The Official New Mom Thread

[lissawynn]

This is Jimmy and me at the Brown Derby in August.

[

This is my nonnie, me, my pop pop, and my older sis back in the late 1970s.

I think Jimmy kinda looks like I did when I was little.

 

[DisKim]

Thanks for the replies on my babysitter dilemmas. I think I made the right decision. It is going to break my heart to tell her though. I think Janet (his current babysitter) legitimately loves him and will be upset. I'm going to give her a month's notice so she can replace him. I seriously have to stop checking this thread from work. I should be grading essays right now (the same ones I was working on the other day) but I got on the computer and now it's only 10 minutes until quitting time.

SL and Lissawynn - I love the family photos!

Alice28 - I hope you are feeling better! That kidney stone sounds awful! I was laughing about what your parents said. Everyone likes to tease me and tell me I'm going to have another kid. I think people like to do that when you already have three!

nucpharm - Your kids are adorable!

You ladies need to stop talking about Gymboree and Baby Gap. I'm trying not to shop now that the holidays are over. Well, Aidan went to his first Chuck E Cheese party yesterday. He loved it! He was glued to Chuck E and really enjoyed the birthday cake. Everyone was so impressed by how good he is. I was a very proud mama!

 

[DisKim]

Lissawynn - I think Jimmy does look like you. I thought he looked like DH in the other picture, but he looks like you when you were little. No friend yet? I'll be waiting to hear the news .

 

[Alice28]

Ah yes, I definitely see the resemblance between Jimmy and Momma! For sure!

Keep us posted on your PG test results.

I promised my BF I would meet her at McDonalds for a playdate.....I don't want to, but Molly is so crabby, I think she'll fall asleep in the car. I just hope I don't! I was going to do two other errands, but I just can't today....one of which was to sign the banquet contract with the restaurant I'm doing DH's party at.....I think I'll just go tomorrow.

Yes, kidney stone pain is horrid. I don't know how to describe it. A knife in the side? Yes, that sounds accurate. A big huge knife, serrated perhaps with some rust and salt on it. And dig it around a bit. And then go throw up from the pain.

OK, off to my all time favorite restaurant ever. Not.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Alice28 - I sure do sympathize with you. I've had kidney stones several times in the past 6 or 7 years. Twice when I was PG with Lucas, too (NO MEDS!!!). I've been trying to drink more water so I don't get them again, but I'm just not that thirsty most of the time.

lissawynn - Great family photos. I can also see the resemblance between you and Jimmy.

nucpharm - Your kids are adorable. BTW, I like your DD's princess sweatshirt.

DisKim - Glad you survived Chuck E Cheese's.

 

[nucpharm29]

Hey, I thought I would share this little piece of info with you guys if you still have babies that are small enough. I know that there has been discussion about car seats lately. Well, in this months American Baby there is a blurb about a new infant seat made by Graco that accomodates babies up to 30lbs. and 32 inches! It is pricey, thought-$130-$170. If anyone is interested the blurb said to look at Graco.com. It's called the Infant SafeSeat.

I just thought I would add that I did a search for the seat and I could only find it at Walmart.com and you had to buy it with the stroller (Quattro Tour). I couldn't find it on the graco website.

 

[tkyes]

alice - Ouch! I'm so sorry. My mom has had kidney stone problems and has told me how painfull they are. I hope you're feeling better.

Nucpharm - adorable pictures!!

lissawynn - yes, I see the resemblence. Jimmy looks so cute in your Brown Derby picture (he looks cute in all of the, I just love the expression in that one). Too funny! good luck with your test.

diskim - I'm glad you survived chuck e cheese too, lol! I'm sure it was tough coming to a babysitter decision, but you have to do what you feel is right. Your babysitter will understand eventually.

lisawynn - how old was Jimmy when you went to WDW? Tyler will be 9 months when we go. Any tips anyone can share?

Tamie

 

[justhat]

I still haven't read everything yet, but thought I'd check in before this thread gets out of control with tons of posts again!

