The Official New Mom Thread

[Hillbeans]

Edited post.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Then today when I went to mail my package the lady who worked there asked how old Kylie was (she also held her while I made out a check). She said she guessed she was between 3-4 months. I told her she is nearly 7 months and she acted so shocked! She didn't believe me! I am so used to people saying how big she is that I was surprised someone thought she was only 3-4 months. I don't think she is huge but even I know she doesn't pass for a 3-4 month old baby! I guess it is all in each person's perception, huh?

I get that alot, but Lily is really tiny. We were at a resturant and there was another little kid walking around. She walked right up to Lily and the mommy was like look at the little baby, oh that is a really little baby how old is she? When I said 15 months the mother was like, Oh that is how old my lilttle girl is. I think she felt rather dumb. The truth is some people are not a very good judge of kids ages. I happen to be really good at it because I spent more then 5 years teaching preschool and working at a day care. However every childs developments are different. I do think Lily seems younger then other kids her age, not only size buy development. However she also seems a lot "smarter" so I guess it is a trade off. Then again sometimes I am in stores and people are like wow, what a big baby. Um she is less then 3% but it is all a mater of prepective.

What kills me the the airline workers that clam a child is over 2 years old but know nothing about child delevopment (like teeth, motor control, lanuage development) and swear a kid is older just based on size. You think they would get good at it with their experience. Oh well.

 

[katerkat]

Woohoo - I just got an email saying that the 30% before noon discount is going to be on Gymboree.com, too! I can shop on Friday in my jammies! (Actually, it says it opens at midnight - I wonder if that's EST and I can hit it up at 9 pm tonight!) Now, Gymbuck peoples... When you earn them, do you have to spend them in the next redemption period? Or can you hold onto them until there's a redemption period with a collection you like?

Also, I was planning on buying for next winter - at 20 months, will he typically be in the 18-24 month stuff? He's 8 months and in 6-12 easily right now -- it's actually fairly loose on him. (Because he's a scrawny kid!)

 

[Alice28]

Woohoo - I just got an email saying that the 30% before noon discount is going to be on Gymboree.com, too! I can shop on Friday in my jammies! (Actually, it says it opens at midnight - I wonder if that's EST and I can hit it up at 9 pm tonight!) Now, Gymbuck peoples... When you earn them, do you have to spend them in the next redemption period? Or can you hold onto them until there's a redemption period with a collection you like?

Also, I was planning on buying for next winter - at 20 months, will he typically be in the 18-24 month stuff? He's 8 months and in 6-12 easily right now -- it's actually fairly loose on him. (Because he's a scrawny kid!)

You have to spend them on the next redemption period (I think sometime in January) or you lose them.

If Russ has been average sized so far, I would think it would be safe to buy ahead in the 18-24 month size for next year. I did that a lot with the boys; Molly is proving to be a different story! I'm afraid to buy ahead for her right now as she's growing like a weed.

Hope everyone is having a pleasant Thanksgiving so far. I was so glad to finally get out of my house and down to my parents. We're spending the night & it exhausts me how much junk I have to gather for just one night!

 

[AngieWin]

Woohoo - I just got an email saying that the 30% before noon discount is going to be on Gymboree.com, too! I can shop on Friday in my jammies! (Actually, it says it opens at midnight - I wonder if that's EST and I can hit it up at 9 pm tonight!) Now, Gymbuck peoples... When you earn them, do you have to spend them in the next redemption period? Or can you hold onto them until there's a redemption period with a collection you like?

Also, I was planning on buying for next winter - at 20 months, will he typically be in the 18-24 month stuff? He's 8 months and in 6-12 easily right now -- it's actually fairly loose on him. (Because he's a scrawny kid!)

My DS1 is in 24 months for the second winter. Last winter he was 18 months old and just between the 18 mo and 24 mo stuff, this winter (now 30 months) he is definitely in 24 months. His middle has slimmed down but he has gotten taller. I would say definitely go with the 24 month outfits. The pants can always be rolled up. Some of the 2T outfits are fit to be slimmer than the 24 month outfits. The 24 month outfits allow for a bulkier diaper. 2T outfits seem to get rid of that bulk and they will not have the under-the-diaper snaps either.

