The new "New Moms" thread!

[Villain-lover]

Denise..I have 4 baby einstein dvds, and Sam & Zoe watch sporadically. They would rather watch what we are watching for some reason! They both love Jon & Kate plus 8 and Sam loves Rachel Ray. They both love that Vonage commercial too!


My Son is too smart...cute story..... We were at our Mothers of Twins playgroup on Wednesday, Zoe had a toy Sam wanted, well he tries to take it. I proceed to give him like the EXACT same toy, but with a different picture on it. He takes it from me, chews on it a second, and HANDS IT TO ZOE.....Then....when she takes it, he takes the one he wanted from her!!!! It was too funny yet very smart! The boy has learned to barter!

Also, Sam is finally sitting up and he is still army crawling, but he is soooo fast! Zoe is doing some real crawling!!! They are both pulling up to their knees on things too. I just had to share because I am soooo proud of them!

MY BABIES ROCK!!!!!!

Hope everyone is well!!!

 

[Jen_in_NH]

GolfGal - I got my son some of the baby crocs for the summer. Usually I just let him go barefoot, but if we're going to be outside for a while, he gets shoes so he won't step on anything. He's just starting to walk, so it hasn't been a huge deal up until now.

Villian-lover - too cute! Christopher seems to like to watch the Weather Channel and Wheel of Fortune with us.

Denise - I haven't gotten any of the CDs or DVDs yet. I would like to get him something for the car, but he seems to be pretty happy with my regular old country stuff Maybe I'm raising a future Johnny Cash fan?

Becky - I totally agree with the lack of spontaniety. I'm still trying to get used to it too. My husband and I work 24 hour shifts, so if we were up all night, we used to come home and crash. If one of us is home by ourselves with CHristopher, not so likely. And we can't just both go running back for fires and such - I love my dog, but I'm not sure he's a good babysitter (unless he does it very literally... He does like to sit down when Christopher pulls his tail )

As for pets, we have one dog and 2 cats. Our dog is a huge Newfie named Jack (although he only answers to JackJack.... funny to hear my DH calling for him ) Jack is pretty much a lump with hair when he's inside. He usually hangs out with Christopher and I, and doesn't care if he gets crawled over, pulled on, stood up against, or has his nose and ears thoroughly checked. I love that he is so laid back, but I'm afraid Christopher will think that he can do this to any dog. I've been trying to teach him to pet the doggie nice, and he remembers for a bit before he goes back to banging on him.

The cats, on the other hand, think Christopher is the devil himself. They give him a fairly wide berth, although one of them is getting more adventurous. He did get scratched when he grabbed one of them by the paw - it seems to have worked, he hasn't done it again.

My question - are you the kind of parent you or your friends / family thought you would be? I'm finding I'm a bit crunchier than I thought - I really like a lot of the babywearing, cloth diapering, making my own baby food type of stuff. Who would have guessed? I'm also not as worried about the little stuff as I thought I'd be. Christopher is 15 months, not walking quite yet, and not talking. I'm looking into referring him to Early intervention, but I'm not panicking (yet )

 

[beckmrk04]

Denise- we have a few Baby Einstein videos- Vaylie really liked them, but seems to have outgrown them. She is on to much bigger, more sophisticated shows like Elmo's World. And yes- they kept her attention long enough for mommy to sneak in a load of laundry or a meal!

Jen- I think I'm pretty much what everyone expected as a parent. Although, I thought I would be a little crunchier than I am. I mean, I used the sling, and breastfed, but I never could get into making my own baby food (even though I envisioned myself doing it)- when do people find the time?! (I applaud you!). I thought I'd have Vaylie sleeping in our room until she was at least 3 months old. I was totally open to co-sleeping She still will not sleep with me. She wants to be on her own, in her crib. That's where "night night" is. (So, I would have been a little crunchier in that aspect, but she wouldn't let me ).

Other than that- I like to think I'm laid back, although I'm really not. I *do* have very specific ideas about how I want to raise her, (which surprises no one) although I am learning to be more flexible. I'm sort of a Type-A, research everything, read all the books, plan everything sort of girl, so it's been a shock when all my best laid plans are laid to waste by the miniature human currently running my household. Like all my ideas about making these super-tasty veggies that no toddler could turn their nose up at!!! yea right.

