Conference moira::parenting_v3

	Katie is just now 13 months old.   It's amazing how time flies!  My
baby isn't a baby any more. :-(

	Katie is (and will be) an only child.  She is also an only grandchild
on both sides of the family.  (And will remain so and one side, since my husband 
is an only child.)  So we're really going to have to watch to keep her from 
getting tremendously spoiled.

	Katie is quite possibly the world's most easygoing child.  (This is a 
good thing, since I am definately NOT the world's most easygoing person. :-))
She is also the cutest, of course! ;-) 

	Right now she loves to read books.  She'll pick up a book and back up to 
your lap (sometimes backing up 3-5 feet!) and sit down on it and "read".

	Two other favorite activities are 1) playing with/tormenting her 7 
feline siblings.  (Whether it's playing or tormenting depends on which cat you 
ask.  Celeborn and Frodo vote for playing since she figured out how to play 
with them with a Peacock feather a couple of months ago.  Gandalf and Nazgul 
vote for tormenting.  The others vary by mood.) 2) Being Scared.  (She loves for 
me to sneak up on her and yell "Boo!".  If I haven't scared her yet in the 
evening, she'll run behind the bookcase or the bed and peek out and laugh
until I play Peek-a-BOO! with her.)

	She's been walking for 2 1/2 - 3 months.  She doesn't have many words
yet, but she does quack at pictures of ducks and moo at the cows across the 
street.  

	I sure do like being Katie's Mom.

Tracey

	

    .1 > Katie is quite possibly the world's most easygoing child. . . .
    .1 > She is also the cutest, of course! ;-) 
    
    I don't want to quibble, Tracey, but that last point isn't quite right. 
    But the error is not your fault, since you haven't met my two.
    
    .1 > I sure do like being Katie's Mom.
    
    And I dare say that she sure does like your being her Mom, too.
    
    		- Bruce

    There are three Schutzchildren:
    
    Kat, 16, is a dancer, a brain, and a beauty.  She just finished
    her sophomore year in high school and is starting to date (only
    they don't call it dating any more) and look at colleges.  She got
    straight A's in her science and math classes this year, though
    English is a little shaky by comparison.  She's an apprentice with
    the Granite State Ballet company, and danced the role of the Mouse
    Queen in last winter's production of the Nutcracker.  Plus she's a
    sweet wonderful helpful girl who makes her mother glad to know
    her.  She wants to be a stage manager or choreographer, or maybe a
    marine biologist or a physicist.
    
    Steven, 6, alternates between wanting to be an artist and wanting
    to be a policeman.  Maybe both.  He's got a wonderful eye for
    color and design, loves board games, and collects little jars of
    shampoo from hotel rooms all over the world.  He can read pretty
    well already but was concerned that he wouldn't be able to go to
    first grade because he couldn't spell "congratulate" and
    "anniversary."
    
    David, 8 months, wants to be able to run and play like big
    brother.  He likes rattles, balls, and things that go bang, and is
    especially fond of turning the stereo up VERY LOUD.  So far he
    appears to be exceptionally inquisitive and adventurous.  He's
    also exceptionally cuddly and affectionate.  
    
    --bonnie

    
    I don't have any children of my own (yet?), but I do have two wonderful
    nephews.  They are a big part of the reason that I read and enjoy this
    conference.
    
    Brian turned 3 in March and is a delightful, inquisitive, energetic
    little boy.  He likes to play "soccer", swing and climb on his playset,
    listen to music (his current favorite is Mary Poppins), pretend he's a
    kitty, drive his Jeep, read books, and sing songs in the rocking chair
    to calm down before bedtime.  He is also very much into rhyming
    words these days and has just learned how to be "funny" on purpose.  A
    typical exchange is 
       Brian : Want to hear something very, very, very, very, VERY funny?
       Me    : What's very, very, very, very, VERY funny?
       Brian : I ate a window for lunch!
    I have really enjoyed watching him change and grow.  I'm always amazed
    by how much he knows, remembers, thinks about, and by how happy he can
    make me feel no matter what's gone wrong during the day.
    
    Neil was born 2 weeks ago yesterday.  He's a beautiful baby and it
    feels wonderful to hold him in my arms.  I know he will be as special
    to me as Brian is.  I'm a little worried about how Brian will be with
    him (he's been any only child and only grandchild on both sides and has
    had lots of attention) but so far, so good.  He loves to hold the baby
    and talks in a sweet, high voice to him, telling him what a nice baby
    he is.
    
    I know that being an aunt is not the same as being a parent, but I get
    so much out of it that I feel like I can really relate to a lot of the
    things discussed here.  I do get to spend a lot of time with the boys
    and I feel like they are part mine too.  Wednesday night is my "Brian
    night" (I guess it'll be my "Nephew night" now!) when Mommy and Daddy
    go out and Brian and I get to spend the evening together.  I'm grateful 
    that my sister and brother-in-law let me be so involved in their family.

Our son Jonathan Clark (J.C.) Hampton was born on May 2, 1990 via c-section
( after about 38 hours of labor and over 3 hours of pushing!).  Both mother 
and baby had a rough time of it, but both are doing excellent now.

J.C. already can hold his head up and is really beginning to notice things
around him.  His favorite activities so far are eating, sleeping, smiling,
eating, sleeping, talking, eating and sleeping. (Did I mention 'eating and 
sleeping'?) ;->

Being a father so far has been just great.  I still have an anxiety of whether
or not I will be a good enough one, but I do try and will continue to try
to be the best one I can.

-Hamp (who has yet to be 'initiated' by J.C. during diaper changing. His mother
       has already join the club several times. ;->)

    
    Kevin Koczwara just turned three years old (04/07/87).  He's the
    apple of his parents' eyes.  His Dad is wrapped around his finger.
    Big blue eyes, brown hair and the cutest smile.  He never stops
    talking.  Keeps his grandparents in stitches.
    
    At his three year checkup, his doctor said he's developmental level 
    is at aleast at five year old.  We knew he was smart when at 18 months 
    old he said, while we were in the car, "Hey guys I got an idea lets go
    to Donald Ducks (translated - McDonalds)".  His father almost drove
    off the road.
    
    A week before his birthday he decided no more diapers since he would
    be a big boy next week.  So after months of trying to toilet train
    he took off his diaper that day and hasn't put one back on since.
    If I knew it was going to be this easy... Now we've checked out
    every bathroom from the Cape to Marlboro.  Wherever we go he asks
    at the top of his lungs "Hey Mom, do they have a bathroom here I
    gotta go?"
    
    He's taken up the game of golf too.  Loves to pedal his bike, play
    on his swingset, chase the dogs with his HE-Man sword, cuddle with
    Mom or Dad, getting donuts in the morning to bring to the babysitters,
    watch movies and listen to his New Kids on Block, Little Mermaid
    or Cal. Raisin Cds.  He knows how to work the stereo better than
    his mom.  Big fan of TMNT.
    
    Doesn't like his Mom's singing, thunderstorms or going to bed.   
                   
    We start Nursery School in the fall, two days a week. He can't wait.
    
       

    Robert Andrew Walton, soon to be 4 (July 17, 1990).  Red headed, with
    the biggest, greenest eyes you can imagine.  He plays havoc with those
    eyes...and he knows it!  He is terrible precocious, and is quite sure
    that he needs his own apartment, (told me so last month).
    
    He just took the Denver screening test (for 4-6 year olds) and scored
    very well.  One of the funniest parts was the "Draw a Man" test.  He
    drew a man with 14 parts (counting pairs as one part.)  He even gave
    this guy a forehead!  Passing for this test is 6 parts!  I was so
    proud!
    
    He is a little ball of fire, loves his preschool (they start "Summer
    Camp" this week and he is all excited.  But he sure can catch me off
    guard sometimes.  Don't know how I would do it with another one like
    him!
    
    Sue

    My turn to brag.
    
