The Official New Mom Thread

[bellacam]

Hi ladies! Aidan had his 4 week check up today and all is well! He is up to 12 lbs 8 oz (he was 10 lbs 12 oz at birth) so the supplementing and bf is doing the trick....he is also 23.5 inches so he dosen't have that "chubby" baby look. He does have a little bit of nasal congestion though. I was in Wal-Mart with him today and there was a dad behind me with his 5 mo baby girl who refused to believe Aidan was only 4 weeks today until my sister came up and he asked her too! He was so funny and called me his hero. I laughed and told him I had a c-section. I took this picture of Aidan last night...it's still hard to believe he is only 4 weeks when you look at him!

 

[DisKim]

Hi everyone! I just got back from WDW today. I have some major catching up to do on this thread. We had a great time, but I would never take an infant to Disney again. Aidan had a really tough time. Well, I've got some unpacking to do.

 

[lissawynn]

bellacam - Aidan is such a cutie! What a big guy!

DisKim - You'll have to give us the scoop on your trip. Thankfully Jimmy was a angel when we went to WDW, but he seems to be content wherever he goes.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

tkyes & bellacam - LOVE the new pictures. What cuties!

DisKim - glad you had a good time!

Lissawynn - a few baby shower games I've played: bingo (each guest got a blank card and wrote in baby items), guessing the number of jelly beans in a baby bottle, and the clothespin (or diaper pin) game - each guest gets a pin and cannot say the word "baby" or "cute" or something like that. Whoever catches someone saying the banned word takes all the pins from that person and whoever has the most at the end wins a prize. I've also been to a shower where a kitchen timer was set and when it went off, whoever's gift the mom-to-be was opening at that time got a prize.

 

[joats]

Bridget: What cute pictures of Aidan!

DisKim: Welcome back. Can't wait to hear all about it!

SL: Love the new pics of Lucas! Jace is wearing the same Carter's dog onesie today that is in the 2nd pic.

Did you ever have just one of those pitty party days? I've been pretty down in the dumps today. I think I'm just really tired. Had Jace's Dr. appt today he's 13.5 pounds and 24.25 in length. He's 75 percentile all around. I almost started crying during his shots (which I haven't done before). This afternoon Jace refused his bottle and was crying hysterically. I lost it and started crying along with him. I knew that I could give him what he wanted and make him happy, but I have to get him on formula/bottle. It was awful! I felt like the meanest mommy. It took him an hour to finally accept the bottle. I think I am also so overemotional about the current situation from Katrina, gas prices (saw $3.40 for regular today ), oil prices and just how I don't know financially how we (and many others) will survive all of this. Living here in fairfield county is just insane. Perhaps it's just the whole needing to go back to work thing that is triggering this - I don't know, but today I've been having a major pitty party and crying a lot. Perhaps some sleep and a fat cheeseburger and fries will help!
Sorry about the vent! I'm just such a downer today.

 

[justhat]

I haven't really had much time to read this thread much recently with all that is going on with our family, but I'm trying to keep up. Tyler's new photos are adorable! I love how he's next to that toy and his age each month , it really shows how he's growing, very cute idea!

Joats, really, try not to beat yourself up too much over daycare and bottles. I'm betting that when you're not around Jace will take a bottle. Does he take breastmilk in a bottle? I think I asked you before, but I forgot what you said if I did. I know your LC said not to pump cause you hyperlactate, but I think if you're not nursing him, but pumping only, you won't really have a problem. I had that issue for awhile too, I would pump over 4oz/side every 1.5 hours, and they say the baby gets more than a pump, so easily 10 oz. total every 1.5 hours. Well Madison drank maybe half that so I was always full and when she'd nurse milk would come out forcefully, nonstop, shooting at her, making her choke till she'd pull away, then it would squirt her in the eyes and nose till I could get a pad over it. But if I pumped instead of nursing her (not in addition to nursing) I just pumped out the same amount she'd eat and then stopped. I didn't have any more problems doing that than I did nursing her.

