The Official New Mom Thread

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Thanks for all the congrats, but I guess it was just a one-time thing so far. He woke up for a 4am feeding again yesterday and this morning. At least we know he can do it.

We had a great time in NYC yesterday. We had some beautiful weather and I loved the bus tour. Lucas had a nice time with his grandparents and they took him to my cousin's birthday party where he was a big hit.

Joats - congrats to Jace for rolling over. Lucas isn't anywhere close to doing that.

DisKim - hope Aiden's schedule gets better.

 

[joats]

DisKim: Glad you both made it thru the work week. I agree with you about him being too good and maybe getting less attention - I worry that will happen with Jace too as he is an easy baby. At least it sounds like Aidan is doing well in the environment.

SL: Happy Birthday! Not sure when the actual date was but glad you enjoyed your trip to NYC. I'm sure Lucas will get into a routine of better sleeping. Like you said, if he did it and knows how, he can do it again. Good luck!

Jace has always been very much an almost every diaper pooper since birth. This weekend though, he didn't go for two days. I was just about to call the Dr when he started going again. It seems to me a lot more runny almost like there is a pool in his diaper (Sorry if TMI). I'm wondering if this is diarrhea? Because he's primarly BFed it's always been pretty much liquidy. He seems fine otherwise: not cranky, no fever, etc. I guess I'll just monitor it for the next few hours/tonight. Could be his body just adjusting to the formula, although he's been on 2 bottles a day for over 2 weeks now.

Hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather, and making it thru 9/11.

 

[gwcollins71]

Hi everyone! I'm just checking in. I miss being on the board everyday. I am dead when I get home from work.

vald -- I hope the rash goes away soon and more than that, I hope that she isn't uncomfortable.

Jenn Lynn -- Lily hates her car seat too. Usually though, she will eventually stop fussing. I may have to take just that's suggestion and get a regular car seat for her if it continues. $$$$$$ More money

Robin – I loved Molly’s pictures, especially the one where she is sitting in the washtub with the flowers upright in the pitcher. I showed them to hubby because he doesn’t want to spend money on her photos. Just go to Walmart. That is where we went for Lily’s one month. They did an ok job, but they don’t keep on schedule. They try and squeeze people in between appointments and end up running late. With her one month pictures, it happened the first day and we rescheduled for another day. The same thing happened again. She was crying or about to cry the whole time. We would take the binky out of her mouth as quick as possible and shoot the photo. Then we’d pop it back in.

For her two month we made an appointment, got there early so we could have her out and relaxed and they were already late. The family in front of us had older (7-10 year olds) who didn’t know how to behave and the Mom did nothing about it until the basketball the kids were fighting over almost hit Lily and I yelled. The older one tried to knock it out of the younger one’s hands and it flew in Lily’s direction. Hubby had to turn away to block it. They were running and fighting and punching each other. My parents would have tanned my hide. The Mom would just say stop and continue looking at the photos while the kids were on the floor wrestling in the photo studio at Wal mart. Then when they finally finished they were out of film. We were only the third slot for the day so both staff people weren’t there yet and the person there didn’t know how to change the film. Lily was still being good so I was going to wait. Finally though, by the time they were ready (1 ½ hours later) Lily was no longer pleasant.

I am cringing about spending money with her photos, but its hard enough to get her happy and ready for photos without having to deal with delays. Walmart gave us a free proof pack but still. Its too late to do her 2 month photos now but I may use them later for a family portrait for the holidays. I was thinking picture people. The only flash portraits near us is almost 2 hours away. (Northern suburbs of Chicago and we live in the SW suburbs.)

Anyway, this week ended up pretty ugly. My "visitor" arrived unannounced last Thursday during my 4th period class. ( I had my first visit a week before and it was pretty much my normal period ecxcept for being heavier so I thought I was good for a month.) Of course I had on khaki pants. Its 95 degrees in my room so everything is sweaty and damp so I had no idea. One of my boys pulls me aside while the kids are working and tells me. God bless his angel heart trying to not embarrass me. It was everywhere! I ended up going home early.

