The Official New Mom Thread

[vald1977]

Robin,
Happy Birthday to Sammy ! I hope your DH has a chance to call him. It must mean that Benihanna's is tonight, right ? Have a great time !

SL,
Sending prayers your friends way.

Hillbeans,
Gosh that Liam is cute! That is an awesome picture of him .

Jill,
I hope you have a wonderful trip ! I actually don't think you're crazy at all for going with the baby. If I had had the the chance and it hadn't been swelteringly hot (my dd was born in July) I would have taken her at 5 weeks in a heartbeat.

DH is home from the doctor's. They said that it is his actual test. (don't know if the whole word will go through the filter) that is infected . He's out of work for 1 - 3 more weeks. Tomorrow he will go in and talk to HR to see what he can do. Hopefully he will be able to claim short term disability or something. Thank God for the trusty credit card . I actually did just get a new credit card with a 0% interest rate so it's not as bad as it could be but I also transferred all my old balances over to that one so I don't have much of a credit line left on it. We'll make it through one way or another. It just stinks that it is at holiday time when expenses are already high.

 

[Alice28]

Have a great time Jill! Hope you are able to soak in some Disney Magic. I kept flipping back and forth between Desperate Housewives and some Holidays at Disney World last night on the Food Channel. I literally got choked up looking at the Epcot World Showcase and feeling like I was JUST there (Well, I kinda was) and wanting to be back the second DH comes home. Of all the times I have been to DL and WDW, I have never been at Christmas time. I think one time when I was at DL, they were putting the decorations up (it was Veteran's day).

Val- Unfortunately, we have been in your spot before, being in a money jam and having to rely on the credit cards for things like groceries and gas, etc. Ugh. I am glad you have the 0% credit card too- that will help a LOT. We have two that are at 2.9% and 6% so that's not horrible, but I would rather we not have a balance on either of them (cause they're rather large-marge balances). Whatever. Live and learn and someday they will be paid off. I just paid off the stupid 18% one last month.

Yep, tonight is Benihana's. I already have my order all planned out. Shrimp and chicken with the special fried rice. And I'm going to have them do the fried rice for one of my boys too- they won't eat it and I can eat it for lunch tomorrow. Since I now don't have to drive I may even have an adult 'beverage.' What the heck, right? I've had a sucky week. Then again, maybe a cocktail mixed with crutches isn't such a bright idea.

I promised Sam (before I hurt myself) that we could go to Toys R Us before Benihana to spend his gift cards. I guess we can still do that. I feel so bad for the kid, cause I also bought him a hermit crab terrarium, but said we would get the crabs when I can drive again. I'm a little creeped out by the crabs----I said, "Can we just wait til Daddy gets home????" He just gave me a look, like, Mmmmmmmoooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmm.....we don't have any pets right now and he has been wanting SOMETHING for quite sometime. I thought a crab would be quite low maintainence.

Anyhoo, my mom should be here soon. I've done pretty good this morning. Even managed to get Molly down for a nap. Her itty-bitty 45 minute morning naps. Grrr....she should take a good 2+ hour one this afternoon. Yesterday, my 4 year old didn't get up until ELEVEN AM! They went to bed at 9:30. I could not believe it! I guess he got worn out by brother's party!

 

[llij]

Valerie - your poor DH! I hope that you all get through this holiday season ok. It is tough to be financially in a pinch especially this time of year.

Alice28 - Have fun at Benihana's tonight! I never got a chance to watch the food network special last night b/c I fell asleep! My mom said it was great!

Here are a few pictures that I took of John Paul and the girls on Thanksgiving.

John is Santa!

The girls and John Paul

Everyone have a great day!

 

[tkyes]

I'm so far behind! I'm sure I will miss someone, I'm sorry if I do.

Robin - Ouch! I'm so sorry you hurt yourself. Happy Birthday to your son.

To everyone with new pictures, they are soooo cute! Liam, Jace, John Paul, Vald's children and anyone else I missed - I love seeing new pictures.

I'm flattered that everyone likes the b/w pictures.

