The Official New Mom Thread

[Alice28]

Molly has a croupy cough now. She sounds soooooo pathetic. We were up a lot last night and she wanted to nurse constantly. I'm very tired this AM.

Happy 9 months to Jimmy!

Welcome Angie!

Justhat- I'm so sorry about your nephew- poor little guy. Hopefully he will be on the mend soon.

SL- too funny about Lucas and his fake cough- amazing what they come up with so early. He probably just likes to hear himself.

Tkyes- I doubt that rash is from sweet potatoes, but you never know. Hope it clears up really soon and congrats on his tooth!

DisneyPhD- Five! Here's lots of that you have an easy week!

I don't know much else. Just hoping Molly's clothes sell on ebay so I can do my wishlist at Gymboree without spending any money out of the checking account. Cute little cupcake stuff! I have a too fancy overall set I bought last time that I want to exchange, but since I bought it with my gymbucks at half price, I won't get much back to buy the new denim overalls I think are so sweet. DH and I have had some heart to heart emails about spending, paying off bills, and besides Christmas gifts, I am bound and determined to not buy anything with the paycheck $ that we don't need. DH will be home soon & I want to have extra bucks for fun family stuff.

 

[DisKim]

Hi everyone! I can't believe how old all of the babies are getting!! I finally got around to getting help for my bad back. It turns out I have an injured disk. I had to take a day off work yesterday because I couldn't move. My dear BIL is a chiropractor. I put a call in to him and he never got back to me. Nice, huh. I was really ticked. I ended up seeing another chiropractor. I'm sure my BIL will be offended when he finds out. Aidan had his 6 month check up yesterday. He's over 19 pounds. No wonder my back hurts! He's gotten his two bottom teeth. I spent most of the weekend trying to find outfits for the kids' Christmas picture. It was hell. My poor DD couldn't fit into any of the dresses she wanted. She is slightly overweight. She definitely isn't "fat". I feel like writing a letter to The Children's Place. Their clothes run so small. With a name like that, you would think they would make clothes to fit all types of children. I really don't feel like dealing with the whole Christmas thing this year. I have no time for decorating, shopping, etc.

SL - All three of my kids did "the coughing game". That's what we call it. It's so cute. I guess many of them realize that they can get a reaction from you if they cough.

Here's a question for the breastfeeding moms - Aidan has been biting me - hard. It has happened one too many times and I think I have to wean him. Is there any way to get the baby to stop biting?? Those teeth are sharp! I really don't want to stop nursing yet. He's my last little baby and I'm not ready to give it up yet. Any advice???

 

[KristiKelly]

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I haven't checked in in awhile. I have been super busy lately, Mary Grace's christening is this Sunday and I'm trying to get my house clean, been cleaning base boards, windows, blinds, etc. all that stuff that I don't like to do.

Anyway, last week something really awful happened to a friend of a friend of mine. A couple had a little boy just 1 week younger than Mary Grace that died of SIDS. I have not been able to sleep well since, I find myself constantly going to check on her when she's asleep.

I had been talking to DH about purchasing an Angelcare Monitor (the monitor that can detect breathing while a baby sleeps) for her but couldn't find any stores around here that actually carried it. I started looking on the internet and found one. If any of you are interested I'll post the link. It is on sale for $43, then when you check out there is a code for an additional 10% off. With shipping & everything it was ~ $45. They retail for around $80. Here's the link http://store.babycenter.com/search/results/?_requestid=20717 . I just wanted to pass that along in case anyone is interested.

I hope everyone's baby is doing well. Mary Grace is doing great. She goes for her 4 mo. check up on Friday. I can't believe how fast the time is flying.

Have a great day!!!

 

[zalansky]

Alice28, thank you for the Ebay advice. I have to get moving and list my things before they are out of date. I was also considering bringing them to a consignment shop....I just don't know. I am so lazy right now! I hope your things sell soon, I was in the mall yesterday and went to Gymboree (no good sales right now ) and saw the outfit Molly was wearing in her pics. I love it! It was still pretty $$$ so I didn't think of getting it, or anything else for that matter....I had to get out of the store fast because I saw lots of cute things and would have spent money.

I went to the Disney Store and got the baby a Snow White dress in size 2/3 for dress up when she gets older. It was on sale...of course. I want to get her all the princess dresses for when we visit Disney since we have AP's.

Speaking of Disney we are going to take the kids (for Connor) to Downtown Disney this Sunday. They are going to have trick or treating for the kids and some events going on. I am surprised I was able to convince DH to go, usually he tells me no!

