The Official New Mom Thread

[zalansky]

Lissawynn - I agree with you 100% - if my DH had done what yours did I'd be so upset. My DH would have done it too, I know he would, because he is like that - he lets his mom get away with things that go against my wishes often. Stick to your guns!

Tamie - those pics DO look like a professional shoot! You should be very proud of yourself.

cabmom - CONGRATS to you, welcome baby Dean - he is a sweetie! Welcome to the new moms board!

llij - I am so happy to hear you're back to yourself again...and that John Paul is gaining weight.

Like vald1977 mentioned I too am excited for you ladies that participated in the gift exchange. Makes me wish I'd done it, but I didn't trust myself to be diligent and get it done on time. Can't wait to hear about what you all exchange!

Hope everyone has a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Hi, everyone! Phew! Time to play catch-up again!

vald~ Glad your dh's vasectomy went okay and he is feeling better.

justhat~ Glad you had fun in Hawaii and I hope you enjoy Phoenix! I love it there! As far as Madison's phase with the pjs, my brother went through a strange phase around her age as well. He would throw a tantrum where he would throw things, hit things, pull his hair, etc., if you tried to put him in anything except this plain green striped tee shirt. Don't know why but it was just a phase he went through. Oh, and HE had to be the one to pick it out. If my parents did he would go balistic. I don't remember exactly how long the phase lasted but it seemed like a while. He wore that same shirt every day (my mom washed it constantly!) and I have tons of pictures of him wearing it, lol! Be glad Madison's phase is only about not wearing those pjs and not about wearing the same shirt every day!

Gems~ We really don't have many people who can keep Kylie so she has only stayed alone with Dh so far but I felt very comfortable with leaving her with him. He is a wonderful dad and this is really his first time taking care of a baby but he is a natural, no lie. Anyway, he is great with her and it sure is nice to go out on my own every now and then. However, when Kylie was Shelby's age she was not a very easy baby so I wouldn't have felt comfortable leaving her with anyone! Now she is the most calm easy-going baby and is happy all the time so I am okay leaving her w/someone I trust. I can't wait till the 1st weekend in Dec. b/c she will be staying at my mom's while dh and I go out alone for the 1st time since her birth. I know she'll be fine and we are really looking forward to a weekend out together! I won't leave her with my ILs this young though as my MIL can't handle her when I am in the room with her so I am too paranoid to leave her when I am not there! Maybe when she's older and can communicate better.

Joats~ Good luck at Jace's appt. tomorrow! Hopefully he will get a good report!

2sweetangels~ I would not even consider letting my MIL have Kylie in another state for a whole week! I don't blame you for not liking the idea!

SL~ We played that Christmas exchange game at work once and it was a blast!

Jill~ Glad you are finally feeling better! And glad John Paul is gaining weight! I was a month early too but I weighed over 7 lbs! Imagine if I had been fullterm!

lissawynn~ I would be upset about the exchange thing too. That is something my dh would have done a couple years ago too but I am pretty sure he wouldn't anymore...hopefully!

cabmom~ Welcome and congrats on Dean Alan! He's a cutie!

Tamie~ LOVE the new pics of Tyler! Those are really good!

Sorry if I missed anyone! I should be mailing my person's gift tomorrow! Wed. at the latest.

Dh is jealous of those of you that said you have a Cabelas near you. Thankfully we don't, lol! Dh orders their catalogues and looks at their website to get his fix. Hunting season began Saturday and dh killed a deer so he was in a great mood all weekend. I am not crazy about the taste of deer by itself (except the tenderloin) but like it if it is cooked in something like stew or chilli so the free meat is nice.

Speaking of dh, a guy who is one of his customers had a Doberman and told dh he could have it for free. Now I had told dh no more animals but I know how much he loves Dobermans and they are hard to find here. We used to have one but it got sick and we had to put him to sleep. It broke dh's heart. So I am a sap and told dh he could have it but it is his Christmas present. He agreed. I also made sure I got something out of the deal. He is washing dishes tonight, lol! It is a sweet dog so that's a plus.

