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NYC police tow funeral home van with body inside A police tow truck removed a minivan parked outside a New York City funeral home, giving its dearly departed passenger an unexpected side trip. NYPD... |
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There is a wonderful supportive group of moms group in Hampton Roads. We're also very excited about...
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Please check out http://www.lincolnmilitary.com/ and apply for base housing if you haven't already...
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Last fall, I made the decision to attend DivorceCare. I have benefited from the information shared...
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Well...I think at the "tender" age of nine this is a perfect oppourntunity to go ahead and have "...
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Kristen you sound like my mother! How funny!!! i have to admit, i have thought about sneaking into...
There is a wonderful supportive group of moms group in Hampton Roads. We're also very excited about our Stork meal plans for moms who just delivered their babies, so they don't have to worry about cooking. It's incredible group of kind caring women. http://www.hamptonroadsmommies.com/ No membership fees!!
Please check out http://www.lincolnmilitary.com/ and apply for base housing if you haven't already done so. Most of the units are new construction or newly renovated, playgrounds, community centers, swimming pools, no utilities, neighbors who get it when your husband is gone, the car has a flat tire, your children are throwing up and you just can't take it anymore ... With a child and baby on the way you'd get a 3 bedroom home.
Some places have waiting lists and some are move right in, please visit the site and call a housing counselor and find out what's what.
And I agree, you shouldn't be forced to sleep on an air mattress, you need to go on strike and/or have a good heart-to-heart about the situation!
Good luck, Michelle Galvez, Community Editor
Last fall, I made the decision to attend DivorceCare. I have benefited from the information shared on the videos, as well as from the new friends I've made, who truly understand how I feel. My only regret is that I let my pride keep me from attending sooner.
My 8 year old daughter attends with me. She's a different child now! The bad dreams, insecurities, and bathroom problems have all disappeared. She once told me that she thought DivorceCare for Kids should be called FunCare for Kids, because when she's in her group she has fun and actually forgets about the sadness caused by divorce. What a blessing!
Thanks, First Baptist Church of Norfolk, for offering DivorceCare and opening it up for all to attend!
Well...I think at the "tender" age of nine this is a perfect oppourntunity to go ahead and have "the talk" but sine this wasnt your child you're kinda walking on thin ice here...I would have just told him that women dont really respond to that kind of "pick up line" (if that's what you would even call it). Just tell him what he's hearing is meant to entertain...ADULTS. Tell him it's not real and people dont really talk that way because some women may find it offensive.
Kristen you sound like my mother! How funny!!! i have to admit, i have thought about sneaking into his bed like Goldie Locks whie everyone is at work, but you are right he should give me the bed. I cook special dinners for him everynight because he's a vegetarian, i fold HIS clothes when he leaves them in the dryer, i clean HIS house, vacuum HIS floors...the only thing i dont do is fold his underwear and clean his bathroom...other than that i'm the domestic tech of the houshold...world war three is about to begin...
yeah, i know the song your talking about...i know my husband and i went though this same this a few months ago when we heard lydia repeating song lyrics that were definitely meant for adults...in the bedroom...(LOL!!!) i think at that point it really sunk into both of us that we have to really sensor what we listen to and not rely on the radio stations to do it for us, so now we still listen to the top 40 but if any songs come on about "booty shakin" and "love makin'" we promptly turn the station to smooth jazz, or oldies, and sometimes the lyrics are so full of vulgarites my husband will turn the station to GOSPEL!
Derek needs to be a gentleman and give you that bed! There is no way you should be on an air mattress when you're pregnant. They are meant for little kiddies who do not feel anything in their bodies yet! Do whatever it takes -- no cooking, no cleaning, loud whining -- but get that bed.
I think it's all about the challenge and hoping to be the one who turns around that bad boy/girl. I wish I knew the answer. Maybe if kids have enough challenges and excitement in their life from other sources, they will avoid the temptation of Mr. or Ms. Bad. Can those challenges come from sports and other hobbies? I don't know, but would pay big bucks to have the answer.
Thanks -- I think Victoria's line about women not liking talk like that would have sunk in with this kid, who really considers himself a lady's man. The years to come are going to be sooooo interesting watching him. I'm also giving serious thought to not listening to this station. But for some strange reason, we no longer get Radio Disney in either car and I'm not sure what we'd listen to instead. I'm also concerned that my daughter will most definitely be hearing these songs from friends and at middle school dances in the fall -- so maybe it's better to hear the lyrics and discuss them with her. Much to think about.
If it were my kid, I would have asked why he thought that was funny, and also if he knew what the line meant. My 9-year-old has said "grown-up" things in the past because he heard some words somewhere, but it turns out he doesn't have a clue what he's talking about (thankfully!). Then I will tell him not to say things when he doesn't understand what they mean. Of course if he did understand it, I would delve into "the talk," which we've been gradually having since he was about 6 and heard the word "sex" on the school bus. But if it's someone else's kid... I don't know if I'd risk asking those preliminary questions, especially in front of my own children. Like Victoria, I probably would have said that women wouldn't find the line funny and let it go at that. I might also have let the other parents know in case they need to have a chat with their son.
