The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[lissawynn]

Ladies, thank you ALL very much for the congratulations and well-wishes on baby Annabel. I should be sleeping b/c I'm seriously wiped out, but I've been looking online at nursery bedding. I'd like to find something that's not pink, more in the yellows or greens, but nothing too masculine. If anyone of you have come across something like this, please let me know. I did see a few things on Pottery Barn Kids that I liked, but I don't know if I'm willing to spend the money. I'm thinking we'll be painting her room a buttercup yellow or pale green. Again, since I'm not into fru-fru girlie stuff, I thought this would be the best choice.
I would LOVE to have one of those upholstered rockers from PBK, but I think the $900 price tag is enough to scare me away.

I also have to buy Jimmy a Halloween costume. My sister cannot find the lion costume, so I'm back to square one.

Hope you're all having a good night, and thanks again!

 

[tkyes]

Congratulations Alissa!!!!

 

[Hillbeans]

Lissawynn - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Now you know why you've had so much heartburn and nausea!!! They say if you're having a girl you're more prone to Morning sickness - right??? Now the fun begins for you to shop for little girl clothes. I am so happy for you.

Well, today must just be one of those memorable days because a few short hours ago LIAM WALKED FOR THE FIRST TIME! . He almost walked on Saturday on his birthday, but tonight he just got going and really took his first steps - in groups of 4 at a time. We of course broke out the video camera and took some video. I told Kevin that once Liam starts walking then things are really going to get exciting around here.

I went through my camera and realized I only took 4 pictures at my son's 1st birthday party. Add me to the list of "Bad Mom's". Just kidding - I know my family took lots of pictures however I was so busy running around entertaining our 35+ guests that I didn't get the camera out much. Here are a few pics for you all to see but of course because i'm photobucket challenged i'm not sure how they'll look for everyone:


The Cake

MIL and Liam

Liam and I

Well, having Liam walk tonight took up a lot of time that I had wanted to spend on the DIS, so i'll catch up tomorrow with everyone. Goodnight!

 

[fabumouse]

GLT - Although it's always tantalizing to think "what if" for another baby - my body has pretty much had it. I don't do well with no sleep and I never lost a lot of the weight I gained with Kailey. Sooooo, I'm also hoping DH goes through with it because a third child would be a huge struggle for us. He did say that I will have to be the one to make the appt. for him.

And I so agree with the "this is not a restaurant" line - I will make a quick pj&j or offer fruit if I or DH made something not kid friendly, but otherwise, a skipped meal never hurt anyone.

Robin - yes, DH is not a guy to back down from a deal. And I did let him have a good night of sleep, I changed the diapers and put Madeleine back to sleep when she fussed and he got up at 8:30 am, refreshed. And my house is a joke right now - there is just stuff *everywhere*!! Make sure you post those photos from Flash (did I get that right?) after they're taken. I put holiday outfits in my Gymbo basket, so I'm ready with gymbucks in hand on the 5th. I'm really looking forward to the holiday photo shoot this year.

Gems - sent you a pm on the exchange. And Kailey has just started eating things like apples. She struggles with foods she doesn't like the texture of - which can be a challenge some days. About the big V - I got quite the visual when you said a vise and 2 bricks!! Because I'm paranoid, I want DH to wait until the baby is 1. And he can celebrate her birthday by going for the big snip. And DH KNOWS better than to expect anything for dinner. I just laugh at him when he asks. Look - the kids are still alive and the house isn't burned down, I've done my duty for the day.

And that is one thing my DH just CANNOT seem to understand - schedules. He is forever keeping Kailey up so he can see her after his business trips. Fortunately with Kindergarten, it just isn't an option, but we have had a lot of heated discussions about her bedtime routine.

Hi Tkyes!

Ginamarie - sorry about the clingy. Kailey went through a few phases like that, some due to her age, some due to my schedule. They passed, but it was really difficult to get anything done! LOVED the photos - you all look so happy!

I bought Kailey's winter coats on Ebay.

Re BnB's note on passports - it's always a good idea to get your kids passports, even if you aren't taking them out of the country. It keeps anyone else from using their identity to travel - not that it happens much, but it does, and it's a nightmare to resolve. Besides, it's nice to have the ID and you never know if the airlines might start requiring picture ID for everyone.

