Da Kine Comments - Brought to you by JoeUser

Moderateman on My Fat Ass and Other Things

Moderateman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Since I cannot see your Ass properly could you take a close-up of it so I can properly judge if it is fat or not?

Locamama on My Fat Ass and Other Things

Locamama — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

OMG - the three stooges are the cutest! Izzy is getting so big.

I think my butt got as big as my tummy when I got pregnant. ~shudders. At least you're balanced that way. You look great though.

erathoniel on My Fat Ass and Other Things

erathoniel — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

It's fixed over here. Strange glitch you're having. I've had wierdness too, but not that. I blame a defect in the URL (change from joeuserbeta to joeuser) as causing my problem.

Is that Halo on the screen? Get your family playing Tribes 2, pronto! It's many times better!

Island Dog on My Fat Ass and Other Things

Island Dog — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

You have to enter code through HTML.

RoyLevosh on My Fat Ass and Other Things

RoyLevosh — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I've noticed that it usually takes a few attempts to embed anything. Hit that little HTML do-hicky and then copy and paste your code and then edit and try again. Usually it'll take. I hate this "new and improved" JU!

erathoniel on My Fat Ass and Other Things

erathoniel — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Go into your dashboard. There should be an "articles" button. Click it. See the articles (they should be in a list). Delete whichever you want gone.

lifehappens on How NOT to Give Birth

lifehappens — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Even though I think you know all this about me, I'll post anyway cause I love this topic....I have to say that I agree for going for "as natural as possible" (whatever that actually means to you).

I've only had two, but the difference was incredible. One was a long protracted labor where I could barely feel enough to push....he was exhausted afterwards and didn't want to nurse and it took quite a while in the recovery room before I was allowed to go to mother and baby.

The other one was amazingly different. I did hypnotherapy for pain and it worked so much better. I was in control of my body the entire time and the pain management was so good that I almost waited too long. She was born in the ER and by the time they got me upstairs to L&D to check me in, I was ready to move around. I couldn't stand the feeling of being all messy post-partum and I went to the bathroom to clean up. The nurse was amazed when I asked Matt to bring me clean pads for the bleeding....most moms are not up that soon. Probably because of the drugs! Anyway, if it wasn't for the fact I didn't get an IV (and no antiibiotics) I would have been out the door before they actually admitted me.

If I get knocked up again.....natural is the way to go!

Anthony R on How NOT to Give Birth

Anthony R — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Ahh child birth... not for the faint hearted. I remember when I was a small kid my mom left me to watch channel 13 in the livingroom and I witnessed a woman giving birth right in front of me at that tender age. I can't be certain, but I think it scarred me for life.

Tova7 on How NOT to Give Birth

Tova7 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Your experiences are definitely examples of good and necessary medical intervention. I think being stubborn about having everything "natural" is not best, either. I wonder, in your first pregnancy, if you had done like your cousin's wife and had very skimpy prenatal care...would your condition have been discovered early enough?

They didn't discover my bicornate uterus until after FOUR HOURS OF HARD PUSHING (the nurse kept checking me and saying, "I feel a bone. There shouldn't be a bone there." and the baby was meconium so they did an emergency c-section. Then the Dr. totally freaked out when he opened me up. I actually have it on video tape...not my belly sliced open, but the Dr freaking out and saying "TURN THE CAMERA OFF! TURN OFF THE CAMERA!!"

He was from India and I couldn't understand a word he said except when he told my husband to turn off the camera. I guess he told me I had a bicoronate afterwards..but I didn't understand him...and I am sure he wrote it in my records, but the military lost my records between the two kids...soooo I went into labor with Gavin not even knowing I was bicoronate...and since he was a preemie, and breach, and because I already had a c-sect, I insisted on another one.

Gavin was wedged up under my rib cage on the smaller side of the uterus and they couldn't get him out. The Dr screamed at me while I was on the table for not telling him I had a bicornate...and the truth is, I didn't know. I couldn't understand that Indian Dr from my first delivery.

I am amazed that you were so successful nursing Gavin considering he lacked the sucking reflex. You must have been really determined. Did you have a lot of support or assistance or did you work it out on your own?

I did it alone, in the dark, while the wind raged and howled outside and kept temperatures hovering around negative 30. I couldn't exactly run out for formula so there wasn't any other option but to get him nursing.