Vald - I'm so sorry to hear about your husband!!

We had a little rash flare up today. I'm not sure why and his diaper rash is horrible! Hopefully all the lotion I gobbed on today will help.

Have a great day everyone.

Tamie

 

[gwcollins71]

Jill -- John Paul looks like a little doll. I bet his big sisters are completely enamored of him. The phot of all three on the sofa is nice. What a lovely family.

Wow, I didn't know you were going back to school. Congratulations and hang in there! Its tough but at least the end is near. I am thinking of leaving the middle school and going back to intermediate (4th-5th). The kids are generally much nicer. Middle school/junior high students can be downright vile. I need happy time at work. Right now I'm sick of fighting with them. I swear, I spent 2 days making up packs for each child with their missing work so they could get it done during the 5 day break and only half the children showed up with the work done. The other half were like I lost it, can you give it to me again. I actually had a parent call and leave a message that their child would turn it in tomorrow. ***, my mid quarter grades are due tomorrow. Your child now has 15 zeros. Too bad, so sad for you. Be a darn parent!

I feel so much better now that I've gotten that off my chest.

I am off to class to discuss and work on my thesis. Ooooh boy!

have a great night!
Gretchen

 

[gwcollins71]

Oh my gosh!! I just looked my counter. Lily will be 5 months tomorrow. I feel like she was just born. Heck I still have my travel bag with stuff from the hospital still in it.

gretchen

 

[llij]

Gretchen,

Congrats on Lily turning 5 months! The time does fly by fast doesn't it?

Good luck with class tonight! My aunt has been teaching HS for 30+ years and I've heard similar complaints about lack of parental involvement or kids just not doing the work. She started out with Elementary school then Middle School and decided that she loved HS. She really does love what she does which is great. She just has lots of interesting stories to tell me. She is trying to talk me into being a special ed HS teacher, but my heart is really with working with the little ones. I've worked with Kindergarten and 2nd grade for about 10 years now. I went back to school two years ago and had about 5 classes left in my program when I found out "surprise" we were expecting John. My school and professors were wonderful about letting me take a break and I am so thankful for that. There was no way I could have kept up my program this semester with all the trouble I had recovering from the c-section. I was going to be done with school next fall and then go back to work immediately. I now hope to graduate in 2007 or 2008 depending on how it goes with the baby. I don't mind that it will take a little longer b/c I've been given a gift of a little baby boy!

I better run now. I need to finish packing and try to get a few hours sleep before the long car trip tomorrow. Everyone take care!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Oh my gosh!! I just looked my counter. Lily will be 5 months tomorrow. I feel like she was just born. Heck I still have my travel bag with stuff from the hospital still in it.

gretchen

Don't you just love the count down clocks. Sometimes it is the only way I can keep track of how old my baby is (and same was for how far along my pregnancy was. )

Good news is my count down clock for vacation is going well. It is coming up soon!

 

[joats]

DisKim: you sure are a trooper. Hope you are fully recovered from Thanksgiving.
Val: Oh how painful for your DH! Hope he is on the mend soon. Love the new pics of the kids.
Hillbeans: Liam is so cute!
Alice: Happy Birthday Sam! Glad to hear you'll be seeing DH soon!!
SL: Jace loves his exersaucer. He really can play a long time by himself in it. We have the Baby Einstein one. What a great idea for Lucas for Christmas. Sending positive thoughts out to your friend.
Jill: have a great time on your trip. Your pictures are great! What a nice family you have. John Paul's santa pics are awesome!
Tykes: Poor Tyler and his rashes. Hope the lotion worked.
Gretchen: I love seeing your posts and pics - but GET TO WORK on that thesis!! I was the same way = queen of thesis procrastination! Happy 5th months Lily!
DisneyPhD: are you headed to WDW for vacation?

Nothing new to report except Jace's craddle crap is going away and the most adorable little blonde hairs are growing in. Finally my baldy will have some hair.
He's also been babbling so much lately. I love it. He goes on and on. Honestly, I think anything and everything he does is the most amazing thing in the world. DH and I are so enamored with him. I'm sure I'm not alone in this...I've read about and seen pics of your cuties (how could you not be too)!!