    Jessica Marie is 3.4 years old (2/1/87) and a beauty with blondish hair
    and big blue eyes and the best smile.  Right now she's into the Little
    Mermaid and Winnie the Pooh. (Thank God the Cinderella stage is over !!)
    Other favs include any book in the Dr. Seuss book club, Barbie, sticker
    books, connect-the-dots, 'her' pool with slide, 'fixing' her tricycle,
    dresses (put away those shorts and pants) and tights, and her Sesame
    Street comforter no matter how hot it is.  And I can't forget the parks
    and playgrounds.  I'm looking forward to her entering 3-year old 
    preschool 2 days a week in September, but of course she doesn't know
    about it yet.  She's been TT since February, but she still has
    accidents about once a week.  Oh well.
    
    William Robert (Billy) is 1.4 years old (2/8/89), also with blond hair
    and light blue eyes, and is the sweetest kid I know, IMHO, of course.  
    He's into rough housing with anyone who will take him on,
    trying to put the tapes into the VCR, pulling apart everything in the
    name of curiosity, 'reading' books with his sister, dragging his
    stuffed Winnie the Pooh everywhere, making music with the pots and
    pans, climbing on everything, giving kisses, and trying to emulate 
    whatever big sister does.  Between running everywhere and getting into
    everything, his knees and forhead seem to have perpetual scrapes and
    bumps.  Right now he's got about 8 teeth coming in at once and he's
    been great, if a little cranky, so I can't complain.  If only he
    would start talking again, intstead of  ah, eee,  ooo, and 'scream'.
    
    They both are with my mother during the day while we work and I feel
    so fortunate not to have a day care problem like some of the notes
    we see here.  My only problem is the lack of an occasional backup if 
    my Mom is sick or something and either Bill (Daddy) or I have to take a day
    off.
    
    I love this notes file !!  The people are great and the support is
    wonderful.
    
    Ok, someone elses turn now.
    
    Donna
    

================================================================================
Note 47.0                   Kristen Katherine Duhaime                 No replies
WOODRO::DUHAIME                                      26 lines  20-JUN-1990 13:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    Kristen Katherine was born on November 17, 1989 and she turned 7 months
    old on Father's Day.  Kristy, as she is called, has blond hair and dark
    blue eyes, just like Mommy.  We have certainly been lucky to  have a 
    child who has a wonderful nature about her.  She began sleeping thru
    the night at 5 weeks old and has not woken up at all during the night
    since then except when she has a cold.  
    
    She has brought so much love into our home.  My husband, Kevin, and I
    enjoy her immensely.  We took her to Point Sebago, Maine last week-end
    and she went "swimming" for the first time.  "Boy, lake water tastes
    great!  I must have swallowed half of it!"  
    
    Kristen enjoys movement, any movement, dancing, jumping, swinging -
    just keep her active and life couldn't be better.  I guess I should
    have realized that by doing aerobics during the entire pregnancy that  
    she would get used to the activity and want to continue even after
    being born.!
    
    I have enjoyed both reading and writing in this file.  I hope to get
    some pointers and helpful hints over the next few months as we begin
    to enter the teething stage as well as crawling.
    
    Cheers,
    Patty

    Okay, okay-- I've held out as long as I can!  :-)
    
    Christopher Michael, 6 years old.  Starts first grade in the fall-- 
    "the big school".  At his kindergarten graduation, all the kids carried
    banners saying what they wanted to be when they grew up.  His said
    "DOCTOR".  Guess he was listening when he was a newborn...  :-)  I
    wanted a brown-haired, brown-eyed little boy for my first child, and
    that's what I got.  He's a lot like me.  Tends to be quiet, has been
    reading since he turned 4, and is a doting big brother.  Very
    sensitive, and likes to help.  My pride and joy.
    
    James William, 5 years old.  Has a mind like a steel trap, but I think
    part of that is because he competes with his older brother at
    everything.  Memorized the multiplication tables when he was 4 by
    playing with a Spelling Starter.  *Very* verbal.  You always know where
    you stand with him.  Frequently hard to handle because he's like his
    father.  Since Chris is like me, he's easier for me to understand.  
    Hubby understands James better.  Jamie's usually very funny and very 
    silly.  My pride and joy.
    
    Jeffrey Alan, just turned 1 year.  My shmoo.  Blue eyes you could fall
    into, and curly light brown hair.  Taking tentative steps.  His
    brothers both walked shortly after they turned 13 months, so we're
    holding our breath.  Had two new taste sensations on his birthday--
    vanilla cake and *dirt*.  Although his father never noticed the 8 foot
    vine in the corner, he was more observant...  Jeff is going to be
    spoiled rotten.  His brothers were never jealous-- they're little
    mommas.  They fight over who gets to help Jeff.  Jeff thinks they're
    the greatest.  He's the snuggliest little baby you could imagine.
    My pride and joy.

    Re: .-1 -- I just figured out the da-da-da-daaaa in the title!!
    
    We have one son, Marc, who's just turned 8 months.  He's has very blond
    hair (the little of it he has!), and grey-blue eyes like his dad. 
    Everyone says his chubby cheeks remind them of the Gerber baby!
    
    He's really a terrific baby/almost-little-boy.  He's been happy and
    easygoing since he was born.  He doesn't even mind if I dump water on
    his head to wash his hair!  He started sitting at about 6 months, and
    is now completey obsessed with crawling/standing.  The minute I put him
    on the floor, he has his hands down, his bottom up and he's trying to
    move, but so far nothing!  Also, he drools more than I ever thought
    possible.  Without a bib, his shirt is _soaked_ in a half-hour.  We're
    starting to worry that the puddles will warp the oak floors :-)
    
    I'm looking forward to walking and talking!  That will be fun!
    

    Allyson (or Ally, as we call her) is the light of my life.  She's
    8 months old, has big, beautiful, blue eyes, lots of chestnut hair
    (had her first haircut last month) and a sweet little grin that
    my husband calls "The Chumley Face".  She's easy-going, curious,
    and very affectionate.  Her favorite things to do are (not necessarily
    in this order) take a bath, play with magazines, visit her grandfather,
    cuddle with mom & dad, and eat.  She's crawling now (mostly backwards!)
    and I think she might take it kind of slowly when it comes to walking.
    Well, at least I *hope* so...  I get nervous about her walking around
    with so much curiousity!
    
    - Kathryn (Ally's mom)
      

    Nathan is 5 months old now, and is my joy!  He is generally happy,
    except for the weaning (see note 59!), and keeps us smiling too! He is
    happiest on his belly, I think crawling is not far off!, and loves to 
    stand on our laps.  Walking is going to be early here, and us with a
    house under construction.  He'll taste plaster dust before dirt, I'm
    sure--and how does one child proof an area without the proper walls to
    attach screens to!  We are having fun, his dad does at least half the
    care-taking, especially the feeding!
    
    Adrienne
    

    Eric Michael is 10 1/2 months old.  He is absolutely gorgeous. Most
    people say he looks exactly like daddy (I think so, too).  With the
    exception of quite a bit of crying the first two months of life, he
    has been the happiest baby imaginable.  He smiles constantly and charms
    anyone who comes near.  He speed crawls and loves to stand and cruise
    the furniture.  He also loves to pull all the pots and pans from the
    kitchen cabinet, pull anything and everything out of an open drawer,
    empty the magazine rack and destroy the magazines.  Oh yes, and of
    course there is poor Smokey the cat.  He loves to chase her and pull
    her fur.  He also likes to chew on bars of soap (wrapped, but he'll
    chew right through the wrapper and keep chewing til I take it 
    away - yec).   
    
    He's a blast and just this past week while on vacation, my husband
    and I noticed he seemed to have reached another milestone.  Nothing
    specific, he just seems older, makes many more sounds and just overall
    seems bigger.
    
    I just can't stop kissing him.
    
