Conference moira::parenting_v3

	I'm Tracey Heffelfinger.  I work in Information Resources 
(i.e. the computer nerds) in Technical Applications and Support (i.e. about 
as nerdy as they get down here) at the Printed Wiring Board Shop in Greenville,
S.C.  I manage Vaxen and Vaxclusters as well as being the brave (foolish?) soul 
who volunteered to be system administrator of our first Ultrix Machine.

	I've been here (DEC and DEC/Greenville) since I graduated from Furman U
in Computer Science in 1983.

	I read constantly.  When I'm not reading, I knit, crochet, cross-stitch,
embroider, sew, do woodworking.

	I'm married (1985) to Gary, also a Computer nerd, but, alas, not a 
DECcie.

	I am an avid (rabid?) cat lover.  Fortunately, Gary is also, so he didn't 
complain about my three cats when we got married since he brought 2 with him.
We've been holding steady at 7 cats for the last 2 1/2 years.      

	Tracey  

    I'm Tracy Holmes and I'm working in the Configuration Systems
    Development Group in Marlboro, MA.  I've only been at DEC for 3 months
    so I'm still settling in.  I've enjoyed reading this notes conference
    but I still have a lot of catching up to do!  Before DEC, I was at GTE
    for 4 years.
    
    I grew up around here (Shrewsbury) but then went to school at Hamilton
    College (a small liberal arts college in central New York State) and
    to graduate school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (a great
    town to live in!).  I came back to this area because I love New England
    and this is where my family is.
    
    I don't have any children but I have two nephews and I love them like they
    were my own.  Brian is 3 and Neil is 2 weeks old.  You can read more
    about them in note 15.4.  Besides spending time with them, I like to
    spend time with my friends, knit, cross-stitch, work in the yard, and
    play tennis.
    
                                                  Tracy

Hi everyone,

Patricia (Pat, Patty, etc..) Koczwara signing in to Parenting V3.  

I'm an Information Services Consultant in USIS Sales Technology Group in 
Marlboro (MRO3). Prior to that, an Information Services Manager in the 
USIS Data Warehouse. However, I found managing and balancing my family life 
and work (staff and projects) was not working to my satisfaction.  Just over 
a year ago I decided to get back into to the technical area for my own 
career growth.  Been with DEC for just over 8 years.

Well, I'm second generation in the Information Services (EDP, MIS) field.  
Grew up around computer cards, computer printout rulers and I*M templates. In 
fact, (dare I say it :-) ) my Dad is an IS manager here at DEC.  But I have 
a few years on him here at DEC.

Just attended my ten year college reunion at Merrimack College in North 
Andover MA. (Great time!!!) Went stag with 3 of my girlfriends from college.


Personal stuff:

Married to a great guy, Marc, for just under 8 years.  We were High school 
and college sweethearts.  We have a wonderful little boy, Kevin.  We'd love 
to have more children, but so far, not in cards. Our house is overrun by 
two *BIG* dogs, Molson (what else to you call a golden retriever? :-) ) and 
Michelob (Mickey). 

Love skiing, sailing and swimming.  I'm attempting to play the game of golf.  
My family are golf nuts or widows.  So if I can't beat'em I'll join'em and
drive'm crazy out on the golf course ;-).  Used to paint in waters, oils 
and acrylics.   


See you in Parenting V3.

Pat K.

    Bonnie Randall Schutzman, currently writing programming manuals
    for the data dictionary/repository project.
    
    I'm a writer by trade and by genetic quirk -- on my own time, I've
    finished a couple of novels and am working on another.  Nothing
    published yet, alas, but a few nibbles.  Other interests are
    reading (especially psychology, sociology, and ancient history),
    crocheting, embroidery (but I'm not too fond of that awful
    cross-stitch!) and other needlework, and watching too much
    baseball and football on the tube.  
    
    I'm a DECmate -- Neil has been a software engineer in the database
    and dictionary groups since 1980.  We met in graduate school at
    SUNY-Binghamton in January 1978 and have been together ever since. 
    Neil adopted Kat shortly after we were married, and we have two
    sons since then.  
    
    I'll be starting part-time work some time in July (exact date
    still being worked on) so I can be home in the afternoons when
    Steven starts first grade in the fall.  I'm very glad for the
    headcount changes that have made this choice easy, and I expect to
    continue on part-time until David is ready for full-time preschool
    in a couple of years.
    
    --bonnie

    Hi there,
    
    	I'm Donna Knox.  I've been at DEC for 8 years now as a Software
    Engineer.  5 1/2 years in the RSX-11 Operating System group in Spit
    Brook, Nashua, NH and the last 2 1/2 years in the DECnet/RSX group
    here at LKG in Littleton, MA.  I've been married for 7 years to a
    DECie (for 4 years), Bill Knox, who also works in LKG as a Customer
    Support Engineer (I know I've got the title wrong and he'll get me
    for it later).  We've got 2 kids (see note 15.8) and 100 pounds of
    golden retriever named Max.
    
    	Some of my interests including reading just about any kind of novel
    when I can find the time, swimming in the backyard pool in the summer,
    getting my flower beds into shape (hah!), fiddling around with crafts
    (haven't found one yet that I'm real good at, but I keep trying),
    reliving my childhood thru my kids and just trying to get by in life
    with a minimal amount of stress.  Not much time to do much else.
    
    	I love this notes file and the people in it.  I feel deprived if
    I don't get to see new notes every day.
    
    See you around,
    
    Donna
    

    Hi, My name is Lynne Strasenburgh, I work in Employment in ZKO,
    in Nashua. I have worked for Dec for over five years. My husband
    is a women's buyer for the Harvard Coop in Cambridge. We have one
    son named Eric and he just turned one on May 29th, 1990. I can't think
    what life would be like, with out him.
    
    I love reading this note file. I read this file all through my
    pregnancy and it helped me answer many questions I had. 
                                                   
    Thanks
    Lynne

    
    Hi, my name is Patty Makrianis. I've been with DEC for 5 years now
    (June 10 was my anniversary). I work in MSB as part of the Rigel
    Vector Systems Integration Team. I'm a Senior Software Engineer
    and I love my job. I've been married for almost 5 years (Oct 5)
    to George (that's where I got the Greek name. My maiden name was
    Daly). Right now my only kid is my 90 pound lab mix named Oliver.
    We're trying to start a family...first attempt ended in a miscarriage
    and now I'm waiting the required 3 cycles before trying again....only
    one more to go!!!! I really enjoyed being pregnant for the 3 1/2
    months that I was and am looking forward to trying again. I have
    thoroughly enjoyed this file. It was a great help when I first got
    pregnant and then again when I had my miscarriage. I'm sure when
    my time truly comes I'll have lots of questions and input.
    
    Patty

    Hi, my name is Marianne Anderson.  I've been with DEC about 6 years.  I
    started out in the NY office, transferred to NJ, then moved up here to
    Mass.  I'm a Senior Software Engineer working in the Transaction
    Processing group in Littleton.  My husband Russ also works for DEC up
    in Nashua.  We are expecting our first in August....I just hope I can
    stand the heat and humidity.  I've enjoyed reading this conference, and
    gotten alot of tips from the pregnancy/baby shower notes!

    marianne

    Hi, this is Debbie Wasserman.  I'm a product manager in the Database
    Systems Engineering group in Nashua.  I've been in this job for the
    past two years, 11 years total at DEC.  My husband is an ex-DECcie
    software engineer who works down in Cambridge now (making for a lovely
    100-mile-round-trip daily commute :-( ).  We have one son, Marc, who's
    8 months old.
    
    I've been reading this file since before I became pregnant, and LOVE it
    (I'm always quoting something I read here to my husband)!  I can almost
    always find the info I need somewhere in here!
    
    

    My name is Jeannette Niederoest (don't even try to pronounce it)
    and I've been working for DEC almost a year in Educational Services
    in Zuerich, Switzerland (as you can see, my english is pretty bad).
    I've been reading notesfile since the beginning and I like it alot.
    Sometimes it's really hard for me to understand everything, but I keep
    on trying. 
    I live together with my boyfriend (fiance_to_be) and I *love* children.
    I like reading (especially Parenting it's interresting and so funny
    sometimes, and since I'll wait a few years having my own children
    I keep on reading notesfile..) , swimming, skiing (mountains are so close..)
    and a lot more.
    Well, that's it so far, hope it's not too confusing.
    
    - Jeannette N.            
    
    

    Hello there!! This is Norma Donahue signing in. I am currently working
    for the Secure Systems Group in Boxboro Massachusetts as an Engineering
    Operations Analyst. Among the various tasks I perform, I support new
    products under development, conducting marketing surveys and processing
    licenses for field test sites. I've been at DEC for a total of 17 1/2
    years. The first 13 years were in manufacturing. I then experienced a
    career change when I was excepted into Digital's Programmer Training
    Program. 
    
    I am married to Frank, who is as excited as I am that we are expecting
    our first baby in October. I guess you could say I am about to
    experience another career change, to Working Mother. I can't wait!!

    I have been reading this file since I found out I was pregnant. What a
    wealth of information!! So many questions come to mind for the first
    time Mom and this conference has given me more perspective on what to
    expect during and after the pregnancy.

    You will be seeing me in here now and then, either asking or handing
    out advice/opinions.

    Regards,
    Norma

My name is Kristen Cox and I work in the Dallas ACT.  I have been at DEC since
1987, and manage the operations team at the ACT (system management, operations,
library/media, fires, etc.).

My husband's name is David and he has three boys from a previous marriage -
he misses them terribly (they live 150 miles away) and sees them as often as
he can.  We have one child (Katelyn) and are expecting another.

Aside from my work, I love animals (dogs, cats, horses, salt-water fish, you
name it), music (especially piano), and all kinds of sports (participate and
spectate).  And two years ago you could have never convinced me, but my
favorite thing of all is being a mother.  It doesn't seem to come as 
"instinctively" to me as it does to many women, and I'm not even sure whether
I'm good at it or not, but it is definitely the joy of my life - and has given
work a back seat that it has never seen before!

I love this conference, BLENDED_FAMILIES, and many technical conferences
involving clusters, VMS, and products.

I can't say I wish I lived up east, but I wish all (or most) of the participants
lived closer so I could join you for picnics, etc...  I have met some
wonderful folks in this conference and have formed some valuable friendships.

Kristen

    My name is Kathryn MacDonald and I'm a graphic designer/illustrator
    for ISA (formerly known as BOIS) at TTB in Nashua, N.H.  I began
    as a contractor for DEC in 1978, became a full-time employee in
    1979, left in 1981, came back as a contractor in 1985 and then became
    an employee again in 1987.  Whew!  I've worked in many different
    companies in many different countries, but I have to say that where
    I am right now is the best.  I got (re)married in 1988 to a great
    guy named Terry who was also married before and had a son, Craig,
    who is now 9 years old.  We had a daughter, Allyson, 6 days before
    our first anniversary and life certainly has changed a great deal,
    but we wouldn't have it any other way.  Oh, almost forgot...  we
    also have Florence and the Cowboy (mother and son cats) who are
    going on 13 and 14 years old.  Ally loves them, but I'm not so sure
    of how they feel about her.  Time will tell, I guess.
    
    I'm very thankful to have this conference to participate in...  I feel
    like I've got a whole lot of friends out there.  Thanks, everybody.
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Hi, I'm Donna Mazialnik, an Admin Secretary in the Direct Marketing
    Organization in Merrimack, NH.  I've been with Digital 9 years now.
    My husband of 8 years, Mike, also works for DEC.  It's a total 
    coincidence that he works just five offices down from me (his group 
    moved to my neighborhood while I was on maternity leave last September 
    or so).
    