 

[llij]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

I just got back from my sisters house and boy am I stuffed. I'm currently debating whether or not to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow and head out to some of the "Black Friday" sales. They have some good prices on some baby stuff and gifts for the girls and I figured if I was up anyways after feeding the baby then I can head on out to the sales. What to do...what to do.....

I almost forgot, today was John Paul's due date! I'm so glad that I had him last month and not today.

Everyone have a great weekend!

 

[Alice28]

Ladies I need some P and PD!

While getting some fresh air today, I slipped in the mud and dislocated my kneecap! This is the 4th time I have done this, so I know the routin of wrapping/icing/crutches for a few days, but this is the first time without DH around to help me!!!!!! I could just scream. I am going to spend the next two nights at my parent's house and they are going to come clean my house and be there for Sammy's party on Saturday.

Needless to say, this has been a sucky Thanksgiving all around.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Alice28 - Ouch! I'm so sorry about your kneecap. I hope it heals soon. I've never been on crutches, but just watching someone maneuver around on them makes my armpits hurt! Glad your parents are able to help you out at least. How exciting that Molly got her exchange package! Sounds like she got a lot of great stuff.

I've gotten some mixed reactions when I tell people how old Lucas is. Sometimes people tell me he's small for his age and others are surprised he's as young as he is. Frankly, I don't think the majority of people out there know what they're talking about. I just do the "smile and nod".

Thanks for the ear wax help. I'll have to try the peroxide.

llij - Happy due date to John Paul. I remember taking note of Lucas's due date and thinking how glad I was that we had him already (and he was only a week early!)

 

[joats]

Val: Sorry to hear about what has been going on with your mom. Sounds awful!
Alice: I feel so bad for you! OUCH!!! Not a fun way to spend your holiday.
Tasha/SL: We always get how "chubby" or "fat" Jace is which makes me nuts!! Yes, he does have big cheeks, but I wouldn't call him fat. My MIL calls him chubbo or fatso. I always ask her not to say that to him. I don't want him to end up w/ED issues! LOL!! But I agree, people in general do not have a clue how big a child should be at what age, etc.

Well, I just finished up about 85% of my Christmas shopping on-line (it's a beautiful thing). I ordered Jace the Leap Frog Learning Table. It looks like fun! I was able to save lots of money using coupon codes too. Yesterday we went to my parents for some turkey, etc. I'm hoping to do some cleaning and transfering Jace's clothes from bins (different sizes) and do mine as well (maternity/summer/winter). Hoping for a productive day. So far, so good.

The earwax thing grosses me out too! I just usually clean it out with the washcloth during his bath.

Hope you all had some good food and good fun yesterday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

[gwcollins71]

Hi everyone,

I’m finally on for a few minutes. Thanksgiving is over, I’m home with Lily (YEAH!!) but she’s not cooperating so I can work on my thesis. I have a thesis check on Monday and as usual, I haven’t gotten as much done as I had wanted.

I’m loving all the new pictures.

Welcome baby Dean and congratulations Marilyn on your beautiful family!

Tamie, Tyler’s new pics rock! I love black and white photos. I feel like I’m hit or miss with photos. Every once in a while I’ll get a good one -- not often though. So I take lots and delete lots. Thank gosh for digital cameras.

Lisawynn, Justthat & Zalansky – Hubby’s family does a gift exchange too for Chanukkah. Adults pick names and everyone buys for the kids. Right now the oldest kid is only 12 so its not a big deal. My family still goes all out and it’s my vice. We are trying to limit it to one gift per person in my family. However, we are hosting Christmas dinner this year since it’s Lily’s first Christmas and we’ll do “stockings” for everyone. Stockings are a big deal in my family only over the years, they have become Christmas gift bags instead. My parents filled them with all sorts of stuff to keep my sis and me busy so they could sleep in Christmas morning. My parents and immediate family are coming earlier for brunch and presents and then Mike’s family are coming for dinner. By doing the stockings, everyone has something to open without breaking the bank.

Amy – I too grew up in Chicago, specifically in Rogers Park on the North side. I also taught there for several years. (Swift in Edgewater, Jordan in R.P., and Clinton in West Ridge.) My parents still live in R.P.. How did you hear about the Dis Meet? I would have loved to go to that. It seems I can never get on the board anymore to keep up with current stuff. How do people do it with more than one baby? I’m dying trying to just keep up.

