messages to arthursmummy:
(click here to add new message):
| from elizamark : |
| Hello dear, I am Miss. Elizabeth Mark the manager of bill and exchange at the foreign remittance department SG-SSB bank limited, The board of directors mandated me to look for any known relation of late Mr. Morris Thompson who deposited a huge amount of money in our bank without claim, so l decided to contact you in confidence I pray with trust due to the way you receiving this sincere mail from me with surprise ,so you can apply for the claim of this funds with my full corporation so I can join you later in your country for better investment for more details and confidentiality contact in my private email addresses [email protected] or [email protected] God will surly bless you, Yours truly, Miss. Elizabeth Mark |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Happy birthday to Arthur! (I know I'm a couple days late but I wanted to make sure I got it in there!) I cannot believe he is FOUR already - that is so crazy! |
| from ebombmom : |
| Wow! Congratulations! And a very happy 4th to sweetie Arthur. Seth just had his 4th, as you might know, and it really hit me in a big way. Though, until recently he was my youngest, not my eldest! ;) |
| from with-child : |
| Thank you! I keep trying to remind myself of that (she will benefit in the end) but the guilt is still heavy. And the cheese thing is new! With Evie I wanted more sweet, and I was very averse to chicken which I am not this time. So maybe it is a boy! I am secretly wanting a sister for E but I'm sure I'd be thrilled with a boy as well. |
| from monkymind : |
| By the way, get looking for a house in B***** asap.... there are bargains to be had out there, check out my diary ;) |
| from wunderwuman : |
| There is a quote I heard lately that I think is VERY applicable to us moms. "When you are taking care of yourself, you are taking care of others." Enjoy your new hair cut and don't let it be so long until the next time you take some time out for yourself :) |
| from miss-katie : |
| Your hair looks wonderful! Also, I really like the "Pray and Play Bible" to read with Evelyn. The stories are still a little long for her so they would probably be perfect for Arthur, and there are also songs and games and whatnot to go along with each story. |
| from nickyslilone : |
| Thank you for the comment on my entry yesterday! I seem to get the pains a lot these days, and it's good to know even a veteran (!) like you gets them and there's not something wrong with me. First time mum worries again I suppose! I also can't wait to see pictures of my little boy! Hehe if that makes sense. I thought a while ago I would just wait until the big day after my last scan, but now I am itching to see him again, even though I wanted the surprise of what he'd look like - I suddenly really want to see him again, and those 3d scans look so tempting. There's still so much to sort out (scarily lots) so I'm glad there's still 10 weeks to go but at the same time I just can't wait to see my little Robbie. |
| from lindzeeleigh : |
| The videos of the boys are so great! I love the one where they are singing happy birthday and especially the one of Nathan laughing at Arthur. :) So precious! I hope you get the whole sleep thing straightened out soon. It seems as if you have a good plan of action! |
| from lindzeeleigh : |
| I love the picture update of the boys and I hope you had a nice bank holiday today. Did Neil get the day off? I can't believe how grown up the boys are looking. I like that their expressions are so similar in the last picture. You can definitely tell they are brothers! |
| from lindzeeleigh : |
| I love the photo of the boys! They look so pleased withe themselves! :) I am happy to hear that things have been going so well with Neil back at work, that is fantastic news! |
| from nickyslilone : |
| Thanks for your note, I feel a lot more cheerful now and I've sent messages to both my dad and to my sister now I'm calmer. My mum was thrilled to hear the news, as was (I think - it was J talking to them) Jonathan's parents. I do love the nickname Robbie, I think he will be Robbie a lot when he's a little boy, which will probably turn into Rob when he's a teenager! ;) Seems crazy to think of my son who is kicking away in my tummy as a TEEN.. I bet you probably still feel the same way about Arthur, and your other two littlies. |
| from tequilamonky : |
| Just wondering if you've been to the doctor yet to get those lumps checked out? Hope all is fine....is it the lump you meant when you said ages ago that you needd to write about your thigh? Hugs xxxx |
| from ebombmom : |
| Love the birthday pics and video! The cake was fabulous, by the way. :) |
| from pebsmurf : |
| I don't get a chance to comment much these days, but your boys are adorable! It looks like they had a lot of fun on Matthew's Birthday. The Farm looks like so much fun. I cannot believe he is 2 already!! Kind of like I was in shock when Chase turned 5 on Friday!! |
| from wunderwuman : |
| I'm glad you guys had a fun day, I can't wait for pics from the farm. Also, I loved reading the entry about Arthur's birthday and looking at the pictures, too :) |
| from wunderwuman : |
| Thank you soooo much for your note. It made me feel much better. Being a mom is so hard sometimes!! But after such a stressful afternoon, things got better in the evening, and the girls even managed to give me some time for each other. Alena sat quietly while I put Leila to bed, and then Leila slept while Alena had her alert time... I hope Matthew's birthday was a fun day :) And as far as no visitors, I think it's so sweet that he loves his brothers and parents the most and is as happy with them as anybody else :) |
| from nickyslilone : |
| Oooh thanks for that Alice - I had no idea it was only a problem if the mother was negative. I guess this means I won't have to have any of that Anti-D stuff you talked about when you were pregnant with Matthew and Nathan? x |
| from ebombmom : |
| Too funny! Sethie has the SAME electic-shock hair that Matthew does (of course!) At his most recent cut two weeks ago we agreed to let the top grow in longer and just trim the sides/back, to give it any hope of lying flat! Tee hee... |
| from nickyslilone : |
| lovely to see you back Alice! Thanks for the note, yes I'm thinking of going down to the chemist in town to buy some Tums or Gaviscon later, but it seems to have dissipated for now, which is good. I hope it's a one off too, but I'll still go down to the chemist, because I don't want to be caught offguard again with it! |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Just wondering where you are - I'm missing your updates. Hope everything is going well. xoxo |
| from ebombmom : |
| www.flickr.com/photos/virtualteacup for photos! :) I love reading about your boys, too! |
| from wunderwuman : |
| Arthur's to-do list made me laugh out loud! Be naughtyyy..... get disciplined... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!! |
| from mamabean : |
| The Mama. She needs an update. Desperately! I hope y'all are all doing wonderfully well... Please update - even briefly would be okay! - when you have a chance. Please? |
| from nickyslilone : |
| Missing your updates! Hope all is well there xx |
| from tequilamonky : |
| Hope all is going well in Alice's world :) I'd got used to you updating so much ;) |
| from nickyslilone : |
| the code doesn't really work very well, I simply right clicked the image, and it did bring up a pop up box saying "disabled" but it also brought up the menu which let me go to the link location. It might be because I use Mozilla Firefox, the code you found might be to stop IE viewers. :S Sorry to hear about that person pretending to be you... does make you wonder what sort of people are on the internet.... :S But the image is gorgeous! Update on its way about yesterday! |
| from marlen816 : |
| Happy Birthday! |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Look at that sweet baby! I just want to play with his nose! LOL....and a BIG happy birthday to you supermom! XOXO |
| from ugottafriend : |
| HOORAY!!!!!!!! WELCOME NATHAN!!! |
| from lerin : |
| Just wanted to let you know I'm reading... working my way through your archives on recommendation from Megan. :) I'm a breastfeeding, (soon to be) homeschooling, attachment parenting, (soon to be) cloth diapering mom of three. :) I am not currently updating at diaryland anymore, but you can read about me at http://mycatholicfamily.blogspot.com |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Great entry! I loved reading about Arthur's vocabulary! The pictures are always so sweet! And yes I AM having trouble with Photobucket...I thought it was just me! |
| from aneles : |
| Oh my, you're so blessed! It warmed my heart to read your entry. My biggest dream is to be a mother. I just need to settle down, get some money, oh, and find a father for them lol Love, A. |
| from too-big : |
| What a wonderful entry to a blog. So full of love for your family. Thank you. I hope you get along very well |
| from marlen816 : |
| Happy Belated B-Day wishes Arthur. Alice - thank you for the prayer at the end of your entry tonight (11-15-07). I really needed it. |
| from missp2be : |
| so lucky to have a beautiful child.... |
| from mamabean : |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARTHUR! I hope you've had a wonderful day and are sleeping away, now a BIG THREE YEAR OLD BOY! I can't believe you're already such a grown-up little guy... where has the time gone? Hugs to you, your Mummy, Daddy, Matthew and Baby Nathan! |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Ahhh, they are just the sweetest boys, aren't they!? I love keeping up with your diary. The pictures always make me smile. |
| from beyondthemeg : |
| I love new Arthur pics. Hope all went ok with the physio xx |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Love the name you chose for your new boy! Can't wait to read all about him! |
| from depleted-mom : |