    Donna (mama)  

    Michael Henry Resende is 5 months old, and growing like a little weed! 
    He's a beautiful, healthy, and happy child, and truly a pleasure for
    him mom and dad to be around.  He's been sleeping through the night
    since he was two months old, and has generally been an easy baby to
    take care of.  In the last couple of months, he's gotten so he almost
    never cries, just fusses if he wants us to do something (like feed him
    or change a poopy diaper).  He smiles all the time, and laughs the most
    wonderful, deep, throaty giggle you've ever heard.  He's enthralled
    with the family peke-a-poo and cat, and laughs whenever he sees one of
    them.  Our latest adventure is getting him into solid foods; so far he
    only tolerates fruits but *loves* any vegetable we put into him. 
    Michael has truly been a pleasure for both of us, and we consider
    ourselves extremely lucky to have him.
    
    Steve

    My son Daniel Petty is now 2 yrs, 7 months old and having a ball.
    So are we -- he is an easygoing mellow kind of kid, except when he's
    having a tantrum or some other 2-ish type thing... But his basic
    self is sweet and affectionate. He does all the classic stuff, likes
    to ride his trike, play with water, arrange the porch chairs into 
    bulldozers and front-loaders, jump on his father's belly (or worse) 
    when the poor old man is trying to take a nap, etc. Our favorite
    family activities are reading together, going to see "animoos" of
    any kind, playing ball and going out to eat. Dan has really made life
    lots more fun for David and me.
    
    Lucy
    

    My son Alex Robert is now 3 yrs, 2 months old and a ball of fire.  He
    started speaking clearly at a year old, and he never stops talking.
    My family joked when Alex had tubes put in his ears, he might
    stop talking so much, nope, he speaks more now than ever. He loves
    water, walking in the woods, talking to the cats (2), finding 
    the moon each night in the sky, putting toys, hoses, misc. tubes
    together to make vacuums, (sounds like an engineer to me), riding
    his bike like the wind, and fishing in our boat.
    
    He's the light of our lives, and I can't remember what life was like
    before he came along.

	Leah Hope Chow, born 6/7/88 and Cory Barrett Chow, born 4/4/90.

	During the first few months of Leah's life, my wife, Jan and I
	felt extremely fortunate that we had a "good" baby.  She nursed
	easily, hardly cried and was extremely tolerant and patient with
	her two very inexperienced parents as we stumbled up the learning
	curve of parenthood.  Now that we've lived with Cory (alias "Kid
	Cory") for a few months, we realize that although Leah was good, 
	the Kid is "great".  The Kid has made what could have been a very 
	trying and difficult period into an experience which flowed so 
	smoothly, Jan & I occasionally wonder when is "payback".  On more 
	than a few occasions, we'd forget where exactly we left her in the 
	house because she was so content in her little rocker we often didn't 
	notice her.  She's now sleeping through the night so the first major 
	milestone has been reached.  Cereal has been recently introduced and 
	shortly thereafter will be the bottle.

	Leah is Daddy's "Big Girl".  Although she just turned two, Leah's
	been able to spend all but 6 months of that at home with either
	Jan or me.  Jan stayed home for the first 5-months and I was able
	to work part-time for the following 7-months before Jan began summer
	vacation last year.  We used family day care for the six months before
	Cory was born.  

	Staying at home with Leah was a very special and eye-opening 
	experience.  I still get a chuckle when I think of that first week 
	"on the job" at home alone with Leah....me with my list of things 
	to do...and Leah putting up with me.  "OK...now that I've fed you, 
	what do I do?  Oh yeah....feed myself.  OK, I'm done eating...what 
	next?..oh yeah....play.  Whoops...you need to get changed?  OK....now 
	what?"  Needless to say, I was ridiculous, we both survived and the 
	next week the list was tossed.  It was fun hauling Leah around while 
	we did errand/chores or visited friends...me with my kid in the 
	Snuggli and a diaper bag over my shoulder strolling the streets of 
	Boston.  I never realized how full a day can be when you have to fit
	in a kid's morning & afternoon naps, feed her a couple of bottles
	along with breakfast & lunch, have the diaper changed a zillion times 
	(along with an outfit or two) never mind feeding yourself breakfast, 
	lunch and getting dinner ready, do the laundry, clean the house and 
	do shopping.  Yow!  It wasn't always busy though.....there were also 
	times when on a beautiful spring day, Leah and I would go out on the 
	lawn and lay (actually I laid...she crawled) in the sun and played.

	It's definitely worth it!

	Milton

    Our daughter, Chelsea Hanna Cohen was born on March 4, 1990, so
    is now just about four months old.  She weighed in at 8 lb, 4 oz,
    and was 20 1/2 inches.  She is now about 16 pounds and about 25
    inches and a real handful!  She rolls over (_both_ ways! is she
    advanced or what?!), drools, sucks her hands/fingers, vocalizes,
    smiles, drools, drools, and smiles some more...  She looked _exactly_
    like me when she was born; I have dark hair/eyes and a roundish
    face.  Paula is blonde/blue eyes and has a long-shaped face and
    was expecting a blonde/blue eyed baby (we had had amnio and knew
    it was girl).  Boy, was Paula shocked!  But we are both delighted
    with our dark-haired little charmer...and her eyes are still blue,
    so Paula is hoping...  She is now sleeping anywhere from 8 1/2 to
    10 hours a night (thank you..thank you..), so we feel blessed about
    that.
    
    She's our little sweetheart and we love her to pieces...
    

                      
    My son, Tom, is 6 months old.  He was 9lb 10oz at birth and now weighs
    in at 22lbs.  A whopper!
                      
    He has two teeth,  which appeared when he was 4 months old, 
    started crawling at 5 months and, in the last week or so, has started
    pulling himself up to standing position on the furniture.  He eats
    three meals a day,  and has done since he was 4 months old.  Sometimes
    I wonder if he is more advanced than others,  but as I don't know
    many other babies it's hard to compare.  (Both my husband and I are
    origionally from Scotland,  so we don't know many people with babies
    in England)  As a new mum I just love to talk about him!  I'm told
    that he looks a bit like Dopey from 'Snowwhite and the seven dwarfs'.
                                                                    
    I've just found this conference and look forward to reading     
    it in future.                                            
                                                             

    Well, Eric (now 4y 1m) pulled off a little precocity over the weekend.
    In late May he got a bike (when Aaron moved up a size on the occasion
    of his birthday.  He has ridden it no more than half a dozen brief
    times since.  Yet Saturday, he announced he wanted the training wheels
    off, so off they came, and off he went.  At first, mostly off onto his
    head, but later, often off into the distance.  That was rather
    alarming, as dad (on foot, at least) can't REMOTELY keep up any more,
    and Eric is still quite prone to random right angle turns, or falling
    down in the middle of the street.  And he still can't reliable keep
    straight the right and left sides of the road.  It was pretty funny,
    when it wasn't terrifying.  He was quite fearless, with one curious
    exception.  He was afraid he might run into the two cars that were
    parked on the side of the road; so he got off the bike, walked past,
    and got on again.  Yet he paid little attention to trees, telephone
    poles, or pedestrians (and didn't actually bowl any over).
    
    I don't recall that Aaron got to this stage until 6, after over a year
    with training wheels.  Part of the difference is that Eric has ridden a
    tiny 12 inch bike at school, one where he can easily keep both feet on
    the ground, and that gave him (initially false!) confidence.  But more,
    I think, he just picks up large motor skills earlier and easier, while
    Aaron was early with verbal skills.  The bike is just one example.  And
    it seems as if it must be "innate," since he has had less experience
    with either informal play or formal "gym classes" than Aaron did, and
    he certainly hasn't gotten parental pressure in this area.
    
    		- Bruce

    I have two daughters - Adrienne Nicole 4 yrs old and Khristina Mae
    6 months.  They both have brought so much happiness into our lives.
    Adrienne is a dancer and someday wants to be on Star Search.  She
    loves to watch it on Sunday night and keeps asking me how to get
    there!  She is a very independent little girl.  Loves to play make-up
    and "cook" for mommy and daddy.  She also loves to wrestle with
    daddy.  She has been such a big help since I had the baby.  Sometimes
    better than Mom :-).  She has dark brown hair and deep deep dark
    brown eyes.  The angels must have kissed her real hard because she
    has the biggest dimples I've ever seen!  I can't believe that she
    will be starting school next year.  My baby is not a baby anymore.
    