Meredith- Sam and Zoe sound like they are about to be a mobile handful!!!

 

[Pollito916]

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!!

My QOTD - What amazes you most about your child?
Answer - Everything! I swear that every day he learns something new, and it always amazes me. I love every day (though not every moment) that I spend with Alex and miss him terribly whenever I am gone.

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.

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!

Now, I just need to get my new job!

I am so with you on the lack of spontaneity thing Beck. I sooo miss that. Even little things like running errands have to be around DS's schedule and mood. If he's had enough shopping or being in the car, it's OVER!

That's great that your DH got a new shift. My DH also works different than "normal" work hours and used to work 6 days a week from 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM, then he would come home and be so tired he would go to sleep, so he rarely helped with the baby. Now he only works 5 days a week, and the hours vary, but he is usually home by 4:00 PM, and is just much happier! I'm sure this will be good for you and your DH too!

Can anyone recommend a good first shoe?

Hio golfgirl , feel free to join us anytime you want to talk! As for shoes, I have to agree with Becky on the pedipeds. Alex's first 3-4 pairs were all pedipeds, and they are really great!

Have any of you invested in the Baby Einstein stuff?

My mom bought Alex a few dvd's, but he was never interested for more than a few minutes b/c he is such an active little guy. Now, he'll watch tv for a little longer, but prefers shows from Clubhouse Disney (don't know who would turn that on ) and Noggin.

As for music, he seems to like just about everything we put on, but especially music with a good beat that he can groove to! Like the Free Credit Report Commercials! Oh, and he loves Ellen too.

Also, Sam is finally sitting up and he is still army crawling, but he is soooo fast! Zoe is doing some real crawling!!! They are both pulling up to their knees on things too. I just had to share because I am soooo proud of them!

MY BABIES ROCK!!!!!!

Sounds like the twins are doing really well! And it's good that Sam at least traded a toy with Zoe instead of just taking it from her. At that age, Alex would have wanted both toys and wouldn't let his cousin have any. He's gotten a little better, though.

My question - are you the kind of parent you or your friends / family thought you would be? I'm finding I'm a bit crunchier than I thought - I really like a lot of the babywearing, cloth diapering, making my own baby food type of stuff. Who would have guessed? I'm also not as worried about the little stuff as I thought I'd be. Christopher is 15 months, not walking quite yet, and not talking. I'm looking into referring him to Early intervention, but I'm not panicking (yet )

I wish I could do more of that stuff, but just can't find the time! I'm sure Christopher is just fine, Alex's cousin didn't start walking until 16 months, then took off running just 2 weeks later! Is Christopher trying to walk or talk? Does he at least babble?

 

[beckmrk04]

My QOTD - What amazes you most about your child?

Oh, my gosh. Everything. It's amazing to mehow quickly she has learned new things- especially words. Like last night- she put her finger to her lips and told the dog "SHHHHH! A baby!" (my mom is constantly telling her dog "Shh, baby is sleeping, and I think V was copying that!) SHe also told the dog, "Joos (jules), OUT!" (Jules gets that a lot from us when we want her out of a certain room... )

And tonight she and cousin "Nanny" (Landon) stayed with Grandma and Grandpa while DH and I went with BIL and SIL to see "The Dark Knight" (totally good, btw), and when we got back they were kinda tired, hot and cranky. And when V is tired, she has little patience for anyone, but especially her cousin. And he was kinda wound up and wanted to push her or kiss her (not really sure ) and we kept telling him, "Landon, be nice."

Finally, V yelled at him, "NICE! NICE!"

It's really amazing to witness their little personalities emerge. V is rambunctious and giggly, sweet and funny, and so smart.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Heavens, I'm so tired! And Owen even slept through the night last night...at least, I think he did because I don't remember getting up...but I've just been exhausted ever since Owen kept me up for 4 hours one night last week, so maybe I did get up but I don't remember! I'm surprised how much more tired I am just having an extra kid or two around for a few mornings each week, and then missing that one night of sleep really did me in.

