The new "New Moms" thread!

[7beasley]

Hi All

Pollitto - Great pictures!! Alex is a cutie. Looks like a nice party. And like Bec - I did not even notice the light fixture but went back to look when you pointed it out. Its not that bad! As for TTC -- I am 35 so I figure I've got to get going. If we get pregnant in May/June then Izzy will be almost 2 1/2 when the baby comes - and I thought that might work out ok!

Becky -- I am really super impressed with all your cleaning and organization - I need to get with the program like you. As you said that about cleaning your fridge it made me realize how horribly gross my fridge is and that I should really do that too! So now you have guilted...I mean inspired me to get cleaning!!

DMickey -- sorry - don't know what that means about Alex but I second Bec and say call the doctor - better safe than sorry!

Kelly - I hear you on the sleeping -- Izzy is a good sleeper but going to bed late does not equal sleeping late. She goes to bed between 7 and 8pm and gets up between 730-830am -- every day - like clockwork. But the bed time and the getting up don't correlate -- its not 7pm - 730am or 8pm to 830am. Sometimes we get lucky with a 7pm - 830am combo!! But all in all - she's a good sleeper like Brady -- which means baby #2 will be the child from h-e-l-l!!! And don't worry about the TV on -- Brady probably did not even realize it was on since he was busy buzzing about and playing! We all do it - whether we admit it or not!

Jenny -- hope Noah is feeling better!

Jen -- Hi!!

Jen & Kelly -- how did you guys fare up in NH with the storm? We only got about 3 inches in central MA.

**************
Izzy is sick again or still...not sure which. She had a little bit of a cough 2 weeks ago when she had the high fever but now she has a full blown really deep cough -- and so do all the kids at daycare. Plus she has a snotty nose -- she sneezed twice this morning and both times globs of goo came out! Gross!!

She was scheduled for her MMR shot 2 weeks ago but we had to cancel due to the fever. That shot is now rescheduled for Wed --- but she's sick -- I need to call the doctor to get her cough checked out -- will they do the shot anyway - should I put it off again?

In other news - my DH's 36 birthday celebration was last night. Dinner with his family at a nice Italian restaurant (sooo good -- I had spaghetti with vodka sauce) and then back to our house for homemade cake (mmm) and my family came too. At the end of the night - which we cut short due to the storm - my FIL hit my Dad's car and damaged the hood (its kind of rippled now) -- so that sucked!! My dad is being a good guy though - he decided not to pursue anything with FIL insurance because "you don't do that when its family" -- that's nice of him I think. FIL was a complete PITA about it too -- all pissed off like it was my dad's fault. My dad was parked and in my house when FIL backed into his car...

Ugh!

Have a great day ladies!

-Nicole

 

[kellyf2626]

Well, we didn't really get too much snow last night...maybe a couple of inches. Nothing too crazy, which is good because Brady and I are going shopping in Kittery, ME today with my mom and best friend! Of course, everyday he will nap at 10:00 until around noonish. Today? Nope....still up there running around and talking. Should make shopping pretty interesting all day if he doesn't nap. Why does he ALWAYS pull this crap on days we actually need to DO something!?!

Nicole - Sorry to hear that Izzy is coughing and sick again. I would hold-off on the MMR. No need to stress her poor little system when she is already clearly fighting-off something. My ped says it's ok....but in my "mommy opinion"....why not just go back in a couple of weeks? No biggie to me. Crazy about your FIL acting like it was your dads fault???? Sometimes people react in strange ways, huh? Sounds like your dad was being really nice about the whole thing!

Jenny - Ugggg...poor Noah!!! That is no fun!!!! Glad to hear he is doing better and everyone is getting back to their normal routine!

Pollito - The party looked like so much fun!!! You are too funny about the light fixture...I never even noticed either! Alex is getting so big. I told DH we need to get the Cars movie for Brady, thinking how much Alex likes it!

