Where we're at...

[cheebacheeba]

Hey folks.

I know it's been a while, I'm hardly what you'd call a regular poster anymore.
Don't really know what happened there - I mean I'm a *bit* busier, but not all that much.

Who knows, right? Stuff changes.

Maybe I'll pop back in here and there, maybe not.
Though I will say, even when I'm not posting I always check in on the place, even if only to see that people have been watching/eating/playing.

So I'm still working not quite full time.
Still a green enthusiast - though I've gone vape only.
Still enjoy cooking and creating recipes.
Got into dehydration, that's pretty fun.

Started hitting the gym about a year ago...no massive changes, but I'm a shitload healthier - that works.

Not much has been up in all honesty.

A while ago, seems like ages now...I made a post indicating I might hop back in this year with some interesting news.
Well, I expected things to move along a bit faster than they did.

Anyways, long story short - Those that know me will likely know my partner Spal...who I married after 13 years on our anniversary...that was like what, a year and a half ago?

We're gonna have a baby.
Got the news today at work, she's 3 weeks in - left work after an hour haha...they were cool with it, my head kinda wasn't in the game.

She got her birth control implant out about 13 months ago, and yeah we'd tried and things didn't seem to be going anyplace.
We did a bit of research.
I quit cycling at the gym and went over to cross-training.
We worked on the diet a little, in addition to having cut way back on the green.
I ate asparagus, and I've been eating sunflower seeds...both known to be good for jizz productivity/mobility/numbers.
It seems like it worked - not only did they boost libido, but yeah I guess my boys did their thing.

So if anyone's looking at trying for a kid - Look into what foods you both ought to have, because it seems like shortly after we actually started focussing on this, it happened.

Anyways, probably a bit TMI.

I just thought I'd at least pop in and share the news with those of you that remain of the oldskool.

Cheers.

[_____V_____]

Wonderful news!

Hearty congratulations to you and to your better half, Cheebs. Keep us updated on the progress of the little one!

[hammerfan]

Congratulations!! I'm very happy for you both!

[The Villain]

Congratulations Cheeba!

[neverending]

A baby cheeba coming... I'm truly frightened now....


J/K... Congrats!

[Straker]

Congrats, real happy for you guys. :cool:

[cheebacheeba]

Hey guys, it's cool to see a few familiar faces of old...I know I'm more or less a ghost here, but I still have a connection to this place, and fond memories of my less busy days spent here.
Days?
Years.
Not forgotten.

So we're naming him or her River - the ONE name we immediately agreed on.
Nope, not after the actor or the chick from Serenity...just, well for me anyways it was something that was kind of peaceful and life giving.
Hoping for a boy.
...and only one, God willing...

So right now, River would apparently be about the size of a mustard seed...so crazy, I could just hold thousands of those in my hand.
Still in the sinking in phase here.

[hammerfan]

How is Spal feeling? Keep us updated please!

[cheebacheeba]

Yeah everything's pretty normal right now...bit of pressure, a bit fatigued and a little nausea but not to the point of hurling all the time.
I guess "ok"?

Will do.

[hammerfan]

Then she's doing better than I did in my first trimester. I was hurling almost daily. Glad she's feeling ok. Give her my best, please!

[newb]

Congrats to You and Spal, Cheebs.

River is a pretty cool name.


Keep us posted

[Disease]

Hey Cheebs, great news, congratulations.

I myself became a father just 2 months ago. When people say it will change your life, no matter how prepared you think you are, nothing is going to prepare you. So just go with the flow and enjoy it.

All the best mate.

[hammerfan]

Hey Cheebs, great news, congratulations.

I myself became a father just 2 months ago. When people say it will change your life, no matter how prepared you think you are, nothing is going to prepare you. So just go with the flow and enjoy it.

All the best mate.

Congratulations!

[cheebacheeba]

Hey, thanks for the kind words/advice guys.

It's funny, I've written two letters to this kid...over the last few years when it was first an idea. Think I'll have to write another one now that I know they'll be a reality.

Nothing too much has changed.
Her tits are getting a bit bigger. Bit of fatigue. Throwing up in the mornings.
Other than, to be honest it still feels a bit unreal.
Even though we we're trying, I guess after it not happening so many times it's like I'm on the mode of it being "not".
I guess when she starts to show it'll get a bit more real.
She's going for an ultrasound thingy next week though, that should hit home a little bit I'd say.

I've thought about things yeah...big changes...not gonna be really alone for another 16-17 years at least.
I just hope to raise a cool, level headed realistic individual with some likable attributes?

Good thing is, near all the baby stuff got purchased over a year ago with a big tax return, so right now it's just a waiting game.

I'm looking forward to it though, I've wanted to meet this person for a long time...and no matter what difficulties we've encountered, it was all to get this one and only person. Kinda cool to think about.

[ChronoGrl]

Wow - Congrats to you guys - Both Cheebs and Disease! :D Here's to the new generation of HDC'ers!!

[roshiq]

Many many congratulations to both Cheebs and Dis! Hope to join the club within a year!;)

[ChronoGrl]

many many congratulations to both cheebs and dis! Hope to join the club within a year!;)

Eeeeee!!! :D:D:D

[Ferox13]

Good luck man and great news..

What age are you?

[cheebacheeba]

What age are you?
32.
She's 31.

[ferretchucker]

Oooh, Cheebalala would have been my name of choice, but River works too ;) It's fantastic that you've picked a name this soon, and a unisex name is such a great idea for it. I feel like a name must make the growing embryo/foetus seem more like a person, so to have a set name now no matter what the gender. Well, yeah, I think it's good :P

Also, brilliant age for kids. Though my Dad had 2 from a previous marriage, he and my Mum had my sister at 29 and 31 respectively, then me 2 years later. In any case Mum at least had her 20s to herself, and now we've flown the nest they're loving life - 50s is certainly no end to fun (eh, Newb).

[cheebacheeba]

Yeah I think early 30's isn't a bad time at all...actually at a time I was growing up I'd have considered it pretty normal.
Trend is younger these days I guess, but I'm good with it.
Just means I won't have a hell of a lot of peers among friends of the kids parents.
Works for me, I don't like people.

I figure, we won't be too old to run around with 'em.

Updates...not much...

Nausea. Throwing up. The thing is a bit bigger'n a sesame seed right now, and I think the heart is forming. Ultrasound next week. Doctor chosen.
Her sense of smell has increased, sense of taste decreased.
Tits continue to grow.
...and, probably TMI but, touch sensetivity has gone right off the scale...did the (not that she's really "showing" yet) pregnant sex thing a couple nights back, and well, she didn't even last 10 seconds....aaaand there it is.

