The Official New Mom Thread

[justhat]

Jill, I did not have a c-section, and after weighning myself yesterday found out that I am only 4 pounds heavier than I was prebaby, but my weight is still distributed differently! It may not be what you meant, but even though I don't weigh much more, things just seem to fit differently than they used to. I bought new pants yesterday, all in my prebaby size, 1 even a size smaller (so I guess my pre-husband size!), but I definitely don't look the same as I used to.

 

[Alice28]

Jill- didn't have a c-section so I can't help you there....I would give yourself another good week or two though. Take it easy! I know just with a vag birth it takes a couple weeks to have any sort of stamina. Part of it is because you're so tired too!

Clothing! again, give yourself some time. Molly is 8 months today, and I can fit into all my pre-pregnancy clothes, but they don't fit the same. They're not quite as loose. And I lost all my Molly weight right away too. Was 1 pound shy of my pre-pregnancy weight at my 6 week check up. But, I still need to lose that extra 30 pounds I was carrying around before I had ANY children. I know it's frustrating though--- after all that post-partum swelling goes down you will feel better, even if you don't quite fit into your old clothes. Maybe you can find some cheap "transition" clothes like at Target or somewhere where you won't be forking out big $$? You know, just a pair or two of stretch pants maybe and a couple size bigger tops. Or, if you're not too offended by buying larger sizes, go ahead and buy a pair of inexpensive jeans in a large size- there's something to be said for being able to wear pants that actually button! Who cares what the size says!

 

[tkyes]

Thanks guys. We are pretty happy with his pictures. I just have to decide which ones to order! I like the rocking chair one. I really like the closeup with his hand in his mouth too. As well as the one where he is trying to get the teddy bear.

Welcome laurajetter and baby Jacob!!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Wow! I haven't been on in several days and I missed so very much! Sebastian went from sleeping most of his days and nights to having a few really fussy days. I thought, "And here it begins." But yesterday and today he has been back to sleeping. I find giving him a bath tires him out and he sleeps well afterward. I had to play catch up w/ my acctg for work though seeing as I had those 5 days in the hospital, then I had visitors every day, then I had those fussy days where I had to hold him constantly as I typed away, so this is really my first chance to get on the boards and catch up.

Here we go...... Hope I don't miss anybody.

Happy Birthday Tamie! So glad you had fun at the spa!

Getting legs and arms caught in the slats of the crib..... Caroline has screamed out numerous times after getting caught.

Flu shots.........My DH and I and my 2 older children got flu shots just before Sebastian was born. We were given clearance since we would have a newborn in the home.

Alice28 - That was a really cute story about POC. I always wish I could come up w/ comebacks that quickly but I always think of the really good ones an hour later. I don't know how you do it, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices you and your DH make for the rest of us. As far as being a bad Mommy... My DS slept w/ us until he was 1 1/2, my DD until she was 6 mos. (We kicked her out since she rolled and tossed and punched and kicked all night long.). I truly believe you must do whatever gives you peace and rest. If that means allowing a pacifier, family bed arrangements, or whatever, you do what works for your family. Don't ever feel bad about that. And my dear Caroline fell out head first and I caught her before she hit by her ankle just as a PP mentioned happened to her. Now that is what you call good reflexes. And I would love to have a Container Store around here. I am a nut when it comes to organizing and categorizing and I would go crazy in a place like that.

T&S - I just love Kylie's new pic in your sig. Her blue eyes are to die for.

Zalansky - You do look fantastic! And the thought that you just had a baby recently makes you even more so. One can sure see the happiness emanating from you w/ your family snuggled close by.

DisneyPHD - Congrats on the size 6! You make me want to work out and I just had Sebastian 2 wks ago. The Halloween pics BTW are adorable.

Bellacam - Hope Aidan feels better soon! I just love his pic in the sweater. He looks like a model in an ad!

Hillbeans - The Halloween pic in your sig is so cute. Your boys are adorable. How is big brother enjoying his new role?

DisKim - Hope you have a great time in FLA! I'll be thinking of you as it gets colder and colder where I live.

Gwcollins - Thank you for your lovely comment about my youngest.

SL - I loved that pic of Lucas flying as well. He just looks like he is full of energy.

