The Official New Mom Thread

[Strawberry Lemonade]

DH could never stay home with Lucas. He's the major breadwinner in our family. I'm sure if he could, he would. As it is, I only have a few more weeks of my maternity leave. Then I'll be going back to work 3 days a week and will have to put Lucas in daycare. I think it's a little easier for me since I used to work at the center he'll be going to and some of the people I worked with are still there nearly 10 years later.

We just got back from our weekend at the Cape. Lucas was an angel! He even slept more than he ever had at home. I hope it's the start of something new (and because the Miracle Blanket is working) and not just because he was more worn out than usual.

Hope everyone is doing well.

 

[gwcollins71]

Hi everyone

Wow! I've been gone forever. Welcome to all the new Mommys and babies. It took me 2 hours to catch up on all the new posts from the last week.

I am officially back at work now and have been for a couple of weeks. The kids came back last week. It has been ok with Lily at daycare, although tonight I started back for my fall classes and I won't be back home till 11:30 tonight once I drive home. I leave the house and drop Lily off at the sitters at around 6:45. Normally, I pick her up at around 4/4:30. I'm at the university buying my books today and I get a call from the sitter. Dear Daddy hasn't shown up to get her yet and the sitter is wondering when he's coming. I was fit to be tied! Gosh dangit, I need him to pick her up one day a week while I'm in Chicago. (1 1/2 hours from where we live now... ). He can't manage. The sitter said she won't charge us this time.

I love our sitter though. I feel like she knows what to do more than I do. She's getting Lily on a schedule so she'll start sleeping through the night. I couldn't believe it. Lily slept through the night the last three nights. I don't know if it was a fluke or because she had her 2 month check-up and shots or because we had a picnic this weekend and she was outside. Who cares... I got to sleep.

We put her in the crib in her room Saturday and yesterday night. Hubby's idea, not mine. She was ok. When she finally woke up at 4:30 (when we get up during the week) hubby brought her into our room and she fell back asleep after I nursed her.

The little stinker has had a busy weekend. She rolled over on our bed on Saturday and smiled at me on Friday.

She's getting to be a big girl. She doesn't like to lay down anymore if she's awake. She likes to sit up and/or be propped up. When I came home from the store the other day, hubby had her propped up in front of the computer screen while he was working. She was mesmerized.

She weighed 10 pounds on Friday and is now 21 inches long. I think her eyes are pretty much the color they're going to be. They haven't changed in a couple of weeks. Right now, they are blue like my eyes.

Mike has already volunteered to stay home if he could. He would love it. He honestly thinks I was lazy after I had her. He didn't understand how nothing got done. He had her this Saturday so I could go shopping. I left him a couple things to do and he couldn't do it. I am talking boiling pasta and heating up a jar of spaghetti sauce and unloading/reloading the dishwasher. All he did was boil the pasta into mush. I came home and had to start from scratch. Where is Alice from the Brady Bunch when I need her?

I'll let everyone go. Myclass is due to begin soon and I really should get over there.

Gretchen

 

[KristiKelly]

Valerie, Does your DD sleep in a crib in her room? She sounds like Charlotte, DD5. We were building a house when she was born and living with my MIL, she was in our room in a bassinet. She slept awful!!! She was up 6-7 times a night. She would sleep all day, we couldn't wake her up. Anyway, once she got in her own room & bed, she immediately went down to 3-4 times a night and within a month was down to 2 times a night.

Do you have any kind of noise going in her room? All 3 of my kids have an air machine in their room just to keep a constant noise in there. I'm sorry you're going through this, I know how frustrating it can be. Those cute little babies lose their cuteness by the 3rd or 4th time during the night.

Do you think maybe something could be waking her up? Mary Grace doesn't like to be cold. The a/c vent is in the ceiling near her bed. we've closed it 1/2 way and we still swaddle her but her hands still get really cold. That's another thing I just thought of. One day, Mary Grace didn't sleep much all day, as soon as DH got home he swaddled her in a blanket and she fell asleep almost immediately. I fell like I'm rambling on but I keep thinking of things. Good luck, I hope she sleeps tonight.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I think Katrina still has her days and nights mixed up. She will sleep for hours during the day but at night she is either awake or will only sleep for an hour or two. I have been waking her up after three hours during the day but after she eats she passes right back out. Does anyone have any tips for switching her schedule around so she sleeps longer at night?