| I'm new here, because I am always looking to meet new people and communities. I hope you will not consider this rude, but I have found a great site that pays you to blog. I was reading through your blog and thought you might be interested in a site that pays you to blog. If you click the link below you can check it out. I have met some great people there. I don't think you should stop diaryland or anything, but you could copy and paste your blog entries and them post them to the blog at yuwie. You earn money for page views on your site. I really like this site, and hope you do too. www.yuwie.com/yuwie.asp?r=26479 , this is the link for you to sign up for a blog profile of your own. If you are already a member at yuwie, send me a friend request by going to http://www.yuwie.com/profile/?id=26479 . |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Hey Alice, your guestbook hates me. But anyway, I wanted to give you yet another email address, because I think my work email has a firewall and is not allowing emails outside of my workplace. Ugh. I have a NEW email address that SHOULD work! Please send me your updated snail mail so I can send something for the holidays! [email protected] Thanks and I look forward to reading more of your journals! ~Kelli from Alabama |
| from tequilamonky : |
| The guestbook on this diary won't let me comment either, plus there's a message left on there which disturbs me slightly so I'll stick with notes for now too! All sounds really positive although I appreciate the reality check at the end. Sounds like you have the right attitude over your finances, it sounds a bit scary too though, good luck with getting it sorted. Glad to hear you've found a discipline mehod that's working for you and curious to know about it. School thing is really, really exciting! I would love to homeschool myself but I feel that some time away from your parents amongst a roup of your peers is important (I know we disagree on this one though, but maybe that's partly because of personality differances). My ideal would be to homeschol part-time, so a few days at school and the rest at home. As it is I'll just have to work hard to make up for it when Jaya is at home. It's gratifying to read from what you've said you're doing that I already am homeschooling a bit without realising it! I'll be very interested in knowing more about it, any links, books etc. let me know. |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Hey Alice, I still can't leave a comment in your guestbook for some reason, so I will continue to leave notes. I want to send the boys something, so please email me with your new address after you get moved and settled. I know things are hectic for you right now, but keep hanging in there! I still read your journal every week even though I don't post on D-land anymore. Take care and God bless ~Kelli from the U.S. [email protected] |
| from pebsmurf : |
| I am so far behind on commenting! Sorry! MAtthew is adorable walking! wow. When did he get to be so big? I love the new top picture on your diary! That is a great one of both your boys. And CONGRATS on being pregnant again! YAY Anyway things are busy here like always. Chase will be 4 in 11 days can you believe that? And Hailey is almost 2 (next month) My babies are getting big and I miss having a little baby again, so I am going to enjoy following your pregnancy a lot! |
| from tequilamonky : |
| Forgot to add in my comment that Stu used to live in Hampshire and he still has family in Farnborough and I have family in Bournemouth (no idea if any of those are near where you'll be?) so if you want some advice on which areasare good we're more than happy to help. |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Hey Alice it's Kelli from the U.S.! I didn't know you were pregnant again! WOOOOOO!!!!! I'm so happy for you! If you will, PLEASE send me your snail mail address to my work email (I have issues with my yahoo email right now)...I want to send some stuff soon! Congratulations to you and Neil!!! [email protected] |
| from mamabean : |
| What a GREAT entry! I just love pictures of those two adorable boys together... they are so beautiful and perfect, aren't they? I can't believe Matthew's walking already! Soon the two of them will be racing around after one another like real little brothers. Sometimes it all just feels like one big beautiful dream, doesn't it? Thea is so sweet... I can't wait to watch HER grow up, too, so please make sure you keep posting pictures as you see her, okay? Thanks for the update and for finding time for your diary still. I love being along for the ride! |
| from ugottafriend : |
| They are so sweet!!! And growing up so fast! God bless and Happy Birthday to Matthew a little early! :-) *HUGS* |
| from viks : |
| I love the sound of your Easter childhoods, that sound so magical :) I loved the fact the Easter Bunny (not fairies) would leave my eggs in the living room or in good weather in the garden, not a touch on the magic you had though, hope you get to do something similiar for A and M :) |
| from mamabean : |
| Oh that picture. I wish I could crawl into bed beside him and hold him close. You lucky Mummy! I can almost smell him... He's so yummy. What a beautiful letter. I hope he outlives you... I hope you see his children and his children's children too. I hope you're still writing away on diaryland then so I can see them all, too, and still know my sweet, precious friend Alice and be able to say 'I knew you when...' Amazing entry. xoxoxo |
| from mamabean : |
| :) That boy, indeed! I love hearing all of the sweet things he is saying now (and thinking!) and I think because I have Alex, who is Arthur's same age, it's easier for me to picture and understand and imagine his tone as he says things, too. I feel like I'm right there next to you laughing with you. On the potty training, Alex and I did a few trial runs, too, and had the same things happen... the not wanting to sit on the potty and the multiple wets in the underpants. I did stop then and wait a month or so. To me it indicated that she just didn't GET it yet. When I knew she DID get it, that's when we stopped "going back" to diapers. Yay for Mashew hitting all of his milestones. And yay for his tininess! Makes him all the easier to cuddle and baby, right? I can't wait to see pictures of his new TEETH! I do understand what you mean about writing in your diary becoming "pressury" or more like a chore than something fun. That happens to me on occasion, too... but it always goes away. Sometimes I am anxious to write, others not so much. I just kinda go with it. I think your system of writing things down and putting them in your diary when you have time/inclination is probably the best/only solution... Only other thing I can think of is to find a way to move your computer to the kitchen so you can work on it in snippets during the day. Okay I've been interrupted twice as I typed this so I'm sure I didn't say everything. You didn't bug me with your "talk about it" comment a few days ago at all. Very sound advice. I just don't want people to think I'm not hearing the advice or even that I'm DUMB or something because I don't talk about it with Al... You know? |
| from lilpeanut80 : |
| Well, I didn't catch the previous entry, but the in the recap, (even though you aren't up for comments on the matter), I would have done the same thing. And I am a big believer on "moving on", especially at this age, one little misbehaviour shouldn't spoil the entire day. Jonas says "okay" to whatever I say when I lecture him in my low, stern voice, but I doubt he actually remembers for very long or even draws complex connections. "I ran away from Mummy in the store 30 minutes ago so now I can't ride the toy car."? I really doubt a 2 year old has those capabilities. Just the spank and moving on with hugs and explanation I think is enough. I don't LOVE spanking my child (who does?) but I think it is important and it would be hard to have people criticize me. So...all of that was meant as encouragement. I hope it was. You are a wonderful mother! I know you love your boys. I found out I'm having a second boy, and it made me think of you and your beautiful family. |
| from mamabean : |
| I miss you! Hope you are all well and just too busy having fun to write. I'm thinking of you and hoping you'll have a minute to update soon... I bet you are, too. Love to all... |
| from ugottafriend : |
| There is nothing wrong with smacking when it is done out of dicipline (as opposed to smacking out of anger). Sometimes it has to be done to get your point across. Don't even worry about what people think, you and Neil are great parents. |
| from wunderwuman : |
| I know exactly what you're saying on the smacking issue! Motherhood has this (wonderful?) way of making us eating all our words from before we were mommies! |
| from ugottafriend : |
| They are as precious as ever! I'm still reading your diary regularly, even though I don't blog here anymore. HUGS from the U.S.! ~Kelli |
| from marlen816 : |
| Happy Birthday!! |
| from ntlworld : |
| kids need whole milk.. it WONT make them fat and they are KIDS they need the goodness in it. I believe VERY much that as long as kids smile and they eat/drink plenty of goodness then it doesnt matter... like sugar free medicine! Pointless kids are only ill for a few days (usually) so give them the sugar... at least they will swallow it! They will get better and then the sugar will have stopped! Potty?toilet training... Have you thought about making it a game? Put a ping-pong ball down the toilet and let Neil and Arthur pee on it! Makes a good aim and also a good game! It worked wonders for us and it wont flush either! try it.! |
| from wunderwuman : |
| I can totally empathize with you about the outings. I only have one (born June 14 as well) and she is such a routine baby that I really can't mess with the nap schedule. And, as a result is a happy gurgly giggling baby. As far as the potty training goes, I don't really have any advice, but I hear that kids let you know when they are ready, and when they are ready, it really isn't a long process. It's when the mom's force it that it takes so long. And I thought that kids should be on whole milk until at LEAST 3 or 4... their brains need fat to develop. |
| from karkar82 : |
| I have to say that both your kids are adoreable! How did you get those cute little saying on the side of your diary? I'm new at this and I would love to get some of my own! |
| from karkar82 : |
| I have to say that both your kids are adoreable! How did you get those cute little saying on the side of your diary? I'm new at this and I would love to get some of my own! |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I alway make her sit back down immediately if she tries to stand like that... thank you for your note, though! I didn't realize it could actually harm her in some way. ♥ |
| from mamabean : |
