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Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] Is there a single place where I can get advice about the pre-k process in NYC? I am clueless as to how to begin. 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.18.08, 12:09 PM Flag
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The Victoria Goldman book is useful for putting together a list of places in your neighborhood which your dc is eligible for age-wise. After that, you really need to ask around. There are the "hot" schools in every neighborhood which will be the ones everyone is talking about, and then the lesser known ones which are probably easier to get into. Your final list should include all of the former and a good selection of the latter. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:16 PM Flag
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Also, if the "hot" schools have lotteries, you shouldn't count on getting through any of them without connections (though you may well get through one or two), so plan accordingly with a lot of backup. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:18 PM Flag
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Thanks [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:31 PM Flag
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public or private? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:16 PM Flag
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jinx [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:17 PM Flag
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public or private? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:17 PM Flag
[ - ] Other than the most common things like tender breasts and bloating, what other signs or symptoms lead you to believe you were pg. And I don't mean missing period or positive pg test. 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:02 PM Flag
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[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:03 PM Flag
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This is weird, but my teeth feel funny or I get a funny taste in my mouth. I can't describe it, but I've only had it when I'm pg and with my 4 pgs (2 mcs, 2dbs) I've known before I missed a period. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:05 PM Flag
[ - ] Any advice on which nanny cam is the best? Should I have a service or DIY it? Any recommendations? Starting to get the feeling that I need one. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 07.18.08, 11:57 AM Flag
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If you have suspicions I'd change nanny anyway. You might not catch her on the camera anyway. Go with your gut feeling. I have no idea which are good cameras to get. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:58 AM Flag
[ - ] the person i hate most in the world right now is rich, socially connected and a leg at chapin who is somewhat involved with the school. she's also a total b&tch. any chance her dd's won't get in so i can enjoy some well-deserved schadenfreude? 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.18.08, 11:50 AM Flag
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They are getting in. Get over it now. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:51 AM Flag
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ITA. Unless your dd is dumb as a post, she's pretty much guaranteed to get into your ss alma mater. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:53 AM Flag
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they're pretty darn dumb. c'mon, indulge me, here! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:36 PM Flag
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Fencepost, fencepost, fencepost,doorjamb. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:39 PM Flag
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wait - what does this mean???? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:47 PM Flag
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Well, at the very least, people will always be twittering behind their backs that the dd got in because she's a legacy. No one's going to think she got in on merit, including all her classmates' parents! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:48 PM Flag
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Is that what you outsiders say to each other to feel better. Ever considered that smart people marry and give birth to smart dcs? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 01:16 PM Flag
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That is such BS loads of bright legacy dcs who are rejected, check your fact and stop making things up [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 01:15 PM Flag
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what did she do? do tell... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:37 PM Flag
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stabbed me in the back big-time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:40 PM Flag
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oooo- i hate her, too. tell all the juicy details...i'm listening... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:47 PM Flag
[ - ] If someone leaves something at your house, like their camera or sunglasses, do you feel it's your responsibility to get the stuff back to them, or their's to come and get it? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:50 AM Flag
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I usually hang onto it until I see them again. If they want it sooner they collect. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:54 AM Flag
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It's my responsibility to mention to them that they left it there as they may not remember where they left it - unless of course I don't know whose it is. It's their resonsibility to get it or to say "hey can you bring it when we have lunch next week" or whatever. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:58 AM Flag
[ - ] having new friends over with their 2 yo to have a casual dinner with us and so the kids can play. i put a sheet on the couch so it doesn't get messed up. Tacky to leave it onng new friends over with their 2 yo to have a casual dinner with us and so the kids can play. i put a sheet on the couch so it doesn't get messed up. Tacky to leave it on 14 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:49 AM Flag
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^i'm sorry, IS it tacky if I leave it on? it got stained the last time we had people over with kids [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:50 AM Flag
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NO. As a parent of a 2 yo, it takes the stress off of me if I see that my host has done something to protect things that might get broken or stained. The parent of the 2 yo knows. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:52 AM Flag
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ita [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:53 AM Flag
