April Ditto



April Ditto


Meeting Site Change
Member of the Year 2000
General Meeting Information
Board Meeting Information
President's Message
Upcoming Club Events
Playgroups for April
Spring Party
Mother's Day Luncheon
Garage Sale
Directions to Miami Children's Hospital
Congratulations to New Parents
Parent to Parent
Community Resources
I Loved My Children Enough
Secret Pal Messsages
Twinline
Member of the Year Nominations
Officer Elections
State News
O. A. Battista Quotation
Minutes of the March General Meeting
Swap Shop
Just a Boy
A Final Note

General Meeting Site changed again!

This month we will be meeting at Miami Children's Hospital in the Auditorium, Wednesday April 12th at 7:30 p.m. Look for directions in this Ditto. Hope to see you there! We will have an open discussion on sports and our kids.


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Member of the Year 2000


Its time to recognize some of our fellow members for all their hard work and dedication to the club. Nominations were taken in March for Member of the Year and congratulations go out to the nominees: Eileen , Lisa , Katie , Renee and Lori . Thanks to all nominees for helping the club run smoothly and successfully for the past year.


Voting for the member of the year will be held during the April 12th meeting.




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General Meeting

Wednesday, April 12th at 7:30 PM

Miami Childrens Hospital

Auditorium

3100 S.W. 62nd Ave



Drinks: Priscilla

Food: Jeanne




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Board Meeting

Wednesday April 19th at 7:30 p.m.

At Peggy's home.

All members are welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings. This is where many club decisions are made. Please come and share your ideas!






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President's Message


Hello and Happy Spring!

This will be our first spring break now that the children are in school. It will be an exciting one for us. We will be taking our first plane ride to Arizona. Jim has training there and we are tagging along. The April meeting will be the second Wednesday, April 12th. Many of our members could not attend during spring break. We will be meeting at Miami Children's Hospital. We will decide at this meeting where our new, permanent location will be. We will also vote on member of the year. We have a lot of great things planned this spring and hope to see all of you real soon. Please have a safe and happy spring break. Also, I would like to say welcome to all of our new members and their families.

Sincerely,

Lisa B



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UPCOMING CLUB EVENTS

May

The Mother's Day Luncheon on May 6th will be an event you won't want to miss. A beautiful meal without the kids and in the company of good friends. Who could ask for anything more? SDPOMC member Elena will be speaking on the Yellow Dyno child safety program at the general meeting. Nominations for next year's officers will be taken at this meeting.


June
We will be electing new club officers at this meeting. You won'tt want to miss out on your chance to vote. The Installation ceremony for the new officers of the club will be held at this month's board meeting and secret pals will also be revealed at this time. A pound auction will be held at the general meeting to raise money for the club. There may be a Fathers Day Event this month. Ideas for a party or get together will be discussed at future meetings.


July
We will be taking nominations for the Light in Shining Armor Award. This award given by the FOMTC (State Org.) to a person nominated from each club, is given to a member who has worked hard for SDPOMC (South Dade club). Nominations will be taken at the July meeting and we will vote at the August meeting. The Light in Shining Armor will be honored during the general meeting at Convention in Sarasota in October.




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Playgroups for April


Playgroups are a great opportunity to meet other parents of multiples. Expectant moms (and dads!) are encouraged to attend and make contacts, you may get some good advice & hand-me-downs. Please call Renee if you can host a playgroup or have ideas. Working parents watch for evening and weekend playgroups.


Monday, April 3 at 10 am Terry 's home. Terry has triplets who are 2 1/2 years old.

Tuesday, April 4 at 10 am Salvador Park. Lori has 4 year old triplet boys.

Wednesday, April 5 at 10 am Matheson Park. Lori has 4 year old triplet boys.

Thursday, April 6 at 10am Fort Lauderdale Museum of Science and Discovery. Lori has 4 year old triplet boys.

Monday, April 10 at 10am Sunshine Park. Ana has 1 1/2 year old boy/girl twins.

Wednesday, April 12 at 11 am Dadeland Burger King. Peggy has a 5 year old son and 2 1/2 year old boy twins.

Wednedsay, April 19 at 3 pm Kendale Park. Priscilla has 2 year old boy twins and a 3 1/2 year old son.

Thursday, April 20 at 2:30 pm Lisa's home . Lisa has 4 1/2 year old boy twins and a 6 year old daughter.

Thursday, April 27 at 2 pm Jeanne's home . Jeanne has 1 1/2 year old boy/girl twins.




