The Official New Mom Thread

[nucpharm29]

AAAHHH!! DD just walked up and erased everything that I had just typed. Anybody want a 2 year old girl? If I could just skip the ages frojm 18months to 3 I would love it! So, lets see if I can remember what I had typed previously. I was mentioning one of the advantages of being a SAHM was the fact that I'm still in my pjs (sometimes never get out of them ) and another advantage is I get to keep up with this thread (until DD crashes the computer of course). I guess the only disadvantage is that if it doesn't occur on the Disney channel I have know idea what's going on; like the Gauntlet? I need to get out more!

Diskim--Hope things are better today. All joking aside, being a SAHM has been the greatest decision for us. I know all situations are different, but if it is at all possible financially, go for it. I do miss some of the folks at work, but that's why we go to playgroups 2-3 times per week. I say it's for DD to play with the other kids, but really it's for me to talk to other moms. The only thing I really hate is that I'm still paying off student loans and I'm not even working in that profession anymore. They should have a "mommy clause" or something, that I could start paying again when I decide to go back to work in a few years.

Jill-lots of love to your little one at his Dr. appt. Hope the shot doesn't hurt too much. I wish my niece could've gotten it--she was sooooo sick with the RSV.

tykes--DH wanted to try for #2 right after DD was born. He comes from a large family and so he wants lots of kids--he sounds like he wants his own basketball team (talked him down from the football team )Anyway, I agreed to try for #2 when DD was almost a year old. We ended up conceiving around Valentine's day--so the 2 of them are almost 23months apart to the day. It's such a joy having a baby in the house again (minus the midnight and 3 am feedings). If I were to do it again, I'd probably wait another year if I could hold DH off. But do you know what he said after DS was born? "When can we try for #3?" Is he crazy?????

Hope everyone has a great day! DD is going to be a flower girl in DSIL wedding in may (what possessed SIL to want a 2 1/2 year old flower girl is beyond me), But I digress, I have to take DD in to get measured for her dress this week. I'm still in shock that I'm buying a 2 year old a $180 dress. AAHH!!

 

[DisKim]

This stupid cheap computer in my classroom just erased my entire post! I am so annoyed. I'll try and do another but I'll keep it short so I won't get angry if it gets erased.

Thanks for all the hugs and advice on the SAHM thing. The fact is, DH gets paid twice a month and one check doesn't even cover our mortgage. It's not a matter of merely sacrificing for me. It would mean the bills don't get paid and we can't afford food. I just don't get it. He had a college degree and a good job and yet it is not enough.

On the topic of being ready for a second baby - It took 4 years for me to be ready to have #2. I was scared to death. I couldn't fathom loving another child as much as my little princess. I never got the ache to have the second. I got the ache badly to have a third. I tried my best to ignore it because I was almost done with daycare for my 2nd child and I would be starting all over again. But I just couldn't ignore it. Honestly, I even ache for a 4th. I'm squashing that though. That would be suicidal in my situation!

Lissawynn - Poor Jimmy! I'm sure the antibiotics will help him feel better soon.

Well, it's cafeteria duty time - the worst time of day. Apparently, I have to now tell all 400 students in the lunch room that the new rule is they cannot have I-pods at lunch. The kids who listen to music are the ones who don't act up!

 

[lissawynn]

DisKim - Hang in there! I now know how hard it is to be in school all day long, then go home and do all of the house stuff. It's those days that I'm glad we have a small home. Don't you just love cafe duty? Last year, while I was pg, I had 3 full duties a week! I actually got permission to sit on a stool in the lunch line to crack down on the misbehavors. I dreaded it every day!
I hope things work out for you with the SAHM stuff. Have you ever considered teaching in a night school kind of place or local college? I have my MS in education, but if I ever got my MA in English, that's what I'd probably do. One or two classes a day, three times a week. We actually have a community college branch a block or so away from my house. One of my former hs teachers teaches there now. She loves it.

I ran to CVS on my lunch break and they had no cute bday invites. Argh! I guess that means I have to get to a Hallmark store sometime today. The things I'm doing for a 1st bday party!

Also, I smell like burned popcorn. I tried to make a bag while letting the dog out (after running to CVS) and I burned it. Nice. Now my house and I smell. What a day!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

DisKim - I was thinking about your diaper issue and I remembered when I worked in a daycare center, we would have to write down each diaper change for each child and include the time and what was in the diaper. Maybe you can tell your sitter to do the same. You can tell her the pediatrician wants a record because Aidan has been getting rashes or something like that so it doesn't sound like you're complaining about her (not that you don't have a right to, but some people may take it personally). I know it's not much, but it may help.

lissawynn - Hope you, um, smell better soon. Hope Jimmy's ear infections clear up. Poor little guy.

nucpharm - I'm with you on thinking a 2 1/2 year old is a little young to be a flower girl. I think people just want to see a cute little girl all dressed up. Wait until she doesn't want to walk down the aisle or decides to run all over the church, then it's not so cute. (My friend had a 3 yr old flower girl who did just that.)

Hillbeans - Glad you survived your first day back at work. It took a while for me to get back in the swing of things but once I did, it was like I never left.

J&D - Good luck with Jenna's party.