Have a great night!

 

[DisneyPhD]

DisneyPhD: are you headed to WDW for vacation?

Nothing new to report except Jace's craddle crap is going away and the most adorable little blonde hairs are growing in. Finally my baldy will have some hair.
He's also been babbling so much lately. I love it. He goes on and on. Honestly, I think anything and everything he does is the most amazing thing in the world. DH and I are so enamored with him. I'm sure I'm not alone in this...I've read about and seen pics of your cuties (how could you not be too)!!

Have a great night!

Why yes we are!!!!!

Very excited too. Jan 4th to 11th at SSR resort. Our 3rd trip (and last) on these AP's. (I love DVC!) THis trip it will just be DH, myself and the 2 DD's. Our friends often go with us, or my niece, or in laws. Last May was just us and it was great. SO much easier. (still it is fun with friends, especially these friends they are good ones! ) Anna talks about it all the time, I think Lily will love things (but most likely will be a bit more to handle this time.) I hope she is walking by then, I worry about people stepping on her. She is so much fun and understand most everything we say now a days. She can get her point across rather well too.

I was at the Doc office today for Anna, she has an "ragging ear infection" as the doc called it. Says it might rupture. She has had a cough for a month now, but only mentioned her ear hurting this morning. I asked the Dr (a new one, she hasn't seen Lily yet.) when I should start to be concerned if Lily doesn't start walking. I told her that she is concentration more on getting the words and motions to "Itsy Bitsy Spider" then walking at the moment. The doc about died laughing and said "She sounds ok to me, but if she isn't in a month bring her in."

 

[lissawynn]

I mailed my exchange package yesterday! It should be arriving sometime in the next two or so days!

I wrote this huge post last night only to discover my connection had gone all wonky and it didn't actually appear on the boards. I will try to recap what I wrote (if I can remember).

Jill - Enjoy your WDW trip. I am the tiniest bit jealous as we won't be returning to WDW for about two years. I need to work on paying down my credit card balances, and my summer school money is an excellent way to do that. I usually use that for a summer WDW trip, but DH and I are going to take Jimmy closer to his 3rd b-day. We're hoping he "gets" it at that time. Your little Santa is such a cutie! You have a great bunch of kids.

Robin - I hope Sammy's party was a hit. I also hope you had a drink or two and got time to relax and enjoy yourself. It's great to hear your DH will be home sooner than expected. I'm sure we won't hear from you for a while after he returns!

Val - I hope you DH is feeling better today. What an ordeal!

joats - Yay for the disappearance of the cradle cap! It's so nice when they get some hair!

Gretchen - I didn't realize you also taught in the middle school. I know the students are kind of wacky, but I enjoy this age (7th grade). I do wish some of my students' parents were more involved, but this is a problem at every grade level.

DH's first day on his new job went ok, but I think he's kind of rethinking his decision to leave his old job. I told him to take a week to think things through and then make a decision about what he wants to do. His old employer isn't advertising his job for at least a week or two, so he could go back there if he wanted to.
I was kind of ready to bonk him on the head last night after he got all wishy-washy about his decision to take this new job. This was something he kept talking about for months. I don't know if it's nerves or what. I do know that he was bummed about missing the first day of deer season and that's something that's going to be that way for a few years. He won't have enough seniority to take that day off for some time.
I'm hoping things are clear to him by the end of the week. My nerves can't take too much of this back and forth stuff. I am trying very hard to be supportive of him and his decisions, but this hot and cold nonsense gets to me.

I hope you're all having a good day!

 

[Alice28]

Well, Benihana's was quite yummy! I think we all had a good time (except for my aching knee, but whatever). All 3 of my kids were extraordinarily well-behaved so I was feeling rather smug for awhile. Molly just started to get fussy toward the very end and then we played "Pass Molly around the table." My best friend and her DH and son came too, so it was quite festive. Molly liked the noodles, rice and chicken! MY DS#2 was fascinated with the chef and was kind of copying him. It was cute. Of course I was practically groaning with happiness over how great that shrimp tasted! I brought some leftover chicken and rice home for lunch today.

