WDW through an 8-month-old’s eyes &10m &13m &16m...New 10/30!

[Imagineer5]

Hmmm...I started using mine when my DS was about 3.5 months old, but I never used the infant insert (then again, he was over 10 lb when he was born ), so I don't have experience with that. I'm not sure I understand what you mean about her legs being scrunched in it. If you want, you could post a few pictures of her in it and I would be happy to try and see if I can suggest some things. Or you could try the forums at thebabywearer.com - those ladies know their stuff. My BB2 has been such a lifesaver for me, so I want to encourage you to keep trying! I think it could come in handy for you at WDW; she will be a good age for hanging out in it then. Glad to hear she likes her stroller! We're working on becoming friendlier with ours.

No pictures yet but thanks for the offer! I might pull the carrier out again later today (she's napping now) and try again now that she's older and not as fussy. When I put her in there before her legs ended up in front of her which she didn't like, but they weren't flexible enough to spread apart either. WDW is the reason I got the carrier so I really hope to get it down.

As for the stroller we took her out in the actual seat of the city select over the weekend. She loved it, though it was pretty rough terrain. She usually just falls asleep which works she's been getting bad about the car though.


On another note...she had a trial run of daycare for 4 hours yesterday. It was just to see if there's anything we need to work on like bottle feeding but she did great. Was super cranky and tired after though, and I was really upset all afternoon and evening. Tried to crunch numbers so I could just stay home. :,( I hate the thought of leaving her, way more now since its become real vs just a thought. I feel like I'm sharing mothering duties with the daycare provider and I don't want to share. Also, she came home smelling like her. Ugh. Sad day at the house, so thankful for the last few days we have left until I return may 1st. I keep telling myself at least its just 3 days/ week to start with. But even that seems like a lot.

 

[smile4stamps]

Awww... I'm sure that is very tough to have to be leaving her in daycare while you return to work. What type of job do you have? Will your work distract you enough while you are there? Working during the day will help you to treasure your time with her even more!!

Do you have her in a small daycare or a center?

My mom has run a home daycare for over 30 years. The children she takes care of are literally her family. In fact I had one of them as my flower girl for my wedding!

 

[Elleshoodat]

I completely understand how you feel. It's tough to leave our newborns with someone -- pretty much anyone -- who isn't US. It will be an adjustment for sure, but Aria will be fine, and so will you.

Again, I totally understand wanting to be a SAHM. But the more I thought about, the more I realized I like our lifestyle (we couldn't afford to do and have everything we want on DH's income alone), and I like working. I like interacting with adults, having something that's "mine" and letting DS learn independence. (At least that's what I tell myself. ) Seriously, though, you are her primary caregiver, and she will never think of someone else the way she thinks of you.

 

[Imagineer5]

Awww... I'm sure that is very tough to have to be leaving her in daycare while you return to work. What type of job do you have? Will your work distract you enough while you are there? Working during the day will help you to treasure your time with her even more!!

Do you have her in a small daycare or a center?

My mom has run a home daycare for over 30 years. The children she takes care of are literally her family. In fact I had one of them as my flower girl for my wedding!

I'm an engineer. Work doesn't really distract me too much though that might change now. Sometimes it's really really slow and I'm bored to tears. Hence why I have a lot more time for the DIS when I am at work lol. I can definitely attest to the fact that it makes you treasure the baby more though, just from yesterday's trial I am much more patient and just love the time we have together.

We have her in a home daycare. Apparently the next closest to her age is 1.5 years old, a little boy named Landon, and he fell in love with her lol. Apparently he wouldn't leave her side while she was there yesterday.

I completely understand how you feel. It's tough to leave our newborns with someone -- pretty much anyone -- who isn't US. It will be an adjustment for sure, but Aria will be fine, and so will you.

Again, I totally understand wanting to be a SAHM. But the more I thought about, the more I realized I like our lifestyle (we couldn't afford to do and have everything we want on DH's income alone), and I like working. I like interacting with adults, having something that's "mine" and letting DS learn independence. (At least that's what I tell myself. ) Seriously, though, you are her primary caregiver, and she will never think of someone else the way she thinks of you.

