The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[DisneyPhD]

Wow Jill! Thank God for some Doctors huh? That is a good sense to have for that doctor. I will continue to pray for your family and John.

Well I must be PMS something fierce, because I ran a few earnds today and decided to take the wrong road coming home. It was under construction and the right lane was closed 1/4 of a mile up. Well I got sick of everyone behind me speeding up on right lane and then cutting to the front of the line, making the left lane at a dead stop. So I pulled my mini van in-between both lanes and blocked everyone behind me. People honked at me, I honked right back! I had enough. This was in a very $$ place and all the people in Jag's and BMW didn't like the mommy in the Honda Odyssey keeping them from cutting. (with Baby Einstein playing on the DVD player for the kids no less.)

It was only later that I realized I am not normally that assertive (or snarky if you will.) Still I had enough.

Oh the play set is up, the kids love it. I will post a picture later. It fits just perfect in the back yard. Any bigger would of been too big.

I hope everyone else is doing well. Keep us updated Jill.

 

[happyrebster]

Good morning, ladies!

Nuc -- Thanks! Maddie slept MUCH better last night! Her teething is still bothering her; but she only woke up once -- we gave her some Motrin for the pain and she was back to sleep within a half hour. Otherwise, she slept comfortably the whole night without making a peep! So happy for her!!

Lisa -- Good job on the yearbook! My DH's family lives in the Pittsburg burbs -- he grew up in Murraysville. His sister now lives in some fancy suburb out that way, but I forget the name.

Alice --Oh the joys of CA real estate! We sold a house in LA last year it has been such a blessing to our long terms finances! BTW, we love POFQ and POR -- used to stay there lots before we joined DVC. We actually really liked the food court and the buses -- were always very happy with both.

Tykes -- I love planning meals for a WDW trip! We are going to DL in July and I am looking forward to booking our meals soon -- esp. at Blue Bayou! As I mentioned to alice, I think the food court at POFQ is great.

DisKim -- there are few ideas more overwhelming than the idea of a young person taking her own life. A colleague of mine in her 20s recently killed herself and it was so heartbreaking. Young people just have no sense of long-term perspective -- that even if things seem bleak now, they can and will turn around. Sooooo sad.

Jill -- Your updates had me in tears -- you are so incredibly brave! I am sooooo happy that your little one is doing better today, though! Will keep you in my prayers and thanks for the updates.

Hillbeans -- So glad that you had a quieter time with Liam. I think that babies, like grown ups, just hit rough patches when they are having a rough week, not feeling great and they just can't tell you why. I'm sure that's all it was. So glad that he is feeling a bit brighter!

SL -- BC pills -- BLECH!! They make me and and then again. Hang tough!!

Thanks to all for the well wishes on Maddie's sleep. She slept great last night! Still had some teething pain so we had to give her a booster dose of baby Motrin at 1:30 am; but, outside of that, she slept all night without making a peep! Also, at the 1:30 am waking, I held her and rocked her for a while after giving her the medicine cause it takes some time to have effect; but I eventually ended up putting her back in the crib while she was still a bit awake and she did a lovely job of just rolling over and putting herself to sleep. Very proud of her and happy that she was able to rest! I know we are kind of weirdos with the fact that we always failed at sticking to CIO thing; but, really, I have never regretted it, even when we hit rough patches. It's just what works for us and for her. Every baby, it seems, is different, eh?

Have a great day, ladies!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Jill, Thank God for that doctor! He's definitely in the right field. I'm so glad things are doing so much better today. Glad to see you got a chance to shower--it can really improve your perspective, as can having a bite to eat. Please try to take a few minutes for yourself. It will put you in a much better place to help your family. With any luck, John will be annoying his sisters in no time!

lissawyn, I hear you about the IEP kids. I do know moms who do everything "right" and expect a lot regardless of their child's condition, but I've also known several who just throw up their hands and say, "Well, he's (fill in your behavior initials here)." But, shouldn't you expect MORE from your kid then? Or at least, try to lay the foundation for success? I mean, if your child was malnourished, you would work extra hard to give them proper nutrition, right--so why not make sure your ADHD or whatever kid has a good night's sleep, eats properly, practices manners, etc., so that school can be as successful as possible? I just don't get it. I was told that DS9 would have trouble reading, then he wound up learning to read at 3--because I figured it would be a long road, why not get him started, so I read until I was hoarse.

tykes and happyrebster, I love WDW meal planning, too. Right now my internal debae is, which Rainforest Cafe? The kids love the AK one, but I'd love to hit Downtown Disney now that I heard about the pirate's loot. Decisions, decision... And I have to agree with SL on California Grill. You absolutely cannot beat the view, but if you don't like "faacy food", it's not the place for you. And I'm fairly adventurous. We're skipping it this trip, as DD11 would never find an adult dish to eat.