But yeah I guess things are going well.
At least we don't have the stress of having to buy baby stuff as we did over a year ago when we THOUGHT this was going to happen.
Love delays.

[hammerfan]

A little tip from when I was pregnant and had morning sickness in my first trimester: tell Spal to keep a box of saltine crackers next to the bed, and to eat one or two crackers before she gets out of bed.

If the "morning" sickness is hitting at random times of the day, she should keep a few crackers in her bag or purse, or whatever she carries. Small bites, one cracker to start with, if she can keep that down, one more cracker.

And, if she doesn't already do it, drink lots of water. Yes, it will make her pee more, but it'll keep her from becoming dehydrated with all the puking. Even if she's not bringing anything up.

[Sicknero]

Mint or ice cubes (sucking on) are also good for nausea sometimes.

And congratulations by the way :-)

[Elvis_Christ]

Right on man that's great news!

[cheebacheeba]

Heyyy again guys.
Sup Elvis?

So yeah, thanks for the tips on the morning sickness.
Ginger seems to help in various forms.
Also switching over from elevit to just folic acid for now.

Though it's still lots, and throughout the day.

We went in to the chick that's gonna be our baby doctor, got Spals bloodwork back, all is well.

Though the levels of HCG are like REALLY exponentially high.
So between that, and the fact she's over 30, the morning sickness severity and the fact that it's all day...
Well yeah it turns out that twins are a likelihood.

Not really thrilled at the possibility to be honest, so many adjustments, and here I was thinking we'd bought everything.

We're not sure though, it's just that factors thus far *could* indicate it as a potential.
I called my mother. No twins that she knows of.
I called my father who's family I/we don't really know at all...turns out his sister had twins, and one of those twins had twins....soooo.....yeah.

Tomorrow, we're going in for the first ultrasound, just one to initially check that everything's in the right place, and well, yeah a headcount.

So that's some news.

[hammerfan]

Don't sweat it until you know for sure that she's carrying twins. Good luck!

[Disease]

Congratulations!

Thanks Hammer,

The little lady is awesome, I can't believe I ever existed with out her.

Twins would be cool Cheebs, you get the evil one and the good one. :D

[Sculpt]

Yes, Hammerfan is right. Don't even think one second about twins until you know for sure.

[cheebacheeba]

Hey folks...

Disease.
I must've missed a couple of posts there, congrats. Hope it's all going well and you're getting into some kind of routine.

We went today.

Thank fucking God no twins.
Just one.
We're 7 weeks in now.
I saw...black and grey random things...and a little black bean looking thing, in which there was this flickering little doohicky...I saw my babys heart today.
Really hits home.

[Giganticface]

Pretty awesome stuff - congratulations. I'm a fairly new dad myself (16 months), so all this craziness is fresh in my mind too. And whadyaknow, turns out we've got another one on the way.

Weird how that blurry grey doohickey really does make it hit home.

[hammerfan]

Pretty awesome stuff - congratulations. I'm a fairly new dad myself (16 months), so all this craziness is fresh in my mind too. And whadyaknow, turns out we've got another one on the way.

Weird how that blurry grey doohickey really does make it hit home.

Congratulations!

[hammerfan]

cheebs - I'm glad it's not twins! I hope Spal's "morning" sickness ends soon. Mine ended once I hit my second trimester. But, I've known some women that had horrible pregnancies and were sick the entire time. Keeping my fingers crossed that she's not one of them.

[cheebacheeba]

Actually, we've kind've cracked the morning sickness thing a bit...
It was the Elevit, which is like a multivitamin type thing for pregnant chicks.
So she's been taking it, and yeah...it contains rather high iron, and we're good for iron...so we're thinking an overabundance of iron was it.

So for now it's folic acid only. Ditched the Elevit.
Things were remarkably better, well, after early morning anyway.

[hammerfan]

Actually, we've kind've cracked the morning sickness thing a bit...
It was the Elevit, which is like a multivitamin type thing for pregnant chicks.
So she's been taking it, and yeah...it contains rather high iron, and we're good for iron...so we're thinking an overabundance of iron was it.

So for now it's folic acid only. Ditched the Elevit.
Things were remarkably better, well, after early morning anyway.

Good to hear!

[Giganticface]

Congratulations!

Thanks, hammerfan!

[cheebacheeba]

Today was kind've pretty scary...

We woke up, did a few things in the morning...she went to the bathroom, the next thing I hear is "Get ready, we have to go to the hospital".
So of course I did.

She told me that she'd started bleeding basically, and she'd had some abdominal pain. Full on panic mode. Called a cab and headed up.
Had to wait for ages...you'd think even in a public hospital that there might be a bit more of a push for something like this...though it illustrates that even though we have a good free medical system here, it's really undermanned and underfunded.

The whole time I was holding her hand...she was crying on and off, and it was hard to think of anything but the worst at all..I didn't know what to say, just that I was there, and in the end we'd make things right.
I'm sure the whole time both of us were preparing ourselves, thinking about how things would be...it was fucked.
In my mind, and I don't usually go in for stuff like this, I was just trying to will my kid to hang on, to stay. Probably just some kind of madness on my part, but it was my process.

Blood tests. Piss tests. More waiting.
We were there for about 3 hours when we went for an ultrasound.
I recognised something - the embryo etc was still there.
Heart still beating, everything was ok.
Can't say how much of a relief it was.
They called it a "threatened miscarriage", which from what I can gather is a pretty wide term for anything that can indicate something is wrong...the bleeding, from what they can gather, may have been due to some pressure put on the area around the egg where the placenta was forming.

Bloodwork was fine.
...and we got to go home 6 and a half hours later.

I'm so fucking relieved right now, I'd hate us, hate her, to have to go through something like that...my heart really goes out to anyone that has ever been in this situation to any extent.
It was so hard not to give up any kind of hope...the whole time I was pretty much defeated, thinking it was over.
But, it wasn't all bad - and all going well we'll get to meet River as expected in June 2014.

Fuckin' hell...seriously on edge right now...

[Elvis_Christ]

Damn that would've been awful for you both. Glad everything was fine in the end.

[cheebacheeba]

Yeah man, it was fucked, fucked, FUCKED.
Though yeah, gonna sleep pretty well tonight.

[hammerfan]

I'm glad everything's OK!

This is why doctors usually tell their patients not to tell anyone until the woman is through her first trimester.

I'll start praying that Spal has no more incidents like this, and has a smooth pregnancy from here on out.

[Elvis_Christ]

Yeah man, it was fucked, fucked, FUCKED.
Though yeah, gonna sleep pretty well tonight.

I can only imagine. Rest up and take care man

[ChronoGrl]

Seriously. I'm so glad that she's Ok. Sending thoughts of health, peace, and warmth your way.