I woke up with a killer sinus headache this morning. I ended up calling work and telling them I'd be late so I could sleep it off. I just got in an hour ago. I hate missing time from work since I'm only in 3 days/week and I don't get paid sick time.

 

[DisKim]

SL - Thanks for the advice. The pediatirician excuse sounds good. She really is the nicest lady. I don't want to make her feel bad.

I was just grading essays and had to stop. If I read one more word about The Odyssey, I think I'll throw up. My babysitter's son came into school today (he graduated last year; I had him in class) to visit his teachers. He came up to me and told me Aidan woke him up at 10am because he didn't want to take a nap and was screaming. That is not what I needed to hear with the mood I've been in. Ugh! I just got a note delivered from guidance to call a parent. Interim reports went out over break so tons of parents are calling. Gotta go!

 

[Alice28]

SL- hope your headache clears up. I hate sinus headaches.

lissawynn- I hate the smell of burnt popcorn- it sure lingers, doesn't it? I'm sure you'll air out. And hopefully now that Jimmy has his antibiotics, he'll be his happy little self very soon.

I'm thinking of DisneyPhD right now and wishing I were at Disney World! I think I would be screaming on Tower of Terror right now----sounds like a stress reliever! Or shopping in Epcot WS. Hmmmm....

DisKim- I continue to hold good thoughts for you and that a solution will show itself!

Gems- I would be VERY upset if I got pregnant when DH comes home. Like on a 1-10 scale of being POed about being pregnant, I would be 10+. I just can't GIVE anymore- I feel sometimes like I have lost myself because I am so busy being a MOM ALL THE TIME. It's hard. I want to lose 20 pounds, move onto the next stage in life. As much as I love babies, and baby 'stuff',' I need to move on. Not to mention we are already busting the seams of this house with 5 of us. 6 would be insane. Plus my urologist advised me 'no more babies' because of some minor kidney stone issues I have. I was lucky they only flared up once, minorly, while I was pregnant with Molly.

Anyway, I gotta go mail some stuff I sold on ebay- sold my used Bjorn for $40! Cool! That gives me spending money for next week's Gymbuck redemption. I only plan on spending a little, even tho I have 3 Gymbucks. I think I will only use 1. Time to cut back on silly spending. But I GOTTA have that turtle dress!

 

[justhat]

Well we got back from our Disney trip on Sunday night, but it's taking me forever to catch up with this thread! I love everyone's Christmas photos and hearing about everyone's holidays. Madison has 2 of the toys I saw in some photos (the Learning Table and that piano with light up stars) and she still plays with both now, pretty much everyday. The piano she got from my SIL when she was about 2 months old and has loved it from about 4 months on. We never really got to use it in the 2nd 'sitting' position though cause she kept using it to pull up on so we went to the 3rd position quickly, but kept it on the 1st music setting (where it plays songs) and she still loves playing with it. Now she'll sing along with the songs too. The Learning Table she got last year for Christmas along with the Learning Home and she sings to both of them too.

I can't really go back to every post cause my memory is not that good lately, but I'll see what I remember. Infant carseats-Madison reached the height limit at about 6 months but we kept her in it till almost 10 months cause she was still way under the weight limit (and the car seat tech said she was fine height wise since her head was more than an inch away from the top of the seat). So by the time we did away with the infant seat Madison was well able to sit up in grocery carts and highchairs, but of course there were still times she would be asleep. We used the stroller a lot (just stuffed groceries in the basket if I was alone with her) which helped out in restaurants so she could sleep while we ate. Occasionally we've just unbuckled the whole carseat (like someone else mentioned) and carried that in with her sleeping in it (we'd ask for a table by a wall so we could lean the seat against it). What we also did in the beginning was keep the infant carseat in the car and then just transfer her into that if we had to and she'd usually stay asleep. Another thing I still do if she's sleeping is to keep a blanket in the car and put in in the bottom of the basket (at grocery stores) and lay her down in there to nap while I shop. Of course, Madison can sleep through anything so that works out fine for her (not at night of course, just during the day when I wish she'd wake more easily).

SAHMs, well for us that situation was very easily decided. I was in school and working part time when Madison was born so it would not have been cost effective at all for me to go back to work or school because I would have been spending more in daycare than I'd earn. Of course, I had planned to go back this past Sept., when she started in preschool cause that was only 1/2 day and cheaper since she's older (she was 18 months when she started). But then her school changed its hours, I had problems reenrolling at my school because of some stupid problem with my leave of absence paperwork, so then I sorta just said it wasn't worth it. I couldn't finish my program by June and if we move out of state then it would have been wasted money. Ugh, of course now with baby #2 on the way who knows when I'll ever finish and the longer I wait the more likely I can't transfer my credits so the 2 years I've done will be wasted too. But that's besides the point so I'll stop my digression. Right now we live on loans, so it's tough, and we take out a lot more than we should, but part of that is cause we know the next 4 years we will have a rough time so we figure we should enjoy what we can right now. As of May 22nd though (when my husband graduates) our loans start accruing interest and we can't take out anymore and have to live on what will be his very small salary and that will be tough, especially now with another baby. If we try to pay off any of the loans we'll be in the same position of not being able to pay bills and buy food, so we'll have to see how things go. Of course though, we'd still be in the same situation of daycare costing more than I'd earn so it still wouldn't be cost effective for me to work.