Yeah it really is tough. It would be hard even if it was Andrew though you know. Thanks for reminding me that I will always be her only mom, just seems like I have to share and I don't share well we can't afford to have me stay home either, if we want to have a life aside from paying our mortgage. I am sure daycare will be good for her (I've always thought that) but I couldn't believe how different she was when I picked her up yesterday. Crying and so so tired! It took a good 4 hours for me to see a smile from her



FYI I tried out the Beco again! I think I had the straps on funny bc I got it to work today! Even took a trip to the grocery store with it and she did great! A little fussy but she was just overly tired. It didn't fit perfectly (the back strap seemed too high, kind of dug into my neck) but overall I liked how she was held in it better than the bjorn. It was the spread apart legs she didn't like, but I last tried her in it when she was just 7 lbs. I also didn't use the infant insert, even though it says to use it for babies up to 15 lbs and she's about 11.5 lbs.

 

[Chelley00]

It might take her awhile to adjust to daycare, especially napping, which is probably why she was so tired. She'll know who her mommy is. They always do. My oldest son called his daycare worker "mommy" once. Broke my heart, but a few minutes later he fell down, and ran to me for comfort and not her His daycare worker said "see, the mommy was just a name, but the person Mommy means everything"

 

[Maestra99]

FYI I tried out the Beco again! I think I had the straps on funny bc I got it to work today! Even took a trip to the grocery store with it and she did great! A little fussy but she was just overly tired. It didn't fit perfectly (the back strap seemed too high, kind of dug into my neck) but overall I liked how she was held in it better than the bjorn. It was the spread apart legs she didn't like, but I last tried her in it when she was just 7 lbs. I also didn't use the infant insert, even though it says to use it for babies up to 15 lbs and she's about 11.5 lbs.

Yay! So glad to hear it worked out better. A tip for the back straps: I adjusted mine to the perfect spot (around my shoulder blades) and I just leave them closed all the time. I just slip the closed back strap over my head and that way I don't have to reach behind me and contort my arms to click them together every time. Then I close the waist strap, put DS in, and close the shoulder straps.

I'm sorry about the daycare thing. I know that's got to be super hard. The previous posters said it best, but even though you're spending some time apart, no one could ever come close to substituting for mommy. You're her #1 person in the universe, and daycare won't change that!

 

[Imagineer5]

It might take her awhile to adjust to daycare, especially napping, which is probably why she was so tired. She'll know who her mommy is. They always do. My oldest son called his daycare worker "mommy" once. Broke my heart, but a few minutes later he fell down, and ran to me for comfort and not her His daycare worker said "see, the mommy was just a name, but the person Mommy means everything"

Aww too sweet! thanks!! Today is her first real day there, so we'll see how tonight goes...

Yay! So glad to hear it worked out better. A tip for the back straps: I adjusted mine to the perfect spot (around my shoulder blades) and I just leave them closed all the time. I just slip the closed back strap over my head and that way I don't have to reach behind me and contort my arms to click them together every time. Then I close the waist strap, put DS in, and close the shoulder straps.

I'm sorry about the daycare thing. I know that's got to be super hard. The previous posters said it best, but even though you're spending some time apart, no one could ever come close to substituting for mommy. You're her #1 person in the universe, and daycare won't change that!

Thanks for the tips on the Beco. I've since used it a few more times and she has never been upset. I also used the Baby Bjorn once again (since she can face out) and I realized how much more comfortable the Beco is! DH likes the Bjorn though so that works! Now just to get nursing in the Beco down and it'll be even more awesome...


Sooo...dun dun dun...my first day of work is today. I dropped Aria off around 6:30 and cried the whole way to work. So far it has gone by fairly quickly though. I've pumped 3 times so that has helped make hte time go by too!!

No idea how tonight will go though. DH just called me and he is heading home EARLY...***? I'm kinda mad about that bc if he left on time I could still possibly beat him home, which means I could have picked Aria up from daycare. Humph.

Anyway,

On the Disney trip front - looks like my planned October 8th MNSSHP Is ON!! WOOHOO! Of course, the MK hours gave the MNSSHP dates away LOL, but it's good to see it's an official date!

Also, DH has basically agreed to a December trip, too! Since I am back part-time I am waiting to see what my first paycheck looks like. It *should* include the same benefits for my health insurance coverage but I'm worried that I'll have to pay a lot more - like $200 a paycheck for it - just for going part time. If that's the case then I have a hard decision to make about either taking the pay hit, or working more. So I'm waiting to make any plans until then. I have been meaning to call and ask about the cost of a Port Orleans Room (No idea about Riverside vs. FQ though - thoughts??) with an AP discount. IDK if I can reserve a room with an AP discount without actually having the AP yet? I plan to order the voucher soon, but won't actually have an AP until our October trip...

