The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[zalansky]

On a good note - I just got my exchange package to the post office so it should be there by Monday the latest!

Also, I ordered a personalized tree skirt and stockings from Disney Shopping today and got 20% off with the current code and also used my Sunshine Rewards $25 GC so my out of pocket was only about $55. I am pretty happy with that.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Our pizza/champagne party was pretty good. I only had one piece because I'm trying out making quesadillas tonight and I'm really looking forward to them. I also only had one glass of champagne even though people were going back for more. It was pretty good - Martini & Rossi Asti. Tonight I have to make brownies for my aunt's house tomorrow.

floridafam - Poor Kona! I hope she's feeling better for Thanksgiving.

hillbeans - How awesome that you were in the parade! I think I'd even brave the cold and rain if I had the chance to be in it.

nucpharm - Hope Emma had a good time at day camp.

fabumouse - How'd the license picture turn out?

ginamarie - Sorry the news on your bump isn't so good. Sorry also that you have to have your hair shaved off.

zalansky - Sorry about the new update on your dad.

lissawynn - At least the bird had good taste. I'd have abandoned the funnel cake at that point, too.

DisKim - Hope Aidan finally napped for you.

dizagain - Good luck with all your cooking!

Where has Robin been today?

 

[tkyes]

sl - lol about pizza and champagne, interesting combo! No, not really any Beach Club tips that I can think of. The pool is pretty busy in the afternoon, if you plan on having a pool day go right away when they open. They put out buckets and shovels in the sand area for the kids to play with. Definitely walk to Epcot, way faster. We didn't walk to MGM at all. I didn't know where the path was at first and then when I did the boat was always there. If you leave MGM at closing, I would vote to walk. The boat fills up pretty quickly and takes awhile. The path is on the left side when you leave MGM, it goes in front of the pond.

ff - Poor Kona! High fevers scare the crap out of me too! I hope she's feeling better soon.

gm - Sorry to hear about your bump. That stinks that you'll have to shave some hair off!

nucpharm - How fun for Emma that she got to do that camp, and for free! I bet she'll have a blast.

zalansky - I'm so sorry about the news about your father. Is he in any pain? We didn't tip any extra at Wolfgang Puck. I thought the food was great. I had the crab cake app, pumpkin ravioli and creme brulee. My mom had the vegetable spring rolls (ok), macadamia nut crusted chicken and carrot cake.

hillbeans - That's so cool that you got to be in the parade! What a fun thing to say you've done.

diz - Your food sounds good to me!!

diskim - I think kids know when you have things to do and they don't want to take a nap! I hope he goes to sleep eventually for you.

lissawynn - Your husband's friend sounds wonderful How awful! I hope your kids calm down for you!

gem - I would love to see pics of your balloons. That's great that things are going well.

Robin - I have some bad news to report. I think they are getting rid of the mickey chocolate covered pretzels! I had the hardest time finding them, and when I did there were only a couple of bags left. The big candy stores don't have any left. I could only find them at the hotel gift shops. Maybe it's a temporary thing (crossing fingers) I defintely had a moment of panic on the trip!

I need to wrap a wedding gift right now and get some pictures off of my camera.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

tamie

 

[floridafam]

Hi Mommies,

Kona's fever has gone down a little but not much. I feel so bad for my kids when they are sick. She is making a stinky diaper right now, thank goodness. She hasn't pooped since Friday. Can I just say that it smells like it has been in there since last Friday? Ewww!

I did manage to get an apple pie in the oven while she took 15 minute nap. I really have to buy something to roll pie crusts out on.

Dh picked up the turkey from Honeybaked Ham and dropped it off at lunch. We are both exhausted from being up with Kona.

I did go to the Dr. this morning. Well, the PA. I don't mind going to a PA but the kids haven't seen the Dr. in a long time. I would like to know that she's still in the know.

The UPS man just dropped off my Santa purse and it is so cute! The FedEx man dropped off my Mickey desk the other day but Dh hasn't taken it out of the box yet.

I have decided that we are not going anywhere for Black Friday. We are all going to sleep in and take it easy.


lissawynn,

I'd love to see more pictures of the house when you can post them. I hope you get your wish to be in by Christmas.

dizagain,

Sounds like you have some little helpers. I love the smell of celery and onion when they are cooking.


