The "Newest" Moms Hangout...

[harleyquinn]

Almost forgot! Lily is now 15lbs, 11oz...24.5 inches long. 85th percentile for everything. Did great with her shots.

And the thing fell thru at work. I learned some important details about what the management is negotiating for with my union and there's no way they can do anything for me right now. So I'll be fulltime in January.
On a side note I am being heavily recruited by another library in the area. They can't really afford me though. lol My wage here is too high after my 7 years of experience. Plus they are about 35 minutes away, vs the 5 it takes me now. And its adult, not children's. but it feels nice to be wanted.

 

[staley7580]

They have a tough road before them, frought with danger and heartbreak to be sure. BUT, others have gone before them and made it out the other side. I encourage them to seek out preemie parenting support, online I belong to Yahoo Groups Preemie-Listhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/preemie-list/

OK, now brain bleeds (IVH, Intra Ventricular Hemhorage) are pretty common in the micro-preemie population, and grade 3/4 can be quite serious. My son had bilateral grade 2 IVH (bleeds) -- he has mild cerebral palsy, he is ambulatory, wears leg braces, gets physical therapy, has a "funny" gait and does not have the same balance, strength, stability or stamina of same age peers. His CP is likely due to the brain bleeds, but could have been caused by simply by his premature birth.

Just because of these babies gestational age, there is a chance that not all of them will make it home, and if they survive they are at increased risk of disability. Obviously, this couple needs to be talking with their babies' doctors for specific info about their kids prognosis. The thing is, while statistics can help you see probability & chances, they cannot predict a specific outcome for a specific child. There are preemies with grade 4 bleeds that have only the most minor impacts from them & preemies whose scans were declared "clean" that bear major disability -- there is no way to tell at this point. Babies brains are still very plastic and even when damaged (as with a bleed) can recover to what extent is unpredictable. If your friends are spiritual people, prayer may help, or least help the parents to feel supported.

I'm sorry it's not all rosy & cheery. And the mom may be a wreck for a while. When my first son was born (at 26 1/2 weeks) for about the first 3/4 weeks I was walking & talking and *appeared* to be coping, I was probably in shock. I would get in my car alone & drive & cry. It took me a couple of years to get over feeling guilty that my body failed or that I did this to my child -- talking & writing about it and getting validation from other moms that have been there were crucial, and why I think the parents seeking support groups when they are ready is important.

Also this couple is very nearly walking through hell right now. I remember describing it (having a child critically ill in the NICU) as ripping out your own heart and watching it struggle to breathe & live in the warming tray before you. They have it X 3. Even if they have a strong marriage -- men & women process & cope differently, this experience could rip them apart & stress their marriage to the breaking point. It's important for them to remember to connect and really be with and hear their partner.

I know the mom is not ready to hear it yet, but she did the best she could. With trips she was nearly assured of delivering early, of course she would have like to have made it further than she did, but she had the appropriate medical care, she wasn't being reckless -- IT WASN'T HER FAULT. Had it been a single 6 pound baby & not 3 2 pound babies all would have been well. I really feel for your friends. I do. Even though my older son is 6 1/2 now, I can relive all the old fears & anxiety -- it all comes flooding back in an instant. If there is anything I can do (from a distance) let me know.

Thank you for all of this. I have urged her since she got pregnant to look at some online places for support.. but she has shot me down each time I mentioned it. I truly think she would find so much support. I know that she is very aware that there is a very real chance all the babies wont make it through this.. I also know that Bill is completely.. either in denial, or just doesnt understand that.

They had a HUGE fight her first night home from the hospital.. There was a lot of talk of divorce.. He was ready to pack and leave. He called me that night, and I tried to make him understand what was going on with her. I told him that they needed to talk to a third party, to help them understand what was going on with each other. Fortunately.. they have a wonderful social worker, and she really got them talking and leaning on each other. I told him that this would either tear them apart, or make them that much stronger.

We are just all praying that these babies make it through this.. I know they can handle any disabilities.. They have one child with special needs, and both are just wonderful with him. They have so much love for these babies.. Its tearing out my heart to see them in so much pain. We love them like family. We havent heard anything since Friday, so I hoping that no news, is good news.

 

[Piecey]

Everyone getting ready for Christmas??

Been sorta slow around here lately... 'tis the season, though!

Staley- fingers crossed for those triplets.

 

[Disney Ron]

hi...

I have been lurking but not alot of time to read and catch up.

I hurt my back over the weekend, been busy Christmas shopping and getting DS's big boy room is almost completed finally.

Hoping tonight might be DD's first night in the big crib. She is out growing the pack in play in my room.

Off to start dinner while she is sleeping.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

I have been trying to catch up Christmas stuff since we were gone for a week at Disney. I am sooo glad I had the house done before we left. Now all I have left is shopping. I still need to get Natalie's picture taken with Santa. I think we are going to head to Mall on Tuesday morning. Hope everyone is having a great week and Ho Ho Ho!