My carpets look sooo much better now, btw. My hair is 6 inches shorter now and shoulder-length. Dh says he likes it a lot more this length. I am still getting used to it. Well, I probably won't post again until after Thanksgiving so I hope everyone has a great one and stay safe!

Katelyn (dd to 2sweetangels)~ January 17, 2004
Jimmy (ds to lissawynn)~ January 24, 2005
Allie (dd to becka)~ January 24, 2005
Madison (dd to justhat)~ February 26, 2004
Molly (dd to Alice28)~ March 8, 2005
Russ (ds to katerkat)~ March 16, 2005
Anna (dd to DisneyPhD)~ March 29, 2001
Aidan (ds to DisKim)~ April 18, 2005
Tyler (ds to tkyes)~ April 26, 2005
Kylie (dd to Tasha+Scott)~ May 5, 2005
Jace (ds to joats)~ June 17, 2005
Lucas (ds to Strawberry Lemonade)~ June 20, 2005
Lucas (ds to Minnesota!)~ June 22, 2004
Bryce (ds to AngieWin)~ June 26, 2003
Lily (dd to gwcollins71)~ June 29, 2005
Katrina (dd to vald1977)~ July 12, 2005
Eli (ds to JennLynn)~ July 24, 2005
Aidan (ds to bellacam)~ August 1, 2005
Lily (dd to DisneyPhD)~ August 3, 2004
Noah (ds to AngieWin)~ August 12, 2005
Hayley (dd to 2sweetangels)~ August 16, 2005
Jacob (ds to laurajetter)~ August 24, 2005
Cameryn (dd to zalansky)~ September 10, 2005
Liam (ds to Hillbeans)~ September 23, 2005
Shelby (dd to T16GEM)~ October 21, 2005
Sebastian (ds to Disney Enthusiast)~ October 21, 2005
John Paul (ds to llij)~ October 27, 2005
Dean Alan (ds to cabmom)~ November 14, 2005

 

[tkyes]

Thanks guys. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. I'll have to post my finished Christmas card when it's all done.

I took a couple photography classes in highschool and college and I love to take pictures.

Tasha - good luck with the dog. I think I might have gone for cooking dinner and washing dishes, but for maybe the whole week!

I too am so excited for those doing the exchange. I have regrets now that I didn't do it, maybe next year. I can't wait to hear and see what you all get!

Tamie

 

[Alice28]

Whoa ladies! I kept checking the boards yesterday and our thread was so quiet...but today it took off again!

I don't even know where to begin-
Tamie- Tyler is darling- you did a great job!

Gems- my life as mom is as boring as yours- diapers, cleaning up, yadda, yadda....so much fun, isn't it! And it's definitely winter here in Oregon too. Clear and sunny, but SO COLD! I'll have to look up Birmington on a map.

Glad DH's vasectomy went well Val. did I already say that? I'm forgetting!

Tasha- wow a new doggie!?! My DH pulled that stunt a couple years ago (RIGHT after I had Joshua). I was not happy. It was a German Shepherd who needed a LOT of attention and we ended up having to give her away. DH just was never home to train her, and I told him up front, "SHE'S YOUR DOG! I have enough to deal with with the kids...I can't train her and such." Hopefully your situation will be much easier!

Lissawynn, I too would have KILLED DH if he did that! I think mine wouldn't have done it- he's not toooo into all this family frenzy of gift giving anyway. Good for you for standing your ground though...

Justhat- not sure what to say about the jammie ordeal--- all I can think of is that they weren't comfy to her?

Welcome Cabmom and baby Dean! He's a cutie! Molly lost a pound too, and slowly gained it back. It's nerve racking to have to keep getting them weighed- I felt like I was being judged on whether or not I was a good mom who fed her enough or something. Now she's flipping huge.