I pumped colostrum and sucked it through a tiny tube until it was coming out the end, then attached the tube to my pinky with a rubber band and put it into Gavin's mouth. The pre-milk dripped into his mouth. After a few days he started sucking it, I think at first to have better control over swallowing, but whatever, it worked! 18 months after that I had to beat the kid off the breast...hahahaha

As far as jaundice, I rode it out, and after a few days it got better on its own. They could only treat it one way...for me to drive him all the way to Fairbanks on nice slippery winter roads, where they would make him lay under brilliant white lights for 12 straight hours.

Uh, no.

As for my cousin's wife. She's got "fruit and nut" syndrome. Meaning she will do anything the stars in Hollywood say is good for her, the baby, and the environment. Her delivery was more about her and "look everyone how natural I am" than about the actual experience. She didn't educate herself very well about it tho but she did have a mid wife.

I knew she'd end up at the hospital, too many variables with no prenatal care, and she doesn't manage pain well.

She asked for an epideral when she was dilated to 3. I wonder how she'd have managed at home all the way?

She did ask for the placenta, so she could plant an oak tree on it in the back yard.

RoyLevosh on How NOT to Give Birth

RoyLevosh — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Did you watch the birth of your boys?

Yes, I was there for both. At the time I thought "no sweat" as growing up on a farm and ranch I had delivered, or help deliver, lots of calves. But I wasn't prepared for like I thought I was on the first kid! And another thing I wasn't expecting was the overwhelming flood of emotion that came with it. On the second I was more prepared -heh, it was Christmas day 1990! I remember looking out the window in the early morning hours at patches of snow on the ground and christmas lights about the city! And when he was born, they gave him a little Santa's hat to wear in the nursery! Those were good times. The best of times. Now he's nearly 18 and has long nearly shoulder length hair and a beard! (school's out) And at the end of the month we're, just me and him, going deep sea fishing at Port Aransas! And it all started back then...

KellyW0498 on How NOT to Give Birth

KellyW0498 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Hey, I just typed a long comment. Hmmph. I will see if it mysteriously shows up before repeating it. Well, I guess my comment wasn't THAT long. hehe...long for me.

KellyW0498 on How NOT to Give Birth

KellyW0498 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I had a midwife with all 3 of my boys. I didn't want a doctor because I really hate being told what to do and my impression was they would try to tell me what to do.

All of mine were natural except with Noah. He was causing trouble and I ended up getting an epidural at the last minute because of things going on with labor. Lots of little issues that turned into a 10 day stay at ICU. Only becuase of an infection. I knew I was leaking and they said, no you aren't. I was.

Anyway, the breathing is a huge help and looks like you are finding out everything you need to know. Knowledge is power. You will be great.

JillUser on How NOT to Give Birth

JillUser — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

All three of mine were without medication. The first one I really wanted an epidural but I had a very new, very bad anesthesiologist who almost paralyzed me trying to get the needle in way too far up my back. I didn't have drugs but my baby had a very large head that got stuck and they used the vac to get him out. I had preeclamsia so they didn't let me move around much during labor and it really made things go slowly.

The baby had problems getting enough oxygen at first so they took him and put him under oxygen while they worked on me. I had the biggest episiotomy my doctor said he ever did and also tore. I was anemic and a total mess. Nursing was not happening and the nurses were horrible!

The birth was still incredible even though it was horrible. The baby was incredible and that's what makes you want to do it again I guess. The fact that we were both in bad shape to begin with scared everyone involved.

The next baby was like night and day. Everything went just like the text books say. I knew what to expect and wasn't afraid of the pain. The baby ended up having a little smaller head but came out face up (mine all had to give me their own unique twist on birth). I got to watch him come out in the mirror. It was the ideal birth! Four hours from breaking of water to cutting of umbilicle. I felt great afterward too!

Our last baby I expected would come even faster and easier....wrong! She was virtually the same size as her brothers but had her head turned and stuck in my hip. Once that little head turned, she shot out so fast my hubby had to catch her because she shot on by the unsuspecting doctor. I'm told I peed on the doctor during that last push too.

I was tired but not abnormally so for how long I had labored and she was born just after midnight. Once I had some food and got cleaned up, I was feeling relatively good and was able to care for the baby on my own all night. She was a good nurser too (as was the second).

I totally think "natural" is a good way to go. If you educate yourself, you know what your body is doing and don't fear the pain as much. I did breathing techniques that did wonders. I think birthing at home canbe dangerous. So much can go wrong that you could never anticipate even if you've had babies before. Every time is different.

Best wishes for an entirely satisfying birth experience!

KFC Kickin For Christ on How NOT to Give Birth

KFC Kickin For Christ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

What's a doula? Whatever it is I didn't have it...lol.