[cheebacheeba]

So, smoother sailing since our hiccups...
8 weeks and 5 days along now, and, I haven't seen another ultrasound as yet, but from what I understand the kid now has a more proper body type shape.
Looking forward to 13 weeks.

[Spallalala]

And after my 5th attempt I remembered my password hahaha.

Oh I love you guys. I miss being in here but shit just got too hectic, I still pay some attention.

Thankyou all for your congratulations, hints and tips. All is very welcomed. :D

9 weeks tomorrow WOOOHOOOO!!! and doing well. I sleep, I eat little bits of food all day long, I throw up randomly (straight up as soon as I wake), I pee lots and my boobs hurt. Welcome to pregnancy ha.

Can't express how happy that this is happening. Happiness isn't even the right word but I know that this has helped me to take my days slower than usual and it's doing wonders for my health. Instead of rushing around, I do things slow, helps me think more and I'm a much happier person inside and out since finding out bubs is on the way.

Cheebas as always is a crazy man, but one heck of a helpful, kind ad amazing crazy man. Would be totally lost without him.

Congratulations Disease, wonderful news and to the fella I don't know Giganticface. :)

Hubby will keep you posted, but I really wanted to say thankyou to all. :D

[hammerfan]

Spal!!!! SO good to see you!!!! The boobs hurting will subside a bit. Unfortunately, the peeing a lot will only increase as the baby grows. Just wait til the little bugger is laying on your bladder! LOL! My son used to curl up all on one side, hurt like hell. I'd have to sit there and massage it until he spread out. :D

Best of luck! Miss seeing you!

[cheebacheeba]

So yeah...
Pretty amazing, going from this small, nondescript praw-like shape with a heart to a proper person shaped thingy.
I was a little bit transfixed.
Of course, the waterworks were on with her...though I mighta welled up, just a little bit...
This little one is moving so much now, would not keep still, at all.

Crazy...a proper face, arms and hands right there...this is one day going to be the person that we'll know as our child.
It was a good day.

[hammerfan]

That's so awesome. I'm very happy for you and Spal!

[cheebacheeba]

Thankyou ma'am.
Yup, we're officially out of the first trimester from today.
The little one looked so healthy and active in there, would barely stay still long enough to get the photos - it was funny.

[newb]

once again...congrats guys [ nice to see Spallllllaallllaaaaa make an appearance ]

[ChronoGrl]

That's incredible. Congrats again you two!

[cheebacheeba]

Thanks guys...I'll post some pics when we get the next US which I think is sometime in late January - but so far everything is completely healthy - that Ultrasound that can be seen above along with a blood test came back as 1-8000 chance of any downsyndrome related issues.
Good to know everythings ok there.

Funny, even though this was planned things still keep sinking in bit by bit...the enormity of the life change is sometimes a little overwhelming, but in a good way.
Though as time is going on I'm getting myself more ready for it - I'm now thinking about the things I'm looking forward to teaching them and doing with them at various stages of their lives.

Ach, anyways - will give some updates here'n there.

[Zero]

Congratulations!!

[cheebacheeba]

Hey guys...just a little update.

We decided to go with the Latin (I think?) spelling "Ryver".
Means the same thing, just think it looks a little more like a name.

Went for our last medically recommended ultrasound last friday, in this one they checked out the spine (sipinabifida, which I actually have a super-small amount of, resulting only in increased curvature).
They won't have the same problem.
So they're healthy and normal as far as everything shows.

We saw the little one suck their thumb the other day ::embarrassment:: Was kinda cute.

We finally decided on just finding out the sex when curiosity got the better of us.

So....we are having.....

























a troll baby.
Literally, hands in between legs. No matter what angles we got, we could not tell...so it seems like they're already taking after me in a sense.

Though yeah it's kind of cool, now we get to stick with our original decision not to find out - the only way we could, would be to get another ultrasound, and well, if it's not needed, we won't.
Surprise after all.

Oh, and as off last Friday, we are past the half way mark.

[hammerfan]

Wonderful! I'm so glad Spal is having an easy pregnancy!

[The Villain]

Good to hear Cheeba

Love the name

[cheebacheeba]

Wonderful! I'm so glad Spal is having an easy pregnancy!
Oh I dunno about easy...no huge problems or anything but yeah one of those kind've unluckier cases of morning sickness every trimester.

Good to hear Cheeba

Love the name

Thanks yea, the only one we could agree on.


So yeah my latest news is, I actually felt the baby today.
I saw it kind've rumbling around, placed my hand over the site, and yeah something bumped me a few times. ::big grin::

[hammerfan]

Aww, I'm sorry to hear she's still having morning sickness. That's the coolest feeling ever, when you feel your baby move.

[cheebacheeba]

It's eased up a bit now.

So baby River is now like...pretty big. Over 30cm in length apparently.
Since my last post I've been able to feel him/her quite a bit more.

She's having a c-section and is likely not going to be awake on account of an old back injury...so I've been trying to talk to the kid a bit, get them used to my voice.
Not really having "conversations" as such, but talking.

...and hows this?
I have found, that I can wake the baby up with my voice ha

Not long now.

[hammerfan]

It's eased up a bit now.

So baby River is now like...pretty big. Over 30cm in length apparently.
Since my last post I've been able to feel him/her quite a bit more.

She's having a c-section and is likely not going to be awake on account of an old back injury...so I've been trying to talk to the kid a bit, get them used to my voice.
Not really having "conversations" as such, but talking.

...and hows this?
I have found, that I can wake the baby up with my voice ha

Not long now.

That's so awesome! Can't wait to see pictures! You ARE going to post pictures, right? You're not known for posting personal pictures, but I'm hoping you post at least one of River!

[cheebacheeba]

Yeah, it is...though sometimes she gets irritated when I do it ha

Pics...hm...we shall see.
I'm not going to be a document their lives online, but, yknow I think I can probably post one.

[hammerfan]

Yeah, it is...though sometimes she gets irritated when I do it ha

Pics...hm...we shall see.
I'm not going to be a document their lives online, but, yknow I think I can probably post one.

Good! And, I apologize, I just realized I spelled the baby's name wrong. It's Ryver, right?

[cheebacheeba]

Ha, no need to apologise - in fact, we're likely going to just stick with the conventional spelling - to avoid people calling them "rye-ver" and the sure-to-happen type-os on forms and ID and the like.

So new news.
Tomorrow we're going to see some doctors, when we will elect a "birthday" for the kid, c-section and all...Funny knowing that before they're around.

[hammerfan]

Ha, no need to apologise - in fact, we're likely going to just stick with the conventional spelling - to avoid people calling them "rye-ver" and the sure-to-happen type-os on forms and ID and the like.

