The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[Alice28]

Hi mommies

I was just reading the posts about the buses and I'm confused. I know on the Disney Hotel Guest transpo most babies are heald in laps. But am I getting it correctly you can't use a car seat on the ME from the airport? If you've taken a car seat on the plane is it stowed as luggage?

I haven't been on a ME bus, but I'm guessing there are no seatbelts? Therefore you can't use a carseat.....that's my guess anyway.

Tasha- I hope Kylie is OK and let us know how she's doing, her stats, etc.

Off to Costco I go! Got the 'pit' cleaned up....just have to wash some sheets when we get home.

 

[DisKim]

As usual, I'm too busy to catch up today, but I wanted to say hello. Today has been rough. I've been up since 4 am and it's report card day. Since I didn't give my grades out early like every other teacher in the school, I've been dealing with all the questions and whining today. I've had lots of kids show me their report cards today and I've noticed that one of the computer teachers gave out extremely high grades to several students. I saw several 105's, 110's, etc. How can a student legitimately earn a grade like that. It pumps up their GPA's and I feel bad for honors kids who are in tough classes and end up with lower GPA's because of it. I've never even had a student's grade calculate to 100, let alone 110! Well, I have to do work today. I'll try to pop back in later.

I did manage to see the fantasies about all of us storming onto Dumbo . I love it! I think a meet would be so cool. I'm ready .

 

[justhat]

Bridget, yes, I think they stow your carseat in the belly of the bus with the rest of your carryon luggage. That's what I've heard from my husband anyway, cause he took ME the last time we had to fly down separately. It was just him and 2 other families on the bus cause his flight came in very late and he said one of the families had a carseat with them and they put it with the strollers under the bus. Yeah, Alice28 is right that there aren't any seatbelts on the ME buses so you couldn't install your carseat so you just have to hold the babies. That's actually why we got a towncar in the past, cause I'm not thrilled about holding a kid for a 45 minute or whatever bus ride on highways (plus it means I'd have to keep her seated, which I know can be a challenge on a bus). But this time, the thought of carrying the carseat right now just makes me feel sicker than I already do so that's why I'm thinking I'll just go with ME so I can just leave the carseat home.

DisKim, I remember we had some teachers in my high school who would do that grade inflation stuff too. Everyone would try to sign up for their classes just to get an A+ (we did away with number grades after my sophomore year).

 

[llij]

Hello Mommies!

(I've got my notepad in hand and am ready to finally catch up with all of the posts. It sounds like we all are a very busy bunch here on the mom's thread! )

Justhat - I had to LOL about the DC metro driver comment! I used to ride the metro a lot when I worked in DC and your comment brought back many memories of hanging on for dear life while riding the metro sometimes. How are you feeling these days? When is your next doctor's appointment? I hope that your doctor can give you something to help out with the m/s. I hope that Madison is ok after the preschool incident. Poor little thing! Also, thanks for the heads up on where to find the headrest for John Paul. He could really use one b/c his head is really really flat on the back.

Bellacam - I'm glad to hear that Aiden's 6 month check went well. He sounds like he is a great size and very healthy. I had two smaller babies (JP being one) and one bigger baby who was always at the top of the charts. Even though my girls were very different sizes at birth and how they grew, they seemed to have 'evened' out now that they are older.

Tasha (oops, I had initially written Kylie) - It is great to see you back! Poor Kylie though! I hope that she feels better. My oldest had ear infections all the time which was frustrating and tough. I'm glad that the doctors office is able to take her in today.

DisneyPhD - I hope that Lily feels better! Your mentioning bringing your girls to ride Dumbo first thing brought back memories for me. When my girls were young that was the first ride that we always rode. Now that they are older, they make a beeline for BTMRR!

Lisawynn - about people racing for Dumbo! When we went to WDW this summer we experienced something similar but it was a race for Soarin' at Epcot.

It sounds like your friends did have the same problem that we had with getting the RSV shot covered. If insurance hadn't finally picked up coverage it would have cost us about $6400. Did your friends finally get it all worked out?

Also, thanks for the information on Praxis! I thought that the first set of exams were pretty easy and I also had to write an essay for it. Sadly, as of Jan. 1st of this year, Virginia no longer takes the Praxis I for licensure. They still require Praxis II, but I also need to take two other exams on top of Praxis. I really need to get moving and start studying!

Tamie - I hope that you and Tyler feel better very soon. My household always seem to get the stomach flu every February. I'm praying it passes us by this year, but I am not holding my breath.

Valerie - Best wishes today on your job interview! Let us know how is it goes!

Hillbeans - I love the picture of Liam in his Mickey Jammies! Where did you find those jammies? They are too cute!

Zalansky - That is wonderful about the playgroup! When I first moved here one of my friends and I started a playgroup and we ended up making so many wonderful friends b/c of it. I hope that Cam starts to sleep better for you. John Paul still has his moments, but he is slowly improving. I was so spoiled by my older two being great sleepers so having one that isn't really threw me for a loop.

Nucpharm - Have a great time tomorrow visiting with your sister! I'm hoping the weather improves for you too so that you aren't stuck in the house.

Alice28 - Thanks for the information on the Praxis as well. I will be taking the elementary ed (general content) exam which sounds like the one you took. I hope that you get to go to WDW this summer! Since my dad is retired Navy, I've had the opportunity to stay at SOG many times with my parents. We love love SOG! The rooms are so spacious and the new renovations to the resort are really nice. The price can't be beat either!

Inside Ball - Yikes about your DS school having lots of kids out sick! I hope that no one in your house gets sick! I, too, can't wait to see your pictures!

J&D - That is a wonderful idea about an Easter exchange! Count me in! I couldn't do the Christmas exchange b/c I was still in such a daze after having John Paul.

Gems - I love the pictures of Shelby! She is such a cutie! Also, way to go on the 4 lb. weight loss! (BTW, I got the idea of using a pad of paper to take notes on this thread from you. Thanks for the great idea! )

SL - I hope that after February you won't have to put in too many 4 day work weeks.

