Austin has been his usual 7- (almost 8-) year-old self. One day happy and content, the next wanting to be just a little brat. He tells me that he'd rather live with his father because there aren't any babies there. Of course, his father loves the idea and has been talking about it actually happening. When the subject first came up, I thought that if that was what Austin wanted then maybe it would be all right, and we had even set a date. When the time drew near, I became a wreck and postponed the day and said we could talk about it another time. Now that they (Austin and his dad) are talking about it again, I finally had to face the fact that I just couldn't do it. I could see if one environment were better than the other, but that's not the case. Austin does great in school, never any complaints from teachers, et cetera, and his behavior for the most part is fine. So I told his dad that I felt I was being pushed into doing something that I didn't feel comfortable with and that I didn't think it was the right thing to do. Austin's major complaint about living with me is that there are babies here that touch all of his stuff. Too bad! Get over it. It's called family. If I had left home every time someone touched my stuff I would have been gone by the time I was five. These are life lessons for him, and I feel if I let him manipulate this situation, what am I teaching him? Run away when things are difficult. I was one of four and I think I turned out just fine. It's not easy being divorced with children that's for sure.

Adam, who will soon be 18 months, is only beginning to show signs of walking. His pediatrician called to check on him and she said if he weren't walking by 18 months she was going to have Birth to Three come to our house to evaluate him to make sure he was on track for his age. She said if this were the only area where he's a little behind the "norm" that would be fine, but that we should check to make sure we don't miss something. To me, that says, "Let's see if there's something wrong with him." I hope I'm not being overly dramatic about this, but it's not easy to let the idea of your child being developmentally delayed sit in the back of your mind. I have been encouraging him constantly to walk. He does fine for a few steps, but then sits down and crawls. To me, Adam just likes being babied. He's number three and the amount of one-on-one attention he gets is not the same as when Austin and Alex were born. They had some time to be with just me and Adam doesn't. I feel this is why Adam likes to be carried and still crawls. That's what gets him time with me or his dad that belongs only to him. Although I am far from being a doctor, I think that's why Adam still crawls. I hope so, anyway.

Joe's going away for a business trip to Las Vegas next Saturday. He will be gone one week and I'm sure it's going to be one of those weeks you just can't wait to end. It's not easy being mom and dad to three children while he's away. By the end of the week I'm sure I'll be ready for the funny farm. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I'm off to take a happy nap now. I could use it. Sundays are made for napping. Enjoy your week ahead and take care. I'll let you know a.s.a.p. regarding the sex of this baby. Remember; think pink!

Diane