The new "New Moms" thread!

[ImarriedGrumpy]

On a non fun note. I think we are going to have to try some form of CIO with him for sleeping. He is getting worse and now when he wakes up he only wants me and he is purposefully keeping himself awake. He will be fully asleep on me and then as soon as I put him down he will wake up and scream. We go through this for 2 hours back and forth sometimes and I am just to the point where I know that it's just because he wants to make sure I am in there with him. I need my rest too and taking him to our bed is NOT an option since that would just keep him up even more (he can't even see me in the area or he is up). We are going to try this weekend. Wish us luck. It's going to be just awful but I am kind of at a loss for things to do. He's also rarely taking a nap anymore. Today his "nap" was 10 minutes.

Hope it goes okay for you this weekend...I know it's hard! Hang in there, and I hope you'll be getting more sleep soon!

We're working on sleep training with Owen because he's only been sleeping if he's being held. Seriously, we would go to lay him down and he'd wake up and scream and scream, and to survive we just started holding him while he slept. Just not a good long-term solution, and he's starting to get used to it, so we really need new sleep habits. I'm not getting anything done and I need rest, too!

For a while he was napping in his swing, but now he won't do it. So we've come up with a long-term plan to slowly get him used to sleeping in his cradle. I've been working with Owen just on naps in the cradle this week, and I'm exausted! It's so hard, and it would be so much easier now to just hold him while he sleeps, but DH and I agree that we need to get him to sleep in his cradle now rather than fighting this battle when he's bigger and heavier and harder to hold.

We're not going to start changing the overnight routine until the naps are solidly in the cradle, but once he gets those down, we'll start slowly shifting him to sleeping in his cradle at night, too, instead of in my arms like he does now. I'm anticipating a several month journey on this process...

 

[helenabear]

Awww... what adorable pics y'all posted!

I feel for you guys doing the sleep training and CIO. I never thought I would be one to do it at such a young age, but believe it or not, Dom goes to sleep quicker if we just leave. I was trying to put him to bed one day and he was crying. I had to go... ahem... and really had to go so I just left him in his bed. By the time I finished he was silent. I ran an experiment and found out he does sleep quicker if I don't stand and gently pat him on his back. He also sleeps quicker if we don't give him his pacifier. So we now put him down and if he isn't quiet w/in 5 minutes I go in and check. It was soooo hard at first, but I started closing his door, going to another room and turning up the TV. I wouldn't even turn on the monitor until 5 minutes had passed. Now no joke, he's alseep within 1-2 minutes. It seems 3 at most. So good luck... it is hard, but I think this really makes him a better sleeper now because of that. He is used to falling asleep on his own. So if he wakes up at night before a feeding, he might whimper but he will quickly go back to sleep.

Busy weekend for us. We are getting a new washer and dryer since mine died Tomorrow we get Dom's crib and will set it up. So we'll have a lot of fun learning new washers and getting him to sleep in a bigger bed.

 

[Villain-lover]

Just thought I would pop in and give a quick update on the twins. They are growing soo fast! Check out the new avatar! Zoe is almost 12 lbs and Sam is just over 13 lbs. Both of them are also on Zantec for reflux. Sam was the screamer and Zoe the puker. Things are better, although now that Sam has discovered his hands...and I mean the boy is a little OCD about his hands...he gagged himself yesterday shoving his middle finders down his throat. I wanted to ask you formula feeders...about how much and how often are your babies feeding. Sam & Zoe do 6 feedings in 24 hours, Sam gets 5 oz and Zoe 4 1/2 oz. The are only waking once a night which is nice, and I think if they were both eating at least 5 oz consistantly I could skip the night feeding....sometimes we do have to wake them to eat at night. What do you think? They will be 4 months on the 11th, but adjusted age is only just over 2 months.