Joats - I hope that you feel better soon. I wonder if you should get checked for mono? I actually had it twice as an adult. Apparently you aren't supposed to be able to get it twice, but I managed to do that. The exhaustion was terrible. Take it easy.

DisKim - I hope that your day gets better. We got our report cards yesterday and I can imagine what the poor teachers have to face today with parents complaining.

Hi to KarenTx and anyone else that I missed! All of this talk of Disney is giving me major withdrawals. I should be happy that I got to go as much as I did but the thought of not going back for awhile is sad. If Disney comes out with any deals, I might have to talk my DH into it though. It would be great to meet up with all of you wonderful ladies one day! Although, I think I am limited to summer due to my girls getting a little to old to pull out of school.

Thanks everyone for the advice on what to do with John Paul's flat head. It is getting pretty bad and I hate to say it, but he looks like Charlie Brown from the back. Poor little guy! I just want to avoid him having to wear a helmut, but I will do what I can.

I gotta run, John is getting fussy. I think his leg is bothering him from yesterday. Everyone have a wonderful day!

 

[tkyes]

Ok - here we go in my lame attempt to catch up on this speedy thread! I have a lot to catch up on, so some of these might seem like old news!

j&d - I hope you're getting everything cleaned up. I'm sorry you have to replace the carpet pad, what a pain! I'm sorry to hear about Jenna's cake and your mother in law too, how rude. Happy Birthday to her

Alice - good luck with your remodeling decision. I can't wait until we can start finishing our basement. I've been doing a lot of daydreaming about it. I hope your husband's adjusting back at work. Have fun at Costco. I just bought chicken, steak and salmon there last week.

karentx - We have a Graco Comfortsport and are happy with it. Good luck with the March of Dimes walk. I did that once in high school and had a great time.

Gem - Sorry to hear about Shelby's excema. Hopefully the Dr. will have a lotion for you. Cetaphil works pretty well to moisturize Tyler's skin, but it doesn't completely clear up his excema spots. Congrats on the 4 lb. weight loss. Also, great picture of Shelby and her friend!

Joats - I'm so sorry to hear about Jace's blood disorder, that just breaks my heart. Keep us posted. I hope you feel better too. As far as the tub and your back, my back didn't get as sore when I sat on a small step stool. Adorable new pictures of Jace, he's such a doll. Does he love the activity piano? Tyler plays with it daily! It won't be long and Jace will be pulling himself up on it!

insideball - Your highchair for Aimee sounds adorable. Work on those pictures lol!

Vald - good luck with your interview today!! I can't wait to hear how it went.

Tasha - good luck with the dedication. I'm so sorry to hear that Kylie isn't feeling better. I hope she doesn't have an ear infection!

Hillary - LOVE the new Liam picture Great jammies!

justthat - sorry to hear about Madison getting hit. We'll be one of the bad parents holding our child on the magical express bus too. As well as the bus for Disney transportation.

zalansky - I'm glad your play date went so well. I really need to check into something like that. We might do a community ed play thing in the evenings. I should check if they have a daytime one too. Congrats on the DVC!! I'm so jealous! How exciting. I've never stayed at the Hard Rock, I've heard good things though!

jill - I'm so sorry John Paul's shots hurt so much As far as the flat head. Our Dr. recomended rolling up a baby washcloth, securing it with tape and putting it behind his back so he was slightly on his side. Then also to change his direction every night so he wasn't sleeping just on one spot.

bellacam - I'm glad Aiden's 6mo. checkup went so well. I just love his smile.

You all made me laugh with your description of us moms marching down Main Street. That would be quite a site. We would take up the entire width of Main Street with our strollers!

I've never seen the rush for Dumbo. Probably because we head towards Space Mt. first. I have seen the rush for ToT and RnR though. I've actually never been on Dumbo. I think I would get sick just because of the circular motion.

Here's a ride related question for you all - do you think the safari is too bumpy for a 9 month old?

Tyler is waking up from his way too short of a nap. That probably means there is poop all over. He still has diarehea I called ask a nurse and they said if he's not acting sick that it should run it's course. I certainly hope it wraps up soon. I don't want to deal with the mess on an airplane!!!

Gotta run.

Tamie

 

[vald1977]

Hi ladies,
I'm back from the job interview and it went really well . The director of the center seems super nice so I actually wasn't nervous at all once I got there. I could definitely see myself fitting right in there. She said I should get a call either tomorrow or Monday to either have me come in for a second interview or let me know I didn't get it. She did seem like she really liked me compared to the girl that was there right before me (not to sound obnoxious) but she spent a lot more time with me and sounded really happy that I had applied. Of course, I did see the MOUND of applications they got for the position . I guess I'll just wait and see what happens.

Okay, so I'm new to this job interview thing. I am supposed to send a thank you note, right? If so, what do I say?

Justthat,
If you don't want to lug the car seat than don't . Like you said you are used to public transportation and I'm sure ME is as safe if not safer than that. It is kind of funny how the lady worded it though . I honestly didn't realize the Disney busses had no seatbelts. I've never stayed onsite before so I haven't ridden one.

Tamie,
You'll have to let us know how ME goes with Tyler. I hope he's feeling better before your trip. I would think Tyler should be just fine of the safari. I love that ride . I have actually never been on Dumbo either. There is always too long a line for it once we get to it. I will make it a priority for next trip though.

Diskim,
Hope the grades go smoothly. That is strange that a teacher would give grades that high on a report card.

I too am cracking up at the thought of us all taking over the MK ! I am picturing the scene from Roseanne when they visited WDW and they were all running in slo-mow when they got there.

Well, Katie is fussing so I have to cut this message short. to all the moms I missed.

 

[Alice28]

A question for those moms who in particular have older children, or friends with older children----or anyone who wants to chime in!