DMickey - Hmmmm.....personally I have not read any literature that links chewing on things to apraxia. But, that's not to say that people haven't encountered this. Apraxia of speech is when a child knows what he wants to say, but cannot coordinate the muscles in the mouth with precision to make the necessary sounds. For example, some kids consistently say "w" for "l" (ex. Kewwy for Kelly). This is NOT apraxia. This is an articulation error. Apraxia is when a variety of sounds are in error, and not consistently. This is because the motor-planning part of the brain has trouble sending the correct signals to the mouth to make the sounds in the order they need to be formed. My grad school teacher used to wave her hand around her head for apraxia and around her mouth for articulation, designating where the problems stem from. Click HERE for a great article about childhood apraxia if you want more info. It's from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Assocation (ASHA). Saying all that.....many times sensory problems are seen with children with apraxia.....meaning that kids needs some kind of "input" in their mouth, so they chew, bite, suck excessively....or make funny noises in their mouth which cause vibration instead of actually saying sounds and words. Or, are extremely picky with foods that usually has something to do with texture. But, sensory regulation problems can be seen alone as well. At any rate.....at this point with Alexander, I would probably chaulk it up to a stage he is going through. If it continues and he continues to not acquire sounds and words on-schedule, then I would look into it. I wouldn't freak-out over it right now. Just the fact that he has a whole set of new teeth could be reason to explore. Brady went through a whole phase of pulling his ears for no reason at all. Kids can be funky sometimes.

 

[ashjohnson80]

Speaking of sleeping, I wish Ellery would go to sleep at a normal time. Last night I was determined to get her to go to sleep early, I wouldn't let her have a nap because she wouldn't take one early in the day. So it still took me until 10:00 to get her to sleep (which beats 2am) but she woke up at 11:30.... I don't know what we're going to do when I find a job.

Oh and as far as weight loss goes, I highly recommend joining sparkpeople.com. I've lost 21 pounds since joining right after Elle's b-day in December. I've still got a long long long long long way to go, but it's a start. I think keeping a food journal really helps.

 

[beckmrk04]

Well, I finally broke down and dragged my behind to the doctor today. And I do indeed have a sinus infection (duh). And, wanna hear the totally gross part? My ears were all clogged up so they cleaned them out- EW! You wouldn't think your ear could hold so much crap- it was disgusting. But, I can hear now, so that's good.

DH and I rented movies, and yesterday we watched "Zack and Miri"- whoa. That was a little much. And it wasn't even the nudity- I figured that would be there since, well- if you know the full title, you know why. But, the language! OH MY. And I have, by most standards, a pretty foul mouth on occassions (although I have been doing better since Vaylie has started parroting, er, uh- repeating everything). But oh. my. It was excessive.

Well, I have to figure out what to serve to my family on Sunday for Vaylie's birthday. I am seriously considering take-out or catering (but someone cheap). I am just not feeling like preparing a huge meal, and I don't have time to do all the shopping.

 

[Villain-lover]

Becky..I want to see Zack and Miri... so bad! I love Kevin Smith's movies! They really are histerical but I understand about the language and content of his films....umm you haven't seen Clerks 2 have you...

 

[exwdwcm]

Bethany- the shirts are fabulous- can you send me the nametag artwork? i love it- i know we will want to make some for our trip and i love that nametag idea! as my boss always says- copy good ideas! I hope you are having a great time at DL.

DMickey- what great pics- Alexander looks like he is having a great time. oh and the gaylord Orlando is super nice- i've stayed there on business too. there is a lot to enjoy just at their resort. yeah for great ovulation pains! what fantastic news- i hope all goes great, pleaes keep us posted

Kelly- wow, that is so cool that Brady just started the potty training sort of on his own. Will hasn't given us many clues like that, so we will wait for a while. i am not in a big rush and like you said, don't want to force it. but you definitely want to encourage it if they start doing things like Brady. what's the best potty you have found? a friend had that standing urinal thing for little boys- anyone used that? i saw all the restaurants you got- we are doing all those same ones except Teppan. we are trying Boma before our cruise, i hope it is good! i am sort of picky, but i figure i could eat from the kids if i have to. i know they have great soups, which i love soup! lol

Amber- any pics from your All stars trip?

Jen- Will's shirts are all too short for him too- pretty funny with their bellies hanging out huh?

Nic- how awesome!!! you will have to tell us all the details of your IVF cycle. so you have some on ice, right? how many? how many will you put back this time? i am so excited for you and will be thinking and praying for you guys that first try works! at least you know what to expect this time, maybe that will make it a little bit easier.

Becky- the projector sounds so awesome- and all the movie themes!

Ash- yeah on the weight loss- wow that is awesome, over 20lbs!!! I hope Ellery gets to sleeping better. i know how frustrating it can be.