Be back in a bit

 

[justhat]

Ginamarie - Sorry to hear the news about your bump. I'd wait till after Christmas to get my hair shaved off if possible too.

Zalansky - That must be terrible to go through that grieving process again after you had that glimmer of hope that your dad would be okay. Enjoy your trip this weekend cause it sure sounds like you could use a break from sadness.

SL - Your party sounds like it was fun. I could go for some champagne today after hearing about it. It's been way too long since I could drink anything since I've been pregnant or nursing since June 2003.

FF - So sorry to hear Kona's sick. Lots of hugs to her and I hope she's feeling better soon.

Lissawynn - Your friend's husband sounds absolutely terrible. Gosh, to think there are people out there like that is amazing.

Henry just woke up so I guess I had less time than I thought. He's doing the nap for 5 minutes at a time thing today. I love that. My husband was sent home from work at 9am today since he offered to come in for a few hours Friday. He's actually supposed to work all day Friday, but he's doing an elective rather than regular medicine wards and this boss thinks they have Friday off so that's why he let him go early today. You'd think having him home would be a help, but so far not really. He acts like holding Henry is a punishment. Right now he's bathing Madison so I'm glad he's making himself somewhat useful cause I want her to be clean before my mom comes so I don't hear criticism. Well I thought Henry was settling himself but I was wrong so I better go!

 

[icebrat001]

New moms, I need your help! You guys seem to know everything. Sorry for the long post.

 

[Alice28]

I had the best dream last night- I dreamt I was in some Gymboree warehouse, and was finding all this stuff for .99 or $2 and I had Gymbucks, so it was half off of that. AND my mom was with me so she was going hogwild too. Then I woke up. Pathetic that I was excited about that kind of dream, huh? I told my DH that I had such a great dream and of course he was like, "Oh, was it a sex dream?"

I am almost done with my shopping! I got Toys R Us gift cards in the mail yesterday from AMEX rewards; got the boys each a handheld Miuchiz (?) game they wanted...then Sam FINALLY came up with a last gift last night he found on the internet- then we saw it at Costco today! I thought it wasn't released yet. So I snuck it into the cart, but then he saw it at checkout. So he knows he is getting it. But at least I am DONE! Need to just shop for my dad and order my nephews and niece some movies, but no going out on Black Friday for me! I spent all of my allotted shopping money for the next two weeks yesterday and today anyway.

J&D- I don't mind receiving from the same person again.....thanks for coordinating.

Tamie- no more Mickey pretzels! Say it ain't so! Well, I will make up for it with a funnel cake or a piece of chocolate cake somewhere.

SL- pizza and champagne- sounds like my kinda party! Actually, it kind of sounds like a headache on a platter for me.

You know, speaking of liquor, I am now embarrassed to order my favorite drinks in restaurants- I feel like such a fuddy duddy. My favorite is a Sex on the Beach- now I feel stupid ordering that in restaurants. I told DH they need to come up with a name for that that people over 25 feel comfortable saying to a stranger. I've become a prude!

lissawynn- your friend's husband is an a-class ******. What a horrible experience for her! BTW, the movie the Princess Bride is great! I love it!

FF- scary about Kona's fever- how is she doing now? Fevers are very frightening for us moms! I hope your turkey from Honeybaked is yummy- I know we have bought some hams there before and they are incredibly good.

Z- words can't convey how sorry I am for you, and for your father. I can't imagine being trapped in a body that doesn't function, and on top of that, being in dire pain. I know this is personal, but does your dad believe in God? I would hope if he does, that that would bring some sort of comfort.

GM- Oh no about your hair having to be shaved off- even just partially...I will pray it's nothing serious.

Hillbeans- that is very cool you were in the Thanksgiving Day parade! What fun! Happy Thanksgiving Eve to you too!

Fab- hope the renewal process was painless. Does this mean it's your birthday soon? In Oregon we always have to renew in our birthday month.

nuc- did Emma have a good time on the field trip?

justhat- Hopefully your DH will pitch in a bit more for you... Last night the boys kept arguing and I kept stopping it, and finally I said to DH, "You do hear that, don't you? Do you enjoy listening to it? Maybe you should say something to them instead of me doing it 10 times in 12 minutes." It's like, men just can tune things out easier than women can...once he did go in there, they stopped fighting!

gems- WTG on the balloon biz!

