The new "New Moms" thread!

[beckmrk04]

Well, we're in the 2ww until election day!!!

I had to fill out a loan application for our car (just to speed things along- we won't know until we drive it Saturday if we're buying it for sure). I HATE filling those things out. They make me nervous. And I work at the bank. My boss is my loan officer (nicest guy in the world) and his wife watches my kid. But I still get all nervous.

Since we wrecked our credit while I was pregnant it has just seemed like an uphill battle. But, things are getting better. But, credit scores go down a WHOLE lot quicker than they come back up. If worst comes to worst, DH's parents would co-sign for us in a heartbeat. I don't think it's that bad. But, I get all tense and nervous about it anyway.

I'm thinking of giving up the WDW trip we've planned for next year to do the Total Money Makeover and get rid of all of our debt. I'm torn, though.

*sigh*

Where is everybody, anyway?

 

[Pollito916]

Becky - I like Vaylie's name - I think it's cute and original, just like her! And I quit going on the Nest just after Alex was born b/c people are just too mean there and have nothing better to do than insult each other. Congrats on the new car! I get nervous filling out credit applications too, though we have never had credit problems, right now so many people are offering us credit, that I'm afraid we're getting in over our heads!

Bethany - I like the Shakespeare quote!

Jen - I hope the EI is able to help Christopher! And good luck with the IUI!

Ash - I don't think Ellery sounds like a boys' name at all! I think it's cute! I have a super-common first name too and always hated it. Yay on Ellery's first steps.

DisneyGirl - I don't know why everyone thinks you want to hear their opinion if you don't like the name you call your child. Obviously YOU like the name or you wouldn't have chosen it!

 

[Jen_in_NH]

So Christopher has discovered a fun new game - show the kitties our toys. And if the kitty is not very impressed by whatever toy it is, throw the toy at the kitty and chase it out of the room. I have NO idea what this is all about. My DH actually took a video of this whole thing and texted it to me (don't ask - he has one of those techie phones, and feels the need to use it) Apparently his mission today is torture the kitties They seem to be tolerating his existance so far, but this may be the breaking point. The dog already has met the breaking point. He just lays down and looks at me with those big sad Newfie eyes like "Mom, make it stop"

So the IUI didn't work Maybe next time, but I think I have to wait til after Christmas now. They want me to take a month off, and then it will be December. I think that will be too hectic, so maybe we'll have a New Year's baby.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Jen, I'm sorry the IUI didn't work. Hopefully next time will do the trick. And I'm glad the EI was able to identify some ways to help Christopher!

Becky, I hope the loan stuff goes through for you. I hear you on credit scores. Mine is horrible! At least DH's is good. But I'm working on rebuilding my credit, and it's slowly starting to come up. Another couple years and I should be good again.


Owen completely delighted his daddy last night by chowing down on Japanese curry and loving it! Funnny boy now wants to eat what we're eating, so I started giving him little bites from my plate. Next thing I know, I'm just feeding him MY food, and had to get more later for me to eat! Sigh. I'm never going to eat my own meals again, am I. This little guy is going to be snarfing my food from now on. Oh well. At least he's interested in funky flavors!

 

[exwdwcm]

So Christopher has discovered a fun new game - show the kitties our toys. And if the kitty is not very impressed by whatever toy it is, throw the toy at the kitty and chase it out of the room. I have NO idea what this is all about. My DH actually took a video of this whole thing and texted it to me (don't ask - he has one of those techie phones, and feels the need to use it) Apparently his mission today is torture the kitties They seem to be tolerating his existance so far, but this may be the breaking point. The dog already has met the breaking point. He just lays down and looks at me with those big sad Newfie eyes like "Mom, make it stop"

So the IUI didn't work Maybe next time, but I think I have to wait til after Christmas now. They want me to take a month off, and then it will be December. I think that will be too hectic, so maybe we'll have a New Year's baby.

