The new "New Moms" thread!

[7beasley]

Hi all...

Sorry the QOTD have been sporatic lately...yesterday I had to go to a Court hearing for a client that was 2 hours away -- so 4 hours of driving plus a 2 hour hearing - took me out of hte office all day and when I got home- I just did not feel like being on the computer - wanted to hang with DH and Izzy...

Izzy has a cold -- she is seeing the ped today -- crappy timing - cause I leave next Tues for Vegas and she will be home alone with DH!! She has been putting her hands up to her ears (both arms up covering her ears) so I am hoping its not an ear infection -- she has already had 3 and she not even 9 months old yet!!


Question of the Day Do you have any pets...if so, what kind, name(s) and what does your baby/child think of the animal(s)?

Have a great day ladies!

-Nicole

 

[beckmrk04]

QOTD: We have a dog and cat plus an outside cat that adopted us.

Jules is a lab mix. She weighs 90-95 lbs.

Daphne is our inside cat. She doesn't like people, especially not small ones.

Espresso is the outside cat. She adopted us about 3 years ago. She just showed up and has been here since. She's a good cat, doesn't bother much, catches rodents and leaves their half-eaten carcasses on our doorstep. Sick, I tell ya.

Vaylie loves animals. Loves them. She chases them around, which all of our animals HATE. Jules is a nervous dog, and Vaylie makes her even more nervous. I have been very leery of letting them hang out too much without my direct supervision, especially since Jules is so big, she could do a lot of damage, you know?

Daphne hates Vaylie. And me. And most other humans, but especially kids who are noisy and chase her (which is most kids she's ever been around). She's completely declawed due to repeated incidents involving her, her claws and my flesh, so I don't worry much about her and V- Daphne just runs and hides. Eh.

And Espresso is the much friendlier, but she's also not a big fan of being chased around by a shrieking toddler, so she usually puts up with it for a minute, then takes off somewhere that V can't reach her.

 

[HollyJoy]

Question of the Day Do you have any pets...if so, what kind, name(s) and what does your baby/child think of the animal(s)?
-Nicole

Yes, we have 3 cats (but want to get rid of one) and a puppy. Amanda is interested in them, likes to pet them, but not quite chasing them yet! LOL The puppy loves her though!

 

[Villain-lover]

We have 4 cats.

Mulan-siamese mix, puts up with the babies but mostly comes around when they are eating and off the floor.

Pele- she is grey,and very soft, and Sam's favorite cat because she hangs out in the living room so much- he smiles and laughs when he sees her, and she allows him to touch her.

Morticia- I call her Tish- is MY little black cat- very sweet, and sleeps with me-she is wary of the babies, even though she hangs out in the living room with us and even sometimes near the babies to be with me.

Willow- long hair tortie, very nervous but sweet and craves attention, also dumb as a post. Never hangs out with the babies. She was the only rescue not adopted as a kitten and was left under the house by her owners when thye apparently moved. No wonder she has issues!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Izzy has a cold -- she is seeing the ped today -- crappy timing - cause I leave next Tues for Vegas and she will be home alone with DH!! She has been putting her hands up to her ears (both arms up covering her ears) so I am hoping its not an ear infection -- she has already had 3 and she not even 9 months old yet!!


Question of the Day Do you have any pets...if so, what kind, name(s) and what does your baby/child think of the animal(s)?

Have a great day ladies!

-Nicole

I hope Izzy is feeling better soon! I hate it when Owen is sick - I always feel so helpless since there isn't much I can do for him to make it go away.


QOTD: We have 3 cats.....

"The Girls" are Beatrice and Rosalind, 12 yr. old sisters that DH adopted from a friend's farm when they were kittens, and he raised them himself. They are total daddy's girls, and they prefer men to women!

Beatrice (aka Queen Bea, Bea-Baby, and Bossy Bea) is the boss. She's also the purr-hussy of the crowd - make her purr, and she loves you. Beatrice thinks everyone should admire her pretty white tummy and pet her soft fur, so she sees Owen as a new admirer. Bea will lay down next to Owen and let him grab her fur, tail, paws, ears, etc. and she just purrs away. I think she views it as a massage! If he gets too rough, she'll just move a little out of his reach, but she "pets" Owen sometimes - stretching out her paws to pat him gently - and gives him little kisses.

Rosalind (aka Ra-na-na or Sweetie Girl) is wholeheartedly "Daddy's Girl". She has a special purr just for DH, and she sometimes cries for him when he leaves for work. She even has a Dilbert doll that she carries around and leaves wherever DH was last...on his pillow, on his chair, next to his shoes, etc. Ros is jealous of Owen - she wants her spot on daddy's lap back - and she keeps her distance from the baby. Sometimes while DH is holding Owen, Rosalind tries to climb up and sit on Owen as if to say "he was my daddy first!"