Diz- I'm sure your dinner will turn out GREAT!

Well, I need to settle Molly down for a nap, clean up, and make some Chex Mix. My contribution for tomorrow- . We went to Costco this morning, as I think I said, and it was SO CRAZY! And we got there at 10 with my exective card- still packed! I joked with Sam about counting how many pumpkin pies we saw in people's buggies- there were tons! I can't believe how many Costco pies have been churned out in the last 24 hours- I did notice the rest of the bakery items like muffins and sweet rolls looked scant- they must have used all their mixer and oven power for the pies! AMAZING- I wanted to applaud them or something. I also wanted to buy one, but I knew my mom already bought desserts. And then we went to Walmart for a few more supplies- it was one of those BAD Walmart times where only one checkstand was open besides self check, with white trash central in line in front of me. 10 minutes to stand behind a nasty talking mom with her two sad looking boys was almost too much for me to handle. I wanted to tell her to knock off being such a bi*ch.

Molly is melting down- gotta go!!!!!!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Afternoon all! I only have a few minutes--the house is in shambles, but my laundry is done and the cookies are made!

icebrat--You're really in a delicate situation. Nothing can really prepare you for how much a child is a 24/7 job. It sounds like you would really be giving this little girl a better life, which would be wonderful. You and your partner have to really look in your hearts and decide if, for the next 16+ years, you're willing to put someone else's needs above your own. If you aren't ready for that, it doesn't make you a bad person--I know I wasn't ready for that at 23, wasn't really ready at 31 when I had my first!

If you two decide you want to take on this challenge, here are some thoughts: There will be an adjustment period, regardless of anything else. She will test you. You will make mistakes. There are no perfect moms anywhere, even on this thread! She won't likely need a high chair, but likely a potty chair and yes, a regular car seat until she's 4 (a booster after that). She's likely to sleep through the night, but may have issues that result in night terrors and the like--it's not unusual to have kids wake up at night. She likely eats "regular" food, but toddlers can be picky, and meat, in particular, isn't popular. We do yogurt and cheese a lot for protein.

I wouldn't sweat the room and the toys--those things will fall into place. I do recommend having the book "What to Expect--The Toddler Years" in the house--it's a great reference. it might not be a bad thing to read now, aas you consider this, to get a feel for developmental milestones. Keep in mind that a child from a less than optimal situation may be developmentally delayed.

I wish you the best, no matter what you decide.

 

[DisKim]

icebrat - It is almost impossible to advise someone in such a delicate situation. I had my first child at 23 and I was totally ready and it didn't feel like much of an adjustment for me. However, I had many cousins who I was always around so I was very used to babies and had practically raised my little brother so motherhood wasn't a huge jump for me. It sounds like you would be giving this little girl a wonderful home, but it is a huge and sudden step, especially when you are not ready for it. In the long run, there is nothing more rewarding than raising a child but it would be far from easy. I realize that I am no help at all. Ultimately, it is a decision that you and your partner should really talk long and hard about. Good luck with whatever you decide and you can always come here for help and advice .

OK, I need to get back to cleaning. Emily helped me make all the side dishes so the food is done except for Turkey and mashed potatoes which we will obviously cook tomorrow. Now I just need to get this house clean!

 

[Alice28]

Hi Icebrat! Nice to see you here! I still remember you helping me with that stupid hotel situation I had back in January. Now I can help return the favor a bit!

I had my first at 25- and he was an 'oopsie'. It took me a couple of months to mentally accept I was going to have to change my life, but then I got used to it, of course. I too wish DH and I had a little more couple time in our life, before children, but that's ok. We did have 2+ years. Anyway, I don't think we can prepare you with our words of what a change it will be- it's constantly meeting the needs of someone else before your own. Like, just now, as I'm trying to type this short response, I have been interrupted twice in order to fix a snack for my boys. That kinda thing- no big deal, but it will happen 48 times per day, give or take. I think what you and your partner are considering would dramatically change this child's life for the better- I applaud you for contemplating doing it. I know there is another DISer who did almost the same thing- her screen name is KatelynnsAuntie and she took in her brother's DD, who was about 2, because he and the child's mother were in and out of jail, etc. You should PM her for some advice and tell her Robin said "hi!".