And speaking of Disney, my SIL is going next week. She drives me nuts because they plan NOTHING at all, ie no ADRs etc. Last trip they went she asked me for all these tips, and I wrote out a ton, including making ADRs. They came home from that trip a bit disappointed that they didn't do or see much bc they just were waiting in lines constantly, and they never got to eat at any of the restaurants they wanted to. No, no ADR's! Ugh! And they are doing a do-over trip next week but the same freakin thing is going to happen! so annoying!

Other than that...not too much new I guess. Aria is doing fantastic! She is so much fun now, playing with toys! She's 3 months old now. No rolling over yet, but she does go to her side (has since like 8 weeks, she is a side sleeper just like me!). Lots of smiles and giggles

ALSO - Sorry for being a bit MIA lately. It was hard to update from home, since I didn't have much to say - no time to really look into anything Disney like changing ADRs lol. But I have some time now...trip changing here I come (or maybe just December planning here I come!!)

 

[jenny105]

Congrats on returning to work but it must be so hard to be away from Aria!

Woohoo for MNSSHP dates! I'm waiting until after the cruise to buy our tickets.

Depends on what you prefer at Port Orleans - which theme do you like better? Do you want a large resort or a small resort? I think POFQ is so charming but POR is beautiful too. It's a tough choice!

Ugh. Speaking of SILs, mine is a complete be-yotch LOL. They're taking my nephew to Disney World for his birthday and DIDN'T BOOK THROUGH ME. They said they didn't because they wanted it to be a surprise. Like I can't keep it a secret? I know Disney so well, I would've been able to really help them out! I'm so mad about it. Ugh. Sucks for them if they miss out on anything. Now I'm tempted to tell my nephew just to spite them LOL.

 

[Imagineer5]

Congrats on returning to work but it must be so hard to be away from Aria!

Woohoo for MNSSHP dates! I'm waiting until after the cruise to buy our tickets.

Depends on what you prefer at Port Orleans - which theme do you like better? Do you want a large resort or a small resort? I think POFQ is so charming but POR is beautiful too. It's a tough choice!

Ugh. Speaking of SILs, mine is a complete be-yotch LOL. They're taking my nephew to Disney World for his birthday and DIDN'T BOOK THROUGH ME. They said they didn't because they wanted it to be a surprise. Like I can't keep it a secret? I know Disney so well, I would've been able to really help them out! I'm so mad about it. Ugh. Sucks for them if they miss out on anything. Now I'm tempted to tell my nephew just to spite them LOL.

I need to look into whether I can buy the AP discount tickets online or if it has to be in person on the day of...I might have to just do that. Hopefully a mid-week early-October MNSSHP doesn't get sold out...

I really haven't spent any time looking into Port Orleans at ALL! LOL. I guess that's something I should do. Do you know which one has a better bus service reputation? I HATE DISNEY BUSES. It won't be the last time I say that. But going on the cheap in December means foregoing the rental car. The ME will certainly be nice, since they'll deal with luggage, esp if it's just Aria and me.

Other than that, maybe a smaller resort? I'd prefer updated rooms, and from the pictures I like the looks of the mansions. Also ease of access to the boat dock to DTD. "Charming" sounds like a good description - maybe POFQ is the one I'd like...hmm...

WOW I'd be so mad at my SIL if she didn't book through me! That's ridiculous. All because they wanted to keep it a secret from your nephew? What does that have to do with not booking through you? LOL. That stinks.

Did you hear about the FL expansion opening dates? Looks like the beast's castle won't be open until holiday time. I don't think we'll get to spend our birthday dinners there but we both still have fun plans for that day! What is going on with the CP meet? I know you have a late bfast planned, not sure what everyone else got for a time slot. I keep checking to see if I can get an 8:05 instead of 8:25 but now there's absolutely no availability all morning!

 

[jenny105]

I need to look into whether I can buy the AP discount tickets online or if it has to be in person on the day of...I might have to just do that. Hopefully a mid-week early-October MNSSHP doesn't get sold out...

I really haven't spent any time looking into Port Orleans at ALL! LOL. I guess that's something I should do. Do you know which one has a better bus service reputation? I HATE DISNEY BUSES. It won't be the last time I say that. But going on the cheap in December means foregoing the rental car. The ME will certainly be nice, since they'll deal with luggage, esp if it's just Aria and me.

Other than that, maybe a smaller resort? I'd prefer updated rooms, and from the pictures I like the looks of the mansions. Also ease of access to the boat dock to DTD. "Charming" sounds like a good description - maybe POFQ is the one I'd like...hmm...

WOW I'd be so mad at my SIL if she didn't book through me! That's ridiculous. All because they wanted to keep it a secret from your nephew? What does that have to do with not booking through you? LOL. That stinks.

