The Official New Mom Thread

[Alice28]

Val- I just have to say that I was always off the charts in height and 90th percentile in weight when I was growing up----and my mom is 5'3" and my dad is 5'7". I am now a little over 5'9", so you never know- Katrina could be a big girl! None of my grandparents were tall either, but I guess two of my great-grandfathers were.

It's been cold here in Portland too- it hasn't been raining the last few days and has been clear, so it's those clear, cold nights...Brrr!!!

 

[lissawynn]

Hello everyone and greetings from my sofa. I did not make it to the conference this morning as I was throwing up at 2 A.M. Sorry if it's TMI, but I think all of the post-nasal drip did a number of my tummy. My dad took Jimmy b/c there was no way I could have taken care of him today. DH is going to have to get him when he gets home.

Speaking of DH...he's making my nuts. He is in the process of leaving the company he's worked for since he was 18. Way back then they made him sign some kind of contract stating that if he every left that co., he couldn't do the work he was doing there for that company for any of their customers (did that make sense?). Anyway, he's SO worked up that his old boss is going to screw him out of his vacation unless he signs some kind if contract before he leaves. He works himself up on a daily basis about this and it's making me nuts. IF and WHEN the old boss asks him to sign something, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I just hate that this is eating him up and he won't have an answer until next week.

Ok, so I have "The View" on and I'm wondering if Star Jones' head was placed on a different body? She looks SO strange! It's like her old head was stuck on a new body.

Joats - Hope Jace is feeling better soon!

Hillbeans - I live close to the Poconos, but I've never heard of the place where you're staying. Hope you have a good time.

Alice28 - Is there a better Gymbo sale going on after Thanksgiving? I got an email today but was wondering if the prices were going to be better next week? I don't know if I want to brave Gymbo with Jimmy on Black Friday? Can you imagine all the crazy moms?

 

[2sweetangels]

what to do? My almost 2 yr old won't listen to a word I say, she gets into everything she sees today and don't care if she gets in trouble for it, I will discipline her, but she will go do the same thing over again. She took her food today and threw it all over, she wouldn't take her vitamin, she kept hitting her 3 month old sister in the head, she tries to ride on her cousin's back who is 7 months old (well my cousin really, DD's 2nd cousin) she has just been wild the past 2 days and I don't know what has got into her.

 

[DisneyPhD]

what to do? My almost 2 yr old won't listen to a word I say, she gets into everything she sees today and don't care if she gets in trouble for it, I will discipline her, but she will go do the same thing over again. She took her food today and threw it all over, she wouldn't take her vitamin, she kept hitting her 3 month old sister in the head, she tries to ride on her cousin's back who is 7 months old (well my cousin really, DD's 2nd cousin) she has just been wild the past 2 days and I don't know what has got into her.

hang in there. Phases come and go. It could be a number of reasons (because she is 2, because the realitiy of being a big sister has sunk in and it isn't as much fun as being an only child after all. Or just because! It won't last forever.

Try to be as consistant as possible and when possible cacth her being good and spend some one on one cuddle or fun time with her.

Good luck. Everyone has those days, and if you haven't it just hasn't happened yet!

 

[zalansky]

2sweetangels - I am going thru something similar with my son now, I attribute it to jealousy and change - and also the age, he is almost 3. I have been at my wits end the past 2 weeks and all my friends and family have been emailing me articles on why he is doing this and how to deal with it. It won't last forever, this I know. Does it stop the day they leave for college?

joats- I hope Jace is feeling better soon too, that really stinks for him and you.

Hillbeans- that trip does sound like fun, enjoy every minute of it.

lissawynn - sorry to hear about your sickness too. I agree about Star Jones.

vald1977 - good luck w/ the vasectomy tomorrow, or I should say good luck to your DH. My friends' DH is having his today! Poor guy...

