I am right there with you, Astrid. Can you imagine how I am feeling on this board these days when I tell you that I am Realtor? Talk about feeling like a total reject around here. I went to work when it was clear that dh could not make enough to support us anymore. This is not a case of want to, it is a case of have to. I really try to make it a rule in my life that I won't judge others for making choices that I wouldn't make, because you never really know the real reason those people have made that choice.

Just in case you didn't know....the refreshers have more caffeine than coffee, but less than energy drinks.

ELCA ordains women. My sil was an ELCA pastor.

I pumped exclusively for 1 year for my preemie twins. By the time they were about 8 months, I was down to pumping 4 times a day (none in the middle of the night). I did not have a supply problem. My goal had been to get them to 1 year corrected age (1 year from their due date), but I could not make it 12+ more weeks. I figured 12 months with that pump was pretty darn good. So, I totally understand how you feel. Maybe if you cut back to 4 times a day, you will feel like you can make it to the 1 year mark. If you can't, keep in mind that you pumped far longer than most and you should be proud of pumping as long as you have. No guilt.

Praying for both babies and their parents. My twins were born at 27.5 weeks. I had hoped to deliver one and keep the other baking for a while, but the one in distress was not the one first presenting.

I had that problem. It was a short in my transmitter. The door would open and close at completely random times. It took a while for me to figure out what was causing it, because I was never near the clicker when it would happen.

I'm sorry. I wish there was something to say that will make this all easier, but there isn't. My ILs are not doing well, but my dh and his sister sit around with their heads in the sand. No one says what needs to be said, so my MIL is making terrible decisions. At least your dh and his sisters are taking charge of the situation. Hugs to you, though.....

I have a pair of Newports that I have had for at least 6 years. They have held up very nicely and I don't forsee getting rid of them any time soon. My mom just bought me a pair of the La Paz thongs. I can't wear flip flops because of a cyst between the joint of my big toe and my second toe, but I can wear these. One of my twins wears Keen Mary Janes and boots all fall and winter. We are big fans of Keens in this house.

My girls loved the Jack Russell Dog Detective book series. They are good for boys and girls, and they are a nice intro to mysteries.

Athletic and likes kids.....Volunteer for Special Olympics.

I had walking pneumonia last fall. It took a few days for the fever to be gone for good. Rest, rest, rest. Doing too much (anything really) will prolong matters.

I think calling a little one JoJo is fine. My nephew Joseph was Joey as a little boy and became Joe as he got older. I suspect the same would apply in your case. For the girl's name, I would use Isabelle for the middle name. You are still honoring the family member, but avoiding the "Disney" effect of just plain Belle. I love the name Sophia and would have used it, but there was a family with whom we had daily contact who had a Sophia nearly the same age. But, where we live now, I know of only one Sophia and she is a woman my age.We went with Lillian instead (calling her Lily). There were no Lilys around. Then we moved here and there are so many Lilys that my dd went through a phase of wanting to be called Lillian. I think the popularity of a particular name is regional and would not let a "national" list sway me.

Add that to the fact that great is an adjective and not an adverb......The whole sign is a total mess.

I'm sorry about Bear. I bet it has to do with over exerting himself in the heat and then drinking a whole bunch of water to rehydrate. Will he eat rice or boiled chicken? I would try rice with a little chicken broth and see if he finds that appealing. If it is any consolation, my dog is now sporting a diaper because he is having trouble with leaking pee. He has been on a super duper $3.50 per pill) anitbiotic now for almost 3 weeks and has a week left to go. No improvement so far. Pet troubles are the pits. :grouphug:

I would do hardwood. Almost all laminates look cheap and the ones that don't cost as much as hardwood.

:iagree: When I give up to God through prayer what it bothering me, I feel so much better and those problems seem to take care of themselves. :grouphug:

I would say $25, but that might not give her enough bang for her buck. Would she consider pies or cakes instead? They would be less time consuming and less costly to make.

:iagree: Thank you for showing that dog that not all people are IDIOTS.

A friend suggested this one to me: One Thousand Gifts . I read the first chapter and it seems to fit the bill. Another friend from a totally different group was reading it and couldn't put it down. She said it was very moving and inspirational. I wish they had a kids version.

Congratulations! I have twin girls who will be 11 in July. My girls were very preemie (27.5 weekers), so I have no advice really for full-term babies. I kept them on the same schedule they were on in the NICU, which made the first year pretty easy. I also didn't have any other kids at home....I guess the best advice I can offer is to accept help as it is given and just take things as they come.

Joann, What a wonderful, uplifting post. You made my day. Congratulations to you and your dh for persevering and working so hard. What a great model you both are for your kids. I admire you for that. Brigitte

For very nice, but not fancy food I recommend Tupelo Honey, Early Girl Eatery, and Bouchon (French comfort food - my favorite restaurant in Asheville). Table was my favorite fancy restaurant there. And, if you like lobster, The Lobster Trap had the best lobster I had eaten since leaving RI. All of these are downtown.

:lol: Well, I am spending my Saturday night on the boards listening to disco music on Pandora. The earphones and music cover up the sound of dh spitting sunflower seeds while he watches baseball on his computer. Yep, living large this weekend and all weekends. :tongue_smilie:

:iagree: and :grouphug:

Congratulations! I wish you all the best in your new career.