The new "New Moms" thread!

[Tiggerlover91]

Oh yea....Mo has a new friend ladies!

Her name is Patches and she is one of my MANY MANY stuffed animals!!

 

[Villain-lover]

Too cute Denise! Sam & Zoe have a couple of "woobies" that they love to chew on!

 

[beckmrk04]

We would literally drown in stuffed animals if it weren't for that handy-dandy net that you hang in the corner and it holds the masses of animals that could organize a small stuffed zoo.

I have only bought a couple of stuffed animals, but it seems like that is something that everyone likes to buy for babies, so we have a gajillion (which is a LOT).

I was going through all of them for our yard sale a couple of weeks ago, and I even found a Webkinz!!! Why in the heck did V get a Webkinz?!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Speaking of stuffed animals, does anyone have or know someone who has a "Wubbanub"? They're a stuffed animal like a beenie baby, but they have a pacifier attached to them. The idea is that it's easier for a baby to get the paci back in his mouth if it's attached to the stuffed animal.

I just heard about them, and I was wondering if anyone else has heard of these or know if they work. Not that I want to encourage any more binkie addiction in Owen, but dang I'm getting tired of popping that darn thing back in his mouth!


I'm feeling much better this morning after yesterday's craziness. Owen is really congested, though, poor bug. I can't tell if it's teething, a cold, or allergies. Doesn't help that it's so hot here...it's already 87 and it's just after 11am! I've got the house shut up and the air set to come on as soon as it gets to 78 in the house. I might adjust that if Owen is still warm when he gets up from his nap.

Today is the big inspection day on our garage project!! If it all gets approved, they'll finish up the last details and it will be finished tomorrow! Woo hoo! Then we'll start the enormous task of cleaning and sorting the rest of the garage and creating DH's "man cave" , but hopefully in a few weeks Owen will finally have a room that is just his, and DH will have his own office, and my arts and crafts will have a home in a newly designed closet, and everything will be in its own place. No more office in the dining room, computer in Owen's room, art stuff in the garage issues...

 

[jennyL]

Question for you ladies. The last time we were at the doctors they said we could start introducing foods at 4 months. Right now he's eating between 25 and 30 oz a day and seems to be getting full. He also sleeps through the night so I don't really need to add anything to get him to do that. Have you guys started foods yet or at what age did you start? I'm going to ask at his 4 month appointment but I had to put his appointment back a week since we'll be in Orlando for his actual day and I'm just curious. If he doesn't seem to still be hungry do I need to introduce something other than formula already?

 

[beckmrk04]

jennyL- you don't even have to think about solids until your kiddo is 6 months old. I would say that if Noah seems content, then I'd wait a while, and then reevaluate.

We started V at around 4 1/2 or 5 months- little slurps of rice cereal. Then we just built up from there.

I think feeding her has beenthe most confusing and nerve-wracking thing for me so far. I was always second guessing what to feed her and when, and I still stress myself out over making sure she has a balanced diet. Ugh. Especially since I'm trying to change my diet to something that resembles a balanced diet (I'm a plus-size girl and I don't want Vaylie to struggle with her weight like I have). But I also don't want her to be obsessive about food,either. It is SOOO hard to find that in-between.

 

[Pollito916]

Owen stayed up the whole time at our friend's house, and fell asleep so soundly in the car ride home that we changed his diaper, put on his pjs and passed him around the room to all the guests and he never woke up! Funny bug...

I miss those days.....they are so cute and cuddly when they fall asleep anywhere. Almost makes me want another one......

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I miss those days.....they are so cute and cuddly when they fall asleep anywhere. Almost makes me want another one......

Owen usually doesn't fall asleep anywhere, which is what made this so funny to me! And normally he'll pop awake the moment he's moved, so to be able to pass him around without him waking up was just crazy!

 

[beckmrk04]

I do want another one. 2010. That's when we'll try for the next baby. Unless gas keeps going up. Then V might be an only child.


Tonight I went to the mall to buy something to wear to this wedding I have to go to on Saturday. It was awful. Ok- I'm a size 18/20. So, not tiny. And I usually shop at Lane Bryant and I generally manage to look decent. They have cute clothes, and most of the time I'm not one of those body-hating people (don't love it, but really- it isn't my biggest issue while I'm on this planet, kwim?). I buy cute things in my size and make the best of it.

But- not tonight.

For one- the clothes that are in style right now, look like muumuus. WHich, I guess, if you are skinny to start with, is fine. But, I looked like I was about to go into labor in everything I tried on.

And since having the baby, I am about 10 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight (still same size clothes), but my weight has rearranged itself, so that more of it is in my stomach than ever before (I guess it stayed there after being all stretched out and whatnot, like it was too tired to move back to my hips and butt).

So I was in the stupid store forever, and tried on so many things, but ended up feeling like Shamuu (maybe she has something I could borrow! )
Then I went through Macy's, where I did find a cute dress but by then I was so dejected I couldn't even make a fair assessment of how it looked.

So, my super-stylish, super-shopper friend Kristin is going to the Galleria with me tomorrow, so hopefully she can make me look cute.