Once the kids left for thier next class, I started packing up and couldn't find my car keys. LOoked all over my classroom, the parking lot, my bag, desk the office, etc. They never turned up. One of the other teachers ended up driving me home during her plan. Hubby brought me back later to get the car. The keys still haven't turned up. More $$$ The key has the auto door lock built in and they are 90$. They can't just make the key part. I don't care if it beeps from 10 feet away. UGH!!

We hit a couple of garage sales this weekend. I bought a couple of outfits for Lily. Why do people sell things that are stained? I swear I will buy anything that isn't stained but out of all the clothes that I went through, only three outfits weren't stained. It's not hard to pretreat clothes. I know formula stains. That is what SHOUT is for. When hubby feeds her, she wears more than she eats. I also got some candy molds for my sister to put in her stocking for Christmas, a book for Lily and another Donald's Mathamagic Land video. I used to use it all the time when I had to teach math. I figure this way I can keep my home copy at home since you can't buy them anymore.

Right now is my relaxing time while hubby watches the Bears game with Lily. He's trying to teach her to put up her arms when he yells touchdown. It is so funny. She's laughing and smiling at him. Probably because he is acting like a dork while he watches the game.

The game is going to be over in a couple of minutes and I'll have to go back to being Mommy. The 3 hour break was nice.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend and has a good week. I also hope the Bears win although it isn't very likely. Hubby is a grouch for the rest of the day when they lose.

Gretchen

 

[Alice28]

Gretchen- OMG about your "Visitor"- how embarrassing- what a sweetie your student was to try and tell you. And, ugh, trying to teach in 95 degrees? Bless your heart!

I hear ya about the car keys- we have lost ours once. Tomorrow I have to take the car in cause the heater won't turn off- I turn the nobs, turn the AC on, turn it off....hot air keeps blowing out. Gr....it's only an '02 Outback- I hope it's not too $$ to fix.

As far as the pictures go- do you live near Vernon Hills, IL? (I think that's right- I just looked on the Flash website). I have a coupon I can send you if you want to try Flash- it's for $20 off your portrait session. I also saw a coupon in the Sunday circular I can dig out- $40 for a free sitting, an 8x10, and 8 wallets. I honestly think money on baby portraits is so worth it. I don't take them every month, but at 3,6,9 months and 1 year. I bought the membership package with Flash- unlimited sitting fees for TWO years, 4 free 8x10s (only 1 per visit) and 10% off any pictures you buy. I think it was $60 or $70. Let me know if Vernon Hills is convenient for you and I will mail you the coupons, ok? I would scream if I had had your WalMart experiences- much rather spend extra $$ and have a better time. I spent $180 this last time, but we (mom and I since she paid $90 of it) got 1 11x14, 2 8x10s, 1 composite portrait (where there are 3-4 different poses on an 8x10), 4 5x7s, & 16 wallets (8 each of 2 different poses). I honestly don't think that is that bad- and it's not like Walmart or Kmart where you have to buy a bunch of the same pose to get the deal. We got almost one of every pose.

I have tried Sears, Penneys, Picture People, Kinderfoto (before they went under) and now Flash! Flash by far as the most experienced photographers and the best quality products. I have only had to wait about 10 minutes at my one appointment and no waiting when I went to pick them up. NIGHTMARE experiences at Sears, Penneys and Picture People, much like you described- horrible waits, other screaming children all over the place, so-so quality.

Hope you all are having a nice Sunday. I am cleaning up the yards, getting ready for fall....cleaning up all the dead grass, the toys scattered everywhere, emptied the pool and cleaned it. Now I just have to fold it up and lug it into the basement. You know the guy who wanted to do all my repairwork and painting for me ? I think he might be flaking.... he was supposed to call me last week to set up a time to do it, and he never called. I called him yesterday, and he hasn't called back yet. Hoping he will call on Monday.

