The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[dizagain]

OH MY GOSH!!!! Congratulations, Bellacam, and welcome to Bailey!!!!!! She's just beautiful and what a fun way to enter the world...mommy definitely won't forget! Take care!

 

[fabumouse]

Hooray Bellacam!!!

What a beautiful little girl, you must be overjoyed. I'm also partial to that great name.

How is it that you look so lovely right after giving birth? I looked unkempt and sweaty for at least a week.

What a great story! Everyone should get the opportunity to wet themselves in a public place at least once in a lifetime.

 

[justhat]

Bellacam, congrats on baby Bailey! I love her name and I know you told us what her name would be if she were a girl awhile back, but it's just so cute. And lucky you that she was a nice, normal size, not another huge baby. Enjoy her newborn days and be sure and get some rest!

Fabumouse I was sweaty forever after both births too. Lovely prize isn't it.

Off to read the rest of the thread. Sorry I've been so elusive the past couple of days but Henry has been so sick. It's just a cold but it's a bad one. Last night we let him sleep in his carseat in his bed and he did much better so I'm hoping it works again tonight.

 

[DisKim]

I just came on for a quick catch up and was wonderfully suprised!

Bellacam - CONGRATULATIONS!!!! SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!! You look wonderful and happy. I am so happy for you. I had been wondering where you were and how you were feeling. What a great story! It is a great story to tell Bailey as she grows older. I wish you and your beautiful family all the best .

I've been cleaning pretty much all day. Emmy and Alex have been AMAZIING! They have been little cleaning machines. They did the windows, dusted, washed floors. They did a good job too. I was joking with them and telling them that they are better than Daddy. Now, they are coloring some pictures to use as decorations for Thanksgiving.

On a foul note, Emmy had her first basketball game today. They have not had practice and I was told they will not until December. Emily has very little knowledge about the rules of the game. The other girls were all so aggressive. It was crazy. Emily tried really hard but the 2 superstars on her team totally hog the ball and just keep passing back and forth between one another. I felt like Emily was being used as that sub you need to keep on the bench to use only when the "superstars" need a rest. The worst part was these obnoxious teenage girls next to me said something along the lines of "please replace that girl already" in reference to my daughter. The only thing I didn't rip into them is I didn't want Emmy to catch wind of what they said. On a positive note. I've never seen Emmy run so much in my life. She was struggling a bit. It made me realize that I really have to push her to exercise more and hopefully lose a few pounds. She is fairly overweight and I am very leery of bringing up the subject because I don't have any severe problems with weight myself. I don't want to make her feel bad.

Well, I have laundry to fold and some cute kids to hug before bedtime.

ETA - Justhat - I'm so sorry to hear that Henry is sick. I hope he is better soon!

 

[joats]

Just a quick post to report I did go to the MD today. He gave me a Z-Pack and cough syrup with Codeine. I am praying that I will finally get some sleep and start to mend. Thanks all for drilling it home that I need to take better care of myself.

Bellacam: Congrats!! Welcome to the world sweet baby Bailey - she's adorable. Glad to hear Aidan is doing ok so far with her. Wow, what a story!!!

GLT: I'm glad you felt you were able to share what's going on for you with us. It sounds like you are doing the right thing for you and for your kids. All kids want is for their parents to be happy regardless if they are together or not. You are teaching your kids to take care of themselves, by taking care of yourself and trying to find yourself happiness. I agree with others - look at the 3 beauties that resulted from this marriage. Pls check in with us when you can.

Zalanksy: I don't even know what to say. I just hope that you will have many more wonderful moments and reminiscents of past with your father and sisters. I can't begin to imagine what you are going thru.

I'm starting to worry about Jace. He seems not to be gaining any weight. He was up to almost 23 pounds and is now back to 21 pounds. He is getting taller, but so skinny. He hardly eats. SL - was it you that said something about Pediasure? Anyone used that before? Jace is so picky - one day he'll eat great, the next nothing. Lately he has been refusing all dinner. He is cutting new teeth so that could be it too, but I feel like he's too thin and not gaining any weight. I thought it was normal behavior, but I'm starting to worry.