My son now officially has more toys than Toys R Us I think. Our house isn't big enough for all this! This is why every year in early Nov. we donate about 2 big bagfulls of stuff to charity- to clear out for new stuff. I am fortunate to have some many friends and family to spoil my kiddoes.

Lissawynn- I hope your DH settles into his new job soon too- there have been times where my DH has not been happy with his (civilian) employers and it makes for tense times.

Yay for Jace growing some hair and buh-bye to cradle cap!

Anyway, DH called last night and was able to talk to Sam for a few minutes and he passes the phone to me, we talked for about 2 minutes and the damn connection went out. And he wasn't able to call back. I tell you, once he's home and we will be in a situation where I can call HIM- it will seem like a miracle! I hate having to rely on him calling me only.

ETA- Disney PhD- hope Anna's raging ear infection heals quickly. My older DS had 1-2 of those where the ear drum ruptured- it is PAINFUL.

 

[DisKim]

I should be doing some work on my prep period but if I read one more essay today, I'm going to go insane.
Alice28 - I hope your knee feels better soon. It must be hard having a messed up knee while trying to take care of 3 kids.
Val - I hope your DH feels better soon!
Jill - John Paul is adorable! I love the santa suit. Have a great trip.
joats - congratulations on the hair growth
Lissawynn - I'm glad DH's first day on the job went well.

Well, I don't have much to report. Aidan is getting 5 new teeth all at once. He has the bottom two already. He is getting one more on the bottom and all 4 front teeth on top. Needless to say, he drools nonstop, doesn't sleep well and poops constantly! He's so darn cute though. He dances now. He likes to rock back and forth whenever he hears music. DH put him in front of our tree with Christmas music on and took video of him dancing. I could just watch that video whenever I'm in a bad mood and it will make me happy. I hope everyone is having a good day. Time to go back to work! Yuck!

 

[cabmom]

Hello everyone, I could use some advice/help with getting Dean to latch. We are supplementing by tube feeding at the breast or finger. We have been successful in getting him to eat that way, however he does not want to latch as my milk supply has diminished. I'm on a drug called Domperidone the side effect of this drug is milk production. It is working but not to the extent that I expected. I still can't get Dean to latch and stay as my milk isn't coming fast enough. I've also been pumping to help with keeping up my supply. I'm not able to pump more than 1oz. I'd prefer to breastfeed for many reasons. Dean is my 4th child and I was able to nurse the other 3 boys. Have any of you been down this road that would have words of encouragement or help? I've been to my Dr's and the midwives on a regular basis in the last 2 wks. Dean was 2 wks last night. He weighed 8 lbs, 2 oz at birth, lost over 1 lb and is up to 7 lbs 11 oz now. I've checked out the LLeague online and different breastfeeding websites.

Any advice?

Marilynn

 

[Alice28]

Marilynn- I had the same problem with #3. Well, I didn't have a latch issue per se, but she lost over 1 lb and had to supplement with the tube, etc. It was awful. She still breastfeeds, but I still give her a bottle with formula twice a day or so too.

I understand how frustrating it is, esp when you had success with other kids! Has the doctor looked in his mouth to make sure his tongue and palate are normal (sounds like a dumb question, but that's all I can think of!). Is he sleepy a lot- like if you tried to wake him up more would he latch better or would he just get mad? Do you tip your areola way up? I remember my lac consultant tipping my nipple/areola way up so Molly's bottom lip was well-underneath the areola, and just cramming the rest of it in her mouth and holding her tightly there.

 

[Alice28]

Once again, I am amazed by people's generosity here in my community. I don't know if some of you remember me posting last holiday season how the Oregon City P.O. sponsored our family for Christmas and SPOILED us rotten with gifts and then our church also gave us a bunch of stuff too- gift cards for toys, gift cards for DH and I when he came home over Christmas.