Dh is going to Qatar tomorrow for 3 days of R and R. I hope he has fun. The best part is he can call me several times cause he will have easy access to phones and all the time in the world. He's excited cause there is a Chili's there- a taste of home!

 

[vald1977]

Thanks so much for all the posts on the rash everyone . You all made me feel a lot better about it. It looks a bit better today so I think it is acne after all. It was just so strange how it popped out all over like that.

Gretchen,
Sorry you've had such a tough week. I hope this one goes better.

Robin,
I hope that guy gets in touch with you tomorrow and that your hubby enjoys his time off. He deserves it !

Joats,
Hope Jace gets back to his "regular" self soon .

Finally, I hope all of us mommies get a good night sleep tonight !

 

[DisKim]

Gretchen -OMG . What a nightmare!! How sweet of your student to tell you though. I haven't gotten mine yet. After your story, I'm going to be paranoid about getting it in class. My room will be in the 90's tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it.

Robin - I hope that guy comes through for you.

joats - I'm sure Jace is fine. Aidan used to only go every three days and that was while being exclusively breastfed. I thought that was kind of weird since my older two went almost with every diaper change. My doctor said that means he is holding onto the nutrients in my breastmilk and it is so good that there is little "waste." Maybe Jace is having a growth spurt and needs th nutrients. I don't know why it would be loose though when he finally went. I'm really no help at all, am I?

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I hate Sunday nights during the school year. I spend all day on Sunday cleaning, grading papers, food shopping, etc. It sucks. I feel like I was a laundry slave all day and I hardly got to spend time with Aidan. I told my DH that I'm resigning tomorrow. Wouldn't he be suprised if I actually did it! I wish I could. I feel like I don't have enough time with the kids. OK, sorry, I'm always whining lately.

 

[tkyes]

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a good weekend.

Gretchen - [[hugs]], sounds like you've had a rough week

Robin - those pictures of Molly are great. I can't wait for Tyler's 6 mo pictures. I'm going to do some naked ones and then one more sitting with an outfit too. That's great that your husband gets some time off!

Joats - Isn't it funny how much we as parents obsess about poop? DH and I joke about how frequent the topic of poop is in our house! LOL!

We are actually having our own poop concerns here too. Tyler has had some firm poop lately. I am debating about calling the Dr. but I don't know if I'm being paranoid or not. He's pretty regular, but he just has to work really hard for them. No crying or screaming, just some really loud grunts and then a big marble. Not rock hard, but definitely firm. Of course as soon as I have concerns he has a soft one today. Is it no big deal if it doesn't seem to be bothering him?

vald - I hope the rash clears up soon.


Have a good week everyone.

Tamie

 

[gwcollins71]

Thanks for all the kind wishes. Looking back at it now, its kind of funny and I really am impressed by my students. It helps me remember that most of them are good kids.

The car keys still haven't shown up. The kids are still looking. The reward is 20 bucks. Still cheaper than getting a new key made and most of my kids could use the cash.

Today my cell phone died on my way into Chicago. We live an hour and a half from the university I attend. UGH! I tried to call my husband from a pay phone and the silly fool wont pick up the phone because he doesn't recognize the number. I had to call my Dad and have my dad call him so he would call me at the pay phone. UGH! He says its probably the battery and we have an extra at home. Cross your fingers that that is all it is so I don't have to buy a new cell phone on top of the new car key (KA CHING...)

Work today was pretty cruddy. Our kids do this online assessment 3 times a year called edutest. It takes soooooo long. I spent all day with my classes taking the test today. BORING! I had to be up and around so I couldn't get any grading or paperwork done. Everytime, I sat down, one of them needed help. How do you log in? Hello? You've been doing this for how many years? What's my password? Its on your id. Why did the computer screen turn off? You've been sitting there and staring into space for 10 minutes instead of working on your test. The computer fell asleep waiting for you.