So my suggestion would be to try pumping and giving him bottles of breastmilk for awhile. If it turns out to make you hyperlactate more than normal, then stop and use whatever breastmilk you've got left to mix with formula till he gets used to it. Also, not sure what kind of work you do, but can you pump at work? If so that would make it easier for you to continue giving him bottles of breastmilk while he transitions to daycare.

And if he's really not into the bottles, really don't stress about it. If he won't take it at daycare, let him try a cup. My friend's baby wouldn't do bottles at all and had to go to daycare on a certain date too so her LC suggested a sippy cup and she took that better than the bottle. There's no rule that he has to use a bottle, so try sippy cups too. And really, there's no reason that you can't nurse him whenever you're with him and let the daycare provider do bottles, without you ever giving him bottles at home. He knows you've got the real thing so it's going to be a lot harder for you, but when he's in a new place and he's hungry, he won't starve himself, he'll end up being okay. I don't know, but IMO the more you force the bottle on him, the more upset you'll both be and the harder it will be for Jace to accept it. I know it's easier for me to say, but try to relax and I bet he will too!

 

[gwcollins71]

.

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

Tamie

Oh my gosh! I didn't think he could get any cuter. I love seeing pictures of all the babies. I need to post Lily's one month and I want to make an appointment for her 2 month this weekend. I'm already one week late. Bad Mommie!

 

[gwcollins71]

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.

I totally understand. I don't know how they can do it. Last year I had seven sections of language arts. I saw every kid in the grade including some of the the REI students who were being main streamed. All the other teachers only had 6 sections. I guess that's what I got for being the new teacher on the team. I didn't even get to go to team plan. I had a class that period.

This year is a little better. We blocked the schedule and I have 2, 3 period blocks of LA/SS. However, we have no materials but that is a whole other story. I have 30 and 31 respectively in each of my blocks. They are both of the higher math groups. All the other classes have 25 to 28 students. Hmmm, not very fair and then they keep adding in transfer students who may or may not be at the same ability level in math which defeats the purpose of grouping them for math. I need to become an administrator so I too can become stupid. ( I apologize to anyone who may be an administrator or related to one if I am being offensive.)

What makes the whole thing ok is that I know all the kids. I had them all last year. I actually feel bad for some of the new teachers because the kids are eating them alive. I feel like I'm telling the newbies what to do all the time and I'm getting on their nerves.

I"m done ranting for now. Feel free to complain about work. It makes me feel like I am not alone.

Gretchen

 

[tkyes]

thanks guys, we do have some cute lookin' babies on the dis don't we?

joats - I had a bit of a bad day yesterday. Nothing specific really, just felt very blah. My neighbor invited me out for a movie, it was great to get out. [[hugs]] to you, I'm so sorry you are having a bad day.

I just got back from a funeral visitation. My 2nd cousin was taking his 13 year old neice out for a motorcycle ride. A car did a sudden U-turn in front of them and they colided. The uncle is in critical condition and the 13 year old didn't make it. I can't even think about it for too long or I lose it. It's just so hard to imagine. Hug those babies extra hard tonight.

tamie

 

[gwcollins71]

Ok, I’m gonna try and respond in one note. It is getting annoying to keep posting over and over b/c I’m never on anymore.

SL – Poor Lucas, even worse, poor you guys. I used to fall and get black eyes all the time to the point where children and family services came and investigated my parents. Thank God I fell again when they were there. I was just a clumsy kid. Anyway, I’m digressing, my mom was always so worried, the Dr. asked her if she wanted tranquilizers. (This was almost 40 years ago though.) ( BTW -- I love the pic of Lucas and Kermit!)