Denise, we borrowed a friend's Baby Einstein DVD collection and Owen will watch a few minutes of it before he loses interest. Their daughter loved Baby Einstein, but Owen's not so into it.

My Son is too smart...cute story..... We were at our Mothers of Twins playgroup on Wednesday, Zoe had a toy Sam wanted, well he tries to take it. I proceed to give him like the EXACT same toy, but with a different picture on it. He takes it from me, chews on it a second, and HANDS IT TO ZOE.....Then....when she takes it, he takes the one he wanted from her!!!! It was too funny yet very smart! The boy has learned to barter!

Also, Sam is finally sitting up and he is still army crawling, but he is soooo fast! Zoe is doing some real crawling!!! They are both pulling up to their knees on things too. I just had to share because I am soooo proud of them!

MY BABIES ROCK!!!!!!

LOVE the story about Sam and the toys - too funny! I can totally picture it. What a nut! And I always feel so silly for it, but I just can't help telling everyone about all of Owen's little accomplishments. I'm sure a lot of our friends just chuckle to themselves when I'm telling them that Owen has started getting up on his hands and knees for the first time, or that he's now rolling everywhere around the house. But I just love watching him discover new things!

My question - are you the kind of parent you or your friends / family thought you would be? I'm finding I'm a bit crunchier than I thought - I really like a lot of the babywearing, cloth diapering, making my own baby food type of stuff. Who would have guessed? I'm also not as worried about the little stuff as I thought I'd be. Christopher is 15 months, not walking quite yet, and not talking. I'm looking into referring him to Early intervention, but I'm not panicking (yet )

Yeah, I'm kind of surprised that we're doing cloth diapers & making our own baby food, and I was REALLY surprised that Owen slept in our bed for the first 4 months! But I'm also surprised that I'm not as much of a babywearer as I thought I would be. I'm a fairly small woman (under 5'), and wearing Owen turned out to be harder on my back than I was expecting. I'm kind of sad about that - I like holding him and carrying him, but I just can't wear him in a sling or carrier for as long as I'd like.

Other than that- I like to think I'm laid back, although I'm really not. I *do* have very specific ideas about how I want to raise her, (which surprises no one) although I am learning to be more flexible. I'm sort of a Type-A, research everything, read all the books, plan everything sort of girl, so it's been a shock when all my best laid plans are laid to waste by the miniature human currently running my household. Like all my ideas about making these super-tasty veggies that no toddler could turn their nose up at!!! yea right.

When Owen was born, I was surprised to discover exactly how many 'plans' I had for how to raise him! Every time something that I wanted to do didn't work out, I'd feel frustrated and then realize "oh wait, I don't have to do it that way. There are other ways." and then I'd think, "but that's how I want to do it!" It really was a challenge to figure out what Owen needed and let go of my plans.

And I'm with you on the lack of spontaneity! OY! DH and I used to take off for a weekend and go explore some place around CA so I could learn more about my new home state, and that's just not possible anymore. Most of the B&B's we used to stay in don't allow children, so that's gone. And I can't just head down to my favorite coffee shop for a few hours of relaxing and reading. Going anywhere takes so much STUFF and planning and heaven forbid the boy should get cranky...

Oh, my gosh. Everything. It's amazing to mehow quickly she has learned new things- especially words. Like last night- she put her finger to her lips and told the dog "SHHHHH! A baby!" (my mom is constantly telling her dog "Shh, baby is sleeping, and I think V was copying that!) SHe also told the dog, "Joos (jules), OUT!" (Jules gets that a lot from us when we want her out of a certain room... )

And tonight she and cousin "Nanny" (Landon) stayed with Grandma and Grandpa while DH and I went with BIL and SIL to see "The Dark Knight" (totally good, btw), and when we got back they were kinda tired, hot and cranky. And when V is tired, she has little patience for anyone, but especially her cousin. And he was kinda wound up and wanted to push her or kiss her (not really sure ) and we kept telling him, "Landon, be nice."

Finally, V yelled at him, "NICE! NICE!"