I thought about having a mid-wife and doing the home thing for about one minute. I was too chicken to do it. My babies were born in the 1980's and the whole natural thing was just getting started after years of old fashioned doctors with their old fashioned ways. We took a lamaze class and that was all.

We had a brand new woman doctor named Carol. She was the beginning of changes made to our local hospital. She wanted the homey look with the fathers and babies staying right in the room. The fathers were welcomed to stay the entire time. She really didn't want to put her girls thru the whole cold stirrup and cold room thing and kept me in the labor room right up to the end. Up until then the babies used to stay in nurseries. I never went into the "delivery" room to have my first son and he stayed with me pretty much most of the time.

When my second one was born (11 months later) I had the doctor on call because Carol was on vacation (figures right?) Anyhow he was an older man who was from the old school. He wheeled me into the delivery room and I hated the whole process remembering the beautiful birth I had with Bobby 11 months earlier. Thank goodness Brian was born within 45 minutes or so of us arriving at the hospital. This doctor wouldn't let my husband in the delivery room UNTIL the doctor was good and ready so I remember my husband standing in the doorway and my doctor sub fighting right there...."she's my wife" "well she's my patient and this is my delivery room." It wasn't pleasant. I was crying. No wonder Brian came out screaming mad. Everyone was angry.

Then I had my third like I had my first, nice and calm and again right in my cozy room and all was well again. I had very little pain with the second delivery and the only thing I can think of is I went into false labor two weeks before the real thing. The false labor was very painful and two weeks later it really wasn't that bad. I almost had Brian in the car because he was near to coming out and it was pretty scary as I watched my husband fly thru many red lights in the middle of the night.

RoyLevosh on How NOT to Give Birth

RoyLevosh — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I remember during the birth of our first child my wife hystericaly screaming GIVE ME DRUGS! And...wait a minute...nevermind. I forgot. That was me.

Jythier on How NOT to Give Birth

Jythier — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

You have two boys, right? Do you know what you are having this time? When is your wife due?

Yes, no, November 10th.

What type of preparation are you guys doing for this birth? Do you have a doula? What classes or labor management training/techniques are you guys planning? Sorry to be nosy, you don't have to answer, LOL, but this is fascinating to me!

No doula, as we're out of pocket. My wife wants one, but it's just so out of reach. I don't think she needs one because the midwife was a doula before she was a midwife. We're not taking any classes as of now, and I don't know about the other stuff yet. I'll learn some pain management techniques from the midwife for when she's in labor - she had a lot of back labor last time because she was trying to get a 10+lb baby out. If only the Drs. had known, no VBAC.

What was the reason for your wife's induction with the first pregnancy? Induction is soooo common now (it is being offered electively in some places!) and it's like the beginning of the snowball that leads to C-Section.

Yes yes yes, that's exactly what happened. Pitocin leads to C's. High blood pressure, but it wasn't really that high - it was just an excuse to get an elective induction, and my wife jumped on it. She didn't know. Now she knows, makes it a point to know, because she has a lot of regrets on the first one. Not on the second though! But she wants this one to be the 'perfect' birth story... hopefully it happens!

foreverserenity on How NOT to Give Birth

foreverserenity — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Wow, Tex, you went through a lot. I'm glad you two made it through despite all that. To me natural birth is vaginal, in my case, and without all the meds. My first two birth were that way. My third was also vaginal but I gave in and received the epidoral. I hated it and even more when it made it difficult for me to push because I couldn't move a damn muscle to do it! It literally stopped me! I can't see why this is being used at all to help women in childbirth if it hampers us this way? At any rate, your natural birth is a brave step and one I realise is a natural thing for you to do after that last experience. I hope it goes well! I'll definitely look out for the article, now that I'm going to be a grandma...I'm glad to be around to help my daughter!

MarcieMoo on How NOT to Give Birth

MarcieMoo — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I want to have a baby. Can I pout now?

Congratulations! I think you need another girl to even up the score!

Jythier on How NOT to Give Birth

Jythier — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Am I allowed to comment here, Tex? I know how you feel about guys weighing in on women's issues...

