^There are similar splash areas in a few parks around so I'm guessing they aren't horribly expensive in comparison to other playground equipment.

 

My wife and I like it when parks put a small fence around the playground so you can get away with taking your eyes off of your kid for a second and not worry that the damn 2 year old is sprinting full speed for the parking lot for the 13th time because he's obsessed with "vroom vrooms". 

Grumpy...sounds like you need that kiddie leash system.  LOL

We have one. He figured out how to unhook it. The wife says I'm not allowed to just duct tape him to a tree.

I like the fence around the playground too, especially the toddler area, and we are going to get that in this design.  We are also going to get a water area and a sandbox, with a separate water source.  It actually seems like it will be a pretty good playground, at least for the little kids.

 

Currently I am advocating for more ball-play areas for the older kids, like tetherball, mini soccer goals etc, but they are resistant, because these things all take up more space.  I would also prefer some traditional swings, but they are not doing this, again because of space constraints.  I think I will have to advocate that the play area just get bigger! 

 

I saw that in the Cincy Riverfront Park plan they are showing some really long slides that are built into the hillside.  These will be very cool.

^There are similar splash areas in a few parks around so I'm guessing they aren't horribly expensive in comparison to other playground equipment.

 

My wife and I like it when parks put a small fence around the playground so you can get away with taking your eyes off of your kid for a second and not worry that the damn 2 year old is sprinting full speed for the parking lot for the 13th time because he's obsessed with "vroom vrooms". 

Grumpy...sounds like you need that kiddie leash system.  LOL

We have one. He figured out how to unhook it. The wife says I'm not allowed to just duct tape him to a tree.

 

LMAO!!

My nephew just left for his first day on his internship.  I was like  wait a min I'll ride the train with you.  He said, "no, I'm good.  I  want to get there a early, I have to fill out some paper  work.".  So I went back in. I was like "damn".  A few minutes later he  came and said, "I love you tio skiffy (he couldn't say "skippy" when he  was little).  Thank you for letting me come live with you for the  summer.  I really needed to get out of Cleveland.  You're the only person that "gets" me."  I just broke out in tears.  I can't believe he has a frickin'  job, let alone got it on his own.

 

Why do they have to grow up.  :'( :'( :'(

 

I'm a fuckin' mess right now.  UGH!

Awwww.  What type of job is it?  It's an internship somewhere, IIRC.  You should go out Friday after work to celebrate his first work week.

Awwww.  What type of job is it?  It's an internship somewhere, IIRC.  You should go out Friday after work to celebrate his first work week.

 

He's got a design internship.  I'm sure it will be mostly grunt work.  The college kids started last week and he is the only High School kid.

 

I think we did all of our celebrating yesterday.  This is the first structured job hes had so I'm not sure how he's going to handle it. Granted he did hustle to get the job and went to places for informational interviews to get his foot in the door, which I didn't even know about.

 

He's the total right brain creative/unconventional art kid.  First it was painting, then he hung out with my grandfather and uncle to learn some construction/electric/design stuff, then the past two years he's added photography/videography, now it's architecture.

 

I seem like last week we were making science projects now he's a little man.

 

I may have to send thing no. 2 on a little reconnaissance mission.

 

Given your description of him, he may have a hard time adjusting to any kind of professional office life, even at a design place, and especially an internship that includes grunt work.  It will be a good lesson for him.

Given your description of him, he may have a hard time adjusting to any kind of professional office life, even at a design place, and especially an internship that includes grunt work.  It will be a good lesson for him.

 

Key words "professional" and "office".  That's what I'm worried about.

 

Without knowing the office culture, I gave him some advise on how he should act.

Given your description of him, he may have a hard time adjusting to any kind of professional office life, even at a design place, and especially an internship that includes grunt work. It will be a good lesson for him.

 

Key words "professional" and "office". That's what I'm worried about.

 

Without knowing the office culture, I gave him some advise on how he should act.

 

Hopefully it didn't include pounding out messages on UO allday. :)

 

You should point him towards Mayday. The guy gets a job and disappears...