Lissawynn - So sorry Jimmy has been ill. Hope he feels better soon.

llij - John Paul is so darling. I, too, find it hard to believe he is only 5 lbs. in that pic. What a cutey! As far as C-sections and feeling back to normal..... With my 1st son, who was an emergency, I wasn't back to normal for over 6 wks. I got tired easily and wasn't allowed to drive for about 2 mos. I even asked for more meds 3 wks after my surgery... over the counter meds were not enough. Plus, the added worry of being a first time Mom and lack of sleep, nursing, it took a long time to recover. With my DD's C it took about 2 wks. At about 2 wks I was still getting tired easily and I ached a bit. At about 3 wks, I was feeling pretty good. With this one, I drove my Mom to the doctor less than a few days after I got home and I feel pretty perky. I vacuumed, I ran up the stairs a million times, even thought about working out because I felt so good. The only thing is the clothing issue. My nonmaternity clothes brush up against the incision and hurt after a few hours. So I am still in baggy clothes. I am taking Motrin now and only take it when the aches and pains start... maybe twice a day. So it may take a while to get back into your prebaby clothes, but I've always heard that it takes you 9 mos. to get there, it'll take at least 9 mos. to get back. So don't beat yourself up.

Welcome Laura and Jacob! Mine did finally go back to normal. I must have grown 5 cup sizes... ackkk! How awful! As DisKim mentioned, the chest exercises really did the trick for me.

I just bought tickets to Disney on Ice - The Incredibles today. I wanted to wait til after baby to make sure I was up to it. And I feel pretty good. DH will stay home w/ the new baby, and I will take the older children. My Aunt/Godmother, Godmother to my children, will drive an hour to "help" me and so I bought her a ticket too. I am looking soooo forward to having a splash of Disney this week. Woo Hoo!

Take care everyone!

 

[zalansky]

Jill - I just had my second c-section and I would say it took 2 full weeks to start feeling better every day. If I over exerted myself I would feel it. But now I am 8 weeks out and feel perfect. I would say I have been feeling this good since I was about 3 - 4 weeks after she was born. As for the swelling that took a while to go away. There were days I thought I was going to have that pooch forever. It looks 95% better, seems to get better every day still. The nurse at my OB office told me to take Motrin and use a heating pad to help the swelling and I do think it helped.
I have 8 pounds left to go before I am at the weight I started at with this pregnancy, and I haven't tried to lose weight yet. I had gained 37 pounds this time so I am happy I've only got 8 pounds to lose. I am sure you will be feeling good again any day now. Keep us posted.

 

[Hillbeans]

This thread moves so fast! I can't keep up. I apologize if I missed anything.

Glad to hear Aiden and Jimmy are feeling better - hope all the other babies are feeling better also.

Jill/LLIJ - I still need to lose about 15 pounds of the 38 I gained while pg...I bought some pants with a touch of elastic to wear, I was getting too frustrated trying to fit into my old stuff and i'm pretty emotional these days and don't need the added pressure of having no clothes that fit. I am not wearing any maternity wear though, I was sick of those things also.

Tamie - Tyler's portraits are wonderful! Your son is gorgeous! I like the christmas card pose.

Does anyone here use a baby bjorn or carry their child around in a sling? I spoke with the doctor today after 3 bad nights of Colic and he told me it's not the formula, but it's physiological (sp) colic. Like in the "Happiest baby on the block" book, he spoke of a 4th trimester and said to try a baby carrier. I've got one and plan on using it later, but does anyone have any experience, good or bad, with them? I didn't use one with my first child, and I'll do anything to soothe him, even if i've got to carry him around in this thing to be relaxed before his 6 pm meltdown. He is sleeping wonderful today, he's napping now, so i'm hoping he won't be so overstimulated tonight and have another episode.

 

[zalansky]

to you Hillbeans. I hope Liam's colicl ends soon. We do have a Bjorn but we didn't use it alot with Connor and have not used it alot with Cameryn yet either. But I do love it, it is very comfy and easy to use.

This board does move very fast, I can't keep up alot myself!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Congrats laurajetter & baby Jacob!

Tkyes - I love your pics. Tyler is a darling.

Hillbeans - I have a Bjorn and absolutely love it. Sometimes Lucas gets a little restless so I just strap him in and do some housework. Quiets him right down. He never had colic and is a little older than Liam, but I still recommend one.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

I use Baby Bjorn and really like! Worked for all 3 of my kids.