    We have a gorgeous baby boy named Eric Michael who is 10 1/2 months
    old.  We also have a 7 year old cat named Smokey.  Unfortunately Smokey
    lost her adopted sister Odie (same age) my first week out on maternity
    leave, so that made for a sad time for me as I awaited Eric's arrival.
    With Eric in our lives, we aren't in a great hurry to find Smokey a
    new playmate.
    
    Parenting is by far my favorite notes file and I, like many, started
    reading it when I found out I was pregnant.  Back then I read only
    the Pregnancy notes and could care less about the others.  Now it's
    the other way around.
    
    Donna
    

    I'm Steve Resende, an EPUB and Imaging consultant in the Dallas ACT. 
    I've been with Digital nearly 10 years.   My wife Pat was with Digital
    for 11-1/2 years before leaving when we adopted our son Michael last
    January.  Pat is now a stay-at-home Mom and loving it.  I wasn't sure
    she'd like staying home, but she's happier than I've ever seen her, and
    says she wouldn't be anywhere else.  Since Pat left Digital, our lives
    have become amazingly un-complicated (at least in comparison to
    before), and I believe I like this arrangement better.  We seemed to
    always be passing each other in airport parking lots when we both
    worked for Digital.
    
    I'm new at this fatherhood thing, but Michael has done a real good job
    of teaching me what to do.  He's wonderful (what can I say?), and I
    can't imagine what life was like without him.  Coming home to his
    smiles every night is better than I had ever dreamed it could be; guess
    you could say family life suits me to a T!
    
    Steve

    Hi.... I'm Jack Flathers.  I've got 2 teenagers ....!!! And brother,
    have they changed in just a few years!!! I'm only 37, but look about
    30, so people usually say "WOW" when they discover my kids are old.
    And "WOW" when I say I'm still married to the girl I met when I was
    16!!!
    
       But I'm finding how tough it can be parenting teens !!!  I've been
    lenient all these years, and it has worked....so far....but now it's
    like...."WELCOME TO THE MAJOR LEAGUE BUDDY!!!"   Time will tell....
    
    
    Jack
    

    Hi there!  I'm Marcia Landingham, an Executive Secretary at UPO.  I'm
    thrilled to see some familiar names here!  I have had some free time
    lately for the last two weeks, but that will soon disappear... Any way,
    even in my "off hours, lunch time, etc.," I enjoy reading this
    conference.
    
    I've been at Digital for almost 3-1/2 years, and have been married for
    2-1/2 years.  My husband is also a DECie, working in AI, Northboro.
    
    We don't have children yet, but I enjoy reading and taking in what
    everybody has to say... Some day, I might even have a "real" reason for
    participating.  For now, I enjoy learning!
    
    We do have two children of the four-legged variety:  a female collie
    named Trixie and a male collie named Laddie.  We also have two
    cockatiels -- which makes for a merry mix in our house!
               

    I'm Lucy Patton, a technical writer at Parker St. in Maynard. I've been
    a follower of this file since before my son was even a gleam, and find it
    incredibly helpful and always entertaining. I'm always quoting the
    wisdom I read here to my non-DEC friends -- they are really impressed
    that we have such a resource at our fingertips. 
    
    I work part time (30 hrs) and feel like I have the best of both worlds
    right now.
    
    Lucy
    

	I'm Milton Chow, Senior Software Engineer for SSB working at OGO 
	in Stow, MA.  I've been with the company for around 7 years now, 
	having started as a 3rd shift operator before getting into the 
	Programmer's Training Program (PTP) and dealing with code.  My wife, 
	Jan and I have been married for almost 4 years now and during that 
	time, have metamorphosed from DINKS (double_income_no_kids) to SICKS 
	(single_income_couple_kids).  Somewhere along the way, we even picked 
	up two cats (Bart & Angie), two not_so_new_anymore cars (1 being a 
	Volvo station wagon no less 8-) ) and a hefty mortgage (for the house 
	we bought last year in Bolton).  Jan and I have two daughters, Leah, 
	2-years old and Cory, almost 3-months old.  All we need now is a dog.
	
	By profession, Jan is an English as a Second Language teacher with 
	some training in early childhood education.  With the advent of Cory, 
	we decided that this would be a good time for her to "retire" from
	professional teaching and *really* apply some of what she trained for.
	We knew that financially it wouldn't be easy but we agreed that the 
	potential benefits were worth giving it a shot.  So far, things are 
	going great.  Jan enjoys being at home, Leah appears to have shown
	significant development in her verbal skills and Cory is one big happy
	kid.  A typical day for them includes a visit to the the local horses, 
	cows or sheep. They've joined  a local Mothers'/Kids' group that meet 
	weekly and are getting to develop a network of friends/playmates in our
	new hometown.  I get to come home after work (just like in "Father 
	Knows Best", "Donna Reed", etc.) and be greeted with a shout of "Hi 
	Daddy!" and a great big hug from Daddy's big girl (if I'm lucky 8-) ).

	Milton	

    I'm Lyn Tripp, I'm an Admin Sed DECTAG.  I'm working out of the CMAS area,
    generally in the NRO or MRO area of Massachusetts.  My husband Jon also
    works for DEC, based out of Northboro but part of CMAS EH&S, so he
    travels locally quite a bit.  Our son Andrew Jonathan (AJ as he's known
    to most) is 3-1/2 and is quite a bundle of joy and energy.
    
    We're most proud of the fact that he's finally growing, considering he
    was almost 2 months early and only 5 pounds at birth, he's finally
    exceeded the 50th percentile.  Have had him partially tested recently
    and have found him to be about a year ahead intelectually, this made us
    quite proud.  He's always into something and constantly wants to know
    how everthing works.  Maybe he'll be an engineer someday?!?!
    
    

    Hi, my name is Mark Cohen and I manage the DECtp Application Program
    in one of the new ABUs.  I've been a DECie for over two years now,
    and was at Honeywell Information Systems (now Bull HN) for 12 years
    before that.  My wife, Paula (also a former Honeyweller and a former
    Wang-er) and I have an almost-four-month-old adorable, intelligent,
    charming, wonderful...did I say adorable... daughter named Chelsea
    Hanna.  Paula is at home with Chelsea now and says being a stay
    at home mom is the hardest, but definitely most rewarding job she's
    ever had!
    
    I'm finding being a father is a very rewarding experience.
    Chelsea now has such a real little personality now and I never could
    have imagined how much I would truly love her.
    
      This file has been extremely helpful to us as first-time parents.
     We look forward to being able to contribute instead of just asking
    questions!

    G'day from Downunder,
    
    Well I read through the who's who and I feel like I must be the elder
    statesman..... almost 23 years married and two boys of 20 and 18 , both
    at uni , the elder reading Law and Economics(and hoping to major in
    Finance AND Accounting) and the younger reading Applied science in 
    biological and chemical technologies and hoping to get through the next
    couple of years.....
    
    I've been at digital for a little over 3 years , first in telephone support
    supporting ALL-IN-1, MessageRouter, then VMS... been around computers
    for far too long (25 years). Now with South Pacific Region, EIC
    (formerly SWS/Engineering) where I am a Senior S/w Engineer III. Do
    project leading, designing, programming, sweeping floors, that sort of
    thing.. 
    
    Hobbies include Scouting with the Venturer Scouts (boys and girls 14-18
    years), Just getting into Bush Fire Brigade (voluntary fire service)
    and am an instructor with St John, Australia and teach First Aid..
    Activities include Abseiling (rapelling), canoeing and have even been
    known to go caving (spelunking), the odd bushwalk. Fishing and being
    anywhere but in a town are also favoured. Gardening is a nono - If I
    could concrete the lawn and paint it green, I would!
    
    I suppose the best comment I could add to all parents on very young
    children is that it doesn't get any easier... ;-) until one day you
    realise that you have a new friend... (and my wife and I have two good
    friends!)
    
    Derek
    
    Born in Uk, lives in Sydney Australia..

    	My name is Bob Clark. I have worked for DEC since 1974, and now
    am supervisor for Low-end Workstation Product Assurance group. My wife
    Anne is an industrial engineer, but has quit her job until the kids get
    older. It was difficult at first for her, but she is becoming a super
    Mom. We have two kids; Mandy is 1 1/2 and Stacie is 6 mths. It has been
    a real challenge! But we are coping, and enjoy the two kids. We spend 
    most of our time together as a family. Eating out is interesting, but
    we always go to the same restaurant (Sylvester's in Bolton) and we have
    come to be close to one of the waitresses. When we are a bit of trouble 
    eating and keeping Mandy occupied, Maria comes to the rescue, and holds
    her while we eat! She has probably spoiled us!
    
    	We have various hobbies, photography, and I used to fly choppers,
    but with the added expense of two extra mouths to feed, my main hobby 
    is now spending time with the kids. Well, that's all for now. 
    
    cheers,
    		Bob 

    Hello everyone!  My name is Denise Brodowski and I work as an
    Administraive Assistant in the Westfield facility.  Have been with
    DEC since 1979!  Am married (8 yrs this August) to a wonderful guy
    named Ray (non-Dec).  We have two wonderful daughters, Adrienne
    who is 4 yrs old and Khristina who is 6 months.  The only animals
    we have are the ones on the outside of the house!!  I love to bowl
    - do a lot of fund raising for MS and JA, play backgammon (always
    lose), swim in our pool when I get a chance and watch General Hospital!
    i also love to go shopping, but since I've had the children it seem
    all the time I go I end buying for them and not me :-(.
    
    I've been reading this notes file for about a year now and love
    it.  I wish I started earlier.
    
    It's nice to meet you all!
    
    Denise  

    Hello, my name is Nancy McKenzie.  I have been working for DEC almost
    6 yrs. (2 temporary, 4 permanent)  I work in the Transaction Processing
    Systems Group as a Senior Computer Operator at TAY1 in Littleton, MA. 
    I am married to 'The' most incredible man ever.  His name is Paul and
    he's a DECee also.  (oh boy...We met in the Singles Notesfile)
     
    We are expecting our first child on New Year's Day.  We are very
    excited about becoming parents!  We live in the country and enjoy the
    woods and water (lakes, oceans) very much.  Paul hopes to teach our
    child how to swim the very minute he can...also he needs a spotter for
    when we go water skiing. ;-)
    
    I have heard so many great things about this conference and am so glad
    it exists!  What a plethora of information!  Just what we need now to
    answer our millions of questions.  

    I guess it's my turn now.
    
    My name is Nancy Donchin and I am an MCG communications specialist
    assigned to Product INSIGHT magazine in MRO4. I have been a Digital
    employee for 3 1/2 years (almost four and can't wait until I'm here
    five years and get the three weeks of vacation!). I am part of another
    "double DECker" couple (my husband Dale is an engineering manager in HLO2
    and has been with Digital for 13 years), and we have a terrific
    daughter named Jamie Michelle who is 27 months old.
    
    Working, cooking, cleaning, laundry, food shopping (the "fun" stuff) take
    up most of my time, but I do try to read and play with Jamie and spend
    some time with my family or alone with my husband as much as I can. With
    the little time I have to myself, I read and call friends and family
    (usually long distance). It may sound boring, but I LOVE my life as it
    is today.
    
