Weekly thread

[dizzycooks]

Lollipop it's usually cheaper to add to an existing policy because they give a multi policy discount. Congrats on the car!
NellieOleson I understand your stress about a house. Dh is willing to stretch for the mortgage and I have a panic attack at the thought. I hope it works out well for you.
scorpioscuba you must share more about your trip. Sleeping arrangements, park tricks and tips, etc.
kcrkcs that ski resort sounds awesome! I don't know if any with childcare around here.

[dizzycooks]

I need to ask a question bc dr. Google is freaking me out. Anyone's baby have pale pasty poop? Dd3 has for 5 (??) days. Lots of pale white ish poop. Google is not my friend.

[dizzycooks]

I'm annoyed at people in general.
My mom told me all about this great movie. I should go see it she says. I replied that I'd have to see it when it comes out. Her response was that it is out, she saw it at the theater today. Yes, I know. Except no one wants to keep all my kids so I can go to a movie and parents night out is too short to get to a movie and back. Obviously I could get a sitter, but then it's a crazy expensive movie. No thank you. It'll be at Netflix or redbox soon enough.

[NellieOleson]

dizzycooks - is it really white? It could be a bile duct blockage. Or other bile issue. If it's just kind of yellow tan I'm sure it's okay. If it's white I'd def call ped in morning.

And movies... I haven't seen one in so long. I can't even stay awake long enough after the kids go to bed to make it halfway through. And dd2 usually wakes up and needs boob like 10 minutes in to it anyway.... maybe in 2 or 3 years.

[kcrkcs]

This is the peanut sauce recipe. I substituted siracha for chili flakes because that's what I had. And I do everything to taste more than measure so probably a bit more peanut butter and a bit less soy and lots of lime.
www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/peanut-sauce-51149020

[kcrkcs]

dizzycooks I think that poop sounds like it's worth pursuing with your doc. It may be nothing but doesn't hurt to ask!

[scorpioscuba]

dizzycooks, agree on the poop. If it is truly white, definitely see the ped!

[scorpioscuba]

dizzycooks, I have a few based on some blogs I've been reading leading up to the Disneyland trip! If you have any specific questions, let me know.

We stayed at a Hyatt Place. It is similar to Springhill Suites (my usual go to for family travel). I like the suite style rooms with pull out couch, fridge, etc. Since my Mom joined us I got a queen room so we each had a queen bed, DS slept on the pull out couch and then the hotel provided a pack n play for DD. I was able top put it in a corner and fashioned a way to string up a blanket to block light since she was asleep before the rest of us. My mom would take DS to the lobby to play while I nursed DD to sleep and then I moved her to the pnp. That worked pretty well. Eventually sometime during the night she'd wake and I'd have to nurse her back to sleep and I just coslept the rest of the night with her. She napped on me in the parks in the Ergo everyday.

For DL/CA, I got 3 day passes which was nice because we didn't feel rushed to try to do everything and took breaks as needed. We found places for DD to run around for a good bit each day since she was otherwise confined to the stroller or the Ergo. Liberal use of Fastpasses and I wish I had learned about rider switch sooner. Basically if one member of your party cannot go on a ride (DD), we were able to do riderswitch for rides like Space Mountain & Radiator Spring Racers. My Mom would take DS and I'd stay behind. She would get a rider switch pass and then she'd take DD and I'd ride the ride with DS without having to wait in the standby line again (they put you in the Fastpass line). DS got to ride lots of rides twice and had a blast.

I was super strict about making sure DD got naps each day. My mom would ride rides with DS and I'd strap DD in the ergo around nap time and just walk with her until she passed out. Then I could sit and have a snack or wait for them to get done with a ride. Also just kept feeding DD food and water ALL DAY LONG. I had a ton of snacks in my backpack. We literally had NO meltdowns, well with the kids. I melted down 2x on Tuesday but that was because I was so sick and just couldn't deal.

We didn't do any evening activities. We were always back in the room by 5 or 6pm. I just can't deal with overtired kids and I don't think that is fun for anybody. They didn't miss it cause they really have no idea what goes on after dark and honestly DS was tired. He walked just as much as we did all 3 days (~6-7 miles a day) so he never complained when we left for the day. We either did an early dinner at DL or ordered food at the hotel which was actually really decent. We also stopped at the grocery store before we arrived so we had water, milk, fruit, yogurt, etc at the ready for whenever a kid was hungry. We bought treats at DL and enjoyed those in the hotel at the end of the day.