Jen- so sorry. Were you doing clomid or injectables with the IUI? I did 4 IUIs, 2 with clomid, 2 with injectables. DH joked by the end that it would be a lot cheaper to buy a turkey baster and just do it himself. a friend of mine had one of her IUIs actually done on thanksgiving day (for those that don't know, timing is critical, down to the hour, so they do them even on holidays).....they joked about the turkey baster relevance given the day!

 

[beckmrk04]

Jen- so sorry. Were you doing clomid or injectables with the IUI? I did 4 IUIs, 2 with clomid, 2 with injectables. DH joked by the end that it would be a lot cheaper to buy a turkey baster and just do it himself. a friend of mine had one of her IUIs actually done on thanksgiving day (for those that don't know, timing is critical, down to the hour, so they do them even on holidays).....they joked about the turkey baster relevance given the day!

I didn't know that! And that is TOO funny!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I've really blown it. Our account went $200+ overdrawn...most of it overdraft fees. After hubby got paid, it's back to $400+ but rent is due on the 1st and he doesn't get paid again til the 7th of November. Our account is in shambles now. How will I ever be able to save for Mo if this keeps happening? I moved $300 over from ING and there isn't much there left at all. I WON'T touch Mo's $400....I REFUSE! I feel awful right now and don't even want to tell hubby about it. I don't know what we're doing wrong spiritually, but I guess we better get it together fast before Mo is in school and we barely have the money to send him there. I feel lousy, just lousy. What kind of mother can I be to Mo if I can't keep the checking account straight. And you know the bad thing...none of the money was unnecessarily spent. I still got $150 check out there, but luckily that takes a couple of weeks to clear. I'm going to call right now and find out the status on that one. I'm so scared right now. Maybe I can ask my landlord to hold the check til the 7th and explain the situation. Good grief....how did I let it get so bad. I check the account almost every other day. And you know what really sucks....all the transactions fell through Wed and Thur before hubby got paid.

Poor Mo....what kind of an example am I setting for him?

 

[DznyLvr2005]

anyone know what to put on babys cheeks because when she licks her fingers, her cheeks get all chappy... vaseline??? Her cheeks are so red!!

 

[Pollito916]

Jen - Christopher's new kitty-torture game sounds so cute! Sorry the IUI didn't work out, hopefully next year will be better!

Bethany - That's great that Owen likes trying different foods! Alex loves spicy foods and I think it's just so funny to watch him eating it, b/c he makes little panting motions but keeps eating and cries if we take it away!

Denise - don't feel too bad - you're doing the best you can with what you have!

DznyLvr - sorry I don't have any suggestions, but vaseline will probably help

Hi everybody else! Does anybody have any big plans for the weekend? We'll just be working on the house!

 

[TiggerStac]

anyone know what to put on babys cheeks because when she licks her fingers, her cheeks get all chappy... vaseline??? Her cheeks are so red!!

I used Johnson's soothing naturals and it worked great on brady.

It almost looks like a mini deodorant container. It has a stick (balm) w/moisturizer in there that worked wonders!! It smelled really good, too.

Brady's cheeks were really, really red and I loved this for him.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Denise, sorry about the $$ mess. I used to have tons of problems like that, too, and I still feel guilty thinking about it. I found it really helpful to talk with a credit/debt counselor and get some help and accountability that way. The person I found was through our county services department, and they only charged me $7/visit. I don't know if that would be helpful for you, but thought I'd pass the info on.

DznyLvr, I like aquaphor for the really chapped/dry baby skin. Our friend's daughter has super sensitive skin and some allergies, so she's always got chapped or dry skin or rashes, and their dermatologist said to use Aquaphor. We've used it on Owen when he gets chapped skin around his mouth when he has a cold or is teething, and it's very gentle and works great.


We all got our flu shots yesterday, and man, is my arm sore today! I gave Owen a little tylenol because I figured if I was still sore, there's a good chance he is, too. Afterwards we went out for Ethiopian food for dinner, and Owen made DH happy by chowing down on some of what we were eating.