Lissawynn, I have a bunch of favors from my shower left. I do need to get them out of my house though. I don’t know why they made so many. They are little candle/placecard holders with moons and stars on them. They are very pretty. I have at least 20- 30, if not more left. You are welcome to them. As for personalization… they did that with the place cards and those could easily be removed. Let me know if you’re interested. I don’t want to throw them away and I don’t want to use them at a shower that the same people will be at.

Bridget, Aiden is growing so fast. What a handsome little man. I hope all the young men on the board are around when Lily needs a prom date . hehehehe

Tamie, I am so sorry to hear about your cousins. Hugs and prayers to your family. Motorcycles scare me. Hubby wants one. I am so glad we can’t afford it.

I hope everyone else is doing well. I hope I can check in sooner next time.

Gretchen

 

[vald1977]

Good morning everyone,
I love all the new baby pictures !

Lisawynn and Gretchen,
I can hear your frustration with your schools. Just know that there are many of us parents out there that truly appreciate all that you do. My DS started Kindergarten this year. The budget cuts have forced the school to eliminate all aid positions in the classrooms and on the busses. So now the teacher has 15 kindergarten students and absolutely no aids. A bunch of us parents will be volunteering in the classroom but I'm sure it will still limit what they will be able to accomplish in the classroom. Such a shame.

SL,
I'm sorry to hear poor Lucas got hurt. I went to the grocery store today and I was so worried something was going to hit Katrina after reading what happened. I'm glad he is okay.

Joats,
We are up in Windham County and today we paid $2.99 a gallon. I am sure that will be going up though. We are fortunate that DH works less than ten minutes from home so hopefully that tank will last us until next Friday.

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time with the bottle situation. I hope it gets better soon.

Tamie,
I just said a prayer for your family. Motorcycle terrify me. DH wants one but it is the one thing I have absolutely forbid him to do. They say to pick your battles and this is the one I've picked because sadly I know far too many people who have died on one.

Just That,
Sending prayers for your family and for all the families who have been affected by the hurricane. The news from the south is almost unbearable to watch . My heart breaks for the people trapped there.


Well, Katrina had her one month check-up (even though she's seven weeks) yesterday. She is 11 lbs. 6 oz. and 23 inches long and 90th percentile. Bridget, I can't imagine Aidan already being bigger than my Katrina! He sure is a cute little guy though . She is starting to sleep pretty good at night. Thanks everyone for your suggestions on that. The Thrush is gone finally too .

 

[lissawynn]

Gretchen - Thanks for the offer for the shower favors! I'll let you know. Jen is early in her pg, so I'm just trying to gather ideas right now. I'm sure I'll begin the planning in a few months and I'll have a better idea as to what kind of theme we'll be doing.

Joats - I hope you're feeling better today. Did you have that cheeseburger and fries? Gas prices here in NE PA are over $3 a gallon in most places. I filled up my Tahoe on Wednesday and plan to not really go anywhere for a while. DH works at oil refineries and said the price at the rack was $3 a gallon. That means it will be close to .50-.60 more when the taxes and fees are added on. We are also looking into alternate sources of heat. I have no idea what oil prices are right now. DH is considering a pellet stove, corn stove, coal, etc. Things will EVENTUALLY get back to normal; we just have to hang in there.

DH and I are making a contribution to the Red Cross today. I hope everyone who can make a donation, does it. It is so sad watching the suffering and loss of those people in the gulf states. I am especially sorry for the babies and small children I keep seeing on the news.

I hope you all have a great LD weekend! I'm going to be cleaning the house and doing some school work.

 

[DisKim]

I still haven't caught up on the thread since getting back but I wanted to check in.

SL - From what I have read, it seems Lucas got hurt. I hope everything is okay.