2nd children-Well as you all know already, our 2nd is on its way like it or not, and honestly, though I am excited about the new baby, I'm also sorta upset about it in a way. I feel really guilty about that, but I just haven't gotten over the feeling that I'm sorta screwing with Madison's life yet. We always planned to have 4 kids, so we knew we wanted more, but I really wanted a 3 - 3.5 year age difference between them. We had planned to start ttc in July 2006, hoping for a baby sometime around April-July 2007. I really wanted Madison to be at least 3 cause I really think she'd understand things better, would be more independent, and I think she might actually enjoy having a new sibling at that age. It seems we have a pattern of our kids birthdays ending up around the same time we planned to start ttc, so I told my husband with the next one I'm planning on having the baby a year later than I want it to actually come. I told him that I am planning on 2010, so I'll tell myself 2011, for the 3rd and he said it sounded so far away and I replied 'good'. Like I think Tasha, the absolute last thing I wanted was a late summer baby because I was so hot during my pregnancy with Madison that I had the ac down to 65 until the day she was born, and it was February. DC is hot and humid in the summer and I can only imagine how miserable I'll be this time around and that's really affecting how I feel about this pregnancy too. Plus I'm honestly not feeling ready to share myself with this new baby yet. I just completely weaned Madison on December 11th, so just about a week after this new baby was conceived and the thought of being pregnant or nursing from June 2003 to probably sometime in early 2008 does not thrill me at all. I'm also really afraid about how I'll love another baby as much as Madison. I know that's one of those things that will just happen when the new baby is born and all those fears will be gone, but right now I still haven't gotten past all of that stuff yet. People keep telling me that I'll love the 2.5 year spacing later on so I'm holding onto that to ease my fears right now. I was getting the baby itch, but still felt fine holding off on any babymaking until the summer. I'd say that the itch probably came back soon after Madison turned 1, though at first it was more a longing for her to be a baby again more than for another baby.

Madison just woke up from what must have been too small of a nap cause she's very grouchy so I should go.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I hope everyone is having a great day so far! I don't have time to catch up with the latest posts as I have to finish up the never ending laundry, give Kylie a bath, feed her her dinner, and get ready for church. I have about 2 hours before we have to leave.

But I have 2 questions that I am hoping you "in the know" moms can help me with though.

1. What home remedies work to get rid of cradle cap? I know this has been discussed before and didn't someone say either vegetable oil or baby oil would work? Kylie has it. Her hair is really thick so you can't even see it unless you pull her hair up in a ponytail or something and then it is VERY noticeable. And it is definitely cradle cap. I'm surprised she is getting it now at 8 months though!

2. Kylie usually gets irritable in the late evenings and runs a slight fever due to teething and the infant tylenol has been a lifesaver. Well, we ran out of it and I sent dh to the store to buy some more last night. I was a little worried sending him b/c he is notorious for buying the wrong thing. I wrote it down for him and he made this big speech about how I should trust him and he can read and knows how to get infants' tylenol so I sent him. It never dawned on me that he didn't know there was a separate aisle for headache/fever medicine and a separate aisle for cold medicine. Yep, he came home with the Infants' Tylenol Cold and Cough medicine. So my question is does that make much difference? Would it be okay to give that to her since it does help with fever too or should I make a special trip and go buy the regular tylenol instead? TIA for the help!

Oh, before I go, I thought I would share a funny story. Sunday dh, Kylie, and I went to church. It was our 3rd Sunday going there and I went last Wed. by myself (well, w/Kylie too of course but she stayed in the nursery) because Scott didn't get home in time. Anyway, this same woman comes up to us and "greets" us every week. But this past Sunday she asked if dh was my DAD!! I was like no, he's my husband! She tried to get her foot out of her mouth saying she thought he was someone else than the previous 2 Sundays. But anyway, dh is only 26 and I will be 25 next month. I know I look younger than 25 but c'mon! I can't possibly look THAT much younger than dh! Now dh keeps telling me he must look old...blah, blah, blah...lol! And for the record I think the oldest he could pass for is 32 and that's if he doesn't shave and that's stretching it a lot. If he shaves he looks his age and he did shave on Sunday. She was wearing glasses so I am thinking maybe it's time for an eye appt., eh?

 

[vald1977]

Hey everybody ,
I was a good little girl today and did my chores so of course I am behind on the thread .

Welcome home Justthat! The last time I was at WDW I was about 5-6 weeks pg and soooo sick the whole trip. I know how much that stinks.

Lisawynn,
Your goodie bags sound awesome . Good job! BTW, your football game sure did run late last night! It was still on when I went to bed around 12.

Jill,
I hope John's shot went well today. I was thinking of him today.

Tasha,
I have seen some photos you have posted of your DH and he does not look old at all! The woman needs an eye appt. like you said .

Robin,
I'm glad all worked out well with MIL and the car. It's a shame she had to put you through all that though. 1 week to go ! You must be getting so excited!

Diskim,
Hang in there . Please know that we all understand how you are feeling and are here for you when you need to vent.

SL,
Hope your headache is feeling better. I hate those stupid things!

Sorry if I'm forgetting anybody. This thread is too fast for me sometimes .