It's really amazing to witness their little personalities emerge. V is rambunctious and giggly, sweet and funny, and so smart.

This had me laughing! What a hoot! I agree - it's incredible to see this little person developing right before your eyes! Owen is such a thinker; sometimes he will just stare at someone or something so intently, and you can just see his little mind taking everything in and evaluating it and processing it all. And then after he's pondered it for awhile, he'll suddenly respond and start interacting. I always wonder what it is he's thinking about and how much he understands of what's going on around him, and I try to guess what he'll be like when he gets older. I bet he'll be the kid that watches everyone else before he decides to get involved in the game!


QOTD: What have you learned about yourself since becoming a parent?

I have realized that I am unbelievably cranky, grumpy, irritable, and short tempered when I am sleep deprived! DH is universally known for being grumpy, but I seriously out grumped him for the first few months of Owen's life. There was one time when he was getting cranky because I was being a grump, and I yelled at him "you're not the only one who gets to be a $%@#* awful grumpy *&#@%&!" and then realized that I'd just sworn for the first time in years! The look on DH's face was priceless.

I have also discovered that I'm way more emotional than I'd thought. Or maybe I've become more emotional, but I'm certainly more likely to get teary than I was before Owen was born. All kinds of things get me choked up that never used to.

I've learned that I'm more random and even less disciplined than I knew, but I can become disciplined (a little) if I really work at it. But I like routines...how weird is that combination?!

 

[beckmrk04]

QOTD: What have you learned about yourself since becoming a parent?

I have realized that I am unbelievably cranky, grumpy, irritable, and short tempered when I am sleep deprived!...and I yelled at him "you're not the only one who gets to be a $%@#* awful grumpy *&#@%&!" and then realized that I'd just sworn for the first time in years!

I have also discovered that I'm way more emotional than I'd thought.

What have I learned- well, I'm with ya on the being a wretched cranky mess when I don't get enough sleep, but I have ALWAYS known that. It's one of the areas in my life where I am very acutely aware of my shortcomings- I must have sleep to be a decent human being. The end. I cannot be held responsible for my crankiness if I haven't had enough sleep.

And the part where you yelled at your DH- I'm a total potty mouth, although I have been trying to substitute other non-cusswords for my usuals, so now I just sound like an angry idiot. "Fluffernutters!!!" "GOSHDANGIT!" "Oh, FART!" People probably hear me and think an angry cartoon character lives inside my house. But hey- compared to what used to come out of my mouth- it's an improvement.

I am way more emotional too- especially when it comes to kids, kids being hurt, kids losing parents, etc. I cried at Batman last night. (Don't worry, it was ok). One night, about 2 months ago, V woke up in the middle of the night- teething I presume. SO, I went in and started rocking her. And I just started thinking about how big she was getting and how fast it's all going by. 1 year before that, I was rocking a nursing a tiny baby, and now I was rocking a small little girl. So, I started to cry. And she saw me, and she reached up and smiled and wiped my tears. (I'm tearing up now just thinking about it). It was like she was trying to tell me it was ok. Then she sat up and put her forehead on mine and looked into my eyes.

Oh, now I am all weepy.

Another thing I learned- I am much more patient with her than I thought I would be. I worried about losing my patience easy- but having her around and loving her so much makes it easier to keep my cool when things aren't going the way I would like them to. And I have learned to be a bit more flexible, since Vaylie hasn't read all the parenting books I have- she doesn't know the plan and really could care less!!!

 

[Pollito916]

And when V is tired, she has little patience for anyone, but especially her cousin. And he was kinda wound up and wanted to push her or kiss her (not really sure ) and we kept telling him, "Landon, be nice."

Finally, V yelled at him, "NICE! NICE!"

So cute! Whenever Alex gets a time-out, when it is over, we tell him to be nice, and not hit people/throw things/whatever he did wrong. So now as soon as we put him in the time-out pack-n-play, he says, "nice?" in a pleading voice. It is so hard to not pick him right back up when he does that!

