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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

[ - ] new here - what is TT, please? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:54 AM Flag
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Top Tier [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:55 AM Flag
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te-tas [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:02 AM Flag
[ - ] thinking of moving to nyc -- 3 kids -- is this doable or only for the superrich? 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 07.15.08, 07:53 AM Flag
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Depends on your expectations. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:56 AM Flag
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Doable, but it depends a little on your expectations...and your income. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:56 AM Flag
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only for the super rich unless you are lucky enough to have a rent-controlled apartment. sorry. it seriously is very hard financially. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:56 AM Flag
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very tough. be prepared to live on top of each other and worry about finances constantly [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:20 AM Flag
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depends where you want to live in nyc [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:26 AM Flag
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I'd second this. Manhattan is insane if you didn't buy here 10+ years ago. There are plenty of nice areas in brooklyn and queens that are more affordable, but you have to commute. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:50 AM Flag
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np: to be fair, depending on where you work in Manhattan, the commute from Brooklyn can be quicker than the commute from some of the hotter Manhattan neighborhoods. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:59 AM Flag
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Totally true. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:04 AM Flag
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how old are dc's. Are you planning to go public or private? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:32 AM Flag
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This depends on the lifestyle you are looking for and how you define super-rich. People in NYC (even otuside of Manhattan) live in MUCH smaller spaces compared to people in the rest of the US (at a similar economic level) so you'd have to be comfortable with that. If you are looking to rent and you need a 3BR of any kind, you are talking upwards of $5K/month in most of Manhattan (even for a small one). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:55 AM Flag
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really depends. for an extravagant lifestyle, you do need to have a lot of money. but it's also very affordable if you need it to be. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:08 AM Flag
[ - ] Can anyone recommend an OB/GYN at Columbia Presbyterian for a VBAC? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Expecting 07.15.08, 07:52 AM Flag
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Lasala [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:24 AM Flag
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Comubia Presbytarian has horrendous c-section and VBAC rates. http://www.thebirthsurvey.com/dev/custom/results/reportCenter.php5?cid=9 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 08:51 AM Flag
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Columbia Presbytarian has horrendous c-section and VBAC rates: http://www.thebirthsurvey.com/dev/custom/results/reportCenter.php5?cid=9 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 08:51 AM Flag
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http://www.thebirthsurvey.com/dev/custom/results/reportCenter.php5?cid=9 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 08:51 AM Flag
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sorry computer gone wild [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.21.08, 08:52 AM Flag
[ - ] What is your expectation in terms of a babysitter's clean-up responsibilities? Our sitter, who we use pretty regularly, had been fine until recently and now suddenly leaves a total mess behind. I don't expect her to clean up after dh and me, but db's dinner and bath wreckage was all left behind for us. Is it unreasonable that she should clean up whatever she uses in order to care for our child? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 07.15.08, 07:50 AM Flag
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What did she say when you mentioned the mess to her? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:51 AM Flag
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She was already gone when I got home. Dh got there before me and didn't say anything to her, which he knows was a mistake. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:53 AM Flag
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If it becomes a habit you need to talk to her but maybe she was just running behind. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:54 AM Flag
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Every now and again the sitter's running late or whatever and doesn't have a chance to straighten up after dinner. Usually she does though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:52 AM Flag
[ - ] Okay, we're moving out of NYC. The hardest part is pulling 3 yo DD out of her part-time pre-school program, which she loves. All of the pre-school programs in our new town with openings require DD to be potty trained and she's not--she's so not. There are a few daycare openings that do not require potty training--should I go that route instead? The pre-schools seem slightly nicer than the daycare. 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:46 AM Flag
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Explain to your dd that she needs to be using the potty to go to school. It might be the motivation she needs to start training. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:50 AM Flag
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Maybe, but we have to commit to a program now (pay a deposit). We're moving/traveling so much in the next month that it seems like a hard time to potty train. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:51 AM Flag
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If that is the case you don't have an option to consider pre-school. You will have to use daycare. GL [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:52 AM Flag
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Yeah, that's sort of what I've been thinking. Thanks for confirming. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:54 AM Flag