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Spring Party


This year's family party will be held Saturday April 15th at 10:00 am. at the home of Marianne and Buddy. Please see the sign up sheet at the next meeting if you plan to attend. A charge of around $5.00 per family will cover pizza and drinks. Please bring chips or a dessert to share with everyone. Be sure your kids bring Easter baskets for the Easter Egg Hunt.




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Mother's Day Luncheon

Please join us for a delightful celebration in honor of Mother's Day! The luncheon will start at 12:30 on Saturday May 6th at a cozy trattoria in South Miami - Botticelli Trattoria 7382 SW 56 Avenue. The luncheon will start with bruschetta and calamari, to be followed by salad and an entree choice of Pollo Marsala (Chicken Breast saut ed with mushrooms and Marsala wine) or Vitello Limone (Veal Scallopine topped with lemon, white wine and parsley) with a grand finale of Tiramisu. There will be a cash bar available with choices of wine or beer.

If you plan on attending, please write a check for $27 per person, payable to the SDPOMC and mail it to Renee . You can also sign up and pay at the next general meeting to reserve a seat.




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Garage Sale

It's time to clean out your closets and shop for some great bargains!


The sale will be held at the home of Jeanne on April 8th from 8 a.m. sharp to 12pm. Please call now to reserve a spot to sell your wares.

We will be putting an ad in the Miami Herald and always have a great turnout. There will be a fee of $15 per member (you keep all the profits), payable in advance by mail to Lori, the Treasurer. Please make checks payable to SDPOMC. If you forget to send your check you can still take part by paying the day of the sale. Don't forget to bring a table to display your wares. If you have any items you wish to get rid of and cannot attend the sale, you can donate items and proceeds from these sales will go to the club.




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Directions to Miami Children's Hospital
3100 S.W 62nd Ave.

Directions From US 1:

At Red Road (SW 57 AVE) turn right if traveling south on US 1, or turn left if traveling north on US 1, and continue to Devonshire Boulevard.

From I-95:

Exit I-95 at SR 836 (Dolphin Expressway). You will be heading west on SR 836, exit at Red Road (SW 57th Avenue) and continue to travel south past 4 main intersections to Devonshire Boulevard.

From SR 836 (Dolphin Expressway):

When traveling east:
Exit at Red Road (SW 57 AVE) and continue to travel south past 4 main intersections to Devonshire Boulevard.
When traveling west:
exit at Red Road (SW 57 AVE) and continue to travel south past 4 main intersections to Devonshire Boulevard.

From SR 826 (Palmetto Expressway):

When traveling north:
Exit at Coral Way (SW 24 ST) and turn right (east) on to Coral Way and proceed to SW 62nd Avenue. Turn right on SW 62nd Avenue and travel south to SW 31st Street.
When traveling south:
exit at Coral Way (SW 24 ST) and turn left (east) on to Coral Way and proceed to SW 62nd Avenue. Turn right on SW 62nd Avenue and travel south to SW 31st Street.

From SR 874 (Florida Turnpike/Homestead Extension):

Exit at Bird Road (SW 40 ST) and head east on Bird Road to Red Road (SW 57 AVE). Turn left (north) on to Red Road and travel to Devonshire Boulevard.




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Congratulations....to all our new parents. Please call any of the support moms listed at the front of this newsletter. This club is here to help you get through these first difficult months. We look forward to hearing from you!


Dear Friends, we are very happy to announce the birth of our twins Alec & Alena. They were born on February 24th, 2000 at 11:46 pm and 11:56 pm at 34 weeks + 4 days through our wonderful gestational surrogate Lori. Their weights were 4 lbs 12 oz for Alec and 6 lbs 12 oz for Alena. After a short stay in the NICU they both came home and are doing great! We couldn't be happier, twins are so much fun (and work!!!). Thank you all for your support and good wishes! Jan & Bettina. Congratulations to the Family!


Denise and David welcomed their boy twins on February 23rd. The boys were born via c-section at 35 weeks. Both were breech and the baby on top was tangled in his cord. Brandon weighed 5 lbs, 4 oz and brother Chandler weighed 5 lbs, 3 oz. All was well at the birth and both babies went home with Denise to Key Largo. At three weeks, the boys were taken to Miami Children's for complete GI exams and apnea monitors. The babies stayed almost a week .and were diagnosed with severe gastric reflux and apnea. Big brothers D.J. (5 yrs), Spencer (3yrs.) and Cameron (17 months) are adjusting well. Congratulations to the family!