Heavens, I'm so tired! And Owen even slept through the night last night...at least, I think he did because I don't remember getting up...but I've just been exhausted ever since Owen kept me up for 4 hours one night last week, so maybe I did get up but I don't remember! I'm surprised how much more tired I am just having an extra kid or two around for a few mornings each week, and then missing that one night of sleep really did me in.

That is the EXACT same way I felt the first time Alex slept through the night, or the first time I slept through the night and ignored his crying , b/c I was convinced that was what had happened. Alex didn't ease into it like a lot of kids. He just went from waking up every 3-4 hours one night, to sleeping 10 hours the next night!

I have also discovered that I'm way more emotional than I'd thought. Or maybe I've become more emotional, but I'm certainly more likely to get teary than I was before Owen was born. All kinds of things get me choked up that never used to.

I am an emotional wreck still! I have always been emotional, but I seriously feel like I am still pregnant sometimes. That ASPCA commercial with the Sarah McLaughin song absolutely kills me.

1 year before that, I was rocking a nursing a tiny baby, and now I was rocking a small little girl. So, I started to cry. And she saw me, and she reached up and smiled and wiped my tears. (I'm tearing up now just thinking about it). It was like she was trying to tell me it was ok. Then she sat up and put her forehead on mine and looked into my eyes.

It's amazing how they can be so sweet an understanding already at this young age. DS did the same thing the last time he saw me crying (don't remember why, could have been that ASPCA commercial ) then offered me his favorite stuffed monkey.

 

[ashjohnson80]

I think the main thing that I've learned about myself since becoming a parent is that I'm crazy. Seriously, I have issues. I wake up every 30 minutes to an hour to make sure Ellery is still breathing at night and I worry constantly. I've also learned that I can survive on very little sleep. I've also learned that I love Ellery a lot more than I thought I had room in my heart to love anyone.

To the earlier question about am I the kind of parent I thought I would be- no. I thought I was going to be like putting her off in her nursery at 3 months and not letting her have a paci and I was going to do everything by the book. I can't sleep if she's more than an arm's length away. I push her bed right beside mine at night. And some of the other stuff I guess I'm a little more laid back than I thought I would be. I'm weird. Sometimes I'm really high strung and sometimes totally chill. I don't know.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I am way more emotional too- especially when it comes to kids, kids being hurt, kids losing parents, etc. I cried at Batman last night. (Don't worry, it was ok). One night, about 2 months ago, V woke up in the middle of the night- teething I presume. SO, I went in and started rocking her. And I just started thinking about how big she was getting and how fast it's all going by. 1 year before that, I was rocking a nursing a tiny baby, and now I was rocking a small little girl. So, I started to cry. And she saw me, and she reached up and smiled and wiped my tears. (I'm tearing up now just thinking about it). It was like she was trying to tell me it was ok. Then she sat up and put her forehead on mine and looked into my eyes.

Oh, now I am all weepy.

I got all choked up just reading this!

And I'm totally with you on the stories about kids getting hurt/losing moms/moms losing kids/etc. anymore. There was a story here about a car accident where a baby died, the dad was on life support, the mom lived, and two other kids were seriously injured. I was a wreck! I had to turn off the news every time they started discussing the story, I couldn't even talk about it with friends, and every time I heard about it I would just want to hold Owen tightly and never let him go. I never used to be a big worrier, but now I find myself worrying about the most rediculous things! Of course DH, who has always been a big worrier, has me completely out paced on the worry front! He's worrying about Owen going to college and driving already!! I'm still stuck on worrying about immediate things...

So cute! Whenever Alex gets a time-out, when it is over, we tell him to be nice, and not hit people/throw things/whatever he did wrong. So now as soon as we put him in the time-out pack-n-play, he says, "nice?" in a pleading voice. It is so hard to not pick him right back up when he does that!

That's so cute! I'd have a hard time not picking him up, too!

It's amazing how they can be so sweet an understanding already at this young age. DS did the same thing the last time he saw me crying (don't remember why, could have been that ASPCA commercial ) then offered me his favorite stuffed monkey.

Awwww...that's so sweet!

I've also learned that I love Ellery a lot more than I thought I had room in my heart to love anyone.