T&S – Congratulations on your new addition . I know what you mean about pets. They are a lot of work. In the last month or so, one of our darling kitties has taken to ummm, relieving herself in our family room. She’s not marking territory since its only on the carpet. We’ve tried the nature’s miracle enzyme stuff but she’s peed there a couple more times since. We are paying attention to the cats. They haven’t been ignored and they were fine the first three months Lily was here. I can’t figure out what gives. I cannot have them destroy the carpet. We’ve only been in the house for a year and I can’t afford to replace the carpet. Hubby is ready to get rid of them. We took them to the vet, everything is ok. We’ve added an extra litter box and she peed again the other day. Any suggestions?

Alice, congratulations on your husbands promotion! I’m sure he’ll be a great leader. I thought about you this weekend. I was catching up on reading my scrapbook magazines and scrapbooks, etc. had some great military layouts. Have you seen them? There was one on homecomings and it reminded me of you.

Valerie – I’m sorry your mother flaked on you for the holidays. I hope you get up to your grandparents on Friday like you were hoping.

Lisawynn (again) – What a yucky parent! ***? I hate when parents are like that. I have one that asks what I am specifically doing to help his child and I feel like saying. I am trying to make him do his work. That is the first step. What are you doing? This is the same father that I used to email everyday last year as to what the child wasn’t doing and nothing changed. At least I had documentation though from the emails. This same father wants me to write his homework in his agenda for him. Right, like that’s gonna happen. I didn’t do that when I taught 4th grade. When is a student supposed to accept responsibility?

J&D – I am distraught about the glowworm. Lily loves hers. My cousin bought it for her and she plays with it when she wakes up in the night. Is there anything we can do. I don’t want to take it away from her. I don’t understand. The glowworms have been around forever.

DisPhd – Our Lily is only 13.4 lbs at 4 mos. I think that is small. Is it? The Dr. didn’t seem to be concerned and hubby who took her didn’t ask her percentile. DUH!! Anyway, I thought she was so big, but then we see other babies younger than her and she’s so small compared to them.

Alice (again) – Sorry about your fall. I know what that feels like. I keep crutches on hand along with the bandages. For about 8 years between Jr high and college I was always messing my knees or ankles up. It got to be a family joke. I hope you feel better soon.

Earwax: Hubbie’s family has huge earwax issues. Sadly, Lily seems to have inherited it. I usually can just flick it out with my pinky when I’m holding her. It doesn’t gross me out too much b/c it still isn’t the candle wax that her Daddy gets. Sorry TMI. I just hope she doesn’t get ear infections like her Daddy’s side of the family too.

Diaper rash: She got her first rash last Tuesday. Nothing seems to be helping. My SIL gave me something called triple paste and swears it will help. So far no good. Any other ideas?

Thanksgiving: We went to dinner at my SIL’s house and other than not eating until 4 hours after we got there, it really wasn’t bad. Not like a normal function with hubby’s family. Normally, there is usually some sort of issue that arises and the occasion was quite nice actually. I am wondering if Thanksgiving is really tomorrow and it was a dream. Hahahah.

I missed my family for Thanksgiving. My Mom had a bit of an issue but it was his family’s year. We hosted Thanksgiving last year so my Mom was angry that we were spending the holiday with his family 3 years in a row. Last year was my family’s year and we invited hubby’s family since it was at our house. My Mom is over it though as we’ll be out there on Saturday for my neice’s b-day party and she’ll see us then.

I hope everyone’s Thanksgivings were wonderful!

Hubby stepped on a nail on Tuesday as he was leaving work so we spent Tuesday night at the ER. Nothing major, but what a big baby he was afterwards on Wednesday. I moved around more after my c-section. I think he likes an excuse to be babied personally. He’s the same way if he’s at all sick. He just lays there and expects to be taken care of. I don’t mind for the most part. Every once in a while it bugs me though.