Well, now that I've got my jacked up cough meds - I'm going to take them and go to bed early. Have a great evening everyone.

 

[vald1977]

Congrats Bellacam and Welcome Bailey ! She is just beautiful ! I hope you continue to rest comfortably Bridget.

Joats,
Good job finally getting to the doctor . Sounds like they gave you the good stuff .

Diskim,
Maybe make it a family goal to get more exercise in the new year? That way Emmy doesn't feel singled out in any way. It must have taken a good bit of restraint not to throttle those girls .

Justhat,
Sorry Henry is having such a tough time with his cold. We did the carseat or the swing to sleep many times with stuffy babies and it does seem to help. I hope he is feeling better soon.

Diz,
Too funny about Candyland ! I hate to say it but me and my brother were always snoops when it came to Christmas presents too. I could even pull off unwrapping and then rewrapping them and not get caught .

Time to get the kiddos to bed. Talk to you all soon .

 

[Alice28]

lissawynn~ soccer is OVER! Yay! The pizza parties were fine, I shouldn't have whined about it. I hadn't had tasty pizza in awhile, so it was yummy too!

I am looking forward to Des. Housewives tonight too. AND Amazing Race! I'm bummed now that Dancing with the Stars and Lost are not on...nothing to watch on T and W.

Fab- LOL about Kailey finding the Leapster- that made me chuckle. That's why I am Miss Anal Retent about wrapping as soon as I buy something. I don't have many hiding places in my home, so at least I know if the kids see it, it's wrapped! They still guess correctly half the time anyway.

Kim- I'm sorry Emmy didn't have the best basketball experience- those girls were not nice at all. Maybe Emmy will hit a growth spurt soon and grow into her size, if that makes sense. I got a little chubby around 11 or 12, but then I grew 4-5 inches in a year or two, so I grew into the weight.

WTG though on your cleaning helpers! I wish my boys were a little more into that. They try, esp Sam, but not quite enough.

Diz- that's a cute story about the Candyland- she's Miss Tricky isn't she? I loved that Operation game too; I think we have it around here somewhere.

Hope your pizza was yummers!

Joats- so glad you were able to go to the doctor's and get some strong medicine. Here's hoping you feel better tomorrow morning!

I wanted to just let you all know, that I decided to let GLT know what we are planning- I just thought it would be easier for her to know what to expect and not worry about the holidays. I also thought she could come up with a wish list in the next week or so to let us know what the kids might like. She did say there is Target and WalMart in her town, as well as Sears and Kohls. I'm so happy to be acquainted with such a warm group of women.

OK, I gotta go...TTFN.

 

[llij]

Hi everyone.

Yes, I am woefully behind on this thread yet again, but I did manage to see GLT's post. I wish I could give you a huge hug now and tell you that everything is going to be ok. My sister went through a tough divorce many years ago (she has three kids too) and while it was incredibly tough she came out ok and her kids are great today. You love your kids and you are doing what is best for you and for them. Know that we are all here for you....a shoulder to lean on and a safe haven of friends who care about you. If you need anything please let us know.


Zalansky - You and your family are in my prayers too. I can't imagine what you are going through, but know that we are thinking of you and praying for you too.

Lissawynn - Hang in there with the house. It is stressful for you and I just pray that they get it completed soon so you can be comfortable in your newly renovated home.

Ginamarie - I'm sorry to hear that the self employment isn't working out. I really hope that you can find sometime part time or something that works out best for you and your family.

I'm so sorry to not catch up with you all. I'm beyond exhausted. No matter how hard I try, I am struggling to balance school and family. I miss my kids and I was insane to ever think I could be a full time student and mom. Overall, I can't complain (nor should I) but school is wearing me down.

When I can come up for air, I promise to catch up. I hope that you all are doing well.

 

[llij]

Ok, I just saw Bellacam's post! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I love the name Bailey and your dd is beautiful! You look amazing too! Your pizza hut story on how labor started will be a great one to share with her when she gets older!