Pollito- great pics of Alex's bday party- looks like he had a blast and LOL on the light- i didn't even notice it. yeah, it is almost impossible to find time to workout with your crazy schedule i bet. you aren't alone!

well work is still crazy busy. i am glad i have a job I enjoy, but it is challenging. i went from my last job being totally boring to being totally overwhelmed agt the new one. even on the weekends i find myself thinking about what i have to do at work and stressing about it. i have a lot of responsibility and deadlines and things that drive me crazy, ensuring live webinars go well, making sure print ads i write and place don't have mistakes. My boss has come down hard on me lately and for some things out of my control (and some that are). i am such a people pleaser and want to do well when it comes to my professional life, that i put a lot of pressure on myself. i am just always worried and waiting for something to go wrong and i hate that. i don't want work to take over my life like this. i have a webinar tomorrow night to do and then i head to San Fran for 5 nights next week for a show. i just really wish we could afford for me to stay home part time. it is getting better since a new girl started that has picked up some stuff, but i still stress. I need to remind myself that no one is going to die, and it isn't the end of the world if i screw up. it's just a lot of pressure. ugh! somedays i just wish i could like i don't know, clean houses or something, where i don't have big deadlines to go up against or something. and we know what a neat freak i am, maybe i should do that? LOL i gotta keep thinking i have a cruise in 75 days!

 

[beckmrk04]

Becky..I want to see Zack and Miri... so bad! I love Kevin Smith's movies! They really are histerical but I understand about the language and content of his films....umm you haven't seen Clerks 2 have you...

I love Kevin Smith movies too! But it seems like they have been more about "shock and awe" and less about the subtle, smart humor- I mean, of course I expected really, really bad words, but it seemed like they were in the movie just to be in the movie, and not because they needed to be. I felt Mallrats and Dogma had a better balance of really smart humor mixed with, well, really hilarious crudeness.

 

[Villain-lover]

I love Kevin Smith movies too! But it seems like they have been more about "shock and awe" and less about the subtle, smart humor- I mean, of course I expected really, really bad words, but it seemed like they were in the movie just to be in the movie, and not because they needed to be. I felt Mallrats and Dogma had a better balance of really smart humor mixed with, well, really hilarious crudeness.

Yeah, I get that..Jay & Silent Bob strike back was like that (shock and Awe)and Clerks 2 had its moments too. That being said I still crack up non Stop at Jay & Silent Bob Strike back! Clerks 2 had some really great moments too though and the relationship between the two charecters was cute. BTW..LOVED Dogma...its my favorite of his films.

 

[beckmrk04]

Meredith- Dogma is my fav too! The cast is just amazing in that one (although most K. Smith films re-use all of his friends as cast members). I love Jason Lee! I didn't care for Jay & Silent Bob all that much, and I liked Clerks 2, but it wasn't my favorite. I did like Rosario Dawson in it though. I just didn't think either of them were as "smart" as Dogma. Zack and Miri was just- ok. It had the potential to be a great story, but it felt sort of "forced." I think "Jersey Girl" was a really underrated Kevin Smith film, too! Too bad stupid Bennifer had to ruin that one for him.

 

[beckmrk04]

Nicole- glad I could "inspire" you! And too bad about the car accident- I wish people wouldn't get so bent out of shape about stuff like that. It's a car- it happens. Poor Izzy- sounds like she's had it rough! I finally called the dr. today and they gave me a Z-pack, so I hope to be feeling better soon. Now, if I could just hurry spring along.

Ash- glad to hear from you! I have no advice on the sleeping business. What has her ped said? Do you use noise at night (white noise, music, etc?)? That's one of the things we have always done with Vaylie and it seems to work for her. And that's GREAT on the weight loss! Good for you!

Kelly- yeah, what you said! You explained things much better than I was able to, but I guess that's good, since that's what you do. And kids just instinctively know when you need to do something, and therefore they will not nap, not get dressed, freak out if they need a bath or a diaper change- it's like they are trying to make us crazy.

Michelle- work sounds so hectic! It's like a neverending cycle- trying to find that right work/family balance, isn't it? I'm glad you have a nice vacation to look forward to! I still haven't figured out my whole career scenario. My plan for now is to go back to school after DH finishes his 2nd degree (which he's working on now). But I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. And I want something flexible, you know- something with family-friendly work policies, and the ability to telecommute if possible. That's my dream scenario. We'll see! Tall order!

 

[ashjohnson80]

Her doctor has pretty much said just to let her cry it out for a couple of nights and then she'll get the hang of it. The problem is, she always ends up puking when we do that. And we only have one halo blanket and then I have to change her sheets, change her clothes, get her all washed up.... I don't know its just hard. I keep hoping that it will get better as she gets older.

 

[Pollito916]

I was totally thinking, "Who would want that light fixture?"