Tamie, I don't really have advice, but we took Madison to WDW when she was 9 months old and I just want to say I think it's a wonderful age. She wasn't walking yet so we didn't have the issue of her wanting out of the stroller or Bjorn (she crawled but was more than happy to be strolled or held on the trip) and she was old enough to actually enjoy what she saw. She loved the characters and most of the 'baby' rides and was just so happy the whole trip. So have fun, I'm sure Tyler will love the trip!

Oh, I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but Madison got her 1st haircut on our trip last week at the Main Street Barber Shop. It was very cute, they gave her little mouse ears that say 'First haircut' and they saved the hair they cut and some 'pixie dust' in a napkin for me and she got a little certificate saying that she got her First Haircut there (though Maura wrote the date as 12/28/09??).

Alice28, sorry to hear about the kidney stones. My cousin had them when she was pregnant and I remember how much pain she was in so I really feel for you. Other than my cousin though, I really don't know much about them. Are they just recurrent forever, or is there something they can do to get rid of them permanently?

Nucpharm and Lissawynn, very cute photos. Matthew has gotten so big since your sig photo. It's amazing how fast they grow! I also thought Jimmy looked like his daddy, but after seeing you when you were little I think he looks like you too. I'm actually not sure who Madison looks like. I think she reminds me of my mom sometimes, also a little of Joey when he was little. When she was younger everyone said she was a clone of Joey (I never saw that honestly) but now people either say she looks just like me or just like Joey, so I guess she's probably a mix. I honestly don't see either of us very strongly in her so it's hard for me to say. I'll look for a photo of us, hmm, maybe I'll just post the link to our photopass photos and you can look through there cause I don't think I have any recent ones of the 3 of us uploaded (besides our Christmas photo but I can't find that on this computer). Okay, here it is: http://disneyphotopass.go.com/DPI/r.d?i=359742566 Oh, and sorry that my husband's eyes are closed in every photo! He does that everytime someone takes his picture.

Oh, one last thing. Those of you who are teachers or have older kids, do you give thank you notes or acknowledge in some way that you got the gift from your kids (or do you get some acknowledgment if you're the parent)? The reason I ask is that we sent in giftcards for Christmas with Madison and got a thank you note in the mail from one of the teachers (the 1 we handed the envelopes too when Madison threw them on the floor) but nothing from the others. No verbal "thanks for the card". Well I didn't think much of it, just assumed they got them, but when we got the thank you note from 1 teacher then my husband started to think that the other 2 didn't get their cards, that maybe they got lost on the way in (we don't take Madison into the class, she gets dropped off at the playground gate and walked in by an asst). The thank you we got came before Christmas (though we just recently finished sorting all our mail and read it) so my husband was now convinced that since we still hadn't heard anything by today that they didn't get them. So when we went to pick her up he asked her main teacher and she said she got it and had thank you cards and then ran off sort of embarrassed, which was exactly why I told him not to ask. I told him not everyone sends notes out, but he thought they should have said something to us by now (it was 3 weeks ago but we've only been back for a week). So I was just wondering if he's right, that everyone sends out thank yous or if it's more of a sporadic thing.

I'm off to get my free loaner car now. We just bought a new car in July and it has had to get so many repairs already, I'm so annoyed. Well we brought it in this morning and they don't know what's wrong with it so it won't be ready till sometime Monday so they are giving us a loaner. Luckily it's still in warantee cause otherwise I'd be very angry.

 

[Hillbeans]

Tamie - I didn't take my son until he was 2, and we're not going until March 2007 with the baby, but he'll be 18 months at that point.
There is an awesome thread on the Disney with Families board titled "hints for those under 1" or something like that with pages of great ideas. I may use some of those ideas in that post even if my child is a little older at that point.

Loretta - Did you try Cereal with Cameryn yet? Hope your day at work went better today.

Jill - YAY for JP! The "Silent Scream" is the worst - love that saying for it too - LOL. He looks adorable in his Bumbo. I don't even want to tell you how much Liam weighs these days (15+ pounds) - he's probably got only weeks left in his infant carrier. I wish my babies stayed "babies" a little longer.

Nucpharm - I laughed out loud about the milk pads....so cute!

Alice - hope you're feeling better today.

 

[Alice28]

I'm feeling better, but oh so tired. Sometimes I long for the days of just one child- so I could truly nap when they nap. Oh well, I'll live.

