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Thank you for your wonderful feedback and comments! This forum showcases letters and e-mails I receive from members of our online communities. Some offer tips and advice, others offer praise or provide suggestions for improving the sites.

I encourage you to e-mail me your concerns and suggestions: info@iparenting.com. Our iParenting family of Web sites will grow by addressing your needs.

Thanks for being a part of our community!



August 14, 2001

Pregnancy Diary Request

Hello,

My name is Veerle and I live in Belgium. I discovered two weeks ago that I am pregnant again! I already have a little girl that's 3 years old, Luna. I discovered www.pregnancytoday.com when Luna was a baby. I've since visited your Web site very frequently, especially to read the diaries and the birth stories. I just love it ! I had planned already years ago that when I'd be pregnant again, I'd write a pregnancy diary, to record my emotions and to share my experiences with other people. So here I am, 6 weeks pregnant and very happy.

Please let me know what exactly I have to do to have my own diary on www.pregnancytoday.com. I am very much looking forward to writing my own diary.

Greetings,
Veerle

Webmother's Note: Dear Veerle, Thanks for your nice feedback! All you have to do to start your diary is send an introductory statement, as well as a photo in .jpg format, to webmaster@iparenting.com. We will be in touch soon after that with instructions. Good luck on your pregnancy!

iParenting University

I saw information regarding iParenting's pregnancy course on CLTV news. Can you tell me more?

Ontisar Freelain

Webmother's Note: Dear Ontisar, You can learn more about iParenting University courses by viting www.iparentinguniversity.com. See you in class!


Thanks for Preconception.com

As a women who has been TTC since November of 1999, I want to say thanks for the diaries on your www.preconception.com site. Just knowing that other women are struggling physically and emotionally with the same issues I am is somehow comforting. I use your site as a constant resource and look forward to the day when I can reference your pregnancy site. Thanks again!

Maureen


Connecting with Others

www.Preconception.com and www.pregnancytoday.com are truly wonderful places to feel in touch with others trying to conceive and those already expecting. I've spent alot of time here learning, crying and laughing; and sent many friends who have enjoyed it as well.

Thanks for the good work!!

Tracy Rinella


New Board Request

I first want to say what a wonderful Web site this is. I am currently on the Male IF board and the ladies there are so great. This board has been my inspiration to keep going despite the negativity that surrounds infertility. A few of us on the board were talking and wondering if there is any way to set up a new pregnancy board. Some of the ladies who have achieved pregnancy feel reluctant to leave because they don't feel a connection with other women who have conceived easily and will not understand what they have recently been through. We thought it may be helpful to have a Pg After IF board. That way you go there and find people who know the pain and frustration that you have been through to get to this point.

Infertility is so difficult and when someone does achieve a pregnancy they are filled with so much joy and happiness that even morning sickness is a pleasure. Sometimes, when women become pregnant easily they take for granted what a miracle it is and may go to the boards to complain. Of course, this may not be true for all women, but it keeps the pg women on my board from moving on. They don't need any more negativity than what they have just been through.

Thank you for giving all of us a place to go to for acceptance. This Web site is a God-send.

Thank you and God Bless,

Jennifer Morgan

Webmother's Note: You can find the new board here!


Thanks for BirthPlan.com

Just wanted to thank you for helping me in writing my birth plan at www.birthplan.com. It has helped me decide on a few good things and helped organize my wishes.

Thanks so much!

Raggae


Thanks from Contest Winner

Wow, I'm too thrilled for words! That was a cool surprise to come home to a letter saying I'd won your weekly email contest and then find the package already on my doorstep. It's the first prize I've ever won! We love the Slanket, especially as the shopping cart pad, and Gabriel has taken a shine to the ruffles on the pillow. We're one happy family!

Thanks again!

Shannon York

Webmother's Note: You're welcome! To participate in our weekly contest, sign up for one of our 13 e-newsletters via any main page on the www.iparenting.com network.


Formula Idea

I received a lot of formula samples in the mail. I was committed to breastfeeding my son, and was in no need of the formula. Rather than throw it out however, I collected it and then took it to Social Services in my community. They were very grateful for the donation.

Kris

Expressing Love

I am the author of "Ready For Kindergarten," which you have featured in your site. Kendeyl Johansen did a great job on the review.