    Then there is Khristina.  She has dark brown hair and her eyes right
    now are somewhere between brown and hazel.  She is such a good baby.
    Has been sleeping thru the night since 4 weeks (brag brag).  She
    is very layed back.  Loves to watch her big sister.  Big sister
    loves to watch her.  She's been drooling a lot for the past 1 1/2
    now - waiting for the tooth to come thru.  She always has a smile
    on her face no matter what.  She wakes up with one on and goes to
    sleep with one on.    
    
    The girls could be twins if they were closer in age.  They have
    both given us such happiness and love that I can't imagine what
    it was like before them.  While I was pregnant both times I kept
    telling Ray that that we were going to have two girls.  He said
    no way one of them has to be a boy.  Well we have two wonderful
    girls that will drive him crazy for the rest of his life :-)!
    
    Denise

    Danny is 15 months old.  He has huge blue eyes, blonde hair, and
    a smile to die for.  His grandparents love to take him to the store,
    because everyone comments on how cute he is.  Danny's been walking
    (giving me heartattacks) since he has 9 1/2 months old.  Didn't
    crawl until 11 months.  He is truly a happy little boy, and loves
    to make everyone laugh.  His big trick right now is teasing you.
    He'll point to me and say "Grandpa", and then laugh.  When you say
    no, no, he'll come over pat my arm and say "Mama".
    
    He's not a real chubby kid, but you'd think he would be by the amount
    that he puts away.  He had eight teeth by the time he was 7 months
    old, and gave up both bottle and baby food by 11 months old.  He
    says about 20 words that he knows the meaning of, and will try real
    hard to repeat others.  My mother babysits him during the day, and
    I really think the "one on one" contact has helped in his learning
    and speach.  My mom talks to him like he's a little person, not
    a baby, and it really shows.
    
    Danny loves to play with his dogs, ride his horse (well my horse,
    but you can't tell him that), and run outside.  Danny is the best
    thing that's ever happened to me.  His smile and his hugs save a
    bad day, and make it the best yet.  Danny's made being a single
    parent easier than I ever thought it would be.
    
    

    Joshua is 6 1/2 mos old (12/24/89).  And, of course, he is the best
    baby in the world!  Just ask Dad, Nana, Grampa, etc. etc. etc.
    He has long dirty blond hair, beautiful blue eyes, and he is in the
    96th percent for height and weight.  No wonder, he loves to eat.  Don't
    need any tricks to get him to eat his veggies!!
    He's been getting around for quite a while now in his walker, and
    lately it brings him around to all the things he should not touch which
    he must touch.   He rolls around to get around alot too, does not quite
    crawl or even sit up yet.  and he has no teeth.  After our vacation at
    the cape coming up, he will start day care.  He will be the only infant
    there for a while.  I do hope it will go well.... 
    He is gorgeous and special and you all know that..
    Sue 
     

    Cassidy is 7 months old (12/17/89) and as her mother I think she is the
    most beautiful and best baby ever.  She has been sitting up for a
    couple of months now and is on the verge of being able to go from her
    stomach to sitting.  Over the weekend she started to crawl, one or two
    "steps" and then back to creeping - I guess we need to do a complete
    babyproofing now.  She loves to eat and the only thing that she really
    doesn't like is meat but she will eat it if you mix it with her veggies
    - she even likes prunes.  She has two bottom teeth and chews on
    everything.  One of her favorite activities is to take a bath and now
    that summer is here going into her pool is a close second.

    Candace, 17, is spending her second summer working as a temp for DEC. 
    Counting my mother (who is currently out on disability in Littleton) I
    think we're the first three generation family at DEC!  Candace is
    beautiful inside and out and extemely opinionated about EVERYTHING! 
    She leaves for the University of Maryland campus (only 25 minutes from
    home) in a couple of weeks and begins her journey to become a
    neursurgeon.  (I think with her persuasive skills she should go into
    law, but what does a mother know?).
    
    Ryan is 16.  He's 6'2" and still growing.  He's the most selfless
    person I know and he's extemely sensitive to everything around him. 
    He's also somewhat of a superhero to his little brother.
    
    Chase just turned 2.  He came after years of infertility (and a new
    husband), and between 3 miscarriages.  He is quiet and sweet and very
    loved by us all!
    
    So you see, I'm never at a loss when people talk about their children whether
    they're little or grown!
    
    All three keep us running and happy!

    Cara Elizabeth is 2.5.  She's just so wonderful.  She has made the past
    2.5 years the happiest times of our lives.  Cara loves books and
    playing with her little brothers feet!  She has honey colored hair
    and big blue eyes.  Both my husband and I have dark brown hair!!! 
    Anyway, she's as smart as a whip and as funny as can be.  Always has us
    laughing about something. She's very independent yet very lovable.
    
    Thomas Peterson (Tucker) is 4 months old.  He's got dark brown hair and
    big blue eyes.  A real cutie!  He's a bit of a fussy baby.  Needs to be
    held alot, but I don't mind because soon enough he'll be crawling
    around and not wanting to be held.  If I put him on the floor to "play"
    he may do so for about ten minute and then go into a crying fit.  As
    soon as he's picked up he'll look at me, put on a big smile and I
    just melt.  He's got me wrapped around his little finger!!!   He also
    gets a big kick out of his big sister. 
    
    We're so happy with (and so proud of) both of them.

    Alexander Richard Trumpolt, is the sweetest little 9 month old in the
    world.  I think the day he was born (11/4/89) was the happiest day of
    my husbands life.  The first thing he said was know I have somebody to
    play golf with!  The doctor laughed and thought it was pretty funny.
    
    Alex is a very energetic(sp) baby and is eating me out of house and
    home, even though he only has 4 teeth he eats evrything you put in his
    hands.  He likes to play ball he also likes to play with cars, those
    little fischer price people, ballons, and our 2 cats.  But his favorit
    thing to play with is his daddy, he also likes his mommy because she
    gives him cookies and feeds him his meals and rocks him to sleep at
    night.
    
    He loved going on vacation down the Cape becasue all the people we saw
    told him he had the cutes smile that they had ever seen (which he
    does).  He has a whole head full of light brown curly hair that he
    inherited from me, and the brightest hazel eyes, and the fairest
    complextion.  His daycare lady loves him because he never crys except
    when he falls down which isn't that often.
    
    His pedi said that he is going to be a big boy when he grows up.  He
    weighed in at 9 lbs 7 oz and was 21 inches long when he was born, at 2
    weeks old we put him on cereal and fruit because he was so hungry.  He
    weighs 18 obs 2 oz and is 29 1/4 inches long at 9 1/2 months old.  He
    is walking around the furniture and loves turning the tv on and off.
    
    
    He is the best loved baby and I love being his mommy.
    
    
    Liz

    Samantha was born 1/13/90 and weighed in at 8 lbs 5 1/2 oz, 23 1/2"
    long.  The nursery nurses said she was the longest baby they could
    recall at the hospital!  Now at 7 1/2 months, she's still in the 95th+
    percentile for height.  Our little beanpole!
    
    Samantha spends all, and I mean ALL her energy developing her gross
    motor skills.  She's been crawling for almost a month now, sits up from
    her tummy, walks holding onto your fingers, and stand against anything
    that doesn't move (well, the dog sometimes, too!).  Her pediatrician
    already warned me that she's so kinesthetic, don't worry if she does
    other things like talk a little later than normal.  I never cease to be
    amazed at how individual babies are, with one spending their energies
    on verbal skills, another on physical.  Kids are definitely a miracle.
    
    We're now on our 7th tooth in 7 months, she got her first 2 at 11 weeks
    and screamed through her entire christening day.  Other than that
    experience, she's always been a happy, lovable baby.  She has the
    nickname "fang" now because she has her two eye teeth and no top middle
    teeth. . . I hope they come in soon because I'm afraid the name will
    stick!
    
    I, like all of you, could go on forever so I'll stop now.   I love
    sharing the experiences of parenthood with all of you who are as happy
    to have your children as I am!
    