    Thanks for all the advice you've given me the past 2+ years. I don't
    know how I could have made it through the infant stage without it, and
    I still find this notesfile very comforting when I have a problem or
    question. I also plan to participate more now so that I can give
    something back to everyone that has helped me and my family.
    
    Happy noting!
    
    Nancy-  

    Since I told you about Cassidy - now it's time to introduce myself.
    
    My name is Ginny Santamaria and I work at HLO in the SCIT Strategic Demand
    Forecasting group as a project specialist.  I'm one of the lucky ones
    who is able to work part-time.  It has it's advantages and
    disadvantages but I'm glad that I'm able to do it.  
    
    I've been reading the Parenting notes file for about a year now and it
    has been a great source of information.  It's so nice to get different
    opinions and to know that you're not the only ones who have had
    questions.
    
    My husband is not a DECie  - he grew up in Maynard and decided that he
    never wanted to work for DEC.  We both like music and before Cassidy
    came along we spent a lot of time going to concerts.  We also collect
    (and drink) wine but that hobby is somewhat on hold now - it's too
    expensive.  Now we spend most of our time marveling on what a beautiful
    child Cassidy is and on how fast she is growing.  I can't believe that
    she is 7 months old already - how time flies!
    
    

    Hi,
    
    My name is Sherryl Veach and I've been with Digital for 8 years now. 
    Most of which has been spent as a Software Specialist in a Sales
    Support unit.  Recently, I've moved over to the Cross Industry
    Solutions DCC as a Project Manager and am still trying to get use to
    the change.
    
    I'm originally from the small cow-town of Morgan Hill, California but
    have been living here in Maryland for a little over 8 years.  I truly 
    enjoy our lifestyle out here and would not trade it for anything!!
    
    I have been married for 12 years to a great guy named Sean and for the
    past several years have pretty much figured that we could not have
    any children.  Well SURPRISE!!!  We just found out that we are
    expecting.  Sean is just about coming out of his 'shocked' state and
    wondering how we will afford this newcomer, since we just moved into a
    new home that has tripled our mortgage payment.  I'm thrilled but still
    very scared.  As I'm sure all new parents feel at some point or
    another.  We are due late February 1991...and I pray we have no snow
    storms 'that' day!!
    
    I enjoy taking care of our new home...empty as it is...and *trying* out
    my hand at landscaping.  Overall, I enjoy spending time with Sean and
    our two wonderful animals: a 5 year old black and white Enlish Springer 
    Spaniel named Mandy, and our 4 year old orange cat called Tucker, who
    by the way thinks he's a dog.
    
    I'm new to this notesfile and am looking forward to participating in it!!
    
    Thanks!
    Sherryl
                       

    Hi All,
    
    	I'm Dave Beaudoin and I have been with DEC for 14 years this month!
    I presently work in the Sales & Software Training Center in Boylston,
    MA. My wife and I have two children, a 6.5 year old son and a 9 year
    old daughter. 
    
    	I have been out of touch with the PARENTING notesfile for a few
    years but recently re-discovered it and look forward to contributing
    on occasion.
    
    Dave
    

    My name is Tracey Hope and I've been with DEC for 3 years now as a
    field service engineer in Basingstoke, Hampshire.  I've been married
    for 5 years to Tony who does not work for DEC.  We have one wonderful
    daughter Elizabeth who is 3 months old, two very stupid dogs Dylan and
    Scampie who are 10 months old and an antisocial cat Leo of 4 years.
    
    All in all a bit of a handfull so I dont have a great deal of time for
    hobbies but do have alot of questions,
    
                    	TRACEY
       

    Hi,
    
    My name is Liz Trumpolt, I am a Secretary for the Advanced Technology
    Applications Group in the Mill.  I have been with Dec for 10 years.
    
    I will be married to my husband Rick, who's a printer in Ayer for 5
    years this Friday (8/17).  We have one son named Alexander, we call him
    Alex.  He is 9 months old and a very happy baby.
    
    My hobbies include; any kind of neddlework, chroceting(sp), working in
    my flower garden, playing with Alex, and sometimes playing golf with my
    golf nut of a husband (who can't wait until Alex is old enough to learn
    to play).
    
    
    Liz

  Hi.  My name is Karin Baker and today is my first day of work after
  my second child was born May 28th.  I have a son Stephen 2 years and 5 
  months and a daughter Allison just about 3 months.  I work in midrange 
  systems hardware engineering in Boxboro, MA.  I've been with DEC since
  1986.  

  I have really appreciated this notes file since I discovered it last
  December and look forward to many new discussions on everything!  I am
  going to try working 30hours a week and see how it goes.  Glad to
  be back!

    My name is Donna Micozzi and I have been a contract techical writer in 
    Littleton for three years. I started off in the IBM Interconnect group
    and now work in the Distributed Processing group. Everytime I am ready
    to go direct they slap on a hiring freeze so for now I just have to
    hang out and wait.
    
    My huband Joe started at DEC this past Tuesday. He is a software
    engineer in the ASDS group in Stow.
    
    We are new parents. Marisa was born on June 22. I just started back
    to work part time. This notes file got me through 3 miscarriages 
    and a pregnancy. I couldn't wait to get back to it.
    
    We have a new house in Milford, NH. My hobbies are playing with Marisa,
    Max (our black lab), and Spook and Tippy (our kittys), going to
    aeorbics, and hiking.
    
    

I'm Mari Davila and just started reading these notes yesterday!
I've been at Dec for 5 months.  I work in the CSDG group in Marlboro, MA and 
live in Maynard, MA (very close to the Mill...)

I've been married for 6.5 years to Bryan who is an artist.

We have three daughters:

Marisa		4.5 years
Lisa		3 years
Cristina	8 months

They fill our lives 24 hours a day!  I feel that by now, I know what I'm
doing most of the time, but sometimes get pangs of doubts and I feel it's
great to be able to read these notes.  

I love kids and anything that is related to them, from pregnancy to eating to
clothes to nightmares to friendships...I read one of these introductory notes
where a father talked about how his children are his friends.  This is what I'm
aiming at.

I just re-discovered reading (yes, as in novels), partly because it provides
the entertainment I crave without the expense and I don't have to move from
my house to do it.  I'm practicing at reading while I hold the baby and 
make dinner.

Happy noting!    Mari

Greetings to all the parents out there... My name is Roger Karr. I've been with
DEC for 15 years and am currently an Engineering Support Manager in the AI
SELECT consulting Group at DLB. 

I was simply poking around in the new Easynotes.lis file and came across this 
conference so thought I would check in and see what it's all about. (Thought I
would 'register' in case I saw a note to reply to, or came across a question to
ask)

My wife (Eileen Galvin Karr) and I have been married 8 years and have 2 children
with a third to be introduced to us in February. My oldest is Benjamin, alias
PAL, he is 6 years old and loves to read, Waterski (We live on lake quinsig in
Worcester) and do "men things" as Eileen would say. My Second, is a cute little 
curly red head with big brown eyes, her name is Eilis (Irish gaelic for 
Elizabeth, pronounced I-LISH) alias PUMPKIN. She's 3 years old and everything  
any dad could ever ask for in a little Irish girl (Temper and all! 8^) She loves
to play with her dolls and also likes to do "men things" 8^) . 

Ben has been snow skiing since he was 3 and Eilis will begin this year. They are
simply a 'blast' to be with and I only wish I had a video camara on them 16 
hours a day 'cause' there are so many hilarious actions, comments etc. that 
come out of their innocent little minds! 

oh yes, 

We also have our dog, Bailey, a female golden retriever who is registered as
"Princess Bailey of Bay Edge Drive" and a rabbit (thanks to my mother-in-law 8^(
named SPIKE. (don't get me wrong... I love my mother-in-law-, I just don't like 
the things she does sometimes)  sound familiar?  I've had to use that line on 
many occasion.

Well, I am looking forward to reading all the trials and tribulations on child 
rearing that everyone else has encountered.

see ya 'round'
rak

    Good Morning. My name is Nick Cappello. I occasionally scan the parents
    notes file for topics of interest. My wife Jan and I are adoptive
    parents of four children. Tony, age 13 was adopted as an infant in 1977
    from Colombia S.A., Elena, age 9 was adopted as an infant in 1981 from
    Texas and is of Mexican descent. Paul, age 7 and Blanca age 5 were
    adotpted one year ago today from Ecuador. Both Jan and I have "long
    term" and near term experience with adoption and besides enjoying
    parenting, spend a considerable amount of time providing informal
    adoption information as well as being formal speakers every year at the
    New England Adoption Conference.
    
    As a family of six now, we have had to make a lot of compromises on
    family activities because of the varying ages and interests of our
    children as well as ourselves. All four of the children play soccer in
    the Fall which somewhat consumes our weekends...I also have been
    coaching two teams...Jan has provided that major taxi service. In the
    winter we all cross country ski and I coach a local youth ski team.
    
    Jan and I are particulary excited this Fall because all four children
    are now in school. Blanca, Paul and Elena go to the same primary school
    and Tony is in middle school. We can't wait for parent/teacher nights
    and schedule conflicts. However, this is a lot better than the four of
    them each being in a different school last year.
    
    The adjustment of going from two children to four children has been
    both fun and challenging. It has created some interesting dynamics in
    the home. Some time in the future maybe I'll share some of the
    relationships that form among six people...there are lots of
    permutations and combinations.

Hi, I'm Meg Wheeler and I work for Customer Service Logistics in Andover, MA 
(DAS, not APO).  I have been with DEC for about 12 years and am currently 
a Information Systems Specialist (a.k.a. Programmer/Analyst before JEC).
My husband Mark is a fellow DECcie working as an Account Rep for IN-DEC 
Customer Service.  We've been married for 5 years and are expecting our 
first child 11/17.

Our family already includes 2 neutered male cats, an orange tiger named 
Piedmont (age 7) and a tawny/black tiger named Grace (age 2) who was an 
extremely klutzy kitten (he used to trip over the pattern in the linoleum).

I started reading this conference several months ago and have found it 
very informative and encouraging (especially how to introduce our 4-legged 
kids to the new 2-legged kid).  Reading other people's varied experiences 
has also helped me understand why you're supposed to do some things and avoid 
other things.  I just wish I had more time to do all the things I want to 
get done before the baby's born.

    Hi, I'm Cheryl Hay.  I work with Sales Communications in Stow as the
    Sales Tools Manager.  My hubbie, Bill, is the Greenskeeper for the
    Millwood Farms Golf Course in Framingham.
    
    We have one cute-as-a-button daughter, Samantha, who is now 8 months
    old.  Our eldest daughter :) is Callahan, who is a 2 1/2 year old
    Bernese Mountain Dog.  Luckily they adore each other, since Callahan
    weighs 90 lbs now. . .
    
    I'm sure we'll be talking/noting soon!
    
    Cheryl
    

    
    Hi.  I'm Rose Marie Boland and I work in the European Support Group in
    Northboro as a Sr. Information Systems Specialist.
    
    My pride and joy is Courtenay Elisabeth.  She was born on March 4th,
    and as I have been told, it is the only date which is a command.  Neat!
    
    Courtenay is 1 week shy of her 7 month birthday.  She has 2 teeth and a
    third one on the way.  She is a crawling dynamo!  She is now pulling
    herself into a standing position and walking around what ever she is
    holding onto, crib and miscellaneous furniture.  I fear she will be
    running soon ;-) !
    
    Wayne and I have been married for 8 years now and never considered a baby.
    Now I wonder how I could have ever lived with out one!  It is amazing how 
    much your priorities and attitudes change once you have a child.
    