Did you hear about the FL expansion opening dates? Looks like the beast's castle won't be open until holiday time. I don't think we'll get to spend our birthday dinners there but we both still have fun plans for that day! What is going on with the CP meet? I know you have a late bfast planned, not sure what everyone else got for a time slot. I keep checking to see if I can get an 8:05 instead of 8:25 but now there's absolutely no availability all morning!

I don't think you'll have a problem with mid-week early Oct MNSSHP. The parties on the weekends and closer to Halloween are the ones that fill up.

POFQ only has one bus stop; POR has four. I've heard horror stories about the buses at POR so you might want to choose POFQ. Plus if you get stuck at the back of the resort at POR, it's a good walk to the lobby/main building. Everything at POFQ is pretty centralized. Their rooms were recently re-done too. I'm a big fan of purple so I LOVE the POFQ rooms.

Yes, I heard about the 'dates.' No dates really, just more speculation. I'm hoping for a soft opening but what are you gonna do? I'm sure I'll be there again to see it eventually after all the hype dies down! Just in time for Avatarland.

Yeah my SIL...don't even get me started. She's not the nicest person and my family is not crazy about her. Her excuse was that it was a surprise but I think she did it out of spite. Then she wonders why no one likes her..

Oh and I have no idea what's going on for the CP meet! I'm wondering if I should try to get an earlier ADR?

 

[CandleontheWater]

I hope thing are going more smoothly with daycare than they did on the trial day! I give you working mothers tons of credit, there is no way I could leave Everett, not even now. I keep telling my DH not to expect me to go back to work anytime soon, even when he starts school I want to be really active in his classroom.

Wow, two trips on the horizon, awesome! So you are going with Aria solo in Oct and with DH in Dec? Sounds like fun!

 

[Imagineer5]

I don't think you'll have a problem with mid-week early Oct MNSSHP. The parties on the weekends and closer to Halloween are the ones that fill up.

POFQ only has one bus stop; POR has four. I've heard horror stories about the buses at POR so you might want to choose POFQ. Plus if you get stuck at the back of the resort at POR, it's a good walk to the lobby/main building. Everything at POFQ is pretty centralized. Their rooms were recently re-done too. I'm a big fan of purple so I LOVE the POFQ rooms.

Yes, I heard about the 'dates.' No dates really, just more speculation. I'm hoping for a soft opening but what are you gonna do? I'm sure I'll be there again to see it eventually after all the hype dies down! Just in time for Avatarland.

Yeah my SIL...don't even get me started. She's not the nicest person and my family is not crazy about her. Her excuse was that it was a surprise but I think she did it out of spite. Then she wonders why no one likes her..

Oh and I have no idea what's going on for the CP meet! I'm wondering if I should try to get an earlier ADR?

Darn - THIS is what I meant to do when I got home yesterday - look for that mail from Disney from 2007 with the free Moderate night & the number to call to book it. I wanted to call and see about the cost of an AP room discount for the other 2 nights. It sounds like POFQ is where I want to stay. The multiple bus stops was my biggest qualm with CBR when we stayed. I like purple too and it's "Aria's" favorite color (ie my favorite color to dress her in!) haha.

A soft opening would be amazing! Just have to be in the right place at the right time...

IDK about the earlier ADR, they are currently booked but hopefully something will open up at some point. Who was organizing it? I think that was on Ryansmommy's PTR, which I haven't visited in forever...hmmm...

I hope thing are going more smoothly with daycare than they did on the trial day! I give you working mothers tons of credit, there is no way I could leave Everett, not even now. I keep telling my DH not to expect me to go back to work anytime soon, even when he starts school I want to be really active in his classroom.

Wow, two trips on the horizon, awesome! So you are going with Aria solo in Oct and with DH in Dec? Sounds like fun!

I wish I could stay home! We'd sell our house and move to a smaller one, but in the economy we actually can't afford to sell, because we bought the house in 2006 at the top of the housing market. It's lost way too much value now, so I'm stuck.

No it's the big family trip in October for my birthday - and just a weekend trip in December that might just be Aria and me. I bet DH will tag along too though, since we can get a free flight for him so it's not like it'll cost much more to have him there. (Granted that free flight could be used sometime in 2013 for another little trip to use our AP's but I can't possibly bombard him with a THIRD trip - yet... )

 

[CandleontheWater]

I wish I could stay home! We'd sell our house and move to a smaller one, but in the economy we actually can't afford to sell, because we bought the house in 2006 at the top of the housing market. It's lost way too much value now, so I'm stuck.

