The new "New Moms" thread!

[helenabear]

Bethany, I forgot to say how Dom loves to be pat hard as well. He always has. I think it came from burping him. He was so difficult, that light patting just did nothing at all. I've had a couple people comment about it, but normally I just ignore it. He obviously loves it and will calm down quickly.

I've been reading about the signs for feeding solid foods. How did you all know it was the right time? Dom sits well and is almost able to sit w/o any support. He's very good at letting us know when he's hungry and full. I've tested feeding liquid (water or formula) on a spoon and he's okay. I think that comes from taking the zantac daily. And of course he has more than doubled his weight since birth. We are going to talk to our doctor when we go in two weeks from now, but how did you know it was the right time? I feel odd since he is currently only 3.5 months old, but he has all of the signs that I read about already. I can't see waiting until 6 months, but I don't know if 4 is way too early (even though I am told 4-6 months is the right range). Any thoughts on that would be appreciated.

 

[7beasley]

Hi Elaine

Izzy was/is a very hungry baby!! She is now 5 months old and weighs 17 lbs and is 26 inches long -- the bottle just was not satisfying her -- I started her on cereal (oatmeal) with the doctor's okay -- at about 3 months (maybe 3 1/2 months) -- that was a little earlier than recommended but the doctor thought it would be fine -- she loves loves loves the cereal and is very good at using a spoon now. After her 4 month checkup and shots (which she had at about 19 weeks instead of 16 weeks) I talked to her doctor about adding in the fruits and vegetables and he said that would be fine to do since she knows how to use the spoon now.

So about 2 weeks ago I started her on fruits and vegetables and those are a big hit as well. We use the stage 1 Gerbers. Frankly, it is ALOT of food that the doctors advise giving -- more so then you would think -- but apparently the food (cereal/fruit/veg) is not enough to really sustain them nutritionally - they just eat the food for a little something extra and to learn how to use the spoon and eat -- so even though Izzy now eats food - she still gets 4 8 ounce bottles a day.

Her feeding schedule at 5 months is:

Breakfast -- oatmeal cereal, 1/2 a pack of Gerber fruit, and her 8 oz bottle

around noon --- 8 oz bottle

around 3 or 4pm --- 8 oz bottle - 1/2 pack of Gerber vegetables and sometimes a little oatmeal

Dinner (around 8pm) --- 8 oz bottle - 1/2 pack of Gerber vegetable and oatmeal.

She is doing very well on this schedule -- she loves to eat -- and she is sleeping through the night!!!

So -- sorry for the long post -- but I would talk to your doctor -- it is probably time to start Dom on cereal -- we went with Oatmeal per doctors instruction because her bowel movements were a little hard and the oatmeal has fiber to soften them up while the rice cereal would keep them hard/make them harder -- but apparently any single grain cereal works!

Good luck -- ask the doctor -- and use the spoon -- don't put the cereal in the bottle because its important for them to learn to use the spoon.

********

Hi to everyone else -- LOVE all the adorable baby pictures. Ash - you are quite talented!!

-Nicole

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Elaine - I waite a bit longer than most folks to start solids with Christopher. He was happy with just his bottle for the longest time, so we stuck to that. I think I started at about 5 1/2 months. We just gave him cereal twice a day for about a week, and then added in some veggies and fruit. Now, he's eating just about everything in sight (except what he feeds the dog ).

Ash - you do an amazing job! And the pics are too cute.

So, if any of you have any advice.... I'm taking Christopher to Target to get some pics taken tomorrow. I've always gone to a photographer before, but it's getting expensive, and I need a ton of pics for the family. How long do they usually spend with him? Can I change his clothes, or does he just get one outfit? Can I bring some of his toys?

Thanks!
Jen

 

[helenabear]

Thanks Jen & Nicole!!! I was reading some sites that were 100% against any solid foods until they are 6 months. Dom is already eating about 7-7.5 ounces ever 3-4 hours and sometimes he gets tired of eating that much (even though we have changed to level 2 nipples). Sometimes I have to stop and let him look around for a few minutes before he's ready. He really is hungry (keeps sucking on his hands and the like) but he just is sick of sitting there. I also have tried the spoon to see if he pushes it back out. He lets it sit and then he tries to suck so I think he is ready. Plus he was eyeing my fruit very intently recently He's physically been ahead of the schedule for many things so now I don't feel so bad about asking when we go in.

Just out of curiousity, how much is a half a pack of Gerber food? I plan on making my own foods for the most part, and not sure how big serving sizes are. I know I could look around myself, but I'm lazy sometimes.

Jen, good luck with the pictures. My friends just did that recently and they wound up running late so nearly none of the shots had their DD smiling.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Elaine - I think the Gerber 1st foods are 2.5 oz, and the 2nd foods are 3.5 oz. I made most everything for Christopher, and figured he would eat just a few tablespoons when he started, and he quickly went to eating 1/4 cup. Now I can't make enough food for him!