[ - ] one of the fun things about coming back after the dust has settled is seeing all the clueless newbie posts: "trinity or collegiate? dc is very bright and needs to be challenged....if i get into anderson and hunter, will i be able to hold my spot at one while i wait to hear from the other? we're thinking of applying to citywides. which one is best for a very creative dc?" they have nooooo idea. 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.15.08, 07:45 AM Flag
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no idea about what? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:47 AM Flag
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LOL! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:49 AM Flag
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Aw - don't rain on their parade. And some of them will have a lot of good options. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:48 AM Flag
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ITA...too funny...same with the "Dalton or St. Ann's for my 99/99/99 artistic dd?" The key thing they fail to realize is they won't have a choice--the decision is made for you, like it or not. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:49 AM Flag
[ - ] anyone on who's used Legalzoom for wills, etc.? Is it a reasonable way to go? Really don't have the $$ to see a lawyer for this. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:42 AM Flag
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or does anyone know how to find a cheap, competent lawyer?? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 11:51 AM Flag
[ - ] I am really stressing out about this. I have had negative birth experiences at NSUH and Mercy - both very controlled, where I was confined with EFM, IV, and unable to get out of the bed or even sit up in bed. Needless to say, my births were very long, and very uncomfortable. I was also separated from my babies for long periods of time whilst I was in recovery. I had thought my doctor was a little more progressive, and I thought times had changed with the knowledge that mobility and freedom of movement during labor makes for an easier, and healthier, birth. Nope. My doctor told me I will be in the bed, with the EFM and IV as soon as I am admitted! I am devastated! He also told me no birth plan - but to call Winthrop and ask questions! Because we have been through this, we have a few requests: mainly, freedom to move during labor, and the desire for the baby to stay with us, and not be immunized in the hospital. I do not think I am being too picky. I have a month to go, and now I am sooo anxious about my labor and delivery. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:40 AM Flag
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change doctors. it all depends on your doctor (or midwife). it's up to them - and to you - you DO have the right to refuse any procedures you do not want. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:41 AM Flag
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did you have c sections? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:41 AM Flag
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I couldnt sit up either becasue I was in too much pain to move! But seriously, if you feel that strongly - explore your options and change doctors or talk to the hospital. fwiw, I was on EFM and IV the whole time and had a quick labor [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:53 AM Flag
[ - ] Is 7th the only entry point for Hunter High School? DC's school goes through 8th grade and we are hoping to stay. 26 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 07.15.08, 07:39 AM Flag
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7th is the only entry point for the HS. 6th graders invitations to take the test is based on their 5th grade standardized test scores. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:41 AM Flag
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yes [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:42 AM Flag
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yes, 7th is your last chance. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:42 AM Flag
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I hate to say it, but since about 2000 6th graders take the test and less than 200 get in to Hunter HS, odds are a dc would end up staying at their current school through 8th. Yours, BTDT. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:46 AM Flag
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that is not bad at all, actually. well, compared to K entry. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:48 AM Flag
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But it's all about the test score. Strictly by the numbers, they never meet your kid or see their school record. Cut and dried. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:51 AM Flag
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Which can be good or bad, depending on how good of a tester dc is. BTW, it is the same for selective HSs for 9th grade entry. Just one specialized HS test result decides where dc goes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:56 AM Flag
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true. But the vast majority of the 20,000+ kids who take the Specialized HS test are doing it with no prep or pre-selection whatsoever. For a smart kid, it's a preppable test, old versions are available, there are courses and books. The Hunter test is kept under strict wraps, no one really knows what's on it (aside from the general format and length) and the pool of "competitors" is strong. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:01 AM Flag
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false -- every kid i know took a prep course for the specialized HS admissions exam. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:19 AM Flag
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^^also, the hunter exam is definitely prep-able, with courses available. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:20 AM Flag
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Yes, everyone I know took the prep classes for the Hunter test. There are tons of them here in Manhattan as well as in outer boroughs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:46 AM Flag
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There are not prep classes for Hunter exam that have exams - just general beefing up of skills. And BTW most kids who were prepped didn't get in because they lacked the creative writing skills that Hunter seeks. They take in a quota of those that excel in math to keep up their competitiveness, but are really seeking the kids who aren't prepped (relatively talented in math logic) but who show their own creative voice in writing (with good grammar and syntax, of course.) That can't be prepped in a course. If they don't have it naturally it's just not going to happen from a tutor. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.16.08, 12:46 AM Flag