Well, I too was in no hurry to have child #2 for awhile. I knew right away that I wanted my kids at least 5 years apart. I figured that way I could give each a lot of special time. I also thought it would eliminate a lot of the sibling rivralry because they would be at different points in their lives. So far it has been wonderful having my kids spaced the way they are (almost 6 years). I wouldn't have it any other way. Of course, I was very young when I had DS (a few weeks shy of 22) so I figured I had a lot of time left still to have kids. Everyone does what is right for their family I think. There really is no right or wrong way to do it.

Have a good evening ladies .

 

[vald1977]

Oh yeah, I meant to add that vaseline worked really well on Katrina's cradle cap. She was pretty much bald at the time though so I don't know if it will work with thick hair. You could always wash her hair with a small amount of Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo. Just be very careful not to get it in her eyes.

The Tylenol cough and cold prob. is a combination of reg. Tylenol plus a decongestant. It won't hurt her but I would prob. get some regular next time you get to the store just because I hate giving medicine that they don't need (the congestant).

 

[justhat]

Tasha, I'd go get the regular tylenol. I don't know what Kylie weighs right now, but I know because of Madison's weight her dr said no decongestant when she got her 1st cold (she was 9 months old and about 17 lbs.). Her dr said she really wasn't comfortable with giving decongestants till around 20 lbs. They're really stringent about giving medications out though, so not sure how other drs feel about this. Plus since there is more than just the tylenol in that medication, you don't really know how much to give her and it might end up being too much so for your peace of mind I'd go ahead and buy the regular stuff.

I'm not big on trip reports (well, writing them that is), but just for those of you who are interested in knowing how WDW is during Christmas week, I'll give a small summary. I'm sure everyone knows how crowded it is then, but we'd been there before for that week so we knew what to expect. Honestly though, if any of you are every thinking about going, and the hotel rates during that week don't make you want to scream, I would not let the crowds stop you. The MK was open every morning at 7am for all resort guests (8am for everyone else) and then the other parks alternated opening at 7am in addition to the MK (they all opened at 8am for everyone too). There were also EMH everynight, on 12/30 the MK was open from 7am-4am!! Crazy. What we did and didn't have any trouble with the crowds was to be at the parks for the 7am opening and we had the place to ourselves. I think the new night EMH helps a lot cause lots of people stay out late and then sleep in so the parks were not at all crowded. By 10am we had done every ride in the MK (except Splash Mountain, but that's just cause it was cold that early so we had no desire to go), and done many more than once. Madison loved Pooh and Buzz so we would ride them about 3 or 4 times in a row. There were literally no waits at any rides early in the morning and you could get FPs for times as early as 8am, but you could use them whenever after that, so we'd save them till around 10 when the crowds started to build up. Then we'd eat a late breakfast (we brought cereal for Madison cause she couldn't last from 6am-10:30am) and after we ate we'd use up any remaining FPs or baby switch passes then go back to the room and nap. Well, Madison and I napped, my mom would go back out and shop and Joey would sometimes go to another park and do the rides Madison and I couldn't do. Madison was usually pretty tired (so was I) so sometimes we'd nap about 3 hours, then get up, shower, go eat dinner around 5 or 6, and we were done for the night usually (sometimes we'd go back to the MK for a few rides, but only a couple of times, and then we did DTD one night).

The other parks it wasn't as essential to get there are 7am, so sometimes we'd go around 7:30 or a little later, cause there just aren't that many things with lines that build up so fast. Like MGM, we got there for my mom and husband to do ToT and RnRC, but the rest of the stuff you could really get there at any time. They were handing out FPs for Playhouse Disney and Millionaire (like handmade ones, so you didn't need to 'waste' a FP on them) so they really tried to make things easy for everyone.

We also saw the CP with John Stamos as the narrator. I have to admit, as much as I had a huge crush on him growing up (and sorts still do!) he wasn't really the best fit. He was laughing and dancing and 'fake conducting' the choir while they were singing, which didn't really seem appropriate. It was still a great show though, but by the time the end neared Madison was saying "Ninny show Mommy", which in her language translates to "No more show Mommy". She was very quiet and well-behaved during the show though despite the fact that she wanted to leave so that was great for us.

The only downside was my sickness kicking in the last 2 days or so of the trip. We ate dinner at Citricos on 12/30 and I had the goat cheese salad cause I just read something saying that soft cheeses are now considered safe during pregnancy so I thought I'd go ahead with it. Well I really think it made me sick cause I was up that whole night running to the bathroom and it really seemed a lot worse than just the morning sickness sorta stuff, and at the risk of TMI it was more than just vomiting. It was horrible and I think it was the goat cheese only cause my mom otherwise ate the same food as me for breakfast and dinner and she was fine. Around mid-afternoon things cleared up but then the morning sickness kicked in and so I ended up not eating anything at all on NYE. I felt so bad though cause we were eating at Jiko and I didn't want to screw the waiter out of 3 adult meals. So we got Madison an 'appetizer' (the kiddie fruit cup which I ate) and dessert (a mini banana split and white chocolate 'puzzle'-she only ate the chocolate so my mom ate the rest) and then Joey got 2 appetizers but I 'ordered' one. We couldn't even really tell the waiter why I wasn't ordering cause then we would have had to tell my mom too and we don't want to do that yet. So I just told her it must still be the food poisoning. I really just wanted to go back to the room, but everytime I left the table Madison freaked out and started crying for me so I figured I should just stay. NYD was pretty much the same, though since I was over the food poisoning I didn't feel as sick. Since then it's more or less been the same sickness as I had with Madison, which starts as soon as I get up and lasts till I go to sleep at night. It's kinda depressing this time around cause I know how long it lasted with Madison (18 weeks!) and I am not looking forward to that again. Val, sorry to hear your were sick on your last trip too. It really does stink, especially when you have an older child cause you have to go to the parks for their benefit despite how you feel.