Congratulations to Karen and Dave on the birth of their boy/girl twins on February 23rd. Karen had a planned c-section, the babies were full term without complications and went home with Mom. Patrick Colin weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz with fair hair and Callie Sage weighed 6 lbs 14 oz with red hair. Mom and babies are doing great Big sister Amber is a wonderful helper.

New members Deborah and Reinaldo welcomed their twins on February 15th. Because both babies were breech, delivery was by c-section. Nina weighed 6 lbs, 4 oz and went straight to the room with Mom. Her brother, Zachary weighed 6 lbs, 14 oz and had to spend 24 hours in NICU because he swallowed fluid during delivery. All are home now and doing well. Deborah is in the process of weaning the babies as she will return to work as a Metro police officer in April. Reinaldo is a Florida State Trooper. Congratulations to the family!


Kim and Tony welcomed their boy/girl twins on March 9th. Kim was hospitalized on the 7th for respiratory distress and by the 9th doctors decided to do a c-section. Faith Lynn weighed 4 lbs, 3oz and was 16 inches long while brother Cayce James weighed 4 lbs, 15 oz and was 17 inches long. Both spent one week in the NICU for standard preemie problems (they were born at almost 34 weeks) and came home on the 18th. Kim has been pumping and is now working on getting the babies to nurse; please call if you have advice or words of encouragement. Big brother Tyler turned five in February and is thrilled with "his babies". He has skipped a birthday party and a trip to his cousin's house so he can stay home with Faith and Cayce. Congratulations to the family!




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PARENT TO PARENT

This is YOUR page to pass along info, tips and warnings to all our other readers. This is one of the main functions of our club. Please use this page. Call Jeanne if you have a submission.


Order groceries on-line and have them delivered for free! Check out www.DoorDirect.com. This on-line grocery is located in South Florida and can deliver to you any grocery item -- including fresh milk, eggs, meat and ice cream! Great idea for new moms home alone. Prices on both formula and diapers are comparable to Publix. Marc & Ros' grandmother has weekly deliveries and has never been disappointed with the quality of food and service. Submitted by Judy


Carla has to wear glasses. She is 13 months old and was diagnosed as being very 'farsighted' Plus 3.00 andplus 2.25 She would be 'cross eyed' a lot, that's why I had her checked at 8 months. Then they told me that she might outgrow it but we should come back at 12 months. Well, it has not changed and now we are struggling with the glasses. I would love to know if anyone else in the Ditto land has a baby this young
who has to wear them. I would like to hear about their experience. Submitted by Steffi




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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Parenting Classes

Parenting 101 & How to Positively Influence Child Behavior;

Miami Children's Hospital Auditorium April 26 6 PM - 8 PM This two-hour program is designed for parents to gain the knowledge and skills to better meet their child's health and safety needs. The class provides information on normal child behavior, age appropriate development and behavior modification strategies. Registration is required. The class fee is $10.00. Classes fill quickly so call early!

CPR for Parents offered by Miami Children's Hospital Dept of Education $20 per person, $30 per couple; 8:30 am to 4:30 pm April 29th at Bird/Ludlam Shopping Center -- 2nd floor Room 206. Registration is Required 305-661-6511 Ext. 8535.

*Class offered in Spanish on May 27th. , ** More classes 7/22, 8/19 (span.), 10/14, 11/11 (span.)

If you cannot afford car seats, donated seats may be available. Contact Miami Children's Hospital at (305) 663-6853.




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I loved my children enough


Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them:


I loved you enough ...to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough ...to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough ...to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough...to make you go pay for the bubble gum you had taken and tell the clerk, "I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it.";

I loved you enough...to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough...to let you see anger, disappointment and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough...to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough...to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all.


I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.




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Secret Pal messages.


To our mommy's secret Pal, Thank you for our flash cards and tape. we are really into our ABC's right now and love to sing! Our mommy says you hit the nail on the head - again! Thank you too for helping our mommy smell nice!! Lots of love from Emily and Thomas XXxx


To my secret pal- thank you for the St. Patrick's Day gifts of cookies & puzzles for the girls. Love Gwen




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I heard it through the TWINLINE

Congratulations to Chuck on his promotion with Bennigan's! Unfortunately this means he and Michelle and their triplets, Hunter, Taylor and Madison, will be moving to Tampa. While we are sad to see you move, we know that it will be great to live so close to Michelle's mom. Thank you Michelle and Chuck for your friendship and support to the club members. Michelle has been a "big sister" to many of our triplet and nursing moms and her sage advice and level head will be missed. Hope to see you at convention in Sarasota!