| I will pray... I'm sure she'll be fine though. She's young and healthy! Try not to worry yourself over it too much. Hugs - |
| from libbyo : |
| I hope your mom is okay! |
| from theflyingrat : |
| THANK YOU for your note on Aislyn's diary! So it probably is the milk then and it's a relief to know that it probably (or at least maybe) won't be permanent. |
| from mamabean : |
| Hi Alice! How neat to get a Christmas card from you and your sweet lil family! It really made my day, and Alex's too. (Al is not home yet but I know he's going to get a huge smile out of it as well.) Alex has been sticking her Elmo stickers everywhere... the minute I handed them to her she said, "Hey dat's Ewmo! Ewmo sickers!" and scurried off with them. Thank you so much for sending such a sweet, homemade, thoughtful, day-brightening memento for us to tangibly enjoy... a little piece of my dear, sweet Alice and her beautiful, wonderful family. :) Joy joy joy! |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh how absolutely adorable!!! What sweet pictures of Matthew, I love them all. |
| from lukeysmama : |
| Just wanted to let you know that I added you back over at LJ. So you should be able to read me now! :) |
| from libbyo : |
| hey... just wondered how you were doing. Haven't heard from you in a bit and I know you had that medical test... |
| from ugottafriend : |
| I just went back and watched the video that you made, and I'm crying! That was absolutely precious. I have been following your journal for years now, so watching all of that was so touching for me. Hugs and God bless ~Kelli |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Hey hon, I went through the same thing...taking acid inhibitors and had to have the scope. I have no idea why they think you have to be awake for that...I was out like a light and it worked just fine! Oh well, I honestly think that you will be ok swallowing it...you will be sedated so it is highly unlikely that you will gag. Please don't worry too much about it. When it is over, you will wonder why you worried so much. I promise you will do fine! I hope they find the problem and have a quick solution to your tummy issue! *HUGS* |
| from libbyo : |
| Alice, that was absolutely beautiful, what gorgeous boys you have!!! XOXO |
| from ugottafriend : |
| I hope that Arthur and everyone is feeling much better today! *HUG* ~Kelli |
| from libbyo : |
| He is so adorable... even when he is sick! |
| from viks : |
| really hoping no news is good news |
| from libbyo : |
| I know, it is HORRIBLE when they are so sick and you feel so helpless! I hope that he gets to feeling better soon! *hugs* |
| from viks : |
| i tried to sign your guestbook but it deleated itself! Just wanted to say i hope Arthur is feeling better and didnt need to go in. Love viks |
| from bodega : |
| GG had a bad bug like that 1 month ago, I think I wrote about it in my diary. She was sick for one week. She was lathargic and would just lay on the floor. The admitted her for 2 days in the hospital for dehydration but she was sick for 3 days beyond check out so I took her back to ER, and they prescribed bactrim for bladder infection at that point. But everything came up... it got to a point where she thought what she was eating/drinking made her sick so she didn't even want to try to eat/drink anything. She was so lifeless that she didn't budge when they did the Iv... it was so scary as a mom... I know what you are going through. GG ended up losing 20% of her body weight. She's almost 4 and when they weighed her so weighed less than at her 3 year apt... Good luck with this and I hope Arthur feels better soon and that Matty doesn't get it too. |
| from cera-jeanne : |
| Awww..your boys are VERY cute! :) |
| from ugottafriend : |
| No waaaaay, I had that same Fisher Price record player when I was little! WOOT! I love the videos! ~Kelli |
| from ugottafriend : |
| I have tried several times to leave a message on your guestbook, but it doesn't want to work for me! Oh well, glad I can leave a note. Arthur and Matthew are soooooooooo sweet! I love the pictures and hearing about their interaction. Precious! God bless ~Kelli |
| from viks : |
| hi alice, i sent an email (guessing your email addy as im on a different computer) but its bounced back, please could you send it to me? Also i put a card in the post to you and put a leaflet in about voting and helping sick kids, just because i put them in everything i do at the moment and it wasn;t until it was posted it dawned on me how unsensative that was, so sorry about that. Take care, Viks |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Me again! I found this link and thought it might help. http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/articles/jeri/neverhurt.php |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I meant to say "physical manifestations OF STRESS" sorry. ♥ |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I remember when Riley was Arthur's age and he was in the same pent-up energy/hitting/throwing/etc phase. I only had HIM to take care of and I still felt like I was on the verge of a breakdown half the time. It is perfectly okay to need help. Ask your doctor, really. They won't take your kids away from you for one mistake that you feel terrible about. They will see that you WANT help, that you understand you NEED help and they will look to get it for you. There must be some kind of group/class (free, even) to help people in your situation cope. We have them around here, of course, I don't know anything about the UK. If you can afford to hire someone to help you out, I think it's a great idea. Your kids are small and yes, they need you, but an in-house helper would take A LOT of the stress off you. Obviously, if you are having physical manifestations, you need time out for yourself. For your kids as well. You are right - most people have family near enough so that they can get an odd day off here or there and just because you DON'T have family nearby doesn't mean you shouldn't get some time off too! Being a mother is a HARD JOB and needing a break is nothing to be ashamed of, in anyway. I think you are one of the most wonderful mothers and it's obvious how much you love your boys. You don't suck. You're just going through a rough patch. I wish I could be more help. ♥ |
| from tequilamonky : |
| Okay huge hugs honey! I'm sorry I've not been there for you much lately but hope to be back on track now. I totally agree you do not need anti-depressants and I'm sure if you talk to your gp he/she will feel the same. That's what you need to do though, talk to your gp, you don't need to go into details but just say you're suffering badly from stress, always have done and you'd like to be referred to a therapist. You don't have to say anything about fearing you may hurt the children if you don't want, save that for the therapist. Your stomach ulcer is a clear sign of the stress and also shows that it's not purely related to the children and is most likely something you have suffered from for a long time. Another port of call is the samaritans if you really can't face your GP. know you can get help as I used to be a stress-head myself, I was given therapy to help me with stress. Email me if you want more details as I'm quite happy to tell you any more but not here. Basically seeing a therapist really helped me and I was able to find ways to cope. For now gather in all the help you can. I really think Neil is right about getting someone to help out with the kids. It certainly isn't a sign of failure at all!! You have 2 under 2 I know how stressfull that can be and the only way I coped is that I have my mum coming to help at least once a week. You don't have your mum close by so you'll need to hire a proxy. That's all it is and is no reflection on your mothering skills at all! Big hugs, dry your tears, face forward and it will all be fine. This can be sorted. |
| from hereisadiary : |
| Only came across this today but I thought of you immediately upon reading it - I remember you mentioned (I cannot remember when) frustration at the growth charts that are based, or largely based, on formula-fed babies' growth. Aaaaanyway, it's an old-ish article (about six months old, actually) but I thought it'd interest you if you hadn't seen it... which, it occurs to me, you probably actually have. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2147863,00.html -annie (aussie one :P) |
| from babycs : |
| Hi Alice, this is Esther...the guestbook seems to have problems lately. I just started a diary here. Please do stop by if you have a chance!! :) |
| from viks : |
| hi alice, are you a member of freecycle? if you post to your local groups someones bound to have an oven they aren't using/dont need any more/replacing. It never failst o amaze me wahts rehomed there |
| from sentrywish : |
| OOOh goody I forgot I could leave you notes. I was sad I couldn't write in your guestbook. Anyway this is Mallory, formerly of eppybway, now I write at sentrywish. So you know who I am now! :) I am glad to hear from you and that you are all well. I was beginning to worry a bit so it was good to see your entry. Love the pictures. Your children are absolutely gorgeous, but you know that! :) And Ella is a cutie as well. |
| from briarhill2 : |
| So good to see you back, Alice. I loved to read your very frequent posts over the last year & was getting worried that something was wrong. Your boys are beautiful! Arthur is such a great big brother & little Matthew is filling out so nicely. Love his cheeks! |
| from theflyingrat : |
| We have used the "naughty step" method with Riley since he was a year - it has always worked for us. I completely understand how you feel about smacking/spanking. I slapped Riley's hand once when he was about to touch the oven (while it was on) and I felt GUILTY about it for days. The pictures are so adorable, your boys have such different looks and yet I think they both look like you! |
| from mamabean : |
| Happy Two Month B-day, Matthew! Hope you are all well and happy... Missing your updates but know you are busy busy busy! Lots of love - |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I'm so sorry it's going so rough for you. I think it IS possible (my mom did it) and you just have to find your "niche" - it must be soooo difficult and I really admire you. Is there any way that you could maybe hire an "in house" babysitter? Someone that could just come by for a couple hours every few days and play with Arthur, feed him, etc. while you get some one-on-one baby time with Matthew? Then you wouldn't really be away from Arthur but he'd have a "playmate" for a bit? Just an idea. You're in my thoughts. ♥ |