Sounds like Madison is finished with her bath. Bath time is generally my husband's thing, but since I've been pregnant a lot of things have become his thing. I don't think I've changed Madison's diaper since we got home now that I think about it. Not that I can't, but I was telling him in WDW when he'd leave us to go on his own rides that I fear that I'll be a single mom to 2 kids (more so based on his job really, but also cause he's very fearful of newborns-he didn't even hold Madison until the day after she was born) and he has taken it upon himself to become more helpful recently. His problem is that his dad was very, very hands-off, he says all the time how he never changed any diapers and has 4 kids, so I guess it's just hard for Joey to know what to do. He's great if you tell him to do something, but we all know how much more helpful it is when they just know what to do and do it without being asked. Lately though he's been taking more initiative which is great cause he and Madison missed out on a lot when she was an infant and she loves him so much now so spending time together is great for them. Tomorrow my BIL is coming to visit us for a few days so that should be fun-he's 17 and a great kid to have around.

 

[zalansky]

Well, I did it, I quit work - sort of. I went in yesterday and was so upset about leaving and telling my boss, I felt sick to my stomach. On top of this, I have Aunt Flo, so that made my emotions much worse and I spent the morning yesterday crying and even called my DH at work and told him I couldn't go through with it and that we'd need to find alternate daycare. I have to tell you, I have spent almost every waking moment since I went back to work after my son was born 3 years ago wishing I could stay at home and quit this job. But with me, the grass is always greener on the other side. I get my wish...DH is making more than enough for me to stay home and I can leave and actually kind of have to leave because the in=laws can no longer watch the kids....and I flip out crying like a baby. I need therapy. I am just so scared to make any big changes, I always have been and always will be. So, the "sort of quitting" part of all of this is that I am actually taking a leave of absence for 9 months. My company allows this and I told my boss I would either be back in 9 months or I won't. But at least now if I want to go back I can just call up and it will be easier than having to re-apply. It kind of feels like a safety net for me...if I want to go back in the next few months (and I hope I won't want to because I want to move on with a new chapter in my life) I can, if not I am free. Best of both worlds. Can you tell I am obsessing, still?

Anyway, justthat, sounds like you had fun at WDW despite feeling ill. I went through alot of what you're going through with the feelings of screwing with Madison's life when I got pregnant with Cameryn and she was very planned. It sounds like you know you'll get past all that and I am sure you've heard it plenty from many moms that you will have more than enough love for two. I am going to post a poem I found online that was geared exactly towards those feelings...it is very fitting for how I was feeling then and how you're feeling now. As a matter of fact, I included it in Connor's annual birthday letter (I write him a letter on his b-day every year and will give them to him when he grows up). I hope you like it. After I post it I am off to bed, I am trying to catch up on sleep I've missed out on obsessing over my life changes!!! OY! Here it is:

“I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in
the glow of our magical relationship.
Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me
that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how
could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then she is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you
feel at having to share me as you've never shared me
before. I hear you telling me in your own way, Please
love only me. And I hear myself telling you in
mine, I can't, knowing, in fact, that I never can
again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as
an intruder on the precious relationship we once
shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to
that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I'm afraid
to let you see me enjoying her - as though I am
betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to
curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine
affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new
routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is
fading fast. But something else is replacing those
wonderful times we shared, just we two.

There are new times - only now, we are three.

I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at
each other, touch each other. I watch how she adores
you - as I have for so long. I see how excited you are
by each of her new accomplishments.

And I begin to realize that I haven't taken something
from you, I've given something to you. I notice that I
am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both
of you.

I find that my love for each of you is as different as
you are, but equally strong.

And my question is finally answered, to my amazement.
Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you -
only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my
time, I now know you'll never share my love. There's
enough of that for both of you - you each have your
own supply.

I love you - both. And I thank you both for blessing
my life.”

Nite everyone...

 

[tkyes]

Oh good lord Loretta, thanks for making me cry!! lol - That was very sweet. That's a very good idea, writing your son a letter on his birthdays. I'm glad you found a good option at work. Change is hard, I agree.

justthat - sounds like you guys had a good trip besides your sickness. I'm sorry to hear about that. You'll have to share some pictures if you get a chance.

It's good to read everyone's responses about 2nd children. Thank you all for sharing. It's good to know I'm not alone. I know ultimately I do want more kids, but I was kind of scaring myself right now because of how much I don't want one "right now". My SIL is driving me crazy asking me if we are trying yet! Then again, this is the SIL who has kids that are 6, 4, 3, 9 1/2 months and is due in April with her 5th boy!