So...wait...you weren't all looking at my ugly lamp? I guess it just sticks out to me since I have hated it since the day we moved in!

Jenny - poor Noah, I hope he's feeling better soon!

Nicole - That was kind of the ideal age span I had in mind for kids, but it just hasn't worked out that way. Good luck with the ttc and I hope Izzy is feeling better soon. I would call the ped and ask if they think she should have the MMR now or wait. Weird about how your FIL reacted to the accident, it sounds like your dad is being really nice and understanding.

Kelly - How was the afternoon of shopping? Alex always seems to do the same thing on days where I really need to get something done. I hope Brady likes Cars as much as Alex! Each time we watch it again, I keep telling myself it could be worse and we could be watching Barney over and over.

Ash - congrats on the weight loss, that's great!

Becky - Yuck on the sinus infection, but glad you can hear again. I was not up for preparing a meal to feed the family for Alex's b-day either, so I just did appetizer type things, partially because it's easy and partially because they are easy foods for kids to eat and Alex likes them. And I hear you on the swearing in movies. I was watching Knocked Up a few weeks ago and I couldn't believe how much they had to use certain words. And this from someone who has been called a truck driver. My area at work is sometimes referred to as the Taraland Truck Stop.

Michelle - I am so with you on the stress. I vowed to myself that I wouldn't work the weekend of Alex's birthday, but I still kept thinking about all the things I *should* be doing for work. I just can't get it out of my head. I hope you get a break soon, and if nothing else you have the cruise!

And I want something flexible, you know- something with family-friendly work policies, and the ability to telecommute if possible. That's my dream scenario. We'll see! Tall order!

You know, that was always my dream scenario too, and when I see it written like that, I realize that I have that job. It's a little high stress right now, but I am still working from home 2 days a week, we have flex-time where we can come and go as we please (within reason), and some of the managers are really into emphasizing the importance of a work/family life balance (though mine isn't one of them). I complain about my job a lot lately, but I guess it's not as bad as I thought. The only thing I would like to change is maybe decrease the hours (and stress), but I can't afford to decrease the pay right now, so I'll tough it out. Thanks for the reminder that I don't have it so bad!

 

[DMickey28]

Hey guys, just wanted to pop on. I don't have time for personals because my mom is here and Alexander is being super clingy lately.

Becky - Thanks for the info. I saw the PM, dont' worry, you're fine!!! I just dragged Alexander to the doctor for his eye thing!! I'll keep an eye on him but his speech is really starting to pick up and he is pronoucing some of the words a little better. My mom actually commented on that yesterday.

Thanks for the kind words on the pictures and everything.

Pollito - Love the pictures of Alex.

I can't believe how many babies are almost 2. YIKES ... we have taught Alexander how to hold up his two fingers when we ask how old he is. Figured we'd start early.

I have been super obsessed with my O date and I don't know if it's right but I am back in the two week wait!! We shall see.

 

[beckmrk04]

Becky - Yuck on the sinus infection, but glad you can hear again. I was not up for preparing a meal to feed the family for Alex's b-day either, so I just did appetizer type things, partially because it's easy and partially because they are easy foods for kids to eat and Alex likes them. And I hear you on the swearing in movies. I was watching Knocked Up a few weeks ago and I couldn't believe how much they had to use certain words. And this from someone who has been called a truck driver. My area at work is sometimes referred to as the Taraland Truck Stop.

I thought about doing appetizers, too. Lots of finger foods. I may still do that. I don't know.... And the Taraland Truck Stop That is hilarious!!

You know, that was always my dream scenario too, and when I see it written like that, I realize that I have that job. It's a little high stress right now, but I am still working from home 2 days a week, we have flex-time where we can come and go as we please (within reason), and some of the managers are really into emphasizing the importance of a work/family life balance (though mine isn't one of them). I complain about my job a lot lately, but I guess it's not as bad as I thought. The only thing I would like to change is maybe decrease the hours (and stress), but I can't afford to decrease the pay right now, so I'll tough it out. Thanks for the reminder that I don't have it so bad!

That's great that you have flexibility!

I really can't complain about my job too much. It's pretty relaxed and although I have to be there (can't telecommute as a bank teller), if I even need time off or need to leave early or whatever, they're pretty flexible about it.

My only real problem with it is that it's my job, not my career. I decided to focus on having kids for a while, and then once they are older, I'll figure out the career thing. But, I need to work, so the bank thing isn't so bad. Plus, I have holidays off, no night shifts, never work on Sundays. Could be worse.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Hi everybody!