I totally agree! Sometimes I just cannot believe how much I love Owen. When I married DH, I was amazed at how much I loved him, and then to add Owen and love this little boy in a whole new way has just been incredible. Sometimes I feel like my heart is just going to burst it's so full!

I think Owen is finally moving towards giving up that middle of the night nursing. About a month ago he shifted from waking up between 2-3AM to waking up between 4-5AM, and now for the second night in a row he slept through the night. He did wake up at 4:45 and 5:30, but both times he fell right back asleep on his own. Of course, he did wake up for good at 6:30AM instead of 7:30, but we can work with that if he'll sleep for a full 10 hours overnight. We'll see...the last time he slept through the night was mother's day, so I'm not getting my hopes up too high!

Owen is cracking me up these days with his rolling around! He's figured out how to get everywhere by rolling, so he just rolls and pivots, rolls and pivots until he gets exactly where he wants to be. The cats are a little bewildered by this new development. Alton Brown Cat just lays like a big lump and then Owen rolls right into him and Alton looks completely confused like "where did that come from?" Owen is, of course, very pleased with himself and shrieks with glee everytime he manages to "catch" one of the cats this way. He then buries his fingers in their fur and babbles away. So far the cats have all been very good about moving out of reach if they don't like it.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Has anyone heard of the "Your Baby Can Read" learning system? https://www.yourbabycanread.tv/ DH saw an infomercial on it and now he's wondering what I'm going to do to teach Owen to read by the time he's 3 years old. Anyway, based on my early childhood ed background, it looks like it has potential, but I'm curious to talk to someone who has used it or knows someone who did to find out what they think of it (besides the video testimonies on the website).

DH was a very early reader himself. His mom tells a great story of DH's first day at preschool. He came home and told her "I'm not going back there. It was a waste of my time." DMIL asked him why it was a waste of his time, and he said "There was no reading!" She said "didn't the teacher read you stories?" And a young DH said "Sure, the teacher read. But none of those kids can read! They were still learning the alphabet! It's a waste of my time. I'm not going back until they can read."

The truely hysterical part of it is that this still is pretty typical of DH's attitude towards life!

 

[beckmrk04]

Has anyone heard of the "Your Baby Can Read" learning system? https://www.yourbabycanread.tv/ DH saw an infomercial on it and now he's wondering what I'm going to do to teach Owen to read by the time he's 3 years old. Anyway, based on my early childhood ed background, it looks like it has potential, but I'm curious to talk to someone who has used it or knows someone who did to find out what they think of it (besides the video testimonies on the website).

DH was a very early reader himself. His mom tells a great story of DH's first day at preschool. He came home and told her "I'm not going back there. It was a waste of my time." DMIL asked him why it was a waste of his time, and he said "There was no reading!" She said "didn't the teacher read you stories?" And a young DH said "Sure, the teacher read. But none of those kids can read! They were still learning the alphabet! It's a waste of my time. I'm not going back until they can read."

Bethany- I have heard of the "Your Baby Can Read" program, but my hang up on it is that I think kids are going to learn those skills at their own pace- just like you can't make a kid walk any earlier and you can't make a kid talk any earlier. Sure, there are things you can do to encourage those skills, but they have to be ready mentally or it isn't going to happen, kwim?

I was an early reader too- I could read by the time I was 3 or 4, I didn't go to preschool, and was actually able to skip kindergarten (but my mom decided against it because she wanted me to be the same age as all the other kids). But, I know my mom (and probably your DH's mom) didn't buy any special reading programs to make us read. We probably were just ready earlier than most kids (and honestly, I can't say that early reading has been any super-power for me ).

My plan is to read to vaylie, and to let her "read" to me, and if she reads early, great! If not, oh well. She'll learn eventually.

And that last part about your DH saying it was a waste of his time- That is too funny. What a little grown up.

 

[beckmrk04]

I think the main thing that I've learned about myself since becoming a parent is that I'm crazy. Seriously, I have issues. I wake up every 30 minutes to an hour to make sure Ellery is still breathing at night and I worry constantly. I've also learned that I can survive on very little sleep. I've also learned that I love Ellery a lot more than I thought I had room in my heart to love anyone.

