We love the Nike mesh backpacks. The Nike outlet has them for $14.95 a few times a year. They are large enough, have lots of pockets and compartments for two large towels, fins, snorkels, clothing, make-up, shampoo...everything. We have about 10 of these backpacks. We used to do 2 swim bags but stopped once we got these backpacks.

The article was wrong. She was never a social worker. Anyone can check social worker status online in the state of illinois. http://www.naswil.org/factlicense.htm She is an artist. She was making money blogher ads- at least 2 cents per click. There were times when she had hit count contests. She had over a million hits on her counter months ago. Apparently, she also lied about having a baby that died. Instead she had a miscarriage. Not that I think a miscarriage isn't traumatic enough... She did have a PO BOX set up for money and gifts. I was sceptical from the start but I kept reading to see how it would all unfold. I don't feel scammed. But then again, I thought MckMama was also fake until it was proven otherwise.

Do you buy the tiny super absorbent swim towels or go with regular? My kids each have a couple of the shammy ones but they usually choose to bring the regular towels instead. I don't know why. How do you know when your child is ready for meets? (they are optional on her team, it's been suggested she try at least one. she wants to do it but I'm not sure if she's ready). What does the coach say? I'd give her a month or two. Have you guys gone to a meet? I know they can be intimidating. I remember my son's first meet. He was so scared. Those big mean white shirt people (officials) immediately DQ'd him. We were both devastated. 6 years later, I am the one wearing the white shirt and clipboard and he's qualified for state in the breast each year since. :)

What is in your child's swim bag? Towels, caps (2), goggles (2 pairs), brush, shampoo/conditioner, soap, fins, snorkel, clothes, snack, water bottle, sharpies and highlighters We love the mesh Nike backpacks. The Nike outlet sells them for $15 a few times a year. I think we have 10 or so. They are awesome! How often do you wash their suits and towels? suits are rinsed after each use and towels are only used once. We have enough swim towels for each of my swimmers to use two everyday for a week before I have to wash them. JIC they do hang them dry in the bathroom before putting them into the hamper. Is the chlorine shampoo worth the money? Yes for my Blondies, no for the darker haired ones Do your kids change back into street clothes or just come home wet in the car? Street clothes Do your kids just rinse off, or do they take a real shower with soap and shampoo after workouts? Real showers If you have boys, how do you get them out of the locker room within a reasonable amount of time? (Mine love those hot showers, and I can't go in to holler at them to get out!) I have been known to scream into the boys room and send in bigger boys to fetch them out. I usually give them a good amount of time (30+minutes) after practice before I pick them up, though.

Yes, someone had the same doll and posted her pictures side-by side at this site.

A lady calling herself "April's Mom" scammed thousands of blog followers into donating money and gifts to her. She conned them into believing that her unborn baby "April" was dying. Yesterday, After a very eventful "labor" with many updates, "April" was born. She actually posted pictures of a doll and claimed that it was her baby! I just don't get it. What in the world would possess someone to make up such a sad lie. Ugh. She went as far as steeling other blogger's identities to fake responses on her "April" blog. It's just so sick. Apparently, there is a huge market for these Reborn dolls. Is it just me or are they totally creepy?!

:iagree: I know many anesthesiologists who will refuse to put you under if you've had anything by mouth after midnight, including clear liquids. The dextrose will get you stabilized in no time. :) There is always the chance that your surgery can be bumped up, too.

We are planning a DC trip next month. My son requested a visit to MT. Vernon. We will not have access to a car as we are flying from Colorado. What are our options? How difficult would it be to bike it? We are only taking the older three (12,10 and*). They are all on swim team, in running clubs and do triathlons. I noticed there is a boat trip but it's kind of pricey. Then again the bike rentals and admission costs would probably be the same.... I'm also looking for restaurants. We are staying at The Liaison near Capitol Hill. Has anyone gone to the Memorial Day Parade? Any tips? TIA!

I'd ask them to call it in too. Usually if one family member is positive they are pretty accommodating with scripts for the rest of the family. Unfortunately though, Tamiflu isn't working as well on this year's strains. :( I'd discuss the risks vs benefits with the nurse before deciding if that's the course of action you'd like to take.

I'm happy to hear this. I didn't know they made it into a movie. I'll have to check it out.

I noticed that prices are drastically cheaper over the weekends, especially long weekends. Thus the timing of our trip. :) The prices on Hotels.com were around $100/night (Friday-Tuesday) then jumped to $250+/night (Tues.-Thurs.).

I don't know of any cancer causing foods but I wouldn't be surprised. I have cut out preservatives in our diets and insist on lots of fiber, fruits and veggies at every meal. It's terrifying. I've also experienced too many loved ones diagnosed with leukemia and other blood cancers. I'm currently fundraising for that very cause. (check out my siggy)

That sounds very frustrating! I would find a new primary care doc. I do have one question, though. Is it possible that they did an A1C test? If so, that would show the average level of glucose in her blood over the last three months. In that case a BS test today wouldn't be necessary.

Missing church is simply not an option for us. If one child is ill we will split up and take the other children in shifts.

It's been years since I've seen it, but I remember a couple disturbing scenes: a man shot himself in the head and women and children were locked in a church before it was set on fire.

I'm here too.

Our 5th wasn't any tougher than having four. He just fit right in. In fact, having the baby brought the older kids closer. It so much easier to have little ones with older children. They love to help and seeing them interact so lovingly is totally worth it.

How big were your babies? I didn't gain much either, but I had very bad morning sickness for 14-18 weeks. My kiddies ranged from 6.2-6.15

I love low rise pants! I was able to wear my size 3 jeans until week 36. Half my regular shirts are maternity. I have a long torso and they fit me better. So, I suppose I start wearing maternity shirts before conception. lol Here I am weeks 9-36

I wasn't a regular poster but I chimed once a week or so. I began this journey in 2002.

ITA! No way would I say a word!

It's a very simple blood test to check for TSH, T3 and T4. Hypothyroid symptoms are: Fatigue Weakness Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight Coarse, dry hair Dry, rough pale skin Hair loss Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you) Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches Constipation Depression Irritability Memory loss Abnormal menstrual cycles

Loved it! I bought the Love Dare for dh and I for Christmas. We haven't started it yet because I want to have enough time to really commit to it. Eh...like that will ever happen. Perhaps we should pull it out today.

I completely understand. It's unfortunate. :( I usually make the videos full screen size before showing them to the kids. Here is another link if you are interested. http://www.wimp.com/thegovernment/

This is very logical presentation of facts and also very well produced, IMO. *I apologize if this has already been posted