    I'll be noting again soon!

Hello, I'm Amitabh Shah, and I have just joined DEC two weeks ago in the
Transactions Processing Systems group at TAY1 in Littleton. My wife, Surbhi
Sheth, and I are expecting our first child in the end of March '91.

While we are originally from India, we have been in this country for quite long.
I just completed my PhD from Cornell and my wife will complete her MBA in
December.

Hoping to read and learn much and contribute some to this group.

    Hi there.  I'm Dorothy Miner and I have been at DEC for 3 years now.
    I work part-time in Marlboro for Corporate Users Publications as a 
    Software Specialist.  I have been married for 9 years to Steve 
    (affectionately referred to as "Miner" - a habit leftover from college    
    days).
    
    I just returned to work a month ago from maternity leave for my 3rd
    son.  Our lineup is as follows: Jacob, 4 1/2 years old, Tommy, 2 years 
    old and Matthew, 5 months.
    
    It's a busy household and I know that I face a lifetime of the toilet
    seat ALWAYS being up...but I am having the time of my life.
    
    

    This was the first notes file that I added to my notebook. That was
    well over four years ago now.
    
    I'm Bonnie Reinke. My husband Don and I have 5 kids, ages
    21,18,17,16,and13. Three boys and two girls. The oldest is
    'homegrown' and the younger four are adopted.
    
    The two oldest boys are now in college, and our oldest is about
    to be a father (two more months). I've been trying to help out
    by finding used baby furniture and maternity clothes for them.
    
    In an earlier version of this file, I recall some one referring to
    a note by saying "I think one of the Bonnies said..." so that's
    how I'll title my introduction.
    
    BJ

    
    Hi!  I'm Cheryl (Cherie) Dery and I work in Santa Barbara, California
    as an Order Management Services Rep.  I've been with DEC 7 years on
    the 17th.  Started in Marlboro as an MIS Secretary, needed a change
    of pace so I took a leave of absence, crossed my fingers, and moved
    cross-country!  I was fortunte enough to land a job in Santa Barbara,
    I love working here!  The commute to work is really tough, I've got
    15 miles of ocean on one side and mountains on the other, with no
    traffic! 
    
    I'm married to a non-DECcie, yesterday was our 1 year anniversary, but
    we've been together 4 years.  We grew up in the same hometown
    (Leominster, Massachusetts) and didn't meet til I moved out here.  
    Our parents still live about a mile from each other - talk about destiny!
    
    We're currently trying to have our first child.  It's exciting and
    terrifying at the same time, but we are both looking forward to
    having a child.  This notesfile has been a terrific means of support
    in our efforts to get pregnant - I feel like I'm surrounded by friends!
    
    We do have three "kids" of the four legged variety, a 6 year old
    cocker spaniel named Tasha, a 4 year old "cat with an attitude" Kimba,
    and a 3 year old calico named Kelli.  I love animals and would have
    more if we could afford the vet bills!
    
    I enjoy travelling (especially back east to see family and friends),
    cooking, eating, reading and doing crafts.
    
    It's nice to "meet" all of you!
    Regards,
    Cherie                         

   Well, I've participated in this conference and the previous version
   for over a year, so I guess I really ought to sign in ...
   
   Tom Peacock, married 5+ years, at DEC nearly 4 years, also own my
   own business as well.
   
   2 kids:  Victoria, 19 mo, and Elizabeth, about 4 weeks.  
   
   Funny that Cheryl (14.43) should mention Leominster, MA, since I
   live in Fitchburg (neighboring city).

   If you want a silly answer to a question, just ask me.  I've been
   known to say almost anything nonsensical (on Friday afternoons
   especially...)   :-)    :-)

   Peace,
   
   - Tom
   

    Thank, Tom, for reminding me to re-sign in.
    
    I'm Laurel Aroian, married 6 1/2 years, with Digital 11 years and my
    husband is also a DECcie.
    
    Kelsey , 2 years 9 mos was born in January '88.  She looks and acts
             alot like Mom !  Takes dancing lessons and loves to dress
             herself.  She likes to only wear dresses and nighties.  What
             are we going to do when it gets cold???
    
    Phillip, 13 mos was born Sept '89.  He's a little ham.  He's dark eyed
             dark skinned (Dad's Armenian) and blond.  Where did he get 
             that hair??  Looks just like Dad and his Papa.  He might
             have Mom's nose.   He's not interested in walking, loves to
             throw and break things and is obscessed with the toilet!
             He gets a big kick out of shaking his head when Mommy asks
             him for a kiss!
    
    I became aware of this file when I returned to work after a six month
    leave with Kelsey.  I left for another 6 months in August '89 to have
    Phillip.  Since returning in April, I haven't had much time to
    participate, but am now!!
    
    I've worked 20-24 hours for 2 1/2 years. Working part-time and being a
    part-time mom is both rewarding and frustrating!!  It's sometimes hard
    feeling I can't give 100% to either one.
    
    Can't wait for the holidays!!
    
    L.
    
    
    

    
    Now that I plan to be more active in this file, I figured I would
    introduce myself.
    
    I'm Patricia (Patty) Makrianis, married 5 years and with Digital
    for 5 1/2 years. I work in Boxboro in MSB Engineering as a Software
    Engineer.
    
    I was pregnant earlier this year and had a miscarriage. After the
    suggested 3-month wait we tried again and BINGO!! first try I'm
    pregnant again. I'm now almost 12 weeks along and very relieved
    as last week had my first appointment and they had a look inside
    with a sonogram machine. The screen was only about 5 1/2" by 2 1/2"
    so the baby itself just looked like a blob, but I could see the
    heartbeat!!! My due date is May 5th and I'm so excited!!! 
    
    I've already gotten some great information from this file and hope
    to get lots more.

    Having been active in this file for a good couple years, maybe it is
    time I properly introduced myself ...
    
    I'm Stuart Brook.  I work in the Canadian Customer Support Centre,
    which just moved 15 miles from Kanata Ontario to Hull Quebec.  (Kanata 
    is a suburb of Ottawa for those geographically inclined).  My job is
    PDP-11 Software Support ... Although I've only been with Digital for
    just under 3 years, I've been working with DEC-products since 1971.
    
    Family is important in my life ... generally more so than my job ...
    My wife of 12 years, Jane, works at home full time looking after our
    3 girls, Jennifer 9, Hilary 6, and Rowena 2.5  Once the little one is
    potty trained (she is taking her own sweet time on this) Jane hopes to
    start part time work.
    
    As many readers of this file will know already, I have a trans-atlantic
    background ... born in England ... moved to Canada ... moved to England
    ... returned to Canada ... with about 16 years in England and 23 in
    Canada.  So I've seen both sorts of upbringing and schooling
    first-hand and being the long-spread eldest of 4 children, I had some
    experience in Parenting long before I became a parent!
    
    I often say that I wish kids were born with a Manual or Installation
    guide and such things as "If I'd only known with the first what I know
    now, parenting would have been a lot easier" but in spite of all that,
    it's an experience I wouldn't want to have missed for the world. :-)
    
    

    It suddenly dawned on me today that I have been very remiss in not
    clearing up an item that has hung around for the last month or so,
    and I know probably many will have forgotten it now, but I haven't.
    
    In a string of notes now titled about child abduction, I put in the
    following reply and also advocated the discussion of gun control
    (as opposed to the politics of gun control -- I could see the two as
    separate entities) .....
    
================================================================================
Note 259.21              Children Abducted by Strangers                 21 of 47
KAOFS::S_BROOK "It's time for a summertime dream"     9 lines  16-AUG-1990 10:41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>                       -< Even one is a sad commentary >-
>    at the wrong time.  One 3 year old was in his bed sleeping when a stray
>    bullet hit him and killed him.  ....

And people get up tight at the thought of gun controls ?  This is the major
reason, that in spite of many excellent opportunities I've had and got to
move to the US I will not.  Guns do kill people ... this is a prime example.

Stuart
    --------------------------------------
    
    Well, I received a very well written letter from a Parenting noter 
    expressing considerable concern over this reply .... first that I was 
    insulting my neighbours to the south, second that any discussion of gun 
    control would be political and thirdly that it was very much out of
    character for me.
    
    I apologised to the relevent noter because I discovered that I had made
    2 glaring errors ... the first that I had made a terrible generalisation 
    about the U.S. and the second that I could NOT separate emotions from 
    logic when talking about gun control thereby proving that it shouldn't be
    discussed here.
    
    I realised today that while I had apologised to this noter, I had not
    apologised to my friends in this file.  So, I do want to apologise to 
    my US friends, my generalisation stinks of the images conjoured up in the 
    movies and TV.  I'm not saying that this is not a factor in my decisions 
    not to move to the USA but it really is not the major factor I portrayed ...
    I have met some wonderful people in the USA and know many through this
    file.  Moreover I have not encountered ANY violence on any of my trips
    south of the border so it is definitely wrong to give the suggestion
    that I'm likely to be gunned down by John or Jane Doe at the next
    corner.
    
    Like all here, I worry abouut my children, and over-react when I see
    the images of them in a situation.
    
    Stuart

I'm Liz Wilcox and I work at the Customer Support Center in Colorado Springs
supporting database products.  Been with DEC almost 7 years.

Married almost 11 years, my husband is an illustrator with Loral Corporation 
(formerly Ford Aerospace Corporation).

We have a three year old, Kathryne, lost a son at 14 weeks of pregnancy
last year, and have another child due December 25.  Many say that the
timing is lousy, I see it as the best Christmas present we could ever
have.

I've learned a great deal from this notesfile and am forever greatful 
that it exists.

    
    I just realized that I hadn't introduced myself either.
    
    I'm Carol Stolicny (cj to some) and I'm a test engineer in
    Semiconductor Operations in Hudson, Ma.  Been with DEC for almost
    7 years.  Worked (!!) for Texas Instruments for 2 years prior to
    joining DEC.   Born and raised in the mid-western states.
    
    Married 3 years to Michael, an 11-year DECcie currently working
    in the Mill.   We have one son, Jason, who turned "1" in September.
    
    

    Hi everyone.  My name is Lucy Alexander, work with GIA Manufacturing in
    Marlboro (but moving to Acton).  I am married to a great guy - a CPA -
    named David.  We have a beautiful, wonderful, happy, amazing, etc.
    11-month old daughter named Kelly.  
    
    In the past, I have glanced at this notes file occasionally, enjoyed
    very much reading everyone's advice, situations, happenings, and hope I
    can soon participate if time allows.
    
    Looking forward to "sharing" with you all.  (Isn't parenting
    wonderful!!)
    
    Bye for now.
    
    Lucy

    Hello Everyone,
    Nice to meet you. I am new to the notes file. I thought it would be a
    nice way to meet some parents I could exchange ideas or thoughts.
    
    My name is Doreen Boucher from Westfield Ma. I have been with DEC for
    11 years. I am a supervisor for mfg documentation. I have been married 10
    years to a 15 year DECie.
    
    We have three wild and crazy kids!!! The oldest is Nathan who is 14
    years old (Teens!! another new experience!), Melissa who is 7 (and
    thinks she's 27), and Kyle who is 4 (what a sweetheart). This here is a
    full time job I often wonder if I work due to an alternative motive.
    
    Look forward to reading more in the note file!!
    
    Happy Parenting   :-)

    My name is Jennifer Martin and I am a Sales Development Specialist
    in Santa Clara, California.  I am 17 weeks pregnant and have been 
    reading this notesfile ever since I discovered (at 4 weeks) that I
    was!
    