To everyone who is not a teacher, I love my kids -- most of the time. I really am not as terrible as a person as I sound. It is just amazing that they are able to breathe on their own sometimes. Other times, they can do it all. One of the conferences I went to compared middle school students to children moving from infant to toddlerhood. The children are gaining an increased sense of self, get frustrated easily, say no all the time and still want and need your help although sometimes they don't know it.

Anyway, the stress on testing is soooo ridiculous. This test is for us to see what their needs and deficincies are. Honestly, a teacher is usually able to identify this by the 4th or 5th week on their own without any additional testing. I would rather be teaching my kids then watching them take tests on the computer that may or may not evaluate them correctly.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents for today. I'd better go. My class is going to start soon.

Gretchen

P.S. Robin -- Vernon Hills is about an hour and 45 minutes away There is a resteraunt (sp) my husband likes there. We do go up there sometimes, usually if we are going to my parents or the rest. Let me check with hubby about the photos... What are their prices for a sitting, individual sheets and the lowest portrait package? I wouldn't mind checking into it. That's for sure.

 

[Alice28]

Gretchen-

I'm not sure how much the sitting fee is- $15 maybe? (I haven't paid it either time cause I just signed up for the membership dealie)

5x7s and/or 8 wallets are $20

8x10s are $25

A composite (where you can get 4 of the poses in one 8x10) is $40. At first I thought this was a rip-off, but after I thought about it, it's a cheaper way to get 4 poses, even if they're smaller. You will find yourself wanting EVERY pose cause they do such a good job!

I *think* the cheapest package is $65 and that incl an 8x10, 2 5x7s and 8 wallets. But I feel like there was one cheaper one, but since I knew I wanted more pictures, I didn't even look at the price. Oh, and here is some more info to help you decide- they take the pics; you go back to view them about an hour later and you can place your order then, or you can wait and go home, view them online, etc. Both times I decided in store and then everything that is smaller than an 11x14 is in the store 2 days later for pick up. They charge $10 to mail a package to your home (which you may want to do as you live quite a ways away to have to drive back two days later). Since I only live 10 minutes from the mall, it's no big whoop to have to drive back for me.

Funny about the reward for your keys- I used to use a ticket system in my room, and when I would lose something I would do something crazy like 25 tickets to whoever can find it! And the kids would SCRAMBLE and it would almost always turn up. (usually they had to work pretty hard to earn more than 3-4 tickets a day). I sure hope yours turn up!!!!!!!!!!!! And that it's just your battery on your phone---if not, I will give you a tip about a new phone. DH lost his in Texas last fall. I called Verizon to get another one, and the lady said, "That will be $160." I just about died and she said, "You didn't hear this from me, but go to ebay and get a new phone- you can get one for WAY cheaper and then you just call us with the CIM card number and we will activate it for you!" So I got some cheapie Kyocera phone for DH for $20 and it worked fine....not something he would have wanted forever, but hey, I didn't want to spend $160 at that moment!

One time at home I lost my keys; I found them almost a YEAR later- my oldest, who was maybe 2 1/2 at the time, got a hold of them and put them in an old cookie jar I NEVER used anymore! Imagine my surprise when I picked that jar up and found my keys!

Ladies- can I just share----NEXT WEEK I WILL BE AT DISNEY WORLD! AND realistically, I am only about 4 months from seeing my husband again; not 4 1/2; that feels good! I just put in my ticker the last day of January, but he will probably be home around the 14th. Which would be AWESOME cause that is our wedding anniversary! It will be 11 years in 2006.

 

[joats]

Gretchen: wow, you're having a lot of tough stuff lately. Hope things turn around for you. What a great student you have!!!

Alice28: WDW is so close for you! YIPPEE! You totally deserve this trip and a wonderful time. So glad to hear that the countown to DH coming home is getting lower. That would be great if he would be home for your anniversary -what a celebration that would be!!

