The good news is in!

[~Ally~]

I'm not explaining that very well but does that make sense?

Perfectly.

[Shasta]

I'm not explaining that very well but does that make sense?

I agree with Ally. You're 100% making sense.

And I appreciate it.

[Lily Sawyer]

*small, eensy weensy Thread Hijack now in progress*

Re - giving up control:
I'm not a slave to fashion; fashion's a slave to me!

-Carry on.

[fushingfeef]

Another analogy: I can't control the ocean but I can choose to swim in it.

Find any new names you like yet?

[Shasta]

Another analogy: I can't control the ocean but I can choose to swim in it.

Find any new names you like yet?

I like that analogy!

Nope, not yet. I did go through a baby site and came up with some gems like Fyodor and Garsteaode. But really it is true that I'm putting the cart before the horse!

[Dana Jean]

I hope Trey is recovering well. Did he get the kidney? What a great christmas gift.

God bless us, everyone.

[Shasta]

I hope Trey is recovering well. Did he get the kidney? What a great christmas gift.

God bless us, everyone.

He did! Thank you for asking!

The kidney and the pancreas are both working just fine and he's been able to walk around the hospital. My step-sister is taking lots of classes in how to administer medicines but she's a good helper so I think she'll be okay. If everything keeps up he'll be going home on Friday!

[Sundrop]

He did! Thank you for asking!

The kidney and the pancreas are both working just fine and he's been able to walk around the hospital. My step-sister is taking lots of classes in how to administer medicines but she's a good helper so I think she'll be okay. If everything keeps up he'll be going home on Friday!

That is great news!

[Vose]

As a recently new father (Xander is almost 16 months now), I can tell you that the hardest thing for me to cope with has been the utter loss of alone time. I have none, and I've slowly come to accept that I will not again for ... quite some time.

We did cloth diapers for about 6 months, and then gave up when we moved. It was just too much, and a lot of people were constantly badgering us to stop trying. I felt (feel!) the same as you about putting them in landfills - my dad had a tenant who just threw all their diapers in the woods, and the mound from one child was horrifying in size. Best of luck in that field - are you doing the shells and inserts? They do leak much more easily than disposables.

I wouldn't worry about popularity of names or whether it will suit your child, it always seems to work out. You can always use nicknames (which you will, regardless - he is usually Stinky/Buddy Bear/Monkey, poor kid!) if it doesn't fit at that moment. We thought Xander was super unique, but it turns out that it's on the list of popular names. Oh well! Best of luck to you!

[Shasta]

As a recently new father (Xander is almost 16 months now), I can tell you that the hardest thing for me to cope with has been the utter loss of alone time. I have none, and I've slowly come to accept that I will not again for ... quite some time.

We did cloth diapers for about 6 months, and then gave up when we moved. It was just too much, and a lot of people were constantly badgering us to stop trying. I felt (feel!) the same as you about putting them in landfills - my dad had a tenant who just threw all their diapers in the woods, and the mound from one child was horrifying in size. Best of luck in that field - are you doing the shells and inserts? They do leak much more easily than disposables.

I'm pretty stubborn. And when people badger me I typically do just the opposite. This is how I've been a vegetarian for 13 years despite the delicious smell of steak.....

Yes, we plan on shells and inserts. I expected the leaking. I'm okay with that. (Though I say this with absolutely zero experience.) The thought of the planet just freaks me out way too much. If they're going to vomit on me why not a little pee and poop too?

I wouldn't worry about popularity of names or whether it will suit your child, it always seems to work out. You can always use nicknames (which you will, regardless - he is usually Stinky/Buddy Bear/Monkey, poor kid!) if it doesn't fit at that moment. We thought Xander was super unique, but it turns out that it's on the list of popular names. Oh well! Best of luck to you!

That is true. That's why I may want to wait until I see Mr. or Mrs. Hopefully-future-child before committing 100% to a name. You never know.

And thanks!