Meredith

 

[kellyf2626]

We did CIO with Brady, and although it was really hard, it REALLY worked. Before we did it, we would pat him, rock him, give him his pacifier (about a million times). Finally we were like "this can't continue"! DH convinced me to just try it. So we did....wow.....the first few days were bad, but by the 3rd day, he would fall asleep in like 3min. I think it taught him how to self-soothe, which was great. Teething has put a new twist on sleeping lately, but that is understandable!

Oh...and I am sooooooooooooo excited! I just ordered a new stroller! The Phil & Ted sport buggy. I can't wait until it comes in for walks when this snow goes away (if that EVER happens!)

Here are some pics! I got the conversion kit to make it a double stroller....we will use it someday, right?!

 

[ashjohnson80]

Hey everyone. Haven't had much time to be on the computer lately. I love the new pictures. Ellery is doing really good. Here's a picture I took of her the other day. She will not smile when she sees a camera!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Ash, Ellery is so cute! She looks very concerned - so funny to see such a serious expression on a little one! Owen gets a skeptical look every so often that is exactly like DH's and it cracks me up; it's so odd to see Dh's expressions on our baby.

Meredith, I don't have any advice to give for the twins, but I hope it works out for you. It's so amazing how much they've grown!

Elaine, how's the new crib going for Dom? We've made a little progress with getting Owen to nap in his cradle.

Kelly, the stroller looks awesome! We found an all-terrain jogging stroller on craigslist that has a carseat that attaches to it so we can use it with Owen even while he's small. It's made DH very happy because he can take Owen out on the trails when the weather is nice. Hope the snow goes away soon for you!!

Poor Owen has another cold. This is his 2nd cold, and he isn't even 3 months old yet. This time is cough sounds worse than before, and he definitely is more congested. Poor baby! DH feels horrible, because once again he was the one who got sick and passed it on to the boy. Tues is Owen's follow up appt to check his weight, so we'll have the dr. check him out and make sure his cold isn't too serious. So far his temp has still been normal, so I'm really not too worried, but I just feel awful for the baby. He's so uncomfortable, and is having a harder time nursing and sleeping because of his congestion.


In the fun news, we ordered our next carseat today with the Amazon sale on Britax carseats! We got the Diplomat in Onyx, and I'm so pleased to have found it on sale and with free shipping!! We liked the Boulevard, but we're in the process of getting a new car, and Dh was worried that the Boulevard wouldn't fit in whatever car we end up getting. I wasn't worried about that since we're going to be getting a bigger car (some sort of station wagon or cross-over type), but it was a major concern for DH, so we went with the Diplomat instead.

By the way, anyone drive a Mazda 5 or know anyone who does? We've found a 2006 Mazda 5 that we're thinking about buying to replace our '89 Volvo sedan. DH originally wanted a Volvo wagon, but Consumer Reports said it wasn't as reliable as the Mazda. He's just worried that it will feel "flimsy" because he likes the sturdy feel of Volvos. He refuses to get a minivan or an SUV, so a cross-over is as close as he'll come.

 

[Pollito916]

I feel for you guys doing the sleep training and CIO. I never thought I would be one to do it at such a young age, but believe it or not, Dom goes to sleep quicker if we just leave. I was trying to put him to bed one day and he was crying. I had to go... ahem... and really had to go so I just left him in his bed. By the time I finished he was silent. I ran an experiment and found out he does sleep quicker if I don't stand and gently pat him on his back. He also sleeps quicker if we don't give him his pacifier. So we now put him down and if he isn't quiet w/in 5 minutes I go in and check. It was soooo hard at first, but I started closing his door, going to another room and turning up the TV. I wouldn't even turn on the monitor until 5 minutes had passed. Now no joke, he's alseep within 1-2 minutes. It seems 3 at most. So good luck... it is hard, but I think this really makes him a better sleeper now because of that. He is used to falling asleep on his own. So if he wakes up at night before a feeding, he might whimper but he will quickly go back to sleep.

We did the same thing with DS from the start, also out of necessity (bathroom, sleep, etc), and it has worked beautifully. DS never gets up in the middle of the night unless he is sick, and even then rarely.