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Yes. Tacky. And, rude. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:51 AM Flag
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why is it rude? we always have it on. DD likes to eat and sit on the couch. also, if they were popping in (they are neighbors) they would see it [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:54 AM Flag
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Oh, if it's always on there, then it isn't rude. I must have read your post wrong. Sorry. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:59 AM Flag
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oh no i have a 2 year old too. i wouldn't do this if I was hosting someone and I didn't do it for DD [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:03 PM Flag
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That I TOTALLY get. We have a throw on our sofa in our family room because of our 2 yo dd. Dh always teases me that the next step are those plastic slip-covers. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:06 PM Flag
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we had a throw too but then DD got it all dirty and it wasn't cheap!!! so new we have a ghetto white sheet. i am sure DH will be horrified but I know the kids will be running around anyway and we'll have ice cream so i am just whatever now [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:12 PM Flag
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If you usually have it on I would leave it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:51 AM Flag
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Only caveat: I might wash it special for the occassion. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:58 AM Flag
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Yeah, that would probably be good. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:59 AM Flag
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oh yeah i was just looking at it and it has cookie crumbs on it. I'll put on a new sheet. thx! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:04 PM Flag
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I'm not sure why, but this made me lol. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:07 PM Flag
[ - ] 5.5 month old driving me crazy. Won't take longer than a 40 min nap in crib and today only 20 mins. Wakes up screaming and is cranky all day. Needs to get drowsy or fall asleep on my shoulder. I feel like I am spending all day trying to get her down for a nap. 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:48 AM Flag
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This was my ds when he was the same age. I thought I was going to LOSE IT. He eventually grew out of it and now, although he isn't the greatest napper, will at least give me an hour, 2x a day. Oddly enough, when he's with my parent's, he goes down for a 2 hour nap, and they have a bright, rather noisy room for him to nap in. I'm the dummy with the blackout shades, noise machine ect..... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 01:28 PM Flag
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!! We just ordered blackout shades for her room and since it's hot we have the A/C on which is a pretty good white noise maker. Maybe it's just a phase? She used to take really long naps when she was ~3 months old and they've just progressively gotten shorter. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 01:43 PM Flag
[ - ] If you had a choice: To move to Spring Lake, NJ and live 1 block from the beach and dcs go to public and could ride their bikes to school or live in the city and dcs go to private and have a driver, wwyd? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:46 AM Flag
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The former. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:47 AM Flag
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Depends on my commute. Every minute I spend commuting is time I'm not spending with dc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:50 AM Flag
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Dh would commute to NYC. He can take the train and is always gone now anyway [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:53 AM Flag
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You sound wealthy - why not live on the beach? That would be perfect. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:22 PM Flag
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#1 hands down. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:22 PM Flag
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I love Spring Lake. That's the winner! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:26 PM Flag
[ - ] Am I the only one who can't find cute things on etsy.com? Decorating my son's nursery and everyone keeps suggesting etsy, but I can't find anything I like. My look is definitely more modern. ANyone have any links? Thanks! 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:45 AM Flag
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I just bought this for my ds's room: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11904941 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:46 AM Flag
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Fall Down Tree: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5665881 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:47 AM Flag
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Ink and Wit: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=10275 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:47 AM Flag
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Daily Papr: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5933443 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:48 AM Flag
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Not art, but I love these! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12066706 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:49 AM Flag
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You can't find anything because 99% of it is arts and crafts crap. The poster above is giving you the list of her Girl Scout Troops projects. Painted gourd anyone? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:20 PM Flag
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roflmao, ittta [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:21 PM Flag
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I love to search thru faves of faves [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 08:15 AM Flag
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http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5376404 very cute kids art [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 08:16 AM Flag
[ - ] How long did you swaddle your dc? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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Newborn 07.18.08, 11:35 AM Flag
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#1 7months. #2 a couple of weeks [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:48 AM Flag
[ - ] Need to meet a friend near Shea tonight - any bars near the subway or just do will call? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:34 AM Flag