Gabby, to go along with what you had said about the area ranking highly in the country, last summer US News ranked Virginia Beach among the 10 Best Places to Grow Up. Here's the link
Victoria, thank you for sharing your blogs. you have a great sense of humor - love the Dora references :-) all i can say is www.forrent.com! i've visited friends in the navy housing in norfolk, and it's pretty nice. (not sure if that's where your husband works or if it's over on the peninsula.) if you need some tips on where to look for apartments in newport news or hampton, i have a friend who lives over there and could offer tips. but i would say a massage and a mommy getaway is definitely in order here!!!!
And about the horror stories, the weather may not be like FL, but it's nice still. the traffic is pretty bad, but you learn where and when to commute - stay away from the HRBT as much as you can between 6-8 am and 3-6 pm if you can. otherwise the area has a lot to do for all ages and regularly ranks highly in happiest places to live.
Mothers Day Gift Guide : The ultimate source for gift ideas for Mothers Day
That's a tough one, they could have just forgotten or it got lost in the mail, but then again, they could be under some economic strain and can't do presents and don't know how to tell you, or they could just be totally insensitve and not on the same give-and-take page as you!
I think a straight forward conversation is in order, even if it may feel awkward. Tell them how you feel, and talk about present giving in the future. But just because you always gave presents to their kids doesn't mean they are obligated to give yours presents now. I'm just sayin'. It probably feels that way to you, but not everyone feels the same way.
I've been in similar situations with in-laws, and the grandkids who are nearby are celebrated much more than my children who live far away and require postage. It was late, then forgotten, and now they don't even get a phone call. For a few years, my husband would call and remind, and a late gift would come, but you know what, it always felt a bit coerced, and then not even the thought counted. So it wasn't worth the effort. We continued to send their kids cards with a gift card until they became adults (even though we never received a thank you note) but learned not to expect anything coming our way.
Michelle Galvez, Community Editor
Things like this hurt. I wouldn't say or do anything, though. The hardest etiquette advice to follow was given by Miss Manners: The only thing worse than rude manners is pointing out someone else's rude manners. Again, this is a tough lesson, but if your daughter noticed the relative's missing card or gift, you can teach her about taking the high road.
The Sentara Hospital system has classes at a couple different locations, here's some information:
1-Day Childbirth Class
In this class, expectant parents are prepared for the physical and psychological experience of labor, birth and the postpartum period. Emphasis is placed on understanding the childbirth process and exploring methods of relaxation, which can be used during labor. It is recommended that childbirth class be taken in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. (This class includes the Free Breast Feeding class.)
Cost: $55 per couple (pay at the door)
Location: Sentara Obici Hospital, Garden Level Classrooms C&D
To register, call 1-800-SENTARA or register online.
4-Week Childbirth Class
In these classes, expectant parents are prepared for the physical and psychological experience of labor, birth and the postpartum period. Emphases is placed on understanding the childbirth process and exploring methods of relaxation, which can be used during labor. It is recommended that childbirth classes be taken in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.
Cost: $55 per couple (pay at the door)
Location: Sentara Obici Hospital, Garden Level Classrooms C&D
To register, call 1-800-SENTARA or register online.
5-Week Prepared Childbirth Class
A five-week course is for first-time parents or parents who did not attend education classes with their first babies. You can learn about the emotional and physical skills you will use in the childbirth process. The course includes anatomy, the birth process, exercises, relaxation techniques, danger signs, signs of labor, effacement, dilation, how to time contractions, phases of labor, induction of labor, fetal monitoring, back labor, coaching, pushing, postpartum, and alternative pain relief methods.
This course is the same as the 6-week course, except there is NO TOUR of the Maternity Unit.
Cost: $65 per couple (pay at door with check or credit card)
Location: Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
To register, call (757) 455-7500 or register online.
6-Week Prepared Childbirth Class
A six-week course for first-time parents or parents who did not attend education classes with their first babies. Learn about emotional and physical skills used in the childbirth process. Includes anatomy, birth process, exercises, relaxation techniques, danger signs, labor signs, effacement/dilation, timing contractions, phases of labor, inductions, fetal monitoring, back labor, coaching, pushing, postpartum, alternative pain relief methods and maternity unit tour.