We're still trying to get unpacked from Disney. It just never ends. I have so much to do now. Aidan is so happy to be home. He really was unhappy there. It was just too darn hot. I spent most of the vacation in the baby care centers or taking Aidan back to the room by myself. He also didn't sleep well. He was up constantly every night we were there. Now that we're home, he's back to sleeping well again. Honestly, I wouldn't take such a young baby again. He's a good baby but we were asking too much of him. Despite Aidan's misery, we had a decent time. There were some cute moments. Aidan really enjoyed Festival of the Lion King. I thought his eyes would pop out of his head. He also liked It's a Small World. We got some great pictures of the characters interacting with him at Chef Mickey's. I'll try to post some pictures. You know I'm deficient in these things. I was so thankful to get home safely. I was a little nervous that the remnants of Katrina would come up this way. Luckily, we had a great flight. A couple of hours after we got home, my DD was holding Aidan and dropped him. Actually, he kind of rolled off her lap from the couch. I think she cried more than he did. I called the doctor and he made me feel like an idiot. I wanted to know what signs I should look for to know if something is wrong. He told me that he can only see what I see. If I don't see anything, then what is he supposed to do. I was really ticked at him. I'm sorry if I interrupted his dinner but that's his job. I'm thinking about switching doctors. I've always loved him and he's been our pediatrician for 10 years, but he seems to have to patience with me and my questions since I had my third. Forgive me, but every child is different and it has been five years since I have had an infant. OK, enough venting. I have work to do. I hope all of you are well. As I said, I'm not caught up on the thread, but I hope everyone and their families is safe after Katrina hit. I have a dear friend who is like a father to me who just retired ( he taught in my district for 35 years) and bought a house in Mississippi. His town was hit by the eye wall of the storm. Thank goodness, I got through to him. He was in Philadelphia for a friend's funeral. He said his town is leveled. He is packing his car with supplies and bringing them to his ex-wife and kids who live in Louisiana. It's just a mess. I'm so depressed. I keep donating money, but after I'm done, I just feel like it's not enough. I want to pack up my minivan with supplies and drive it in. I can't stand seeing babies suffering.

 

[joats]

Today has been a much better day. I decided to have a snuggle day with Jace and not leave the house. It's been very nice. He took his am snack bottle with only a little hestation. It's the first day w/two bottles so he'll get another one this afternoon. I'm sure on some level it's confusing to him on when he gets me and when he gets the bottle. I'm not able to at work/do not plan on pumping. I plan to still nurse him both before and after work. So I need to do the bottles now to get my body adjusted to the lack of nursing. Justhat: I've never heard of such a little one using a sippy cup - I'll have try it if the bottle situation does not work out. But thank you to everyone for your support and suggestions. Yes, I did have a cheeseburger and fries from a local restaurant we like to go to (and a side of veggies and glass of milk to go along with it). What I really wanted was a big o'l margarita (Kilamarita) from The Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was the last drink I had pre-Jace. Mmm-Mmm good.

I realize I am hard on myself for the whole daycare thing. I think he will be fine and it's more my issues and projections of fears on to him. At least he's still young enough where I'm sure he'll adapt quickly. But there's just something so wrong to me that I will only get a few waking hours with him. I'll just have to make every minute count.

DisKim: It sounds like the trip was difficult. I give you credit for even considering bringing such a little one - You are brave!

Valerie: Wow, Katrina is a big girl! I'm so glad the thrush is officially gone!

Tamie: So sorry to hear about your family. That's awful.

Lissawyn: I agree it's so sad to see the kids and babies. I can't believe some of these poor babies have been in the same diaper since the hurricane and are without food. I hope that the presidents visit will bring changes for these poor people.

 

[DisneyPhD]

DisKim, sorry your son had such a hard time. Aug is really hot and rainy and I can see a baby having a hard time with it. I think it is different traveling with an infant and other children oposed to just a baby. When it just is the baby it is much easier to meet his needs, but when you have other kids it can be much harder to juggle. We went in March and Lily was 7 months old and my friends son was 6 months and it went really well. I think the time of year makes a big differnce. (but with the older kids you have to go when they can too.)