KristiKelly -
That is just awful about the baby that died of SIDS. My heart goes out to them, it is so devastating.

Hope all is well with everyone - Hillbeans - are you getting any more sleep this week??

Have a great day!

 

[tkyes]

Well I brought Tyler into the Dr. again. No real concensus on his rash though. Most likely baby excema but no magic cure all treatment. We are going to switch his formula and see if that does anything. His cheeks and chin are so chapped from drooling and teething then combined with this all over body rash, the poor kid is just a mess. He won't leave his ears alone either, he keeps tugging on them. The dr said his ears look fine though. *sigh*

kristikelly - we love our angelcare monitor. It provides some much needed reassurance to help us sleep at night. Tyler is just using it as a monitor now though. We no longer use the pad because he moves around so much that he moves offf the pad.

alice - sorry to hear that Molly has croup! Poor thing!

I think my parents are taking Tyler and I out for his 6 month birthday tonight. DH is out of town so it will be fun to get out of the house.

Have a good day everyone.

tamie

 

[DisneyPhD]

KristiKelly, so sorry for your friend. That is so devistating.

When Lily was 8 weeks old I had a good friend who's baby died when she was 39 weeks pregnant. She had to deliver still born and it turns out the cord was wrapped around her neck 6 times. It is so heart breaking. The 1st time I ever left Lily alone was to go to the furneral.

Every night when I woke to feed Lily I would cry knowing my friend was not able too. I don't know how my friend handeled it. She is such a strong and lovley person.

Support groups has really helped my friend and her DH cope with the loss. They are trying again, but not currenlty pregnant. The one year aniversary was a last week. They had a party and had people bring doations for the hosptial for families with still borns.

 

[Minnesota!]

Hey all - long time no post.

Kristi - how heartbreaking. I worry about SIDS all the time, even with DS being 16 months. I cannot imagine. I don't know how I lived without Lucas before he was here...cannot imagine losing him now. (((((hugs)))) for your friend!

Tamie - Lucas had the same thing at about 8 months - the rash. Was all over his face, his chest, his lower arms,and his lower legs. It was sensitive skin, I guess. Cleared up eventually. We used Aquaphor on his face, no scented lotions on his body, the sensitive skin baby wash (Target makes an awesome generic version), and just made sure he always had some moisture on his body. It stinks, but it will cure itself. Can't believe Tyler is 6 months already! Wow! Enjoy your first Halloween!

I am a Gymbo addict, too. Molly's outfit is adorable! I like the new Penguin line, but will stay clear as $$$ is really tight around here lately. Trying to refinance and get rid of our debt...we are hoping to TTC in the coming months.

We are supposed to go to Disney next December too, but I am hoping that either 1) I am preggo and we don't, or 2) we just make it a beach trip b/c I would like to save some $$$. Any recomendations on beaches/nice family resorts?

I hope you are all doing well. Lucas just hit 16 months. He will be a dog for Halloween...

Here are some recent pics (Halloween costume and his fall/Christmas pics)

First pony ride

Sorry to be a board hog :O)

 

[tkyes]

minnesota - I can't believe Lucas is 16 months old! Time flies! Those pictures are great. Thanks for sharing them with us.

Thanks for sharing your rash story too. I feel so bad for Tyler, he's just covered. Around his mouth and chin are by far the worst and look so chapped and sore. I'm using aquafor and some lotion. I just hope it clears up soon.

tamie

 

[Alice28]

Oh man, I'm so sorry about your friend Kristi- that is soooo devastating, words do not even come close to expressing how sad that is.

Poor Tyler! I hope his rash clears up really soon.

I don't know much- Molly is biting me too sometimes and MAN it hurts. It's usually when she's just putzing around, not really nursing (like when she's doing her latch- suck- unlatch- latch- suck-suck- unlatch). I have kind of quickly taken her off and said, "NO Molly! Owie!" She did it HARD last night, hard enough for me to drop a serious swear word, and I said, "Molly! NO!" And she cried hurt feelings cry! I felt badly, but then she didn't bite me again. If she still does it when she cuts a top tooth, I think I may have to wean her. I remember the boys only rarely doing it, but I could be having foggy Mom memory.