| from tequilamonky : |
| Yay! I am so relieved to read your entry, it sounds so much more like you! Well done for Monday, you should be very proud of yourself! Each successful day will give you a head-start on the next one. I'm glad Meg is going to help you, say Hi to her, I keep missing her in real life! Okay to answer your question, Fish oil for that I use is called Eskimo kids (http://www.health4youonline.com/health_supplements_nutri_eskimo_kids_nu3306.htm) and I mix it in with Jaya's morning milk but since you can't do that you could put it in a yoghurt maybe or even just spoon feed him (it's fruity flavoured). I really notice a differance if Jaya hasn't had it and I can tell from your pictures that our firstborns are scarily alike in temperament, Jaya does that with Jove's babygym too! I have to go now as we have a funeral today sadly. Oooh before I go though I reckon it was a real smile from Matthew, Jaya first smiled at 2 weeks (for her dada of course) and it was definitely a real smile, you can tell from the eyes. Hugs to you, I'm so proud of you my fellow mummy of two under two! |
| from tequilamonky : |
| Hope you're feeling better honey, I've sent you something to help cheer you up :) |
| from mymemry : |
| Hi Alice. I'm just checking in - I hope your weekend was somewhat relaxing and that your monday is going well so far. I'm thinking of you! |
| from marlen816 : |
| ((Hugs)) Alice. I will be praying for you. I know it is hard and as others have said, it will get better, but for me I needed some medication to help with the feelings of being overwhelmed and dealing roughly with the kiddos. Talk to your dr, be honest and talk to Neil, too. Praying for you and your sweet boys =) |
| from treacledabs : |
| Couldn't not leave a comment after today's diary entry. You are so brave to be so open and honest about the feeling which most mums have felt at some point. If the sling isn't good for you, have you tried Matthew in a pram? He might find the movement soothing and stay in for a nap once you got home. Hoping something improves for you soon... |
| from tequilamonky : |
| Okay first huge, huge hugs! I have honestly been there! Also IT WILL GET BETTER! I know that's tough to believe right now which is why I've put it in caps. Your description of only surviving because time passes you by is so familiar and also sums up for me how the past few months have been. I wish I could observe and remember with clarity every little change in my new boy like I did with Jaya but there is just no time. You just have to cling on tight and roll with it and somehow time passes and suddenly your newborn doesn't need to feed as much and will let you put him down for a second and everything gets easier. Your description of literally running between two children is horribly familiar too! I've been thinking about you so much over this past week as I knew it was going to be tough as it was for me. It's at this age that your newborn stops sleeping all day like in the wonderful babymoon period, and also your toddler suddenly realise this new brother is staying forever, and whilst they love their brothers it also means they feel a need to work extra hard to compete for attention. This is the toughest time though and it does pass trust me. In the meantime I second what Heather said about babyproofing. Get the main room completly safe so you can leave Arthur alone if need be, I thought we had our house ready but I'm still trying to make it safe now! Then once that room is set up get everything you need to cope for a whole day in that room. Go shopping this weekend and get loads of dairy-free snacks and meals. Then each day prepare (or get Neil to prepare) all the meals for you and Arthur in advance each evening and have them ready in the fridge to grab as you need them. Have all the days nappies and a bucket for the dirty ones lined up ready and all the toys Arthur is likely to need all in the one place. Have the pack and play in there too. Then just lock the three of you into the room for the day once Neil leaves in the morning. Get through as best you can and DO NOT bother tidying up as you go along unless something is dangerous, Neil can sort the rest when he gets home. Survive like that for the next few weeks and slowly but surely things will ease up. You said something needs to change and it will I promise, you just have to hang on in there till it does. On the foremilk problem could you express of the foremilk before each fed so Matthew gets more hindmilk? Or, since Arthur is so keen to feed all the time get him to feed on the breast a little first and then put Matthew onto that breast for the hindmilk. Or you could try some breast compression to get the fat out quicker. As to Arthur's nehaviour, have you tried him with fish oil supplements? We got them for Jaya and have found they've made a huge differance to her hyperactivity. We didn't realise how much of a differance till we ran out! Finally ask around your church to see if there is a teenager who wants to earn a little extra money. Get the teen around for an hour or so each day and get them to literally "hold the baby" for you whilst you run to the loo, or feed Arthur. You could even get them to do some washing up. My mum remembers doing that for a neighbour when she was about 16! Huge hugs again, I know it's tough and you don't think you can cope but remember you felt the same when Arthur was tiny and you rose to the challange so you can do it again. Take care xxxxx |
| from breatheasigh : |
| I really wish I could reach through this computer and give you a hug. I'm not sure there is much I can say that you won't be told by all your friends etc. Is there someone, the boys grandparents? who could possibly help out for an hour or so a day? Even if it's just so you can have a break. I'm not all that familiar with your diary so I don't know how close any family are too you, what about friends? As for the colic and nappy rash, when my youngest boy was newborn he had terrible colic and nappy rash, I used *gripe water* for the colic, it's found at chemists and I used *zinc and castor oil* for the nappy rash, that stuff was an absolute miracle cream for me, it starts working with the first application, when next change comes you can see the difference. No doubt the colic and nappy rash are going to be contributing to mathews crying. Arthur is going to be feeling left out which is natural (there was a 5 year age difference between my youngest 2 and i even had problems with that) he has suddenly gone from getting all the attention to not getting much at all. Maybe someone can help out and watch the baby for a little while you and arthur spend time together. It sounds as though you really need some help, especially for yourself and your own sanity and peace of mind, it's not easy I know. It's ok to ask for help.I hope things settle for you. Hugs from a stranger. |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Arthur is so adorable! I love all those pictures. Riley loves the Mr. Men books, too. :) |
| from theflyingrat : |
| That toy unit is so nice! I wish the did sell them in stores like that. Arthur certainly is a cutie, he is getting quite grown up! ♥ |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I think that no matter how old Arthur is (18 months or 18 years) you'll always think of him as your little baby. :) Happy Mother's Day! ♥ |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Riley was a climber too. He would climb EVERYTHING. He scared the crap out of me on a regular basis. The bad news is Arthur probably won't "outgrow" that stage. The good news is that even so he will get better at it and it won't be as scary. :) I can't wait until Matthew is born, you must be so excited! ♥ |
| from nprmommy : |
| arthur is adorable! |
| from ugottafriend : |
| The climbing guide was too funny, I loved it! ~Kelli |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I love the "illustrated guide..." - Arthur is too cute! ♥ |
| from celidor : |
| Praying for you Alice. God is bigger than all this - I know you can do this with His help. love, Valerie |
| from marlen816 : |
| So sorry to hear about Neil's dad and now Arthur's sickness and the car ordeal! ((Hugs)) and prayers coming your way in spades! |
| from derino : |
| Hi Aurthurs Mummy I have lurked on your blog for months through Jemmas. I am Kelly from Pink Champagne. I just wanted to pass on my sympathies and maybe reassure you that I think you are doing the right thing by staying behind with Arthur. If your husband is happy with that that it doesnt amtter what anyone else thinks. I do understand why you feel a bit guilty, thats only natural but you have made the right decision. I read both of your diarys in complete awe. You obviously adore motherhood and your little man is delicious! I am expecting baby number 4! We also had a death in the family yesterday, my husbands grandfather, so I feel for you and your husband, Its a tough thing to go through. Especially your husband eith it being his father. Take care of yourself and best of luck with the whole morning business while your man is away. Jest get to bed early every night. Go the same time as Arthur (I looove that name btw) Dont overdo it! Kelly |
| from lilpeanut80 : |
| My f-i-l died when Jonas was 9 months old. My parents came along with us and were a HUGE help. We only stayed at the viewing for about 30 minutes (it lasted 4 hours) just to show our support to my husband, and during the actual funeral service my mom had Jonas in another room so i could sit beside my husband. I was very stressed about Jonas but i know my husband needed me. I too was worried about what people would think; but you just have to do right by your husband and child first and foremost! |
| from aisling2005 : |
| I'm sorry to hear about neil's father :( You are not a bad person for not going, you are wonderful for not fussing about him leaving you for a few days to be with his family. Good luck with the few days you will be on your own !! I'm sure it'll go fine. |
| from theflyingrat : |
| What a great entry! How do you survive in those playgroups? I couldn't stand being in such a large gathering of people, haha. Those photos are so cute, I LOVE the one where he is holding out those green bricks. He looks so proud. :) Riley is forever arranging things by color and/or size. I read somewhere that it's more common for boys to do that than for girls, I wonder why? Anyway, nice to hear from you and yay for photos! ♥ |