SL - you are fotunate to work part time. There are so many factors that will effect my decision, I am just so torn. I have worked full time since I was about 22 years old, so a long time in other words. I have been at my current job 5 years and though it gets on my nerves many days, I also appreciate the friendships I have there and the adult interaction and of course - the money. Better yet - you won't believe this - but I get 28 days off a year! The company gives us 23 & we can buy another 5. So I get almost 6 weeks vacation, we have awesome benefits and 401k too. My in-laws - i can't expect them to take care of 2 kids full time or even part time. I guess I will be crossing that bridge when I get to it. It's hard though.

Alice28 - Went to Gymbo today to return a coat. My friend asked what the sale would be for the day after turkey day and they played dummy....they know nothing. My hope is they will mark down what is already on sale and then it will be an add'l 30% off in the morning. I may go just to hit Gymbo and leave. I hate to waste my time though if the sale is that same as Friends of Gymboree. I gotta stop shopping!!! I am spending more money on leave than I am earning! Lord have mercy!

llij - How is John Paul doing? Sorry to hear it is so cold by you. I feel lucky to be in Tampa so when I am feeling stuck in the house I can leave and get out easily for a little while to break up the day.

And to the ladies I may have missed, I hope you're having a good day...what is everyne doing for Thanksgiving next week? My whole family (3 sisters, spouses and grown children) are all flying in from New York. It will be the first time our family has been ALL together since my mom died 7 years ago. I am soooo looking forward to it!!! How about you all?

 

[Minnesota!]

Popping in while I can - my head is drooping and I really want to go home..

Joats - (((hugs))) on Jace being so sick! Ear infections are no fun. I had chronic ones growing up and they hurt like a mo-fo.
SL - your Lucas is quite the eater!

Lilj - (hope I got the user name right - going from memory) - glad you are feeling better. Don't think I told you this - but I adore your son's name. So classic!

Tamie - hope Tyler's rash is getting better. It's so hard seeing our wee ones suffer..

Tasha - thanks again for organizing the exchange! I bought my gift last night - just need to find a good card to go inside and it will be shipped tomorrow or Monday:O)

Took Lucas to the dr. yesterday b/c he is out of his albuterol for his nebulizer. So I asked her to just check his ears b/c he is prone to the EI's and I just wanted to make sure all was ok (he doesn't really complain when he gets them)...sure enough, his left ear is infected. And he had green paint in the other one (from daycare). One red, one green - he's ready for Christmas, LOL. He also has croup. So, he is on Predlone (sp??), Amox, and his albuterol. You would NEVER know he is sick, though. Happy, smiling, etc. How did I luck out?

We are starting to TTC #2 this month. A little nervous (ok, a lot). We had quite a few m/c before I had him, and I am not ready for that kind of heartbreak again. So - keep your fingers crossed!

It was 9 degrees when I got up this morning - and -3 windchill. DH wants to go look at Christmas lights tonight, but I don't know.

Well, I am nodding off...better go find some caffeine!

 

[J&D]

Hi, everyone!

It has been a long time since I've read this thread, but I promise I'll try to do a better job of keeping up.

Welcome to all the new mommies!

I am enjoying staying home with my little princess. I really don't miss teaching that much, especially grading papers and dealing with unsupportive parents.
In order to make a little extra spending money while staying home with my daughter and to help promote literacy in children, I have become a consultant for Usborne Books. If any other SAHM would like more info on becoming a consultant, you can visit my website and click on income opportunities.
Website

I am enjoying looking at all the pictures that have been posted. Here is a link to a picture of my DD that was taken in August.
Link

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

[lissawynn]

J&D - Did you give up teaching for good? I am dealing with the student germ issue now that I am sick and Jimmy is sick too. He either got it from me or his cousin who goes to preschool 3 days a week. Aside from the money, I don't think I could give up my job. I love most of my coworkers and missed them terribly while on maternity leave.
Glad to hear things are working out for you!

Minnesota - Good luck ttc. It took DH and me almost three years for our little guy to get here, but he was so worth the wait. I hope your son feels better soon.

zalansky - Enjoy your holiday with your sisters. We'll be spending the first half of the day with DH's family at his grandmother's. Later we'll be going to my mom's to eat (again) with my sisters. It's lots of fun, but someone's family usually gets upset b/c we don't spend enough time at one of our destinations.