I hear you all about the job / career stuff. I definitely can't complain. For my FT job, I work 2 24 hour shifts a week. That was great, having 5 days a week at home. I started working again PT last summer, and that was 2 mornings a week (but is changing to 1 full day and 1 half day next month). We need the extra money, and I love the job, but now I'm down to 3 days a week at home. I know it is still more than a lot of people get, but I miss being home with him all the time.

I wish all the snow around here would hurry up and melt. I'm so tired of being stuck in the house Christopher wants to go out and play, but hates being in his snowpants and stuff. And God forbid the child have snow on him!! If he walks to the car, and has snow on his shoes, he will try to either take his shoes off or kick his feet until the snow falls off. Um, kid, you're going to have a lot of snow in your lifetime. Get used to it now

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Hey All!

Here are a few pictures from a couple of weeks ago:

This is the first time he met a character. This is right before he started crying:

It was MIL birthday and so they put streamers around. This was placed on Spencers head; he was not amused:

These are from last week:

Our hotel:

This is him on Triceratop Spin. He was too busy with the lever to look at the camera:

Nap Time:

Everytime we get on the monorail (or any ride) he has to hold on:

This is in line for HM. He has never made it through the ride awake. This is right before going on:

As soon as we got to the dining room scene, he was fast asleep.

This waiting for a seat at 'Ohana. He loved pushing and pulling the table:

 

[k_reile]

Amber...those pictures are too cute!! LOVE the one where he is sleeping!! I just love how precious they look while they are sleeping. How old is spencer?? Caleb will be 16 mos when we go and I am hoping he does well with the characters. I want to test some characters out at cedar point this summer but I think it is too early b4 our trip in Feb...i think he will be too young to remmeber that. so I guess we will try with santa and see how he does there.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

k_reile, Thanks! He is 11.5 months old. He has been going to the parks since he was 5 months old, but didn't meet a character until this month.
At first, he didn't like the characters, but after a while, he warmed up (he even pet Eeyore).

 

[kellyf2626]

Ugggg....so I think Brady is getting sick. He was a PILL yesterday shopping - super cranky and whiny and needing constant entertainment all day. I managed to still get him a few cute things at a store called Hartstrings and some more at The Children's Place. And then today, he hasn't napped all day because everytime he lays down, he starts coughing to the point of almost puking. He has had a runny nose, so I think it's more post-nasal drip causing him to cough. Only time will tell.....keep your fingers crossed for no sickness!!!

Amber -those pics are GREAT! He is such a cutie!! What kind of camera do you have? They are cystal clear!

Jen - I hear ya about the snow!!! In the fall Brady would love to play outside and run around every day. He hates going outside in the snow...especially with all his gear on. He can barely walk!!

DMickey - Glad to hear that Alexander's speech is getting better and better! Oh - and I figured out the Brandenton, FL mystery. It's a person from the Dis boards that found the link on this thread when I posted it, and has been visiting ever since.

Michelle - I read lots of stuf about potty's, and most everyone out there says the Baby Bjorn potty is the best. There are some with tons of "bells and whistles" - but many people said kids think of them more as toys, not places to go potty. Also, clean-up is super easy with the Baby Bjorn one. I saw that stand-up urinal in a magazine. The idea sounds good...but I can barely get Brady to sit, never mind just stand in front of a urinal!! I can only imagine the mess everywhere. And then it would be like teaching a whole new thing for pooping. I think the more consistency, the better when first teaching, ya know?

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Kelly, my main camera is a Pentax k100d (dSLR). I LOVE it, but it can be a pain to carry around. I also have a Pentax Optio. I always say I am just going to take the Optio, but I am afraid I will miss something, so I lug around the other one.
I hope Brady feels better soon.

Pollitio, love Alex's party! Add me to the list of people that didn't notice the light.

DMickey, I hope this is the month for you. Good luck! I am glad to hear that Alexander is getting better at pronouncing words.

Becky, I worked at a bank before moving here and I enjoyed it. I wasn't a teller, so I only worked M-F. I loved the holidays off.

Ash, we have never been able to do CIO (or anything close). Spencer would stop breathing and make himself sick. So, we just adapted. He has never gone to sleep early (the earliest he ever went to sleep was 8, but that is rare). Normally, he goes to sleep around 10 (sometimes later) and wakes around 8. He still wakes up a few times throughout the night too. I read Dr. Sears website about "High Needs Babies" and it helped to give insight into Spencer and gave advice on how to cope.