 

[Alice28]

I just heard from GLT- here is a wish list to help any moms with ideas who would like to shop for her and her family for the holidays. If you get something super specific off the list, maybe PM me, and then I will PM all the participants that has been bought. This is fun!

Lindsey needs winter pj's - size 7; loves princesses and my little pony and hasn't gotten any of the newest toys in quite a long time

Laine is into everything boy from Cars to pirates and could use long-sleeve shirts, size 5/6

Leif has no preferences He could use a few shirts 18M, and he's beginning a giraffe collection that so far encompasses a pillow and one stuffed animal, a blankie and a roll along toy -- he'd LOVE the peek-a-block giraffe.

Cars DVD.

 

[justhat]

Robin I just bought the peek a block giraffe for my friend's kid so I can easily send it to Leif and buy my friend's kid a new one since I've got plenty of time before Christmas. I guess I should wait to send it to her till next week when she's back in WI, right?

Also, do you know if there are any chain stores near Allison? I ask cause I know she's said before that the mall or some stores are a trek from her so I'd rather look for something that's local to her in case she needs to exchange stuff.

 

[fabumouse]

I am so pooped, ladies! I don't know what the deal was with Madeleine last night but she kept raising herself over the side of the co-sleeper as if to say "I learned a new trick - mom, you're not watching! MOM!!" She is super adorable when she wakes up in the middle of the night because she never cries, she just smiles and sometimes starts chatting with us. It's really difficult to play dead.

Kailey enjoyed her bowling party today. She came home with a cat (from her goody bag? I'm not sure - there used to be a day when I was aware of everything that came into my house and now I just feel like a Toys R Us landfill) and promptly lost it. It has now acheived the lofty status of Most Loved Toy EVER.

Lissa - I only have a few problem friends who ignore the "no shoes" rule. It really helps during the winter months! And good luck on the glucose test. I read in Dr. Sears that those tests don't really help reduce the number of overly large babies, so I sort of resented having to suck down a bottle of syrup, but who's going to argue with the doctor?

. .. . Okay . . . yes, I argued with the doctor. She made me do it anyway.

Dizagain - how sweet (and sneaky!) of your dd. Kailey is also very empathetic and it's one of her traits I admire most. dh didn't think he was going to make tofurkey day - but now expects to be home in the afternoon. The downside - I have to go to the grocery store between now and then.

Justhat - poor Henry! I hope he feels better soon!

Joats - I am so relieved you went to your Doc!

Kim - I think Val has a great suggestion on the exercise issue. We really struggle with Kailey not wanting to walk anywhere and she's not overweight, but she's not skinny either. We keep telling her all the walking is so she'll be strong for WDW.

Robin - great idea to wrap everything when it comes in the house! I just have to keep records of everything or I'll be soooooo confused with all those wrapped boxes staring at me.

I've been doing this one handed while Madeleine chews on my hair. I guess . . I should go.

'night.

 

[Alice28]

Justine-

I asked her what stores are convenient for her- Target, Sears, Kohls, and Walmart. I imagine if we remember to include gift receipts for everything, it will be easy for her to exchange if there are duplicates. Also, I would wait to mail until she posts she's home (sometime next weekend).



Molly has that peek a block giraffe- it's so cute!

I'm going to go to Target tomorrow and see what they have on her clothes list for the kids.

 

[justhat]

Thanks Robin. Sorry, I realized after I posted that question that you had already answered it on the page before but I didn't see that post at the time. Guess that's what happens when I try to read the thread during the DH commercials. Madison has that giraffe peek a block thing too and she loves it still which is why I got it for my friend's daughter. I'm sure Leif will get a kick out of it too.

Fabumouse, that's too cute about Madeleine popping up over the cosleeper. Henry sleeps in a cosleeper too but barely moves in it still. BTW, do you ever call her Maddie? I ask cause people always ask me that about Madison and we don't, well, MIL and FIL do sometimes , but other than that we always call her Madison. It seems like every other Madison or Madeleine we know goes by Maddie though so just wondering if we're weird or not. And we do the no shoes thing too and only a couple of people don't follow it. For the most part people are pretty good about it.