Tamie

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Thanks for letting me know about the cradle cap and the tylenol cold and cough, vald and justhat! Of course vaseline is the one thing I actually don't have in my house! I will see if anyone else has any advice since she does have a lot of hair and if noone else chimes in I will buy some Head and Shoulders and give that a shot.

I did not give Kylie any tylenol tonight b/c I was a little paranoid about giving her anything other than the regular and now I am glad I didn't! She weighs about 18 lbs so I am not sure what her pediatrician would say about her weight. I am always paranoid about giving medicine that isn't necessary too. It is still in it's plastic wrap and I kept the receipt so I wonder if they would let me exchange it for the regular. It's worth a shot I think! Funny thing is that while dh and I were in church we had Kylie in the nursery. She was having so much fun playing with the other baby in there and my best friend's 2 year old son and all of the toys that she didn't seem to notice any teething pain and even acted like she didn't want to go home! And it was about 8:30 when we got home so she went straight to sleep without any problems. She is used to going to bed at 7 so that was no surprise. So anyway the tylenol wasn't necessary tonight which is good since I forgot to go get the regular! I think I will do that tomorrow just in case her fever flares up again.

The woman the kept Kylie in the nursery said, "I see Kylie is trying to walk!" I was like, "WHAT? She tried to walk?" She just started crawling so I wasn't prepared for that at all! Anyway, it turns out she didn't actually try to walk but she kept pulling herself up and was standing for extended periods of time in there! And when she did it the other baby in there (who was 11 months) would copy her! Doesn't it figure she would do that in the nursery? She hasn't really done that at home yet. She pulls up on me and once she pulled up on the couch but she doesn't stand very long. This lady made it sound like she stood for quite a while. Oh, my, I am not sure I am ready for the standing/cruising/walking stages yet! Wasn't she just born yesterday?!

Ugh! I slept for several hours tonight and then woke up and couldn't sleep so I decided to check this thread and then go back to bed. Kylie just woke up! She usually sleeps through the night so I am thinking that the teething is bothering her now since she didn't take anything for it or anything today. I hope this doesn't end up being a long night! Wish us luck! Man, I can't wait for that tooth to come through already!

ETA: Kylie fell back asleep thankfully so it may not be a long night afterall!

justhat, I can't help but wonder if your mom suspects the real reason you were sick is b/c you are preg. I know you are keeping it a secret for now (which I bet is really hard!) but I think sometimes moms have a sixth sense about these things. When we told my mom I was only a few weeks along, we had not told anyone we were trying, I did not have any m/s, and I had not even seen her in a couple months. She told me she suspected that I was, that she just had a feeling. It will be interesting to see if your mom says she suspected you were when you tell her. Of course she may not have a clue, but I know my mom would have been highly suspicious if I seemed sick like that!

loretta~ I think the leave of absence is a good idea really. You may find you want to go back to work in 9 months so it's kind of nice having that safety net. And it gives you more time to adjust to telling your boss if you don't want to go back. I love that you write annual letters on your ds's b-days. I was planning to do the same for Kylie. I have one from my mom and one from my dad that they each wrote me when I was an infant and that is it. It would have been nice to have one for each year just to see how things were different, etc. Of course my mom's letters may not have been so nice during my teen years. We truly could not stand eachother then and she even made me live with my dad twice-once for a few months and once for a year and that was a nightmare for reasons I won't get into here! Anyway that poem is very beautiful and brought tears to my eyes! I am sure it will mean a lot to your ds someday! I have copied and saved it just in case I "need" it someday!

Tamie~ Wow! I don't know how your SIL stays sane with that many kids so close together! I know it can be done, but wow! And I bet your SIL is like mine. She tried to pressure me into trying for one when she was preg. with her first. Scott and I had only been married a year when he was born and I was only 19 and sooo not ready for a baby, but man how she pressured us! Ironically now that she is due with her 2nd (due Mar. 29) she hasn't pressured us to try for a 2nd at all. I think she is a little jealous that Kylie gets so much attention (like I mentioned before Kylie is the only girl so VERY spoiled!) and doesn't want her child to share the spotlight with 2 of my kids, lol, so she is happy with us waiting. That's good b/c I definitely hate when people try to pressure me on things that are really none of their business.

Speaking of when people want to ttc...I really do not want to start trying until Kylie is 2 and truly do not have any desire to until I hear of someone else getting excited about trying or someone else telling me they are preg. Then I get a little excited and think maybe I do want to try sooner! Two of my friends are preg. with their 2nd children...one is due in July, the other is due in Sept. And 2 of my friends are planning to start ttc their 2nd and 3rd children when their dh's get back from Iraq later this year. (In case any of you are wondering, I am the "baby" in my bunch of friends with the exception of 1 so most of them are over 25!) It's crazy b/c I don't want to try for one right now but I think I get a little caught up in the excitement momentarily. Thankfully I get over it rather quickly before I do anything rash. And dh would make sure I got over it if I didn't do so on my own anyway! Just wondering if anyone shares these feelings of if I'm just a nut?!

 

[lissawynn]

Good morning. I need a nap. It's truly a bad sign when you wake up wishing you could just go back to bed. My little boy began screaming at who know's what time last night. DH, the softheart, grabbed him and put him in bed with us. Sorry, I've had about all I can take of being kicked and having my hair pulled while I'm trying to sleep, so I headed for the sofa. To top it off, my dad picked Jimmy up about 25 minutes later than expected, so I was running around like a nut trying to get ready for work.

