Dilly

Hey Miss Katie! I empathize with you - I really feel the pain you are dealing with because I've been there. I think it's safe to say that when someone does this once, they will do it again. I know my Robert has the ability to do it again and thus, we are not married. It's probably better you ended it now than stayed together for years with a man who would eventually cheat on you or end things abruptly when you are more intertwined. I would try to not look back at this point. The fact that he has not called, has moved on to other conquests, has callously ended your relationship is NOT a reflection on your worthiness of love, but his inability to love. I don't have much compassion for people who break up with others without giving themselves time off to heal from the relationship. He will enter into a dysfunctional relationship and maybe it will last a long while, maybe not, but he will not be a healed person because he has not given himself time to recover from your loss and that should not give you any hope he will come back to you. If he does come back to you, he will be more dysfunctional after playing the field than he was before. I honestly would let it be. I know familiarity breeds comfort, but looking back, I think I'd have been much better off letting my heart be broken for a while and letting that man sow his seeds while I grew emotionally and professionally than just remerging immediately. We were only broken up a week or two during each breakup. You said he has done this to you before? Tell me about that? How long of a break did he need? And what hoops (if any) did he jump through to win your affection back? You're 33. A mature and wonderful and understanding woman. Have no fear that you will meet someone worth your while when you are healed and prepared. HUGS, GIRLIE!!!

Can you do this? NICE!!!

Yeah, I wouldn't complain if I were you either. You are nice and would tend to get more of what you want with honey. I think the approaching them in a way might be OK if you were able to do so in a caring way, maybe even with a bit of volume to let others put the pressure on them. I had a girl come to work here with a 101 degree temperature. I was so frustrated by this, but kept it to myself.

I also get mad when I know my coworker called off sick to do some bogus thing that vacation could be set aside for. But hey, that's just me. I guess I have that right to exercise too and have from time to time. But I am just compelled to be honest with my supervisor for some reason (like taking a half-day to rescue a cat from a tree). Shoulda called in sick.

The thing that kills me is that the sick then want sympathy for their sneezing and carryings on. I just get ilked out and ignore them. I use Germ-X whenever I hear a sneeze. I also take my daily MVI (prenatal) and try to get a little exercise. That's an immune booster as well. Here where I work, our vacation time and sick time come out of the same pool of time off so if we use a sick day, we don't get a vacation day.

Yeah, knock knock knock, haven't been sick yet this year. Wonder why they recommend flu shots for preggo's. I have been amazingly able to stave off many illnesses this year.

I love the idea that you are going to ask the dad for his daughter's hand. My ex-husband did this and my dad was so appreciative of that. My parents actually were extremely surprized by the gesture and while taken off-guard, they were pleasantly pleased by his gentle approach. The lunch may give a hint as to your intentions.

I know it's sort of corny, but I like the name Alfie on a little conehead newborn. Sounds fitting for some reason. CUTE.

You grabbed his foot!!?? Man, you are skiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinny!!! I haven't even seen a foot yet. I see her move, but no obvious protrusions! How neat!!!

The pro's of telling: your mom knows you respect her, your mom confronts the truth (if there is a private life your dad is leading), your mom finds the impetus to act (straighten things out with dad) The con's of telling: this could be a fling (not a serious thing), this could be innocent, your mom and dad might be better off not knowing (but who could ever know??? and isn't knowing always best??? isn't enlightenment the most desired state???), your sister might disagree with you and your family may get divided TOUGH SITUATION! But as your mom, I'd want to know.

I would tell my mom, frankly. I would tell her exactly what you told me, but I wouldn't sell my sister out unless she was cool with it. I would want my mom to know that I respected her enough to tell her and I probably would talk to my dad, but I don't like how he told your sister to avoid conveying that information to my mother. That's sneaky right there. And what kind of an adult hangs out in bars? Does your mother drink? Does she do the bar tour? I wouldn't respect my dad for being a lady's man and I would tell my mom in a heartbeat. Having said that, my dad is totally not like this. He's very charming and good-looking, but my mom rules the roost and he would not stray. My mom on the other hand.... I am not so sure about that one... If my mom was cheating on my dad, I'd tell my dad straight up about my feelings and my suspicions and let him follow up as he deemed appropriate. I would NOT do this with friends, but family for me is quite different.