I’m really excited. I’m going ‘cropping’ for the third time in three weeks. Hubby is being so supportive . He asks to see the pages when I come home and is making suggestions and what not. Hmmm, maybe too supportive… maybe he’s having an affair. I guess its ok as long as I can crop. Hahahha. I missed it so much. Tonight I’m going to work on picture frames for holiday gifts for the grandparents. I got some good pics of Lily with both sets and I want to customize a frame for each set.

I guess I’ll be back later. I miss being on the board. This once a week thing really stinks.

Gretchen

P.S. I've added some more recent photos of Lily.

Halloween w/ cousins. Lily is the duckling.
Christmas Portrait
Family Portrait
Lily the Chicago Bears fan
Lily @ 3 months

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi everyone, happy turkey day. I have a few pictures to post.

We gave Lily a turkey leg to pick at, (in addtion to all her other food) it was pretty funny I got some great pictures. Here is one of them. The other is the girls in the leaves.

 

[gwcollins71]

DisPhD -- I love the new photos! Lily with the turkey leg is too funny. Its as big as she is.

Gretchen

 

[Hillbeans]

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.

Vald and 2sweetangels - I was upset reading your earlier posts about issues with your Mother, SIL and DH respectively. I hope everyone was able to have a nice holiday regardless. 2sweetangels, did I read you right that your SIL slapped you? Do you and her still have a relationship???? OMG.

We're still in Central PA for one more day at my in-laws. I woke up to a white Thanksgiving, about 3 inches of snow!!

We LOVED our stay at the Great Wolf Lodge in PA - what an amazing place to stay!!! If anyone in the Northeast is looking for a weekend trip with kids, this is the place to go. Even the baby LOVED it because it was hot and steamy in the swimming area and he slept wonderfully for his naps.

I'm hoping to have my Christmas exchange out by Monday or Tuesday, when i'm home and settled in. Liam has his 2 month appt. on wednesday, and i'm sure he's gained at least 4 pounds since birth.

Talk with you all soon.

PS... Alice28 - hope you're feeling better soon - OUCH!!!

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I haven't read any of the posts since I last posted and I apologize if I am missing something important but I am in a hurry!

Just wanted to post and let everyone know that Kylie received her baby exchange gift today! Thank you so much Jennifer (Strawberry Lemonade) and Lucas! She got an Elmo's Play Day Play-a-Sound Book and Cuddly Elmo and a baby's 1st Christmas ornament! She LOVES it!!! She loves the book and we have already read it 3 times! She loves the sound effects and she has been playing with the stuffed Elmo off and on all day long! And the Christmas ornament couldn't have come at a better time since we just put the tree up last night! Thanks again...you did great! Oh, and thanks for the Christmas card. I will be hanging that up tomorrow sometime when I finish doing Christmas decorations!

Oh, I meant to add the other night that, Alice, Kylie also got one of those baby's first ornaments that you mentioned receiving in the exchange. She got it earlier this year from someone else on the DIS. I love it! It is too cute!

 

[Nite0wl71]

2SweetAngels (AMY) was my pal! I got a LOT! Wow! Thanks Amy!

This is what she sent Molly: a really cute baby's first Christmas ornament that is also a little memory book- I can put her picture in there and write some thoughts down from her first Christmas.

A little Pooh figurine for March (her birth month)

A white & pink fleece hat and pink mittens

A Pooh washcloth

Pooh diaper cover

Some yellow cozy sweats

An Eeyore bib

Baby's first Christmas stocking (what a cute idea!)

Thank you Amy! This was really great.

OK, who will be next? If my pal is in town, I think she will receive hers on Friday.

2sweetangels is my DD. I am on the phone with her right now. Her internet service is giving her trouble but she wanted to you to know that she is glad you liked everything and she will be online in a few days.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

I haven't read any of the posts since I last posted and I apologize if I am missing something important but I am in a hurry!

Just wanted to post and let everyone know that Kylie received her baby exchange gift today! Thank you so much Jennifer (Strawberry Lemonade) and Lucas! She got an Elmo's Play Day Play-a-Sound Book and Cuddly Elmo and a baby's 1st Christmas ornament! She LOVES it!!! She loves the book and we have already read it 3 times! She loves the sound effects and she has been playing with the stuffed Elmo off and on all day long! And the Christmas ornament couldn't have come at a better time since we just put the tree up last night! Thanks again...you did great! Oh, and thanks for the Christmas card. I will be hanging that up tomorrow sometime when I finish doing Christmas decorations!