I was never able to switch DD's schedule. She STILL won't change it even at the age of 4. She gets up around 6 am no matter what time you put her to bed. Have you tried giving her a bath or changing her into PJ's to wake her up a couple of hours before you want her to go to sleep? We have been doing that with Eli and he sleeps in 2-3 hour clips at night and will settle right back down after I nurse him when he wakes up. Sometimes he is a little fussy during this awkae time, but it is worth it to get more sleep!

Eli is growing out of his 0-3 month sleepers already. They are getting to be too small length wise. He is really putting on weight and is getting those nice rolls. DD never got those so this is new to me. Can't wait to see what he weighs next week at my last MW appointment.

 

[tkyes]

Staightening out day and night - hmm... I always tried to stimulate Tyler as much as possible during the day. Go outside, sing, read, etc. Try and keep nap a little different than bed, ie. curtain open vs. shut, singing a song at bed and not at nap, etc. White noise did work well for us for bed for awhile too. We just turned the stereo in his room on to a static station.

Gretchen - yeah for Lily rolling over and smiling! How fun. Our Dr. said baby's eyes can change up to 1 year, so they may change yet.

Time to change my pictures. I finally took Tyler's 4 month pictures today.

Tamie

 

[joats]

Gretchen: Way to go Lily! She has had some week!

Jace's eyes have been turning colors every other day or so. Somedays they are blue, sometimes green, sometimes hazel, sometimes brown. It's really strange, but each color is so different - I love it. Ultimately, I assume he'll have brown eyes. I have green and DH has brown but I'm a fluke in my family I have all the recessive traits which I doubt Jace would get.

SL: Glad you had a nice trip and that Lucas is sleeping so well. How did it go the night without him? Must have been strange not having him the whole night.

Glad you were not near the hurricane Tasha. My heart goes out to all that have been effected. It looks so awful on the TV... poor people.

JennLynn: How old is Eli? I can't remember.

Jace's 2 1/2 month check up is thurs. I too can't wait to see how much he weighs. He's getting so big. He's fully in 3-6 months clothes now, smiling all the time and now we are getting giggles. He is so much fun! I never knew how amazing this whole experience would be!

Tamie: I can't wait to see Tyler's new pictures!! Please post soon!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Kylie's eyes are blue right now and have been since birth. They are so pretty and dh and I are really hoping they won't change but are 90% sure they probably will. I had blue eyes till I was almost a year old but they changed to brown. My brother had gray eyes till he was a year old but they are now brown. Dh has hazelish green eyes. My dad has blue eyes so I know that dh and I both carry the recessive gene for blue eyes but I still think she will likely have brown eyes b/c her eyes are a darker blue.

Well, the wind has been terrible as a result of the hurricane. All of our schools, most of the daycares, and many businesses closed today. Unfortunately dh still had to work. It was so bad yesterday that walmart closed! You know it's bad if walmart closes! I went ahead and put Kylie in the bassinet beside the bed last night in case the power went off or it rained really loud. I wanted to make sure I could hear her. Unfortunately she is no longer used to the bassinet since she hasn't used it in nearly 6 weeks and did not sleep well last night. I ended up getting up with her 4 times last night! I am not used to that so now I feel exhausted! But atleast I have her and we still have a home. The southern part of the state was severely hit by the hurricane and they are anticipating at least 30 deaths, possibly higher! I am keeping all those affected by the storm in my prayers.

justhat~ I hope your ILs home is okay!

Last night I went to put Kylie in her pajamas and they were too short! They fit the other day. So it looks like it may be time to see about her 6-9 months clothing. She will be 4 months on Mon. but she is just so freakin' long!

 

[KristiKelly]

Tasha, I'm glad to see that your family is safe. Being in NC, I know that even if the hurricane doesn't actually hit, there is still plenty of wind, rain, and tornado watches. Your state really got hit hard. I've been watching Fox News and the footage from AL, MS & LA is just heartbreaking. I've teared up several times, the devastation is just unreal.

Mary Grace had her 2 month check up today. She was supposed to get 5 shots but they have now combined some so she only had to get 3 (what am I saying "only 3") poor thing, her entire head turned red she was crying so hard. I couldn't be one of thse nurses, there she was smiling & cooing and BAM!!! Anyway, she is now 22-1/2" long (she was 20 @ birth) and 13 lbs (7 @ birth) she is in the 90th % for weight. I guess my milk is doing the job.