 

[december]

I'm reading, but not much time to post. Katie is in my lap most of the time (she is laying with her daddy staring at me right now). And I'm trying to finish my work for my current class. I typed a 4 page paper with her in my lap last night!

 

[Piecey]

wow, go December!! I don't get very far trying to do schoolwork with Lucas in my lap because he tries to type. He's also hit the mouse so hard it's flown across the room 4 times. DH thinks that battery is dying but I think it's dying from Lucas-inflicted damages. (We have a wireless keyboard/mouse)

I haven't been on much because I have so much schoolwork to do! Unfortunately it's coming down to the wire and DH gets the computer with Microsoft Office tonight because his stuff is due tonight. So I've been pushed to the laptop and there isn't much I can do here...

I hope Natalie does well with Santa! DH and I want to take Lucas but it's something I want DH to be there with me for and we haven't decided on a good time yet. Definitely a week night!

Lucas is going to my dad's company Christmas party Thursday. Employees register their kids/grandkids by age and someone goes out and buys a present for them. It's very neat. They rent out a hall, have food, Santa, etc... I'm excited to take him! I know my Dad is excited to show him off, too!!
I need to wash his Baby's First Christmas outfit for him to wear. He wore it for his Christmas pictures at Sears last week. They didn't turn out very well, though.

 

[harleyquinn]

So I think DH and I are going to do it...we're going to go to WDW In August. It'll be my reward for staying full time. I'm worried about the heat with a 1 year old, but other than that, I think it'll be awesome.

Now to wait for codes and decide on a resort...probably POR. Hopefully I'm not crazy. I got to go shopping alone yesterday. I went to BRU and bought a bunch of cute summer clothes for like $2 a piece! Score! hopefully they'll fit. lol

When does a babies growth slow down? Lily isn't 5 months yet and we're about to move up to 9 month clothing.

 

[DannysMom]

I had thought that staley & I had pretty effectively quashed all chit chat w/ our serious talk.....

A few things w/ the twins....Katie has gotten generally much more pleasant. Two reasons, one we put her on pepcid and two she has learned to roll over & now almost exclusively sleeps on her belly. My god, she is sleeping sooooooooo much better. The little girl that just would not nap is now napping for 2 hours at a clip.

Dylan has an appmt tomorrow for an eval, we're thinking he needs a "helmet." He's still not so mobile & is content to watch the world facing only toward the right, so his head is starting to look a bit mis-shapen.

I ordered my big honkin' twin stroller, for when they out grow their infant carseats. We got the Baby Jogger City Classic, and man it's large. Both babies have been flirting with sleeping through the night, Dylan is doing a little better than Katie on that front, but I'm feeling better rested, so no complaints here!

 

[harleyquinn]

Hey Patsy did you get a Keurig yet?

I want to buy this:
http://www.disneystore.com/girls-disney-princess-party-dress-for-infants/p/1254970/305617/

 

[Maggimus]

Hey girls! Jake is 3mos old and has been teething since 2mos. These passed 3 days or so has been holy terror. He is sucking and chewing that tongue like its going out of style. Ive messaged his gums and weve tried the frozen wash cloth thing. Ive even fed him half juice/half water ice chips. My dr is against orajel because of the throat numbing aspect (and the extra saliva)... but we have tried teething tables and they are a hit or miss. Any tips?

 

[Piecey]

Sarah, yeah. DH guessed what it was so I let him have it this weekend. I like him caffeinated! He's been pretty happy.

Lucas is growing out of some 12month stuff. It's crazy. I have boxes and boxes of clothing that I did have all stored in the closet nice and neat but he's outgrowing it left and right so now his room is a disaster zone.

Sorry Maggie, no advice. Lucas loves his fingers.

 

[harleyquinn]

Hey girls! Jake is 3mos old and has been teething since 2mos. These passed 3 days or so has been holy terror. He is sucking and chewing that tongue like its going out of style. Ive messaged his gums and weve tried the frozen wash cloth thing. Ive even fed him half juice/half water ice chips. My dr is against orajel because of the throat numbing aspect (and the extra saliva)... but we have tried teething tables and they are a hit or miss. Any tips?

Lily is just starting. We're doing what you've tried. The washcloth helps for bit, but it seems like nothing can really comfort them. It's terrible.

BTW what we originally thought was 4 days of teething turned out to be a weird growth spurt. Can't wait for the real thing.

Sarah, yeah. DH guessed what it was so I let him have it this weekend. I like him caffeinated! He's been pretty happy.

Lucas is growing out of some 12month stuff. It's crazy. I have boxes and boxes of clothing that I did have all stored in the closet nice and neat but he's outgrowing it left and right so now his room is a disaster zone.

Sorry Maggie, no advice. Lucas loves his fingers.

Yay! Welcome to the Keurig cult. I joined this yahoo group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K-CUP/
It's awesome for coupons and they always post big sales on K-cups.

Lily only grew a quarter of an inch in length, but gained 3 pounds. I would swear she grew more in length too. The last dr's appointment, she was still (barely) in 3 month carter's sleeper's and now she's about to move up to 9 month ones. She's in 6-9 months in most brands.