My best friend has one child who is almost 3 1/2....I may have posted about him on the Moms to be thread- he basically a little brat. She and her husband have a very difficult time telling him no (he still sleeps with them cause they could never do the crying it out thing- they never went into this wanting to do the family bed). I could give many, MANY examples of discipline problems with him, but long story short, I am finding myself NOT wanting to spend time with them anymore, because I cannot stand to be around bratty boy AND to see how my BF and her husband just are oblivious to it!!!!!!!!!! They were at DH's party and my old babysitter for the boys was sitting across from them- Gail (babysitter) was God's gift to me- she was WONDERFUL with my boys from practically birth until Sam was 5 1/2- I totally trust her and respect her. BF comes over the next night and says, "Gail was totally bugging me at the party- she looked like she wanted to tie J up and discipline him!" I wanted to say, "we all did!"

Is it weird that I want to distance myself from BF because she and I apparently have very different parenting philosophies? The thing is, she thinks she's got a handle on things- she will admit J is headstrong and a pain sometimes, but she calls him a 'free spirit' whereas I call it bratty. It's fine to have an adventurous child, but she and her DH just cannot seem to reign him in, and they just kind of shrug their shoulders now and say, "That's just who he is." All 3 boys were upstairs the night she came over here and all 3 of them were bring rowdy so my DH yells upstairs to stop jumping off the bed and slamming doors - it's our house, our rules and he wasn't being mean, just enforcing our rules. As J's dad was leaving to go out with DH and another guy friend, he says to J, "Now behave so you don't get 'yelled' at again." What, they never yell? Gimme a break....

Anyway, have any of you ever been in that circumstance with a friend? We've been friends since I was 15-16 (and DH has known her even longer- we were in the same youth group at church). They even don't want to have any more kids because they have acknowledged J has turned into more of a handful than they thought any one kid could be......I'm not saying I want to write our relationship off, no way, but I find myself just very uncomfortable around her because I want to say, "Your kid is out of control- you do know that, right????" But I don't want to go there!


Val- glad the interview went well. I would just write a quick, "Thank you for your time, I so enjoyed meeting you and seeing the center. I would very much like to be a part of your team. Respectfully yours, Valerie..." Obviously add a few adjectives in there to make it more personal, but nothing long and flowery, but respectful and succinct.

You know what I wish I could do??? Put on my running shoes, leave the kiddoes behind with Gramma, and STORM the new Expedition Everest with DH! Forget Dumbo, I wanna see the Yeti! (Close enough to a Yeti, right?).

 

[bellacam]

Alice28 - While I don't have any older children of my own I went thru something very similar...with my own neice! My sister became a single mom at 16 and need all the support and help she could get. With all of our help she finished school and went on to become a dental surgery tech. In the meantime I sort of became a 2nd mother to my niece. But at about age four she seemed to turn into hell child. Wouldn't listen to me, her mom, my mom or anyone. I know my sister let her get away with murder because she was trying to make up for being a single parent. It got to a point I could barely stand to be around my niece. My sis noticed and my dh and I sat her down and told her how we felt. She got some "parenting" education and some help and I am happy to say she is now just a regular old bratty 7 year old but at least she listens. Coming clean to my sister was the hardest thing but she honestly had no idea how bad her child was. Although by your friend making that comment it seems to me she has some idea!

Vald - Glad the interview went well!

Tkyes - Hope Tyler's tummy issue runs it's course soon!

Tasha - Hope Kylie's appointment went well. We used the arythromicin topical ointment last month when Aidan had PE.

Hope everyone else has a great night!!!! I gave Aidan a sippy cup of water. Once he figured it out, he loved it. I think the cold water makes his mouth feel better. Gotta run, time to feed the prince!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Hi everyone! I have way too much to catch up on. I apologize if I miss anyone.

zalansky - Glad your playdate went well. It's always good to get out and meet new people.

llij - Poor JP! I hope he's feeling better after that shot.

Alice28 - I hope you're feeling better also.

Hillbeans - I just noticed those jammies Liam is wearing. I saw them at the Disney Store today.

Inside Ball - I hope your family doesn't catch that virus going around.

justhat - I say whatever works! Anyone that would judge you on a few hours of TV has their priorities out of whack. My DH was raised in front of the TV and he made it his career. And he LOVES his job.

Tasha - I hope Kylie is feeling better soon!

Tkyes - I hope Tyler also starts feeling better - especially before your trip.

vald - I agree on writing a thank you note. Just a few sentences thanking her for her time and the opportunity to talk about the position. It sounds like it went well! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Hello to everyone else!!

It was such a nice day here today that Lucas and I went for a walk. It's supposed to snow on Sunday so I thought I'd enjoy it while I could.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Okay, ladies, I am in a hurry so I will have to catch up on posts later (or maybe even tomorrow) but I wanted to let you all know how the appt. went. It was a great appt. because she doesn't have any ear infections and she didn't have pink eye either! She probably didn't have it last week either and they could have saved me the trouble of doing the stupid eye drops if they would have let me bring her in instead of just assuming but oh, well. Next time I guess I will just demand to be seen! Apparently her eyes are just due to her cold. She is a little congested and her dr. says it just sounds like she has a cold and nothing to worry about. As far as her tugging her ears...well, I just noticed she has a 6th tooth coming in so that probably has something to do with that! I swear she is sprouting teeth like weeds this month! This makes 4 teeth in the past month!

Anyway, I was really surprised at her weight and height! She has grown almost 3 inches in the past 2 months and is 30" long. She is now in the 98th percentile for that! But she has not gained a whole lot of weight. She is 18 lbs 13 oz. (She has only gained 13 oz. since she was 5 months old!) She has dropped down to the 44th percentile in weight. This is the first time she has been below average in weight. I knew she seemed to really be slimming up but I seriously thought she had gained more. Her dr. isn't concerned though. She is apparently trying to be tall and slim...if only I could say the same about me, lol!