So new news.
Tomorrow we're going to see some doctors, when we will elect a "birthday" for the kid, c-section and all...Funny knowing that before they're around.

Best of luck!

[cheebacheeba]

So....it's a girl.

[The Bloofer Lady]

Girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice! When's the due date?

[hammerfan]

So....it's a girl.

Congratulations!

[cheebacheeba]

Yup. Thankyou.
Well I mean this was just a scan in case that wasn't clear. We're just 6 days into third trimester at the moment.
I saw her hands, and her face properly today...she looks well shadowy and baby-like I guess.

I make no secret of it, and I think like a lot of males, ideally I wanted to have a son...and I was worried yknow? Worried that I'd feel somehow disappointed if it wasn't, and have to carry that with me.
It's funny how knowledge changes things.
Immediate acceptance.
I now know I have a daughter, and everything is awesome - she is the kid I'm supposed to have and yeah...I guess I will have to take on a slightly more guardian type role than I initially thought hm.

I'm looking forward to getting to know her. I think, that we will be able to raise a nice kinda chick. ::wink::

[hammerfan]

How is Spal feeling? Is she still having a rough time of it?

[cheebacheeba]

Not bad...at least not right now.
Lacking in energy, sleeping a bit more but the overall nausea/vomit level's gone down somewhat.

I've thought about it some more.
I'm pretty ok with it being a chick. I hope she's a bit of a tomboy, this would be ideal.

[The Bloofer Lady]

Awww..now you can start collecting Monster High Dolls! My granddaughter started collecting them a year ago and has about 35. She is only 4 and already drives a four wheeler. Lots of fun to be had.::big grin::

[cheebacheeba]

Hm, don't know if we're going to be big on dolls...of any kind really...but I don't know, it's their choice.
Just as long as she's not getting slut-trainers like ""bratz" or some such. No Barbies. I'm pretty much unenthusiastically open to other types.


More news.
Middle name decided upon - Violette.
Oldskool french spelling, I feel like it just looks nicer.

[The Bloofer Lady]

What a pretty middle name! Sorry to suggest the dolls..I know I drive my daughter and son-in-law nuts with my old fashioned ways!

[cheebacheeba]

Not so much about it being old fashioned...I am all for the old and new alike...just dolls, aren't gonna be something we particularly endorse.
If she wants one, sure...if she wants to have only dolls, nope.


So she officially recognises my presence/heat signature or something...I can put my hand on the belly, and she'll start tumbling around in there and bangin' on the walls.

[hammerfan]

If you talk to her while your hand is on Spal's belly, she knows your voice.

[cheebacheeba]

Oh yeah, I can wake her up by talking near her

[hammerfan]

Oh yeah, I can wake her up by talking near her

Cool feeling, isn't it?! ::cool::

[cheebacheeba]

Cool feeling, isn't it?!
Well, I like it...

So, all proceeding normally it'll be another 5 weeks and 2 days.
Things are going somewhat well, no real changes aside from size and strength.
She hiccups a bit too now. Not sure how or why.

I've began to question parenthood.
I had a hand in helping raise my younger brother for a bit, so I know *some* things like changing, cleaning, feeding...but the whole rest of it, I really have no idea on.
I'm just wondering if it's all just an act.

[The Bloofer Lady]

I think (with the first child anyway) its basically on the job training for 18 years. When I first saw my little grandson cooing away at his dad (my son) at approx 2 months old, I said "See that...you put in the time and its paying off. Making sure he's comfortable, caring for his needs..etc".

This is not medically based, but someone told me that the hiccups is the baby's way of preparing to breathe air.

[cheebacheeba]

Well, I don't have as much time to get ready for this as I thought.
It's now 4-5 weeks before we were going to get the c-section done, but last night there were some symptoms.
Went into hospital - her water had broken.
So as I'm typing this, it's 6:03pm here in Sydney.
Tomorrow morning at 8:am she's booked in for the c-section.

But, it's not dangerously early (not ideal but hey) the baby is 2.2kgs, she's strong, healthy, and should have no breathing problems...some kind of steroid injection was given today to ensure that.

I've been having some freakouts...kind of puts things in perspective, I was not ready for this...but I'll do my best, I have to be there for her, and her, tomorrow.

[hammerfan]

Best of luck! I hope everything goes well!

[The Bloofer Lady]

Sending positive thoughts your way for all three of you. Good luck!

[_____V_____]

All the best, bud. Keep us posted.

[cheebacheeba]

Thanks for the well wishes, folks...

What a day.

Was meant to happen at 8:30 in the morning, so I arrived just before 6:00am for Spal - but it got held back 'til 1:30pm.
Very tired after 2 nights of about 4 hours sleep in a row...was dozing in the hospital room while waiting. Tests here, tests there.

Anyways, c-sect went through without complications.
Spal is fine. Very tired and a bit knocked around.
The baby, she's so tiny...honestly like a toy...of course I was immediately stricken by her. I sat with Spal (behind the curtain, I get fainty) when it was all done and held hands as we heard her first cries together.

Some of the issues a premature baby faces is inability to breathe right on their own - this factor was fine.
Also sometimes they're not very good at feeding.
She latched right on and fed for about 20 minutes.
She recognises my voice after all - I was able to calm her a few times by talking to her and letting her hold my fingers/thumbs.
She also has an amazing grip.

I changed her first nappy.

I find it really hard to even look away from her.

Anyways, by request, here is our baby girl
River Violette

[hammerfan]

OMG, cheebs, she's absolutely beautiful!! So perfect! Hearty congratulations to you and Spal! And give little River Violette a kiss on the forehead from me. Much love to all of you.

[The Bloofer Lady]

You did good! Gorgeous little girl! Health and happiness to you all. ::cool::

[_____V_____]

Absolutely gorgeous! Much love to her and well-wishes to you and Spa.

Good to know all went well and mom and daughter are both healthy. Take good care of her until Spa gets better, bud.

[The Villain]

Congratulations Cheeba, She's beautiful

[cheebacheeba]

*Update incoming shortly*

[roshiq]

Wow! Many Congrats, cheeba! She's really stunning! It's been a month since I've also become a father of a cute little baby girl. Is it the HDC's Year of the Fathers?! ::cool::
Wishing you 3 all happiness, good health & very best of luck for coming days. Take good care of them.::smile::

[cheebacheeba]

Just thought I'd add a couple more.
First is just one to show a bit of an idea of her size, she's really like a doll right now...The second is, well, I was looking as her, then realised a camera was on me...fond as ever of that, especially while super tired. But yeah I kinda like how it turned out, even if I look like some kind of guard dog.