    My husband also works for Digital, formerly as a Customer Services
    Unit Manager and soon to be Sales Rep.  We are making a bold move and
    relocating to Columbus, Ohio as soon as he graduates from the Sales
    Training program.   We are moving in February, and the baby is due
    in March...am I crazy or what???!!!
    
    I am a very nervous first-time expectant mother and have gained A LOT
    of knowledge and comfort from these notes.  My pregnancy has not been
    easy thus far (probably stress induced) and you can get information
    from these notes that you just can't get from reading books!
    
    Thanks everyone, for helping me through the first part of my pregnancy
    and for all the help I'm sure to get down the road.
    
    Jen
    
    P.S. - I would never forgive myself if I didn't mention that I already
           have a "child", a 5-year old cat named Rambo, who I don't
           think will adjust to having Mommy and Daddy giving attention
           to anything but him!
    

    Hi, everybody!
    
    As some of you may remember, I left Digital about 15/16 months ago
    after 5+ years here.  I left because I could no longer work part-time
    and because I wanted to pursue some other interests, specifically
    spend time with my kids (Caileigh and Paige), do some writing and
    work on my MBA.  I did a LOT of the first and a little of the others.
    
    I'm back because I need some $$!  I'm working as a contract technical
    writer on a short-term contract and I'm enjoying being back much more 
    than I expected.  (Uh-oh.)
    
    I really missed Parenting while I was home.  I started reading it four
    years ago when I was pregnant with Caileigh (and when I was the only
    Tracy in here!) and I always found this conference so informative,
    supportive and just plain fun!  It's great to be back (for a little
    while, anyway).
    
    -Tracy
    

    My name is Joy Sena and I've been at DEC for 3 years.  I've been
    married for 2 years, although hubby and I cohabitated for 9 or so years
    before tying the knot.  I started reading this file when my hubby and I
    first started trying to get pregnant. Our efforts paid off with Nicole 
    Marie, who is now a sweet, smiley, bubbly almost 10 month old - what a 
    kid !
    
    I took 6 months off after Nikki was born and really dreaded coming back
    to work.  Now that I'm back, I enjoy the break - although it would
    be nice if I could have more time with the baby at night.... I guess
    that's the breaks !
    
    This notes file is great - sometimes I feel like I know you all
    personally !  
    
    -Joy
    	

    Cheryl Stocks.  I have been doing software development at DEC for almost
    9 years now (I think - I can't remember exactly what year I started here).
    I have been working part-time, mostly from home, since my first child
    was born 3 years ago.  It's been the ideal situation for me!

    I'm originally from Illinois, but haven't lived in that state since I
    graduated from college.  I have lived in the Seattle area, Indiana,
    California, and Massachusetts, and have been comfortably settled in
    New Hampshire for 9 years.  Our family currently consists of me, my
    husband, 2 sons, and 2 cats.

    
    Hi everyone my name is Laura Navarro I joined DEC about 6 months ago
    Cupertino site Ca. I've been married to a wonderful guy for 11 years
    and we have a beautiful little girl name Gizelle Monet Navarro.
    I enjoy reading this file and hope to be able to add to it someday.
    
    keep on noting            
    Happy parent Navarro

    I guess I should formally introduce myself here.  I was an avid reader
    of the previous version of Parenting.  New job doesn't permit me much
    time anymore.
    
    I am Sandy Dismuke, been with DEC first for 10 years and my second
    stint has been 2+ years.
    
    We have 2 boys, Kyle age 5 1/2, Ryan age 3 1/2 (two beautiful blue-eyed
    sweethearts) and we are new Foster Parents for the state of New Hampshire.
    We have a 13 1/2 month old boy named Jamie who is growing and
    progressing rapidly.  All three get along great and their age
    differences don't seem to be problem.  
    
    Parenting is the best job I've ever known!!
    
    -sandy
      
    

    Guess I should introduce myself finally. 
    
    I've been a mostly read-only member of this conference for over
    a year now. My husband John and I have been happily married for
    7 years and are expecting our 1st child in 3 weeks (hence the
    active interest in this file)! I've found tons of valuable information
    in this conference, and I expect that I'll be accessing it soon
    while I'm on leave.

    It is my turn to introduce myself.  I have only started
    to read Parenting a few months ago.  My husband (of 2 years and
    a Decie also) and I decided to start a family so I thought I
    would start reading up!!!!!!  I am expecting our first child
    in July and have read a wealth of information already. 
    
    I look forward to learning a lot more and possibly interacting also.
    
    Kara Tulanko

    Let me introduce myself.  I am Wendy Chang.  I am a software
    engineer with Technical Systems Group in Marlboro.  I have
    been with DEC for 3+ years.
    
    My husband (who is not a DECie) and I have been married for
    7+ years.  We have 2 kids.  Eric is 2 1/2 year old.  He is 
    a bright and happy kid, loves music and reading.  Monica is
    10 weeks old.  She is a sweethart, loves to smile and talk.
    With a baby and a toddler, we don't have much time for 
    ourselves.  However, we don't regret a bit.  They are our
    pride and joy.
    
    I found this conference right after Eric was born.  I have
    learned a lot from it and are still learning from it.
    
    Wendy

    Hi!
    
    My name is Chris Cunningham. I have been kind of in read-only mode
    lately, since I do not have children. But my husband and I are in the 
    process of attempting to concieve. I've found ths note to be a good
    source of information, (for future reference)...and seeing that there
    are other women out there who are having/or have had a problem getting 
    pregnant makes me feel like I'm not alone.     its only been 5 months,
    so we're hanging in there, and going to keep trying.
    
    Heres to parenthood!  (some day i hope!)
    

    Hi,

    My name is Mary Giddens.  I have been reading parenting for about three
    years now.  Originaly because of my now eleven year old son, Charlie.
    And through my pregnancy  of my 10 month old daughter, Amanda.

    My husband also works for digital.  We have three cats, one dog and
    a few fish besides the two children.  I have gotten lots of help in the
    past form parenting and hoping to gather some information on ear
    problems in babies.
                                                  Thanks to everyone,
						                   Mary 

    Carl Ehramjian here.  I work out of VRO, soon to be TAY2.  I, too, have
    been into this *parenting thing* 8^) and notesfile off and on for the 
    last couple of years.
    
    My wife is presently at home with our 3 children.  We recently
    purchased our first home, or should I say pushed into buying our first
    home because of the lat 2 children born in November.
    
    Here's looking at the children!!
    
    Carl
    

    After reading this file for a couple of years, it's time to introduce
    myself. 
    
    I've been at DEC for over 7 years and am an editor in the Corporate
    User Information Products group working in ZKO, in Nashua, NH.  I 
    am married to a fellow DECie, John Paolillo, who is a writer, also in CUIP.
    
    We have a daughter, Gina, who was born on May 16, 1990.  It's been an
    incredibly wonderful experience to have her, but I don't have to
    convince any of you of this.
    
    I am from a family of six children (the second child, but the first
    girl--definitely a substitue Mom from an early age).  I was raised in
    Pennsylvania, near Binghamton, NY and moved all over the country before
    settling in New Hampshire in 1983.
    
    I found this file to be an invaluable resource while I was pregnant and
    preparing for birth.  Now I'm happy to be able to participate--using
    both theory and experience.  And I *really* like it when I need to
    remind myself that a stage will pass.  Nothing like reading this
    notesfile with one eye after a *long* night...
    
    I hope to be more active in it...I was out on a leave until Nov 2 and
    have recently caught up with things enough that I think I can be active
    in this notesfile.  
    
    judy
    
    

    Hi,
    
    I am Laura Steinhart, a tech writer in the IBM Interconnect group at
    Telecomm & Networking in Littleton.  My husband Bill (an electrician),
    and I are the proud parents of 4 month old Ilona Marie.
    
    I've gotten a lot of value, information, encouragement and support from
    the file since I got pregnant.  I particularly appreciate sharing the
    challenges, joys, and burdens of being a working mother.  DEC gives a
    lot and asks a lot; its always a balancing act between work and family.
    
    Heres to many good years ahead.
    
    Laura

Hi,

I'm a software engineer in ZK.

I've been reading this conference off and on for months. Started when I was
*sure* I was pregnant, but couldn't find a definitive list of early pregnancy
symptoms in the library or bookstore.  Finally figured out there is no such 
thing.  I was right, tho, I was pregnant.

My daughter, Elise MacKenzie Rollman is now 10 weeks old.

There is so much to learn and lots of knowledge here.  Good thing Elise is 
resilient, as I bumble my way through motherhood.

Pat

    Well, since others have been formally introducing themselves.....
    
    I'm Monica Fett-Barney, working out of the Canadian Customer Support
    Centre in Hull, Quebec (yes, I am within shouting distance of Stuart
    Brook), supporting OA products (a small slew of them). 
    
    My husband and I were born and raised in different suburbs of Montreal
    (both of us are part of the city's english speaking minority).
    
    Known only by my maiden name "Fett" here at Digital (due to Quebec
    marriage practices not giving the bride the OPTION of keeping or
    legally changing her name to that of her spouse...), I've been with the 
    company a scant 1.75 years, having moved from Montreal to Ottawa to
    work here. Alan, my husband also does software support, but on a 
    customer level working for the physics department at the local
    University.
    
    We're expecting our first child at the end of April -- pregancy thus far
    has been an interesting experience. Lots of ups and downs, but 
    mostly wonderful. Dunno the sex of the child, but I will admit I
    am getting pretty curious now.....
    
    Thanks for all the great notes -- they've been a real help for a lot
    of things that are mysteries to us first timers.
    
    Monica
    

    Hi,
       My name is Sandy Mahoney. I work out of the Northeast Tech. Center
    in Shrewsbury Ma. I have been here for 3 years. I have been married 3
    years and had my first child this past September. Her name is Danielle
    and she is 5 months old. I find being a 1st time parent a very
    challenging and rewarding experience.
    
    I've been reading Parenting for a couple years. And looking forward to 
    reading it for many more. I've found this file to be helpful and supportive
    when before I was pregnant, during and after my child was born.
    
    Thanks for all of your suggestions,comments and support in the past...
    (and the future!)
    
    :-) Sandy
    
    
    
    

    Hi,
     My name is Janet MacGillivary. I have been with Digital for 14 years.
     All of those years have been at the Mill, although in different
     positions over the years.  I am currently the Manager of Console 
     Operations, which is the group that provides directory assistance
     and information to employees and customers.   I have been married 
     for 15 years and have known my husband for 20 years.  We are expecting
     our first child in July.  There was a time through our 20's that we 
     did not think we wanted children. But sometime last year we decided 
     we had changed our minds and now at 37 are expecting number 1 and we
     have never been happier in our lives.  Although I have to admit I am
     a nervous wreck in hoping that everything will go alright. Not too
     nervous about afterthe baby is born, but just can't wait until July
     gets here!  I began reading the Parenting Notesfile in November and
     am enjoying ever since.  Very helpful, reassuring and informative.
    
     Janet

                           ~Renee' Graham-Amado
    
    Hello I'm Renee' Graham-Amado.  I work in Northboro with the M&TAL
    laboratory, I am an Administrative Secretary and have been with DEC for
    the past 9 years.  My husband Bob Graham has been with DEC for 12
    years. 
    
    We have 2 children our daughter 16 and son 12, we also have a nephew
    11 living with us.  Our son is ADD/hyperactive, and our daughter is a
    typical 16year old ;.).
    
    I look forward to adding into this notes....
    