Oh, and this day is now getting better and better! I got the rest of our w-2s and efiled today. We are getting over $1000 more than I had anticipated! Disney here we come!!! Now I just have to decide if we want to stay at POP and extend our vacation or stay at a nicer resort for the original amount of time we had planned to be there. And we have to decide where to eat since that is now less than 3 months away and I really need to hurry and make our ADRs! Decisions, decisions....I will be bugging dh about it tonight when he gets home (which should be any time now!) I am really excited because this is the 1st year we are getting a good return (probably due to our adorable 9 month old tax deduction ). Normally we get very little back and some years we even had to pay. But this year I am not working or going to school and we have Kylie so we are getting a pretty decent one. I am putting some in savings and opening a savings account for Kylie too...not just blowing it in case any of you are wondering.

Oh, dh just pulled up! Now I can bug him with planning details! I am the planner so it will probably drive him nuts but here I go to annoy him anyhow! I will catch up on posts later!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Very cool about the tax refund Tasha. We are getting almost 5,000 back this year. Dh is changing his withholdings that is way too much. Almost $400 a month, a whole car payement.

Alice, oh I know what you are talking about. Only too well. When your friend has a kid like that and you aren't a parent, it is hard to talk to them about it. When you are a parent try taking a supportive aprouch, but let her know that being firm and saying no isn't a bad thing. After all you have way more kids then hers, and while they are all "kids" and misbehave sometimes, I am willing to be they are pretty well behavied most of the time (or at least you do something about it.) 3 1/2 is old enough to know better.

I had something simlar with my middle and HS best friend, but I don't see her much. Talking with her on the phone her son is out of control. He swears like a salior I hear (he gets it from his teenage uncles who live with them, they are from Yogosalivia and all extended family lives in one very big and nice house, but still all together.) We talked about getting together when our kids were young and I really didn't want my DD who is younger then him around him for fear he would hurt her. I don't know, but it almost seems to me that your friend needs a good friend to help her with this more then avoid her because being with her is unbearable. (and I don't blame you for that.) I guess it seems the friendship is going to be hurt no mater what you do, avoid her, or talk with her about it. However if you talk with her it might help her. Or it could just get her mad. You have known her for a long time. If she was dating a jerk in HS would of you told her?

I guess next time she complains about it ask how she feels about his behaviors. Ask more questions, make observations (but not judging or blaming ones.) If anything it can help you to understand her side more, and express yourself instead of bottle it up. As I tell my own kids, if you aren't going to play nice you aren't going to have any friends. Her child is going to learn it the hard way. I am afriad my own 4 1/2 year old is rather bratty and snotty sometimes, but we are working on it.

 

[lissawynn]

Evening y'all(I'm imitating my friend from TX)!

Whenever we get serious about planning our Official Moms Trip to WDW, let me know. It's the reason I teach summer school. I agree that an each mom should bring along a DH or other responsible adult so we could have some fun. I'd love a DIS mom's pic on ToT! What a scream!

Alice - I have issues of the way my sister's son behaves. I don't know if you remember me telling you all how we had it out over his behavior on our trip last summer. He was SO bad. What can I do? I sometimes don't go shopping or for a day trip with them. It's just easier than listening to the whining/crying/etc. He's my nephew and I love him, but he tries your patience.

Tasha - Good to hear there is no ear infection. Yay for your WDW trip! Let us know the details when you have them. I would probably take the longer trip and stay at Pop. We stayed at ASM for our first night last trip and it was nice. I'm sure Pop is fun.

SL - Good for you getting some fresh air with Lucas. We're not getting snow this weekend, just rain. It hasn't really been much of a winter here.

bellacam - Jimmy had cold water for the first time when we went to WDW last August. He also enjoyed it. I think it was so refreshing b/c it was so warm outside. Good luck with the sippy cup!

Val - I would send a thank you note. Let us hear what happens with the job!

Tamie - Is Tyler eating any solids? Bananas should bind him up a little. We had seriously messy diapers every day while Jimmy was on antibiotics. I hope he feels better soon!

Jill - The teacher from my school whose son needed the RSV shots got them paid for. That's why Hershey put their policy into place regarding payment for the shots. Something about the time-frame when the shots could be given. Everything worked out and his son is well.

DisKim - I can't imagine why a school administrator would allow a teacher to give a grade in excess of 100%. That doesn't really measure the students abilities. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.

I'm off to watch Smallville. Tom Welling is so dreamy!

 

[DisKim]

Ok, I’m going to try to catch up.

Tasha – I’m so glad to see you back! I hope Kylie feels better soon. Good luck with the dedication. I hope you will post pictures! As far as your trip goes, I would definitely stay longer and stay at Pop. Everyone I know who has stayed there, loved it.

To those of you who posted your nursing stories – I’m just amazed your children wanted to nurse for so long. That’s great! The longest I’ve gotten one to go was 9 months and that was my DD. I gave up on her when she tried to walk away with my breast. Alex also wouldn’t sit still to nurse. As a matter of fact, around 10 months when he learned to walk, I had to feed him while he was standing. Aidan just started biting me every single time I tried to nurse so I finally gave up around 6 months. I was so sad that we didn’t make it that long. I tried really hard.

Add Aidan to the big baby list. He’s over 23 pounds.

Zalansky – your stay at the Hard Rock sounds great. I always wanted to stay there. Congrats on the DVC purchase. I’m thoroughly jealous.

Jill – I just feel so sorry for you and John Paul when I hear about those shots. Poor baby! Try not to worry too much about the flat head thing. Aidan had it too but it goes back to normal once they are sitting up and not laying flat so much.


Joats – I think they make some sort of contraption that helps alleviate the pressure from mom’s back when bathing the baby. It was probably in the One Step Ahead catalog.

Hillbeans – Wow! Liam is a big boy!

Tkyes – I hope you and Tyler feel better. Also, the safari is great for babies. I took Aidan on it when he was 4 months and he fell fast asleep from the motion. I does get a little bumpy but it’s fine. Just sit in the middle of the row so you don’t get paranoid of him falling out (ok, that’s my paranoia which I assume other people have).