 

[happyrebster]

BuzznBelle -- We are Saratoga Springs people (usually anyway) and so we end up eating at Downtown Dis quite a bit. We like the Rainforest there because it has a great layout and atmosphere -- also convenient from the dock where the Saratoga boat pulls up. But I really believe that the crowds there are much worse than the AK location. and since I don't believe that they take reservations, it usually ends up being a huge hassle to get in, just FYI. Rarely good if you have any already hungry tyke on your hands.

 

[happyrebster]

Alice: Do you have any PS reservations yet for your upcoming trip to DL? I heard that we couldn't book Blue Bayou yet -- and that all others could only be booked about 30 days in advance anyway. Geez. I am really hoping to go to the Chip and Dale Breakfast at the Grand Cal. We did that once and it was too cute -- though I hear good things about the breakfast at the DL hotel as well . . . decisions, decisions . . .

 

[DisKim]

Jill - Oh my goodness, your post made me cry. I can't imagine how scared you must have been. I'm so relieved John is doing better. I know what it's like to feel like you have a guardian angel and to have a good doctor. I hope to hear that John is home very soon.

 

[Alice28]

Jill, yes thank GOD for that doctor and his intuition! I am envisioning John right now cooing and smiling, and wanting to eat his bottle. I hope that's the case!

HappyRebster- I don't have any set plans for where to eat at DL. Last time we went we had breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen (at the DL hotel) and lunch at the Blue Bayou. Don't care to repeat either. If I might be so blunt, the character interaction at Goofy's SUCKED. We were done eating before ONE character came in to see our room. We had to leave before several of the characters were able to come. It was either an off morning, or DL needs to take a lesson from its WDW cousin in character interaction at meals. Blue Bayou, well, the service was fine, and the food was plentiful, but I just didn't really like the menu choices. Nothing really grabbed me. I think we plan on eating at Rain Forest either the evening we get there, or for lunch on our way out our last day. And MAYBE Granville's for a dinner, but probably not. The rest will just be counter service or the buffeteria style restaurants.

You were lucky to get to be a part of the CA real estate madness! My parents cleared about $600K on their house, and $800K on my grandfather's house....another $200K this week for my step-grandmother's MOBILE home. Crazy insanity!

Joshua's preschool was cancelled today due to the teacher being ill. And he's driving me nuts. I think he talks constantly, I really do. And Molly took a less than 2 hour nap instead of her usual 3...so much for getting any scrapbooking done. I'm so behind! I'm usually always caught up, but I haven't scrapped since March. I've just been making exercising and yard work my priority the last two months, so it doesn't make much time for scrappin.

Anyway, toodles and I hope everyone is having a good day! Can't wait for Lost tonight!

 

[bellacam]

Jill - I am so happry to hear John is doing better!

DisneyPHD - You Minivan story has me ! I can totally see it!

SL - Good luck with Lucas's birthday party. Family can be such a pain sometimes when it comes to stuff like that.

Nuchpharm - Good luck with the yard sale.

to all the other mommies.

I finally broke down and ordered Dr Ferbers new book on sleeping. It is supposed to be a gentler approach to his CIO method. The only way we've gotten Aidan to sleep this week is to let him sleep with us. Even then he is still up 2x a night. I am so exhausted I can't stand it. With a new baby coming, I need to get Aidan into better sleeping habits. On a good note, I finally got my copies of his 9 month pictures. They were having trouble at the Picture People so I had to get them on line. Here are the poses we liked best.