Given your description of him, he may have a hard time adjusting to any kind of professional office life, even at a design place, and especially an internship that includes grunt work.  It will be a good lesson for him.

 

Key words "professional" and "office".  That's what I'm worried about.

 

Without knowing the office culture, I gave him some advise on how he should act.

 

Hopefully it didn't include pounding out messages on UO allday. :)

 

You should point him towards Mayday. The guy gets a job and disappears...

 

My nephew is innocent, so tutorials from MayDay will not be needed!  :D

Just had my 34 week appointment this morning.  Everything looks good, and I can't believe how close we're getting!

Dang, I can't believe it either, the time has flown by?  Are you getting really sick of it/really uncomfortable yet?  Pools are your friend.  I couldn't believe how good I felt when I got in a pool in the last tri.  I was able to swim around like a completely normal person, my back didn't hurt, it was amazing.

If men had to give birth we would be the biggest babies.

 

Bigger than you already are, you mean. :)

Bigger than you already are, you mean. :)

ROFLMAO!  Hey i'm not going to lie, when I get sick, I'm a big old baby!

Dang, I can't believe it either, the time has flown by? Are you getting really sick of it/really uncomfortable yet? Pools are your friend. I couldn't believe how good I felt when I got in a pool in the last tri. I was able to swim around like a completely normal person, my back didn't hurt, it was amazing.

 

Time has flown by, especially during this past month.  We've been very busy.  Not only are we trying to get our condo ready for the baby, but we've also been running errands and visiting my mom a lot (which is why I haven't been on UO as much recently).  My mom was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and her doctor contacted Hospice for her last month.  She's no longer driving.  Fortunately, many friends and family members have kicked in to help out as well.  I'm doing what I can to keep myself from getting very exhausted.

 

Now that you mentioned it, a pool does sound nice, especially in this weather.

If men had to give birth we would be the biggest babies.

 

 

At the risk of upsetting people, I'd have to agree with this.  My mom even told me that if men had the babies, no family would have more than one child.  ;)

If men had to give birth we would be the biggest babies.

 

 

At the risk of upsetting people, I'd have to agree with this.  My mom even told me that if men had the babies, no family would have more than one child.  ;)

Honey it's the truth!

 

So sorry to hear about your mom.  Thought and prayers are with you.

Dang, I can't believe it either, the time has flown by? Are you getting really sick of it/really uncomfortable yet? Pools are your friend. I couldn't believe how good I felt when I got in a pool in the last tri. I was able to swim around like a completely normal person, my back didn't hurt, it was amazing.

 

Time has flown by, especially during this past month. We've been very busy. Not only are we trying to get our condo ready for the baby, but we've also been running errands and visiting my mom a lot (which is why I haven't been on UO as much recently). My mom was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and her doctor contacted Hospice for her last month. She's no longer driving. Fortunately, many friends and family members have kicked in to help out as well. I'm doing what I can to keep myself from getting very exhausted.

 

Now that you mentioned it, a pool does sound nice, especially in this weather.

 

I'm telling you, you have never enjoyed a pool more than right now.

 

The running around bit sounds familiar, it seems the closer you get to the birth, the more there is to do.  So sorry to hear about your mother, that is very sad.  I'm glad you have some other family members who can help out.  Will anyone be staying with you at all immediately after you get home?  My sister came to stay with us since mr RNR had to go back to work, and though our place is really tiny and we were on top of each other sometimes, her help and support was just awesome during those first few days, which were just exhausting and bewildering (and also pain-filled since I had a C).

 

The running around stops in about 3 more weeks as I recall.  No more running anywhere, you just can't bear to move around that much.  I remember having to go to the mall to buy a nursing bra during that time and it took us like an hour because we had to go to 2 stores, Penneys and Sears, and it just took forever to get from one place to the other.

^ Thanks.  She really wants to see the baby, so she's been fighting.

I hope for both your sakes that she's able to.  Why does life always hand us such good things and such bad things all at once sometimes.

Will anyone be staying with you at all immediately after you get home? My sister came to stay with us since mr RNR had to go back to work, and though our place is really tiny and we were on top of each other sometimes, her help and support was just awesome during those first few days, which were just exhausting and bewildering (and also pain-filled since I had a C).

