Female, ulna = 10.5”, height = 5’9”

All of these replies are incredible – your stories so helpful. It was surreal at the time that my mom and ILs were not ‘normal’ and helpful like our friends’ parents seemed to be. And, although I knew it was happening to them, I just couldn’t imagine what it was like. You have all painted pictures for me. I learn by example & borrowing ideas from other women has helped me do everything from raise & homeschool our children, clean & manage my home, and now: give postpartum care to my daughter. @dirty ethel rackham I understand. Different experiences early in life, different struggles currently, but remembering some of the good stuff has gotten me through so many times when the bad memories want to take over. The example of your parents & FIL has resonated with me more than anyone’s for some reason, so hats off to them for helping me, too!

I feel this way, too, wanting to do all our kids will let us do. Although it’s off topic, as OP, I’d love to hear what your grandparents did that made you feel so loved. I am guessing this is not postpartum, but while you were growing up. Since your mom didn’t carry on the awesome-grandparent tradition (were they her parents?), how do you think she saw them/their behavior? Was she appreciative? Thanks

Thanks for feedback, will change that entry. I love the no need for extra help. It’s so interesting to me how differently we all go into the same experience. Bringing one’s first child into the world is a huge transition & I can see how being organized is helpful. I was so loosey-goosey in life leading up to first baby, and I was 100% gobsmacked by the fact that flying by the seat of my pants (or at least my style of it) did not work well with family life. It was a steep learning curve. Having more btdt stories or watching someone interact with baby would have helped me a lot.

Let’s see, when I was 11 I was in 4th grade. I walked to school each day, about ½ mile. I played outside with friends or by myself most days, either walking or other active play – probably average of an hour a day or a little more.

After we had our first baby, my mom was only as helpful as sending a meal. I appreciated the space at the time, thinking my friends’ experiences (with moms staying at their home) was too intrusive. My DH was super helpful…up to a point. He knew a lot less about my needs than I did, and I didn’t know at all what I needed. In retrospect, we could’ve used more help (and loving care/wisdom) than we received. I’m also curious: if your mom helped a lot, what does the dad do? I can imagine that this runs the gamut, as some men are clueless about what needs to be done, cooking/etc, while some are quite involved in home/baby care. Thanks for sharing your experiences! Oh, although I want to isolate the poll for maternal grandmothers, feel free to share about other caregivers in your comments.

What LC said. I use the cap one app or site to go to points area, then do a re-wind on the charge. Travel purchases that are eligible will be available for rewind after they post, so a few days sometimes. I rewind for flights, Lyft, hotels, Airbnb, etc. HTH ETA Yes, I make the the purchase as per normal, so it’s a reimbursement. They have a way to book through them or look at offers, but IME they were not as good a deal, points-wise, as booking wherever/however I wanted to then using the purchase rewind.

Yes, it was an amazing & healing experience. Just wonderful.

Congratulations!!

Congratulations!

So, I was of the thinking of the original poster on the thread of the potential misogyny of coloring hair that doing it all the time will be a PIA, but I am *also* of the thinking stated by @Carol in Cal. that dark hair is one of my things and this grey highlight stuff is not working. When you said it was so worth it, that influenced me to consider again. Well, I want to know how all you dyers do it…do you DIY mail order (like Madison Reed), DIY from grocery store, salon? Curious the options and opinions. Thanks

Pancakes for Breakfast, by Tomie DePaola

Funny, I don’t hang around much, but came in to see the discussion du jour. I was thinking, “That’s what I asked a few years ago” lol…here ya go: And, @Kassia your husband’s remark is funny!

Interesting that sweet potatoes won out…did you ever try baby prunes? I forgot this ever happened, and I have zero idea where I got the idea, but I went through a kick many years ago of using baby prunes in place of butter or oil in recipes…I’d be at the checkout, with 20 jars of baby prunes and the checkout person would invariably ask, “Is your baby ok??” Haha, funny memory.

I’ve had bad luck w/butter in somethings when it separated, making the final product heavier. But, could be user error=) I really appreciate your & other’s experience because I’ve always kept veg or canola on hand for baking myself. They aren’t avoiding olive oil.

@Just Kate, Thanks, the one I use imparted a strong flavor, but maybe it was when I was sautéing with it? And, I purchased a very expensive brand…I bet Costco would have a more affordable alternative in volume.

Family member wants to avoid canola & vegetable oil, but I am stumped by what to recommend for general baking purposes — like cakes, tortillas, other high volume/want no taste use. Thanks, I appreciate it! Making JAWM, because I don’t want to get into whether their decision is necessary or not.

Oh, @Pawz4me I typed that wrong! It’s 500mg. Still, I do think it’s a long course. Can’t get through to vet, but will. Thanks!

Thanks! Ugh, seems they gave enough to destroy her appetite w/out killing anything. I was going to call & find out last dosage, in addition to asking more questions. I was trying to be a *good girl* and just do what the vet said. My husband is such a rule follower & often wonders why I question e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g…well, this is why!

There was no diagnosis. They did a fecal, which was negative, but she’s had giardia that didn’t show up in past, so I always go on symptoms…the met worked before. Yes, I was surprised about the combo, myself.

We live on a farm & our dog gets a round of vomiting/diarrhea/refusal to eat every spring at least once. Vet will usually give me metronidazole. This vet said, ‘eh, just give a probiotic & she’ll probably snap out of it soon’. I asked for the met anyway, saying it always worked. Vet gave us metronidazole & amoxicillin both. Each med, 500mg tabs 2x/day. Dog weighs 85#. This seems like overkill to me. It’s day 5 and dog has no appetite (except for meds…wrapped in pill pockets), so eating only 10% of normal amount meals. I counted pills…whoa…14 days worth!?! That seems crazy a lot, esp considering vet wasn;t suggesting antibiotic in first place. Googling is so generic & frustrating, so I am asking the best collective wisdom on the planet: do you think I can bail on the amoxicillin early, or is that not good can I just stop after what I think is a more reasonable 7 or 10 days? No, I have not yet called the vet back. Thank you for any experience you can share.

@Spryte& @Corraleno, when you say, “get a car” does this mean limo service? Just wondering what to look for/search for when I take a upcoming trip. I do Lyft when at destinations to get around, but want a diff option for airport. Thanks

‘Viewers from looking up the bed from the footboard’ unite!

Prayers for your dad, you and all your loved ones @DawnM

What great ones, thanks ladies!!