Guess what - I think I'm down to about the 10 week mark til DH leaves Iraq! My ticker is set for the date I think he will be home-home. Their official date to leave Iraq is 1/12; he is supposedly leaving 1-2 weeks before that so he can take some classes here stateside. We don't know where yet, but I would just like him to be OUT of there!

minnesota- I can't believe how big your baby is! Wow! I like that penguin line too; I just got invited to a baby shower for a neighbor who is having a c-section next week. She doesn't know what it is; I think if it's a boy I may have to get some of that line. Supposedly a little birdie told me there is a 30% off sale Veteran's day weekend. Sign up got Gymboree emails (anyone) and you will get the coupon near that weekend. Sidenote- don't you think this is awfully soon for a shower- her c-section is the 1st; the shower is the 13th. I just had my kids vag, and I wouldn't be ready for a "get together" 12 days later. Maybe I'm nuts. She wants it so soon afterwards cause she doesn't want to buy any gendered clothes til after baby comes...I was like, "Then why didn't you just find out what it was at the ultrasound if you're so worried about it!!!!!!" This is the neighbor that I described long ago, I think on this thread or maybe it was the moms to be thread that DRIVEs ME CRAZY sometimes with her bossiness/nosiness & know it all attitude.

I went to the pumpkin patch, again, today. With Josh's preschool this time. I was tired, but it was another nice day, so pleasant outside. And more pumpkins for the front porch! We already have 6 and I haven't even bought a big carving pumpkin yet. Can't wait for DH to be home so he can do it next year!

 

[zalansky]

Here are some pics of Cameryn we had taken over the weekend....

I love this shot -

 

[Alice28]

OMG Loretta! Camryn is SO ADORABLE!

 

[justhat]

Those photos of Lucas and Cameryn are adorable!! I love that 1st photo of Cameryn, it's so cute. And Madison went on her 1st pony ride this weekend too. I'll have to post some photos of her cause at first she hated it but then she loved it and wanted to go again. You can see her emotions change as the ride goes on, it's funny.

Biting while breastfeeding was no fun. Madison was never really a biter thank gosh, but she did bite me a few times but I really think they were accidents. She'd be sort of nursing, then stop to look around but sorta stay latched and then bite. The 1st time it hurt so much that I had the same reaction as you did, Alice28, and Madison cried too. I felt so bad for yelling so I hugged her and explained, but of course she was only about 11 months or so. She only did it 1 or 2 more times after that. But Madison didn't really have any teeth till 16 months though so none of the bites were that bad (she had 2 bottom teeth, but they were very, very tiny).

Madison turned 20 months today and she's still nursing once a day. I thought we'd have been done about a month ago, but she still asks every morning when she first wakes up. I'm always so tired when the alarm goes off that I let her lay in bed with me, nurse, and watch Wiggles before we get up and ready for school. We're going away in 2 weeks though and I'm thinking that with her schedule being a little different and hopefully not getting up as early I'll just get out of bed when we first wake up and then she'll be weaned by the time we're back. Honestly I think I'll miss that time in the morning, but I'm also definitely ready to wean her. Part of it is that I'm going with my husband on one of his interviews in January and Madison will stay with my mom overnight and I don't want the waking up to nurse thing to be an issue.

I have a question for you mommies-how long have you or would you leave your kids overnight? We're leaving Madison for 1 night for an interview in Nashville (basically 2 nights as we're leaving at 8am on Tuesday and won't be home till midnight on Wednesday) but my husband also has some interviews in Arizona the next week. He's got 3 different interviews there in Phoenix and Tucson so he scheduled them all for the same time, Thursday, Friday, and Monday. He wants me and Madison to go with him, but I'm not sure I want to pay for 2 more airline tickets, plus I'm not crazy about taking Madison out of school for 3 or 4 days. No, not cause of learning or anything, but it took her a long time to adjust to getting dropped off everyday, and in fact she's been crying in the mornings again this week (though I think cause my husband came with us to drop her off so it broke the routine). But I'm thinking that she'll be gone for 7 days of school in November for our vacation, then 2 days later for 3 days over Thanksgiving, then 2 weeks at Christmas, then she'll be back in school for 2 weeks or so and then we'd have to take her out again for 3 or 4 days. So I was thinking maybe I'd go (I love Arizona, it's where we want to live permanently), but then Madison would have to stay with my mom Wednesday through Tuesday-5 or 6 nights depending on when we'd come home. She loves my mom and I know she'd be fine, but she's never been away from me that long so I'm not sure how she'd handle it (or how I would!). Right now I'm thinking my husband will go himself and we'll both stay home, which would save us about $400 on airfare anyway, but what do you guys think?

 

[justhat]

Here are some photos of Madison at Incredibles on Ice and at the Pumpkin Patch.

She suddenly developed this love of Buzz after our WDW trip a month ago. So even though it was Incredibles on Ice they had Buzz stuff so that's what she wanted.