I got a better night's sleep last night. She only woke up once and then fell right back to sleep after nursing. THANK GOD. I still feel tired though.

MIL sent DS a birthday gift card to Toys R Us and so I had to go there while younger DS was in preschool- my older DS just COULD NOT wait. So now he's putting together some complicated lego thing.

I will mail my package also tomorrow, or Weds at the latest. I have GOT to get my package out to DH, so I can't procrastinate anymore, and I might as well mail them at the same time to save me a trip.

New lines up at Gymbo....I'm in trouble- I really like the baby boy bear stuff- so cute for all our DIS baby boys! I am going to put holds on Wednesday so I can just run in Friday morning and pay for my stuff.

 

[joats]

Tamie: your pictures are adorable. Wow, you take really great photos!
Tyler is so cute!!
Jill: Glad you are feeling better and that John Paul is doing well.
Lissawyn: Hope you are feeling better and Jimmy is ok after his shots. They stink don't they?
Cabmom: Welcome to you and sweet baby Dean. Congrats!
Tasha: Yippee a new dog! Did you name it yet?
Alice: I'll have to check out the Gymbo stuff as Jace's nickname is Bear. I love buying little bear stuff.
Justhat and DisneyPhD: How interesting that Madison is reacting that way to the pjs and that Anna did the same thing. I have never heard of that. Guess just another things I have to look forward to.

We put Jace to bed early tonight as the past few days he has not been napping well. At least he's back to sleeping 10+ hours a night again. I'm still exhausted every night and look forward to getting into bed to just read and veg out! I swear, I don't know how you Moms with more than 1 do it! I'm so tired by the end of the day. I'm wondering if I'm so tired from eye strain as I work on a computer all day.

I dread having to go to VT for Thanksgiving and am praying for snow up North. So far it's scheduled to snow, but we don't know how much. I'm so awful trying to get out of it and praying for snow. It's not so much that I mind spending the time with my in-laws, it's just the car trip. They live too far!! I'd rather spend the weekend at home relaxing and doing stuff around here. I still need to pack up all my maternity clothes, summer clothes and all the stuff Jace no longer fits in (I can't believe he's already in 6-9 mos). I would just love to have 2 extra days to do NOTHING! Schleping Jace to VT does not sound like fun. So, keep your fingers crossed for lots o' snow!!

Tomorrow we go to the Dr to see how Jace's ears are doing. Today he didn't seem to be pulling at them as much. I'm hoping it's resolved on it's own. I'm surprised by how many babies are allergic to Amoxicilin. Jace is so sensitive - we think he's allergic to fleece! LOL!!! He get's all red cheeked after cuddling with or wearing fleece. I'm hoping he'll grow out of some of these skin allergies.

Oh, one quick question: Did/does any one use a "Bundle Me" blanket on your carseat? I was given one and I think it's neat, but I think I read some place they were not safe. Any one know anything about that? (TIA).

Have a good night everyone! And a Happy Thanksgiving if I don't get back on to DIS before then.

 

[2sweetangels]

Not sure if I am suppose to post it here, but I sent out my baby exchange today, so my exchange baby should be getting a package Wednesday or Friday, I sent it priority mail.

 

[bellacam]

Welcome Cabmom and Baby Dean!

Tamie - Those pictures are adorable!

llij - Glad you are feeling better and john Paul is doing well.

Boy this thread moves sometimes! Hope everyone is well. Christmas gift buying was getting to be so much for us too. Then last year we settled things on both sides of our family. On my side we draw names for the adults (including my parents) and buy for the kids, which was just my niece till Aidan came along. With the extended family we buy a $10 gift and do a Yankee Swap. It's pretty fun and there are always some gag gifts everyone tries to get rid of. With DH family we only buy for the kids and then we rent a large cabin at a lake and get together in the summer. It works out much better this way.

Aidan and I will be going out tomorrow to get our exchange gift. I can wait to shop!