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Member of the Year Nominees

Election of the Member of the Year will be held during the April 12th meeting. Last year's Member of the Year, Alicia , will be collecting votes for 2000. To be eligible to vote you must have attended four consecutive general meetings in the past year. If you cannot attend the April general meeting and are an active member, please call Alicia . The Member of the Year Award will be presented at the Mother's Day Luncheon on May 6th. The nominees and an overview of their contributions to the club are detailed below.


Eileen has served as Vice President for 2 Years, organized the 1999 Mother's Day Luncheon, helped with State convention, organized the Christmas charity gift box donation drive and hosted playgroups.


Lisa has served as President for 2 years, helped with convention, kept club records, filed for tax exemption, arranged for speaker meeting locations, called new members, and referred new members to support moms.

Katie has served as Newsletter Editor, blood drive coordinator, hosted the New Mother's Tea, helped with convention and hosted playgroups.

Renee has served as Playgroup Coordinator, helped with the New Mother's Tea, helped with Convention, initiated filing of tax exempt status, is on the 2000 Mother's Day Luncheon Committee and hosted playgroups.

Lori has served as Secretary and Newsletter Publisher at the same time, is on the 2000 Mother's Day Luncheon Committee and hosted playgroups.






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Officer Elections to be Held in June

Nominations are now being accepted for officers for next year (July 2000 - June 2001). All positions will be open for nominations. Come to a board meeting to get a better idea of what each position handles. We encourage everyone to get involved in the fun!




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State News


Chris , our State Representative, reports that the State meeting is Saturday April 15th in Orlando. She will bring the 2nd Call to Convention to the May meeting.




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There are many things I admire in children, but the one that impresses me most is the way they can get the thrill of a lifetime out of the little things that we adults usually can't be bothered with. O.A. Battista




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>Minutes of the March General Meeting


The meeting for April will be at Miami Children's Hospital in the auditorium. The second Wednesday of the month due to spring break.

Contact Rene to schedule playgroups.

The MOTHER'S DAY LUCHEON is coming up on May 6, 2000. Contact Renee, Peggy or Lori. Please bring a check to the next meeting for $27.00. The luncheon will be at BOTICELLI TRATTORIA in South Miami.




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SWAP SHOP


Used children -related items may be advertised here for free by members and for $3 per month by non-members. Other items may be advertised by members only for $5 for two months. Ads will run for two months unless you request longer. Call Jeanne to place an ad or to let her know when you have sold something.

3 Fisher Price booster chairs. $8 ea. Excellent condition. Call Lori

One 5 piece crib bumper set in vibrant animal colors $40, One 2 piece crib bumper set in pastel animal colors $20, 5 piece white bedroom set including crib, mattress, dresser, changing table, rocking chair and shelves $200, inexpensive boys clothes sizes 3 mo. - 2 yrs. Call Peggy

2 Century car seats $15 each obo, 2 blue bath rings $3 each. Call Eileen

2 portable cribs/playpens, one brand new $30, other $20 - perfect for visiting Grandma or Grandpa. Call Marianne

Large Little Tykes kitchen w/ food, pots and pans $40, 3 Little Tykes blue bear toddler beds $30 each, adjustable wooden gate $10. Call Flavia

Matching red/yellow bikes in good condition, cute; wheels, best offer. Call Leslie

Wanted: Bike trailer for two. Call Melodie

Wanted: Twin side by side stroller. Call Angela

Wanted: Outdoor playhouse for toddlers. Call Petra

Wanted: 2 cribs for expectant triplet mother due in June. Please call Grace if you can help out..

Wanted: to take care of 17 month old boy/girl twins twice a week in North Coconut Grove. Must be able to speak English. Please contact Cindy

Wanted-Bike trailer for two, Toddler table and chairs set, play yard with slide-call Melody

Wanted: car booster seats. Call Eileen






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JUST A BOY


He stands at the plate with heart pounding fast.
The bases are loaded, the die has been cast.
Mom and Dad cannot help him, he stands all alone.
A hit at this moment would send the team home.
The ball meets the plate; he swings and he misses.
There's a groan from the crowd, with some boos and some hisses.
A thoughtless voice crys, "Strike out the bum."
Tears fill his eyes, the game is no longer fun.
So open your heart and give him a break.
For it's moments like this; a man you make.
Keep this in mind when you hear someone forget.
He's just a boy and not a man yet.

Chuck Davis, Manager HPKL Juvenile Division Dodgers






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That which is loved is always beautiful








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Each month our club publishes a newsletter to keep our members informed. These are some of our previous issues available online!

December 1999

January 2000

March 2000

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