Kelly - I saw someone using that stroller at our local mall the other day, and it looked so cool! DS was fascinated by it.

Love all the new baby pics, what a bunch of cuties!

Syrreal, I can't believe how grown up Brennan looks in your siggy pic!

We've had a really busy past couple of weeks. We just sold our house and are planning a move across the country to Arizona. DS turned 1 and had his 1 year check-up, the doc said he is progressing well and at 31.25" and 21.4 lbs, which is 70% and 30%, but pretty normal for DS. He also recommended a "safety harness" for when we go out with DS in crowded public areas, since he doesn't really want to be in his stroller for long periods and will take off running any chance he gets. I didn't really like the idea at first, but the pediatrician said he had one for his own daughter, so that made me feel a little better. I guess a harness is better than having him run off and get hurt or kidnapped.

We also went for his 1 year portraits, but he was too obsessed with trying to run out of the little room or grab at the photography equipment to sit or stand still long enough for a very good picture. It's times like these I sometimes wish I had a little calmer of a baby, like DS's cousin, but I love my crazy little monkey!

This weekend has been extra tough, b/c I got that horrible stomach flu that has been going around, and haven't been able to do anything. I didn't even leave my bedroom or bathroom for more than an hour all weekend. It was so miserable, but I think I am finally starting to feel a little better. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be able to go back to work and planning for this big move!

 

[Syrreal]

Oh...and I am sooooooooooooo excited! I just ordered a new stroller! The Phil & Ted sport buggy. I can't wait until it comes in for walks when this snow goes away (if that EVER happens!)

That is a really pretty stroller. Are you getting it in that color? Let us know how you like it. We have the BOB revolution and love it but when we have another kid we'll have to get a diff stroller.

We did the same thing with DS from the start, also out of necessity (bathroom, sleep, etc), and it has worked beautifully. DS never gets up in the middle of the night unless he is sick, and even then rarely.

Syrreal, I can't believe how grown up Brennan looks in your siggy pic!

He also recommended a "safety harness" for when we go out with DS in crowded public areas, since he doesn't really want to be in his stroller for long periods and will take off running any chance he gets. I didn't really like the idea at first, but the pediatrician said he had one for his own daughter, so that made me feel a little better. I guess a harness is better than having him run off and get hurt or kidnapped.

I know, he looks like such a little big boy. I haven't seen a baby in him in months. Ever since he started walking, I think.

We had the same issue with the not wanting to stay in the cart. He is okay sometimes if I get that cart that has the little car attached to it, but not every place has it. So we did get him a baby leash. It's one of those that looks like he is carrying a puppy on his back. Haven't used it yet, but we'll see next time I go to the store.

Well, here is a little update on the sleep thing. I just copied this from a blog of mine...

Thursday--
Last night B woke up around 12:30 and DH gave him his bottle. He fell asleep and as soon as DH put him down he was screaming. We just let him. DH went in and would pat him and then coem out. I went in once. It was so hard! He kept trying to climb on me and if I woudl get him to lay down and be quiet for a second he would instantly start screaming again. He was crying, I was crying. DH hugged me and told me to go upstairs and turn off the monitor, he would keep it up. B cried for about an hour and a half total (including two or three times when he would fall asleep for a few minutes then wake himself up. He woke up at 7:30 and chatted for a while and then fell asleep again till 9:30am. We'll see how it goes tonight with the middle of the night wake up. Then on saturday we'll try with the going to sleep one.