Cost: $65 for Six Classes: 1 night/ 6 weeks
Location:
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
Sentara Health Management in Virginia Beach
To register call (757) 455-7500 or register online
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Various weekdays/weekends, $70, call (757) 984-7255 to register
Weekend Childbirth Class
Weekend (Friday 6:30pm-9:30pm) (Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm) For first-time parents or parents who did not attend education classes with their first babies where you can learn about the emotional and physical skills you will use in the childbirth process. The course includes anatomy, the birth process, exercises, relaxation techniques, danger signs, signs of labor, coaching, pushing, postpartum, and alternative pain relief methods. (Dress Comfortably. Bring 2-3 pillows and a blanket or comforter)
Location:
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
Sentara Princess Anne
Cost $80 per couple payable at the door
To register call: (757) 455-7500 or register online
Hi Victoria, you're a great writer, please keep the blogs coming! I agree with Kristen, now that the weather is getting warmer, as long as your ankles aren't too swollen (mine were so bad with baby number 1 I had to wear birkenstocks, that's all that would fit, and keep my feet up under my desk on a tipped over trash can for 6 months, with work clothes to my office, now that was stretching business casual just slightly) but I digress, and take your daughter for a walk, to a nearby park, or just around the block. Stroller-cize if she'll still sit in it or let her ride a trike or walk if that's safe.
I'm assuming you're military, and if you are, please check out parents as teachers, Angela Hill and Jackelyn Cordoba 444-4607 or 444-2853, they're parent educators for military families and they'll come to your home with activities to teach you to do with your child, talk about any developmental questions you have and give you grown-up conversation. They also have a play group if you can arrange the transportation. I'd also suggest calling your ombudsman, introduce yourself, get on her email list and then you'll know when any spouse group events, command family day activities, and other things are happening and be in the loop.
If you're near a base, the child development centers offer drop-in care, make a reservation up to 30 days out, $3/hour/child between 6 am and 6 pm if you need to run an errand or have an appointment, or just want to get a pregnancy massage :) The base gyms also sometimes have a family workout room where you can walk on the treadmill and your daughter can play within your sight, and they have extended hours so maybe you can go after your husband gets off work or go together!
Pick up a "Flagship" newspaper for more events and news or visit www.flagshipnews.com. Hope to hear from you again soon!
Michelle Galvez, Community Editor
Hi Victoria,
Welcome to the area and the site. I'm so impressed that you can laugh at yourself right now! All that I can think about suggesting is driving your husband to work so you can get out of the house. Yes, it'll be a hassle and add a lot of work to your day but it might be worth it.
If that can be arranged, then try to get out every day-- even if it's just for an hour. If you can't get a car, maybe there's a bus nearby. Please, please, try to get out and do something different. If money is a concern, go to the library or a mall with a playground. Something. See if other military wives in your husband's office can help you out, too. Maybe you can meet them by asking your husband to invite a few married friends over for a casual dinner or a movie night. Hang in there -- your sense of humor will keep you going.
Hi ladies, my name is victoria i have a three year old daughter and i'm expecting a baby boy in june...we have recently moved here to norfolk from pensacola and i'm having the worst time finding a lamaze class!!! i thught that taking a lamaze class would be a great way to bond with my husband and to teach him how to support me during the labor (obviously the first time was a lil rocky) and to even meet some new friends who are going to be in the same boat as us. i saw the naval medical center offers one for upwards of $70.00 but i was just wondering i i had any options...HELP!
Try this one as well
http://slickdeals.net/
Hi Victoria, and welcome to Hampton Roads and to the MyTidewaterMoms community. Thank you for sharing your story with us. We have some community members who are military moms like yourself, along with many parents of young ones. Hopefully you will find, as they have, a great support team here! I'm sure they will be happy to offer advice and support to you soon. We also have a large list of Support Groups that may be interesting to you as well. Feel free to check them out in our Support Group section, http://mytidewatermoms.com/support-groups. Again, welcome to the community!
I certainly wouldn't make it known to younger kids, but my mother gave me the option of taking "mental health days" once I reached high school. I was a good kid with good grades who also held a part-time job and played sports. She simply put the option out there in case I was overwhelmed. I guess she thought I was mature enough to handle that option. The funny thing is that I never took advantage of it. Just having it there was enough.
Alison, I haven't told my kids I was giving them a mental health day, but there have been a few times when they most definitely weren't sick, just overwhelmed or tired, and I would let them stay home when they faked an illness. I relate to this need for a break every once in a while (maybe once every other year) and have seen my kids bounce back quickly after such a break. I'm not sure if I'll continue doing this, though, because they're getting older and they learn so much every day, I am concerned that it'll be too hard to catch up.
I don't think I could do this, that's what the weekends are for, although most of the time our weekends are so scheduled they aren't a break either. That's why I've been trying to slow our Saturdays and Sundays down a bit and just veg out, play outside, read, do crafts, make cookies, etc. and spend time together.
School is so jam packed that I would hate for my child to get behind, and therefore more stressed out trying to catch up from the mental health break. I also think it sends the wrong message about obligations and could be mis-used.
Michelle Galvez, Community Editor
Thanks -- you're all in line with what I'm thinking. Oh well, at least I can get her started on the laundry-doing...