 

We really don't have anyone planned to stay with us.  Fortunately most of our families our local.  I was just thinking the other day that i won't be able to get over as much to see my mom during this time, much less help out, so hopefully the people will still be around to help her out while I recoup.

I would pick a couple of people to specifically ask about that.  People just assume this or that is taken care of and if you want to ensure someone is attending to your mom, maybe your family should talk about it and actually assign those duties to someone as you and DH are going to be completely out of pocket the first few weeks.

I would pick a couple of people to specifically ask about that.  People just assume this or that is taken care of and if you want to ensure someone is attending to your mom, maybe your family should talk about it and actually assign those duties to someone as you and DH are going to be completely out of pocket the first few weeks.

 

I agree.

Several cousins have offered to help me make a schedule for my mom.  I also hoping to have some people available to take my mom up to the hospital after the baby is born.  One of my brothers lives in Florida, so he won't be able to help, but the other one is in Dayton.  I'm going to talk to him to see if he's available while I'm recovering. 

Good plan.  I'd take those people up on the offer to help with the schedule as well. As the birth gets closer, there's like less and less you can concentrate on outside of the baby. And at any time the baby could come early, and then whatever you were planning to take care of "later" never happens.

Why are teenagers bottomless pits?

 

Other than a few mini-plums, blueberries, strawberries, lemons, blackberries, cherries and an apple, there is no food in my fridge.

 

My nephew went grocery shopping on Sunday, it's Wednesday.  I went downstairs for some oranges to put in the juicer, then I noticed there is not sausage or bacon...then I look over and there is no bread.

 

I went to his room and asked, "What happen to all the food, did you eat all the food?  Am I not buying enough food?"  His response, "I don't know (blank stare)"

 

I almost smacked the hell out of him.  My nephew is 170lbs I do not know where this food is going?

 

This boy just came up here and said, "There are eggs and corn in the fridge"

 

I haven't whipped him in about 10 years but I'm about to put my foot in his little narrow ass!

Oh, to have my teenage metabolism back.  *dreams*

Oh, to have my teenage metabolism back.  *dreams*

 

I dont remember eating that much when I was 17.  My nephew is almost the same size I was when I was 17.

 

With a toddler running around, I'm sure you're weight isn't an issue.

I know I ate that much when I was that age...I remember racing my brother in who could eat a large pizza the quickest.  I probably could have eaten lard by the bucket and not gained weight at that age.  I'm sure being pretty active in sports was a part of it, but I grew a lot in a  short time too.

My three boys eat enough already, I am fearing when they are all teenagers together, since there is almost exactly 4 years between the oldest and youngest. I may have to take up urban farming and start raising cows and chickens in my Lakewood backyard.

 

I remember that when was in HS I didn't have sports or work after school one of my favorite things was to make a box of Mac n' Cheese and eat the whole thing for a snack while I watched TV, I even had a special serving bowl that fit it all. That would be at 3 and then I would eat a full dinner at 5:30 or 6:00. Those were the days.

I remember running track when I was a sophomore, and a senior asked me out on a date to a basketball game.  He took me to mcdonald's first for dinner (so romantic) and said to get whatever I wanted, he had just gotten paid from his PT job. I'm like, um, are you sure, because I can eat a LOT.  He's like how much can you eat, you probably don't even weigh 100 pounds (which was true at the time).  I got a big mac, large fries, 9 piece mcnuggets, a shake, a coke and a box of mcdonaldland cookies, and ate the whole meal.  He was just like WOW. 

 

Now all I have to do is walk by cookies and I gain weight.

You sound like my kind of girl RnR.

LOL. I can STILL eat like that, I just choose not to most of the time because I don't want to be big as a house.  But there are several free for all each summer - the Greek festivals, the county fairs, etc.  It's just like anything goes during those times.

I know I ate that much when I was that age...I remember racing my brother in who could eat a large pizza the quickest.  I probably could have eaten lard by the bucket and not gained weight at that age.  I'm sure being pretty active in sports was a part of it, but I grew a lot in a  short time too.