Friday- Well, night before last he slept all night for 12 hours then took a 2 1/2 hour nap yesterday. Then last night he went to bed by 8 and slept till 3am. He woke up and started screaming. DH went in a couple of times. B would calm down then start up again. I go in there and I swear that I just made things worse. I came back out and not two minutes later we hear a thud. B had jumped out of the crib! Like last time, not a scratch on him, only this time he was already 3/4 to the door when we got in. So today we are lowering it down the last bit. I swear that this kid is going to give me a heart attack!
So with him jumping out (and me scared to death) I held him and rocked him back to sleep. One small victory, though, he didn't take a bottle to go back to sleep. It's the first time! By the time we were back in bed it was 4:45am. He slept till 8:30. He's napping now and he didn't take a bottle either (althoug he fought me some to nap)

Saturday- Well, last night B fell asleep after only about 20 minutes of screaming. He did that both for when we put him down and also when he woke up in the middle of the night. No bottle in the middle of the night either. Today the poor thing just woke up sick. He has a low grade fever so he's been on the Tylenol and has slept all day pretty much (I wonder if it's tied to the 2 vax he got on Wednesday- pneumococcal and chicken pox). Poor little guy. It killed me to just set him down tonight but he was asleep within 5 minutes. We'll see how it goes tonight. I just hope he feels better tomorrow. He looks so sad when he's sick.

Sunday-So, it seems that Brennan has been using a little bit of babbling to help calm himself down when we put him down to sleep. He is still crying for up to 30 minutes but it's not as often now. Tonight he cried for all of 7 minutes before sleeping and even that was with more babbling.

DH and I think we know just exactly what he is saying when he babbles at that time. He's saying-->

You MoFos need to effing come in here and effing pick me up. This is total effing B-S.
etc.

 

[Syrreal]

Just wanted to say that tonight he was doen crying by the time I had closed the door to his room. Sweet! Hopefully it's a sign of what's to come.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Syrreal, glad to hear of the progress! I hope it keeps up!

Owen was just starting to be good about falling asleep in his cradle (with help) and was napping for about 20 min. there each cycle, and now this cold hits and he needs to be sleeping with his head elevated to help him breathe so the cradle is out for a while. Darn! We were making good progress, too!

Dr. appt yesterday was good. Owen is now 9lb9oz, which still puts him in the 3rd % for weight. Dr. decided she isn't going to run tests but just keep an eye on things since:
a) he hasn't dropped %-wise, even if he hasn't gained % points
b) he looks like he's gained a little weight
c) he's hitting all the developmental milestones dead on (and is even ahead on a few)
and d) there's a family history of small babies on both sides (I was such a tiny kid that I didn't even make it onto the charts until I was 6 or 7).
She also said that he probably dropped a few ounces over the weekend when his cold hit, so it's possible that he'll be a little farther ahead by his next appt in 6 weeks.

Poor little guy, his cold is really bothering him now. His eyelids are a little swollen and red, he's tearing up all the time, he's very congested, and the cough has gotten worse. All we can do is try to help clear up the congestion and give him a little tylenol to help with his sore throat. He's started making these sad little sounds after a coughing spell, and he whimpers a little in his sleep. Dr. checked him over and said we're doing the right things to help him, and just try and make him as comfortable as we can until it clears up.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Bethany, I hope he's feeling better soon. It's miserable when they're sick, and there's not a whole lot we can do for them.

 

[kellyf2626]

Bethany....I hope Owen is on the mend and feels better soon. Nothing worse than seeing your LO sick....

Syrreal...Glad to hear that the sleeping is getting better! The end of your post made me laugh!! I actually got the Phil & Teds stroller in red. The green seemed a little bright! It should get here tomorrow!

Pollito... Congrats on selling your house! When exactly will you move? Have you found a new house yet? Hopefully you are feeling better!

Ash...Ellery is ADORABLE!! What a cutie pie...love her dress!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Owen is still pretty miserable. We're running the cool-mist humidifier non-stop, and looking for a warm-mist one to run next to the nursing chair when we're sitting there with him. We have a small bathroom, so we've been closing the doors and filling the room with steam from the shower and then taking Owen in there to breathe in the steam to loosen up his congestion. Seems to make him a little more comfortable.