No it's the big family trip in October for my birthday - and just a weekend trip in December that might just be Aria and me. I bet DH will tag along too though, since we can get a free flight for him so it's not like it'll cost much more to have him there. (Granted that free flight could be used sometime in 2013 for another little trip to use our AP's but I can't possibly bombard him with a THIRD trip - yet... )

I totally understand about the housing market! We got burned too on our house in Florida. We bought in 2005, and the house has lost so much value! Luckily we are able to rent it and cover our mortgage, which is such a blessing, otherwise there would be no question, I'd be back at work.

A third trip! You are ambitious! I agree that maybe it would be best not to overwhelm DH, but keep us updated, we'll keep our fingers cross it will work out!

 

[Imagineer5]

I totally understand about the housing market! We got burned too on our house in Florida. We bought in 2005, and the house has lost so much value! Luckily we are able to rent it and cover our mortgage, which is such a blessing, otherwise there would be no question, I'd be back at work.

A third trip! You are ambitious! I agree that maybe it would be best not to overwhelm DH, but keep us updated, we'll keep our fingers cross it will work out!

Glad to hear you're able to rent out the house! That's wonderful! IDK if we'd be able to come close to our mortgage. Plus, I do love our house, and we've done a ton of fun projects to it (finished the attic/3rd floor, put in a wine cellar in the basement, etc). But still...

Being back 3 days isn't TOO bad, kinda gives me a break I guess, but having 4-day weekends is pretty darn fantastic!

 

[Imagineer5]

Photobomb!!!

 

[jenny105]

IDK about the earlier ADR, they are currently booked but hopefully something will open up at some point. Who was organizing it? I think that was on Ryansmommy's PTR, which I haven't visited in forever...hmmm...

I was able to get an earlier ADR for 8:35! I haven't seen her around the boards in ages so I'm not sure what's going on. I know it was me, you, her, and Heather. Maybe we should just PM each other?

Cute pictures!

 

[Imagineer5]

I was able to get an earlier ADR for 8:35! I haven't seen her around the boards in ages so I'm not sure what's going on. I know it was me, you, her, and Heather. Maybe we should just PM each other?

Cute pictures!

That's so awesome! Yeah we'll def have to figure that out. I'll look for her, I think Heather has a pTR too but I haven't joined bc I was just so busy. Hmmm...and haven't been active on the October 2012 board - have you been? Is Heather still around there?

 

[Imagineer5]

I forgot to mention that we had some more time trying out the Beco this weekend. We ended up at the zoo on Saturday after parking, entering the Providence Children's Museum, and proceeding swiftly back to the car... IDK what we were thinking - a 3 month old at an interactive museum? It was just silly. So we left and instead went to the zoo. I had the Beco and wanted to try nursing her while walking around. It worked OK, IDK...I tried it again the next day while at the park with our dogs and it went even worse LOL. Ergonomics are just not there. Maybe she needs more control over herself to make it work better? I feel like one of the straps near her head just digs into the side of her face, so I tried unlatching that and then I'm holding her up so she doesn't fall out, which just is awkward.

It was a little disappointing but I keep hearing how babies start eating a lot faster as they get older, so if she gets down to 5 minutes every 3-4 hours (possible by 8 months??? IDK) then it won't be a big deal to sit on a bench when she wants to nurse (or in a show or whatever). As it is now, she eats for like 25 minutes usually every 2.5-3 hours, so not the easiest or most comfortable on a bench or whatnot. My arms just aren't strong enough to hold her up for that long! Then she gets a so-so nursing session in while we're out, and wants to nurse a ton more when we get home to make up for it...ugh!

 

[oboedm]

As far as nursing goes, I think she will be going longer between feedings and she may speed up. Not 5 minutes fast, maybe 15? I suppose it all depends on their solid food intake at that time, as well. If she is eating solids well, it may be 4 hours between nursings. As far as feeding on a bench, I think that will get easier as well. She will have a lot more spine control by then and she will be a lot bigger. My nephew isn't really "held" anymore by nursing. Sure, his mom has her arms around him, but that is for comfort, not for support. He is so experienced that he just lays across her lap for the most part-- very little pressure/weight is on her arms. I think you will be just fine! =)

 

[jenny105]

That's so awesome! Yeah we'll def have to figure that out. I'll look for her, I think Heather has a pTR too but I haven't joined bc I was just so busy. Hmmm...and haven't been active on the October 2012 board - have you been? Is Heather still around there?

I haven't been on the October thread much. There are so many people and I just cannot keep up. Are you part of the FB group?