I thought it's about time I
    introduce myself.
    
    I work at LKG and am the mother of 2 boys.  Tyler is 3 and Jacob
    is 4 months.
    
    TYLER was born in August of '91 after 3 hours of labor he
    continues to be an "impatient", happy, healthy, and VERY 
    active boy.  He took his first steps at 7.5 months and by
    8 months he was trotting around the house.  This milestone I
    would not wish on anyone.
    
    JACOB was born in October of '94 after 5 hours of labor and
    looks amazingly like his brother (but with a VERY different
    personality).  Both boys were born on their due dates.
    
    Tyler and Jacob are the joys of my life (along with their
    Daddy, of course) and I look forward to joining in on this
    conference from here on in.
    
    cb
    

    Hi everyone,
    
      Since I've seen a few intro's I thought I'd to the proper and
    introduce myself..although I've written some notes and had wonderful
    replies that have been helpful...
    
      I'm 26 weeks pregnant with my first, the first grandchild on my side
    of the family and the fifth on my husbands side. (But its been 20 years
    since the last grandchild was born.) So the it feels like the first for
    the in-laws too... Everyone has been so supportive and these notes have
    help to prepare me for the big event...
    
      Well that's about it...pregnancy seem to be the only thing in my life
    right now that I talk about...*8)
    
    Renee Dozois due May 20...

    
    Well, I've entered two replys so far, so I guess I should introduce
    myself.
    
    My name is Serena Lyons and I am expecting my first child.
    
    I miscarried in August of 94 and was very heartbroken.  I am now,
    however, very excited and feel very lucky that my husband and I were
    able to conceive again so quickly.  It's kind of weird, because I am
    now due in August.
    
    In the beginning month or so, it wasn't easy.  I had problems with
    spotting/bleeding, and was confined to bed rest for a while.  I am
    happy to report that things are going wonderfully and my husband and I
    are estatic over what the future will bring us.  I look forward to
    gather advice and suggetions from this file.
    
    To all those with children and to all those expecting children...the
    very best!
    
    Serena
    

    I have been reading/replying to this notes conference for a year now,
    and up to now have talked about my daughter (who is currently 16
    months).  
    
    Now I announce that I'm expecting my second on September 5.  I'm 
    13 weeks along.
    
    Its hard this time around having to care for Alyssa even though I feel 
    sick and tired all the time.  Hopefully, just a few more weeks of
    morning sickness, although with Alyssa it lasted about 6 months.
    
    Joolz
    

    My name is Michelle Ackerman and I am pregnant with my first (due
    6/6/95).  I work at Digital Semiconductor (HLO) in the Customer
    Satisfaction Organization.  My husband is an Engineer at General
    Electric.  I have been reading this notes file for a while and found it
    very helpful.
    
    Michelle

             <<< SCAACT::APP$DISK:[NOTES$LIBRARY]CARBUFFS.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< Carbuffs >-
================================================================================
Note 3.369                    Who's Who (With What)                   369 of 369
AIMTEC::BURDEN_D "A bear in his natural habitat"      4 lines  21-MAR-1995 23:56
                        -< The Return of Stuart Brook >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stuart is back at CXO as a contractor.  He can be reached at either CSC32::BROOK
or SHRB@aol.com.

Dave

    Hi,
    My name is Barbara Christie and I just returned to work yesterday
    from maternity leave.I had a beautiful baby girl,Laura Jean on
    Dec 27'nth. We also have a son, Kevin who will turn 5 this month.
    
    I've been at DEC for 16 years and though I enjoy my work I'm not
    sure if I'm glad to be back. I'm working 30 hrs so maybe that will
    help. It's definitely harder coming back this time.
    
    I love being a mom and am really happy to have another baby in our
    lives again. There's so much to remember, I'm sure I'll get lot's
    of good info from this file.
    
    

    Hello,
    
    	My name is Donna Moulico Hall.  I returned from maternity leave
    	on Monday April 3rd.  I had a little boy, Brandon James, on 
    	December 11, 1994.
    
    	I work in SHR3 in Americas MCS IM&T.  I currently work 4 days
    	a week (32 hours) taking Wednesdays off.  If I have my choice,
    	I will not go back to 40 hours.
    
    	I am a first-time mom and am having the time of my life even
    	though I have to work.  Of course to a proud parent, Brandon
    	is a beautiful, healthy, loving baby.  My husband and I are
    	very fortunate to have him.  I am also very fortunate because
    	my husband is able to stay home during the day to take care of
    	Brandon.  He works a different shift from me.
    
    	I have been reading this conference during my pregnancy and now
    	I am starting to get back into it.  Now that I have a 5 month
    	old, I am sure I will have questions for the experts.
    