Cradle cap - Jimmy never got it, but I've heard olive oil works pretty well.

2nd baby - Who know? I haven't had the desire to run out and buy a pg test yet, but I'm sure curiosity will get the better of me this weekend if my friend doesn't show up. I know my mom got pg with me "accidentally", so wouldn't that be a hoot if our 2nd was an oops!

I sat for about 2 hours last night and did Jimmy's bday party invitations. I just don't have the time to do them on the computer. I ended up with a circus animal kind of theme which makes the anal planner in me unhappy. I wish I could have done snowmen, but I just don't have the time.

zalansky - I'm glad you have the option to take the 9 mo. off. Take your time and figure out what you want to do.

justthat - I'm glad you had a good WDW trip. Sorry about the sickness, though. I was about 4-6 weeks pg when I went in June 2004 and I was miserable. I spent most of the trip in the room watching the coverage of Reagan's funeral. What a waste of a trip for me.

I'm off to grade spelling 5x each! Check in with you all later!

 

[bellacam]

Hey mommies!

Loretta - I think the leave of absence is a great idea. you may find you want to go back or you don't, but 9 mos gives you plenty of time to weigh your options and find a suitable daycare if needed. As is said I really struggled with the SAHM decision, but as soon as Aidan was born, I knew I didn't want to go back to work.

Tasha - I can't believe Kylie is already in the trying to walk stage! They grow so fast!

JustThat - I'm glad you had a nice trip. I have always wanted to Disney at Christmas. Sorry the MS kicked in though.

As for ttc #2 so soon after Aidan - we tried for 5 years to have him and went through major infertility issues/treatments. We had really given up an having him on our own and decided to take a year to enjoy each other, travel, go out etc, then go the surrogate route. That was in January of 2004. That November, I found my self pregnant, naturally and the old fashion way! No drugs, no procedures, an honest to God miracle. I know that sounds hokey, but I truly believe that. We always wanted 2 children and after all it took for Aidan to be born "naturally" it doesn't seem right to try not to get pg again. I totally respect wanting to have a space between children. In fact I always wanted at least 3 years between children before we ran into our issues. But Aidan is such a joy and a blessing that I can't wait for #2. Both dh and I felt that way right after he was born. Literally one of the first ? we asked the Dr. the second day she came to see is in the hospital was "How long do we have to wait before trying this again" She just laughed and said at least 3 mos physically and for your mental state at least a year!

 

[nucpharm29]

Morning all! Can someone explain to me why if one child decides to sleep through the night the other decides it's time to wake up screaming in the middle of the night. I was so excited when I woke up around 2am and Matthew was still asleep (his longest stretch at home has been 3 1/2 hrs so far.)So when he had been asleep for 5 hrs I was in heaven--just then a little person appeared at the side of my bed. DD was up! I guess her cough woke her up and she needed some mommy love. So, I got her some cough medicine and put her back to sleep. And wouldn't you know it, as soon as she was back asleep DS was wanting to eat. Hopefully, tonight both will sleep. I can wish right?

Tasha--I'm actually a pharmacist by trade--not working right now though. I would also reccommend going to get the regular tylenol. Even though the decongestant won't "hurt" your little one; it's better just to give her the med. that she needs and not any extra. If your pharmacy doesn't let you return the tylenol if it hasn't been opened, I'd find a different pharmacy. If you decide to keep it I can try to find the dosing for the weight of your DD. Oh, about the cradle cap--our dr. reccommended using baby oil on the scalp and then combing over the affected area with a soft brush or comb to loosen the scales. And if that didn't work to try the head and shoulders. Of course, DD's turned into eczema, so we had to use a prescription cream on her.

Justhat--glad to hear your trip to WDW went well. I went last year when I was about 8 weeks pg, and was sick for most of the time. I'm glad we're going again in 2 weeks, so I can enjoy the world w/o morning sickness.

loretta--What a great poem! I'm glad you get to take a leave of absence, and then decide later if you want to return to work. Last year I had been working 1-2 days per month to keep up in the pharmacy, but now since baby #2 has arrived I haven't been back. And now my manager quit, so I don't have the connections I had before to just work whenever I want.


Hey I have a quick question. Friday is DH and my 5 year anniversary. Yippee! However, he's been working 14 hr. days this week and the only day he gets off during this project is Sunday. So, does anyone have an idea of something simple, romantic, and inexpensive (yeah, I'm not asking for much am I?) to do for him? B/c of the work situation, we can't go out. DH goes to work at 5am and then gets home somewhere around 7pm. I've got some champagne, but I'd like to do something else. Oh well!

Well, I guess it's off to take a shower and feed the little ones. Wish me luck, I'm actually going to a bridal shop with 2 small children today. I've put it off for this long, and SIL is asking whether the flower girl dress has been ordered yet. Ugh! Just what I wanted to spend my day doing--like I don't have better things to do. Like maybe start taking down our Christmas tree (it will probably turn into a valentine's tree at the rate I'm going).