Inside ball – Sometimes entire schools are closed because of those stomach bugs. It’s terrible.

SL – A two hour meeting during lunch? They should at least provide food. You have to excuse me, teachers are very protective over their lunches. At least, I am.

Valerie – I’m glad your interview went well. I always sent a thank you note when I interviewed.

Justhat – Madison will be fine on ME without a carseat. People should mind their own business. There are no seatbelts. The seatbacks are very high. I’m sure it is very safe.

DisPhd – I hope Lily feels better.

Alice 28 – My advice about the friend is to try to see her for “girls’ night” instead of playdates. That way, you get to keep your friend, but you don’t have to expose your kids to hers.

I'm doing better with my posts now. I took Jill's notepad idea but instead I open up a Word document and type my post there. Then, I copy and paste it here.

Well, I got through report card day. Also, my 9 honors block (double period class) changed and I have new kids. I was really worried about it because I adored my other group and didn't want them to leave. I'm happy to say that the new group is also great. They are very cute. They are the type of honors kids that are very precise and meticulous. They have to do everything right. I guess that might get tiring after a while, but it's cute right now.

DD just came in whining becasue I am not upstairs yet. It really ticks me off that she can't respect the fact that the time after 8 pm is my adult time. We are having such a hard time with her lately. It seems like all we do is constantly talk to her about her behavior. I can't stand it anymore.

Well, have a good night everyone

 

[DisneyPhD]

Ok, I’m going to try to catch up.

To those of you who posted your nursing stories – I’m just amazed your children wanted to nurse for so long. That’s great! The longest I’ve gotten one to go was 9 months and that was my DD. I gave up on her when she tried to walk away with my breast. Alex also wouldn’t sit still to nurse. As a matter of fact, around 10 months when he learned to walk, I had to feed him while he was standing. Aidan just started biting me every single time I tried to nurse so I finally gave up around 6 months. I was so sad that we didn’t make it that long. I tried really hard.

I have to say I said "It isn't take out, you can't take it with you", more times then I can count. Both Lily and Anna used to nurse in bed and they would move there legs and rotate all around. It was pretty funny. However they knew if it hurt they didn't get any food so they always gental. For a while there my rule with Lily was she had to REALLY be hungry to eat.

There is a lot of pitfalls in nursing. Don't feel bad you kids didn't as long as others. You gave them a lot in the 6 and 9 months you did. Those are very important times. You did good.

 

[llij]

Good evening mommies!

DisKim - Glad to hear that your new group of students are good! Thanks for making me feel better about the flat head thing too. I tell ya, I thought that after having two kids I would have the baby thing down pat, but I am realizing that I don't really know anything! Having John Paul has been an entirely new experience for me. I don't know if it is b/c it has been ages since I've had a baby or b/c he is a boy. It has been an adventure so far which is good.

Lisawynn - Glad to hear that everything worked out for your friend and her child's RSV shot! It is nice that the hospital changed the policy too.

I had to LOL about the ToT and everyone getting their picture taken on it. I have to tell you that ToT is one of the few rides at Disney that I have never ridden. I am totally terrified of heights and drops so I always bypass that ride. Maybe you guys can talk me into going on it if we end up having a Mommy Dis meet at WDW.

Tasha - I'm so glad to hear that Kylie is doing ok and she just has a cold. Congrats on the tax refund and have a wonderful time planning your Disney trip!

SL - It was gorgeous here today too and I am kicking myself for not taking John Paul out for a walk. I know that these nice weather days are numbered and I could really use the exercise! Glad to hear that you had a nice walk.

Bellacam - I'm so glad that the sippy cup worked out well for Aiden!

Alice28 - I'm sorry that your friend's son is really tough. I second what DisKim says about trying a girls night out. My cousins kids are total nightmares and very destructive. One of them (the 9 year old girl) came to my baby shower and flooded the basement carpet of my friend who threw the shower. I was mortified and my cousin didn't even care. It is tough b/c I love my cousin and love being around her, but her kids are just too much. She even dumps her children off on my aunt so she can get a break from them. What they need is a little tough love! I feel for ya!

Tamie - I hope Tyler is feeling better. I also think that the safari ride should be fine for Tyler. If you are worried about it being bumpy, I heard that sitting up closer to the front is less bumpy. I never tried it so I'm not 100% sure on that. Thanks for the tips to use with JP and sleeping. I will try it!

Valerie - I'm so glad that the interview went well. I'm hoping they pick you! Like everyone else mentioned, it is a good idea to write a thank you note. Good luck to you!!

I'm also in awe of all you mommies who were able to nurse for so long. With Meagan, I went back to work when she was three months old so I weaned her which I wish I hadn't done so early. She was a champion with nursing! With Katie and John Paul, I ended up getting violently ill when my milk came in (I think it was hormones) so nursing was terrible. Actually, I got sick with all three, but the doctors were able to get me through the sickness with Meagan. With Katie, I gave up after 5 days b/c I couldn't handle throwing up all the time. With John Paul, we were prepared for the sickness but the medication didn't do squat and with the c-section I just about died with getting so sick. He also couldn't nurse due to his cleft palate but I tried pumping. I felt so guilty about not nursing Katie and John Paul for the longest time, but my doctor put my mind at ease. Part of me will always wish I had nursed. I had planned to do it for a long time, but you know what they say about best laid plans...... Sorry to ramble on about it. (Can you tell that I still feel a little bad about it? )

Oh, I just had to mention one thing. When I had John Paul at the hospital none of the Pediatricians at the hospital caught that he had a cleft palate. I was upset that he wasn't sucking when I tried to nurse and he did terribly with the bottle too. Everyone attributed it to the fact that he was a preemie. The day after I got home from the hospital we took him to our pediatrician and she immediately saw the cleft. She was so surprised that they didn't catch it at the hospital. When you look in his mouth he has a huge gaping hole where his uvula should be. It isn't hard to miss. I had always wondered if I needed to call the hospital and just give them an FYI about the cleft. I never did. Fast forward to yesterday, the nurse at the doctor's office told me that one of the pediatricians did call the hospital just to let them know that they missed John's cleft and it was a problem b/c he ended up dropping too much weight. She was really nice about it and wasn't trying to be accusatory, but the hospital got mad at her. Can you believe it? I was so shocked that they would give her grief when they really dropped the ball. I'm glad they did call b/c they really need to be more careful in the future. I really did like my stay at the hospital though. The nurses were amazing and I love my OB.