I don't usually cramp and didn't cramp during my missed period, but boy, was I a grumpy girl for the entire week of my missed period. I thought, this feels like PMS and then, I thought, yeah, this might even be worse. I was just really irritable.

HAHAHAHAHA Now, I'm singing Grease (Summer Lovin', happens so fast!!!). Just love your baby's name!!!

I so wish you could talk to us right now. I'm dying to know how you are doing!!!

I have been thinking about you all freakin' night. SPeaking of not sleeping winks, I could sleep. I kept looking at the clock and thinking, OMG, BTR is going to be induced soon! WOW!!! I have other things going on too that are keeping my mind awake, but ... just wanted you to know how happy I am for you!!!

God, I hate him. Don't worry about him. Let it slide. You are obviously dealing with a pitbull, and I'm not talking about the one in your house. Screw him. Fine, name the kid WHATEVER you want - he was a total jerk tonight. He can't change the name. In NC, the baby AUTOMATICALLY gets the mom's last name until the birth certificate is signed weeks to months later - just learned this. So hopefully it's like that there too. Give the child the name you want him to be proud of. I'm so proud of you! Get some rest, sweetie pie. We love you. Now, I gotta git off here - I'm home and

This is the best news I've heard all day! I'm soooo thrilled for you! WOW!!!!

OMG THIS IS SOOOOOOO EXCITING. I'm pure goosebumps>>>>> I can't wait to hear what his name will be and how much he weighs! OH BTR, CONGRATULATIONS! I am sooooooooooooooo incredibly happy for you both!!! And Hope, GOOD LUCK - I'm sure you will ace your boards!!! YOu are one sharp cookie!!!

I agree wholeheartedly. This is a ridiculous way to respond to your feelings. On another note, maybe she has low self-esteem because you aren't married? Maybe she's dropping hints? I don't want to make excuses for her, but it makes me wonder. I think her comments are hogwash and that this is a timebomb. What happens when that sexual charge explodes in your face? I find her reaction to your concerns revolting.

It's so true! I'm so happy that we have this healthy bunch of preggo's on here. It's truly exciting. I am really lucky to know such a strong group of females. Funny how your work colleagues will start popping up pregnant after you. I have at least one colleague planning a pregancy at this time. HA!!!

You know, I would hope that she would realize that you have been sitting on your hands with this information and be overjoyed for you. I know that once I had a friend who had (unbeknownst to me) had two miscarriages and one recent one before I complained to her about all of my early pregnancy issues with Robert. She was a little freaky in her reaction to me, frankly. She was like, "I wish I could be happy for you, and in my own way, I am, but this is very difficult for me." She thought I knew about her miscarriages and I had not a clue. I knew she was trying to get pregnant and could have frankly been more gentle with the news since it took her some time... but she'll get over it. My advice... me advising you (ha, what a laugh - you're so wise already) - would be to reach out to her in some way and plug her in - if she could feel more a part of your life, sometimes, that helps, like if you needed her in some way. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but this brought my friend around within fifteen minutes. She immediately apologized, recognized her own misgivings, and was a complete rescuer during my time of need. Anyway, I'm sure in her own way she will be very thrilled for you. On the subject of delivering a stillborn, I would not know what to do if Chloe' died on me right now. I would feel a complete failure as a mom. It would wreck me.

CONGRATULATIONS, Bella! I'm very happy for you. Wow, AFLAC offers 6 months or some portion of 6 months pay. THAT is a good plan. And knowing your boss loves you, your position will likely remain open and your seat warmed for your return. Is the woman that works with you and lost a child at 8 months still in the picture? Will you be in a different location from her as your pregnancy progresses? It would be nice to avoid that interaction I would think. CONGRATS!!!!

Hang in there girl! This baby might bring things into better focus for your ex. He's bucking because that's what alot of guys do when they feel trapped. Hang on tight! You will be fine!!!

The following is a quote from an AARP article that really made sense to me: "The rarely used objects that clutter our lives are not really objects at all but symbols of our plans and untapped potential." link removed