 

[RadioNate]

Well between DS and DH, we've broken Maggie's crib. It looks like we are going to have to buy a new one. She is in DS's old crib so it is nearly 7 years old and has been moved and stored a lot.

What kind of cribs do you have? Where did you get it? and if you don't mind...was it expensive. DH doesn't want to spend a lot if we on't have to. He seems to think zip tying the current one will be sufficent.

We are finally doing 'real' portraits on Thursday so I'm excited.

Jen, you'll have to let us know how the Target pics go. I want one of both kids but don't want to spend a fortune.

 

[7beasley]

Just out of curiousity, how much is a half a pack of Gerber food? I plan on making my own foods for the most part, and not sure how big serving sizes are. I know I could look around myself, but I'm lazy sometimes.

Hi Elaine

I think 1/2 of the Gerber container is about 2 tablespoons.

I will double check tonight when I feed Izzy.

-Nicole

 

[beckmrk04]

Ash- LOVE the tutu!!! Goodness, chic- you have got to sell that stuff!!

Elaine- We started Vaylie on solids at about 4 1/2 months, and just started with a little rice cereal mixed with formula. We did that once or twice a day for like a month, then started introducing fruits and veggies. And we let her judge the serving size, because she would clamp her mouth SHUT when she was done, so we knew!

I don't know- solid feeding is the one parenting thing that I have never really felt competent at. There's no "right" way or time, so I always feel like I am just guessing most of the time.

Now, she's eating mostly finger foods, and she grew over the last year, so I guess I did ok.

 

[helenabear]

Thanks again everyone! I appreciate hearing all the stories and information you can give. I like going into doctors appts knowing all I can before I ask questions.

Alison, I probably won't be much help on the crib. We bought one that was stationary in all ways and was solid wood. It wasn't the best out there, but it was a step above a lot of the others I saw. We paid $400 before sales for it at Babies R Us. We really wanted a solid wood one that didn't have a drop side. We did get it for 15% off and then my dad chipped in $250 for it as well. The one we really wanted was back ordered for months, so we went with this one. Good luck finding one! Have you thought of going to 2nd hand stores?

 

[ashjohnson80]

We have a Simplicity Ellis 4-in-1 crib. Heres a link http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2429606

I like it. It's pretty and it seems really sturdy. Ellery hasn't slept in it one time yet though, lol, but hopefully since it's convertible she'll have plenty of time for that later.

 

[beckmrk04]

I was going to get a convertible crib, but I figured then I'd just have to buy another when we hadthe next baby, and since our house is teeny tiny, I think we'll probably end up with bunk beds anyway. Hopefully the next one is a girl: I'm prepared for a girl. We have all the girl stuff! Pink bedding, pink swing, pink car seats, Pepto pink everywhere you look.

If our next baby is a boy, he's going to have gender identity issues.


Speaking of next babies...... Anyone else feeling the urge for another yet? I totally am. And if money weren't going to be an issue, I would probably be ttc right now.

Sadly, we know what I could be in store for with another pregnancy, and our finances can't handle that right now.

But, we're thinking of ttc next June/July.... Maybe. We'll have to see how things stand. I did sign up for long-term disability insurance, though, so if I have to be off work with the next pregnancy it won't be SUCH a disaster.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I can't remember everyone's names...but wanted to comment...

I love BabyLegs too! We don't have any, but I'm thinking of picking up a pair (I hear they are at Target now) when Henry starts to crawl.

As for solids, we started at 5 months - we figured we'd go middle of the road of what doctors advise (4-6 months) and Henry was ready. He had been grabbing our food, making chopping motions with his mouth while we ate and he has taken right to everything we have tried. I make our baby food, and he eats 2 to 4 cubes of frozen food a meal. We are doing 2 meals a day. Our Ped said we could do 3 meals a day, but I'm just taking it slow.

Pictures at Target....yep! You can do an outfit change, they spend about 30 minutes with you and then will work with your pictures - putting on vingettes, etc. while you wait. Then you will get to view them all. They enhance a lot of them usually because they look great--and cost a lot more per sheet! I think the enhanced ones are $19.99 a sheet, while the normal ones I usually have a coupon for are $3.99 a sheet! I thought the gal I had this last time was very creative and great with Henry. They are willing to do anything you would like to do, so if you have ideas, or a special toy/blanket that you want to bring it-go for it! We did one on his belly this past time and it ended up being one of our favorites-it was a pose I wanted, with his blanket draped over his head. In the same sitting, we also did DH and I, and a family picture. They will pretty much do anything you want. They also have diaper covers, so you can do nakey pictures and then put a diaper cover on your little one that matches the color of the background, it looks really great!