Ok, there are so many things about the aftermath of the hurricane that bother me, it is heartbreaking. I haven't wachted too much news, last night I did and wish I haven't. One thing is we knew this was coming, eveyone knew it was coming. Babies in the same diapers. Why didn't familys prepare more? Even if they couldn't get out of the city, wouldn't you bring enough for a few days with you? I don't leave my house for the park with out a change of cothes, diapers and food. I know it is hell on earth there and maybe they lost what they brought, it was sotlen or they gave it to someone else in need, but still some of it is people do need to help themselves too. And the whole gangs and people shoting guns at the help. Maybe I am a little cold hearte sinced I worked as 6 years as an inner city socail worker, but many people don't learn to help themsevles, demand help and then shot at it when they try.

Sorry that is my vent. It is so traggic and sad, as a mother I hate to see the babies too. There is just so many things wrong with the whole situation and not just the hurricane, everything since then.

 

[Alice28]

I think I finally have a moment's peace to be able to post. Several things:

I hate all that is going on with the hurricane aftermath as well. My husband forwarded me a very good article about the "politicalness" behind everything. He also shared some of his viewpoints (it's times like this I HATE not having him around- he is very politically savvy, very smart, and knows the background of a lot of stuff that goes on). I cannot stand all the criticism of the federal government at this point- yes, it sucks that the federal gov't took so long to get involved- even the President says so. BUT, DH says (and he's been on boards for the city of Portland on what the city has in its plan of action should an emergency like this arises) that cities are told to have THEIR OWN PLANS OF ACTION for AT LEAST the first 5-7 days, because that is how long it can take the federal gov't to get involved with help. New Orleans in particular knew this, because of the hurricane/flooding chances. I am angered at how politicized this has become; I am sickened that babies and children are suffering, but I too have to wonder how much of this could have been prevented had the adults been a teeny bit responsible and had a couple stashes of water, food etc., like we are ALL TOLD to do. It's not that expensive to do, you know? I know they had to get the hell out of their homes quickly, but like DisneyPhD said- they couldn't have been just a teeny bit responsible for themselves by grabbing some diapers, a couple bottles of water etc? I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but I dunno. I even keep a small stash of diapers and water in my car cause I never want to be stuck anywhere without them, you know? I have two cases of water in the basement & on the back porch at all times....comes from growing up in earthquake country I guess.

And even though the living conditions are HORRID in the superdome, etc., why are these people making it even more worse by raping, killing, hurting the hands that are trying to help them, etc? I don't understand it?!!! I know I can't even imagine how hard it is, but don't they want to TRY and make the best of it? Maybe I am totally delusional. I could go on and on about my theories, but I will kindly spare you all, and stay friendly.

I just feel sick at the thought of all these people with no home, no anything- no pictures, no clothes, no family history preserved, no comforts, nothing. No jobs to go to. I just hope that a lot of jobs are created getting those parts of the country on the rebound and that maybe it will stimulate our economy in the long run. A weird point of view, I know. Look at what WW2 did for the economy of this country after the depression.

Ok, back to New Mom topics. The baby shower- these are two games I thought were unique and fun. #1 Somehow rig a clothesline in your home or if it's nice weather, in the backyard. Have disposable diapers and clothespins, and a teddy bear or babydoll to hold. Have each person hold the "baby" and try and hang as many diapers as they can while holding the baby. It's tricky! #2- as one of your gifts for mom to be, buy 15-20 pairs of baby socks. Put them all in a basket, mixed up. 'It's time to do laundry', so have each person, timed, fold the baby socks as fast as possible. The person who can do it the fastest, wins! I thought this was the greatest game, and I didn't have to buy Molly any sock for the first 6 months!

My favorite shower punch recipe- a can of pineapple juice, a 2L bottle of 7up and a can of lemonade concentrate- mix together and it's very yummy.

Aidan is flipping darling! What a doll!

Tamie, I'm so sorry~~~how horrible!