Well, I just got a phone call from DS's principal- another family here in OC wanted to sponsor a military family for Christmas and our name came up! (DS's teacher has been AMAZING this year- sending Bob letters, emails, packages from the class- soooo supportive and kind). So the principal put me in touch with this woman (whom I get the feeling is maybe her sister in law as they have the same last name) & she wants a detailed Christmas list from all of us, as well as a food shopping list- our likes and dislikes, etc. I guess they do this in memory of their father, who passed away 22 years ago, and whose birthday was 12/22. Isn't that so neat?

So, now to sit and think what else the kids might like (I've already done shopping for them...). And what I might like! (Those darn ceilings fixed that the flake never did......but she didn't say home repairs, just things...hmmmm).

I just wanted to share my excitement!

 

[AngieWin]

Marilynn - Is there a LLL in your area that could send over a leader? Or a bfing group at your hospital? I had to supplement with the tube syringe at the breast until ds2 latched on. With ds1 my supply dropped and I tried fenugreek and mothers milk tea. Right now I am working on upping my water intake to keep my supply up. Re pumping: can you pump at the same time your ds is bfing? That might be a hard task if you are supplementing at the same time. My letdown is always better when I am bfing. I wish you luck!

 

[justhat]

Wow, everytime we're away there are like 10 pages to catch up on here. I haven't gotten to that yet, but I wanted to post that our exchange package is on its way and Madison got her package from Kylie today! She is a very happy little girl with all the stuff she got. Kylie sent her a stuffed Buzz, 2 Christmas ornaments with her name on them, 2 sticker/coloring books (Rugrats and Buzz), and a really neat Movie Theater book with Pixar movies. Kylie did a very good job picking out Madison's stuff as she is obsessed with Buzz, stickers, and grew a love of Sully while we were away (we watched Toy Story 2 on the plane to Hawaii, but also brought Monsters Inc. and when we flew to Phoenix she cried to watch Monsters Inc.). She is so excited with her package (I waited to let her open it when she got home from school) and is currently carrying around the book waiting for me to show her what to do with it. Tell Kylie that Madison said "thanks" and that she loves everything!

Now, to go catch up with everyone else! I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was good. Ours was the 1st time eating ourselves in a hotel, away from family, but it was still nice, and we enjoyed being in Phoenix.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Wow, everytime we're away there are like 10 pages to catch up on here. I haven't gotten to that yet, but I wanted to post that our exchange package is on its way and Madison got her package from Kylie today! She is a very happy little girl with all the stuff she got. Kylie sent her a stuffed Buzz, 2 Christmas ornaments with her name on them, 2 sticker/coloring books (Rugrats and Buzz), and a really neat Movie Theater book with Pixar movies. Kylie did a very good job picking out Madison's stuff as she is obsessed with Buzz, stickers, and grew a love of Sully while we were away (we watched Toy Story 2 on the plane to Hawaii, but also brought Monsters Inc. and when we flew to Phoenix she cried to watch Monsters Inc.). She is so excited with her package (I waited to let her open it when she got home from school) and is currently carrying around the book waiting for me to show her what to do with it. Tell Kylie that Madison said "thanks" and that she loves everything!

Oh, glad it arrived and glad Madison likes everything! She was fun to shop for but I must admit I wasn't entirely sure if I was getting age-appropriate stuff or not. You'd think after teaching preschool to 2-3 year olds and having 2 little sisters I would know but it's been a while so I wasn't sure. I thought the movie/book thing was really neat but it looked like it could be a PITA for you too so I wasn't sure! Hopefully it won't be too much trouble! Oh, and Kylie is sitting here with me saying, "oh baa ma ba ba ahh". I am pretty sure she is trying to tell Madison "You're welcome!"

If I am not mistaken everyone who is participating in this exchange has said they have either already sent their package or they will be sending it by Friday (which is the send by date), right? If anyone is going to be late let me know. But like I said I am pretty sure everyone has said they will have it out by then. That's great! I am enjoying reading what everyone is getting!