 

[Alice28]

I haven't heard specifically what the Gymbo sale will be- I only know it will be some extra % off between 8-12. Last year it was the whole store was 20%, then an extra 30% off your purchases between 8-12 PLUS Gymbuck earning. I want to try and earn 2 Gymbucks cause I heard a rumor about the line that debuts in January, and if it holds true, I will want a lot of it. Lots of blues, with some red thrown in there, kind of a spring transition line. I'm a sucker for any sort of nautical theme and the person who posted this on the Gymbo boards said it would be like the "whale watching' line a few years back....which I looked up and it's TDF.

I think the decision to go back to work or stay at home is such a toughie. I've done both and they both definitely have their pros and cons. I miss my paycheck. I miss having adult conversations. I miss being 'needed' for something else to function. But I like being home and having our home in order most days; I like being always available for the kids. And my favorite part is not juggling the daycare scene- I loved our daycare provider- she was an angel. But if she was sick or if one of us was running late/couldn't get out of work early enough, it was a NIGHTMARE. I hated that stress of "Oh no, I have to leave work early AGAIN to go get the kids...or we have to pay the late fee AGAIN cause we're gonna be 5 minutes late." That stressed me out more than anything else. But everyone is different and we all have different roles to play in this life. I just view it as doing my best at what I do, whether it's being a manager of a big daycare at a school or folding laundry on the living room floor at home.

Your vaca sounds fun Hillbeans!

Thanksgiving plans- I'm going to my parent's house with the kids. We'll head down Thanksgiving morning- I'm in charge of fruit salad and green beans! So exciting! And I heard that some family raised enough money for all of our deployed families to get a bunch of free food for both Turkey Day and Christmas. That's so sweet! Again ladies, I am AMAZED at the generosity of my community this past year. We're not financially hurting, but it's still nice to be thought of! Anyway, I'll just freeze the turkey I get for Thanksgiving, because my parents already bought some huge one. Then we will most likely spend the night there, so mom and I (and Molly I guess) can sneak out to Gymbo and Meier and Frank the next morning for some BF shopping!

I went to the Cheesecake Factory this morning for lunch with some friends- OMG! First of all, the menu is the hugest ever. And I had the greatest salad ever- so yummy. But the strangest thing- maybe I am completely out of touch with normal dining- no kids' menus! I had to order my 4 year old a quesadilla off the appetizer menu for $8 plus his $1.50 drink. It's not like it's Ruth Chris fancy or anything! And to have a menu that was literally like 15 pages long and not throw in 4-5 kids' items? Weird. But I will be back! It was darn tasty. A bunch of new stores opened at the mall it opened at, but they open tomorrow- my best friend and I thought it was today. Dang. Pottery Barn kids, Sephora, Janie and Jack, Williams Sonoma--- a lot of great new stores for Portland. I'm excited!

And that was my day! Molly is now sick too- she can join the sick DISbabies club. But I think it's cause her top two teeth are ready to pop through, the poor baby. Runny nose, grumpy, congested...just wants momma. I just got her to sleep again (she slept in the restaurant a few hours ago).

ETA- GOOD LUCK Minnesota! hope it happens quickly for you!

 

[J&D]

Did you give up teaching for good?

I will probably return to teaching in a few years. I do miss my former coworkers and some of my former students (I'm not gonna lie- I don't miss them all), but I am truly enjoying spending this precious time with my DD. Almost 10 months have gone by and it seems like she was just born yesterday. I also like the fact that I don't always feel stressed out and rushed like I did when I returned from maternity leave. I like living at a "slower" pace. I also like being able to sleep late and stay in my PJs all day if I feel like it.

 

[DisKim]

Hi ladies! Wow, it seems like everyone is sick. I hope all of you and your babies get better soon.

Thanksgiving plans - They fall on me. I always have 20-30 people each year and I wouldn't have it any other way. Of course, I stress out. I'm obsessive over the cleanliness of my house and I make way too much food, but everything always turns out nice...that is, until my crazy SIL causes a scene. She does it every year. She got into a fight with her daughter and stormed off during dinner without saying good-bye to anyone or thank you to me. Well, I was very ticked off. She just needs attention.