 

[nucpharm29]

OMG--I never realized how crazy this whole relocating business was going to be!!!!! We just got in contact with our relocation coordinator, and my phone, which never rings BTW, has been ringing off the hook. We already have realtors calling us from both here and in Arkansas. We've booked flights to leave a week from Friday to go find a new home. Everyone I've talked to keeps asking me if I have any questions--well, yeah, I'm sure I do, but I haven't had enough time to think what they are yet!!!! Luckily, both kids have been great, since I've pretty much had to ignore them this afternoon. But even though this process IMHO is extremely stressfull, I'm really excited!

Alice--those house prices are incredible! I had a friend in AR who had moved to AR from So. Calif. and she couldn't believe at the size house she could buy in AR for the price she sold her tiny place in Cali. That's one of many reasons, that our family will never live on either coast.

Jill--so glad to hear that John is doing sooooo much better today. I sit here looking at Matthew and can only imagine what it must be like for you, especially since both our kids are about the same age.

Bellacam--Never got to say Congrats on your move!!! I guess we're in the same boat now! The pics of Aidan are too cute!

happyrebster--Yeah on Maddie sleeping better for you!

Well, I better go. I really need to clean our bedroom and bathroom tonight. And I"m sure the phone will continue to ring! Have a great night all!

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Bellacam~ OMG! Those pictures of Aidan sure are cute! I am glad Kylie is asleep. She's a bit boy-crazy already. She would probably develop a crush on him. She already seems to have a crush on a few of the other little guys on here that she has seen! (so young and already cheating on poor Lucas...Sigh... )Her daddy is none too happy about that, lol! Hmmm, I might have to show her Aidan's picture in front of dh when he gets off work. I have no doubt she will be all smiles when she sees the pics. Dh will not be amused but I will!

Thanks to everyone on here that is discussing POFQ. I am 99% certain that is where we are going to be staying next year. I am pretty sure it is in our budget, granting we don't have any setbacks like we did this year, and I am really looking forward to staying there. It sounds great. We stayed at CBR a couple of years ago and HATED it. It is way too spread out so POFQ seems like it would be perfect since it is more compact and all. And I am so pathetic that I have already pretty much decided where I want to make ADRs for our trip 11 months from now! Geez! Only been home 2.5 weeks and I already have started planning! It will probably be our last trip for a couple years at least though so might as well have fun planning it, right?

Oh, and I forgot to mention that when we were at my mom's house Saturday night I brought up the idea of another girls-only trip to see my grandmother (who lives in FL). I have gone on a few trips there with my mom but this time it would be my mom, Kylie, and me. I mentioned maybe staying a night at the Poly before heading to my grandmother's. We wouldn't be doing the parks at all, just staying at the resort and enjoying it. We would probably do the Luau that night and the Ohana character breakfast the next morning before heading to my grandmother's for a week or so. She seemed really excited about the idea! We haven't completely decided when we are going to do it though. Probably sometime next Spring, early summer, if nothing comes up. We always have so much fun and my grandmother still hasn't met Kylie so I really hope we go! We haven't made any official plans yet though so I don't want to get too excited just yet...in case we don't go after all. Keeping my fingers crossed that it happens!

Hi to everyone! I have been awful about trying to catch up and I seem to only skim the posts these days. I don't know why I can't get caught up but I just don't seem to be able to for some reason! I am sorry about that! I hope you are all doing well though and think about all of you often! Have a great evening everyone!

Oh, and I noticed some new names earlier so hi to all the new moms that have joined since I left for vacation!

 

[tkyes]

bellacam - Adorable new pictures! Aidan is soooo cute!

tasha - A girls trip sounds like fun! I hope that works out for you!

nucpharm - Wow, I wouldn't think the relocation thing would be so crazy either. That would drive me insane. I hope your phone quiets down soon!

disneyphd - LOL about your driving story! Glad the kids like the playset.

jill - Continued good thoughts for John, sounds like he's making a great recovery.

sl - At least you read the CG menu and realized that it wouldn't be something you would like. I think that's how a lot of bad reviews happen (not that disney dining is perfect, by any means). People don't read menus before they go.

Tyler got up way too early this morning so he's ready for a nap now. I guess he just doesn't realize it yet because he's upstairs crying in his crib.

My girlfriend is having a Creative Memories party tonight. I don't know that I need anything, but it will be nice to get out of the house. Maybe I'll sneak out early and do a little shopping before the party.

I hope everyone has a good day! It's almost Friday!!!!


Tamie

 

[gottalovethem]

Good morning ladies. I miss you gals! I only have a second before I run out (gotta take out the garbage and load the kids up in the car within seconds).