| from cdghost : |
| enjoyed your words |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Holy cow, it has been FOREVER since I've been on Diaryland. I just went through Arthur's diary to catch up, and his pictures brought me joy. He is such a big boy now! He is absolutely wonderful, and I am so happy to hear about Matthew too!!! Best wishes and hugs from me, you are in my thoughts. God bless! ~Kelli B. |
| from marlen816 : |
| ((Hugs)) You are anything but a horrible mother! You are just tired and hormonal and I have done the same thing when upset or at the end of my rope. You need to stop being so hard on yourself. You are very different from an abusive parent. I will be praying for you! |
| from lilpeanut80 : |
| Dear, I have done the same kind of thing in a moment of aggrivation and then felt horrified at myself. It is scary to suddenly understand how people abuse their children... Of course you are remorseful and it was a mistake (even if you sort of intentionally did it, it was a mistake to actually do it) and you won't make that mistake again. Live and learn, you know? Give yourself grace and pray for patience! You have alot going on right now in that body of yours! I confess my hands are tied with disciplining my son sometimes! Mostly I just pray alot (really!). |
| from marlen816 : |
| I love the last picture of Arthur with your glasses. Too cute! |
| from ebombmom : |
| Ooh, I'm late. Happy Birthday, anyway, Alice! :) You lovely thing, you. :) Also, Arthur may indeed have been exposed enough to the pox to develop immunity. You can have him tested later to see; people do get exposed and create immunities without ever having exhibited symptoms. Also, even if one gets the pox, it doesn't guarantee lifetime immunity... For most, yes, but not for everyone. It's a tricky thing! :) |
| from marlen816 : |
| Happy Birthday! Hope your 30s are wonderful =) |
| from lilpeanut80 : |
| So refreshing to see someone who is EXCITED about entering their 30's intead of lamenting it like most people. I'm glad you had a good one. I envy you your cadburry eggs!!! |
| from crazeemomma : |
| 30? You don't look anywhere near 30! Arthur is absolutely adorable as usual! He's got such lovely eyes. Looks like he was really enjoying that cookie. |
| from marlen816 : |
| I love the third picture! What a cutie! |
| from marlen816 : |
| Yea on selling the car! |
| from marlen816 : |
| Another boy! How wonderful! I want to see pics of the new haircut =) |
| from marlen816 : |
| I love Arthur's smile and hair =) |
| from camham : |
| Hey, Alice. I am still waiting on Kate to put photos in my layout. I wneed to change it so I can maintain it myself, you know? I am glad all is well with you and I agree... It is a boy!! |
| from lilpeanut80 : |
| I empathise with you about Arthur falling during a happy moment. It is so sad to me when they are sweet and smiling and then they trip or something and are in pain! I can't stand it! |
| from lilpeanut80 : |
| I have the same TV feelings! In fact, since September our TV has been upstairs, unplugged. We just brought it downstairs around Christmas time b/c my son got a Sesame Street DVD for Christmas from my mom. My husbands family eats american Thanksgiving dinner around the TV on TV trays. It feels like I am watching a comic movie, but that is how they actually live! Terrible! We have been married nearly 6 years and his brother has probably said 50 words to me total in that time- despite hour spent sitting in the same room (w/ the TV on). Strange indeed. |
| from mymemry : |
| He's such a boy isn't he?? I love his hair. It fits him so well! I will be waiting to hear about your apt. Mine went fine. They did another vaginal u/s and everything looks fine! Sweet little heart was just a beating away! I feel much better just knowing heshe is OK. Kiss that sweet boy and thanks for the VERY SWEET email. xoxo Julie ps. If anyone reads this note for Alice from me, please know that my pregnancy is a HUGE secret until AFTER christmas!! |
| from bodega : |
| Your little boy is adorable. I can't believe my Logan is already 10 weeks old, and as much as I don't want him to grow up fast, I cannot wait to see him toddle around like Arthur. Have a wonderful holiday season!!! |
| from marlen816 : |
| Yea for no plasters right now! Love the videos and photos as always. I also love your accent =) |
| from boblobster : |
| Alice, I really feel for you having so much to contend with - new baby and your financial stuff. Glad you've got lovely parents who are helping you out and glad something else has come up for Neil that's more suitable than Ipswich. I felt like I was drowning at times when I first had Nicoel - not depressed but damn close to it at times I think. Thinking of you - hope it all gets sorted. Bobbie |
| from mathero : |
| awww Arthurs adorable and it looks like he had a great 1st birthday! |
| from ebombmom : |
| Congratulations on taking the huge step of getting some financial footing! You may recall we went down to one car ourselves and have been having very similar struggles to yours. I don't have the answers, but I do have sympathy! (Now if only we could have tea together!) :) |
| from treacledabs : |
| Arthur looks like he had a fantastic birthday! It's so lovely that you made it so special for him :-) |
| from crazeemomma : |
| Happy Belated 1st Birthday to Arthur! The pictures are absolutely adorable. Looks like he had a fabulous time. |
| from theflyingrat : |
| What a cute little man! I loved those pictures... but where were you? :) It looks (and sounds!) like he had a fantastic time. ♥ |
| from ebombmom : |
| Aw, Happy 1st Birthday to Arthur! Give him a raspberry for me. :) |
| from pebsmurf : |
| Happy 1st birthday little man! wow I so cannot believe he is one already! |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Dear ARTHUR (how cute are you?!), Happy Birthday to You! And congratulations to you too, Alice. He's a great little boy - you're doing a fabulous job with him. ♥ |
| from marlen816 : |
| Happy Birthday Arthur!! |
| from treacledabs : |
| Have I got the date right for Arthur's birthday? Happy Birthday to Arthur! Hope he's having a lovely day :-) |
| from ugottafriend : |
| It has been FOREVER since I've visited D-land, (partly due to Hurricane Katrina!), but I wanted to say hi, and I can't believe how fast Arthur has grown! He is going to be a year old soon, wow! Also, HUGE congrats on the new baby! I'm so excited for you! I will be sure to keep up with your journals as often as I can. Much love and blessings from the Gulf Coast! ~ Kelli (aka ugottafriend) |
| from vicola : |
| Hi Alice! Difficult as it is, try not to worry too much about the move/job thing. Bizarrely things always seem to sort themselves out for the best without too much intervention and I'm sure this will be the same for you, Neil and Arthur too. Hope Neil feels better soon and that whatever is hurting you gets sorted out! Take care, Love Vicola. |
| from lilpeanut80 : |
| hi! my baby loves to help fold laundry as well. His favorite part is putting items in and out of the basket repeatedly. He also likes to help sweep. I am going to put you on my 'reading list'! |
| from marlen816 : |
| Yea for first steps! He looks so cute and independent standing all by himself. And so proud of himself, too =) |
| from theflyingrat : |
| It sounds like a lot of great things happen for you in the October/November time period. You're such a great person, Alice. Thanks for the links, by the way. Oh and I am very interested to hear your "love story" so I think you should definitely write it sometime! ♥ |
| from crazeemomma : |
| Happy 11 month birthday to Arthur! I cannot believe how time flies! He looks so adorable in his bibs and I just love the way his hair flips up on the sides. Too cute! =) |
| from m0nique : |
| Hehe , your sites could make girl ' clucky ' . |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I love these photos. Arthur always looks so happy! He also looks like he's getting a lot of hair, too! I think babies (and toddlers) look sooo cute in overalls. I wonder what's up with the sizes being so different. And everyone says Americans are the fattest so shouldn't the US sizes be bigger? :) Your boy is adorable, they grow up too fast - don't they? ♥ |
| from marlen816 : |
| I love, love, LOVE baby boys in overalls! Arthur is such a cutie!! |
| from mymemry : |
| How cool - we are on-line at the EXACT same time. I had JUST posted my b'day message to Arthur then all the sudden my buddy list is telling me that Arthursmummy has just at that moment updated!! LOVE THE PICS from today and your last post. Nathan JUST cut his top left tooth the night before last. He has a WAY to go before catching up with Arthur. Julie |
| from treacledabs : |
| Hello, I'm very new to Diaryland, and yours is one of the first diaries I've read online. Just wanted to say how adorable your little boy is :-) I let my 2yr old watch the clip of Arthur chuckling and it made him roar with laughter! |
| from crazeemomma : |
| Hi Alice. Arthur is absolutely adorable! He is looking more and more toddler like every time I see a picture of him. I, unfortunately, am not able to view the video clips. I have slow dial up. =( I would love to see them though! Congratulations on Arthur's first step! I love Bear In The Big Blue House and I'm 30 years old. HeeHee! I aggravate my kids by doing the Morning Mambo to the bus stop each morning. =) I hope Neil hears from the job soon! |
| from marlen816 : |
| Yea for first steps! Can't believe Arthur is going to be a year old! |
| from camham : |
| Alice, what can you tell me about how often Cam should be nursing during the day, how long, and how to ensure I am nursing often enought to prevent weaning too soon while he is eating solids? Lots of questions I know. Maybe you know of a good web site on nursing I could check out. Heather |
| from lukeysmama : |
| Ahhhh!!! Another baby! Congrats!!! P.S. I never remember to check my guestbook, and I just did it today (when I updated here)and saw your message. LJ= Livejournal. I'm over at http://www.livejournal.com/users/lukeysmama. It's friends only though, which means you'd have to make a livejournal and then add me to your friends list to be able to read. |
| from marlen816 : |
| Oh. My. Bob. LOL! I love that expression! I am so happy for you. Another baby! How cool! Praying for a girl =) |