To the earlier question about am I the kind of parent I thought I would be- no. I thought I was going to be like putting her off in her nursery at 3 months and not letting her have a paci and I was going to do everything by the book. I can't sleep if she's more than an arm's length away. I push her bed right beside mine at night. And some of the other stuff I guess I'm a little more laid back than I thought I would be. I'm weird. Sometimes I'm really high strung and sometimes totally chill. I don't know.

I bolded that because it is soooo true. I wasn't sure how much I'd love my baby. Especially when I got pregnant, and I was SO sick, I wondered if she'd be worth all the pain and hospital stays and oh, the vomiting. And Everyone told me, "It'll be worth it." And I wanted to SMACK them and tell them- you puke for 6 months straight around the clock, get a feeding tube, lose your job, move in with your mom, have 3 or 4 enemas, and then come back and say that to me!

BUT. They were right. I would do every single minute over again to have her in my life. It's almost a painful love. It is so strong, and so overwhelming.

And Ash- I'm going to make a suggestion, which I hope does not offend you in any way, because I would never intend it to flower3: ). But, you need to get the worry under control. And I mean that with love and sincerity and empathy- I know it's hard not to worry about them, but if you still wake up every 30 minutes to check on Ellery now- things only get more dangerous and scary as they grow up because as parents we have to relinquish more and more control and let them take on responsibilities.

And worry is normal. Healthy even. But worrying so much you are waking up all the time and can't sleep in another room seems like it would take a toll on you, you know?

I hope this post comes across as caring, because I truly mean it to be. I'm worried about your worrying!

 

[ashjohnson80]

Beck- I'm not offended. I know that my worrying is nuts. I've struggled with generalized anxiety diosorder for years so I think that plays a part of it.

Question for those of you who formula feed- what kind of water do you use for making formula? Our town's water supply is iffy at best and I've always boiled purified drinking water, but Elle's dr says thats no longer neccessary and that she needs flouride in her water. I've looked at that nursery water stuff they sell at cvs but reading on the internet makes it sound like poison or something.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Beck- I'm not offended. I know that my worrying is nuts. I've struggled with generalized anxiety diosorder for years so I think that plays a part of it.

Question for those of you who formula feed- what kind of water do you use for making formula? Our town's water supply is iffy at best and I've always boiled purified drinking water, but Elle's dr says thats no longer neccessary and that she needs flouride in her water. I've looked at that nursery water stuff they sell at cvs but reading on the internet makes it sound like poison or something.

Owen gets some formula as well as nursing (he's a lazy nurser, so he doesn't get enough with BF and we have to suppliment). We just use filtered tap water for his formula. Our fridge has a filter for the water dispenser, and our Dr. says that's just fine. Other friends use a Brita filter pitcher. What we learned is that city water supplies are more closely regulated than bottled water, and a charcoal/carbon filter (like the Brita filters) will take care of anything that might be harmful except for nitrates, and if your tap water has an extremely high nitrate content, you should already have been given a warning on that and been told not to drink it if you have certain health conditions, are pregnant, or give it to young children. If you haven't received any cautions from the local water authority, then your water should be fine with a filter. This is what our Dr. told us, and so that's what we're doing.

For the worrying thing...one of my good friends put it best, I think. She said that her goal was to be "a second time mom the first time around." In other words, to be as relaxed as a mom with her second child, instead of the general nerves us first time moms tend to get! I like that, so that's been my goal. Sometimes I do pretty well with that, and other times I know I'm marking myself as a "first time mom". I think teaching preschool and working daycare in the past has helped with that, but it is different with my baby instead of someone else's child.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Ash~~~DH and I worry about Mo too. We get those "thoughts" in our heads and sometimes they are just awful! It's not NEAR as bad as it used to be with me, but I have my days. I only "check" on Mo right before I go down for bed. He was sleeping with me this morning from 3-7 and I rolled over just once to see if he was okay. You'll get it under control, don't worry! You'll have Ellery around for YEARS and YEARS to come!

