I don't know what's available in the area, but I think its important to find support groups. Even 8 1/2 years after my mom died I still find the need to connect to others who went through similar things.

Good luck, and know you are not alone.

I'm in the same boat. Most of my friends are unmarried and none of them have kids. Some of them have made some effort to brdge the gap (as have I), but a couple just don't seem to try (one even said she was all babied out and didn't want to meet mine until she was older!).

I've worked hard t maintaining the friends who try and find common ground with them. I also work on building new freiednships with other moms.

Good luck, it's hard I know!

I was not offering a direct ratio comparison, merely stating that it is possible to have 3 kids and not get a minivan. Some families even do it without a station wagon and simply get a family car. If you don't want a minivan, you don't have to get one. There are other options that won't be as roomy or full of other features, but you can do it. If our parents could have 3+ kids and not have a minivan, why can't we?

JMHO

I had this regularly for two weeks, they called it prodromal labor. It was painful and annoying, but not dangerous.

Be sure to talk with your doc though.

We double up and use a diaphragm and condoms. That way we avoid using any hormones and we both have to do something

Rubbing alcohol. It takes off adhesive and permanent marker (sharpies).

It may take a bit, but it works!

Good luck!

I had no tearing and did both. My doc did massage during and I really didn't notice. It actually helped me focus on where to push.

FWIW- my DD was 7lb 7oz.

Kegals after helps with any pee leakage you get, at least it helped me!

good luck!

I'm from a 3 kid family and we always had a station wagon. Sure we sometimes were cramped on long drives, but we did fine. We only got a van when we got two large dogs and an exchange student, but as soon as we went back to just 3 kids, we got rid of the van.

It can be done.

Just my two cents/exerience.

When I was growing up my parents had a "you must eat x number of pieces/bites" of our veggies. We were allowed to put pepper or seasonings on them (salt was monitored). If we didn't eat what was presented we had to find a substitute veggie to eat. If we wouldn't do that we didn't get dessert. It helped all of us to learn to like a wide variety of veggies.

Getting DH on board will most likely be the biggest key though.

The Sears series of books have become our Baby Bibles. We really like them.

We read the "what to expect" books, but those felt so rigid to us that I'd feel awful if DD wasn't in line with them.

Go check things from the library before you buy them, that way you can see what will fit your style better.

I'd suggest you not let the dog in during the night until you know how he responds to the baby. We love our two cats dearly, but have banished them from the room during the baby's sleep time.

The heat can be an issue (from my understanding of things), you may want to reach a compromise if only for your ease of mind.

I'd suggest not using the comforter.

Just my two cents.

Possible green disposables:
7th Generation- they don't use bleach so the diapers are a beige color. They do use a gel for absorbency (similar but slightly different from Pampers). I've used these for when people refuse to use the cloth and have found them effective. I've never purchased them- we got about 5 bags as a gift (from the people who won't use the cloth).

Tushies- they use a wood pulp for absorbency (don't worry, it doesn't look or feel like wood). I haven't used them but know a lot of people swear by them.

G-diapers- use a cotton pulp for absorbency not a gel. And sorry, never used these.

I don't know of other types of disposable diapers, but if you google these it should get you started.

Good luck!

One simple thing you can do is use cloth bags at grocery stores. Don't use the paper or plastic- cloth is much more durable and can be reused for a very long time.

When you go out to eat take your own containers for any leftovers.

There's a large debate over whether "green" disposables or cloth diapers are better for the environment (I'm in the cloth corner). Research your options and switch from the conventional diapers.

A lot of going green is being an educated consumer and controlling your spending. We haven't purchased a lot of the toys and such that people say we need for a new baby. Do you really need all the things people say you will or can you find an alternative?

Good luck! Going green doesn't have to be a major overhaul or super expensive. Sometimes it's the small changes that make a difference.

Heidi-rose

Contact the ASPCA and ask them to check on it. Explain what you've encountered and they may go look into it. If they aren't able to do anything they should be able to direct you to other resources.

You can also have your home inspected to find where the smoke is seeping into your unit. All townhomes should have separate air systems. Once you find out where the smoke is getting in you can then take steps to fix it and clean it up.

Good luck! We have the same issue with ours but since we don't own there's nothing we can do but use a lot of purifiers.