This weekend is the big "Outrageous Outgrowns" baby/kids consignment sale in San Jose and I'm so excited! It's held 2 times a year, and this is my first time selling stuff at the sale. Now that Owen's here I've gone through all his clothes and I'm selling all the things that he doesn't wear or are the wrong season for his size, etc. I'm also selling some of my maternity clothes and pregnancy books. I'll get 50% of what my stuff sells for, and most of what doesn't sell I designated to be given to a women & children's shelter after the sale. I dropped all my stuff off last night, and the organizers have been busy all day sorting everything. It's amazingly well organized, despite the vast quantity of stuff that comes in.

Tonight is the sellers only presale, and I've got my list of items I'm looking for prioritized so I can head for the good stuff first. Most of the sellers price things sensibly, so it's a great place to hunt for bargains. Last fall my big scores were 2 pairs of brand new Robeez shoes still in the packages for $7 each and the exact Boppy I wanted also brand new, in the package, for $12. This year I'm hoping to find some nursing tops, a sling, a second boppy cover, cloth diaper covers, a mobile, and a couple nice stroller/car seat toys. Oh, and a cute outfit for Easter and 3 month photos.

I love bargains! I'm hoping that what I sell will cover the cost of what I buy, and I'll be able to use this sale every 6 months to replace Owen's outgrown clothes with the next size up.

 

[Pollito916]

Pollito... Congrats on selling your house! When exactly will you move? Have you found a new house yet? Hopefully you are feeling better!

Thanks, Kelly. The movers are coming and we will leave to drive to AZ on 3/28, but the actual closing is 4/1. We are going to stay with my mom for a little while, so DH can find a job, then we will look for our own place. Luckily my job is letting me transfer, so that is one less thing to worry about!

Bethany - hope Owen is feeling better soon! I love those consignments sales! I went to one last year held by a local mothers of multiples club and got some great deals. I hope you find what you're looking for!

Syrreal - it sounds like you've been having a tough time getting Brennan to sleep, but it seems like he's finally getting the hang of it. I hope everything continues to go smoothly for you!

Ash - DS gets the same worried look on his face almost every time I get out the camera, looks just like his father!

And now for the best news.........I finally scheduled Alex's first trip to Disney! DH got one of those e-mails for 40% of rooms, so I convinced him it was too good of a deal to pass up. So we will be there during the holidays, 12/10-12/17. I'm so excited that I can finally start planning!

 

[RadioNate]

Maggie is now a little over 3 months old. She is smiling and starting to babble. She is also sleeping really well.

I am a little concerned because she doesn't really have the head control thing down yet. She hasn't had much tummy time so I'm really uping that (which she hates) to see if it gets better.

Pollito - DD is loving your sig pic. I think she has a little crush!

I have a friend that had a baby on the same day and her DD is already rolling over! I am NOT going to like this because I won't be able to stop comparing the 2. I really need to remember that DD was 3 weeks early and that she may be more on that schedule.

 

[helenabear]

Maggie is now a little over 3 months old. She is smiling and starting to babble. She is also sleeping really well.

I am a little concerned because she doesn't really have the head control thing down yet. She hasn't had much tummy time so I'm really uping that (which she hates) to see if it gets better.

Pollito - DD is loving your sig pic. I think she has a little crush!

I have a friend that had a baby on the same day and her DD is already rolling over! I am NOT going to like this because I won't be able to stop comparing the 2. I really need to remember that DD was 3 weeks early and that she may be more on that schedule.

I know it is so hard. Don't do it though. One of my good friends at church was due a week before I was and wound up having her DS on the same day. Dom is super active and her DS is not. It's shocking how different two babies of the same age is. I'm always "comparing" with the weight. He weighs more than Dom, but he is shorter. He does more grabbing than Dom does, but Dom can push himself up and he just started rolling over. My doctor told me that Dom was a bit ahead of the curve, so don't worry, I am sure Maggie is fine!

I hope that Owen is feeling better by now. Dom had a teeny cold last week and he was miserable for one day. My doctor reminded us that babies have about 10-12 colds in their first year

So yes, our big news was that Dom just learned how to roll over. I was shocked he did it this early, but now we definitely do not worry about him sleeping on his stomach.