[cheebacheeba]

Wow! Many Congrats, cheeba! She's really stunning! It's been a month since I've also become a father of a cute little baby girl. Is it the HDC's Year of the Fathers?!
Wishing you 3 all happiness, good health & very best of luck for coming days. Take good care of them

Thanks man, and all the best to you and yours too.

Thank you to all for the well wishes and kind words throughout this process.
I probably won't update this one all that much more...she's still very tiny, actually has a tube in her nose right now as she's not really eating enough to sustain herself...I just gotta focus on getting both my girls back on their feet and home.
Thank you all again. - B.

Aforementioned pictures:

[ChronoGrl]

Awwwww - What a sweetie. She's beautiful. Congratulations. <3

[hammerfan]

So precious. Congrats again to you and Spal. Take good care of them, and yourself. Check in with us once in a while. You're going to be a busy man when your ladies get home!

[Straker]

Congrats to you both. ::cool::

[cheebacheeba]

Thank you,

I continue to be impressed by this little one.
Breathing is great, never a hiccup.
Body temperature regulation is fine.
Eating, she is learning and learning fast.

She actually latched on and got milk/colostrum from one breast that wasn't working prior.
This is impressive considering the major problem such a premature baby faces is the ability to feed and sustain itself, because they run out of energy so quickly and they're a but "immature" so learning is a thing.

She breastfed for a few sessions yesterday, one at 40 minutes.
20 minutes would be big for a kid this size/age.

I actually heard one nurse say to another when they were changing over, when referring to her breathing, then eating "She has surpassed every other baby on the ward, and she's 5 weeks younger."
I am proud here - and glad to know I've got someone on my hands with so much fight in her, she continues to impress me.

[hammerfan]

How could she not? She comes from strong parents. Granted, I don't really "know" you and Spal, but from everything you've written since you've been here - and Spal when she used to be a regular visitor - you both strike me as strong people.

Continued best wishes.

[The Bloofer Lady]

Hey Cheeb and family. Just checking in to see how your little daughter is doing.. I understand if you are waaaaay too busy to post! ::smile::

[cheebacheeba]

River came home today...just settling in.
Finally.
My dog seems interested, though he has to stay away for a bit.
She's done well. Feeding all on her own now.

[hammerfan]

River came home today...just settling in.
Finally.
My dog seems interested, though he has to stay away for a bit.
She's done well. Feeding all on her own now.

Wonderful! Hope she continues to thrive!

[The Bloofer Lady]

Great that she's home! Continued wishes for her health and happiness.

[cheebacheeba]

Hey guys...
So River is four months now.
Funny, these pictures I posted here look so "old" now.
I remember that time that was both crappy and awesome at the same time, in and out of hospital, while getting to know our little one.

She's very vocal now, multiple syllables, smiling a lot, using her hands a bit more, and even laughing.
She has grown in a healthy way, eating well, and getting bigger and brighter every day. Sometimes I'll just say Hi to her when she wakes up, and she just beams at me.

Spal is fine, and is great with her - I love watching them together.

Hm...looking back over this thread brings back some memories...
I know, I could have been better about updates, just - pretty busy time guys.
Anyhow, here's a new pic.

[hammerfan]

She's so precious and beautiful, cheebs!

[cheebacheeba]

Thank you, I think so too...
I like how she can make me smile, just by being.

[ChronoGrl]

Oh, Cheebs... She's beautiful!

[cheebacheeba]

By request...still late...
Well its about time I headed in for an update hm?

I've had it in my head not to be "that guy" when it comes to showing his child to others etc, which is why I don't come in too often.

Anyways, update.

So River is now One year, one month and a half.
She has 8 teeth in the front, and a few molars coming in...very quick development in the teeth department, not so much the hair - though I'm happy to report that she's now at least a little fuzzy with some colour coming in.

Always smiling and laughing.

She eats most solid foods now, which is something I'd really longed for, to be able to share with her and watch her try things.
It's so cute, she grabs things from me now when she wants to eat them, she took spals sandwich the other day. She too, has the love of pizza.
She loves toast, and fish, and more often than not prefers our cooking than the shelved food which is awesome, healthier and more financially sound.

She is sitting (AGES ago), standing, has done "coasting" kind of walking, and just yesterday believe it or not, she has started walking.
Sure she can only go about 3-4 steps in a row between objects and people at the moment but if crawling was anything to go by, I'd give it another week.

Her personality is like...I don't know if I've influenced this but she's a bit of a shit-stirrer...in a good way yknow? Sometimes when Spal is trying to settle her, she looks over at me and grins, and she knows, KNOWS this sets me off...then I get in trouble for stirring her. ME. Stirring HER. Riiight.
I wake up with her smiling, and sometimes she does downright demonic growly voices...makes funny sounds, and imitates people.

She is obsessed with remote controls. Doesn't use them, just holds them.

Her vocals are really coming along, she's got g's, t's, m's, d's, "gwa" "oh" and "aa" sounds, and seems to put them together in her own language, and really looks you in the eye when she's talking that baby talk...She seems very adept at figuring out items and how they work too.

So yeah, the sleep routine isn't great but it's settled at least.
I'm happy with her. She impresses me...and I still can't wait, while I know I will miss her baby self, to have our first proper conversation.

Anyways, here's the lady.

[hammerfan]

OMG, she is SO freaking adorable! So glad everyone is happy and healthy!

And, yeah, it's good to see you here. You should stop by more often. ::wink::

[cheebacheeba]

I also realised, I never showed you guys this...kind of gives a perspective of what size she was right at the start...big changes...

[cheebacheeba]

OMG, she is SO freaking adorable! So glad everyone is happy and healthy!

And, yeah, it's good to see you here. You should stop by more often.

Thankyou, I feel like, she is one of the most beautiful chicks I have ever known.
You too...yknow, maybe...here and there. Not buried yet.

...and here's a couple more, 'cos I think they're cute. one a while back, couple pretty recent. Pretty eyes, no?

[hammerfan]

Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous little girl!

[MovieLover12]

She could be the one to save this planet from evil!

[Repo'd]

What a beautiful kid! Thanks for the share, and congratulations.

[MichaelMyers]

Excellent update. What horror movies have you started her on?

[MovieLover12]

She's already in a horror movie! ::big grin::

[MichaelMyers]

She's already in a horror movie! ::big grin::

Touche good man! We have seen Vorhees and he is us.

[MovieLover12]

I've no idea what that means.

[MichaelMyers]

I've no idea what that means.

It means we are all Freddy Krugers, Jason Vorhees, Michael Myers, and Leatherface in our own way. I think that's what you meant by the munchkin already being in a horror film?

