They make a mesh one that you weave through the bars. I know you can get it at babies-r-us.

I always used a traditional one, but I know those are supposedly not safe, but I, too, hated that my kids' feet would get stuck in the bars. 

When I was pregnant with one of my kids and they did the standard panel my thyroid was totally out of whack. I started to freak out a little myself but the nurse assured me that thyroid numbers are often wrong. I'm sure they will do a follow up test for your mom.

I don't know anything about it beyond that, but the nurse told me that it's not uncommon (even in not pregnant people) to get a weird reading.

For you and your mom I hope that's the case. If not, I hope the specialist guides you in the right direction.  

I think my husband is more into this topic! He is truly amazed by what our children "turn" out and I've even hear him talking with his other daddy friends about the kids' "production"!

Who would have thought? It used to be strictly football and basketball...now there's no limit! 

I agree, most likely there's nothing unusual. Some kids just start talking later and it's because they are so focused on other things. I had two that started talking before 1 year old and my middle child (who starts preschool today) didn't say a word until after 2 years old. We were a little worried, but she's almost 3 now and she won't STOP talking for single second, not a SINGLE SECOND!!!

That being said, if at any point you feel like there is anything you feel uncomfortable with (you are the MOM, trust your instinct), most city governments offer early intervention programs for speech, occupational therapy, etc. All you have to do is call and often they will send a team of experts (a coordinator, a speech therapist, and an occupational therapist) to your home for a screening. If they feel that there is any kind of delay that could impact your child's education (often starting at the age of 2) they will provide FREE therapy and then even help pay for school.

Call an elementary school in your area, usually they can give you more info.

Most likely, nothing is wrong, but if it gets to the point where you're worried, so much help is available! 

I'm totally addicted to the Playfish games on Facebook and am in serious competition with my mother and aunts all across the country!

It's starting to get downright ugly!!! 

Fighting this "order" is the last thing he can do to intimidate you...don't let it bring you down because that is what he wants...this is his last way to control. Keep telling yourself that.

Good luck, Keri! 

Where did this summer go??

I am so 50/50 on Winter this year (as if I have any choice). Part of me is super excited for a ton of snow. My husband bought us new skis and season lift tickets to the mountain that's 20 minutes away. For that reason  I say bring it on.

SHOVELLING, SHOVELLING, SHOVELLING....we were buried last year, stuck inside, sick of white stuff...I'm not ready to feel that way again. Besides, getting a 4 year old, 2 year old and 1 year old totally geared up anytime we have to go out will be awful!!!

 Que sera, sera!

That's no fun, but it's reassurance that all is well with your pregnancy! Lots of hormones are good for that growing baby...maybe not so much for your tummy though and with two others running around.

Good luck! I'm praying for you!

If you're looking to save money on diapers, you can try cloth. We made the switch with our second child. For my third I found a specific brand that doesn't leak, goes on as easy as disposable and GROWS with the kid. We have used the same 15 diapers we bought when the baby was little (about 5 months) until now (15 months) and they're still going strong. They are bumGenius one size pocket diapers. The startup cost is an initial shock ($17.95/diaper) but now other than a little bit more of a water bill and a special detergent every month and a half ($13.95 for a relatively large bottle) we don't spend money on diapers OR WIPES at ALL.

 It's a big commitment, but once you've done it for a month or so, you don't even recognize the difference anymore.

 The cloth diapering websites I use are babycottonbottoms.com or cottonbabies.com. They sell alot of things you can live without, so it might be a little overwhelming, but if this sounds like it's for you, I can answer any questions you have and steer you to the bare essentials.

You can find "Tuesday-Thursday schools". It's usually a preschool class that meets from 9-12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Everyone I know who has kids that have gone to Tuesday-Thursday (myself included) have found them run out of a church (not necessarily affiliated with, but run out of).

I hope you find something! 

I know dealing with legal processes is scary because if you're not an attorney it's so foreign and unknown. You're basically putting everything you have in the hands of another person and being forced to trust the system.

That being said, all you can do is trust the system and do whatever you can to pay for the best! It might mean debt, etc. but think of what's at stake.

It's fortunate that your husband wasn't alone and that this all happened so close to your home, because the little girl's story just doesn't make sense... 

Have Faith! and don't fret, I know it will be a long scary road because you have to let go of control here. Worry won't get you anywhere, so try to avoid it (I know it's easier said than done).

The best to you! You and your family are in my prayers!