This was one of the slides at the patch. Some where huge and really creative. This was one of the smaller slides.

Madison first getting on the pony-not very happy at all.

Getting to like the pony.

Happy on the pony!

Feeding a goat in the petting farm.

Finally we got pumpkins!

 

[vald1977]

Hi,
Wow! What great pictures of Lucas, Cameryn, and Madison ! Thanks for sharing everyone.

Tamie,
My DS also gets a rash from sensitive and dry skin in cold months. When he was a baby I did as Minnesota does and made sure to use the hypo-allergenic products on him and made sure he was always lotioned up well. I hope it gets better soon.

Robin,
That's so great that you are down to the 10 week mark for DH to be back in the States . As far as the shower, I get irked at people that want to control their own showers, gifts, etc. . It takes the fun out of giving. I have one friend who always tells people what to get her son for his birthdays in the invitation . One year it was money for a swingset and one year it was gift cards to buy clothes. Now I have no problem with someone giving ideas when asked what to get but to put it on the invitation is just so tacky, imo. This same friend always has these HUGE parties for every little occasion (100+ for kid's birthdays, dj and hall anniversary parties every year) yet she wants everyone who attends to bring all the food! When you R.S.V.P. she reads you her "menu" and you have to sign up for what you want to bring! Now again I don't have an issue with bringing stuff to a party and I usually offer but I hate to be told I have to. She even expects her guest to bring the big stuff like finger sandwiches. I would never dream of having a party and then have my guests bring the supplies. Sorry for the tangent but this issue really bugs me. It sounds like your neighbor is doing something similar in trying to control the shower.

Justthat,
My personal limit for leaving my kids is two nights. After that I just miss them too much. Maybe you and Madison could join you DH just for the weekend in AZ.?

 

[Hillbeans]

What adorable baby pictures!! Cameryn, Lucas and Madison are all gorgeous, thanks for sharing.

Tammy, sorry to hear about baby Tyler's rash - I've used aquaphor on my son's rash that he gets on his arms and it seems to work well. It's tough though when a rash is on the face because it's such a sensitive area of skin. Hope he's feeling better soon. Enjoy your night out!

Just that - Personally, I think it's ok to spend a night away from your child if you are very comfortable with whomever is watching them. I have a very good friend who is also a neighbor and she watched my son when I was in the hospital giving birth. I have spent a night here and there away from my oldest son, but most of those times he was with my husband (like when my mom was very sick and was dying, I stayed up by my dad a night here and there). I don't think you can worry about the routine too much, especially if Madison gets along very well with your mother. Go and have a great time.

Last night Liam was a complete monster!!! He was so overtired he cried for hours.....*SIGH*. Today I started back on a loose method of the "Baby Whisperer" E.A.S.Y. routine - I don't think i've been letting him get enough real sleep during the day by putting him down for naps. I do think I let him get overstimulated and overtired so i'm working to fix that (but it's hard to keep my 4 yo out of his face). So far today we're on nap # 2 and we're right on schedule. We'll see how this works out.

 

[Alice28]

After my kids hit about 1 1/2-2, I was comfortable leaving them for more than a couple nights. Esp if it was just with grandparents whom the kids were comfortable with. When DS#1 was about 2.5 we went to Disneyland for 4 nights. When DS#2 was 2 I went to WDW with my mother for 6 nights (granted Daddy was home with him, and the other grandma). I think it's up to you, but I bet she would be fine with Gramma.... Sounds like great fun to get away with DH!

 

[zalansky]

The pics of Lucas and Madison are really great! I wish we had a pumpkin patch nearby to take our kids to.

Justthat - I am in the same quandry as you. I booked two nights at WDW in December, with the thought I'd bring both kids. My mother in law offered to keep Cameryn those nights for us so we could go and not have to worry about all the baby gear and sleeping, etc. At first I was thrilled and then it set in that I wasn't sure if I could leave her for two whole nights! I am going to do it though, she will be with Grandma who will take good care of her and it will fly by. I think you should go to Nashville and have a great time. Who knows when the opportunity will present itself again? She will be in great hands...

Hillbeans - sending some pixie dust your way that the routine gets going asap. I know how hard it is, I think we all do! I've had Cameryn on a loose schedule since she came home from the hospital and knock on wood, so far, it is working. She has never kept us up at night yet. shhhhhhh, I don't want to say that out loud because I will jinx myself and be up all night tonight!! Anyway let us know how it goes, good luck.