I have not bought clothes (aside from a couple of pairs of jeans and a few tees) since V was born, and I am feeling frumpy and just, well, slobbish. I want to look cute again.

Sorry for the rambling. I'm just hoping that maybe you guys 'get it'- I love being a mommy, I just don't want to look like one all the time, you know?

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I do want another one. 2010. That's when we'll try for the next baby. Unless gas keeps going up. Then V might be an only child.


Tonight I went to the mall to buy something to wear to this wedding I have to go to on Saturday. It was awful. Ok- I'm a size 18/20. So, not tiny. And I usually shop at Lane Bryant and I generally manage to look decent. They have cute clothes, and most of the time I'm not one of those body-hating people (don't love it, but really- it isn't my biggest issue while I'm on this planet, kwim?). I buy cute things in my size and make the best of it.

But- not tonight.

For one- the clothes that are in style right now, look like muumuus. WHich, I guess, if you are skinny to start with, is fine. But, I looked like I was about to go into labor in everything I tried on.

And since having the baby, I am about 10 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight (still same size clothes), but my weight has rearranged itself, so that more of it is in my stomach than ever before (I guess it stayed there after being all stretched out and whatnot, like it was too tired to move back to my hips and butt).

So I was in the stupid store forever, and tried on so many things, but ended up feeling like Shamuu (maybe she has something I could borrow! )
Then I went through Macy's, where I did find a cute dress but by then I was so dejected I couldn't even make a fair assessment of how it looked.

So, my super-stylish, super-shopper friend Kristin is going to the Galleria with me tomorrow, so hopefully she can make me look cute.

I have not bought clothes (aside from a couple of pairs of jeans and a few tees) since V was born, and I am feeling frumpy and just, well, slobbish. I want to look cute again.

Sorry for the rambling. I'm just hoping that maybe you guys 'get it'- I love being a mommy, I just don't want to look like one all the time, you know?

I know exactly what you mean. I'm the same size, and normally could care less. But I'm trying to get some clothes to go back to my part time job (the FT one is a uniform, so no biggie). Either they're skin tight, or look like something my Gram would have worn. UGH!

 

[ashjohnson80]

beck- i totally understand where you're coming from. I've actually had body issues my entire life and struggled with food issues really bad in high school and college. then i got sick and had to go on meds that made me gain like 40 lbs overnight. Not so good for a girl who has constantly hated her body. Now I weight about the same, maybe a little less, than before I got pregnant but I have this awful stomach that is all smooshy and round and scarred. eww. I think I look awful in everything. I'm counting calories and exercising but losing weight has never been easy for me. And I hate it when people say, "isn't she worth it?" well of course she's worth it, but I would like to look good too. I guess I'm shallow like that. Today I got a haircut, and that perked me up a little.

 

[beckmrk04]

beck- i totally understand where you're coming from. I've actually had body issues my entire life and struggled with food issues really bad in high school and college. then i got sick and had to go on meds that made me gain like 40 lbs overnight. Not so good for a girl who has constantly hated her body. Now I weight about the same, maybe a little less, than before I got pregnant but I have this awful stomach that is all smooshy and round and scarred. eww. I think I look awful in everything. I'm counting calories and exercising but losing weight has never been easy for me. And I hate it when people say, "isn't she worth it?" well of course she's worth it, but I would like to look good too. I guess I'm shallow like that. Today I got a haircut, and that perked me up a little.

I totally get it! I mean, duh- I'm not going to undo my pregnancy, but seriously- why did giving birth mean I have to look frumpy all the time?!

And part of it is that I *used* to spend money on me: outfits, jewelry, purses, shoes... Now all of that money goes to, oh, I dunno: V's clothes, V's shoes, diapers, toys, books, etc.

Since we get our stimulus money tomorrow I am going to stimulate my wardrobe a little.

And I bought my BOB stroller two weeks ago with the intention of, you know- USING it, but it has done nothing but rain here. I feel like I should start on the ark. I need to be more disciplined about working out and eating properly, though. It's just so dang hard. Especially since eating junk is cheaper and easier most of the time.

Thanks for getting it, girls.

 

[beckmrk04]

Well- I just ordered my "Stroll-A-Tune" speakers!! I can't wait to get them!

(At least they will fit!!!).

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I have not bought clothes (aside from a couple of pairs of jeans and a few tees) since V was born, and I am feeling frumpy and just, well, slobbish. I want to look cute again.

Sorry for the rambling. I'm just hoping that maybe you guys 'get it'- I love being a mommy, I just don't want to look like one all the time, you know?

I soooo hear you! I'm now 3 sizes bigger than I was pre-baby, and my body doesn't look or feel like mine anymore. I find myself looking for drawstring and elastic waist pants because I know they'll fit, and I'm short so I have to find crop or capri pants in my new size to get them be close to the right inseam, and then with wearing clothes that will let me nurse Owen easily, I always feel frumpy and slobby.

I just want to look cute and feel sexy again. Sigh. And of course I don't have enough money for a new fun wardrobe, or even time to go shopping.
Ugh.