I'm not sure on the brand of our crib, but it was about $250 from Babies R Us and is GREAT. It's a convertable and does not have a drop side. It's a nice wood honey oak color. I was surprised it was only $250 because all those that looked like it were over $400. Might be a cheaper wood material?

 

[helenabear]

Becky, you just named why I didn't want a girl. I hate pink (my mom dressed me in it so much I started to hate it) and never wanted to wear it again.

As for wanting another child... I have wanted more than one, but after dealing with the delivery and having the kidney, liver, blood pressure, and clotting issues my husband doesn't want me to do it again. I got lucky that I had no permanent damage, but we aren't willing to try again. If we want a second child, we'll adopt.

I finally found our crib http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3012829
we wanted one that matched our current oak finish. We also wanted one that was made out of solid wood and wouldn't move at all while we shook it. This one is *solid* My husband chose it and he went around shaking all the cribs. Only one other we liked better, but it was wait listed for about 3 months. It was oak instead of hickory with oak finish, but it wasn't worth the wait.

 

[HollyJoy]

Morning everyone! Amanda had her 2 month check up this morning. She did great, but those shots are killer! Even though I knew she was fine, I couldn't help but tear up Anyway, here are her stats: 12 pounds 9 ozs (87th percentile), 23 inches (72nd percentile), 15.40 in head circum. (60th percentile).

We opted NOT to get the Rotavirus Vaccine. After talking with her pediatrician for a bit about it, I came to the conclusion that it's really not necessary. We've also made an appointment with a specialist at Hopkins, for her leg. Not sure if I've mentioned, but she's got a Hemangioma on her left leg, from the knee to the foot. The appointment isn't until the end of May, but I'm hoping to get in sooner through a cancellation.

 

[7beasley]

Elaine

I checked -- 1/2 a Gerber container is about 2 tablespoons!

Holly - sorry about Amanda's leg.

Hi all - hope everyone is doing well.

We are excited about Izzy's first Easter this weekend -- I got her an adorable easter dress and for later - a cute little outfit with bunnys on the feet and a cottonball tale on the bum -- so cute!!

Have a great day!

-Nicole

 

[RadioNate]

We have a Simplicity Ellis 4-in-1 crib. Heres a link http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2429606

I like it. It's pretty and it seems really sturdy. Ellery hasn't slept in it one time yet though, lol, but hopefully since it's convertible she'll have plenty of time for that later.

Ooooh I'm glad you posted this. This is my current front runner however I haven't been able to see it in person. Target has it for 15% off and free shipping so I think I'm just gonna get it.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

We have a Simplicity Ellis 4-in-1 crib. Heres a link http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2429606

I like it. It's pretty and it seems really sturdy. Ellery hasn't slept in it one time yet though, lol, but hopefully since it's convertible she'll have plenty of time for that later.

Do you happen to have the dresser or dresser/changer combo? I am looking to get one of those in Honey Oak to match our crib. We have a convertible crib, but we've never used it in any other stages (plus we coslept with the first 2 mostly) so even though it's 11 years old it looks brand new. I'm looking for a cheap, but decent dresser/changer to match!

 

[Mickeyluver37]

Ooooh I'm glad you posted this. This is my current front runner however I haven't been able to see it in person. Target has it for 15% off and free shipping so I think I'm just gonna get it.

Do you need a code for free shipping? I just tried to order and their shipping charges are !!!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Oh dear. MIL just dropped off Owen's Easter outfit...but I'd already bought him one! We're doing church and brunch with her because all 3 of DH's sisters have made plans elsewhere and she was feeling lonely. I knew she'd want to show Owen off to all her friends at church, so I got him a very cute outfit with pants, sweater vest, button up shirt, and a little tie. Totally adorable (and I got it on clearance so it was a great bargain to boot!). Well, DMIL bought Owen an outfit to wear to church on Easter and didn't tell me she was going to do this...yikes! Hers is cute, too, but not quite as dressy. It's a cute casual knit polo romper with a sweater vest to go over the top. Very nice, not quite what I'd pick for Easter, but cute.

I'd love to be able to return these to Children's Place, but I don't dare. Sigh. I can't return the outfit I bought because I got it on clearance. Looks like Owen will be wearing DMIL's outfit to church on Sunday though. Oh well. I'll get some pictures of him in my outfit, at least, and bring him to our church in it next week. He'll still be cute!

 

[beckmrk04]

They have BabyLegs at Target.com!!! How cool is that?! Now, if they'd only have them in the store, a pair would hop into my cart every time I went shopping!

I usually order them direct from BabyLegs and use a code to get $5 off. The way it USED to work was a glitch, but you could enter the code and get $5 off each pair, so I ordered one pair at a time!! Now, they have fixed it so that if you are only buying one pair, shipping is $8!!!! If you buy two or more pairs, shipping is about $2.50.... Ah well- it was good while it lasted!