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Would YOU want your friend to force you into a bar near Shea Stadium? Ecccch. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:36 AM Flag
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because we are going to try and get billy joel tickets and we like to drink [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:37 AM Flag
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Well, there ya go. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:37 AM Flag
[ - ] Why do nbs make so much noise while asleep? When does that stop? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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Newborn 07.18.08, 11:33 AM Flag
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Mine didn't make noise when sleeping. Are they snoring? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:56 AM Flag
[ - ] Honestly, who comes first? DH or your DC? 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 07.18.08, 11:26 AM Flag
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Always, always DC [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:28 AM Flag
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My Dh is having an existential fit about that and wants me to prioritize him [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:29 AM Flag
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Your husband needs to grow up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:30 AM Flag
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Tell me about it. Also we just had DC #2 - 6 wk old. So I am spread very thin as it is. And this is his contribuion. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:32 AM Flag
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I think it's appropriate to be blunt here. Something along the lines of "Acting jealous of a toddler and an infant is really idiotic. How about being a parent instead of acting like a needy teenager?" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:34 AM Flag
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np: or, try a softer approach and say "look, I know that with the second kid there is less time that I have for you and less time that you have for yourself, and it's hard to adjust, but I need you to step up here b/c i'm overwhelmed too. and i need your support, not to feel like you're another child i need to take care of." [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:19 PM Flag
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Does he prioritize you? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:32 AM Flag
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Hard to tell. He is so busy with work. He seems to needto see me outsource the dcs so we can spend time together alone like in the pre dc days. But - like I said before, we have a nb so its hard... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:34 AM Flag
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And NOW is not THEN. I'd remind him of that and let him know that it is never going to be the same. Not worse, just different. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:35 AM Flag
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np: I do think it's healthy to have time each week to be alone together w/o the kids. DH and I have always done that. He is so busy with work, and it really helps us stay connected & strong. And that, in turn, is healthy for hte kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:30 PM Flag
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Dc of course. I actually believe that it can be different for men. My brother and I were clearly prioritized behind my mom and my father's career, and it was okay. He just sort of parented and cared for us through her. Very traditional family life. I'm very pleased to say that I am well behind my dd on my dh's list of priorities, however. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:53 AM Flag
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it depends on the situation, sometimes DH. i once heard a relationship expert say that your spouse should come first, then your kids. b/c if you are only focusing on the kids, your relationship can suffer. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:13 PM Flag
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^^^also, it is good for your kids to grow up watching his parents honor and serve each other. so prioritizing their father sometimes teaches them about what marriage and commitment are about. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:25 PM Flag
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This is the way I was raised. My mom always told me that, if she did her job right, I'd grow up and leave her, but my dad would still be by her side. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:28 PM Flag
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np: so true. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:31 PM Flag
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It has always seemed bizarre to me to make these kinds of artificial distinctions. I can't imagine life without either db or dh. I guess if i was in some kind of ridiculous hypothetical I would pull db out from in front of the speeding bus first. But in real life, you and dh are both there for each other and to do the best job you can of loving and caring for your children. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:20 PM Flag
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ALWAYS dh first. always. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 01:16 PM Flag
[ - ] top 10 NYC public elementary schools that are in good zones ? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:21 AM Flag
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6, 234, 158, 87, 199, 41, 290, 116 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:23 AM Flag
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what neighbors ? or am i pushing my luck [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:28 AM Flag
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Check out inside schools.org and the book published by the same people (which at this point is a little out of date) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:24 AM Flag
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lol..of course the top 10 will be in good zones (I'm talking about non testing schools) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:25 AM Flag
[ - ] anyone here happy they chose zoned school over g&t? if so, what zoned school and what g&t? 35 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.18.08, 11:19 AM Flag
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Yes, I'm not going to say the schools - don't know anyone else that has the same two - but there might be... and happy because we have such wonderful parents at the general ed - the academics are good enough/sometimes great and my dc does plenty of self motivated learning so its really no big deal [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:21 AM Flag