 

[justhat]

Joats we have a Bundle Me but we only used it on our stroller so I don't know about the safety of using them in carseats. I love it though for our stroller so I'd definitely recommend keeping it. But then again, if you still use the infant carseat with Jace you probably wouldn't need it for your stroller. We walk a lot since we live right in the city so fur us it was well used-really kept Madison's body very toasty when we were outside. I used to go to the ReelMoms movies sometimes and I remember Ocean's 12 was the movie of the week when it was really cold out. It's about a mile or so to the theater but I decided to go anyway and by the time we got there I thought part of my face and ears would freeze off, but Madison was as warm and when we left the house. (Though I have to add it was more than the bundle me, she obviously had a coat, mitten, and a hat on as well.)

 

[vald1977]

Welcome Cabmom and baby Dean !

Tamie,
Your pics came out great. I think I may do mine in b&w for my Christmas card.

Tasha,
I'm allergic to dogs so my DH hasn't been able to get me to agree to one yet. He does want one I know but I don't want to be on medication forever and my allergy is really bad. Besides, I have enough to clean up with the kids . We did have a fish at one time and no one else could even take care of that.

Jill,
So glad to hear that you and John Paul are doing well .

Good night all .

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Congrats and welcome Cabmom!

Joats - We use a Bundle Me. I think it's great; we haven't had to put a jacket or snowsuit on Lucas at all with it. I suppose it could be unsafe if they pull it up over their faces or fall asleep and drop their heads face first in it, but we haven't had that problem. I bought it because I heard snowsuits and heavy coats can make the car seat straps less effective and that was unsafe.

Tasha - Congrats on your new addition. There's no way we'd ever get a dog. I'm absolutely, 100% NOT a dog person.

Tkyes - Great pictures! You have a great eye.

 

[tkyes]

joats - Tyler has issues with fleece. We don't do fleece jammies. I *think* his was more of a heat rash sort of thing. He had a small red bumpy rash when he woke up in the morning.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Thanks for letting us know you mailed your package, 2sweetangels! Yes, this is where you were supposed to post it too.

Okay, I have a confession about the dog. It is going to be an outside dog! Sorry if that makes me sound cruel to anyone! She was an outside dog already and I just could not handle another dog inside! Our carpet is in such bad shape b/c of our other 3 dogs and 4 cats. Thankfully the carpet cleaner helped a lot with that but I don't want to go through that again. Plus, the 3 dogs we already had would run off sometimes when we would let them out to go to the bathroom. It just became too much with an infant so dh fenced in our back yard and now they stay outside too. They seem pretty happy being outside b/c we have plenty of yard for them to play in. So, this dog will not be a burden on me thankfully! I told dh before he brought her home she would be his sole responsibility as I am done with anymore pets! I love my pets, don't get me wrong! But if and when they ever pass away I am completely done with animals. Too much work!

Dh decided to name his dog Zorro. She is a black and tan Doberman, around 5 months old according to her previous owner. Very sweet, gentle dog. She managed to get out of the yard (jumped the fence! ) within an hour after he brought her home tonight. He has her on a cable for the time being until he can redo the fence or something. Anyway, I really did not want this dog but he has wanted another Doberman since his other passed over 4 years ago and I just felt bad and gave in.

The other animals I have (w/the exception of 2 of my dogs) were all rescued from either abusive situations or right before they were going to be euthanized. Yep, I am a sucker for suffering animals but I just can't help anymore as we already have taken in too many. Actually I originally had 2 more cats (besides the 4 we still have) but they had feline leukemia and I wasn't able to save them. It was hard to put them to sleep but they got so sick that it would have been cruel not to. They were suffering. It was hard to watch and it was almost even harder to put them to sleep, but the one got to where he couldn't even walk anymore and would poop all over himself.

Anyway, I just thought I'd confess so you all would know that I am not going to be the one caring for this dog. It won't even be in the house! And if Kylie ever develops an allergy to animals I will not think twice about getting rid of them. It would be hard to without a good reason but my child's health definitely qualifies as a good reason so that will be the one way I would get rid of them.