 

[Piecey]

I think 3-6 is a major waste of money in clothing.

I didn't buy ANY because someone on here told me they grow right through it. I bought everything in 6/9... pants, jackets, long-sleeved shirts, sleepers, etc.
He's outgrown a TON of it already so I'm glad I didn't spend much cash on it.

Lucas was 6 months last Thursday but his appt. isn't until next Friday. Frustrating because by then he'll be halfway to 7 months! But it's all they had.
I'm curious to see his size/length.

 

[caitty13]

I have a silver teething ring that Lilliana uses. It usually stays cold so I think that helps. I try not to let her chew on my fingers anymore cause she has bottom teeth and that hurts.

Now that she is 6 months I plan on trying teething biscuits. I just haven't found them at the store I shop at.

 

[harleyquinn]

I think 3-6 is a major waste of money in clothing.

I didn't buy ANY because someone on here told me they grow right through it. I bought everything in 6/9... pants, jackets, long-sleeved shirts, sleepers, etc.
He's outgrown a TON of it already so I'm glad I didn't spend much cash on it.

Lucas was 6 months last Thursday but his appt. isn't until next Friday. Frustrating because by then he'll be halfway to 7 months! But it's all they had.
I'm curious to see his size/length.

Well, my trip yesterday was the first time I really bought her anything. I bought some stuff from Once Upon a Child, but that doesn't count. lol 3-6 is definitely a waste. Not cuz she wasn't that size, but because the only thing she wore then were sleepers.

I have a silver teething ring that Lilliana uses. It usually stays cold so I think that helps. I try not to let her chew on my fingers anymore cause she has bottom teeth and that hurts.

Now that she is 6 months I plan on trying teething biscuits. I just haven't found them at the store I shop at.

Do you know what brand the ring is? I've been trying to find a good one. My mom found some bright beginnings? ones that are smaller and actually fit in her mouth. I know it says not to freeze them, but we do anyway--they still don't stay cold very long. it's weird. so far the washcloth works the best.

 

[Piecey]

Ah. I take Lucas out of his sleepers in the morning and he wears the same one 2 nights in a row, then he gets a bath and a new sleeper for the night. Unless, of course, he pees through his diaper.. but that is rare.

He gets a onesie/pants for the daytime. Or something cute if we're going someplace exciting... like to visit people. lol.

 

[DannysMom]

Hey girls! Jake is 3mos old and has been teething since 2mos. These passed 3 days or so has been holy terror.

Any tips?

Tylenol.... we reserve it for when the babes are totally miserable and/or they or we need to get some sleep.

 

[december]

We had dh's work party tonight. There were 6 babies there! I had a missed call from my step-sil when we got out. I called her back, and she was heading into Crystal Palace! I didn't even know they were going to WDW(they were grown when their parents married-not like she and dh are real sister and brother....). She was calling to ask me what time MK closes tonight!

I hit a good sale last Fri, and bought Katie a huge bag of summer clothes for $25. One outfit even had a light up Pooh on it! I already started packing up clothes for our trip!

She is wearing 12 mos pjs right now, so everything I'm buying is 12 mos or 18 mos. I don't know who sizes these clothes.

 

[staley7580]

I had thought that staley & I had pretty effectively quashed all chit chat w/ our serious talk.....

A few things w/ the twins....Katie has gotten generally much more pleasant. Two reasons, one we put her on pepcid and two she has learned to roll over & now almost exclusively sleeps on her belly. My god, she is sleeping sooooooooo much better. The little girl that just would not nap is now napping for 2 hours at a clip.

Dylan has an appmt tomorrow for an eval, we're thinking he needs a "helmet." He's still not so mobile & is content to watch the world facing only toward the right, so his head is starting to look a bit mis-shapen.

I ordered my big honkin' twin stroller, for when they out grow their infant carseats. We got the Baby Jogger City Classic, and man it's large. Both babies have been flirting with sleeping through the night, Dylan is doing a little better than Katie on that front, but I'm feeling better rested, so no complaints here!

Ahhhh.. a little sleep does wonders for the disposition, doesnt it? Both mine are tummy sleepers, and they do WAY better on their tummy then their back. I can understand that, I cant sleep on my back at all.

We were afraid Vinny was in need of a DOC band. He could only look one way, and his head was getting all wonky. We started stretching it out the other way, and his head is starting to really look better! He had a bulge on the back of his head that was getting really pointy, and thankfully.. it is starting to round out. We call it the point.. he likes it when I tickle it.

We got new car seats over the weekend... My mom bought them for us for Christmas, and has had them at her house.. They are AWESOME!! But HUGE. We cant put them next to each other in the van. We have an 8 passenger Toyota Sienna, and we had both babies on one side so the bigger kids could easily get in the back. Now they have to crawl under one of the babies seats, and over the back of the middle seat. Thankfully it reclines..

Jazzy is starting to walk along furniture. Didnt she JUST start crawling?? It wont be long now until she is walking!