Tamie, I took Molly in Sept and she was 6 1/2 months. Just take things slow. Don't expect to see everything. Go back for the hotel for a naptime, or I liked to shop while my babies napped (did this at DL when Joshua) in the stroller. I did this with Molly last Sept; while some grownups went on rides, we did the swap off and the other adult shopped. Bring lots of water. I found buffet restaurants to be a PITA with children. Well, i take that back, when you have just one, it's handy cause you can immediately get your food, and get a few things for the baby to graze on (I'm thinking Cape May Buffet- Tyler might like the corn, rolls, whatever steamed veggie, there's usually fruit, etc). But with older children I feel like I can barely get any food in my mouth because SOMEONE needs a refill all the time! I think either counter service or table service where the server brings you your food is the way to go. And on our last trip, I swear we never waited more than 15 minutes for our entrees to come. It was great. In and out before Molly could really get fussy.

 

[ahutton]

I would second the buffet thing! We really prefer family style for the character meals because we actually get to eat something, same is true for sit downs.

My 2nd DD was about that age when we went, and we had a very rainy and pretty cold trip. I used my snugli carrier with her. Once she was strapped on I either put on a raincoat and/or just opened an umbrella (depended on how hard it was raining) and we walked along staying nice and dry. When it got cooler I would wrap a receiving blanket around the front of her and tuck it into the sides of the carrier to give her some protection. While some babies are a bit too big at that stage to ride that way it worked much better than trying to have her in a stroller (she hated it) and she had a great view. Most rides she could just stay there, but I could snap her out for meals or if I needed to.

I finally caught up with all the posts today! It is great to see everyone doing so well. Michael's 1st birthday was on Sunday, I'm not sure he likes cake but he did get it everywhere! We're struggling with foods for him. He has such a gag reflex he still doesn't like textured foods, he's living on Stage 2 jars and those fruit and veggie puffs and wagon wheels. I keep telling myself he'll be eating real food before Kindergarden, right????

 

[Alice28]

I would second the buffet thing! We really prefer family style for the character meals because we actually get to eat something, same is true for sit downs.

Yes, I think our overall favorite meal this last trip was Whispering Canyon. The kids loved the entertainment. We loved the food that kept coming and coming, and yet we didn't have to get up! (Ohana was the same was the trip before last). And best of all- by some miracle, Molly slept thru that entire meal and I got to sit there and just relax!

Surprisingly, my two least favorite meals with the kids were Chef Mickey's and Cape May for the reasons I stated in my previous post, on top of the fact that it just felt FRANTIC. Like people were afraid Disney was going to run out of food or something and just were RUDE at the buffet lines. I remember my kids really liking some sitdowns like Rose and Crown (they had pizza), Sci Fi and Prime Time. So you just never know!

 

[lissawynn]

The test results are in...I AM NOT PG!
I would have been happy if I was, but now we can go on about our business as planned.

I spoke to my friend Jennifer and she's doing well. She will be home Monday. Her fibroid is causing her pain, but she's trying to suck it up (and she's a weenie).

Good night all!

 

[joats]

Pages and pages behind!!!!! Oh man, I think I'd need to be on this thing 24/7 to stay afloat!!!!! Way too much to respond to everyone. So hello mommies, glad to hear almost everyone (if not everyone) is feeling better (poor Alice28).

Love all the new photos/family photos. We took one of Jace, DH and my FIL at Christmas too.

Jace has been waking up soaked for the past few mornings. But this morning takes the cake! I unsnapped his pjs and there were little jelly crystals all over his "junk", belly and legs. THe diaper got so wet, it exploded open and all the stuff inside got all over him. It was quite a sight!! Tonight we are trying huggies overnights for the first time. Keep your fingers crossed!! Any other ideas - moms of boys???? I think there is some kind of extra liner you can put in???

Other than that, Jace has a weird rash on one side of his body. I'm wondering if it's from waking up wet. It's little red pimply bumps and they are not too close together and maybe 10 in total...Strange. We are still trying new foods, so it could be from that but I'm not sure why only on his right side trunk and arms.

I made Jace's vision exam today. I'm so curious to know how exactly they test a 6mos old's vision (by computer). Anyone have this done yet?? If so, do tell.