Oh, I meant to add the other night that, Alice, Kylie also got one of those baby's first ornaments that you mentioned receiving in the exchange. She got it earlier this year from someone else on the DIS. I love it! It is too cute!

You're welcome! We're so glad Kylie likes the gifts.

 

[Alice28]

Thanks everyone, for the well wishes.

Did anyone else receive their package today? I'm getting antsy---I sent it priority Tuesday, but I guess with the holiday, it could get backed up til Monday.

My mom and I ordered Molly $150 worth of Gymbo on Thursday night- the sale prices were up at 9PM Pacific. But, seriously, the girl hardly had any cold weather clothes in the appropriate size! So, now she will be set. And that was her main Christmas gift from DH and I anyway. I only bought her 1-2 small toys. And Gramma can afford it anyway.

I'm getting more and more flexibility as the hours go on. Hopefully I will be able to navigate my stairs tomorrow or Monday and be able to drive on Tuesday or so. My mom is spending the night with me tonight to help me with Molly. We're still going to head out to Benihana for DS's birthday on Monday come hell or high water! I need my fix!

Anyway, gotta get ready for DS's party now...

 

[Alice28]

Hi everyone, happy turkey day. I have a few pictures to post.

We gave Lily a turkey leg to pick at, (in addtion to all her other food) it was pretty funny I got some great pictures. Here is one of them. The other is the girls in the leaves.

I LOVE the turkey leg picture! So darn cute and funny!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I LOVE the turkey leg picture! So darn cute and funny!

Why thank you!

I have more. The dress isn't gymboree, but old navy. However I did get online lured in and orderd a bit (got a gymbuc coming.) The women in the leaves is me, but not the best picture.

 

[lissawynn]

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving (although after catching up, I can see some of you didn't). DH and Jimmy are still sleeping, so I thought I'd get caught up on what's going on here.
Our Thanksgiving turned out to be a little different than we originally planned. On Wednesday night, DH's dad informed us they weren't having dinner until 4 b/c DH's mom and one of his sisters had to work until 3. Well, we always have a late dinner with my family b/c DH's family eats early. We did visit with DH's family for a few hours before going to my mom's. It was actually kind of funny b/c his family usually tells us the wrong time and then they're calling us screaming that dinner is on the table and we're not there. His mom never told one of his sisters (with 3 kids and a hubby) that dinner had been pushed back, so her hubby and the kids showed up at the regular time only to find NO food or the prospect of food for several hours. It did give me a warm fuzzy .
Dinner at my mom's was delicious. She always makes too much food and we left stuffed. Jimmy loved her mashed taters and turkey. He also ate some filling and sweet potatoes. There was so much left over, we went back for reheats on Friday night.

DS and I got up at 4:30 Friday morning and did the Black Friday thing. We went to Target and a local mall. We got some great bargains at Target and had a good time watching the nuttiness of some of the shoppers. People actually slept outside (it was freezing) to get some kind of flat panal tv and some other specials they had. We did really well at Gymboree and the Children's Place (they had extra discounts for early shoppers). I even got my gift exchange gift at Gymbo.
My mom and I took Jimmy shopping yesterday, and I am happy to say, almost all of my shopping is done. I finished off my little sis, DH's nieces and nephews, my BIL, and got a few things for my mom. Jimmy was such a trooper. He did manage to wet through his diaper and outfit, but after a quick change, he was back in the stroller and ready to go.

DH put our tree up on Wednesday night, so it's time to decorate! I also have to get to Wal-Mart for some storage containers and a few odds and ends.

Alice28 - How's your knee feeling? How did the b-day party turn out? He're to hoping you're feeling better!

Val - I hope your holiday turned out well despite your mom's nastiness. There's something about the holidays that makes people nuts!

Hillbeans - I live in NEPA, and we also had snow and freezing temps for the last few days. A semi-white Thanksgiving was really nice.

DisneyPhD - I love the turkey leg pic! We would have liked to try that with Jimmy, but no one in my family eats dark meat, so my mom only buys turkey breasts.