    
    

    Hi,
    
    My name is Betty Rainville.  I have worked for DEC for 8 1/2 years and
    have done a lot of different things.  I am currently a Software
    Specialist for the CSCMA (Customer Support Center of MA).  I started
    with DEC in Detroit, and it is a really fun place, no matter what
    anybody says...
    
    My husbands name is Ron and has worked with DEC for 16 years.  We have
    a 21 month old named Ward Evan (My maiden name) and he is into
    everything, but most of all he's a riot.  
    
    Ward was 3.2 when he was born, but he has been very healthy and a very
    happy baby.  In fact he is smaller then most, but you'd never think
    that he knows that...  He is almost 21 lbs and barely 30".
    
    I have been reading this notes file for about 6 months.  It is really 
    great when you need to hear what others go through in similar
    situations!  I look forward to continuing and adding some of my own.
    
    Parenthood and Family life is incredible!
    
      
    Betty

    I'm signing back in after a year's absence due to pregnancy and
    maternity leave.  I've been back to work in the Treasury group about a
    month, now, and coping (I think) with two kids plus job.
    
    Jenny was born healthy, but a little early, on October 14, and Katie is
    adjusting to being a big sister.
    
    Glad to be back.
    
    Susan

    
    Wow, I just read my old introduction and boy is it old. I was waiting
    the required 3 months after my miscariage when I wrote it. Well, I
    waited the 3 months and got pregnant right away again. This time
    everything has gone wonderfully smooth. Not a hitch at all. I'm due
    on May 5th (4 more weeks!!!) and my last day here at work is April
    19th. I'll be logging in from home and doing some part-time work
    before I come back full-time so I'll make sure and let everyone
    know how things went.
    
    Patty

    
    My name is Vicky Triolo and I have an incredibly happy baby - 
    
    		Allison Michele Triolo Bennett
    
    She was born 1/20/91.  Her daddy is a Deccie also - Steve A. Bennett.
    We're having fun with Allison whose main occupation is smiling.

    My name is Karen Dowd.  I've been an avid reader of this GREAT file
    for over a year.  My husband and I just found out we are 8 weeks 
    pregnant (due 12/9/91) and we are ecstatic!
    
    I'm not sure how often I will reply/write in this file, but I will be
    a daily reader.  I look forward to absorbing all your wealth and 
    knowledge!
    
    Looking forward to noting with all of you.
    
    

    RE:  14.76
    
    Karen,
    
    You are welcome to absorb all our knowledge, but most folks will resist
    your absorption of their wealth.
    
    Just a quibble :-) 
    
    Glad you are in the family way!  Congrats and good luck.
    
    Laura

    Another new reader here - my name is Debbi Jancaitis (often just
    referred to as "Debbi J" by the people I work with !!)  - I've been
    with DEC for almost 10 years now (10 yr anny in June !) and have
    a wonderful 6 year old boy.
    
    Being a single parent by choice, from the start, I wish I had known
    about this conference back then !!!  Since I'm just a beginning
    notes files user and found this conference, I've been reading a
    little every day and love it !!!!!!!!
    
    challenges to look forward to .... my son started SOCCER this year,
    so Mom's taxi service has begun !!! Being a single parent and not
    having much direct family around, juggling schedules ought to be
    a real feat !  I also have to start looking for a new caretaker
    for afterschool/school vacations next year when Matt goes into first
    grade - any ideas ?????
    
    We live in Leominster, MA, just moved for the second time in less
    than a year and plan on staying PUT for quite a while since this
    home will soon be our OWN !  Just me, Matt, 8 month old pup and
    4 zebra finches.
    
    Looking forward to more reading !!
    
    Debbi
    

    I am a new parent as of October 90.  I work full-time and having a hard
    time adjusting to the 2 jobs I now have, working full-time and
    parenting full-time.  
    
    I hope that this notes file will offer helpful tips or support new
    moms like me who have had to return to work, not by choice. 
    
    I'm finding it easier now then when I came back to work 5 months ago. I
    wish I had know about conference then.

Hi!  I've been reading/writing in this conference for about a year now,
since I was about 4 months pregnant.  It's great.  I probably spend way
too much time in it.

I grew up in cities on each U.S. coast (my dad was a Naval aviator) but
got an engineering scholarship to Purdue and am now living in Indianapolis,
Indiana.  I never figured on marrying a "Hoosier" and now my daughter is
one too!  Even though I miss being able to go outside every day, I do like
living here in the midwest.

I've been married 10 years this summer to another Purdue engineer named Bob
who works for Union Carbide.  I came to DEC in 1984 after 2 other jobs and
love it.  I'm a Software Specialist IV in EIS/PSS and mostly I design, write,
implement, and deliver custom software to customers like Eli Lilly, GM, ITT,
GTE, etc.  I've switched to a part-time (20 hrs per week) schedule since
I had Michelle and that's working out pretty good.

My hobbies are golf, tennis (although I'm thinking about giving up on tennis
since I'm not getting any better and can hardly hold my own), travelling
(these days mostly to see my Mom and sister in L.A., my Dad or my sister
in Texas, etc., so they can see Michelle!), remodeling/decorating my house,
and whatever else I can barely squeeze in on the weekends!

    Hi! I just discovered notes last week and have been trying to read a
    little bit of everything that interest me since. I have been with DEC
    for 10 years this coming Aug. in several different positions. I am
    really interested in this particular notesfile as I love kids. My
    husband of close to 19 years (July 1st) and I have two teenagers :-}
    Jason Joaquim (middle name after his grandfather) just turned 17 4/6
    and my darling daughter Michele Lee will be 16 on 7/11. Surprisingly
    ( to me anyway), she has turned out to be a major handful!!!! And I do
    mean major..... But we will survive. 
     
    We also have a shih tzu named "REIS' ARTHUR, KING OF WINDSOR" who
    thinks he really is royalty. And human besides. He is my baby now
    seeing as we can't have any more human babies. The good thing about
    that is he will never grow up. I am looking forward to reading more in
    here and keeping up with all the new babies that are expected. Good
    luck to all you new moms/moms to be.....  

    Hi...
    
    I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Lillian Roberts.  I have
    worked at DEC for 4 and one half years.  I am a project specialist in
    the Southern Maryland area.  I schedule our customers installations and
    also handle the districts FCO program.  I find my job here very
    challenging, but find my job at home even more challenging.
    
    I have been married to my wonderful husband (Jeff) for 9 years.  We
    just celebrated our anniversary on May 15th.  We have two beautiful
    little boys.  The oldest (Jeffrey Michael, Jr) is four and a half and
    the baby (Evan Scot) will be 1 next Wednesday (Jun 5th).  We also have
    a five year old golden retreiver (Cassie).  That pretty much rounds out
    our brood.
    
    I am a new reader in the notesfile, and as soon as I saw parenting...I
    added it to my list.  I would like to become an active reader and
    participant.  I also look forward to all of the great information
    everyone has been talking about.
    
    Thanks,
    
    
    Lillian
    

    Welcome Lillian.
    
    Laura

    Since I've recently entered several reply's after being a read-only
    participant I might as well introduce myself.  My name is Angie Zack. I
    am a Customer Account Rep in the Pittsburgh office.  I have been with
    Digital for 4 yrs.
    
    I have been married to my husband Ron for 7 yrs.  We have a 3 yr old
    daugher named Alicia, inaddition I am expecting our second child on 
    November 1.
    
    I enjoy reading the parenting notes.  It seems that whenever I have a
    question on my mind I log in and find someone asking the same question.
    I look forward to all the helpful information.  I can relax knowing I
    have been a good parent with lots of common sense/intuition so far.
    
    Angie  

    I've recently been a read-only noter, but decided to introduce myself
    anyway.  My name is Zina Dunn.  I am a system manager in the New York
    TP Resource Center.  I've been with Digital for 5 1/2 years.
    
    I am expecting my first in August and so far so good.  The only
    complaint I have is the heat which has caused swelling already.  Peter
    (my husband) and I have been together for 3 years and married for 
    almost a year.

    Hi Angie!
    
    Greetings, Zina!
    
    Laura

My name is Cheryl Bettels, my husband J�rgen is also working for Digital.  We
have two children, Dirk and Markus ages 10� and almost 13.  J�rgen has a 
daughter, Raphaela 23, from his first marriage.  We live in Geneva (have for
16 and 24 years respectively).  Our children were both born here and are
trilingual French/English/German from the beginning.

I originally started reading this conference because of a problem I have with
my younger son.  Everybody has been very helpful and I've enjoyed all the 
topics, even those we've "outgrown".  It is interesting to see a very different
perspective on child raising.

Cheryl

    Welcome Cheryl.
    

    Hi.  My name is Michelle Towers and I work in Santa Clara Calif in the
    Facilities organization.  I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary with
    Digital; starting in 1981 in GIA, Acton as a Secretary, then 1983 as a
    Facility Coordinator in Irvine Calif then 1987 as a Facility Supervisor
    in Santa Clara.  I was born in Calif and since our parents needed some
    assistance we moved back here.  We loved New England for the time we
    were there (1976 - 1983) and became avid Celtic and Red Sox fans.
    
    I am new to notes and have been laboring all day getting this to work. 
    Finally success -).  I am joining as my husband Tim (another Deccie of
    13 years) and I are parents of a nine month old.  A boy named John
    Louis.  He is a cutie and we enjoy him very much.  My motivation for
    joining is our dilemna over whether to have tubes put in John's ears or
    not.  As I read notes I am looking for the proper location to begin our
    saga and hope someone out there has had experience with this.  So far I
    have found three people very against this and two very for it with
    about 3 feeling so so. 
    
    So this is my first note-writing.  I am learning so let me know if I am
    messing up and I will become more proficient as time goes along.
    
    Thanks
    
    Michelle

    Thought I might want to sign in.  My name is Peter Smith (sure it is).
    I've been with DEC for seven years in the Burlington VT plant.  I'm
    transferring to Augusta Maine at the end of June.
    
    I've been married for 4.5 years and my wife and I have to sons.  Tyler
    is 2 years 7 months.  Cory is 1 month old.  I've used this notesfile
    for some time now just to read opinions on how people have handled
    different situations.  It is amazing that children go through so many
    things that are common to all children.  I always start looking through
    the file to find something fully expecting not to find anyone else who
    has gone through what we are.  I'm always pleasantly surprised to know
    that my wife and I aren't the only ones in the world who have some of
    the issues.....
    
    TG for Parenting.......
    
    Peter

    Welcome Peter!
    
    Hi Michelle!  Glad to have you join us.  There are four notes relating
    to tubes in ears; they probably have answers you are looking for.  They
    are:
    
        54
       146   (This would be the primary source.)
       810
       652
    
    If you are unfamiliar with Noting, I suggest that when you type "set
    seen".  This will set all the notes to seen.  Then if you type "next
    unseen" or just "n u" you will only see new notes and new replies.  You
    only "set seen" once when you first start using a file.  Don't use it
    each time you open it.
    
    Notes has a good Help facility.  Type Help to explore this.  To find
    notes on a given topic type "Dir/title='tubes'" or "='ears'" for
    example.  This is how I found the notes listed above.
    
    Laura

    
    
    
    Hello,
    
    I have been following this notes conference for about 3 years now.
    I am a (very regular) read-only participant, having entered only 
    3 notes in that time.  About time I introduced myself.
    
    My given name is Pramodini Chepuri altho' I go by Pam (aahhh, much
    easier !).  I have two little girls - Rasika (born 7-18-88) and 
    Bhavika (born 7-17-90). Yes, their birthdays are only a day apart.
    They are the most precious things in my life and.. they are growing
    up too fast !!
    