| from maxsmom : |
| i totally felt for you reading about your baby's sleep problems. my kids are 5 and 7 now, but reading your entry put me right back to those days. sleep deprivation can make you nuts. i won't pretend to have THE answer, but i do have two things to contribute. 1. when my son was a baby, he rarely took naps until he was about 4 months old. then he started taking long naps every day. the only time he wouldn't nap was when he had an ear infection. and it took me the longest time to figure that out because he would be so happy most of the time, laughing and playing, but the minute i laid him in his crib, he would be inconsolable....just a thought 2. do whatever works for you. if that's nursing him to sleep, so you can both get some rest, do it. he won't be any worse off in the long run, because when you are comfortable with what you're doing, he'll be happier, too. you sound like a great mom! just hang in there. |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Riley has bouts (of anywhere from a few days to a few weeks) where it's impossible to get him to sleep. I am not an expert but I think if you and Arthur are both miserable, then you should do what works for you. If you don't mind nursing him to sleep, then it shouldn't matter. I nursed Riley to sleep at naptime until he was about 13 or 14 months old. And it wasn't all that hard to change the routine, I just waited until HE was ready. I love the pictures, especially the ones in the where he's looking at himself in the mirror and the one by the dryer. Riley would always be trying to climb in the dryer when he was a little younger. Haha. Again, with the nursing. Babies are only so little for such a short time and then they get to be at an age where we cannot comfort them. So I say, go for it while you can! ♥ |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Okay. I'm a new reader, so I didn't know who Cameron was so I went to your old diary and read. I'm still trying not to cry. You've been through so much in your life and still you are happy. You're an amazing person and an inspiration. Thank you for being so honest and open. ♥ |
| from mymemry : |
| My FLYing is not going so well either. I WANT it to, but..... I should take myself off their mailing list like you did. I just keep hoping that I'll start up again. I AM going to try this week. There are a FEW dates I can't get out of my head, and one is Arthur's day. I suppose it may be because once Arthur reaches a new month, Nathan will be just around the corner - only 9 days later. I can't believe they are so close in age. Reading your preg journal while I was preg also was very comforting also. Thanks for the sweet note. Don't you even worry about responding to that e-mail. I know how busy you are and just knowing that you even gave it a second thought is enough for me. I hope you, Neil and Arthur have a nice weekend. :-) Julie |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Hey. Arthur is becoming quite the little adventurer! I love all the photos. I think my favorite is actually the doorknob one, haha. Looks like he's saying, "see you later mum, I'm out of here!" :) Riley used to crawl around with things in his mouth too. His favorite was socks. Hehe. Kids are great. Glad you're doing well. ♥ |
| from arthurgeorge : |
| hi love u gave your baby a good name im 22 now and iv never met anouther arthur its coming back now though i hear, with a name like that people never forget you i love it i hope he will |
| from boblobster : |
| Alice tried to e-mail you but failed so: Alice, I've been reading your diary for a while now through a link from Jemma's diary and I read your entry about the sleep issues and really felt for you. Nicole is over a year old now and she hasn't slept through that many times but the number of times she wakes up of a night will vary as will the ease with which we can get her back to sleep. I also can't get her to sleep in her cot for her naps (even though she does for my mum and dad who look after her while we're at work) so my husband and I tend to take her out for a walk to get her to sleep for her naps. For getting her to sleep at night we became dependent on her falling asleep on the bottle but she's doing that less and less now. I've tried letting her cry and it's heartbreaking plus she's figured out how to stand up in her cot and we worry that she's going to knocke herself out she gets so beside herself. What we tried doing was giving her a soft toy (Boris) that she has when she gets her last bottle at night who also goes into her bed. We then stayed in her room and every time she got up crying, I'd lay her back down and put Boris back in her arms. The last few times she's been awake when I've put her down she plays a game of looking like she's going to get up and then rolling over with Boris the minute I head towards her until she finally settles down and sleeps. I absolutely know what you mean about thinking that by the time they're X age that they should be sleeping through - I've found it so frustrating, particularly when you hear about other babies sleeping through 7-7 no problem. Could Arthur be theeting because that's when Nicole's sleeping pattern goes wobbly. Also - have you thought about offering water to Arthur when he wakes up - if it's not worth him waking up for it then he might stop or having Neil stay with him? Also, not sure what you feel about dummies but, as Nicole was such a sucky baby and I had problems bf her we ended up giving her a dummy which is a real comforter for her... I just wanted to let you know that I utterly feel for you. Bobbie |
| from anniede : |
| I'm a long time reader but 8/30's entry made me go through the hassle of registering with Diaryland just to leave a comment. First of all, the pictures are just ADORABLE! Secondly, I've been told that the sleep issues usually don't last past 1 year old. Atleast, I HOPE they don't. My 4 month daughter has the same issues. I've laid in my own bed many a night, listening to her start to fuss, and silently beg, "PLEASE go back to sleep!" I'm usually up every 3 hours each night and it's really affecting my sleep. And ontop of it all, this last week has been filled with lots of moments where only nursing will calm her. *sigh* I constantly feel "drained" (pun intended). This "for better or for worst" comic shows exactly how I've felt on and off this week: http://www.fborfw.com/strip_fix/strips/2003/030105.jpg ;-) When I first started nursing, I had the same type of scabbing and blistering. The only thing that helped me was putting a layer of Lanoline on the nipple, followed by a big glob of Vaseline, after each feeding. Of course, you'll have to wipe it all off before the next feeding, but both but a good moisture seal over the hurt area and helps it heal up. Anyway, keep it up! You're doing a great job! Annie http://therriault.blogdrive.com |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Heheh. I love high chair pictures. Yogurt and spaghetti (with sauce) are 2 of Riley's favorite foods. I have a billion (only a slight exaggeration) pictures of him with a saucy/yogurty face. Kent always tells me I take too many photos. Pooh! :) I love when you post pics. ♥ Also, thanks for the gbook entry you left and you don't have to worry about the things that you write on your other site! Every family is different and I can be happy for you, trust me! The only reason I wasn't leaving notes before is because I was afraid you'd think I was forcing myself to be nice and not being genuine. But I assure you that I believe you're a great mum and you deserve more children. ♥ |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Those photos are FANTASTIC!! You really get a sense of love and family from them. They almost look like they'd be used for an ad somewhere. You have a gorgeous family. ♥ |
| from marlen816 : |
| Love, love, LOVE the pictures!! Gorgeous family! |
| from mom-of-two : |
| Alice, I have been reading both your diaries for some time now. This is my first note. I love the photos! They are beautiful. Sleep will come, my daughter is three and she has been sleeping through the night for only a few months now. Occasionally she still wakes but not nearly what it used to be like. I also have a 5 month old boy. He sleeps through the night and has since he was three months old. It's so true what they say about every child being different. mom-of-two |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Arthur looks a lot like his mum, I think! :) What a cutie he is, teeth make babies look older don't you think? Riley gets up at 5am every day. Ugh. It sounds like Arthur is quite a busy fellow, hehe. It must take a lot out of you, chasing him around all day! ♥ |
| from marlen816 : |
| Yea for tooth #3!! As always such a cutie =) |
| from hunterpoo : |
| OMGosh! How exciting you got to meet Jemma and Jaya. They seem so fun!! I bet the momma talk was just flowing! hehe. I love the shot of Arthur and Jaya on the floor, they look like they're gonna kiss. How cute. I wish I would get out with Hunter more to be around other babies. Glad you guys had a good time! |
| from bubbles11090 : |
| Those pictures are so cute!! I love the the one with you and Arthur sitting together in his towel. Precious:) |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Oh heavens, he's so cute with his huge grin! I love that photo of him with the phone. He has such fuzzy hair! Which I think is cute so I hope you're not offended. :) ♥ |
| from theflyingrat : |
| Thanks for the note about David. You're too sweet! We are not going to try for another baby at least until September. Maybe October. I know that if I pushed the issue too soon it would be a disaster for me emotionally. Thanks again, words can mean so much even from a "stranger" - thank you. ♥ |
| from viks : |
| WOW, i can't believe how much he has achieved in less than 2 weeks! |
| from ebombmom : |
| My goodness! I come back to catch up on my reading and what do you know? Arthur's practically ballroom dancing! Aw... He's SO cute. :) |
| from crazeemomma : |
| Congratulations on Arthur's crawling and two teeth!! |
| from aisling2005 : |
| its on the name page ;) |
| from marlen816 : |
| Yea for crawling! What a big boy! |
| from bubbles11090 : |
| Yay for teeth!!! Arthur is so cute:) |
| from marlen816 : |
| Yea Arthur - two teeth! What a big boy! |
| from camham : |