I hope everyone has a good day.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

joats-Eli is 5 weeks. He weighed almost 10 lbs. 2 weeks ago. He was 8 1.5 at birth and went down to 7 12. And he was 21.5 in. I will have to measure him again.

 

[justhat]

Tasha, thanks for the concern. My BIL is a cop in Jefferson Parish (towns surrounding New Orleans) and so he had to stay through the storm. Word from him is that all the streets around MIL's house have 6 feet of water on them, but we hadn't heard yet about SIL's house cause he hadn't been able to get back to that area yet. He said it was absolutely horrific, and they found bodies floating in New Orleans East, presumably people who didn't evacuate and drowned. It's so sad. His shift ended last night so he's off duty right now but getting reports from his friends as they go out to survey the area, look for survivors, etc. I can't get through to any of my in-laws cell phones so I have to wait till my husband comes home to hear anything-for some reason his phone kinda works to contact them-but not mine and I can't call him either. I guess it's that they all have Nextel and I have Verizon, cause he can't call his brother either and he has Cingular.

 

[lissawynn]

Hi everyone! It's been ages since I've been able to check in, and I hope all the moms and babies are doing well, especially those in Katrina's path!

I am hating school right now. I just need to vent, I guess. This year I have six sections of 7th grade LA. I got three new students today, which brings my total to 132 students. Last year I had five sections and less than 90 students. Needless to say, I'm not a happy camper. I am not alone, though. Most of the teachers in my building have one, if not two, big classes. Our board cut six and a half jobs this year, and this is what is happening as a result. I am considering my options as far as giving less homework and more stuff in class so I don't spend every evening grading papers. I didn't even have enough desks for the students in my class of 30. My administrator's answer was to let the custodian know. ***? That's that's the admin's answer to the problem.

I should be able to catch up on what's been happening with all of you as I am giving a pre-test all day tomorrow.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

I hope everyone made it through Katrina okay.

Lucas's eyes have been blue since birth. I hope they stay that way - I have blue eyes so I guess it's possible.

We had a scare yesterday. DH, Lucas, and I were at a store with my sister and she accidentally dropped a full bottle of lotion on his head. He has a pretty good size bump and and small cut on his forehead. We saw the doctor (it's his first injury - we were nervous) and she said the cut didn't need stitches or to be glued. Poor little guy. I didn't actually see the accident but DH did and he's still pretty upset. I guess this is just the beginning of a life full of bumps and scratches.

 

[lissawynn]

SL - I'm sorry to hear about Lucas' bump! Jimmy was about two months old when he rolled off our bed in the middle of the night. DH freaked out, but Jimmy was fine. He cried for a minute or two and was fine. We had his two month check up the next day, so the dr. checked him out. He has since rolled off the sofa, and again, I was more upset than he was. I don't anticipate him not having some kind of scratch or bruise almost all of the time.

Alice28 - I hope things have calmed down at home. I think you're such a trooper for doing the mom and dad thing while your DH is overseas. I have had a few rounds with DH since we've been married, but I think all good relationships have that sometimes. People who don't fight every now and then kind of scare me. I have to wonder if they're keeping it all inside.

I have some good news to report! My BF (our husbands are cousins and our MILs are sisters) is pregnant! They've been trying for a while, and things have been kind of crazy. Her DH is a lineman for Verizon and got hit by car in March (a week after they moved into their new home). He went back to work in July and was in a car accident two weeks later! His Jeep burst into flames and he had to crawl out the back b/c his door was crushed. In spite of all of this, she managed to get pg! She is crazy happy and is telling all of our co-workers(we teach in the same school). It's kind of funny b/c yesterday I ordered the Lands End diaper bag (the one that was so cheap), and I thought that I'd keep it for her when she got pg. Funny how things happen.

I need all of your best baby shower favors and ideas! I'm planning on hosting her shower b/c her family lives about 5 hours away and her MIL is nuts (just like mine). Gimme all your best tips!

 

[tkyes]

Sorry to hear about Lucas's bump too, poor thing!

lisawynn - that's great news. Have fun planning the baby shower! I love having baby showers. I don't really have any great tips for you though. Sorry.