Lissawynn - OMG, I thought the same thing last time I saw Star Jones. She just doesn't look right.

Working vs. staying home- Oh how I wish I could stay home. I'd miss my co-workers but I would still see those people that I care to see. I can't keep up with my house, laundry, all the little school "things", etc. DH and I were going nuts trying to find the directions to make an indian vest out of a paper bag. I lost it. I also forgot about the kids' "harvest hoedown" the other day. I can't make it to their Thanksgiving feasts next week. I feel like a horrible mom. My DS asked why I wasn't at the hoedown and said he was looking for me. I just wanted to crawl into a hole.

It looks like Aidan is cutting 4 teeth on top all at once. That explains why he's been crabby lately. Poor thing!

 

[2sweetangels]

Hello all, my 22 month old DD did the most disgusting thing today so please don't read if u have a weak stomach. I walked into my DD's bedroom to find her digging in her diaper and putting poop into her mouth, her hands were just covered in it and her carpet has poop smashed into it. I almost cried. I took her to the bathroom and gave her a quick bath with lots of soap. Is my child the only disgusting toddler?

 

[Alice28]

Hi, everyone!

It has been a long time since I've read this thread, but I promise I'll try to do a better job of keeping up.

Welcome to all the new mommies!

I am enjoying staying home with my little princess. I really don't miss teaching that much, especially grading papers and dealing with unsupportive parents.
In order to make a little extra spending money while staying home with my daughter and to help promote literacy in children, I have become a consultant for Usborne Books. If any other SAHM would like more info on becoming a consultant, you can visit my website and click on income opportunities.
Website

I am enjoying looking at all the pictures that have been posted. Here is a link to a picture of my DD that was taken in August.
Link

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

We've missed you J and D! Welcome back! Your DD is a flipping dolly! So cute!

 

[J&D]

Thanks! Molly is a cutie as well!

 

[tkyes]

Holy moly! Skip a day or two and you fall way behind here! lol

I know I'm going to miss someone - my apologies in advance.

Sorry to hear about all the sick babies (and moms) on the DIS. No fun at all.

Minnesota - good luck! You'll be in my thoughts! Hugs to Lucas and his poor ears.

Joats - poor Jace! I hope things get better.

Alice - thanks for the Gymboree heads up. I just can't pay full price there, but 30% off might help.


Thanksgiving - we are going to my parent's house and my MIL's house. One for lunch and one for dinner. Talk about stuffed! I'm bringing ham to one and dessert to another. I think I'm going to make a lemon pound cake that I saw on Martha Stewart.

Well, no good rash update to report. I'm so sick of this, I can't even stand it. I realize a rash is not the end of the world, there are far worse things that could be going on with my son. I just hate seeing him itching and upset. We are getting a referal to the dermatologist (sp?) and hopefully they can help us straighten things out.


Talk to you all later!

Tamie

 

[lissawynn]

Yes, I'm taking another sick day. I'm not going to wear myself out before the holidays and be crabby and miserable next week. I'm sure with the help of lots of juice and some antibiotics, I'll feel much better by weekend's end.

DisKim - It sounds like your SIL and my dad's wife would get along well. She's all about the drama and focusing attention on herself. Her deal is that she's an alcoholic with really low self-esteem. I am just super happy that I really don't have to deal with her much on the holidays. She drags my poor dad off to her visit her family. We won't see her on Thanksgiving (at least that's what I'm hoping for). She'll be drunk on Christmas Eve at my gramma's and hung over Christmas morning at my sister's. We've just learned to ignore her and hide the booze.