 

I asked my Mom what to do, she said my brother and I ate that much.  I don't remember.  She said we never had leftover.  I do remember drinking my moms coffee (thats how I got hooked on coffee at 16½)

 

I guess I should have paid more attention.  The Fresh Direct delivery came on Thursday and sent him to the market and butcher on Sunday to pick up some things.

 

---

On another note, my nephew, nieces and brother are complaining that my parents are "tough".  Now they know what I lived thru.  My father told them they had to earn their keep or get out.  LMAO.  I said to my brother, "you know they are much softer now than they were when we were growing up."

 

Since my brother and the kids moved into my parents house, the kids have had to conform to my parents rules.  In the past my parents would coddle them, now they have been shocked into reality.  They had to clean all the windows inside/outside this past weekend.  I'm so glad I'm free of that task.  My father makes them write a book report every other week.

 

My nephew, brother, dad and grand father were talking to my nephew and I last night and my nephew said, "Are we gonna get paid for this?"  My brother didn't even speak, my dad was about to say something and my grand father says,"Paid?  Boy you need your ass whipped for asking that question!"

 

I tell you, they have no idea what hard work is.  I had to scrub evert corner of the foyer on my hands and knees.

I remember running track when I was a sophomore, and a senior asked me out on a date to a basketball game.  He took me to mcdonald's first for dinner (so romantic) and said to get whatever I wanted, he had just gotten paid from his PT job. I'm like, um, are you sure, because I can eat a LOT.  He's like how much can you eat, you probably don't even weigh 100 pounds (which was true at the time).  I got a big mac, large fries, 9 piece mcnuggets, a shake, a coke and a box of mcdonaldland cookies, and ate the whole meal.  He was just like WOW. 

 

Now all I have to do is walk by cookies and I gain weight.

 

LOL. I can STILL eat like that, I just choose not to most of the time because I don't want to be big as a house.  But there are several free for all each summer - the Greek festivals, the county fairs, etc.  It's just like anything goes during those times.

 

WHOA!  No wonder why you eat at home.  You're the "break the bank" at dinner chic!  LOL

XUMelanie is due to give birth in 7 days and there is no progress at all!  Man this kid is messing up my schedule already  :wink:.

XUMelanie is due to give birth in 7 days and there is no progress at all!  Man this kid is messing up my schedule already  ;) .

 

LMAO!  Remember that when you're elbow high in diapers!

I was wondering when you guys would check in, I was expecting a birth announcement.  First babies are often late, so hang in there, both of you.  This is the beginning of the end of things going "the way you planned," just so you're aware. :)

^My daughter was a week and a half late and it feels like we haven't been on time for anything in the years since.

^My daughter was a week and a half late and it feels like we haven't been on time for anything in the years since.

 

LOL. None of ours were late but the second half of that staement is sooo true. I feel like it is a major accomplishment taking them anywhere on time, let alone  getting somewhere early.

^My daughter was a week and a half late and it feels like we haven't been on time for anything in the years since.

 

LMAO  How old is your daughter now?

 

^My daughter was a week and a half late and it feels like we haven't been on time for anything in the years since.

 

LOL. None of ours were late but the second half of that staement is sooo true. I feel like it is a major accomplishment taking them anywhere on time, let alone  getting somewhere early.

thats why you have to train them early and have a lot of help.

^My daughter was a week and a half late and it feels like we haven't been on time for anything in the years since.

 

LMAO How old is your daughter now?

She'll be four in a couple months. I'm not expecting to be on time for anything as a family another 14 years. If we decide to go somewhere she has to go to the potty, then find her shoes (which are never by the door where she’s supposed to keep them), then she needs to find her Tinkerbelle necklace (generally this is under the couch), then she needs to brush her hair (but this requires cleaning all the purple doll hair off the brush first), then she needs to change her dress because she spilled something on it, then she needs to change her shoes because they don’t match the new dress, then she needs to brush her teeth (but she doesn’t remember where her toothbrush is or why she would have taken it out of the bathroom), the she needs to get a snack or a drink, then she needs to go potty again…

 

My 2 year old son isn't nearly as bad, we just mention leaving and he's got his socks and shoes on and is struggling with the door. Admittedly one of the socks is on his hand, the shoes are on the wrong feet, he's forgotten that he took off his pants a few minutes ago, and needs a quick diaper change, but none of that seems to concern him when it comes to going outside.