Here are Tyler's 4 month pictures I hope this works, I'm having issues with Imagestation today.

tamie

 

[joats]

SL: Poor Lucas! I'm glad he's ok, and I'm sure they'll be many more. Did you ever see the episode of "Yes, Dear" where they are thinking of reasons that their child can't read yet and it shows flashbacks to all the times he was hit on the head? It really is a funny episode and your post made me think of it! DH bumped Jace's head into the dresser already and I bumped it into the door. I guess it's going to happen huh?

Tamie: Love the new pics of Tyler. What an absolute cutie!! I love seeing updates of everyones sweeties.

Justhat: It sounds so awful for your family. Sending positive wishes their way!

Lissawyn: I loved my baby shower! Here are some of the things: huge baby bottle filled with M & M's - had to guess how many in there; three large baskets filled with baby items (food, bib, diapers, etc) had to guess the total price of each basket; baby changing contest while blindfolded (my friend teaches CPR classes and had 3 infant "dolls" to use), the centerpieces were 3 colored baby bottles tied with ribbon with flowers in them; a large baby poll board for people to fill in and my favorite was my mom asked everyone to write in a book for me with advice or well wishes (I cried when I read it). Good luck planning and congrats on the news! Sorry school is not going so well - feel free to vent whenever you need to.

 

[KristiKelly]

SL, OUCH ! Poor Lucas, I'm glad he's doing okay.

tkyes, Tyler is so cute, great pics.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I have a friend who's mom is a nurse and I ran into in the store once. She told me she was always nervous with babies in stores, she was fearful something would fall on them. We thought she was nuts!!!!!

Then the next year we were at cost co and a BIG thing of huggies fell on my baby!!!!! Luckly she was ok, but I think we were more upset. That in really normal. I used to say it was a good thing God give them to us when they are so young and can't remember every bump we give them going through doorways and the like.

tkyes, wonderful pictues, what a cutie Tyler is.

We went to the Libary today and Lily had such a good time scooting around the place. It was really cute. Both her and big sister have been very clingly lately, hubby's college has started and he is teaching again.

Congrates to your friend issawynn, how fun.

My sister in law has been undergoing fertility treatments. They haven't been sucessful yet, and this was there last try (they have done many lots of $) Anyway the results are in and it isn't bad news, but not the best either. She is pregnant, but the hormone levels are lower then they should be. (60 and should be over 100) We keep praying, miraicles do happen sometimes. Time will tell.

 

[SeeDisney]

Lissawynn -- if it's a surprised baby shower, how about throwing confetti int he air. Whenever I've hosted parties I always have all the guest throw confetti. Lots and lots fun. Either cut it up yourself and buy them at the dollar store. As a joke, give a gag gift of a diaper with mustard smeared in it. Hah! Also for some games, if husbands are in the party, have a husband change a diaper contest with one hand. Guess the baby food jars and take the labels off. Check out some party games websites too.

Tykes -- cute pictures of Tyler. I need to learn how to put my camera to good use on the computer!



My baby Tyler is now 5 weeks old and just about busting out of his 0-3 onies-(sp?). Need to put him in stage 2 diapers.



Felt much better that I read other moms having the same joint pain and neck pain. Took two Aleve medicine and it worked GREAT.

 

[Alice28]

Hi ladies---I've been keeping up with the posts, but don't really know what to say these days. This whole hurricane and its aftermath have me sad. Tasha, I am glad you are ok; I sure hope everyone's family is ok. Payday is tomorrow, and I plan on logging onto Red Cross and donated some $$. Maybe not a lot, but I figure if everyone donates $30-40, that can go a long, long way. We are staying at POFQ in 3 weeks; I feel kinda weird staying there when the real N.O. is basically ruined.

I'm sure I can think of baby shower stuff & I'll post later.

 

[lissawynn]

Alice - I agree w/ you about the hurricane victims. It's so sad watching the news and seeing people whose lives are in ruins. I'm also super ticked off about the gas situation. I hope these executives can live with themselves when they're exploiting this situation. They bought that gas months ago and are making a HUGE profit on the loss resulting from this disaster. IMO it's blood money.

DH isn't home yet and I'm being a total loser. I fed Jimmy and am eating Doritos and drinking Coke for my dinner. I'm also watching "Laguna Beach". I need this after the last couple of days back at school. I know it's wrong of me, but I am not putting in any extra time this year or going out of my way. I am working for the same amount of $$$ as last year (due to no contract), have almost 40 more students than last year, and am getting no admin. support.

I hope you all are having a good night. Hug your kids and be thankful for what we all have .