    Cheryl 
    

    Shane Louis Andujar was born on July 27, 1990.  He weighed 7 lbs 5 1/2
    oz, and was 22 1/2" long.  He has black hair and blue eyes and is
    absolutely beautiful (if I must say so myself!).  All the nurses in the
    hospital, even the ones that weren't assigned to him, would take time
    to come into my room to see him and play with him when he was away from
    the nursery.
    
    Shane is now almost 6 weeks old and, so far, has been an absolute joy! 
    He's been pushing himself up in his crib with his legs from the time I 
    took him home from the hospital.  We keep saying he'll be crawling by
    the time he's 2 months old. :-)  He sleeps from about 7:00 p.m. to 5:30
    a.m. waking up at 1:30 a.m., for an hour, to nurse.  He's a real good
    baby and doesn't cry except when he's hungry or wet.  We think he's
    starting to teeth because he has two eruptions on his gums and he
    constantly drools and constantly has his fist in his mouth (is it too
    early for this?).  He likes to watch his mobile and bat the figures
    around on his play gym (he's quite alert for his age).  The sitter said
    he sat and watched her ceiling fan all day yesterday. :-)
    
    Of course I have pictures of him plastered all over my office, so if
    any of you ever have the opportunity to come to WFR, stop by and see
    them.
    
    Lori B. 

I've got the perpetual motion machines!

Marisa is 4.5, was born by C-section because of fetal distress, and is growing
out of lung problems, it seems like.  She used to cough a lot last year, I 
spent most of my time worrying, but she's much better now.  She's thinnest
girl I know, about 35 pounds right now.  She seems to get energy from air.
She has beautiful hazel eyes and dark brown hair.  She loves read before
bedtime and to play with her sisters.

Lisa will be 3 on September 13. She weighs about as much as Marisa but is
about 4 inches shorter. She has beautiful red-auburn hair (like dad) and
brown eyes.  She's getting into reading like her sister.  Marisa and Lisa
are inseparable, and Lisa is really happy that she'll be going to the same
nursery school starting next week.

Cristina is 8 months old. She looks a lot like Marisa, brown eyes and dark
brown hair.  She's crawling, sitting and standing while holding on to
furniture. She just got her first tooth, loves to get up at night to be
held and takes half hour naps.  She follows her sisters everywhere and I can't
wait till she can walk and play with them.

They have a lot of energy!  Their favorite game is to pretend furniture is a
house, or forest, or neighborhood (they can make a doll house out of anything!),
and using their dolls accumulated through the years, create families, fairy
tale characters, monsters.  Sometimes I get home and find cushions and chairs
piled up, and if I look closely, there will be too baby dolls sleeping and a
"mommie" taking care of them.  

In one sentence, my kids don't stop.  Their minds are always engaged.  The good
part about this is that at night, they can fall asleep standing up! Even the
baby has started doing this.  I enjoy them like I've never enjoyed anything
in my life.

Our son, Jonathan David, was born on labor day.  In the past 46 days, we 
have seen tremendous changes.  Based on his rate of growth so far, at age
16 he would weigh over 500 lbs and stand over 12 feet tall.  Maybe we
should have named him Jethro after the ravenous character in the Beverly
Hillbillies ?

    Jonathan has recently gotten serious about play.  After an intense 20
    minute session swatting the Sesame Street Character's Big Bird & Cookie
    Monster, he gets even more serious about sleep.  This playful activity has 
    increased his longest nightly sleeping session to 6 hours and is allowing 
    his parents to regenerate their energy levels.

    I am constantly capturing our son's activities on film or video tape.  
    We have exposed more rolls of film in the past 6 weeks than I usually do 
    in an entire year.  The feeling of time marching forward is especially 
    strong and I do not want to miss anything !

    Parenthood is a wonderful, challenging, and worthwhile occupation.  
    It certainly adds a new dimension to one's life.

    My two remarkable sons are David and Gregory.  David will be three years
    old in December.  He loves books, puzzles, Legos, running around the
    back yard, music (Raffi, Tom Paxton, anything I sing, and the Rolling
    Stones (daddy's influence)), riding his tractor, jumping, watching the
    farmers work in our apple orchard, playing with daddy, and life in general.
    He has a very good memory, and can sit still and concentrate very well.
    He's a very happy, healthy, outgoing kid.  We enjoy him enormously!

    Gregory is almost 4 months old.  He is a real sweetheart - very easy-going,
    smiles a lot.  He adores David, and will laugh out loud when David
    approaches him.  He has just started to get skilled at reaching for
    things and pulling them to his mouth.  He has also just recently (ta-da!)
    learned to sit up by himself for as long as 10 seconds at a time.  He
    also loves to jump (with assistance, of course).

    
    I have a two year old son, Daniel Quinton, who...
    
    -  was born naturally on 25 JUL 1988, 6wks early!
    -  is the bubbliest little guy I know
    -  is TWO YEARS OLD (in the fullest sense of the word!!)
    -  tells me when it's raining and gets my rain scarf out of my purse!
    -  reminds me to "turn the heat down" in the mornings
    -  makes sure I wear a coat each day
    -  makes sure I share all of his snacks
    -  makes me read him at least 3 books each night
    -  reminds me to wash his hands after dinner
    -  loudly reminds me when I make the slightest mess
    -  asks for (and tries to give me) back rubs!!
    
    He is such a joy at this stage...and such a challenge because he is
    giving back to me everything that I have taught him thus far!
    verbatim!!   
    
    Jeri-Elayne

    Reading .34 made me realize that I haven't introduced Ryan in this
    version of PARENTING.
    
    BORN: July 24, 1988 - 12 days late.
    
    Busy, busy busy, as I guess most 2 yr. olds are. Likes to draw, take
    walks, play pretend all day long, and read books. Favorite words lately
    seem to be "izza" (=where is) and "Mommy, know what?"
    
    

    Gina was born on May 16, 1990 after a short and relatively easy labor
    and delivery.  And she's been just as easygoing since then.  She's
    great in the car and goes everywhere with us.  Although I think that is
    going to end the day she starts to crawl...which is probably going to
    be any day now, judging by the way she is constantly rocking.
    
    I was lucky enough to spend the first 5-1/2 months home with her and
    just came back to work last week.  So, I'll be able to spend a little
    more of my time in this file.  It was invaluable in getting ready for
    her birth.  
    
    judy
    
     

    
    Gizelle Monet is 20 months old she has beautiful brown eyes and
    gorgeous long eyelashes. She means the world to me and her father
    and has brought so much happiness into our lives and of course
    is daddy's little pearl of the ocean.She is a very happy little girl
    and very easy going. She loves to read books and play with her dolls
    she loves little "boo boo" (grandpa's dog) sometimes she squezess him 
    to death. Everyday is such a joy with her I was lucky to be home   
    with her for the first year we spent alot of precious time together.
    Now I'm back to work but only for 3 days,which is nice,she is growing
    so fast and learning so much that she amazes me and I don't want to
    miss a bit. She enjoys going to grandma's house for two of the days I
    work and gets to play with her cousins her age.
                                             
    Gizelle, I love you and I love being your mommy.
    

    Christina Elizabeth Ouellette was born on March 24, 1990, 2 weeks
    late  - 10lbs, 14 1/12 oz - an induced C-Section!  At her 6 month 
    checkup she had finally fallen onto the charts.  Right now her favorite 
    passtimes are pulling herself up onto unstable items, crawling across 
    the room at 100mph to reach something she probably isn't supposed to have,
    Sesame Street, ice cream, dadadadadadadadada, Stop and Shop, and going 
    for a walk.  She loves it when we drop her off at the baby sitters, and is
    even happier when we pick her up.  Christina has always been a very happy
    and a very smart baby.  Our only worry is that we might not be spending 
    enough time with her.  We both hope we are doing the right thing.

    Big Brother John Song, was born on June 30, 1986, weigthed 8 lbs even.
    He was the center of my world and his fathers for the whole 2 years
    before his two sisters' arrival. My love toward him made me feel sad
    and cried when I learned that  I was pregnant again, because I did 
    not know if I could love any other child as much as I loved him, and
    I did not want any one to take his place in my heart.
    