Well, I think I know why Jace was a bit "irregular". I think he's going thru his 3 month growth spurt. He can't get enough food and he gained more weight - according to my home scale he's up to almost 15 pounds! Holy cow! He even has gotten up the past two nights for feedings. This better be a growth spurt and not a change in his sleeping habits. I've grown quite fond of his 10-11 hours per night and I'm not willing to give that up!! (Like I have a choice). The Dr. did say his sleeping patterns could change. Oh, I hope not!! It's only been two days of having to get up at night and I'm exhausted and cranky. Bless those of you who do it on a regular basis - honestly, I don't know how you do it and still function.

Hope you all have a good night!

 

[lissawynn]

Hi moms! I am trying to catch up on everyone's comings and the babies not goings. I have been stressed beyond belief. I tried to post last Thursday, but for some reason, my connection kept going down. I should be glad I didn't. I was HOT. Things at school just haven't gotten better since the beginning of the year.
First, the uniform situation is "getting better" according to our admin. I still have students who aren't dressed, but they are the ones who are getting some kind of exemption (why, I don't know; it's confidential). Middle school students can be very creative when it comes to bending the policies. They have taken to wearing all kinds of little things that are a violation, and all we are supposed to do is e-mail our principal. I haven't seen much of a change, though.
Next, myself and the other enrichment teacher (we're just appointed to the position) had a meeting w/our new special ed. supervisor and the other "gifted" teachers in the dist. (also our asst. supt., high school princ., and guidance counselors). Basically, they tore us apart for wanting to actually make a gifted program in the m.s. They made it sound like all the other buildings (h.s. and elem.) had these wonderful programs and ours sucked. I was so PISSED when I got out of that meeting. To top it off, DH didn't get home until almost 9 that night.
Finally, Jimmy is refusing to sleep at night. He won't sleep in his crib, on our bed, on the aerobed, nothing. I get no sleep and am so tired when I have to go to work. I don't know what to do. Last night we let him in his crib and he SCREAMED. We finally put him in bed with us. He kicked me and flung himself around all night. I don't know what to do.

Alice28- Have a great time in WDW! I'm glad to hear you'll be able to talk to your hubby! Those four months will be over before you know it! That's about the same time as Jimmy's 1st b-day!

Gretchen - I can't believe your student! What grade level do you teach? I can't imagine being in that situation! Also, thank goodness our building has a/c. I would kill someone if my room got that hot.

I am loving all of the new baby pics! What a beautiful bunch of kids!

 

[Alice28]

lissawynn~ I could just feel the frustration in your post- I'm so sorry the meeting was sucky and that they made your feel cruddy. That makes me MAD. I hate all the politics and bi*tchiness that can go on in school buildings. Seen so much of it first hand. Blech. We need a barfing smilie- I would use it often. At least a gagging one-

I don't know what to say about Jimmy. Could something else be going on? Molly has slept like CRAP the last two nights and JUST NOW went down for a nap (it's after five). She grabbed my finger about 2 hours ago and put it in her mouth- A TOOTH! At least it explained the fussiness. I gave her some tylenol and now she's sleepy girl. Except I have to go to DS7's open house tonight. Don't want to. I went last Thursday for a meeting with just his teacher- most of the other parents were there, and it was just a walkthru of how she runs her classroom. I think I posted that. But it's like, ok I have met her, signed up to volunteer for something, saw Sam's room....why do I want to go back? Oh how I wish DH was here so he could go and leave Molly and I here.

Speaking of DH, he called. He's having a good time in Qatar- ate at Chili's TWICE today. He had his 3 beers he's allowed too. He was telling me it's a limited Chili's menu, but he had his usual chicken sandwich for lunch and a salad for dinner- I said, "Do they have salt & pepper on the fries at the Qatar Chili's?" (tongue in cheek) and he flatly said, "Yes...of course!" OK, so I ask dumb questions. He's all excited cause he got the boys some caps and had their names embroidered on them, along with "My dad is in Iraq" and is sending them to POFQ so they will be surprised with a package from Daddy. Isn't that so cute?