Everyone have a wonderful evening! Does anyone have any fun Super Bowl plans for the weekend?

 

[justhat]

DisKim, I think all 10yo girls have that problem. Of course I don't have one yet so I don't really know, but gosh, I remember being that age and the stories my mom tells me now and I feel badly for her. It probably till till I was around 17 or 18 till the whole phase passed, but I'm nice now! I think it's just such a hard time on them all around with hormones coming on, peer issues, independence issues, etc. Hang in there, she'll get better with age. Sorta like a wine....

Tasha, great to hear Kylie is not too sick and only has a cold. Don't worry too much about the weight thing. I don't think Madison gained any weight from 12-15 months. Maybe 3 ounces or something but that was it. Her dr was a little concerned that she was so thin at 15 months but then she put on a little weight by 18 months and made it to about 21.5 pounds or so. She also didn't gain anything from 9-11 months cause she got so many colds and an ear infection and she didn't want to eat anything. As far as your trip goes, I would stick with Pop and stay longer. We honestly have never had a bad trip at any of the resorts, values, mods, or deluxes so I'd go with Pop if it meant staying a couple of extra days. It's nice to be able to take it slowly when you've got a child in tow. Also, I liked Pop cause it only has one bus stop (which is close to just about every building) and doesnt' share any buses, whereas when we stayed at POR we had to stop at a few stops and POFQ we had to share a bus we POR sometimes. Not a bad thing cause we still loved both of those resorts (and CSR too, even though it was huge and had a few bus stops too) but with a baby I thought Pop was easier to navigate.

Alice28, I'm sorry you have to deal with a very annoying friend situation. My pregnant friend who I've posted about a lot is sorta like that too. Her son is only 13 months, but when I went to her house last week you could tell she doesn't teach him any manners at all so he'll be just like your friend's son at 3.5. I didn't say anything to her about it either, but I'm sorta wondering if I should. Seems like it would be a waste though as she's so insane, so not sure if that's the case with your friend too. With mine it is just little things since her kid is so young yet, but while we were there he kept touching Madison's shirt (a Gymboree Tyrolian Lure with buttons all over the bottom). Now I told Madison to just suck it up, he's a baby and they touch things, but she just woke up for a 20 minute nap (cause the friend's dog jumped all over her licking her when I set her down on their guest bed while friend watched and laughed), was very grouchy, tired, hungry, and confused about where she was. There gets to be a point where you say to your kid "Madison doesn't want to be bothered right now, let's leave her shirt alone" but no, she kept laughing everytime he did it while Madison cried. Then she'd pick up a toy (either hers or his, didn't matter) and he'd grab it like most babies do. I told Madison countless times to share, give him a turn, etc. but she'd just laugh and say "he doesn't know how to share yet" or "he doesn't understand no yet". Well really, when are you gonna start teaching those things? You think he'll just realize it on his own one day? And she's got another baby coming in June and I think they'll all be in for a huge surprise, which is sad for her son but will be a big awakening for her. And with your friend, I think she'll be in the same boat when he starts school and constants gets in trouble and doesn't have friends. It will be a hard realization for her to make, and she'll probably end up blaming his teachers and other kids, but maybe she'll start to think some of the problem is her kid. So I'd just think about whether saying anything to her would even matter and if not then I wouldn't bother and would just distance myself a bit. Otherwise I'd do what DisneyPhD suggested and sorta bring up the topic in nonconfrontational ways. Oh, and Joey's niece, she's 4.5yo, is sorta the same way as your friend's kid too, but with my SIL I have dropped hints about things we do "when Madison acts that way". Joey and his dad babysat her for a couple of hours when we went to Walmart and she threw an absolute nightmare of a tantrum. She sees FIL literally everyday, so she knows him well so no reason for that, but she cried for literally 3 hours while we were gone (and all our cell phones died so we couldn't even contact them). She's a really easy-going parent cause her daughter was born with a 2 congenital eye defects so she feels badly and babies her, but she's really doing more harm than good so we try to give constructive thoughts, but we phrase it about Madison not her daughter so she doesn't feel badly.

I'm going to head off to watch ER before I go to bed. I bought these hard candies that are supposed to alleviate morning sickness so I think I'll try one of those and see how it goes. Otherwise I will be talking to the dr on Thursday to see what he can give me cause I don't think I can handle this for another 7 weeks! Goodnight all!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

I was only able to nurse for 9 weeks and it wasn't even exclusive. I had to supplement with formula from the get-go otherwise he'd have had to be hospitalized for dehydration. It also took FOREVER for my milk to come in. Every little bit helps, right? I even bought a pump to help stimulate production, but it didn't help.

Tasha - Congrats on the tax return. Have fun planning your Disney trip!

llij - I can't believe the hospital would get mad at the pediatrician about that. How unprofessional.

DisKim - Glad your new group is a good one.

DisneyPhD - Congrats on your tax return also. DH is still gathering our stuff. He has a lot of deductions for his job so it takes a while for him to get organized.

lissawynn - Great idea about bringing a "responsible" adult! When DH and I went while I was PG, I couldn't go on anything. DH could watch Lucas with the other dads while we moms cut loose. That will be payback!