My wife feels very much the same as you with the natural birth. She hasn't had one without an epidural, though, she hopes to have this one without, and was planning the last one without. She was induced the first time around and, because her body wasn't ready, ended up with a C-Sec. Her second, she tried for a homebirth with a midwife, because Drs. would not allow her to try for a VBAC. She ended up transferring to the hospital for pain meds. The Drs. continually lectured us on the possible complications of a VBAC, but not once told us of any of the major complications that can happen after the major surgery known as the C-Section. She got her VBAC, and now trusts her body to do what it should be doing. So hopefully this go-around, with a midwife again (because Drs. are stupid, and midwives actually know what they're talking about for the most part - they seem to have a passion for it that Drs. lack), she will get her VBAC and without any interventions. That's the plan at least, and we all know how planning a birth works out...

Personally, I want whatever is healthy for her and the baby, and I think that's natural birth. The hospital is there for sick people and emergencies as far as I'm concerned, pregnancy is not a disease, and normal labor is not an emergency.

My wife has been either pregnant or nursing for all but 3 months since I married her on January 16, 2005. So we talk about pregnancy, birth, and nursing a lot. Getting the baby nursing right away is KEY. And when you get a C-Section, they don't want you to hold the baby right away. In fact, my oldest got taken away for a while right away, when he should have been nursing right away. The nurses mostly don't care if you want to nurse and feed the baby, even though the baby doesn't really need food for the first bit when it's born. They'll even use nippled bottles sometimes, which can cause nipple confusion later. Why even go to a hospital where that can happen when you can stay home and have everything go the way you really want it to?

Tova7 on How NOT to Give Birth

Tova7 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

My cousin's wife just had a natural birth. Which to her meant, only one or two prenatals, then delivering at home with a mid wife sans medication.

She is 32, her first birth, and got everything she wanted except delivering at home. After three days of labor at home her husband insisted she go to the hospital. The baby was delivered vaginally but at two and a half months old he seems lethargic, unresponsive. And I can't help but wonder if she waited too long and if there is some damage to the kid.

She said "our bodies are made for this." And she's right, but I reminded her that before medicine lots more kids and moms died, and there were many more birth defects.

For instance, I have a wall down the center of my uterus that extends to the cervix. It's inflexible and impossible for me to deliver vaginally. Without a hospital and ob staff, I woulda died at 28 when I had my first son.

The AF encourages moms to have birth plans. (I never delivered with the AF..civilian and then Army). You can opt out of pain meds, ivs, anything you want.

I'm excited to hear your plan, and how you came to the choices you made. I know you will research it and make the best decision for your family.

Gavin was born without a sucking reflex (pre-mature). That was a hard week trying to teach him to latch. He was also really jaundiced. And it was winter in Alaska so I couldn't just take him outside...no sun!

It was stressful and looking back on both deliveries, if I could do it over, I wouldnt' get an iv. I only took a epidural, no other drugs. The iv just made me swell up.

KFC Kickin For Christ on How NOT to Give Birth

KFC Kickin For Christ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Good for you. I am partial, very partial to natural birth. I felt every pain and twitch. The breathing exercises did help me alot tho. Focusing and breathing is something you will want to practice as you get closer to the due date.

I had all my children the natural way. Not even a tylenol got into my system. Mostly because I was so concerned how the drugs might affect my children either in the short term or long term. I just had no idea and tend to be as natural about things in general as I can be.

My first labor lasted 14 hours. My second labor lasted 8 hours and my last labor was less than 4 hours so I was pretty textbook they said. I do have to say tho that the last one hurt like the dickens. Probably because he was two pounds bigger than his brothers and in a big hurry to come out.

But I do think there is a great satisfaction in going thru this naturally and it's been done for thousands of years before us so you'll do just fne.

Best wishes for a great delivery.

SH80 on The "I know my husband would never..." Lie

SH80 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

"but because he's a guy."

TALK ABOUT THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK!

Or since you recently said, "bitch is the new black"...ain't that the pot calling the kettle bitch! Love, Slim Shady

Cyndi44m on I May Have Just Done Something Horrible

Cyndi44m — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I don't know if this will help but I started with my son who had ADHD is to make it a game I tell him I am watching the clock and can he beat his last time in getting ready he can do it in a matter of seconds, we lay his clothes out at night and then time him.
Our problem with him is he does not have the attention span to finish eating he gets so distracted.
I hope this helps

foreverserenity on Who are these people who keep following me around?

foreverserenity — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Nice!

foreverserenity on Milkless

foreverserenity — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

LOL! I'm at work and can't laugh too loudly but you cracked me up! Izzy is so adorable~! I can just imagine her face when she does that pweeweeze! Amanda has got it down with the facial expressions with the simpering, quivering mouth and doeful eyes! Keep enjoying summer! I haven't been on much because it's been so busy for me, and lots to do and the three kids are keeping me occupied, even my oldest!