Every time I look at your Web site, I am thankful so many parents can turn to you for great ideas and advice. Recently, I read the "respect" section about getting kids to talk and listen. Right On! Parents need to take the lead and show by example. I speak nationally about "Raising Kinder, More Capable Kids" because the rewards of respecting kids, in good times and bad, grows an abundance of love for each other.

Here's a quick, simple idea for parents to create a moment to express their love:

Materials: a box with a lid and a mirror

Put a mirror inside the box without your child knowing. Hold your child in your lap and say, "There is something so special inside this box. There is nothing like it in the world, and I love what's inside in the deepest part of my heart." Have your child peak inside and enjoy his smile. Pick him up in your arms and give him one of your giant hugs. (I've had such success with this as a teacher, I thought I'd pass it on.

Keep on doing what you're doing! We can bring more compassion into our world, one parent at a time!

Blessings,
Sharon Wilkins


Cherish the Sick Days

Hello. My name is Zinnia Lesteiro and I have two girls. The oldest is 2 1/2 and the yougest is one year old.

I simply loved your article! My girls are always getting sick even though I stay at home with them. My oldest daughter is even losing her hair. She is being referred to a Rheumatologist. I can relate to that article in more ways than you think. My little one always has ear infections with very high fever. I've discovered that children have different needs when they are sick or just feeling bad.

Thank you so much for that article. It even made me cry. God bless you and your family.

Zinnia


The Dark Side of Parenting

Elisa,

I had to thank you for the article you wrote titled "The Dark Side of Parenting." You're the only one who has said how I feel sometimes! I was beginning to think something was wrong with me for feeling that way!!

Thanks again,
Jessica Cloud from Humboldt, Tenn.


Lovies Provide Security and Comfort

Hello, Elisa!

I read your article, thanks. I'm a mom for the first time, so there are a lot of things that are new to me. My son is 15 months old, and he just will not sleep through the night, I want to give him something to cuddle, but he has asthma, so he can't have a stuffed animal to sleep with. I sure could use some advice on what else I can give him, to lay with. Thank you,

Beverly

Webmother's Note: Try giving him a T-shirt you have worn, so he can cuddle next to your scent at night. It helped my twins!


Feedback About iParenting

#1 - I think your Web site is absolutely wonderful! I am taking classes in child development in preparation for opening an upscale preschool which will enroll infants to Pre-K. One of our assisgnments was to create a parent resource book. Needless to say, I went to the local magazine rack and found an issue of Baby Years. What an awesome publication! I am extremely impressed by the thoroughness of topics, the variety, and all the resources presented. I guarantee your magazines, newsletters, and Web site will be included in our welcome packet for new families.

#2 - I am thrilled to see a newsletter and site specifically focused on Dads. They seem to get lost in the shuffle of all the Mother, Baby, Child publications on the current market. Kudos to you!

#3 - Keep up the great work! Your site and publications are a breath of fresh air!

A Definite Fan of iParenting,
Cathi Fuller


From a Grandmother

To iParenting,

I signed up for you site, in hopes as a concerned grandparent, that one can never have too many resources to call upon over the years, as issues that need to be addressed; by parents. As there is no such thing as typical in today's society, where raising children comes into play. Most especially since things change at any given moment, 24/7. As have ways to handle each problem or resolve each issue. Things can change drastically from when you last had to deal with the same issue.

I have forwarded all of the sites you sent me on to our kids and even some others, who until I looked into my address book had not even crossed my mind.

I will remain on your mailing list for info we may need in the years to come, when the grandchildren are here for visits or whatever as one can never be too prepared these days. You might consider a site where others like myself might use as grandparents, as to how and what is acceptable or expected from us these days. As I said before,everything changes so rapidly today, that even as grandparents we occasionally need answers and guidance as to what is expected from us in today's world where helping or not; is and can be a big issue. What our parents did and what was acceptable by grandparents when we were kids has most certainly changed throughout the the years.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and ideas for further sites that may or may not be helpful. As I learned long ago, if one does not give voice to their ideas, it is those same ideas that never get the chance to be put into being made possible.

Sincerely,
Judi Butler


Adoption and Breastfeeding

Hi,

I thank God for your page (www.breastfeed.com), as I am in the process of gathering any information that would help us in approaching Family Service about allowing us to breastfeed (we are going in for adoption and not foster care). I appreciate your help, wisdom and advice.

May God richly bless you,

Kimmie and Bruce Comollo