My sister and BIL are having a Super Bowl party and we promised we'd go for a little while. DH's team is not in it and I don't care about football at all so I'd just as soon stay home but we said we'd go. My sister is sick and I told her we're not going if she's still sick on Sunday. A little part of me wants her to stay sick.

justhat - Sorry you're still not feeling well. Have you tried those seasickness bands or anything like that? I used to use them at night when I went to bed.

 

[J&D]

Hi, y'all!

lissawynn- I'm from TX, so I can speak Texan.

Tasha, welcome back! Glad Kylie isn't as sick as you had thought.

Tamie, hope Tyler gets well soon.

Justhat, hang in there! I would get MS from simple things like brushing my teeth.

Strawberry Lemonade- I see you hatched a goldfish this time. Cute! Thanks again for the pink punch recipe. I was so easy, and it tasted so good. I loved the color. Have fun at the SB party!

Jill- If you can handle childbirth, then you can handle TOT!

DisKim- Enjoy your new group of kids. We were not allowed to give grades over 100. I wouldn't have anyway. I also taught the honors kids, and I rarely gave them extra credit.

DisneyPhD- Congratulations on your tax return!

Alice28- When I read your post about EE it made me start singing the Backyardigans "Yeti Stomp".

"Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!
I'm stompin' that Yeti stomp.
Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!
I'm stompin' that Yeti stomp."​

Val- Glad to hear that your interview went well. Good luck!

karentx- Where do you live? We might live near each other. Please send me a PM if you don't feel comfortable posting.

Zalansky- Good luck with your moms over 30 playgroup. I need to find something like that to join.

Joats- Hope you are feeling better. We use The First Years "Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-To-Toddler Tub". With this tub you don't have to lean down. It is designed to fit inside the kitchen sink, but we put in on the kitchen counter instead. Sending hugs and prayers for Jace!

Bellacam, Gems, Hillbeans, Tasha, & Nucpharm- Great new pictures!

Michelle- Are the Avent bottles working better for you?

Daydreamer64- Hope you and Ben are doing well.

ryleesmom- How are you doing? Hope your treatment on the 15th goes well. Sending prayers your way.

Hi, Inside Ball, MommyPoppins, Disney Enthusiast, SeeDisney, Ahutton, WonderBelle, and all other DIS mommies!

We pulled up the carpet last night and removed the pad! Yuck!
After seeing what the carpet and pad looked like underneath, we are considering putting tile in the hallway.

In a few days I will start taking names for the Easter exchange. I need to work out the details first.

TTFN!

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Okay, I am doing what DisKim did and using a Word document and trying to catch up with everyone! This is going to be long...now you see why I usually end up skipping posts!

DisneyPhD~ I hope Lily is feeling better!

Bellacam~ Wow, Aidan sure is a big little guy! Kylie had her 9 month checkup today and was only 18 lbs 13 oz. but she was 30” long. She shot up in height but she really started slowing down with her weight gain shortly after she hit 5 months. She was 9 lbs 7 oz and 20” at birth. Love the new pics in your sig. Aidan sure is a cutie! Oh, and Kylie still has no interest in sippy cups other than to chew on them. Her dr. told me to take the valve out of it and then try it. Duh! Why didn’t I think of that?! She refuses to hold her own bottle even at 9 months and has very little interest in solids of any kind. It is going to be difficult weaning her from her bottle and putting her on table foods and sippy cups at this point. It’s so funny b/c she is ahead in some areas but behind in the whole eating solids/drinking from a sippy category. Oh, well! She’ll get there when she’s ready I’m sure! Oh, and I was doing juice in her sippy but she isn’t fond of it so I am going to try water from now on…especially since it won’t be as messy without the valve in the sippy! I am glad Aidan seemed to do well with it!

justhat~ Don’t feel bad about letting Madison watch tv. Kylie loves Sesame Street,especially Elmo, and is content to sit in her exersaucer and watch it all day if I would let her! I put it in when I need to do something in the living room or kitchen b/c that is the only way to do things now that she is mobile! I put her in her pack ‘n’ play in the bedroom when I need to do something in there and she is content to play with her toys then for a little while. I remember when she was between birth-3 or 4 months old and didn’t want to be put down. It is so nice that she is able to occupy herself now! As far as your carseat situation, we will have our carseat when we go to WDW simply because we always drive there. It is a 14 hour drive and we usually leave at night and drive straight through. Sometimes we stop on the way home though. But anyway, we usually just use the bus transportation from the resorts to the parks though and probably will this time too unless they end up being too crowded or something. I like the break from driving after the long drive there and back. I am a bad, bad mommy I guess b/c I will have a car and a carseat and will still ride the bus with her sitting on my lap!

Alice~ Here’s hoping you get your summer WDW trip! I haven’t been since June 2004 and I am having MAJOR withdrawal symptoms! Of course I shouldn’t complain since I went in May 2004 too. Two trips within a month wasn’t too shabby! My mom paid for one of them though. It was a mother/daughter trip. And your friend and her kid sound EXACTLY like my best friend and her nearly 3 year old son! He is a nightmare and she refuses to discipline him! He hit some guy with a chain on Christmas morning and she did nothing about it (and she is the one that gave him a chain to play with )! Then we went out to lunch with her last month and her kid ran right in the middle of the street and she did nothing about that either. Then he found a broken glass beer bottle in the parking lot and started playing with it. She didn’t do anything about it so I took it away from him. I told her that he was playing with broken glass and she just said something like, “Oh, he’s always getting into something!” Hello! How is she going to feel when her kid gets hit by a car or cuts himself with the glass? I don’t really know what to say to her about him either since she doesn’t listen anyway. Oh, and he was running all over the restaurant while we were eating. She didn’t even watch him and then she realized he wasn’t in her sight and started freaking out asking me if I knew where he was. I am the one that ended up getting him and bringing him back to our table since she didn’t seem too interested in actually looking for her missing kid and I couldn’t stand the thought of something happening to him! He threw a temper tantrum when I brought him back to our table and Scott and I later discussed it and we aren’t sure we will go out with them anymore either. We go to church with them so we see her bratty kid plenty as it is! I am all for the girls’ night out idea myself!