Yayyyyyy Alissa!!!!! I having little girls. They have the BEST clothes and they're really fun to hang out with. Yay - a new crazy gymbo shopper! I bought a Kidsline set of cute bugs - it's in a pastel green, with butterflies and dragonflies for Madeleine - not too girly, but sweet.

Dizagain - yes the kicking is sweet, isn't it? And the butt rolling from one side of my belly to the other.

FF - so sorry DH is being a jerk.

ETA - Hillbeans - congratulations!!! that is such a great moment!

DH's birthday is in the beginning of October. He wants Xbox games that he hasn't played. Ugh. I'm trolling Ebay trying to find something promising. Or, many things promising. I'm so nervous that I'll buy them and he'll hate them. He'll be nice about it, but I'll feel so disappointed.

 

[J&D]

I'd like to find something that's not pink, more in the yellows or greens, but nothing too masculine. If anyone of you have come across something like this, please let me know.

I found these at Overstock.com.

I really like the bear one. Even though it has a lot of blue in it, I think it would look very dainty with yellow paint.

 

[Alice28]

J&D- I love that ladybug one! That is so cute with a touch of classy- must be the black in it or something.

After a frenzy of Hawaii talk, we are now balking a bit. We cannot seem to find airfare for less than $3,000 for the 5 of us. But we still want to go somewhere. We are just lightly treading around the topic of FL. But with 3-4 days at the coast and 5 days at Disney. I'm afraid to say hardly anything to DH about it, as he has REALLY been wanting to go to Hawaii, but this is turning into a $6,000 trip very quickly and we didn't want to spend quite that. Why is it twice as much to travel to HI than to Orlando for us? It's the same distance!!!!!!!!!!!! So irritating.

 

[ryan840]

CONGRATS lissawynn!!! How exciting that you get to go buy new baby stuff, GUILT FREE! Here is what I bought when I was pregnant with Jack, before we knew if we were having a boy or a girl. It has just the right amount of cute stuff like bees and flowers and butterflies, but isn't at all girly. Jungle Parade I like this website too, because they have a huge picture of it available so you can see all of the detail.

Hi moms, I have caught up reading but don't have time to post, I'm sorry! I have to get a lot done here then get to bed. I love the new bed, BTW- it's so strange, like sleeping on the floor only with no pressure points anywhere. It's funny because I have a lovely habit of slamming my head into the pillow when I lay down so that the "wind" pushes my hair away from my face, and I'm used to bouncing back on a regular mattress but with this one it's like slamming my head onto a padded wall

Catch up with you all later, night!

 

[J&D]

Robin- What is the lowest RT fare that you have found? Have you ever looked into joining Best Fares.com. It is only $59.90/year, but you would easily save much more than that on airfare since you have 5 tickets to purchase. They always have great members only fares to places such as Hawaii and Orlando. I am not a member, but I use the site to check their "Snooze You Lose Fares".

Here is what they say about Hawaii:
"Save $150 Per Couple: Flying to Hawaii, Alaska or select Caribbean destinations? We can take an additional $150 per couple off the lowest published sale fare from over 100 U.S.A. cities to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Kauai, Anchorage and more."

 

[Alice28]

OMGosh Ryan, that website has the most darling bedding! Love the bees! Actually, most of them are TDF! What fun for lissawynn to get to choose new bedding! I re-used Joshua's for Molly as it was unisex.

Anyway, I had a super boring evening, nothing new to report here other than now we are in limbo about HI. I extended our stay at the hotel, but I can tell both of us are uneasy about the cost. I just peeked at SOG for that time in WDW and if we went the first 5 nights to Disney, they have room. The rest is blocked out, although I suppose the could have overflow. But as much as I love WDW, I don't want to go if DH feels forced into it, you know? So I just have to back wayyyyyyyy off, which is hard for me to do in this type of scenario, and let him decide if Hawaii is worth $6,000 right now. Right when we've paid off our debt and can only pay cash for about half the trip....

We kept trying to think of other warm places in the US at that time of year- it would be too hard to do Vegas with Molly without grandparents with us. No to palm Springs. So that leaves............Florida!

 

[Alice28]

Robin- What is the lowest RT fare that you have found? Have you ever looked into joining Best Fares.com. It is only $59.90/year, but you would easily save much more than that on airfare since you have 5 tickets to purchase. They always have great members only fares to places such as Hawaii and Orlando. I am not a member, but I use the site to check their "Snooze You Lose Fares".