I love Owen, but I do wish I had my old body back.

 

[jennyL]

I'm going to do some more clothes shopping tomorrow and I'm so not looking forward to it. Before baby I was an 8/10 and now even though I'm down to my pre-pregnancy weight I'm a 12/14 so its all new clothes. I have to wear corporate casual to work so I had to go shopping and I have to look nice. Luckily I am starting to fit back into some of my regular polos so I have a nice selection of shirts but I need more bottoms and the only ones that I can find that I seem to like are at Ann Taylor Loft and cost a fortune. DH is being great though and taking the time to go from store to store with me to help find stuff. This weekend is for vacation clothes and a bathing suit. We are leaving for Florida on the 27th so I need something to wear there.

 

[beckmrk04]

Well, I'm going to attempt shopping again tonight. With Kristin in tow, it should be a bit easier. Seriously, she's maybe a size 16 or 18, but she always looks fabulous. She picks cute clothes, cute shoes, cute handbags (right now she has an adorable Coach patchwork bag- way beyond my budget, but totally cute). So, hopefully some of her style and cuteness will rub off on me.

I have never, ever in my life felt like I was "put together." You know- like, I see women who looks great: great outfit, great hair, great make-up, great accessories- they look put together. I always feel like I look "thrown together."

But, I'm trying to remain optimistic about shopping this evening. At least with my friend I'll have someone to laugh with. Shopping by myself yesterday was just depressing.

In other mommy news, though, I bought V a potty chair. I don't really expect her to use it quite yet, but she's getting to the point that she knows when she is going to potty. I know this, because right before her bath, when she is standing in the bathroom buck naked, she will pause, look at the floor for a moment, then laugh when she sees herself peeing. It is funny, though. SO, I thought- I'll buy a chair, maybe she'll sit on it, maybe she won't. We'll see. I'm not going to push it yet.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Christopher had his 1 yr appointment yesterday. He's 28lbs and 32.5" So I can go turn his carseat backwards again! I was so nervous having him forwards already, but I can't afford to go get another one either.

He's home with Daddy today, and apparently has spent the entire day trying to pull himself up on the coffee table, and getting really mad when he can't reach stuff up there.

 

[DMickey28]

Yeah Christopher ... Big boy!! Alexander is 12 months and 4 weeks so just a few weeks older. He was 27lbs and 33inches ... same size!! Is Christopher walking yet?

I hear all of you on the clothes front. I am about 8-10lbs lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight but it has shifted horribly. My arms are awful. I thought that carrying this big kid around for a year would have helped out the lunch lady arms but I guess not. If you can see past the flab I do have decent shoulders though! NONE of my tops fit from before I was pregnant. We had just moved down to S. Florida in the middle of the summer when I got pregnant. We decided to stop trying so I joined WW and went on a shopping spree. Hardly anything fits anymore. The shirts are like smocks on me. I am not entirely sure why, I can't lift my arms in them without showing the world my muffin top and stretch marks.

I did have some luck this past weekend at NY&CO. I found being a little on the bigger side that their clothes fit well and complement. I am a size 14 and a large top to accomodate the flabby arms and the belly but in the chest and shoulders I should be a medium, nice huh?

As far as bathing suits go. We are going to Aruba in three weeks for DH's work. All the other wives there are skinny minnies so I need to find a bathing suit that looks decent and is somewhat flattering. I think I am going with a Land's End All over control swim dress. I have always just worn sports suits and have never found a casual one that I liked. I think one might work well for me without being granny. Do you think that's wierd to get a swim dress?

http://www.landsend.com/pp/AlloverC...A&CM_MERCH=IDX_00006__0000000645&origin=index

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I like swim dresses or skirts myself, so I think it's cute and not "granny".

I went to Salvation Army yesterday to buy shorts. Yesterday with the big heat wave starting (we hit 99 ) I tried on all my shorts and discovered that the only ones that fit were my maternity shorts. So off we went to SA and I got 7 pairs of shorts in my new size and only spent $20! Thank goodness! If only Owen had been feeling better, I would have hunted for more tank tops for both of us, but he was clearly signalling that he'd had enough shopping for one day, thank you very much, and was ready to go home.

DH called this morning and said he'd really like to go to his college 20th reunion reception tonight. Sigh. Now I have to find something to wear for that. All of my pre-pregnancy dresses fit weird now, and I've got bulges and rolls where I never used to. All those body-shaping undergarments that always seemed so horribly uncomfortable before now look like a darn good thing to me! Anyone have any experience with a body-shaper that they love?

 

[DMickey28]

Bethany - I have a Spanx that I bought at Chiccos to wear under a formal gown for a NYE wedding. It certainly is not the most comfortable but it does it's job and it's not completely UNcomfortable. It's the kind that has shorts to it that go almost down to your knees and it goes up to your bra. It does have to be adjusted every now and then at the top because it tends to slip down but you can't tell. I wore it last weekend under a new capri/top outfit and it made a difference in the look of the outfit. I can't remember how much it was but I want to say around $30ish.