Man, I hope WDW isn't so hot and miserable when we are there in a few weeks- I feel for you DisKim! We'll be there in 3 weeks!

ETA I deleted some of what I said; I feel better watching the news and seeing SOME sort of order returning. I just sat and cried during some of the music on the NBC special. I cannot imagine being completely displaced and living in a stadium.

 

[Alice28]

I thought of another cute baby shower thing. For my last shower, my girlfriend emptied Gerber baby food jars and hot-glued pink ribbon around the rim of the jars, made cute little bows, and then put tealights in the jars. It was DARLING! She kept the labels on, with the cute Gerber baby face and "carrots" or whatever on the outside. Very, very cute and cheap way to decorate.

At another baby shower I went to, where the baby had already arrived and the mom had her hands full, the mom brought her thank you notes, and the envelopes were passed around and we wrote our addresses on the envelopes, so all she had to do was zip out a thank you and not worry about addressing them.

And yet another shower I went to, the hostess of the shower read aloud the meaning of baby's name and then we had a prayer time for baby & momma to be. That may not float your boat, but I thought it was very special.

I cannot even tell you how many baby showers I have been to in the last 8-10 years! In the last 8 years, I have been given 6! And I have given, geez, I dunno, 7? 8? Babies, babies, everywhere.

And one of my favorite gifts (you might appreciate this Alisa) a basket full of those baby board books! So cute and original! My friend who gave it to me was an English major and a Waldenbooks manager, so she loved books!

I'm on a roll- I vote that the more pre-prepared food you get the better- it's hard enough planning the party. I love whizzing through Costco and just grabbing platters of sandwiches or petite quiches, fruit trays & best of all, COSTCO CAKE! And everyone I know loves Costco food....yum, yum, yummy!

What fun for you to plan with your friend! And I am sure she will love your assistance in helping her plan a registry and nursery- now that you're an old hand at being momma, you know what is necessary and what's just fluff.

And lastly- what I recommend to EVERY mommy to be, from one girlfriend to another is Vicki Iovine's Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy . A MUST!

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I have a lot going on in my head right now and a lot of things I could write but I just don't feel up to it right now. I just wanted to post to let those of you that didn't see this thread know that one of our fellow "new moms" is from NO and lost her home. Her, her dh, and their baby girl, Mia, are currently in Orlando and now have no home. She started this thread earlier. I have offered to send her baby things when she figures out where it can be sent to. If any of you want to help, here is the thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=900431

 

[lissawynn]

Hi moms! I'm hoping all of you are having a good weekend and enjoying some beautiful weather as we are here in NE PA. I'm in the midst of my weekend routine of doing the wash, cleaning the house, etc. Jimmy is rolling all over the living room as I type. It's his favorite way of getting around these days.

I'm trying to decide whether or not I am going to head out today to do some shopping. I am the kind of person who can pretty much justify any purchase I make, but I'm having a really hard time justifying new clothes for myself when I keep seeing images of people with nothing. I completely agree with those of you who said people could have been more prepared. They new the storm was coming, and most people did have the opportunity to get out. For those who couldn't do it, I am so sorry for those people.
We're talking about what we can do at our school to contribute to the Red Cross. Because our district is instituting their uniform dress code next week, now is not really the best time to be asking people for money (they just spent a lot in new uniforms), but we are going to involve the kids in some way. Last year we had a bake sale to benefit the victims of Ivan and we raised over $300. I guess I just have to be patient. I'd like to drive down there and help, but I have to work to help support my family. I don't know, I guess I just feel helpless.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend! Keep those shower ideas coming! I love the baby food jar tealights! Heaven knows I have enough baby food jars!

 

[joats]

Tasha: Thanks for posting about Lulu. I would never had known about her otherwise.

I too just made a donation to the Red Cross. The pictures on the TV are dreadful, I can't imagine what all of these people must be going thru. It's so awful.