 

[Alice28]

I have a Baby Bjorn- I liked it very much. In fact, I was thinking about selling it on ebay cause I don't need it anymore. PM me if you want a used one in good condition! They cost $80+++ in the stores! But they are worth it, I think, esp if you have a crabby baby!

 

[vald1977]

I have a Snugli carrier and I use it everyday to walk DS to the bus stop and when I'm outside watching the kids I baby-sit and DS. I also use it at the grocery store, mall, etc.. Katrina has always loved it. She falls asleep in it everytime I use it. She's big enough now to face outward but even facing inward she loves it. Good luck with it Hillbeans. My DS was such a colicky baby and I know how hard that is to deal with .

Beautiful pics, Tamie .

Welcome Laurajetter .

Well, I got two things from The Silver Jewelry Club today . They are both gifts so I don't feel too bad but I don't want to start a bad habit here . I did see several pieces that I would like for myself though. Hopefully, those will be in the middle of the night so I won't be tempted.

Little Miss Katrina got up at 4:30 a.m. this morning and I was baby-sitting all day so I didn't get to take a nap. Tonight I have a sorority meeting so I won't be getting to bed until after 11. I'm so looking forward to going to sleep tonight.

Have a good night everyone .

 

[DisKim]

Wow! I can't believe how many posts there are since I was on this afternoon! I shouldn't be here because I need to pack. We're leaving for Florida tomorrow and I'm working until 1pm! I just wanted to share my Christmas photos. I'm not thrilled with them. My son Alex makes what I call "the puppet face" whenever a camera is pointed at him. Aidan refused to cooperate and smile. Despite all of that, I think we had a couple of decent shots. Go to https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTP42801031003JCP
Customer name: Kim Lytle
Access Code: LTP42801031003JCP

 

[llij]

Thanks everyone for all the words of wisdom. It is much appreciated. My recovery from my dd's births were so much faster and I guess that I am getting impatient and tired of feeling bad. (I'm also a wee bit older now than when I had the girls, so that could be a factor. ) Each day is a little better than the last though. I have a lot of friends who told me that c-sections were a breeze and that they were much easier than a v-birth. I have to say that that this wasn't the case for me.

I don't have a problem going out and buying clothes in bigger sizes and I think I might just do that soon. All my tops should fit me fine, I just need pants with drawstrings at this point and jeans that are a little bigger than I have now. The big thing is that I need to go down into our basement and get my winter clothes upstairs. I think this will be a project for my DH tomorrow.

Hillbeans - to you! I hope that Liam's colic ends soon. I remember when my oldest dd would scream for 3 hours each evening. That was a tough time. I have a baby bjorn but I haven't used it yet, so I'm not much of a help there. I have a friend with a little one who uses a mayan wrap sling and it works wonders for her fussy baby. I bought one, but again, haven't used it yet. It looks like it will keep the baby very snug. Hang in there and I am sending best wishes your way!

Take care everyone and have a great evening!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

DisKim - You have a lovely family! I think your photos came out great.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi mommies, just chiming in to say I had a baby bjorn and we really liked it. We had a sunglie and another one I really didn't like with Anna and I took them both back. Too hard to get the baby in and out in a hurry, bjiorn is much eaiser. Lily really liked it. (I got it used from a friend for $20, the leather one no less, it is really nice.)

If I ever have another baby I am going to try a sling. I have one someone gave me and I never got it to work. This one is rather bulky and uncomofortable, but I have seen some new ones that look really great. (light weight, thin, but strong and dosen't take up much room.

Oh also Lily is using sign lanuage like crazy lately. She learns a few new signs a day and is really using them. She talks also, but her signs are much more clear then her speach in most cases. (as far as we know her hearing is fine, I am fluent in ASL since I used it for work in the past so I just teach it to her and her sister.) If anyone wants a viedo the best ones I have found and my kids love them is "Signing time with Alex and Lena." Here is the web site.

http://www.signingtime.com/ You can find them at the libary often (that is where I did.)

 

[AngieWin]

Does anyone here use a baby bjorn or carry their child around in a sling? I spoke with the doctor today after 3 bad nights of Colic and he told me it's not the formula, but it's physiological (sp) colic. Like in the "Happiest baby on the block" book, he spoke of a 4th trimester and said to try a baby carrier. I've got one and plan on using it later, but does anyone have any experience, good or bad, with them? I didn't use one with my first child, and I'll do anything to soothe him, even if i've got to carry him around in this thing to be relaxed before his 6 pm meltdown. He is sleeping wonderful today, he's napping now, so i'm hoping he won't be so overstimulated tonight and have another episode.