Not much else new, hoping to take the tree down and get our carseats this weekend as that bucket is getting so heavy and I'm sure he's close to the limits.

Have a great night - TGIF!!!

Edited to add: Lissawyn, it looks like you got the news I think you wanted.

 

[Alice28]

Woah, Jace has the bladder of a horse, huh? The only thing I learned with boys, and this is probably a 'duh' for most people, but I was clueless, is to be sure to point their genitalia DOWN. That was the bulk of the diaper can absorb the urine, not just the front. If you're already doing that, then I would just do what you're doing and get the Huggies Overnights. Do you give him a bath right before bedtime? Maybe that would encourage some additional peeing.

I am going to go to the hospital. My parents are on their way. Right now I'm actually feeling good, but this sucker hasn't passed yet; I've had two more bouts of super pain and I want to see if it's huge and I need to be cath'ed, or if it will pass on its own. I have that 6 hour meeting to attend tomorrow regarding DH's homecoming and I CANNOT miss it.

Yay for lissawynn and the results you wanted! I'm very glad for you!

Have a good night everyone. I keep giving myself pep-talks-----less than a week and my DH will be here! (well, at least just a state away!).

 

[DisKim]

Lissawynn - I'm glad you are happy with your results.

Alice28- OMG! I hope you are okay by the time DH comes home. I'll send some PD your way

joats - 3 kids and I never had them wake up with a diaper that exploded like that. What a nightmare. That stuff inside the diapers is gross.

ahutton - Happy birthday to Michael

justhat - I give many teachers gifts. I not only do the head teachers, but the aides and special teachers (gym,art,etc.). Each one of them has always sent a thank you note.

 

[vald1977]

Robin,
Sending prayers your way. I hope they can help you pass the stone at the hospital so you can get some relief .

Lisawynn,
I'm glad it all worked out well for you. I think any time you take a pg test it is a little sad to see that your not though.

Joats,
About the diapers-- the only thing I can think of is trying a size bigger. It seemed that my little guy used to start peeing out the diapers at night once he needed to move up a size. I hope the Huggies overnights do the trick.

Tamie,
I hope you enjoy your trip! I wish we were going back soon. That is one thing that motivates me to get a part time job.

Sorry I'm skipping people. I only have a couple of minutes.

Does anyone else have a drooly baby? Katrina has been soaking right through her clothes and her bibs lately. I'm going through tons of laundry (at least 4 bibs a day plus a couple of outfits). I'm wondering if this means some teeth will be coming sooner rather than later.

Well, goodnight moms . Like someone else posted TGIF !

 

[vald1977]

Oh I forgot to add that yes, Justthat, I have always recieved a thank you card for any gifts I have given DS's teachers. They are usually really quick with them too. It's typically the next day he has class.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I am going to go to the hospital. My parents are on their way. Right now I'm actually feeling good, but this sucker hasn't passed yet; I've had two more bouts of super pain and I want to see if it's huge and I need to be cath'ed, or if it will pass on its own. I have that 6 hour meeting to attend tomorrow regarding DH's homecoming and I CANNOT miss it.

Goodness Robin! I saw your name on this thread and thought I would check in! Did not expect to read this! Go get thyself well before DH gets home!! I have no words of wisdom, having never experienced this. But I will pray for you! You need to be well and rested for DH next week! I will check in here to see if you have posted tomorrow!

 

[bellacam]

Does anyone else have a drooly baby? Katrina has been soaking right through her clothes and her bibs lately. I'm going through tons of laundry (at least 4 bibs a day plus a couple of outfits). I'm wondering if this means some teeth will be coming sooner rather than later.

I am glad you posted this. Aidan had been an absolute drool monster the past couple of days! I have had to change about 6 bibs a day. I use rubber back ones so his clothes usually don't get to wet. He does have a tooth "spot" right in the front but I hear that can be there well before the tooth. has Katrina been cranky? Aidan has and he has the "flush" look too.

Robin - WOW! I hope all goes as well as can go for you. These things always seem to happen when they absolutley can't! i added you to my prayers tonight.

I love all the new pics. It's amazing to see how the babies grow!