I don't think you need to sweat her room and decor and such. Sure, she'll need a bed and a carseat (each state has different laws, but I know Oregon's is they need to be in a carseat until they are 4 years old AND 40 pounds), probably diapers or training pants, a few toys and lovies. I'm sure like BuzznBelle's mom said, there will be a transition period for her where all will not be rosy- it sounds like she's already had a tough time in life and will probably take some of that out on you. And yes, she may be a picky eater too, but you'll figure that out as well. My kids are happy with a variety of foods, but don't really like steak, fish unless it's fried , certain veggies, etc. Daycare might be a good thing for her, as long as it's a good one of course. I think the structure and caring environment will help her with some trust issues. Plus it will expose her to all sorts of fun things!

Pets- don't have much to say on this one, except I know there are pet books out there to give advice, etc.

My DD is great with stairs- 2 year olds rarely fall down the stairs, as they can navigate them pretty well. My DD is 20 months and my sons were the same. After about 18 months, they were stair professionals.

Good luck with your decision- I applaud you for even considering it! Oh, and I think 2 year olds aren't that hard...esp once they hit 2 1/2 or so. They start understanding you, and understanding actions have consequences. It's that 18 month- 2 1/2 age that kills me - they are all WILL and no negociating!

 

[dizagain]

Hi! Kitchen's clean....until DH starts in on that turkey tomorrow morning anyway. He does the turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes and he will be very messy! I told everyone they're on their own for dinner - grilled cheese, frozen pizza, cereal, I don't care as long as I'm not fixing it!

icebrat - WOW! That's some decision you have to make. I was almost 25 when I had my first and I was very ready so it was a fairly easy transition. The hardest part is what others have already said - putting someone else first 24/7. It sounds like this little girl needs a great deal of attention and love - it will most likely take awhile for her to trust in you. There could also be some long-term psychological effects from her experiences in life thus far. I had a family member adopt a 3-year-old and now that he's an adult, there are still issues. Nothing that can't be worked with, but they are still there. But then there are so many GOOD things about having a child - way too many to count! Once you have a carseat and bed, a few toys, etc., and some basic child-proofing done, you can figure the rest of your needs out as you go along. Good luck to you and your partner in this very difficult decision-making process. We're always around to help answer any questions we can!

robin - good for you for being almost finished shopping! Once again, I've done most of the fun stuff (my kids and niece) and almost none of the others...

floridafam - hope Kona feels better very soon! We are also staying home in our pj's on Friday - I can't wait!

justhat - aren't those 5 minute cat naps fun???

Ugh...DH needs the computer. I'll try to check back in later!

 

[joats]

Happy Thanksgiving Eve all!

I just wanted to pop on and say THANK YOU!!! to Ryan840 and family for the wonderful exchange package we received today. What a wonderful surprise!! Jace got a Thomas Train, Winnie the Pooh card games that are perfect for learning new words and a BIG book of trucks. He grabbed that book and sat right in my lap. We must have gone thru the book 5 times before he got up. We also got some Disney Candy Canes in neat flavors. Where did you find those? I've never seen them before. Yummy! As soon as Jace finished his marathon truck book reading, he made us take Thomas out of the box to play. You really made his day!! He was thrilled. I was very happy to see it was from you Michelle as it has been a while since I've seen a post from you. Thank you again. What a treat! I hope that you, DH and Alex and Jack are doing great!!

This got me thinking...there have been a lot of mom's who have joined the board and then stopped posting. I'll admit it's very hard to keep up with posting, and I know that you all are understanding of me posting what and when I can. But in the past I've felt pressured to keep up (not by anyone, just felt bad if I didn't respond to all). I just hope that other people who may have stopped posting know that we all understand and it's definitely a post what and when you can place even though some people post more often. I just wanted to put that out there.

FF: Hope Kona is on the mend soon. Those high fevers are scary!

Hillbeans: How cool that you were in the THanksgiving Day Parade! I've never even been....must have been fun.

GM: Glad you went to the MD. I had a precancerous growth on my scalp and had to have it removed and required a bunch of stitches. THey had to shave the area of my head too. It was really strange but it grew back. I don't blame you for waiting until after the photos.

Z: How on earth did you last that long with the brownies? I would have demolished them a long time ago. You have willpower!!! Hope your cookies were good! (I made some yesterday and MmmMmm). Continued to you.

Tamie: What wonderful photos! Tyler is getting SO BIG!! He's such a little boy now. Glad he enjoyed the characters.