Alton Brown Cat (aka ABC, Alton-Brown-Underfoot and Alton-Brown-In-The-Middle, and yes, he was named for the Food Network host ) is mine. He's turning one year old this month! We've been fostering kittens for a local cat rescue group for a few years, and I wanted to adopt a kitten that would be my cat, but all the kittens loved DH best. (He's known as "the cat whisperer" because cats all adore him.) I kept saying that I wanted a cat who would follow me around and want to snuggle with me. Well, I got my wish! Since we adopted him last September, Alton is always right under my feet or trying to climb into my lap, and he's now HUGE! He's also not the brightest crayon in the box, so he doesn't get it that there isn't room for both Alton and Owen on mommy's lap. He's still a kitten, although an enormous one, so he views Owen as one big toy. We have to watch him because he wants to pounce on Owen's waving arms and legs, and Alton doesn't realize he's being too rough. He's like the pesky little brother in the family - always getting into trouble, always wanting to play, and not understanding why everyone else doesn't want to roughhouse with him. Alton LOVES to give Owen baths, and he'll settle in and just go to town licking Owen with that scratchy cat tounge. Owen isn't so fond of his kitty baths, so it's one more reason to keep an eye on Alton around the baby. But Alton is getting better as he gets older, and we think that eventually he'll be a good buddy for Owen.

Ugh, this got long again. Owen fell asleep before I laid him in his bed for his nap, and then he woke up right as I put him down. He was playing for a few minutes, and then he got mad because he thought he should get up. So now he's very tired, and grumpy, and crying because he's having a hard time falling asleep on his own. So I'm sitting here typing away and trying to stay relaxed as I listen to my little guy cry. I wish I could go fix it, but I know that going in there will make it worse at this point, and he just needs to get himself to sleep. He's so close - I can hear it in how he's crying - but he's also so grumpy because he's so tired, and that always seems to make it harder for him. Poor little bug.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Becky~ I love my Medela PIS!! One of the best purchases I've ever made! I got mine brand new, still sealed in the box, for about $175 (including S&H) off ebay! Considering new ones generally retail for over $300, I thought I got a great deal. I highly recommend this pump.

 

[TiggerStac]

We have 2 dogs:

Macguire (Mac, Macky, Mac Attack, Dumb...this will be explaine in a second) is about 50lbs, border collie/black lab mix. Really easy dog. Brady likes him, he's fine w/Brady but once he gets going, he'll go to the other room away from the 1 year old.

Bailey (Bai-Bai, Dumber, Dopey) is 85lb black lab. And he is a complete dope!! I can't explain it, he just is. He's great too, he'll let Brady do anything to him, including trying to climb on and sit on him.

Hubby came up w/the names Dumb & Dumber....he's so nice, can you tell.

Bailey is very crazy, he's actually on valium that's how hyper he can get. He'll run around in circles, then thud and collapse. So much for labs outgrowing puppyness at 5 years, they are both 8.

We did have a pug, who I miss dearly, he was a rescue (all my dogs were rescues). We lost him to a brain tumor a couple months before Brady was born. Tyler loved him!! It was like it was his dog.

I work at a nursing home. I use to bring the pug in with me everyday. I brought Bailey in once, but all he did was pass gas in my office, that was too much. Mac sheds to much to bring in. But Rocco, was perfect for the nursing home. Someday I'll get another Pug.

 

[kellyf2626]

I took Brady to Sears to get his pics done every month for like the first 6 months...then felt like we had done all we could do there. So, then I started going to the Picture People these last few months. They are great (a bit more expensive) but his pics have always turned out awesome. Speaking of this, I need to schedule his 11 month appointment!!

QOTD: We have 2 dogs....a 5 year chocolate lab named Cody and a 4 1/2 year pug named Roxie. Brady loves them...especially Roxie because she is just his size! They all get along great now....but I am sure once Brady can actually run and chase them it may be a different story!!!

 

[Pollito916]

I hope all the little ones that have gotten sick, or been exposed to sickness are doing well. Alex's rash is completely gone, so he seems better. Unfortunately I am back in LA again, but I go back home Friday and should be able to stay for at least a couple weeks.

Pollito -- could you bring a book for Alex to look at in line -- or a disney video on a small portable dvd player? Maybe you and him could just sit to the side watching a video and then when DH gets to the front of the line you could jump in then. When are you going?

I'll bring all that stuff, but Alex just isn't the type of boy that enjoys sitting or standing still when he could be running around in circles, lol. We are going in December, and I can't wait!

Question of the Day: Is your baby left handed or right handed...and when were you sure which hand they would be?