NickyG on Milkless

NickyG — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Kole's in charge of recycling, and she does it quite well. We only put out a full garbage bag once every 2 weeks, and she's into composting now. I think this is a competitive thing that she's got going on: she tries to not throw anything away, and our house is actually getting much cleaner because she's very good with paper products! "Mom, do you really need to keep this? and out go my beloved magazines, newspapers, and notes from work.

Her last day of school is tomorrow. She doesn't want to go to camp of any sort, and is excited because it means she gets to spend time with her poppa in the garden. I'm trying to switch to night shifts so that I can be with her most times during the day, but man, I hate working nights! I have no real plans for how we are going to spend our time together, and am just starting to somewhat panic, when realizing how soon Friday really is.

Have a good summer!

KellyW0498 on Milkless

KellyW0498 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Fruit snacks and chips...Noah would be there in a second. Sounds like summer fun to me.

It would be really fun if you surprised them with that breakfast when you do have milk. LOL

Toblerone on Milkless

Toblerone — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Hey Brandie, in answer to your last reply:

I missed you too.

Griffy is doing well from what I hear. Remember I am in Indonesia until the end of the year so all my Griffin news is second hand. He is finally crawling and getting close to standing on his own (at the moment he can hold on to things to stand). He was feeling a little ill last I heard but nothing serious. He's also getting plastic surgery on his mole soon, they are going to put in skin expanders sometime soon.

I'll send some picks soon or you can friend my sister on facebook if you want just search for Nadine Farrelley and send a message when you click add me. She'll know who you are because of the whole arranged marriage thing

Apparently Nadine is thinking about a second soon since Griffy was so hard to conceive so if things don't work out between Griffy and Izzie we might have another one for you...assuming the sexes are compatible

InBloom on Who are these people who keep following me around?

InBloom — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I enjoy seeing your family pics. Everyone looks like they are having a fun, relaxing summer thus far.

momijiki on Who are these people who keep following me around?

momijiki — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I thought your cake looked pretty great.

Nice pictures!

Big Fat Daddy on Who are these people who keep following me around?

Big Fat Daddy — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Great lookin' family, Tex, how come the mom never gets in there? No one else in the neighborhood uses a camera? Life Happens has a pretty good camera and she loves to snap people and kids and stuff.

dynamaso on Who are these people who keep following me around?

dynamaso — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Awesome pics, Tex. You guys always look like you are having heaps of fun. Thanks for sharing these moments.

RoyLevosh on Who are these people who keep following me around?

RoyLevosh — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

We also took them to the Panhandle Plains Museum at West Texas A&M and we went down into Palo Duro Canyon.

Hey! I been there!

RoyLevosh on Milkless

RoyLevosh — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Carnation milk it's the best in the land
it comes to you in a red 'n white can
no tits to pull, no hay to pitch
just poke a hole in that son of a bitch!

There! You can't say I don't comment on your blogs.

Tova7 on Milkless

Tova7 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

And what a diligent guy to put so much work in during the long, long school year. I would be very proud.

Yeah we are. He's a really good kid, or excuse me, "pre-teen." He will be 13 in November.

He's as tall as I am. That just cracks me up. I used to carry him on my shoulders everywhere.

Right now my youngest is watching Star Wars Episode 1 right now...and loving it.

Tova7 on Milkless

Tova7 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Good luck planning summer activities. We are only three weeks into Summer and have just about exhausted all the things we planned....weekday things I mean...weekends are solely dad's dominion.

My oldest is playing a lot of video games this summer. It's hard to make him do other things when he worked so hard this school year to get his good grades. Three hours of homework a night all year long. He was only permitted to game on the weekends, and that only when we weren't doing other things.

Gotta run.....

CharlesCS on Milkless

CharlesCS — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

LOL, at first I hesitated to look into this article when I saw the title. Was not too sure it was meant for us guys. LOL, then I read it and you mention: Isabella is still nursing, so no problem there. and I almost backed out. But then saw what it was really about and was pleased to see I am not the only one who thinks the living room is a lost cause when it comes to trying to keep it organized.

It's funny how some kids have so much in common. My youngest likes to help clean but is better at making the messes we have to clean. My oldest if the trash boy, but mommy always seems to wanna make me get rid of the trash and when I call him to earn his play time on the Wii and PC, she gets mad thinking I'm just being lazy and throws the trash out herself. She does not seem to get the concept of teaching our kids about responsibility. Though I have to admit if I can get them to do the job AND educate them at the same time, why not?