[MovieLover12]

Wonder which type of killer the child will become. ::smile::

[Spallalala]

My daughter is no killer but if you continue to be a smartass mummy might become one. :P


hahahaha omg I remembered my password after all these years. Aww I miss this place.

[MovieLover12]

Humans are killers, however, from what you've told me about your daughter not being one, it seems to me that she's lost that crucial tool to defend herself if she ever needed to use it.

[hammerfan]

My daughter is no killer but if you continue to be a smartass mummy might become one. :P


hahahaha omg I remembered my password after all these years. Aww I miss this place.

Nice to "see" you again, Spal! Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!

[MovieLover12]

How many billions of people in the world now?

[Despare]

How many billions of people in the world now?

Yeah, but we have to keep trying until the intelligent ones outnumber the dumb ones. I've seen your posts... you're the reason we have to have children. :P

[cheebacheeba]

Ok, so this is the first time I've actually put the moderation boots on...so here goes:

Guys, can I just throw out a reminder that while I personally (not speaking for the rest of the site) encourage people to feel comfortable and throw a few jokes around - there's certain lines we generally don't want to cross, so as to not misrepresent horror enthusiasts...throughout my life I've seen the attitude that anybody that's into horror is a little bit bent in the head, too much in my life - so lets avoid providing any further ammunition.

So yeah, thank you for all those that visit this thread and make a contribution to the forum...but please, try to work with me by not posting deliberately offensive and incendiary things.

This is a thread that I posted to give a small insight into my life among some new people but predominately the longer standing members that I've known for some years - while I welcome all to come and follow what we post in here and join in...it doesn't have to be all rainbows and "awwww", but yeah, I won't tolerate this thread degrading into a rubbish dump, so I guess moderate yourselves, or I will moderate you.

Thanks.

[Roiffalo]

This is a thread that I posted to give a small insight into my life among some new people but predominately the longer standing members that I've known for some years - while I welcome all to come and follow what we post in here and join in...
Well said, Cheeba. I'm glad you added this though. I wanted to say a while ago how lucky you are to have such a beautiful family, but seeing as I'm just a newb it felt out of place. But considering you said you welcome new people too... consider this post the first attempt at getting back on topic. ::smile::

[MovieLover12]

Chee, was it a favourable environment?

[cheebacheeba]

Uh, yeah - I guess.
No major incidents yet ;)


Nothing much to report this time, just walking/running more.
Nearly has all her teeth now/or coming through which is apparently a bit weird at less than a year and a half, but cool...while there's been some annoying crying and sleepless nights (seriously, anyone considering a child, expect to have SHIT sleep a fair bit here and there) at least all the teeth have been pretty much consecutively coming through so should be over with...quick-er...than usual.

[The Bloofer Lady]

Seems like yesterday you were talking about her being born! Man...and now she's walking and such. Time does fly. Yeah, the sleepless nights....I don't miss those at all!!

[MovieLover12]

Soon, she be at school and be labelled a Purple Penguin!

[The Bloofer Lady]

Soon, she be at school and be labelled a Purple Penguin!

What a load of codswallop!! I mean, how far are we going to go with "political correctness"? My kids have grown and completed all their schooling but I have grandkids going through the school system and I know a lot of you posters have young ones going off to school soon. They seem to want to make the words "boy" and "girl" obsolete. That was my take on it anyway.


heh, heh. Sorry about ranting on this thread.

[Sculpt]

Soon, she be at school and be labelled a Purple Penguin!
I had no idea what you were talking about...

School Told to Call Kids ‘Purple Penguins’ Because ‘Boys and Girls’ Is Not Inclusive to Transgender

A Nebraska school district has instructed its teachers to stop referring to students by “gendered expressions” such as “boys and girls,” and use “gender inclusive” ones such as “purple penguins” instead. “Don’t use phrases such as ‘boys and girls,’ ‘you guys,’ ‘ladies and gentlemen,’ and similarly gendered expressions to get kids’ attention,” instructs a training document given to middle-school teachers at the Lincoln Public Schools.

“Create classroom names and then ask all of the ‘purple penguins’ to meet on the rug,” it advises. The document also warns against asking students to “line up as boys or girls,” and suggests asking them to line up by whether they prefer “skateboards or bikes/milk or juice/dogs or cats/summer or winter/talking or listening.” “Always ask yourself . . . ‘Will this configuration create a gendered space?’” the document says.

The instructions were part of a list called “12 steps on the way to gender inclusiveness” developed by Gender Spectrum, an organization that “provides education, training and support to help create a gender sensitive and inclusive environment for children of all ages.”

Other items on the list include asking all students about their preferred pronouns and decorating the classroom with “all genders welcome” door hangers. If teachers still find it “necessary” to mention that genders exist at all, the document states, they must list them as “boy, girl, both or neither.”

Furthermore, it instructs teachers to interfere and interrupt if they ever hear a student talking about gender in terms of “boys and girls” so the student can learn that this is wrong. “Point out and inquire when you hear others referencing gender in a binary manner,” it states. “Ask things like . . . ‘What makes you say that? I think of it a little differently.’ Provide counter-narratives that challenge students to think more expansively about their notions of gender.”

The teachers were also given a handout created by the Center for Gender Sanity, which explains to them that “Gender identity . . . can’t be observed or measured, only reported by the individual,” and an infographic called “The Genderbred Person,” which was produced by www.ItsPronouncedMetroSexual.com.

Despite controversy, Lincoln Superintendent Steve Joel has declared that he is “happy” and “pleased” with the training documents. “We don’t get involved with politics,” he told KLIN Radio’s Drive Time Lincoln radio show. “We don’t get involved with gender preferences. We’re educating all kids . . . and we can’t be judgmental,” he said.

Read more at: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/389862/school-told-call-kids-purple-penguins-because-boys-and-girls-not-inclusive

[pinkfloyd45769]

I missed a bunch of stuff while i was gone.It was nice reading this and catching up on this beautiful new life.She is beautiful:}

BTW,there was a few asshole remarks and i loved seeing Spal jump in there.Its crazy how our mommy mode kicks in:}

[MovieLover12]

Got two of my own - which I share with millions of others. I don't personally see them or pay anything for their upkeep, but do know George and Charlotte won't go without. ::wink::

[cheebacheeba]

Well, I'm just going through some recent photos and thought I'd add a couple for anyone subb'd.

The first one is her enjoying a mango seed after some pizza while watching us prepare our Christmas lunch in the kitchen.

The second one is just her being beautiful while I held onto her at a local cafe.

[cheebacheeba]

...here they are...

[hammerfan]

Awww, cheebs! She's gorgeous!

[Roiffalo]

She's such a cutie, Cheebs! ;w;

[cheebacheeba]

Thank you folks, I kinda agree there.
She's got a bit more child-mode face now huh?