Tomorrow is the family quarterly birthday celebration, and both DH and Owen are included in this quarter's birthdays. DFIL and Step-MIL are getting better at picking kid-friendly venues, but they still don't have the time of day issue worked out. We've all be telling them to go with a morning/mid-day event, like 10am-2pm, or else late afternoon/early evening like 3:30-7:30. Instead they always pick something right smack over afternoon nap time and with 4 of the 7 kids under 3yrs, that nap time is a big issue. So we'll see...I hate having so many cranky kids around, though, and Owen will be contributing his share, I'm sure.

But we have to leave early anyway, because we're going to have our BF's daughter over for a sleepover so her parents can go to an out of town wedding. She's very excited - has a brand new Disney Princess inflatable bed that she gets to use for the first time at our house - and she loves "helping" with Owen. She calls him her "bugga-bugga-boo"!

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Michelle - this was our first round of IUI with injectables. Before that, it was always just the Clomid and temping.

Diznylvr - I used to use Bag Balm if Christopher was getting chapped cheeks. It heals pretty well, and tastes yucky if he was tempted to try to stick his fingers into it.

Denise - I hear you about the money. I don't think it's setting a bad example for Mo. I think he'll learn that it takes a lot of work to keep finances in order, and that money doesn't grow on trees. (don't I wish it did )

 

[kellyf2626]

Hi everyone! Ok...so I have been totally MIA lately. No real reason...just pretty busy and not much computer time! Brady is good....running around everywhere, and talking so much lately. Crazy how they learn stuff so quickly!! His cheeks were really red tonight...I hope he's not getting sick. We have a long day tomorrow visiting friends in Boston, then out to dinner. It would really stink if he wakes-up in the morning not feeling well.

I need to go read and catch-up with everyone!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[ashjohnson80]

Well today we're supposed to take Ellery's to Wal-Mart to get her picture taken in her Snow White Costume, and she's gotten this big scratch on the side of her face where she was trying to walk last night and fell. It's right on her cheek. I guess I'll still take her because DH is getting his hours changed around at work and won't be able to go with me to help out during the week. Maybe if she's smiling really big no one will notice, much.

 

[kellyf2626]

Well today we're supposed to take Ellery's to Wal-Mart to get her picture taken in her Snow White Costume, and she's gotten this big scratch on the side of her face where she was trying to walk last night and fell. It's right on her cheek. I guess I'll still take her because DH is getting his hours changed around at work and won't be able to go with me to help out during the week. Maybe if she's smiling really big no one will notice, much.

One month when I was taking Brady for his pictures, he woke up with this HUGE gouge on his face from his fingernails....it seriously went across his nose and onto his cheek! I brought him anyway....and I always remember that was his 5 month picture! I am sure Ellery will still look cute as ever....and you will always remember it!! Make sure to post pics later...we want to see!

 

[DMickey28]

Hey Guys ... Back from our cruise!! Never taking a week from Alexander again. it was too long!! Great vacation though.

I'll come back tomorrow to check up and chat!!

 

[DMickey28]

DVC - The picture of Ethan is really good! How old is he?

Ash - I also wondered if it was night terrors when I was reading that.
Alexander gets those, especially if he gets overtired. He wakes up between
45 minutes and 2 hours after he goes down screaming his head off. Nothing
works to calm him down for close to 30 or more minutes after we get him.

Stacy - Glad to hear things are going well with the pregnancy!
I am so sorry to hear about your sons teacher. Do they know what
happened?

Nicole - I am sorry. Even though it's an open forum it can hurt to
really hear some of the things people say. I can't imagine posting
things like that just knowing that there is the TTC and other similar
threads, knowing people go through those struggles. I am sorry ...
As far as Izzy's name ... who cares!! You love it and that is all that matters.
Alexander's is similar, I knew how popular it was but it's a family name
and we like it so I am going to stick my tongue out to anyone that has a problem
with it. I also like Izzy for the shortened version, do you call her that or just
'write' it? I think Bella is the more popular shortened version of Isabella.

