Interesting digressions here, from the original topic. First, big stomachs go with the territory of pregnancy, and whether covered or not, there is no reason to find them a problem, irregardless of attire. Like babies themselves, it is simple biology (how we can perceive babies as miracles is another issue), and biology is something we should be embracing, rather then finding "unmentionable". Nursing babies, is simply a function of motherhood, for most, and entirely too much fuss is made of it. Sorry, but I see puritanical aspects to some of the comments, and I place those in the same basket as all religious extremism, along with Islamic Jihad. However, I will agree, that nursing in public should include a lightweight drape, to make it palatable for everyone, yet, momentary flashes should not be considered objectionable. I also agree that rest rooms are not the best place to find privacy, much less sanitation. On the other hand, I am not an advocate of babies in the first place, as the entire world's resources are severely strained by burgeoning populations, everywhere. That's what happens, when you allow religion to speak ahead of science. Having babies should be an activity of responsibility, and not one of fashionability. I find it incredible, that people who cannot even support themselves, are having babies, just because it is "popular". No one will suffer more, than the children themselves, from being brought into a world, where they are not properly cared nor provided for. I cite the example of a post presented here, which I will simply mention.....in that a young mother (unmarried?) was ignoring her own responsibilities as a parent, and a grandmother was being expected to raise her child, while she went out and partied half the night! (I won't even get into the divorce rate and the psychological issues created in children in such situations.) Yet, everyone is complaining about property taxes......and the vast majority of those funds go to fund schools for the children, that everyone seems to think they should be entitled to have. Perhaps everyone should be forced to go back to the old method of school funding......where parents had to group together in the community to pay for a school building, and a school teacher, along with all other costs of maintaining and equipping the school, and educating the students. Perhaps that might make people wake up to their true financial responsibilities of child bearing. Someone please explain to me, where the world went insane?

Removal of stretch marks is the most effective when they are just formed, i.e. when they are reddish in color. Dermatologists recommend various treatments for the marks, but their removal is very difficult once the marks fade. Although, one can use Olive oils, Coconut butter or Vitamin E or Vitamin A for massaging over the marks. Aloe Vera Gel soothes irritating skin which has been recently stretched. For an effective prevention of stretch marks, exercising is the best bet, as it keeps the muscles and skin firm. Also eating foods, which are rich in proteins, Vitamin C and E help in promoting and maintaining healthy skin. Here is a link that might be useful: Stretch Marks Removal

I just had my *second* eye job. I inherited the big fat bags and loose skin under my eyes from my dad, and the drooping uppers from my mom. They actually rested on top of my lashes. I always looked tired and looked older. I wore glasses all the time to disguise the bags underneath. I had the first done at 32. Doc told me it would last anywhere from 8 - 12 years. He was right. I'm turning 48 next month and got my second job in June. I don't look 'plastic' at all. I still have small bags under my eyes, but they are minimal and make my eyes look natural for my age. I don't regret either surgery for a second...I hated the way my eyes looked so I fixed them! For anyone seriously thinking about getting surgery, try to talk to people who have had it done. If you like the way they turned out, get their doctor's name. The docs show you before and after pictures of people they've done, but obviously they only put the best results in their sample book! Also discuss your expectations vs what can actually be done with your doctor. ie, a tummy tuck will definitely improve your overall look, but don't expect the washboard tummy of a 20 year old :) Finally, if you smoke, you must quit! At minimum, 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the surgery. People who smoke are not only at higher risk during anesthesia, but they do NOT heal as quickly or as well. I also did the teeth whitening thing. $200 for the tray and gel. I only did my upper teeth because my lower teeth don't show, even when I smile. Made a huge difference, and I can do a 'tune up' if needed in the future. Otherwise, I would like a neck lift - getting pretty crepey there - but it's not terrible, so I'll leave that be :)

Well today was my 33rd birthday and part of my family came up for the evening to watch the Huskers play football. My youngest sis came up early and helped us clean the house, which really needed it. I had to laugh at my sis that is prego with twins. She was going nuts that the cheese dip she made tasted weird, that something smelled bad in the living room and was so crabby. Boy am I glad that even though I am pregnant that first time around experiences early on are over. It seems that first pregnancy all that weird experiences play with your mind and you just know that you are right. I did ask DH and he said that yep I was that bad. It is just funny seeing someone else going through it especially after having gone through this 4 times. Stacie girlsingardens