    He invented many new word, and he was and still is good to his
    sisters. He remembers what we did together, where we stayed when we
    vacationed, and even which car we rent while we were there. He is
    a sensitive child, knows to comfort people when they hurt, sad, or
    suddenly give you a kiss when you are angry (not on him, of course).
    
    I now know that my heart "enlarged" after have more kids, because
    the love i have for Johnny hasn't decreased, but more and more
    each day with the love I have for the next ones.
    
    Then there are Catherine Song, and her best company Christine Song,
    borned on June 8th, 1988. They were 6 lb 1oz, and 6 lb 3oz, with
    only about 1 minute apart. 
    
    They made my believe in environment influence gradually changed to
    nature genetic influence, or a not-so-sure-what-exactly-that-is
    stage. They are identical, but have such different personality,
    one is content, independent, can play by herself, but stubborn;
    while the other one is mom's little girl, loves to play with 
    other people, and want to be with people, and more flexible.
    
    But no matter what, one will always take care of the other one.
    Christine will not go to the park if Catherine does not go, and
    if Catherine does not get the dessert because she finishes her
    dinner late, Christine will complain until she make sure her
    sister gets one. Catherine will picked up Christine's pillow
    (read Security blanket) while she is the last one on her way
    out to the car for a drive, and give it to Christine while they 
    both in the car, she will ask Christine to come and listen to the
    story if we started without her.
    
    Of course, they will gang up and tease their big brother Johnny
    all the time. But Johnny will always find one or the other a 
    great playmate. Sometimes he  told me, he liked to play with 
    Christine better, and sometimes he saied Catherine. 
    
    Johnny is lucky to have two sisters and the twins are lucky
    to have each other, and a big brother, and I am most greatful to
    have all three of them!!!!
    
                                                

    It's about time I reintroduce my kids...
    

    Caileigh Ryan (12/09/86) will be 4 on Sunday. She's our miracle baby. 
    I am still grateful to the Parenting community for their support and
    prayers when she was born. 
      
    Today, she's healthy and beautiful, thin with brown hair and sparkly brown 
    eyes.  She's also bright, outgoing, very happy (but quick-tempered),
    and very silly.  She loves drawing and writing ("Have to do my work 
    now"), dancing (started lessons this fall), playing "make believe" and 
    picking on her "little" sister.  She loves anything pink or frilly, 
    with bows or lace.  She also loves the Ninja turtles.  
    
    She hates sitting still or eating _anything_ that doesn't contain 
    sugar.
    
    Caileigh didn't escape her birth experience totally unscathed.  She is 
    hearing-impaired and wears two hearing aids.  She has adjusted to them 
    beautifully and is talking like crazy now.
    
    
    Paige Halsey (12/10/88) will be 2 on Monday.  I can't believe it!
    
    In many ways, she is Caileigh intensified--even more outgoing, more 
    active, and more quick-tempered.  She is also bright and beautiful, but 
    she is chubby (already outweighing Caileigh), with blonde hair and huge 
    blue eyes.  (She's our "Gerber baby.")

    She is also talking up a storm.  She loves going to "school," playing
    student to her sister's dance instruction, and playing with her
    "babies."  She's very happy, but has an incredible temper.  These days,
    when she's really angry she storms into her room and slams the door
    shut.  Then she gets REALLY mad when she realizes she's stuck because
    she isn't quite able to open the door yet!
    
    They're a lot of fun and I'm a very lucky mom!
    
    -Tracy
    

    Ellen Elizabeth is only 3 months old, but she has dramatically changed
    our lives as only children can.  Already she is alert, and loves to be
    held upside down as we walk around the house.  She smiles alot, coos,
    and laughed aloud for the very first time last week! She likes it when
    we sing to her, ans especially likes to lay on her changing table and
    look up at mobiles and stuffed animals that are hanging nearby.
    
    She likes musical toys the best. Maybe she'll inherit her father's
    musical talent. There certainly isn't any on my side!
    
    This notes file has been very valuable, and will undoubtedly continue
    to be as we start to face more challenging opportunities as Ellen
    grows.
    
    Mary

    
    In re: <<< Note 15.39 by THEBAY::SONGRI >>>
    
    This question isn't quite on the point of the note, but is your Node
    possibly the place down by which all those watermelons grow?
    
    		- Bruce
    

    
    Well, I'm back from maternity leave.  I had a beautiful baby girl
    named Stephanie Taylor Kopelic.  She's got really light RED hair,
    her eyes are still blue, and she's 3 months old.  No epidural, 1
    shot of Demoral, and her stats (after 5 1/2 hours of labor) 
    were: 9 lbs 4 oz, 22 inches long.  Needless to say, her shoulders 
    got stuck and my episiotomy was horrendous!  But, she was worth all
    of it.
    
    Bev 
    
    

    Our tribe consists of 1 boy and two girls...
    
    Daniel Carl is now 2 years and 3 months old.  Light reddish-brown hair,
    with blue eyes, and is built solidly.  It is hard to believe that I
    used to hold this kid with one hand.  Daniel has always been very good
    at keeping himself busy, and us too!  He absolutely adores his two
    sisters, at least that is the outward appearance.  He is a conniver and
    will the instigator when the girls get older...I can see it now, he
    gets them going and then will stand back and watch the fun.
    
    The girls, are actually twins now almost 3 months old, and boy has this
    been a long three months!
    
    Janine Marie, and Julia Mae, came into this world via C-Section due to
    distress.  Julie-Mae was and still is the peanut of the two, she weighed 
    in at 4lb 12oz., while Janine came out at 6lb 9oz.  Both have virtually 
    doubled in weight since birth.
    
    They are not identical, they are fraternal and as different as night
    and day.  From the physical attributes, to the temperment, they
    couldn't be more different.
    
    If I were to speculate, and risk a chauvanist attitude, I think Janine
    is going to turn into a little girl, and Julia will be the tom-boy, she
    just has this devilish look in her eyes when she smiles.  Ah, time will
    tell!
    
    Diane, my wife is a saint, however she will drive me to an early grave
    if she keeps up with "just one more, please!?".
    
    Well, I could go on, but I'll give someone else a chance.
    
    Carl
    

    |My son, Todd is now 5 months old and weighed in at 10lb 2oz when
    born.
    
    He's absolutely brilliant and as a new mum I love to tell people about
    him.  He sleeps 7am to 7pm and has done since he was 
    6 weeks old, eats 3 meals a day, is currently trying to crawl but
    hasn't quite mastered it yet.  Although rather on the large side when
    he was born he seems to have averaged out and comes in around 18lb now.
    
    Have only just found this notesfile and at first glance looks good.
    
    Jo            

    
    I just did a DIR/AUTHOR=DONAHUE 15.* and I can't believe I haven't
    raved about my little Daniel in this note!!!

    Well, allow me... Daniel Francis Donahue just turned 5 months old on
    the 15th of March. He is wonderful!! He has been interacting with his
    dad and I for about 2 months now. What a personality on this child! He
    is almost always smiling/laughing and _loves_ to kid with us. He
    actually does things that let us know that he can pull off a good joke
    when he wants to, such as hiding and playing peek-a-boo. He _is_ a
    blessing to Frank and I.

    He's about 15 pounds and 25 inches long. He has been sleeping through
    the night since he was 5 weeks old!! Never had a problem going from
    nursing to bottles. Is now enjoying cereal, fruits and vegetables. The
    only thing he doesn't like are the meats, but this too will pass  :-)

    I can't think of life with out this bundle of joy that has entered our
    lives. 

    Thanks for letting me ramble. I love and enjoy him so much, I could go
    on forever!

    Can you tell he's our first child?

    Norma 

    I've never taken the time to introduce my precious little boy,
    Joshua William O'Neil Huntley--or "Just Josh".
    