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What's false? According to the DOE about 28,000 kids took the SHSAT this past fall. Only 5,391 were offered seats at a test-in Specialized HS (i.e. not counting LaGuardia here). Of that number, only just over 2200 got into their first-choice Specialized HS. It's not that hard to figure out that the majority of the test takers either never had a shot or never prepped, or prepped poorly compared to the kids who got into the schools they wanted most. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:35 AM Flag
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Most kids take prep classes for both Hunter HS exam and specialized HS exam. Hardly anyone goes into it cold, even kids of poor immigrants from Queens do take the prep classes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:46 AM Flag
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^^^BTW, I hear you on more kids applying without seemingly having any shot, but unlike with Hunter exam there is no prerequisite to try for Stuy etc. I know someone who was never a good student and got into Stuy because of acing the test and thrived there. So you never know who has a shot or not, it is all or nothing deal. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:48 AM Flag
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I don't disagree and know of a few unexpected successes as well. But the odds are on kids who've prepped well (and that says NOTHING about whether or not they were immigrants...the DOE offers free prep from the summer after 6th until the test in 8th, but it's a big time committment and there are only so many seats...definitely not 20,000 seats in the free prep class.) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 10:27 AM Flag
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Not true. Have a child in Hunter and one in Private. MANY private school kids take the test and do no prep because they don't care if they get in or not. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 10:23 AM Flag
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Right, but the kids and families that do care about getting in (which is a huge majority) do prep a lot. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 12:43 PM Flag
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NP: I was just out in Flushing, there are TONS of streetfront test prep places in Queens, SCORE, KUMON etc, poor immigrants in Queens are FAR more likely to spend on test prep for specialized HS. They are also more likely to be laid back about elementary and keep kids in local zoned schools until it really matters, while investing heavily in tutoring and test prep for specialized HS. Take a look at the stats on InsideSchools for the top specialized HS, disproportionately high level students from Asian and Indian backgrounds. Lots of families that care deeply about education keep kids close to home in zoned schools while supplementing with tutoring and then when kids are older, they test in to Stuy, Hunter, Bronx Sci, Brooklyn Tech, and many good schools in Queens. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 05:16 PM Flag
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it is not so good, given that a dc can't even take the test unless you pass the 5th grade score cutoff. In other words, the 2000 is already way winnowed down. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:53 AM Flag
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Winnowed down from the entire population of 5th graders in NYC, but still, nearly 2000 take the test. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:54 AM Flag
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yes, well, but when your dc doesn't make the cut-off to be able to take the exam because dc got two questions, instead of one question, wrong on 5th grade ELA or math, it is very irritating. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:32 AM Flag
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I hear you, BTDT too with dc #1. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 08:56 AM Flag
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I am sure but sitting for the exam, spending a couple months studying for it, and then coming close and not making it is worse, IMO. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:51 AM Flag
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good point. will try to focus on that silver lining. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 10:03 AM Flag
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The 2000-3000 (depending on the year) represent those that scored in the 90th percentile on the 5th grade test in BOTH ELA and Math. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.16.08, 01:11 AM Flag
[ - ] i feel so lost in life. How am I even going to own a home? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:38 AM Flag
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are you in nyc? if so, think about moving if you can. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:41 AM Flag
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Home ownership is not the be all and end all. If you really want to buy a home, start saving and move to an affordable area. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:43 AM Flag
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this is a terrible time to buy a home. be grateful that you don't own one. this is a good time to be a renter and save as much as you can. by the time prices come back down to reality, hopefully you will have enough saved to enter the market. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:49 AM Flag
[ - ] I just found out I am PG and when I called to make apt with OB, they told me he moved to Iseral, feeling abbondoned 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:37 AM Flag
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Oh come on. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:37 AM Flag
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ita [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:45 AM Flag
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where are you [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:57 AM Flag
[ - ] thoughts on the sit and stroll? is it worth the $200? 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 07.15.08, 07:35 AM Flag
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terrible stroller for around town, great for airports and travel. Try to buy a used one [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:37 AM Flag
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this would be our back up stroller just for travel [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:39 AM Flag
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I was always pleased with mine. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:43 AM Flag