The DL App is the best and will tell you the ride wait times, where the characters are and what times, etc. Bring a portable charger for your phones. It's a must! Also, purchase photo pass in advance. The photographers scan the code on your phone and you add the code from ride pics to your phone and all your pics show up in the app and online for you to print how you want. So easy and awesome!

Sorry! That was...A LOT

[Lollipop]

dizzycooks that's exactly what the lady at the insurance company said. I just need H to call and actually do it, because it's under his name. For the poop thing I'd definitely call. I'd rather call and be told not to worry than not and have it be something to worry about.

We go to the movies fairly often. But my mom and sister also offer to take the kids a lot. H's family not so much. But my family especially my mom is a big believer in letting us have "us time" and in mom's getting time away in general. She says it's best for everyone to have happy, not completely worn out parents. Plus she just genuinely enjoys spending time with them.

[Lollipop]

scorpioscuba when I was little, my dad drove truck. He went to Disneyland without me. When he came home from that trip, I was upset. He promised that he would take me when I was older (I was probably about 4 at the time). But then they changed the laws so that he couldn't take anyone under 13 on the truck with him, and he quit driving when I was 7, after 2 bad accidents that almost killed him.

I've been waiting to go (to either DL or DW I'm not picky) ever since. I have a pinterest board dedicated to the trip that I've been adding to for the last 3 years. It will probably be a few years before we can afford to go, which is ok, we'll probably only ever get the chance to go once, so I'd like to go all out, and when M is old enough to at least remember some of it.

[scorpioscuba]

It's definitely not a cheap trip, Lollipop, but there are ways to reduce costs. I am obsessive about collecting points and miles. I use miles for our flights and a points/cash rate for the hotel. There is no getting around the DL admission tickets but at least you can save up towards that and spending money once you get there. I hope it happens for you soon! They let you bring in food and drinks and kids under 3 are free so there is that!

[sjames2015]

I've never been to DL/DW. Until I met H I had never been to California. But I've been there and a few other states now. My parents understanding of vacation was family, weddings, funerals, graduations, anniversaries....... H has taken me lots of places.
NellieOleson that house is gorgeous!!!! I understand the worry.
dizzycooks I would call the dr for sure. I know that my girls poo gets lighter with white streaks if they have too much milk in a day. DD1's lasted a few days once, I almost called. Good luck. Also, the last movie h and I saw at a theater was Fast 7, not long before DD2 came. And the movie before that was when I was pregnant with DD1. We do Redbox or On Demand if we have to see it.
Lollipop congratulations on the car. It'll be so nice when you can drive instead of walk everywhere.

[sjames2015]

On a side note: has anyone heard from icequeen recently? Her last FB post was February 26th, nothing since. Just hoping everything is ok.

[crimsonandclover]

sjames2015, she said she was taking a break because her DH said he wanted a divorce. I just assumed she was so busy with real life that she hadn't had a chance to check in. I would really like to know how she's doing, though, so I hope she gives a quick update soon.

dizzycooks, I'd definitely call the pedi. When we switched from formula to WCM, DD3's poop was very pale for a week or two, but not white, and there was a pretty obvious cause. It doesn't sound like that's the case with you. I say call.

NellieOleson, I totally get panicking about the house especially without a steady income (I only work freelance part-time because I *need* a steady job for my mental health). However, $150 is not *that* much, and I can imagine that you might be able to make it back doing something on the side. I don't remember what your background is, but maybe something like tutoring just a couple hours a week (in the evening at your house after the DDs are in bed?) would make you feel a little more secure about it?

[crimsonandclover]

My mom is going to have her kitty put down. The vet ran FIP tests and the results aren't back yet, but they aren't supposed to be back until Wednesday and my mom is flying to Europe on Thursday. The cat's condition is getting worse and worse, apparently she can't even walk anymore, and the fever isn't going away despite lots of meds, plus she's pretty much stopped eating (my mom has to force-feed her with a syringe).

[kcrkcs]

crimsonandclover so sorry about your moms kitty. 😞

Maybe I will shoot icequeen a facebook message and just let her know we are thinking of her.

[NellieOleson]

Thanks for the pep talk, ladies.

You are all right, $150 is not that much. I think it's just that we had our target amount set - and that was already sounding like a big number, so going over it scares the crap out of me!

And since we have been married, we've never had to have a budget. We have been totally fortunate to have that be the case, but now we will have to. I have had stretches of being completely broke in my life, so I think this specter of having to tighten the belt brings up some emotional baggage for me as well.