I am really, really far behind on this thread and I have skimmed some but I don't think I will be able to catch up for a while! But here are some notes from what I remember (which, sorry, isn't much! ) :

vald~ OMG! How awful about your dh's vasectomy! Now I am almost nervous to have dh get one! But I know I don't want my tubes tied either. If something happens to him I am young and I may remarry and may want more kids someday. I am content w/only having 2 w/dh but don't know if I'll want more or not if I remarry someday so I am keeping my options open. I hope that never happens but I am trying to think realistically. He definitely doesn't want any more kids after our next one even if he remarries someday so it is either he gets a vasectomy or I simply stay on BC pills. Decisions, decisions....Guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. We still have a while.

SL~ We are getting Kylie an exersaucer for Christmas too. She played in one at Toys R Us once and really liked it so it will more than likely be a good investment.

All of the new baby pictures are adorable! Keep 'em coming!

We had an awesome Thanksgiving! The best we have had in years. Kylie was so good and had so much fun playing w/my 22 yr old brother. And ever since Thanksgiving she has started to really eat her baby food! She is eating most of what I give her now which I thought would never happen so it's a miracle!

Sunday, the 27th, was our 6th wedding anniversary. We just stayed at home though b/c dh was on call and it was the weekend after Thanksgiving and all. We are taking Kylie to my mom's Saturday evening and she (and no doubt my brother who is simply crazy about her!) will watch her while dh and I go out to dinner and a movie and "officially" celebrate! I am sooo looking forward to that! It will be our 1st night out by ourselves since her birth! She loves her nana and papa and uncles so she will be in good hands and just fine.

Kylie will be 7 months on Monday. She has a checkup on Tues. Then Wed. dh has an appt. w/a podiatrist about a pesky ingrown toenail that keeps coming back!

Well sorry I am so far behind. I will try to catch up soon. Promise! Hope everyone is having a great week!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hello everyone, I could use some advice/help with getting Dean to latch. We are supplementing by tube feeding at the breast or finger. We have been successful in getting him to eat that way, however he does not want to latch as my milk supply has diminished. I'm on a drug called Domperidone the side effect of this drug is milk production. It is working but not to the extent that I expected. I still can't get Dean to latch and stay as my milk isn't coming fast enough. I've also been pumping to help with keeping up my supply. I'm not able to pump more than 1oz. I'd prefer to breastfeed for many reasons. Dean is my 4th child and I was able to nurse the other 3 boys. Have any of you been down this road that would have words of encouragement or help? I've been to my Dr's and the midwives on a regular basis in the last 2 wks. Dean was 2 wks last night. He weighed 8 lbs, 2 oz at birth, lost over 1 lb and is up to 7 lbs 11 oz now. I've checked out the LLeague online and different breastfeeding websites.

Any advice?

Marilynn

I just wanted to send some hugs your way. (but gentel ones, I know how tender those breasts can be!)

Anna had problems at 1st too. She was sucking instead of thusting. We did get it after a while, but it was a good month before I stopped praying evertime before I went to feed her.

Keep pumping if you need to. I have known a number of moms who kept at it and their baby was able to lacth on and continue to nurse for a long time.

There may seem like a lot of reasons to give up, but as a seasoned mom you know the bennifits. So sorry this one has been so hard.

Has Dean been checked for tonge tied? That can make it hard for him to lacth on. How does he do with a bottle?

In other news, Anna is feeling better, but I fear Lily is getting something. It never ends does it? I got some cothes I ordered for Anna from Gymborre on line. OH my are they cute. I didn't find anything must have for Lily (she is rather between sizes. 6 to 12 will be small soon and 12 to 18 is too big.) However I have Gym bucks for later!

The kids aren't getting any big gifts this year, or lots and lots of small ones. (but a few, you have to have something to open on Christmas day.) We are going to WDW in Jan, so we will get some new toys there! That should be fun.

Alice 28, that is so great!!!!!!!

Just that, glad to hear your trip went well and you are home now.

Tasha+Scott, Congrats on your wedding aniversary and so glad your Thanksgiving went well. Isn't it so great when their personalities really start to show through?