Zalansky - my grandmother died of colon cancer, which had spread to her liver and lungs, and it was rough. After losing my dad I don't wish the death of a parent or loved one on anyone so my heart is breaking for you right now. I really hope that your dad can at least remain pain free.

Joats - we used to give Madison Pediasure cause she was way underweight for a long time. Jace is 16 months now? Madison was just around 20 pounds at that age and ate practically nothing so we figured she needed something. The only thing is that she didn't really want to drink it. We tried strawberry and vanilla and neither was a hit but vanilla was a little better for her. We ended up having to mix it with milk to get her to drink it and then she never drank enough to really make it worthwhile, meaning never a full bottle of it in a day. Maybe the chocolate might have gone over better but we could never find it in any stores near us.

 

[nucpharm29]

Hey all!

Bellacam--Congratulations on the arrival of baby Bailey! You'll definitely have a story to share for years to come. You and your precious girl look wonderful!

Alice--thanks for arranging the thing for GLT--I'm so excited to shop!

Diskim--sorry to hear that the basketball wasn't too hot--As for the exercise, I'm really trying to get Emma out and about more often. We go for short walks with her, she really likes that.

justhat--hope Henry starts improving for you

fab--A child who wakes you up w/o crying????? What is that like??? How cute that she's looking over the cosleeper!

Jill--hope you can catch a break soon! Hopefully, Thanksgiving will give you some much needed rest!

joats--Glad that you could get to the doctor and get some meds.

Well, yesterday was an exhausting day. The service project we were a part of was awesome, but it took a lot out of us. So much so, that we didn't make it to church this morning--instead I got to clean house b/c our church small group was meeting here tonight. And to top it off, Matthew has had a cold for a while, but last night was awful. I was up with him about 3 times and then the 4th time he was burning up. Fever again, and nasty cough. So, into bed with us he went. He seems much better tonight and hasn't run a fever all day. So hopefully tonight we'll get some sleep. Hope everyone has a restful night!

 

[gottalovethem]

Bellacam, those pictures brought a big smile to my face, I REALLY needed that.

I didn't get to read any posts. I so greatly appreciate all of you. Yesterday adn today have been the most terrible days of my life. I think returning to the house next week and DH being gone will be horendous as well. It hurts so badly and I feel so horrible for doing this, but I KNOW this is what I have to do. I tried so many times so many other ways to make things right, but I wasn't even met 1/4 of the way.

We'll be gone the next week, I'll try to pop on when/if I can.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Congratulations, Bridget!!! OMG, I am so excited that you had a girl since I know she will probably be your last and you wanted one of each. She is absolutely beautiful and you guys look so happy! What a wonderful early Thanksgiving surprise! Bailey was a strong contender when we were debating on girl names with Kylie. That is dh's grandmother's last name and we really liked it. It obviously wasn't what we went with in the end but I still think it is such a pretty name!

Okay, I still haven't read this thread much to catch up but I saw the pics and was so excited and had to congratulate you, Bridget! I have no time to read any more posts or to really post myself as I am doing my last online assignment before my final in my other online class so I need to go. I shouldn't have been on here to begin with but I am just naughty like that! Have a great week everyone!

ETA: joats~ I was quickly skimming (yeah, yeah, I was supposed to be doing my assignment...I know!) the posts and I saw your post about Jace's weight. I can so relate. Kylie lost a little weight between her 15 month checkup and her 18 month checkup a couple weeks ago. She only weighs 20 lbs and 12 oz. right now. She is such a picky eater and I have done everything I know to do. Her pediatrician thinks it is 1. because she is extremely active and 2. she is on the petite side (she is 31" so she isn't extremely tall either). She recommended trying healthy high-fat/high-calorie foods like cottage cheese and yogurt and things like that. Kylie is picky about that too though. We discovered she does love egg nog which is high-calorie but it has eggs in it so if Jace is by any chance allergic to eggs then that wouldn't work.