Alex still uses both hands, sometimes more the right, so if I had to guess, that would be my guess. But he sucks his left thumb.

Do you guys internet shop? Or, what are your favorite things/brands for kid/baby items?

I looove Vaylie's Pediped shoes. She gets about a bajillion compliments on them, they go with everything, and they are good for her feet.

What stuff do you love?

I used to do a lot of internet shopping, but started spending too much, so I backed off. I loved Pedipeds for Alex when he was younger, but he has really big feet and has been walking for a while now, so I moved on to Stride Rite, which are kind of pricey, but sooo cute. And there is an outlet not too far from us, so you can get some decent prices there.

BTW - I love the pic of Vaylie w/2 pacis - so cute!

Question of the Day Do you have any pets...if so, what kind, name(s) and what does your baby/child think of the animal(s)?

No pets right now, but Alex has been around family and friends' dogs, and he loves them. He puts his little hands out and opens and closes them and says, "'mer, Doggy, 'mer." Any time he even hears a dog bark, he barks in response, then says Doggy.

 

[Pollito916]

I forgot to add, about the portraits, we took Alex to Sears at 3 mos, 6 mos, and 1 year. Once he hit 6 mos and was mobile, it was just such a challenge to try to get him to sit still, that it was more trouble than it was worth. The pictures didn't turn out very well, and at least I have a digital camera, so we still have plenty of pics of him. Not sure if I will try to go back to a photographer at 18 months or wait until 2 years. I guess I'll have to decide soon since 18 mos is next month!

 

[beckmrk04]

I forgot to add, about the portraits, we took Alex to Sears at 3 mos, 6 mos, and 1 year. Once he hit 6 mos and was mobile, it was just such a challenge to try to get him to sit still, that it was more trouble than it was worth. The pictures didn't turn out very well, and at least I have a digital camera, so we still have plenty of pics of him. Not sure if I will try to go back to a photographer at 18 months or wait until 2 years. I guess I'll have to decide soon since 18 mos is next month!

That was part of the problem too!! We actually did have V's pics taken at 1 year- I forgot that SIL and I took V and my nephew to get their pics together. By this time they were both mobile, and OHMIGOD, it was a disaster. I think we got two good pictures. Plus, it's about $150 every time I walk into Sears, and then, of course, we have to buy some outfits to wear.

But, I am going to take her for 18 month pics. Then we'll probably get V and my nephew together for Halloween and/or Christmas pictures. It is just flippin hard to get two toddlers to sit down, stay put, and smile!

And yeah- I still have hundreds of pics of V (yea digital cameras!!). So, I don't feel too bad about slacking off a bit on the professional pics. It's not like we're ignoring her. She's probably mildly sunburnt from all the camera flashing going on. I can't help myself- she's friggin' adorable and I LOVE my camera!! Best investment ever.

I wish I could think of the name of that place. I know Babies R Us has some stores with photo places, but the one closest to us doesn't. Eh. I'll figure something out.

 

[ashjohnson80]

we havent had any professional pictures done yet either.

qotd: we have one dog- a lhasa apso named Bogart. It's a really bad sitation because I'm crazy attached to Bo but he has been gradually getting more and more aggressive, and its now to the point of biting family members. And he's a stout dog. I don't have any options with him and I'm really really torn up about the whole thing. Before I had Ellery Bogie was my baby. This type of behavior is not uncommon in lhasa's, especially as they age. I thought he was a shih tzu when I got him. They told me that I guess b/c of the reputation of lhasa apso's.

Oh and guess what little 7 month old is still wide awake and sitting in my lap....

 

[beckmrk04]

Ash- that sucks that Bogie is being aggressive. Could you maybe go back to obedience training or ask a trainer for help? I'm not sure it will work, but maybe?

The problem with my dog is that if she ever starts biting, she'll take a limb off. She has snapped at Vaylie once- not to bite her, but to give a very clear warning (Vaylie was playing in the kitchen and unbeknownst to me, DH had just put food in Jules' bowl. WHen V got close, Jules let her know in no uncertain terms. And then I let Jules know in no uncertain terms that I WILL NOT tolerate that behavior).

SO, I have to make sure that if Jules has food, V isn't in the kitchen, or I put the bowl on the kitchen counter out of both their reach.

Jules is getting more comfortable with Vaylie, though. The other day V was sitting on the floor and Jules laid down by her and put her head in Vaylie's lap. Of course, her head is as big as Vaylie and V couldn't move.

 

[7beasley]

Oh Ash - that stinks about Bogart -- maybe you can just keep him separate from Ellery for now?