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we chose ps41 over a district g&t [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 11:32 AM Flag
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Very happy that I chose PS 116 zone school over PS 11 G&T [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 12:57 PM Flag
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we also passed on ps 11. very happy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 01:56 PM Flag
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?? The school year hasn't started, yet, and your kid will never know how PS 11 G&T is going to be but you are "very happy"? Why? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 03:32 PM Flag
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i'm happy with our choice. i feel like it's a better fit for us and i'm not looking back. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:02 PM Flag
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Have friends in the G&T at PS 11 and do not feel that it is worth traveling when 116 haas a great general ed. Additionally, 11 has small class sizes for now but I feel that will change eventually..... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.19.08, 07:20 AM Flag
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same here. agree class size will probably go up. i honestly doubt it will be 20 dcs even this year. we liked a lot of things about 11 but in the end decided to go with our zoned school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.19.08, 10:30 AM Flag
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How do you know? PS 11 has small class grant, They are entitled to have small classes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:23 AM Flag
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Why? We're in a similar situation and would love to know your POV and experience [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 02:08 PM Flag
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We chose PS 11 G&T over 234. Very thrilled. This year they have strong peer group which DC really wanted. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:05 PM Flag
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is this a joke? how does dc even know what a peer group is and why would you let dc make this decision anyway? i think it is a joke. no one in their right mind would choose ps11 g&t over 234. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:07 PM Flag
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np: We also chose PS 11 G&T over PS 41. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:10 PM Flag
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nnp. just the opposite here. to each her own! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:11 PM Flag
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We decided to go with our zoned school over 11. It was a better choice for us. I think 11 is a good school if you are in TAG but the general ed has a long way to go.... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.19.08, 12:51 PM Flag
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agree, but i am impressed with how far it's coming along. that said, i don't think even the g&t is any better than the best zoned schools in d2. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.19.08, 01:30 PM Flag
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i doubt the peer group is really any stronger than 234's. 90s-99s. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:16 PM Flag
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Are you 234 parents? How do know the peer group there? My DC#1 goes there and I don't like very much about parentsbody and type of DCs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:22 PM Flag
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i'm just guessing. but the ela/math scores in general are very good at 234. i doubt there's really much difference between the peer groups. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:25 PM Flag
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test scores is a very small part of the formula. Parent body, location, etc. etc. etc. all play part in the decision, no? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:28 PM Flag
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when poster above said "strong peer group" she was referring specifically to how bright the dcs are. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:29 PM Flag
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Yes. PS 173. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.18.08, 05:19 PM Flag
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A lot of people do in our neighborhood (District 6, zoned school is PS 187). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.19.08, 07:37 AM Flag
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what is the g&t in that district? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.19.08, 05:55 PM Flag
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This year, there were 2 options: PS 153 and PS 98. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 05:39 PM Flag
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Yes, chose PS 39 over PS 230 (District 15, Brooklyn) -- very happy [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 12:58 PM Flag
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Does PS150 count? We took it over Anderson. Yes, we gave up a precious seat at Anderson. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 05:01 PM Flag
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wow! we loved ps150 too but got wl'd. : ( [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 05:35 PM Flag
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np: where is PS 150? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 05:39 PM Flag
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tribeca. it's a tiny, unzoned school that takes few dcs from outside the immediate neighborhood. great test scores, great principal, really nice sense of community. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 06:11 PM Flag
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Great choice. We loved 150 when we toured it and we were waitlisted [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 06:30 PM Flag
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congrats! that's a tough school to get into, too! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 06:30 PM Flag
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NP. You guys make me feel bad now that we turned PS 150 down for PS 116 G&T. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:58 AM Flag
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I would defintely take PS116 G&T over 150! No doubt. We toured PS 150. Nice, cozy community but didn't like it. Too small. didn't like the fact no gym. Don't feel bad! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 11:32 AM Flag
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I would choose 116 over 150. Good Choice. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 11:33 AM Flag
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