SL: Pizza and champagne at work??? What kind of place do you work that they serve you alcohol?? We can't even have a closed bottle of anything on the premises.

Icebrat: Wow, quite a big decision to make! I think she'd need a car seat still. As far as pets...when I brought my son home they (3 spoiled cats) disowned me for a few weeks but they adjusted over time. Now, it's just a matter of me making sure that Jace doesn't pull their tails or grab them. You and your DP sound like such wonderful people to even considering taking her in. I don't think I could have had a child at 23. I was 33 when Jace was born and it was a huge adjustment and I had always wanted kids too. Best of luck in whatever you decide and feel free to keep the questions coming.

GLT: Hang in there.

I know I'm missing a lot of you, sorry....too many pages behind again.

I have a few things to do around here and then DH and I are going to watch a movie if I can stay awake.

I'll try to check in tomorrow am during Jace's nap before we head to my folks. But just in case - Happy Turkey Day!!

 

[zalansky]

THANK YOU AWESOME DIS MOMS!!!!!

We just put the kids in the bath when the doorbell rang and there was our incredible edible basket with chocolate dipping syrup!!! The man apologized for coming after dinner, like I minded!!!
I had a feeling Holly was up to something when she PM'd me for my address earlier but never in my wildest dreams did I expect this. You ladies blow me away. I can't thank you enough for thinking of me during this very hard time. I appreciate it more than you know and it really touched my heart....
I am going to bring it to my Dad's house tomorrow so my sisters can help us eat it, it is huge! I will take a picture and post it tomorrow or Friday. By the way you couldn't have picked a better day to send something sweet as Aunt Flo just arrived in town.

I love you guys!!!

 

[lissawynn]

Hi all. DH, Jimmy, and I spent about 2 hours in Home Depot picking out our stuff for the new bathroom. I am exhausted and really need to go to bed.

I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a great day filled with family, good food, and good times.

icebrat - I think what you're proposing to do is admirable. Like all the other moms said, it's a huge adjustment bringing a child into your home. If you and your partner have the time and love to give to this little one, you would make such a positive difference in her life.

 

[floridafam]

lissawynn,

I love picking out stuff at Home Depot. Get some rest tonight.

Loretta,

I'm glad you got the basket!!! I thought you needed a little something to brighten your spirits.


To everyone who responded to my PM yesterday, thank you. I have received many replies and will get back to all of you.

Mommies,

If you didn't get a PM, don't worry, we're not planning anything major behind your back. It's Christmas time and you're not allowed to ask questions.

 

[Alice28]

Loretta- we love you too! I'm glad the edible creation brightened your day a bit- this was all Holly's doing, and I am so glad she thought of it! It sounds like it's just gorgeous.

Joats- what a nice package from Michelle you received! I know what you mean about this board flying and having to try and play catch up. If I didn't stay at home, I know I couldn't keep up! I hope Ryan and other moms have a chance to pop in when they can. Like YOU GRETCHEN!

OK, we are having glamorous pizza for dinner. A good Thanksgiving Eve dinner I think! I bought a deck of Uno cards at Walmart today (I know I have had this game before, but who knows what happened to it). We'll have a rousing game after dinner. The boys had this ITTY BITTY deck they brought home from a party and the cards were impossible to shuffle, so I bought the reg sized deck.

 

[justhat]

Really quick - We just got our Santa pictures tonight and got a few of those Gymbo 20% off coupons if anyone on this thread wants one. I'm keeping one but have 3 extra ones so if any moms want one just PM me and I'll give you the code or if you are willing to wait I can mail it out on Friday.

 

[Alice28]

Really quick - We just got our Santa pictures tonight and got a few of those Gymbo 20% off coupons if anyone on this thread wants one. I'm keeping one but have 3 extra ones so if any moms want one just PM me and I'll give you the code or if you are willing to wait I can mail it out on Friday.

I PMed ya.

 

[floridafam]

Robin,

I thought you said you didn't need anything. I won't tell

I had a bunch of stuff in my cart so I could use my coupon and Kona really doesn't need any of it. I'm not sure I am going to buy anything.

 

[zalansky]

Is Gymbo having the early bird sale like they did last year on Black Friday? Cam doesn't need anything either but let me shoot on over to the website to take a looksie.