Here is what they say about Hawaii:
"Save $150 Per Couple: Flying to Hawaii, Alaska or select Caribbean destinations? We can take an additional $150 per couple off the lowest published sale fare from over 100 U.S.A. cities to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Kauai, Anchorage and more."

Lowest RT fare I have found is $610. Each. And that is with a stop. (going down to oakland, CA). Flying direct is $700 each. The thing I am nervous about, is that is Oregon's Spring Break week. I am afraid to wait last minute (when most good deals occur) because I think the likelihood of seats selling out is high. And often package deals are cheaper to Hawaii than just the airfare- that 'per couple' makes me think they are talking about $150 off a package, not just flights. I will look into it though, and we are waiting to hear back from a travel agent, to see what she can find. I will look into that website though, thanks!

 

[J&D]

Robin- Here are the fares listed from Portland to Honolulu.

http://quickfares.bestfares.com/qui...partureCode=PDX&ArrivalCode=HNL&o=DPDX&d=AHNL

Portland to Maui
http://quickfares.bestfares.com/qui...partureCode=PDX&ArrivalCode=OGG&o=DPDX&d=AOGG

Portland to Kona
http://quickfares.bestfares.com/qui...partureCode=PDX&ArrivalCode=KOA&o=DPDX&d=AKOA

 

[J&D]

Jill- Good luck with your demo! I'm sure you'll do a great job!

 

[T16GEM]

Wow Robin those air fares are awful - and I thought UK flights cost a lot!!

CONGRATS LISSAWYNN!! I think it will be great to have a girl and a boy! We are in the same shoes!!

J&D - I love the second picture down! The butterflies are so cute! I love those cribs too!

Dizagain - I don't know if I got your PM?

 

[nucpharm29]

Congrats Alissa!!!! Little girls are so much fun (at least until they turn 2 ) Have fun buying all that cute stuff!!!! I feel bad for Matthew b/c I always seem to find something to buy for Emma, but I rarely find boy's stuff that I like!

Alice--Sorry to hear that your trip to Hawaii is on hold--we went the year before Emma was born and I couldn't believe how much we actually spent (and our airfare was from the Midwest!) but it was definitely worth the cost! But then I'm a sucker for FL trips though--when would you be travelling??? Oh and I tried the Lemon Pudding cake last night, Yummo!!!!!!

Gina--wonderful pics of you and your family!!!


WEll, I guess that's it for now--need to go and check on my little man--who seems to always be in trouble. I'll try to check in during nap time later today!

 

[zalansky]

CONGRATS ALISSA!!!!!

You are right, you are joining the ranks of the overstocked closets! My advice, stay away from Gymbo as much as you can! I have bought Cameryn so many outfits on sale and I am not sure she will ever wear them all. They are hard to resist because they are so cute.....but she'll never wear them all. I remember the day we got the US and found out I was having a girl. I went to eat with Dh and then I went right to Macys and bought a few pink and frilly outfits. I had always wanted to be able to do that since the boys choices have such slim pickins!!! Congrats again!

 

[lissawynn]

I've been looking at the crib bedding links you all sent me. I think I'm leaning towards something with ladybugs. That would go with the green walls. I'm also thinking beige for the walls, but that might be too light. I'll let you all know what I decide to buy.

Alice - I hope you can find reasonable airfare to HI. I would go to WDW in a heartbeat, but I think I should expand my travel horizons one of these days.

J&D - Our school's filter is blocking out Overstock. I'll have to check it tonight.

zalansky & nuchparm - I'm sure I'll have no trouble shopping for this baby. Poor Jimmy owns nothing but blue stuff. The boy clothes out there are just not nearly as cute as the girl clothes.

ryan - What kind of bed did you buy? I think we need to buy a king when we get the addition done. I'd love to have a bit more room to stretch.

Regarding picky eaters...Jimmy wants to eat nothing but chicken nuggets. He does eat yogurt, fruit, and some veggies, but the only meat he likes is chicken. I get really frustrated sometimes, but he's still eating pretty well. He loves those new fruity Cheerios and they taste pretty good.

Hillbeans - I love the Elmo cake! Congrats on Liam walking! Now he'll be into everything!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Alissa--Such great news about a little girl! You're going to have so much fun with her! Girls are a lot of fun!