    He is 22 months old today and such a sweetheart (most of the time
    anyways).  He just learned to say, "Iiiii  Wuffffff Oooooh, Mama"
    this week and it gives me a warm glow every time he will say it.
    Josh is very active, intelligent, strong willed, loving, affectionate,
    curious, and beautiful (IMHO, of course).  He is very blonde with
    brown eyes, easily tanned skin, and long and lean.  He weighs about
    26 lbs. but is wearing 3T clothes due to his height.  He is learning
    to use the potty and thinks it is just great to sit on his "Pawie".
    He LOVES books, cars, water, and ice cream.  He will eat just about
    anything these days (I know, it is just one of the good phases).
    Josh is learning about independence and choices which makes some
    days difficult but overall he is an angel boy!!!
    
    pam

    I can't start from birth or I'd be here all day; so I'll just give a
    brief overview.
    Jason Joaquim was a perfect baby and has continued into his 17th year
    being such a good kid that sometimes I get worried. He weighed 8lbs 5oz
    at birth which was pretty big considering the fact that I didn't have
    to wear maternity clothes while carrying him. He was difinitley a big
    surprise. He has blonde hair, hazel eyes, with very dark eyebrows! At
    this point in time he weighs in at 205 and stands 5'11. He has very
    broad shoulders which is good as he loves to play football. His
    favorite sport is baseball though. He is very active in the youth group
    at church, and does volunteer counseling at the christian summer camp
    in our area. This summer he will be attending Phillips Academy for the
    summer session along with about 55 other decie dependents. We are
    (puffed out chest here) VERY proud of him to say the least. He has
    always been on the honor roll and hopes to be appointed to West Point
    in December which is when they do the choosing.  
    
    Michele Lee was born 15 months after Jason a la natural'. She was
    induced as she was two weeks late. While I was carrying her I would
    pray for a daughter with big brown eyes, my nose, her fathers ears,
    curly hair, and that she would be petite. Well, God heard me and
    answered my prayers. But I forgot to ask for a good disposition and let
    me tell you the first seven months were bad!!!! She had colic and only
    slept for a couple of hours a day for the first five months! :-( Then
    we found out she was hyper active so I couldn't let her sleep for more
    than an hour during the day or she would be up all night. I'm glad that
    Jason was such a good kid cause if they had both been like that they
    would have had to put me away. But we lived through it and she was a
    beautiful child and a pleasure once we had it figured out. Sometimes I
    think if I had waited till I was older to have kids, I would have had
    more patience and been better prepared (I was 20 when J came, 21 for
    Chele). I have since learned that it doesn't matter what age you are.
    It is a totally new experience for everyone.... Today Michele is a very
    gorgeous young lady who has decided that she knows all there is to know
    about life and we can't tell her anything she doesn't already know.
    those of you who have been through the teens with your kids know what
    I'm talking about. But I must say I would do it all again as the joy
    and pleasure is worth all the trials and worries 

    P.S. I hit the wrong key and just realized I never finished bragging
    about my darling daughter. She is truly a beautiful child and breaks my
    heart at times as I worry about her so much. She is so independent that
    she scares me at times. She is into gymnastics and is very good at it.
    She hopes to become a physical therapist and looks forward to
    working with the special olympics for which she has volunteered. She is
    a terrific babysitter as she loves kids and enjoys playing with them.
    As all our friends are just now having their kids she and Jason both
    come in handy when we all want to go out. She weighed in at 7lbs 15oz
    at birth and is now 5'3  110 lbs. I really wish I had gotten her
    involved in modeling. Oh well, there is still time if she decides she'd
    like to try it. Ciao everyone! 

    Andrew is 2 years and 2 months.  He has to be the cleanest 2 year boy
    that I have ever seen (Daddy is that way to) He will pick up all the
    lego's before he goes to get another toy out.  He hates to have his
    hands dirty they have to be washed about a hundred times a day.  If
    the handle on the fork or spoon get sicky you have to wash it off or
    get a clean one.  Will only take a shower with Daddy in the morning,
    because that is what Daddy does.  Here goes the one tht I am really
    proud of he can ride a two wheel bike with training wheels with no
    problems, as a matter of fact were are thinking of taking them off.
    # 2 is no the way, and he is always giving my belly a hug and a kiss. 
    He knows what a baby is and he thinks that the baby is hiding in mommys
    belly and when that baby moves he thinks that the baby is playing.
    
    I cant wait to see the look on his face when he can finally see baby.
    
    I really like it when he greats you at 5:00 with the biggest tightest
    huge and the longest kiss he can get out.
    
    Della

    PICKS UP ALL HIS LEGOS?????????  Does he do consulting?  My kids could
    use a lesson from this boy!!!!
    
    -sandy
    

    Time to introduce my two children.  My son, Eric Channing Swei
    and my daughter, Monica Grace Swei.
    
    Eric just had his 3 years old birthday party.  I cann't believe
    it has been 3 years.  I can still remember the first time he
    was put in my arms, I said to myself, "What a funny looking
    creature".  Well, this funny looking creature has grown into
    a handsome little boy, and I love him more than ever.
    
    Eric has always been a very special boy.  Right at the beginning,
    he showed the sign of intelligence.  He started talking at 6 months
    old.  By one year old, he could talk in sentences and sung "Twinkle
    Twinkle Little Star".   Today, at 3 years old, he is still very
    advanced.  Because the way he talks and his size (He has always
    been in the 90th percentile for height and weight), most people
    think he is at least 4 years old.
    
    Besides intelligent, he is also a very loving, affectionate child.
    He never gets into fights and always shares his toys.  Like most
    of the 3 years old, he has his own mind about everything.  How
    to get him following the instructions becomes a challenge.
    
    Reading is his favorite activity.  He has excellent memory.
    Just read a book to him once, he will remember the contents.  
    He can read for hours.  While he is reading, he will stay in his 
    room, and ask not to be bothered.  He also likes musics and sports.
    
    Monica just turned 10 months old.  She looks just like Eric but
    even more beautiful.   She have been an easy baby.  She seldom
    cries and is always happy.  She is Eric's biggest fan.  When
    Eric sings, she will clap her hands.  She follows Eric 
    everywhere.   She is about to walk and just started to talk.
    She is so much fun now, I wish I can stay home and play with her.
    
    I feel very lucky to have Eric and Monica.  They have made my
    life more fun and meaningful.
    
    Wendy
    
    
           

    I thought I already entered this note, so if you've already seen
    it, sorry for the re-run.
    
    The Nelson kids are James, 3.5 years old, and Hollis (Holly),
    3 months old.  
    
    James is a short, skinny kid who just learned how to use the potty
    in early September.  He has the most beautiful hazel eyes with the
    longest, blackest, thickest lashes you ever saw!  Makes me envious!
    He loves golf, his dad, the movie "An American Tale," anything by
    Disney, and his stuffed dog.  He hates vegetables, casseroles and
    being told what to do.  Easy-going for the most part, he can dig in
    his heels and turn into a real booger when he decides that something is 
    not in his best interest!  
    
    After a brief but agonizing bout with colic, Holly has settled down
    into a real charmer.  At her 2-month checkup, she was 11 lbs. 8 oz.
    and 23 inches long.  She is drinking Isomil and is really plumping up!
    Her hair -- such as it is -- is ash brown, and her grandmother Nelson
    thinks her eyes will stay blue.  Hey, just as long as she gets
    James' eyelashes...
    
    Holly slept through the night at 5 weeks.  She's not much of a daytime
    napper, but she does go to bed at 7:30 or 8 and that's it till morning.
    She loves cuddles, her big brother, her Nuk, and being propped up on
    the sofa so she can see what's going on.  She enjoys shopping and
    getting carried around on Mom's shoulder when I come home at the end
    of the day.  She hates being wet or soiled, being cold, and being
    interrupted when she's trying to eat.  Compared to her brother, she's
    REALLY mellow!