Anyway, I am really no help as we have been having weight issues with her for a very long time now. She was 9 lbs 7 oz at birth and basically pretty much stopped gaining around 6 months or so. Her dr. wasn't overly concerned but she is having us come back in 2 months for a weight check. If she loses any more weight or something like that then she will have tests run on her just to make sure there isn't an underlying cause. I truly think she is very healthy. She looks and acts just fine and looks healthy. She doesn't look malnourished or underweight or anything but she is only in the 5th percentile for weight and the 25th for height. She is extremely skinny compared to other kids her age though I have noticed. She simply doesn't have any baby fat left. And when she is hungry and likes something she eats really well. Unfortunately, it isn't very often but she eats better than she did a couple months ago so hopefully it will continue to get better as she gets older. The pediatrician doesn't think anything is wrong with her either but will do the tests just as a precaution. I personally am praying Kylie will at least put on an ounce or 2 before January so we won't have to do the tests. Okay, my post was of no help to you I'm sure. Just wanted to let you know I know what it's like dealing with the weight issue! Somebody recommended Pediasure to me too but I keep forgetting about it so we haven't tried it yet.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Hi ladies! I've got a busy Monday morning, but I'll probably be bored stiff by 11am. Anyway, I hope everyone had a good weekend. Yesterday we went to my parents house for my sister's bday dinner then my sister's friend had an extra ticket to an after-hours shopping event at the mall so I went to that with them. It was a madhouse and we almost got locked in Macy's.

glt -

joats - Yes, we were the ones who tried Pediasure. Our ped gave us a six pack of the chocolate kind and Lucas won't drink it. If Jace is super picky, he may not either. I might try another flavor but I'm not counting on him liking that either. She also told us to add extra calories to his food, like butter on noodles, etc. Is Jace taking a multi-vitamin?

I thought I'd have a chance to catch up with more of you but there are only 2 of us in the office right now so I have to man the phones. I hope it's a quiet week b/c of Thanksgiving. Hope to check in later!

 

[nucpharm29]

UGH--well, last night with Matthew wasn't any better than the night before. Actually, last night was worse. I ended up in the guest room with him b/c at least that way DH would get some sleep. His cough is terrible, and I'm debating taking him to the dr. today. Only thing is, I was talking to a nurse (works at the children's hospital) friend of mine, and she was saying that unless if it's the croup (and matthew doesn't have the bark) it's some virus going around. And then if it wasn't the cough keeping me up--he's like sleeping with a midget wrestler! Definitely needing my coffee IV set up this am!

Can ya'll believe that Thanksgiving is this week??? Where has this year gone??? I can't believe Christmas will be here before we know it!
Oh, and my buddy gift WILL go out today! Hopefully, it will still get there this week even with the holiday--Well, I better go! I'm sure I"ll get to chat later--nap or lunch time!

 

[lissawynn]

Congratulations Bellacam! You have such a beautiful daughter. My DH worked in our loca Pizza Hut when he was in h.s. He'll enjoy hearing your story.

joats - Jimmy is going through that whole not eating thing, too. He has thinned out a lot since the summer. He has grown 4 inches, but his weight really hasn't increased.

DisKim - I'm glad you got your cleaning done and the kids were able to help you.

SL - I might be kind of fun to be locked in Macy's. Maybe not with a bunch of other people, though. Try not to get too bored at work today.

nucpharm - Glad you had a productive day with your service project!

justthat - I hope Henry is feeling better soon. Jimmy had a terrible cold when he was about a month old. He spent a few night sleeping in his bouncy seat.

fab - I don't mind the test as much as I mind sitting there for an hour. Wal-Mart is two minutes away and I forgot a few things yesterday that I could pick up in that time. Maybe I can take a nap.

Jill - I hope you get some time to rest during Thanksgiving break!

I have nothing new to report. We slept at home last night after DH did some rigging with the chimney. I am much happier waking up in my own house.

Oh, here's something...Last night DH went to his parents' house and we found out that his parents are making dinner on Thursday. Usually we go to his grandmother's. I don't know what's going on, but I'm sure there is some kind of drama involved. Dinner at their house is at 1:00 and my mom is having dinner at 3:00. At least I don't have to stay there for too long .