But wanted to say hello.

Tamie -- I had to laugh when you said about Tyler needing a nap and not realizing it yet, as Leif was up at 4:45 a.m. and thought that he should stay up. He finally took a nap around 6 a.m., by that time I figured I'd better stay up. I've done lots of CIO lately.


Jill -- been sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way

Bellacam - loved the pics of Aidan

Nucpharm -- sorry to hear the move thing is so stressful. If possible, i'd still love to meet up with you in GB before you go.

All other mommies a great big hi and hugs and kisses. I REALLY hope to pop on later today and say hello -- though it won't be until tonight (now that I thought of our schedule). Miss you!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Just wanted to say a quick "hi" before we left for CT and the stuff for my mom.

Jill--you and John continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully by the time I get back, this will all be just a bad memory for you!

Tykes, I so agree about reading menus. Especially if you have kids, but even as an adult, there are things I just don't like. And Disney generally tries to cater to the masses, but CG is one place where the chefs really go "out there"--great if you're adventurous, but not everyone is.

Oh, I have a funny one for you ladies. I don't know if I'd mentioned it, but my best friend lives in CT--we've been friends since HS, she has 5 kids, and we pass clothes back and forth all the time. Whenever I head down there, we have breakfast and then hit our favorite upscale kid's consignment store--great for Gap, vintage (or recent) Gymbo, etc. This has been our thing for years--nothign fancy, just some girl time and shopping, you know? Well, she just sent me an e-mail--the store is offering 20% off Friday and Saturday mornings! Gee, do you think I should blow off the funeral to go? I'm kidding, of course, but she and I will be there with bells on Sat. at 9! It's a sign! Seriously! When she had her 4th child, my mom gave her a gift certificate to this store, because my mom knew my friend would so appreciate it.

 

[happyrebster]

Good morning ladies,

BnB -- Enjoy your shopping trip! Sounds wonderful. I love shopping for children's clothes.

Alice -- I'm trying to think of where else it might be worth reserving in advance to eat at DL. Hmmmm . . . I guess it is somewhat less complex than planning meals at WDW. Sorry you had a bad experience at Goofy's . . . I had previously only heard good things, but never been there myself. I think we will stick to Storytellers. Also, DL offers some pretty good park-based opportunities for character interaction in Toontown.

Bella -- Great photos of Aidan -- so cute!What a happy litte guy! I love Picture People -- have had good luck with them. Let us know what you think of the revised Ferber book. What I've read is that he hasn't really changed his position that much on the benefits of CIO; he just says that it isn't necessarily for every child and that, if it doesn't work for your kid, here are some other options, etc. I gather that he said of his original book that he never meant to suggest that CIO was the perfect option for every child - just that it was a tool that might work for many children. Apparently, he was really surprised by how widely it was applied! And now claims that he thinks it makes more sense for parents to consider trying a variety of styles and see which one works best for their family and their child's temperment. Which makes total sense, IMHO. I'm sorry that you are having sleep troubles. Frankly, I think that there will always be some rough nights no matter what method you choose, you know? There will simply always be those nights when a baby is too excited or not feeling well, etc. It's great to have some tools in your arsenel, but there is no magic bullet I don't think. That said: I'm sure the book will help! I am eager to hear what you find!

Well, we have friends in from out of town, so I may not be able to post much this weekend; but I will be popping in with the hope of seeing an update from Jill. If I don't get to post again soon, happy long weekend to all!

 

[llij]

Hi everyone!

I was hoping to say that we were home from the hospital but it isn't going to happen today. John is having breathing problems again and this time it is due to swelling of his airways from surgery. It is also from him trying to get used to his new "make up" in his throat as well. This morning we've started to give him neb treatments to help the swelling. He had a restless night and was up a lot last night, but at least we didn't have another scene like out of "ER" with crash carts and breathing tubes, etc.

His eating is just ok and the doctor wants him to be eating more. The nurse stopped the IV for now to see if he will get hungry and actually eat. I'm praying that we can go home tomorrow, but I don't want to go if he isn't ready. Overall, I would say that he is improving though. He has his ups and downs, but it is amazing how fast little babies heal. He is still on the tylenol with codeine but I can see that the pain is easing up some for him. Thankfully, the doctor released his tongue this morning too so that should help.