Anyway, I did diddly squat today....kinda flat broke the day before payday...just cleaned up around here, made lists of what to buy tomorrow at Target. AND waiting for the freaking FedEx truck- I checked on my Gymboree order ( )- it's on the truck for delivery, but where is it!?!?! I may end up returning a lot of it- didn't realize I would have to spend $89 on the car yesterday, but one dress is a sweater dress, super soft, with squirrels and leaves embroidered on the hem. Can we say, 'perfect Thanksgiving dress?" And it was more than 30% off....can you tell I am making excuses?

Have a good evening all!

~~Robin

 

[tkyes]

Hi all -

question - anyone ever feel queasy from your birth control pills? I just started mine on Sunday and I constantly feel sick. Yuck! I hope this goes away, I can't put up with this for long.

lol - about your Gymboree rationalization Robin! Yes, it sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving dress. I tried to rationalize a Gymboree outfit for a 6 month picture, but couldn't bring myself to buy it yet. sigh

I might go get a Halloween outfit this week. Old Navy has cute ones and they are pretty cheap. I realize he'll wear it for all of an hour, but too bad, it's his first Halloween and he has to have an outfit!

tamie

 

[floridafam]

tykes,

May I ask what kind of pill you are taking?

 

[lissawynn]

tykes - I'm taking Otho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and it makes my stomach upset for the first few days. The instructions advise taking it w/food if that happens.

Alice28 - I was at Gymboree last night and didn't buy anything! Are the sale prices in the store and online the same? I thought I saw stuff online that was much less than the store prices.

 

[joats]

Hi all -

question - anyone ever feel queasy from your birth control pills? I just started mine on Sunday and I constantly feel sick. Yuck! I hope this goes away, I can't put up with this for long.
tamie

Tykes: I'm taking the mini-pill as I am still breastfeeding, but yes, I get queasy and a lot of headaches. I find it's better if I eat right before taking it and never let myself get really hungry because I'll feel the symptoms again. I also get dry eyes which I think is weird!

 

[Alice28]

Alice28 - I was at Gymboree last night and didn't buy anything! Are the sale prices in the store and online the same? I thought I saw stuff online that was much less than the store prices.

The prices are the same at the store- my store did not have good signage AT ALL, but I asked, "Are you doing the baby sale like online?" & the sales associate assured me they are. Most of the new stuff is about 30% or more off. I'm waiting for my stuff to come today, so if I need to exchange anything, I can at the same price. TIP- if you use your american express card online, there is a code called AMXGYM (or wait...it might be GYMAMX), & you only have to spend $50 vs. $100 for free shipping.

 

[tkyes]

I'm taking a generic loestrin. I have been taking it with food, at least a couple of crackers or a glass of milk. There goes my no eating after 7 pm rule. How the heck am I supposed to lose weight snacking all the time? lol

 

[floridafam]

I thought you were going to say Yasmin. That pill is awful!!

My Dr. gave me a prescription for the pill you are taking. I am having my tubes blocked tomorrow and I have to take the pill for 3 months until they know if the procedure worked.

I'm not looking forward to being on anything.

I would say what you are experiencing is normal.

 

[joats]

When it is said "be careful what you wish for" they aren't kidding!
Because I'm going back to work I've been trying to get Jace onto bottles of formula for daytime. Well, after a big struggle, he's finally doing great! But now, he's no longer wanting to nurse in the am or at night. He barely eats from me anymore and each day is less and less. I'm sure he's confused on what he is doing/supposed to be doing, but I have to say I'm really sad. I really wanted to continue to nurse him before and after work. I love our nursing time together and I'm going to miss it if it keeps dwindling.

I guess I will just try to pump those feedings (if he refuses) and put them in the bottle so at least he'll still get BFed. I'll keep trying to nurse but I have a feeling I'll mostly be pumping.