JillUser on It's a Bee...

JillUser — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

"Are you guys definitely done having children? "

We are definitely done. I had a procedure done to guarantee that. I'll be 38 next month. I'm getting too old for baby making! You are still in your prime though.

Cedarbird on It's a Bee...

Cedarbird — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

LOL, maybe I will just say we're Mormon. I think for some people that would make it more "acceptable" since apparently you're only supposed to have 2 kids!

No, no...2.5. Don't forget the half baby.

Locamama on Who are these people who keep following me around?

Locamama — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Thanks, re: the cake. The kids usually want a party that doesn't exist and we have to make it up, including a cake. In some ways I think it's more fun, because a lot of love and effort goes into the party and cake but the decorations and cake don't look as nice as the ones you can buy.

The cakes that made with love are a million times better than store bought. That's my opinion anyway. I have made some hideous cakes in my time. The worst was supposed to be a snake cake made with two bunt pan cakes cut in half and laid out like an s shape. It came out looking more like a mutant caterpillar cake. Xaviers experssion in front of the shamrock cracked me up. I wish I were smart enough to post pictures on JU let alone a slide show. Maybe I'll post a link to my flickr. That's about the best I can do. It's fun peeking into your life Miss Brandie.

KFC Kickin For Christ on It's a Bee...

KFC Kickin For Christ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Glad you're over the sickness hump for the most part. That's the worst part I think...well that and the very last hour of pregnancy..lol.

As far as birthdays and having children on your birthday...my grandfather was born on July 3. He had a wife who was born on July 1st. They had two children. Each child was born on their birthdays...one on July 1st, the other on July 3rd. My grandfather's mother was born on July 4th. She died on July 4th. This same grandfather had a brother born on Christmas Day. He died years later on Christmas Day....bizarre.

No wonder my grandfather was so into birthdays.

Who knows maybe you'll have the first New Years Baby in your town...2009. If so, this new baby could get lots of attention. Caring for three kids can get things going a bit early.

Whatever I just hope you have a healthy happy baby or babies.......

Tova7 on Who are these people who keep following me around?

Tova7 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I forgot...that cake is totally rockin!

I have tried many times to do cakes, and let's just say...they were fugly. hahaha

CharlesCS on Who are these people who keep following me around?

CharlesCS — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Looks like you guys got Family Fun Time every day. Wow, to be in the presence of such a car as the DeLorean. Talk about lucky.

Tova7 on Who are these people who keep following me around?

Tova7 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Now you tell me. What child wouldn't want to be born into such a fun family?

Great pics!

CharlesCS on Who are these people who keep following me around?

CharlesCS — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

These are great pics. Your little girl is adorable.

1 piece of advice though, a tripod for the cam to take auto snaps or a photographer, at least 1 picture of you with your family you know.

Tova7 on It's a Bee...

Tova7 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

I was actually kind of expecting a lukewarm or even slightly negative reaction here,

No. Way.

Tex, imho you are one of the best moms on this site. Your children are very lucky to have you. In fact, I have two who would thrive under your gentle hand. (hint hint)

If women like you had more kids, the next generation would be one that was exulted instead of looked down upon by so much of society.

I am happy for your family and wish you the easiest, least sick, most amazing pregnancy!

KFC Kickin For Christ on It's a Bee...

KFC Kickin For Christ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

That's amazing, but you'd better watch out, any more kids and people will think you're either Catholic or Mormon.

or fundamentalist Christian. We had three families with seven in our last church. If that's the case, TW has three more to go after this one!!!

Cedarbird on It's a Bee...

Cedarbird — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Tex! Sorry for being so late with the Congratulations!

That's amazing, but you'd better watch out, any more kids and people will think you're either Catholic or Mormon.

That's awesome, keep us updated.

CharlesCS on It's a Bee...

CharlesCS — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Hey Tex, sorry for being so late to the game. There are so many articles now I don't always get to them fast, depending on the titles. Congrats, she is so adorable. My sister has 2 girls about 1 year apart and although they fight like most siblings do, they love each other to death and share everything (except boys of course, LOL, then again, I can't really prove that). I wouldn't mind having a little girl, though my current financial situation would make me a terrible father if I even tried. But look forward to it someday.

JillUser on It's a Bee...

JillUser — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:15 -0400

Holy crap! Congrats! I guess you're a lot younger with a lot more energy than I. I can't fathom being pregnant right now and keeping up with my crazy Ashley.

All the best to you and yours. Here's hoping you don't feel sick like you did before.