I have a snugli, a baby bjorn, a ring-sling (think Maya wrap), and a nojo padded sling. Both my boys love being worn. Sometimes it is the only way I can get anything done We were at WDW this last week and I wore my 2 1/2 month old pretty much the whole time.

I only check this thread a couple of times a week and it is so hard to keep up! You mommas are super busy around here!!

 

[justhat]

Hillbeans, I used a Baby Bjorn with Madison practically all day long from the time she was about 4 or 5 weeks till she was 3.5 months old. It was the best purchase I've ever made. Madison was fine being on her own at night, but during the day she would not tolerate being put down at all. Not that she'd always cry, but she'd wake up, or stay awake, which then led to incredible grouchiness/fussiness. At first she hated the Bjorn (around a week old or so) but then I gradually started putting her in it for short amounts of time and by the time she was 6 weeks old she loved it. She only came out to eat or get changed basically, other than that I did everything I had to do with her in the Bjorn. The only thing I'd do next time is get a sling. I really wanted one with Madison, but we just spent $120 on the Bjorn (we bought the Active Carrier, thank gosh, cause it has lower back support, and when you're wearing the baby all day long that really coes in handy). I think the sling would make it easier to nurse her when I am not home (rather than taking her in/out), plus it's a more natural position for them to sleep in so I think it would be more comfortable for long periods of time. So I'd definitely recommend trying the Bjorn or sling-we had totally cry free days once we started using it. Good luck!

 

[Alice28]

Wow! I can't believe how many posts there are since I was on this afternoon! I shouldn't be here because I need to pack. We're leaving for Florida tomorrow and I'm working until 1pm! I just wanted to share my Christmas photos. I'm not thrilled with them. My son Alex makes what I call "the puppet face" whenever a camera is pointed at him. Aidan refused to cooperate and smile. Despite all of that, I think we had a couple of decent shots. Go to https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTP42801031003JCP
Customer name: Kim Lytle
Access Code: LTP42801031003JCP

GREAT portraits DisKim! Thanks for sharing! What a handsome family you have! You look great too!

AND HAVE FUN AT DISNEY! I'm busy scrapping my book, and that trip was such a flipping whirlwind, I feel like I was not even there- like it was surreal.

Disney Enthusiast- thank you for your kind words. I just keep putting one foot in front of each other, and try and keep a on my face throughout this whole thing. It makes the situation so much better by having the support of friends, neighbors, community, and even people I don't really know, like you ladies here on the DIS. Thank god it's almost over- I started the Moms to Be thread about a year ago- think of how far we have all come since then!!!!!!!

Jill- glad you decided to go and get some new clothes. Tell your DH "chop-chop" for me on getting your winter clothes out. JUST KIDDING. Oh, how I wish I had a DH around to do favors for me some sometimes... But, I shouldn't complain- tonight dear old dad fixed a broken drawer in the kitchen for me. We have a checklist now on the fridge of "to do" before DH comes home. I wish that jerk who swore to me that he would do some handywork didn't flake out. The putz.

DisneyPhD- LOVE the new pics of the girls! So sweet! And cool that Lily is signing- my neighbor is doing that with her son and it's fascinating to watch.

Don't know much else- I don't think we're going to do Christmas portraits til Dec 8th; coincide it with Molly's 9 month pics. I will just take a ton of pics in front of the tree and get cards printed up at Costco to mail out- only $15.99 for 50!!!!!! can you believe that!?!?!? And they even have a Christmas card that has an American flag with some holly intertwined- talk about perfect for this year!

I think I'm going to take a hot shower- I wish I had a chiropractor and a masseuse on call- I could totally use a neck and upper back adjustment followed by a 45 minutes massage right now. I know- I have my head in the clouds! I should make an appt for next week after payday and just DO IT and treat myself for once!

 

[justhat]

DisKim, your photos are so cute! I love the family shots too! I keep trying to get my husband to take a family photo like that but he won't do it. We got some last year on a cruise we took right after Christmas, but I'm still working on something for this year. I'm definitely showing him how great yours turned out so maybe that will help me! And all your kids are so cute-I love the faces your son makes (my husband did the same thing as a kid!).