I have to vent for a brief moment about my MIL. Last week she and my FIL came down for a visit. Every year DH and his sisters do a gift exchange. The last three years I've had a heck of a time buying these gifts. I stress out about getting something that the person will really like, and whatever I get, it never seems like there's any real appreciation for the gift. My MIL told us last week she was going to do the names this weekend because DH's youngest sister would be home (we won't see her for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year). DH and I both told her we really didn't want to do the gift thing this year. With Jimmy, there are six grandkids/nieces/nephews to buy for and adding another $50 gift for a BIL or SIL is just kind of crazy. We tell MIL this and add that the gifts should really be for the kids. She says ok and that's the end of it until she calls last night.
She tells DH she's having b-day cake for his little sister on Saturday night and that she'll be doing the names for the gift exchange. She says she talked to his sisters and they all want to do it. DH told her AGAIN that we really didn't want to participate. ***? Did she not get it the first time around? I got really ticked off b/c it felt as if she didn't respect our decision not to participate. I told DH this and he kind of talked around the issue. I don't think he'll ever acknowledge that his mom is rather daft a lot of the time. I just wish should would have respected our choice and left it at that.
Ok, I'm done. I feel better now.

Thanksgiving - I'm taking green bean casserole and pumpkin pie to DH's nan's and my mom's. If you ladies want to make your pumpkin pies amazing, substitute the evaported milk with sweetened, condensed milk. It makes the pies so good!

Alice28 - I wish I had stores like the new ones you've got located closer to me. I'd have to travel close to Philly to get to Williams Sonoma, etc. That's just too crazy of a drive for me and over an hour in the car.

 

[tkyes]

lisawynn - I can relate with the gift thing. DH and I suggested drawing names among the neices and nephews this year because there are 7 to buy for. My 2 SILs don't want to do it so we are out numbered and had to go along with their decision.

Speaking of pumpkin pie, I'm bringing one from Costco. We had a sample, it was soooo good and only $5.99 for a huge pie!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Vald - Hope Katie is feeling better & good luck to your DH!

Minnesota! - Good luck TTC! I also hope Lucas is feeling better.

J&D - Cute picture of Jenna. She is such a doll!

Alice28 - Hope Molly is feeling better. We do seem to have a lot of sick little ones. I've only been to Cheesecake Factory once when I was visiting a friend in Indiana. I had a HUGE Caesar salad and it was to die for. I wish we had one out here - DH and I love cheesecake.

DisKim - Poor Aidan! Hope those teeth stop giving him trouble.

Lissawynn - Hope you're feeling better soon. Sorry about your MIL. Sometimes people only hear what they want to hear. I know DH has to tell his mother things about half a dozen times, but that's just because she doesn't listen.

Tkyes - Hope the dermatologist can help poor Tyler.

2sweetangels - I only have DS, but I can see I have a lot to look forward too. Hope DD doesn't give you too much trouble!

Lucas rolled over back-to-front the other day! Night, actually. It was about 1am when he woke up hungry. He did it again today at 5am when he woke up hungry. I'm so proud of my little guy!

We are having his pictures done at Target tomorrow. Wish us luck! I'll think they'll come out good. DS is such a ham. Takes after his daddy.

Thanksgiving - we are going to have dinner at my in-laws and then go over to my aunt's for dessert. After years of arguing and then us just eating and leaving immediately after, MIL has finally moved dinner time up so we can get to my aunt's at a decent time.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[DisKim]

OK ladies, I'm a little jealous. It seems that I'm the only "new mom" who has to cook Thanksgiving dinner. My mom offered to do it, but I'm a control freak and have established traditions so in my mind, I have to make the meal.

2sweetangels - you had a tough day! That's one thing that none of my kids have done so far. I'm tempting fate now. I'm sure Aidan will play with his poop. The third one always has to be the trouble maker.

Lissawynn - My SIL suggested that we just buy for the kids and I am so thrilled. I never know what to buy for the adults and I'm sure they feel the same about me. I can't believe they went ahead and picked names anyway. That kind of behavior just brings down the holidays for everyone. It should be about the kids IMHO. Adults can buy what they like for themselves and that's the end of it. I'm not even buying DH anything this year. We're buying a new tv and just bought some furniture.

 

[J&D]

Tamie- You sound just like me. My philosophy is why cook if you can buy it cheaper than you can make it.

We are having Thanksgiving with my family this weekend and going to my in-laws next week.

I hope everyone and their babies are feeling better in time to enjoy the holiday!