This week will be the end of my 7th week of maternity leave, it is FLYING by, I can't believe it. I get paid for 8 weeks out of 12 so next week is my last paid week. I better get used to it if I plan on staying home after the first of the year. I am still so on the fence about it...but will make my decision when I go back for the last few weeks of December. I have a feeling whatever I decide won't be easy!!!

Everyone, have a great day, hope all is well.

 

[bellacam]

What beautiful pics everyone! The kids are just adorable.

I am kind of in shock. A mommy on another board I frequent went to get her daughter out of her crib at 7:30 this morning and the baby had passed sometime during the night. There were no other details other than a post by a friend to let us know what had happened. I am really sad and scared at the same time. This little one was a few weeks older than Aidan! I, for the first time, put Aidan to bed in his crib last night. He did great, not a peep from 8:30 to 5:30 this morning but now I don't want to keep him in there! He is getting too big for his bassinet and was quite content in the crib, but I am freaking out something will happen. Silly, I know, but I can't get this out of my head.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

What great pictures everyone! All the babies are so freakin' cute!

Tamie~ Hope Tyler's rash clears up soon! Poor little sweetheart!

Minnesota~ Good luck w/ TTC soon! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Kristikelly and bellacam~ That's so sad about those poor babies! I will keep their families in my prayers!

When Kylie was 2 months old a little baby down the road from me died of SIDS. I posted it way back somewhere on this thread. I remember how paranoid I was after that too, Bridget! Then it seemed like everyone started giving me all these tragic stories of babies dying from SIDS, being beaten to death, etc. Why everyone thought I, as a 1st time mommy to a sweet baby girl, would want to hear that is beyond me! I was so nervous after that. Kylie will be 6 months a week from Sat. and the fear has just recently started to go away some, but not completely. I try to remember that, no matter what, I can only do so much to protect her and shelter her from the terrible things that can happen. I also place my faith in God. It is scary, I agree, but I wouldn't stop letting Aidan sleep in his crib despite what has happened, especially if he has adjusted well to it already. SIDS is scary, but is actually pretty rare these days, esp. if you do what you can to prevent it. Don't put blankets, toys, or anything else in the crib w/him. Always lay him on his back. Keep him away from cigarette smoke if at all possible. And there is also a new study saying that SIDS can be reduced if you put baby to bed with a pacifier. Those are just some of the things I remember. I am sure there are several more and if you google it I am sure you will get much more thorough/accurate lists. Like I said, it is scary, no doubt. But if you are doing all you can to prevent it that should ease your mind some.

Nothing much to report here. Kylie had a checkup today. She now weighs 18 lbs and is 26.5 inches long. She is almost too long for her infant carseat. I am going to Toys R Us to buy her a new one next week.

Hope everyone (and your babies) is doing well!

 

[DisneyPhD]

When Kylie was 2 months old a little baby down the road from me died of SIDS. I posted it way back somewhere on this thread. I remember how paranoid I was after that too, Bridget! Then it seemed like everyone started giving me all these tragic stories of babies dying from SIDS, being beaten to death, etc. Why everyone thought I, as a 1st time mommy to a sweet baby girl, would want to hear that is beyond me! I was so nervous after that. Kylie will be 6 months a week from Sat. and the fear has just recently started to go away some, but not completely. I try to remember that, no matter what, I can only do so much to protect her and shelter her from the terrible things that can happen. I also place my faith in God. It is scary, I agree, but I wouldn't stop letting Aidan sleep in his crib despite what has happened, especially if he has adjusted well to it already. SIDS is scary, but is actually pretty rare these days, esp. if you do what you can to prevent it. Don't put blankets, toys, or anything else in the crib w/him. Always lay him on his back. Keep him away from cigarette smoke if at all possible. And there is also a new study saying that SIDS can be reduced if you put baby to bed with a pacifier. Those are just some of the things I remember. I am sure there are several more and if you google it I am sure you will get much more thorough/accurate lists. Like I said, it is scary, no doubt. But if you are doing all you can to prevent it that should ease your mind some.

Hope everyone (and your babies) is doing well!

I was wondering about the baby and if it was exposed to smoking at all (I know this makes a big difference). Tell me about the study with the pacifier. My DD's have always used one as a baby, but I didn't know it helped reduce sids. It also makes me feel better about SIDS knowing I did all I could to prevent it too.

When little was around 13 months old I put a flat pillow in her bed to prop her up since she was very congested. After that point she started sleeping all night. I don't know if it helped or just timing, but she sure likes her crib better now. Some people have their babies in actual beds by now so I figured a flat not very soft pillow shouldn't be too bad, she is always a back sleeper too.