We have a 9 year old English Bulldog named Porker --- he has been our baby for 9 years so his nose has been a little out of joint these last 9 months with Izzy around. He just feels neglected and jealous -- we give him plenty of attention and one on one time and he sleeps with us so from 730pm on (after Izzy goes to bed) he gets our undivided attention upstairs -- he rolls around on our bed and we pet him and scratch him and give him love! Nonetheless - he gets persnickety at the baby and has taken to peeing/pooping in the house if he does not get attention on demand and he loves to demand attention when your hands are tied - like feeding a hungry kid or changing her diaper!

He does not bother too much with Izzy. Every now and again he will let her pet him and pull on his ears - but most of the time he stays just out of her reach. I think he is secretly laughing inside when he stands just inches from her grasp and watches her lean way over to get him or scoot to reach him and just as victory is within her clutches, he moves a mila-inch away! Its comical but also kind of mean of him!

Anyway -- we love him to death -- he is the best dog ever! And he is so cute. Bulldogs average life span is 8-10 years but most bulldog owners we know say that is too low and its more like 12-14 years! He is super healthy and lean and trim for a bulldog so our fingers are crossed that he has many more happy years. But it makes me sad/worried when I think about him not being with us - especially because DH has said no more dogs! I think I can talk him out of that -- but not until the kid(s) are older! The thought of being dogless is horrible to me!

Ok - enough depression for one day!

Have a great day ladies!

-Nicole

 

[7beasley]

Question of the Day: Okay - today's question is like the college application essay portion...Make up your own question - any question at all - about baby or not about baby - and answer it! Have fun!!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Old QOTD: We now only have one cat named Disney. He's 13 years old and pretty tolerant of Mo. Mo grabbed his tail hard yesterday and Disney stuck out his claws and tapped him. Mo didn't budge. I just tapped Disney on the head to let him know and then I removed Mo. And Mo does chase him....poor cat.

New QOTD: What's my favorite thing to do with Mo?

Go for walks in the park and visiting the Sasquatch Zoo. He's MUCH more observant of the animals now and will stare for a bit once he gets focused on them. As for the walks, it's just nice to be outdoors with Mo and watch him looking at everything AND pulling his stroller cover down to munch on it!!

 

[beckmrk04]

Question of the Day: Okay - today's question is like the college application essay portion...Make up your own question - any question at all - about baby or not about baby - and answer it! Have fun!!

Here's my QOTD:

What was your biggest/hardest adjustment to being a parent?

For me, I would say the lack of spontaneity, coupled with the lack of sleep. It is so hard for me (still) that when I am dog-tired, I can't just go take a nap- I have a baby I have to care for. Sick? Too bad! Your baby doesn't care if you're sick- they still need you to do everything.

And it's a lot harder to just go somewhere. You gotta pack. You have to plan ahead. What about interrupting naptime? Is there someplace I can breastfeed (back when that was an issue)? That was a big adjustment. Easier than the sleep thing, though. I need my sleep.


And- I have good news:

(no, I'm not pregnant)

BUT- DH got a new shift at work!!!! Right now he works 3:30-midnight 5 days/week. ( ) BUT, he is switching to 7am-5:30 pm Sun-Wed (4 days/week)!!! I am SOOOOOO happy!

It has been very hard not having him around at night- no one to help with the baby, no one to keep me company or eat dinner with.

But, alas, the 27th of July that all changes!!! I am beyond thrilled. PLUS- he and his brother (who also works the same shift Sun-Wed) are going to carpool, so instead of paying to drive back and forth 5 days, DH will only have to drive 2 days, and his brother will drive the other 2!!! Reducing the ridiculous amount of money we spend on gas!!!

Now, I just need to get my new job!

 

[golfgirl3613]

I am sort of a lurker on this board, but I have a question. My DD is almost 10 months and hasn't worn shoes yet. She is on the brink of walking, but it has been so hot, I haven't bothered to look yet. Can anyone recommend a good first shoe?

 

[beckmrk04]

I am sort of a lurker on this board, but I have a question. My DD is almost 10 months and hasn't worn shoes yet. She is on the brink of walking, but it has been so hot, I haven't bothered to look yet. Can anyone recommend a good first shoe?

I reccomed Pedipeds- they are adorable and good for babies' feet. You can take a peek at them here.

They are made of 100% leather and SO cute. Plus, they STAY ON. V has the Giselle and Olivia styles, and I love them- plus, they are sized like, 6-12 mo, 12-18 mo, so I think V has been able to wear them longer than regular shoes.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Hey Ladies!

Have any of you invested in the Baby Einstein stuff? I have 3 DVDs for Mo and I just ordered another DVD and 2 CDs so he'll have something to listen to in the car. They really are a blessing when I'm trying to cook and need to keep Mo occupied. He'll do about 20-30 minutes at a time til he gets "bored".