    
    Michael will be 3 mos old on Jan 17th, and is growing bigger and bigger
    every day. He was 11lbs 10 oz at his 2 mos appt with the pedi, so I'm
    sure he has doubled his weight since birth by now (6 lbs 14oz). Hes got
    a full head of lightbrown/reddish hair that he has had since birth. He
    started losing some of it around 8 wks old but that seems to have
    stopped and its just getting thicker every day now. (He loves to have
    it blow dried! Been doing it since he was 1 week old!) Hes just
    starting to smile more, and can already roll fro his back to his belly. 
    He's had a real strong head/neck since birth (Now I can see why it hurt
    so much when he was inside me!) and when being held stares mostly at
    the ceiling. (give him a house with ceiling fans and he's in heaven!).
    He's just starting to "talk" and make all kinds of noises. Such a
    delight.  
    
    He's had a tough time with constipation since about 3 weeks old, that I
    never thought would end. But since putting him on fruit (ones that
    begin with "P") at 1 month old (Yep, 1 month) he is doing much better. 
    He didn't take too well to the feeding by spoon at first, but is
    getting used to it now. 
    
    Today is his first day at daycare, (my best friend is watching him),
    and I bet he's doing better than I am....  I'm missing him terribly!
    (I wonder if he even knows I'm gone???  pout pout)
    
    Chris
    

    
    I have 4 little girls. Laura is my oldest at 6. she is in kindergarten 
    this year and doing well. She was a little reluctant to go at first
    I believe she thought we were doing fun things at home with the other
    kids. Now she is enjoying herself and likes to go. Laura is the perfect 
    big sister, very patient and creative.
    
      Kimberly is 5, her birthday is Dec 27th, my b'day is Dec 25th and
    I promised myself that I would never have a baby at Christmas time 
    but some things just don't go as planned. Anyway Kim is in preschool
    3 mornings a week and has really blossomed this last year. She is
    voicing her own opinions more often and becoming a little less
    dependant on Laura for ideas about what games to play.
    
      Pamela is 2 1/2 and is a real sweetheart. She loves music and can
    sing lots of different songs. She knows her alphabet and can count to 
    15. She wants very much to play with her older sisters but they don't 
    always want to play with her. Pammy plays nicely with Cindy and makes
    her laugh.
    
      Cindy is 13 months and walking and into everything. she seems to have
    a knack for shutting herself in the bathroom and unrolling the entire
    roll of toilet paper. Trying to keep the bathroom door shut when you
    have 3 older kids and a husband is impossible. Needless to say we go
    thru a lot of toilet paper. Cindy is into giving open-mouthed kisses
    and being carried around a lot. 
    
       Most of the time I really enjoy my family but sometimes I am very
    happy when Saturday comes and I can go to work.... :^)
    
                            Jill
    
    

    Rebecca Rose is almost 10 months old and Mommy and Daddy's pride and
    joy!  I don't know what we did without her.  She is just starting to
    pull up on furniture (just the couch and her shopping cart). She loves
    to take baths, play with Daddy, and loves to eat with one tooth!!!!!!
    She knows what she wants and will let you know.  She loves to mimic
    you.
    She says pretty, baby, and uh oh...  She is the greatest thing that
    has every happened to us.  I know she is very smart, and I hope
    will be smart like her Daddy when she gets older.  She is very
    beautiful has brown hair and big, big, big blue eyes!!!!!!
    
    We just lover her sooooooooo...........................
    
    
    

    Shannon was born New Year's Day 1991 6:28 am at 900 grams (the first baby
    born in our town.) However, she was due on April 7, so we weren't too 
    excited about her birth ( a major understatement...the only feeling was
    extreme terror).  If any of you remember, it was a blue moon that new 
    year's eve and Shannon is truly a special, special little girl!!!!
    
    She is now developmentally a 10 month old.  She is busy pulling up on
    everything!  She loves to talk, and she really understands whatever it
    is she is saying to all her stuffed animals!!  We have been blessed
    with a miracle...When she is displaying what most people consider
    unpleasant behavior, I appreciate the fact that she is just like any
    other little one!
    
    Shannon is a living doll and the pride and joy of our lives
    
     

    RE: Shannon...special little girl!!!
    
    I *LOVE* to hear these stories!
    
    Thanks for sharing it.
    
    Jodi-

Bradford James and Jessica Lauren were born on April 30, 1991 at 28 weeks
and weighed in at 2 pounds 5 ounces (1030 grams) and 2 pounds 3 1/2 ounces
(1010 grams) with a length of 15 inches each.  It seems that they wanted
their birthdays in April like the rest of the family, so now we're all
5 days apart.  Jessica came home at 10 weeks old, and has done quite well.
She can do a commando crawl now, and just loves to go from the family room
to the kitchen.  She's in the 6-8 months adjusted age range, so is starting
to catch up to her chronological age.

Brad is another story.  We almost lost him on several occasions and had quite
the roller coaster ride with him.  He ruptured a bowel at 13 days old, and
had to have an emergency colostomy.  He came home at 17 weeks, but only 
stayed home for 13 days before he was readmitted for another 9 weeks.  It
seems the doctors had taken him off the sodium supplement and sent him home
with a subtherapeutic sodium level, so we were lucky that he didn't seize
before we brought him back to the hospital.  We brought him to the emergency
room because he was crying and grumpy -- try to get someone to take you
seriously when you say that's why you're there -- didn't take them long
to find that he was dehydrated due to lack of sodium even though he had no
symptoms.  After much wasted time, they finally reversed his ostomy and he
came home in November when he was just over 6 months old, and he's been
great since then.  Our biggest problem these days is keeping him fed -- I
can imagine what kind of eating machine he'll be when he's 16!  He's a little
behind Jessica developmentally, but still in the 6-8 month range and catching 
up quickly.  He's very mobile, buts rolls wherever he wants to be. And he's
got to be the happiest baby I've ever met.  He'll smile at anything.

We're thrilled to finally have both babies home, and feel truly blessed to
have such happy babies. 

Since there seem to be a few of us with premature babies, maybe we should
start a discussion on developmental issues. 

Regards,
Cathy

    Cathy, I haven't "chatted" for a while with you.  Thank you  for
    starting my day with a wonderfully, happy story!
    
    How is his weight these days?
    
    Lyn

Brad weighs in at just about 15 pounds now (he's finally outgrown most of
his 3 month clothes, and is even outgrowing some of the 6 month stuff), and
Jessica is about 18 1/2 pounds, so he's gaining on her.  It's interesting
that Jessica has what I'd call baby fat, and looks like a nice health baby,
but Brad is all skin, bones and muscle with no real fat to speak of.  You'd
think with all he eats (which is much more than Jessica), he'd be gaining
faster, but he uses lots of calories to breathe.  The pedi says that as long
as he's growing, he's doing fine.  And now that he spits less (reflux) because
we've got him on solids, I'm hoping he continues to pack on the weight.

It's so nice to finally have our family together and healthy!!

    YAY!!!!
    
    I'm so happy to hear that.  I was wondering how everyone was doing.
    
    Marie
    (Brad's friend from Childrens)

    Since Carol just put an entry into "Introductions" I thought I should
    check in again.  It's been a long time.  Nothing much has changed for
    me and husband Bill but here's an update on our daughter Ilona.
    
    Ilona Marie is now 17 months old.  Everyone says she is adorable.  Of
    course, I'm impartial -;)  She's still a peanut, weighing about 22
    pounds.  She has big hazel/brown eyes and curly hair the color of dark
    honey.  We often use her nickname, Pixie.
    
    As I saw early on, she is Miss Personality.  She's very sociable,
    outgoing and physically active.  She is what's called a "climber" - she
    climbed before she walked.  
    
    Her two favorite play activities are nesting toys in boxes or inside
    each other, and reading books.  She likes pushing around her shopping
    cart, too.  She uses the watering can as a horn!
    
    She had her first swimming lesson Saturday at the health club, and she
    loved it!  I got her an adorable pink bathing suit with a ruffle on the
    rear end.  She enjoyed trying to paddle around the pool and hiding
    inside the locker while I got dressed.
    
    She says a number of words, sporadically, and sometimes repeats
    phrases.  Yesterday Bill came home at 1 pm.  Ilona was in the living
    room.  He asked "Where is Mommy."  "UPSTAIRS", quoth she.