She's walking competently now for quite some time, and she's mimicking works, allllmost talking, asking and responding in semi gibberish but there's an understanding of things that are being said to her as well.
I like this.

[The Bloofer Lady]

She's a doll! Are those amber beads I see? A lot of people use them for teething and fussy spells etc.

[cheebacheeba]

Yup, amber beads.
She's got her last couple of teeth coming in.

She keeps saying more and more things. There's this one "word" we can't figure out, I'm looking forward to knowing what that is.

Myself and Spal can say "take this to mummy" "take this to daddy" and she will bring us things - She's also starting to say "Thank you" I mean, her version which is mimicking us saying it to her when we give/take things, it sounds like "denkoo", which is maybe the most complex thing she says right now.
I mean there's full baby sentences, but in terms of syllables and understanding that's it.
Spal asked how she was and she said "good" too.

Just...goddamn...can't wait til there's this conversation I can have with her. ::love::

[Repo'd]

What a cutie! She's just too adorable for words Cheebs.

Your posts are heartwarming, man. Sounds like you are really embracing fatherhood. Just as you should be :)

I always admire men who behave like MEN!

[SerialKiller]

I always admire men who behave like MEN!


Me too. Meeee too.

[hammerfan]

I always admire men who behave like MEN!

Amen to that! Yes!!!

[Roiffalo]

I always admire men who behave like MEN!

Nothing sexier than a good dad.

[cheebacheeba]

So, I thought I'd give a quick update...

River is almost 2 now, well she will be in just under three months.
Time is a funny thing, isn't it?
I can still remember those whole couple of weeks at the hospital like it was just moments ago, but then I look at her and realise how far we've come.

I still sometimes check her when she's asleep.

Running and walking are just completely natural to her now - though when she's tired she tends to stumble around.

She's engaging with other people a lot now.
Laughs and yells "dog dog" whenever one passes by.
She waves to other people and smiles at and waves to other little ones around her age too. She talks, still mostly her language with some english thrown in.

As off about a week ago - she learned how to use a fork, and she's learning how to give kisses on the cheek. It's very sweet. She kind of presses her mouth against, and goes "muh!".

Every time she goes into bed, Spal tells her to say goodnight to daddy, and I pick her up and hold her for a bit, tell her daddy loves her and to have a sleep.

Tonight, she said "goo nat" in my ear ::love::

Food wise, everything is now on the menu. She loves indian food, and fish is still one of her favourite things to eat. I also love being able to just share whatever I'm having with her.

She answers "yes" and "no" with the appropriate gestures, and "explains" things with a lot of hand movements too.

So, there's my current update, and here are some photos.

[hammerfan]

OMG, cheebs! She's ADORABLE!!!! With you being a foodie, I'm glad she's not a picky eater.

Thank you for the update and the pictures!

[Jake.Ashworth]

So, I thought I'd give a quick update...

River is almost 2 now, well she will be in just under three months.
Time is a funny thing, isn't it?
I can still remember those whole couple of weeks at the hospital like it was just moments ago, but then I look at her and realise how far we've come.

I still sometimes check her when she's asleep.

Running and walking are just completely natural to her now - though when she's tired she tends to stumble around.

She's engaging with other people a lot now.
Laughs and yells "dog dog" whenever one passes by.
She waves to other people and smiles at and waves to other little ones around her age too. She talks, still mostly her language with some english thrown in.

As off about a week ago - she learned how to use a fork, and she's learning how to give kisses on the cheek. It's very sweet. She kind of presses her mouth against, and goes "muh!".

Every time she goes into bed, Spal tells her to say goodnight to daddy, and I pick her up and hold her for a bit, tell her daddy loves her and to have a sleep.

Tonight, she said "goo nat" in my ear ::love::

Food wise, everything is now on the menu. She loves indian food, and fish is still one of her favourite things to eat. I also love being able to just share whatever I'm having with her.

She answers "yes" and "no" with the appropriate gestures, and "explains" things with a lot of hand movements too.

So, there's my current update, and here are some photos.

She's beautiful man, I'm happy for you. Cherish every second. Mine are 9 and 5 and I worked too much through the majority of their childhood basically missing all but the occasional good night. Hold her as often as you can, hug her and try to never let go.

[cheebacheeba]

Thanks guys, I'll keep this posted on every now and then.
We're taking her to her first Zoo outing for Spals b'day, I'll probably have some cool pics there.

[The Bloofer Lady]

Good grief those eyes though! Beautiful.

[Kat]

Isn't River sweet..? ::smile::

[Repo'd]

What a doll! Thanks for keeping us updated, Cheebs.

[cheebacheeba]

Here's a recent one folks. .a lot of running around, talking in her language, waving and smiling at everyone. Such an awesome kid.

[Zero]

Beautiful - congratulations!

[cheebacheeba]

I realised I haven't been around much or updated this in a while.
Not sure what the interest level is, but I'm proud of my girl.

River is SO close to talking "properly" now.
She mimics almost everything.
She recognises numbers and letters.
She can retrieve items when asked for them by their name.
She can take her shoes off, and put them on...fairly well...
Has favourite TV shows.
Dances by both following shows etc, and on her own.
Has started singing in the car to the songs she knows.
Knows how to respond to questions, give greetings and farewells.

Uses a fork and spoon pretty well now, and actually prefers to feed herself.

She's just gone from "Hi" to "Hello" as well, though when she says it, it's a bit like "Hewwo", which I think I love even more.

She can also say "ok" which sounds a bit like this guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZURohVP5JY

...and she's learned how to, and when to, say sorry.
Comes out somehow sounding like an Irish accent?

All in all...yeah, she's a good girl. Had her bad days but overall I'm still really digging the whole thing.
She's big enough to walk now, holding my hand without me having to stoop.
So many people in my town know her...she's very social, and always says Hi and waves to people, has her favourites in certain shops too.

Here's a somewhat recent picture of her prior to a wedding.
She was a very good girl there.

[hammerfan]

cheebs, I'm ALWAYS interested in how you, Spal and River are doing!

She's a little doll! I wish I could meet her!

[Bloof]

Oh my gosh, the little party dress. She's a sweet little lady.

[cheebacheeba]

Here's another one of my favourite somewhat recent picks. She's going well, being deliberately trollish and repeating just about everything she hears now...

[Bloof]

Proper little girl you have there. What's she coming up to...3 years old?

[hammerfan]

Gorgeous!

[cheebacheeba]

Hey guys, yeah in May she'll be three.
Spal and I keep looking at her and noticing how big she's getting. She's sitting on chairs like a big girl. Talking lots, I mean there's still words to properly learn yet but we can pretty much talk with each other now.
She still makes me smile all the time.
At bedtime, she takes my hand and gets me to walk her to her room. ::cool::

[Repo'd]

She's a little doll, Cheebs. You're a lucky man. I'm glad you're enjoying fatherhood.