zalansky~ I love your moms’ group idea! I don’t know of ANY groups around here but I wish I did. All of my friends have kids that are a lot older than Kylie (the youngest turns 3 two days after Kylie’s 1st b-day and he is the brat I mentioned above). My SIL is due next month with a little boy so he would be close in age to Kylie but I don’t really get along great with my SIL so I wish I could find a group of moms with kids Kylie’s age! Congrats on the DVC! I too am jealous. It is out of our budget right now and we aren’t sure if we would want to go every year or not but maybe we will buy into it in the future.

jill~ I am really an obvious new 1st time mommy as I had never heard of baby’s getting a flat head until your post! Kylie started rolling onto her side at 2 weeks old and started rolling onto her back at 1 month old so she changed positions constantly from the get-go. I guess that’s why it was never an issue for us. Good thing too since I wouldn’t have known what it was, lol! I am glad JP got his shot and that the insurance company is working with you now. I was ready to call and give them a piece of my mind for you! I hate the silent scream too. Kylie used to do that when she was smaller and it broke my heart.

joats~ Have you had your iron checked lately? I am prone to anemia and have dealt with it on and off since I was 2. If it isn’t mono, maybe you are anemic. It always makes me feel exhausted. Just a thought. Hope you feel better soon!

Hillbeans~ Wow, Liam is big too! Kylie only weighs 6 more oz. than he does. Count me as another that loves the new picture. Very cute boy wearing very cute Mickey pjs!

Tamie~ Poor Tyler! I hope he feels better soon. I think he would be fine on the safari. I am planning to take both dh and Kylie on it in May. Dh and I skipped it last trip due to a lack of time so he has never been on it. I think he would enjoy it and I think Kylie would like the animals. She is a very observant child already (aka NOSEY!) and enjoys seeing animals. She usually gets very excited around them so that is a must do on our trip. When are you leaving to go on your trip? Saturday? I can’t wait to hear how it goes…I just hope Tyler feels better before then!

Insideball~ Wow, the virus must really be going around if they decided to close the school! I hope you and your family don’t catch it!

vald~ I am keeping my fingers crossed that you got the job. And yes, I am all for sending a thank you note! Sometimes the thank you note is the deciding factor if they can’t decide between you and someone else. If you send a note and the other person doesn’t it only helps your case! I liked what Alice and SL said to write. That is pretty much what I would have suggested too. Good luck!

lissawynn~ I laughed when I read your post saying we are getting 6 more weeks of winter. It sure hasn’t seemed like winter here this year! Oh, and I live in Mississippi so I am pretty used to the whole ya’ll thing and must admit I say it a lot too! I married a redneck so it was bound to happen sometime!

nucpharm29~ We had a rainy day here today too. I hope tomorrow brings lots of sunshine your way!

DisKim~ I had a couple of teachers that would give up to like 102 or something on report cards. My creative writing teacher, my journalism teacher, and my art teacher did that and I always came out with 102s in those classes as those were the subjects I not only loved but seemed to excel at in high school. Now my classes that really counted (such as my Honors English, Math, and Science) didn’t do that. I always thought it was odd but it did help my GPA so I didn’t mind. I had pretty good grades without it though but was a perfectionist so I took every point I could get, lol! FWIW, I don’t see the point in doing that either though. Sorry to hear about your daughter! I think I went through that phase from about 11-17! It is a rough age for girls and mothers alike! I hope things improve soon!

SL~ I am glad you and Lucas enjoyed your walk! I can not even imagine it snowing here on Sunday. I would be absolutely shocked!

J & D~ Wow, I can’t believe you remembered to say hi to several of our MIA moms! You and Jill should go into business together. You can give her the names of every mom on this thread and she can take the notes, lol! Oh, and I would be interested in an Easter exchange too probably, but I think I will wait till you post the details to officially join it. I need to make sure it will be in my budget and all during that time frame! I hope I can though…it sounds like a fun one!

Okay, ladies, dh and I talked about it and we are doing what several of you suggested and just extending our stay at POP. I think Kylie will love it and I have heard good things about it. Part of the reason we chose it over the All Stars is because it doesn't share a bus like DisKim mentioned. We have stayed at ASMo and liked it but hated the fact that we shared the bus with all of the All Stars. I have also stayed at the Dolphin before and liked it and have stayed at CBR and HATED it so here is hoping POP will be another that we like! I have been to the WL (but never stayed there) and really, really want to stay there one day too. I also wouldn't mind giving POFQ a shot but I would rather stay longer this time so POP it is! We will be there from April 30-May 7 if all works out. We still need to discuss dining options though.

Oh, and before I forget, Kylie started cruising along the couch tonight!! OMG! I was so not expecting that since she just really got the hang of pulling herself up about 2 weeks ago! She is determined to start walking soon, isn't she?! It would be easier if she would wait until after our trip but I have a feeling she won't. Determined little bugger!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Tasha - I stayed at POP for a night last year and didn't mind it at all. I say I didn't mind it as opposed to liking it because we moved to the Contemporary for the rest of the trip and the CR is my favorite resort. I don't like the CBR either. Anyway, have a great trip! I think extending it at the value resort is definitely a great choice. Congrats on Kylie's cruising!

J&D - I'm glad you liked the punch. We always make it for showers and smaller parties and it's always a hit. I like my goldfish this time around. I think I'll keep it.

Are any of you on BC pills, specifically Seasonale? I'm on my 3rd month of it and I've had no trouble up until this week. It seems I got Auntie Flo a few weeks ahead of schedule (I'm only on the first week of the 3rd card). It's way too heavy to be spotting and I also have the worst cramps and backache I've ever had. My dr and I agreed on this pill b/c I had endo and not having a period would help that. Anyway, I just wanted to see if anyone else had any experiences before I give the dr a call. If it's normal, I'll deal with it but if it's not, I have to do something.