There are three babies on the floor that had cleft palate repairs and I met one mother this morning. Her baby is about John's age and he already had a lip repair and came in for a major cleft repair. The poor little baby is having a hard time recovering so I am counting my blessings that John is doing as well as he is.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and prayers. I wish I could say we were home, but hopefully that will be tomorrow!

BNBmom - I'll be saying some prayers for you all tomorrow. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts during your difficult time.

 

[lissawynn]

Hi ladies. I've been wrapped up in end-of-the-year school stuff since yesterday, hence no posts. I have been reading when I can, but the time to reply just has not been there.
I'm giving my last test today, and my failure list is due tomorrow. Thankfully some of those kids on the edge have pulled it out and will pass for the year. We're also doing our meetings for enrichment, so I'll be out of my classroom for the rest of the afternoon and a few classes tomorrow.

Jill - I'm so glad John's fever broke and he was doing well the next day! Our prayers are with you and your family!

Until later!

 

[happyrebster]

Jill -- thanks so much for the update. I am sorry that you are still in the hospital, but really glad to hear that John is eating and that his pain is less -- that is truly a blessing. I really hope that the swelling resolves soon! I know you are eager to have him safely back at home. Will be thinking of you.

 

[nucpharm29]

I was going to type "good morning" and I just realized it's already after noon here! I've been getting garage stuff together all morning. It would be going a lot faster if Emma would keep her little paws off of stuff. She sees stuff that used to be hers and she goes and puts it back. Then I have to go back and sneak it into the garage! Tomorrow should be interesting when people actually take stuff away--I hope Emma doesn't throw a fit!

I have a 2hr phone interview with our relocation consultant at 2 today. I hope the kids are napping or I guess I'll be parking them in front of the TV again--I know, bad mommy, but what can you do!

Jill--glad to hear that John is improving. Hopefully the breathing will improve where you can go home real soon!

bnb--will be thinking of you this weekend. HOpe you can find some good deals at the consignment store

Happyrebster--have agreat time with your friends.

Well, better sign off and get our mortgage paperwork together for this call in a couple of hours. Have a great afternoon all!

 

[zalansky]

Jill - I popped on to check in on JP, so sorry to hear about the distress you all have gone through, but I am thrilled to hear it sounds as if he is on the mend and I am hoping you can start the recovery and put it all behind you! Keep us posted.

Bellacam - LOVE LOVE LOVE Aiden's new pics! He is so handsome I think he should be a baby model. His eyes are killer! How are you feeling overall?

nucpharm - good luck with the 2 hour phone thingie today. And don't feel bad about tv time. Connor watches at least 2 hours of TV a day while I do what I need to around here. Sometimes more. bad mommy I know, but hey! Its reality.

BNB - your family will be in my thoughts this weekend too.

Well, I don't have much time to post much more. I have some bills to pay online while the kids are napping and some dreaded laundry. Have a great night all.

 

[Hillbeans]

OH JILL - - I just read your post and I started crying - you must have been so scared the other night with John - you poor thing! I hope everyone is better today and on the mend. You're such a strong woman, I don't know how you've been holding it all together. I will await word that everyone is home and doing well. Hugs to baby JP. BTW - I did get a smile when you got to the part where Meagan wished for a baby brother and your guardian angel in the hospital. Talk about being very blessed.

NucPharm - Love the pics of Emma and Matthew in their PJ's on your bed - they're so cute with their big cheeks! I know what you're saying about moving and decluttering. We sold our house and we're moving next week and it's 5x harder to do with kids. DH and I said this is our last move forever! I didn't garage sale anything however against my judgement i've Ebay'ed quite a few items for a nice profit. I used to hate Ebay because i'd always get outbid on anything I wanted, but I learned a little more about the process and now i've sold about 4 items (one was a free toddler bed given to me years ago) and have made $100. I told DH that's going right into the vacation fund change jar and we'll use it next year when we go to WDW.

BellaCam - Just like HappyRebster, i'm also curious about the Ferber book. I am having *better* nights, but I know for a fact that Liam turned 8 months old and became really clingy and attached. For me, I think it's a separation anxiety thing. Let us know if you like the book and if it works for you!

Well, i've only got a minute but i'll try and update soon.

Take care!