| First of all...Yay, Arthur, for finally getting that toothie...and for the other one on the way. I know that he is going to feel so much better. I got your note, Alice, about the blinkies and would LOVE it if you let me know where to find them or how to find them. I can't get the one that you have co-sleeping/breastfeeding/no-spanking to blink no matter how I try. I could get easily addicted to blinkies! That are so cool. And yes, you and I are always on the same page about our little boys and how we don't want to let them cry, or be upset, and that well, basically they get all of us no matter what whenever they need it...very attachment parenting. It is hard to find support for most attachment parenting concepts...especially co-sleeping and breastfeeding throughout the night, but I found that support through your diary and many of the referral web pages you suggest (especially Kellymom which I love. I will send you a link to the one I found recently about nighttime sucking needs. I have to get to my computer at home to get the link. But, thanks for the note and I would love blinkie info! Heather |
| from mymemry : |
| Hey Alice! I LOVE the video clips - especially the faces he made with the veggies. I fed Nathan some tart peaches that I had prepared for him and I FINALLY got some great faces out of him. He liked them though - he kept opening his mouth for more. I wanted to let you know that I am out of town again at my parents and will be out of pocket for several days. I am so curious to know how your carpet clearing is going. Maybe yall should SET A DATE for cleaning that carpet - it will give you a goal to work towards. YAY FOR ARTHUR'S TWIN TEETH. FINALLY! Hope you are well. Julie |
| from camham : |
| Alice, I meant to send you a note long ago and ask you if you minded that I used your blinkies on my page. I hope you don't mind but will remove them if you do. Please let me know if it is a problem for you and I apologize in advance if it annoyed you in any way. Heather |
| from miss-katie : |
| I was so laughing at the things that Arthur "said" like howyadoin!!! The other day Evelyn said, "I know where I live!" according to Jason lol. He was like, "Good, that way you won't get lost!" Aren't we lucky to have these wonderful babies? |
| from lgward : |
| Arthur is a cutie!! I just wanted you to know that my first baby co-slept with me until she was 18 months old and then I moved her to the Pack-N-Play right beside my bed until she was 26 months. She turned out great!! I am doing the same thing with my second one. There is nothing wrong with it. Go Alice!! |
| from crazeemomma : |
| Happy 8 months to Arthur! He has such a precious smile!! |
| from bubbles11090 : |
| Your entry tonight was so well written and full of honesty and inspiration. There are so many times that I feel bad because I have slipped away from God, and it does feel hard sometimes to get back into the way things were. The song that you quotes and your words tonight almost made me cry. I feel a little jealous too, I guess. I wish that I could hear God speak to me. I think it's just wonderful that he puts those wonderful songs and poems into your head. It sounds like you have a wonderful relationship with God that you are working hard to restore. Good luck and take care! |
| from marlen816 : |
| I am not sure you can ever know how your latest entry, the one about God, has touched and inspired me. Your faith and courage to openly talk about it is what drew me to your diary sheepdip. Thank you for your entry today. Noah listens to the CD from Selah that has the song you quoted on it. It is his favorite song. And I love the verse, too! ((Hugs)) and YES! God does miss you and He misses me. We are ever blessed to be His children, no? |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I'm glad you're all right! I felt numb after the terrorist attacks here in America, I'm sure people are feeling similarly over there. I am also going through a similar thing with my diary right now. I mean, I find myself not wanting to write in it unless I've got something interesting or witty to say. As opposed to when I began and no one was reading, then I used to write whatever I felt whenever I felt like it. But now I feel obligated to entertain or something. It's flattering when people read our thoughts but it's also added stress. As for finding God, I envy your ability to have faith. I've never believed in religion and it must be comforting to have so much trust in an unseen entity. ♥ |
| from sweet-indigo : |
| I'm glad you're OK. Phew. |
| from crazeemomma : |
| I'm SO glad you are all ok! I've been so worried. |
| from vicola : |
| Hi Arthur's Mum! Have just been reading your diary entry about 'parsnips' and just wanted to say ignore all those people who want to tell you how often you should be having them. Whatever suits you and Neil is what you should do so don't let them upset you. I had a similar problem with illness and know exactly what you mean. It suppose for the partner it can get a bit frustrating but if they are the right person for you then they will live with it because that's what you do if you love someone. Keep smiling and keep doing things your way, it's the best way there is! Good luck with the solids, the pics of Arthur and his banana were really cute! |
| from mom2kendall : |
| Your little guy is absolutely adorable!! And I'm an American and even *I* don't understand the gooey cake on the 1st birthday! LOL I caught flak for giving my oldest just a cupcake on her 1st -- everyone thought she should have the big cake in front of her to play in *rolling eyes* Add to that all the ice cream they wanted to give her and I about hit the roof hehehee! |
| from monkymind : |
| No worries about adding me to your list. Thanks for what you put about me by the way :) |
| from hunterpoo : |
| Awwww the banana pictures are adorable!! When I first tried with Hunter, it never reached his mouth. He threw it on the floors for the doggies. I'm glad Arthur did better! hehe. As for changing Hunter's diaper when he sleeps, I mostly do it to prevent rash. He's only had 2 very minor patches of diaper rash since he was born, and I do all I can to prevent it rather then deal with it after he has it. I had a friend who wouldn't change her son's diaper that often, and the poor boy was plagued with diaper rash after diaper rash. I think I'm just a little weird about wanting to prevent things. hehe. |
| from ugottafriend : |
| Hey Alice and Arthur, I haven't forgotten about you! I have been thinking about ya, and I will try to catch up with your journals soon. Love and God bless! ~Kelli |
| from camham : |
| Alice, I still can't get my comment to post in your guestbook, so I am still stuck here. Thank you for the Happy B-day for 6 month old Camden. The boys (Arthur, Nathan, and Cam) are getting so big! Yes, I am proud about the crawling thing, but it makes me very reminiscent of when he used to not be able to get anywhere. Now he has to move about all over everything...peoples chests when he is being held, the bed, the floor, the couch. Just you wait and see. Arthur is doing some practicing by getting up on his hands and knees and swaying. He will be on the move in no time! Look out world, here come's Arthur! By the way, Camden found his bits too and I agree with you, I am not going to discourage him from touching them, but I had to say something because it really looked like it hurt. He just was pinching and pulling and although he didn't seem phased by it, I know I was. That't the last thing he needs to scratch up. I suppose next time I may say, "Be gentle with your ______. You don't want to hurt it." Thanks for the reminder on that one. I definitely don't want him to get the message that its not okay to touch. Oh, last thing...how's the "me" time coming, Mrs. Alice?.....Hmmmmm? I haven't heard you mention it yet. |
| from mymemry : |
| OH MY GOSH! I haven't finished your entry yet, but the video clip was ADORABLE. How cute he looks bobbing his head and upper body like that. I have no clue why he does it, but if it got the reaction out of you that it got from me he may do it to please you. How funny! I was just so entertained watching him. Little comedian huh? Nathan makes this cute noise that I ALWAYS smile and laugh over. He kind of sucks air in loudly through his mouth and makes a funny face at the same time. I crack up every time and he has started to do this quite often - I think to get me to laugh and smile. They are too much huh? I am just so blessed that God gave this particular boy to me. I know you feel the same way. :-) Julie |
| from camham : |
| Alice, I could not get your guestbook to post this so I am leaving it here. I hope you get it. Yay to you, Alice, and to Arthur for getting through with the worst of his bad bug. In regards to helping him learn thatit is okay to fall asleep on the bed by himself, I understand where you are coming from completely. I have felt so much better since I have decided not to be so obsessed with getting Camden to "fit" into the model of where and how is "supposed" to be sleeping. I do think it is important for him and for me to help him learn that it is "okay" to fall alseep on his own bed just as he can on my shoulder. After all, he learned that behavior too. I use my words a lot now and I never let him cry, as in all out cry. He may whimper, or fuss, but if he starts to cry I try something else or pick him up. The whimpering and fussing is just a way for them to "wind down" and protest the sleepy feelings, but the all out crying...and you know when that is...is not something I am willing to let him do at this time. I think you are doing it just right and ARE following your instincts. You know when it is time to intervene. You can tell. You have the sensor inside telling you how far he can go by himself. You are doing so well with everything!I just think that you will find that with the support and comfort you are giving Arthur, in the relaxed way you are regarding sleep, he will find his way very soon. He has fallen asleep a certain way 7 months now and it may take 7 months of slow changes to help get the results you are looking for. At least that is how I see it. Sometimes, Camden is fine with falling asleep all by himself (like last night...which I posted the most adorable pictures of) and sometimes he needs help. Either way, I don't mind. I can not force him to do anything he does not want to do. He is his own person. I have even taken on a different perspective with the night wakings. Anyhow, I know this is a long post, but I wanted you to know that you are doing great and Arthur will find his way in the area of sleep with your gentle guidance. Keep following your heart and when you find that you are questioning your motives in that area, just pray on it and try to find out where you really want to go with it. |