 

[Pollito916]

Has anyone heard of the "Your Baby Can Read" learning system? https://www.yourbabycanread.tv/

And a young DH said "Sure, the teacher read. But none of those kids can read! They were still learning the alphabet! It's a waste of my time. I'm not going back until they can read."

Too funny about your DH! I have never heard of that, but I agree with Becky that each child will learn when ready, with or without the system. Kind of reminds me of the people that potty-train 6 month olds. Now who's really potty-trained, the parent or the baby if you have to watch facial movements and rush the baby to the toilet?

Question for those of you who formula feed- what kind of water do you use for making formula?

We used tap water, b/c our doc said the same thing as Bethany's. We only used bottle water when out of the house b/c it was sometimes more convenient. We also never heated it, just fed it to DS lukewarm.

And I agree with Becky's concern. I hope you are able to get help for yourself and your daughter to ease your worries! I have to admit I still check on DS when he is sleeping, but only before I go to sleep myself. It's not out of worry anymore, though, I just love seeing his angelic sleeping face, b/c it is so rare to see him quiet anymore!

For the worrying thing...one of my good friends put it best, I think. She said that her goal was to be "a second time mom the first time around." In other words, to be as relaxed as a mom with her second child, instead of the general nerves us first time moms tend to get! I like that, so that's been my goal. Sometimes I do pretty well with that, and other times I know I'm marking myself as a "first time mom". I think teaching preschool and working daycare in the past has helped with that, but it is different with my baby instead of someone else's child.

I love this theory, and that's the way I try to parent DS. I too realize that sometimes it is still so obvious that I am a first time mom, but that is our right and our excuse as first time mothers!

 

[beckmrk04]

Beck- I'm not offended. I know that my worrying is nuts. I've struggled with generalized anxiety diosorder for years so I think that plays a part of it.

Question for those of you who formula feed- what kind of water do you use for making formula? Our town's water supply is iffy at best and I've always boiled purified drinking water, but Elle's dr says thats no longer neccessary and that she needs flouride in her water. I've looked at that nursery water stuff they sell at cvs but reading on the internet makes it sound like poison or something.

I struggle with anxiety too. I have found a med combo that is helping, though- and I have really been working on my worrying (which, funny enough, is usually not about my kid!!). I worry about money, mostly, and the future. Although I am trying hard to retrain myself.

And we used all different kinds of water. Sometimes nursery water, sometimes bottled, sometimes tap. I never could find the "right" answer, so I picked them all. That way my bases are covered.

Bethany- your friend has a great approach! That's how I'm trying to be with Vaylie. Sometimes I have to step back, and remind myself that people manage to raise babies all over this big world, and not all of them have the "best" of everything, or the most stuff, or eat their damn veggies, but they turn out just fine, and even maybe more interesting.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I'm pretty much over it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two days in a row I've gone somewhere with my son and two days in a row he's cried the WHOLE way home. He was fed, bottle and solid, and changed. I had to listen to it yesterday 20 minutes and today nearly 45. I am beyond pissed right now!!!!!!!!!! I have no one to take Mo so he's in his activity center with his Baby Einstein DVD on. I don't understand what's wrong. He's fine to our destination, but miserable coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please help me ladies, I do not want to be this upset with my son at such a young age. I really am at a loss.

 

[Villain-lover]

I had the best day with the twins and just wanted to share.....We went to a place called Fit for Fun today. I had been there once for an education class I was taking. This place rocks,asnd it is for kids 6 months to 5 years. They have a huge playroom with all kinds of gross motor stuff to do.. a ball pit, cars rocking horses, climbers, excersausers, soft things fo rbabies to crawl over, in, and on top of. They have a room for quiet fine motor activities books, puzzles, stackers, and a train table. We sat in ther and pushed buttons on some music toys and read some books. They also have an outdoor play area and an art room. The babies had a blast. they both were able to rock on a rocking horse with little help from me, and they loved sitting in the ball pit! Next week we are going back and I an going to strip them to their diaper and let them put their hands in paint (all the art supplies are non toxic)! The best part is th price...$4 per child, or you can get a pass...10 visits for $35 or 5 visits for $17.50. I think this is going to be a weekly thing!!!