    	

        Hi, I'm Janet and I'm a temp here. I'm not sure if I'll be here long,
    but I'm 4 months pregnant so I'm *very* interested in this subject now.

    This will be my first child. I also have a stepson; I was very
    disappointed to see that the "blended families" conference is inactive
    because boy, could I use it!  My stepson is named Ben and he will be 10
    soon.  Stepparenting is a big challenge and I may be asking advice
    about it here.

    I recently started reading the notes here and I've already found them
    helpful and useful.

Hi,
    I'm Pam O'Meara.  I work in Shrewsbury, MA as a software 
engineer for QA in the VIIS group.  I started working at Digital
four months ago.  My husband, Paul, is also a software engineer 
but works for another company.

    We are expecting our first child early November.  We are
both very excited.  

    I've been reading this conference for a while.  It's
enjoyable to read and I'm mentally storing away valuable
advice/info.

Thanks!

Pam

    Hi, 

    I'm Lisa Hederstedt and I've been at Digital for 8 years.  My
    husband, Wayne, is an HVAC/R service engineer.  Which is great
    so we can afford to put in central A/C in the house for the
    summer.  I am currently 20 weeks along in our first pregnanacy
    (due the first part of October).  

    I've been reading in this file for years gathering all the 
    information I can.  Passing on tidbits to friends when they
    had questions and I found the answers here.

    Lisa...

    Hi,
    
    I'm Laura Butler (Barbara, my name is Laura Jean also!) from Santa
    Clara, California. I've been mostly a read only noter.
    
    We had our son, Brendan Alan, on Sept. 30. He was 2 months early, born
    at 32 weeks. This was a complete surprise. I didn't have any signs of
    pre-term labor. We moved into a new apartment on a Sunday and Monday
    evening my water broke (I swear that I didn't do *any* heavy work). 
    Delivery was held off for 4 days so that Brendan's lungs could mature.
    
    Brendan was born 4lbs 8oz, but was healthy. We were able to bring him
    home 2 weeks later.
    
    This was the hardest time of our lives. We were in boxes at home, I
    didn't have *anything* ready for the baby, our baby was in the
    hospital, and physically I was in lots of pain. But we survived.
    
    I am now working 20 hrs a week, going to 30 very shortly. My husband is
    with Brendan while I'm at work. He will be bringing Brendan to work with
    him, along with a school girl to help out. We have our own business.
    
    If anyone has questions about premature babies, I would love to talk
    with you.
    
    Laura
    

    Hi,
    
    I guess it's about time to introduce myself.  I've been mostly a read only
    noter for about a year.  I'm Lisa Lipson proud first time Mom of twin
    girls Emily and Stephanie.  Em and Steph were born January 1, 1995 --
    quite a busy New Year's Eve!
    
    The girls were born 5.5 weeks early and stayed at the NICU at Brigham &
    Women's Hospital for 15 and 18 days respectively.  They are both doing
    well and are growing like weeds!
    
    This file has been wonderful and has provided the most useful
    information!
    
    
    
    
    

I'm finally introducing myself after being mostly a readonly noter for 3 years!

I have 2 kids: Sean - age 2 years 10 months, and Kerry, aged 11 months.

I work 2 days per week, as a contractor, but have been on contract in various
different parts of Digital continuously for the last 5 years (apart from 
2 gaps of 6 months in late pregnancy/early months.) - I was full time before
Sean was born.

I'm based in the UK, in the Reading area.

I have picked up lots of good tips from this conference!

Carol Gilroy
(usernames RDGE44::ALEUC5, also SYSTEM::GILROY 

    Hi,
    
    I'm Glenn Waugaman, a young single parent, living in So NH, 
    working in MKO.  I've been reading for a few months now and 
    recently decided to join in.
    
    I've got three beautiful, happy and well-adjusted children, 
    Julia 10, Rebecca 8, Kevin 5.  I'm legally separated, soon
    to be divorced, and presently have primary shared custody of
    the children which will likely be the permanent arrangement.  
    I still maintain the kids' primary residence and home.
    
    Over the past 10 years I've been an involved parent as split 
    work schedules have always allowed one of us to be home with 
    the kids, so for me that's been evenings, nights, mornings, and 
    weekends.  Parenting is something that has come more naturally
    than has been learned, a product of growing up in a large
    family, I guess.  I've had to handle it all, from the baby 
    business (but I'm glad I don't have to go back to that!) and 
    now to pre-adolescence.  Still, things are different now, so 
    I'll be reading and learning from those in similar situations.
    
