Michelle P

The problem is that my husband seems to think she doesn't really like or care for him. He is an awesome dad, very involved, does lots of really special one on one things with her...plus, reads to her, bathes her, feeds her etc. He even took 4 months of my maternity leave. However, after all this he truly feels that unless he is really engaging her, she seems to dismiss him. I try to tell him that it is hard to read a baby or toddler's behaviour, since many are so independant and appear dismissive. Furthermore, I am sure at some point she may become more attached to him, but since he already dealt with issues early on of feeling "left out", when I was breastfeeding etc., he feels that by now after 18 months there should be or feel like more of a connection....any advice?

Help...I feel like such a bad mother. I am a first time mom with a gorgeous (almost) 5 month old daughter. She is a great sleeper at night (once asleep). However, she is a horrible daytime napper, but the big problem is that in all cases, night or day, she can only fall asleep while nursing. Even then when I put her down she often wakes at least once or twice and I then have to start the process all over again. Sometimes this means it takes up to 2 hours to put her to sleep at night.

I thought I would try the "controlled" CIO method, where I would go to her at various intervals. I tried this 4 times, all of which were over an hour of crying, but ultimately she gave in to sleep. Now I read just how damaging this is...i.e. to the brain and nervous system, not to mention the psychological damage and our bond.

Now I am concerned that the few times I did the CIO have caused irreparable damage??

Anyone in the same predicament....anyone have expertise in this area?

I am a salaried employee who works from home. Fortunately my company pays for many expenses (company car/gas/insurance, cell phone, home phone, internet). However, we are given T2200 forms each year to deduct a portion of our Electricity/Heat/Water etc. I use the home space inexcess of 50% of the time for my work (so I am eligible for deductions)....it is roughly 3.5% of my total square footage of my house. However, I understand that unless you are a commissioned employee you cannot deduct property taxes etc. I also understand you cannot deduct mortgage "interest", BUT can I deduct a portion of my mortgage "principle" as it pertains to the ratio of space I occupy for my work? Look forward to your advice, and thank you in advance.