Pollito - Congratulations on the house!! I am so jealous! We aren't
planning on buying for a few more years but I can't wait to have
a house and settle down!! Show us pics.

Jen - I am so sorry about IUI. Funny about Christophers
game with the kitties. I am sure it's cute to watch!!

Denise - I am sorry to hear about the $$$. I am sure most of us
have been there at one time or another. As far as the money put aside
for Mo ... is it money you have put aside for him or gift money? I am asking
because I think, and remember this is only my opinion, it would be okay for you
to pull that money especially if you put it there and it wasn't gift money for the
security for you and DH. Do you have a budget? I think it's more important for
us as parents and a family to be safe and secure before starting to save for our
kids future. DH and I have just recently been able to start putting money away
for our emergency fund, we contribute lightly to 401K but honestly a college fund for
DS and future kids is further down on our list of things to save for. Right now
is what we need to focus on and we can start planning forthe furture once
we are secure today. That's my point of view on it ... I am sorry you are going through
that though ... it's a sucky feeling.

Ash - Did you still take her? It will make the pictures that much more
special!

********************
So we are back from the cruise! It was good but it was way too long
to be away from Alexander. By Wednesday we had enough and wanted him with us. I am
all for DH and I taking time alone but 3-4 days is enough!! The good news is that
DH won enough in the casino the last two days to pay for our shipboard account $2000++ off and
come home with a few hundred in our pocket. We are putting the money we would have spent
on the shipboard account and the extra money towards a short Disney cruise with DS is February-ish I think!!

I dropped my parents off at Port Everglades this morning for their cruise. They are so excited but
I think they are sad to leave Alexander. He was so happy to see us though. I went out
to get something from the car shortly after we came home and he freaked out. I think he is scared
I am going to leave him again. pooor baby.

We have our 18 month ped appointment tomorrow and I have my yearly OB appointment shortly
after. I have no choice but to bring DS so hpoefully he won't be scarred by seeing mommy in
stirrups!! I'll turn his stroller around!! I think the ped is going to recommend EI and some testing.
DS has no physical developmental slowdowns but he still isn't talking much. He says Dada, Mama and Fish on a regular
basis and DOG, MORE and OUT occassionally but that is it. He is starting to display shyness and
I think he just doesn't want to talk around us so we don't make a fuss!! We shall see ...

DH and I decided since this was the last week of my pills I am going to go off BCP and we will just see what
happens!! Little scary to think about another baby but exciting to!

 

[Pollito916]

Bethany - that's a good idea with the credit/debt counselor, and not too bad a price. I always think it's crazy when those debt services want to charge people a fortune. If we had that kind of money, we wouldn't need a debt service. Have fun at the quarterly birthday party! That makes a lot more sense than separate parties for everyone, but I don't get why your in-laws don't get the idea of avoiding nap time. It's not like they didn't have kids before!

Kelly - have fun in Boston - I hope Brady's feeling well!

Ash - I would hesitate to take the pics with the scratch too, but I think everyone else is right that you will always remember it!

DMickey - welcome back! Glad you had a good time on the cruise, it must be great to be back with Alexander! And congrats on the winnings! Good luck when you start ttc again. Are you going to actively "try" or just take it as it goes?

***********
Well, the house is finally looking good. I changed my mind 3 times on what color I wanted the family room, and I think I am driving DH nuts (ok, I KNOW I am!). But as soon as it is finished I promise I will take pics and put them up. DH is going to take today "off" after he gets off he regular job, it will be his first break since we closed on Monday. Hopefully he can finish in the next couple of days!

 

[beckmrk04]

First things first: my SIL called me and shared this, so I am going to share with you ladies.

There is a make-up company called "e.l.f." and all of their products on the website are $1. Tons of stuff! Anyway, since it's all $1, I bought a bunch of stuff and figure that if I hate it, oh well- I only spent $27 on like, 30 items. If you use the coupon code "carolina" you get 50% off your order of up to $15 (so $7.50 off your order). I buy expensive foundations because I have very acne-prone skin, but I tend to buy cheap lip stuff and eye make-up because I like to try new things. SO, go to the website and see if you can find some cheap make-up. Fun stuff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DznyLvr2005- Aquaphor!!! It's the best for chapped cheeks, noses, bottoms, whatever. If it can chap, Aquaphor can fix it!