We are going to hear the final numbers from the mortgage broker this morning and assuming they aren't some weird, expensive surprise we will be moving on to inspection!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[crimsonandclover]

NellieOleson, I hear you on the budget. While DH and I are both relatively careful spenders and keep detailed records of how we spend our money, we have never had to budget for essentials. The thought that we might have to if he takes a big pay cut this year (to end up with a raise compared to now in a few years) makes me freak out. A lot. My parents were well off, so it's not that I have any experience with it, but just the thought of where we could cut expenses if needed is enough to keep me awake at night.

[kcrkcs]

Today is our anniversary. Today I also am getting sick. Boo. I don't have time for this shit.

[NellieOleson]

And.....

We decided to pass on the house. We signed the termination paperwork this afternoon.

The house was actually just over the Columbia River in Washington, and we found out that moving states would end up making us take a HUGE hit on our taxes each year. Like potentially enough to offset any gains from the deductions you take from owning a house. And since my H primarily works in Oregon, we'd still be paying Oregon income tax, but living in Washington. A lot of people do that here, but in our particular situation it would be a huge hassle, and potentially a huge loss.

That was pretty much the nail in the coffin.

Sigh.

I love that house. I am almost certain we won't find anything we love as much. But hopefully it will be a lot less stress and that's worth a lot to me.

Like I told my H - our girls don't care where we live. They just want to be safe, comfortable, and have a happy family. If we have the perfect home but a ton of anxiety that is not going to be good for anyone.

Back to the drawing board...

[kcrkcs]

NellieOleson sorry about the house but sounds like you guys made a good decision in the big picture. You guys will find something great you can make yours!

[dizzycooks]

kcrkcs I saw that it was your anniversary! What did you do?
NellieOleson I'm sorry about the house. I maintain that kids only know what they know. For us that means our kids share a room and they think it's awesome. It means they dont eat out much and know very little about happy meals. They don't care! They are happy, loved, fed and warm at night.

[Lollipop]

We got the van. It took most of the day between last minute stuff at the dealership and delays at ten registry. And it ended up costing more then we were expecting per month. But it's all good. It still fits in the budget (barely) and I'm going to start job hunting this week so I'll have more money coming in. Hopefully before the first payment is due.

[kcrkcs]

dizzycooks not much. I did get Hubs a pretty sweet gift (if I do say so myself) but it was a dual bday/Anni gift since I didn't do anything other than his cake on his bday last week. Honestly by the time he got home I was feeling so crappy I didnt even really eat with him. And L must
Have the bug too because she has been a mess those eve. We are on hour 3 of trying to put her down. So there goes the romance. This weekend we re having an overnight. Cross all the things we are all healthy then.

[dizzycooks]

kcrkcs an overnight without child?? I will cross all the things.

[dizzycooks]

We have some funky big here too. The pedi thought her diaper issues were probably viral. If things change I'm to bring her in.
She is crabby though. I don't think she knows what she wants though. She cried when she saw me at pick up after I worked for two hours. Then she refused dinner, but powered through goldfish and apple sauce. Now she's sleeping. Will she keep sleeping?? Who knows.

[kcrkcs]

What fresh hell is this m? where you puke and have an insanely sore throat. Its one or the other body. Not both. Not cool. Not cool at all. Also the chills and body aches are killing me. Livebloggingmymisery

[scorpioscuba]

Happy Anniversary kcrkcs! I'm sorry you are so sick though. 😪

NellieOleson bummer about the house but thank goodness you found out now! It definitely sounds like you made the right choice.

I hope DD gets better soon dizzycooks.

My DD had been off the past few days as well but I'm pretty sure it's due to molars. she threw an epic tantrum this evening. I didn't even know that was possible at that age. DS just never did that stuff. I think I'm in for it with this kid.

Speaking of DS...he turns 6 tomorrow. SIX!!! 😭

[kcrkcs]

I would do anything to chug a glass of cold water right now. I did have some water and proceeded to puke so hard my boobs leaked and I peed my pants. Also I am trapped beneath the baby who won't stop nursing. So I guess that's not happening.

[crimsonandclover]

kcrkcs, boo I hope whatever you've got is gone very soon! That sounds utterly miserable.

I leave for Rome on Friday and am totally paranoid that I am going to get something nasty from one of the DDs before I leave. I may start wearing a mask. Kidding. Kind of. Please don't get me sick, kiddos, Rome is one of the very top things on my bucket list.

NellieOleson, it's too bad you had to pass up on the dream house, but it sounds like it would have ended up being very stressful financially. At least it helped you figure out a few things, like that the top of your budget is also the very top of your comfort zone and that you need to restrict your searching to OR.