 

[RadioNate]

I know it is so hard. Don't do it though. One of my good friends at church was due a week before I was and wound up having her DS on the same day. Dom is super active and her DS is not. It's shocking how different two babies of the same age is. I'm always "comparing" with the weight. He weighs more than Dom, but he is shorter. He does more grabbing than Dom does, but Dom can push himself up and he just started rolling over. My doctor told me that Dom was a bit ahead of the curve, so don't worry, I am sure Maggie is fine!

I hope that Owen is feeling better by now. Dom had a teeny cold last week and he was miserable for one day. My doctor reminded us that babies have about 10-12 colds in their first year

So yes, our big news was that Dom just learned how to roll over. I was shocked he did it this early, but now we definitely do not worry about him sleeping on his stomach.

I try not too, but you know you can't help it. I'm going to constantly keep looking at Dom and Ellery too because they are all w/in days of each other.

Maggie likes to look at and talk to things but really isn't into grabbing or swatting. She will on occasion, but she really just likes to look at and babble too her 'friends.'

She is still a little peanut. I *think* about 12 lbs. We've just started on the 3-6 months clothes.

 

[helenabear]

To make you feel better, Dom is no better with the whole grabbing thing. He will grab if he runs his hands over it all, but he really doesn't swat or reach for things if that makes sense. He likes to stare at his hands, and only today started grabbing them together. He's always been super active so I am not shocked about him rolling. And my friend's DS doesn't do much looking around, can hold his head up but not good at holding it steady at all times. He just sits there most of the time.
Dom is a boy so giving his weight won't help much. I think my friend's DS is around 15 pounds and Dom is probably 14 now. He's 22.5" long but Dom is 25". So amazing how different two babies who are literally 15 hours apart.

Really Maggie sounds like she is exactly where my friend's DS is.

 

[RadioNate]

To make you feel better, Dom is no better with the whole grabbing thing. He will grab if he runs his hands over it all, but he really doesn't swat or reach for things if that makes sense. He likes to stare at his hands, and only today started grabbing them together. He's always been super active so I am not shocked about him rolling. And my friend's DS doesn't do much looking around, can hold his head up but not good at holding it steady at all times. He just sits there most of the time.
Dom is a boy so giving his weight won't help much. I think my friend's DS is around 15 pounds and Dom is probably 14 now. He's 22.5" long but Dom is 25". So amazing how different two babies who are literally 15 hours apart.

Really Maggie sounds like she is exactly where my friend's DS is.

That is good to know. My friend's DD and Maggie are like a half hour apart! Her DD was born 6 days past her due date and Maggie was born 19 days before hers so I also need to remember there are some differences there.

From everything I've read and remember from DS she is behind in head control. I think with some extra tummy time (because she's had like none) it'll get back on track soon.

She loves to play with her hands. I swear they are her favorite toy.

I forget when they discover their feet, that was always fun.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

It is amazing how different babies grow and develop at different rates! It's also so fascinating to see how their personalities are revealed. Seems like every day I learn something new about Owen.

Owen is still sick. He wakes up with massive coughing fits in the early morning hours and is still sluggish. He's having a hard time nursing with his congestion. He still smiles and "talks" to us a little, but mostly he just wants to lay in our arms or on our shoulder. He makes funny little complaining noises from time to time, especially after he's been coughing. I'm starting to think he takes after his daddy and is a bit of a grumbler! I've got the cold now, too, so we're both miserable.

I scored quite a few deals at the sale last night. Got a brand new boppy cover, several pairs of brand new shoes through size 3, a few nursing tops, a lot of really cute outfits for the boy, and a couple toys. Didn't find the sling that I wanted or a good mobile, but as usual I bought more than I intended to! I'm going to go back on Sunday for the 1/2 price sale to see if there's any last bargains to be found. I did see a few of my items being bought, so at least I'll regain some of the money I spent...but I doubt it will come close to covering the total cost!