Since I've been with my company for 5+ YEARS, I qualified for their max leave with full pay... 2 weeks. WOAH. After that, it was short-term and long-term disability benefits with partial pay. Which for me, as a salesperson, meant part of my BASE, which is only a fraction of my total earnings. They screwed me out…

That's a good idea!

Aww, I love this—thanks for sharing. Overcoming frustration through socks is priceless. A perfect example of why I don't often visit mommy blogs, but love hearing from the awesome moms on Jezebel!

You are too kind! For the next few years, it's more likely you'll dine alongside me WITHOUT my kids, and we'll both enjoy it more ;)

Yes, another great solution! I feel the exact same about my two-year-old. At this point, I'd rather order in than take her out for meals. Just too stressful.

LaMorenita was exactly the same. I just describe her as INTENSE. It's getting better the more she can communicate with us (she's 2), but she's just one of those babies/toddlers who has major peaks and valleys. (Apparently a clone of yours truly... sorry, mom and dad.)

Hardly a saint, but the positive reinforcement is greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

We'll have to agree to disagree. I don't mind polling on an issue in general terms, but to reference a specific incident with patrons seems like bad form for a high-end restaurant—even if those diners were (clearly) in the wrong. It is Alinea's responsibility to make and enforce restaurant policy. It's fair to say…

Yep, absolutely—I mentioned that on another thread!

Yeah, I totally get that policy, but I think the restaurant might have shown some flexibility if they thought the guests were considering showing up with a baby. They might be able to call someone from a wait list, or call a couple of hotel concierges nearby to see if they wanted to make one of their guests' day.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Yep, I completely agree. Preferably done upon arrival, or shortly thereafter. A baby in a nice restaurant is like a gun in a play. Before the end of the second act, it will go off.

No babysitter = no can do. As the parent of a small child, I feel for them with the last-minute cancellation, but certain things are just incompatible—like babies and 2-hour leisurely meals. They should have called friends to see if anyone could take advantage of their reservation, and gotten back on the wait list…

Seriously. And most hotels have a list of on-call babysitters. I know that could be a little dicey, but if you're traveling with young kids and dead-set on fine dining you're A) probably delusional and B) need to explore options for childcare.

Agreed that tweeting about it is really tacky. Either deal with it in the moment, or don't, but don't take the cop-out route of wringing your hands after the fact.

Haha, I hear you. The boobs were a major novelty! I carried pretty well, but let's face it, I'm no Olivia Wilde (sadly).

I LOVED this (and not just because I love her). It was kind of an updated take on deco—reminded me of the Metropolis poster. Super chic, and perfectly executed.

Yeah, having points of comparison like this just isn't fair to 99.999% of humanity.

I actually kind of dug the Dior pants-dress. I wish she could have converted it into a kicky party outfit. This is terrible.

Every pregnant woman should get to spend an evening in a custom Gucci gown. She looked beyond flawless.