    My husband (not a DECie) and I originally come from India and have
    lived in the U.S for close to 10 years.  I have been with DEC for
    5 years. I work in the Detroit Michigan field office as a Principal
    Software Specialist delivering software consulting services to
    customers.  Since my job involves being on customer sites (anywhere
    from 1 week to 6 months at a site),  flexibility is something I have to
    negotiate with each and every customer.  Like all of you out there, my
    middle name is "Juggle".   
    
    This notes conference has offered me much in terms of support,
    creative suggestions and different perspectives on things.
    I find that, at best, parenting has its moments of uncertainity.
    Sometimes, due to cultural differences, (I was never a child growing up
    in USA, I was 21 when I came here)  these uncertainities get 
    exaggerated.  The Parenting notes conference always contains 
    many different opinions on a topic, some of which match my own.  
    This prevents the "Am I only one who feels this way?" syndrome for me.
    
    Anyway ... I have rambled on.  Thanks to all active noters and the
    moderator for the great job you all do.  One of these days, I will
    become a write-also noter !!
    
    						Pam Chepuri
    
    
    
    
    

    Hi Pam!  You write eloquently.  I hope to hear more from you soon.
    
    Laura

    Not that I'm a new parent, mind you, but I am a parent again.
    My daughters are living with me after 8+ years of separation.
    
    I am Jim Campbell, currently with DEC 8 months, working in the
    Cambridge, MA, ULTRIX Resource Center, providing sales support for
    DECathena.  My daughter Jenni (16) came to live with me at Christmas
    and her older sister Melody (18) is being ejected from her home even as
    I write.  Mel will be going to college this fall.
    
    So howdy.
    jimc

    Hi everyone,
    	I would like to introduce myself before commenting on any issues in
    this note file.
    	My name is Mary-Jane Garcia, but for short (MJ) is fine.  I am mother
    of two, a girl named Grace who's going to be 4 in July 91 and a boy
    named Freddy JR who's going to be 3 in Oct. 91.
    	I have been mainly reading this note file and would like to get
    more invloved in the discussions.

    Hello Mary-Jane.  We look forward to hearing more about Grace and
    Freddy, and you!

Okay, it's time to stop being on the sidelines and get into this game!

My name is Wendy (usually signed W- because I'me a lazy typist!)  I have a
4 and a half month old red headed girl named Megan Elizabeth.  She has a mind
of her own already and a definite temper!  (Don't pull that bottle out to burp
me! I'm not done!!!!)


She sleeps through the night (I won't tell you how long she's been doing it 
though!) so I figure she'll probably get us later when she's a teen!

She is continually frustrated these days that she can't sit up without us 
holding one of her hands, and even more frustrated that she can't roll herself
over.  She's about and inch and a half from where momentum will carry her over, 
so I figure it will be any day now.  

She is the first grandchild on my side and the tenth on my husbands side. So 
she has loads of family around to love her and oodles of hand-me-downs!

W-

    Welcome Wendy.  Megan sounds like a lot of fun!
    
    Laura

    Hello everyone,
    
    I am Brigitte Fontaine. I've been with DEC Valbonne (France)
    for 5 years (as an RDC engineer and more recently working for 
    Service Engineering), where I met my boyfriend - and father of 
    my future baby !
    
    The baby is due in mid-december. As it is my first one (and I hope the
    first of a long series), I feel very concerned about anything related
    to pregnancy or/and just born babies.
    
    I am having a wonderful pregnancy (no sickness ever, no funny symptoms,
    still practicing all the sports I used to)
    
    I already put a note and saw with pleasure that answers haven't been
    long to pop up. 
    
    Happy to join the conference,
    
    Brigitte

    Good luck on your impending birth.
    
    Laura

    Greetings,
    
    	My name is Ron Matthews and I'm an Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
    engineer wroking in Marlboro at "the Bubble" behind MRO1.
    
    	I'm originally from Vermont and miss it terribly.  You know the old
    saying, "You can take the boy out of the country but your can't take
    the country out of the boy".  Well, that's me.
    
    	I presently live in Lowell, MA with my wife of 14 years, my 11 year
    old son, my 9 year old daughter, and a very stupid cocker spaniel.
    
    	My interests are martial arts, music, Eastern Philosophy and
    comparative religion (not necessarily in that order).
    
    	I look forward to noting with all of you.
    
    
    				Regards,
    				Ron Matthews

    Welcome Matthew!
    
    I lived in Lowell for 29 years (my hometown), and now live in Maryland. 
    I really miss my family who lives in Lowell and Dracut, but I like the
    weather better here.
    
    I, too, have a stupid cocker spaniel!
    
    Looking forward to reading more replies from you...
    
    Dale

    Dale,
    
    	Thanx for the kind words of welcome.  If you look at my entry again
    you'll see that my first name is Ron.  I prefer to be called that.
    
    			
    
    				Warm Regards,
    				   Ron

    good morning,
    
    	welcome to you all also.  my lover and i are expecting twins about
    	the 13th of january.  it will be a huge change in our lives.  we
    	now have one son who is 6 named andrew.  he is looking forward to
    	the new additions.  i wish all of us "Good luck".
    
                                             kathy :)

    Welcome Kathy and family!
    
    Laura

	Greetings,
            My spouse Cindy and I have been trying to start a family for 2 
    	years.  We plan to do this by a combination of giving birth and 
    	adopting since we want at least two children.  Recently she 
    	conceived and then had a very early miscarriage.  It was the
    	closest that we have come.  I am on a waiting list for an adoption 
    	referral, so hopefully by next summer we will have our first
    	child or a child on the way.  I have been reading for two
    	and a half years and may start writing more now that I've
    	introduced myself.  This file seems like a very supportive place
    	and a great resource for information.
    		Linda

    Welcome Linda and Cindy.  Good luck in your quest.
    
    Laura

    I guess it's time that I introduce myself.  I'm Julie Schlosser and
    have been working with Digital as a local programmer for about 3 years
    now.  My husband is also another DECcie who works with Logistics. 
    Nathan Daniel arrived May 7, 1991 at 9:10 a.m. after what I would
    consider a normal labor and delivery. (Hard for me to compare it to
    anything with this being my first one)  He is a joy!  At 4 months of
    age, he's rolling over and smiling up a storm.  He's our little angel,
    but don't let him know we said that because that's when he decides to
    act up and prove us wrong. :-)  He was born with lots of red hair,
    however, that has since fallen out.  But I can't wait until the fuzz
    which is currently there (still red) continues to grow.  We're just
    waiting for the comments to start (My husband has dark hair and I'm a
    blond).  Nathan is the first redhead on my entire side of the family,
    but only one of many on my husband's side.  This notesfile has been
    such a help in preparing for Nathan's arrival as well as throughout his
    first few months of life.  I enjoy reading all the topics in
    preparation for the things we've yet to experience.  Thanks everyone!

    Welcome Julie Schlosser and congratulations on your wonderful Nathan
    Daniel.  We look forward to hearing about his exploits as he grows.
    
    Laura

    
    Hello, My name is Noreen Mirabito, been at DEC for 3 yrs in Personnel.
    
    I was recently referred to this file and I can't get enough of it. 
    I'm expecting my first child in January of 1992, can't wait!
    
    
    

    I've been reading and now writing some so I guess I should introduce
    myself.  I'm Andrew Linnell, single father of three, boys 12, 10, and a
    girl 7 (oops, and a half).  I send my kids to Waldorf school in Wilton
    NH.  I coach youth sports and help out with festivals for children of
    all ages.  I also wrote a illustrated children's book: The Dance of the
    Elves (available from Mercury Press, Hungry Hollow Rd, Spring Valley,
    NY.)  In the past two years I have been somewhat active in the movement
    to improve education by evolving the Public School System to a Public 
    Education System of Independent Schools.  Long term, I feel a calling
    to a role in Save the Children which to me means more than hunger
    relief, but saving childhood - cultivating the imaginative life for
    children - not destroying it by forcing them into adulthood too
    quickly.
    		Andrew

    
    I've been reading and writing now also. I'm Kathy Dooley, mother
    of 2 boys. Billy will be 3 in February and Teddy is 6 months. I
    work part-time 3 days/week. It is a real juggling act but so far
    we have all survived and are having fun, most of the time. I was
    expecting life with 2 kids to be A LOT more stressful than it is.
    I really enjoy seeing how the kids enjoy each others company and
    even how they tease each other - Billy loves to growl at Teddy as
    he watches the jungle book! My husband, not a deccie, is an active
    participant in the household duties so although we are both constantly
    busy, it is manageable.
    
    well, that's enough of me...look forward to noting with you...
    Kathy

    I have been mainly read-only so far, but with my first due at the end
    of March, I seem to be turning into the typical paranoid mum-to-be, so
    I imagine you will be hearing a lot more from me in the future !
    
    Regards,
    
    Angela Hardy

    
    
    	I have been a read-only noter for a while as well, but might note here
    and there!  I am also due mid-end of March with my first, and so far, 
    so good!	
    
    	Justine McEvoy Snow

    I don't know if I ever introduced myself. I'm mainly a read-only noter,
    but have on occassion put a note in. I am expecting my second one on
    May 26th. I am definitely looking forward to it, but I will probably
    be looking for helpful hints.
    
    Sheila Huston
    

    I've been reading this file for the past 4 months, and am finally
    caught up.  I'm another mostly read-only noter.  (For now, anyways.)  
    
    We're due on April 11 with out second.  Our first is a little girl, 9
    years old. 
    
    There are some wonderful hints in this file!  I wish I knew about them
    when I was pregnant with my first.
    
    Susan Donahue
    
    

	Hi,
	
	I'm Karen Jennison.  I've been read-only here since May,
	when I miscarried my first pregnancy.  I'm now 14 weeks
	along with my second, and going strong!

	I expect I'll still be mostly read-only, but just in
	case I have the occaisional question, I thought I'd sign in.

    Hello for UK,
    
    Brenda Hawkins, working in the Telcoms Industry as secretary to the
    Account Group Director.
    
    I've been with Digital 7 years, have one son, aged 17 - he's still at
    
    school.  Hope I find some notes on teenagers and how to handle them!

    Hello,
    I've been reading this file for a couple of weeks and have
    been really enjoying it.My name's Barbara and I've been with
    Digital 13 years.I came back part time last year after the 
    birth of our son Kevin.He's 18 months old now and the apple 
    of our eye.
    
    I hope to start participating in this file a little more as time
    permits.I've already gotten some good advice from all the notes.
    I'm sure I'll be loking for more in the future.
    
                        Barbara
    

    Hi! As a mother of two young children, Mathieu 5 (boy) and Genevieve
    1.5 (girl), and a full time Digital employee, I find myself on
    fast-forward all too often.  My hubby, Gaetan, is a loving husband and
    dedicated father.  Although fluently bilingual, I am considered English
    Canadian, and Gaetan (bilingual as well) is without a doubt French
    Canadian.  Our very different upbringings (in the province of Quebec,
    Canada), tend, at times, to strain our relationship as parents. I look 
    forward to reading your notes, and perhaps, exchanging ideas.  Take
    care...

    Hi,  I'm Jill Bolan and have been a read only member of this file for
    a few years. I thought it was about time I signed in. 
    