My kids are old enough to understand the threat of "I'm leaving without you" and young enough to believe it.  Except for the youngest. She doesn't care. The other two run to the car and pile in after the ultimatum. She waves at the door saying "bye bye daddy".

 

Dammit...she called my bluff!

LOL  these stories are so cute.

 

^My daughter was a week and a half late and it feels like we haven't been on time for anything in the years since.

 

LMAO  How old is your daughter now?

She'll be four in a couple months. I'm not expecting to be on time for anything as a family another 14 years. If we decide to go somewhere she has to go to the potty, then find her shoes (which are never by the door where she%u2019s supposed to keep them), then she needs to find her Tinkerbelle necklace (generally this is under the couch), then she needs to brush her hair (but this requires cleaning all the purple doll hair off the brush first), then she needs to change her dress because she spilled something on it, then she needs to change her shoes because they don%u2019t match the new dress, then she needs to brush her teeth (but she doesn%u2019t remember where her toothbrush is or why she would have taken it out of the bathroom), the she needs to get a snack or a drink, then she needs to go potty again%u2026

 

My 2 year old son isn't nearly as bad, we just mention leaving and he's got his socks and shoes on and is struggling with the door. Admittedly one of the socks is on his hand, the shoes are on the wrong feet, he's forgotten that he took off his pants a few minutes ago, and needs a quick diaper change, but none of that seems to concern him when it comes to going outside.

 

sounds like my niece and nephews.

 

My oldest is like me and when I'd say "Vamonos" he would be at the door, ready to leave.  My oldest niece, she would have to check herself in the mirror 10 times (thats tame compared to today).  My middle nephew, was always famous for a, "I have to go potty - now" right as the train was pulling into Coventry.  We'd have to dash back to the house, let him handle his business then start all over with hopes of catching blue line train at SS.

 

 

XUMelanie is due to give birth in 7 days and there is no progress at all! Man this kid is messing up my schedule already :wink:.

That's good.  You can get some extra sleep now.  Since our kids were born, I can't remember a single night of full blown sleep when one of them does not come down to our room, ask to go pee, start sreaming b/c they got woke up etc etc.  Or of course, in those first few months, need a bottle. 

I can pretty much guarantee XUMelanie is not getting any sleep anymore.  When you get to this point, it's all you can do to just find some position to relax in that doesn't cause you pain. 

XUMelanie is due to give birth in 7 days and there is no progress at all!  Man this kid is messing up my schedule already  ;) .

That's good.  You can get some extra sleep now.  Since our kids were born, I can't remember a single night of full blown sleep when one of them does not come down to our room, ask to go pee, start sreaming b/c they got woke up etc etc.  Or of course, in those first few months, need a bottle. 

 

tTats the part of having little kids in the house I do not miss.  Having a tea cup sized human, standing in the doorway, yelling!  Or, having one, poking you in the face while asking, "are you sleep?"

I was wondering when you guys would check in, I was expecting a birth announcement. First babies are often late, so hang in there, both of you. This is the beginning of the end of things going "the way you planned," just so you're aware. :)

 

Generally, I agree.  My son was two days late and, even then, the labor pains came out of nowhere.  My wife was just fine until I had a big whole in the front of my house replacing my door (yeah, I know, I know) and she told me she felt contractions.  Then, it was 22 hours of labor and a sunction cup before he eventually made his way into the world.

 

My sister just gave birth a few weeks ago and things went different.  Her water broke and she had to go to the hospital well before she was actually in labor.  Once the doctor said to start pushing, it was 7 minutes before my new little niece showed up.  The nurses at UH said it was the fastest first time birth they had ever had.

I can pretty much guarantee XUMelanie is not getting any sleep anymore. When you get to this point, it's all you can do to just find some position to relax in that doesn't cause you pain.

 

I'm thrilled when I can go three hours without waking up!  That, and those bathroom breaks...