 

[Hillbeans]

Tammy - try not to worry about the 2nd...I barely pushed Liam out and my In-laws were asking me when I was going to try for a girl. Not everyone wants to have children close together, and some do and either way is very normal. Even though I had M/C's and didn't have my 2nd until my oldest was 4.5, the age difference has worked out well so far (minus the sunglasses in the nose incident and the "stepping on" incident when he was just 5 days old - LOL).

Loretta - What a sweet poem that was (and of course I cried). Glad to hear it went alright at work. I agree with you about life changes and work changes. I wish you all of the best with this new chapter in your life. I used to think I wanted to be home but I enjoy working my 4 day schedule. Perhaps it's easier for me because my babysitter is like a grandmother to my kids, so that's a huge factor - and the fact that i'm home one day during the week gives me that special time with the kids.

Justthat - so nice to hear you had a great WDW Christmas trip.

Tasha - Wow, can't believe Kylie is trying to walk! They sure grow up fast!

Jill - How did john's Doctors visit/shot go today?

DisKim - Good luck to you. I know a lot of us here can relate to what you're going through. I agree with Strawberry Lemonade that they can and should write down each diaper change. My old daycare used to do that and it was helpful.

Gotta run...i'm at work so I shouldn't even be on here at all, but old habits die hard....

Talk to you ladies soon.

 

[lissawynn]

nupcharm29 - I've got a really good garlic chicken recipe that you serve with a green veggie and pasta (it's all combined in one dish). Maybe that, some good crusty bread and a salad. You could get a small cake or dessert from the grocery store. Our anniversary is 6/22, so we are usually at the beach. Last year my family watched Jimmy and DH and I went to the Lobster House in Cape May, NJ and had a great dinner. It was nice to have some time to ourselves.

 

[justhat]

Loretta, thanks so much for that poem. Even though I cried so much reading it, it was so helpful cause it really does describe how I feel about this baby. It's really hard for me to accept my feelings cause with Madison, even though I was shocked to find out I was pregnant, I was so excited cause that was what I had waited my whole life for. The fact that she was coming about a year earlier than planned, and 3 months before our wedding, was completely unimportant to me as I was way too caught up in the excitment of becoming a mommy. This time though, I am excited and can't wait to hold that newborn in my arms, but then all those feelings from the poem flood in and take over. Then I feel guilty that I feel guilt. Ugh, what a cycle. I'm hoping I can move past all this sooner than later, but it's so nice to know that other people go through the same feelings cause it really helps me not feel as badly. So thanks so much for sharing your experience and the poem! And good luck with the leave of absence from work, it sounds like the perfect compromise.

Tamie, we had lots of people asking us when we're having our 2nd and I completely agree that it's annoying. People still ask us actually since they don't know. Unless someone is coming over to help me care for these 2 kids, I don't feel anyone should have any input on how many kids you have or when you have them. Right before I took this pregnancy test we went out to dinner with family and 1 cousin kept telling me 'Madison needs a baby brother or sister' and then went so far as telling us what to name it. Insisting actually. We're going to name the baby Henry Joseph if it's a boy (woulda been Madison's name too) because Henry is my late father's name and it's super important to me to name the baby after him. Joseph you can probably all guess since I'm sure I've posted my husband's name before (plus it's his dad's name so the baby will be named after both grandfathers). Well this cousin kept insisting we name him Joey. That would make the baby Joseph IV, and my husband is adamant that he does not want a 'dynasty' named after him. In fact he's only the 3rd cause he was born on his grandfather's birthday, otherwise he would have been a Christopher. No matter what we told her she just kept yelling out that she was right. BTW, I give your SIL a lot of credit for having all those young kids. There are times that I wonder how I'll manage with 2 young kids, let alone adding a few more to the mix.

Tasha, you're right, my mom might have an idea. Or at least once we tell her I am sure she'll put it together. The funny thing is that I really think I had some sort of food poisoning before the morning sickness started, but I know that once I tell her about the baby there's no way she'll believe the food poisoning thing. Oh, and I felt the same way as you about another baby when my friends/relatives had another one. I knew I wanted to wait till Madison was around 2.5yo before we started ttc, but once she was about a year old everytime I'd see a friend who was pregnant I'd get that urge again. Like you it would go away fast though. Right before I found out about baby #2, I found out that my cousin and 2 friends are having #2 in June and July and I started seriously considering moving up ttc to March (which is when Joey wanted to start) from July, but looks like I don't have to bother with that now!

Lissawynn, we were in WDW for our honeymoon that same time of June 2004 cause I remember watching the Reagan funeral a lot too. I wish I had taken the extra pregnancy test with me back to DC, but I left it at my mom's house in NJ otherwise I'd mail it to you. My big hangup was not wanting to spend $15 on a test till I was absolutely sure I needed to buy it, just seemed like a waste. When I got to the store they had one of those 2 pack digital tests on sale for the same price as 1 regular test so that's why I ended up getting that kit, but since the 1st one was positive there was no need to bother with the other, but now it seems like I waste. Next time I'm up in NJ I'll bring it back to keep it on hand for others who may need it!

Okay, I have to shower before I leave to pick up Madison at school and then go to the airport to get my BIL. I think I'll have just enough time to come back home for about 20 minutes. Ugh. Inconvenient time, but maybe Madison will go back to sleep in the car.