       I'm hardware support engineer 4 in the Colorado support center.
    I'm been with Digital for 10 years the last 7 in the CSC. I work
    the weekends. Sat,Sun and Mon 12 hour days.  My husband Jim also
    works here as a Software Spec on the weekends.
    
       We have 4 little girls that keep us busy. Laura is 6 and in
    kindergarten, Kimberly is 5, Pamela is 2 1/2 and Cindy is 13 months.
    
    In my spare time I love to read  and I clean,cook,sew, change diapers
    chauffeur, read to the kids, bathe the kids, wash the dishes
    
    ETc,Etc,Etc.........
    
    
    anyway,  I really enjoy reading the notes in this conference.
    
                           Jill
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm Sheryl Caissie.  I've been reading the parenting notes file for
    about a year now.  I find it to be extremely interesting and very
    supportive. 
    
    My husband, Brian, and I have a 2 1/2 year old son, Daniel. 
    We're also expecting our second child this spring.  My due date is
    March 30th.  
    
    Some day we'll be able to tell our children that some of the parenting
    techniques we used, were suggested in this notes file!  Thanks for all
    the great ideas and support!
    
    - Sheryl
            

    Welcome Sheryl....  any relation to Donna Caissie? a former DECie.
    
    Lyn

    Thanks, Lyn.  No relation, but I did know a Donna Caissie in MRO
    from about 8 or 9 years ago; I wasn't a Caissie at the time!
    
    - Sheryl  

    
    	Hey y'all!
    
    	I'm Rich Fink, in Atlanta (Kennesaw, actually) Georgia.  My
    	 girlfriend has 2 kids by a previous marriage; Christopher (4),
    	 and Brittany (2).
    
    	The fun news is that we just found out last Wednesday that we're
    	 about to be parents together!  This one is due Sept. 25th, the
    	 day before my birthday. :-)
    
    	Anyhow, I'm new at this parenting stuff, and I'm sure I'll
    	 have lots of questions to ask of y'all.  I'll been a read-only
    	 member of this conference for the past couple of years, and I've
    	 learned a lot.
    
    	Many thanks in advance!!
    
    
    
    
    					-Rich

    Hey Rich,
    
    Welcome and I'm psyched for ya!!!!
    
    Lori B.

    Hello
    
    My name is Pam Matsis.   I work in Littleton, Ma and live in
    Nashua,N.H.    My husband and I have been married for 4 1/2 years.
    I just turned 30 on New Years day.   My husband and I decided
    last January that we were ready to start a family.  I started reading
    this conference in Jan.   I got off of the pill on May 1st with
    the intention of waiting 3 months before trying to conceive.  We hoped
    we'd be luck enough to get pregnant by Christmas.   After getting
    off the pill, my cycles were around 45 days.   The last one started
    in October.  On the 47th day, I took a home prenancy test, negative.
    Day 54 another home test which turned out negative.  Day 60, I went
    to the Dr. and they did a test - negative.  Day 72 another test by
    the Doctor which was negative.  On day 80, I went back to the doctor
    for the fifth prenancy test because my temperature rose on day 61 and
    had been up for a total of 20 days.  This test was POSITIVE!!  
    Yahoo!!!
    
    I've been feeling absolutely great.  I feel very un-pregnant.  Just
    went for my first visit last week and had an ultrasound.  I saw
    the baby's heart beat.  I was thrilled beyond believe.  
    
    I'm 9 weeks along now.  Hubby and I are both extremely excited.    
    
    This conference is great!
    
    Pam

    Hi
    
    My name is Barbara Hough and have contributed to this notes file before
    when I was a temp during Aug 90 - Nov 90 under the user name of
    Sanwell.  We'll I'm back, if only for a month, after giving birth to a
    beautiful baby boy called Martin.  He was 7 lb 13.5 oz and was born 19
    january 1991.  Today is my first return to Digital and the first thing
    I did was to log into this notes file.  I am also expecting no. 2 now
    due 4th October.  I am 7 weeks at the moment.
    
    Martin arrived after a 8.5 hour labour with 1 hour pushing.  I was
    induced, had gas and air, pethedine, epidural, drip and scalp
    monitoring, so this time I am looking for a less 'electronic' and more
    natural birth.
    
    Got to go got 15 months worth of notes to catch up on.
    
    Barbara
    

    re .128
    
    Barbara:  Did you get from January 1991 to February 1992 on leave?  I
    would love to be able to take even the 8 weeks unpaid leave after our
    second baby!  Fill us in!
    
    Congratulations on your new baby (I'm 11 weeks into preg. right now)
    
    Jolene

    Jolene
    
    I am not a permanent Digital employee only a temporary.  I used to be
    permanent from Dec 86 - Feb 89 then I joined another company, then I
    came back as a 'temp' from Aug 90 - Nov 90.  Had two months at home,
    gave birth January 91 had a year and a month at home, and am now back
    just for 4 weeks as a 'temp' again.  So all my time at home was unpaid.
    The only reason I am back for these four weeks is to save up for
    another car seat, double pushchair etc. etc.
    
    Congrats on your forthcoming event.
    
    Barbara
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm been reading this notes files for quite a while now and figured I
    should sign in here before I start putting my $.02 in everywhere else.
    
    My name is Jane Wright.  I have a husband, Mark, and a 16 month old,
    Johnathan.  We hope to have more children in the coming years.  I've
    been with DEC for 5 years now.
    
    

    My name is Denise Dickerson and I support the Central Accounts Vice
    President @ SCA in Dallas.  I have been reading about all of you
    and felt compelled to get involved in this conference.  I've been
    been married 11-1/2 years to Steve.  We were blessed, after accepting
    the fact that there were going to be no children in our lives, with    
    Heather Caitlin 2 1/2 years ago.  She's a red headed, red hot tempered
    doll and she is our entire life!  What goes through their minds!!?!  
    
    I know I am really going to enjoy participating and sharing the ups and
    downs of parenthood with all of you.                               
    
    
    
    
    

    I would like to re-introduce myself (previous note 14.76).  My name,
    etc. is still the same but the little one that was due 12/9/91 came
    early.  Thomas Killian was born 11/24/91, 8lbs 1-1/2oz and 22".  He
    just turned 4 mos. and is growing so fast!  He has green eyes and 
    dark hair (this seems to changing though)!  I had a hard pregnancy
    so have been out on STD since July '91 and I can't tell you how much
    I missed this notes file!  
    
    I'm sure I'll have questions for all the seasoned parents out there
    since Thomas is my first, but for now, I have all this reading to
    catch up on!
    
    
    Karen

Well, since the notesfile is going to be closed and we will be starting
a new version really soon (see note 1.28), I guess I should finally enter an
intro.  It's been almost 2 years now that I've been a moderator of
PARENTING, so I've been putting this intro off a *long* time.  :-}

I'm Carol duBois, a Systems Support Specialist on the Language Support Team at
the Customer Support Center in Colorado Springs. I currently support
DECWindows/Motif and C.   Of course, my team is being reorganized, so by the
time I enter an intro in the new file then this may all be different.  ;-) 

I've been involved in this file for many years, learning what I could before
embarking on the great voyage of Parenthood.  It took me about a year to 
get pregnant, which I did through artificial/alternate insemination with
an anonymous donor.  Seems my spouse has a very low sperm count... she's a
woman.  :-) 

My spouse, Michele/Shellie duBois, and I have been together for 7 years. 
On March 11, 1988, I gave birth to our first child, Evan, after about a 30 hour
labor. He is now a happy, healthy 4 year old, who loves making spaceships and
airplanes out of bristle blocks and legos, and who is now involved in making
"maps" which he distributes to his friends.  He likes Robin Hood and Peter Pan,
bubbles, animals, balloons, and books. 

Shellie is now pregnant with our second child.  The due date is mid-October,
1992.  She is currently going through the normal all-day "morning" sickness and
other "pleasantries" of early pregnancy.  It is really interesting for us to be
able to experience pregnancy as both the pregnant parent and the non-pregnant
parent.  I now understand first-hand some of the feelings of being "left out"
that fathers often feel.  I also feel pretty powerless in this pregnancy, since
nothing I eat or drink or do makes a direct difference to how the embryo/fetus
develops.  It's a really different experience from the last one.

To our children, I am "Mama" and Shellie is "Mumsy".  We wanted to choose
names that would both be identified as "mother" names, but Shellie thought
the other U.S. names were too similar to the sound of "Mama" so she
went with a British variation.  Evan also uses "Mommy" as a generic call
to whomever might be available.

You PARENTING noters are a terrific group of people.  I have learned *so*
*much* from you all, and made some nice friends to boot!  I look forward to the
new version of this file, and all I can learn there, too.

           Carol

Hi,

I guess it's time to introduce myself. I've been a RON for almost 
a year now. My son Joshua Stefan was born on 2/20/91. He's our 1st.

The first few months were.. well I'm sure you all know what the 
1st few months are like for 1st time parents....

Josh is a big boy. My wife, Marilyn, is 5'10" and I'm 6'1". The 
pedi estimates that Josh will be 6'6" or better! At his 12 month 
checkup, he weighed in at 33lbs and 34.5" tall...

He's wearing 3T clothing.

He started walking at 10 months and is currently getting into 
EVERYTHING. 

This file has been great over the past year. Just about every 
question we could think of was answered somewhere in here.

Thanks!
Daryll

    I've noted in here off and on and I do try to read once a day.
    I suppose it's time to sign in.  
    
    I'm Kathy Jette and I work at MKO1 in Merrimack, NH.  I've been married
    for 12 years and have a 9.5 year old son and a 1.5 year old daughter.
    We purposely spaced the children far apart and I'm so glad we did!
    
    I was fortunate to have healthy pregnancies and quick and "easy"
    labor/deliveries.
    
    I appreciate all the good advice in this notesfile.  The only question
    that can never seem to be answered is "when can we get enough hours in
    a day for everything/everyone!" :)
    
    Kathy Jette
    

    I'm Angie Geiger, I work at the Atlanta CSC, software call screening.
    I grew up here in the Atlanta area, have been married for 2 years.
    I have an 8 year old stepdaughter who lives with her mother, but 
    stays with us alot, and a 4 month old baby boy - who now weighs 18lbs!!
    I just got back from maternity leave a few weeks ago, and although
    I depend on my mother for most of my advice, I am interested in
    other's opinions.  I'm not as calm as my mother, therefore, if
    it worked for her, it doesn't necessarily work for me.  One thing
    is for sure - being a mom is great!!!  Also in my household is a
    black lab, who thinks she's a lap dog, and a mutt cat, who thinks
    she owns the place.  My husband is glad to finally have another male
    around the house.
    
    Angie

    
    My name's Sam Smith (as in Samantha) and I work in Reading UK.  I'm not
    pregnant and haven't got any children, but we plan to in the next
    couple of years!  In the meantime, I have a much-loved four year old niece
    named Corrina, and two of my close friends have young children/babies to 
    whom I am "Aunty"!
    
    I work in project management and have been with DEC for five years.  I
    met my husband, Andy, at Digital and we married in June 1990.  I love kids
    so I find this file very interesting, and I'm sure I can get some very
    good tips/advice to pass on to my friends!
    
    Sam
    

    My name is Andrea Whitney and I work in Salem, NH.  I have been reading
    this file for about a year now - started when I found out I was
    pregnant...My daughter is 4 months old now.  I never got up enough
    nerve to enter a note until just a couple of days ago.  This file has
    helped me out a lot - I am a single mother with not much family around
    so I can use all the advice and opinions I can get.  
    
    Thanks to all the parenting noters for making the last 4 months a
    little easier.......