[Zero]

Hard to believe our little Cheebs and Spalalala are someone's parents!!! A very lucky little girl!

[The Villain]

Glad to hear she's doing well. Damn 3 already? I remember when you first started this thread. My daughter just turned 3 as well and my youngest just turned 1. Time flies.

[cheebacheeba]

I know right? I kinda miss my littler baby..I like what she's been replaced with though.

Update...today she got into some makeup and managed to do this. X

[HAPAKLAKA]

Spallalala here because I can't remember my password and email address isn't accessable anymore.


Ha good to see you posted the photo hubby.
At first I thought she was bruised because she is like me and clumsy as fff.
She handed me my eyeshadow pallet and it all became very clear what happened. Glad she was gentle with it and her face isn't all black hahaha. I'm impressed.

[hammerfan]

Spallalala here because I can't remember my password and email address isn't accessable anymore.


Ha good to see you posted the photo hubby.
At first I thought she was bruised because she is like me and clumsy as fff.
She handed me my eyeshadow pallet and it all became very clear what happened. Glad she was gentle with it and her face isn't all black hahaha. I'm impressed.

Clearly she watches you put makeup on! Budding supermodel?!

[Bloof]

Yup...me pretty much when I try put the stuff on too. Hiya River!

[cheebacheeba]

Thanks Guys for all the kind words and your attention. - B.

[_____V_____]

She's a lovely cutiepie, cheebs. Much love and hugs to her.

Time flies, eh? Don't I know the feeling - only yesterday I was holding my little bundle of joy in my hands and today she's all of 5 years old and a mischievous, constantly-laughing little brat.

Here she is with her 3 besties. All 4 of them together are an absolute riot. (my Isha is second from right)

18975

[hammerfan]

She's a lovely cutiepie, cheebs. Much love and hugs to her.

Time flies, eh? Don't I know the feeling - only yesterday I was holding my little bundle of joy in my hands and today she's all of 5 years old and a mischievous, constantly-laughing little brat.

Here she is with her 3 besties. All 4 of them together are an absolute riot. (my Isha is second from right)

18975

Still can't get over that she's 5!!!

[roshiq]

Still can't get over that she's 5!!!

Yup..they grow up so fast! Can't believe mine one going to start school in next year!

Anyway, awesome to have you back here, V. You've been missed terribly!



Thanks to Ridley Scott! ::wink::

[_____V_____]

Anyway, awesome to have you back here, V. You've been missed terribly!

Thanks to Ridley Scott! ::wink::

Thanks, rosh.

Actually, thanks goes to hammerfan for her convos on Facebook and for luring me back.

But let's not derail Cheeba's thread any further.

[anglewitch]

Actually, thanks goes to hammerfan for her convos on Facebook and for luring me back.



Ah, now I know who to blame. ::big grin::

[HAPAKLAKA]

Just a few more incase horror goes bye bye again.

I've taken screenshots of all these posts and will send them to an email for River to read later on.


So glad to hear horror was back, I rushed to screenshot everything River related.

[hammerfan]

She is just too adorable!

[Bloof]

She is just too adorable!

She really is!

[cheebacheeba]

Hey guys....so just an update from work.
River is, allover the place.
She's always cute, though gets into everything, tests boundaries and tempers and seems to have developed my liking of being slightly and deliberately irritating. I think she's really thriving on reactions right now.
Beautiful kid though, always says hello to people, she's polite, and she's made happy by the smallest things.
She's trying new sentences all the time and referring to herself as "I" now. Eating on her own. Running around. Climbing. Showing empathy - even for video game characters.

U know she's still very young but I get an idea now, the kind of little person she's becoming. She still makes me super proud and I still think she's the most beautiful girl on the world.

[cheebacheeba]

Ah well...*tried* to post some pictures. I will from home I guess.

[Repo'd]

What a joyful update!

[Sculpt]

though gets into everything, tests boundaries and tempers and seems to gave developed MT liking of being slightly and deliberately irritating.
She is adorable! What did you mean by "and seems to gave developed MT liking of being slightly and deliberately irritating."? MT Montana?

[cheebacheeba]

Ha "my". Fix'd.

[Bloof]

My grandson, whose a few months older than River, is all about the "irritating" right now and there ain't no slightly about it. I love the very bones of him though! Glad to read the update.

[cheebacheeba]

I really need to learn how to resize pics. Not one goddamn pic off my phone is small enough to work on this site...

[_____V_____]

I really need to learn how to resize pics. Not one goddamn pic off my phone is small enough to work on this site...

Transfer to computer, then Photoshop - Resize or MS Paint - Resize.

Never works when you try to attach a pic directly from your phones. Resolution is always too big.

[Roiffalo]

I really need to learn how to resize pics. Not one goddamn pic off my phone is small enough to work on this site...

Right click the image, hover over "open with", click "Paint", then "resize". I prefer to customize the pixels not the percent, usually with a maximum width of 800 to 900 for forums.

[cheebacheeba]

So today I had a day off work...didn't really have to take the whole day, but I just felt like "I'm in the work day already...stuff it".

I took River out for a babycino and some toast.
So we're sitting there eating and drinking and like what tends to happen sometimes, I look at her and thought how pretty she was ::love::
So I told her, like I always do.

I took a photo - so I thought hey I'll come in here and update with said picture because it sure turned out pretty well.

Standard update:

It's been a while.

This whole thread really puts in perspective how things go on FFWD when you have a kid...I remember when I *was* a kid, it felt like you had to wait for some things, now it's like everything is on top of me before I know it.

River is 4 and a half now, almost exactly.
She's a walking, talking proper "child" now. I mean she's still my baby, but, yknow childbaby.
She can be extremely annoying at times. She is willful. Questions everything. Often won't listen. Often gets herself in trouble despite me trying to do everything to avoid that...the lessons we learn I suppose.
She's also an awesome kid. She's funny. She trolls. She kind of makes jokes. Pulls faces. Tries to scare mummy.
She's thoughtful, and actually worries and sympathises and tries to help people when they're sick or hurt.
Overall, I like the person that she is...she can be a complete clown, but also has this depth of character that I really wouldn't have expected at her age.

As I tell her (at times of peace) I'm proud of my beautiful girl.

[Sculpt]

She's so cute! Reminds me of my niece.

[hammerfan]

Wow, four and a half! Time sure has flown!

[Bloof]

I've said it before, she's got the eyes of an old soul. Beautiful.

[Morningriser]

She's adorable.

[LuvablePsycho]

So cute! ::smile::