BTW, you might also want to check bedding at Lands End. I'm still using mine from 11 years ago! I had gotten some for Jocelyn that was feminine, but not too frilly, and it served fine for all 4 kids. I have no clue what kind of patterns they have these days, though. Another thought is the Company Store--I know they have lots of choices.

Robin--I hope the Hawaii trip works out for you. Those airfares are awful tough to swallow, and Hawaii is expensive to begin with.

Hillary--I'm SO guilty of not taking pictures at my kids' parties! I'm always running like a maniac to get ready for the next thing on the agenda, I'm lucky if I get a picture of the birthday child after everyone's left! Congrats on Liam walking.

Hi to everyone else--I have to go deal with a crabby toddler (anybody want her?)

P.S. Nobody get Tasha po'd--you would not BELIEVE the trouble she's getting into over on the Desperate Housewives thread! I'm kidding--there's an instigator over there that tasha put in her place--I'm afraid to post over there because I know my various typos will get picked apart. But, you go, Tasha!

 

[Alice28]

Hillbeans- Congratulations to Liam for walking! Yay Liam! The cake was so cute! It's hard to be the picture taker at your own kids' parties, isn't it? I try, but then I also get copies from my mom and best friend.

lissawynn- as you know, I am guilty of over-shopping on the girl stuff, but I did that for the boys too. The last two seasons for Molly I have reigned it in, after too many times putting away outfits she only wore a handfull of times. I have 7 Gymbucks to spend this redemption time ( ) and I will only get her her Christmas dress and a few odds and ends, including some warm weather stuff for next year. I might give 1-2 of the Bucks to my neighbor for her baby girl to-be.

nucpharm- glad you liked the cake recipe! I need to go buy a cake mix and some lemons so I can make it soon.

DH and I laid in bed talking for 2 hours last night about the trip, etc. I think we are going to hold our hotel reservation (we can hold it and still get our refund until mid-February) and just wait and see on airfares. Thank you JD for the links on those prices- most of them are only good til Dec., but it gives me an idea. I think part of the problem is that we are looking 6 months out at prices, and airfare usually will come down for leisure travel, but it's risky cause of the time of year. We also thought if we don't go to Hawaii next Spring, we could go to Vegas just the two of us, or we can go to Hawaii in late August next year. I just told DH that going to Hawaii in the summer seems weird to me- I want to go when it's crummy weather here so it's like a warm escape. I brought up WDW one other time and DH just said he really wants the kids to experience other places. He mentioned a driving trip to Mt. Rushmore. I'm sure I would enjoy it, but I'm just not big on road trips with the kids.

Today I am going to go to Babies R Us as I have some diaper coupons- a BRU one for 15% off Pampers or Huggies, plus manufacturers coupons for Pampers (thank you SL!). I will grab Molly some and a pack of the newborn Pampers for dear neighbor's shower. I also want to head to that expensive bakery to order the shower cake. We'll see if I can do both this morning....it's hard with Joshua's bus coming at 10:55 to squeeze in more than 1 errand unless we get an early start.

 

[dizagain]

Hi Everyone! I've read and caught up, but I don't have a lot of time! Carson's new thing is to sleep on top of me and cry if I try to put him down. Lovely. I did put him in his bed a few minutes ago and he fell asleep..don't know how long that will last! He did start smiling yesterday, though, and it's priceless, so I forgive him!!

Hillbeans - great pics and congratulations to your new official "toddler"!!

T16Gem - I'll pm you again and see if it works - if not, I DO want in on the next exchange!

Well, guess who's already calling? Gotta run! Have a great day!

 

[tkyes]

hi everyone!

alice - how about someplace like the Caribbean or Mexico with the family? There are a lot of hotels that offer kids packages. Quick question, have you ever ordered scrapbook supplies online? I want to get some bazzill paper and I'm not sure what's a good reputable website.

dizagain - Love those first smiles!!!

hillary - Yeah to Liam for walking! That's soooo exciting!

nucpharm - Isn't that cake good? I'm making it tomorrow, but of course I forgot to look at the recipe before I went to the grocery store.

j&d - cute baby quilts!

lissawynn - Have fun picking out the girly stuff!

ryan - your new bed sounds great!


I forgot to tell you guys that we booked a warm weather vacation for this winter! We are going to Cozumel with another couple in January. One last "laying on the beach sipping frozen drinks" vacation before we think about baby number 2!