Anyway, I really do need to get off of here now. And I am going to try to get the house cleaned tomorrow and Wed. so I can enjoy Thanksgiving at my mom's and then come home and put the tree up that night so I probably won't have time to post on here until after the holiday! Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

 

[bellacam]

Joats - I am also looking at the Bundle Me. I had the infant one for the carrier and now that we are in convertible car seats, I was wondering about the bigger one.

This from a review of the Bundle Me line:

The Original Bundle Me is the first of its kind, leading the way in comfort, convenience, and fashion. The only product of its kind, the Bundle Me has a patented design that features a removable top. This feature enables parents to easily regulate the baby's temperature with two-way zippers on each side. The bottom piece can be left in the car seat, providing a soft and cozy protective cover (accommodates car seats, strollers, bike trailers, etc.). In line with JJ Cole's commitment to child safety, the Bundle Me has been tested to FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) 213 requirements. All tests passed on the child restraint system, indicating that the Bundle Me product appeared to have little to no effect on the performance of the child restraint system. Fits infants from 0 - 12 months.

 

[justhat]

I've really gotta finish packing since we're leaving for Phoenix today and I have a meeting for Madison's school before then, but I just had to say I think it's so great that you take in all those animals Tasha. We adopted a kitten 4 years ago and she had feline leukemia and we ended up having to put her down when she was 9 months old. It was so, so sad so I know how hard it must have been for you too cause it's such a sad illness to see them suffer with. Right now we only have 2 bunnies, but once we get a house I plan to adopt 2 dogs. Unfortunately for me though my husband is not as much of an animal lover as yours is. He basically just wants cats, but I'm allergic to them so that's out (though we had 3 when I was growing up despite my allergy).

 

[vald1977]

I really need to vent right now!

I said a few pages back that we were going to my mother's for Thanksgiving but that she's the type to change her mind about things. Well, guess what? She just called and said she's not doing it! I'm so p'od right now. The thing is I just really want to see my grandparents and they live pretty far from me but my mom's is in between us and them. They don't drive anymore and they have to rely on my mother who is such a PITA. She does this sort of thing with cancelling plans all the time. So now we have no where to go and we don't have the money to go and buy all the stuff for me to make the dinner here plus our turkey is frozen solid and would never defrost in time. I swear I can't stand my own mother sometimes. She is so selfish and self-centered and has always been that way. As I have become a mom and see just how much she missed out on by being the way she is and just how much of a raw deal I got as a child it makes me resent her more and more . I could literally write a book about all the hurtful and thoughtless things she has done so don't think I'm this upset about just one dinner. It is a whole lifetime of her that is bothering me right now. It just really frustrates me because now my grandparents will be stuck home alone for the holiday when she would NOT let me do the dinner to begin with because she wanted to do it. DH said maybe we could take them out to dinner but they can't fit in our car with us and the two kids. It just makes me so sad to think that they have to depend on my flakey mother for things. Dh said that whatever I want to do we will do to see my grandparents. I think I will call them in a bit and try to make plans to come up and see them on Friday. They are the sweetest people.

Sorry for the vent but I am really upset right now. Thank God I have a wonderful MIL who is great to my kids so they at least have one good grandmother.

 

[Alice28]

Val----I would be POed too! How irritating for your mother to cancel so last minute! Grrrrrrrrrrr....I wish I could help you out in some way. I was given a whole bag of food yesterday from the Army (someone donated Thanksgiving baskets to everyone) and my mom is cooking so I don't even need it! I wish I could send it all to you....