    So far, the kids have been doing surprisingly well in a 
    split-week arrangement.  They're very independent (relative 
    to age) and very good about helping out with most anything
    when asked.  Like with all young kids there are the moments of 
    tiredness and impatience that can bring out some frustration, 
    but very little complaining in general.  They've just always 
    been happy kids and I've detected no change in that.  I have 
    them about half the work week and all weekends, so ideas for 
    weekend activities is one area of priority for me (we are 
    active, go to church weekly, etc., but after a while you run
    out of fresh ideas! ;-).
    
    Thanks,
    
    Glenn W.
    

I just learned about this file from another member (after I ranted for
a few minutes about my teenage son), so here I am...

I'm Megan Gentry, a senior software engineer working in the Unix Support
Engineering Group in Spitbrook, New Hampshire (ZK) supporting Digital
Unix (nee DEC OSF/1).  I have been with the company since 1977, when I
first worked as a Decsystem-10 operator part time while I was attending
WPI.  After college, I joined the RT-11 Development Team in Maynard, where
I worked right up until the final release (that Digital did), V5.6.

My partner, Judy Silver, and I have been together for just over eight
and a half years and we jointly raise Michael, her son from a prior marriage.
Michael is almost 16 and a sophomore in high school.  He seems to be at
that point that he doesn't want to admit to having one mother, let alone
two.  He is very responsible for those things which are important to *him*,
and much less so for those things he isn't.  This makes it nearly impossible
to get him to do things like feed the cats or take out the garbage on a
regular basis without having to be reminded.

Michael is very attached to his extended family and therefore only spends
part of the week (Monday - thursday) with us.  Other days he's either at
maternal or paternal grandparents homes, or with his 'step-maternal'
grandmother.  Finally, he is sometimes with his father and step-mother.

When he was younger, he viewed me as his 'other mother' and sometimes
referred to Judy and I as 'Mom and Momgen'.  One mother's day he even
gave me a t-shirt which read 'Other Mother'.  I treasure that.  However,
nowadays when he calls 'mom', we both answer.

					Megan

    Probably about time I signed-in, since I'm going to be adding a few
    questions/comments!
    
    Jacquie Hullah from Evry, France, a Brit who's been in France for
    nearly eleven years, 6.5 of them with Digital.
    
    First-time mother of James, now 10.5 months, who decided to arrive
    without warning, six weeks early (35 wks 2 dys) - probably because
    there wasn't any room left inside. He checked in at 3kg (6.6lbs) and
    50cm (19.7") and hasn't stopped growing since!
    
    

	Harold Levesque, PC product engineer for KAO build modules in Kanata,
	Canada near Ottawa. Wife is an engineer too working for Industry
	Canada. My first daughter, Maude, is a healthy 28 months. Mom is
        expecting #2 in week 1 March. According to the ultrasounds, it's a
	boy.

	I've been working split shifts for almost 2 years now and that has
	given me the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my daughter.
	Watching my daughter grow together with readings on child development
	and psychology has been a tremendous learning experience for us.

	Before I had kids, I thought they were the ones who had the most to
	learn. Now I'm no longer sure...

<Harold>


	

    Well, I guess it's time I introduced myself.  I'm HOlly Ventura.  I've
    worked for Digital for almost 9 years now.  I'm a Senior Admin
    assistant for Corporate Environment, Health and Safety.
    
    I'm ~12 weeks pregnant.  My due date is August 24.  This is our first
    child and my husband and I are quite excited!  I haven't had any major
    symptoms, except for being a little queasy (keeping those saltines
    handy!!).  
    
    Holly

    Congratulations Holly!  I've seen you around various files for
    years now (most notably - FRIENDS).  It's nice to see things 
    going happily-ever-after for you!
    
    						cj *->

    NOT A RELATED ISSUE..BUT WHERE IS THE FRIENDS NOTES FILE?

    Congratulations Holly!
    
    
    re -1  Friends can be found on the VAXCAT node.
    
    Jackie

My Name is Andy Zuidema.
Work in Hudson, Ma and live in Boxborough Ma.
My wife just gave birth Jan 30th to Andrew and Steven (Fraternal twins).
Today is my first day back to work after taking some time off to
help the wife and be with my new family. The kids are great and I am
very excited but also a lot of work and very tiresome.
This notefile is great as I have been reading it for the past month
or so....but now that I am a daddy....Im sure I'll do some noting, with tons
of questions for all those expert parents out there!!!


Andy

    Hi my name is Trea Taylor I have been with DEC for 2 years
    I am the very proud mother of 6 year old Nathan. he teaches 
    me far more than I think I teach him. 8)
    
    Tree