Denise- I know, I know, I know. But TRUST me: This too shall pass. We have been there, and we have been through the ringer. Our credit is, well, ! But, it takes time. And when you know better, you do better. I work at a bank. I would advise keeping a check register and tracking every CENT that goes in or out of your account. If you have overdraft protection, consider removing it. I know my bank charges $25 per item and it adds up quickly!!! Especially if you don't know you're in the OD and you're swiping your card for little things. Nothing like paying $26 for a $1 soda (Yep- I've done it. ). Get rid of the OD "protection" and if you don't have the money your card will be declined. Better than paying all those fees though. And like Dmickey28 said- you don't have to save for Mo right this second! He's not even 1! What does he need money for? It's honorable, but that money would be better put to use so you guys can make ends meet and have savings for yourself. When you guys are doing well, then put money aside for Mo. But really- it WILL get better. Lots of people are in a tough spot financially. You aren't alone. We've made big changes to save money- Mark and BIL carpool as much as possible, and I switched to a location closer to home to save on gas. Could you consider working more hours? Maybe you'd qualify for daycare assistance. Have faith. Count your blessings. Thank God every day for what you have and know that He will always provide for you.

Jen- I'll be thinking fertile thoughts for you for next year!

Bethany- you reminded me. I have to schedule V's flu shot. And it always makes me laugh out loud when I hear you're having Japanese curry or Ethiopian food. Not that there's anything wrong with it- it's just that I'd have to drive 60 miles to even find such adventurous cuisine.

Kelly- Hi! I hope Brady isn't getting sick.

Ash- I hope you took her anyway. I bought Vaylie some black little dress shoes from Wal-Mart that I am going to spray paint yellow for her Minnie Mouse costume, but I need ideas on how to do the ears. She won't wear a hat and I doubt she'll wear a headband, but I think she'd let me clip them in her hair. Any ideas on how to make them?

Dmickey28- I am glad you have a good time, but I know what you mean- a week without your baby would feel like an eternity, I'm sure! I hope the appointments go well. And CONGRATS on going off the BC!!! That's so exciting!

Pollito- hope your having fun working on the house!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As for us- Vaylie is a pill today- I think she is getting a few more teeth. She doesn't have her eye teeth yet, and she might be working on 2 yr. molars- I'm not sure. But she slapped me today, put herself in "mime-out", then got up, walked over and slapped me AGAIN, then went back to the time-out chair. I'm about sick of this "slapping" business, but I don't know what else to do! Advice or suggestions WELCOME!!! Time outs aren't working, and I have been telling her over and over that "hands are not for hitting" and I don't want to slap her hands because that's the very thing I'm trying to stop.

We got the loan for the car! BUT- we didn't buy the car. We drove 1 1/2 hours north to test drive it, and when we got there the sales guy was a dimwit, and the car has VERY light beige cloth interior. With a kid? and my Coca-cola habit? Not gonna work. But, we have an appt. to go look at another one on Tuesday, so all is not lost. And this one has grey interior- much more kid and Becky friendly.

ETA- I use a LOT of smilies.

 

[ashjohnson80]

Yes, I took her anyway. I told my DH this morning that I was taking her no matter what. We will not get the pictures back until November 6th, but I snapped these right before we left.

Becky- I saw some little mouse hair clips the other day on etsy. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_6&listing_id=16602134 That's for a pattern, but what I would do is go to wal-mart or any craft store of your choice and buy some black felt and you'll need some alligator clips, you can get those from a store like sally beauty supply. Cut out the circles for the ears and then hot glue them onto the clips. get some red ribbon, tie it into a bow and glue that to the bottom of the circle and it should look like those crochet ones.