Speaking of the Army, DH was given an unexpected promotion today- he is now a platoon SGT- in charge of 18 other guys. The original one had to come home because of some serious family problems (wife got hooked on meth and abandoned their kids!!!!!!!!). The one who took over wasn't doing a good job & had a rotten attitude....so yesterday they asked him to leave and replaced him with DH! He's overwhelmed. He is a very good leader, extremely smart (like mensa smart), but he wasn't expecting this and some of the other SGTs are POed cause they technically should have been promoted first. I told DH that obvious the commander and other platoon sgts have recognized his ability to lead, stay calm under pressure and think things through or they wouldn't have done it! He asked me to pray for him (something he hasn't done in years- he's kind of been a little hazy on the whole God thing in the last few years, but that's a whole nother story), so I'm passing the request on to just about anyone who will listen to me. Please pray for my DH- to give him wisdom, patience and the ability to make the right decisions quickly when necessary. Keep him and all his soldiers safe. His name is Bob. Thanks!

Anyway, I need to get ready for DS's school conference.

Robin

 

[llij]

Valerie - to you! Sorry to hear that your Thanksgiving plans fell apart. I hope that you all end up having a great Thanksgiving with your grandparents.

Justhat - Have a great time in Phoenix!

Tasha - Congrats on the new dog. It sounds like it will all work out well with Zorro being an outdoor dog.

Joats - I hope that it snows for you so that you can have a few relaxing days at home.
I've never hear of a "Bundle Me". You all have me intrigued. I'll have to look for one since all the little baby jackets are way too big for John Paul.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving!!

ETA: Alice28 - congrats to your DH on his promotion. I will definitely keep him in my prayers.

 

[Alice28]

My box went "postal" this morning (priority) so my swap recipient should receive it Friday or Saturday.

 

[lissawynn]

Hello from middle school land. I played catch up all day today, and aside from the spelling tests I have to grade, I'm all caught up. Tomorrow is kind of a waste of a day here, so I'll be grading my tests and getting my fall stuff off my walls and door.

I have to tell you all about the nasty parent e-mail I received. A student didn't follow the directions on her homework and earned a low grade (2/15 points). She never said one word about it to me. Didn't try to explain what she did; nothing. I keep all of my grades using a program called Thinkwave. It published the grades to the net so parents and studnets can access the grades at any time. This father has the nerve to try to blame me for his daughter's mistake. He ends his message by writing, "Obviously you have no concern for your students. Thank you."
Well, ladies, I just about flipped the crazy switch. Yes, I have no concern for my students. That's why I READ the directions to them for EVERY assignment they complete. I also have them complete and EXAMPLE from EVERY section of their assignments. I also give class time to complete EVERY homework assignment. In addition, I maintain a website with just about any information a parent or student could need concerning my class. I also use a ton of MY time outside of school to maintain my on-line gradebook. I am by no means trying to toot my own horn and act as if I'm the best teacher going. Where in the H*** does he get off calling my unconcerned?
So, what did I do today? After I fired off a somewhat nasty e-mail (I disguised my nastiness the best I could and tried to be teacherly), I told ALL of my students that it is not my fault if they don't follow the directions. Then I had them tell me whether or not I always read them the directions. All replied yes. I then asked them if we always did an example together. Again, a yes. I finished by asking them if it was my fault if they didn't follow the directions. A big no this time.
Sorry for the rant, but some parents really have a way of getting under my skin.

I have outside bus duty. I'll get back to all of you later! Good afternoon!

 

[vald1977]

Robin,
That is so sweet of you. Thanks for the good wishes.

Jill,
Thank you for the good wishes also .

I feel a bit better as I talked to my grandmother and have plans to go and visit her on Friday. She is so happy to have a chance to visit the kids. I also told her that I AM doing Christmas dinner and I will make sure she will have a ride no matter what. My mother has pulled that a couple of times where she decides she's not going to get them . I just really wish she didn't have the power to hurt me like she does. I wish I could just not care but I don't know how to do it.

Congrats to your Dh, Robin! What an honor . I already keep him in my prayers but I just said an extra one for strength and wisdom in his new position. Good luck with conference.

I may have to check out the Bundle Me too if it can be used in a regular car seat. Sounds a lot better than a snow suit.