DisneyPhD, Madison is a signer too. She took very, very long to speak so we had to do something to help her communicate. She was never a fan of the Signing Time videos nor the Baby Einstein version, so I just taught her myself (from the limited signs I know, plus I bought a book on it). It was a huge help for many months, and I was just telling my husband tonight how it's sorta sad that she's really cutting back on the signs now. The only ones she still uses regularly now are milk, water, and all done. She just learned how to say 'more' this Saturday, but till that that was her most frequent sign. Next baby I'm starting signing sooner cause it was such a huge help for Madison (we started around 11 months, but she didn't sign back till about 13 or 14 months-she didn't really say any words other than 'mama' till she was almost 18 months).

Oh, I forgot to post this earlier but it sort of annoyed me so I thought I'd share it. Last night I had to attend the 'toddler social', which was a little party for the teachers and parents of the kids in Madison's preschool class and the other toddler class. I'm one of the room parents, so not only did I have to go, but had to sort of co-host it (some mom volunteered her absolutely huge, gorgeous home, but we helped her with the food, drinks, supplies, etc.). Well, we made it very clear that this was an adult-only event, both on the fliers we sent home and in the reminder e-mails-many references to a night away from the kids, adult conversation, book your sitter now, etc. Now many of us do not have babysitters or don't want to pay for one for several hours (the going rate in DC is $12-$15/hour) so we chose to leave one parent home with the kids. In my case, I went and my husband stayed home with Madison. Not that this was a problem as he really didn't care about going anyway, but he's taking his board exams tomorrow so it wasn't really the best time for him to be alone with Madison all night, but he dealt with it. Even the host of the party had a babysitter come watch her kids, put them to bed, etc. so you didn't even see them the whole night. Well then some family from Madison's class shows up with their 2yo daughter, let her run all around the house, play with the host's toys, and made the teacher practically babysit while they ate dinner. I could see them not wanting to hire a babysitter (though they have a nanny), but then one of the parents should have stayed home with the kid! It was so annoying cause she kept running through everyone's legs, taking out toy after toy, and generally being a 2yo. Not to mention, this party started at 6:30, they didn't arrive till 7, so by the time they ate and socialized it was late and the kid was getting pretty grouchy and clearly needed to be in bed. I mean, I'm all for taking your kids all over, we don't even have a babysitter for Madison so we take her everywhere with us, provided that she's invited/wanted, but when the hosts make it clear that it's a kid-free event, how hard is it to adhere to that!?!

 

[DisneyPhD]

DisneyPhD, Madison is a signer too. She took very, very long to speak so we had to do something to help her communicate. She was never a fan of the Signing Time videos nor the Baby Einstein version, so I just taught her myself (from the limited signs I know, plus I bought a book on it). It was a huge help for many months, and I was just telling my husband tonight how it's sorta sad that she's really cutting back on the signs now. The only ones she still uses regularly now are milk, water, and all done. She just learned how to say 'more' this Saturday, but till that that was her most frequent sign. Next baby I'm starting signing sooner cause it was such a huge help for Madison (we started around 11 months, but she didn't sign back till about 13 or 14 months-she didn't really say any words other than 'mama' till she was almost 18 months).

That sounds like Lily. I guess we started sooner, but she didn't start using them back until a month ago or so (around 13 to 14 months old.) For a while more was her only sign (she did it as the baby sign for cookie, but we knew it was more.) Now she spends all day every day signing "more". The trick is "more" what? SHe uses it for nursing, and because of that she is actually nursing more then she was a few months ago, but normally I will offer something else 1st (unless it is night time or a nomral nursing time.) Now that she is signing more then "more" it is helpful! She really took to the sign for candy today (that is a little scary). She talks some when she does it, useally the 1st letter, but I wouldn't get it with out the sign.

I am so glad signing was helpful to you and madison. My oldest never really needed it for communication (she has amazing verbal skills) but we still used it. Now she knows about a 100 signs and uses them "for fun" but since her baby sister is signing now it is helpful too.

Alice28 I used to get a massege once a month when I was pregnant. The only times since then I have is when we were at Vero beach. I keep thinking about it, but so far haven't. I am so glad I did when I was prenant. If I was working right now I think I would, but as it is I spend so much $ I just can't justify it right now.