| from ebombmom : |
| What I've been doing is this. I don't nurse him to sleep anymore, if I can help it. I nurse before he'll be getting tired for nap or bed. Then brush teeth (if bed). Then we do a routine: stories, turn out lights/close blinds together, turn on his aquarium music, and have a cuddle in the rocker. Then I lie him on his tummy and pound on his bum (beat the pudding! haha). Really I just do a sort of vigorous rhythm on his diaper and/or back and he puts his head right down, now. He kind of hums/whimpers himself to sleep, always has, also. Then I taper off how vigorously I thump him as he drifts off. If he startles, I reassure him I'm there and start to whump him a bit again, tapering off sooner this time. Rinse, repeat. I also use "shh, time for sleep, baby boy" and when I'm at the point of no thumping, sometimes saying that will soothe him to put his head back down when he pops up looking for me. :) |
| from bubbles11090 : |
| Hi Alice! I have been reading your diary now for quite some time. I found you when I was pregnant with my little boy, Riley who is almost 9 months old!!! I think I might have left you one message, but I thought I would add another:) I am so sorry that lil Arthur isn't feel well...isn't it just the most awful thing when your baby is unwell and you can't make it go away? When Riley is sick, I just wish I could take it away for him. If only we could do that:) Well, I just wanted to drop in and leave you a little note. Take care and I hope you get some sleep:) |
| from dresowmom : |
| I'm glad everything's working out for the best. :) Yay breastmilk! Boo doctors! That's so cool that you're able to start building up a freezer stash, by the way. You're a great mom! (P.S. do you ever watch Audrey Hepburn movies; she's great.) Laura |
| from hunterpoo : |
| That sounded like a rough day. I hate when doctors are like that. They try to make you feel so small, just because they have a framed piece of paper on the wall - they think that gives them the right to belittle other's intelligence. I'm glad you KNOW what your plan is and are still sticking to it. Way to go Super Mom!!! =) Arthur looks quite happy in that pic, I can't imagine him being fussy. But the teething is very hard. I wish you luck. Oh yea, Neil must have some TINY undies on.. hehe. |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I'm glad Arthur is feeling better. Wow, you need some sleep! He's such a cute and happy looking baby. :) |
| from mymemry : |
| What a rough, rough night. You are very brave Alice. It did look as though Arthur was slowly starting to get dehydrated. It is SO wonderful that he continued to nurse through all this. I know you will update as soon as you can. If by chance you were unable to get an appointment - do you have the means to take a rectal temp? It is more accurate than the tympanic temps. I'm sure you would know if he was burning up though - you would just know. I do hope he is feeling better and not needing to get hydrated via medical means...I Am praying. Julie |
| from marlen816 : |
| I'll be praying for Arthur and you! ((Hugs)) |
| from theflyingrat : |
| I'm not sure about the blood in his mucous. Sorry. But when Riley was smaller he would always get sick the way you're describing if we were in the car for longer than a half hour or so. I would take him to the doctor though if I were you, I mean if it keeps happening. Just to be safe. It must be so scary for you. I'll keep Arthur (and you!) in my thoughts. `Jenn |
| from mymemry : |
| Alice- As long as Arthur will nurse and has wet diapers then I think it is fine to continue taking care of him at home. If he stops nursing or if he stops having wet diapers then worry about dehydration and think about taking him in. Julie |
| from frogmom : |
| your welcome :) |
| from dresowmom : |
| Also, I found this at www.diaperpin.com - Schnoogly U.N.D.er's. They're supposed to be the ultimate nighttime diaper? I don't know if you've already tried them, but I've heard great things about them. Here's the site, it's under recontruction. http://www.schnoogly.com/ Hope that helps! Laura |
| from dresowmom : |
| I can't offer any sleep solutions; we're still struggling with our 3 yr old. But for your back, have you considered using an Asian style baby carrier? Like a mei tei? They're supposed to be very versatile, good on the back and body, allows Arthur to be close to you, comfortable, and can carry much more weight than traditional baby carriers (meaning you can carry him into toddlerhood). I've been researching slings and that for a while, and *if* we ever manage to get pregnant again, I'm definately getting a mei tai. Here's a few sites . . . hope it's okay to post these in your guestbook! http://www.kozycarrier.homestead.com/ http://www.attachedtot.com/ http://www.happyslings.com/ Good luck! |
| from ebombmom : |
| Aw, what a gorgeous big boy! I'm so glad to read of the improvements with his sleep. And jealous! But Seth is getting his fourth tooth now, so maybe in a week or two I'll get a break. Hah! I can hope. Also, you should get Arthur a Baby Safe Feeder so he can munch on chunks of apple with no danger of breaking choky pieces off. My boys LOVE using theirs! :) |
| from hunterpoo : |
| I found you through mymemry's diary. She had linked to you about Arthur's first sign. I'm so captivated with infant signing. I took ASL a few years ago and really wanted to try it, now that I see it can be done.. I'm motivated to actually try it!! Just wanted to thank you for being an inspiration!! (Oh yea, and your lil guy is just ADORABLE!!) -Kate |
| from libbyo : |
| Alice, (that is Sydney's middle name by the way!) I LOVED watching your video clips. What a beautiful family you have! And Arthur is SUCH a doll... I think we will have to set him and Sydney up... they both have the most darling chubby little legs and sweet dispositions! He is too cute! |
| from mymemry : |
| Alice, I avoided writing anything about Cameron the other night because I didn�t have much to say. I was a nanny for a wonderful family with 4 children for 7 years before I went to nursing school. The youngest, Pamela, was my little buddy. Ironically, the oldest son is a Cameron. He is about 21 now. Anyway, She was 5 when I started working there. She was something else. Active, bright, energetic, loving, friendly. She was my little helper around the house and kept me company in the car as I drove her three other siblings to their daily activities. They all grew up, Pammy was a beauty, inside and out. She was a healthy, vibrant young lady. On Dec 22, 2001 at the age of 12, she collapsed at school and was in the operating room within 2 hours having brain surgery due to a congenital abnormality in the blood vessels in her brain. Ironically, her father is a neurosurgeon. He was able to hand pick the surgeon for his daughter. An artery and a vein were joined without a capillary bed in between them. The artery has much more pressure than a vein. The vessel burst. They tried to save her, but too much damage was done. She died a week later. Nothing is the same. I can�t talk to her mother, Pam, very well at all, even after 3 years. We try to talk about other things, but every conversation leads back to Pammy. Anyway, I have read some of your past entries. Cameron sounds like he had such a sweet, loving, attentive spirit. Just like your son, Arthur Cameron. I think it is normal to slip up in your mind, so to speak. What if you called him Cameron by accident? That is part of the name you gave him right? I would love to have a little Pammy running around. Just like my little one who is forever gone from this world. MY little one. She was part mine. I spent 7 years of my life with her. She was as dear to me as my own. My heart hurts, aches too at times. I take comfort that I will see her one day in heaven. She is safe there. Without pain there. At peace there. No more tears there. I am so sorry for your great loss. You each held a bit of each other�s heart. Pammy used to give me a BIG HUG and KISS (she would always aim for my lips, but I would turn my face so she landed on my cheek) and say to me every day before I left �Thanks for coming, I love you, drive safe, see you tomorrow�. She would drop what she was doing to come walk me outside to my car. She was precious, and is precious to me still and will be forever. I hate that I turned my face. When I see her in heaven, I will run to her and give her a sweet kiss on the lips. Now I am sad. But its been awhile since I have thought about her deeply. I think of her often, but on the surface only. It helps to keep her memory alive to go deeper sometimes. Well, that�s it. This probably wasn�t helpful to you and I�m not sure I meant for it to be. Just wanted you to know that I know how you feel about losing a child that is not yours, but is in a way. |
| from ebombmom : |
| Please do not beat yourself up over the co-sleeping thing. It's only a wonderful thing if that's what works for your WHOLE family - and believe me, those families are really, really rare. Nothing wrong with needing space to sleep - and you are still an attached parent no matter where your Arthur rests his head. You have done it, and now it's time to find something that works for all of you. Arthur's needs are changing, as are his sleep habits and abilities. The change may be difficult, or Arthur may surprise you! We are working on it here, too, and we have good and bad days. Hm, maybe we should exchange numbers so we can compare notes and/or commiserate. :) |
| from cyberpurple : |
| Alice, you are a great Mummy and Arthur is lucky to have you. It is ok to feel like that sometimes and more than ok to use your diary to get it off your chest. it';s what its there for! I thought some (((hugs))) might help so (((Hugs))) (((Hugs))) and yet more (((Hugs))) |
| from frogmom : |
| your little guy is darling! |
| from camham : |
| Alice, have you tried rolling Arthur over onto his tummy to sleep when he falls asleep afetr nursing? This helped a huge bit for Camden to stay asleep longer. He seems to startle a lot when on his back. The solid's thing is just not so. Check out www.breastfeeding.com for lots of support for breastfeeding sleep issues! Your doing a great job! |
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