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how old is your dc and what airline...we are flying jet blue. dc is 2.5 TIA [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:52 AM Flag
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sorry, just came back. Always flew United and used from infant to age 3.5. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 09:52 AM Flag
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No. My DS was uncomfortable in it, and it was a PITA to get in place on the plane. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:37 AM Flag
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I LOVED it in theory and tried to use it for travel and when renting a car. I stopped using it b/c I feel like it is not as safe/easy to properly install as a regular car seat. It was great for the airport itself, DD was not comfortable in it on the plane, on some planes it was too wide. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 10:26 AM Flag
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I agree with posters above, it is great in the airport but useless in the street. I also found that it is hard to pop and lock the wheels. I haven't found any other alternative though if you need to take a cab to the air-port and don't want to go without the car-seat in the cab. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 12:17 PM Flag
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we haul the carseatand the stroller, but i have used a sit and stroll when i travel with kids alone. its hard to install as a carseat adn crappy as a stroller, but at least you are carrying one fewer thing. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 12:19 PM Flag
[ - ] Dopey Person: How are you feeling? Me: Well, kind of uncomfortable. Things are getting difficult. Dopey Person: Well YOU wanted to have a baby. This is what it is! Me: (To myself: Thanks Dr. Spock - [or Sears if you are from THIS generation] - I needed YOUR expert opinion to guide me.) Dear Dopey Person, Don't friggin ask an almost 8 month PG woman in the summer how she is feeling. What do you REALLY expect her to say? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:33 AM Flag
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Dear OP: You're pretty dopey yourself. Love, UB [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:35 AM Flag
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maybe that you can't wait for your baby to be born or that it's a beautiful day. maybe she doesn't give a shit how you are feeling but knows that if she doesn't ask you'll bitch and moan about her to someone else. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:38 AM Flag
[ - ] Dopey Person: How are you feeling? Me: Well, kind of uncomfortable. Things are getting difficult. Dopey Person: Well YOU wanted to have a baby. This is what it is! Me: (To myself: Thanks Dr. Spock - [or Sears if you are from THIS generation] - I needed YOUR expert opinion to guide me.) Dear Dopey Person, Don't friggin ask an almost 8 month PG woman in the summer how she is feeling. What do you REALLY expect her to say? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:33 AM Flag
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most of the time when people say, "how are you," all they want to hear from you is "fine." [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:35 AM Flag
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So you have already assumed the role of martyr. I guess you do not want people to ask how L&D went or how you feel after delivery. Heaven forbid someone express their concern. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:35 AM Flag
[ - ] Seems like I barely get any replies these days. Is it the time of year or b/c so many have defected? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:29 AM Flag
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Both I think [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:30 AM Flag
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maybe you create boring posts? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:30 AM Flag
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Nope. Same stuff as I did before, just less/no response. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:31 AM Flag
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why would you post the same stuff over and over and complain that no one cared? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:32 AM Flag
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there is almost no one on these days. sometimes the early afternoon picks up enough that it is almost like a slow day on the pre-reformatting ub - but at least you get responses. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:33 AM Flag
[ - ] I've read here before that "toe walking" is a sign of autism. what does that mean exactly? my 8 mo ds just started doing this thing where ge goes up and down on tiptoes. Thats not something I should worry about, is it? 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:26 AM Flag
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Toe walking at 8 mo is not an issue. Most kids aren't even walking at that age! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:27 AM Flag
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well, he isnt either - hes holding on the furniture when he does it : ) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:27 AM Flag
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then it doesn't count as "toe walking." Your db is just learning how to balance, flexing his feet, etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:59 AM Flag
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Don't go there. Toe walking is also perfectly normal. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:27 AM Flag
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no. almost all children toe walk as part of their development. relax. is ds making eye contact and showing reciprocal emotional response? if so, ds is fine. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:27 AM Flag
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op: yes, he is. thanks for not flaming a 1st time mom : ) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:28 AM Flag
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some autistic children toe walk. SOme typical kids toe walk. Toe walking alone is not a sign of autism. Toe walking combined with other symptoms could be indicative autism. signed mom of austistic son. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:30 AM Flag
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toe walking is very normal. My 4 yr old does this but it's a habit. She's perfectly fine. The Ped said as long as she can walk flat then it's not a tendon issue. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:58 AM Flag
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