writing about infertility

Well, I know I haven't written in ages, but I wanted to say I'm still here!  The past six months I have been focusing on writing an inspirational novel based on infertility.  I'm attending the SheSpeaks conference this weekend in Charlotte, NC, so if any of you are planning to be there, let me know.  I'd love to meet in person. 

Jackson turned two this month and is becoming quite the big boy.  We bought him a toddler bike and I think his favorite thing about it is the helmet (not the one pictured, he has dinosaurs on his!)  He's getting used to it and says "bike, bike" all the time. 

He's also saying a lot of words, and getting his two year molars.  He has two popping through right now, so we've been seeing some fussiness and crankiness, which he normally is not.  Even though he does have his share of tantrums on occasion, he gets over them quickly and is laughing in three minutes.  He calls himself "Jacks" and will say "Jacks, juice?" when he wants some juice.  He uses other sentences as well and is just getting to be a lot of fun to be around.

Okay, back to the book.  The character I'm writing about is experiencing endometriosis.  I have PCOS, which I did not want to write about.  But, for those of you who dealt with endo, can you comment or email me and let me know how you were diagnosed?  How were you treated?  When was it most painful?  Just basically give me all the details.  I'd appreciate it to make it more authentic.  I've done research online and talked with an OB-GYN, but that doesn't mean I know how it feels. 

Well, hope you all are well!

Questions for the New Year

Christmas turned out really well for a boy that is 17 months old.  He still wasn't quite sure what to do with all the wrapping paper and everyone sitting around a tree, but he liked being given new toys.  His favorite so far are a toy cellphone and a set of mega blocks.  He also got the little set of table and chairs you see in the picture and loves climbing in and out of the chairs.  He can entertain himself with the chair for at least 30 minutes.

Oh, and the little stuffed lion he's holding in the picture is Leo.  Leo is Jackson's very best friend.  He likes to carry him around, chew on the feet, use him as a pillow and give him kisses.  In fact, the other day Jackson was in a corner behind our baby swing and all I could hear was kisses.  When I investigated he was in the corner kissing Leo.  I told Jackson it was way too early to be hiding in corners making out!  :)

So, here's a question.  How do you Moms out there discipline a 17 month old?  I know there isn't too much you can do, and he really isn't a trouble-maker, but there are a few things we'd like him to learn not to do.  We have used time out and have said "no" and taken things away, but I would love some other suggestions.  I was spanked as a child (very few times, in only very serious situations) and don't think that is appropriate for his age or the disobedience.  It would be helpful to get some advice.

Thanks in advance!